bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Kaposi's Sarcoma
Authors: Marshall James
Published: March 2017

Summary and Conclusions

Kaposi's sarcoma should be classified in the group of lymphoreticular neoplasms with which it is often associated in Caucasians, if not in African Negroes.

It is most prevalent in parts of Europe and Africa. Its clinical and histologic manifestations are everywhere much the same, and there is no evidence that any particular race or tribe is more susceptible than another. Country People are affected more often than city dwellers.

In most areas, Kaposi's sarcoma is 10 times commoner in males than in females, but the exceptions to this rule Suggest the intervention of environmental rather than genetic factors.

No microbic cause has been identified and experiments in transmission have all failed. The prevalence of the disease in the Negroes of South Africa and its scarcity in their white, coloured and Indian neighbours make it unlikely that an infective agent is involved.
Intention to undergo HIV testing and associated factors among women in one high–HIV prevalence city
Authors: Shen Zhang‐Wei , Dai Se‐Ying , Ye Dong‐Qing
Published: March 2017

Objective

The objective of this study is to understand the rate of intention to undergo HIV testing and associated factors among women in a city with high HIV prevalence.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 293 women HIV/AIDS patients who were newly examined with HIV infection and aged ≥18 years from September to December 2012. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with intention to undergo HIV testing.

Results

The rate of intention to undergo HIV testing was 12.3%. Nearly 90% of participants had no intention of getting HIV tested, and the main reasons were “Never thought I would be HIV‐infected” (78.2%) and “I did not feel sick, and it was impossible to be HIV‐infected” (19.8%). The awareness rate of HIV knowledge was 67.8%, and 34.1% had casual heterosexual partners. Those who had casual heterosexual partners or had better HIV knowledge were more likely to have intention of getting HIV tested.

Conclusion

The rate of intention to undergo HIV testing among women is low. AIDS health education programmess and public information campaigns should be initiated to improve knowledge about HIV and the risk of HIV infection, to encourage women to take HIV testing more promptly. It is also vital to take measures to reduce stigma against AIDS patients.
Use of brentuximab vedotin as salvage therapy pre‐allogeneic stem cell transplantation in relapsed/refractory CD30 positive lympho‐proliferative disorders: a single centre experience
Authors: Mediwake Heshani , Morris Kirk , Curley Cameron , Butler Jason , Kennedy Glen
Published: March 2017

Background

The role of brentuximab peri‐allogeneic transplantation in patients with relapsed and/or refractory CD30 positive lymphomas remains poorly defined.

Aim

To assess the outcome of use of brentuximab as a bridge to allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) in patient with relapsed/refractory CD30+ classic Hodgkin lymphoma cHL and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).

Methods

Outcomes of consecutive patients with relapsed/refractory cHL/ALCL treated with brentuximab as a bridge to SCT were determined by retrospective review of individual medical records. Survival analysis was measured from start of brentuximab treatment.

Results

A total of 12 patients (10 cHL, 2 ALCL) had received brentuximab as a planned bridge to allogeneic SCT. Median age was 27 years (range 20–54 years); median prior lines of therapy was 4 (range 3–6) and all except one patient had undergone prior autologous SCT (92%). Patients received at median of 3 brentuximab doses pre‐allogeneic SCT (range 1–4), with an overall response rate of 66.7%. At a median follow up of 30 months (range 6–52 months), 2 years progression free survival and overall survival post‐allogeneic SCT is 58 and 92% respectively. Incidence of non‐relapse mortality, grade 3–4 acute graft versus host disease and extensive stage chronic graft versus host disease is 8, 17 and 18% respectively. Of five patients who subsequently relapsed post‐SCT, four remain alive with disease control post manipulation of immune‐suppression.

Conclusion

Our experience suggests that brentuximab use pre‐allogeneic SCT is not associated with any significant post‐transplant toxicity, and is associated with a rapid response in a majority of patients with relapsed/refractory CD30 positive lymphomas. Brentuximab may thus provide a non‐toxic bridge to allogeneic SCT for patients with relapsed/refractory CD30 positive cHL or ALCL.
Analysis of non‐pharmacological interventions attempted prior to pro re nata medication use
Authors: Martin Krystle , Arora Vinita , Fischler Ilan , Tremblay Renee
Published: March 2017

The aim of the present study was to elucidate what non‐pharmacological interventions are applied by nursing staff prior to the administration of psychotropic pro re nata (PRN) medication. Best practices would instruct clinical staff to provide non‐pharmacological strategies, such as de‐escalation and skills coaching, as the first response to patient distress, anxiety, or agitation. Non‐pharmacological strategies might be safer for patients, promote more collaborative relationships, and facilitate greater skills development for managing symptoms. The literature has highlighted that poor documentation of pre‐PRN administration interventions has limited our understanding of this practice, but evidence suggests that when this information is available, non‐pharmaceutical approaches are not being attempted in the majority of cases. This is troubling given that, while clinically appropriate in some instances, PRN have been subject to criticism and lack critical evidence to support their use. The current study is a continuation of our previous work, which examined the reason, frequency, documentation, and outcome (e.g. effectiveness, side‐effects) of PRN medication use at our facility. A chart review was conducted to understand what happens prior to the administration of PRN medication at our facility across all inpatient units over the course of 3 months. Results support previous findings that non‐pharmacological interventions are poorly documented by front‐line staff and are seemingly used infrequently. The use of these interventions differs by patient presentation (e.g. agitation, insomnia), and most often include supportive measures. The findings suggest that both documentation and intervention practices of nursing staff require further investigation and adjustment to align with best practices.
Influence of salivary parameters in the caries development in orthodontic patients—an observational clinical study
Authors: Cardoso Andréia A. , Lopes Lenita M. , Rodrigues Lívia P. , Teixeira Jéssica J. , Steiner‐Oliveira Carolina , Nobre‐dos‐Santos Marinês
Published: March 2017

Background

Previous studies have shown during the orthodontic treatment, the prevalence of active caries lesions (ACL) in 30 to 70% of patients.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of orthodontic treatment on salivary properties considering caries development.

Design

Twenty two individuals (11–22 years) were assessed regarding caries, oral hygiene, sugar exposure, salivary flow rate (SFR), buffering capacity, pH, carbonic anhydrase VI (CA VI) and amylase activity, at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months after the orthodontic appliances placement. Caries index was determined by Nyvad criteria. CA VI and amylase activities were performed by zymography and ELISA, respectively.

Results

Buffering capacity decreased after 3 months (P < 0.0001) and showed positive correlation with pH at baseline and after 1 month in individuals who did not develop active caries lesions. Amylase activity decreased after 1 and 6 months (P = 0.0003) and presented positive correlation with CA VI in patients who developed ACL. SFR increased after 1 month (P = 0.0283) and showed positive correlation with CA VI activity after 3 months in individuals who did not develop ACL. Salivary pH showed negative correlation with CA VI after 1 month in patients who did not develop ACL. ACL were firstly diagnosed after 3 months.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that saliva of individuals under orthodontic treatment is subjected to changes in properties that have implications on the onset of ACL.
Direct care workers’ experiences of grief and needs for support
Authors: Gray Jennifer A. , Kim Jinsook
Published: March 2017

Background

A paucity of information is available on direct care workers’ (DCWs’) experiences with loss when their clients (people with intellectual and developmental disabilities [I/DD]) die. This study explored DCWs’ grief experiences, their coping methods and their needs for support.

Methods

A thematic analysis approach was used to examine data from nine focus groups with 60 DCWs from five community‐based organizations that provide services to people with I/DD.

Results

Three themes (factors affecting DCW loss, ways that DCWs cope with loss and organizational issues affecting the bereavement experience) and associated subthemes emerged from the data. This highlighted not only DCW professional grief experiences but how organizational communication and policy affected their grief experience.

Conclusions

DCWs experience grief in the workplace but may receive insufficient organizational bereavement supports. Recommendations are made for organizational policies and resources to improve organizational communication and assist DCWs in coping with their grief.
Love and resistance of mothers with intellectual disability from ethnocultural communities in Canada
Authors: Pacheco Laura , McConnell David
Published: March 2017

Background

Mothers with intellectual disability are thought to be passive, dependent and in need of protection. This study contributes to a nascent body of research that challenges this schema, revealing how women with intellectual disability who are mothers resist oppression.

Methods

Narrative research methods underpinned by intersectionality theory were used to explore the lives of eight mothers with intellectual disability from various ethnocultural communities in Canada. A total of 33 in‐depth interviews were conducted with these eight women over a period of 2 years.

Results

The lives of the women who took part in this study were marked by violence. The women resisted. Their resistance strategies addressed two kinds of relationships: their relationships with others and their relationship with themselves.

Conclusion

The women in this study employed strategies of resistance, sometimes at great personal cost, to provide their children with a better life.
Feasibility of electronic peer mentoring for transition‐age youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Project Teens making Environment and Activity Modifications
Authors: Kramer Jessica M. , Ryan Cathryn T. , Moore Rachel , Schwartz Ariel
Published: March 2017

Background

There is a need for mentoring interventions in which transition‐age youth and young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) participate as both mentors and mentees. Project TEAM (Teens making Environment and Activity Modifications) is a problem‐solving intervention that includes an electronic peer‐mentoring component.

Methods

Forty‐two mentees and nine mentors with I/DD participated. The present authors analysed recorded peer‐mentoring calls and field notes for mentee engagement, mentor achievement of objectives and supports needed to implement peer mentoring.

Results

Overall, mentees attended 87% of scheduled calls and actively engaged during 94% of call objectives. Across all mentoring dyads, mentors achieved 87% of objectives and there was a significant relationship between the use of supports (mentoring script, direct supervision) and fidelity.

Conclusions

Transition‐age mentees with I/DD can engage in electronic peer mentoring to further practice problem‐solving skills. Mentors with I/DD can implement electronic peer mentoring when trained personnel provide supports and individualized job accommodations.
Finally Time for Realistic and Determinate Standards in Family Court
Authors: Gupta‐Kagan Josh
Published: March 2017

The child protection field has long recognized that legal standards applied by family courts are both broad and vague—definitions of abuse and neglect encompass a wide range of behavior, and substantive standards governing disposition hearings, foster care placements, and permanency hearings provide little guidance. This status quo empowers child protection agencies—who can take advantage of broad and vague standards to obtain judicial approval when they want to intervene. As a result, judicial checks and balances are weaker and reform efforts are more agency‐dependent than they ought to be. The weak legal and judicial checks enable the child protection pendulum to swing widely. Narrower and more precise legal standards can mitigate those problems. They can also improve current reform efforts by providing clearer standards for when court intervention is appropriate, and thus help distinguish cases which need court intervention from those that do not—a central challenge of existing reform efforts. This Article outlines several principles for stronger legal standards. First, standards should balance future risk, with adequate weight given both to risks of future child maltreatment and to risks of harms imposed by the court or foster care systems. Second, standards should apply lessons from social science research—and should evolve in light of future research. Third, they should follow a firm evidentiary record in the case. These principles should shape standards for all essential decisions, not only those that are typically litigated at a trial. Whether a child is removed, what conditions are required for reunification, and where and with whom a child lives while in foster care, for instance, can all be the most important questions in any given case, and deserve clearer legal guidance. This Article will apply these principles to several such decisions. Finally, this Article will identify two systemic features necessary to make standards more effective—vigorous advocacy for all parties, and access to appellate courts to decide interlocutory—but often decisive—issues.
In Search of a Silver Bullet: Child Welfare's Embrace of Predictive Analytics
Authors: Church Christopher E. , Fairchild Amanda J.
Published: March 2017

Predictive analytics has shaken up a number of fields, including child welfare. Predictive analytics refers to the process of applying statistical algorithms to data to make informed guesses about future events. Although predictive analytics can help professionals make decisions more accurately, objectively, and quickly, there is a concern that some methods may result in discriminatory practices or consequences for vulnerable children and families. This paper examines a number of programmatic and ethical considerations for determining the appropriate role of predictive analytics in child welfare.
The Illusion of Appellate Review in Dependency Proceedings
Authors: LeVezu Alicia
Published: March 2017

In the realm of state trial courts, child abuse and neglect (dependency) proceedings are unique. Dependency proceedings place courts in the position, not of determining an ultimate result, but of overseeing the ongoing actions of a state agency. The court proceedings can continue on up to twenty‐one years without a culminating trial. We must revise our rules of appellate procedure to protect review of dependency decisions so that children and families have the access to justice they deserve.
Making America's Children Safe Again
Authors: Harfeld Amy , Marlowe Kendall
Published: March 2017

Abstract

With government's response to child abuse and neglect seen as one of the most daunting challenges for public policy and law, legislative reform on this issue struggles to adequately protect children while preserving the integrity of family. The authors utilize the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) as an example of the funding and policy challenges in reforming federal child welfare law, as well as a lens through which advocates can locate both conventional and unconventional tools to move forward. CAPTA is examined as an important but weak and flawed federal statute. Authors present an array of opportunities to improve CAPTA during the next reauthorization cycle. Noting exemplary successes, in other recent and related legislation reforms, are suggested for CAPTA to more effectively address ongoing challenges of child welfare.
Adiposity, Change in Adiposity, and Cognitive Decline in Mid‐ and Late Life
Authors: West Nancy A. , Lirette Seth T. , Cannon Victoria A. , Turner Stephen T. , Mosley Thomas H. , Windham Beverly G.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To examine associations between adiposity and adiposity change (loss, stable, gain) and subsequent longitudinal cognitive performance in African Americans in mid and late life.

Design

Cohort study using linear mixed models.

Setting

Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy.

Participants

African‐American sibships with hypertension in Jackson, Mississippi (N = 1,108).

Measurements

Waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) were measured at two examinations 5 years apart. Stable adiposity was defined as values within 5% of the first measure. A composite cognitive Z‐score was derived from individual cognitive test Z‐scores at two study visits 6 years apart.

Results

Larger waist circumference was associated with greater rate of cognitive decline during follow‐up (beta = −0.0009 per year, P = .001); BMI, change in waist circumference, and change in BMI were not associated with rate of decline. Loss of adiposity in midlife was associated with higher cognitive Z‐scores in middle‐aged individuals, and loss of adiposity in late life was associated with lower Z‐scores in older adults (P = .01 for interaction between waist circumference and age; P = .04 for interaction between BMI and age). Simultaneous inclusion of waist circumference and BMI in the cross‐sectional model suggested an association between larger waist circumference and poorer cognitive performance (beta = −0.009, P = .006) and between higher BMI and better cognitive performance (beta = 0.014, P = .06).

Conclusion

The results suggested a differential pattern of the relationship between adiposity and cognition according to age (mid‐ or late life) and regional distribution of adiposity.
Three‐Year Changes in Physical Activity and Decline in Physical Performance Over 9 Years of Follow‐Up in Older Adults: The Invecchiare in Chianti Study
Authors: Martinez‐Gomez David , Bandinelli Stefania , Del‐Panta Vieri , Patel Kushang V. , Guralnik Jack M. , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To examine the associations between cumulative physical activity (PA) and its changes over 3 years and changes over 9 years of follow‐up in physical performance in older adults.

Design

Longitudinal.

Setting

Community‐based.

Participants

Men and women aged 65 and older from the Invecchiare in Chianti study (N = 782).

Measurements

Physical performance was assessed at baseline and at 3‐, 6‐, and 9‐year follow‐up using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). PA was assessed through an interviewer‐administered questionnaire at baseline and 3‐year follow‐up. Analyses were adjusted for education, body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, cancer, lung disease, lower extremity osteoarthritis, depression, and Mini‐Mental State Examination.

Results

Over 3 years of follow‐up, 27.8% of participants were inactive, 52.2% were minimally active, and 20.0% were active, and the PA of 37.2% decreased, there was no change in PA of 50.1% and the PA of 12.7% increased. After adjustment for potential covariates, being mostly active (−1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −1.43 to −0.73) and minimally active (−1.33, 95% CI = −1.53 to −1.12) over 3 years of follow‐up was associated with less decline in SPPB score than being mostly inactive (−2.60, 95% CI = −2.92 to −2.27). When analyzing changes, increasing PA (−0.57, 95% CI = −1.01 to −0.12) was associated with less decline in SPPB score over 9 years than decreasing PA (−2.16, 95% CI = −2.42 to −1.89).

Conclusion

Maintaining or increasing PA levels may attenuate age‐associated physical performance decline.
Defeating Urinary Incontinence with Exercise Training: Results of a Pilot Study in Frail Older Women
Authors: Talley Kristine M.C. , Wyman Jean F. , Bronas Ulf , Olson‐Kellogg Becky J. , McCarthy Teresa C.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To determine whether combining behavioral urinary incontinence (UI) treatments with physical activity improves UI in frail older women.

Design

Single‐blind, two‐arm pilot randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Senior apartments.

Participants

Frail women (mean age 84.9 ± 6.4) without dementia (n = 42).

Intervention

Twelve‐week program of customized behavioral UI treatments: 150 minutes of weekly walking and twice weekly strength training classes.

Measurements

UI was measured using 3‐day bladder diaries, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ), and UI global improvement questions. Toileting skills were measured using the Performance Oriented Timed Toileting Instrument (POTTI) and the Minnesota Toileting Skills Questionnaire (MTSQ). Physical function was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery. UI‐related quality of life was measured using the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and Urogenital Distress Inventory.

Results

The treatment group reported a 50% reduction in daily leaks using bladder diaries, and the control group reported no change (P = .04). Although there were no group differences in total ICIQ scores (P = .66), the treatment group reported significantly greater improvement on the ICIQ item for urine leakage (P = .01). More than 81% of the treatment group and 36% of the control group reported improvement in UI (χ2 = 4.84, P = .01), with mean estimated percentage improvement of 65.3 ± 32.0 versus 34.1 ± 41.3 (P = .03). Although the difference was not statistically significant, treatment group participants improved their toileting skills, whereas those of the control group declined (P = .42 POTTI, P = .11 MTSQ). Balance (P = .33) and gait (P = .24) improved more in the treatment group, whereas chair stands improved more in the control group (P = .14).

Conclusion

UI may be improved in frail older women by combining behavioral strategies for UI with physical activity, but larger trails are needed to determine whether these findings can be replicated and sustained.
Biology of Falls: Preliminary Cohort Study Suggesting a Possible Role for Oxidative Stress
Authors: Verghese Joe , Ayers Emmeline
Published: March 2017

Background

Biological underpinnings of falls in older adults are not well established.

Objectives

To examine the validity of selected oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers for predicting incident falls in community‐dwelling older adults.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting And Participants

266 non‐demented and ambulatory community‐dwelling older adults (mean age 78 years, 55% women).

Measurements

Oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and inflammatory (interleukin‐6 [IL‐6]) biomarkers were selected based on associations with fall risk factors, and values were log‐transformed to account for non‐normal distributions.

Results

Over a mean follow‐up of 20.5 ± 10.1 months, 119 participants fell. In Cox proportional hazards models, each one standard deviation increase in baseline log‐malondialdehyde levels predicted incident falls (Hazard ratio (HR) adjusted for age, gender, education, comorbidity count, medications, log‐IL‐6 levels, prior falls, depressive symptoms, cognitive status, gait velocity, and balance 1.53, 95% CI 1.11–2.16). Log‐IL‐6 levels were not associated with falls. Participants in the highest log‐malondialdehyde quartile at baseline had increased risk for incident falls than those in the lowest quartile (HR 2.47, 95% CI 1.41–4.34).

Conclusion

Oxidative stress predicted falls in a community‐based cohort, and should be further examined as a fall risk biomarker as well as a potential target to prevent falls.
The effects of accounting regulations on stock valuation and volatility: Evidence from the banking industry
Authors: Song Liang
Published: March 2017

Banking regulators and market participants learn from price signals in the stock market (e.g., Flannery, Journal of Money, Credit and Banking 30: 273, 1998). Therefore, the system becomes more secure and developed as stock prices become more informative about banks’ financial conditions. Using a sample that includes major banks from 35 countries, this study investigates how accounting regulations affect bank stock valuation and volatility. The evidence suggests that bank stocks have higher valuation and lower volatility in countries that strictly regulate the quality of external audits and financial statement transparency. This study presents a comprehensive picture of the effects of bank accounting regulations on the stock market.
Image scanning microscopy: an overview
Authors: WARD E.N. , PAL R.
Published: March 2017

For almost a century, the resolution of optical microscopy was thought to be limited by Abbé’s law describing the diffraction limit of light. At the turn of the millennium, aided by new technologies and fluorophores, the field of optical microscopy finally surpassed the diffraction barrier: a milestone achievement that has been recognized by the 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Many super‐resolution methods rely on the unique photophysical properties of the fluorophores to improve resolution, posing significant limitations on biological imaging, such as multicoloured staining, live‐cell imaging and imaging thick specimens. Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) is one branch of super‐resolution microscopy that requires no such special properties of the applied fluorophores, making it more versatile than other techniques. Since its introduction in biological imaging, SIM has proven to be a popular tool in the biologist's arsenal for following biological interaction and probing structures of nanometre scale. SIM continues to see much advancement in design and implementation, including the development of Image Scanning Microscopy (ISM), which uses patterned excitation via either predefined arrays or raster‐scanned single point‐spread functions (PSF). This review aims to give a brief overview of the SIM and ISM processes and subsequent developments in the image reconstruction process. Drawing from this, and incorporating more recent achievements in light shaping (i.e. pattern scanning and super‐resolution beam shaping), this study also intends to suggest potential future directions for this ever‐expanding field.
Treatment of functional mitral regurgitation by percutaneous annuloplasty using the Carillon Mitral Contour System—Currently available data state
Authors: Bail Dorothee H. L.
Published: March 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of currently available data about the percutaneous trans‐coronary‐venous mitral annuloplasty with the Carillon Mitral Contour System.

Method

A systematic literature search was conducted using the common medical and scientific databases. The documented parameters included among others grade of mitral regurgitation (MR), vena contracta (VC), effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA), 6 minute‐walk‐test (6MWT), NYHA‐classification, and Quality of Life (QoL) at baseline, 30 days and in the long‐term follow‐up.

Results

The exact total number of successfully implantations with available data remains unclear because so many publications are either of the same institution or study group, or they present overlapping results. Reduction of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) was associated with significant inverse left‐ventricular (LV)) remodeling, improvement in 6MWT, QoL and NYHA‐class during the 12‐month follow‐up. In almost half of the enrolled patients, the Carillon System could not be implanted or had to be removed due to coronary compromission. Adverse advent rate (AE) ranged between 2.8–39%.

Conclusions

Results with regard to reduction of MR and inverse LV remodeling have been remarkable. Indication and selection criteria for suitable patients, the expected complications, and the long‐term results with regard to survival and quality of life still remain unclear. The available results do not establish superiority of the Carillon Mitral Contour System and support the lack of a clear benefit. The approach with the Carillon Mitral Contour System should be limited to participants of prospective and randomized trials.
Safety of standardized Macleaya cordata extract in an eighty‐four‐day dietary study in dairy cows
Authors: Wang W. , Dolan L. C. , von Alvensleben S. , Morlacchini M. , Fusconi G.
Published: March 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of a standardized Macleaya cordata Extract Product (MCEP) containing the quaternary benzophenanthridine alkaloids, sanguinarine and chelerythrine, when fed to dairy cows. Thirty‐six dairy cows were randomized into three groups with twelve cows/treatment in two replica pens for each treatment group: control (C) without MCEP added to feed, treatment 1 (SANG‐1000) with MCEP added to feed at 1,000 mg/animal/day (1.5 mg/kg bw/day) and treatment 2 (SANG‐10000) with MCEP added to feed at 10,000 mg/animal/day (15.5 mg MCEP/kg bw/day). After two weeks of acclimation, animals were observed for an 84‐day experimental period, with body weight, feed intake and milk production measured daily. Milk composition was analysed every two weeks. Haematological analyses were performed on Day 0 and Day 84, and clinical chemistry analyses were performed on Day 84 of the study. There was no statistically significant difference (p > .10) among the three groups on body condition score, milk production or milk composition over the study period. There were no significant differences in body weight gain or feed consumption among the three groups. Animals in the SANG‐10000 group had significantly higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV) than the C group (p < .1) and lower mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) than the SANG‐1000 group (p < .1). Concentrations of sanguinarine and chelerythrine in milk samples collected on Day 84 were below the detection limit (LOD) as measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS). In conclusion, this study presents compelling data supporting the hypothesis that the test product MCEP, when included in the TMR at up to 10,000 mg/animal/day (15.5 mg MCEP/kg bw/day), is well tolerated by dairy cows.
Canine pancytopoenia in a Mediterranean region: a retrospective study of 119 cases (2005 to 2013)
Authors: Frezoulis P. S. , Angelidou E. , Karnezi D. , Oikonomidis I. L. , Kritsepi‐Konstantinou M. , Kasabalis D. , Mylonakis M. E.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To further clarify the causes of pancytopoenia and to investigate whether underlying cause or severity were associated with survival in an area endemic for vector‐borne pathogens.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records of 119 dogs with and 238 dogs without pancytopoenia.

Results

Mixed‐breed dogs and dogs younger than one year had higher odds of being pancytopoenic. The most common diagnoses included monocytic ehrlichiosis (n=42), leishmaniasis (n=28) and parvoviral enteritis (n=19). The mean white blood cell counts were lower in dogs with ehrlichiosis and parvoviral enteritis compared to dogs with leishmaniasis, while platelet counts were lower in ehrlichiosis compared to leishmaniasis or parvoviral enteritis. Total protein concentrations were lower in dogs with parvoviral enteritis compared to ehrlichiosis and leishmaniasis. Higher haematocrit, platelet and white cell counts were associated with better odds of survival.

Clinical Significance

Infectious diseases appear to be the leading causes of canine pancytopoenia in endemic areas; severe leukopoenia (ehrlichiosis, parvoviral enteritis), thrombocytopoenia (ehrlichiosis) and hypoproteinaemia (parvoviral enteritis), represented potentially useful disease‐specific diagnostic determinants. The severity of pancytopoenia significantly affects the clinical outcome.
Prevalence and distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in Spain during the 2000‐2015 period (the GEHEP 005 study)
Authors: Aguilera A. , Navarro D. , Rodríguez‐Frias F. , Viciana I. , Martínez‐Sapiña A. M. , Rodríguez M. J. , Martró E. , Lozano M. C. , Coletta E. , Cardeñoso L. , Suárez A. , Trigo M. , Rodríguez‐Granjer J. , Montiel N. , de la Iglesia A. , Alados J. C. , Vegas C. , Bernal S. , Fernández‐Cuenca F. , Pena M. J. , Reina G. , García‐Bujalance S. , Echevarria M. J. , Benítez L. , Pérez‐Castro S. , Ocete D. , García‐Arata I. , Guerrero C. , Rodríguez‐Iglesias M. , Casas P. , García F.
Published: March 2017

We report the largest study on the prevalence and distribution of HCV genotypes in Spain (2000‐2015), and we relate them with clinical, epidemiological and virological factors. Patients from 29 hospitals in 10 autonomous communities (Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla‐Leon, Catalonia, Galicia, Canary Islands, Madrid Community, Valencian Community, Murcia Region and Basque Country) have been studied. Annual distribution of HCV genotypes and subtypes, as well as gender, age, transmission route, HIV and/or HBV coinfection, and treatment details were recorded. We included 48595 chronically HCV‐infected patients with the following characteristics: median age 51 years (IQR, 44‐58), 67.9% male, 19.1% HIV‐coinfected, 23.5% HBV‐coinfected. Parenteral transmission route was the most frequent (58.7%). Genotype distribution was 66.9% GT1 (24.9% subtype 1a and 37.9% subtype 1b), 2.8% GT2, 17.3% GT3, 11.4% GT4 and 0.1% GT5 and 0.02% GT6. LiPA was the most widely HCV genotyping test used (52.4%). HCV subtype 1a and genotypes 3 and 4 were closely associated with male gender, parenteral route of infection and HIV and HBV coinfection; in contrast, subtype 1b and genotype 2 were associated with female gender, nonparenteral route and mono‐infection. Age was related to genotype distribution, and different patterns of distribution and biodiversity index were observed between different geographical areas. Finally, we describe how treatment and changes in transmission routes may have affected HCV genotype prevalence and distribution patterns. We present the most recent data on molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in Spain. This study confirms that genotype distributions vary with age, sex, HIV and HBV coinfection and within geographical areas and epidemiological groups.
Clinical Features, Imaging Characteristics, and Long‐term Outcome of Dogs with Cranial Meningocele or Meningoencephalocele
Authors: Lazzerini K. , Gutierrez‐Quintana R. , José‐López R. , McConnell F. , Gonçalves R. , McMurrough J. , De Decker S. , Muir C. , Priestnall S.L. , Mari L. , Stabile F. , De Risio L. , Loeffler C. , Tauro A. , Rusbridge C. , Rodenas S. , Añor S. , de la Fuente C. , Fischer A. , Bruehschwein A. , Penderis J. , Guevar J.
Published: March 2017

Background

The term meningoencephalocele (MEC) describes a herniation of cerebral tissue and meninges through a defect in the cranium, whereas a meningocele (MC) is a herniation of the meninges alone.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the clinical features, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, and outcomes of dogs with cranial MC and MEC.

Animals

Twenty‐two client‐owned dogs diagnosed with cranial MC or MEC.

Methods

Multicentric retrospective descriptive study. Clinical records of 13 institutions were reviewed. Signalment, clinical history, neurologic findings and MRI characteristics as well as treatment and outcome were recorded and evaluated.

Results

Most affected dogs were presented at a young age (median, 6.5 months; range, 1 month – 8 years). The most common presenting complaints were seizures and behavioral abnormalities. Intranasal MEC was more common than parietal MC. Magnetic resonance imaging identified meningeal enhancement of the protruded tissue in 77% of the cases. Porencephaly was seen in all cases with parietal MC. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis identified mild abnormalities in 4 of 11 cases. Surgery was not performed in any affected dog. Seventeen patients were treated medically, and seizures were adequately controlled with anti‐epileptic drugs in 10 dogs. Dogs with intranasal MEC and mild neurologic signs had a fair prognosis with medical treatment.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Although uncommon, MC and MEC should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young dogs presenting with seizures or alterations in behavior. Medical treatment is a valid option with a fair prognosis when the neurologic signs are mild.
Sexual selection and sex ratios in Anolis lizards
Authors: Muralidhar P. , Johnson M. A.
Published: March 2017

Biased sex ratios, or unequal numbers of males and females in a population, can alter the intensity of sexual selection by enhancing competition for mates, and thus may affect the evolution of reproductive strategies. Studies of sex ratio variation across a clade provide an opportunity to examine the morphological or behavioral consequences of different levels of sexual selection. We examined sex ratio variation, using phylogenetic comparative methods, across a diverse clade of terrestrial vertebrates, the Anolis lizards. Across a sample of 14 species in 21 localities, we found remarkable bidirectional variation in sex ratios across the Anolis clade: males are more common in some populations and females in others. However, we find no evidence that sex ratio bias is associated with sexual size dimorphism, a proxy for sexual selection. Nor do we find an association of sex ratio bias with ecological niches (i.e. ecomorphs), which vary in sexual selection pressures and mating systems. The observed inter‐specific variation in sex ratio suggests that a balance of different, possibly opposing, factors, including sex‐specific dispersal and mortality rates, may play a role in determining population sex ratio.
quaddRAD: a new high‐multiplexing and PCR duplicate removal ddRAD protocol produces novel evolutionary insights in a nonradiating cichlid lineage
Authors: Franchini Paolo , Monné Parera Daniel , Kautt Andreas F. , Meyer Axel
Published: March 2017

The identification of thousands of variants across the genomes and their accurate genotyping are crucial for estimating the genetic parameters needed to address a host of molecular ecological and evolutionary questions. With rapid advances of massively parallel high‐throughput sequencing technologies, several methods have recently been developed to access genomewide data on population variation. One of the most successful and widely used techniques relies on the combination of restriction enzymes and sequencing‐by‐synthesis: restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADSeq). We developed a new, more time‐ and cost‐efficient double‐digest RAD paired‐end protocol (quaddRAD) that simplifies and speeds up the identification of PCR duplicates and permits large‐scale multiplexing. Assessing its performance on a technical data set, we also applied the quaddRAD method on population samples of a Neotropical cichlid fish lineage (Archocentrus centrarchus) to assess its genetic structure and demographic history. While we identified allopatric interlake genetic divergence, most likely driven by drift, no signature of sympatric divergence was detected. This differs from what has been observed in the clade of Midas cichlids (Amphilophus citrinellus spp.), another cichlid lineage that inhabits the same lakes and shares a similar demographic history, but has evolved into small‐scale adaptive radiations via sympatric speciation. We demonstrate that quaddRAD is a robust and efficient method for genotyping a massive number and widely overlapping set of loci with high accuracy. Furthermore, the results on A. centrarchus open new research avenues providing an ideal system to investigate genome‐level mechanisms that could alter the speciation potential of different but closely related cichlid lineages.
Conflicting selection alters the trajectory of molecular evolution in a tripartite bacteria–plasmid–phage interaction
Authors: Harrison Ellie , Hall James P. J. , Paterson Steve , Spiers Andrew J. , Brockhurst Michael A.
Published: March 2017

Bacteria engage in a complex network of ecological interactions, which includes mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as phages and plasmids. These elements play a key role in microbial communities as vectors of horizontal gene transfer but can also be important sources of selection for their bacterial hosts. In natural communities, bacteria are likely to encounter multiple MGEs simultaneously and conflicting selection among MGEs could alter the bacterial evolutionary response to each MGE. Here, we test the effect of interactions with multiple MGEs on bacterial molecular evolution in the tripartite interaction between the bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, the lytic bacteriophage, SBW25φ2, and conjugative plasmid, pQBR103, using genome sequencing of experimentally evolved bacteria. We show that individually, both plasmids and phages impose selection leading to bacterial evolutionary responses that are distinct from bacterial populations evolving without MGEs, but that together, plasmids and phages impose conflicting selection on bacteria, constraining the evolutionary responses observed in pairwise interactions. Our findings highlight the likely difficulties of predicting evolutionary responses to multiple selective pressures from the observed evolutionary responses to each selective pressure alone. Understanding evolution in complex microbial communities comprising many species and MGEs will require that we go beyond studies of pairwise interactions.
The zinc efflux activator SczA protects Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 2 D39 from intracellular zinc toxicity
Authors: Martin Julia E. , Edmonds Katherine A. , Bruce Kevin E. , Campanello Gregory C. , Eijkelkamp Bart A. , Brazel Erin B. , McDevitt Christopher A. , Winkler Malcolm E. , Giedroc David P.
Published: March 2017

Zinc is an essential trace element that serves as a catalytic cofactor in metalloenzymes and a structural element in proteins involved in general metabolism and cellular defenses of pathogenic bacteria. Despite its importance, high zinc levels can impair cellular processes, inhibiting growth of many pathogenic bacteria, including the major respiratory pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. Zinc intoxication is prevented in S. pneumoniae by expression of the zinc exporter CzcD, whose expression is activated by the novel TetR‐family transcriptional zinc‐sensing regulator SczA. How zinc bioavailability triggers activation of SczA is unknown. It is shown here through functional studies in S. pneumoniae that an unannotated homodimeric TetR from S. agalactiae (PDB 3KKC) is the bona fide zinc efflux regulator SczA, and binds two zinc ions per protomer. Mutagenesis analysis reveals two metal binding sites, termed A and B, located on opposite sides of the SczA C‐terminal regulatory domain. In vivo, the A‐ and B‐site SczA mutant variants impact S. pneumoniae resistance to zinc toxicity and survival in infected macrophages. A model is proposed for S. pneumoniae SczA function in which both A‐ and B‐sites were required for transcriptional activation of czcD expression, with the A‐site serving as the evolutionarily conserved intracellular sensing site in SczAs.
Three replacement names and four new combinations for Chinese Prunus s.l. (Rosaceae)
Authors: He Zhao‐Rong , Wang Huan‐Chong
Published: March 2017

A broad generic concept of Prunus has been widely accepted and is supported by recent phylogenetic studies based on molecular data. As a consequence, some Chinese species previously placed in Cerasus, Lauro‐cerasus and Padus need to be transferred to Prunus. As a consequence, three replacement names and four new combinations are proposed. Information about their types and distribution is also provided.
A common developmental program can produce diverse leaf shapes
Authors: Runions Adam , Tsiantis Miltos , Prusinkiewicz Przemyslaw
Published: March 2017

Eudicot leaves have astoundingly diverse shapes. The central problem addressed in this paper is the developmental origin of this diversity.

To investigate this problem, we propose a computational model of leaf development that generalizes the largely conserved molecular program for the reference plants Arabidopsis thaliana, Cardamine hirsuta and Solanum lycopersicum. The model characterizes leaf development as a product of three interwoven processes: the patterning of serrations, lobes and/or leaflets on the leaf margin; the patterning of the vascular system; and the growth of the leaf blade spanning the main veins. The veins play a significant morphogenetic role as a local determinant of growth directions.

We show that small variations of this model can produce diverse leaf shapes, from simple to lobed to compound.

It is thus plausible that diverse shapes of eudicot leaves result from small variations of a common developmental program.
TSV, a putative plastidic oxidoreductase, protects rice chloroplasts from cold stress during development by interacting with plastidic thioredoxin Z
Authors: Sun Juan , Zheng Tianhui , Yu Jun , Wu Tingting , Wang Xinhua , Chen Gaoming , Tian Yunlu , Zhang Huan , Wang Yihua , Terzaghi William , Wang Chunming , Wan Jianmin
Published: March 2017

Rice is vulnerable to cold stress. Seedlings are very sensitive to cold stress and this harms global rice production. The effects of cold on chloroplast development are well known, but little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Here, we isolated a temperature‐sensitive virescent (tsv) mutant that is extremely sensitive to cold stress. It displayed defective chloroplasts, decreased chlorophyll and zero survivorship under cold stress. We isolated and identified TSV by map‐based cloning and rescue experiments, combined with genetic, cytological and molecular biological analyses.

We found that TSV, a putative plastidic oxidoreductase, is a new type of virescent protein. A mutation in tsv causes premature termination of the gene product. The activity of plastid‐encoded RNA polymerase (PEP) and the expression of genes participating in chlorophyll synthesis were severely reduced in the tsv mutant under cold stress, but not at normal temperatures. TSV expression was induced by low temperatures. Strikingly, TSV interacted with OsTrxZ (a subunit of PEP in chloroplasts) and enhanced OsTrxZ stability under low temperatures. We demonstrated that TSV protects rice chloroplasts from cold stress by interacting with OsTrxZ.

These results provide novel insights into ways in which rice chloroplast development and chlorophyll synthesis are protected by TSV under cold stress.
Survey of the Bru1 gene for brown rust resistance in Brazilian local and basic sugarcane germplasm
Authors: Neuber Ana Caroline , Camilo dos Santos Fernanda Raquel , da Costa Juliana Borges , Volpin Maicon , Xavier Mauro Alexandre , Perecin Dilermando , Villavicencio Burbano Roberto Carlos , Landell Marcos Guimarães de Andrade , Pinto Luciana Rossini
Published: March 2017

Bru1 is currently the major gene conferring brown rust resistance in sugarcane, and diagnostic markers are available. A survey for the presence of this gene was conducted on 391 genotypes including Brazilian cultivars, clones and basic germplasm. The efficiency of these markers for identifying resistant cultivars and artificially inoculated basic germplasm was also evaluated. The Bru1 frequency among cultivars (73.5%) suggests this gene is the prevalent source of brown rust resistance in Brazilian sugarcane breeding programmes. Most of the cultivars known to be resistant were positive for Bru1, although other genes for resistance could be present in lines not having Bru1. Only 17.8% of the basic germplasm accessions were positive for the Bru1 gene, and a low correlation between Bru1 diagnostic markers and brown rust severity was observed for basic germplasm accessions. Overall, Bru1 diagnostic markers proved to be efficient identifying resistant cultivars and clones and have potential to be in screening brown rust resistance in Brazilian breeding programmes.