bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and antibiotic resistance pattern of Salmonella serovars in integrated crop‐livestock farms and their products sold in local markets
Authors: Peng Mengfei , Salaheen Serajus , Almario Jose Alejandro , Tesfaye Bezait , Buchanan Robert , Biswas Debabrata
Published: February 2016

Major concern in the Mixed Crop‐Livestock (MCL) farms, in which livestock and vegetables grown closely in the same facility, is cross‐contamination of zoonotic bacterial pathogens especially Salmonella. To investigate the distribution of Salmonella serovars in MCL and their products, a total of 1287 pre‐harvest samples from various farms and 1377 post‐harvest samples from retail supermarkets in Maryland and Washington D.C. areas were collected and analysed. A total of 315 Salmonella isolates were recovered, with 17.44% and 5.88%, from MCL and conventional farms samples (P < 0.001). At post‐harvest level, the prevalence of Salmonella was 30.95%, 19.83%, and 8.38% in chicken meat (P < 0.001) from farmers, organic, and conventional retail markets respectively, and 16.81% and 6.06% in produce products (P < 0.001) from farmers and organic retail markets, but none from conventional retail markets. From the isolated Salmonella, 34.50% was confirmed S. Typhimurium, followed by S. Heidelberg (10.86%) and S. Enteritidis (9.90%). The overall multi‐antibiotic resistance in recovered Salmonella was 23.81% versus 4.55% in conventional and MCL farms (P = 0.004) and 66.67% versus 7.76% in conventional and farmers markets (P < 0.001). Overall the data reveals higher Salmonella risks in MCL farms' environment and their products sold in farmers markets and warrants taking necessary measures to limit Salmonella transmission.
Dealing with salinity extremes and nitrogen limitation – an unexpected strategy of the marine bacterium Dinoroseobacter shibae
Authors: Kleist Sarah , Ulbrich Marcus , Bill Nelli , Schmidt‐Hohagen Kerstin , Geffers Robert , Schomburg Dietmar
Published: February 2016

Having the right coping strategy for changes in osmolarity or desiccation is essential for the survival of every cell. So far, nothing is known about compatible solutes and the salt adaptation of the marine Rhodobacteraceae. The family member Dinoroseobacter shibae DFL12T is shown here to form the compatible solutes α‐glucosylglycerol (GG) and α‐glucosylglycerate (GGA). To our knowledge, this is the first experimental evidence for GGA formation within the α‐proteobacteria. Together with glutamate and putrescine, these substances enable good growth in salinity ranging from 0.3% to 5%. A salinity of 5% leads to a biomass share of 7.6% of compatible solutes and the very low salt level of 0.3% results in an 18‐fold increased putrescine concentration compared with environmental conditions. Additionally, the substitution of glutamate by GGA has been shown during exposure to nitrogen limitation and in the stationary growth phase of the organism. Salt shock transcriptome analysis of D. shibae has revealed the essential role of its 153 kb chromid, which carries the genes for GG biosynthesis and several transport and exchange systems. Within the family of Rhodobacteraceae, the genomic capability of forming GG and GGA is strictly restricted to marine family members.
Phonological contribution during visual word recognition in child readers. An intermodal priming study in Grades 3 and 5
Authors: Sauval Karinne , Casalis Séverine , Perre Laetitia
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the phonological contribution during visual word recognition in child readers as a function of general reading expertise (third and fifth grades) and specific word exposure (frequent and less‐frequent words). An intermodal priming in lexical decision task was performed. Auditory primes (identical and unrelated) were used in order to directly activate phonological codes independently of orthographic processing. Overall, the results revealed a widespread phonological priming effect in both grades. There was a significant interaction between grade, priming condition and frequency, revealing that the impact of frequency on identity priming differed between grades. In third grade, the results indicated that the priming effect was greater for less‐frequent than for frequent words. In fifth grade, priming effects were similar for both frequent and less‐frequent words. These findings indicate that print and speech processing systems are interconnected in young readers. Moreover, phonological codes play an important role in word recognition throughout reading development.
Electrolyzed Water as a Novel Sanitizer in the Food Industry: Current Trends and Future Perspectives
Authors: Rahman SME , Khan Imran , Oh Deog‐Hwan
Published: February 2016

Electrolyzed water (EW) has gained immense popularity over the last few decades as a novel broad‐spectrum sanitizer. EW can be produced using tap water with table salt as the singular chemical additive. The application of EW is a sustainable and green concept and has several advantages over traditional cleaning systems including cost effectiveness, ease of application, effective disinfection, on‐the‐spot production, and safety for human beings and the environment. These features make it an appropriate sanitizing and cleaning system for use in high‐risk settings such as in hospitals and other healthcare facilities as well as in food processing environments. EW also has the potential for use in educational building, offices, and entertainment venues. However, there have been a number of issues related to the use of EW in various sectors including limited knowledge on the sanitizing mechanism. AEW, in particular, has shown limited efficacy on utensils, food products, and surfaces owing to various factors, the most important of which include the type of surface, presence of organic matter, and type of tape water used. The present review article highlights recent developments and offers new perspectives related to the use of EW in various areas, with particular focus on the food industry.
Pig Organ Energy Loss Comparison Experiments Using BBs
Authors: Maiden Nicholas R. , Musgrave Ian , Fisk Wesley , Byard Roger W.
Published: February 2016

Torso models for ballistics research require that the mechanical properties of simulant materials must match the heterogeneous nature of tissues/organs within the human thorax/abdomen. A series of energy loss experiments were conducted on fresh porcine organs/tissues at room temperature and 37°C, using steel 4.5 mm BBs fired from a Daisy® brand air rifle. They were compared to FBI and NATO specification ordnance gelatin and a candidate surrogate material called Simulant “A”. Two CED M2 chronographs measured BB velocity. The resulting energy loss was established using KE = 1/2 mv² before and after target perforation. The combined results at room temperature and 37°C were as follows: FBI specification gelatin was similar (p > 0.05) to heart and lung, spleen was similar to NATO specification gelatin, Simulant “A” was similar to hindquarter muscle, and hindquarter muscle, kidney, and spleen were similar to each other regarding energy retardation. These results can be used as a basis for the development of simulant materials to create an anatomically correct heterogeneous model.
Persistence and Microbial Source Tracking of Escherichia coli at a Swimming Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri
Authors: Wilson Jordan L. , Schumacher John G. , Burken Joel G.
Published: February 2016

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has closed or posted advisories at public beaches at Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Missouri because of Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentration exceedances in recent years. Spatial and temporal patterns of E. coli concentrations, microbial source tracking, novel sampling techniques, and beach‐use patterns were studied during the 2012 recreational season to identify possible sources, origins, and occurrence of E. coli contamination at Grand Glaize Beach (GGB). Results indicate an important source of E. coli contamination at GGB was E. coli released into the water column by bathers resuspending avian‐contaminated sediments, especially during high‐use days early in the recreational season. Escherichia coli concentrations in water, sediment, and resuspended sediment samples all decreased throughout the recreational season likely because of decreasing lake levels resulting in sampling locations receding away from the initial spring shoreline as well as natural decay and physical transport out of the cove. Weekly MDNR beach monitoring, based solely on E. coli concentrations, at GGB during this study inaccurately predicted E. coli exceedances, especially on weekends and holidays. Interestingly, E. coli of human origin were measured at concentrations indicative of raw sewage in runoff from an excavation of a nearby abandoned septic tank that had not been used for nearly two years.
Wired yet Disconnected: The Governance of International Cyber Relations
Authors: Slack Chelsey
Published: February 2016

Shaping an international consensus for the digital age is the current challenge. The nature of cyberspace complicates efforts to govern it, notably due to its asymmetrical, anonymous and dual‐use characteristics. Such intricacies are compounded by the fact that the global cyber landscape varies significantly in terms of technologies, capabilities and strategies. Despite the complex nature of cyberspace, existing international legal regimes are adequate. International law is applicable to cyberspace; it is rather a question of sorting out the specificities of how it is to be applied. Based on a normative approach, the focus should be placed on further constructing and connecting those existing political and strategic frameworks for the effective governance of international ‘cyber’ relations.
Which Institutions Promote Growth? Revisiting the Evidence
Authors: Das Kuntal , Quirk Thomas
Published: February 2016

Recent research examining the growth impacts of institutions have found that institutions are important in fostering economic growth. By building a framework around the institutional taxonomy proposed by Rodrik (2005), our paper contributes to the literature in the following way. First, we confirm the result that “institutions matter” and show that different types of institutions matter differently for growth. By applying a dynamic panel model, we find that market‐creating and market‐stabilising institutions are important in fostering economic growth. We then extend this analysis and investigate whether countries at different levels of development could respond heterogeneously to changes in their institutional structure. We find that poor countries benefit the most from market‐creating institutions and institutions that support market stability. We also find some evidence that market‐legitimising institutions such as “democracy” are not necessarily optimal for growth in poor countries. These results have important implications for countries that decide on the optimal strategy to improve their institutional framework.
Why is liana abundance low in semiarid climates?
Authors: Carvalho Ellen Cristina Dantas , Martins Fernando Roberto , Oliveira Rafael Silva , Soares Arlete Aparecida , Araújo Francisca Soares
Published: February 2016

Lianas are abundant in seasonal tropical forests, where they avoid seasonal water stress presumably by accessing deep‐soil water reserves. Although lianas are favoured in seasonal environments, their occurrence and abundance are low in semiarid environments. We hypothesized that lianas do not tolerate the great water shortage in the soil and air characteristic of semiarid environments, which would increase the risk of embolism. We compared the rooting depth of coarse roots, leaf dynamics, leaf water potential (ψleaf), embolism resistance (P50) and lethal levels of embolism (P88) between congeneric lianas that occur with different abundances in two semiarid sites differing in soil characteristics and vapour pressure deficit in the air (VPDair). Regardless of soil texture and depth, water availability was restricted to the rainy season. All liana species were drought deciduous and had superficial coarse roots (not deeper than 35 cm). P50 varied from −1.8 to −2.49 MPa, and all species operated under narrow safety margins against catastrophic (P50) and irreversible hydraulic failure (P88), even during the rainy season. In short, lianas that occur in semiarid environments have lower resistance to cavitation and limit carbon fixation to the rainy season because of leaf fall in the early dry season. We suggest that leaf shedding and shallow roots impairing carbon gain and growth in the dry season may explain why liana abundance is lower in semiarid than in other seasonally dry environments.
Boom, Bugs, Bust: Egypt's Ecology of Interest, 1882–1914
Authors: Jakes Aaron
Published: February 2016

A century ago, Egypt's British‐run government conscripted thousands of peasant children annually to pick caterpillars from cotton plants. Amidst a double crisis of agro‐ecological degradation and financial collapse, the nationalist movement simultaneously critiqued the exploitation of peasant labor by unproductive foreign finance and endorsed these cotton‐worm campaigns as a national obligation. This article builds upon recent efforts to re‐theorize capitalism as world‐ecology in order to explain this apparently paradoxical position. Rather than frame such confrontations between “society” and “nature” as instances of an elite regime of “techno‐politics”, it argues that both the nationalist critique of foreign capital and the widely felt imperative to wage “war against insects” were features of an “ecology of interest” that multiple waves of financial investment had produced. Egypt's crises provided fodder for anti‐colonial mobilizations. But they also inaugurated a new predicament of developing national capital in a landscape already pillaged as a commodity frontier for empire.
Can adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes be predicted when blood pressure becomes elevated? Secondary analyses from the CHIPS (Control of Hypertension In Pregnancy Study) randomized controlled trial
Authors: Magee Laura A. , von Dadelszen Peter , Singer Joel , Lee Terry , Rey Evelyne , Ross Susan , Asztalos Elizabeth , Murphy Kellie E. , Menzies Jennifer , Sanchez Johanna , Gafni Amiram , Gruslin Andrée , Helewa Michael , Hutton Eileen , Lee Shoo K. , Logan Alexander G. , Ganzevoort Wessel , Welch Ross , Thornton Jim G. , Moutquin Jean Marie
Published: February 2016

Introduction

For women with chronic or gestational hypertension in CHIPS (Control of Hypertension In Pregnancy Study, NCT01192412), we aimed to examine whether clinical predictors collected at randomization could predict adverse outcomes.

Material and methods

This was a planned, secondary analysis of data from the 987 women in the CHIPS Trial. Logistic regression was used to examine the impact of 19 candidate predictors on the probability of adverse perinatal (pregnancy loss or high level neonatal care for >48 h, or birthweight <10th percentile) or maternal outcomes (severe hypertension, preeclampsia, or delivery at <34 or <37 weeks). A model containing all candidate predictors was used to start the stepwise regression process based on goodness of fit as measured by the Akaike information criterion. For face validity, these variables were forced into the model: treatment group (“less tight” or “tight” control), antihypertensive type at randomization, and blood pressure within 1 week before randomization. Continuous variables were represented continuously or dichotomized based on the smaller p‐value in univariate analyses. An area‐under‐the‐receiver‐operating‐curve (AUC ROC) of ≥0.70 was taken to reflect a potentially useful model.

Results

Point estimates for AUC ROC were <0.70 for all but severe hypertension (0.70, 95% CI 0.67–0.74) and delivery at <34 weeks (0.71, 95% CI 0.66–0.75). Therefore, no model warranted further assessment of performance.

Conclusions

CHIPS data suggest that when women with chronic hypertension develop an elevated blood pressure in pregnancy, or formerly normotensive women develop new gestational hypertension, maternal and current pregnancy clinical characteristics cannot predict adverse outcomes in the index pregnancy.
Long‐term outcome in apparently healthy children with increased nuchal translucency in the first trimester screening
Authors: Äyräs Outi , Eronen Marianne , Tikkanen Minna , Rahkola‐Soisalo Päivi , Paavonen Jorma , Stefanovic Vedran
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Increased nuchal translucency is known to be associated with chromosomal and structural defects and genetic syndromes. Little is known about the overall long‐term outcome of euploid children after increased nuchal translucency. The aims of this study were to assess the additional structural defects diagnosed after discharge from the delivery hospital and the long‐term overall outcome of euploid children after increased nuchal translucency and normal second trimester anomaly scan.

Material and methods

All children from singleton euploid pregnancies during 2002–2007 with increased nuchal translucency in the first trimester screening, normal second trimester anomaly scan, and discharged as apparently healthy were included. Data on the structural defects and genetic disorders diagnosed until 2012 were retrieved from hospital databases and national registers. Previously published data of structural defects diagnosed after birth but before discharge and of severe neurodevelopmental impairment and genetic syndromes was added.

Results

The cohort included 733 children. During the follow‐up time (mean 6.5 years), major structural defects were observed in 10 (1.4%), genetic disorders in two (0.3%), and minor defects in 23 (3.1%) children. In addition, there were 42 previously published major structural defects and major neurodevelopmental impairment or genetic disorders. Adding these results together, major health problems were detected in 54 (7%) euploid children with increased fetal nuchal translucency and normal findings in second trimester anomaly scan.

Conclusion

Although only few additional major structural defects are diagnosed during the follow‐up after increased fetal nuchal translucency, 7% of fetuses assumed to be healthy after second trimester anomaly scan have a major health impairment.
The effects of preterm birth and its antecedents on the cardiovascular system
Authors: Bensley Jonathan G. , De Matteo Robert , Harding Richard , Black Mary J.
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Preterm birth occurs in approximately 10% of all births worldwide. It prematurely exposes the developing cardiovascular system to the hemodynamic transition that occurs at birth and to the subsequent functional demands of life ex utero. This review describes the current knowledge of the effects of preterm birth, and some of its common antecedents (chorioamnionitis, intra‐uterine growth restriction, and maternal antenatal corticosteroid administration), on the structure of the myocardium.

Material and methods

A thorough literature search was conducted for articles relating to how preterm birth, and its antecedents, affect development of the heart. Given that sheep are an excellent model for the studies of cardiac development, this review has focused on experimental studies in sheep as well as clinical findings.

Results

Our review of the literature demonstrates that individuals born preterm are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life, including increased mean arterial pressure, abnormally shaped and sub‐optimally performing hearts and changes in the vasculature. The review highlights how antenatal corticosteroids, intra‐uterine growth restriction, and exposure to chorioamnionitis also have the potential to impact cardiac growth in the preterm newborn.

Conclusions

Preterm birth and its common antecedents (antenatal corticosteroids, intra‐uterine growth restriction, and chorioamnionitis) have the potential to adversely impact cardiac structure immediately following birth and in later life.
Maternal near‐miss at university hospitals with cesarean overuse: an incident case‐control study
Authors: Mohammadi Soheila , Essén Birgitta , Fallahian Masoumeh , Taheripanah Robabeh , Saleh Gargari Soraya , Källestål Carina
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Cesarean section carries a substantial risk of maternal near‐miss morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, causes, risk factors, and perinatal outcomes of maternal near‐miss at three university hospitals with a high rate of cesarean section in Tehran, Iran.

Material and methods

An incident case‐control study was conducted from March 2012 to May 2014. The modified WHO near‐miss criteria were used to identify cases. A control sample of 1024 women delivering at the study hospitals was recruited to represent the source population. Near‐miss ratio, crude and adjusted odds ratios with confidence intervals were assessed.

Results

Among 12 965 live births, 82 mothers developed near‐miss morbidities and 12 died. The maternal near‐miss ratio was 6.3/1000 live births. Severe postpartum hemorrhage (35%, 29/82), severe preeclampsia (32%, 26/82), and placenta previa/abnormally invasive placenta (10%, 8/82) were the most frequent causes of maternal near‐miss. Women with antepartum cesarean section (adjusted odds ratio 7.4, 95% confidence interval 3.7–15.1) and co‐morbidity (adjusted odds ratio 2.3, 95% confidence interval 1.4–3.8), uninsured Iranians (adjusted odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.7–7.1) and uninsured Afghans (adjusted odds ratio 4.7, 95% confidence interval 2.4–9.2) had increased risks of near‐miss morbidity. Stillbirth and extremely preterm birth were the most prominent adverse perinatal outcomes associated with maternal near‐miss.

Conclusions

Overutilization of cesarean section clearly influenced the causes of maternal near‐miss. A lack of health insurance had a measurable impact on near‐miss morbidity. Tailored interventions for reducing unnecessary cesarean section and unrestricted insurance cover for emergency obstetric care can potentially improve maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Eclampsia in Finland; 2006 to 2010
Authors: Jaatinen Noora , Ekholm Eeva
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Eclampsia is a rare but serious threat to maternal and fetal well‐being. Magnesium sulfate was introduced in Finland as management of eclampsia in the late 1990s. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of eclampsia in Finland after the increased use of magnesium sulfate.

Material and methods

Eclampsia diagnoses in Finland during 2006 to 2010 were retrieved from the national Medical Birth Register and the Care Register for Health Care. Medical records were reviewed.

Results

In 2006–10, 295 447 deliveries were registered in Finland and 46 women with eclampsia were identified. Hence, the incidence of eclampsia was 1.5 per 10 000 deliveries. The median gestational age at the time of eclampsia was 38 gestational weeks. There were no maternal deaths due to eclampsia, but 46% of the women had severe complications. Eighty‐seven per cent received magnesium sulfate for treatment and 7% for prevention of eclampsia. The perinatal mortality rate was 8%. Thirty‐four per cent of the newborns were preterm and 15% were small‐for‐gestational‐age.

Conclusions

The incidence of eclampsia in Finland was very low. Increased use of magnesium sulfate probably contributed to the low incidence, as well as to the low number of recurrent seizures and prolonged complications. However, some women at risk of eclampsia still remain undetected and untreated. Seven percent had magnesium sulfate for prevention of eclampsia. Increased use of prophylactic magnesium sulfate might further reduce the incidence of eclampsia.
Fluctuations in anti‐Müllerian hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle parallel fluctuations in the antral follicle count: a cohort study
Authors: Depmann Martine , van Disseldorp Jeroen , Broer Simone L. , Eijkemans Marinus J.C. , Laven Joop S.E. , Visser Jenny A. , de Rijke Yolanda B. , Mol Ben W. , Broekmans Frank J.M.
Published: February 2016

Introduction

In this prospective cohort study we aimed to investigate the hypothesis that fluctuations in anti‐Müllerian hormone levels stem from fluctuations in the number of antral follicles.

Material and methods

Repeated measurements of anti‐Müllerian hormone and antral follicles (follicles 2–8 mm) were performed in 44 women with a regular cycle, during one menstrual cycle. If our hypothesis that anti‐Müllerian hormone fluctuations stem from fluctuations in the antral follicles is correct, a fluctuation in the antral follicles would result in an equal and parallel shift in anti‐Müllerian hormone. Hence, the difference between antral follicles and anti‐Müllerian hormone would remain constant over time. A mixed model analysis, assessing the stability between anti‐Müllerian hormone and antral follicles, was performed using the difference between logantral follicles and loganti‐Müllerian hormone. Cohen's D was calculated for the largest of fixed effects in order to assess stability in relative distance between antral follicles and anti‐Müllerian hormone. To assess if fluctuation in anti‐Müllerian hormone or antral follicles originated from between‐subject fluctuation, or from within subject fluctuation, the intra‐class correlation coefficient was calculated.

Results

Mixed model analysis and Cohen's D (0.12) confirmed the stability of the difference between logantral follicles and loganti‐Müllerian hormone and so confirmed our hypothesis. The good intra‐class correlation coefficient (0.73) indicated a small contribution of within‐subject variation to anti‐Müllerian hormone fluctuations.

Conclusions

Fluctuations in anti‐Müllerian hormone levels parallel fluctuations in antral follicles, suggesting that anti‐Müllerian hormone levels are closely linked to variation in the antral follicles. This knowledge adds to the basic understanding of the origin of anti‐Müllerian hormone and could aid in interpretation of individual anti‐Müllerian hormone levels.
Conventional treatment of functional constipation has a positive impact on the behavioural difficulties in children with and without faecal incontinence
Authors: Modin Line , Jakobsen Ida Skytte , Jakobsen Marianne Skytte
Published: February 2016

Aim

Constipation studies have only evaluated behavioural difficulties in children with faecal incontinence. This study evaluated changes in behavioural difficulties in childhood with functional constipation (FC) with and without faecal incontinence, based on treatment outcomes.

Methods

Children aged five to 16 years who fulfilled the Rome III criteria for FC received conventional treatment. The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire was completed at inclusion and at the 12‐month follow‐up.

Results

We included 116 children. The behaviour scores decreased in successfully treated boys (10.3 versus 7.9; p < 0.001) and girls (10.0 versus 7.4; p = 0.0001) with and without faecal incontinence. There was no decrease in the behaviour scores in children with unsuccessful outcomes. Unsuccessfully treated boys had significantly higher behaviour scores than successfully treated boys at inclusion (13.2 versus 10.3; p = 0.006) and after 12 months (11.4 versus 7.9; p = 0.02). No difference was found between unsuccessfully treated and successfully treated girls at inclusion (10.5 versus 10.0; p = 0.77) or after 12 months (10.3 versus 7.4; p = 0.18).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that conventional treatment of FC had a positive impact on behavioural difficulties in constipated children with and without faecal incontinence. This study highlights the importance of proactive detection and treatment of FC in paediatric patients.
Have climate sceptics taken the bait? What the deconstruction of instrumental climate records can tell us about the politics of climate change
Authors: Hampel Mathis
Published: February 2016

In the USA, more so than anywhere else, resistance against the government regulation of carbon‐based lifestyles is tied to claims against the veracity of the scientific climate knowledge and the theory of anthropogenic global warming (AGW). In their deconstruction of what some consider a critical empirical test of AGW, self‐styled climate sceptics exploit the paradox of scientific authority, highlighting the ‘placefulness’ of a supposedly placeless climate science. The controversy about the empirical observation of 20th‐century temperature change directs our attention to the role of place, in its dual sense as locality and social rank, in the making of authoritative scientific knowledge and the climate change controversy. This paper debates whether the deconstruction of instrumental surface temperature records will have the desired effect of undermining orthodox politics of climate change.
Chemical communication in the lacertid lizard Podarcis muralis: the functional significance of testosterone
Authors: Baeckens Simon , Huyghe Katleen , Palme Rupert , Van Damme Raoul
Published: February 2016

Chemical signals are essential for intersexual communication in many animals, including lizards. While faeces have been suggested to contain socially relevant chemical stimuli, epidermal gland secretions are generally believed to be the leading source of chemosignals involved in lizard communication. Early research has shown that sex hormones affect epidermal gland activity, with androgens stimulating gland/pore size and/or gland productivity. However, the functional significance of hormone‐induced glandular activity in lizard chemical communication remains unclear. In this study, we manipulated testosterone (T) concentrations in male Podarcis muralis lizards. While T‐supplementation did not change pore size, it did increase secretion production substantially. Chemosensory tests showed that female conspecifics tongue‐flick at a higher rate and more quickly towards the secretion of males with experimentally increased T levels than towards the secretion of control males, suggesting that females can discriminate between males with dissimilar T levels based on chemical cues of secretion alone. Based on the scent of faeces, however, females were unable to discriminate between males with differential T levels. Also, females reacted more quickly when offered larger amounts of secretion – irrespective of whether secretions were obtained from control or T‐increased males. This result indicates that secretion quantity affects chemosignal detectability in Podarcis muralis.
Birth Plans: What Matters for Birth Experience Satisfaction
Authors: Mei Jenny Y. , Afshar Yalda , Gregory Kimberly D. , Kilpatrick Sarah J. , Esakoff Tania F.
Published: February 2016

Background

To categorize individual birth plan requests and determine if number of requests and request fulfillment is associated with birth experience satisfaction.

Methods

This is a sub‐analysis of a prospective cohort study of 302 women with singleton pregnancies with and without birth plans. Women with a hard copy of their birth plans who completed a postdelivery satisfaction survey were included in this study. We described the number and type of birth plan requests and associated the number of requests and request fulfillment with overall satisfaction, expectations met, and sense of control. Differences between groups were analyzed using chi‐square, Spearman rank correlation, and logistic regression.

Results

One hundred and nine women presented to Labor and Delivery with a hard copy of their prewritten birth plan. We identified 23 unique requests. The most common requests were no intravenous analgesia (82%) and exclusive breastfeeding (74%). The requests most fulfilled were avoidance of episiotomy (100%) and no operative vaginal delivery (89%). Having a higher number of requests fulfilled correlated with greater overall satisfaction (p = 0.03), higher chance of expectations being met (p < 0.01), and feeling more in control (p < 0.01). Having a high number of requests was associated with an 80 percent reduction in overall satisfaction with the birth experience (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Having a higher number of requests fulfilled was positively associated with birth experience satisfaction, while having a high number of requests was inversely associated with birth experience satisfaction. Further research is needed to understand how to improve birth plan–related birth experience satisfaction.
A pilot study of the use of emerging computer technologies to improve the effectiveness of reading and writing therapies in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Felix Vanessa G. , Mena Luis J. , Ostos Rodolfo , Maestre Gladys E.
Published: February 2016

Despite the potential benefits that computer approaches could provide for children with cognitive disabilities, research and implementation of emerging approaches to learning supported by computing technology has not received adequate attention. We conducted a pilot study to assess the effectiveness of a computer‐assisted learning tool, named “HATLE,” for children with Down syndrome. The tool helps to improve reading and writing abilities in Spanish, through mobile computing, multimedia design, and computer speech‐recognition techniques. An experimental design with nonequivalent groups was used to assess the effectiveness of HATLE. The treatment group was taught using HATLE; the control group received typical instructions with the same material. Individual literacy achievement was assessed for both groups, before and after therapy sessions. The dependent variables in all analyses were posttest scores, adjusted via Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) for pretest variance. Differences between treatment and control groups were statistically significant in favor of the HATLE group on measures of Single‐Word Reading (p = 0.048) and Handwriting‐Form (p = 0.046) with large effect sizes (d > 0.8). Results indicate that HATLE might be effective in supporting computer‐aided learning for children with intellectual disabilities. The results are discussed in terms of limitations and implications.
Pomalidomide in combination with dexamethasone results in synergistic anti‐tumour responses in pre‐clinical models of lenalidomide‐resistant multiple myeloma
Authors: Rychak Emily , Mendy Derek , Shi Tao , Ning Yuhong , Leisten Jim , Lu Ling , Miller Karen , Narla Rama K. , Orlowski Robert Z. , Raymon Heather K. , Bjorklund Chad C. , Thakurta Anjan , Gandhi Anita K. , Cathers Brian E. , Chopra Rajesh , Daniel Thomas O. , Lopez‐Girona Antonia
Published: February 2016

Pomalidomide is an IMiD® immunomodulatory agent, which has shown clinically significant benefits in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (rrMM) patients when combined with dexamethasone, regardless of refractory status to lenalidomide or bortezomib. (Schey et al, ; San Miguel et al, 2013; Richardson et al, 2014; Scott, ) In this work, we present preclinical data showing that the combination of pomalidomide with dexamethasone (PomDex) demonstrates potent anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic activity in both lenalidomide‐sensitive and lenalidomide‐resistant MM cell lines. PomDex also synergistically inhibited tumour growth compared with single‐agent treatment in xenografts of lenalidomide‐resistant H929 R10‐1 cells. Typical hallmarks of IMiD compound activity, including IKZF3 (Aiolos) degradation, and the downregulation of interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 4 and MYC, seen in lenalidomide‐sensitive H929 MM cell lines, were also observed in PomDex‐treated lenalidomide‐resistant H929 MM cells. Remarkably, this resulted in strong, synergistic effects on the induction of apoptosis in both lenalidomide‐sensitive and resistant MM cells. Furthermore, gene expression profiling revealed a unique differential gene expression pattern in PomDex‐treated samples, highlighted by the modulation of pro‐apoptotic pathways in lenalidomide‐resistant cells. These results provide key insights into molecular mechanisms of PomDex in the lenalidomide‐resistant setting.
Implications of delayed bone marrow aspirations at the end of treatment induction for risk stratification and outcome in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Zuna Jan , Moericke Anja , Arens Mari , Koehler Rolf , Panzer‐Grümayer Renate , Bartram Claus R. , Fischer Susanna , Fronkova Eva , Zaliova Marketa , Schrauder André , Stanulla Martin , Zimmermann Martin , Trka Jan , Stary Jan , Attarbaschi Andishe , Mann Georg , Schrappe Martin , Cario Gunnar
Published: February 2016

Minimal residual disease (MRD) at the end of induction therapy is important for risk stratification of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), but bone marrow (BM) aspiration is often postponed or must be repeated to fulfil qualitative and quantitative criteria for morphological assessment of haematological remission and/or MRD analysis. The impact of BM aspiration delay on measured MRD levels and resulting risk stratification is currently unknown. We analysed paired MRD data of 289 paediatric ALL patients requiring a repeat BM aspiration. MRD levels differed in 108 patients (37%) with a decrease in the majority (85/108). This would have resulted in different risk group allocation in 64 of 289 patients (23%) when applying the ALL‐Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Münster 2000 criteria. MRD change was associated with the duration of delay; 40% of patients with delay ≥7 days had a shift to lower MRD levels compared to only 18% after a shorter delay. Patients MRD‐positive at the original but MRD‐negative at the repeat BM aspiration (n = 50) had a worse 5‐year event‐free survival than those already negative at first aspiration (n = 115) (86 ± 5% vs. 94 ± 2%; P = 0·024). We conclude that BM aspirations should be pursued as scheduled in the protocol because delayed MRD sampling at end of induction may result in false‐low MRD load and distort MRD‐based risk assessment.
Biochemical composition of urolithiasis from stone dust – a matched‐pair analysis
Authors: Ray Eleanor R. , Rumsby Gill , Smith R. Daron
Published: February 2016

Objective

To determine if the biochemical composition of a renal calculus can be measured from ‘dust’ obtained during laser fragmentation.

Patients and Methods

This pilot study was set in a tertiary referral hospital between 2011 and 2013. Stone dust was aspirated through the ureteroscope during lasering and a stone fragment also retrieved. Both samples were analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Pairs of stone (standard) and dust were compared. They were deemed to match if both were of the same pure biochemical composition or if the predominant constituent was the same in mixed compositions, as this would not alter subsequent management.

Results

Paired specimens were obtained from 97 ureteroscopies. The dust specimen was sufficient for analysis in 66/97 (68%) cases. Of these, the composition matched that of the stone in 49/66 (74%) cases. In 12/66 (18%) the biochemistry differed only in the relative proportions of each constituent, whilst 5/66 (8%) showed a complete mismatch. The overall sensitivity was 51% and specificity 97%. A limitation of the study is the small number of some stone types analysed (<5 each cystine, atazanavir, mixed uric acid/calcium oxalate).

Conclusion

We have demonstrated in this pilot study successful proof of principle. Further work is required initially to improve the number of sufficient dust specimens. This technique may offer an option when a stone cannot be retrieved ureteroscopically.
Significant reduction in positive surgical margin rate after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by application of the modified surgical margin recommendations of the 2009 International Society of Urological Pathology consensus
Authors: Maxeiner Andreas , Magheli Ahmed , Jöhrens Korinna , Kilic Ergin , Braun Tom Lukas , Kempkensteffen Carsten , Hinz Stefan , Stephan Carsten , Miller Kurt , Busch Jonas
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To verify retrospectively the margin status and analyse the location and characteristics of positive surgical margins (PSMs) in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP), by a central pathology review, based on the consensus conference 2009 updated margin criteria from the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP).

Patients and Methods

The detailed PSM characteristics of 441 patients who underwent laparoscopic RP (LRP) between 1999 and 2007 were centrally reviewed with regard to location, number, Gleason score at the PSM and tumour width. Predictors of PSMs and the impact of several PSM characteristics on clinical outcomes were examined. Patient characteristics were compared using the chi‐squared test. Differences in recurrence‐free survival (RFS) rates were analysed using the log‐rank test and presented as Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis for the prediction of RFS was performed.

Results

Central pathology review using the updated PSM definition according to ISUP 2009, resulted in reclassification of a substantial number of patients with PSMs (n = 113, 26.6%) as R0. Several PSM characteristics with a higher risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) were identified as the strongest independent predictors of RFS: pathological stage; Gleason score; and the presence of multiple PSMs (hazard ratio [HR] 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–2.96; P = 0.025). Further analysis replacing the location of PSM by the width categories of PSM showed that a PSM >3 mm was an independent predictor of RFS (HR 1.72; 95% CI 1.08–2.72; P = 0.022).

Conclusions

The impact of PSMs after LRP for prostate cancer remains unclear. PSMs in the present cohort of patients undergoing LRP had different characteristics and conferred different risks of BCR. A better understanding of PSM characteristics and a careful standardized pathological evaluation is needed to adequately counsel patients with respect to prognosis and adjuvant therapy after LRP.
Accuracy of prostate biopsies for predicting Gleason score in radical prostatectomy specimens: nationwide trends 2000–2012
Authors: Danneman Daniela , Drevin Linda , Delahunt Brett , Samaratunga Hemamali , Robinson David , Bratt Ola , Loeb Stacy , Stattin Pär , Egevad Lars
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To investigate how well the Gleason score in diagnostic needle biopsies predicted the Gleason score in a subsequent radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen before and after the 2005 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) revision of Gleason grading, and if the recently proposed ISUP grades 1–5 (corresponding to Gleason scores 6, 3 + 4, 4 + 3, 8 and 9–10) better predict the RP grade.

Patients and Methods

All prostate cancers diagnosed in Sweden are reported to the National Prostate Cancer Register (NPCR). We analysed the Gleason scores and ISUP grades from the diagnostic biopsies and the RP specimens in 15 598 men in the NPCR who: were diagnosed between 2000 and 2012 with clinical stage T1–2 M0/X prostate cancer on needle biopsy; were aged ≤70 years; had serum PSA concentration of <20 ng/mL; and underwent a RP <6 months after diagnosis as their primary treatment.

Results

Prediction of RP Gleason score increased from 55 to 68% between 2000 and 2012. Most of the increase occurred before 2005 (nine percentage points; P < 0.001); however, when adjusting for Gleason score and year of diagnosis in a multivariable analysis, the prediction of RP Gleason score decreased over time (odds ratio [OR] 0.98; P < 0.002). A change in the ISUP grades would have led to a decreasing agreement between biopsy and RP grades over time, from 68% in 2000 to 57% in 2012, with an OR of 0.95 in multivariable analysis (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Agreement between biopsy and RP Gleason score improved from 2000 to 2012, with most of the improvement occurring before the 2005 ISUP grading revision. Had ISUP grades been used instead of Gleason score, the agreement between biopsy and RP grade would have decreased, probably because of its separation of Gleason score 7 into ISUP grades 2 and 3 (Gleason score 3 + 4 vs 4 + 3).
Alpine timberline population dynamics under climate change: a comparison between Qilian juniper and Qinghai spruce tree species in the middle Qilian Mountains of northeast Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Bo , Chen Tuo , Xu Guobao , Liu Xiaohong , Wang Wenzhi , Wu Guoju , Zhang Youfu
Published: February 2016

Alpine forest population dynamics are sensitive to climate change. Response patterns are complex, and it is still unclear as to whether or not population dynamics are species‐dependent. In this study, population dynamic patterns for alpine timberline Qilian juniper and Qinghai spruce tree species in the mid Qilian Mountains were determined from approximately 1500 C.E. by applying dendrochronological methods. The results showed that these tree species have different forest population dynamics. The Qinghai spruce recruitment rate was clearly higher than that of Qilian juniper. Furthermore, the temporal population dynamic patterns of Qinghai spruce samples taken at different sites were consistent whereas those of the Qilian juniper samples were not. Qinghai spruce population dynamics were primarily affected by temperature, with positive correlations between temperature and recruitment. By contrast, with the exception of a positive to negative shift in the relationship between temperature and Qilian juniper population dynamics, Qilian juniper recruitment significantly decreased when its density reached a relatively high level. Moreover, a shift in the temperature‐recruitment relationship and a decrease in recruitment occurred simultaneously, indicating that Qilian juniper population dynamics were affected by both temperature and density. Species to species differences were also observed when compared with previous studies within the mid Qilian Mountains, confirming the existence of species‐dependent population dynamic patterns. Forest recruitment dynamic patterns and tree recruitment‐climate relationships may help to provide clues for future studies on forest management, conservation and utilization.
Diacylglycerol lipase β inhibition reverses nociceptive behaviour in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain
Authors: Wilkerson J L , Ghosh S , Bagdas D , Mason B L , Crowe M S , Hsu K L , Wise L E , Kinsey S G , Damaj M I , Cravatt B F , Lichtman A H
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose

Inhibition of diacylglycerol lipase (DGL)β prevents LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory responses in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Thus, the present study tested whether DGLβ inhibition reverses allodynic responses of mice in the LPS model of inflammatory pain, as well as in neuropathic pain models.

Experimental Approach

Initial experiments examined the cellular expression of DGLβ and inflammatory mediators within the LPS‐injected paw pad. DAGL‐β (−/−) mice or wild‐type mice treated with the DGLβ inhibitor KT109 were assessed in the LPS model of inflammatory pain. Additional studies examined the locus of action for KT109‐induced antinociception, its efficacy in chronic constrictive injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve and chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain (CINP) models.

Key Results

Intraplantar LPS evoked mechanical allodynia that was associated with increased expression of DGLβ, which was co‐localized with increased TNF‐α and prostaglandins in paws. DAGL‐β (−/−) mice or KT109‐treated wild‐type mice displayed reductions in LPS‐induced allodynia. Repeated KT109 administration prevented the expression of LPS‐induced allodynia, without evidence of tolerance. Intraplantar injection of KT109 into the LPS‐treated paw, but not the contralateral paw, reversed the allodynic responses. However, i.c.v. or i.t. administration of KT109 did not alter LPS‐induced allodynia. Finally, KT109 also reversed allodynia in the CCI and CINP models and lacked discernible side effects (e.g. gross motor deficits, anxiogenic behaviour or gastric ulcers).

Conclusions and Implications

These findings suggest that local inhibition of DGLβ at the site of inflammation represents a novel avenue to treat pathological pain, with no apparent untoward side effects.