bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring midkine: the utility of midkine as a biomarker in cancer and other diseases
Authors: Jones D R
Published: January 2014

Midkine (MK) is a pleiotropic growth factor prominently expressed during embryogenesis but down‐regulated to neglible levels in healthy adults. Many published studies have demonstrated striking MK overexpression compared with healthy controls in various pathologies, including ischaemia, inflammation, autoimmunity and, most notably, in many cancers. MK expression is detectable in biopsies of diseased, but not healthy, tissues. Significantly, because it is a soluble cytokine, elevated MK is readily apparent in the blood and other body fluids such as urine and CSF, making MK a relatively convenient, accessible, non‐invasive and inexpensive biomarker for population screening and early disease detection. The first diagnostic tests that quantify MK are just now receiving regulatory clearance and entering the clinic. This review examines the current state of knowledge pertaining to MK as a biomarker and highlights promising indications and clinical settings where measuring MK could make a difference to patient treatment. I also raise outstanding questions about reported variants of MK as well as MK's bio‐distribution in vivo. Answering these questions in future studies will enhance our understanding of the significance of measured MK levels in both patients and healthy subjects, and may reveal further opportunities for measuring MK to diagnose disease. MK has already proven to be a biomarker that can significantly improve detection, management and treatment of cancer, and there is significant promise for developing further MK‐based diagnostics in the future.

Linked Article

This article is part of a recent themed section on Midkine, published in volume 171 issue 4. To view the other articles in this section visit
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐4
Menthol enhances phasic and tonic GABAA receptor‐mediated currents in midbrain periaqueductal grey neurons
Authors: Lau Benjamin K , Karim Shafinaz , Goodchild Ann K , Vaughan Christopher W , Drew Geoffrey M
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose

Menthol, a naturally occurring compound in the essential oil of mint leaves, is used for its medicinal, sensory and fragrant properties. Menthol acts via transient receptor potential (TRPM8 and TRPA1) channels and as a positive allosteric modulator of recombinant GABAA receptors. Here, we examined the actions of menthol on GABAA receptor‐mediated currents in intact midbrain slices.

Experimental Approach

Whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recordings were made from periaqueductal grey (PAG) neurons in midbrain slices from rats to determine the effects of menthol on GABAA receptor‐mediated phasic IPSCs and tonic currents.

Key Results

Menthol (150–750 μM) produced a concentration‐dependent prolongation of spontaneous GABAA receptor‐mediated IPSCs, but not non‐NMDA receptor‐mediated EPSCs throughout the PAG. Menthol actions were unaffected by TRPM8 and TRPA1 antagonists, tetrodotoxin and the benzodiazepine antagonist, flumazenil. Menthol also enhanced a tonic current, which was sensitive to the GABAA receptor antagonists, picrotoxin (100 μM), bicuculline (30 μM) and Zn2+ (100 μM), but unaffected by gabazine (10 μM) and a GABAC receptor antagonist, 1,2,5,6‐tetrahydropyridin‐4‐yl)methylphosphinic acid hydrate (TPMPA; 50 μM). In addition, menthol potentiated currents induced by the extrasynaptic GABAA receptor agonist THIP/gaboxadol (10 μM).

Conclusions and Implications

These results suggest that menthol positively modulates both synaptic and extrasynaptic populations of GABAA receptors in native PAG neurons. The development of agents that potentiate GABAA‐mediated tonic currents and phasic IPSCs in a manner similar to menthol could provide a basis for novel GABAA‐related pharmacotherapies.
Self‐reported behaviour problems and sibling relationship quality by siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hastings R. P. , Petalas M. A.
Published: January 2014

Background

There are few published research studies in which siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) provide self‐reports about their own behavioural and emotional problems and their sibling relationships. Reliance on parent reports may lead to incomplete conclusions about the experiences of siblings themselves.

Methods

Siblings 7–17 years and their mothers from 94 families of children with ASD were recruited. Mothers reported on family demographics, the behavioural and emotional problems of their child with ASD, and on their own symptoms of depression. Siblings reported on their relationship with their brother or sister with ASD, and siblings 11+ years of age also self‐reported on their behavioural and emotional problems.

Results

Compared with normative British data, siblings reported very slightly elevated levels of behavioural and emotional problems. However, none of the mean differences were statistically significant and all group differences were associated with small or very small effect sizes – the largest being for peer problems (effect size = 0.31). Regression analysis was used to explore family systems relationships, with sibling self‐reports predicted by the behaviour problems scores for the child with ASD and by maternal depression. Maternal depression did not emerge as a predictor of siblings' self‐reported sibling relationships or their behavioural and emotional problems. Higher levels of behaviour problems in the child with ASD predicted decreased warmth/closeness and increased conflict in the sibling relationship.

Conclusions

These data support the general findings of recent research in that there was little indication of clinically meaningful elevations in behavioural and emotional problems in siblings of children with ASD. Although further research replication is required, there was some indication that sibling relationships may be at risk where the child with ASD has significant behaviour problems.
Alterations in immune cell subsets and their cytokine secretion profile in childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Authors: Talaat R M , Elmaghraby A M , Barakat S S , EL-Shahat M
Published: January 2014

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is acquired autoimmune disease in children characterized by the breakdown of immune tolerance. This work is designed to explore the contribution of different lymphocyte subsets in acute and chronic ITP children. Imbalance in the T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2 cytokine secretion profile was investigated. The frequency of T (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) and B (CD19+) lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) (CD16+56+) and regulatory T (Treg) [CD4+CD25+highforkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+] cells was investigated by flow cytometry in 35 ITP children (15 acute and 20 chronic) and 10 healthy controls. Plasma levels of Th1 cytokines [interferon (IFN-γ) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α)] and Th2 [interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6 and IL-10)] cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The percentage of Treg (P < 0·001) and natural killer (NK) (P < 0·001) cells were significantly decreased in ITP patients compared to healthy controls. A negative correlation was reported between the percentage of Treg cells and development of acute (r = −0·737; P < 0·01) and chronic (r = −0·515; P < 0·01) disease. All evaluated cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10) were elevated significantly in ITP patients (P < 0·001, P < 0·05, P < 0·05, P < 0·05 and P < 0·001, respectively) compared to controls. In conclusion, our data shed some light on the fundamental role of immune cells and their related cytokines in ITP patients. The loss of tolerance in ITP may contribute to the dysfunction of Tregs. Understanding the role of T cell subsets will permit a better control of autoimmunity through manipulation of their cytokine network.
Anti‐proliferative and apoptotic activities of constituents of chloroform extract of Juglans regia leaves
Authors: Salimi M. , Ardestaniyan M. H. , Mostafapour Kandelous H. , Saeidnia S. , Gohari A. R. , Amanzadeh A. , Sanati H. , Sepahdar Z. , Ghorbani S. , Salimi M.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To evaluate anti‐proliferative as well as apoptotic activities of compounds identified in chloroform extract of Juglans regia leaves, on human breast and oral cancer cell lines (MCF‐7 and BHY).

Materials and methods

Column chromatography, MTT assay, flowcytometry and western blotting have all been used in the study.

Results

Bioassay‐guided fractionation of chloroform extract of J. regia afforded isolation of 5‐hydroxy‐3,7,4′‐trimethoxyflavone [1], lupeol [2], daucosterol [3], 4‐hydroxy‐α‐tetralone [4], β‐sitosterol [5], 5,7‐ dihydroxy‐3,4′‐dimethoxyflavone [6] and regiolone [7]. Structures of the compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic analyses [Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass]. All compounds inhibited proliferation of MCF‐7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) and BHY (human oral squamous carcinoma) cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. Compounds 6 and 7 had potent cytotoxic effects on both MCF‐7 and BHY cells (IC50 21–51 μm), yet were not toxic to normal cells. MCF‐7 growth inhibition was attributed to apoptosis; population of apoptotic cells increased from 1.12% in controls to 5.64 and 8.1% after 48‐h treatment with compounds 6 and 7, indicating their potential at inducing early and late apoptosis. The caspase cascade was not activated, as indicated by only insignificant cleavage of caspase‐3.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that compounds 6 and 7 can induce apoptosis in MCF‐7 cells through the caspase‐3 independent pathway.
The prognostic value of metformin for cancer patients with concurrent diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Z.‐J. , Li S.
Published: January 2014

Aim

Emerging evidence from epidemiologic studies and basic science suggests a potential antitumour effect of metformin. However, whether metformin improves survival in cancer patients remains inconclusive.

Methods

A literature search was performed using the PubMed, EMbase and SciVerse Scopus databases. Pooled effect estimates were derived using a random‐effects meta‐analysis model.

Results

Of the 28 studies retrieved, the pooled effect estimates showed that metformin was associated with lower risk of all‐cause mortality in cancer patients with concurrent diabetes, particularly for breast [pooled relative risk (RR) 0.70, 95% CI 0.55, 0.88; p = 0.003], colorectal (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.59, 0.84; p < 0.001), ovarian (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.30, 0.64; p < 0.001) and endometrial cancer (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.32, 0.73; p = 0.001). In addition, metformin was associated with lower risks of cancer‐specific mortality.

Conclusions

The findings of this study support the hypothesis that metformin improves the survival for cancer patients with concurrent diabetes, particularly for breast, colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. Further investigation is warranted.
Long‐term effect of an educational intervention regarding dental trauma first aid: a phase II study
Authors: Raoof Maryam , Shokouhinejad Noushin , Izadi Arash , Nourzadeh Mahdieh , Afkham Arash , Forghani Farshid‐Reza , Tavallaie Morteza , Mohammadalizadeh Sakineh
Published: January 2014

Aim

Interventions that improve knowledge about emergency management of traumatic dental injuries may be a good way to achieve a more favorable prognosis in such situations. We set out to evaluate the short‐ and long‐term effects of combined educational interventions on health teachers, including lecture presentation, question‐and‐answer sessions, and informational posters to promote awareness regarding emergency measures for traumatized teeth. Assessment was performed using a three‐part questionnaire, including demographic data, knowledge, and self‐assessment. Using a census sampling method, 52 health teachers of 68 potential candidates participated in the study. The questionnaires of 38 teachers who participated at all three intervals, including before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 36 months after (T2) the intervention, were analyzed. Statistical analysis involved Cochrane and McNemar's tests. Totally, results revealed an increase in knowledge from T0 to T1 and T2 intervals (P < 0.017). This study shows the positive effect of educational campaigns and, therefore, serves to encourage professionals to embark on innovative educational programs in this field.
Complete and long‐lasting cytologic and molecular remission of FIP1L1‐PDGFRA‐positive acute eosinophil myeloid leukaemia, treated with low‐dose imatinib monotherapy
Authors: Barraco Daniela , Carobolante Francesca , Candoni Anna , Simeone Erica , Piccaluga Pierpaolo , Tabanelli Valentina , Fanin Renato
Published: January 2014

Myeloproliferative neoplasms associated with FIP1L1‐PDGFR rearrangements represent a rare subset of myeloid and lymphoid malignancies, characterised by the presence of eosinophilia and abnormalities of PDGFRA, PDGFRB or FGFR1 genes. The fusion product of such genes is a tyrosine kinase oncoprotein sensitive to imatinib, which to date results to be the standard of care for FIP1L1‐PDGFRA‐positive chronic myeloproliferative disorders with eosinophilia. However, the coexistence of FIP1L1‐PDGFRA rearrangement associated with acute myeloid leukaemia is extremely rare. Here, we report a rare case of FIP1L1‐PDGFRA‐positive acute myeloid leukaemia, with marked peripheral blood and bone marrow eosinophilia, treated with low dose of imatinib monotherapy, achieving a rapid and long‐lasting complete cytologic and molecular remission, without need for intensive chemotherapy.
Brain γ‐aminobutyric acid: a neglected role in impulsivity
Authors: Hayes Dave J. , Jupp Bianca , Sawiak Steve J. , Merlo Emiliano , Caprioli Daniele , Dalley Jeffrey W.
Published: January 2014

The investigation of impulsivity as a core marker of several major neuropsychiatric disorders has been greatly influenced by the therapeutic efficacy of drugs that block the reuptake of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. As a result, research into the neural mechanisms of impulsivity has focused on the catecholamine systems as the loci responsible for the expression of impulsive behaviour and the primary mechanism of action of clinically effective drugs for attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, abnormalities in the catecholamine systems alone are unlikely to account for the full diversity and complexity of impulsivity subtypes, nor can they fully explain co‐morbid brain disorders such as drug addiction. Here we review the lesser‐studied role of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in impulsivity, a major target of the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems in the prefrontal cortex and striatum, and consider how abnormalities in this inhibitory neurotransmitter might contribute to several forms of impulsive behaviour in humans and experimental animals. Our analysis reveals several promising leads for future research that may help inform the development of new therapies for disorders of impulse control.
‘[I would like] a place to be alone, other than the toilet’ – Children's perspectives on paediatric hospital care in the Netherlands
Authors: Schalkers Inge , Dedding Christine W. M. , Bunders Joske F. G.
Published: January 2014

Background

Although it is widely recognized that children are willing, capable and legally entitled to be active participants in their health care, parents are generally invited to evaluate paediatric hospital care and services rather than children themselves. This is problematic because parents cannot serve as the only spokespersons for the perspectives and experiences of children.

Objective

To investigate children's experiences with and perspectives on the quality of hospital care and services in the Netherlands, and how they think care and services could be improved.

Design

A qualitative study incorporating different participatory data collection methods, including photovoice and children writing a letter to the chief executive of the hospital.

Setting

Paediatric departments of eight hospitals in the Netherlands (two teaching and six regional).

Participants

Children and adolescents (n = 63) with either acute or chronic disorders, aged between 6 and 18 years.

Results

The research results provide insights into children's health and social well‐being in hospitals. Important aspects of health, like being able to sleep well and nutrition that fits children's preferences, are structurally being neglected.

Conclusion

The participatory approach brought children's ideas ‘alive’ and generated concrete areas for improvement that stimulated hospitals to take action. This demonstrates that participatory methods are not merely tools to gather children's views but can serve as vehicles for creating health‐care services that more closely meet children's own needs and wishes.
‘Marginal’ Crime: The Example of Blackmail in Representing Evolving Crime Narratives
Authors: Peelo Moira , Soothill Keith
Published: January 2014

Newspaper representation of blackmail cases from over half a century (1960–2009) is used to illustrate ‘marginal’ crime reporting in an era of social change: we asked how such crimes fare in attracting public attention and what meanings they represent during a period of politicised, public and criminological narratives of crime and disorder. ‘Marginal’ crimes sit at the edges of crime narratives and at the boundaries of criminology, yet the example of blackmail indicates wider social concerns. A macro analysis of 252 cases showed a steady public profile with six major categories of blackmail reported. At a micro level, only 33 cases achieved sustained reporting, deriving meaning from current social anxiety; acted normatively – defining current group values; or were one of a palette of charges brought against individuals.
Interactions between larvae of the threatened saproxylic beetle Osmoderma eremita and other flower chafers in Mediterranean woodlands: implications for conservation
Authors: Chiari Stefano , Zauli Agnese , Audisio Paolo , Carpaneto Giuseppe M.
Published: January 2014

Interactions between larvae of one of the most charismatic and threatened saproxylic beetles, Osmoderma eremita (Scopoli, 1763), and other flower chafer species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) were investigated by taking samples of wood mould, i.e. loose material inside the cavity, from 151 living hollow trees in two Mediterranean woodlands during August 2010.

Multi‐species occupancy models estimate low occupancy probabilities for both O. eremita (ψ ± SE = 0.36 ± 0.13) and other flower chafer species (0.42 ± 0.06), which showed similar microhabitat requirements without competing.

In cavities where larvae of both groups were present, the probability of detecting O. eremita during the sieving of 2 l of wood mould was not affected by whether larvae of other flower chafers occur in the same sample and vice versa.

Unexpectedly, larvae of O. eremita were detected with a higher probability when larvae of other flower chafers occurred in the cavity.

Model selection statistics strongly support that increasing the sampled volume of wood mould increases the probability of detecting larvae, especially for O. eremita.

Wood mould sampling resulted in a reliable method for detecting the presence of O. eremita larvae, but further studies are needed to investigate the potential damage caused by this procedure in the fragile microhabitat of tree cavities.

To preserve populations of O. eremita and other flower chafers, management actions should be focused on increasing the density of hollow trees and the volume of tree cavities by favouring the natural ageing of trees and by creating artificial habitats in living trees.
Ethnicity, body shape differences and female consumers' apparel fit problems
Authors: Makhanya Bukisile P. , de Klerk Helena M. , Adamski Karien , Mastamet‐Mason Anne
Published: January 2014

This research compared body shapes, measurements, ratios and fit problems of 234 African (109) and Caucasian (125) women. A three‐dimensional (3D) full‐body scanner generated virtual body images from which circumferential, width, protrusion and height measurements were extracted. Thereafter, circumferential and height ratios were computed. Drop values of key circumferential measurements were used to classify participants' bodies that were later visually confirmed and adopted. Results revealed that triangle, hourglass and rectangle were the three most predominant shapes among African and Caucasian women. There was a significant association between the three most predominant body shapes and ethnicity. There were significant differences in some body measurements and ratios, most of which were observed between African and Caucasian triangle as well as some of the other body shapes and the Caucasian hourglass used in the apparel industry. The differences especially between Caucasian hourglass and the other body shapes may be resulting in the persistent fit problems reported by some of the predominant body shapes at some of the selected body parts. This study therefore concluded that multicultural markets need to identify characteristics of all prevalent shapes within a population in order to minimize apparel fit problems.
Prognostic value of 1p deletion for multiple myeloma: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Ouyang J. , Gou X. , Ma Y. , Huang Q. , Jiang T.
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Previous studies have indicated that a deletion on the short arm of chromosome 1 negatively predicts survival in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Due to the small sample size in each study, we performed this meta‐analysis to comprehensively investigate the association between the 1p deletion and survival in patients with MM.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in both foreign and Chinese databases, including SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) in 11 eligible articles were extracted or calculated to analyze the pooled HR, which was estimated by fixed‐effect or random‐effect models based on the heterogeneity between included articles. A subgroup analysis and a meta‐regression were conducted, and Galbraith plots were generated to examine any possible heterogeneity.

Results

The HRs for OS were available in nine articles, whereas five articles discussed HRs for PFS. The HR with 95%CI was 1.989 (95%CI 1.522–2.600, P = 0.017, I2 = 57.1%) when comparing the OS of patients with 1p deletion with the OS of those without this deletion. For PFS, 1p deletion still predicted a poor prognosis (HR 2.11, 95%CI 1.54–2.88, P = 0.292, I2 = 19.3%). Moreover, the subgroup analysis suggested that either the deleted gene on 1p or techniques for detecting chromosome abnormalities contributed to the heterogeneity, which was partially consistent with the results derived from a meta‐regression analysis and the Galbraith plot method.

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis provides globally quantifiable confirmation of the adverse prognostic role of 1p deletion in OS and PFS for patients with MM.
Dental hospitalization trends in Western Australian children under the age of 15 years: a decade of population‐based study
Authors: Alsharif Alla T. , Kruger Estie , Tennant Marc
Published: January 2014

Background and Aim

This study analyzed a decade of dental admission patterns in Western Australian children under the age of 15 years, examining associations with sociodemographic characteristics and with particular focus on dental decay and Indigenous children.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed the data obtained for 43,937 child patients under the age of 15 years hospitalized for an oral‐health‐related condition, as determined by principal diagnosis (ICD‐10AM). Primary place of residency, age, gender, insurance status and Indigenous status were also analyzed.

Results

‘Dental caries’ and ‘embedded and impacted teeth’ were the most common reasons for hospitalization among children under the age of 15 years. ‘Dental caries’ were most common in non‐Indigenous patients, with ‘pulp and periapical’ most prevalent in Indigenous patients. The age‐standardized rate (ASR) of hospitalization for Indigenous children in the last decade increased to reach that of non‐Indigenous children in 2009. Total DRG costs of hospitalization, both public and private, were in excess of AUS $92 million over 10 years.

Conclusions

This study indicates the burden of oral‐health‐related conditions on Western Australian children and the hospital system, in terms of health and economical impact.
An application of genetic algorithm to a bidding problem in electricity markets
Authors: Fampa M. , Pimentel W.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we present the problem of strategic bidding under uncertainty in a wholesale energy market, where the economic remuneration of each electricity generator depends on the ability of its own management to submit price and quantity bids. This stochastic problem is highly nonconvex, and due to its difficulty there has been an intensive search for efficient algorithms to solve it. We present a bilevel formulation for the problem and propose a genetic algorithm for its solution, where the individual of the population represents the choice of the upper‐level decision maker. For each individual, the linear programming formulation of the lower level problem is considered and its exact optimum solution is obtained in a very efficient way. Numerical experiments with instances of configurations derived from the Brazilian power system demonstrate the quality of the results obtained by the proposed algorithm. An analysis of the results is also presented for a case study comparing strategic bids to cost‐based bids.
Accumulation of Amikacin in Synovial Fluid After Regional Limb Perfusion of Amikacin Sulfate Alone and in Combination With Ticarcillin/Clavulanate in Horses
Authors: Zantingh Alanna J. , Schwark Wayne S. , Fubini Susan L. , Watts Ashlee E.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To determine the effect of regional limb perfusion (RLP) with amikacin sulfate alone and in combination with ticarcillin/clavulanate on synovial fluid concentration and antimicrobial activity of amikacin.

Sample Population

Experimental study.

Methods

RLP with amikacin alone (A; 2.5 g) or amikacin and ticarcillin/clavulanate (AT; 2.5 g amikacin, 7 g ticarcillin/clavulanate) was performed with a tourniquet placed at mid‐antebrachium in standing, sedated horses. Perfusate blood was collected immediately after injection and again before tourniquet release. Blood from the jugular vein was collected before tourniquet release. Synovial fluid from the middle carpal joint was collected 0, 30, and 60 minutes after tourniquet release. Amikacin concentration and antimicrobial activity of synovial fluid against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were determined.

Results

There was significantly lower amikacin concentration in the middle carpal joint synovial fluid of group AT compared with group A at 30 minutes (AT = median 4.4 µg/mL, IQR 3.0–11.2 µg/mL; A = 17.5 µg/mL, 6.6–80.1 µg/mL) and 60 minutes (AT = median 4.6 µg/mL, IQR 3.1–8.1 µg/mL; A = 15.0 µg/mL, 6.7–61.7 µg/mL) after tourniquet release. Zones of inhibition for ticarcillin‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae from group AT were significantly smaller than group A from synovial fluid at 30 and 60 minutes after tourniquet release and in the perfusate serum before tourniquet release.

Conclusions

The combination of amikacin with ticarcillin/clavulanate during RLP resulted in significantly lower amikacin synovial concentration and antimicrobial activity on amikacin susceptible and ticarcillin resistant cultures compared with amikacin alone.
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus in a Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)
Authors: Neilsen Colleen , Mans Christoph , Colopy Sara A.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To describe the successful management of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) in a red panda.

Study Design

Clinical report.

Animals

Red panda diagnosed with GDV.

Results

A 12‐year‐old male red panda (Ailurus fulgens) was evaluated for acute onset inappetence, staggering, collapse, and tachypnea. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) was diagnosed by radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, and exploratory celiotomy. Torsion of the stomach was corrected and an incisional gastropexy performed to prevent recurrence. No organs were devitalized, no other abnormalities detected, and the red panda recovered fully within 72 hours.

Conclusions

GDV should be considered as a differential diagnosis for red pandas presenting with acute onset of unspecific signs such as collapse, inappetence, and abdominal distension. GDV in red pandas can be diagnosed and successfully treated as described in dogs.
Effect of Ulnar Ostectomy on Intra‐Articular Pressure Mapping and Contact Mechanics of the Congruent and Incongruent Canine Elbow Ex Vivo
Authors: Krotscheck Ursula , Kalafut Sarah , Meloni Gregory , Thompson Margret S. , Todhunter Rory J. , Mohammed Hussni O. , van der Meulen Marjolein C.H.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To determine (1) the effect of elbow incongruity on contact mechanics and (2) the effect of treatment of this incongruity with 1 of 2 ulnar ostectomies in the canine elbow.

Study Design

Ex vivo biomechanical study.

Sample Population

Unpaired cadaveric canine forelimbs (n = 17).

Methods

In a servohydraulic testing frame, thin‐film pressure sensors were placed into the lateral and medial compartments of the elbow. Specimens were tested in 135° of elbow joint flexion at 200 N of cyclic axial force, followed by a 20 seconds hold. Intra‐articular contact area (CA), mean contact pressure (mCP) and peak contact pressure (pCP) were measured in each compartment. After radial shortening, testing was repeated and limbs randomized into proximal ulnar ostectomy with IM pin (PUO) or sequential distal ulnar ostectomy (DUO), interosseous ligament release (DUO‐L), and ulnar attachment of the abductor pollicis longus muscle and interosseous membrane release (DUO‐ML). Paired t‐tests were used to compare each treatment to baseline values. Differences between treatment groups were evaluated with a mixed model with random effect to adjust for the clustering of limbs within dog. P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

Radial shortening resulted in shift of mCP and pCP from the lateral to the medial compartment. The PUO group resulted in normalization of medial compartment mCP and decrease of pCP, whereas in the DUO group return to baseline was achieved only after DUO‐ML.

Conclusion

PUO is effective in unloading medial compartment pCP in an incongruent joint.
Comparison of Tensile Strength and Early Healing of Acute Repeat Celiotomy Through a Ventral Median or a Right Ventral Paramedian Approach
Authors: Boone Lindsey Helms , Epstein Kira , Cremer Jeanette , Rogers Andrew , Foutz Tim , Quandt Jane , Howerth Elizabeth , Mueller P.O. Eric
Published: January 2014

Objective

To compare tensile strength, failure location, and histologic features after acute repeat celiotomy through a ventral median (RVM) or a right ventral paramedian (RVP) celiotomy in horses.

Study Design

Ex vivoexperimental study.

Animals

Adult horses (N = 18).

Methods

Twelve adult horses had original ventral median (OVM) celiotomy. Repeat celiotomy was performed 72 hours postoperatively through the original ventral median (RVM, N = 6) or a RVP (N = 6) celiotomy. Celiotomies were scored daily for edema, drainage, and dehiscence. Fourteen days after repeat celiotomy, horses were euthanatized and abdominal wall containing celiotomy(ies) were collected for biomechanical and histological evaluation. The abdominal wall of control horses (N = 6; no celiotomy) was collected for biomechanical testing. Vital sign variables, incisional edema, and histologic scores were compared using a Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Incisional fibrotic depth and tensile strength per unit length (N/cm) was compared using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

RVM and RVP horses had significantly less tensile strength compared to control horses, but no differences were observed between RVM and RVP horses. No differences in healing, inflammation, infection, or necrosis of repeat celiotomies was observed, but RVP horses accumulated more fibrin and hemorrhage within the incision. RVP horses had significantly greater incisional edema scores, but incisional drainage was more frequent in RVM horses.

Conclusions

Acute repeat celiotomy through a RVM incision results in similar incisional healing and tensile strength compared with repeat celiotomy through a RVP incision.
Communication of stereotypes in the classroom: biased language use of German and Turkish adolescents
Authors: Schoel Christiane , Roessel Janin , Jacobsen Anja , Stahlberg Dagmar
Published: January 2014

Little is known about the linguistic transmission and maintenance of mutual stereotypes in interethnic contexts. This field study, therefore, investigated the linguistic expectancy bias (LEB) and the linguistic intergroup bias (LIB) among German and Turkish adolescents (13 to 20 years) in the school context. The LEB refers to the general phenomenon of describing stereotypes more abstractly. The LIB is the tendency to use language abstraction for in‐group protective reasons. Results revealed an unmoderated LEB, whereas the LIB only occurred when foreigners were in the numerical majority, the classroom composition was perceived as a learning disadvantage, or the interethnic conflict frequency was high. These findings provide first evidence for the use of both LEB and LIB in an interethnic classroom setting.
Lay beliefs about the causes of and solutions to dehumanization and prejudice: do nonexperts recognize the role of human–animal relations?
Authors: Costello Kimberly , Hodson Gordon
Published: January 2014

We investigate laypeople's beliefs about the causes of and solutions to out‐group dehumanization and prejudice. Specifically, we examine whether nonexperts recognize the role that beliefs in the human–animal divide play in the formation and reduction of intergroup biases, as observed empirically in the interspecies model of prejudice. Interestingly, despite evidence in the present study that human–animal divide beliefs predict greater dehumanization and prejudice, participants strongly rejected the human–animal divide as a probable cause of (or solution to) dehumanization or prejudice. We conclude with a meta‐analytic test of the relation between human–animal divide and prejudice (mean r = .34) in the literature, establishing the human–animal divide as an important but largely unrecognized prejudice precursor. Applied implications for the development and implementation of prejudice interventions are considered.
Changing prejudiced attitudes by thinking about persuasive messages: implications for resistance
Authors: Cárdaba Miguel A. M. , Briñol Pablo , Horcajo Javier , Petty Richard E.
Published: January 2014

This research showed that changing attitudes toward stigmatized groups can result from both the simple processes that require little thinking and the traditional elaborative forms of persuasion that require high thinking processes. Importantly, even when the obtained attitude change was equivalent for situations in which there was high and low message elaboration, the changes produced in high thinking conditions were found to be more resistant to further attacks than equivalent changes produced by less thoughtful mechanisms. Not only were those attitudes more resistant as measured objectively (Study 1) but participants also perceived their attitudes to be subjectively more resistant (Study 2). These studies suggest that examining the processes by which prejudice is changed can be important for understanding the consequences and long‐term implications of treatments and campaigns oriented to changing attitudes toward stigmatized groups.
Mitochondrial phylogeography of the European wild boar: the effect of climate on genetic diversity and spatial lineage sorting across Europe
Authors: Vilaça Sibelle T. , Biosa Daniela , Zachos Frank , Iacolina Laura , Kirschning Julia , Alves Paulo C. , Paule Ladislav , Gortazar Christian , Mamuris Zizzis , Jędrzejewska Bogumiła , Borowik Tomasz , Sidorovich Vadim E. , Kusak Josip , Costa Stefano , Schley Laurent , Hartl Günther B. , Apollonio Marco , Bertorelle Giorgio , Scandura Massimo
Published: January 2014

Aim

Climate changes in the past had a deep impact on the evolutionary history of many species and left genetic signatures that are often still detectable today. We investigated the geographical pattern of mitochondrial DNA diversity in the European wild boar (Sus scrofa). Our final aims were to clarify the influence of present and past climatic conditions, infer the geographical position of glacial refugia, and suggest post‐glacial spatial dynamics.

Location

Europe.

Methods

D‐loop sequences were obtained for 763 individuals from Portugal to western Russia. Phylogenetic, multivariate and interpolation methods were used to describe the genetic and geographical patterns. Climatic suitability during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was predicted using MaxEnt. The effect of present and past suitability on the observed patterns of diversity was evaluated by multiple linear regression.

Results

We confirmed the existence of a ubiquitous mitochondrial clade in Europe (E1), an endemic clade in Italy (E2) and a few East Asian haplotypes (A), presumably introgressed from domestic pigs. No Near Eastern haplotypes were detected. Genetic divergence was not simply related to geographical distance. A clear south–north decreasing gradient of diversity was observed, with maximum levels in putative glacial refugia. Latitudinal variation in climatic conditions during the LGM was shown to be a good predictor of current genetic diversity. Moreover, an unexpected similarity between Iberia and eastern Europe was observed, while central European populations showed a higher affinity to the Italian gene pool.

Main conclusions

The current distribution of mitochondrial genetic diversity was highly influenced by past climatic events, especially those related to the LGM, and is consistent with a major contribution of the Italian peninsula and the Balkans to the post‐glacial recolonization of northern areas. More recent processes, such as restocking and extensive hunting, probably acted at rather local scales, without great impact on the global pattern of mitochondrial diversity.
Potential disease interaction reinforced: double‐virus‐infected escaped farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., recaptured in a nearby river
Authors: Madhun A S , Karlsbakk E , Isachsen C H , Omdal L M , Eide Sørvik A G , Skaala Ø , Barlaup B T , Glover K A
Published: January 2014

The role of escaped farmed salmon in spreading infectious agents from aquaculture to wild salmonid populations is largely unknown. This is a case study of potential disease interaction between escaped farmed and wild fish populations. In summer 2012, significant numbers of farmed Atlantic salmon were captured in the Hardangerfjord and in a local river. Genetic analyses of 59 of the escaped salmon and samples collected from six local salmon farms pointed out the most likely source farm, but two other farms had an overlapping genetic profile. The escapees were also analysed for three viruses that are prevalent in fish farming in Norway. Almost all the escaped salmon were infected with salmon alphavirus (SAV) and piscine reovirus (PRV). To use the infection profile to assist genetic methods in identifying the likely farm of origin, samples from the farms were also tested for these viruses. However, in the current case, all the three farms had an infection profile that was similar to that of the escapees. We have shown that double‐virus‐infected escaped salmon ascend a river close to the likely source farms, reinforcing the potential for spread of viruses to wild salmonids.
Pathways to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hardy J. , Bogdanovic N. , Winblad B. , Portelius E. , Andreasen N. , Cedazo‐Minguez A. , Zetterberg H.
Published: January 2014

Recent trials of anti‐amyloid agents have not produced convincing improvements in clinical outcome in Alzheimer's disease; however, the reason for these poor or inconclusive results remains unclear. Recent genetic data continue to support the amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease with protective variants being found in the amyloid gene and both common low‐risk and rare high‐risk variants for disease being discovered in genes that are part of the amyloid response pathways. These data support the view that genetic variability in how the brain responds to amyloid deposition is a potential therapeutic target for the disease, and are consistent with the notion that anti‐amyloid therapies should be initiated early in the disease process.
Phaeoacremonium spp. and Botryosphaeriaceae spp. Associated with Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Decline in Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Hamid
Published: January 2014

During spring and summer of 2011, a survey was undertaken on some palm groves in the Kerman province (south‐eastern Iran) to determine the fungal pathogens associated with date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) decline diseases. Samples were taken from date palm trees showing yellowing, wilting and dieback symptoms. Isolations were made from symptomatic tissues on malt extract agar (MEA) supplemented with 100 mg/l streptomycin sulphate (MEAS). Two species of Phaeoacremonium, Phaeoacremonium aleophilum and Pm. parasiticum, and two species of Botryosphaeriaceae, Botryosphaeria dothidea andDiplodia mutila, were isolated from affected trees and identified on the basis of morphological, cultural and molecular characteristics. Pathogenicity tests were performed on date palm (4‐year‐old potted plants) under greenhouse conditions. Based on the pathogenicity tests, Pm. aleophilum was the most virulent and caused the longest lesions. This is the first report of Pm. aleophilum and B. dothidea and their pathogenicity on date palm tree.
Microbial and chemical composition of liquid‐associated bacteria in goats' rumen and fermenters
Authors: Abecia L. , Soto E. C. , Ramos‐Morales E. , Molina‐Alcaide E.
Published: January 2014

This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between chemical composition and microbial profile of rumen liquid‐associated bacteria (LAB) in vivo (Murciano‐Granadina goats) and in a rumen simulation system (single‐flow continuous‐culture fermenters). To achieve this aim, analyses of purine bases along with some molecular techniques (quantitative PCR to assess abundance and DGGE to identify biodiversity and bacterial profile) were carried out. A control diet (AHC) based on alfalfa hay (AH) and concentrate (C) in a 1:1 ratio and two experimental diets (AHCBI and AHCBII), in which concentrate was partially replaced with multinutrient blocks, were used. Diets AHCBI and AHCBII included multinutrient blocks differing in the relative amount of two‐stage olive cake and the source of protein (sunflower meal vs. fava beans). We aimed to investigate the effect of these blocks on rumen microbiota to evaluate their potential as safe substitutes of cereal‐based concentrates. Similar patterns of response to diet were found for chemical composition, microbial abundances and diversity in LAB isolated from goat's rumen and fermenters. Whereas bacterial density (log10 gene copies/g FM: 11.6 and 9.4 for bacteria and methanogens, respectively, in rumen) and diversity indexes (Shannon index: 3.6) were not affected by diet, DGGE analyses showed that bacterial community profile was affected. The cluster analysis suggested differences in bacterial profile between LAB pellets isolated from the rumen of goat and fermenters. A relationship between chemical composition and bacterial community composition in LAB pellets seems to exist. Changes in the former were reflected in the bacterial community profile. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between chemical and microbial composition of ruminal bacterial pellets with diets of different quality.
Responses to betaine and inorganic sulphur of sheep in growth performance and fibre growth
Authors: Nezamidoust M. , Alikhani M. , Ghorbani G. R. , Edriss M. A.
Published: January 2014

Sulphur‐containing amino acids (SAA) are essential and usually the first limiting amino acids for growth, milk and wool production. The keratin fibre that grows from epidermal tissue is rich in SAA. The rate of fibre growth and its S content are influenced by the availability of SAA. Betaine is a dietary source for a labile methyl group and actively participates in methionine metabolism by donating methyl groups for the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Ruminants are capable of synthesizing SAA from inorganic S sources, and most bacteria in the rumen can use inorganic S to meet their requirements for growth. The objective of this study was to examine whether betaine and an inorganic sulphur supplement could provide methyl groups and sulphur amino acids in a way that growth performance and wool production of ewes and lambs are improved. Treatments performed included betaine supplementation, sulphate supplementation and betaine plus sulphate supplementation with five replications for each treatment. The dry matter intake of the ewes was affected by betaine plus sulphate supplementation (p < 0.05). In the ewes, betaine plus sulphate supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the wool growth rate, wool yield, staple length and wool sulphur concentration, while decreasing wool wax and wool yellowness (p < 0.05). In the lambs, wool growth rate, wool yield, fibre diameter, staple length, staple strength, wool sulphur concentration, wool wax and fibre percentage did not differ (p > 0.05) between treatments. In the ewes, plasma methionine concentration increased (p < 0.05) with betaine plus sulphate treatment. No corresponding difference (p > 0.05) was observed in plasma methionine concentration in the lambs. It can be concluded that betaine plus sulphate supplementation has the potential to change wool characteristics in the ewes, while these compounds were without any effect on growth and wool production of the lambs. Combining the two supplements was advantageous.
TRANSFORMED POLYNOMIALS FOR NONLINEAR AUTOREGRESSIVE MODELS OF THE CONDITIONAL MEAN
Authors: Blasques Francisco
Published: January 2014

This article proposes a flexible set of transformed polynomial functions for modelling the conditional mean of autoregressive processes. These functions enjoy the same approximation theoretic properties of polynomials and, at the same time, ensure that the process is strictly stationary, is ergodic, has fading memory and has bounded unconditional moments. The consistency and asymptotic normality of the least‐squares estimator is easily obtained as a result. A Monte Carlo study provides evidence of good finite sample properties. Applications in empirical time‐series modelling, structural economics and structural engineering problems show the usefulness of transformed polynomials in a wide range of settings.