bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of feeding fatty acid calcium and the interaction of forage quality on production performance and biochemical indexes in early lactation cow
Authors: Hu Z. Y. , Yin Z. Y. , Lin X. Y. , Yan Z. G. , Wang Z. H.
Published: March 2015

Multiparous early lactation Holstein cows (n = 16) were used in a randomized complete block design to determine the effects of feeding fatty acid calcium and the interaction of forage quality on production performance and biochemical indexes in early lactation cow. Treatments were as follows: (i) feeding low‐quality forage without supplying fatty acid calcium (Diet A), (ii) feeding low‐quality forage with supplying 400 g fatty acid calcium (Diet B), (iii) feeding high‐quality forage without supplying fatty acid calcium (Diet C) and (iv) feeding high‐quality forage with supplying 400 g fatty acid calcium. This experiment consisted 30 days. The milk and blood samples were collected in the last day of the trail. Intakes were recorded in the last 2 days of the trail. Supplementation of fatty acid calcium decreased significantly dry matter intake (DMI) (p < 0.01). Addition fatty acid calcium decreased milk protein percentage (p < 0.01) and milk SNF percentage (p < 0.01), but increased MUN (p < 0.05). Supplemented fatty acid decreased concentration of blood BHBA (p < 0.05), but increased TG, NEFA, glucagon, GLP‐1, CCK, leptin, ApoA‐IV, serotonin and MSH concentration in blood, the CCK concentration and feed intake showed a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05).
Interaction effect of whole wheat feeding and mannanoligosaccharides supplementation on growth performance, haematological indices and caecal microbiota of cockerel chicks
Authors: Oso A. O. , Erinle O. Y. , William G. A. , Ogunade A. C.
Published: March 2015

The interaction effect of whole wheat feeding and mannanoligosaccharides supplementation on growth performance, haematological indices and caecal microbiota of cockerel chicks were investigated using 250‐day‐old cockerel chicks previously reared for 7 days pre‐experimental period. Birds were fed with commercial chick mash during the pre‐experimental period. At the expiration of this period, 192 chicks were selected on weight equalization basis and assigned into 24 pens. Each treatment consisted of six pens, while each pen housed eight birds. Four wheat–soya bean‐based experimental diets were formulated in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of diets having two wheat forms (ground and whole wheat grain) each supplemented or not with 1 g/kg MOS/kg feed. Whole wheat feeding (irrespective of MOS supplementation) showed reduced (p < 0.05) feed intake. Birds fed whole wheat diet supplemented with MOS recorded the highest (p < 0.01) final live weight, weight gain and the best (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio. Haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and red blood cell count of the chicks were not affected (p > 0.05) by dietary treatment. However, dietary supplementation with MOS resulted in increased (p < 0.05) WBC counts. The caecum content of chicks fed with MOS‐supplemented whole wheat diets recorded the least (p < 0.01) salmonella counts. In conclusion, combination of whole wheat feeding and MOS supplementation showed improved growth performance, gut microbiota and indications of improved health status of cockerel chicks.
Association between IL28B polymorphism, TNFα and biomarkers of insulin resistance in chronic hepatitis C‐related insulin resistance
Authors: Lemoine M. , Chevaliez S. , Bastard J. P. , Fartoux L. , Chazouillères O. , Capeau J. , Pawlotsky J. M. , Serfaty L.
Published: March 2015

TNFα has been shown to play a role in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐induced insulin resistance (IR). Polymorphism of the IL28B gene that encodes IFN‐lambda 3 may be associated with IR through modulation of TNFα. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between IL28B rs12979860 genotype, the level of TNFα activation and the degree of IR in patients with chronic hepatitis C. One hundred and thirty‐three nondiabetic genotype 1 HCV‐infected patients with biopsy proven noncirrhotic hepatitis C were investigated for IR (using HOMA index), IL28B rs12979860 genotype and fasting circulating levels of soluble receptor 1 of TNFα (sTNFR1) and adipokines: leptin, adiponectin and IL‐6. The HOMA‐IR was positively correlated with serum levels of leptin (r = 0.35, P < 0.0001) and sTNFR1 (r = 0.35, P < 0.0001) but not with IL‐6 or adiponectin. IL28B rs12979860 CC genotype was observed in 35% patients. Genotype CC and nongenotype CC patients were similar in terms of HOMA‐IR (means 1.6 ± 0.9 vs 1.7 ± 1.4) and had similar circulating levels of sTNFR1 and adipokines. Independent factors associated with IR were ferritin (OR = 1.002, P = 0.02), leptin (OR = 1.06, P = 0.02) and sTNFR1 (OR = 7.9, P = 0.04). This study suggests that in nondiabetic, noncirrhotic, HCV genotype 1‐infected patients, there is no relationship between IL28B rs12979860 genotype and HOMA‐IR or sTNFR1 level. HCV‐related IR may be mediated through TNFα independent of IL28B genotype.
Pharmacokinetics of Single‐Dose Rectal Zonisamide Administration in Normal Dogs
Authors: Brewer D.M. , Cerda‐Gonzalez S. , Dewey C.W. , Boothe D. , Van Horne K.
Published: March 2015

Background

Few medications are available for parental administration to animals with seizures. Rectal administration of medications is often used if the animal cannot be administered oral medications.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine the pharmacokinetic differences in zonisamide when administered rectally in either of 2 vehicles and PO to dogs.

Animals

Eight healthy research dogs.

Methods

Randomized cross‐over design. Zonisamide, 10 mg/kg, was administered rectally in polyethylene glycol (PEG‐R), rectally in water (H2O‐R), and as an oral capsule. Plasma zonisamide concentrations were measured until 72 hours after administration. Zonisamide was quantitated by HPLC and plasma concentration versus time curve data was analyzed by using noncompartmental modeling.

Results

Mean maximum plasma zonisamide concentrations (μg/mL) were significantly higher after oral administration (11.56 ± 4.04) compared to H2O‐R (5.00 ± 1.83) (P = .004). Disappearance half‐life (hours) and mean time to maximum concentration (hours) were not significantly different between methods of administration. Mean relative bioavailability of PEG‐R (85 ± 69%) was significantly higher than that of H2O‐R (53 ± 37%) (P = .039). Dogs tolerated all dosing forms with no evidence of adverse effects.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The vehicle in which zonisamide is dissolved influences rectal bioavailability, with PEG preferred to H2O‐R. Because of the prolonged time to maximum concentration, rectal administration of zonisamide should not be used to treat status epilepticus in dogs. A dose higher than what was used in this study might be necessary, if currently recommended minimum therapeutic concentrations (10 μg/mL) are to be achieved with a single‐dose administration.
Plasma C‐Reactive Protein and Haptoglobin Concentrations in Critically Ill Neonatal Foals
Authors: Zabrecky K.A. , Slovis N.M. , Constable P.D. , Taylor S.D.
Published: March 2015

Background

Accurate diagnostic markers for sepsis in neonatal foals are needed. Plasma C‐reactive protein concentration (p[CRP]) and haptoglobin concentration (p[Hp]) are well‐established biomarkers of infection in humans, but studies are lacking in foals.

Hypotheses

p[CRP]) and p[Hp] are increased in septic foals compared to sick nonseptic and healthy control foals, and are predictive of survival.

Animals

Eighty critically ill foals (40 septic, 40 sick nonseptic) and 39 healthy control foals <1 week of age.

Methods

Multicenter, prospective observational clinical study. Venous blood was collected at admission from septic and sick nonseptic foals and from clinically healthy foals at 24 h of age. A diagnosis of sepsis was made based on positive blood culture or a sepsis score >11, and p[CRP] and p[Hp] were measured by usingELISAtests. Data were analyzed by using the Mann‐WhitneyU‐test and forward stepwise multivariable linear regression.P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

Plasma [CRP] was positively associated with age, serum globulin, adrenomedullin, and bilirubin concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase activity, glutamyl‐transferase activity, band neutrophil count, and rectal temperature, and was increased in foals with toxic neutrophils, enterocolitis, colic, rib fractures and septic arthritis. Surprisingly, p[Hp] was lower in septic foals than in sick nonseptic foals. Neither p[CRP] or p[Hp] was predictive of survival in critically ill foals.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Plasma [CRP] increases with inflammation in neonatal foals but is not indicative of sepsis. Single time point, admission sampling of p[CRP] and p[Hp] do not appear to be useful biomarkers for sepsis in foals.
Ecosystem multifunctionality of coastal marshes is determined by key plant traits
Authors: Minden Vanessa , Kleyer Michael
Published: March 2015

Questions

As biodiversity losses increase due to global change and human‐induced habitat destruction, the relationships between plant traits and ecosystem properties can provide a new level of understanding ecosystem complexity. Using a functional response–effect approach, we show that multiple components of the carbon cycle are determined by a few plant traits, which in turn are strongly affected by environmental conditions.

Location

Salt marshes, northwest Germany.

Methods

We explored responses of morphological, chemical and biomass‐related plant traits to environmental drivers and examined their effects on carbon cycle properties, i.e. above‐ground biomass, above‐ground net primary productivity and decomposition. The combined analysis between environmental parameters, functional traits and ecosystem properties used structural equation modelling (SEM).

Results

Important response and effect traits were leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and below‐ground dry mass (BDM, responding to groundwater level and salinity) and leaf C:N ratio (responding to inundation frequency). Inundation and salinity led to increased allocation to below‐ground biomass and salt stress adaptation in leaves, which translated into increased decomposition rates. Release from these abiotic controls resulted in standing biomass accumulation, which was controlled by LDMC and canopy height as key traits.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate the interacting effects of non‐consumable environmental factors and soil resources on morphological, chemical and biomass traits, which affected carbon cycle properties. Loss of species from the community has the potential to change the relationships between environment and vegetation‐based ecosystem properties and therefore elicit effects on the multifunctionality of the entire and adjacent ecosystems.
Other People: A child's age predicts a source's effect on memory
Authors: Carol Rolando N. , Compo Nadja Schreiber
Published: March 2015

Purpose

For decades, researchers have investigated the effects of various interviewing techniques used in child witness interviews. One particular technique yet to be explored fully is Other People, that is, mentioning other witnesses’ alleged statements when interviewing a child. This study thus examined how the source of others’ information affects children's memory and source monitoring as a function of age (7–18).

Method

Children and adolescents (N = 110) watched a 10‐min video and were then questioned about the witnessed event 1 week later using a series of yes/no questions. Throughout this series of questions, the source of outside information (peer vs. adult vs. no source) and its veracity (correct vs. incorrect) were manipulated.

Results

Findings indicated that an adult source was more detrimental to witness accuracy than a peer source or no source, but this detrimental effect diminished as witness age increased. Source monitoring data mirrored this pattern: As age increased, so did accurate source attributions for information attributed to an adult.

Conclusion

Overall findings suggest that information source in conjunction with witness age should be considered when assessing the effect of outside information on child and adolescent memory.
Why Monetary Policy has Been Comparatively Ineffective?
Authors: Goodhart Charles
Published: March 2015

Never before in any previous crisis has monetary policy responded with such aggressive expansion. Not only have short‐term policy rates been cut to zero, but the monetary base, and even more so commercial bank reserves, have been increased hugely. Yet bank lending to the private sector and the broad money supply have stagnated, and the recovery has been weak. While the prior level of bank equity was patently too low, the way in which the regulatory requirements for higher equity ratios have been introduced encouraged deleveraging, especially via reductions in cross‐border lending. Much more thought should have been given both to the incentives that bankCEOs faced and to the appropriate mechanisms for raising additional bank equity.
Liturgy, Scripture and Resonance in the Operas of James MacMillan
Authors: Fuller Michael
Published: March 2015

The Scottish Composer James MacMillan has drawn on his Roman Catholic faith in much of his musical output, and this has been a significant influence not least on the six operatic works which he has produced to date. These operas, a number of which set libretti by the poet Michael Symmons Roberts, are richly diverse in their scale and in the stories which they present; yet they share a number of themes in common. All of them juxtapose sacred and secular topics, and all are concerned with stories that are both timeless and contemporary. Particularly striking is the fact that all of them draw on liturgy or scripture to give depth and resonance to the stories they tell. These resonances apply both to the characters in the operas and to the audience watching the works in performance. These operatic works therefore have the capacity to prompt theological as well as musical and dramatic reflections in those who experience them.
A cross‐cultural investigation of attachment style, catastrophizing, negative pain beliefs, and symptom severity in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Gerson C. D. , Gerson M.‐J. , Chang L. , Corazziari E. S. , Dumitrascu D. , Ghoshal U. C. , Porcelli P. , Schmulson M. , Wang W.‐A. , Zali M.
Published: March 2015

Background

Little information exists regarding whether psychosocial variables in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) vary by geographic location. Adult attachment is an important psychological concept rooted in childhood relationship experience that has not been previously studied in IBS. Catastrophizing and negative pain beliefs have been described in IBS and may be affected by attachment. Aims: In this cross‐cultural study, we determined: (i) whether attachment differs between IBS patients and controls, (ii) whether geographic location has a significant effect on attachment style, catastrophizing and negative pain beliefs, and (iii) how all three variables correlate with IBS symptom severity.

Methods

463 IBS patients, with moderate to severe symptom scores, and 192 healthy controls completed validated questionnaires about attachment, catastrophizing, negative pain beliefs and IBS‐SSS in nine locations, USA (New York, Los Angeles), Mexico, Italy (Rome, Bari), Romania, Iran, India, and China.

Key Results

Attachment anxiety and avoidance scores were significantly higher in IBS patients than in controls (p < 0.001). This was particularly true for the fearful‐avoidant attachment category, especially in China and Romania. Path analysis showed that attachment anxiety and avoidance had indirect effects on IBS‐SSS through catastrophizing (p < 0.0001) and negative pain beliefs (p = 0.005). All three psychosocial measures varied significantly depending on location.

Conclusions & Inferences

In the IBS population studied, attachment style was significantly different in IBS compared to a control population. Geographic differences in attachment, catastrophizing and negative pain beliefs were documented and their correlation with symptom severity and thus, research of psychosocial variables in IBS should take into account the location of the population studied.
Modulation of intestinal afferent nerve sensitivity to inflammatory mediators following systemic endotoxin in mice
Authors: Xue B. , Kasparek M. S. , Müller M. H. , Kreis M. E.
Published: March 2015

Background

Endotoxin exposure may be followed by visceral hypersensitvity but potential mechanisms are not fully explored. We aimed to test the hypothesis that mast cells and the cyclooxygenase pathway (COX) mediate modulation of afferent nerve sensitivity following systemic endotoxin.

Methods

C57Bl6 mice received endotoxin injection i.p. to induce systemic inflammation. Control animals received normal saline. Extracellular multi‐unit afferent nerve discharge was recorded from jejunal mesenteric nerves in vitro. Afferent nerve response to 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, 250 μmol/L), bradykinin (BK, 0.5 μmol/L), and to mechanical ramp distension of the intestinal lumen from 0 to 60 cmH2O were recorded 2 h following endotoxin administration.

Key Results

Following endotoxin administration peak afferent discharge to 5‐HT and BK was increased compared to controls (p < 0.05). Pre‐perfusion with the mast cell stabilizer Doxantrazole (10−4 M), or the cyclooxygenase inhibitor Naproxen inhibited the increased response to 5‐HT and BK (p < 0.05 vs endotoxin pretreatment). Mechanosensitivity during luminal ramp distension from 10 to 60 cmH2O was increased following endotoxin pretreatment compared to controls (p < 0.05). This increase in sensitivity following endotoxin was no longer observed after Doxantrazole or Naproxen administration for pressures from 10 to 30 cmH2O (p < 0.05). Selective COX‐2 inhibition by NS398 (10 μM) but not COX‐1 inhibition by SC560 (300 μM) reduced increased afferent discharge in endotoxin pretreated animals to 5‐HT, BK and mechanical ramp distension from 10 to 40 cmH2O (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions & Inferences

Systemic endotoxin sensitizes mesenteric afferent nerve fibers to 5‐HT, BK and mechanical stimuli. The underlying mechanism responsible for this sensitization seems to involve mast cells and the COX‐2 pathway.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders are associated with the joint hypermobility syndrome in secondary care: a case–control study
Authors: Fikree A. , Aktar R. , Grahame R. , Hakim A. J. , Morris J. K. , Knowles C. H. , Aziz Q.
Published: March 2015

Background

The overlap of unexplained gastrointestinal (GI) and somatic symptoms is well established in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) is a non‐inflammatory connective tissue disorder associated with GI and somatic symptoms. We aimed to determine whether there is an association between diagnosis of JHS and FGID and the impact of this association on comorbidities and quality of life (QOL).

Methods

Prospective case–control study in secondary care GI clinics over 2 years. JHS was assessed by the first author prior to consultation in 641 consecutive new patients. Diagnosis of FGID (cases, n = 336) or organic disorders (controls, n = 305) was established blind to JHS status. JHS prevalence was compared in cases (FGID patients) and controls (organic disorders patients). Extra‐intestinal comorbidity and QOL were compared in FGID patients with and without JHS.

Key Results

JHS prevalence was higher in FGID compared to organic GI disorders (39.0% vs 27.5%, ORadj: 1.51, CI: 1.07–2.12, p = 0.02), and particularly associated with functional gastroduodenal disorders (44.1%, ORadj: 2.08, CI: 1.25–3.46, p = 0.005), specifically postprandial distress syndrome (51%, ORadj: 1.99, CI: 1.06–3.76, p = 0.03). FGID patients with JHS had increased chronic pain (23.2% vs 11.9%, p = 0.01), fibromyalgia (10.5% vs 3.1%, p = 0.01), somatization scores (13 vs 10, p < 0.001), urinary autonomic scores (30.5 vs 20.7, p = 0.03), and worse pain‐related QOL scores (45.0 vs 63.5, p = 0.004).

Conclusions & Inferences

JHS is significantly associated with FGID, and this subgroup of patients have increased comorbidity and decreased QOL. Further research is required to understand the pathophysiological basis of this association.
Involvement of 5‐HT3 and 5‐HT4 receptors in colonic motor patterns in rats
Authors: Yu Y. , Chen J.‐H. , Li H. , Yang Z. , Du X. , Hong L. , Liao H. , Jiang L. , Shi J. , Zhao L. , Tan S. , Luo H. , Huizinga J. D.
Published: March 2015

Background

Colonic migrating motor complexes in the rat constitute two distinct propulsive motor patterns, pan‐colonic rhythmic long distance contractions (LDCs), and rhythmic propulsive motor complexes (RPMCs) occurring primarily in the mid/distal colon. Interstitial cells of Cajal govern their rhythmicity, but their occurrence is dependent on neural programs. Our aim was to investigate the involvement of 5‐HT3 and 5‐HT4 receptors in the generation and pharmacological control of the motor patterns.

Methods

Effects of 5‐HT‐related drugs on colonic motor patterns were analyzed through spatio‐temporal maps created from video recordings of whole organ motility.

Key Results

5‐HT3 antagonists abolished RPMCs and LDCs. 5‐HT4 agonists inhibited LDCs; they promoted RPMCs, which was blocked by the 5‐HT4 antagonist GR 125487. 5‐HT and the 5‐HT3 agonist m‐CPBG strongly inhibited LDCs and RPMCs.

Conclusions & Inferences

The generation of LDCs involves ongoing 5‐HT release acting on 5‐HT3 and 5‐HT4 receptors. The spontaneous generation of RPMCs involves ongoing 5‐HT release acting on 5‐HT3 but not 5‐HT4 receptors. Prucalopride and mosapride promote RPMCs, an effect that is inhibited by the 5‐HT4 receptor antagonist GR 125487. A 5‐HT3 agonist does not promote RPMCs. Segmentation, including a pattern of sequential segmental activity not previously described, can occur without significant involvement of 5‐HT3 and 5‐HT4 receptors. 5‐HT and a 5‐HT3 agonist are strongly inhibitory indicating that 5‐HT receptors are present in inhibitory pathways which are normally not involved in the generation of spontaneous or distention‐induced motor patterns.
Long‐term efficacy of biofeedback therapy in patients with dyssynergic defecation: results of a median 44 months follow‐up
Authors: Lee H. J. , Boo S.‐J. , Jung K. W. , Han S. , Seo S. Y. , Koo H. S. , Yoon I. J. , Park S. H. , Yang D.‐H. , Kim K.‐J. , Ye B. D. , Byeon J.‐S. , Yang S.‐K. , Kim J.‐H. , Myung S.‐J.
Published: March 2015

Background

The beneficial effect of biofeedback therapy (BFT) over a period of more than 2 years has not been studied in a large group of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term efficacy of BFT for dyssynergic defecation (DD).

Methods

We evaluated the results for 347 consecutive constipated patients with DD who underwent BFT for a median of five sessions between 2004 and 2009. Initial responses were assessed immediately after the completion of BFT. A responder was defined as a subject with at least a three‐point improvement from before to after BFT on an 11‐point global bowel satisfaction (GBS) scale, or a two‐point improvement if the baseline GBS was more than six points. The probability of remaining a responder was estimated by non‐parametric maximum likelihood estimation.

Key Results

The initial response rate to BFT was 72.3% (n = 251), Parkinson's disease and higher baseline GBS scores were associated with initial non‐response. The long‐term efficacy of BFT was analyzed in 103 patients who were followed up for more than 6 months; the initial effects of BFT were maintained in 85 of the patients (82.5%) during a median of 44 months of follow‐up (IQR = 12–68). The probability of remaining a responder was 60% at 2 years, and 58% at 5 years.

Conclusions & Inferences

The efficacy of BFT is maintained for more than 2 years after BFT in a considerable proportion of constipated patients with DD. BFT is effective and durable treatment for managing DD.
A unique post‐operative complication
Authors: Modgill O. , Mani R.
Published: March 2015

Aim

To highlight the importance of pre‐ and post‐operative examination of instruments used in exodontia

Material and Methods

This case report concerns a fractured elevator tip following removal of a maxillary wisdom tooth, which dislodged from the socket approximately 8 weeks following the extraction. During this period, the patient remained asymptomatic.

Results and Conclusions

The reported incidence of fractured instruments during operative procedures is not a common occurrence in dentistry. The vast majority of cases reported in the literature occur during endodontic treatment, and this is an accepted common risk within the endodontic speciality. However, there is very little literature regarding instrument fracture and management of cases following simple or complex exodontia. Although this is a rare incident, it reinforces the importance of checking instruments pre‐ and postsurgery by both the dental surgeon and assistants.
Mandible ameloblastic carcinoma of difficult diagnosis: a case report
Authors: Nardis A.C. , Gonçalves S. , Nagata G. , Trierveiler M.
Published: March 2015

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare odontogenic neoplasm that exhibits malignant histological features in primary and secondary tumours. This is a case of a 36‐year‐old woman who presented a hard mass in the right inferior jaw, associated with pain and gingival bleeding. The radiography showed a unilocular radiolucent lesion with sclerotic borders, resembling a benign tumour. After the anatomical‐pathological diagnosis of ameloblastic carcinoma, the patient treatment consisted of surgical partial resection of the mandible, neck dissection, followed by reconstruction with a titanium plate. Post‐operative radiotherapy was performed. The diagnosis of ameloblastic carcinoma remains a challenge and this tumour may require extensive surgical sampling or its total removal to establish the histological diagnosis.
Nager syndrome and Pierre Robin sequence
Authors: Rosa Rafael Fabiano Machado , Guimarães Victória Bernardes , Beltrão Luciana Amorim , Trombetta Júlia Santana , Puma Lliguin Karen Lizeth , de Mattos Vinicius Freitas , Zen Paulo Ricardo Gazzola
Published: March 2015

Nager syndrome is considered a rare genetic syndrome characterized by craniofacial and radial anomalies. Pierre Robin sequence is a triad that includes micrognathia, cleft palate and glossoptosis. The present patient had typical findings of Nager syndrome and Pierre Robin sequence. He progressed to severe respiratory distress, requiring mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy. At 1 year and 11 months, he had episodes of cardiorespiratory arrest and died. In the literature review, we identified the clinical description of 44 patients with Nager syndrome. Among them, 93.1% had micrognathia, 38.6% cleft palate and 11.3% glossoptosis. Only one (2.3%) had all three features, as observed in the present patient. Therefore, despite the fact that the features of Pierre Robin sequence are common, there are few patients who have the complete triad. It is noteworthy, however, that they may be associated with respiratory distress, which may put the patient's life at risk.
Combination of flecainide and propranolol for congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia
Authors: Imamura Tomohiko , Tanaka Yuji , Ninomiya Yumiko , Yoshinaga Masao
Published: March 2015

Congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia is a rare tachyarrhythmia with high mortality. A pharmacological approach in early infancy is regarded as the first‐line therapeutic option. Pharmacologically, amiodarone alone or in combination with other drugs is the most commonly reported effective agent for congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia, but it has many adverse effects. Here we report the case of a 40‐day‐old infant. The clinical course suggests that combined oral flecainide and propranolol is an effective alternative therapy for early infants. Esophageal lead electrocardiography may give a clear diagnosis of junctional ectopic tachycardia.
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva in a newborn with cardiac involvement
Authors: Marseglia Lucia , D'Angelo Gabriella , Manti Sara , Manganaro Alessandro , Calabrò Maria Pia , Salpietro Carmelo , Gitto Eloisa
Published: March 2015

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva is a rare genetic disease that manifests in early life with malformed big toes and progressive heterotopic ossification that forms qualitatively normal bone in characteristic extraskeletal sites. Mutation c.617G>A in the activin A receptor type I gene is reported in all patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. No cases of cardiac involvement have been described in children. We report the case of a child with halluces valgi at birth, along with two tender, firm, immovable masses located on the right and left parietal–occipital region, a transitory subluxation of the right hip and an unusual ventricular septal hypertrophy. We hypothesize that the ventricular septal hypertrophy could be the result of a thickening of the fibrous portion of the septum, and a possible new element of the phenotype, probably resulting from the mechanical stimuli secondary to the significant hemodynamic changes occurring at birth.
Suspected fetal onset of neonatal transient eosinophilic colitis and development of respiratory distress
Authors: Tanaka Katsunori , Koshida Shigeki , Yanagi Takahide , Tsutsui Hidemi , Nakahara Sayuri , Furukawa Ouki , Tsuji Shunichiro
Published: March 2015

Neonatal transient eosinophilic colitis (NTEC) is a new disease concept within eosinophilic gastroenteritis, which was proposed by Ohtsuka et al. It causes hematochezia as a result of eosinophilia, in neonates who have not yet started to receive enteral nutrition, although the whole‐body status of the infant is in fact relatively good. To date, there have been no reports of this disease in which abnormalities were noted during gestation, and the clinical phenomena surrounding it, along with any complications, are not yet clear. We encountered a suspected case of NTEC causing respiratory distress with aspiration of hematochezia, in which dilated bowel was noted during gestation. This case indicates that NTEC may occur at the fetal stage and be complicated by respiratory distress.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Fukuda Yutaka , Momoi Nobuo , Akaihata Mitsuko , Nagasawa Katsutoshi , Mitomo Masaki , Aoyagi Yoshimichi , Endoh Kisei , Hosoya Mitsuaki
Published: March 2015

Chronic active Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection (CAEBV), characterized by persistent infectious mononucleosis‐like symptoms, can lead to cardiovascular complications including coronary artery aneurysm or myocarditis. Here, we present the case of an 11‐year‐old boy with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and junctional ectopic tachycardia associated with CAEBV. The patient did not have any major symptoms attributed to CAEBV, such as fever, lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly when the PAH developed. Mild liver dysfunction was found at the first examination, and it persisted. Two years after the PAH symptoms appeared, CAEBV was evident, based on deteriorated liver function, hepatosplenomegaly, and coronary artery aneurysms. CAEBV should be considered as a cause of secondary PAH, particularly when liver dysfunction coexists.
Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection with ccTGA and VSD: Can pulmonary artery banding avert pulmonary venous obstruction?
Authors: Hayashi Taiyu , Hirata Yoichiro , Inuzuka Ryo , Hirata Yasutaka
Published: March 2015

We describe a rare case of infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC), associated with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) and ventricular septal defect, in which the patient had undergone pulmonary artery banding (PAB) at 16 days of age. She began to have episodes of severe cyanosis while crying, 2 weeks after PAB. Cardiac catheterization at 34 days of age showed severe pulmonary hypertension and a transhepatic pressure gradient of 7 mmHg. The infant underwent TAPVC repair and conventional repair for ccTGA at 35 days of age. Although PAB might have the provisional effect of delaying the manifestation of pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO), it is unable to prevent the development of PVO due to the high resistance of the hepatic sinusoids. Signs of PVO should be closely monitored so that TAPVC can be repaired in a timely fashion.
The relationship power inventory: Development and validation
Authors: FARRELL ALLISON K. , SIMPSON JEFFRY A. , ROTHMAN ALEXANDER J.
Published: March 2015

Power is a central concept in relationships, yet existing self‐report measures of relationship power are not well validated and do not assess all aspects of power. To address this, we developed the Relationship Power Inventory (RPI), a self‐report measure of power for romantic partners. In Study 1, we identified the most important decision‐making domains in romantic relationships. In Study 2, we generated an item pool assessing relationship power, selected the best performing items for inclusion, and tested the convergent and divergent validity properties of the RPI. Study 3 revealed RPI scores predict observer ratings of power during decision‐making discussions and showed the RPI has good test–retest reliability. We discuss how the RPI can advance research on power in close relationships
Friends with benefits? Gendered performances in women's casual sexual relationships
Authors: FAHS BREANNE , MUNGER ADRIELLE
Published: March 2015

Although some research has examined “friends with benefits” relationships (FWBRs), women's subjective accounts of FWBRs remains notably understudied. Utilizing attachment theory, scripting theory, and social constructionist theories of gender, this study drew upon qualitative interviews with a community sample of 20 women (mean age = 34, SD = 13.35) from diverse ages, races, and sexual identity backgrounds to illuminate five themes in women's FWBR narratives: (a) regulation and suppression of emotions, (b) performance and idealization of detachment and emotionlessness, (c) lack of clear communication combined with “other‐defined” experiences, (d) replication of racist and sexist scripts, and (e) transitional qualities of the relationship. Implications for the power differentials present in FWBRs, and tensions between subverting and further entrenching relationship scripts, are explored.
Remodelling of actin cytoskeleton in tomato cells in response to inoculation with a biocontrol strain of Fusarium oxysporum in comparison to a pathogenic strain
Authors: Humbert C. , Aimé S. , Alabouvette C. , Steinberg C. , Olivain C.
Published: March 2015

Knowing that actin microfilaments play a key role in the mobilization of the defence‐associated cellular responses, the aim of this study was to compare changes affecting the actin cytoskeleton in tomato cells after inoculation with germinated microconidia of a biocontrol (Fo47, Fom24) or a pathogenic (Fol8) strain of Fusarium oxysporum. Actin microfilaments were observed by labelling with TRITC‐phalloidin combined with fluorescence microscopy. Results showed that only tenuous changes in the actin cytoskeleton architecture occurred after inoculation with the biocontrol strains whereas the actin cytoskeleton was significantly altered after inoculation with the pathogenic one. In the two types of interaction, cell death occurs and can be considered as one key component of cell defence responses. A pharmacological approach using cytochalasins was chosen to determine whether the inhibition of actin polymerization differently affects the kinetics of tomato cell death. Data showed that cytochalasins reduced cell death induced by the biocontrol strain Fo47, and in contrast, increased cell death induced by the pathogenic strain Fol8, suggesting that the pathway leading to cell death differs in the protective and compatible interactions.
The Administrative Presidency as Reactive Oversight: Implications for Positive and Normative Theory
Authors: West William F.
Published: March 2015

The fact that centralized executive oversight of agency policy making is primarily reactive reflects the motives and constraints that define the president's relationship with the domestic bureaucracy. Such a strategy allows for the allocation of limited resources to agency initiatives that are inconsistent with the president's agenda or that evoke conflict within the executive branch or the larger political system. This calls into question the descriptive model of presidential administration as proactive management by a unitary actor, as well as its prescriptive corollary that equates a strong executive with coordination across the bureaucracy. Reactive presidential oversight can produce a kind of ad hoc coordination that can be salutary, but its often pluralistic character can also undermine other important values in the administrative process.
Prostasomes of Canine Seminal Plasma – Zinc‐Binding Ability and Effects on Motility Characteristics and Plasma Membrane Integrity of Spermatozoa
Authors: Mogielnicka‐Brzozowska M , Strzeżek R , Wasilewska K , Kordan W
Published: March 2015

Contents

Prostasomes are small lipid membrane‐confined vesicles that are involved in various fertilization‐related processes. The aim of this study was to demonstrate canine seminal plasma prostasomes' ability to bind zinc ions, as well as examining their effects on sperm motility characteristics and plasma membrane integrity during cold storage. Ejaculates, collected from five cross‐bred dogs (n = 50), were subjected to ultracentrifugation followed by gel filtration (GF) on a Superose 6 column. Prostasomes appeared as a single fraction in the elution profile. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of canine prostasomes revealed the presence of membrane vesicles with diameters ranging from 20.3 to 301 nm. The zinc‐affinity chromatography on a Chelating Sepharose Fast Flow – Zn2 + showed that from 93 to 100% of the prostasome proteins bind zinc ions (P+Zn). SDS‐PAGE revealed that canine P+Zn comprised four protein bands, with low molecular weights (10.2–12 kDa). We have also shown a positive effect of prostasomes (p < 0.05), especially variant B (2% of total seminal plasma protein) on canine sperm motility parameters after 2 h storage at 5°C (TMOT%, 44.75 ± 5.18) and PMOT%, 12.42 ± 1.59) and VAP, VSL, VCL, when compared with Control (TMOT%, 7.30 ± 1.41 and PMOT%, 1.70 ± 0.42). Higher percentage of spermatozoa with intact plasma membrane (SYBR/PI dual staining) and intact acrosome (Giemsa stained), after 2 h storage at 5°C, was showed, in variant A (1.5% of total seminal plasma protein) and B, when compared with Control and variant C (2.5% of total seminal plasma protein). The prostasomes' effect on motility and plasma membrane integrity of canine cold‐stored spermatozoa may be related to their ability to bind zinc ions and regulate their availability to the sperm.
Efforts to reduce the disparity between permanent residents and temporary migrants: Stop TB experiences in Shanghai, China
Authors: Lu Hui , Chen Jing , Wang Wei , Wu Laiwa , Shen Xin , Yuan Zhengan , Yan Fei
Published: March 2015

Objective

Eight of 17 districts of Shanghai have offered transportation and living allowances subsidies to patients with tuberculosis (TB) among the migrant population. The study aimed to assess the impact of the subsidising initiative on the treatment success rate (TSR) and identify the social determinants of treatment outcomes.

Methods

The participants included 7072 residents and 5703 migrants who were registered in the TB Information Management System with smear‐positive pulmonary TB from January 2006 to December 2010. The Cochran–Armitage test was employed to test the trends of TSR and logistic regressions to identify the factors associated with treatment outcome.

Results

Without subsidies, migrant TB cases had lower odds of successful treatment [OR = 0.20 (95% CI 0.18–0.23)] than resident cases. Subsidisation was associated with a 65% increased odds ratio of success [1.65 (1.40–1.95)] among migrant cases. The TSR has stabilised at 87% for both permanent residents and temporary migrants since 2009. Living in districts with a population density ≥20 000/km2 was associated with a low odds ratio [0.42 (0.26–0.68)] among resident cases, whereas among migrant cases those living in districts out of central downtown had a higher odds ratio of treatment success [peripheral downtown: 1.73 (1.36–2.20), suburban: 1.69 (1.16–2.46)]. The TB cases in districts with 2.0–2.9 TB specialists/100 cases had a higher odds ratio [2.99 (1.91–4.69)] of successful treatment than cases from districts with fewer specialists.

Conclusions

Besides free medical services, transport and living allowance subsidies to migrant patients with TB improved the treatment outcome significantly.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus: Another Zoonotic Betacoronavirus Causing SARS-Like Disease
Authors: Chan Jasper F. W. , Lau Susanna K. P. , To Kelvin K. W. , Cheng Vincent C. C. , Woo Patrick C. Y. , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: March 2015

The source of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic was traced to wildlife market civets and ultimately to bats. Subsequent hunting for novel coronaviruses (CoVs) led to the discovery of two additional human and over 40 animal CoVs, including the prototype lineage C betacoronaviruses,
Tylonycteris
bat CoV HKU4 and
Pipistrellus
bat CoV HKU5; these are phylogenetically closely related to the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) CoV, which has affected more than 1,000 patients with over 35% fatality since its emergence in 2012. All primary cases of MERS are epidemiologically linked to the Middle East. Some of these patients had contacted camels which shed virus and/or had positive serology. Most secondary cases are related to health care-associated clusters. The disease is especially severe in elderly men with comorbidities. Clinical severity may be related to MERS-CoV's ability to infect a broad range of cells with DPP4 expression, evade the host innate immune response, and induce cytokine dysregulation. Reverse transcription-PCR on respiratory and/or extrapulmonary specimens rapidly establishes diagnosis. Supportive treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and dialysis is often required in patients with organ failure. Antivirals with potent
in vitro
activities include neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, antiviral peptides, interferons, mycophenolic acid, and lopinavir. They should be evaluated in suitable animal models before clinical trials. Developing an effective camel MERS-CoV vaccine and implementing appropriate infection control measures may control the continuing epidemic.
A Microbiological Revolution Meets an Ancient Disease: Improving the Management of Tuberculosis with Genomics
Authors: Wlodarska Marta , Johnston James C. , Gardy Jennifer L. , Tang Patrick
Published: March 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient disease with an enormous global impact. Despite declining global incidence, the diagnosis, phenotyping, and epidemiological investigation of TB require significant clinical microbiology laboratory resources. Current methods for the detection and characterization of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
consist of a series of laboratory tests varying in speed and performance, each of which yields incremental information about the disease. Since the sequencing of the first
M. tuberculosis
genome in 1998, genomic tools have aided in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of TB. Here we summarize genomics-based methods that are positioned to be introduced in the modern clinical TB laboratory, and we highlight how recent advances in genomics will improve the detection of antibiotic resistance-conferring mutations and the understanding of
M. tuberculosis
transmission dynamics and epidemiology. We imagine the future TB clinic as one that relies heavily on genomic interrogation of the
M. tuberculosis
isolate, allowing for more rapid diagnosis of TB and real-time monitoring of outbreak emergence.
Needle-Free Dermal Delivery of a Diphtheria Toxin CRM197Mutant on Potassium-Doped Hydroxyapatite Microparticles
Authors: Weissmueller Nikolas T. , Schiffter Heiko A. , Carlisle Robert C. , Rollier Christine S. , Pollard Andrew J.
Published: March 2015

Injections with a hypodermic needle and syringe (HNS) are the current standard of care globally, but the use of needles is not without limitation. While a plethora of needle-free injection devices exist, vaccine reformulation is costly and presents a barrier to their widespread clinical application. To provide a simple, needle-free, and broad-spectrum protein antigen delivery platform, we developed novel potassium-doped hydroxyapatite (K-Hap) microparticles with improved protein loading capabilities that can provide sustained local antigen presentation and release. K-Hap showed increased protein adsorption over regular hydroxyapatite (P< 0.001), good structural retention of the model antigen (CRM197) with 1% decrease in α-helix content and no change in β-sheet content upon adsorption, and sustained releasein vitro. Needle-free intradermal powder inoculation with K-Hap–CRM197induced significantly higher IgG1 geometric mean titers (GMTs) than IgG2a GMTs in a BALB/c mouse model (P< 0.001) and induced IgG titer levels that were not different from the current clinical standard (P> 0.05), namely, alum-adsorbed CRM197by intramuscular (i.m.) delivery. The presented results suggest that K-Hap microparticles may be used as a novel needle-free delivery vehicle for some protein antigens.
Gammaretrovirus-Specific Antibodies in Free-Ranging and Captive Namibian Cheetahs
Authors: Krengel Annika , Cattori Valentino , Meli Marina L. , Wachter Bettina , Böni Jürg , Bisset Leslie R. , Thalwitzer Susanne , Melzheimer Jörg , Jago Mark , Hofmann-Lehmann Regina , Hofer Heribert , Lutz Hans
Published: March 2015

The cheetah population in Namibia is the largest free-ranging population in the world and a key population for research regarding the health status of this species. We used serological methods and quantitative real-time PCR to test free-ranging and captive Namibian cheetahs for the presence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV), a gammaretrovirus that can be highly aggressive in populations with low genetic diversity, such as cheetahs. We also assessed the presence of antibodies to other gammaretroviruses and the responses to a FeLV vaccine developed for domestic cats. Up to 19% of the free-ranging cheetahs, 27% of the captive nonvaccinated cheetahs, and 86% of the captive vaccinated cheetahs tested positive for FeLV antibodies. FeLV-antibody-positive free-ranging cheetahs also tested positive for Rauscher murine leukemia virus antibodies. Nevertheless, FeLV was not detectable by quantitative real-time PCR and no reverse transcriptase activity was detectable by product-enhanced reverse transcriptase assay in the plasma of cheetahs or the supernatants from cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The presence of antibodies to gammaretroviruses in clinically healthy specimens may be caused either by infection with a low-pathogenic retrovirus or by the expression of endogenous retroviral sequences. The strong humoral immune responses to FeLV vaccination demonstrate that cheetahs can respond to the vaccine and that vaccination against FeLV infection may be beneficial should FeLV infection ever become a threat, as was seen in Iberian lynx and Florida panthers.
First Probable Case of Subcutaneous Infection Due to Truncatella angustata: a New Fungal Pathogen of Humans?
Authors: Jagielski Tomasz , Żak Iwona , Tyrak Jerzy , Bryk Agata
Published: March 2015

Truncatella angustatais a coelomycetous fungus, typically associated with vascular plants as either an endophyte or a pathogen. This organism has not previously been implicated in human disease. This report describes a case ofT. angustatasubcutaneous infection in an immunocompetent patient. A conclusive diagnosis was achieved through partial sequencing of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) cluster. The patient was successfully treated with voriconazole followed by itraconazole.