bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone marrow cell transcripts from Fanconi anaemia patients reveal in vivo alterations in mitochondrial, redox and DNA repair pathways
Authors: Pagano Giovanni , Talamanca Annarita Aiello , Castello Giuseppe , d'Ischia Marco , Pallardó Federico V. , Petrović Sandra , Porto Beatriz , Tiano Luca , Zatterale Adriana
Published: May 2013

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is a genetic cancer predisposition disorder associated with cytogenetic instability, bone marrow failure and a pleiotropic cellular phenotype, including low thresholds of responses to oxidative stress, cross‐linking agents and selected cytokines. This study was aimed at defining the scope of abnormalities in gene expression using the publicly available FA Transcriptome Consortium (FTC) database (Gene Expression Omnibus, 2009 and publicly available as GSE16334). We evaluated the data set that included transcriptomal analyses on RNA obtained from low‐density bone marrow cells (BMC) from 20 patients with FA and 11 healthy volunteers, by seeking to identify changes in expression of over 22 000 genes, including a set of genes involved in: (i) bioenergetic pathways; (ii) antioxidant activities; (iii) response to stress and metal‐chelating proteins; (iv) inflammation‐related cytokines and (v) DNA repair. Ontological analysis of genes expressed at magnitudes of 1.5‐fold or greater demonstrated significant suppression of genes in the categories of (i) energy metabolism; (ii) antioxidant activities; and (iii) stress and chelating proteins. Enhanced expression was found for 16 of 26 genes encoding inflammatory cytokines. A set of 20 of 21 transcripts for DNA repair activities were down‐regulated; four of these transcripts related to type II topoisomerase. The data provide evidence for alterations in gene regulation of bioenergetic activities, redox‐related activities, stress and metal‐chelating proteins, and of some selected DNA repair activities in patients with FA.
Feasibility of aqueous shunts for reduction of intraocular pressure in horses
Authors: Townsend W. M. , Langohr I. M. , Mouney M. C. , Moore G. E.
Published: May 2013

Reasons for performing study

Based on the current literature, neither medical, surgical nor combination therapy adequately controls equine glaucoma for many horses. Aqueous shunts have been useful in other species to control glaucoma.

Objectives

To determine whether aqueous shunts in normal equine eyes significantly reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) without causing vision threatening complications.

Study design

Prospective experimental trial.

Methods

Aqueous shunts were placed in 7 normal eyes of 4 horses. The shunts were placed dorsotemporally. Examinations were initially performed daily for 7 days and after that every 3 days through 4 weeks after implantation. Horses were then subjected to euthanasia and globes enucleated for routine histological examination. The IOPs for each day post operatively were compared to the preoperative value (Day ‐1) using a Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Significance was set at P<0.05.

Results

The mean IOP preoperatively (20.7 ± 3.0 mmHg) was significantly higher than on any post operative day (P values ranged from 0.018 to 0.048). The aqueous shunts remained in situ for the entire study. Two eyes developed corneal ulcers that resolved. Shallow anterior chambers were noted in 2 eyes after shunt placement, which normalised after placement of full eye cup masks. Histologically, 7/7 eyes had fibrosis surrounding the implant. Minimal peripheral neovascularisation and neutrophilic keratitis were noted in 5/7 eyes. Corneal damage was scored as none in 3/7, mild in 2/7, moderate in 1/7 and marked in 1/7 eyes.

Conclusions

After placement of aqueous shunts, a significant decrease in IOP was noted from preoperatively (Day ‐1) to Day 28 despite fibrosis surrounding the implants. No vision threatening complications were noted.

Potential relevance

Aqueous shunts may represent a feasible therapeutic option for equine glaucoma. The results of this study suggest that further studies in glaucomatous horses would be warranted.

The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
TRPV3: a ‘more than skinny’ channel
Authors: Nilius Bernd , Bíró Tamás
Published: May 2013

The skin is our largest organ serving different tasks from barrier formation through somatosensing to hair development. Recently, members of the large trp (Transient Receptor Potential, TRP) gene family encoding proteins that form cation selective ion channel have been identified to play a crucial role in skin functions. Within the 28 different mammalian TRP channels, TRPV3 might be the most important member in the skin. This review gives an overview on functional properties of TRPV3 in skin physiology and in certain skin diseases.
Functional and molecular genetic analyses of nine newly identified XPD‐deficient patients reveal a novel mutation resulting in TTD as well as in XP/CS complex phenotypes
Authors: Schäfer Annika , Gratchev Alexei , Seebode Christina , Hofmann Lars , Schubert Steffen , Laspe Petra , Apel Antje , Ohlenbusch Andreas , Tzvetkov Mladen , Weishaupt Carsten , Oji Vinzenz , Schön Michael P. , Emmert Steffen
Published: May 2013

The xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) group D protein is involved in nucleotide excision repair (NER) as well as in basal transcription. Determined by the type of XPD mutation, six different clinical entities have been distinguished: XP, XP with neurological symptoms, trichothiodystrophy (TTD), XP⁄TTD complex, XP⁄Cockayne syndrome (CS) complex or the cerebro‐oculo‐facio‐skeletal syndrome (COFS). We identified nine new XPD‐deficient patients. Their fibroblasts showed reduced post‐UV cell survival, reduced NER capacity, normal XPD mRNA expression and partly reduced XPD protein expression. Six patients exhibited a XP phenotype in accordance with established XP‐causing mutations (c.2079G>A, p.R683Q; c.2078G>T, p.R683W; c.1833G>T, p.R601L; c.1878G>C, p.R616P; c.1878G>A, p.R616Q). One TTD patient was homozygous for the known TTD‐causing mutation p.R722W (c.2195C>T). Two patients were compound heterozygous for a TTD‐causing mutation (c.366G>A, p.R112H) and a novel p.D681H (c.2072G>C) amino acid exchange, but exhibited different TTD and XP/CS complex phenotypes, respectively. Interestingly, the XP/CS patient's cells exhibited a reduced but well detectable XPD protein expression compared with hardly detectable XPD expression of the TTD patient's cells. Same mutations with different clinical outcomes in NER‐defective patients demonstrate the complexity of phenotype–genotype correlations, for example relating to additional genetic variations (parental consanguinity), different allelic expression due to SNPs or differences in the methylation status.
TRAIL‐induced miR‐146a expression suppresses CXCR4‐mediated human breast cancer migration
Authors: Wang Dongsheng , Liu Dan , Gao Jing , Liu Min , Liu Shilian , Jiang Minghong , Liu Yanxin , Zheng Dexian
Published: May 2013

Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) is considered a promising agent for cancer therapy, as this molecule induces apoptosis specifically in various cancer cells. Apart from apoptosis, TRAIL also induces non‐apoptotic signals, such as those for autophagy, proliferation and metastasis in cancer cells. In the present study, we report that TRAIL suppressed CXCR4‐mediated human breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cell migration by up‐regulating miR‐146a expression through NF‐κB. TRAIL receptor 1 (TRAIL‐R1, DR4) was highly expressed in TRAIL‐treated MDA‐MB‐231 cells. A neutralization antibody against DR4 specifically blocked TRAIL‐induced NF‐κB activation and miR‐146a expression. These results were confirmed in a human breast cancer xenograft mouse model, suggesting that TRAIL significantly enhanced miR‐146a expression and suppressed CXCR4 expression, indicating that TRAIL‐induced miR‐146a up‐regulation is negatively associated with CXCR4 expression. These findings suggest that TRAIL‐induced miR‐146a expression suppresses CXCR4‐mediated human breast cancer migration, and provide further insight into the non‐apoptotic function of TRAIL in the prevention of metastasis as a therapy for breast cancer.
Computational design gains momentum in enzyme catalysis engineering
Authors: Wijma Hein J. , Janssen Dick B.
Published: May 2013

Computational protein design is becoming a powerful tool for tailoring enzymes for specific biotechnological applications. When applied to existing enzymes, computational re‐design makes it possible to obtain orders of magnitude improvement in catalytic activity towards a new target substrate. Computational methods also allow the design of completely new active sites that catalyze reactions that are not known to occur in biological systems. If initial designs display modest catalytic activity, which is often the case, this may be improved by iterative cycles of computational design or by follow‐up engineering through directed evolution. Compared to established protein engineering methods such as directed evolution and structure‐based mutagenesis, computational design allows for much larger jumps in sequence space; for example, by introducing more than a dozen mutations in a single step or by introducing loops that provide new functional interactions. Recent advances in the computational design toolbox, which include new backbone re‐design methods and the use of molecular dynamics simulations to better predict the catalytic activity of designed variants, will further enhance the use of computational tools in enzyme engineering.
Managing people, water, food and fish in the Murray–Darling Basin, south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Koehn J. D.
Published: May 2013

The Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) covers 1.1 million km2, involves six legislative jurisdictions, a myriad of different agencies and illustrates the many complexities of managing fishes, people and water. Its rivers provide water for agriculture, are highly regulated and generally in poor health. Water allocation reform is underway to improve ecological condition but provision of water for environmental outcomes competes with agricultural requirements. Murray–Darling Basin rivers and fishes are important culturally and contribute substantially to tourism and recreational fishing. The MDB has a low number of fish species, now estimated to be at 10% of their pre‐European abundance, and all subject to a range of threats, many related to water use and associated infrastructure. The MDB Native Fish Strategy takes a coordinated, long‐term, whole‐of‐fish‐community approach to address priority threats and rehabilitate populations. This strategy provides a holistic approach with many actions that complement the potential benefits of water reform.
Tannins in forage plants and their role in animal husbandry and environmental sustainability: a review
Authors: Piluzza G. , Sulas L. , Bullitta S.
Published: May 2013

The literature about tannins, polyphenolic secondary metabolites of plants, with both beneficial and adverse function according to their concentration and chemical structure, is vast and often conflicting. Tannins in forages have often been described as antinutritional factors, but this review aims to update information on beneficial effects on animals and the environment. Although research on the relation between tannins and animal production and health, for example, dry‐matter intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and diseases, has mainly focused on condensed tannins, this review also discusses potential benefits from the use of hydrolysable tannins as a feed additive. Attention is given to the use of tannins in the mitigation of methane emissions from ruminants in forage‐based feeding systems and as a natural and ecologically friendly resource for improvement of nutrient utilization and environmental sustainability in meat and dairy farming.
Intensive rehabilitation for dementia improved cognitive function and reduced behavioral disturbance in geriatric health service facilities in Japan
Authors: Toba Kenji , Nakamura Yu , Endo Hidetoshi , Okochi Jiro , Tanaka Yukiko , Inaniwa Chiyako , Takahashi Akira , Tsunoda Naoko , Higashi Kentaro , Hirai Motoharu , Hirakawa Hiroyuki , Yamada Shizuru , Maki Yohko , Yamaguchi Tomoharu , Yamaguchi Haruyasu
Published: May 2013

Aim

To examine the efficacy of rehabilitation for elderly individuals with dementia at intermediate facilities between hospitals and home, based on the policies for elderly individuals to promote community‐based care at home and dehospitalization.

Methods

Participants were older adults with dementia newly admitted to intermediate facilities. A total of 158 in the intervention group who claimed Long‐Term Care Insurance for three consecutive months, and 54 in the control group were included in the analysis. The interventions were carried out in a tailor‐made manner to meet individual needs. The personal sessions were carried out three times a week for 3 months after admission by physical, occupational or speech therapists. Outcome measures were cognitive tests (Hasegawa Dementia Scale revised [HDS‐R] and Mini‐Mental State Examination), and observational assessments of dementia severity, activities of daily living (ADL), social activities, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) using a short version of the Dementia Disturbance Scale (DBD13), depressive mood, and vitality.

Results

Significant improvement in the intervention group was shown in cognitive function measured by HDS‐R (interaction F[1, 196] = 5.190, P = 0.024), observational evaluation of dementia severity (F[1,198] = 9.550, P = 0.002) and BPSD (DBD13; F[1,197] = 4.506, P = 0.035). Vitality, social activities, depressive mood and ADL were significantly improved only in the intervention group, although interaction was not significant.

Conclusions

Significant improvement by intervention was shown in multiple domains including cognitive function and BPSD. Cognitive decline and worsening of BPSD are predictors of care burden and hospitalization, thus intensive rehabilitation for dementia was beneficial for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 206–211.
Prevalence and determinants of use of potentially inappropriate medications in elderly inpatients: A prospective study in a tertiary healthcare setting
Authors: Undela Krishna , Bansal Dipika , D'Cruz Sanjay , Sachdev Atul , Tiwari Pramil
Published: May 2013

Aim

To determine the prevalence and predictors of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) prescribing in elderly inpatients using the modified American Geriatrics Society (AGS) updated Beers criteria 2012 and comparing it with the Beers criteria 2003.

Methods

The prospective observational study was carried out between September 2011 and May 2012 at a public teaching hospital. Elderly inpatients aged ≥60 years were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of PIM prescribing.

Results

The results were based on data of 502 patients; more than half (60%) were males and 66% were aged between 60–69 years with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 68 (7) years. Mean (SD) number of diagnoses and medications were three (1) and nine (4), respectively. A total of 81 (16%) patients were prescribed with at least ≥1 PIM according to modified AGS updated Beers criteria 2012, compared with 11% according to Beers criteria 2003. On multivariate regression, important predictors for PIM prescribing were found to be age ≥80 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–3.12; P = 0.03), male sex (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.06–1.84; P = 0.03), more than three diagnoses (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.59–3.39; P = 0.04), ≥6 medications prescribed (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02–1.35; P = 0.03) and ≥10 days of hospital stay (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.09–2.31; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

The results show that PIM prescribing is common among hospitalized elderly Indian patients. It is feasible to reduce this practice through the provision of appropriate unbiased information to healthcare professionals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 251–258.
Effect of a multimodal exercise program on sleep disturbances and instrumental activities of daily living performance on Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: Nascimento Carla Manuela Crispim , Ayan Carlos , Cancela Jose Maria , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken , Gobbi Sebastião , Stella Florindo
Published: May 2013

Aim

To assess the contribution of a multimodal exercise program on the sleep disturbances (SD) and on the performance of instrumental activities daily living (IADL) in patients with clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease patients (PD).

Methods

A total of 42 consecutive patients (23 training group, 19 control group) with PD and 35 demented patients with AD (19 trained group, 16 control group) were recruited. Participants in both training groups carried out three 1‐h sessions per week of a multimodal exercise program for 6 months. The Pfeffer Questionnaire for Instrumental Activities and the Mini‐Sleep Questionnaire were used to assess the effects of the program on IADL and SD respectively.

Results

Two‐way ancova showed interactions in IADL and SD. Significant improvements were observed for these variables in both intervention groups, and maintenance or worsening was observed in control groups. The analysis of effect size showed these improvements.

Conclusion

The present study results show that a mild to moderate intensity of multimodal physical exercises carried out on a regular basis over 6 months can contribute to reducing IADL deficits and attenuating SD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 259–266.
Inpatients' expectations and experiences of hospital pharmacy services: qualitative study
Authors: Morecroft Charles W. , Thornton David , Caldwell Neil A.
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Hospital pharmacists' have traditionally focused on the manufacture and supply of medicines. However, the increasing complexity and range of medicines and a greater awareness of medication errors has facilitated a change towards a patient‐centred role. Given this movement, it is surprising that a search of the published literature shows very little research that evaluated patients' views of hospital‐based pharmacy services.

Objective

To explore inpatients' expectations and experiences of hospital‐based pharmacy services.

Study setting and design

Face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews with inpatients admitted to acute medical wards of threeNHSgeneral hospitals.

Principal findings

Seventy‐four inpatients were interviewed: 37 were male with average age 73 years (age range of 19 –86 years). The predominate number of participants (62/74, 84%) being in the 65–80 years of age group. Thematic analysis of the data was driven by three themes; patients' expectations of the pharmacist's involvement in their treatment and care, the patients' experiences of any interaction that may have taken place and the patients' evaluation of their interaction with the pharmacist.

Conclusions

There was a dichotomy of expectations and opinions from patients about the role of hospital pharmacists and the services being provided. As pharmacists' roles are developing towards a patient‐orientated model in which pharmacists have direct contact with patients and their care, it is important to ensure that patients are aware of these developments to help them maximize the benefit they derive from their country's health‐care system.
Insights into the genetic basis of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kato Norihiro
Published: May 2013

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common complex diseases, of which considerable efforts have been made to unravel the pathophysiological mechanisms. Recently, large‐scale genome‐wide association (GWA) studies have successfully identified genetic loci robustly associated with type 2 diabetes by searching susceptibility variants across the entire genome in an unbiased, hypothesis‐free manner. The number of loci has climbed from just three in 2006 to approximately 70 today. For the common type 2 diabetes‐associated variants, three features have been noted. First, genetic impacts of individual variants are generally modest; mostly, allelic odds ratios range between 1.06 and 1.20. Second, most of the loci identified to date are not in or near obvious candidate genes, but some are often located in the intergenic regions. Third, although the number of loci is limited, there might be some population specificity in type 2 diabetes association. Although we can estimate a single or a few target genes for individual loci detected in GWA studies by referring to the data for experiments in vitro, biological function remains largely unknown for a substantial part of such target genes. Nevertheless, new biology is arising from GWA study discoveries; for example, genes implicated in β‐cell dysfunction are over‐represented within type 2 diabetes‐associated regions. Toward translational advances, we have just begun to face new challenges – elucidation of multifaceted (i.e., molecular, cellular and physiological) mechanistic insights into disease biology by considering interaction with the environment. The present review summarizes recent advances in the genetics of type 2 diabetes, together with its realistic potential.
Fracture Risk in Older, Long‐Term Survivors of Early‐Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Pawloski Pamala A. , Geiger Ann M. , Haque Reina , Kamineni Aruna , Fouayzi Hassan , Ogarek Jessica , Petersen Hans V. , Bosco Jaclyn L. F. , Thwin Soe Soe , Silliman Rebecca A. , Field Terry S.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To examine the effect of breast cancer and its treatment on fracture risk in older breast cancer survivors.

Design

A 10‐year prospective cohort study beginning 5 years after a diagnosis of breast cancer for survivors and match date for comparison women.

Setting

Six integrated healthcare systems.

Participants

Women aged 65 and older (1,286 survivors, 1,286 comparison women, mean age 77.7 in both groups, white, non‐Hispanic: survivors, 81.6%; comparison women, 85.2%) who were alive and recurrence free 5 years after a diagnosis of early‐stage breast cancer and matched on age, study site, and enrollment year to a comparison cohort without breast cancer.

Measurements

Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between fracture risk and survivor‐comparison status, adjusting for drugs and risk factors associated with bone health. A subanalysis was used to evaluate the association between tamoxifen exposure and fracture risk.

Results

No difference was observed in fracture rates between groups (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.9–1.3). The protective effect of tamoxifen was not statistically significant (HR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.6–1.2).

Conclusion

Long‐term survivors of early‐stage breast cancer diagnosed at age 65 and older are not at greater risk of osteoporotic fractures than age‐matched women without breast cancer. There appears to be no long‐term protection from fractures with tamoxifen use.
Multidisciplinary Collaborative Development of a Plain‐Language Prenatal Education Book
Authors: Mottl‐Santiago Julie , Fox Carolyn Shepard , Pecci Christine Chang , Iverson Ronald
Published: May 2013

During pregnancy, women actively seek out health information that promotes the well‐being of themselves and their fetuses. For those with health literacy challenges, access to understandable health information can be difficult. Written information, in particular, needs to be readable and usable by the women served. Plain language is an essential component of effective health education material. In an effort to create standardized prenatal education materials for a diverse population of childbearing women, Boston Medical Center's midwifery service led a multidisciplinary initiative to develop a comprehensive plain‐language prenatal education book. Midwives, obstetricians, family physicians, nurses, and community doulas contributed to the content of the book; art students provided graphic design skills; and a literacy consultant assisted in the wording and layout. The Hey Mama! book provides women with woman‐centered, readable, comprehensive information about pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and newborn care.
Adolescent Pathways to Co‐Occurring Problem Behavior: The Effects of Peer Delinquency and Peer Substance Use
Authors: Monahan Kathryn C. , Rhew Isaac C. , Hawkins J. David , Brown Eric C.
Published: May 2013

Delinquency and substance use are more likely to co‐occur in adolescence compared to earlier and later developmental periods. The present study examined developmental pathways to co‐occurring problem behavior from 6th to 10th grade (N = 2,002), testing how peer delinquency and substance use were linked to transitioning between abstaining, delinquency, substance use, and co‐occurring problem behavior. Developmentally, most youth transition from abstinence to delinquent behavior and then escalate to co‐occurring problem behavior. Once co‐occurring problem behavior onsets, remitting to single‐problem behavior or abstinence is unlikely. The impact of peers on problem behavior is domain‐specific when individuals transition from abstaining to a single‐problem behavior, but is more general with respect to escalation of and desistance from problem behavior.
ASCIA guidelines for prevention of anaphylaxis in schools, pre‐schools and childcare: 2012 update
Authors: Vale Sandra , Smith Jill , Said Maria , Dunne Geraldine , Mullins Raymond , Loh Richard
Published: May 2013

Appropriate management and prevention of anaphylaxis in the school, pre‐school and childcare settings requires advanced planning and communication. The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy has developed Guidelines for Prevention of Anaphylaxis in Schools, Pre‐schools and Childcare to assist school, pre‐school and childcare staff in appropriate implementation of risk‐minimisation strategies. Risk‐minimisation strategies recommended take into consideration the needs of the allergic child; effectiveness of measures; stresses on parents and staff, the allergic child and their peers; and the implications of the recommended risk‐minimisation strategies. These Guidelines address risk‐minimisation strategies for food, insect and medication allergies; however, the majority of strategies relate to food allergy due to the higher risk of exposure in these settings. Training in recognition of allergic symptoms (including anaphylaxis), appropriate response and treatment, as well as how to prevent exposure to known allergens are essential for effective anaphylaxis management in the school, pre‐school and childcare settings.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the new world of biologics
Authors: Ostring Genevieve Tyra , Singh‐Grewal Davinder
Published: May 2013

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis results in significant pain and disability in both children and adults. Advances in treatment resulting in improved long‐term outcomes have occurred; however, an emphasis on early and aggressive diagnosis and management hopes to improve outcomes further. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis remains a clinical diagnosis of exclusion, but further research may delineate biological markers associated with the disease and its subtypes. Therapy for patients includes intra‐articular steroid injections, disease modifying agents such as methotrexate and biological agents. Biological agents have provided exciting new therapeutic options in the last decade; however, long‐term side effects of modulating the immune system are not yet fully understood. Systemic steroids may also be required but their long‐term use is avoided. Uveitis needs to be screened for in all of those with the diagnosis. Multidisciplinary team care is required in managing these young people.
Block‐wise conflict adaptation of visual selectivity: Role of hemisphere‐dependent and location‐specific mechanisms
Authors: Kuratomi Kei , Yoshizaki Kazuhito
Published: May 2013

Three experiments investigated views on modulation of visual selectivity that involve hemisphere‐dependence and conflict frequency based views for a whole display. In each experiment, 16 participants completed a flanker task with compatible/incompatible stimulus arrays presented in the left, center, or right visual fields. The relative frequency of the compatible stimulus‐arrays within a trial block was varied as a function of the visual field. In Experiment 1, the relative compatibility frequency in the lateral visual fields was varied (75% / 25%) but not in the center visual field (50%). The results showed that in the lateral visual fields, the performance between the compatible and incompatible trials differed more in conditions with few (vs. many) compatibility trials. Experiments 2 and 3 validated these findings. In Experiment 2, the compatibility frequency varied in the center visual field but not in the lateral fields, resulting in performance effects in all three visual fields. Experiment 3 varied the magnitude of the differences between the compatibility and incompatibility frequencies. Together, the findings showed that participants adjusted to the frequencies of compatible stimuli in all visual fields, indicating conflict adaptation that depends on the relative frequencies of compatible stimuli. The results also suggest that this adaptation is associated with hemisphere‐dependent and location‐specific mechanisms.
Phylogenetic Diversity of Bacteria Isolated from Sick Dogs Using theBAPGMEnrichment Culture Platform
Authors: Davenport A.C. , Mascarelli P.E. , Maggi R.G. , Breitschwerdt E.B.
Published: May 2013

Background

Bartonellaalpha‐Proteobacteriagrowth medium (BAPGM) enrichment culture has proven useful for documentingBartonellaspecies infection and has facilitated growth of other fastidious bacteria from human samples.

Purpose

To report non‐Bartonellabacterial isolates obtained from canine samples cultured usingBAPGMenrichment culture.

Animals

Between 2004 and 2008, 695 specimens from 513 dogs were tested by the NCSU‐IPRL using theBAPGMenrichment culture. Over the same period of time, blood samples from 270 dogs were cultured by the NCSU‐CML using Bactec‐Plus Aerobic/F media.

Methods

BAPGMisolates were characterized usingBartonellagenus primers and 16S rDNAprimers followed byDNAsequencing.NCSUmedical records were retrospectively reviewed. Blood culture results from the NCSU‐CML were compared withBAPGMblood culture results.

Results

Seventy‐nine non‐Bartonellaisolates were obtained from 69/513 dogs. The most commonly isolated phylum was Proteobacteria (48.1%) with alpha‐Proteobacteria being the most commonly isolated class.StaphylococcusandSphingomonaswere the most commonly isolated genera. The majority of the remaining isolates were bacteria that are rarely isolated from canine samples. Comparison of NCSU‐CML andIPRL(BAPGM) blood culture isolates showed alpha‐Proteobacteria were isolated more often fromBAPGM.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Use of insect cell culture enrichment medium, such asBAPGM, appears to enhance the growth of alpha‐Proteobacteria, but also results in isolation of non‐alpha‐Proteobacteria from sick dogs. Future studies are needed to elucidate the utility ofBAPGMand other “nonconventional” growth media and methods for isolation of fastidious organisms and to determine if these organisms play a causal role in disease development.
Clinical and Pathological Analysis of Epidural Inflammation in Intervertebral Disk Extrusion in Dogs
Authors: Fadda A. , Oevermann A. , Vandevelde M. , Doherr M.G. , Forterre F. , Henke D.
Published: May 2013

Background

Little is known about the pathologic changes in the epidural space after intervertebral disk (IVD) extrusion in the dog.

Objectives

To analyze the pathology of the epidural inflammatory response, and to search for correlations between this process and clinical findings.

Methods

Clinical data from 105 chondrodystrophic (CD) and nonchondrodystrophic (NCD) dogs withIVDextrusion were recorded. Epidural material from these dogs was examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Using statistical analysis, we searched for correlations between severity of epidural inflammation and various clinical and pathologic variables.

Results

Most dogs exhibited an epidural inflammatory response, ranging from acute invasion of neutrophils to formation of chronic granulation tissue. The mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates consisted mostly of monocytes and macrophages and only few T and B cells. Surprisingly, chronic inflammatory patterns also were found in animals with an acute clinical history. Severity of the epidural inflammation correlated with degree of the epidural hemorrhage and nucleus pulposus calcification (P = .003 and .040), but not with age, chondrodystrophic phenotype, neurologic grade, back pain, pretreatment, or duration. The degree of inflammation was statistically (P = .021) inversely correlated with the ability to regain ambulation.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Epidural inflammation occurs in the majority of dogs withIVDextrusion and may develop long before the onset of clinical signs. Presence of calcifiedIVDmaterial and hemorrhage in the epidural space may be the triggers of this lesion rather than an adaptive immune response to the nucleus pulposus as suggested in previous studies. Because epidural inflammation may affect outcome, further research is warranted.
Low‐birthweight rates higher amongBangladeshi neonates measured during active birth surveillance compared to national survey data
Authors: Klemm Rolf D.W. , Merrill Rebecca D. , Wu Lee , Shamim Abu Ahmed , Ali Hasmot , Labrique Alain , Christian Parul , West Keith P.
Published: May 2013

Birth size is an important gauge of fetal and neonatal health. Birth size measurements were collected within 72 h of life for 16 290 live born, singleton infants in ruralBangladesh from 2004 to 2007. Gestational age was calculated based on the date of last menstrual period. Newborns were classified as small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) based on a birthweight below the 10th percentile for gestational age, using three sets ofUSreference data. Birth size distributions were explored based on raw values as well as afterz‐score standardisation in reference toWorldHealthOrganization (WHO) 2006 growth standards. Mean (SD) birthweight (g), length (cm) and head circumference (cm) measurements, completed within [median (25th, 75th percentile)] 15 (8, 23) h of life, were 2433 (425), 46.4 (2.4) and 32.4 (1.6), respectively. Twenty‐two per cent were born preterm. Over one‐half (55.3%) of infants were born low birthweight; 46.6%, 37.0% and 33.6% had a weight, length and head circumference below −2z‐scores of theWHOgrowth standard at birth; and 70.9%, 72.2% and 59.8% wereSGAfor weight based on Alexanderet al., Okenet al. and Olsenet al. references, respectively. Infants in this typical ruralBangladesh setting were commonly born small, reflecting a high burden of fetal growth restriction and preterm birth. Our findings, produced by active birth surveillance, suggest that low birthweight is far more common than suggested by cross‐sectional survey estimates. Interventions that improve fetal growth during pregnancy may have the largest impact on reducingSGArates.
Laterality and the evolution of the prefronto‐cerebellar system in anthropoids
Authors: Smaers Jeroen B. , Steele James , Case Charleen R. , Amunts Katrin
Published: May 2013

There is extensive evidence for an early vertebrate origin of lateralized motor behavior and of related asymmetries in underlying brain systems. We investigate human lateralized motor functioning in a broad comparative context of evolutionary neural reorganization. We quantify evolutionary trends in the fronto‐cerebellar system (involved in motor learning) across 46 million years of divergent primate evolution by comparing rates of evolution of prefrontal cortex, frontal motor cortex, and posterior cerebellar hemispheres along individual branches of the primate tree of life. We provide a detailed evolutionary model of the neuroanatomical changes leading to modern human lateralized motor functioning, demonstrating an increased role for the fronto‐cerebellar system in the apes dating to their evolutionary divergence from the monkeys (∼30 million years ago (Mya)), and a subsequent shift toward an increased role for prefrontal cortex over frontal motor cortex in the fronto‐cerebellar system in the Homo‐Pan ancestral lineage (∼10 Mya) and in the human ancestral lineage (∼6 Mya). We discuss these results in the context of cortico‐cerebellar functions and their likely role in the evolution of human tool use and speech.
Cytoskeletal disease: a role in the etiology of adult periodontitis
Authors: Binderman I , Gadban N , Yaffe A
Published: May 2013

All cells and organisms across the evolutionary spectrum, from the most primitive to the most complex, are mechanosensitive. As the cytoskeleton is a key in controlling the normal basal prestress of cells and therefore is involved in virtually all physiological cellular processes, abnormalities in this essential cellular characteristic may result in diseases. Indeed, many diseases have now been associated with abnormalities in cytoskeletal and nucleoskeletal proteins. We propose that adult periodontitis is, at least in part, such a cytoskeletal disease. It is well established that adult periodontitis starts by bacterial invasion at the interface between the tooth surface and marginal gingiva that induces a local inflammatory response. The inflammatory cells release metalloproteinases which degrade gingival collagenous fibrous tissue and loss of local tissue integrity that reduces the normal prestressed cell‐extracellular matrix network. This is a major signaling trigger that induces a local and rapid release of ATP, which then activates P2X receptors and stimulates a calcium influx, further activating osteoclastic resorption of the alveolar bone. As periodontitis is a chronic disease, it seems reasonable to suggest that agents that maintain cytoskeletal tensegrity, for example, inhibitors of ATP receptors, may diminish the bone loss and may have a role in future periodontal therapy.
Community‐based climate change adaptation strategies for integrated prawn–fish–rice farming in Bangladesh to promote social–ecological resilience
Authors: Ahmed Nesar , Bunting Stuart W. , Rahman Sanzidur , Garforth Christopher J.
Published: May 2013

Farming freshwater prawns with fish in rice fields is widespread in the coastal region of southwest Bangladesh because of favourable resources and ecological conditions. This article provides an overview of an ecosystem‐based approach to integrated prawn–fish–rice farming in southwest Bangladesh. The practice of prawn and fish farming in rice fields is a form of integrated aquaculture–agriculture, which provides a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits. Integrated prawn–fish–rice farming plays an important role in the economy of Bangladesh, earning foreign exchange and increasing food production. However, this unique farming system in coastal Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to climate change. We suggest that community‐based adaptation strategies must be developed to cope with the challenges. We propose that integrated prawn–fish–rice farming could be relocated from the coastal region to less vulnerable inland areas, but caution that this will require appropriate adaptation strategies and an enabling institutional environment.
What is Coracoid Pain?
Authors: Boyd Matthew , Dunkerley Sarah , Kitson Jeff , Smith Chris D.
Published: May 2013

Coracoid pain is not a common presenting symptom in the shoulder clinic, however a small minority of patients do present complaining of pain well localised to the coracoid. To aid clinicians we present the findings of a review of the literature on coracoid pain. We divide the causes of pain into soft tissue and bony causes. We review and discuss the literature and present the evidence on diagnostic investigations and treatments.
Evaluation of a Nutrition Care Process‐based audit instrument, the Diet‐NCP‐Audit, for documentation of dietetic care in medical records
Authors: Lövestam Elin , Orrevall Ylva , Koochek Afsaneh , Karlström Brita , Andersson Agneta
Published: May 2013

Adequate documentation in medical records is important for high‐quality health care. Documentation quality is widely studied within nursing, but studies are lacking within dietetic care. The aim of this study was to translate, elaborate and evaluate an audit instrument, based on the four‐step Nutrition Care Process model, for documentation of dietetic care in medical records. The audit instrument includes 14 items focused on essential parts of dietetic care and the documentation's clarity and structure. Each item is to be rated 0–1 or 0–2 points, with a maximum total instrument score of 26. A detailed manual was added to facilitate the interpretation and increase the reliability of the instrument. The instrument is based on a similar tool initiated 9 years ago in the United States, which in this study was translated to Swedish and further elaborated. The translated and further elaborated instrument was named Diet‐NCP‐Audit. Firstly, the content validity of the Diet‐NCP‐Audit instrument was tested by five experienced dietitians. They rated the relevance and clarity of the included items. After a first rating, minor improvements were made. After the second rating, the Content Validity Indexes were 1.0, and the Clarity Index was 0.98. Secondly, to test the reliability, four dietitians reviewed 20 systematically collected dietetic notes independently using the audit instrument. Before the review, a calibration process was performed. A comparison of the reviews was performed, which resulted in a moderate inter‐rater agreement with Krippendorff's α = 0.65–0.67. Grouping the audit results in three levels: lower, medium or higher range, a Krippendorff's α of 0.74 was considered high reliability. Also, an intra‐rater reliability test–retest with a 9 weeks interval, performed by one dietitian, showed strong agreement. To conclude, the evaluated audit instrument had high content validity and moderate to high reliability and can be used in auditing documentation of dietetic care.
Functional and structural age‐related changes in the scalp skin of Caucasian women
Authors: Pouradier Florence , Céline Cornillon , Marie‐Florence D'arras , Frédéric Flament , Ségolène Panhard , Stéphane Diridollou , Geneviève Loussouarn
Published: May 2013

Background

Ageing of the skin, being chronological or sun induced is highly documented. Scalp, as a specific skin site, has, however, received little attention. This work attempted to describe functional and structural alterations that occur in scalp skin with ageing.

Methods

Two different age groups (N = 15 each; 30 ± 3 and 62 ± 2 y.o. respectively) of Caucasian women participated in the study. Some functional parameters (TEWL, Sebum level, Hydration, T°) were recorded on the vertex part of the scalp, after having cut the hair flat on the scalp surface. Imaging of some structural criteria was carried out using high‐frequency ultrasound technique and optical coherence tomography on the same scalp site and on the mid‐forehead, as a close control skin site.

Results

As compared with the younger group, the scalp of older women significantly showed a decreased TEWL and a slightly lower T°. The thickness of total skin (epidermis + dermis) increased with age on both scalp and on forehead. The thickness of scalp epidermis decreased with age while not significantly altered on forehead. Pseudoattenuation of ultrasound images increased in the older age group. Other criteria, such as sebum level, stratum corneum hydration, stratum corneum thickness, were not found altered with age.

Conclusion

With ageing, some few functional and structural changes are observed in the scalp of Caucasian women. Similarities or differences with those previously reported in other skin sites are discussed.
A novel HLA‐A allele, A*66:17 was revealed in a family of a leukemia patient during high‐resolution HLA typing
Authors: Witter K. , Kutsch M. , Spannagl M. , Dick A.
Published: May 2013

HLA
‐A*66:17, presented here, shows a single‐nucleotide polymorphism in exon 4 in comparison to A*66:01.
A novel HLA‐A*02 allele, HLA‐A*02:129
Authors: Zhang K. Y. , Zhang Z. X. , Wang L. J. , Liu N. , Shan X. Y.
Published: May 2013

HLA‐A*02:129 differs from HLA‐A*02:87 exon 2 at nt 25, nt 29, nt 167 T, nt 184 and nt 192.
Successful outcome in a dog with neurological and respiratory signs following smoke inhalation
Authors: Guillaumin Julien , Hopper Kate
Published: May 2013

Objective

To report the case management of a patient with smoke inhalation complicated by neurological impairment, carboxyhemoglobinemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), upper airway obstruction, aspiration pneumonia, and bacteremia.

Case Summary

A 1.5‐year‐old male intactBeagle presented shortly after being involved in a household fire. Upon arrival the dog was diagnosed withARDSand demonstrated acute neurological signs (eg, obtundation and seizures). Treatment included mechanical ventilation, temporary tracheostomy, and intensive supportive care. During hospitalization, the dog suffered multiple complications including prolonged neurological abnormalities, aspiration pneumonia, and bacteremia. The dog recovered over a 16‐day period.

New or Unique Information Provided

This is the first description of extensive management of a patient suffering both neurological and respiratory complication due to smoke inhalation, and details the steps that were taken to achieve a successful outcome.
Evaluation of a training course in focused echocardiography for noncardiology house officers
Authors: Tse Yuki C. , Rush John E. , Cunningham Suzanne M. , Bulmer Barret J. , Freeman Lisa M. , Rozanski Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2013

Objective

To determine whether a training course in focused echocardiography can improve the proficiency of noncardiology house officers in accurately interpreting cardiovascular disease and echocardiography findings in dogs entering the emergency room setting.

Design

Prospective, blinded, educational study.

Setting

University veterinary teaching hospital.

Study Subjects

House officers underwent training in focused echocardiography. Fifteen dogs, including normal dogs and dogs with stable congenital or acquired cardiac disease, were used as study subjects during the laboratory session.

Interventions

A 6‐hour curriculum on focused echocardiography was developed that included didactic lectures, clinical cases, and hands‐on echocardiography.

Measurements and Main Results

Pre‐ and postcourse written examinations were administered to participants. House officers attended didactic lectures that were subsequently followed by a hands‐on laboratory session and practical examination, which involved performing transthoracic echocardiography on dogs with and without cardiovascular disease. Twenty‐one house officers completed the focused echocardiography training course. Written examination scores were 57 ± 12% before and 75 ± 10% after training (P < 0.001). Following the course, 97% of participants in the practical examination were able to obtain the correct right parasternal short‐ or long‐axis view. Posttraining, most participants correctly identified pleural effusion (90%) and pericardial effusion (95%) and discriminated normal atrial size from atrial enlargement (86%). However, successful identification of a cardiac mass, volume status, and ability to recognize a poor quality study as nondiagnostic remained relatively low. Most trainees responded that the length of hands‐on laboratory training was too abbreviated and that the course should be > 6 hours.

Conclusion

A focused echocardiography training course improved knowledge and yielded acceptable proficiency in some echocardiographic findings commonly identified in the emergency room. This training course was not able to provide the skills needed for house officers to accurately assess fluid volume status, identify cardiac masses, ventricular enlargement or hypertrophy, and certain cardiac diseases.