bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5‐HT3 receptors antagonists reduce serotonin‐induced scratching in mice
Authors: Ostadhadi Sattar , Kordjazy Nastaran , Haj‐Mirzaian Arya , Mansouri Parvin , Dehpour Ahmad Reza
Published: February 2015

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) acts as a pruritogen in humans and animals, but the mechanisms of action through that serotonin induces itch response have not been extensively discovered. In our study, we attempted to investigate the role of 5‐HT3 receptors in scratching behavior due to intradermal serotonin injection. Intradermal injection of serotonin (14.1–235 nmol/site) into the nape of the neck of mice was performed to elicit itch. Scratching behavior was evaluated by measuring the number of bouts during 60 min after injection. We evaluated the effect of intraperitoneal pretreatment with ondansetron and tropisetron (0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg/kg) on itch induced by serotonin. Also, intradermal ondansetron and tropisetron at doses 50, 100, and 200 nmol/site were concurrently administrated with serotonin. Serotonin produced a significant enhancement in scratching at dose 141 nmol/site. Concurrent administration of ondansetron (50, 100, and 200 nmol/site) and tropisetron (100 and 200 nmol/site) with serotonin reduced scratching activity compared to the animals that only received serotonin. Also, pretreatment with intraperitoneal ondansetron and tropisetron (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) 30 min before serotonin attenuated the itch response. We showed that the scratching induced by intradermal serotonin is mediated by 5‐HT3 receptors subtype. It can be concluded that 5‐HT3 may play a role in mediating serotonin‐associated itch responses, and we introduce 5‐HT3 receptors as possible targets for antipruritic agents.
Kinetic mechanism of l–α–glycerophosphate oxidase from Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Maenpuen Somchart , Watthaisong Pratchaya , Supon Pacharee , Sucharitakul Jeerus , Parsonage Derek , Karplus P. Andrew , Claiborne Al , Chaiyen Pimchai
Published: February 2015

l–α‐glycerophosphate oxidase is an FAD‐dependent enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of l–α‐glycerophosphate (Glp) by molecular oxygen to generate dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The catalytic properties of recombinant His6‐GlpO from Mycoplasma pneumoniae (His6‐MpGlpO) were investigated through transient and steady‐state kinetics and ligand binding studies. The results indicate that the reaction mechanism of His6‐MpGlpO follows a ping‐pong model. Double‐mixing mode stopped‐flow experiments show that, after flavin‐mediated substrate oxidation, DHAP leaves rapidly prior to the oxygen reaction. The values determined for the individual rate constants and kcat (4.2 s−1 at 4 °C), in addition to the finding that H2O2 binds to the oxidized enzyme, suggest that H2O2 release is the rate‐limiting step for the overall reaction. The results indicate that His6‐MpGlpO contains mixed populations of fast‐ and slow‐reacting species. It is predominantly the fast‐reacting species that participates in turnover. In contrast to other GlpO enzymes previously described, His6‐MpGlpO is able to catalyze the reverse reaction of reduced enzyme and DHAP. This result may be explained by the standard reduction potential value of His6‐MpGlpO (−167 ± 1 mV), which is lower than those of GlpO from other species. We found that d,l–glyceraldehyde 3–phosphate (GAP) may be used as a substrate in the His6‐MpGlpO reaction, although it exhibited an approximately 100‐fold lower kcat value in comparison with the reaction of Glp. These results also imply involvement of GlpO in glycolysis, as well as in lipid and glycerol metabolism. The kinetic models and distinctive properties of His6‐MpGlpO reported here should be useful for future drug development against Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
Lignin decomposition is sustained under fluctuating redox conditions in humid tropical forest soils
Authors: Hall Steven J. , Silver Whendee L. , Timokhin Vitaliy I. , Hammel Kenneth E.
Published: February 2015

Lignin mineralization represents a critical flux in the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle, yet little is known about mechanisms and environmental factors controlling lignin breakdown in mineral soils. Hypoxia is thought to suppress lignin decomposition, yet potential effects of oxygen (O2) variability in surface soils have not been explored. Here, we tested the impact of redox fluctuations on lignin breakdown in humid tropical forest soils during ten‐week laboratory incubations. We used synthetic lignins labeled with 13C in either of two positions (aromatic methoxyl or propyl side chain Cβ) to provide highly sensitive and specific measures of lignin mineralization seldom employed in soils. Four‐day redox fluctuations increased the percent contribution of methoxyl C to soil respiration relative to static aerobic conditions, and cumulative methoxyl‐C mineralization was statistically equivalent under static aerobic and fluctuating redox conditions despite lower soil respiration in the latter treatment. Contributions of the less labile lignin Cβ to soil respiration were equivalent in the static aerobic and fluctuating redox treatments during periods of O2 exposure, and tended to decline during periods of O2 limitation, resulting in lower cumulative Cβ mineralization in the fluctuating treatment relative to the static aerobic treatment. However, cumulative mineralization of both the Cβ‐ and methoxyl‐labeled lignins nearly doubled in the fluctuating treatment relative to the static aerobic treatment when total lignin mineralization was normalized to total O2 exposure. Oxygen fluctuations are thought to be suboptimal for canonical lignin‐degrading microorganisms. However, O2 fluctuations drove substantial Fe reduction and oxidation, and reactive oxygen species generated during abiotic Fe oxidation might explain the elevated contribution of lignin to C mineralization. Iron redox cycling provides a potential mechanism for lignin depletion in soil organic matter. Couplings between soil moisture, redox fluctuations, and lignin breakdown provide a potential link between climate variability and the biochemical composition of soil organic matter.
Antecedent moisture and temperature conditions modulate the response of ecosystem respiration to elevated CO2 and warming
Authors: Ryan Edmund M. , Ogle Kiona , Zelikova Tamara J. , LeCain Dan R. , Williams David G. , Morgan Jack A. , Pendall Elise
Published: February 2015

Terrestrial plant and soil respiration, or ecosystem respiration (Reco), represents a major CO2 flux in the global carbon cycle. However, there is disagreement in how Reco will respond to future global changes, such as elevated atmosphere CO2 and warming. To address this, we synthesized six years (2007–2012) of Reco data from the Prairie Heating And CO2 Enrichment (PHACE) experiment. We applied a semi‐mechanistic temperature–response model to simultaneously evaluate the response of Reco to three treatment factors (elevated CO2, warming, and soil water manipulation) and their interactions with antecedent soil conditions [e.g., past soil water content (SWC) and temperature (SoilT)] and aboveground factors (e.g., vapor pressure deficit, photosynthetically active radiation, vegetation greenness). The model fits the observed Reco well (R2 = 0.77). We applied the model to estimate annual (March–October) Reco, which was stimulated under elevated CO2 in most years, likely due to the indirect effect of elevated CO2 on SWC. When aggregated from 2007 to 2012, total six‐year Reco was stimulated by elevated CO2 singly (24%) or in combination with warming (28%). Warming had little effect on annual Reco under ambient CO2, but stimulated it under elevated CO2 (32% across all years) when precipitation was high (e.g., 44% in 2009, a ‘wet’ year). Treatment‐level differences in Reco can be partly attributed to the effects of antecedent SoilT and vegetation greenness on the apparent temperature sensitivity of Reco and to the effects of antecedent and current SWC and vegetation activity (greenness modulated by VPD) on Reco base rates. Thus, this study indicates that the incorporation of both antecedent environmental conditions and aboveground vegetation activity are critical to predicting Reco at multiple timescales (subdaily to annual) and under a future climate of elevated CO2 and warming.
How Effective Is Melatonin as a Preventive Treatment for Hemicrania Continua? A Clinic‐Based Study
Authors: Rozen Todd D.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To assess the efficacy of melatonin as a preventive therapy for hemicrania continua in a larger population of patients than has previously been studied.

Background

Hemicrania continua is defined by its sensitivity to indomethacin. Rarely can patients be fully tapered off indomethacin without headache recurrence; thus, the risks associated with chronic indomethacin usage are substantial for these individuals. Melatonin, a pineal hormone with a similar chemical structure to indomethacin, has shown efficacy as a preventive agent for hemicrania continua in isolated case reports. Melatonin would be a preferential alternative prophylactic treatment to indomethacin because of its minimal side effect profile. How truly effective melatonin is as a preventive for hemicrania continua is unknown at present and needs further study.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all International Classification of Headache Disorders‐3 beta diagnosed hemicrania continua patients treated with both indomethacin and melatonin at the Geisinger Headache Center from July 2011 to January 2014.

Results

Eleven patients were treated (9 women, 2 men). Two patients became pain free on melatonin, while partial relief was noted in 3 other patients; thus, they were able to lower their dose of indomethacin but could not achieve pain freedom with melatonin alone. Six patients had no response. Melatonin dosing needed for response ranged from 3 to 30 mg. In the partial relief responders, indomethacin dosing decreased by 50% to 75%.

Conclusion

From this single clinic investigation, only a small percent of subjects with hemicrania continua (less than 20%) will achieve pain freedom on melatonin, thus clearly not matching the effectiveness of indomethacin. However, the addition of melatonin to indomethacin may allow around 45% of patients to have complete or partial relief of their headache with the subsequent ability to reduce or eliminate their indomethacin dosage, which may lead to a decrease in medical morbidity over time secondary to less exposure to indomethacin.
Clinical and demographic factors associated with low viral load in early untreated HIV infection in the INSIGHT Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial
Authors: Law MG , Achhra A , Deeks SG , Gazzard B , Migueles SA , Novak RM , Ristola M ,   International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT) START Study Group
Published: February 2015

Objectives

A small subset of HIV‐positive adults have low HIV RNA in the absence of therapy, sometimes for years. Clinical factors associated with low HIV RNA in early infection have not been well defined.

Methods

We assessed factors associated with low plasma HIV RNA level at study entry in the Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial. All START participants had a baseline HIV RNA assessment within 60 days prior to randomization. The key covariables considered for this analysis were race, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) status. We assessed factors associated with HIV RNA ≤ 50 and ≤ 400 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL using logistic regression. Because of the strong association between region of randomization and baseline low HIV RNA, analyses were stratified by region.

Results

We found that, of 4676 eligible participants randomized in START with a baseline HIV RNA assessment, 113 (2.4%) had HIV RNA ≤ 50 copies/mL at baseline, and a further 257 (5.5%) between 51 and 400 copies/mL. We found that HIV exposure routes other than male homosexual contact, higher high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, higher CD4 cell counts, and higher CD4:CD8 ratio were associated with increased odds of low HIV RNA. HCV antibody positivity was borderline statistically significantly associated with low HIV RNA. Race and HBV surface antigen positivity were not significantly associated with low HIV RNA.

Conclusions

In a modern cohort of individuals with early untreated HIV infection, we found that HIV exposure routes other than male homosexual contact and higher HDL cholesterol were associated with increased odds of low HIV RNA.
Transmission risk behaviour at enrolment in participants in the INSIGHT Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial
Authors: Rodger AJ , Lampe FC , Grulich AE , Fisher M , Friedland G , Phanuphak N , Bogner JR , Pereira LC , Rietmeijer C , Burman W , Phillips AN ,   International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT) START Study Group
Published: February 2015

Objectives

A proportion of HIV‐positive people have condomless sex. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) reduces infectiousness, but a substantial proportion of HIV‐diagnosed people are not yet on ART. We describe baseline self‐reported risk behaviours in ART‐naïve Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial participants.

Methods

All START participants completed a risk behaviour questionnaire. Data were collected on sociodemographics, lifestyle factors, health and wellbeing status and clinical status. Recent sexual behaviour and HIV transmission beliefs in the context of ART were also assessed. The primary interest was in condomless sex with serodifferent partners (CLS‐D) in the past two months.

Results

A total of 4601 of 4685 HIV‐positive participants (98%) completed the questionnaire [2559 men who have sex with men (MSM), 803 heterosexual men and 1239 women]. Region of recruitment was Europe/Israel, 33%; South America/Mexico, 25%; Africa, 22%; other, 21%. Median age was 36 years [interquartile range (IQR) 29, 44 years]. Forty‐five per cent reported white ethnicity and 31% black ethnicity. Two per cent had HIV viral load < 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL. Seventeen per cent (767 of 4601) reported CLS‐D; 20% of MSM compared with 10% of heterosexual men and 14% of women. MSM were also more likely to report multiple CLS‐D partners. Possible risk limitation measures (reported by more than half of those who had CLS‐D) were seropositioning (receptive anal CLS‐D only) or withdrawal (insertive anal CLS‐D always without ejaculation). CLS‐D was more commonly reported by participants from South America/Mexico and North America compared with Europe; among heterosexual men and women CLS‐D was also more commonly reported among participants from Africa compared with Europe. Knowledge of ART impact on transmission risk was low.

Conclusions

A substantial minority recruited to the START study reported CLS‐D at baseline. CLS‐D reporting was higher in MSM than heterosexuals and varied significantly according to region of recruitment. A substantial proportion of MSM reporting CLS‐D appear to take transmission risk limitation measures.
Baseline prevalence and predictors of liver fibrosis among HIV‐positive individuals: a substudy of the INSIGHT Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial
Authors: Matthews GV , Neuhaus J , Bhagani S , Mehta SH , Vlahakis E , Doroana M , Naggie S , Arenas‐Pinto A , Peters L , Rockstroh JK ,   International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT) START Study Group
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Liver disease is increasingly recognized in HIV‐positive individuals, even among those without viral hepatitis, partly as a result of the recent availability of noninvasive methods of liver fibrosis assessment. The objective of this substudy is to compare the effects of early versus deferred antiretroviral therapy (ART) on liver fibrosis progression.

Methods

Sites in the Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) study with access to FibroScan® were invited to participate in the Liver Fibrosis Progression Substudy. All substudy participants underwent FibroScan® at baseline, and two noninvasive serum algorithms, APRI and FIB‐4, were calculated. Demographic and liver‐related information was collected for all START participants at baseline.

Results

A total of 230 participants were enrolled in the substudy (11.5% with hepatitis B or C virus coinfection), of whom 221 had a valid transient elastography (TE) result. The median TE score was 4.9 kPa [interquartile range (IQR) 4.3–6.0 kPa]. Seventeen patients (7.8%) [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.1–12.1%] had a TE score of > 7.2 kPa, indicating significant liver fibrosis. Baseline factors associated with higher TE scores in multivariate analysis were higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) per 10 U/L (P = 0.045), higher log10 HIV RNA (P < 0.001) and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (P = 0.01). TE correlated weakly with noninvasive markers.

Conclusions

At baseline, significant liver fibrosis was observed in approximately 8% of participants, with higher ALT and HIV RNA the only clinical factors associated with increasing TE score. TE will be used annually to monitor fibrosis and evaluate the role of ART in further fibrosis progression.
The carbon‐conscious‐consumer? A causal model for the product carbon footprint of asparagus at the consumer stage
Authors: Lampert Paul , Soode Eveli , Menrad Klaus
Published: February 2015

Tools to measure climate impacts, such as a product carbon footprinting (PCF), have gained increasing attention in recent years. Our study shows that it is possible to develop a valid structural equation model for a PCF for the example of the use phase of asparagus on the basis of empirical data generated by a panel survey. The parameters considered in the model are environmental and sustainability‐related attitudes, sociodemographics and a technical component. The results show that the age of the technical component has effect on the PCF, an older technical component having an increasing impact, while a high degree of environmental concern has a decreasing effect.
p21‐activated kinase 1 predicts recurrence and survival in patients with non‐metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Yu , Xu Le , An Huimin , Liu Weisi , Wang Zhong , Xu Jiejie
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To estimate the impact of p21‐activated kinase 1 expression on recurrence and survival of patients with non‐metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma after surgical resection.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 254 patients (187 in the training cohort and 67 in the validation cohort) with non‐metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma undergoing nephrectomy at a single institution. Clinicopathological features, overall survival and recurrence‐free survival were recorded. p21‐activated kinase 1 intensities were assessed by immunohistochemistry of patients' specimens. The Kaplan–Meier method was applied to compare survival curves. Cox regression models were used to analyze the impact of prognostic factors on overall survival and recurrence‐free survival. The concordance index was calculated to assess predictive accuracy.

Results

In both cohorts, elevated p21‐activated kinase 1 expression in tumor tissues positively correlated with advanced T stage and Fuhrman grade. High p21‐activated kinase 1 expression indicated poor survival and early recurrence of patients with non‐metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, especially with early T1–2 stage disease. After backward elimination, p21‐activated kinase 1 expression was identified as an independent adverse prognostic factor for survival and recurrence. The predictive accuracy of the traditional University of California Integrated Staging System and Mayo Clinic stage, size, grade and necrosis prognostic models was improved when p21‐activated kinase 1 expression was added.

Conclusions

Elevated expression of p21‐activated kinase 1 seems to be an independent adverse prognostic biomarker for recurrence and survival in patients with non‐metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma after nephrectomy.
Nurse‐led educational interventions on cancer pain outcomes for oncology outpatients: a systematic review
Authors: Zhou L. , Liu X.‐L. , Tan J.‐Y. , Yu H.‐P. , Pratt J. , Peng Y.‐Q.
Published: February 2015

Background

Cancer pain management is still unsatisfactory, although some effective guidelines exist. Educational interventions are reported to be useful in pain relief for oncology outpatients.

Aim

The aims of this systematic review were to evaluate the effects of nurse‐led educational interventions on improving cancer pain outcomes for oncology patients, and to establish an effective cancer pain protocol for clinical nursing practice in China.

Methods

A three‐step search strategy was utilized. Eight databases were searched using the standards provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute that guided article selection, critical appraisal, data collection and data synthesis.

Results

A total of 1093 studies were identified through a literature search. Only six studies complied with the inclusion criteria and were found to be methodologically sound. In general, the included studies indicated positive results pertaining to patient's knowledge and attitudes towards analgesics and cancer pain management and decreased pain intensity. Studies reported minimal effects of intervention on anxiety, depression, satisfaction regarding cancer pain management and patient's quality of life.

Conclusions

Educational interventions were reported as effective methods to improve cancer pain outcomes. Analysis of the six included studies demonstrated the overall positive effects of nurse‐led educational interventions for improving cancer pain management.

Implications for nursing and health policy

The results suggest that an effective cancer pain protocol for improving cancer pain management can be established in China.
Ongoing challenges responding to behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia
Authors: Ostaszkiewicz J. , Lakhan P. , O'Connell B. , Hawkins M.
Published: February 2015

Background

Mid‐ to late‐stage dementia is often characterized by behavioural and psychological symptoms, including, but not limited to physical and verbal aggression.

Introduction

Although there is a considerable research about the prevalence, aetiology, and management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, there is limited research about the experience of caring for people with such symptoms in long‐term aged care facilities.

Aim

The aims of the study were to describe: (i) nurses' experiences of caring for people with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in long‐term aged care facilities, and (ii) strategies nurses used to deal with these symptoms.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory and descriptive design, involving focus group interviews with 30 nurses from three long‐term aged care units in Australia. The transcripts were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results

The findings revealed five interrelated themes: (i) working under difficult conditions, (ii) behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: an everyday encounter, (iii) making sense of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, (iv) attempting to manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, and (v) feeling undervalued.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the difficult conditions under which nurses worked and the complexity of caring for individuals who have behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Organizational efforts to enhance the quality of care for individuals with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in long‐term aged care facilities should extend beyond staff education to heed nurses' concerns about organizational barriers to interpersonal care.
Characterization of Pleural Effusion After Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion Using the Lariat Procedure
Authors: GUNDA SAMPATH , KANMANTHAREDDY ARUN , VALLAKATI AJAY , JANGA PRAMOD , AFZAL MUHAMMAD RIZWAN , PILLARISETTI JAYASREE , BOMMANA SUDHARANI , ATKINS DONITA , EARNEST MATTHEW , NATH JAYANT , HOSAKOTE NAGARAJ , DI BIASE LUIGI , NATALE ANDREA , REDDY MADHU , LEE RANDALL , LAKKIREDDY DHANUNJAYA
Published: February 2015

Pleural Effusions After the Lariat Procedure

Background

The Lariat procedure is increasingly used for the exclusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. There are anecdotal reports of pleural effusions after the Lariat procedure. However, the incidence, demographics, and pathophysiology of these effusions are largely unknown.

Objective

Characterization of pleural effusions in patients who underwent LAA exclusion using the Lariat procedure.

Methods

We report the incidence, demographics, and clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients from a multicenter prospective registry who underwent the Lariat procedure and subsequently developed pleural effusions.

Results

A total of 10 out of 310 (3.2%) patients developed significant pleural effusions after the Lariat procedure. The mean age of these patients was 67 ± 9, ranging from 52 to 78 years and included 5 (50%) males. Nine patients had persistent AF with median CHADS2 score of 2.7 ± 1.2. The LAA was successfully ligated in all these patients. Post‐Lariat procedure, 6 patients developed bilateral and 4 patients developed left‐sided pleural effusions. Pleural tap revealed transudative in 2 and exudative in 6 patients. The remaining 2 patients responded to active diuresis and behaved clinically like transudative effusions. There is a statistically significant difference between the onset of pleural effusion after the Lariat procedure between tPLE versus ePLE groups (14 ± 1.2 vs. 6 ± 6, P = 0.05).

Conclusion

Incidence of clinically significant pleural effusion is uncommon after the Lariat procedure and can be either exudative or transudative in nature depending on the underlying mechanisms. More prospective studies are needed to study the pathophysiologic basis of development of pleural effusions after the Lariat procedure.
Molecular Phylogeny of Mobilid and Sessilid Ciliates Symbiotic in Eastern Pacific Limpets (Mollusca: Patellogastropoda)
Authors: Irwin Nicholas A. T. , Lynn Denis H.
Published: February 2015

The phylogenetic relationships of the ciliate subclass Peritrichia, composed of the orders Mobilida and Sessilida, have recently come under debate as morphological and molecular analyses have struck contrasting conclusions as to the monophyly of the group. We provide additional molecular data to assess the monophyly of the Peritrichia by sequencing the small subunit ribosomal RNA genes of two symbiotic peritrichs, Urceolaria korschelti and Scyphidia ubiquita, found inhabiting the mantle cavity of limpets. Although phylogenetic analyses indicated a nonmonophyletic Peritrichia, approximately unbiased tests revealed that the monophyletic hypothesis could not be rejected. With regard to the Mobilida, our analysis showed divergence within the family Trichodinidae related to host taxa—a molluscan clade and a fish clade. For the Sessilida, the family Scyphidiidae was sister to the Astylozoidae. In our sampling of U. korschelti and S. ubiquita, both species showed significant genetic divergence among geographically isolated, yet morphologically indistinguishable populations. We hypothesize that cryptic speciation has produced these morphologically identical species and argue that more extensive genomic analyses are required to fully assess the monophyly, biogeography, and ultimately biodiversity of the peritrichs.
Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Dairy Cattle in the Northeast of China: Genetic Diversity of ITS Gene and Evaluation of Zoonotic Transmission Potential
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Weizhe , Yang Fengkun , Zhang Longxian , Wang Rongjun , Cao Jianping , Shen Yujuan , Liu Aiqin
Published: February 2015

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most frequently diagnosed microsporidian species in humans. It has been found in a wide range of animals and is considered an important zoonotic pathogen. To date, little information is available on the role that cattle play in the epidemiology of human microsporidiosis caused by E. bieneusi in China. In this study, 133 fecal specimens from dairy cattle were collected in Heilongjiang Province, China. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was identified and genotyped by nested PCR analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene, with 30.1% positive. Nine ITS genotypes were identified: six known genotypes—O (n = 26), EbpA (n = 2), I (n = 2), J (n = 2), D (n = 1) and BEB4 (n = 1)—and three novel genotypes named as CC‐I to CC‐III (two each). Genotype O was identified in cattle for the first time. The observation of all the six known genotypes here reported previously in humans, and also the fact of all the three novel genotypes (CHN‐DC1 to CHN‐DC3) falling into zoonotic group 1, indicate the possibility of cattle in the transmission of E. bieneusi to humans.
Molecular Phylogeny of the Family Ophryscolecidae (Ciliophora, Litostomatea) Inferred from 18S rDNA Sequences
Authors: Rossi Mariana F. , Dias Roberto Júnio. P. , Senra Marcus V. X. , Martinele Isabel , Soares Carlos A. G. , D'Agosto Marta
Published: February 2015

The 18S rDNA was used to infer oral ciliature patterns of evolution within the family Ophryoscolecidae, with the addition of five new sequences of ciliates from the genus Ostracodinium. Our data confirmed the monophyly of the subfamilies Entodiniinae and Ophryoscolecinae, but more analysis would be required for the definition of the status of the subfamily Diplodiniinae. The oral infraciliature patterns reflect evolutionary divergence in the family Ophryscolecidae, observing monophyly on Entodinium‐type, Diplodinium‐type, Ostracodinium‐type, Epidinium‐type, and Ophryoscolex‐type. The ancestral infraciliature of Entodinium‐type cannot be proven, however, the position of Entodinium‐type showed closer of Diplodinium‐type than Ophryoscolex‐type, corroborating previous studies using morphological characters. The observed inconsistencies reflect the need to increase the number of 18S rDNA sequences to family Ophryoscolecidae and investigate the evolution of this group using other molecular markers.
Trading Land: A Review of Approaches to Accounting for Upstream Land Requirements of Traded Products
Authors: Schaffartzik Anke , Haberl Helmut , Kastner Thomas , Wiedenhofer Dominik , Eisenmenger Nina , Erb Karl‐Heinz
Published: February 2015

Land use is recognized as a pervasive driver of environmental impacts, including climate change and biodiversity loss. Global trade leads to “telecoupling” between the land use of production and the consumption of biomass‐based goods and services. Telecoupling is captured by accounts of the upstream land requirements associated with traded products, also commonly referred to as land footprints. These accounts face challenges in two main areas: (1) the allocation of land to products traded and consumed and (2) the metrics to account for differences in land quality and land‐use intensity. For two main families of accounting approaches (biophysical, factor‐based and environmentally extended input‐output analysis), this review discusses conceptual differences and compares results for land footprints. Biophysical approaches are able to capture a large number of products and different land uses, but suffer from a truncation problem. Economic approaches solve the truncation problem, but are hampered by the limited disaggregation of sectors and products. In light of the conceptual differences, the overall similarity of results generated by both types of approaches is remarkable. Diametrically opposed results for some of the world's largest producers and consumers of biomass‐based products, however, make interpretation difficult. This review aims to provide clarity on some of the underlying conceptual issues of accounting for land footprints.
Petrological and geochronological constraints on lower crust exhumation during Paleoproterozoic (Eburnean) orogeny, NW Ghana, West African Craton
Authors: Block S. , Ganne J. , Baratoux L. , Zeh A. , Parra‐Avila L. A. , Jessell M. , Ailleres L. , Siebenaller L.
Published: February 2015

New petrological and geochronological data are presented on high‐grade ortho‐ and paragneisses from northwestern Ghana, forming part of the Paleoproterozoic (2.25–2.00 Ga) West African Craton. The study area is located in the interference zone between N–S and NE–SW‐trending craton‐scale shear zones, formed during the Eburnean orogeny (2.15–2.00 Ga). High‐grade metamorphic domains are separated from low‐grade greenstone belts by high‐strain zones, including early thrusts, extensional detachments and late‐stage strike‐slip shear zones. Paragneisses sporadically preserve high‐pressure, low‐temperature (HP–LT) relicts, formed at the transition between the blueschist facies and the epidote–amphibolite sub‐facies (10.0–14.0 kbar, 520–600 °C), and represent a low (~15 °C km−1) apparent geothermal gradient. Migmatites record metamorphic conditions at the amphibolite–granulite facies transition. They reveal a clockwise pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) path characterized by melting at pressures over 10.0 kbar, followed by decompression and heating to peak temperatures of 750 °C at 5.0–8.0 kbar, which fit a 30 °C km−1 apparent geotherm. A regional amphibolite facies metamorphic overprint is recorded by rocks that followed a clockwise P–T–t path, characterized by peak metamorphic conditions of 7.0–10.0 kbar at 550–680 °C, which match a 20–25 °C km−1 apparent geotherm. These P–T conditions were reached after prograde burial and heating for some rock units, and after decompression and heating for others. The timing of anatexis and of the amphibolite facies metamorphic overprint is constrained by in‐situ U–Pb dating of monazite crystallization at 2138 ± 7 and 2130 ± 7 Ma respectively. The new data set challenges the interpretation that metamorphic breaks in the West African Craton are due to diachronous Birimian ‘basins’ overlying a gneissic basement. It suggests that the lower crust was exhumed along reverse, normal and transcurrent shear zones and juxtaposed against shallow crustal slices during the Eburnean orogeny. The craton in NW Ghana is made of distinct fragments with contrasting tectono‐metamorphic histories. The range of metamorphic conditions and the sharp lateral metamorphic gradients are inconsistent with ‘hot orogeny’ models proposed for many Precambrian provinces. These findings shed new light on the geodynamic setting of craton assembly and stabilization in the Paleoproterozoic. It is suggested that the metamorphic record of the West African Craton is characteristic of Paleoproterozoic plate tectonics and illustrates a transition between Archean and Phanerozoic orogens.
Effect of Chronic Administration of Phenobarbital, or Bromide, on Pharmacokinetics of Levetiracetam in Dogs with Epilepsy
Authors: Muñana K.R. , Nettifee‐Osborne J.A. , Papich M.G.
Published: February 2015

Background

Levetiracetam (LEV) is a common add‐on antiepileptic drug (AED) in dogs with refractory seizures. Concurrent phenobarbital administration alters the disposition of LEV in healthy dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of LEV in dogs with epilepsy when administered concurrently with conventional AEDs.

Animals

Eighteen client‐owned dogs on maintenance treatment with LEV and phenobarbital (PB group, n = 6), LEV and bromide (BR group, n = 6) or LEV, phenobarbital and bromide (PB–BR group, n = 6).

Methods

Prospective pharmacokinetic study. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours after LEV administration. Plasma LEV concentrations were determined by high‐pressure liquid chromatography. To account for dose differences among dogs, LEV concentrations were normalized to the mean study dose (26.4 mg/kg). Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on adjusted concentrations, using a noncompartmental method, and area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) calculated to the last measured time point.

Results

Compared to the PB and PB–BR groups, the BR group had significantly higher peak concentration (Cmax) (73.4 ± 24.0 versus 37.5 ± 13.7 and 26.5 ± 8.96 μg/mL, respectively, P < .001) and AUC (329 ± 114 versus 140 ± 64.7 and 98.7 ± 42.2 h*μg/mL, respectively, P < .001), and significantly lower clearance (CL/F) (71.8 ± 22.1 versus 187 ± 81.9 and 269 ± 127 mL/h/kg, respectively, P = .028).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Concurrent administration of PB alone or in combination with bromide increases LEV clearance in epileptic dogs compared to concurrent administration of bromide alone. Dosage increases might be indicated when utilizing LEV as add‐on treatment with phenobarbital in dogs.
RNAseq reveals weed‐induced PIF3‐like as a candidate target to manipulate weed stress response in soybean
Authors: Horvath David P. , Hansen Stephanie A. , Moriles‐Miller Janet P. , Pierik Ronald , Yan Changhui , Clay David E. , Scheffler Brian , Clay Sharon A.
Published: February 2015

Weeds reduce yield in soybeans (Glycine max) through incompletely defined mechanisms. The effects of weeds on the soybean transcriptome were evaluated in field conditions during four separate growing seasons.

RNASeq data were collected from six biological samples of soybeans growing with or without weeds. Weed species and the methods to maintain weed‐free controls varied between years to mitigate treatment effects, and to allow detection of general soybean weed responses.

Soybean plants were not visibly nutrient‐ or water‐stressed. We identified 55 consistently downregulated genes in weedy plots. Many of the downregulated genes were heat shock genes. Fourteen genes were consistently upregulated. Several transcription factors including a PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 3‐like gene (PIF3) were included among the upregulated genes. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated roles for increased oxidative stress and jasmonic acid signaling responses during weed stress.

The relationship of this weed‐induced PIF3 gene to genes involved in shade avoidance responses in Arabidopsis provide evidence that this gene may be important in the response of soybean to weeds. These results suggest that the weed‐induced PIF3 gene will be a target for manipulating weed tolerance in soybean.
A plant toxin mediated mechanism for the lag in snowshoe hare population recovery following cyclic declines
Authors: DeAngelis Donald L. , Bryant John P. , Liu Rongsong , Gourley Stephen A. , Krebs Charles J. , Reichardt Paul B.
Published: February 2015

A necessary condition for a snowshoe hare population to cycle is reduced reproduction after the population declines. But the cause of a cyclic snowshoe hare population's reduced reproduction during the low phase of the cycle, when predator density collapses, is not completely understood. We propose that moderate‐severe browsing by snowshoe hares upon preferred winter‐foods could increase the toxicity of some of the hare's best winter‐foods during the following hare low, with the result being a decline in hare nutrition that could reduce hare reproduction. We used a combination of modeling and experiments to explore this hypothesis. Using the shrub birch Betula glandulosa as the plant of interest, the model predicted that browsing by hares during a hare cycle peak, by increasing the toxicity B. glandulosa twigs during the following hare low, could cause a hare population to cycle. The model's assumptions were verified with assays of dammarane triterpenes in segments of B. glandulosa twigs and captive hare feeding experiments conducted in Alaska during February and March 1986. The model's predictions were tested with estimates of hare density and measurements of B. glandulosa twig growth made at Kluane, Yukon from 1988–2008. The empirical tests supported the model's predictions. Thus, we have concluded that a browsing‐caused increase in twig toxicity that occurs during the hare cycle's low phase could reduce hare reproduction during the low phase of the hare cycle.
Precocious sexual dimorphism and the Lilliput effect in Neo‐Tethyan Ostracoda (Crustacea) through the Permian–Triassic boundary
Authors: Forel Marie‐Béatrice , Crasquin Sylvie , Chitnarin Anisong , Angiolini Lucia , Gaetani Maurizio
Published: February 2015

TheElikahRiver section spanning theLopingian (LatePermian) to theGriesbachian (EarlyTriassic) time interval in theCentralAlborzMountains (northIran) was sampled for ostracod analysis. We report 79 species distributed among 38 genera. Four new species are described:Acratia?pervagataForel sp. nov.,Microcheilinella alborzellaForel sp. nov.,Basslerella superarellaCrasquin sp. nov. andCavellina nesenensisCrasquin sp. nov. The ontogeny of 13 species is described and sexual dimorphism in the genusMicrocheilinellais here undoubtedly recognized for the first time. Six species show precocious sexual dimorphism of their carapace as early asA‐5 juvenile. TheLilliput effect is for the first time recorded and quantified for two species. Rare long‐time spanPalaeocopida species, known throughout the entirePermian, document relatively long‐term evolution, including the size and growth rate modifications associated with the earlier appearance of carapace sexual dimorphism through time. These patterns might be related to theGuadalupian–Lopingian events and/or to climatic modifications occurring during the Permian interval.
Trial heterogeneity and variance models in the genetic evaluation of potato tuber yield
Authors: Paget Mark F. , Alspach Peter A. , Anderson John A.D. , Genet Russell A. , Apiolaza Luis A.
Published: February 2015

Genetic evaluation aims to identify genotypes with high empirical breeding values (EBVs) for selection as parents. In this study, 2157 potato genotypes were evaluated for tuber yield using 8 years of early‐stage trial data collected from a potato breeding programme. Using linear mixed models, spatial parameters to target greater control of localised spatial heterogeneity within trials were estimated and variance models to account for across‐trial genetic heterogeneity were tested. When spatial components improved model fit, correlations of errors were mostly small and negative for marketable tuber yield (MTY) and total tuber yield (TTY), suggesting the presence of interplot competition in some years. For the analysis of multi‐environment trials, a variance model with a simple correlation structure (with heterogeneous variances) was the most favourable variance structure fitted for TTY and PTY (per cent marketable yield). There was very little difference in model fit when comparing a factor analytic structure of order 2 (FA2) with either FA1 or simple correlation structures for MTY, indicating that simple variance models may be preferable for early‐stage genetic evaluation of potato yield.
Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis associated with anti‐tuberculosis drugs
Authors: Avcu Gülhadiye , Sensoy Gülnar , Çeliksoy Mehmet Halil , Sogut Ayhan , Kefeli Mehmet , Karli Arzu , Belet Nursen
Published: February 2015

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV), a disease characterized by inflammation of the small vessels, presents with palpable purpura, especially in the lower extremities. Its etiology is known to include drugs, infection, collagen tissue disease, and malignancy, but LCV caused by anti‐tuberculosis drugs is very rarely seen. This report describes the case of a 12‐year‐old girl who developed LCV with rifampicin and ethambutol while undergoing anti‐tuberculosis treatment due to extensive pulmonary involvement.
Rotavirus gastroenteritis‐associated urinary ammonium acid urate crystals
Authors: Yokoyama Tadafumi , Sugimoto Naotoshi , Kato Eiji , Ohta Kazuhide , Ishikawa Sayaka , Ueno Kazuyuki , Shimizu Masaki , Yachie Akihiro
Published: February 2015

Although ammonium acid urate (AAU) calculi are extremely rare renal stone components, it was recently found that many urinary tract calculi that cause post‐renal renal failure in rotavirus (RV) gastroenteritis are AAU calculi. The mechanism of AAU calculi development in RV gastroenteritis has not been fully elucidated. We analyzed data from eight RV gastroenteritis patients who transiently had AAU crystals in their urinary sediment. In these patients, formation of AAU crystals occurred earlier than the formation of AAU calculi. No difference was observed in serum and urine uric acid levels between RV gastroenteritis patients with or without AAU crystals. Interestingly, fractional excretion of sodium was extremely low among patients with AAU crystals. These results suggest that the formation of AAU crystals might not be due to excretion of uric acid, but excretion of sodium.
Mesenteric hernia causing bowel obstruction in very low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Hirata Katsuya , Kawahara Hisayoshi , Shiono Nobuko , Nishihara Masahiro , Kubota Akio , Nakayama Masahiro , Kitajima Hiroyuki
Published: February 2015

Internal hernia through a mesenteric defect, called mesenteric hernia, is an uncommon cause of acute intestinal obstruction in newborns. Strangulated mesenteric hernia results in intestinal necrosis or perforation and progressive deterioration with fatal outcome, especially when it occurs in low‐birthweight infants. We report two very low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants, who presented with acute intestinal obstruction related to mesenteric defect. The initial diagnosis was meconium obstruction in those cases, which is a common cause of bowel obstruction occurring in VLBW infants. Correct diagnosis of mesenteric hernia was difficult in these cases because of rapid deterioration and non‐specific radiological findings. Awareness of the possibility of rare mesenteric hernia causing acute intestinal obstruction and surgical intervention in an appropriate timeframe are important for rescuing VLBW infants with such organic abnormalities.
Concomitant percutaneous aortic embolectomy and excision of left atrial myxoma in a child
Authors: Lee Eun‐Jung , Moon Sena , Lee Jae Young , Kang Joon Kyu , Chang Yun Hee
Published: February 2015

Cardiac myxoma is rare in children and often associated with cerebrovascular events. Reported herein is the case of a 9‐year‐old boy who presented with acute obstruction of the aortic bifurcation associated with a huge left atrial (LA) myxoma, thereby leading to acute ischemia of the lower extremities. Immediate surgical removal of the LA myxoma with concomitant percutaneous embolectomy using a Forgathy catheter was done, with relief of ischemic symptoms. Cardiac myxoma should always be considered in the case of acute embolic events in children, given that it needs immediate intervention to prevent further complications.
Pott's puffy tumor in a 12‐year‐old boy
Authors: Avcu Gülhadiye , Belet Nursen , Kurnaz Senem Cengel , Karli Arzu , Sensoy Gülnar
Published: February 2015

Pott's puffy tumor (PPT) is a rare complication of sinusitis characterized by subperiosteal abscess and osteomyelitis of the frontal bone. Early diagnosis and treatment is vital before it causes intracranial complications such as subdural empyema or brain abscess. Herein we describe the case of a 12‐year‐old patient who developed preseptal cellulitis and PPT, and was successfully treated with abscess drainage, sinus surgery and long‐term antibiotic therapy.
Malignant transformation of germinoma 14 years after onset: Favorable efficacy of oral etoposide
Authors: Fukuoka Kohei , Yanagisawa Takaaki , Suzuki Tomonari , Shirahata Mitsuaki , Adachi Jun‐ichi , Mishima Kazuhiko , Fujimaki Takamitsu , Matsutani Masao , Nishikawa Ryo
Published: February 2015

We report the case of a 19‐year‐old woman with a highly malignant intracranial germ cell tumor (GCT) that developed 14 years after treatment for neurohypophyseal germinoma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large neurohypophyseal mass and a synchronous lesion in the pineal region. Plasma α‐fetoprotein was elevated to 3038 ng/mL. Although the tumor shrank and tumor marker levels normalized after chemotherapy and craniospinal irradiation, treatment was switched to oral etoposide for the residual tumor because of adverse events. MRI after oral etoposide introduction showed additional tumor shrinkage for 27 months after the onset of the second tumor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest interval between germinoma onset and the development of highly malignant recurrent GCT to be reported in the English‐language literature. Oral etoposide prevented regrowth of the GCT, which has a poor prognosis, and decreased the size of the residual tumor.