Trematode parasites as indicators of an animal component in the diet of the Water Vole Arvicola amphibius.

The intestinal trematode fauna of the Water Vole Arvicola amphibius, (previously A. terrestris), was investigated to determine whether it might provide evidence of an animal component in the diet of this aquatic herbivorous small mammal. Interrogation of the electronic Host-Parasite Database of the Natural History Museum London revealed the presence of fourteen species of intestinal trematode in water voles, infection with each of which would require the ingestion of tissue from an animal intermediate host. The results obtained using these parasite indicators provide convincing evidence of animal components in the diet of A. amphibius and support anecdotal reports of water voles feeding on animal material in the field.

Polymer formulated self-amplifying RNA vaccine is partially protective against influenza virus infection in ferrets.

COVID-19 has demonstrated the power of RNA vaccines as part of a pandemic response toolkit. Another virus with pandemic potential is influenza. Further development of RNA vaccines in advance of a future influenza pandemic will save time and lives. As RNA vaccines require formulation to enter cells and induce antigen expression, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a recently developed bioreducible cationic polymer, pABOL for the delivery of a self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine for seasonal influenza virus in mice and ferrets. Mice and ferrets were immunized with pABOL formulated saRNA vaccines expressing either haemagglutinin (HA) from H1N1 or H3N2 influenza virus in a prime boost regime. Antibody responses, both binding and functional were measured in serum after immunization. Animals were then challenged with a matched influenza virus either directly by intranasal inoculation or in a contact transmission model. While highly immunogenic in mice, pABOL-formulated saRNA led to variable responses in ferrets. Animals that responded to the vaccine with higher levels of influenza virus-specific neutralizing antibodies were more protected against influenza virus infection. pABOL-formulated saRNA is immunogenic in ferrets, but further optimization of RNA vaccine formulation and constructs is required to increase the quality and quantity of the antibody response to the vaccine.

The effect of trait self-control on dyspnoea and tolerance to a CO2 rebreathing challenge in healthy males and females.

BACKGROUND: High trait self-control is associated with greater tolerance of unpleasant sensations including effort and pain. Dyspnoea and pain have several commonalities and this study aimed to investigate for the first time whether trait self-control influences responses to a hypercapnic rebreathing challenge designed to induce dyspnoea. As sex also influences tolerance to dyspnoea, we also sought to investigate whether this moderated the role of trait self-control. METHODS: Participants (n = 65, 32 females) scoring high or low for trait self-control, performed a standardised rebreathing challenge, in which inspired carbon dioxide (CO2) gradually increased over a period of 6 min or until an intolerable level of dyspnoea. Air hunger (AH) intensity - a distinctive quality of dyspnoea, was measured every 30 s. The multidimensional dyspnoea profile (MDP) was completed after the rebreathing challenge for a more complete overview of breathing discomfort. RESULTS: Males high in trait self-control (SCHIGH) (302 ± 42 s), tolerated the rebreathing challenge for longer than males low in self-control (SCLOW) (252 ± 66 s, P = 0.021), experienced slower increases in AH intensity during the rebreathing challenge (0.03 ± 0.01 cm.s - 1 vs. 0.04 ± 0.01 cm.s - 1,P = 0.045) and reported lower perceived mental effort on the MDP (4.94 ± 2.46 vs. 7.06 ± 1.60, P = 0.007). There was no difference between SCHIGH and SCLOW females for challenge duration. However, SCHIGH females (9.29 ± 0.66 cm) reported greater air hunger at the end of the challenge than SCLOW females (7.75 ± 1.75 cm, P = 0.003). It is possible that SCLOW females were unwilling to tolerate the same perceptual intensity of AH as the SCHIGH females. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that individuals high in trait self-control are more tolerant of dyspnoea during a CO2 rebreathing challenge than low self-control individuals. Tolerance of the stimulus was moderated by the sex of the participant, presenting an interesting opportunity for future research.

Presenting features of female collegiate sports-related concussion in South Africa: a descriptive analysis.

Background: Sports-related concussion (SRC) is an injury with important implications, especially in collision and contact sports, and has a high symptom burden. Student athletes face particular psychosocial challenges, especially female students with pre-existing anxiety/depression are at increased risk for SRC, and have a higher symptom burden before and after injury. Objectives: Describing female SRC presenting features at a collegiate campus-based sports medicine service; examining the association of prior concussion history (PCONC) and pre-existing anxiety/depression (PMHDx) with SRC. Methods: A retrospective cohort and statistical analysis (including corrected effect sizes) of Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (versions 3/5) data (Step 1: PCONC and PMHDx history; Step 2: symptom evaluation) of collegiate female athletes with SRC between 2012 and 2018. Results: Forty females with SRC were identified (age 23 ± 3). The five most frequent symptoms were headache (n = 34; 85%), feeling slowed down (n = 33; 83%), pressure in head (n = 33; 83%), don't feel right (n = 32; 80%) and fatigue/low-energy (n = 32; 80%). These five symptoms also had the highest self-rated severity (median (IQR): headache (3 (2-4)), feeling slowed down (3 (1-4)), fatigue/low-energy (3 (1-5)), don't feel right (3 (1-4)) and pressure in head (3 (2-4)). PMHDx (n = 8; 62.9 vs 38.6; p = 0.0192; Hedges' gs = 0.95; large ES), and not PCONC (n = 13; 51.0 vs 39.8; p = 0.2183; Hedges' gs = 0.48; small ES) was associated with increased mean total symptom severity. Conclusion: Headache, feeling slowed down, pressure in head, don't feel right and fatigue/low-energy had the highest symptom burden. Total symptom severity was no different in those with and without PCONC, but significantly higher in those with PMHDx.

Rapid sperm capture: high-throughput flagellar waveform analysis.

STUDY QUESTION: Can flagellar analyses be scaled up to provide automated tracking of motile sperm, and does knowledge of the flagellar waveform provide new insight not provided by routine head tracking? SUMMARY ANSWER: High-throughput flagellar waveform tracking and analysis enable measurement of experimentally intractable quantities such as energy dissipation, disturbance of the surrounding medium and viscous stresses, which are not possible by tracking the sperm head alone. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The clinical gold standard for sperm motility analysis comprises a manual analysis by a trained professional, with existing automated sperm diagnostics [computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA)] relying on tracking the sperm head and extrapolating measures. It is not currently possible with either of these approaches to track the sperm flagellar waveform for large numbers of cells in order to unlock the potential wealth of information enclosed within. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The software tool in this manuscript has been developed to enable high-throughput, repeatable, accurate and verifiable analysis of the sperm flagellar beat. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Using the software tool [Flagellar Analysis and Sperm Tracking (FAST)] described in this manuscript, we have analysed 176 experimental microscopy videos and have tracked the head and flagellum of 205 progressive cells in diluted semen (DSM), 119 progressive cells in a high-viscosity medium (HVM) and 42 stuck cells in a low-viscosity medium. Unscreened donors were recruited at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust after giving informed consent. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: We describe fully automated tracking and analysis of flagellar movement for large cell numbers. The analysis is demonstrated on freely motile cells in low- and high-viscosity fluids and validated on published data of tethered cells undergoing pharmacological hyperactivation. Direct analysis of the flagellar beat reveals that the CASA measure 'beat cross frequency' does not measure beat frequency; attempting to fit a straight line between the two measures gives ${\mathrm{R}}^2$ values of 0.042 and 0.00054 for cells in DSM and HVM, respectively. A new measurement, track centroid speed, is validated as an accurate differentiator of progressive motility. Coupled with fluid mechanics codes, waveform data enable extraction of experimentally intractable quantities such as energy dissipation, disturbance of the surrounding medium and viscous stresses. We provide a powerful and accessible research tool, enabling connection of the mechanical activity of the sperm to its motility and effect on its environment. LARGE SCALE DATA: The FAST software package and all documentation can be downloaded from www.flagellarCapture.com. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The FAST software package has only been tested for use with negative phase contrast microscopy. Other imaging modalities, with bright cells on a dark background, have not been tested but may work. FAST is not designed to analyse raw semen; it is specifically for precise analysis of flagellar kinematics, as that is the promising area for computer use. Flagellar capture will always require that cells are at a dilution where their paths do not frequently cross. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Combining tracked flagella with mathematical modelling has the potential to reveal new mechanistic insight. By providing the capability as a free-to-use software package, we hope that this ability to accurately quantify the flagellar waveform in large populations of motile cells will enable an abundant array of diagnostic, toxicological and therapeutic possibilities, as well as creating new opportunities for assessing and treating male subfertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): M.T.G., G.C., J.C.K-B. and D.J.S. gratefully acknowledge funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Healthcare Technologies Challenge Award (Rapid Sperm Capture EP/N021096/1). J.C.K-B. is funded by a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and Health Education England, Senior Clinical Lectureship Grant: The role of the human sperm in healthy live birth (NIHRDH-HCS SCL-2014-05-001). This article presents independent research funded in part by the NIHR and Health Education England. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health. The data for experimental set (2) were funded through a Wellcome Trust-University of Birmingham Value in People Fellowship Bridging Award (E.H.O.).The authors declare no competing interests.

Body Size Influences Stingless Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Communities Across a Range of Deforestation Levels in Rondônia, Brazil.

Developments in understanding bee responses to habitat loss indicate that body size is a trait with important consequences for conservation. Stingless bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini) are a diverse group of eusocial bees providing pollination services in tropical landscapes, exhibiting a large range in body size across species. We tested the effects of deforestation on the body sizes of stingless bee communities by using museum specimens and revisiting a previous effort that sampled stingless bee communities across varying levels of deforestation at 183 sites in Rondônia, Brazil, in 1996-1997. Body size measurements (intertegular distance) from 72 species collected were included as dependent variables in response to forest area, forest edge, and connectivity of forest patches at several spatial scales. We find that stingless bee body size is negatively related to forest cover: mean community body size was larger in areas with greater amounts of deforestation, and smaller in areas with less deforestation. Second, stingless bee species richness was positively associated with forest edge regardless of body size. Lastly, we find that as forest patch isolation increased, the stingless bee community body size also increased. These findings support hypotheses that small stingless bee species might be more negatively affected by deforestation, adding to the growing body of evidence that stingless bees require areas of intact forest in near proximity to other forest patches to conserve these diverse pollinator communities.

CASA: tracking the past and plotting the future.

The human semen sample carries a wealth of information of varying degrees of accessibility ranging from the traditional visual measures of count and motility to those that need a more computational approach, such as tracking the flagellar waveform. Although computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) options are becoming more widespread, the gold standard for clinical semen analysis requires trained laboratory staff. In this review we characterise the key attitudes towards the use of CASA and set out areas in which CASA should, and should not, be used and improved. We provide an overview of the current CASA landscape, discussing clinical uses as well as potential areas for the clinical translation of existing research technologies. Finally, we discuss where we see potential for the future of CASA, and how the integration of mathematical modelling and new technologies, such as automated flagellar tracking, may open new doors in clinical semen analysis.

Telephone-based CBT and the therapeutic relationship: The views and experiences of IAPT practitioners in a low-intensity service.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT: There is a move towards the use of new ways of delivering mental health care, particularly via an increased use of telephone therapies. Although some studies have noted the advantages of telephone-delivered therapies (e.g., removing access barriers) and reported on equivalent therapeutic effects when compared to face-to-face, there are concerns about how telephone-based therapy adversely affects the therapeutic relationship. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE: It contributes new knowledge regarding psychological practitioners' experience and views about using telephone-based therapies and how this affects the therapeutic relationship. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This paper provides data about the new practitioner workforce (IAPT Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners) and adds to a growing area of research regarding their clinical role. It has relevance for mental health nursing, because health services internationally and across the professions are exploring how telehealth can improve health care. This paper suggests that mental health services need to focus on what type of therapeutic relationship their practice facilitates and on offering transparency to service users. It concludes that telephone work in IAPT can accommodate a working alliance, but not other types of therapeutic relationship, which practitioners and service users hoped for. Services need to focus on what facilitates and inhibits deeper therapeutic closeness and connection. ABSTRACT: Introduction Over-the-telephone (OTT)-delivered psychological therapies as an alternative method to face-to-face (F2F) are becoming more prevalent in mental health care. Research suggests a range of benefits of OTT use in therapy, but there are growing concerns about its consequences for the therapeutic relationship. This paper presents new knowledge regarding psychological practitioners' experience and views of OTT work and its potential effects on the therapeutic relationship in the context of the UK's Increasing Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) programme. Aim This paper presents IAPT practitioners' experiences and views of OTT work and its potential effects on the therapeutic relationship. Methods Completed questionnaires (exploring OTT versus F2F work) which were distributed to IAPT practitioners revealed a concern about the therapeutic relationship in OTT. To explore this further, nine in-depth semi-structured interviews with PWPs were conducted and the findings from this qualitative study are reported here. Results Practitioners noted OTT use facilitated access and flexibility for service users; however, they expressed some concern over the adverse effect of OTT on the therapeutic relationship. Discussion Although a working alliance was possible OTT, this research suggests the type of therapeutic relationship formed OTT in a "low contact-high volume" service such as IAPT needs to be better defined. By addressing this, dissonance which might arise between practitioner aims and the aims of IAPT can be reduced. This research also contributes to wider debates regarding mental health care and its provision in the UK. Implications for practice This paper concludes that mental health services need to focus on what type of therapeutic relationship their practice facilitates and to offer transparency to service users. The findings suggest that telephone work in IAPT can accommodate a working alliance, but not other types of therapeutic relationship, which practitioners and service users hoped for. Services need to offer a more nuanced understanding of the concept of a therapeutic relationship and focus on what facilitates and inhibits deeper therapeutic closeness and connection.

Non-sanctioning of illegal tackles in South African youth community rugby.

OBJECTIVES: The tackle event in rugby union ('rugby') contributes to the majority of players' injuries. Referees can reduce this risk by sanctioning dangerous tackles. A study in elite adult rugby suggests that referees only sanction a minority of illegal tackles. The aim of this study was to assess if this finding was similar in youth community rugby. DESIGN: Observational study. METHODS: Using EncodePro, 99 South African Rugby Union U18 Youth Week tournament matches were coded between 2011 and 2015. All tackles were coded by a researcher and an international referee to ensure that laws were interpreted correctly. The inter- and intra-rater reliabilities were 0.97-1.00. A regression analysis compared the non-sanctioned rates over time. RESULTS: In total, 12 216 tackles were coded, of which less than 1% (n=113) were 'illegal'. The majority of the 113 illegal tackles were front-on (75%), high tackles (72%) and occurred in the 2nd/4th quarters (29% each). Of the illegal tackles, only 59% were sanctioned. The proportions of illegal tackles and sanctioning of these illegal tackles to all tackles improved by 0.2% per year from 2011-2015 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In these youth community rugby players, 59% of illegal tackles were not sanctioned appropriately. This was better than a previous study in elite adult rugby, where only 7% of illegal tackles were penalised. Moreover, the rates of illegal tackles and non-sanctioned illegal tackles both improved over time. However, it is critical that referees consistently enforce all laws to enhance injury prevention efforts. Further studies should investigate the reasons for non-sanctioning.

Effects of feeding two RRR-α-tocopherol formulations on serum, cerebrospinal fluid and muscle α-tocopherol concentrations in horses with subclinical vitamin E deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-tocopherol (α-TP) supplementation is recommended for the prevention of various equine neuromuscular disorders. Formulations available include RRR-α-TP acetate powder and a more expensive but rapidly water-dispersible liquid RRR-α-TP (WD RRR-α-TP). No cost-effective means of rapidly increasing serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α-TP with WD RRR-α-TP and then sustaining concentrations with RRR-α-TP acetate has yet been reported. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate serum, CSF and muscle α-TP concentrations in an 8-week dosing regimen in which horses were transitioned from WD RRR-α-TP to RRR-α-TP acetate. STUDY DESIGN: Non-randomised controlled trial. METHODS: Healthy horses with serum α-TP of <2 µg/mL were divided into three groups and followed for 8 weeks. In the control group (n = 5), no α-TP was administered. In the second group (Group A; n = 7), 5000 IU/day RRR-α-TP acetate was administered. In the third group (Group WD-A; n = 7), doses of 5000 IU/day of WD RRR-α-TP were administered over 3 weeks, followed by a 4-week transition from WD RRR-α-TP to RRR-α-TP acetate, and a final 1 week of treatment with RRR-α-TP acetate. Serum samples were obtained weekly; muscle biopsies were obtained before, at 2.5 weeks and after supplementation. CSF samples were obtained before and after the 8-week period of supplementation. RESULTS: Serum α-TP increased significantly in Group WD-A at week 1 and remained significantly higher than in Group A and the control group throughout the transition, with inter-individual variation in response. Serum α-TP increased significantly by week 7 in Group A. CSF α-TP increased significantly in Group WD-A only. Muscle α-TP concentrations did not differ significantly across groups. Serum and CSF α-TP were closely correlated (r = 0.675), whereas serum and muscle-α-TP concentrations were not correlated. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The study duration was short and data on pre-transition CSF was lacking. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of 5000 IU/day of water-dispersible RRR-α-TP rapidly increases serum α-TP. Serum and CSF α-TP concentrations are sustained with a gradual transition to 5000 IU/day of RRR-α-TP acetate. Periodic evaluation of serum α-TP concentrations is recommended because responses vary among individuals.

Evaluation of a web-based weight loss intervention in overweight cancer survivors aged 50 years and younger.

PURPOSE: Half of adult cancer survivors under age 50 years are obese. Excess body weight is associated with cancer recurrence, and effective weight loss interventions for younger cancer survivors are needed. Commercially available, online weight loss programmes are readily accessible, but few have been studied in this population. This study employed a single-arm, pre-post intervention (baseline-6 month/baseline-12 month comparisons) to preliminarily explore feasibility, efficacy and safety of an online, commercially available weight loss programme in breast (n = 30) and testicular (n = 16) cancer survivors under age 50 years. METHODS: The intervention included three daily components: exercise, nutritional/behavioural modification strategies and health lessons. Intention-to-treat and completers analyses were conducted. Feasibility was measured by participation (number of participants enrolled/number screened), retention (number of participants attending 6/12 month study visit/number of enrolled) and self-reported adherence rates (average of mean percent adherence to each of the three intervention components). Efficacy was assessed by changes in initial weight (percent weight loss). Safety was assessed by adverse events. RESULTS: The mean participation rate was 42%. The retention rate was 59% at 6 and 49% at 12 months. The adherence rate for all participants (completers/dropouts/lost-to-follow-up) was 50.1% at 6 and 44% at 12 months. Completers reported adherence rates of 68% at 12 months. Study participants lost 5.3% body weight at 12 months; completers lost 9%. Only three unexpected adverse events (unrelated to the intervention) were reported. CONCLUSION: Clinically significant weight loss was observed, although retention rates were low. Findings generally support preliminary feasibility, efficacy and safety of this online weight loss programme, and future randomized control trials should be explored.

Appendicular Lean Mass and Mortality among Prefrail and Frail Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: Prefrail and frail older adults are a heterogeneous population. The measurement of appendicular lean mass (ALM) may distinguish those at higher versus lower risk of poor outcomes. We examined the relationship between ALM and mortality among prefrail and frail older adults. DESIGN: This was a population-based cohort study. SETTING: The Third National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES III; 1988-1994). PARTICIPANTS: Older adults (age ≥65 years) with pre-frailty or frailty defined using the Fried criteria. MEASUREMENTS: ALM was quantified using bioimpedance analysis. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analysis examined the relationship between ALM and mortality. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine if ALM added to age and sex improved the predictive discrimination of five-year and ten-year mortality. RESULTS: At baseline, the average age was 74.9 years, 66.7% were female, 86.3% and 13.7% were prefrail and frail, respectively. The mean ALM was 18.9 kg [standard deviation (SD): 5.5]. During a median 8.9 years of follow-up, 1,307 of 1,487 study participants died (87.9%). Higher ALM was associated with a lower risk of mortality. In a multivariable-adjusted regression model that accounted for demographic, behavioral, clinical, physical function, and frailty characteristics, each SD increase in ALM was associated with an 50% lower risk of mortality [Hazard Ratio: 0.50 (95% CI: 0.27-0.92); P=0.026]. The addition of ALM to age and sex improved the predictive discrimination of five-year (P=0.027) and ten-year (P=0.016) mortality. CONCLUSION: ALM distinguishes the risk of mortality among prefrail and frail older adults. Additional research examining ALM as a therapeutic target is warranted.

2016 Laboratory guidelines for postvasectomy semen analysis: Association of Biomedical Andrologists, the British Andrology Society and the British Association of Urological Surgeons.

Post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) is the procedure used to establish whether sperm are present in the semen following a vasectomy. PVSA is presently carried out by a wide variety of individuals, ranging from doctors and nurses in general practitioner (GP) surgeries to specialist scientists in andrology laboratories, with highly variable results.Key recommendations are that: (1) PVSA should take place a minimum of 12 weeks after surgery and after a minimum of 20 ejaculations. (2) Laboratories should routinely examine samples within 4 h of production if assessing for the presence of sperm. If non-motile sperm are observed, further samples must be examined within 1 h of production. (3) Assessment of a single sample is acceptable to confirm vasectomy success if all recommendations and laboratory methodology are met and no sperm are observed. Clearance can then be given. (4) The level for special clearance should be <100 000/mL non-motile sperm. Special clearance cannot be provided if any motile sperm are observed and should only be given after assessment of two samples in full accordance with the methods contained within these guidelines. Surgeons are responsible both preoperatively and postoperatively for the counselling of patients and their partners regarding complications and the possibility of late recanalisation after clearance. These 2016 guidelines replace the 2002 British Andrology Society (BAS) laboratory guidelines and should be regarded as definitive for the UK in the provision of a quality PVSA service, accredited to ISO 15189:2012, as overseen by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

The effectiveness of the nationwide BokSmart rugby injury prevention program on catastrophic injury rates.

Rugby Union ("rugby") participants have a higher than average risk of injury compared with participants of other popular team sports. BokSmart, a nationwide injury prevention program was launched in South Africa in mid-2009, with the goal of reducing catastrophic head/neck (serious) injuries in players. The program provides injury prevention information to coaches and referees. This study investigated if BokSmart has been associated with a reduction in these injuries. The BokSmart program collected data on all South African rugby-related serious injuries since 2008. Using a Poisson regression, injury numbers were compared pre-BokSmart (2008-2009) to the years post-implementation (2010-2013). Player numbers were assumed to be constant throughout this evaluation: junior = 529,483; senior = 121,663. In junior players, the "post-BokSmart" period had 2.5 less annual serious injuries than "pre-BokSmart" (incidence rate ratio: 0.6, 95% confidence interval: 0.5-0.7, P < 0.000). In contrast, there was no significant difference in these periods in seniors. The absence of effect in seniors may be a result of fewer players or of differences in effectiveness of BokSmart in this group--future studies should investigate these questions.

The impact of vitamin D3 supplementation on muscle function among HIV-infected children and young adults: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: We tested the hypothesis that daily vitD3 supplementation increases neuromuscular motor skills, jump power, jump energy, muscular force, and muscular strength. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of 12-months of oral 7,000 IU/day vitD3 supplementation or placebo among 56 persons living with HIV aged 9-25 years. Neuromuscular motor skills were quantified using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. Power was quantified using peak jump power, and energy was quantified using peak jump height. Muscular force was quantified using isometric ankle plantar- and dorsiflexion, isokinetic knee flexion and extension. Muscular strength was quantified using isometric handgrip strength. RESULTS: After 12-months, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was higher with supplementation versus placebo (ß=12.1 ng/mL; P<0.001). In intention-to-treat analyses, supplementation improved neuromuscular motor skills versus placebo (ß=1.14; P=0.041). We observed no effect of supplementation on jump power, jump energy, muscular force, or muscular strength outcomes versus placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Among HIV-infected children and young adults supplementation with daily high-dose vitD3 increased concentration of serum 25(OH)D and improved neuromuscular motor skills versus placebo.

Histiocytic sarcoma with central nervous system involvement in dogs: 19 cases (2006-2012).

BACKGROUND: Reports of histiocytic sarcoma (HS) involving the central nervous system (CNS) are sparse and consist mainly of case reports describing 1-3 animals. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to report the signalments, clinical signs, clinicopathologic and diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and outcome of a series of dogs with HS and CNS involvement. ANIMALS: Nineteen dogs with HS examined at veterinary referral hospitals. METHODS: Retrospective case series. Medical records were reviewed and cases with a histopathological diagnosis of CNS HS were included in the study. Diagnostic imaging studies of the CNS were evaluated and histopathologic samples were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Retrievers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis were overrepresented in this cohort of dogs. Tumors involved the brain in 14 dogs and the spinal cord in 5. In 4 dogs, HS was part of a disseminated, multiorgan process whereas it appeared confined to the CNS in 15 dogs. Diagnostic imaging had variable appearances although extraaxial masses predominated in the brain. There was meningeal enhancement in all dogs that was often profound and remote from the primary mass lesion. Pleocytosis was present in all dogs with CSF evaluation. Median survival was 3 days. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Breed predispositions appear to vary from reports of HS in other organ systems. Some unique imaging and clinicopathologic characteristics, particularly brain herniation, profound meningeal enhancement, and pleocytosis in combination with 1 or more mass lesions, might help to differentiate this neoplasm from others involving the CNS, although this requires further study.

Physical function as a prognostic biomarker among cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: We tested the hypothesis that objectively measured physical function predicts mortality among cancer survivors. METHODS: We assessed objectively measured physical function including the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and fast walk speed in older adult cancer survivors. RESULTS: Among 413 cancer survivors, 315 (76%) died during a median follow-up of 11.0 years. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, each 1-unit increase in the SPPB score and 0.1 m s(-1) increase in fast walk speed predicted a 12% reduction in mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82-0.94); P<0.001, and HR: 0.88 (95% CI: 0.82-0.96); P=0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Objectively measured physical function may predict mortality among cancer survivors.

Splenosystemic shunts in cats: a retrospective of 33 cases (2004-2011).

BACKGROUND: Portosystemic shunts are uncommonly reported in cats. The majority of reports describe congenital shunts in young cats originating from the left gastric vein. Although they are only rarely reported, acquired portosystemic shunts in cats appear to be more variable in their anatomic location. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: To describe the signalment and disease conditions found in cats with splenosystemic shunts. ANIMALS: Thirty-three client-owned cats with documented splenosystemic shunts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study. All cats with vascular communications between the splenic and left renal veins or the splenic vein and caudal vena cava diagnosed ultrasonographically between 2004 and 2011 were included. Collected data included age, breed, sex, presenting complaints, clinicopathologic data, as well as clinical diagnosis when available. RESULTS: Splenosystemic shunts were identified in 1.3% of the cats that had an abdominal ultrasound performed during the study period. Older, spayed female cats were found to be significantly overrepresented when compared with the total population of cats having undergone ultrasound over the same time period. A large proportion of cats (42%) had a hepatopathy with the potential for associated portal hypertension. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Neither the signalment of cats in this report nor the anatomy of their portovascular anomalies shared similarities with those cats previously identified with single-vessel shunts. The relevance and etiology of these newly described splenosystemic shunts remain elusive and warrantsfurther investigation.

Activities of muscadine grape skin and polyphenolic constituents against Helicobacter pylori.

AIMS: To identify active phenolic constituents in muscadine grape skin (MGS) extracts and determine interactions among compounds while further exploring their anti-Helicobacter pylori potential in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS: The inhibitory effects of quercetin and resveratrol, active polyphenols identified in MGS extracts, against H. pylori were investigated. Quercetin and resveratrol significantly (P < 0.05) reduced H. pylori counts regardless of pH with minimal bactericidal concentrations of 256 and 128 µg ml(-1), respectively. MGS extracts displayed the highest efficacy, suggesting additional unidentified compounds not determined in this study. Time-course viability experiments showed a dose-dependent anti-H. pylori response to quercetin and resveratrol. Interestingly, neither quercetin nor resveratrol affected H. pylori outer membrane (OM) integrity as determined by 1-N-phenylnaphthylamine (NPN) uptake assays. However, treatment with MGS extract did increase NPN uptake, indicating OM destabilization possibly by additional unknown components. Furthermore, quercetin was found to enter H. pylori as measured by HPLC supporting intracellular drug accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: Quercetin and resveratrol possess strong anti-H. pylori activity in vitro and are independent of pH. Our results also suggest that these compounds do not affect H. pylori OM integrity as previously hypothesized and that the primary antimicrobial activity of quercetin may be linked to interactions with intracellular components. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The anti-H. pylori effects of quercetin and resveratrol suggest that these compounds may be useful in the dietary prevention and/or treatment of H. pylori infection.