It's not easy being green: Comparing typical skin colouration among amphibians with colour abnormalities associated with chromatophore deficits.

Amphibians can obtain their colour from a combination of several different pigment and light reflecting cell types called chromatophores, with defects in one or several of the cells leading to colour abnormalities. There is a need for better recording of colour abnormalities within wild amphibian populations, as this may provide baseline data that can be used to determine changes in environmental conditions and population dynamics, such as inbreeding. In this study, we provide records of several types of chromatophore deficiencies, including those involving iridophores, xanthophores and melanophores, among two Australian tree frog species; the green and golden bell frog, Litoria aurea, and the eastern dwarf tree frog, L. fallax. We explore these colour abnormalities in terms of the chromatophores that have likely been affected and associated with their expression, in combination with typical colour phenotypes, colour variations and colour changes for these species. We intend for our photographs to be used as a visual guide that addresses the need for more accessible information regarding the physical manifestation of different chromatophore defects among amphibians.

Framing Effects, Social Norm Perception, and Tolerance of Lesbian and Gay Individuals: Experimental Evidence From Slovakia.

Perceptions of social norms can have downstream consequences for attitudes and behaviors, especially when it comes to the acceptance of marginalized groups. While interventions focusing on social norms may boost tolerance, few studies test whether variations in norm communication affect individuals' perceptions. Thus, in this paper, we test the effectiveness of three communicative aspects-valence framing (Experiments 1-3), point of view (Experiment 1), and group centrism (Experiment 3)-in shifting perceptions of social norms. Specifically, we investigate whether manipulating these aspects affects perceptions of tolerance of lesbian and gay individuals in Slovakia, where LGBTQ+ acceptance is among the lowest in Europe. We found that while positively valenced messages shifted perceptions toward tolerance, manipulating point of view and group-centrism did not. We believe that these findings can inform interventions intended to shift perceptions of social norms in hostile contexts, an important first step in changing prejudiced attitudes and behaviors.

High clutch failure rate due to unpredictable rainfall for an ephemeral pool-breeding frog.

Animals that reproduce in temporary aquatic systems expose their offspring to a heightened risk of desiccation, as they must race to complete development and escape before water levels recede. Adults must therefore synchronise reproduction with the changing availability of water, yet the conditions they experience to trigger such an event may not relate to those offspring face throughout development, potentially leading to clutch failure. The sandpaper frog (Lechriodus fletcheri) breeds in ephemeral pools that dry within days to weeks after rainfall has ceased. We examined whether spawning frequency and offspring survival differed across two consecutive breeding seasons based on (1) rainfall at the moment of oviposition and throughout offspring development, and (2) pool volume, given their combined effect on hydroperiod. Reproduction was triggered by rainfall, with more spawn laid during periods of greater rainfall and in larger pools. While pool size was a predictor of offspring survival, rainfall during oviposition was not. Rather, follow-up rain events were required to prevent pools drying prior to metamorphosis, with rainfall evenness during development the strongest predictor of reproductive success. High clutch failure rates recorded in both seasons suggest that adults do not have the capability to predict rainfall frequency post-oviposition. We thus conclude that unpredictable rainfall leading to premature desiccation of spawning sites is the primary source of pre-metamorphic mortality for this species. Understanding the influence of rainfall predictability on offspring survival could be critical in predicting the effects of altered hydroperiod regimes due to climate change for species that exploit temporary waters.

Using citizen science in the photo-identification of adult individuals of an amphibian based on two facial skin features.

Among amphibians, adults have traditionally been identified in capture-mark-recapture studies using invasive marking techniques with associated ethical, cost and logistical considerations. However, species in this group may be strong candidates for photo-identification based on natural skin features that removes many of these concerns, with this technique opening up opportunities for citizen scientists to be involved in animal monitoring programs. We investigated the feasibility of using citizen science to distinguish between individuals of an Australian anuran (the sandpaper frog, Lechriodus fletcheri) based on a visual analysis of their natural skin features. We collected photographs of marked individuals in the field over three breeding seasons using a smartphone device. This photo-database was used to create an online survey to determine how easily members of the general public could photo-match individuals by a comparison of two facial skin features; black banding that runs horizontally above the tympanum and a background array of tubercles present in this region. Survey participants were provided with 30 closed, multiple choice questions in which they were asked to match separate images of a query frog from small image pools of potential candidate matches. Participants were consistently able to match individuals with a low matching error rate (mean ± SD of 26 ± 5) despite the relatively low quality of photographs taken from a smartphone device in the field, with most query frogs being matched by a majority of participants (mean ± SD of 86.02 ± 9.52%). These features were found to be unique and stable among adult males and females. Thus, photo-identification is likely to be a valid, non-invasive method for capture-mark-recapture for L. fletcheri, and likely many anurans that display similar facial skin features. This may become an important alternative to artificial marking techniques, with the challenges of manual photo-matching reduced by spreading workloads among members of the public that can be recruited online.

Comparative Animal Mucomics: Inspiration for Functional Materials from Ubiquitous and Understudied Biopolymers.

The functions of secreted animal mucuses are remarkably diverse and include lubricants, wet adhesives, protective barriers, and mineralizing agents. Although present in all animals, many open questions related to the hierarchical architectures, material properties, and genetics of mucus remain. Here, we summarize what is known about secreted mucus structure, describe the work of research groups throughout the world who are investigating various animal mucuses, and relate how these studies are revealing new mucus properties and the relationships between mucus hierarchical structure and hydrogel function. Finally, we call for a more systematic approach to studying animal mucuses so that data sets can be compared, omics-style, to address unanswered questions in the emerging field of mucomics. One major result that we anticipate from these efforts is design rules for creating new materials that are inspired by the structures and functions of animal mucuses.

Enhanced colorectal cancer metastases in the alcohol-injured liver.

Metastatic liver disease is a major cause of mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Alcohol consumption is a noted risk factor for secondary cancers yet the role of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is not defined. This work evaluated tumor cell colonization in the alcoholic host liver using a novel preclinical model of human CRC liver metastases. Immunocompromised Rag1-deficient mice were fed either ethanol (E) or isocaloric control (C) diets for 4 weeks prior to intrasplenic injection of LS174T human CRC cells. ALD and CRLM were evaluated 3 or 5 weeks post-LS174T cell injection with continued C/E diet administration. ALD was confirmed by increased serum transaminases, hepatic steatosis and expression of cytochrome P4502E1, a major ethanol-metabolizing enzyme. Alcohol-mediated liver dysfunction was validated by impaired endocytosis of asialoorosomucoid and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), indicators of hepatocellular injury and progressive CRC disease, respectively. Strikingly, the rate and burden of CRLM was distinctly enhanced in alcoholic livers with metastases observed earlier and more severely in E-fed mice. Further, alcohol-related increases (1.5-3.0 fold) were observed in the expression of hepatic cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10) and other factors noted to be involved in the colonization of CRC cells including ICAM-1, CCL-2, CCL-7, MMP-2, and MMP-9. Also, alcoholic liver injury was associated with altered hepatic localization as well as increased circulating levels of CEA released from CRC cells. Altogether, these findings indicate that the alcoholic liver provides a permissive environment for the establishment of CRLM, possibly through CEA-related inflammatory mechanisms.

Role of a Limited Transarticular Release in Severe Hallux Valgus Correction.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) treatment is continuously evolving, and no definitive treatment can be recommended. Osteotomies are the main surgical choice for these deformities, but no clear role for soft tissue procedures is available. OBJECTIVE: To perform a retrospective comparison of the radiographic and clinical outcomes of 2 groups of patients with severe HV operated with the same osteotomy technique but differing on the type of lateral release. METHODS: Two groups of patients with symptomatic moderate to severe HV deformities were operated with the same proximal metatarsal osteotomy, which differed on the type of lateral release: group 1 had limited transarticular lateral capsule release (n = 62), and group 2 complete lateral release, including capsule, adductor tendon, and intermetatarsal (IM) ligament (n = 57). We recorded the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, HV and IM angles, first metatarsal shortening, concomitant metatarsal shortening osteotomies (Weil), Akin osteotomies, and complications. RESULTS: The postoperative AOFAS score in group 1 was similar to that of group 2. The HV and IM angles improved in both groups with no significant difference. The multivariate analysis showed no influence of any variable analyzed on HV or IM angle improvement. Regarding AOFAS score improvement, a limited lateral release was associated with a higher increase in AOFAS score (P = .019). CONCLUSION: No studies are available to identify which soft tissue structures are involved in HV deformities nor which have to be released, if any. A limited transarticular release can provide similar clinical and radiologic outcomes when compared with a classic open lateral release. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Recurrent tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Recurrence of tarsal tunnel syndrome after surgery may be due to inadequate release, lack of understanding or appreciation of the actual anatomy involved, variations in the anatomy of the nerve(s), failure to execute the release properly, bleeding with subsequent scarring, damage to the nerve and branches, persistent hypersensitivity of the nerves, and preexisting intrinsic damage to the nerve. Approaches include more thorough release, use of barrier materials to decrease adherence of the nerve to surrounding tissues to avoid traction neuritis, excisions of neuromas using conduits, and consideration of nerve stimulators and systemic medications to deal with persistent neural pain.

Plate position and angular stability: mechanical comparison in sawbone osteotomy models.

Proximal metatarsal osteotomies are inherently unstable and difficult to fix. The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical stiffness in sawbone models of medially versus dorsally placed plates and then to compare semilocked versus nonlocked plates in different osteotomy configurations. Thirty sawbone models were constructed, fixed either with titanium self-locking or steel mini-fragment plates. They were divided in groups and their stiffness was measured. The stiffness of any model fixed with medial titanium or steel plates was on average 158% and 228% greater, respectively, compared to dorsal plates. Adding a dorsal shelf of bone to a proximal closing wedge osteotomy increases its stiffness. Using locked plates increased the mechanical stiffness in only one configuration. The article suggests that models fixed with medial plates have greater resistance to failure than models fixed with dorsal plates. Using locked plates does not increase the mechanical stiffness of the construct.

Proximal oblique sliding closing wedge osteotomy for hallux valgus.

BACKGROUND: The proximal oblique sliding closing wedge osteotomy (POSCOW) technique was developed to address moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. We present a retrospective multicenter study to analyze the midterm radiological and clinical outcomes of patients treated with this type of proximal osteotomy fixed with plates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-four patients (187 feet) were operated on between May 2005 and June 2010 in 2 separate centers. Inclusion criteria were symptomatic moderate to severe incongruent hallux valgus deformity, no significant restriction in the first metatarsophalangeal joint movement, none to minimal degenerative changes in the first metatarsophalangeal or the tarsometatarsal joints, and no hypermobility. The median age was 60 years. The preoperative hallux valgus angle (HV) was 35.6 degrees, intermetatarsal angle (IM) was 15.3 degrees, AOFAS score was 53 points. The median follow-up was 35 months (range, 12-73). A POSCOW osteotomy was performed in all patients and fixed with plates. We recorded the satisfaction rate, postoperative clinical and radiological results, and complications. RESULTS: The patient satisfaction rate was 87%. The mean postoperative HV angle was 12.3 degrees, IM angle 4.8 degrees, AOFAS score 89 points. The mean decrease in the first metatarsal length was 2.2 mm (range, 0-8). Twelve feet (6.4%) with recurrence of the deformity required revision surgeries. Removal of complete or partial hardware was needed in 23 feet (12.3%) for symptomatic hardware. Five feet (2.6%) developed hallux varus but only 2 required surgery. Transfer metatarsalgia was noted in 9 feet (4.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The POSCOW osteotomy was an effective and reliable method for relieving pain and improving function. A learning curve was present, as most of the complications happened in the initial cases. To our knowledge, this is the largest reported series of proximal closing wedge osteotomy for hallux valgus deformities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Use of collagen conduits in management of painful neuromas of the foot and ankle.

BACKGROUND: Painful neuromas of the foot and ankle frequently pose a treatment dilemma due to persistent pain or recurrence after resection. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes in patients in which collagen nerve conduits were used as an adjunct to the resection of a painful neuroma. Our prior experience with vein conduits for this purpose suggested that we might have similar success with the use of these devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chart reviews and telephone surveys were performed on patients operated by the senior surgeon (JSG) at our medical center from June 2006 to June 2011. A total of 50 patients underwent excision of painful single or multiple neuromas with the end of the resected nerve sutured into the collagen conduit. Each patient preoperatively was asked to describe the amount of pain he or she was experiencing on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 indicating the most severe pain. In the telephone interview conducted during this study, the same question was asked of each patient following revision. Patient ages ranged from 16 to 77 years, with a mean of 54 years. In all, 30 right and 20 left sides were operated, and 1 patient had bilateral involvement. Mean follow-up was 36 months (6-55 months). There were a total of 69 nerves that underwent conduit procedures. RESULTS: Of 69 nerve conduit constructs, 30 (43%) were painless at final outcome, 23 (33%) had pain scores of 1 to 4, 6 (9%) had pain scores of 5 to 7, and 10 (15%) had severe symptoms with pain scores of 8 to 10. Satisfactory outcomes in which patients stated that they were significantly improved with the procedure and now functional occurred in 59/69 (85%). In all, 24 (48%) patients were completely symptom free, 13 (26%) had a pain score of 1 to 4, 6 (12%) had scores of 5 to 7, and 10 (15%) had severe pain with scores of 8 to 10. Three patients had superficial infections (stitch abscesses): 2 resolved with oral antibiotics and 1 resolved spontaneously. Three patients developed complex regional pain syndrome. One patient responded to a dorsal column stimulator and 2 responded to sympathetic blocks. No other complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Collagen conduits were safe and generally successful adjuncts to simple excision in the management of painful neuromas of the foot and ankle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, unlike its similar sounding counterpart in the hand, is a significantly misunderstood clinical entity. Confusion concerning the anatomy involved, the presenting symptomatology, the appropriateness and significance of various diagnostic tests, conservative and surgical management, and, finally, the variability of reported results of surgical intervention attests to the lack of consensus surrounding this condition. The terminology involved in various diagnoses for chronic heel pain is also a hodgepodge of poorly understood entities.

The failed tarsal tunnel release.

Failed surgical releases of the tarsal tunnel may be due to numerous causes. Many of the failures are due to lack of appreciation of the involved anatomy or inadequate technique. When an insufficient release is done, a revision simply completes the necessary steps. When external scarring is the problem, barrier materials may be used to help protect the nerve after neurolysis. When intrinsic damage is the problem, nerve wrapping, reconstruction, conduits, and nerve stimulators all play a role to restore function or ameliorate pain.

Pedicle and free flaps for painful nerve.

Treatment of the chronic painful nerve by pedicled or free tissue transfer is a complex surgical procedure, requiring specialized microsurgical training and technique. This procedure is indicated only in patients who have had repeated failure of simpler, conventional procedures. Patients with chronic painful peripheral nerves may be potentially salvaged by external neurolysis and circumferential wrapping of the involved segments of nerve with well-vascularized pedicled or free flaps of fascia, subcutaneous fatty tissue, omentum or muscle, or by the replacement of superficial hypersensitive cutaneous areas and nerves with the same tissues.

Treatment of fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) and related neurological problems.

Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects older adult carriers, predominantly males, of premutation alleles (55 to 200 CGG repeats) of the fragile X (FMR1) gene. Principal features of FXTAS are intention tremor, ataxia, parkinsonism, cognitive decline, and peripheral neuropathy; ancillary features include, autonomic dysfunction, and psychiatric symptoms of anxiety, depression, and disinhibition. Although controlled trials have not been carried out in individuals with FXTAS, there is a significant amount of anecdotal information regarding various treatment modalities. Moreover, there exists a great deal of evidence regarding the efficacy of various medications for treatment of other disorders (eg, Alzheimer disease) that have substantial phenotypic overlap with FXTAS. The current review summarizes what is currently known regarding the symptomatic treatment, or potential for treatment, of FXTAS.

Toward the automated generation of genome-scale metabolic networks in the SEED.

BACKGROUND: Current methods for the automated generation of genome-scale metabolic networks focus on genome annotation and preliminary biochemical reaction network assembly, but do not adequately address the process of identifying and filling gaps in the reaction network, and verifying that the network is suitable for systems level analysis. Thus, current methods are only sufficient for generating draft-quality networks, and refinement of the reaction network is still largely a manual, labor-intensive process. RESULTS: We have developed a method for generating genome-scale metabolic networks that produces substantially complete reaction networks, suitable for systems level analysis. Our method partitions the reaction space of central and intermediary metabolism into discrete, interconnected components that can be assembled and verified in isolation from each other, and then integrated and verified at the level of their interconnectivity. We have developed a database of components that are common across organisms, and have created tools for automatically assembling appropriate components for a particular organism based on the metabolic pathways encoded in the organism's genome. This focuses manual efforts on that portion of an organism's metabolism that is not yet represented in the database. We have demonstrated the efficacy of our method by reverse-engineering and automatically regenerating the reaction network from a published genome-scale metabolic model for Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, we have verified that our method capitalizes on the database of common reaction network components created for S. aureus, by using these components to generate substantially complete reconstructions of the reaction networks from three other published metabolic models (Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori, and Lactococcus lactis). We have implemented our tools and database within the SEED, an open-source software environment for comparative genome annotation and analysis. CONCLUSION: Our method sets the stage for the automated generation of substantially complete metabolic networks for over 400 complete genome sequences currently in the SEED. With each genome that is processed using our tools, the database of common components grows to cover more of the diversity of metabolic pathways. This increases the likelihood that components of reaction networks for subsequently processed genomes can be retrieved from the database, rather than assembled and verified manually.