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Integrative Zoology Mar 2020Lizards have been reported as important pollinators on several oceanic islands. Here we evaluate the potential role of Galápagos lava lizards (Microlophus spp.) as...
Lizards have been reported as important pollinators on several oceanic islands. Here we evaluate the potential role of Galápagos lava lizards (Microlophus spp.) as pollinators across their radiation. Over 3 years, we sampled pollen transport by 9 lava lizard species on the 10 islands where they are present, including 7 single-island endemics. Overall, only 25 of 296 individuals sampled (8.4%) transported pollen of 10 plant species, the most common being Prosopis juliflora, Exodeconus miersii, Sesuvium sp. and Cordia leucophlyctis. At least 8 of these plant species were native, and none were confirmed as introduced to the archipelago. Despite the low overall proportion of individuals carrying pollen, this was observed in 7 of the nine lizard species, and on 8 of the ten main islands (Española, Fernandina, Floreana, Isabela, Marchena, Pinta, Santa Cruz and Santiago), suggesting that this is a widespread interaction. The results reported here support the potential role of lava lizards as pollinators across their radiation, although they may represent a relatively modest contribution when compared with birds and insects. However, we cannot discard that lizards may be ecologically significant for particular plant species and ecosystems given the specific climatic condition and functional diversity of each island.
Topics: Animal Distribution; Animals; Ecosystem; Ecuador; Lizards; Plants; Pollination
PubMed: 30811785
DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12386 -
Environmental Research May 2022Invasive species can precede far-reaching environmental and economic consequences. In the Hawai'ian Archipelago Cephalopholis argus (family Serranidae) is an established...
Invasive species can precede far-reaching environmental and economic consequences. In the Hawai'ian Archipelago Cephalopholis argus (family Serranidae) is an established invasive species, now recognized as the dominant local reef predator, negatively impacting the native ecosystem and local fishery. In this region, no official C. argus fishery exists, due to its association with Ciguatera seafood poisoning (CP); a severe intoxication in humans occurring after eating (primarily) fish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). Pre-harvest prediction of CP is currently not possible; partly due to the ubiquitous nature of the microalgae producing CTXs and the diverse bioaccumulation pathways of the toxins. This study investigated the perceived risk of CP in two geographically discrete regions (Leeward and Windward) around the main island of Hawai'i, guided by local fishers. C. argus was collected and investigated for CTXs using the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) CTX testing protocol (in vitro neuroblastoma N2a-assay and LC-MS/MS). Overall, 76% of fish (87/113) exceeded the FDA guidance value for CTX1B (0.01 ng g tissue equivalents); determined by the N2a-assay. Maximum CTX levels were ≅2× higher at the Leeward vs Windward location and, respectively, 95% (64/67) and 54% (25/46) of fish were positive for CTX-like activity. Fisher persons and environmental understandings, regarding the existence of a geographic predictor (Leeward vs Windward) for harvest, were found to be (mostly) accurate as CTXs were detected in both locations and the local designation of C. argus as a risk for CP was confirmed. This study provides additional evidence that supports the previous conclusions that this species is a severe CP risk in the coastal food web of Hawai'i, and that ocean exposure (wave power) may be a prominent factor influencing the CTX content in fish within a hyperendemic region for CP.
Topics: Animals; Bass; Chromatography, Liquid; Ciguatera Poisoning; Ciguatoxins; Ecosystem; Fisheries; Fishes; Hawaii; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 34627798
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112164 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Apr 2023Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly used for women with breast cancer who are not candidates for conservative surgery. The authors previously reported...
BACKGROUND
Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly used for women with breast cancer who are not candidates for conservative surgery. The authors previously reported satisfying results with NSM after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).
METHODS
From 2010 to 2020, 1072 women underwent mastectomy at the authors' institution. In this group, 433 NSMs were performed (40%). The only contraindications to NSM were close proximity to the nipple-areola complex (NAC), bloody discharge, and Paget disease.
RESULTS
In 112 cases involving 111 women, NSM followed NACT (group 1), whereas it was performed as primary surgery in 321 instances involving 306 women (group 2). At 5 years, local relapse was 7% in group 1 and 2% in group 2, although in the multivariate analysis, locoregional relapses (LRRs) did not differ between the two groups. An increased incidence of local relapse was associated with higher tumor stage (stage III; p = 0.046) and age younger than 51 years (p = 0.038). For 34 (30.3%) of the 111 women in group 1 with a pathologic complete response (pCR), no LRRs were recorded. Only one NAC recurrence was observed. Overall survival with each tumor stage did not differ between the two groups. No differences in complications were observed. Cosmetic results were satisfying in 83.8% of the cases and did not get worse after NACT.
CONCLUSIONS
The study data definitively confirm that NSM is safe even after NACT, with good cosmetic results and complications comparable with those in the primary surgery setting. Tumor stage and age were the only independent factors for local relapse. Patients with pCR enjoyed optimal locoregional control.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Breast Neoplasms; Mastectomy; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Nipples; Follow-Up Studies; Retrospective Studies; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Mastectomy, Subcutaneous; Mammaplasty
PubMed: 36598627
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-13035-5 -
Insect Biochemistry and Molecular... Jul 2015CRAL_TRIO domain proteins are known to bind small lipophilic molecules such as retinal, inositol and Vitamin E and include such gene family members as PINTA,...
CRAL_TRIO domain proteins are known to bind small lipophilic molecules such as retinal, inositol and Vitamin E and include such gene family members as PINTA, α-tocopherol transfer (ATT) proteins, retinoid binding proteins, and clavesins. In insects, very little is known about either the molecular evolution of this family of proteins or their ligand specificity. Here we characterize insect CRAL_TRIO domain proteins and present the first insect CRAL_TRIO protein phylogeny constructed by performing reciprocal BLAST searches of the reference genomes of Drosophila melanogaster, Anopheles gambiae, Apis mellifera, Tribolium castaneum, Bombyx mori, Manduca sexta and Danaus plexippus. We find several highly conserved amino acid residues in the CRAL_TRIO domain-containing genes across insects and a gene expansion resulting in more than twice as many gene family members in lepidopterans than in other surveyed insect species, but no lepidopteran homolog of the PINTA gene in Drosophila. In addition, we examined the expression pattern of CRAL_TRIO domain genes in Manduca sexta heads using RNA-Seq data. Of the 42 gene family members found in the M. sexta reference genome, we found 30 expressed in the head tissue with similar expression profiles between males and females. Our results suggest this gene family underwent a large expansion in lepidopteran, making the lepidopteran CRAL_TRIO domain family distinct from other holometabolous insect lineages.
Topics: Animals; Carrier Proteins; Evolution, Molecular; Female; Genome, Insect; Insect Proteins; Insecta; Male; Manduca; Models, Molecular; Phylogeny; Protein Structure, Tertiary; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; Transcriptome
PubMed: 25684408
DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2015.02.003 -
Candida albicans biofilms on different materials for manufacturing implant abutments and prostheses.Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia... Jan 2020Morphological, physical and chemical properties of both implants and prostheses can determine the biofilm formation on their surface and increase the risk of biological...
BACKGROUND
Morphological, physical and chemical properties of both implants and prostheses can determine the biofilm formation on their surface and increase the risk of biological complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of biofilm formation of Candida albicans on different materials used to manufacture abutments and prostheses.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Biofilm formation was analyzed on cp grade II titanium, cobalt-chromium alloy and zirconia, silicone, acrylic resin (polymethylmethacrylate) and nano-hybrid composite. Some samples were partially covered with lithium disilicate glass ceramic to study specifically the junction areas.C. albicans was incubated in a biofilm reactor at 37 °C with agitation. The biofilm formation was evaluated at 24 and 48 hours. In addition, the morphology of the biofilm was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy.
RESULTS
C. albicans developed biofilms on the surface of all materials tested. Cobalt-chromium alloy showed the lowest density of adhered biofilm, followed by zirconia and titanium. Silicone and resin showed up to 20 times higher density of biofilm. A higher biofilm formation was observed when junctions of materials presented micropores or imperfections.
CONCLUSIONS
The biofilm formed in the three materials used in the manufacture of abutments and prostheses showed no major differences, being far less dense than in the resins. Two clinical recommendations can be made: to avoid the presence of resins in the subgingival area of implant prostheses and to design prostheses placing cobalt-chromium alloy/ceramic or titanium/ceramic junctions as far as possible from implants.
Topics: Biofilms; Candida albicans; Dental Implants; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Surface Properties; Titanium
PubMed: 31880295
DOI: 10.4317/medoral.23157 -
JAMA Surgery Feb 2021Diverticulitis has a tendency to recur and affect quality of life. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparing Laparoscopic Elective Sigmoid Resection With Conservative Treatment in Improving Quality of Life of Patients With Diverticulitis: The Laparoscopic Elective Sigmoid Resection Following Diverticulitis (LASER) Randomized Clinical Trial.
IMPORTANCE
Diverticulitis has a tendency to recur and affect quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether sigmoid resection is superior to conservative treatment in improving quality of life of patients with recurrent, complicated, or persistent painful diverticulitis.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This open-label randomized clinical trial assessed for eligibility 128 patients with recurrent, complicated, or persistent painful diverticulitis in 6 Finnish hospitals from September 29, 2014, to October 10, 2018. Exclusion criteria included age younger than 18 years or older than 75 years; lack of (virtual) colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy data within 2 years, or presence of cancer, contraindication to laparoscopy, or fistula. Outcomes were assessed using intention-to-treat analysis. A prespecified interim analysis was undertaken when 66 patients had been randomized and their 6-month follow-up was assessable. Data were analyzed from June 2018 to May 2020.
INTERVENTIONS
Laparoscopic sigmoid resection or conservative treatment.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was difference in Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) score between randomization and 6 months.
RESULTS
Of 128 patients assessed for eligibility, 90 were randomized (28 male [31%]; mean [SD] age, 54.11 [11.9] years; 62 female [69%]; mean [SD] age, 57.13 [7.6] years). A total of 72 patients were included in analyses for the primary outcome (37 in the surgery group and 35 in the conservative treatment group), and 85 were included in analyses for clinical outcomes (41 in the surgery group and 44 in the conservative treatment group). The difference between GIQLI score at randomization and 6 months was a mean of 11.96 points higher in the surgery group than in the conservative treatment group (mean [SD] of 11.76 [15.89] points vs -0.2 [19.07] points; difference, 11.96; 95% CI, 3.72-20.19; P = .005). Four patients (10%) in the surgery group and no patients in the conservative treatment group experienced major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher). There were 2 patients (5%) in the surgery group and 12 patients (31%) in the conservative treatment group who had new episodes of diverticulitis within 6 months.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this randomized clinical trial, elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection improved quality of life in patients with recurrent, complicated, or persistent painful diverticulitis but carried a 10% risk of major complications.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02174926.
Topics: Aged; Colon, Sigmoid; Conservative Treatment; Diverticulitis, Colonic; Elective Surgical Procedures; Female; Finland; Humans; Laparoscopy; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life
PubMed: 33206182
DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2020.5151 -
Polymers Mar 2020The design of new materials with antimicrobial properties has emerged in response to the need for preventing and controlling the growth of pathogenic microorganisms...
The design of new materials with antimicrobial properties has emerged in response to the need for preventing and controlling the growth of pathogenic microorganisms without the use of antibiotics. In this study, partially reduced graphene oxide decorated with silver nanoparticles (GO-AgNPs) was incorporated as a reinforcing filler with antibacterial properties to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) for preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide-silver nanoparticles nanocomposites (PVA/GO-AgNPs). AgNPs, spherical in shape and with an average size of 3.1 nm, were uniformly anchored on the partially reduced GO surface. PVA/GO-AgNPs nanocomposites showed exfoliated structures with improved thermal stability, tensile properties and water resistance compared to neat PVA. The glass transition and crystallization temperatures of the polymer matrix increased with the incorporation of the hybrid. The nanocomposites displayed antibacterial activity against and in a filler content- and time-dependent manner. showed higher susceptibility to PVA/GO-AgNPs films than Inhibitory activity was higher when bacterial cells were in contact with nanocomposite films than when in contact with leachates coming out of the films. GO-AgNPs based PVA nanocomposites could find application as wound dressings for wound healing and infection prevention.
PubMed: 32214025
DOI: 10.3390/polym12030723 -
Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden :... Mar 2023Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D EAUS) has been the gold standard for detecting anal sphincter lesions in patients with a history of obstetric anal sphincter...
BACKGROUND
Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D EAUS) has been the gold standard for detecting anal sphincter lesions in patients with a history of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI). Advances in imaging technologies have facilitated the detection of these lesions with external phased-array magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which could offer an alternative imaging modality for the diagnosis of residual OASI (ROASI) in centers where 3D EAUS imaging is not available.
PURPOSE
To compare two diagnostic modalities: the 3D EAUS and 3T external phased-array MRI in the detection of residual anal sphincter lesions.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A total of 24 women with a history of OASI were imaged with both 3D EAUS and 3T external phased-array MRI after primary repair of the injury. Intraclass correlation (ICC) and interrater reliability (IRR) values were calculated for the grade and circumference of the sphincter lesion. Sphincter lesions were graded according to the Sultan classification.
RESULTS
There was an almost perfect agreement between 3D EAUS and 3T external phased-array MRI in determining the extent of the sphincter lesions according to the Sultan classification (κ = 0.881; < 0.001) and the circumference of the external anal sphincter defects, measured in degrees (κ = 0.896; < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study indicate that 3T external phased-array MRI and 3D EAUS yield comparable results in the diagnosis of ROASI. These findings suggest that 3T external phased-array MRI could serve as an alternative diagnostic modality to 3D EAUS in the diagnosis of ROASI.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Anal Canal; Pilot Projects; Fecal Incontinence; Reproducibility of Results; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Endosonography
PubMed: 35787708
DOI: 10.1177/02841851221109139 -
Journal of Dual Diagnosis 2015Many individuals receiving methadone maintenance receive their treatment through their primary care provider. As many also drink alcohol excessively, there is a need to...
OBJECTIVE
Many individuals receiving methadone maintenance receive their treatment through their primary care provider. As many also drink alcohol excessively, there is a need to address alcohol use to improve health outcomes for these individuals. We examined problem alcohol use and its treatment among people attending primary care for methadone maintenance treatment, using baseline data from a feasibility study of an evidence-based complex intervention to improve care.
METHODS
Data on addiction care processes were collected by (1) reviewing clinical records (n = 129) of people who attended 16 general practices for methadone maintenance treatment and (2) administering structured questionnaires to both patients (n = 106) and general practitioners (GPs) (n = 15).
RESULTS
Clinical records indicated that 24 patients (19%) were screened for problem alcohol use in the 12 months prior to data collection, with problem alcohol use identified in 14 (58% of those screened, 11% of the full sample). Of those who had positive screening results for problem alcohol use, five received a brief intervention by a GP and none were referred to specialist treatment. Scores on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) revealed the prevalence of hazardous, harmful, and dependent drinking to be 25% (n = 26), 6% (n = 6), and 16% (n = 17), respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the proportion of patients with negative AUDITs was 0.038 (SE = 0.01). The ICCs for screening, brief intervention, and/or referral to treatment (SBIRT) were 0.16 (SE = 0.014), -0.06 (SE = 0.017), and 0.22 (SE = 0.026), respectively. Only 12 (11.3%) AUDIT questionnaires concurred with corresponding clinical records that a patient had any/no problem alcohol use. Regular use of primary care was evident, as 25% had visited their GP more than 12 times during the past 3 months.
CONCLUSIONS
Comparing clinical records with patients' experience of SBIRT can shed light on the process of care. Alcohol screening in people who attend primary care for substance use treatment is not routinely conducted. Interventions that enhance the care of problem alcohol use among this high-risk group are a priority.
Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Methadone; Middle Aged; Opiate Substitution Treatment; Opioid-Related Disorders; Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; Primary Health Care; Substance Abuse Detection
PubMed: 25985200
DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2015.1027630 -
Surgical Endoscopy Jan 2020Laparoscopic incisional ventral hernia repair (LIVHR) is often followed by seroma formation, bulging and failure to restore abdominal wall function. These outcomes are... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
Laparoscopic incisional ventral hernia repair (LIVHR) is often followed by seroma formation, bulging and failure to restore abdominal wall function. These outcomes are risk factors for hernia recurrence, chronic pain and poor quality of life (QoL). We aimed to evaluate whether LIVHR combined with defect closure (hybrid) follows as a diminished seroma formation and thereby has a lower rate of hernia recurrence and chronic pain compared to standard LIVHR.
METHODS
This study is a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial. From November 2012 to May 2015, 193 patients undergoing LIVHR for primary incisional hernia with fascial defect size from 2 to 7 cm were recruited in 11 Finnish hospitals. Patients were randomised to either a laparoscopic (LG) or a hybrid (HG) repair group. The main outcome measure was hernia recurrence, evaluated clinically and radiologically at a 1-year follow-up visit. At the same time, chronic pain scores and QoL were also measured.
RESULTS
At the 1-year-control visit, we found no difference in hernia recurrence between the study groups. Altogether, 11 recurrent hernias were found in ultrasound examination, producing a recurrence rate of 6.4%. Of these recurrences, 6 (6.7%) were in the LG group and 5 (6.1%) were in the HG group (p > 0.90). The visual analogue scores for pain were low in both groups; the mean visual analogue scale (VAS) was 1.5 in LG and 1.4 in HG (p = 0.50). QoL improved significantly comparing preoperative status to 1 year after operation in both groups since the bodily pain score increased by 7.8 points (p < 0.001) and physical functioning by 4.3 points (p = 0.014).
CONCLUSION
Long-term follow-up is needed to demonstrate the potential advantage of a hybrid operation with fascial defect closure. Both techniques had low hernia recurrence rates 1 year after operation. LIVHR reduces chronic pain and physical impairment and improves QoL.
TRIAL REGISTRY
Clinical trial number NCT02542085.
Topics: Abdominal Wound Closure Techniques; Female; Hernia, Ventral; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Incisional Hernia; Laparoscopy; Male; Middle Aged; Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; Postoperative Complications; Quality of Life; Secondary Prevention; Seroma; Surgical Mesh
PubMed: 30941550
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-019-06735-9