Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of fosmanogepix IV to oral switch and multiple IV doses in healthy participants

Fosmanogepix [FMGX, APX001; active form: manogepix (MGX), APX001A] is a first-in-class, intravenous (IV)/oral antifungal currently being evaluated for invasive fungal disease treatment. Data from two phase 1, placebo-controlled studies [IV-oral switch (study 1) and multiple IV doses (study 2)] evaluating FMGX tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) are presented. Healthy adults (study 1: 18-65 years; study 2: 18-55 years) were eligible (randomized 3:1 to FMGX: placebo). Eleven participants completed study 1. In study 2, 51 participants (48 planned + 3 replacement) were enrolled in six cohorts (8 participants each; 34 completed the study). In study 1, overall MGX systemic exposures were comparable from day 1 to day 42 of dosing; steady-state plasma concentrations were achieved in ≤24 h following two IV loading doses (1,000 mg) and exposures maintained after switching [IV (600 mg) to daily oral doses (800 mg)]. FMGX was safe and well-tolerated. In study 2, FMGX IV doses (loading doses twice daily/maintenance doses once daily; 3-h infusion) of 1,500/900 mg (cohort A), 900/900 mg (cohort B), and 1,000/900 mg (cohort C: with ondansetron) were not well-tolerated; most participants reported nausea and infrequent vomiting. FMGX IV doses of 1,000/750 mg (cohort D), 1,000/850 mg (cohort E), and 1,000/900 mg (cohort F: ondansetron prn) were relatively better tolerated. Steady-state systemic exposures were achieved between days 2 and 4. All cohorts had similar geometric mean (GM) concentrations during maintenance dosing and similar GM PK parameters. Dosing regimen evaluated in study 1 was safe, well-tolerated, and may be used for future clinical evaluations.

Cats just want to have fun: Associations between play and welfare in domestic cats

Play is often considered an indicator and promotor of animal welfare and may facilitate closer cat-human relationships. However, few studies have empirically investigated these associations. The current study aimed to investigate play-related factors associated with four welfare outcome measures in cats (Felis catus) including: cat quality of life; cat-guardian relationship quality; problem behaviour prevalence; and behavioural changes. An online survey was developed using demographic information, questions related to play and resources, free text sections and the following validated measures: cat quality of life (QOL), the cat owner relationship scale, and the adult playfulness trait scale. Responses were completed by 1,591 cat guardians from 55 countries. Higher cat playfulness scores and a greater number of games played were significantly associated with higher cat QOL scores while longer amounts of daily play, greater number of games, both cat and guardian initiating play and higher guardian playfulness scores were all significantly associated with higher cat-guardian relationship scores. Exclusively indoor housing was significantly associated with both higher cat QOL and higher cat-guardian relationships scores compared to cats with outdoor access. Behavioural changes associated with distress in cats were reported when play was absent. Play may be an important factor in assessing and maintaining cat welfare. Further research into the mechanisms of how play impacts welfare and cat-guardian relationships is needed.

Play and welfare in domestic cats: Current knowledge and future directions

Play and welfare have long been linked within animal research literature, with play considered as both a potential indicator and promoter of welfare. An indicator due to observations that play is exhibited most frequently in times when an animal's fitness is not under threat and when immediate needs such as food, water and adequate space are met. And a promoter, because of observations that animals who play more also have better welfare outcomes. However, limited research has been undertaken to investigate this link, especially in companion animals. The domestic cat ( Felis catus) is one of the most popular companion animals in the world, yet little is known about the impact of play behaviour on cat welfare. We review the current literature on play and welfare in cats. This includes examining the role of cat play in mitigating negative welfare outcomes, such as reducing problem behaviours, one of the leading reasons for guardian dissatisfaction and cat relinquishment to shelters. Play is also discussed as a potential tool to provide environmental enrichment and to improve cat-human relationships. Future areas for research are suggested. We find that further research is needed that uses a multifaceted approach to assess how quantity, type and quality of play impact subsequent cat behaviour and welfare. Future research could also assess cat play needs and preferences as well as investigate the role of play in mitigating threats to cat welfare such as reducing problem behaviour and improving human-cat relationships. If play is an indicator and promoter of welfare, studies into the impact of play may offer an accessible approach for monitoring and improving domestic cat welfare.

Understanding the impacts of feline epilepsy on cats and their owners

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition reported in cats. Characterised by recurrent seizures, treatment involves the administration of anti-epileptic drugs up to multiple times a day. Epilepsy and its associated treatments may impact both cats and their owners. The present study aimed to assess factors associated with quality of life (QOL) in cats with epilepsy and the burden of care in their owners.

METHODS

An online survey was developed using demographic information and the following validated measures: cat QOL, Zarit burden interview (ZBI) and the cat owner relationship scale (CORS). Regression analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.

RESULTS

Responses were completed by 141 owners from 22 countries. QOL was significantly higher in cats with controlled seizures, no adverse effects from medication and epilepsy onset before 5 years of age. ZBI was significantly lower in owners who felt supported by their veterinarian, who were over 55 and had cats with controlled seizures. Higher CORS was significantly correlated with both higher cat QOL and lower owner ZBI.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate seizure control and close cat-owner relationships may play an important role in mitigating the impact of epilepsy on cats and their owners. Further research into understanding cat-owner relationships and successfully controlling epilepsy in cats is needed.

How decision-making about euthanasia for animals is taught to Australasian veterinary students

This study set out to explore how euthanasia decision-making for animals was taught to students in eight Australasian veterinary schools. A questionnaire-style interview guide was used by a representative at each university to interview educators. Educators were interviewed about their teaching of euthanasia decision-making for four categories of animals: livestock, equine, companion and avian/wildlife. Using thematic analysis, the terms provided by participants to describe how (mode of teaching) and what (specific content) they taught to students were categorised. Information about content was categorised into human-centred factors that influence decision-making, and animal-based indicators used to directly inform decision-making. All eight representatives reported some teaching relevant to euthanasia decision-making at their university for livestock, companion animal and avian/wildlife. One representative reported no such teaching for equid animals at their university. Observation of a euthanasia case was rarely reported as a teaching method. Five universities reported multiple modes of teaching relevant information, while two universities made use of modalities that could be described as opportunistic teaching (e.g., 'Discussion of clinical cases'). Factors taught at most universities included financial considerations, and that it is the owner's decision to make, while animal-based indicators taught included QoL/animal welfare, prognosis and behaviour change. Overall, most universities used a variety of methods to cover relevant material, usually including lectures and several other approaches for all animal types. However, because two universities relied on presentation of clinical cases, not all students at these veterinary schools will be exposed to make, or assist in making, euthanasia decisions.

Mental Health Disease or Preventable Problem? Australian Dog Trainers' Opinions about Canine Separation Anxiety Differ with Training Style

Separation anxiety is common. Many dog owners do not seek help from a veterinarian but might consult a trainer. The objective of this study was to investigate Australian trainers' opinions about separation anxiety. An online survey was distributed via training organisations, resulting in 63 completed surveys. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact tests were applied. Respondents were grouped into reward-based (n = 41) and balanced (n = 22) trainers. Most trainers (82.5%) used multiple methods to identify separation anxiety but only 7.9% referred to a veterinarian for diagnosis. Reward-based trainers ranked assistance from a veterinarian and owner's willingness to try medication as more important than balanced trainers (p < 0.05). More balanced trainers reported that medication was rarely necessary in the cases they saw: 50% balanced compared with 4.9% reward-based trainers, with 95% CIs of [28.2, 71.8] and [0.6, 16.5], respectively. Almost all (95.5%) balanced trainers believed separation anxiety was preventable compared with 52.6% of reward-based trainers (p < 0.05). We conclude that opinions about separation anxiety varied between reward-based and balanced trainers. Trainers are not taught, expected, or legally allowed to diagnose anxiety disorders. This study showed that balanced trainers were less likely to recommend involvement of veterinarians who can make a diagnosis and rule out other causes of observed behaviours.

How management of grief associated with ending the life of an animal is taught to Australasian veterinary students

OBJECTIVE

Veterinarians have an important role in supporting and understanding their clients' grief. Veterinary schools have a duty to teach students how best to manage grief - both that of the students/future veterinarians and the clients. This study explores how grief management, associated with ending the life of an animal, was taught to students in eight Australasian veterinary schools.

METHODS

A questionnaire-style interview guide was used by a representative at each university to conduct structured interviews with educators in a snowball sampling approach. Educators were interviewed about the teaching of grief management for four categories of animals: livestock, equine, companion and avian/wildlife. The terms used by participants to describe what they taught were grouped into common themes. Teaching was defined by individual participants and included structured and unstructured approaches. The stage in the degree (preclinical or clinical years) that grief management was taught in the veterinary curriculum and by whom (e.g. clinicians or psychologists) is also described.

RESULTS

Grief management was taught more in preclinical than clinical years. However, due to how grief was characterised, much of this teaching was general 'nonspecific' teaching that included all categories of animals. Client grief was taught more generically, whereas, grief of veterinarians was taught using specific examples given by clinicians.

CONCLUSION

A more robust end-of-life (EoL) management curriculum that includes all aspects of grief management is likely to increase job satisfaction, client happiness and professional satisfaction.

Impact of Non-Confinement Accommodation on Farrowing Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Farrowing Crates Versus Pens

Simple Summary

The aim of this project was to review previously published research with a focus on the effects of farrowing accommodation on piglet performance. The specific design features were analysed to determine whether animals in loose housed farrowing pens or crates from loading to weaning contribute to differences in litter performance obtained from different farrowing house accommodation types. This was the first systematic review and meta-analysis conducted towards the farrowing performance of crates and pens. The relative risk of piglet mortality was 14% higher in farrowing pens than farrowing crates, which indicated that non-confinement of sows compromises post-natal piglet survival. Overall, the type of farrowing accommodation did not affect the number of stillborn piglets. However, the rate of stillborn piglets was lower in farrowing pens that were not enriched when compared with farrowing crates, also with no enrichment. There was no effect of housing type on the number of piglets born alive or the number of piglets weaned, although the sample size for the later was much smaller. Producers should anticipate an increase in mortality when piglets are reared by sows that are unconfined in the pen designs that are currently available, which supports the wider belief that crates are successful for reducing pre-weaning piglet mortality.

Abstract

There are conflicting reports regarding the effect of farrowing house accommodation on piglet performance. The aim of this investigation was to use a systematic review and meta-analyses to summarise the results of publications that focused on direct comparisons between full confinement conventional crates and various designs of loose-housed farrowing pens from loading until weaning. Literature searches in Scopus, BIOSIS Previews, Cab Abstracts, and Web of Science identified 6695 articles. Twenty-two publications were retained for the systematic review and individual meta-analyses after screening for inclusion criteria. The random effects meta-analyses were performed on crate versus pen for number of piglets born alive, number of stillborn piglets, pre-weaning mortality, and number of piglets weaned. Additionally, the modifiers of confinement length (no confinement from loading until weaning or partial confinement for shorter periods of time in the early stages post parturition), enrichment (no enrichment or enrichment provided), and pen size (small, medium, or large) were examined. There was a 14% increase in the relative risk of piglet mortality in farrowing pens when they were compared with crates (p = 0.0015). The number of stillborns per litter was not different between the pen and crate. However, when providing enrichment in the pens, there was an increase in stillborns within farrowing crates versus pens (p = 0.009). There was no overall effect on piglets that were born alive or number weaned. As there is no difference between piglets born alive and mortality is significantly higher in farrowing pens, a reduction in the number of piglets weaned was expected but not observed, which was possibly due to the lack of weaning details provided in the publications. This was the first systematic review and meta-analysis conducted on the performance of farrowing accommodation and identified that farrowing pens do compromise post-natal piglet survival. Future efforts should focus on improving sow comfort in the farrowing crate to maximize both piglet and sow welfare.

Moral distress in veterinarians

Moral distress is a psychological state of anguish that has been widely studied in healthcare professionals. Experiencing moral distress can lead to problems including avoidance of patients and increased staff turnover. Moral distress in veterinarians has not yet been explored to the extent seen in the human medical field, and there is limited data regarding moral distress in veterinarians. However, it is expected to be prevalent in these professionals. So far, it has been reported that veterinarians commonly experience moral conflict, ethical challenges and ethical dilemmas during their career. These conflicts in association with other modifying factors such as personality traits can lead to the experience of moral distress. In a profession with known levels of occupational stress and reported mental health problems, exploring the area of moral distress and its effects on the professional wellbeing of veterinarians is important. Further studies such as developing a moral distress scale to measure this issue are needed in order to evaluate the incidence of this problem in veterinary professionals. Furthermore, assessing a possible relationship between moral distress, mental illness and attrition in veterinarians would be useful in developing intervention strategies to minimise the experience of moral distress and its associated negative consequences in veterinarians.

Cross-sectional analysis of veterinary student coping strategies and stigma in seeking psychological help

Veterinary education can result in high levels of academic stressors for students. Students are also susceptible to non-academic stressors, including relationship issues and financial concerns. These can all result in mental ill health, which may impair the student's ability to complete their studies and go on to a successful professional career. Finding and using strategies early on to help alleviate mental health problems is critical to successful management of these problems, but seeking help may be impeded by the stigma associated with mental health problems. Using a cross-sectional online survey of a sample of Australian veterinary students, the aim of the current study was to investigate the type and frequency of their coping strategies as well as to explore relationships between self-stigma and coping strategies. Female veterinary students reported more use of instrumental and emotional support as coping strategies, while male veterinary students demonstrated more use of humour. Self-stigma was related to less instrumental support, greater self-blame and gender, while males who employed more humour as a coping strategy reported more self-stigma. Improving the coping strategies of veterinary students and reducing the self-stigma surrounding mental ill health is important to improve the wellbeing and resilience of the veterinary profession.

Australian and New Zealand Veterinary Students' Opinions on Animal Welfare and Ethical Issues Concerning Animal Use within Sport, Recreation, and Display

Animals used for sport, recreation and display are highly visible and can divide community attitudes. The study of animal welfare and ethics (AWE) as part of veterinary education is important because it is the responsibility of veterinarians to use their scientific knowledge and skills to promote animal welfare in the context of community expectations. To explore the attitudes of veterinary students in Australia and New Zealand to AWE, a survey of the current cohort was undertaken. The survey aimed to reveal how veterinary students in Australia and New Zealand rate the importance of five selected AWE topics for Day One Competences in animals used in sport, recreation and display and to establish how veterinary students' priorities were associated with gender and stage of study. The response rate (n = 851) across the seven schools was just over 25%. Results indicated little variation on ratings for topics. The topics were ranked in the following order (most to least important): Pushing of animals to their physiologic/behavioral limits; ownership/responsibility; euthanasia; educating the public; and behavior, selection, and training for sport and recreation displays. In contrast to related studies, ratings were not associated with stage of study and there were few differences associated with gender. More females rated the pushing of animals to physiologic/behavioral limits as extremely important than did males ( p < .001). The role of veterinarians in advocating for and educating the public about the welfare of animals used in sport, recreation and display merits further discussion.

Students' opinions on welfare and ethics issues for companion animals in Australian and New Zealand veterinary schools

OBJECTIVE

To determine what veterinary students in Australia and New Zealand consider important competences in companion animal welfare and ethics (AWE) required on their first day of practice, and to explore how their priorities relate to gender and stage of study.

METHODS

Undergraduate students at all veterinary schools in Australia and New Zealand were sent an online survey. A subset of questions required participants to rank the importance of preselected AWE topics pertaining to companion animals. Data were analysed to determine differences in the way students of different gender or academic stage prioritised each of these AWE topics.

RESULTS

Of 3220 currently enrolled students, 851 participated in the survey: 79% were female, 17% male, 4% unspecified. Ranking of the AWE topics, from highest to lowest importance, was: neutering, companion animal husbandry, euthanasia, behaviour and training, animal breeding, over-servicing in relation to animal needs and cosmetic surgery. Female students consistently ranked competency in AWE issues surrounding neutering more highly than male students (P = 0.006). Students in senior years of study ranked the importance of competency in animal abuse/hoarding (P = 0.048), shelter medicine (P = 0.012) and animal breeding (P = 0.002) less highly than those in junior years.

CONCLUSIONS

Australasian veterinary students placed more importance on competency in AWE issues associated with clinical practice (such as neutering and euthanasia) than on professional behaviours (such as over-servicing and animal breeding). However, we consider that emphasis should still be placed on developing graduate competency in the latter categories to reflect growing societal concerns about companion animal over-supply and inappropriate professional conduct.

Mandatory desexing of dogs: one step in the right direction to reduce the risk of dog bite? A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Preventing dog bites is an intractable problem given the complex dog bite injury environment. Desexing of dogs has the opportunity of creating a safer injury environment, given the potential links between desexing and behaviour change in dogs.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to examine the evidence for desexing of dogs to reduce dog bite risk within a population health paradigm. Medline and CAB Abstracts were searched for studies that reported data on the association of dog neuter status with the risk of dog bite. All definitions of dog bite were included and all empirical studies were included in the review, limited to those published in English. Quality appraisal and data extraction were based on the 2013 evidence-based practice and critical appraisal tool from the University of Auckland.

RESULTS

Five out of six observational studies, from four study populations found evidence that intact dogs were associated with an increased risk of dog bite compared with desexed dogs. The effect sizes ranged across the studies and given the heterogeneity of the studies no single effect size on the association between desexing and dog bite risk could be estimated.

CONCLUSIONS

There is consistent evidence that desexing dogs is associated with a reduced risk of dog bite, although the studies reflect association and may not be causal. Although recent publications have suggested desexing is associated with health and behavioural costs in some breeds, population level evidence supports desexed dogs having a longer lifespan, and being less likely to wander with the added benefit of reducing unwanted litters. Thus, mandatory desexing presents a possible opportunity for prevention of dog bites expanding dog bite prevention beyond an education-only approach.

Resilience in Veterinary Students and the Predictive Role of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

Resilience is a dynamic and multifaceted process in which individuals draw on personal and contextual resources. In difficult situations, resilient people use specific strategies to learn from the situation without being overcome by it. As stressors are inherent to veterinary work, including long work hours, ethical dilemmas, and challenging interactions with clients, resilience is an important component of professional quality of life. However, while resilience in other health professionals has received attention, it has received little in the veterinary field. In this cross-sectional study, veterinary students from six veterinary schools in Australia completed an online survey, with 193 responses (23%). Very few veterinary students (6%) reached the threshold to be considered highly resilient using the Brief Resilience Scale, and approximately one third classified as having low levels of resilience. In the final linear multiple regression model, predictors of resilience included nonjudgmental and nonreactive mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire) and self-compassion (Neff Self-Compassion Scale). Students with higher nonjudgmental and nonreactive mindfulness and self-compassion had higher resilience scores. These findings indicate that fostering these qualities of mindfulness and self-compassion may be aligned with strengthening veterinary student resilience. Importantly, if the factors that help veterinary students develop a capacity for resilience can be identified, intervention programs can be targeted to educate future veterinary professionals with a high quality of life, both professional and personal.

Bacterial contamination of eggs and behaviour of poultry flocks in the free range environment

The free range production system is becoming more common in Australia and is expected to increase. Free range hens are exposed to more stressors in comparison to hens from barn and cage systems and it is suggested that stress can increase bacterial shedding on eggs. The aims of this study were to examine the level of total bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae populations, as well as the presence of Salmonella and Campylobacter, in eggs collected from two free range flocks on two different farms and to conduct longitudinal observations of the behaviour and welfare of hens in the free range production system. Hen age (weeks) was shown to have a significant effect (increase) on the level of total bacteria on the egg shell surface and in shell pores, as well as having an effect on feather condition score. As the hens aged, the frequency of external visual egg characteristics increased, as did feather condition score (where feather condition was poorer). These observations indicate areas which should be investigated further to improve the food safety of eggs and optimise the welfare of free range hens.

The Importance of Animal Welfare Science and Ethics to Veterinary Students in Australia and New Zealand

The study of animal welfare and ethics (AWE) as part of veterinary education is important due to increasing community concerns and expectations about this topic, global pressures regarding food security, and the requirements of veterinary accreditation, especially with respect to Day One Competences. To address several key questions regarding the attitudes to AWE of veterinary students in Australia and New Zealand (NZ), the authors surveyed the 2014 cohort of these students. The survey aimed (1) to reveal what AWE topics veterinary students in Australia and NZ consider important as Day One Competences, and (2) to ascertain how these priorities align with existing research on how concern for AWE relates to gender and stage of study. Students identified triage and professional ethics as the most important Day One Competences in AWE. Students ranked an understanding of triage as increasingly important as they progressed through their program. Professional ethics was rated more important by early and mid-stage students than by senior students. Understanding the development of animal welfare science and perspectives on animal welfare were rated as being of little importance to veterinary graduates as Day One Competences, and an understanding of "why animal welfare matters" declined as the students progressed through the program. Combined, these findings suggest that veterinary students consider it more important to have the necessary practical skills and knowledge to function as a veterinarian on their first day in practice.

Frequency and spatial distribution of environmental Campylobacter spp

Humans are exposed to Campylobacter spp. in a range of sources via both food and environmental pathways. For this study, we explored the frequency and distribution of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in a 10- by 10-km square rural area of Cheshire, United Kingdom. The area contains approximately 70, mainly dairy, farms and is used extensively for outdoor recreational activities. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from a range of environmental samples by use of a systematic sampling grid. Livestock (mainly cattle) and wildlife feces and environmental water and soil samples were cultured, and isolates were presumptively identified by standard techniques. These isolates were further characterized by PCR. Campylobacter jejuni was the most prevalent species in all animal samples, ranging from 11% in samples from nonavian wildlife to 36% in cattle feces, and was isolated from 15% of water samples. Campylobacter coli was commonly found in water (17%) and sheep (21%) samples, but rarely in other samples. Campylobacter lari was recovered from all sample types, with the exception of sheep feces, and was found in moderate numbers in birds (7%) and water (5%). Campylobacter hyointestinalis was only recovered from cattle (7%) and birds (1%). The spatial distribution and determinants of C. jejuni in cattle feces were examined by the use of model-based spatial statistics. The distribution was consistent with very localized within-farm or within-field transmission and showed little evidence of any larger-scale spatial dependence. We concluded that there is a potentially high risk of human exposure to Campylobacter spp., particularly C. jejuni, in the environment of our study area. The prevalence and likely risk posed by C. jejuni-positive cattle feces in the environment diminished as the fecal material aged. After we took into account the age of the fecal material, the absence or presence of rain, and the presence of bird feces, there was evidence of significant variation in the prevalence of C. jejuni-positive cattle feces between grazing fields but no evidence of spatial clustering beyond this resolution. The spatial pattern of C. jejuni is therefore consistent with that for an organism that is ubiquitous in areas contaminated with cattle feces, with a short-scale variation in infection intensity that cannot be explained solely by variations in the age of the fecal material. The observed pattern is not consistent with large-scale transmission attributable to watercourses, wildlife territories, or other geographical features that transcend field and farm boundaries.

A Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 Kinase Inhibitor Potentiates the Activity of the Conventional Chemotherapeutic Agents Paclitaxel and Doxorubicin in Tumor Xenograft Models

Inhibition of angiogenesis may have wide use in the treatment of cancer; however, this approach alone will not cause tumor regression but may only slow the growth of solid tumors. The clinical potential of antiangiogenic agents may be increased by combining them with conventional chemotherapeutics. 4-[4-(1-Amino-1-methylethyl)phenyl]-2-[4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)phenylamino]pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile (JNJ-17029259) represents a novel structural class of 5-cyanopyrimidines that are orally available, selective, nanomolar inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGF-R2) and other tyrosine kinases involved in angiogenesis, such as platelet-derived growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor, VEGF-R1, and VEGF-R3, but have little activity on other kinase families. At nanomolar levels, JNJ-17029259 blocks VEGF-stimulated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, proliferation/migration, and VEGF-R2 phosphorylation in human endothelial cells; inhibits the formation of vascular sprouting in the rat aortic ring model of angiogenesis; and interferes with the development of new veins and arteries in the chorioallantoic membrane assay. At higher concentrations of 1 to 3 microM, this compound shows antiproliferative activity on cells that may contribute to its antitumor effects. JNJ-17029259 delays the growth of a wide range of human tumor xenografts in nude mice when administered orally as single-agent therapy. Histological examination revealed that the tumors have evidence of reduced vascularity after treatment. In addition, JNJ-17029259 enhances the effects of the conventional chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin and paclitaxel in xenograft models when administered orally in combination therapy. An orally available angiogenesis inhibitor that can be used in conjunction with standard chemotherapeutic agents to augment their activity may have therapeutic benefit in stopping the progression of cancer and preventing metastasis.

Subtyping of uncultured bartonellae using sequence comparison of 16 S/23 S rRNA intergenic spacer regions amplified directly from infected blood

This study aimed to assess the usefulness of a PCR-based approach to the detection and differentiation of Bartonella strains in infected blood. The conservation of potential genus-specific PCR primer hybridisation sites within the 16 S/23 S rRNA gene intragenic spacer regions of Bartonella species was confirmed following sequence analysis of the intragenic spacer regions of four previously untested species. The extent of intra-species variation within the specific amplicons was assessed by comparison of sequences obtained from 17 strains of four Bartonella species. Eight sequence variants were obtained. Each species for which multiple strains were tested possessed at least two intragenic spacer regions variants, but the differences between these strains were markedly less than those observed inter-species. Sequence analysis was performed on 60 amplicons obtained from blood pellets collected from woodland rodent communities in which bartonella infections were known to be highly prevalent. Twelve variants were encountered, only five of which had been found among the studied isolates. Partial intragenic spacer region amplification followed by product sequence analysis offers a potentially sensitive and totally transferable means of inter- and intra-species differentiation of Bartonella strains, and its use in this study has broadened our knowledge of the genotypic spectrum of bartonellae associated with natural infections among UK woodland rodents.

Dyspepsia in the community is linked to smoking and aspirin use but not to Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and symptoms remains controversial. We aimed to determine if an association exists between unexplained dyspepsia (pain or discomfort centered in the upper part of the abdomen) and H pylori.

METHODS

A validated questionnaire was completed by 592 healthy blood donors. Helicobacter pylori serologic values (via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), blood group status, and Rh status were measured; 4.9% of subjects who had a history of peptic ulcer disease were excluded from the analyses.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dyspepsia and no ulcer history was 11% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.6%-13.8%); 15.4% of subjects with dyspepsia had H pylori while 14.6% of subjects without dyspepsia were infected (P=.90). The mean dyspepsia impact scores (combining frequency and severity) in those with and without H pylori were 4.7 and 5.4, respectively (P=.20). The median H pylori optical density values in dyspepsia vs no dyspepsia were not significantly different (P=.30). Independent risk factors for dyspepsia were the use of aspirin (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.7) and smoking (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.3-3.6) but not age, sex, marital status, educational level, income, or the use of alcohol, coffee, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Independent risk factors for H pylori were increasing age (OR, 1.8 per decade; 95% CI, 1.5-2.3), male sex (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.3-3.4), and net family income (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-3.3).

CONCLUSION

Dyspepsia in the community is linked to smoking and aspirin use, but not to H pylori infection.

Elements of academic productivity: a comparison of PM&R units versus other clinical science units

In early 1989, the Research Committee of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) established a subcommittee to develop methods to monitor academic progress in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) units in the US. To develop an indirect baseline of academic productivity in PM&R, the rates and types of publications by PM&R researchers were assessed in eight peer review medical journals. The journals selected consisted of all issues of the following (published in calendar years 1987 to 1989): Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Archives of Neurology, Pain, Stroke, Paraplegia, and Arthritis & Rheumatism. The sampling frame consisted of 3,553 journal articles. Affiliation with a PM&R unit or other clinical science unit (other unit), extramural funding sources, and type of manuscript (eg, case report or scientific investigation) were identified and coded. Sixteen percent of all articles were authored by members of PM&R units. The prevalence of scientific reports written by other unit authors (71%) was comparable to that written by PM&R authors (67%) (chi 2[3] = 5.54; p less than .20). There was a greater prevalence of funding by the US Department of Education of studies written by PM&R authors (10%) than of studies written by members of other units (2%) (chi 2[1] = 79.4; p less than .0001). Reports authored by members of other units had a greater prevalence rate of funding from all other sources--federal and private (47% vs 33%; chi 2[1] = 41.2; p less than .0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Safety and efficacy of 2% methylcellulose in cat and monkey cataract-implant surgery

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of 2% methycellulose as an adjunct for cataract extraction with implantation in cat and monkey models. When used intraoperatively, methylcellulose reduced the iridovitreal bulge during surgery. No significant increase in clinical inflammation occurred nor was there statistically significant intraocular pressure elevation at 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days. In the cat model, the central corneal thickness increased at day seven in both control and methylcellulose eyes; this thickness persisted to 90 days. The endothelial cell loss decreased significantly at day 90 in methylcellulose eyes. In the monkey model, no statistically significant increase in corneal thickness occurred in control or methylcellulose eyes at day seven. The endothelial cell loss was greater than in the cat model in both control and methylcellulose eyes; there was no statistically significant difference between the two. Two percent methylcellulose was safe in both the cat and monkey models. It facilitated surgery in both models and reduced the endothelial cell loss in the cat eye.