bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple experimental set‐up to disentangle the effects of altered temperature and moisture regimes on soil organisms
Authors: Krab Eveline J. , Cornelissen Johannes H.C. , Berg Matty P.
Published: May 2015

Climate manipulation experiments in the field and laboratory incubations are common methods to study the impact of climate change on soils and their biota. However, both types of methods have drawbacks either on their mechanistic interpretation or ecological relevance.

We propose an experimental set‐up that combines the best of both methods and can be easily obtained by modifying widely available Tullgren soil fauna extractors. This set‐up creates or alters temperature and moisture gradients within intact field soil cores, after which soil biota, their activity and vertical movements can be studied. We assessed the performance and demonstrated the applicability of this set‐up through a case study on Collembola response to changes in microclimatic gradients in peat bogs.

Warming created a vertical temperature gradient of 14°C in peat cores without varying soil moisture conditions, while at a given temperature regime, precipitation and drought treatments shifted natural soil moisture gradients to ‘wetter’ and ‘drier’, respectively. This allowed for disentangling interacting warming and moisture effects on soil fauna. In our case study, Collembola communities showed peat layer‐specific responses to these climate treatments. Warming decreased Collembola density and altered community composition in the shallowest layer, whereas precipitation increase affected Collembola community composition in the deepest layer.

We showed that climate change can have layer‐specific effects on soil organisms that are ‘hidden’ by not taking microclimatic vertical gradients into account. This experimental set‐up facilitates studying (multitrophic) organism responses to climate changes, with only a small adjustment of equipment that is often already present in soil ecology laboratories. Moreover, this set‐up can be easily customized to study many more other research questions related to wide‐ranging organisms and ecosystems.
Atraumatic restorative technique: case report on dental management of a patient with Moebius syndrome
Authors: Pradhan A , Gryst M
Published: May 2015

Background

Clinical challenges associated with Moebius syndrome, a rare congenital neuromuscular disorder, include orofacial anomalies like microstomia, limited mouth opening and severe gag reflex.

Methods

This case report presents the dental management of an anxious female with Moebius syndrome. For restorations, atraumatic restorative technique (ART), using glass ionomer cement was used with hand instruments.

Results

All necessary dental treatment was completed in the dental chair, thus avoiding the need for a general anaesthetic, and associated complications with airway management due to orofacial abnormalities.

Conclusions

ART is an appropriate technique for people with microstomia and/or limited mouth opening, such as those with Moebius syndrome. The application of ART can be extended to other special needs patients (people with physical and intellectual disabilities, extreme anxiety, needle phobia and the frail elderly in aged care facilities), where access or cooperation is difficult or limited.
Diagnostic value of panoramic radiography in predicting inferior alveolar nerve injury after mandibular third molar extraction: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu W , Yin W , Zhang R , Li J , Zheng Y
Published: May 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of panoramic radiography on inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury after extraction of the mandibular third molar.

Methods

Relevant studies up to 1 June 2014 that discussed the association of panoramic radiography signs and post‐mandibular third molar extraction IAN injury were systematically retrieved from the databases of PubMed, Embase, Springerlink, Web of Science and Cochrane library. The effect size of pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratios (PLR), negative likelihood ratios (NLR) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were statistically analysed with Meta‐disc 1.4 software.

Results

Nine articles were included in this meta‐analysis. The pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 0.56 (95% CI: 0.50–0.61) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.84–0.87), respectively. The overall PLR was 3.46 (95% CI: 2.02–5.92) and overall NLR was 0.58 (95% CI: 0.45–0.73). The pooled estimate of DOR was 6.49 (95% CI: 2.92–14.44). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.7143 ± 0.0604.

Conclusions

The meta‐analysis indicated that interpretation of panoramic radiography based on darkening of the root had a high specificity in predicting IAN injury after mandibular third molar extraction. However, the ability of this panoramic radiography marker to detect true positive IAN injury was not satisfactory.
Curing Slums: The Jane Jacobs Way and the Henry George Way
Authors: Rybeck Walter
Published: May 2015

Henry George and Jane Jacobs were both self‐taught public figures who shared an appreciation of the density, productivity, diversity, and cultural creativity of big cities. A century separated them, during which architects and planners designed cities according to abstract principles, but George and Jacobs expected the creative potential of a city to emerge from its inhabitants, not from a central planner. Although the interests and concerns of George and Jacobs overlapped on only a few topics, they both believed that slum dwellers could solve their own problems, given the right tools. For Jacobs, the solution to dilapidated housing lay not in bulldozing neighborhoods, but in rehabilitating them through a process she called “unslumming,” a gradual process of self‐improvement that has at times been accused of being gentrification. Henry George offered a different solution, involving taxation of land values, one that did not focus on particular neighborhoods and thus avoided the paradox that local improvements would raise the price of real estate too high for local residents to stay. An example is given of how George's solution actually worked in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia. In this case, no change in tax policy was needed to bring about a local economic renaissance in the 1960s, merely the realignment of property assessments that correctly reflected the actual value of land.
Choroidal abnormalities in neurofibromatosis type 1 detected by near‐infrared reflectance imaging in paediatric population
Authors: Vagge Aldo , Camicione Paola , Capris Cristina , Sburlati Carlo , Panarello Simona , Calevo Maria Grazia , Traverso Carlo Enrico , Capris Paolo
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To investigate choroidal abnormalities in paediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) detected by near‐infrared reflectance (NIR) retinography in order to evaluate diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

Seventy‐eight paediatric patients with NF1, diagnosed according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria, and 96 healthy control subjects matched for age were examined. Enrolled patients were under 16 years old. The presence of choroidal abnormalities was investigated by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Main outcome measure was to evaluate diagnostic accuracy in paediatric patients compared with the NIH criteria.

Results

Seventy‐eight patients with NF1 (41 female, 37 male; mean age 8.1 ± 3.5 years) were compared with 96 healthy control subjects (42 female, 54 male; mean age 8 ± 3 years). Choroidal abnormalities were observed in 54 (69.2%) of the patients with NF1. As regards the fundus topographical distribution, choroidal abnormalities were more frequent at the posterior pole with a statistically significant correlation between patient age and the number of involved choroidal areas (Spearman r = 0.23; p < 0.04). No choroidal abnormalities were present in the control group. Detection accuracy of choroidal nodules was 70%.

Conclusion

Choroidal abnormalities appearing as bright patchy regions detected by NIR imaging occurred very frequently in paediatric patients affected by NF1. The present study appears to show that NIR used to detect choroidal involvement allows for elevated diagnostic accuracy.
Safety and efficacy of the switch to generic mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus in heart transplant patients
Authors: Söderlund Carl , Rådegran Göran
Published: May 2015

Background

Generic immunosuppressants may offer economic advantages, but their use is still controversial. At our center, 55 heart transplant patients were switched from CellCept® to Myfenax Teva® (MT) (n = 51, 18% female, 8.1 ± 6.6 yr post‐transplantation) and/or Prograf® to Tacrolimus Sandoz® (TS) (n = 17, 41% female, 6.6 ± 5.8 yr post‐transplantation).

Methods

We conducted an acute monitoring and a retrospective follow‐up with regard to safety and efficacy. Acute cellular rejections (ACRs) on endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) four wk after the MT switch were specifically compared to a matched retrospective control group.

Results

Tacrolimus C0 levels (TS switch) as well as hemoglobin, leukocytes, and thrombocytes (MT switch) did not change (p = NS) during the three wk after each respective switch (8.7 ± 2.9 vs. 8.4 ± 1.9 μg/L, 129.1 ± 12.6 vs. 130.1 ± 12.8 g/L, 6.3 vs. 6.2 × 109/L, and 217.4 ± 56.6 vs. 219.3 ± 61.8 × 109/L, respectively). 0% of the EMBs in the MT switch vs. 3% of the EMBs in the control group showed ACR>grade 1R (p = NS). After six months, survival was 96% (MT switch) and 100% (TS switch), and the frequency of severe ACR was low. Safety parameters measured at the next annual follow‐up were also stable following each switch.

Conclusion

Switching to MT and/or TS several years after heart transplantation appeared safe in the short‐term perspective, showing no detectable changes in tacrolimus C0 levels, safety or efficacy, during an average follow‐up of six months.
Cardiac response to early conversion from calcineurin inhibitor to everolimus in renal transplant recipients – a three‐yr serial echocardiographic substudy of the randomized controlled CENTRAL trial
Authors: Murbraech Klaus , Massey Richard , Undset Liv H. , Midtvedt Karsten , Holdaas Hallvard , Aakhus Svend
Published: May 2015

Background

In transplant recipients, calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are associated with adverse cardiac effects while mTOR inhibitors have been reported to be beneficial. We performed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in de novo renal transplant recipients examining cardiac responses of everolimus vs. CNI.

Methods

This was a substudy of the three‐yr CENTRAL study, an RCT on safety and efficacy of early (week 7 post‐engraftment) conversion from cyclosporine A (CsA) to everolimus vs. continued CsA. Thirty‐nine recipients [median age 64 yr, (range 31–81)] completed echocardiographic evaluations at baseline, one, and three yr.

Results

After three yr, there was no difference between groups in left ventricle (LV) diastolic function, LV systolic function, LV morphology, and blood pressure response. We observed a relevant decrease in LV mass (CsA; 9.6%, p = 0.008, vs. everolimus; 7.0% reduction, p = 0.15), stabilized LV diastolic function, and a trend toward lower systolic blood pressure with 6 mmHg decrease in both arms (CsA, p = 0.08; everolimus, p = 0.14). Diastolic blood pressure was significantly reduced (8 mmHg decrease, p = 0.002) only in everolimus patients.

Conclusions

After three‐yr follow‐up, no clinically relevant effect on cardiac function of an early conversion from CsA to an everolimus‐based immunosuppressive regimen was detected in de novo renal transplant recipients.
DNA methylation analysis for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules – a pilot study with reference to BRAFV600E mutation and cytopathology results
Authors: Chang H. , Shin B. K. , Kim A. , Kim H. K. , Kim B. H.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Promoter hypermethylation and the BRAFV600E mutation are both involved in thyroid tumorigenesis. We conducted a pilot study on the diagnosis of thyroid nodules by analysis of promoter hypermethylation status with reference to BRAFV600E mutation and cytopathology results using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues and liquid‐based preparation (LBP) thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples to predict more reliably the possibility of papillary carcinoma.

Methods

We initially performed MethyLight analysis for 30 genes that are known to be hypermethylated in malignancies using 164 papillary carcinomas and 77 benign tissue samples. Five genes selected from the tissue analysis were subsequently analysed in 75 surgically proven benign and 66 surgically proven papillary carcinoma LBP FNA samples. Samples that showed two or more positive results among the five genes were classified as methylation positive. We also analysed the BRAFV600E mutation status of the FNA samples.

Results

We identified five genes that were significantly hypermethylated in malignant tissues: PTGS2, HOXA1, TMEFF2, p16 and PTEN. With respect to diagnostic potential, results obtained using the BRAFV600E mutation test combined with cytological examination were not significantly different from those obtained with cytological examination only. Combining methylation analyses with cytological examination or performing all three tests for diagnoses did not improve significantly the negative predictive values and sensitivity, but a significant decrease in positive predictive value and specificity was observed.

Conclusion

Further studies are needed on larger samples to assess the potential value of methylation analysis of thyroid FNA.
The duodenal glucose load impacts the oral disposition index in healthy subjects
Authors: Marathe C. S. , Feinle‐Bisset C. , Pilichiewicz A. , Lange K. , Jones K. L. , Rayner C. K. , Kahn S. E. , Horowitz M.
Published: May 2015

Aim

In healthy subjects, the oral disposition index (ratio of insulin response to insulin sensitivity) is predictive of the development of Type 2 diabetes. Gastric emptying, which exhibits a substantial interindividual variation, is a major determinant of postprandial glycaemia in health and diabetes. We sought to determine whether the rate of intraduodenal glucose delivery affects the disposition index in people without diabetes.

Methods

Nineteen Caucasian males received glucose infusions via an intraduodenal catheter at either 2 kcal/min (ID2) or 4 kcal/min (ID4) for 120 min, on two separate days with measurements of blood glucose (G) and plasma insulin (I) at frequent intervals. The insulin response was estimated by the ratio of the change in insulin to that of change in glucose at 30 min (∆I0–30/∆G0–30) and 60 min (∆I0–60/∆G0–60). Insulin sensitivity was estimated as 1/fasting insulin. The oral disposition index (DI) was calculated as ∆I0–30/∆G0–30 × 1/fasting insulin and ∆I0–60/∆G0–60 × 1/fasting insulin.

Results

The overall glycaemic response was comparable on both days, but the insulin response was much greater at ID4 when calculated at either 30 or 60 min (P < 0.05). DI was also greater (P < 0.05) in response to ID4 than ID2.

Conclusions

The rate of duodenal glucose delivery has a major impact on insulin release and, thereby, DI. This suggests that the rate of gastric emptying, which determines duodenal glucose delivery, is a determinant of DI.
Is skin autofluorescence a marker of metabolic memory in pregnant women with diabetes?
Authors: Maury E. , Savel J. , Grouthier V. , Rajaobelina K. , Corvo L. , Lorrain S. , Gonzalez C. , Gin H. , Barberger‐Gateau P. , Rigalleau V.
Published: May 2015

Aim

To determine whether skin autofluorescence can help to detect those who have previously had abnormal glucose levels among women referred for diabetes during pregnancy.

Methods

Using an advanced glycation end product reader (AGE Readertm; DiagnOptics BV, Groningen, the Netherlands), we measured forearm skin autofluorescence at 24–30 weeks of gestation in all women who were referred to our Nutrition Diabetology unit for diabetes during pregnancy.

Results

The study included 230 women (200 with gestational diabetes and 30 with pre‐gestational diabetes, of whom 21 had Type 1 and nine had Type 2 diabetes) and a reference group of 22 normoglycaemic non‐pregnant women. Skin autofluorescence was significantly higher in women with pre‐gestational diabetes (1.97 ± 0.44 arbitary units) compared with gestational diabetes (1.77 ± 0.32 arbitary units; P = 0.003) and lower in the reference group (1.60 ± 0.32 arbitary units; P = 0.009 vs all pregnant women). Among women with gestational diabetes, 71 had a history of hyperglycaemia (i.e. gestational diabetes or macrosomia in a previous pregnancy or discovery of diabetes before 24th gestational week in the present pregnancy). These women had higher levels of skin autofluorescence (1.83 ± 0.35 arbitary units) than women with gestational diabetes without previous history of hyperglycaemia (1.73 ± 0.30 arbitary units; P = 0.04, non‐significant, adjusted for age). Skin autofluorescence increased with the number of criteria present for previous hyperglycaemia (P for trend = 0.008) and was significantly associated with having two or three criteria for hyperglycaemia after adjusting for age (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Skin autofluorescence could reflect previous long‐term hyperglycaemia in pregnant women, and could therefore be a marker of metabolic memory.
Elevated serum monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 levels and its genetic polymorphism is associated with diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jiang Z. , Hennein L. , Xu Y. , Bao N. , Coh P. , Tao L.
Published: May 2015

Aim

Previous studies have reported that monocyte chemoattractant protein–1 (MCP–1) is involved in inflammatory and metabolic diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of MCP–1 in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Han Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Serum levels of MCP–1 protein in patients classified as diabetic without retinopathy (DWR) and DR, including NPDR and PDR, were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Genomic DNA from 198 DWR patients, 176 NPDR patients and 143 PDR patients were genotyped by using a PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assay.

Results

MCP–1 serum levels were significantly higher in NPDR and PDR patients than in the DWR patients. The frequencies of the GG genotype and G allele of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were significantly increased in DR patients compared with DWR patients. Further subgroup analysis was performed to test whether there was an association between the PDR or NPDR and DWR groups. Significantly higher frequencies of the GG genotype and G allele were observed in PDR and NPDR patients compared with DWR patients. Furthermore, the 25 patients with PDR were divided into three groups according to the genotype of the tested SNP. The expression of the MCP–1 gene was higher in the GG genotype group compared with the other two groups.

Conclusions

The results suggested that the –2518 GG genotype and G allele of MCP–1 are associated with an increased risk of PDR in the Chinese Han population. This polymorphism may influence the expression of the MCP–1 gene, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of DR.
Type 1 diabetes is not associated with an increased prevalence of hepatic steatosis
Authors: Petit J.‐M. , Pedro L. , Guiu B. , Duvillard L. , Bouillet B. , Jooste V. , Habchi M. , Crevisy E. , Fourmont C. , Buffier P. , Hillon P. , Cercueil J.‐P. , Verges B.
Published: May 2015

Aim

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is commonly associated with Type 2 diabetes. Recently, it has been suggested that NAFLD is also frequently associated with Type 1 diabetes and diabetic complications. In this study, we set out to determine whether Type 1 diabetes was associated with liver fat content measured using magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐eight patients with Type 1 diabetes, 264 patients with Type 2 diabetes and 67 participants without diabetes were included in this study. Hepatic steatosis was defined as a liver fat content > 5.5%.

Results

People with Type 1 diabetes and controls were similar for age and BMI. Liver fat content was significantly higher in patients with Type 2 diabetes than in patients with Type 1 diabetes and controls. In the control group, nine people (13.4%) had steatosis compared with six (4.7%) patients with Type 1 diabetes (P = 0.04). Among patients with Type 2 diabetes group, 166 (62.8%) had steatosis. In multivariate analysis that included patients with Type 1 diabetes and participants without diabetes, steatosis was associated only with BMI, whereas age, sex, statin therapy and Type 1 diabetes were not. In patients with Type 1 diabetes, there was no correlation between liver fat content and estimated glomerular filtration rate or carotid intima media thickness.

Conclusions

Our data showed that Type 1 diabetes was not associated with an increased prevalence of steatosis. Moreover, our study provided no specific arguments concerning a link between liver fat content and diabetic complications in patients with Type 1 diabetes.
Ethnicity and risk of lower limb amputation in people with Type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Robinson T. E. , Kenealy T. , Garrett M. , Bramley D. , Drury P. L. , Elley C. R.
Published: May 2015

Aim

Lower limb amputation is a serious complication of diabetic foot disease and there are unexplained ethnic variations in incidence. This study investigates the risk of amputation among different ethnic groups after adjusting for demographic, socio‐economic status and clinical variables.

Methods

We used primary care data from a large national multi‐ethnic cohort of patients with Type 2 diabetes in New Zealand and linked hospital records. The primary outcome was time from initial data collection to first lower limb amputation. Demographic variables included age of onset and duration since diabetes diagnosis, gender, ethnicity and socio‐economic status. Clinical variables included smoking status, height and weight, blood pressure, HbA1c, total cholesterol/HDLratio and albuminuria. Cox proportional hazards models were used.

Results

There were 892 lower limb amputations recorded among 62 002 patients (2.11 amputations per 1000 person‐years), followed for a median of 7.14 years (422 357 person‐years). After adjusting for demographic and socio‐economic variables and compared with Europeans, Māori had the highest risk [hazard ratio (HR) 1.84 (95%CI:1.54–2.19)], whereas East Asians [HR0.18, (0.08–0.44)] and South Asians [HR0.39 (0.22–0.67)] had the lowest risk. Adjusting for available clinical variables reduced the differences but they remained substantial [HR1.61 (1.35–1.93), 0.23 (0.10–0.56) and 0.48 (0.27–0.83), respectively].

Conclusions

Ethnic groups had significantly different risk of lower limb amputation, even after adjusting for demographic and some major clinical risk factors. Barriers to care should be addressed and intensive prevention strategies known to reduce the incidence of lower limb amputations could be prioritized to those at greatest risk.
Effects of dietary protein to carbohydrate ratio on Bt toxicity and fitness costs of resistance in Helicoverpa zea
Authors: Orpet Robert J. , Degain Ben A. , Unnithan Gopalan C. , Welch Kara L. , Tabashnik Bruce E. , Carrière Yves
Published: May 2015

The ratio of dietary protein to carbohydrate (P:C) affects the feeding performance of insect herbivores and was recently shown to affect susceptibility to Bt toxins and fitness costs of resistance in Trichoplusia ni Hübner. Here, we used laboratory experiments with larvae reared on artificial diet to determine whether dietary P:C ratio affects responses to Bt toxin Cry1Ac and fitness costs of resistance in Helicoverpa zea Boddie (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). We tested a H. zea strain that was selected for resistance to Cry1Ac in the laboratory (GA‐R) and its field‐derived parent strain (GA), which was not selected in the laboratory. Relative to GA, GA‐R had 14‐fold resistance to Cry1Ac. The P:C ratio of diet did not affect susceptibility to Cry1Ac of GA‐R. However, against GA, Cry1Ac was least toxic on the diet with the lowest P:C ratio (35:65) and most toxic on the diet with the highest P:C ratio (90:10). Diets of all P:C ratios except 80:20 induced a fitness cost of lower pupal weight in GA‐R relative to GA for males, females, or both. Considered together with previous results, the new findings reported here indicate that the effects of P:C ratio on responses to Cry1Ac and fitness costs vary between species and between strains within species.
Diet quality mitigates intraspecific larval competition in Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Hardin Jesse A. , Kraus Dylan A. , Burrack Hannah J.
Published: May 2015

The invasive frugivore Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) utilizes a wide range of host plants and damages important fruit crops, including blueberries, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Field infestations of D. suzukii often exceed one larva per berry, suggesting that intraspecific competition may frequently occur. Because dietary resources are also likely to vary across the host range of D. suzukii, we designed a laboratory assay to measure larval performance across diets of varying quality: a standard artificial diet, a fruit‐based medium, a low‐protein, and a low‐carbohydrate diet. We manipulated egg density across these diets to provide increasing levels of competition and measured larval performance by observing survival to pupation and adulthood, and development times for both life stages. Although increasing density generally negatively impacted D. suzukii performance across diets, the magnitude of these impacts varied by diet type. Drosophila suzukii performance was generally similar in fruit and standard diets, although larval development was more rapid in fruit diets at lower densities. Even at low densities (5 or 10 eggs per arena), survival was reduced and development time increased in low‐protein diets relative to standard and fruit diets. At the two highest larval densities (20 or 40 eggs per arena), survivorship was reduced in low‐carbohydrate diets as compared to standard and fruit diets. There is evidence that larvae compensated in both low‐quality diets by extending development time, which could have consequences for population dynamics. Population models for use in D. suzukii management may need to account for both host nutritional quality and relative competition to accurately predict turnover and geographic expansion.
Theory of mind and social functioning in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Wang Wei‐Han , Shih Yang‐Hsin , Yu Hsiang‐Yu , Yen Der‐Jen , Lin Yung‐Yang , Kwan Shang‐Yeong , Chen Chien , Hua Mau‐Sun
Published: May 2015

Objective

This study aimed to explore the effects of theory of mind (ToM) and related potential risk factors, including cognitive functions, psychiatric status, and seizure‐related clinical variables, on social functioning in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods

Sixty‐seven patients with intractable TLE who were potential candidates for epilepsy surgery and 30 matched controls were included. All participants completed four tasks measuring different levels of ToM (False Belief, Faux Pas Recognition, Implication Stories, and Visual Cartoon), the Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revised (SCL‐90‐R), the Social and Occupational Functioning Scale for Epilepsy (SOFSE), and neuropsychological tests.

Results

The patients exhibited impairments in both basic and advanced ToM. Multiple regression analyses revealed the following: (1) the SOFSE total score was significantly predicted by the Faux Pas Recognition (FPR), Global Severity Index (GSI) score of the SCL‐90‐R, and Full‐Scale intelligence quotient (IQ) of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), which accounted for 38%, 11%, and 8% of the variance, respectively; and (2) the FPR was a significant predictor of all SOFSE subscales, whereas the GSI score contributed substantially to the Interpersonal Relationships, Communication, and Occupation subscales of the SOFSE.

Significance

Advanced ToM, measured by impaired faux pas recognition, is a relatively strong predictor of poor social functioning in surgical candidates for intractable TLE. Identifying ToM impairment may help plan nonpharmacologic treatment for improving social functions in patients with intractable TLE.
Nutritional support for the dysphagic adult horse
Authors: Pirie R. S. , Jago R. C.
Published: May 2015

The dysphagic horse will frequently require nutritional support due to a failure to ingest either sufficient or any feed at all to meet its daily energy and protein requirements. There are a variety of means by which this nutritional support can be provided, the choice of which is largely dependent on the cause of the dysphagia, anticipated duration of the dysphagia, metabolic demands of the underlying disease/disorder associated with the dysphagia, any financial restraints and facilities available. This manuscript provides an overview of the various means by which nutritional support can be provided and highlights some of the advantages and disadvantages of each which may be considered when choosing the most appropriate approach.
Quantifying above‐ and belowground biomass carbon loss with forest conversion in tropical lowlands of Sumatra (Indonesia)
Authors: Kotowska Martyna M. , Leuschner Christoph , Triadiati Triadiati , Meriem Selis , Hertel Dietrich
Published: May 2015

Natural forests in South‐East Asia have been extensively converted into other land‐use systems in the past decades and still show high deforestation rates. Historically, lowland forests have been converted into rubber forests, but more recently, the dominant conversion is into oil palm plantations. While it is expected that the large‐scale conversion has strong effects on the carbon cycle, detailed studies quantifying carbon pools and total net primary production (NPPtotal) in above‐ and belowground tree biomass in land‐use systems replacing rainforest (incl. oil palm plantations) are rare so far. We measured above‐ and belowground carbon pools in tree biomass together with NPPtotal in natural old‐growth forests, ‘jungle rubber’ agroforests under natural tree cover, and rubber and oil palm monocultures in Sumatra. In total, 32 stands (eight plot replicates per land‐use system) were studied in two different regions. Total tree biomass in the natural forest (mean: 384 Mg ha−1) was more than two times higher than in jungle rubber stands (147 Mg ha−1) and >four times higher than in monoculture rubber and oil palm plantations (78 and 50 Mg ha−1). NPPtotal was higher in the natural forest (24 Mg ha−1 yr−1) than in the rubber systems (20 and 15 Mg ha−1 yr−1), but was highest in the oil palm system (33 Mg ha−1 yr−1) due to very high fruit production (15–20 Mg ha−1 yr−1). NPPtotal was dominated in all systems by aboveground production, but belowground productivity was significantly higher in the natural forest and jungle rubber than in plantations. We conclude that conversion of natural lowland forest into different agricultural systems leads to a strong reduction not only in the biomass carbon pool (up to 166 Mg C ha−1) but also in carbon sequestration as carbon residence time (i.e. biomass‐C:NPP‐C) was 3–10 times higher in the natural forest than in rubber and oil palm plantations.
Consequences of agroindustrial sugarcane production to freshwater biodiversity
Authors: Schiesari Luis , Corrêa Décio T.
Published: May 2015

The environmental benefits of a broad‐scale adoption of biofuels are critically contingent on what current land uses will be converted for feedstock expansion and how converted land will be managed. We assessed the consequences of land use and land management for the agroindustrial production of sugarcane to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of freshwater systems. We surveyed 16 environmental variables and algae, tadpoles, predatory invertebrates, and fish in lentic water bodies distributed across a gradient in land‐use intensity ranging from seasonal Atlantic Forest and cerrado to pastures to sugarcane plantations in SE Brazil, the most important sugarcane‐producing region in the world. The gradient in land‐use intensity was not only an axis of native habitat loss but also of ecosystem productivity, as indicated by increased conductivity, turbidity, and phytoplankton biomass. Land use had a clear signal on community and metacommunity organization, with converted land being impoverished in biodiversity relative to native habitats. However, frequency of occurrence, density, biomass, and alpha diversity of tadpoles and their predators were not affected by land use. These results suggest that sugarcane fields function as habitat to a fraction of aquatic biodiversity. Within sugarcane fields, larger wetlands surrounded by buffer strips as required by law appeared comparatively buffered against land management practices and housed a disproportional fraction of animal biomass, likely acting as sources of migrants to other water bodies in the landscape. Conversion of pastures to sugarcane fields, suggested as a strategy to reduce competition for land with food production and biodiversity conservation, does not appear to have strong consequences to lentic freshwater systems, provided that wetlands and surrounding buffer strips are preserved. These observations emphasize the importance of enforcement of legislation regulating land use (i.e. the ‘Forest Code’) and certification systems verifying compliance and rewarding the voluntary adoption of better land management practices.
Epidemiological study of onychomycosis in older adults with onychodystrophy
Authors: Cozzani Emanuele , Agnoletti Arianna Fay , Speziari Stefania , Schiavetti Irene , Zotti Mirca , Persi Agostino , Drago Francesco , Parodi Aurora
Published: May 2015

Aim

To identify the prevalence of onychomycosis and epidemiological features in older adults (>65%) with toenail onychodystrophy. In particular, the aim of the study was to analyze risk factors/protective factors, clinical manifestations, comorbidities and etiological agents.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out from February 2012 to May 2012 at San Martino‐IST of Genoa, Italy. The inclusion criteria for enrolment were the presence of onychodystrophy of one or more toenails and age >65 years. The exclusion criteria were systemic/topical antifungal treatments in the previous 6 months, drilling of the nail plate in the previous 6 months and a specialist's diagnosis or suspicion of onychomycosis. A database was created for the patients' anamnesis, the clinics and testing results. Several statistical analyses were carried out.

Results

A total of 100 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A total of 35 cases had positive results, and the etiological agent was isolable in 14 cases. The most represented was Trichophyton mentagrophytes followed by Trichophyton rubrum and others. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the significant roles of sex and diabetes as risk factors, and the use of statins as a protective factor.

Conclusions

Onychomycosis has a high prevalence in older adults with onychodystrophy. It is important not to overlook onychodystrophy, and to carry out laboratory testing to exclude a fungal infection. In fact, as older patients often cannot undergo systemic antifungal therapies, it is fundamental to treat them early and avoid the spread of infection. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 486‐491.
Preparing patients at high risk of falls for discharge home after rehabilitation: Do we meet the guidelines?
Authors: Said Catherine M , Batchelor Frances , Shaw Kathryn , Blennerhassett Jannette
Published: May 2015

Aim

To determine whether rehabilitation inpatients at high risk of falls receive adequate falls risk assessment, management and handover on discharge as per Australian Best Practice Guidelines.

Methods

Medical records of 121 people who received inpatient rehabilitation were retrospectively screened; records of 50 people discharged home and at high falls risk (fall in last 12 months, fall preceding/during admission) were audited. Data extracted included falls risk identification during rehabilitation and in discharge documentation; falls risk factors assessed; and fall prevention strategies implemented.

Results

Discharge documentation correctly identified falls risk for just nine of the 50 people. Patients at high falls risk had a median of 8.0 (interquartile range 6–10) of 17 risk factors. There was limited evidence of assessment for osteoporosis (n = 8), footwear (n = 4) and visual assessment in the previous 2 years (n = 1). Patients received a median of 6.5 (interquartile range 5–9) out of 16 possible strategies. Common strategies were mobility (n = 48), strength (n = 44) and Personal Activity of Daily Living training (n = 43). For 12 risk factors, if the factor was present, there was evidence of a strategy in more than 80% of records.

Conclusions

There was little evidence that people at high risk of falls received systematic falls risk assessment during rehabilitation. When a risk was identified, generally a strategy was implemented. However, failure to assess some risk factors might have limited fall prevention strategies offered. Failure to adequately address risks during hospitalization could contribute to falls post‐discharge. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 570–576.
Coexisting congenital dysfibrinogenemia with a novel mutation in fibrinogen γ chain (γ322 Phe→Ile, Fibrinogen Beijing) and haemophilia B in a family
Authors: Hua B. , Li K. , Lee A. , Poon M.‐C. , Zhao Y.
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Both congenital dysfibrinogenemia and haemophilia B (HB) are rare coagulopathies caused by mutations within the fibrinogen and F9 genes respectively.

Aim

To investigate the pathogenesis of combined dysfibrinogenemia with HB in a family.

Methods

Coagulation assays, factor IX (FIX) activity (one‐stage method), fibrinogen activity (Clauss method), antigen (immunoturbidimetry), fibrinogen polymerization and fibrinolysis velocity were measured. The sequences of fibrinogen genes and F9 were amplified by PCR and analysed by sequencing.

Results

The proband, a 16‐year‐old boy with HB (FIX 2 IU dL−1), also had persistently low Clauss fibrinogen level (0.64–0.65 g L−1) with normal antigen level (2.23 g L−1). The mother had a FIX 45 IU dL−1 and similarly discrepant low Clauss fibrinogen (0.79 g L−1) to antigen levels (2.23 g L−1). Thrombin time for both were either slightly prolonged or at boundary value. Genetic analysis of the proband and the mother identified similar mutations in the FGG gene (heterozygous c.1042T>A resulting in p.Phe348Ile or γPhe322Ile in the mature protein) and in the F9 gene (c.1243del p.His415Metfs*11 and c.1245T>A p.His415Gln). The father had no fibrinogen or F9 gene mutations. Plasma fibrinogen polymerization was delayed, but fibrinolysis velocity was normal in the proband and his mother.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a family with combined novel dysfibrinogen (Fibrinogen Beijing) and HB with bleeding manifestations.
The use of short‐term central venous catheters for optimizing continuous infusion of coagulation factor concentrate in haemophilia patients undergoing major surgical procedures
Authors: Boban A. , Lambert C. , Hermans C.
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Continuous infusion (CI) of clotting factors has facilitated surgical procedures and intensive replacement therapy in haemophilia patients. This procedure could, however, be further optimized by using a short‐term central venous catheter (CVCs) instead of via peripheral venous access.

Aim

In this paper, we present our results on using a short‐term CVC in haemophilia patients during major surgical operations.

Methods

In total, 40 patients with haemophilia A or B (37 and 3, respectively), aged 21–81 years, underwent 67 surgeries with 65 CVCs. Patients requiring intensive treatment lasting over 5 days had the indications for CVC placement. The catheters were placed by experienced anaesthesiologists in the operating theatre under general anaesthesia and following activated partial thromboplastin time correction.

Results

No interruption of CI was observed and only one catheter had to be removed prematurely due to a suspected infection. There were no signs found for prosthesis or wound infection, nor was there any thrombosis documented.

Conclusion

Our study produced encouraging results regarding the use of short‐term CVCs in haemophilia patients. Even though our patient sample was small, the data corroborates short‐term CVCs to be safe and convenient for factor concentrate delivery in CI during major surgical operations.
Comparison between uroflowmetry and sonouroflowmetry in recording of urinary flow in healthy men
Authors: Krhut Jan , Gärtner Marcel , Sýkora Radek , Hurtík Petr , Burda Michal , Luňáček Libor , Zvarová Katarína , Zvara Peter
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of sonouroflowmetry in recording urinary flow parameters and voided volume.

Methods

A total of 25 healthy male volunteers (age 18–63 years) were included in the study. All participants were asked to carry out uroflowmetry synchronous with recording of the sound generated by the urine stream hitting the water level in the urine collection receptacle, using a dedicated cell phone. From 188 recordings, 34 were excluded, because of voided volume <150 mL or technical problems during recording. Sonouroflowmetry recording was visualized in a form of a trace, representing sound intensity over time. Subsequently, the matching datasets of uroflowmetry and sonouroflowmetry were compared with respect to flow time, voided volume, maximum flow rate and average flow rate. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to compare parameters recorded by uroflowmetry with those calculated based on sonouroflowmetry recordings.

Results

The flow pattern recorded by sonouroflowmetry showed a good correlation with the uroflowmetry trace. A strong correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.87) was documented between uroflowmetry‐recorded flow time and duration of the sound signal recorded with sonouroflowmetry. A moderate correlation was observed in voided volume (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.68) and average flow rate (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.57). A weak correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.38) between maximum flow rate recorded using uroflowmetry and sonouroflowmetry‐recorded peak sound intensity was documented.

Conclusions

The present study shows that the basic concept utilizing sound analysis for estimation of urinary flow parameters and voided volume is valid. However, further development of this technology and standardization of recording algorithm are required.
Viral and atypical bacterial aetiologies of infection in hospitalised patients admitted with clinical suspicion of influenza in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia
Authors: Wertheim Heiman F. L. , Nadjm Behzad , Thomas Sherine , Agustiningsih  , Malik Suhud , Nguyen Diep Ngoc Thi , Vu Dung Viet Tien , Van Nguyen Kinh , Van Nguyen Chau Vinh , Nguyen Liem Thanh , Tran Sinh Thi , Phung Thuy Bich Thi , Nguyen Trung Vu , Hien Tran Tinh , Nguyen Uyen Hanh , Taylor Walter , Truong Khanh Huu , Ha Tuan Manh , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Farrar Jeremy , Wolbers Marcel , de Jong Menno D. , van Doorn H. Rogier , Puthavathana Pilaipan
Published: May 2015

Background

Influenza constitutes a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is limited information about the aetiology of infection presenting clinically as influenza in hospitalised adults and children in South‐East Asia. Such data are important for future management of respiratory infections.

Objectives

To describe the aetiology of infection presenting clinically as influenza in those hospitalised in South‐East Asia.

Methods

Respiratory specimens archived from July 2008 to June 2009 from patients hospitalised with suspected influenza from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam were tested for respiratory viruses and atypical bacteria by polymerase chain reaction.

Results

A total of 1222 patients’ samples were tested. Of 1222, 776 patients (63·5%) were under the age of 5. Viruses detected included rhinoviruses in 229 of 1222 patients (18·7%), bocaviruses in 200 (16·4%), respiratory syncytial viruses in 144 (11·8%), parainfluenza viruses in 140 (11·5%; PIV1: 32; PIV2: 12; PIV3: 71; PIV4: 25), adenovirus in 102 (8·4%), influenza viruses in 93 (7·6%; influenza A: 77; influenza B: 16) and coronaviruses in 23 (1·8%; OC43: 14; E229: 9). Bacterial pathogens were Mycoplasma pneumoniae (n = 33, 2·7%), Chlamydophila psittaci (n = 2), C. pneumoniae (n = 1), Bordetella pertussis (n = 1) and Legionella pneumophila (n = 2). Overall, in‐hospital case fatality rate was 29 of 1222 (2·4%).

Conclusion

Respiratory viruses were the most commonly detected pathogens in patients hospitalised with a clinical suspicion of influenza. Rhinovirus was the most frequently detected virus, and M. pneumoniae, the most common atypical bacterium. The low number of detected influenza viruses demonstrates a low benefit for empirical oseltamivir therapy, unless during an influenza outbreak.
Analytical Model for the Alite (C3S) Dissolution Topography
Authors: Nicoleau Luc , Bertolim Maria Alice
Published: May 2015

The surface topography that develops during the dissolution of alite (or C3S) has never been considered as an important aspect of the hydration of portland cement. Like many other minerals, alite dissolution results in the formation of etch pits. In this study, a simple model with a handful of parameters is proposed to explore the kinetic consequences of pitting on the dissolution of alite. The first consequence is an accelerating period during which the reactive surface, that is, the pit, expands. This new feature, to the authors’ opinion never reported previously for alite, is supported by experimental data. The mechanisms leading to the activation of the initial dissolution centers and to the growth of pits could be hindered by some inhibitory species such as aluminum ions or organic molecules. The model indicates that only a few assumptions about the formation of pits in the presence of these species are necessary to introduce an initial period of low dissolution prior to the accelerating phase. Such a low early reactivity is similar to the so‐called dormant period observed during portland cement hydration. The implications of this new model in cement hydration could go beyond this article and shed light on still unresolved fundamental questions on hydration behavior.