bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges faced by physicians when discussing the Type 2 diabetes diagnosis with patients: insights from a cross‐national study (IntroDia®)
Authors: Capehorn M. , Polonsky W. H. , Edelman S. , Belton A. , Down S. , Gamerman V. , Nagel F. , Lee J. , Alzaid A.
Published: March 2017

Aims

To investigate physicians’ recalled experiences of their conversations with patients at diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, because physician–patient communication at that time may influence the patient's subsequent self‐care and outcomes.

Methods

As part of a large cross‐national study of physician–patient communication during early treatment of Type 2 diabetes (IntroDia®), we conducted a cross‐sectional survey of physicians treating people with Type 2 diabetes in 26 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and Oceania. The survey battery was designed to evaluate physician experiences during diagnosis conversations as well as physician empathy (measured using the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy).

Results

A total of 6753 of 9247 eligible physicians completed the IntroDia® survey (response rate 73.0%). Most respondents (87.5%) agreed that the conversation at diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes impacts the patient's acceptance of the condition and self‐care. However, almost all physicians (98.9%) reported challenges during this conversation. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two related yet distinct types of challenges (r = 0.64, P < 0.0001) associated with either patients (eight challenges, α = 0.87) or the situation itself at diagnosis (four challenges, α = 0.72). There was a significant inverse association between physician empathy and overall challenge burden, as well as between empathy and each of the two types of challenges (all P < 0.0001). Study limitations include reliance on accurate physician recall and inability to assign causality to observed associations.

Conclusions

Globally, most physicians indicated that conversations with patients at diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes strongly influence patient self‐care. Higher physician empathy was associated with fewer challenges during the diagnosis conversation.
Progressive histoplasmosis with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and epithelioid cell granulomatosis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Schulze Arik Bernard , Heptner Britta , Kessler Torsten , Baumgarten Birgit , Stoica Viorelia , Mohr Michael , Wiewrodt Rainer , Warneke Viktoria Susanne , Hartmann Wolfgang , Wüllenweber Jörg , Schülke Christoph , Schäfers Michael , Wilmes Dunja , Becker Karsten , Schmidt Lars Henning , Groll Andreas H. , Berdel Wolfgang E.
Published: March 2017

Histoplasmosis in central Europe is a rare fungal disease with diverse clinical presentations. Apart from acute pulmonary histoplasmosis and involvement of the central nervous system, the most serious clinical presentation is progressive disseminated histoplasmosis which is generally associated with severe immunodeficiency and, in particular, advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection. Here, we report on an immunocompetent female residing in a non‐endemic area, presenting with progressive disseminated histoplasmosis after a remote travel history to Thailand and Costa Rica. Diagnosis was delayed by several months due to misinterpretation of epithelioid cell granulomatosis of the intestine as Crohn's disease and of similar lung lesions as acute sarcoidosis. Prompted by clinical deterioration with signs and symptoms consistent with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a bone marrow aspiration was performed that documented hemophagocytosis and intracellular organisms interpreted as Leishmania sp., but later identified by molecular methods as Histoplasma capsulatum. Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B followed by posaconazole led to prompt clinical improvement and ultimately cure.
Feeding during the rest phase promotes circadian conflict in nuclei that control energy homeostasis and sleep–wake cycle in rats
Authors: Ramirez‐Plascencia Oscar D. , Saderi Nadia , Escobar Carolina , Salgado‐Delgado Roberto C.
Published: March 2017

Food intake during the rest phase promotes circadian desynchrony, which has been associated with metabolic diseases. However, the link between circadian rhythm and metabolic alterations is not well understood. To investigate this issue, we explored the circadian rhythm of c‐Fos immunoreactivity (IR) in rats fed during the day, during the night or with free access to food for 3 weeks. The analysis was focused on the hypothalamic nuclei, which are interconnected and involved in the control of energy homeostasis and/or arousal: lateral hypothalamus (LH), perifornical area, arcuate, ventrolateral pre‐optic (VLPO) and tuberomammillary nuclei. The results show that food intake during the rest phase flattened the circadian c‐Fos expression in the LH and perifornical area, and induced a phase shift in the VLPO area. In addition, c‐Fos expression was analyzed in the orexin and melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons of the LH, which are involved in the control of food intake and arousal, and in α‐melanin‐stimulating hormone and neuropeptide Y (NPY) cells in the arcuate nucleus, all of which are involved in feeding–fasting cycles, energy homeostasis and sending projections to the LH. The results indicate that feeding during the rest phase decreased orexin neuron activation in the light in comparison with the other groups. Feeding during this phase also flattened the activity rhythm of MCH and α‐melanin‐stimulating hormone neurons and increased NPY IR when the light was turned on. This evidence indicates that mealtime differentially affected the hypothalamic nuclei under investigation leading to a circadian conflict that might account for metabolic impairment.
Macroinvertebrate community traits and nitrate removal in stream sediments
Authors: Yao Jingmei , Colas Fanny , Solimini Angelo G. , Battin Tom J. , Gafny Sarig , Morais Manuela , Puig María Á. , Martí Eugenia , Pusch Martin T. , Voreadou Catherina , Sabater Francesc , Julien Frédéric , Sánchez‐Pérez José M. , Sauvage Sabine , Vervier Philippe , Gerino Magali
Published: March 2017

In‐stream nitrate removal capacity may be used as a proxy for the ecosystem service of water quality regulation. It is well known that this natural function is driven by abiotic and biotic factors in running water environments. With regard to biotic drivers, most of the literature focuses on the microbial community influences, but there has been very little emphasis on the relationship with the benthic macroinvertebrate community. Since this community feeds on microbial assemblages (autotrophic and/or heterotrophic biofilms) that live on the streambed and in the hyporheic zone of the river, macroinvertebrates also have the potential to influence nitrate removal via its influences on microbiological processes.

The objective of this study was to examine the potential relationship between the macroinvertebrate communities and nitrate removal. A dataset of in‐stream nitrate removal rates measured in nine‐third‐order streams was analysed. The simultaneous influences of abiotic (hydromorphological, physical and chemical characteristics) and biotic (biofilm and macroinvertebrate) drivers were examined and together explained 56% of the in‐stream nitrate removal variance. An analysis of the independent contributions of each driver showed that abiotic drivers (e.g. ammonium, dissolved organic carbon, temperature and transient zone) contributed 40% of this nitrate removal variance, whereas the macroinvertebrate community contributed 39%.

The potential relationship between macroinvertebrates and nitrate removal was subsequently explored using trait‐based approaches of the macroinvertebrate community. This method allows for the selection of trait modalities assuming a top‐down control of microbial communities by macroinvertebrates, with in‐stream abiotic conditions correlated with nitrate removal (assuming that environmental conditions affect macroinvertebrate community composition).

The main trait modalities positively correlated with nitrate removal were scraper (feeding habit), flagstones/boulders/cobbles/pebbles (substrate preference), crawler and interstitial (locomotion) and detritus (food). The main modalities negatively correlated with nitrate removal were silt and mud with microphytes (as substrate preference), and with fine sediment with microorganisms, and dead animals (as food sources). These results agreed with the hypothesis of top‐down control and enhanced understanding of the influence of hydromorphological factors on nitrate removal.

This study highlights the involvement of the macroinvertebrate community in in‐stream nitrate processing, and demonstrates the usefulness of applying a functional approach to explain relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Perceived swallowing problems and mortality risk in very elderly people ≥85 years old: Results of the Tokyo Oldest Old Survey on Total Health study
Authors: Iinuma Toshimitsu , Hirata Takumi , Arai Yasumichi , Takayama Michiyo , Abe Yukiko , Fukumoto Motoko , Fukui Yusuke , Gionhaku Nobuhito
Published: March 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to clarify whether perceived swallowing problems affect the life expectancy of very elderly individuals.

Background

In an ageing society, oral function affects health status. In particular, a decline in swallowing function may increase the risk of various diseases, morbidity and malnutrition.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated 526 elderly individuals aged ≥85 years. All participants completed a questionnaire and underwent oral, physical and mental health examinations. The comprehensive oral health assessment comprised a face‐to‐face interview that included a questionnaire on swallowing function. We estimated hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals using the Cox proportional hazards model, adjusting for potential confounders between perceived swallowing problems and all‐cause mortality over a 3‐year period.

Results

Over a 3‐year follow‐up period, 88 of 526 participants died and 68 participants complained of perceived swallowing problems. Perceived swallowing problems had statistically significant associations with physical status and function and nutrition. In the univariate analysis, perceived swallowing problems had statistically significant associations with an approximately 1.9‐fold higher risk of all‐cause mortality during the 3‐year period (HR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.14‐3.14). In the multivariate analysis, the statistically significant association between perceived swallowing problems and all‐cause mortality remained after adjusting for various confounding factors (HR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.03‐2.92).

Conclusion

Perceived swallowing disorders should be verified by a clinical examination, as they are associated with other health outcomes and increased all‐cause mortality.
Expression of cancer/testis antigens in salivary gland carcinomas with reference to MAGE‐A and NY‐ESO‐1 expression in adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Beppu Shintaro , Ito Yohei , Fujii Kana , Saida Kosuke , Takino Hisashi , Masaki Ayako , Murase Takayuki , Kusafuka Kimihide , Iida Yoshiyuki , Onitsuka Tetsuro , Yatabe Yasushi , Hanai Nobuhiro , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Ijichi Kei , Murakami Shingo , Inagaki Hiroshi
Published: March 2017

Aims

Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) are detected in cancer cells but not in healthy normal tissues, with the exception of gametogenic tissues. CTAs are highly immunogenic proteins, and thus represent ideal targets for cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐mediated specific immune therapy. The aim of this study was to screen CTA expression in various types of salivary gland carcinoma and to clarify clinicopathological significance of MAGE‐A and NY‐ESO‐1 expression in adenoid cystic carcinomas (AdCCs) of the salivary gland, which is one of the most common salivary gland carcinomas, and usually has a fatal outcome.

Methods and results

We used immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of four CTAs (MAGE‐A, NY‐ESO‐1, CT7, and GAGE7) in various types of salivary gland carcinoma (n = 95). When carcinoma cases were divided into low‐grade and intermediate/high‐grade types, NY‐ESO‐1 and CT7 were expressed more frequently in intermediate/high‐grade carcinomas. We then focused on MAGE‐A and NY‐ESO‐1 expression in a large cohort of adenoid cystic carcinomas (AdCCs) (n = 46). MAGE‐A and NY‐ESO‐1 were frequently expressed in AdCC; specifically, MAGE‐A was expressed in >60% of the AdCC cases. MAGE‐A expression and tumour site (minor salivary gland) were identified as independent risk factors for locoregional tumour recurrence.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that CTAs may be expressed in a variety of salivary gland carcinomas, especially in those with higher histological grades. In addition, MAGE‐A, which is frequently expressed in AdCC cases, may be a useful prognostic factor for poorer locoregional recurrence‐free survival.
Combined effects of a natural Allium spp. extract and modified atmospheres packaging on shelf life extension of olive‐based paste
Authors: Cosmai Lucrezia , Campanella Daniela , Summo Carmine , Paradiso Vito Michele , Pasqualone Antonella , De Angelis Maria , Caponio Francesco
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to extend the shelf life of non‐thermally stabilised olive‐based paste by adding different concentrations (0.2, 0.5, 1.0 g kg−1) of a natural Allium spp. extract and/or by using different packaging atmospheres (MAP1, 75% Ar‐23% CO2‐2% H2; MAP2, 70% N2‐30% CO2) during refrigerated storage. Higher amounts of the natural extract gave the highest level of microbial inhibition, increased hardness, a greater release of aldehydes, esters, and ketones, and a better colour preservation when used with MAP1. The natural extract and MAP, either alone or in combination, produced no sensory defects (except for the control in MAP2), but a greater loss of typical olive flavour. The addition of the natural extract used with an appropriate MAP, can retain the quality attributes and extend shelf life for approximately 14 days longer than the control (without natural extract and MAP), and a better performance is achieved by using greater amounts of natural extract and MAP1.
Development and perceived effects of an educational programme on quality and safety in medication handling in residential facilities
Authors: Mygind Anna , El-Souri Mira , Rossing Charlotte , Thomsen Linda Aagaard
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To develop and test an educational programme on quality and safety in medication handling for staff in residential facilities for the disabled.

Methods

The continuing pharmacy education instructional design model was used to develop the programme with 22 learning objectives on disease and medicines, quality and safety, communication and coordination. The programme was a flexible, modular seven + two days’ course addressing quality and safety in medication handling, disease and medicines, and medication supervision and reconciliation. The programme was tested in five Danish municipalities. Municipalities were selected based on their application for participation; each independently selected a facility for residents with mental and intellectual disabilities, and a facility for residents with severe mental illnesses. Perceived effects were measured based on a questionnaire completed by participants before and after the programme. Effects on motivation and confidence as well as perceived effects on knowledge, skills and competences related to medication handling, patient empowerment, communication, role clarification and safety culture were analysed conducting bivariate, stratified analyses and test for independence.

Key findings

Of the 114 participants completing the programme, 75 participants returned both questionnaires (response rate = 66%). Motivation and confidence regarding quality and safety in medication handling significantly improved, as did perceived knowledge, skills and competences on 20 learning objectives on role clarification, safety culture, medication handling, patient empowerment and communication.

Conclusions

The programme improved staffs’ motivation and confidence and their perceived ability to handle residents’ medication safely through improved role clarification, safety culture, medication handling and patient empowerment and communication skills.
Transfer of care – a randomised control trial investigating the effect of sending the details of patients’ discharge medication to their community pharmacist on discharge from hospital
Authors: Hockly Megan , Williams Sian , Allen Marcus
Published: March 2017

Objective

There is substantial evidence demonstrating that transferring patients between care providers is a high-risk area for medicines management. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sending patients’ hospital discharge letters to their nominated community pharmacists on the number of discrepancies between the patient’s general practitioner (GP) records and the discharge letter and between the patient’s self-described medication regime and the discharge letter.

Methods

In a randomised, controlled trial, 33 participants in two groups, control and intervention, had their discharge letter sent to either their GP only or their GP and nominated community pharmacy after hospital discharge. At least 3 weeks after hospital discharge, the participant’s current GP’s medication record and their self-described medication regime was obtained. Discrepancies between their GP medication record and their discharge letter and between the participant’s self-described medication regime and their discharge letter were counted. The number of discrepancies (relative to the number of drugs prescribed) in the intervention group was compared with the control group for each of the above two categories, using the chi-squared test to determine the statistical significance of any differences between the two groups.

Results

The intervention group had statistically fewer discrepancies than the control group for both data sets: GP records compared with the discharge letters (P < 0.0005); participants’ self-described medication regimes compared with the discharge letters (P < 0.00005).

Conclusions

Sending a copy of patients’ discharge letters to their community pharmacists could be beneficial in reducing post-discharge prescribing discrepancies and improving patient understanding of the changes made to their medicines.
Development and validation of a scale measuring approaches to work‐related informal learning
Authors: Froehlich Dominik E. , Beausaert Simon , Segers Mien
Published: March 2017

Social approaches to work‐related informal learning, such as proactive feedback‐seeking, help‐seeking and information‐seeking, are important determinants of development in the workplace. Unfortunately, previous research has failed to clearly conceptualize these forms of learning and does not provide a validated and generally applicable measurement instrument. We set out to develop and validate such a scale measuring social approaches to work‐related informal learning. We collected data in four organizations in Austria and the Netherlands, with a total sample size of 895 employees. These data were used to conduct exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, which showed four distinct factors: feedback‐seeking from the supervisor, feedback‐seeking from colleagues, help‐seeking and information‐seeking. In conclusion, the scale we developed is valid in a range of contexts and thus is an appropriate tool for research as well as human resource development practice.
The effect of pictorial content on attention levels and alcohol‐related beliefs: An eye‐tracking study
Authors: Monk R. L. , Westwood J. , Heim D. , Qureshi A. W.
Published: March 2017

To examine attention levels to different types of alcohol warning labels. Twenty‐two participants viewed neutral or graphic warning messages while dwell times for text and image components of messages were assessed. Pre and postexposure outcome expectancies were assessed in order to compute change scores. Dwell times were significantly higher for the image, as opposed to the text, components of warnings, irrespective of image type. Participants whose expectancies increased after exposure to the warnings spent longer looking at the image than did those whose positive expectancies remained static or decreased. Images in alcohol warnings appear beneficial for drawing attention, although findings may suggest that this is also associated with heightened positive alcohol‐related beliefs. Implications for health intervention are discussed and future research in this area is recommended.
Physical activity and prevalence of erectile dysfunction in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The Dogo Study
Authors: Minami Hisaka , Furukawa Shinya , Sakai Takenori , Niiya Tetsuji , Miyaoka Hiroaki , Miyake Teruki , Yamamoto Shin , Kanzaki Sayaka , Maruyama Koutatsu , Tanaka Keiko , Ueda Teruhisa , Senba Hidenori , Torisu Masamoto , Tanigawa Takeshi , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi , Miyake Yoshihiro
Published: March 2017

Aims/Introduction

To date, there is no evidence regarding the association between physical activity (PA) and erectile dysfunction (ED) among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We investigated this issue among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

Study participants were 460 male Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The definitions of exercise habit, walking habit and fast walking were based on a self‐administered questionnaire regarding PA behavior. Participants were classified into one of four PA levels based on the number of ‘Yes’ answers to the three questions in the questionnaire: (i) lowest; (ii) lower; (iii) moderate; and (iv) higher. Severe ED and moderate‐to‐severe ED were based on Sexual Health Inventory for Men score <8 and <12, respectively.

Results

The prevalence of moderate‐to‐severe ED, severe ED, exercise habit, walking habit, and fast walking was 64.6, 51.1, 36.3, 41.3 and 37.6%, respectively. Walking habit was independently inversely associated with moderate‐to‐severe ED and severe ED. Exercise habit was independently inversely associated with severe ED, but not moderate‐to‐severe ED. Higher PA was independently inversely associated with moderate‐to‐severe ED and severe ED (adjusted odds ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.21–0.85; and adjusted odds ratio 0.38, 95% CI: 0.19–0.73, respectively). There was a statistically significant inverse exposure–response relationship between the PA level and moderate‐to‐severe ED and severe ED (P for trend = 0.02 and 0.005), respectively.

Conclusions

PA might be inversely associated with ED in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Using classification tree analysis to generate propensity score weights
Authors: Linden Ariel , Yarnold Paul R.
Published: March 2017

Rationale, aims and objectives

In evaluating non‐randomized interventions, propensity scores (PS) estimate the probability of assignment to the treatment group given observed characteristics. Machine learning algorithms have been proposed as an alternative to conventional logistic regression for modelling PS in order to avoid limitations of linear methods. We introduce classification tree analysis (CTA) to generate PS which is a “decision‐tree”‐like classification model that provides accurate, parsimonious decision rules that are easy to display and interpret, reports P values derived via permutation tests, and evaluates cross‐generalizability.

Method

Using empirical data, we identify all statistically valid CTA PS models and then use them to compute strata‐specific, observation‐level PS weights that are subsequently applied in outcomes analyses. We compare findings obtained using this framework to logistic regression and boosted regression, by evaluating covariate balance using standardized differences, model predictive accuracy, and treatment effect estimates obtained using median regression and a weighted CTA outcomes model.

Results

While all models had some imbalanced covariates, main‐effects logistic regression yielded the lowest average standardized difference, whereas CTA yielded the greatest predictive accuracy. Nevertheless, treatment effect estimates were generally consistent across all models.

Conclusions

Assessing standardized differences in means as a test of covariate balance is inappropriate for machine learning algorithms that segment the sample into two or more strata. Because the CTA algorithm identifies all statistically valid PS models for a sample, it is most likely to identify a correctly specified PS model, and should be considered as an alternative approach to modeling the PS.
Comparison of Recombinant Proteins of Kinesin 39, Heat Shock Protein 70, Heat Shock Protein 83, and Glycoprotein 63 for Antibody Detection of Leishmania martiniquensis Infection
Authors: Siripattanapipong Suradej , Kato Hirotomo , Tan‐ariya Peerapan , Mungthin Mathirut , Leelayoova Saovanee
Published: March 2017

Leishmania martiniquensis, a zoonotic hemoflagellate, is a causative agent of cutaneous (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) among humans and animals. This organism, first reported in Martinique Island, now has become an emerging infectious agent in Thailand. Symptomatic cases of L. martiniquensis infection among humans have continuously increased. In the meantime, asymptomatic infection of this novel species has seriously created national public health awareness and concern to prevent and control disease transmission. The unsuccessful serological test using the commercial rK39 dipstick based on antigen from Leishmania donovani to detect the antibodies against VL among infected Thai patients has encouraged us to further explore a new sensitive and specific antigenic epitope. In this study, we determined the sequences and expressed recombinant proteins of kinesin 39 (k39), heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), heat shock protein 83 (hsp83), and glycoprotein 63 (gp63) of L. martiniquensis to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency to detect antibodies against L. martiniquensis in patient sera. The preliminary results from western blot analysis have suggested that K39 is the most sensitive recombinant protein to detect L. martiniquensis. Moreover, this recombinant protein reacts with antibodies against L. donovani and Leishmania infantum, making it a promising antigen for further development of a universal rapid diagnostic tool for VL.
Trypanoxyuris (Trypanoxyuris) minutus (Schneider, 1866) among Alouatta guariba clamitans (Cabrera, 1940) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Alynne da Silva , Dib Laís Verdan , Uchôa Claudia M. Antunes , Bastos Otilio Machado Pereira , Pissinatti Alcides
Published: March 2017

This study reports on infection by Trypanoxyuris (Trypanoxyuris) minutus among Alouatta guariba clamitans through biometry on adults and eggs. A total of 58 adult helminths were recovered from the small segment of the animal's large intestine. This study is the first report of this parasite among A. guariba clamitans in Rio de Janeiro.
Elevated preoperative neutrophil : lymphocyte ratio as a preoperative indicator of mature cystic teratoma with malignant transformation
Authors: Nanki Yoshiko , Chiyoda Tatsuyuki , Kataoka Fumio , Nomura Hiroyuki , Nakadaira Naoki , Iwasa Naomi , Hashimoto Shiho , Arima Hirokazu , Susumu Nobuyuki , Aoki Daisuke
Published: March 2017

Aim

To examine the usefulness of the neutrophil : lymphocyte (N/L) ratio as a cost‐effective and simple diagnostic marker of mature cystic teratoma (MCT) with malignant transformation (MT).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed between 1998 and 2013 of 12 MCT patients with MT and between 2009 and 2013 of 130 patients with benign MCT. Data were collected on age, tumor size, white blood cell count with differential counts, tumor marker levels, and presenting features.

Results

Older age, greater tumor size, higher CA19‐9 or CA125, higher neutrophil count, and higher N/L ratio were associated with MT on univariate analysis. White blood cell count; lymphocyte count; and the tumor marker squamous cell carcinoma antigen were not associated with MT. Older age (≥median), larger tumor size (≥10 cm), and high N/L ratio (≥5.0) were predictors of MT (hazard ratio, 11.51, 5.87, and 11.11, respectively). Six of 12 patients were diagnosed with MT on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and five of 12 had an N/L ratio ≥5.0.

Conclusions

Neutrophil : lymphocyte ratio is a potential preoperative diagnostic marker of MT. The optimal cut‐off should be determined in future large‐scale studies.
Sensory recovery of non‐innervated free flaps and nasolabial island flaps used for tongue reconstruction of oncological defects
Authors: Zhu L. , Zhang J. , Song X. , Hou W. , Wu S. , Chen W. , Svensson P. , Wang K.
Published: March 2017

The aims of this study were to assess sensory recovery and impact on life quality after tongue reconstruction of oncological defects using different flap types. Thirty‐two patients who underwent tongue reconstruction for oncological defects 9·3 months after surgery with non‐innervated radial forearm free flaps (RFFFs) (N = 16), non‐innervated anterolateral thigh free flaps (ALTFFs) (N = 8) and nasolabial island flaps (NLIFs) (N = 8), and 20 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls participated in the study. The modalities assessed were cold detection threshold, warm detection threshold (WDT), cold pain threshold, heat pain threshold (HPT), mechanical detection threshold (MDT), mechanical pain threshold (MPT) and the Chinese version of Oral Health Impact Profile‐49. ALTFFs was significantly more sensitive than RFFFs (P = 0·005) and NLIFs (P = 0·014) for WDT, and showed a better sensory recovery than RFFFs for HPT (P = 0·011). ALTFFs and NLIFs showed significantly better sensory recovery than RFFFs for MDT (P < 0·005). NLIFs showed the best sensory recovery for MPT, followed by ALTFFs and lastly RFFFs (P = 0·004). NLIFs also showed the least impact on quality of life measures related to psychological discomfort compared to RFFFs and ALTFFs (P < 0·019). All modalities of sensory recovery in RFFFs did not depend on gender and post‐operative radiotherapy (P > 0·05). Different flaps for tongue reconstruction of oncological defects appear to have different patterns of sensory recovery and impact on quality of life measures. A longer follow‐up period and larger number of participants will be needed in future studies.
Curriculum influence on interdisciplinary oral health education and practice
Authors: Clark Melinda , Quinonez Rocio , Bowser Jonathan , Silk Hugh
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Oral diseases are very prevalent across the lifespan and impact overall health, yet are largely preventable. The Smiles for Life (SFL) curriculum was created to educate healthcare providers about oral disease and support integration of oral health and primary care. This study examines SFL's influence on clinical practice and education.

Methods

Surveys were sent to registered users of SFL. Users who self‐identified as direct care providers (DCPs), or educators, were included in the analysis.

Results

Survey response rate was 18 percent, with 87 percent identifying as DCPs and 13 percent as educators. Across professions, 85 percent of DCPs reported SFL influencing their practice to some degree, with variance among profession type and experience. DCPs most commonly reported that SFL led them to improve how they conduct oral health activities, with 60 percent performing the activity more skillfully following completion of SFL. Fluoride varnish application was the most common practice behavior initiated, and caries risk assessments was the oral health activity affected to the greatest degree. A majority of educators (94 percent) reported that SFL led them to incorporate or enhance oral health in their teaching. SFL helped educators emphasize the importance of oral health, improved their ability to teach content, raised motivation, and reduced barriers to teaching oral health.

Conclusions

Data supports that SFL is positively influencing oral health practice across professions, especially in areas of caries risk assessment and fluoride varnish application. SFL improves the frequency and quality with which DCPs and educators participate in oral health activities, and facilitates oral health inclusion in primary care.
On the depths and shapes of the freshest kilometer‐scale simple craters on the lunar maria: A new crater shape model
Authors: Chappelow J. E.
Published: March 2017

Recent work on the shapes of small, simple impact craters on the Moon has shown that the parabolic ideal does not well represent the vast majority of these craters. They are hyperbolic in shape and usually resemble a cone more than a parabola. A parabolic shape also does not fit the most commonly held archetype for simple craters in general (Linné), which is also hyperbolic. In addition, Linné itself may not be the best model for fresh simple craters, in terms of cross‐sectional shape, although shape data to compare it to have heretofore been lacking. Here, the “free shadowfront method” for determining the shapes of simple craters is used to measure 64 fresh simple craters on five lunar maria to test both assumptions. Laser altimetry cross sections, available for many of the craters measured herein, are used to complement and spot‐check the shadow measurement results, and thereby demonstrate the efficacy of the free shadowfront method. A new shape model is established, and two craters that better fit this model than Linné are identified. These are located at 24.45° N/328.12° E and 31.35° N/296.46° E and have diameters of 1.40 and 2.73 km, respectively. An apparent dichotomy between fresh simple craters smaller than 2.5 km and those larger than this is observed. Flat floors are found to be ubiquitous among the larger craters, but rare and small in extent in smaller ones. A slide in one crater which appears to be an incipient flat floor suggests a major mode of formation for these flat floors.
Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis of the G37V‐ superoxide dismutase 1 mutation with a slow disease progression
Authors: Tadokoro Koh , Ohta Yasuyuki , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Yamashita Toru , Sato Kota , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Abe Koji
Published: March 2017

The majority of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients have the sporadic form, but 5–10% of those have familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A total of 15–20% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients have genetic mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene. In 2012, Kobayashi et al. reported the first case of a familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient carrying a G37V superoxide dismutase 1 mutation, who showed rapid progression and died within 1.2 years of onset from respiratory failure. In contrast, here we report the second case of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis carrying the G37V superoxide dismutase 1 mutation, showing a very slow progression, and his father and aunt also had longer disease durations from 4 to 6 years. Further clinical and biological studies will clarify the detailed pathological role of the G37V superoxide dismutase 1 mutation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Host egg pigmentation protects developing parasitoids from ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Gaudreau Mathilde , Abram Paul K. , Brodeur Jacques
Published: March 2017

Parasites rely on their hosts not only for nutrition and reproduction, but also for protection against natural enemies and adverse climatic conditions. In host‐parasite interactions, protective characteristics of both players are important to consider regarding damaging effects of environmental hazards. While ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is pervasive and harmful to organisms in general, its impact on parasite fitness remains understudied. Moreover, studies that do examine the effects of UV exposure on parasitic organisms tend to neglect host traits, which may vary inter‐ or intra‐specifically and thus confer different levels of environmental protection. We examined in the laboratory whether the UV‐protective value of host egg pigmentation could also benefit parasitoids, using the egg parasitoid Telenomus podisi and the predatory stink bug Podisus maculiventris. This host species lays eggs of variable pigmentation levels from light to dark grey, an adaptation protecting its own embryos from UVR. We showed that higher levels of host egg pigmentation protect parasitoids subjected to a developmental exposure to UVR, increasing emergence rates by up to 86% and reducing development time by up to 4%. This protective effect of host pigmentation was context‐dependent, being less pronounced at low UVR intensity and towards the end of parasitoid development. Parasitoids that emerged from darker‐coloured eggs exposed to UVR were of slightly larger size than those developing in light‐coloured eggs, but other fitness‐related traits (fecundity, longevity, sex ratio) were unaffected. This study provides the first experimental evidence that host pigmentation can increase host suitability for parasitic organisms, and emphasizes the importance of considering trait variation in interacting species when investigating the susceptibility of ecological communities to important abiotic environmental factors.
Outcomes of a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis for medication errors in pediatric anesthesia
Authors: Martin Lizabeth D. , Grigg Eliot B. , Verma Shilpa , Latham Gregory J. , Rampersad Sally E. , Martin Lynn D.
Published: March 2017

The Institute of Medicine has called for development of strategies to prevent medication errors, which are one important cause of preventable harm. Although the field of anesthesiology is considered a leader in patient safety, recent data suggest high medication error rates in anesthesia practice. Unfortunately, few error prevention strategies for anesthesia providers have been implemented. Using Toyota Production System quality improvement methodology, a multidisciplinary team observed 133 h of medication practice in the operating room at a tertiary care freestanding children's hospital. A failure mode and effects analysis was conducted to systematically deconstruct and evaluate each medication handling process step and score possible failure modes to quantify areas of risk. A bundle of five targeted countermeasures were identified and implemented over 12 months. Improvements in syringe labeling (73 to 96%), standardization of medication organization in the anesthesia workspace (0 to 100%), and two‐provider infusion checks (23 to 59%) were observed. Medication error reporting improved during the project and was subsequently maintained. After intervention, the median medication error rate decreased from 1.56 to 0.95 per 1000 anesthetics. The frequency of medication error harm events reaching the patient also decreased. Systematic evaluation and standardization of medication handling processes by anesthesia providers in the operating room can decrease medication errors and improve patient safety.
Weed tolerance in soybean: a direct selection system
Authors: Horneburg Bernd , Seiffert Sabrina , Schmidt Jennifer , Messmer Monika M. , Wilbois Klaus‐Peter
Published: March 2017

Weed competition can severely reduce soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) yields, particularly in organic systems. An efficient screening and breeding approach is needed to increase breeding progress for weed tolerance. This study sought to (i) establish a system for direct selection of competitive genotypes, (ii) evaluate genotypic differences in weed tolerance among six early‐maturing genotypes and (iii) assess the contribution of selected morphological traits to weed tolerance. A direct selection system providing two different levels of weed competition through all development stages of a soybean crop was developed, using mixtures of selected crop species as sown competitors. Two resulting mixtures induced intermediate (<30%) and strong (>50%) yield reduction, respectively. This selection system can be applied in screening and breeding programmes to facilitate breeding for weed tolerance. No significant difference in weed tolerance was detected between six soybean genotypes of maturity groups 000 to 00. Morphological traits that might influence competitive ability, for example light absorption, leaf area and lateral shoots, were assessed, and their potential for indirect selection for weed tolerance is discussed.
The host background of rice influences the resistance expression of a three genes pyramid (xa5 + xa13 + Xa21) to bacterial blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) pathotypes of Indian mainland and Bay islands
Authors: Sakthivel Krishnan , Gautam Raj K. , Manigundan Kaari , Singh Reena , Ramalingam Jegadeesan , Laha Gouri S. , Kumar Aundy , Velazhahan Rethinasamy
Published: March 2017

Bacterial blight (BB) is a major disease of rice for which host resistance is the only effective solution. The three genes pyramid xa5 + xa13 + Xa21 is recently the most utilized combination for developing resistant varieties through marker‐assisted breeding. Our study was carried out to elicit the detailed response of twenty lines possessing these three genes in five genetic backgrounds to twelve diverse BB pathotypes in India. The lines developed from ADT 47 variety showed incomplete resistance to most of the pathotypes, whereas susceptibility varied from 8.3% to 16.6% in ADT 43 and IR24, respectively. However, in IMP ASD16/60 and Improved Samba Mahsuri, complete resistance against all pathotypes was observed. The overall results confirmed that genetic background plays crucial role for the effective expression of xa5 + xa13 + Xa21 combination. Molecular studies did not reveal correlation between origin of pathotypes and their virulence potential. It is suggested to deploy Improved Samba Mahsuri, IMP ASD 16/60 and AD1306 varieties in the bacterial blight prone areas or use them as donors for realizing wider and durable resistance.
The use of genetic, manual and chemical methods to control pollination in vegetable hybrid seed production: a review
Authors: Colombo Noemí , Galmarini Claudio Rómulo
Published: March 2017

Production of hybrid varieties of vegetable crops is currently a desired breeding goal, due to their remarkable agronomic performance and to the possibility of intellectual property protection. However, efficient hybrid production requires a careful pollination control to guarantee the hybrid nature of F1seed. Several technologies ranging from manual emasculation to genetic transformation are used to inhibit pollen production in mother plants. In this review, we examine the principles underlying strategies like genetically determined systems (genic male sterility, cytoplasmic–genic male sterility, self‐incompatibility) and other methods (manual emasculation, chemical‐hybridizing agents) in different species, considering the benefits and drawbacks of their adoption. Finally, we present the current state of the art for vegetable hybrid seed production.
Enhanced growth of halophyte plants in biochar‐amended coastal soil: roles of nutrient availability and rhizosphere microbial modulation
Authors: Zheng Hao , Wang Xiao , Chen Lei , Wang Zhenyu , Xia Yang , Zhang Yipeng , Wang Hefang , Luo Xianxiang , Xing Baoshan
Published: March 2017

Soil health is essential and irreplaceable for plant growth and global food production, which has been threatened by climate change and soil degradation. Degraded coastal soils are urgently required to reclaim using new sustainable technologies. Interest in applying biochar to improve soil health and promote crop yield has rapidly increased because of its multiple benefits. However, effects of biochar addition on the saline–sodic coastal soil health and halophyte growth were poorly understood. Response of two halophytes, Sesbania (Sesbania cannabina) and Seashore mallow (Kosteletzkya virginica), to the individual or co‐application of biochar and inorganic fertilizer into a coastal soil was investigated using a 52 d pot experiment. The biochar alone or co‐application stimulated the plant growth (germination, root development, and biomass), primarily attributed to the enhanced nutrient availability from the biochar‐improved soil health. Additionally, the promoted microbial activities and bacterial community shift towards the beneficial taxa (e.g. Pseudomonas and Bacillus) in the rhizosphere also contributed to the enhanced plant growth and biomass. Our findings showed the promising significance because biochar added at an optimal level (≤5%) could be a feasible option to reclaim the degraded coastal soil, enhance plant growth and production, and increase soil health and food security.
Expression of defence‐related genes in stems and leaves of resistant and susceptible field pea (Pisum sativum) during infection by Phoma koolunga
Authors: Tran H. S. , You M. P. , Barbetti M. J.
Published: March 2017

The differential expression of 13 defence‐related genes during Phoma koolunga infection of stems and leaves of susceptible versus resistant field pea (Pisum sativum) was determined using qRT‐PCR. Expression, in terms of relative mRNA level ratios, of genes encoding ferredoxin NADP oxidoreductase, 6a‐hydroxymaackiain methyltransferase (hmm6), chalcone synthase (PSCHS3) and ascorbate peroxidase in leaves and stems differed during 6–72 hours post‐inoculation (hpi) and reflected known host resistance levels in leaves versus stems. In comparison to the susceptible genotype, at 24, 48 and 72 hpi, two genes, hmm6 (122.43‐, 206.99‐ and 32.25‐fold, respectively) and PSCHS3 (175.00‐, 250.13‐ and 216.24‐fold, respectively), were strongly up‐regulated in leaves of the resistant genotype, highlighting that resistance against P. koolunga in field pea is governed by the early synthesis of pisatin. At 24 hpi, leaves infected by P. koolunga showed clear differences in expression of target genes. For example, the gene encoding a precursor of the defensin ‘disease resistance response protein 39’ was substantially down‐regulated in leaves of both the susceptible and the resistant genotypes inoculated with P. koolunga. This contrasts with other studies on another pea black spot pathogen, Didymella pinodes, where this same gene is strongly up‐regulated in leaves of resistant and susceptible genotypes. The current study provides the first understanding of defence‐related genes involved in the resistance against P. koolunga, opening novel avenues to engineer new field pea cultivars with improved leaf and stem black spot disease resistance as the basis for developing more effective and sustainable management strategies.
Quantile Spectral Analysis for Locally Stationary Time Series
Authors: Birr Stefan , Volgushev Stanislav , Kley Tobias , Dette Holger , Hallin Marc
Published: March 2017

Classical spectral methods are subject to two fundamental limitations: they can account only for covariance-related serial dependences, and they require second-order stationarity. Much attention has been devoted lately to quantile-based spectral methods that go beyond covariance-based serial dependence features. At the same time, covariance-based methods relaxing stationarity into much weaker local stationarity conditions have been developed for a variety of time series models. Here, we combine those two approaches by proposing quantile-based spectral methods for locally stationary processes. We therefore introduce a time varying version of the copula spectra that have been recently proposed in the literature, along with a suitable local lag window estimator. We propose a new definition of local strict stationarity that allows us to handle completely general non-linear processes without any moment assumptions, thus accommodating our quantile-based concepts and methods. We establish a central limit theorem for the new estimators and illustrate the power of the proposed methodology by means of a simulation study. Moreover, in two empirical studies (namely of the Standard & Poor's 500 series and a temperature data set recorded in Hohenpeissenberg), we demonstrate that the new approach detects important variations in serial dependence structures both across time and across quantiles. Such variations remain completely undetected and are actually undetectable, via classical covariance-based spectral methods.