bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral and Electrophysiological Alterations for Reinforcement Learning in Manic and Euthymic Patients with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Ryu Vin , Ha Ra Yeon , Lee Su Jin , Ha Kyooseob , Cho Hyun‐Sang
Published: January 2017

Aims

Bipolar disorder is characterized by behavioral changes such as risk‐taking and increasing goal‐directed activities, which may result from altered reward processing. Patients with bipolar disorder show impaired reward learning in situations that require the integration of reinforced feedback over time. In this study, we examined the behavioral and electrophysiological characteristics of reward learning in manic and euthymic patients with bipolar disorder using a probabilistic reward task.

Methods

Twenty‐four manic and 20 euthymic patients with bipolar I disorder and 24 healthy control subjects performed the probabilistic reward task. We assessed response bias (RB) as a preference for the stimulus paired with the more frequent reward and feedback‐related negativity (FRN) to correct identification of the rich stimulus.

Results

Both manic and euthymic patients showed significantly lower RB scores in the early learning stage (block 1) in comparison with the late learning stage (block 2 or block 3) of the task, as well as significantly lower RB scores in the early stage compared to healthy subjects. Relatively more negative FRN amplitude is elicited by no presentation of an expected reward, compared to that elicited by presentation of expected feedback. The FRN became significantly more negative from the early (block 1) to the later stages (blocks 2 and 3) in both manic and euthymic patients, but not in healthy subjects. Changes in RB scores and FRN amplitudes between blocks 2 and 3 and block 1 correlated positively in healthy controls, but correlated negatively in manic and euthymic patients. The severity of manic symptoms correlated positively with reward learning scores and negatively with the FRN.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that patients with bipolar disorder during euthymic or manic states have behavioral and electrophysiological alterations in reward learning compared to healthy subjects. This dysfunctional reward processing may be related to the abnormal decision‐making or altered goal‐directed activities frequently seen in patients with bipolar disorder.
MYB, CD117 and SOX‐10 expression in cutaneous adnexal tumors
Authors: Evangelista Mara Therese P. , North Jeffrey P.
Published: January 2017

Background

Elevated MYB expression has been documented in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), cylindroma, and spiradenoma, but the specificity of this finding is unknown. CD117 and SOX‐10 expression also occurs in some cutaneous adnexal tumors. This study assesses MYB, CD117 and SOX‐10 expression in cutaneous adnexal tumors.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 184 benign adnexal tumors (140 eccrine/apocrine, 40 follicular and 10 sebaceous), and 30 malignant adnexal tumors was performed with MYB, SOX‐10 and CD117 immunostaining.

Results

In the benign adnexal tumors, 16% (23/140) significantly expressed MYB. MYB expression was limited to cylindromas and to a lesser extent, spiradenomas in the benign cohort. Elevated MYB expression was detected in mucinous carcinoma, endocrine mucin‐producing sweat gland carcinoma and 1 and 4 cases of extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) in the malignant cohort. CD117 and SOX‐10 had similar overall positivity rates in benign apocrine and eccrine tumors (45% and 68% respectively), and were generally negative in other benign and malignant adnexal tumors.

Conclusion

Expression of MYB appears limited to a small number of cutaneous adnexal tumors, including cylindromas, spiradenomas, ACCs, mucinous carcinoma, endocrine mucin‐producing sweat gland carcinoma and some cases of EMPD.
Could ecologists be more random? Straightforward alternatives to haphazard spatial sampling
Authors: Smith Adam N. H. , Anderson Marti J. , Pawley Matthew D. M.
Published: January 2017

When conducting field studies, it is common for ecologists to choose the locations of sampling units arbitrarily at the time sampling occurs, rather than using a properly randomised sampling design. Unfortunately, this ‘haphazard’ sampling approach cannot provide formal statistical inference from the sample to the population without making untestable assumptions. Here, we argue that two recent technological developments remove the need for haphazard sampling in many situations. A general approach to simple randomised sampling designs is outlined, and some examples demonstrate that even complicated designs can be implemented easily using software that is widely used among ecologists. We consider that more rigorous, randomised sampling designs would strengthen the validity of the conclusions drawn from ecological studies, to the benefit of the discipline as a whole.
Density‐ and species‐dependent errors in single‐pass timed electrofishing assessment of riverine salmonids
Authors: Honkanen Hannele M. , Dodd Jennifer A. , Fordyce Jessica R. , Boylan Patrick , Adams Colin E.
Published: January 2017

Electrofishing techniques are widely used for the estimation of the size of stream‐dwelling fish populations for both fishery management and scientific study. In contrast to multiple pass, population depletion methods, single‐pass catch‐per‐unit‐effort (CPUE) methods are less time‐consuming and labour‐intensive. A possible issue with the commonly used fixed total time CPUE protocol is that it does not differentiate between the time spent actively fishing and the time incurred while not actively fishing (e.g. removing fish from nets and navigating the site). This issue is likely related to fish density. This study compared two methods of CPUE electrofishing and tested the hypothesis that time spent handling fish and navigating a site can be a source of error in the commonly used fixed total time electrofishing method. Seventy‐one sites were sampled across three subcatchments in the Foyle catchment in Northern Ireland. We found a difference in the catch per unit time between the two methods and that this difference increased with fish density. The fixed‐time CPUE method also failed to detect a species presence in low‐density sites.
Preclinical evaluation of intravenous NAX 810‐2, a novel GalR2‐preferring analog, for anticonvulsant efficacy and pharmacokinetics
Authors: Metcalf Cameron S. , Klein Brian D. , McDougle Daniel R. , Zhang Liuyin , Kaufmann Dan , Bulaj Grzegorz , White H. Steve
Published: January 2017

Objective

Potential clinical utility of galanin or peptidic analogs has been hindered by poor metabolic stability, lack of brain penetration, and hyperglycemia due to galanin receptor subtype 1 (GalR1) activation. NAX 810‐2, a galanin receptor subtype 2 (GalR2)‐preferring galanin analog, possesses 15‐fold greater affinity for GalR2 over GalR1 and protects against seizures in the mouse 6 Hz, corneal kindling, and Frings audiogenic seizure models. The purpose of these studies was to further evaluate the preclinical efficacy and pharmacokinetics of NAX 810‐2 in mice.

Methods

NAX 810‐2 was administered by intravenous (i.v.; tail vein, bolus) injection to fully kindled (corneal kindling assay) or naive CF‐1 mice (6 Hz assay and pharmacokinetic studies). Plasma NAX 810‐2 levels were determined from trunk blood samples. NAX 810‐2 was also added to human plasma at various concentrations for determination of plasma protein binding.

Results

In the mouse corneal kindling model, NAX 810‐2 dose‐dependently blocked seizures following intravenous administration (median effective dose [ED50], 0.5 mg/kg). In the mouse 6 Hz (32 mA) seizure model, it was demonstrated that NAX 810‐2 dose‐dependently blocked seizures following bolus administration (0.375–1.5 mg/kg, i.v.; ED50, 0.7 mg/kg), with a time‐to‐peak effect of 0.5 h posttreatment. Motor impairment was observed at 1.5 mg/kg, i.v., whereas one‐half of this dose, 0.75 mg/kg, i.v., was maximally effective in the 6 Hz test. Plasma levels of NAX 810‐2 show linear pharmacokinetics following intravenous administration and a half‐life of 1.2 h. Functional agonist activity studies demonstrate that NAX 810‐2 effectively activates GalR2 at therapeutic concentrations.

Significance

These studies further suggest the potential utility of NAX 810‐2 as a novel therapy for epilepsy.
A systematic review of economic evaluations of treatments for patients with epilepsy
Authors: Wijnen Ben F.M. , van Mastrigt Ghislaine A.P.G. , Evers Silvia M.A.A. , Gershuni Olga , Lambrechts Danielle A.J.E. , Majoie Marian H.J.M. , Postulart Debby , Aldenkamp Bert A.P. , de Kinderen Reina J.A.
Published: January 2017

The increasing number of treatment options and the high costs associated with epilepsy have fostered the development of economic evaluations in epilepsy. It is important to examine the availability and quality of these economic evaluations and to identify potential research gaps. As well as looking at both pharmacologic (antiepileptic drugs [AEDs]) and nonpharmacologic (e.g., epilepsy surgery, ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation) therapies, this review examines the methodologic quality of the full economic evaluations included. Literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED), Econlit, Web of Science, and CEA Registry. In addition, Cochrane Reviews, Cochrane DARE and Cochrane Health Technology Assessment Databases were used. To identify relevant studies, predefined clinical search strategies were combined with a search filter designed to identify health economic studies. Specific search strategies were devised for the following topics: (1) AEDs, (2) patients with cognitive deficits, (3) elderly patients, (4) epilepsy surgery, (5) ketogenic diet, (6) vagus nerve stimulation, and (7) treatment of (non)convulsive status epilepticus. A total of 40 publications were included in this review, 29 (73%) of which were articles about pharmacologic interventions. Mean quality score of all articles on the Consensus Health Economic Criteria (CHEC)‐extended was 81.8%, the lowest quality score being 21.05%, whereas five studies had a score of 100%. Looking at the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS), the average quality score was 77.0%, the lowest being 22.7%, and four studies rated as 100%. There was a substantial difference in methodology in all included articles, which hampered the attempt to combine information meaningfully. Overall, the methodologic quality was acceptable; however, some studies performed significantly worse than others. The heterogeneity between the studies stresses the need to define a reference case (e.g., how should an economic evaluation within epilepsy be performed) and to derive consensus on what constitutes “standard optimal care.”
Reply to Dr Freeman: Keep your surgical options open
Authors: Blikslager A. T.
Published: January 2017

See theoriginal clinical commentaryby A. T. Blikslager andcorrespondenceby D. Freeman.
Contrasting growth forecasts across the geographical range of Scots pine due to altitudinal and latitudinal differences in climatic sensitivity
Authors: Matías Luis , Linares Juan C. , Sánchez‐Miranda Ángela , Jump Alistair S.
Published: January 2017

Ongoing changes in global climate are altering ecological conditions for many species. The consequences of such changes are typically most evident at the edge of a species’ geographical distribution, where differences in growth or population dynamics may result in range expansions or contractions. Understanding population responses to different climatic drivers along wide latitudinal and altitudinal gradients is necessary in order to gain a better understanding of plant responses to ongoing increases in global temperature and drought severity. We selected Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.) as a model species to explore growth responses to climatic variability (seasonal temperature and precipitation) over the last century through dendrochronological methods. We developed linear models based on age, climate and previous growth to forecast growth trends up to year 2100 using climatic predictions. Populations were located at the treeline across a latitudinal gradient covering the northern, central and southernmost populations and across an altitudinal gradient at the southern edge of the distribution (treeline, medium and lower elevations). Radial growth was maximal at medium altitude and treeline of the southernmost populations. Temperature was the main factor controlling growth variability along the gradients, although the timing and strength of climatic variables affecting growth shifted with latitude and altitude. Predictive models forecast a general increase in Scots pine growth at treeline across the latitudinal distribution, with southern populations increasing growth up to year 2050, when it stabilizes. The highest responsiveness appeared at central latitude, and moderate growth increase is projected at the northern limit. Contrastingly, the model forecasted growth declines at lowland‐southern populations, suggesting an upslope range displacement over the coming decades. Our results give insight into the geographical responses of tree species to climate change and demonstrate the importance of incorporating biogeographical variability into predictive models for an accurate prediction of species dynamics as climate changes.
Moving beyond presence and absence when examining changes in species distributions
Authors: Ashcroft Michael B. , King Diana H. , Raymond Ben , Turnbull Johanna D. , Wasley Jane , Robinson Sharon A.
Published: January 2017

Species distributions are often simplified to binary representations of the ranges where they are present and absent. It is then common to look for changes in these ranges as indicators of the effects of climate change, the expansion or control of invasive species or the impact of human land‐use changes. We argue that there are inherent problems with this approach, and more emphasis should be placed on species relative abundance rather than just presence. The sampling effort required to be confident of absence is often impractical to achieve, and estimates of species range changes based on survey data are therefore inherently sensitive to sampling intensity. Species niches estimated using presence‐absence or presence‐only models are broader than those for abundance and may exaggerate the viability of small marginal sink populations. We demonstrate that it is possible to transform models of predicted probability of presence to expected abundance if the sampling intensity is known. Using case studies of Antarctic mosses and temperate rain forest trees, we demonstrate additional insights into biotic change that can be gained using this method. While species becoming locally extinct or colonising new areas are extreme and obviously important impacts of global environmental change, changes in abundance could still signal important changes in biological systems and be an early warning indicator of larger future changes.
How lay people understand and make sense of personalized disease risk information
Authors: Damman Olga C. , Bogaerts Nina M. M. , van den Haak Maaike J. , Timmermans Danielle R. M.
Published: January 2017

Background

Disease risk calculators are increasingly web‐based, but previous studies have shown that risk information often poses problems for lay users.

Objective

To examine how lay people understand the result derived from an online cardiometabolic risk calculator.

Design

A qualitative study was performed, using the risk calculator in the Dutch National Prevention Program for cardiometabolic diseases. The study consisted of three parts: (i) attention: completion of the risk calculator while an eye tracker registered eye movements; (ii) recall: completion of a recall task; and (iii) interpretation: participation in a semi‐structured interview.

Setting and participants

We recruited people from the target population through an advertisement in a local newspaper; 16 people participated in the study, which took place in our university laboratory.

Results

Eye‐tracking data showed that participants looked most extensively at numerical risk information. Percentages were recalled well, whereas natural frequencies and verbal labels were remembered less well. Five qualitative themes were derived from the interview data: (i) numerical information does not really sink in; (ii) the verbal categorical label made no real impact on people; (iii) people relied heavily on existing knowledge and beliefs; (iv) people zoomed in on risk factors, especially family history of diseases; and (v) people often compared their situation to that of their peers.

Discussion and conclusion

Although people paid attention to and recalled the risk information to a certain extent, they seemed to have difficulty in properly using this information for interpreting their risk.
Understanding external cervical resorption patterns in endodontically treated teeth
Authors: Mavridou A.‐M. , Hauben E. , Wevers M. , Schepers E. , Bergmans L. , Lambrechts P.
Published: January 2017

Aim

To understand the patterns of external cervical resorption (ECR) in endodontically treated teeth. To compare characteristics and mechanisms of ECR in root filled teeth with those established in teeth with vital pulps.

Methodology

Seven cases of endodontically treated permanent teeth displaying ECR were investigated. ECR diagnosis was based on clinical findings and radiographic examination with cone‐beam computed tomography. The extracted teeth were further analysed by a nano‐focus computed tomographic (nano‐CT) system, hard‐tissue histology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To make a comparison with teeth with vital pulps, representative cases with ECR were also included.

Results

All endodontically treated teeth had a similar ECR pattern. This pattern reflected many similarities to that seen in teeth with vital pulps; that is, three stages were observed namely initiation, resorption and repair. In particular, during the initiation stage (1st stage), the resorption started below the gingival epithelial attachment, at the level of cementum. In the resorption stage (2nd stage), ECR spreads towards the treated pulp space and in a coronal–apical direction, creating multiple resorption channels. The pulp and the pericanalar resorption resistant sheet (PRRS) had been removed during root canal treatment and thus offered no retarding or defence mechanism towards ECR. In the reparative stage (3rd stage), reparative hard‐tissue formation occurred at a localized scale.

Conclusions

Similar ECR patterns were observed in all examined teeth. These patterns consisted of an initiation, a resorption and a reparative stage. Some differences were noticed between endodontically treated and teeth with vital pulps, mainly in the resorption and reparative stages. The resorption stage in root filled teeth was more intense than the repair stage, as many clastic cells and abundant granulation tissue were observed in all samples. This is possibly due to the absence of the pulp and protective PRRS layer and/or to the altered chemical composition of the root dentine after root canal treatment. Furthermore, at the repair stage, formation of reparative bonelike tissue took place to a lesser extent in root filled teeth.
MNC Considerations in Identifying and Managing LGB Expatriate Stigmatization
Authors: Moeller Miriam , Maley Jane F.
Published: January 2017

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) expatriates are rightfully sceptical, and at times fearful, of international assignment experiences, owing to the sometimes hostile reception at assignment locations as a result of their sexual orientation. The authors argue that this hostility arises from a perceived incompatibility in values between the host country and LGB expatriates. Dissonance between the two value systems leaves LGB expatriates seemingly powerless to self‐manage imposed stigmas inside and outside the workplace at international assignment locations. The authors suggest that it is essential for the multinational corporation (MNC) to help manage these stigmas by implementing human resource management (HRM) practices and policies that recognize the needs of traditional and non‐traditional expatriates as substantially different. Using organizational legitimacy theory, the authors assert that MNCs’ strategic actions should entail a set of distinct practices and policies for LGB expatriates as a way to strive for acceptance within the LGB expatriate community and beyond. Managing value congruence in this manner ensures greater willingness of the LGB talent pool to undertake international career opportunities and is likely to result in better assignment experiences and outcomes. Outcomes of LGB stigmatization are discussed and suggestions are put forward on the MNC's role in supporting LGB expatriates and their families. Propositions relative to support are offered.
Pharmacists’ perceptions of pay for performance versus fee-for-service remuneration for the management of hypertension through pharmacist prescribing
Authors: Rosenthal Meagen M , Desai Nimisha , Houle Sherilyn K D
Published: January 2017

Objectives

As pharmacists expand their roles as patient care providers, remuneration must be offered for patient care activities apart from dispensing. Most jurisdictions paying for such services utilize the fee-for-service (FFS) model, while little is known about the role of pay for performance (P4P) within the pharmacy profession. This study aimed to elicit the experience of pharmacists practicing under both models within the Alberta Clinical Trial in Optimizing Hypertension (RxACTION) study in Alberta, Canada.

Methods

Pharmacist participants in RxACTION caring for at least one patient under FFS and under P4P were interviewed about their experiences until data saturation was reached. Interviews were conducted in June–July 2015, with responses audio recorded, transcribed and coded to identify key themes.

Key findings

Eight pharmacists were interviewed, with three key themes identified: a perceived comfort with the existing FFS model particularly due to its ease related to business planning, the transformative effect of the study on their practices and a preference for future models to consider a blend of both service count- and performance-driven metrics. The degree of influence pharmacists feel they can have on outcomes achieved by patients, the perceptions of patients and other healthcare professionals on outcome-based payment, and concerns with the impact of variable remuneration on the pharmacy business model are concerns raised with P4P in pharmacy practice.

Conclusions

This study reveals a hesitation to radically transform payment for pharmacists’ patient care services towards a P4P model. Efforts to implement P4P should therefore be gradual and accompanied with a robust evaluation plan.
Flexicurity between Europeanization and Varieties of Capitalism? A Comparative Analysis of Employment Protection Reforms in Portugal and Greece
Authors: Zartaloudis Sotirios , Kornelakis Andreas
Published: January 2017

The article examines the adoption of Flexicurity principles in Portugal and Greece during 2006–2009. Despite the similar conditions between the two cases and common EU stimulus, the process and final outcomes in the reform of their employment protection systems differed. In Portugal, the government persevered and implemented a reform in line with Flexicurity principles. By contrast, the Greek government initially favoured Flexicurity and initiated a reform process of the legal framework; however the reform was halted. The article explains this divergence by combining the insights of Europeanization and Varieties of Capitalism literatures. It is argued that in cases of Mixed Market Economies, ‘misfit’ with EU stimuli is a necessary, but not sufficient condition for institutional change. Instead, reforms depend on union structure and the existence of policy entrepreneurs favouring reform, which explains the divergent reform paths.
Mechanisms of metabolic memory and renal hypoxia as a therapeutic target in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Hirakawa Yosuke , Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Nangaku Masaomi
Published: January 2017

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a worldwide public health problem. The definition of DKD is under discussion. Although the term DKD was originally defined as ‘kidney disease specific to diabetes,’ DKD frequently means chronic kidney disease with diabetes mellitus and includes not only classical diabetic nephropathy, but also kidney dysfunction as a result of nephrosclerosis and other causes. Metabolic memory plays a crucial role in the progression of various complications of diabetes, including DKD. The mechanisms of metabolic memory in DKD are supposed to include advanced glycation end‐products, deoxyribonucleic acid methylation, histone modifications and non‐coding ribonucleic acid including micro ribonucleic acid. Regardless of the presence of diabetes mellitus, the final common pathway in chronic kidney disease is chronic kidney hypoxia, which influences epigenetic processes, including deoxyribonucleic acid methylation, histone modification, and conformational changes in micro ribonucleic acid and chromatin. Therefore, hypoxia and oxidative stress are appropriate targets of therapies against DKD. Prolyl hydroxylase domain inhibitor enhances the defensive mechanisms against hypoxia. Bardoxolone methyl protects against oxidative stress, and can even reverse impaired renal function; a phase 2 trial with considerable attention to heart complications is currently ongoing in Japan.
Comparative morphology of the scales of roundscale spearfish Tetrapturus georgii and white marlin Kajikia albida
Authors: Loose E. L. , Hilton E. J. , Graves J. E.
Published: January 2017

The comparative morphology of the scales of roundscale spearfish Tetrapturus georgii and white marlin Kajikia albida was investigated. In addition, variation in scale morphology across different body regions within each species was analysed. Although considerable morphological variation was observed among scales from different body regions in both species, scales of K. albida generally have pointed anterior ends, fewer posterior points and are more heavily imbricated than those of T. georgii, which are frequently rounded anteriorly, often have many posterior points and are separated farther within the skin. In all sampled body regions and individuals, scales of T. georgii are significantly broader and have a lower length‐to‐width aspect ratio than those of K. albida. Superficial to the scales are denticular plates, which are ossified formations occurring on the surface layer of the epidermis; these were observed and described for T. georgii, K. albida and blue marlin Makaira nigricans. Detailed scale descriptions allow for a more accurate characterization of the variation within and differences between these two species and could potentially be a valuable tool for investigating istiophorid systematics.
Prolongation of somitogenesis in two anguilliform species, theJapanese eelAnguilla japonicaand pike eelMuraenesox cinereus, with refined descriptions of their early development
Authors: Kawakami T. , Yamada Y. , Tanaka S. , Tsukamoto K.
Published: January 2017

The embryonic development of the Japanese eelAnguilla japonicaand pike eelMuraenesox cinereuswas morphologically investigated with laboratory‐reared specimens to clarify the characteristics of somitogenesis. InA. japonica, somites were first observed at 18 h post fertilization (hpf) when epiboly reached 90%. Somitogenesis progressed at a rate of 1·6 h−1at mean ± s.d. 22·6 ± 0·7° C and completed at 107 hpf (3 days post hatching; dph) when total number of somites (ST) reached 114, which corresponds to the species' number of vertebrae (112–119). InM. cinereus, somites were first observed at 14 hpf when epiboly completed. Somitogenesis progressed at a rate of 1·9 h−1at mean ± s.d. 24·4 ± 0·2° C and completed at 90 hpf (2 dph) with 149 ± 4ST, which corresponds to the species' number of vertebrae (142–158). Both species hatched before somitogenesis was completed, at 37 hpf with 47STand 42 hpf with 82 ± 4ST, respectively. The formation of other organs such as the heart, mouth and pectoral fin bud occurred during somitogenesis. Comparison with the development of zebrafishDanio rerioindicates a prolongation of somitogenesis inA. japonicaandM. cinereus. Their somitogenesis rates, however, correspond well with that ofD. rerioestimated at the same temperature and their developmental stages at hatching are almost equivalent to other fishes having similar yolk sizes. Therefore, the prolongation of somitogenesis inA. japonicaandM. cinereusmay be accounted for solely by the increased numbers of somites to be formed, not by a slow somitogenesis rate or an acceleration in organogenesis.
Use of Play Therapy in Nursing Process: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Sezici Emel , Ocakci Ayse Ferda , Kadioglu Hasibe
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Play therapy is a nursing intervention employed in multidisciplinary approaches to develop the social, emotional, and behavioral skills of children. In this study, we aim to determine the effects of play therapy on the social, emotional, and behavioral skills of pre‐school children through the nursing process.

Design

A single‐blind, prospective, randomized controlled study was undertaken. The design, conduct, and reporting of this study adhere to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines.

Methods

The participants included 4‐ to 5‐year‐old kindergarten children with no oral or aural disabilities and parents who agreed to participate in the study. The Pre‐school Child and Family Identification Form and Social Competence and the Behavior Evaluation Scale were used to gather data. Games in the play therapy literature about nursing diagnoses (fear, social disturbance, impaired social interactions, ineffective coping, anxiety), which were determined after the preliminary test, constituted the application of the study.

Findings

There was no difference in the average scores of the children in the experimental and control groups in their Anger‐Aggression (AA), Social Competence (SC), and Anxiety‐Withdrawal (AW) scores beforehand (t = 0.015, p = .988; t = 0.084, p = .933; t = 0.214, p = .831, respectively). The difference between the average AA and SC scores in the post‐test (t = 2.041, p = .045; t = 2.692, p = .009, respectively), and the retests were statistically significant in AA and SC average scores in the experimental and control groups (t = 4.538, p = .000; t = 4.693; p = .000, respectively). In AW average scores, no statistical difference was found in the post‐test (t = 0.700, p = .486), whereas in the retest, a significant difference was identified (t = 5.839, p = .000).

Conclusions

Play therapy helped pre‐school children to improve their social, emotional, and behavioral skills. It also provided benefits for the children to decrease their fear and anxiety levels, to improve their communication and coping skills, and to increase their self‐esteem.

Clinical Relevance

The study concluded that play therapy helps develop the social, emotional, and behavioral skills of pre‐school children. It has also helped children lower their fear and anxiety levels, improve their communication and coping skills, and promote their self‐esteem. Pediatric nurses are recommended to include play therapy in their profession and in the nursing process.
Segmental fibre type composition of the rat iliopsoas muscle
Authors: Vlahovic Hrvoje , Bazdaric Ksenija , Marijancic Verner , Soic‐Vranic Tamara , Malnar Daniela , Arbanas Juraj
Published: January 2017

The iliopsoas of the rat is composed of two muscles – the psoas major muscle and the iliacus muscle. The psoas major muscle arises from all the lumbar vertebrae and the iliacus muscle from the fifth and sixth lumbar vertebrae and ilium. Their common insertion point is the lesser trochanter of the femur, and their common action is the lateral rotation of the femur and flexion of the hip joint. Unlike humans, the rat is a quadruped and only occasionally rises up on its hind legs. Therefore, it is expected that the fibre type composition of the rat iliopsoas muscle will be different than that of humans. The iliopsoas muscle of the rat is generally considered to be a fast muscle. However, previous studies of the fibre type composition of the rat psoas muscle showed different results. Moreover, very little is known about the composition of the rat iliacus muscle. The aim of our study was to examine the fibre type composition of the rat iliopsoas muscle in order to better understand the complex function of the listed muscle. The psoas major muscle was examined segmentally at four different levels of its origin. Type I, IIA, IIB and IIX muscle fibres were typed using monoclonal antibodies for myosin heavy chain identification. The percentage of muscle fibre types and muscle fibre cross‐sectional areas were calculated. In our study we showed that in the rat iliopsoas muscle both the iliacus and the psoas major muscles had a predominance of fast muscle fibre types, with the highest percentage of the fastest IIB muscle fibres. Also, the IIB muscle fibres showed the largest cross‐sectional area (CSA) in both muscles. As well, the psoas major muscle showed segmental differences of fibre type composition. Our results showed changes in percentages, as well as the CSAs of muscle fibre types in cranio‐caudal direction. The most significant changes were visible in type IIB muscle fibres, where there was a decrease of percentages and the CSAs from the cranial towards the caudal part of the muscle. From our results it is evident that the rat iliopsoas muscle has a heterogeneous composition and is composed of all four muscle fibre types. Primarily, it is a fast, dynamic muscle with a predominance of fast type IIB muscle fibres with the largest CSAs. The composition of the rat psoas major muscles changes in a cranio‐caudal direction, thus pointing to a more postural role of the caudal part of the muscle.
Development of actinobacterial resources for functional cosmetics
Authors: Dahal Ram Hari , Shim Dong Seop , Kim Jaisoo
Published: January 2017

Background

Actinobacteria usually produce different functional compounds for various applications.

Objective

The aim of this research was to develop actinobacterial resources through the isolation and identification of soil bacteria with antibacterial and enzyme inhibitory activities for cosmetics application.

Methods

Soil bacteria were isolated and tested for antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis using the spotting method. Isolates exhibiting antibacterial activities were assayed for tyrosinase inhibition, elastase inhibition, and free radical scavenging activity.

Results

Twelve actinobacterial strains were found to inhibit the growth of P. acnes and S. epidermidis. Among them, ten were from the genus Streptomyces and the other two were from the genera Actinokineospora and Calidifontibacter, and potentially represented novel species. For tyrosinase inhibition activities, when compared with arbutin (IC50=47.84±0.36 μg mL−1), strain T65 had similar activity with an IC50 value of 49.05±3.29 μg mL−1. For elastase inhibition, strains T65, T811, and R311 had similar activities with IC50 values of 10.78±1.88 μg mL−1, 10.19±0.82 μg mL−1, and 10.19±2.1 μg mL−1, respectively, which had similar inhibitory activity to the IC50 value of the standard oleanolic acid (8.94±1.38 μg mL−1). For DPPH radical scavenging activities, two strains, R311 and T327, with IC50 values of 6.11±1.17 μg mL−1 and 5.25±0.93 μg mL−1, respectively, had slightly lower activities than ascorbic acid (IC50=4.08±0.03 μg mL−1).

Conclusion

Among twelve strains of actinobacteria, the most effective strains were selected for the inhibition of both P. acnes and S. epidermidis as well as for enzyme activities. Actinobacterial strains isolated in this study could be used to produce active metabolites for cosmetics applications.
Echocardiographic Estimates of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Do Not Predict the Clinical Course in Elderly Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure: Impact of Early Diastolic Mitral Annular Velocity
Authors: Takaya Yoichi , Akagi Teiji , Kijima Yasufumi , Nakagawa Koji , Watanabe Nobuhisa , Oe Hiroki , Taniguchi Manabu , Ito Hiroshi
Published: January 2017

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction on acute congestive heart failure after transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in elderly patients.

Background

Although there is concern that LV diastolic dysfunction develops acute congestive heart failure after ASD closure, limited information is available regarding the influence, especially in elderly patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction.

Methods

Two hundred consecutive patients older than 60 years were divided into 3 groups according to echocardiographic LV diastolic dysfunction: severe (early diastolic mitral annular velocity [e’] <5.0 cm/s), mild (5.0≤ e’ <8.0 cm/s), and normal (e’ ≥ 8.0 cm/s). Changes in plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were evaluated.

Results

No patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction developed acute congestive heart failure immediately after the procedure. BNP levels unchanged after the procedure in patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction (126 ± 181 to 131 ± 148 pg/ml, P = 0.885), and this increase in BNP levels was not different from that between the diagnosis of ASD and the procedure. The change in BNP levels in patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction, who were frequently treated with diuretics before the procedure, was equivalent to that in patients with mild LV diastolic dysfunction and normal LV diastolic function (5 ± 119 vs. 16 ± 101 vs. 9 ± 131 pg/ml, P = 0.724).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that transcatheter ASD closure under volume management is safe and valuable in elderly patients with echocardiographic severe LV diastolic dysfunction.
Increased cortical porosity in women with hip fracture
Authors: Sundh D. , Nilsson A. G. , Nilsson M. , Johansson L. , Mellström D. , Lorentzon M.
Published: January 2017

Background

Hip fractures cause increased mortality and disability and consume enormous healthcare resources. Only 46% of hip fracture patients have osteoporosis at the total hip according to dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurement. Cortical porosity increases with ageing and is believed to be important for bone strength.

Objective

To investigate whether older women with hip fracture have higher cortical porosity than controls, and if so whether this difference is independent of clinical risk factors and areal bone mineral density (aBMD).

Methods

From an ongoing population‐based study, we identified 46 women with a prevalent X‐ray‐verified hip fracture and 361 control subjects without any fractures. aBMD was measured with DXA. High‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to measure bone microstructure at the standard (ultradistal) site and at 14% (distal) of the tibial length.

Results

Women with a previous hip fracture had lower aBMD at the femoral neck (−11.8%) and total hip (−14.6%) as well as higher cortical porosity at the ultradistal (32.1%) and distal (29.3%) tibia compared with controls. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, with adjustment for covariates (age, height, weight, smoking, calcium intake, physical activity, walk time, oral glucocorticoids, parental hip fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, previous fall, current bisphosphonate treatment and femoral neck aBMD), cortical porosity at the ultradistal [odds ratio per standard deviation increase (95% confidence interval) 2.61 (1.77–3.85)] and distal [1.57 (1.12–2.20)] sites was associated with prevalent hip fracture.

Conclusion

Cortical porosity was associated with prevalent hip fracture in older women independently of femoral neck aBMD and clinical risk factors.
Parental Child‐Rearing Conflicts Through Adolescence: Trajectories and Associations With Child Characteristics and Externalizing Patterns
Authors: Helland Maren S. , Kjeldsen Anne , von Soest Tilmann , Røysamb Espen , Gustavson Kristin , Nilsen Wendy
Published: January 2017

Research on longitudinal interparental conflict patterns and offspring development is scarce. The population‐based TOPP study (N = 459) was used to investigate (1) child‐rearing conflict trajectories through four time points during childhood and adolescence (ages 8–16), and (2) associations between conflict trajectories and child characteristics (i.e., birth order, gender, externalizing patterns from early childhood). Latent profile analysis identified six distinct trajectories. Conflict levels decreased for most respondents over the adolescent offspring period, but offspring's birth order and externalizing problems were related to less typical trajectories and higher levels of conflict. Onset of externalizing problems was of additional importance for the course of parental child‐rearing conflicts. The results highlight the perception of the whole family as an interwoven system.
Inception and utility of a renal replacement registry using administrative health data in North‐East Italy
Authors: Valent Francesca , Busolin Anna , Boscutti Giuliano
Published: January 2017

Background

Disease registries are useful tools for public health planning, evaluating clinical practice and providing information on cohorts of patients.

Methods

The administrative databases of the regional health information system of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy were used to build a regional registry of the resident population in renal replacement therapy (including dialysis and renal transplantation), through an algorithm taking into account hospital discharge and outpatient ambulatory care data. The registry includes an anonymous univocal identifier, the start date for the replacement therapy and changes of status (haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, renal transplantation). Data from the registry were used to estimate incidence rate, prevalence and mortality of patients receiving renal replacement therapy in 2014. In addition, we described an example of how the registry can be used to assess the prevalence of selected comorbidities.

Results

In Friuli Venezia Giulia in 2014, we estimated an incidence rate of renal replacement therapy of 166 per million inhabitants and a prevalence of 1,400 per million inhabitants. A total of 10% of the patients died in the study year. Hypertension, heart disease and diabetes mellitus were common co‐morbidities.

Conclusion

The registry allows us to estimate the incidence rate and prevalence of renal replacement therapy and also to investigate specific issues regarding these patients through record linkage with other administrative health databases.
Impaired N‐linked glycosylation of uptake and efflux transporters in human non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Clarke John D. , Novak Petr , Lake April D. , Hardwick Rhiannon N. , Cherrington Nathan J.
Published: January 2017

Background & Aims

N‐linked glycosylation of proteins is critical for proper protein folding and trafficking to the plasma membrane. Drug transporters are one class of proteins that have reduced function when glycosylation is impaired. N‐linked glycosylation of plasma proteins has also been investigated as a biomarker for several liver diseases, including non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The purpose of this study was to assess the transcriptomic expression of genes involved in protein processing and glycosylation, and to determine the glycosylation status of key drug transporters during human NAFLD progression.

Methods

Human liver samples diagnosed as healthy, steatosis, and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) were analysed for gene expression of glycosylation‐related genes and for protein glycosylation using immunoblot.

Results

Genes involved in protein processing in the ER and biosynthesis of N‐glycans were significantly enriched for down‐regulation in NAFLD progression. Included in the down regulated N‐glycan biosynthesis category were genes involved in the oligosaccharyltransferase complex, N‐glycan quality control, N‐glycan precursor biosynthesis, N‐glycan trimming to the core, and N‐glycan extension from the core. N‐glycan degradation genes were unaltered in the progression to NASH. Immunoblot analysis of the uptake transporters organic anion transporting polypeptide‐1B1 (OATP1B1), OATP1B3, OATP2B1, and Sodium/Taurocholate Co‐transporting Polypeptide (NTCP) and the efflux transporter multidrug resistance‐associated protein 2 (MRP2) demonstrated a significant loss of glycosylation following the progression to NASH.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the loss of glycosylation of key uptake and efflux transporters in humans NASH may influence transporter function and contribute to altered drug disposition observed in NASH.
Critical analysis of water governance challenges of Songkhla Lake Basin, Thailand
Authors: Cookey Peter E. , Darnsawasdi Rotchanatch , Ratanachai Chatchai
Published: January 2017

The present study examines water governance challenges in the Songkhla Lake Basin (SLB) with the aim of evaluating and analysing policies, legislations, regulations, institutions and actors responsible for the current state of the basin. The present study adopted three methodological approaches, including literature reviews, face‐to‐face expert interviews and field survey to investigate governance challenges confronting the SLB. It identified six major governance challenges that combined to produce current barriers to sustainable governance, resulting in depletion and deterioration of the SLB resource system. Moving forward will require pursuit of better resource management and governance systems, which will require strengthening of the Songkhla Lake Basin Committee to play a much needed coordinating and policy harmonization role to promote coherent actions among the formal and informal actors in the basin. Review of existing water resources and related governance instruments to make them appropriate, adequate and relevant for the sustainability of the SLB also is essential.
Diversity of anaerobic bacteria in sediments from a subtropical reservoir
Authors: Maintinguer Sandra I. , Sakamoto Isabel K. , Adorno Maria Angela T. , Varesche Maria Bernadete A.
Published: January 2017

A descriptive analysis of microbial communities from two different sediment locations in a subtropical reservoir was undertaken, using DGGE and 16S rRNA gene clone library. This study evaluated bacterial diversity in the sediment of a subtropical reservoir, based on quantitative and qualitative analyses of sulphate‐reducing bacteria (SRB), denitrifying bacteria (DB) and hydrogen‐producing bacteria (HPB). The sediment samples were taken from a subtropical reservoir (Ibiúna, SP, Brazil), being collected at two contrasting sites, including (A) at a 4 m depth and (B) at an 11 m depth of the water column. The anaerobic bacteria population density in the sediment was estimated with the most probable number (MPN) method. The microbial diversity of the sediment was assessed by molecular biology analyses for the domain Bacteria. Increased cell count numbers were observed in sample A for DB. The count for sample B was higher for SRB and HPB. Both sediment communities (A and B samples) exhibited a high diversity. They were similar to the phyla Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Fusobacteria, Deferribacteres, Verrucomicrobia and uncultivated bacteria. The environmental conditions of sediments from tropical climates were mainly sunlight during the day and temperatures around 25 °C, which would favour the maintenance of nutrients and the available organic matter for establishing the anaerobic bacteria populations. The microbial diversity observed for both samples indicates new possibilities for application of the sediment reservoir in regard to biotechnological processes such as the operation of anaerobic reactors for wastewater and toxic compound treatment, bioenergy generation and production of biogases such as hydrogen and methane.