bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on serum C‐reactive protein: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Karimi Ehsan , Rezaie Peyman , Ferns Gordon A.
Published: May 2017

Aim

To undertake a systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective studies to determine the effect of conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) supplementation on serum C‐reactive protein (CRP).

Method

PubMed‐Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, and Google Scholar databases were searched (up until May 2016) to identify prospective studies evaluating the impact of CLAs supplementation on serum CRP. Random‐effects models meta‐analysis was used for quantitative data synthesis. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave‐one‐out method. Heterogeneity was quantitatively assessed using the I2 index. Systematic review registration: CRD42016038945.

Results

From a total of 85 entries identified via searches, 14 studies were included in the final selection. The meta‐analysis indicated a significant increase in serum CRP concentrations following supplementation with CLAs (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.63 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.13‐1.13, N=21 arms, heterogeneity P=.026; I2=52.3%). These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses. Random‐effects meta‐regression revealed that changes in serum CRP levels were independent of the dosage of CLAs supplementation (slope: −0.02; 95% CI: −0.10, 0.12; P=.889) or duration of follow‐up (slope: 0.271; 95% CI: −0.05, 0.59; P=.098).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis suggests that CLA supplementation is associated with an increase in plasma CRP concentrations and a reduction in serum adiponectin concentrations, which indicates that CLA supplements have a proinflammatory effect. Randomized control trials with larger sample size and a longer follow‐up period may be required for future investigations to provide an unequivocal answer.
Do Financial Markets Care about Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure? Further Evidence from China
Authors: Xu Shan , Liu Duchi
Published: May 2017

Corporations increasingly define their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities as a part of their business. However, is this trend beneficial to investors? Based on an event study methodology and a sample of Chinese listed companies, we extend the literature on voluntary disclosure by exploring the role of CSR disclosure in reducing stock market information asymmetry, as proxied by share price volatility and liquidity. Our results show that the share price volatility after CSR disclosure is lower than before CSR disclosure; however, the trend is that it decreases first and then increases for three months following disclosure. Stock liquidity also significantly improves after CSR disclosure; however, it increases first and then decreases. Additionally, by dividing CSR disclosure into economic (hard) disclosure and generic (soft) disclosure, we find that the reduction in information asymmetry is higher for hard disclosure than soft disclosure, suggesting that although CSR disclosure does indeed have an impact on investors’ behaviour in China, an economic‐based disclosure contributes more substantially. Finally, to better understand the characteristics of the Chinese financial market, we also explore the role of marketisation with results that show that the effect in reducing information asymmetry is greater for companies located in a region with a higher degree of marketisation.
Transitioning to IFRS in Japan: Corporate Perceptions of Costs and Benefits
Authors: Ozu Chikako , Nakamura Miho , Nagata Kyoko , Gray Sidney J.
Published: May 2017

This paper examines the ongoing transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Japan with a particular focus on recent institutional developments and corporate concerns. While Japan has committed to the convergence of Japanese generally accepted accounting principles (J‐GAAP) with IFRS it has not as yet formally adopted IFRS. This paper reports on Japanese corporate perceptions of the likely costs and benefits of adopting and implementing IFRS using survey data collected from senior financial executives of 292 Japanese listed companies in 2013–14. Our findings reveal that Japanese companies identify a number of major areas of general concern with the adoption and implementation of IFRS. Most importantly, uncertainty regarding the interpretation of standards followed by staff training, IT systems, technical knowledge and differences between J‐GAAP and IFRS were reported as major concerns. Our survey also highlights that revenue recognition, depreciation, consolidated financial statements, financial statement presentation and the retrospective application of IFRS were viewed as key IFRS accounting issues. While the large majority of companies expected a moderate degree of benefits to arise from IFRS, substantial benefits were perceived more likely to apply to large and overseas listed companies mainly arising from improvements in the international comparability of financial statements.
Trajectories of floristic change in grassland: landscape, land use legacy and seasonal conditions overshadow restoration actions
Authors: McIntyre S. , Nicholls A. O. , Manning A. D.
Published: May 2017

Questions

How does ground‐layer plant composition respond to the imposition of woodland habitat restoration treatments following the removal of long‐term pastoral management? Do different vegetation types have different trajectories of change?

Location

A long‐term ecological research site comprising temperate eucalypt grassy woodland and forest in south‐eastern Australia, converted from pastoral use to conservation management. This has involved the implementation of habitat restoration treatments in addition to the cessation of livestock grazing and fertilizer inputs.

Methods

We surveyed ground‐layer floristic composition over a 4‐yr interval, in 96 1‐ha sites that had been subjected to combinations of restoration treatments aimed at improving the condition of the woodland habitat for fauna: (1) Reduced kangaroo grazing intensity; (2) Addition of coarse woody debris; and (3) Burning. We used nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) to plot the sites, and to analyse the average trajectories of floristic change for each of six initially identified vegetation types, and the restoration treatments. We partitioned Bray–Curtis dissimilarity measures to rank individual species’ contributions to floristic change in each vegetation type between 2007 and 2011.

Results

The identities of the six vegetation types identified at time zero was strongly retained over the 4‐yr observation period. There was generally a uniform change across the vegetation types, which was the result of increases in biomass of the characteristic dominant perennial grasses, and increases in some native forbs. The two vegetation types with evidence of past fertilization showed some convergence with native vegetation types due to the decrease in some exotic species. The restoration treatments had no significant influence on species composition.

Conclusions

The native herbaceous vegetation in the woodland was largely resistant to compositional change, although seasonal conditions increased the biomass of the perennial grasses defining the different vegetation types. However, sites with an evident history of past fertilization and notable amounts of exotic pasture species changed slightly but significantly, with some pasture species declining and floristic convergence with native vegetation over 4 yr. These rates of change need to be considered in the application of vegetation offsetting policy.
Transnational Collective Agreements and the Development of New Spaces for Union Action: The Formal and Informal Uses of International and European Framework Agreements in the UK
Authors: Mustchin Stephen , Lucio Miguel Martínez
Published: May 2017

Transnational collective agreements (TCAs) are an important development in the international dimension of industrial relations. This article compares four case studies of multinational companies in the UK covered by TCAs. Findings show that while the formal influence of TCAs was limited, they were invoked around particular disputes and could strengthen union influence in a context otherwise characterized by limited union rights. Such influence depended on the co‐ordination of workplace‐ and firm‐level industrial relations institutions, union access to management at headquarters level and union receptiveness to and outward engagement with transnational activity. The formal but also the informal dimensions of these dynamics played a significant role.
Role of serum steroid hormones in women with stress urinary incontinence: a case–control study
Authors: Bodner‐Adler Barbara , Bodner Klaus , Kimberger Oliver , Halpern Ksenia , Rieken Malte , Koelbl Heinz , Umek Wolfgang
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To investigate the potential relationship between endogenous sex steroids and presence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Patients and Methods

A total of 47 peri‐ and postmenopausal women with SUI were matched 1:1 with 47 continent women based on age, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI) and parity. Blood samples were drawn from all the women for assessment of oestradiol (E2), follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, androstendion (AEON), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and sex hormone‐binding globulin with an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results

Women with SUI had significantly lower serum levels of E2 (8.49 ± 7.47 vs 13.09 ± 13.80; P = 0.048) and AEON (0.59 ± 0.41 vs 1.20 ± 0.87; P = 0.033) compared with controls. This difference in E2 levels remained significant after controlling for age, menopausal age, years from menopause, BMI, parity, testosterone and AEON. In addition, hypertension and history of hysterectomy were observed significantly more frequently in the SUI group (P < 0.001). There was no significant association between hormone levels and degree of SUI (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of the present study indicate that a low E2 level might have a negative impact on the lower urinary tract and continence mechanism and a low E2 level is a possible risk factor for SUI in women.
Subarctic Front migration at the Reykjanes Ridge during the mid‐ to late Holocene: evidence from planktic foraminifera
Authors: Perner Kerstin , Moros Matthias , Jansen Eystein , Kuijpers Antoon , Troelstra Simon R. , Prins MAARTIN A.
Published: May 2017

Expansion of fresh and sea‐ice loaded surface waters from the Arctic Ocean into the sub‐polar North Atlantic is suggested to modulate the northward heat transport within the North Atlantic Current (NAC). The Reykjanes Ridge south of Iceland is a suitable area to reconstruct changes in the mid‐ to late Holocene fresh and sea‐ice loaded surface water expansion, which is marked by the Subarctic Front (SAF). Here, shifts in the location of the SAF result from the interaction of freshwater expansion and inflow of warmer and saline (NAC) waters to the Ridge. Using planktic foraminiferal assemblage and concentration data from a marine sediment core on the eastern Reykjanes Ridge elucidates SAF location changes and thus, changes in the water‐mass composition (upper ˜200 m) during the last c. 5.8 ka BP. Our foraminifer data highlight a late Holocene shift (at c. 3.0 ka BP) in water‐mass composition at the Reykjanes Ridge, which reflects the occurrence of cooler and fresher surface waters when compared to the mid‐Holocene. We document two phases of SAF presence at the study site: from (i) c. 5.5 to 5.0 ka BP and (ii) c. 2.7 to 1.5 ka BP. Both phases are characterized by marked increases in the planktic foraminiferal concentration, which coincides with freshwater expansions and warm subsurface water conditions within the sub‐polar North Atlantic. We link the SAF changes, from c. 2.7 to 1.5 ka BP, to a strengthening of the East Greenland Current and a warming in the NAC, as identified by various studies underlying these two currents. From c. 1.5 ka BP onwards, we record a prominent subsurface cooling and continued occurrence of fresh and sea‐ice loaded surface waters at the study site. This implies that the SAF migrated to the southeast of our core site during the last millennium.
TGFβ pathway deregulation and abnormal phospho‐SMAD2/3 staining in hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis‐Dutch type
Authors: Grand Moursel Laure , Munting Leon P. , van der Graaf Linda M. , van Duinen Sjoerd G. , Goumans Marie‐Jose T. H. , Ueberham Uwe , Natté Remco , van Buchem Mark A. , van Roon‐Mom Willeke M. C. , van der Weerd Louise
Published: May 2017

Hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis‐Dutch type (HCHWA‐D) is an early onset hereditary form of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) pathology, caused by the E22Q mutation in the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is a key player in vascular fibrosis and in the formation of angiopathic vessels in transgenic mice. Therefore, we investigated whether the TGFβ pathway is involved in HCHWA‐D pathogenesis in human postmortem brain tissue from frontal and occipital lobes. Components of the TGFβ pathway were analyzed with quantitative RT‐PCR. TGFβ1 and TGFβ Receptor 2 (TGFBR2) gene expression levels were significantly increased in HCHWA‐D in comparison to the controls, in both frontal and occipital lobes. TGFβ‐induced pro‐fibrotic target genes were also upregulated. We further assessed pathway activation by detecting phospho‐SMAD2/3 (pSMAD2/3), a direct TGFβ down‐stream signaling mediator, using immunohistochemistry. We found abnormal pSMAD2/3 granular deposits specifically on HCHWA‐D angiopathic frontal and occipital vessels. We graded pSMAD2/3 accumulation in angiopathic vessels and found a positive correlation with the CAA load independent of the brain area. We also observed pSMAD2/3 granules in a halo surrounding occipital vessels, which was specific for HCHWA‐D. The result of this study indicates an upregulation of TGFβ1 in HCHWA‐D, as was found previously in AD with CAA pathology. We discuss the possible origins and implications of the TGFβ pathway deregulation in the microvasculature in HCHWA‐D. These findings identify the TGFβ pathway as a potential biomarker of disease progression and a possible target of therapeutic intervention in HCHWA‐D.
Epidemiology and clinical features of inflammatory retinal vascular occlusions: pooled data from two tertiary‐referral institutions
Authors: Agarwal Aniruddha , Karkhur Samendra , Aggarwal Kanika , Invernizzi Alessandro , Singh Ramandeep , Dogra Mangat R , Gupta Vishali , Gupta Amod , Do Diana V , Nguyen Quan D
Published: May 2017

Importance

In a subset of patients with retinal vasculitis, there is occlusion of blood flow through the retinal vessels. These eyes are at high risk of sight‐threatening complications.

Background

To characterize epidemiology, clinical course, treatment and outcomes of occlusive retinal vasculitis (ORV).

Design

Retrospective study

Participants

Seventy‐seven uveitis patients with ORV at two large tertiary‐care institutions (the USA and India).

Methods

Out of 2438 patients screened, 346 patients were diagnosed with retinal vasculitis of which 77 patients (96 eyes) were diagnosed with ORV. Patients with ORV (capillary, arteriolar and/or venular) were further analysed. Diagnostic criteria for occlusive vasculitis included (i) absence of blood flow in vessels (arterioles, venules and/or capillaries), (ii) capillary non‐perfusion areas and/or arteriolar‐venous anastomosis and (iii) intraretinal haemorrhages, cotton‐wool spots or vitreous haemorrhage.

Main Outcome Measures

Best‐corrected visual acuity, treatment and complications.

Results

The mean age was 32.09 ± 13.51 years. Most common aetiologies were tuberculosis and Adamantiades–Behçet's disease in India and systemic lupus erythematosus in the USA. Best‐corrected visual acuity improved from 0.38 ± 0.30 logMAR (20/48 Snellen equivalent) (baseline) to 0.25 ± 0.30 (20/35 Snellen equivalent) at final visit (P < 0.0001). Vitreous haemorrhage was seen in 31.08% eyes. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 12.16% eyes. Therapy with systemic steroids was required in 78.48% patients. In addition, 46.75% patients required immunomodulators and/or biologics.

Conclusions

Occlusive retinal vasculitis is caused by heterogeneous group of uveitides depending upon the geographic location. It is imperative to identify eyes with ORV as they are predisposed to complications requiring aggressive therapy.
Neurophysiological changes associated with implant‐associated augmentation procedures in the lower jaw
Authors: Hartmann Amely , Welte‐Jzyk Claudia , Seiler Marcus , Daubländer Monika
Published: May 2017

Background

Neurophysiological changes after oral and maxillofacial surgery remain one of the topics of current research.

Purpose

This study evaluated if implant placement associated with augmentation procedures increases the possibility of sensory disturbances or result in impaired quality of life during the healing period.

Material and Methods

Patients who had obtained an implant placement in the lower jaw in combination with augmentation procedures were examined by implementing a comprehensive Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) protocol for extra‐ and intraoral use. As augmentation procedures, we used Guided Bone Regeneration (Group A) and Customized Bone Regeneration (Group B) techniques. Patients were tested bilaterally at the chin and mucosal lower lip. Results were compared to a group without augmentation procedures (Group C). Patients' quality of life and psychological comorbidity after the surgical procedures was assessed with the Oral Health Impact Profile and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

For groups A (n = 20) and B (n = 8), mechanical QST parameters showed no significant differences in all qualities of the inferior alveolar nerve compared to the contralateral side and compared to the nonaugmentation control group (n = 32) as well. Evaluation of quality of life and psychological factors showed no statistical differences.

Conclusions

Augmentation procedures did not increase sensory disturbances, indicating no changes in the neurophysiological pathways. Extended augmentation procedures did not lead to sensory changes either or result in an impaired quality of life or modified anxiety and depression scores.
Effects of uncontrolled periodontitis on marginal bone alterations around implants: A case‐control study
Authors: Wang Xin , Qin Lei , Lei Chi , Li Yu , Li Dehua
Published: May 2017

Background

The hypothesis of bacterial infection initiating marginal bone loss around dental implant in analogy with natural tooth is still in debate.

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the effects of uncontrolled periodontitis on marginal bone alterations around implants compared with the periodontal health group at a mean follow‐up of at least 6 years.

Materials and methods

Thirty consecutive uncontrolled periodontally compromised patients (PCP) and 30 periodontally healthy patients (PHP), with a total of 96 Straumann implants (PCP = 55, PHP = 41) were matched for age, gender, smoking, and implant characteristics. The inclusion criteria for PCPs were continuing tooth loss due to uncontrolled periodontal disease and no supportive periodontal maintenance after implant therapy. Peri‐implant conditions were examined and the number of teeth lost during the follow‐up periods was recorded in both groups. Radiographic marginal bone loss of implants and adjacent teeth was calculated having the restoration time point as baseline.

Results

No implant loss occurred in both groups. The mean number of teeth lost during the follow‐up periods was 0.67 ± 0.80 in the PHP group, 3.93 ± 2.36 in the PCP group with statistical significance. The average overall bone loss was significantly greater at teeth than that around implants in the PCP group (0.54 ± 0.27 versus 0.22 ± 0.25 mm, P < .001), while no statistically significant differences were observed in the PHP group (0.18 ± 0.08 versus 0.22 ± 0.18 mm, P = .317). No statistically significant differences were observed between PC and PH patients when comparing the peri‐implant marginal bone loss. No significant correlations were found between teeth loss and crestal bone loss at implants sites in both groups.

Conclusion

This study indicated that the marginal bone level around implants seemed more stable in comparison to that around the natural teeth when exposed to uncontrolled periodontal disease.
Randomized controlled clinical trial comparing one‐piece and two‐piece dental implants supporting fixed and removable dental prostheses: 4‐ to 6‐year observations
Authors: Gamper Felix B. , Benic Goran I. , Sanz‐Martin Ignacio , Asgeirsson Asgeir G. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To test whether or not a one‐ (S1) and a two‐piece (S2) dental implant systems render the same biological, technical, and esthetic outcomes regarding implants and implant‐supported reconstructions over an observation period of 4 to 6 years.

Materials and methods

Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive S1 or S2 implants. The implants were restored with either fixed or removable prostheses. The insertion of the final reconstruction was chosen as baseline. One‐year and 4‐ to 6‐year (FU‐5) measurements included biological (e.g. marginal bone level, probing pocket depth, peri‐implant mucositis, and peri‐implantitis), technical (e.g. fracture or loosening of prosthetic screws, fracture or loosening of abutments, fracture of framework, and/or veneering ceramic (minor, major), loss of retention for cemented restorations), and esthetic parameters (visibility of the crown margin, shimmering of the implant through the mucosa, the level of the facial margo mucosae compared to the contralateral tooth or implant site and the modified papilla index) for implants and reconstructions. Survival and success rates of implants and reconstructions were calculated. Because of the asymmetric data distributions, nonparametric statistical methods were applied.

Results

The implant‐based analysis revealed a cumulative implant survival rate of 97.9% (S1: 96.6%; S2: 98.9%) at FU‐5. The median marginal bone level for group S1 changed from 0.51 mm at baseline to 0.49 mm at FU‐5 and for group S2 from 1.02 mm to 1.35 mm (P < 0.001). Patient‐level analyses demonstrated a frequency of peri‐implant mucositis of 7.7% (S1) and 10.0% (S2) and for peri‐implantitis of 7.7% (S1) and 13.3% (S2) at FU‐5. The patient‐based cumulative implant survival rate was 94.6% (S1: 92.3%; S2: 96.7%). The overall patient‐based biological complication rate amounted to 15.4% (S1) and to 23.3% (S2) (P = 0.517), whereas the overall technical complication rates were 30.8% (S1) and 13.3% (S2) (P = 0.349). The prosthetic survival rates were 93.1% for S1 and 100% for S2 (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Both implant systems reveal high survival rates on the implant and prosthetic level. Apart from marginal bone‐level changes, biological and technical outcomes did not reveal significant differences between the two implant systems.
Managing conflict between large carnivores and livestock
Authors: van Eeden Lily M. , Crowther Mathew S. , Dickman Chris R. , Macdonald David W. , Ripple William J. , Ritchie Euan G. , Newsome Thomas M.
Published: May 2017

Large carnivores are persecuted globally because they threaten human industries and livelihoods. How this conflict is managed has consequences for the conservation of large carnivores and biodiversity more broadly. Mitigating human–predator conflict should be evidence‐based and accommodate people's values while protecting carnivores. Despite much research into human and large‐carnivore coexistence strategies, there have been few attempts to document the success of conflict‐mitigation strategies on a global scale. We conducted a meta‐analysis of global research on conflict mitigation related to large carnivores and humans. We focused on conflicts that arise from the threat large carnivores pose to livestock. We first used structured and unstructured searching to identify replicated studies that used before–after or control–impact design to measure change in livestock loss as a result of implementing a management intervention. We then extracted relevant data from these studies to calculate an overall effect size for each intervention type. Research effort and focus varied among continents and aligned with the histories and cultures that shaped livestock production and attitudes toward carnivores. Livestock guardian animals most effectively reduced livestock losses. Lethal control was the second most effective control, although its success varied the most, and guardian animals and lethal control did not differ significantly. Financial incentives have promoted tolerance of large carnivores in some settings and reduced retaliatory killings. We suggest coexistence strategies be location‐specific, incorporate cultural values and environmental conditions, and be designed such that return on financial investment can be evaluated. Improved monitoring of mitigation measures is urgently required to promote effective evidence‐based policy.
In vitro detection of chemical allergens: an optimized assay using mouse bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Battais Fabrice , Huppert Cécile , Langonné Isabelle , Muller Samuel , Sponne Isabelle
Published: May 2017

Background

Identification of the allergenic potency of chemicals is a key step in the safety assessment process. Predictive assays that require no or few animals are needed.

Objectives

To develop an alternative in vitro mouse bone marrow‐derived dendritic cell (BMDC) assay to determine the allergenic potential of chemicals.

Methods

BMDCs were exposed to well‐known allergens and to non‐allergenic chemicals. Surface marker expression and cytokine release of BMDCs were analysed after treatment.

Results

Eleven tested chemicals showed a significant stimulation index (SI) of >1.5 (accuracy, 75%; sensitivity, 69%). The four non‐allergens all showed a SI of <1.5. Eight contact allergens tested showed a significant SI of >1.5 (accuracy, 92%; sensitivity, 89%), whereas only two respiratory allergens showed a significant SI of >1.5 (accuracy, 60%; sensitivity, 33%).

Conclusions

The results indicate that the BMDC assay could become a reliable test for assessment of the allergenic potential of chemicals. The next step should include the testing of further chemicals, with the aim of integrating this assay into the toolbox of in vitro methods for the evaluation of the allergenic potential of chemicals.
Lymphatic invasion predicts sentinel lymph node metastasis and adverse outcome in primary cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Moy Andrea P , Mochel Mark C , Muzikansky Alona , Duncan Lyn M , Kraft Stefan
Published: May 2017

Background

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis is a powerful predictor of survival in primary cutaneous melanoma. Lymphatic invasion (LI) may correlate with increased risk of SLN metastasis. Intralymphatic metastases, often difficult to detect on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections, are readily identified with dual immunohistochemistry for melanocytic and lymphatic markers.

Methods

We used dual S100/D240 immunohistochemistry to detect LI in 125 melanomas from patients who underwent SLN biopsy and correlated LI with melanoma staging parameters and disease status.

Results

Dual immunohistochemistry allowed for the identification of LI in 33 cases (26%), compared to only 2% on H&E stained sections. Melanomas with LI showed greater thickness, higher mitotic rate and more frequent ulceration. Eleven of 33 cases with LI (33%) and 10 of 92 cases without LI (11%) were associated with a positive SLN (P = .006). More patients without LI were disease‐free at last follow‐up (80%) than patients with LI (50%; P = .002); LI was significantly associated with decreased progression‐free survival.

Conclusion

The detection of LI is improved by dual immunohistochemistry and predicts SLN metastasis. The presence of LI may impact therapeutic planning in melanoma, such as the decision to perform a SLN biopsy.
Reliability of the Assisting Hand Assessment in adolescents
Authors: Louwers Annoek , Krumlinde‐Sundholm Lena , Boeschoten Karin , Beelen Anita
Published: May 2017

Aim

To investigate the interrater and test–retest reliability of the Assisting Hand Assessment in adolescents (Ad‐AHA) with cerebral palsy (CP) and to evaluate the alternate‐form reliability of different test activities.

Method

Participants were 112 adolescents with unilateral CP (60 males, 52 females; mean age 14y 5mo [standard deviation {SD} 2y 8mo], Manual Ability Classification System levels I–III). Reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), smallest detectable change (SDC), and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

ICCs for interrater (n=38) and test–retest reliability (n=31) were excellent: 0.97 (95% CI 0.94–0.98) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.98–0.99) respectively. The alternate‐form reliability of different test activities was excellent for children (age 10–12y, n=30) performing the School‐Kids AHA and Ad‐AHA Board Game 0.99 (95% CI 0.98–0.99) and for adolescents (age 13–18y) performing the Ad‐AHA Board Game compared to the Ad‐AHA Present (n=28) 0.99 (95% CI 0.95–0.98), or the Ad‐AHA Sandwich (n=29) 0.99 (95% CI 0.98–0.99) tasks. SDC for test–retest was 4.5 AHA‐units.

Interpretation

Ad‐AHA scores are consistent across different raters and occasions. The good alternate‐form reliability indicates that the different test activities can be used interchangeably in adolescents with unilateral CP. Differences greater than or equal to 5 AHA‐units can be considered a change beyond measurement error. The use of logit based AHA‐units makes change comparable for persons at different ability levels.
THRIVE score predicts clinical and radiological outcome after endovascular therapy or thrombolysis in patients with anterior circulation stroke in everyday clinical practice
Authors: Kastrup A. , Brunner F. , Hildebrandt H. , Roth C. , Winterhalter M. , Gießing C. , Papanagiotou P.
Published: May 2017

Background and purpose

Based on the data of several trials the Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events (THRIVE) score has been shown to predict outcome after either intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or endovascular therapy (ET) in acute stroke patients. It is unknown whether the THRIVE score can also predict outcome in everyday clinical practice. Using our prospectively obtained stroke database the utility of the THRIVE score to predict clinical and radiological outcome in everyday clinical practice was analysed.

Methods

The relationships between THRIVE and good outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤ 2 at discharge), poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale 5–6), in‐hospital death, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (SICH) as well as infarct size were examined in patients with distal intracranial carotid artery, M1 and M2 occlusions after either IVT or ET.

Results

From January 2008 to October 2016 a total of 546 patients were treated with IVT and 492 patients received ET with stent retrievers (with or without IVT). In both treatment groups the THRIVE score predicted clinical outcome (Mantel−Haenszel chi‐squared tests for trend P < 0.001 for good outcome, P < 0.001 for poor outcome and P < 0.001 for in‐hospital death). In the ET group the THRIVE score remained an independent predictor of outcome after controlling for recanalization. The THRIVE score was associated with the infarct size after IVT or ET, whereas it did not predict SICH rates in either treatment group.

Conclusions

In everyday clinical practice the THRIVE score strongly predicts clinical outcome and the extent of ischaemia after ET or IVT in patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusions.
Migraine associated with altitude: results from a population‐based study in Nepal
Authors: Linde M. , Edvinsson L. , Manandhar K. , Risal A. , Steiner T. J.
Published: May 2017

Background and purpose

A 1988 pilot study in Peru suggested an association between migraine and chronic exposure to high altitude. This study provides epidemiological evidence corroborating this.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional nationwide population‐based study, a representative sample of Nepali‐speaking adults were recruited through stratified multistage cluster sampling. They were visited at home by trained interviewers using a culturally adapted questionnaire. The altitude of dwelling of each participant was recorded.

Results

Of 2100 participants, over half [1100 (52.4%)] were resident above 1000 m and almost one quarter [470 (22.4%)] at ≥2000 m. Age‐ and gender‐standardized migraine prevalence increased from 27.9% to 45.5% with altitude between 0 and 2499 m and thereafter decreased to 37.9% at ≥2500 m. The likelihood of having migraine was greater (odds ratio, 1.5–2.2; P ≤ 0.007) at all higher altitudes compared with <500 m. In addition, all symptom indices increased with altitude across the range <500 m to 2000–2499 m, i.e. median attack frequency from 1.3 to 3.0 days/month (P < 0.001), median duration from 9 to 24 h (P < 0.001) and pain intensity [the proportion reporting ‘bad pain’ (highest intensity)] from 35.5% to 56.9% (P = 0.011). Each of these showed a downward trend above 2500 m.

Conclusions

Dwelling at high altitudes increases not only migraine prevalence but also the severity of its symptoms.
Prevalence and evolutionary history of endosymbiont Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) in parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) associated with Bactrocera fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) infesting carambola
Authors: Mohammed Muhamad Azmi , Aman‐Zuki Ameyra , Yusof Suhana , Md‐Zain Badrul Munir , Yaakop Salmah
Published: May 2017

Wolbachia endosymbiont is a maternally inherited bacteria that infects a wide range of hosts, including parasitoids and their respective hosts. In this study, a total of 171 individuals of braconid endoparasitoids, consisting of Fopius arisanus, F. vandenboschi, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata, Psyttalia sp.1, Psyttalia sp.2, P. fletcheri and P. incisi, and their host tephritid fruit flies of Bactrocera dorsalis, B. papayae and B. carambolae infesting carambola were screened molecularly by the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene. Interestingly, 21 (24.14%) wsp gene sequences were successfully isolated from 87 braconid samples tested, showing a low infection rate of Wolbachia. However, despite the close ecological contact between parasitoids and their hosts, none of the tephritid individuals were infected by Wolbachia. A comparison of wsp and host mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences found that braconids did not cluster in connection with Wolbachia infection, suggesting that selective sweep has not yet occurred because Wolbachia may have recently infected the braconid populations in Peninsular Malaysia (≈0.1 MYA). Despite of relatively recent infections of Wolbachia, the history of Wolbachia infection into F. arisanus populations of Peninsular Malaysia is complex, involving at least two independent occasions of infection and two secondary losses.
Seven new species of Cis Latreille (Coleoptera: Ciidae) from southern Africa
Authors: Souza‐Gonçalves Igor , Lopes‐Andrade Cristiano
Published: May 2017

Here we describe seven new species of Cis Latreille from southern Africa: Cis aster sp. nov., Cis makebae sp. nov., Cis mandelai sp. nov., Cis masekelai sp. nov., Cis neserorum sp. nov., Cis stalsi sp. nov. and Cis urbanae sp. nov. We also provide information on their host fungi and geographic distributions.
Soil mycorrhizal and nematode diversity vary in response to bioenergy crop identity and fertilization
Authors: Emery Sarah M. , Reid Matthew L. , Bell‐Dereske Lukas , Gross Katherine L.
Published: May 2017

The mandate by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to increase renewable fuel production in the USA has resulted in extensive research into the sustainability of perennial bioenergy crops such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and miscanthus (Miscanthus× giganteus). Perennial grassland crops have been shown to support greater aboveground biodiversity and ecosystem function than annual crops. However, management considerations, such as what crop to plant or whether to use fertilizer, may alter belowground diversity and ecosystem functioning associated with these grasslands as well. In this study, we compared crop type (switchgrass or miscanthus) and nitrogen fertilization effects on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) and soil nematode abundance, activity, and diversity in a long‐term experiment. We quantified AMF root colonization, AMF extra‐radical hyphal length, soil glomalin concentrations, AMF richness and diversity, plant‐parasitic nematode abundance, and nematode family richness and diversity in each treatment. Mycorrhizal activity and diversity were higher with switchgrass than with miscanthus, leading to higher potential soil carbon contributions via increased hyphal growth and glomalin production. Plant‐parasitic nematode (PPN) abundance was 2.3 ×  higher in miscanthus plots compared to switchgrass, mostly due to increases in dagger nematodes (Xiphinema). The higher PPN abundance in miscanthus may be a consequence of lower AMF in this species, as AMF can provide protection against PPN through a variety of mechanisms. Nitrogen fertilization had minor negative effects on AMF and nematode diversity associated with these crops. Overall, we found that crop type and fertilizer application associated with perennial bioenergy cropping systems can have detectable effects on the diversity and composition of soil communities, which may have important consequences for the ecosystem services provided by these systems.
Factors affecting masticatory function of community‐dwelling older people: Investigation of the differences in the relevant factors for subjective and objective assessment
Authors: Takagi Daisuke , Watanabe Yutaka , Edahiro Ayako , Ohara Yuki , Murakami Masaharu , Murakami Kohji , Hironaka Shouji , Taniguchi Yu , Kitamura Akihiko , Shinkai Shoji , Hirano Hirohiko
Published: May 2017

Objective

This study aimed to examine relevant factors for subjective and objective assessment of masticatory functions and elucidate any differences between the two methods.

Background

Previous studies have reported that the results of subjective and objective assessment of masticatory function in older people do not necessarily agree.

Materials and methods

This study included 487 community‐dwelling Japanese older people (205 male and 282 female; mean age 74.1±6.3 years) who participated in a comprehensive geriatric health examination. Basic information (gender and age), higher level of competence in daily living, depression, subjective masticatory function (SMF) and objective masticatory function (OMF) assessments, cognitive function, skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, gait speed and oral status (number of remaining and functional teeth, mouth dryness and occlusal force) were recorded.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that depression (odds ratio [OR]: 1.181, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.094‐1.275), mouth dryness (OR: 2.037, CI: 1.212‐3.423) and occlusal force (OR: 0.997, CI: 0.996‐0.999) were significantly associated with SMF, whereas higher level of competence in daily living (OR: 0.730 CI: 0.586‐0.910), skeletal muscle mass (OR: 0.521 CI: 0.283‐0.960), number of functional teeth (OR: 0.862 CI: 0.775‐0.959), number of remaining teeth (OR: 0.868 CI: 0.810‐0.930) and occlusal force (OR: 0.994, CI: 0.991‐0.998) were associated with OMF.

Conclusion

Subjective masticatory functionSMF and OMF were associated with different factors, suggesting that both mental and physical factors should be taken into consideration when treating decreased masticatory function.
Use of nystatin and chlorhexidine in oral medicine: Properties, indications and pitfalls with focus on geriatric patients
Authors: Scheibler Elusa , Garcia Maria Claudia Rosa , Medina da Silva Renata , Figueiredo Maria Antonia , Salum Fernanda Gonçalves , Cherubini Karen
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The aim of this work was to review the scientific literature on the properties, indications and pitfalls related to nystatin and chlorhexidine in oral medicine and also to compare these to other topical antifungal agents, considering the elderly population.

Background

Nystatin is a polyene antifungal widely used as a topical formulation to treat candidiasis, whereas chlorhexidine is a wide‐spectrum antimicrobial, especially used against bacteria, but also effective in treating some fungal infections including those caused by Candida spp. These compounds have been prescribed for immunocompromised patients, hospitalized or not, some of them undergoing head and neck radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, including elderly patients.

Materials and methods

Dental and medical literature concerning the use of nystatin and chlorhexidine in oral medicine were selected and reviewed.

Results

Nystatin and chlorhexidine are gold‐standard antimicrobial mouthrinses respectively for Candida spp. and bacteria. Although recognized as effective in cotrolling oral infections, both nystatin and chlorhexidine are just complementary to systemic therapy in cases of systemic infections already established. The prescriber should also take into account that some commercial nystatin and chlorhexidine formulations contain compounds such as sugar and ethanol, which can be associated with side effects. Meanwhile, alternative formulations in which these compounds are absent are available and should be considered.

Conclusions

Further studies investigating new drugs and interactions of drug combinations are necessary to improve the therapeutic management of oral infections.
Cross‐linguistic semantic transfer in bilingual Chinese‐English speakers
Authors: Tytus Agnieszka Ewa , Rundblad Gabriella
Published: May 2017

The semantic structure of animal and emotion terms was here under investigation. In Study one, Chinese‐English bilinguals and monolingual English and Chinese speakers provided similarity judgments. Those, once analysed with correspondence analysis, provided a multidimensional representation of the semantic structure of animal terms; with the greatest level of similarity noted between two bilingual structures. In Study two, a within subjects design was employed and the participants evaluated levels of similarity between pairs of emotion terms. The greatest level of similarity was recorded between the bilingual judgments provided in English and the monolingual English ones. The aggregated findings have demonstrated that the bilingual semantic structures are dynamic, possibly due to the constant interaction between two languages, which in consequence may lead to creation of semantic interlanguage.
The combination of overweight and smoking increases the severity of androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Fortes Cristina , Mastroeni Simona , Mannooranparampil Thomas J. , Ribuffo Marcella
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Even though androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of alopecia, factors associated with AGA severity have been poorly investigated.

Objectives

The objective of our study was to investigate risk factors for AGA severity among a Caucasian population.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among AGA subjects in the outpatient clinic of a reference hospital for skin diseases in Rome, Italy. A total of 351 Caucasian subjects with AGA, mean age 35.6 years, were enrolled in the study. Information on educational level, family history of AGA, diet, alcohol consumption, the presence of chronic diseases, the use of pills including dietary supplements, BMI, and smoking was collected by a face‐to‐face interview using standardized questionnaires. Norwood and Ludwig classifications were used to assess the degree of AGA.

Results

Subjects with a BMI of 25 or more and current smokers had circa six times an increased risk of having moderate or severe AGA (OR: 6.72; 95% CI: 2.57–17.6). In the multivariate model, after controlling for gender, age, education, dyslipidemia, dietary supplements, and wine consumption, the effect of high BMI and smoking (OR: 5.96; 95% CI: 1.65–21.5) on AGA severity remained. Only age and gender, besides the effect of BMI and smoking, remained statistically significant in the multivariate model while education, the presence of dyslipidemia, dietary supplements, and wine consumption did not remain statistically significant.

Conclusions

Our study shows that the combination of overweight and smoking is associated with an increased severity of androgenetic alopecia.
Marriage Migration Policy in South Korea: Social Investment beyond the Nation State
Authors: Kim Gyuchan , Kilkey Majella
Published: May 2017

This article seeks to contribute to understandings of South Korea's approach to marriage migration. Situating our analysis of marriage migration policy specifically within the recent emergence of a social investment approach to welfare, we bring together two bodies of literature that due to the methodological nationalism of much welfare state scholarship are usually treated separately. Through an examination of the policy framework governing marriage migration ‐ so‐called ‘multicultural family policies’ ‐ we find that successive Korean governments have actively sought female marriage migrants to perform various social reproductive roles as a means to secure the reproductive capacity of the nation, just as feminist scholars have argued the care work of citizen‐mothers can be understood. Our analysis also suggests that marriage migration policy in Korea constitutes a distinctly transnational dimension to its overall social investment approach, which is strongly motivated by concerns to reproduce the next generation of human capital.
Difficulties and practices regarding information provision among Korean and Italian nurses
Authors: Ingravallo F. , Kim K.H. , Han Y.H. , Volta A. , Chiari P. , Taddia P. , Kim J.S.
Published: May 2017

Aim

To investigate nurses’ opinions and practices of providing information in a global context through cultural comparison.

Background and Introduction

Providing sufficient information to patients about nursing interventions and plans is essential for patient‐centred care. While many countries have specific legislation making information delivery to patients a legal duty of nurses, no such legislation exists in both the Republic of Korea and Italy; nurses’ only guidance is the deontological code.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional survey study involving a convenience sample of 174 Korean nurses and 121 Italian nurses working in internal medicine and surgery at university hospitals. Data were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire between February and November 2014. The questionnaire assessed demographic and professional characteristics, and difficulties and practices regarding information provision.

Results

Korean and Italian nurses significantly differed in all demographic and professional characteristics. More Korean than Italian participants reported that their role in providing information was well explained within their teams, but both groups reported the same level and type of difficulties in delivering information. Nurses in both countries regularly informed patients about medications and nursing procedures, but provided information about nursing care plans less frequently. Few nurses frequently provided information to relatives instead of patients.

Conclusions

Despite cultural, demographic and professional differences between Korean and Italian nurses, their difficulties and practices in information delivery to patient were similar.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Hospital managers and policymakers should be aware that nurse–patient communication can be impaired by organizational factors, patient characteristics or the interaction among providers. Educational interventions and strategies are needed to increase information provision to patients about nursing care plans.