bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth factor release from dentine matrix by pulp‐capping agents promotes pulp tissue repair‐associated events
Authors: Tomson P. L. , Lumley P. J. , Smith A. J. , Cooper P. R.
Published: February 2016

Aim

To characterize growth factor release from dentine by pulp‐capping agents and to determine the effects of liberated dentine extracellular matrix (dECM) components on pulp cells in the key wound healing processes of migration and cell growth.

Methodology

Powdered human dentine was exposed to solutions of calcium hydroxide, white and grey mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (ProRoot, (Dentsply Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA) over 14 days. The solubilized dECM components were dialysed and lyophilized and characterized using multiplex quantitative ELISA. Following dECM component extraction dentine was analysed using Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Primary rat dental pulp cells (RDPCs) were exposed to dECM components (0.1–100 μg mL−1) released by calcium hydroxide, white and grey MTA, and cell growth and chemotactic responses were assessed. Statistical differences between the experimental and control groups were determined using one‐way anova.

Results

A broad range of growth factors, many not previously reported in dentine, were liberated by these pulp‐capping agents, including SCF, M‐CSF, GM‐CSF, IGFBP‐1, NGF and GDNF. White and grey MTA liberated more growth factors than calcium hydroxide. FTIR analysis of dentine exposed to pulp‐capping agents showed partial depletion of amide bands I, II and III, with little alteration in phosphate peaks compared to untreated dentine. dECM components released by white and grey MTA induced significantly more cell growth at low‐to‐moderate concentrations (P ≦ 0.05) examined in this study and significantly enhanced cell chemotaxis at all concentrations compared with controls (P ≦ 0.05).

Conclusions

White and grey MTA solubilize a broad range of bioactive molecules from dentine, which can induce proliferation and chemotaxis in pulp cells.
Prevalence of apical periodontitis in root filled teeth: findings from a nationwide survey in Finland
Authors: Huumonen S. , Suominen A. L. , Vehkalahti M. M.
Published: February 2016

Aim

To assess the prevalence of apical periodontitis in the Finnish population aged 30 years and older and relate it to the technical quality of root filling by the type of tooth.

Methodology

As part of the Finnish nationwide Health 2000 study, panoramic radiographs were used of the dentate subjects (n = 5335) aged 30–95 years (mean 50.2 years) to assess the apical and endodontic status of their teeth (n = 120635). Apical periodontitis (AP) was recorded when the periodontal ligament space was more than double in width, or loss of lamina dura or a periapical radiolucent lesion was seen. Technically, adequate root fillings had a gap of 0–3 mm from the apex; all others were defined as inadequate. Statistical methods included chi‐square tests and anova. Risk of AP was estimated as cross‐product odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval.

Results

Teeth with AP occurred in 27% of the dentate subjects being more prevalent in subjects with root filled teeth than in those without (39% vs. 9%; P < 0.001; OR = 6.3; 95% CI 5.3, 7.4). AP was more prevalent in men than in women (31% vs. 23%). At a tooth level, AP was most frequent in mandibular molars with inadequate root fillings. For all root filled teeth, an inadequate root filling doubled the risk of AP for both women (OR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.7, 2.4) and men (OR = 2.5; 95% CI 2.1, 2.9).

Conclusions

AP occurred principally in subjects and teeth with root fillings. Inadequate root fillings doubled the risk of AP. An improvement in the technical quality of root canal treatment is essential.
Use of 308 nm excimer laser for the treatment of chronic hand and foot eczema
Authors: Shroff Anjali , Malajian Dana , Czarnowicki Tali , Rose Sharon , Bernstein Daniel M. , Singer Giselle K. , Lebwohl Mark G. , Hadi Suhail , Guttman‐Yassky Emma
Published: February 2016

Background

Chronic hand and foot eczema (CHFE), a prevalent debilitating disorder affecting approximately 15% of the population, presents a socioeconomic and psychosocial burden for patients and often follows a chronic course, refractory to conventional therapies. Thus, a large need exists for more effective therapeutics; the excimer laser (308 nm) is effective for some inflammatory skin diseases, but its efficacy has not been evaluated for CHFE.

Methods

The study is a retrospective chart review conducted on 30 patients with recalcitrant CHFE (19 with hand involvement, four with foot involvement, and seven with both) treated twice weekly with excimer laser (308 nm) single wavelength ultraviolet (UV)B radiation between January 2013 and December 2014.

Results

Improvements in clinical scores included a 69% reduction in average physician's global assessment (PGA) scores (from 2.77 at baseline to 0.87 after treatment, P < 0.0001) with a parallel reduction in average modified total lesion/symptom scores of 70% (from 10.2 to 3.1, P < 0.0001). Only mild sunburn‐like reactions were observed.

Conclusion

This report evaluates excimer laser for patients with refractory CHFE and shows excellent and sustained efficacy for this treatment. Compared to other UV therapies, excimer laser offers lower cumulative doses of UV radiation by targeting specific areas. This effective treatment should be considered alone or in combination with other established or newer therapies.
A randomized controlled trial of dance exergaming for exercise training in overweight and obese adolescent girls
Authors: Staiano A. E. , Marker A. M. , Beyl R. A. , Hsia D. S. , Katzmarzyk P. T. , Newton R. L.
Published: February 2016

Background

Structured exergaming with prescribed moderate intensity physical activity has reduced adiposity among adolescents. The extent to which adolescents reduce adiposity when allowed to self‐select intensity level is not known.

Objective

The objective of the study was to examine the influence of exergaming on adolescent girls' body composition and cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial assigned 41 overweight and obese girls aged 14 to 18 years to group‐based dance exergaming (36 h over 3 months) or to a self‐directed care control condition. Body size and composition were measured by anthropometry, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry [%fat and bone mineral density {BMD}] and magnetic resonance imaging. Cardiovascular risk factors included blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin.

Results

Attrition was 5%. Using analysis of covariance controlling for baseline value, age and race, there were no significant condition differences. Per protocol (attended >75%), the intervention group significantly decreased abdominal subcutaneous adiposity and increased trunk and spine BMD (ps < 0.05). Per protocol (>2600 steps/session), the intervention group significantly decreased leg %fat and decreased abdominal subcutaneous and total adiposity (ps < 0.05).

Conclusion

Exergaming reduced body fat and increased BMD among those adolescent girls who adhered. Further research is required before exergaming is recommended in clinical settings.
Vasculogenic mimicry plays an important role in adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Faming , Lin Hao , Cao Kaiyuan , Wang Hua , Pan Jincheng , Zhuang Jintao , Chen Xu , Huang Bin , Wang Daohu , Qiu Shaopeng
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To determine the prognostic role of vasculogenic mimicry in adrenocortical carcinoma, and to explore its relationship with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expression.

Methods

A total of 46 samples of adrenocortical carcinoma were collected and reviewed. Vasculogenic mimicry and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 were detected by immunohistochemistry and double staining. Survival analysis was carried out to access pronostic significance. Three‐dimensional culture method was applied to test the ability of vasculogenic mimicry formation by adrenocortical carcinoma cell lines SW‐13 and H295R. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to monitor the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in SW‐13 and H295R. After being treated with specific inhibitor or small interfering ribonucleic acid to downregulate expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, vasculogenic mimicry formation and cell prolifration of SW‐13 cells were evaluated by 3‐D culture and Cell Counting Kit‐8 methods.

Results

Vasculogenic mimicry was observed in 19 of the 46 (41.30%) adrenocortical carcinoma samples. Both vasculogenic mimicry and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expressions showed a positive association with Weiss score and TNM stage, whereas vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 was also associated with tumor size (all P < 0.05). Vasculogenic mimicry was closely correlated with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expressions (r = 0.470, P < 0.01). The median overall survival of patients with vasculogenicmimicry‐positive or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2‐positive was shorter than that of patients with vasculogenic mimicry‐negative or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2‐negative (P = 0.001 and 0.028, respectively). The vasculogenic mimicry‐forming SW‐13 cells expressed higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 than that of H295R, which was unable to form vasculogenic mimicry on Matrigel. However, downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 only decreased cell proliferation, but not vasculogenic mimicry formation by SW‐13 cells.

Conclusions

Vasculogenic mimicry and overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 seem to correlate with poor prognostic outcomes in adrenocortical carcinoma. Anti‐angiogenesis treatments targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 should be combined with therapies targeting vasculogenic mimicry in adrenocortical carcinoma.
Methods for Scalar‐on‐Function Regression
Authors: Reiss Philip T. , Goldsmith Jeff , Shang Han Lin , Ogden R. Todd
Published: February 2016

Recent years have seen an explosion of activity in the field of functional data analysis (FDA), in which curves, spectra, images and so on are considered as basic functional data units. A central problem in FDA is how to fit regression models with scalar responses and functional data points as predictors. We review some of the main approaches to this problem, categorising the basic model types as linear, non‐linear and non‐parametric. We discuss publicly available software packages and illustrate some of the procedures by application to a functional magnetic resonance imaging data set.
The potential risks and impact of the start of the 2015–2016 influenza season in the WHO European Region: a rapid risk assessment
Authors: Tjon‐Kon‐Fat Raïssa , Meerhoff Tamara , Nikisins Sergejs , Pires João , Pereyaslov Dmitriy , Gross Diane , Brown Caroline ,   WHO European Region Influenza Network
Published: February 2016

Background

Countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region are reporting more severe influenza activity in the 2015–2016 season compared to previous seasons.

Objectives

To conduct a rapid risk assessment to provide interim information on the severity of the current influenza season.

Methods

Using the WHO manual for rapid risk assessment of acute public health events and surveillance data available from Flu News Europe, an assessment of the current influenza season from 28 September 2015 (week 40/2015) up to 31 January 2016 (week 04/2016) was made compared with the four previous seasons.

Results

The current influenza season started around week 51/2015 with higher influenza activity reported in Eastern Europe compared to Western Europe. There is a strong predominance of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 compared to previous seasons, but the virus is antigenically similar to the strain included in the seasonal influenza vaccine. Compared to the 2014/2015 season, there was a rapid increase in the number of severe cases in Eastern European countries with the majority of such cases occurring among adults aged <65 years.

Conclusions

The current influenza season is characterized by an early start in Eastern European countries, with indications of a more severe season. Currently circulating influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses are antigenically similar to those included in the seasonal influenza vaccine, and the vaccine is expected to be effective. Authorities should provide information to the public and health providers about the current influenza season, recommendations for the treatment of severe disease and effective public health measures to prevent influenza transmission.
Inventory control model for a supply chain system with multiple types of items and minimum order size requirements
Authors: Park Jun Hyeong , Kim Jong Soo , Shin Ki Young
Published: February 2016

This paper considers a replenishment problem for a single buyer who orders multiple types of items from two or more heterogeneous suppliers in order to sell to end customers. The buyer periodically orders each type of item from the suppliers according to a select inventory control policy. Processing the order, each supplier enforces the policy that an order from the buyer must meet a predetermined minimum order quantity (MOQ). Therefore, the buyer must decide how much to order from each supplier considering the current inventory level, demand forecast, and MOQ requirement. The buyer's problem is formulated as an integer programming model and an efficient implementation strategy is suggested to apply the model to real problems. Numerical experiments are performed to test the validity of the proposed model as well as the efficiency of the implementation strategy. The experimental results show that this model combined with the implementation method yields a considerable cost reduction compared to the most efficient policy currently available.
A metaheuristic for security budget allocation in utility networks
Authors: Janssens Jochen , Talarico Luca , Sörensen Kenneth
Published: February 2016

Real‐life utility networks such as smart grids, pipelines, and water networks can be exposed to safety‐ and security‐related risk. To mitigate the risks that might result in service interruptions for the users of these networks, countermeasures can be applied. In this paper, a decision model is proposed that assumes that all edges (e.g., pipes, cables) and nodes (e.g., switching or connection stations, substations in an electricity network) have a certain probability of failing, which can be reduced by applying appropriate security strategies. An optimization model is developed that determines the optimal security strategy to be applied to each node and each arc so as to minimize the probability for disconnected node pairs to arise in the network, subject to a budget constraint. A metaheuristic approach to solve this problem has been proposed. The metaheuristic is calibrated in a statistical experiment and detailed experiments on realistic instances confirm that it performs well.
Nurses' perceptions and experiences of work role transitions: a mixed methods systematic review of the literature
Authors: Arrowsmith Victoria , Lau‐Walker Margaret , Norman Ian , Maben Jill
Published: February 2016

Aim

To understand nurses' perceptions and experiences of work role transitions.

Background

Globally an uncertain healthcare landscape exists and when changing work roles nurses experience periods of transition when they may not cope well. A greater understanding of work role transitions may help facilitate workforce retention and successful careers.

Design

Mixed methods systematic review.

Data sources

Six data bases were searched for peer reviewed primary empirical research, published in English language between January 1990 and December 2014, supplemented by hand and citation searching.

Review methods

Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co‐ordinating Centre methods for systematic reviews principles were followed. Analysis and synthesis of the qualitative and quantitative papers was conducted separately using thematic analysis. A third synthesis combined the narrative findings and a narrative synthesis of results is presented.

Results

Twenty‐six papers were included. Across nurses' work role transitions two pathways were found: Novice and Experienced. ‘Novice’ comprises pre‐registration and newly qualified nurses. ‘Experienced’ comprises, Enrolled/Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse, experienced to specialist nurse and clinical role changes. Each pathway results in different emphasizes of two themes; ‘Striving for a new professional self’ includes emotional upheaval and identity while ‘Know how’ includes competence and boundaries. Novice nurses are more susceptible to the extremes of emotional upheaval while experienced nurses' competence eases aspects of transitions while boundary issues pervade.

Conclusion

Informed work and educational environments are required for all groups of nurses. Using existing models of transition can facilitate successful individual transitions and develop the workplace.
Left Atrial Appendage Closure Guided by 3D Printed Cardiac Reconstruction: Emerging Directions and Future Trends
Authors: PELLEGRINO PIER LUIGI , FASSINI GAETANO , DI BIASE MATTEO , TONDO CLAUDIO
Published: February 2016

Emerging Directions and Future Trends

Introduction

Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion has emerged as an alternative therapeutic approach to medical therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. 3D printing is a novel technology able to create a patient specific model of any given anatomical portion of the heart.

Results

Herein we report the first 2 cases of LAA occlusion procedure with 2 different systems, the Wave Crest device (Coherex Medical, Inc., USA) and the Amplatzer Amulet device (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA), in which a 3D printed LAA model (Care Tronik, Prato, Italy) was used in a rehearse phase. Both patients had history of paroxysmal AF and previous transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurred during oral anticoagulation with correct INR. In the first patient the occlusive device was positioned within the LAA after a rehearse occlusion using the 3D printed LAA plus a 27 mm Coherex Wavecrest device, demonstrating a good compression and sealing, particularly considering a proximal lobe of the appendage. In the second patient an attempt with the 27 mm Amulet device delivered within the 3D printed LAA, based on angiography and transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE), revealed insufficient covering of the proximal part of LAA vestibule; the device was released only after a second test with the 31 mm Amulet demonstrating a good sealing.

Conclusion

These 2 cases demonstrated that 3D model could help in finding the correct position within LAA, sizing the device and guiding the choice of the closure device despite the measurements provided by angiography and TEE.
Burning the Gap: Electrical and Anatomical Basis of the Incremental Pacing Maneuver for Cavotricuspid Isthmus Block Assessment
Authors: VALLÈS ERMENGOL , CABRERA SANDRA , BENITO BEGOÑA , ALCALDE OSCAR , JIMÉNEZ JESÚS , MARTÍ‐ALMOR JULIO
Published: February 2016

Use of Microelectrodes During Incremental Pacing

Introduction

The incremental pacing (IP) maneuver is a highly specific technique that improves the ability to confirm complete CTI conduction block during typical atrial flutter (AFL) ablation, and reduces long‐term AFL recurrences. The purpose of this study is to assess the performance of new catheters equipped with additional high precision bipoles (AHPB) to allow the visualization of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) conduction gap and to compare them with the IP maneuver.

Methods and Results

Twenty consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation of the CTI for AFL were included. The IP maneuver confirmed functional versus complete CTI block. Local electrogram analysis using AHPB was then used to assess the presence or absence of gaps across the CTI line. Mean age was 67 years and 80% were male. At the end of the procedure CTI block was achieved in all patients. A transient stage of functional CTI block was observed in 40%. In all cases a continuous fragmented electrogram was present between the double potentials in the CTI in the AHPB channels. In contrast, no electrogram was observed between the CTI double potentials in any of the 20 patients once complete block was confirmed by the IP maneuver. When both techniques were compared a significant association and correlation were observed (chi‐square <0.01, Spearman's rho = 1, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Catheters equipped with AHPB can aid in the assessment of complete CTI block during AFL ablation procedures by detecting conduction gaps that correlate with incomplete functional block diagnosed by the IP maneuver.
Role of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) in pericyte‐mediated vascular inflammation
Authors: Navarro Rocío , Delgado‐Wicke Pablo , Nuñez‐Prado Natalia , Compte Marta , Blanco‐Toribio Ana , Nuñez Gabriel , Álvarez‐Vallina Luis , Sanz Laura
Published: February 2016

We have recently described the response of human brain pericytes to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) through toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, Gram‐negative pathogen‐associated molecular patterns include not only LPS but also peptidoglycan (PGN). Given that the presence of co‐purified PGN in the LPS preparation previously used could not be ruled out, we decided to analyse the expression of the intracellular PGN receptors NOD1 and NOD2 in HBP and compare the responses to their cognate agonists and ultrapure LPS.

Our findings show for the first time that NOD1 is expressed in pericytes, whereas NOD2 expression is barely detectable. The NOD1 agonist C12‐iE‐DAP induced IL6 and IL8 gene expression by pericytes as well as release of cytokines into culture supernatant. Moreover, we demonstrated the synergistic effects of NOD1 and TLR4 agonists on the induction of IL8. Using NOD1 silencing in HBP, we showed a requirement for C12‐iE‐DAP‐dependent signalling. Finally, we could discriminate NOD1 and TLR4 pathways in pericytes by pharmacological targeting of RIPK2, a kinase involved in NOD1 but not in TLR4 signalling cascade. p38 MAPK and NF‐κB appear to be downstream mediators in the NOD1 pathway.

In summary, these results indicate that pericytes can sense Gram‐negative bacterial products by both NOD1 and TLR4 receptors, acting through distinct pathways. This provides new insight about how brain pericytes participate in the inflammatory response and may have implications for disease management.
The mechanisms and significance of up‐regulation of RhoB expression by hypoxia and glucocorticoid in rat lung and A549 cells
Authors: Huang Gao‐Xiang , Pan Xiao‐Yu , Jin Yi‐Duo , Wang Yan , Song Xiao‐Lian , Wang Chang‐Hui , Li Yi‐Dong , Lu Jian
Published: February 2016

Small guanosine triphosphate (GTP)‐binding protein RhoB is an important stress sensor and contributes to the regulation of cytoskeletal organization, cell proliferation and survival. However, whether RhoB is involved in the hypoxic response and action of glucocorticoid (GC) is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of hypoxia or/and GC on the expression and activition of RhoB in the lung of rats and human A549 lung carcinoma cells, and further studied its mechanism and significance. We found that hypoxia and dexamethasone (Dex), a synethic GC, not only significantly increased the expression and activation of RhoB independently but also coregulated the expresion of RhoB in vitro and in vivo. Up‐regulation of RhoB by hypoxia was in part through stabilizing the RhoB mRNA and protein. Inhibiting hypoxia‐activated hypoxia‐inducible transcription factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) or extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) with their specific inhibitors significantly decreased hypoxia‐induced RhoB expression, indicating that HIF‐1α, JNK and ERK are involved in the up‐regulation of RhoB in hypoxia. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of RhoB expression by RhoB siRNA not only significantly reduced hypoxia‐enhanced cell migration and cell survival in hypoxia but also increased the sensitivity of cell to paclitaxel (PTX), a chemotherapeutic agent, and reduced Dex‐enhanced resistance to PTX‐chemotherapy in A549 cells. Taken together, the novel data revealed that hypoxia and Dex increased the expression and activation of RhoB, which is important for hypoxic adaptation and hypoxia‐accelerated progression of lung cancer cells. RhoB also enhanced the resistance of cell to PTX‐chemotherapy and mediated the pro‐survival effect of Dex.
Optical coherence tomography of actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinomas – differentiation by quantification of signal intensity and layer thickness
Authors: Schuh S. , Kaestle R. , Sattler E. C. , Welzel J.
Published: February 2016

Background

Previous studies have shown that actinic keratoses (AKs) and basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) can be diagnosed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) based on morphological characteristics. There is a lack of systematic studies that give standardized information on signal intensity and layer thickness of AKs and BCCs.

Objective

The aim of this study was to find out if AKs and BCCs can be objectively diagnosed through standardized measurement of signal intensity and layer thickness and to use OCT as a non‐invasive objective method for the diagnosis and evaluation of AKs and BCCs. Additionally, tumour and skin layer thickness were investigated in correlation with histology.

Methods

In this experimental study, 301 lesions (188 BCCs and 113 AKs) of 125 patients were clinically as well as dermoscopically diagnosed and investigated with OCT before therapy. Normal perilesional skin served as control.

Results

It is possible to differentiate BCCs and AKs from normal skin in OCT due to the decrease of local signal intensity in affected skin layers in relation to adjacent healthy skin. In AKs, a strong thickness increase of the stratum corneum and epidermis compared to normal skin were observed. For the distinction between AKs and BCCs, a drop of signal intensity in the dermis of AKs towards BCCs and a thicker epidermis of AKs in contrast to BCCs were registered. All results are statistically highly significant (P < 0.0001). Besides, a strong correlation of tumour and skin layer thickness of BCCs and AKs in OCT with histology was found.

Conclusion

Through standardized measurement of signal intensity and layer thickness, BCCs and AKs can be objectively diagnosed and distinguished from each other with OCT. This will further improve the use of OCT as a non‐invasive objective method for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of these diseases.
The impact of adverse reactions to injectable filler substances on quality of life: results from the Berlin Injectable Filler Safety (IFS) – study
Authors: Düker D. , Erdmann R. , Hartmann V. , Nast A. , Rzany B. , Bachmann F.
Published: February 2016

Background

Injectable filler substances are commonly used in aesthetic medicine. Adverse reactions are rare, but may cause severe impact on quality of life (QoL). To the best of our knowledge, data on the impact of adverse reactions caused by injectable filler substances on QoL is missing.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of adverse filler reactions on the QoL.

Material and methods

The Injectable Filler Safety (IFS) – study is a partially population‐based registry for adverse reactions due to injectable filler substances. In 2008, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire was added to the questionnaires of the IFS study. For this analysis, only patients with a completed DLQI were included in the analysis.

Results

One hundred and four patients of the IFS study were analysed. A total of 88.5% were female with an average age of 49.2 years. Here, 50.0% were treated with biodegradable and 40.4% with permanent fillers. The most common adverse reactions were nodule formation and hardening. Most patients experienced mild to moderate adverse reactions. Impact on QoL was moderate with an average of 8.9 (±8.4 SD) in patients with adverse reactions to biodegradable and 10.5 (±9.4 SD) to permanent products. However, 24.0% and 13.4% showed a large or a very large impact on QoL.

Conclusion

Adverse reactions to injectable filler products can have a considerable impact on the QoL, comparable to severe chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis.
Oxytocin: A Conditional Anorexigen whose Effects on Appetite Depend on the Physiological, Behavioural and Social Contexts
Authors: Olszewski P. K. , Klockars A. , Levine A. S.
Published: February 2016

Central oxytocin suppresses appetite. Neuronal activity and the release of oxytocin coincide with satiation, as well as with adverse events (e.g. hyperosmolality, toxicity or excessive stomach distension) that necessitate an immediate termination of eating behaviour. Oxytocin also decreases consumption driven by reward, especially as derived from ingesting carbohydrates and sweet tastants. This review summarises current knowledge of the role of oxytocin in food intake regulation and highlights a growing body of evidence showing that oxytocin is a conditional anorexigen [i.e. its effects on appetite differ significantly with respect to certain (patho)physiological, behavioural and social contexts].
Pain during embryo transfer is independently associated with clinical pregnancy in fresh/frozen assisted reproductive technology cycles
Authors: Saravelos Sotirios H. , Wong Alice WY. , Kong Grace WS. , Huang Jin , Klitzman Robert , Li Tin‐Chiu
Published: February 2016

Aim

To assess whether pain experienced during embryo transfer (ET) is associated with the chance of clinical pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology cycles.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of 284 women conducted betweenJuly2011 andJanuary2014. Women under 40 years undergoingin vitrofertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles followed by fresh/frozen ET were recruited. Pain was measured using a 100‐mm visual analogue scale. Several factors relating to both pain and also the nature of the ET procedure were recorded: use of vulsellum, uterine contractility, depth of ET, duration of ET catheter insertion, urgency of micturition, psychological profile tests, salivary α‐amylase and salivary cortisol. Primary outcome was the achievement of clinical pregnancy.

Results

Women who experienced pain during ET had a significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate compared with women who did not (42.2% vs 53.8%;P= 0.03). Non‐pregnant women also had significantly higher pain scores compared with pregnant women (10.3 vs 6.4;P= 0.01). Pain was independent of >20 variables relating to (i) the nature of the ET procedure; (ii) psychological testing; and (iii) potential confounding factors inherent to IVF/ICSI. On binary logistic regression analysis, pain was an independent predictor for the chance of clinical pregnancy (OR, 0.59; 95%CI: 0.37‐0.94;P= 0.03).

Conclusions

Pain during ET is independently associated with the chance of clinical pregnancy. The underlying mechanism could involve factors other than nature of the ET and the psychological state of the patient, and warrants further investigation.
Selling Issues with Solutions: Igniting Social Intrapreneurship in for‐Profit Organizations
Authors: Alt Elisa , Craig Justin B.
Published: February 2016

We offer an explanation of the issue selling process when issues deviate from the dominant logic of organizations. Our main objective is to articulate the multiple ways in which socially oriented innovations can be legitimated in for‐profit organizations through the work of bottom‐up change agents, also known as social intrapreneurs. To unpack this multiplicity, we draw on both institutional theory and the framing perspective in social movements. Specifically, we propose how sellers may advance social issues with solutions by drawing on the logic composite of both organizations and selling targets. By providing an account of the social issue selling process in for‐profit organizations, we consider how the nature of an issue shapes selling efforts when it diverges from the dominant logic, and we shed light on how the content choices of sellers relate to the meaning systems of organizations and targets.
Intergenerational Fairness and the Crowding Out Effects of Well‐Intended Environmental Policies
Authors: Hunt Richard A. , Fund Bret R.
Published: February 2016

Sustainability involves the drive to ensure intergenerational fairness. However, the results of actions taken to achieve sustainability often lie far into the future and efforts to promote the welfare of distant generations may or may not ultimately be successful. While both governmental policies and entrepreneurial innovation have been cited as being indispensable to the achievement of sustainability, the manner in which they co‐exist and interact over very long periods of time remains unclear. Using a computational model spanning more than two centuries, this study asks: Do well‐intended environmental policies facilitate or inhibit environmental entrepreneurship? By simultaneously considering both the ethical and economic consequences of efforts to arrest environmental degradation, our study answers the call to develop multi‐disciplinary perspectives and integrative frameworks when addressing the challenges of sustainable existence. Contrary to widely held perceptions, our findings suggest that policy actions may, in the long run, result in less intergenerational fairness by crowding out environmentally desirable innovations and organizations. Our examination of the long‐term interactions between policies and markets offers insights and opportunities for scholars, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, ethicists and policymakers to develop solutions that preserve and extend the essential contributions of both policy actions and entrepreneurial innovations.
The Agile–Stage‐Gate Hybrid Model: A Promising New Approach and a New Research Opportunity
Authors: Cooper Robert G. , Sommer Anita F.
Published: February 2016

Agile development methodologies have been widely employed in the software industry, where they have been found to yield positive results. But can these new methods, with their new tools such as sprints, scrums, burndown charts, and backlogs, really be integrated with the traditional and popular Stage‐Gate approach and then applied to physical products? Initial but limited evidence suggests yes: Larger IT firms have already integrated Agile and Stage‐Gate and gained the benefits of both approaches; and most recently, a handful of manufacturing firms have employed this Agile–Stage‐Gate hybrid model for physical new products. And if recent evidence can be trusted, this new approach promises to be the most significant change to our thinking about how new‐product development should be done since the introduction of today's popular gating systems 30 years ago. The benefits of this hybrid model are a faster and more adaptive response to changing customer needs, better integration of voice‐of‐customer, better team communication, improved development productivity, and faster to market. A case example from a toy company, LEGO, is provided as an illustration. But there are negatives as well, and additionally, manufacturers must make modifications to Agile in order to adopt it successfully. Although initial results appear promising, much research is needed to explore this new Agile–Stage‐Gate hybrid model, and many research challenges remain.
Interaction between Nanofibrillated Cellulose with Guar Gum and Carboxy Methyl Cellulose in Low‐Fat Mayonnaise
Authors: Golchoobi Laleh , Alimi Mazdak , Shokoohi Shirin , Yousefi Hossein
Published: February 2016

To investigate the physicochemical, rheological and sensory characteristics of a new formulation proposed for low‐fat mayonnaise, nine mayonnaise samples containing different compositions of NFC (nanofibrillated cellulose), guar gum and CMC (carboxy methyl cellulose) were prepared and compared to commercial low‐fat mayonnaise (30% fat) as the control sample. The stability of emulsions containing NFC or NFC/CMC was observed to be lower than the commercial control sample where NFC/guar, due to its viscosifying effect, presented higher stability levels. Regarding to the diffraction behavior of particles, samples containing (0.5%/0.25%/0%), (0%/0.5%/0%) and (0%/0%/1%) NFC/guar/CMC were observed to have the smallest particle sizes and consequently lightest colors. No significant difference was recognized between the taste of treated mayonnaise samples and commercial control sample. The positive effect of NFC on the mouth‐feel features in organoleptic properties was also confirmed. As expected, firmness and cohesiveness in the emulsion samples with smaller droplet sizes and higher levels of monodispersity were observed to be higher. NFC/guar (0.5%/0.25%) sample presented higher elastic properties compared to NFC/CMC (0.5%/0.5%) which was ascribed to the neutral nature of guar adsorbed on NFC.

Practical Applications

Over the past few decades, along with the growing public awareness of the health risks associated with saturated fat (overweight, heart and blood vessel diseases or cancer), the accepted dietary wisdom has been shifted to low‐fat dieting through minimizing the intake of fat in particular. This has led to a dramatic increase in the demand for low‐fat food products. Physically Modified Cellulose, i.e., NFC and MCC, are conventionally used in reduced‐calorie food products to improve rheological and texture characteristics. This study investigates physicochemical, rheological and sensory characteristics of low fat mayonnaise by addition of NFC, guar gum and carboxy‐methyl cellulose.
“Oral” Tribological Study on the Astringency Sensation of Red Wines
Authors: Brossard Natalia , Cai Huifang , Osorio Fernando , Bordeu Edmundo , Chen Jianshe
Published: February 2016

Astringency is a specific oral sensation dominated by a dryness and puckering feeling and is one of the main quality factors for red wines, teas as well as some fruit products. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the mechanisms of the astringency sensation; however which prevails is still unknown. Here we used a tribological system to determine if the astringency is predominantly a physical perception. Mixtures of whole human saliva and typical astringent compounds such as tannins and red wines were evaluated for their lubrication behavior. Friction coefficient was measured over a wide range of lubrication speed. By comparing friction coefficient with human sensory results of astringency, a positive correlation was found. In particular the highest correlation was observed (R2 = 0.93) at a sliding speed of 0.075 mm/s. Results from this work demonstrate that astringency of polyphenol‐rich products is a sensory perception via a physical stimulus and can be quantified using tribology techniques.

Practical Applications

There is an increasing interest in sensory astringency, particularly its signaling process in oral cavity and the quantitative assessment of its intensity. This is due to the fact that astringency is an important quality characteristic which strongly influences consumer's acceptability for many polyphenol‐rich foods. This research achieved the first experimental approach to sensory astringency determination on red wines by using a tribological technique. Results from this work positively confirm the hypothesis that astringency is a tactile sensation. The method established in this work provides a useful tool for efficient determination of astringent intensity both as industrial quality control and for the prediction of consumer's sensory perception.
Acute Toxicity of Ammonia and Nitrite to Painted River Prawn, Macrobrachium carcinus, Larvae
Authors: Gomes Rivaldo Siqueira , de Lima João Paulo Viana , Cavalli Ronaldo Olivera , Correia Eudes de Souza
Published: February 2016

This study evaluated the toxicity of ammonia and nitrite to different larval stages of Macrobrachium carcinus. Three replicated groups of larvae in the zoea stages II, V, and VIII (hence named Z2, Z5, and Z8, respectively) were exposed separately to five ammonia (5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg total ammonia nitrogen [TAN]/L) and six nitrite concentrations (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg NO2‐N/L), plus a control treatment with no addition of ammonia and nitrite, at a salinity of 20 g/L. The ammonia LC50 values at 96 h for Z2, Z5, and Z8 were 8.34, 13.84, and 15.03 mg TAN/L (0.50, 0.71, and 0.92 mg NH3‐N/L), respectively, and the nitrite LC50 values at 96 h for Z2, Z5, and Z8 were 3.28, 9.73, and 34.00 mg NO2‐N/L, respectively. The estimated LC50 values for NO2‐N were lower than those for TAN in most of the stages evaluated. This observation suggests that M. carcinus larvae are more tolerant to ammonia, except at Z8, in which larvae had a higher tolerance to nitrite. Based on the lethal concentrations at 96 h, it may be concluded that the tolerance of M. carcinus to ammonia and nitrite increases with larval development. Safe levels were estimated to be 0.834 mg TAN/L (0.05 mg NH3‐N/L) and 0.328 mg NO2‐N/L; therefore, efforts should be made to maintain lower concentrations of these compounds throughout the larval rearing of M. carcinus.
Assessing the Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Hydrolyzed Soy Protein on the Growth, Nutrient Retention, Body Composition, and Serum Hormone of Juvenile Starry Flounder, Platichthys stellatus
Authors: Song Zhidong , Wang Jiying , Qiao Hongjin , Zhang Limin , Li Peiyu
Published: February 2016

Enzymatic hydrolysis of soy protein has the potential to be an excellent protein source in marine fish feeds. Here we assessed the effects of different inclusion levels of hydrolyzed soy protein (HSP) on growth performance, nutrient retention, body composition, and serum hormone levels in juvenile starry flounder to define HSP utilization. Five isoenergetic and isoprotein diets were formulated with 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, and 40% HSP (SP10–40) to replace 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% soy protein concentrate (SPC), respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, fish fed diets SP20 and SP30 had significantly increased weight gain, percent weight gain, and feed efficiency (FE) compared with fish fed the control diet (P < 0.05). Diets SP20 and SP30 supported significantly higher levels of protein retention, and diet SP20 significantly increased energy retention (P < 0.05) in the fish offered these diets. In terms of nutritional composition of whole fish, feeding diets SP20 and SP30 increased crude protein content (P < 0.05) and diets SP10, SP20, and SP30 increased ash content (P < 0.05). Fish fed diets SP20 and SP30 had higher serum insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) level than that of the control treatment (P < 0.05). When SPC was included at 40% of the diet, 20–30% HSP (43% soluble nitrogen) is recommended to replace 50–75% SPC for maximal growth performance and FE of starry flounder.
Clinical characteristics and potential aetiologies of non‐B non‐C hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B virus endemic area
Authors: Lee Seung Bum , Kim Kang Mo , An Jihyun , Lee Danbi , Shim Ju Hyun , Lim Young‐Suk , Lee Han Chu , Chung Young‐Hwa , Lee Yung Sang
Published: February 2016

Background & Aims

We investigated potential aetiologies, clinical characteristics and prognosis of non‐B non‐C (NBNC) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients in hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemic area, according to potential causes such as previous HBV exposure, chronic alcohol intake and metabolic syndrome.

Patients and Methods

Among 4690 HCC patients treated at Asan Medical Center between 2007 and 2009, 523 were newly diagnosed with NBNC HCC, and their medical records and survival data were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Among 321 NBNC HCC patients whose hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) test results were available, 81.0%, 37.1% and 15.5% had anti‐HBc positivity, chronic alcohol intake and metabolic syndrome respectively. One‐hundred and fifty‐two patients (47.4%) had previous exposure to HBV without chronic alcohol intake or metabolic syndrome. Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs) was positive in 48.0% of the 523 NBNC HCC patients, which was much lower than that in general Korean population, and 52.3% of anti‐HBc‐positive NBNC HCC patients were negative for anti‐HBs. Anti‐HBc‐negative alcoholic patients presented with more advanced cirrhosis with Child‐Pugh class B/C liver function than anti‐HBc‐positive patients (P = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, baseline liver function, alpha‐foetoprotein levels and tumour stage were significant prognostic factors and aetiology did not affect patient survival.

Conclusions

Prior HBV infection could be a potential aetiology in over 40% of NBNC HCC patients in HBV endemic area. Positivity for anti‐HBc and negativity for anti‐HBs may be a serologic surrogate marker for occult HBV infection in these area. The prognosis of NBNC HCC was determined by tumour stage and underlying liver function.
Foreign Exchange Inflows in Emerging Markets: How Much are they Sterilised?
Authors: Bleaney Michael , Devadas Sharmila
Published: February 2016

As some emerging market economies have amassed large quantities of foreign exchange reserves, concern has arisen over the sterilisation of the domestic money stock from these flows. Existing studies focus mostly on narrow (reserve) money, and estimate a high degree of sterilisation. Empirical work on the long‐run relationship between money and prices emphasises broad money, yet the long‐run effect of foreign exchange inflows on broad money has been almost entirely ignored. Using a sample of quarterly data from 28 countries over the period 1990–2010, it is shown that broad money is sterilised to a significantly smaller degree than reserve money, raising concerns about the implications for financial imbalances and inflation. This pattern of sterilisation is not confined to any particular group of countries and is unrelated to the nature of the flows (e.g. current account versus capital account surpluses). Sterilisation rates have increased in Asia during the recent period of persistent accumulation of foreign exchange reserves.
Assessing the performance of DNA barcoding using posterior predictive simulations
Authors: Barley Anthony J. , Thomson Robert C.
Published: February 2016

Accurate estimates of biodiversity are required for research in a broad array of biological subdisciplines including ecology, evolution, systematics, conservation and biodiversity science. The use of statistical models and genetic data, particularly DNA barcoding, has been suggested as an important tool for remedying the large gaps in our current understanding of biodiversity. However, the reliability of biodiversity estimates obtained using these approaches depends on how well the statistical models that are used describe the evolutionary process underlying the genetic data. In this study, we utilize data from the Barcode of Life Database and posterior predictive simulations to assess the performance of DNA barcoding under commonly used substitution models. We demonstrate that the success of DNA barcoding varies widely across DNA substitution models and that model choice has a substantial impact on the number of operational taxonomic units identified (changing results by ~4–31%). Additionally, we demonstrate that the widely followed practice of a priori assuming the Kimura 2‐parameter model for DNA barcoding is statistically unjustified and should be avoided. Using both data‐based and inference‐based test statistics, we detect variation in model performance across taxonomic groups, clustering algorithms, genetic divergence thresholds and substitution models. Taken together, these results illustrate the importance of considering both model selection and model adequacy in studies quantifying biodiversity.