bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allergy‐related diseases and recurrent abdominal pain during childhood – a birth cohort study
Authors: Olén O. , Neuman Å. , Koopmann B. , Ludvigsson J. F. , Ballardini N. , Westman M. , Melén E. , Kull I. , Simrén M. , Bergström A.
Published: October 2014

Background

Allergy and immune dysregulation may have a role in the pathophysiology of recurrent abdominal pain of functional origin, but previous studies of allergy‐related diseases and abdominal pain have contradictory results.

Aim

To examine the association between allergy‐related diseases or sensitisation during childhood and abdominal pain at age 12 years.

Methods

In this birth cohort study of 4089 children, parents answered questionnaires regarding asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema and food hypersensitivity (‘allergy‐related diseases’) at ages 0,1,2,4,8 and 12 years. Blood for analyses of allergen‐specific IgE was sampled at 4 and 8 years. At 12 years, the children answered questions regarding abdominal pain. Children with coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. Associations were examined using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Among 2610 children with complete follow‐up, 9% (n = 237) reported abdominal pain at 12 years. All allergy‐related diseases were associated with concurrent abdominal pain at 12 years and the risk increased with increasing number of allergy‐related diseases (P for trend <0.001). Asthma at 1 and 2 years and food hypersensitivity at 8 years were significantly associated with abdominal pain at 12 years. There was an increased risk of abdominal pain at 12 years in children sensitised to food allergens at 4 or 8 years, but in stratified analyses, this was confined to children whose parents had not reported food hypersensitivity at time of sensitisation.

Conclusion

Allergy‐related diseases as well as sensitisation to food allergens were associated with an elevated risk of abdominal pain, and the risk increased with the number of allergy‐related diseases.
Assessing Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles Using Expert Accounting Witness Evidence and the Conceptual Framework
Authors: Craig Russell , Smieliauskas Wally , Amernic Joel
Published: October 2014

To enhance understanding of the status of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting, we analyse important rules of evidence in United States (US) courts regarding the presentation of expert accounting witness testimony. We draw on this analysis to recommend the relocation of the Conceptual Framework in the US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) hierarchy. For empirical support, we explore how rules of evidence in the criminal trial in 2006 of Enron's two most senior executives affected assessment of whether Enron's financial reports conformed with the FASB's GAAP. We recommend that the FASB's Conceptual Framework should be included in authoritative literature as the uppermost authority, and that it be grounded closely in user needs and the ethical principles associated with meeting those needs. Further, we recommend that accounting expert witnesses adopt an overriding concern for objectivity and impartiality in assisting courts to understand complex accounting matters within the Conceptual Framework.
Prevalence, severity and correlates of fatigue in newly diagnosed patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Efficace Fabio , Gaidano Gianluca , Breccia Massimo , Criscuolo Marianna , Cottone Francesco , Caocci Giovanni , Bowen David , Lübbert Michael , Angelucci Emanuele , Stauder Reinhard , Selleslag Dominik , Platzbecker Uwe , Sanpaolo Grazia , Jonasova Anna , Buccisano Francesco , Specchia Giorgina , Palumbo Giuseppe A. , Niscola Pasquale , Wan Chonghua , Zhang Huiyong , Fenu Susanna , Klimek Virginia , Beyne‐Rauzy Odile , Nguyen Khanh , Mandelli Franco
Published: October 2014

The primary objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with fatigue severity in newly diagnosed patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The secondary objectives were to assess symptom prevalence and to examine the relationships between fatigue, quality of life (QoL) and overall symptom burden in these patients. The analyses were conducted in 280 higher‐risk MDS patients. Pre‐treatment patient‐reported fatigue was evaluated with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)‐Fatigue scale and QoL was assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Core 30 (EORTC QLQ‐C30). Female gender (P = 0·018), poor performance status (i.e., ECOG of 2–4) (P < 0·001) and lower levels of haemoglobin (Hb) (P = 0·026) were independently associated with higher fatigue severity. The three most prevalent symptoms were as follows: fatigue (92%), dyspnoea (63%) and pain (55%). Patients with higher levels of fatigue also had greater overall symptom burdens. The mean global QoL scores of patients with the highest versus those with the lowest levels of fatigue were 29·2 [standard deviation (SD), 18·3] and 69·0 (SD, 18·8), respectively and this difference was four times the magnitude of a clinically meaningful difference. Patient‐reported fatigue severity revealed the effects of disease burden on overall QoL more accurately than did degree of anaemia. Special attention should be given to the female patients in the management of fatigue.
Greater number of group identifications is associated with healthier behaviour: Evidence from a Scottish community sample
Authors: Sani Fabio , Madhok Vishnu , Norbury Michael , Dugard Pat , Wakefield Juliet R. H.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

This paper investigates the interplay between group identification (i.e., the extent to which one has a sense of belonging to a social group, coupled with a sense of commonality with in‐group members) and four types of health behaviour, namely physical exercise, smoking, drinking, and diet. Specifically, we propose a positive relationship between one's number of group identifications and healthy behaviour.

Design

This study is based on the Scottish portion of the data obtained for Wave 1 of the two‐wave cross‐national Health in Groups project. Totally 1,824 patients from five Scottish general practitioner (GP) surgeries completed the Wave 1 questionnaire in their homes.

Methods

Participants completed measures of group identification, group contact, health behaviours, and demographic variables.

Results

Results demonstrate that the greater the number of social groups with which one identifies, the healthier one's behaviour on any of the four health dimensions considered.

Conclusions

We believe our results are due to the fact that group identification will generally (1) enhance one's sense of meaning in life, thereby leading one to take more care of oneself, (2) increase one's sense of responsibility towards other in‐group members, thereby enhancing one's motivation to be healthy in order to fulfil those responsibilities, and (3) increase compliance with healthy group behavioural norms. Taken together, these processes amply overcompensate for the fact that some groups with which people may identify can actually prescribe unhealthy behaviours.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject? Researchers from a number of disciplines – especially social epidemiologists – have investigated the link between social ties and health behaviour in the past. These researchers have shown that, overall, greater ties predict healthier behaviour. However, the vast majority of studies have operationalized ‘social ties’ as the amount of contact (e.g., frequency of interactions) with close others or members of relevant groups, while generally neglecting the subjective dimension of ties with others and groups (e.g., sense of belonging and affiliation). More recently, some researchers have begun to look at the link between group identification and health behaviour. However, to date, this new research approach has focussed on the linear association between identification with one specific group and health behaviours.

What does this study add?

This is the first quantitative study looking at the impact of one's number of high group identifications on four crucial health behaviours (smoking, drinking, exercise, and diet) in a large community sample.

This is the first study that looks at how number of group identifications and number of contact‐intensity groups compare, in terms of their effects on health behaviours.
Neotectonic deformation of a Late Weichselian outwash plain by deglaciation‐induced fault reactivation of a deep‐seated graben structure
Authors: Sandersen Peter B. E. , Jørgensen Flemming
Published: October 2014

The Late Weichselian Tinglev outwash plain in southwestern Denmark slopes gently from east to west, but certain areas of the topography show unusual irregularities. Analysis of LiDAR data reveals a mosaic of smaller areas with pronounced changes in slope magnitude and orientation between neighbouring areas. The outwash plain also features notable changes in elevation across kilometre‐long lineaments and areas lying lower and higher than the expected level. The depressions in the area have previously been interpreted as the result of melting dead‐ice blocks left by the Late Weichselian ice sheet. However, borehole samples from Lake Tinglev on the outwash plain show that lake sedimentation did not start until the early Holocene (9000 years ago), which is more than 9000 years after the ice sheet had retreated. The topographical irregularities are located above the Tønder Graben structure, and we interpret these as the result of Holocene strike‐slip movements along the graben faults resulting in areas of both subsidence and uplift. The deformations of the outwash plain are interpreted as the effect of deglaciation tectonics acting within a limited time frame at the beginning of the Holocene. As the event can be related to stress release from the weight of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet, we expect that other fault zones in northern Europe would be equally prone to reactivation. Tectonic events related to deglaciation would most likely be recurrent, and the stress changes appear to have been able to induce short‐lived tectonic instability to areas normally considered tectonically stable. We conclude that this type of tectonics has had a significant impact on topography and sedimentation throughout the Quaternary.
A complex transition: lessons learned as three young adults with complex care needs transition from an inpatient paediatric hospital to adult community residences
Authors: Lindsay S. , Hoffman A.
Published: October 2014

Background

Whether young adults with complex care needs live at home with their family, in institutional or group home settings finding appropriate care as they transition from paediatric to adult systems can be difficult. Our objective was to understand the experiences, barriers and enablers entailed in transitioning three young adults with complex care needs from an institutional paediatric hospital setting to an adult community residence.

Method

A descriptive design involving in‐depth, semi‐structured, qualitative interviews and a review of 14 h of meeting minutes. Interviews were conducted over the phone, in participants' homes, and at a paediatric rehabilitation hospital. Twenty‐three participants, including 10 clinicians, 11 community partners, two young adults (21–23 years old) with complex care needs from [metropolitan area] Ontario, Canada.

Results

Our findings indicate that clinicians, community partners and young adults with complex care needs encountered several enablers and barriers influencing their transition from a paediatric hospital to adult supportive housing. Enablers included structural factors (leadership, advocacy, timing/funding), availability of care (inter‐agency partnerships), organization of care (model of care, inter‐professional teamwork, extension of roles), and relational factors (communication, development of trust and rapport, family involvement). Barriers included structural factors (timing, funding), availability of care (appropriateness of housing), organization of care (changes in model of care, teamwork, role clarity), relational factors (communication, trust/rapport, family involvement) and personal factors (transition readiness).

Conclusions

There are several challenges to overcome in preparing long‐term hospitalized young adults with complex care needs to transition to adult supportive housing; however, these challenges may be overcome with targeted supports in several key areas.
Exposure to ‘farming’ and objective markers of atopy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Campbell B. E. , Lodge C. J. , Lowe A. J. , Burgess J. A. , Matheson M. C. , Dharmage S. C.
Published: October 2014

There is growing interest in the ‘farm effect’ on the spectrum of allergy. Evidence concerning the farm effect on asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis has been systematically synthesized, but without a specific focus on objective markers of sensitization. This focus is important, as farm exposures may be related to allergy but not to non‐allergic phenotypes of disease. We aimed to systematically review and meta‐analyse literature that has investigated associations between farm exposure at any age and objective measures of atopy, that is serum IgE or skin prick tests results. Using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, we identified 29 articles for review. IgE levels were measured in either childhood or adulthood by eighteen studies, while skin prick testing was performed in sixteen studies. Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale quality assessments indicated that the majority of these studies demonstrated a representative sample of selected participants. Due to significant heterogeneity in study measures and methodology between studies, only few were meta‐analysed. This meta‐analysis showed a significant protective effect of farm exposure before 1 year of life on allergic sensitization (OR = 0.60 [0.52–0.70]). Farm exposure during childhood was also associated with a reduced risk of sensitization to cat or timothy (OR = 0.60 [0.51–0.70]; OR=0.46 [0.41–0.51]). Studies investigating the effect of farm exposure in adult life could not be meta‐analysed, and their results were inconsistent. Insufficient studies investigated food sensitization as an outcome to allow synthesis. The majority of studies included in this review investigated childhood farm exposure, finding evidence to support a protective childhood ‘farm effect’ against subsequent atopy. There is inconsistent evidence on the association between farm exposure in adulthood and allergic sensitization. Further studies are needed to tease out the exact exposures and timing associated with farming environments that protect against allergic disease.
French adaptation and validation of the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐22: a prospective cohort study on quality of life among 422 subjects
Authors: de Dorlodot C. , Horoi M. , Lefebvre P. , Collet S. , Bertrand B. , Eloy P. , Poirrier A.‐L.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

ENT surgeons are facing an ever‐increasing demand to demonstrate their efficacy. The 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) is a fully validated and easy‐to‐use outcome measure in rhinology. Our goal was to translate and validate the SNOT‐22 in a cohort of 422 French‐speaking subjects.

Design, Setting and Participants

The French version of the SNOT‐22 was obtained by forward and backward translations by six independent interpreters. Five experienced rhinologists compared the translations to each other, and a group of 12 naive patients selected the most appropriate translation of each item. To evaluate this questionnaire, we conducted a prospective cohort study on 376 rhinological patients and 46 healthy volunteers in three University‐affiliated teaching Hospitals.

Main outcome measures

Reproducibility (test–retest reliability), internal consistency, known‐group differences, responsiveness to treatment, validity and correlation to other clinical instruments (visual analogue scale, Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation score and Lund–Mackay score).

Results

The test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.78, indicating a good reliability when administering the instrument on two different occasions. The internal consistency was high with a Cronbach's α value of 0.93. Our questionnaire was able to detect differences between rhinological patients and control subjects (P < 0.0001) and improved significantly after nose and sinus surgery (P < 0.0001), indicating a good responsiveness. There was a relative correlation with visual analogue scale and Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation (NOSE) score, but no correlation with Lund–Mackay score.

Conclusion

The SNOT‐22 is a reliable and valid tool to assess quality of life in French‐speaking patients and correlates well with known indices of disease severity.
Gross motor function measure (GMFM‐66) trajectories in children recovering after severe acquired brain injury
Authors: Curran Andrew L M
Published: October 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Kelly et al. on pages 241–247 of this issue
Incremental Value of Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography over the Two‐Dimensional Technique in Percutaneous Closure of Aortic Paraprosthetic Regurgitation
Authors: Alli Oluseun O. , Hsiung Ming C. , Guvenc Tolga , Neill John , Elguindy Mostafa , Ahmed Mustafa I. , Gaba Saurabh , Nanda Navin C.
Published: October 2014

We describe 2 patients with significant aortic paraprosthetic regurgitation who underwent percutaneous closure where live/real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography provided incremental value over two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.
Behavioural responses to predation may explain shifts in community structure
Authors: Hammill Edd , Atwood Trisha B. , Corvalan Paloma , Srivastava Diane S.
Published: October 2014

Predators exert a strong selective force on the ecosystems in which they exist, thereby altering the structure of ecological communities and leading to the evolution of prey defences. However, how interspecific differences in defence ability affect habitat partitioning amongst competing prey species remains unresolved.

We examined how prey defences affect species distribution in a natural ecosystem: the aquatic food web within Neotropical bromeliads. We first related differences in prey (mosquito) density to the presence and absence of predatory damselfly larvae. We then quantified behavioural responses to predators in the two most abundant mosquito species, and the effects of these behaviours on predator consumption rates.

In the absence of damselflies, Wyeomyia was the most abundant mosquito genus in natural bromeliads. However, Wyeomyia numbers were reduced in the presence of damselflies. Numbers of the genus Culex increased with bromeliad size irrespective of the presence of damselflies. As a result of the differing effects of plant size and damselflies on the two genera of mosquito larvae, Culex were more numerous in large bromeliads containing damselflies.

The most abundant Culex species, Culex jenningsi, had two kinds of behavioural defences: reduced movement and increased time at the water surface. These defences reduced damselfly attack rate on C. jenningsi, but not handling time. Consequently, consumption rate was reduced at all but the highest prey densities, altering the damselfly's functional response. Inducible defences were not seen in the most abundant Wyeomyia species, Wyeomyia abebela, and pre‐exposure to predation risk did not reduce predation on this species.

Inducible behavioural defences, and the associated reductions in predation rate, evidently allow C. jenningsi to coexist with predators at a higher density than W. abebela. As predation risk is non‐randomly distributed amongst bromeliads, divergence between mosquito species in their response to predation may contribute to the coexistence of a number of mosquito species across the landscape.
Institutional (mis)trust in colorectal cancer screening: a qualitative study with Greek, Iranian, Anglo‐Australian and Indigenous groups
Authors: Ward Paul R. , Coffey Cushla , Javanparast Sara , Wilson Carlene , Meyer Samantha B.
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has the second highest cancer mortality rate in Australia. The Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) aims to increase early detection of CRC by offering free Faecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT), although uptake is low for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups.

Aim of paper

To present data on trust and mistrust in the NBCSP by population groups with low uptake and thus to highlight areas in need of policy change.

Methods

A qualitative study was undertaken in South Australia, involving interviews with 94 people from four CALD groups: Greek, Iranian, Anglo‐Australian, and Indigenous peoples.

Results

Our study highlights the complexities of institutional trust, which involves considerations of trust at interpersonal, local and national levels. In addition, trust and mistrust was found in more abstract systems such as the medical knowledge of doctors to diagnose or treat cancer or the scientific procedures in laboratories to test the FOBTs. The object of institutional (mis)trust differed between cultural groups – Anglo‐Australian and Iranian groups indicated a high level of trust in the government, whereas Indigenous participants were much less trusting.

Conclusion

The level and nature of trust in the screening process varied between the CALD groups. Addressing program misconceptions, clarifying the FOBT capabilities and involving medical services in collecting and transporting the samples may increase trust in the NBCSP. However, broader and more enduring mistrust in services and institutions may need to be dealt with in order to increase trust and participation.
The effect of reciprocation versus rotational movement on the incidence of root defects during retreatment procedures
Authors: Üstün Y. , Topçuoğlu H. S. , Düzgün S. , Kesim B.
Published: October 2014

Aim

To compare the incidence of dentinal defects caused by reciprocating and rotary techniques during retreatment procedures.

Methodology

One hundred and twenty extracted mandibular premolars with single canals were selected. Twenty teeth were left unprepared. The root canals in the remaining 100 teeth were prepared with K‐files up to size 35 and filled with Gutta‐percha and AH Plus sealer using a passive cold lateral compaction technique. Twenty canals were filled and received no further treatment. Eighty teeth were divided into four groups (n = 20 in each) to undergo the removal of the root filling. In groups 1 and 2, the root filling was removed using ProTaper Retreatment files and Reciproc files, respectively, and the canals were not refilled. In groups 3 and 4, the root filling was removed using ProTaper Retreatment files and Reciproc files, respectively, and the canals were then refilled using a conventional cold lateral compaction technique. The roots were sectioned horizontally at 3, 6 and 9 mm from the root apex and observed under a stereomicroscope at 20× magnification. Defects were categorized as no defect, incomplete defect and fracture. The differences between the groups were analysed using the chi‐square exact test (P = 0.05).

Results

No defects were observed in the unprepared and filled groups, in contrast to the experimental groups. In the coronal thirds, groups 2 and 4 had more dentinal defects than groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.05). In the middle thirds, group 4 had more defects than group 1 (P < 0.05). In the apical thirds, group 2 had fewer defects than did group 3 and group 4. Also, group 3 had more defects than group 1 (P < 0.05). When comparing the experimental groups, there were no significant differences with regard to fracture (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Both nickel–titanium systems were associated with dentinal defects during retreatment procedures in extracted premolar teeth.
Melatonin potentiates the anti‐tumour effect of pravastatin in rat mammary gland carcinoma model
Authors: Orendáš Peter , Kubatka Peter , Bojková Bianka , Kassayová Monika , Kajo Karol , Výbohová Desanka , Kružliak Peter , Péč Martin , Adamkov Marián , Kapinová Andrea , Adamicová Katarína , Sadloňová Vladimíra , Chmelová Martina , Stollárová Nadežda
Published: October 2014

Previous studies in the field of cancer research have suggested a possible role for statins in the reduction of risk in certain malignancies. The purpose of these studies was to examine the chemopreventive effects of pravastatin alone and in combination with pineal hormone melatonin in the N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea‐induced mammary carcinogenesis model. Pravastatin was given orally (1 00 mg/kg) and melatonin was added to the water (20 μg/ml). Chemoprevention began seven days prior to carcinogen administration and subsequently continued for 15 weeks until autopsy. At autopsy, mammary tumours were removed and prepared for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Parameters of experimental carcinogenesis, mechanism of action (biomarkers of apoptosis, angiogenesis and proliferation) and side effects after long‐term treatment in animals were assessed. Pravastatin alone suppressed tumour frequency by 20.5% and average tumour volume by 15% compared with controls. Combined administration of the drugs decreased tumour frequency by 69% and lengthened tumour latency by nine days compared with control animals. The ration between high and low grade carcinomas was apparently reduced in both treated groups. The analysis of carcinoma cells showed significant expression increase in caspase‐3 and caspase‐7 after pravastatin treatment; however, combined treatment even more pronounced increase in the expression of both caspases. Regarding VEGFR‐2 expression, a small effect in carcinomas of both treated groups was found. In plasma metabolism evaluation, pravastatin alone significantly decreased levels of glucose and triacylglycerols. Our results suggest a mild anti‐neoplastic effect of pravastatin in this rat mammary gland carcinoma model. Statins co‐administered with other suitable drug (e.g. melatonin) should be further evaluated for tumour‐preventive properties.
Properties of Self‐Glazing Al2O3‐C Refractories Influenced by the Graphite Content and Nanoscaled Additives
Authors: Ludwig Susann , Roungos Vasileios , Aneziris Christos G.
Published: October 2014

Components based on carbon‐bonded alumina refractories are widely used in steelmaking industry in terms of submerged entry nozzles, monoblock stoppers, and ladle shrouds. According to the current state of the art, such components are glazed to inhibit oxidation of carbon‐containing refractories. Carbon oxidation leads to a deterioration of the components properties, risking even a detrimental failure and should therefore be prevented. In this paper, alumina–graphite refractories were produced according to standard commercial practice and mechanical, as well as physical properties were determined with special focus on carbon content and the application of nanoscaled additives. The investigations showed a correlation between porous structure and generation of a self‐glaze after heat treatment in air, effectively inhibiting the oxidation process. Moreover, the mechanical and thermo‐mechanical behavior of the tested samples was comparable to commercial components. These newly developed self‐glazed Al2O3‐C refractories could have the potential to replace the currently used components in the near future.
Generalizing from Research Findings: The Merits of Case Studies
Authors: Tsang Eric W.K.
Published: October 2014

The case study as a key research method has often been criticized for generating results that are less generalizable than those of large‐sample, quantitative methods. This paper clearly defines generalization and distinguishes it from other related concepts. Drawing on the literature, the author shows that case study results may be less generalizable than those of quantitative methods only in the case of within‐population generalization. The author argues that case studies have merits over quantitative methods in terms of theoretical generalization, identifying disconfirming cases and providing useful information for assessing the empirical generalizability of results.
Effects of cyanobacteria, fish kairomones, and the presence of ostracods on the demography of Simocephalus vetulus (Cladocera)
Authors: Fernández Rocío , Nandini S. , Sarma S.S.S. , Castellanos‐Paez María Elena
Published: October 2014

Simocephalus vetulus is a large (2.0–4.0 mm at maturity) cladoceran often found in the littoral region of lakes and ponds, and capable of moderate growth rates even on poor‐quality cyanobacterial diets. It frequently co‐occurs with fishes and similar sized ostracods such as Heterocypris incongruens, but little is known of its response to fish kairomones or its interactions with potential competitors. We studied the demographic responses of S. vetulus fed the green alga Scenedesmus acutus, Microcystis cf. aeruginosa strain A, Microcystis cf. aeruginosa strain B, or Limnothrix sp. Experiments were conducted separately and together in the presence of Heterocypris incongruens and cichlid fish (Oreochromis) kairomones. A diet of Limnothrix sp. resulted in the lowest population growth rate (0.21±0.023 d−1), while on diets of S. acutus or Microcystis, population growth was higher (0.30±0.009 d−1). The presence of ostracods resulted in significantly higher growth rates of S. vetulus fed Limnothrix (0.33±0.01 d−1), but not Microcystis or S. acutus. Regardless of the diet, the presence of fish kairomones resulted in significantly higher growth rates as compared with controls, particularly when ostracods were also present. Coexistence with ostracods may be beneficial to S. vetulus, particularly when food quality is poor.
Polarization Structures of Topological Domains in Multiferroic Hexagonal Manganites
Authors: Cheng Shaobo , Zhao Yonggang , Sun Xuefeng , Zhu Jing
Published: October 2014

Topologically protected domains, composed of mutually coupled ferroelectric, (anti)ferromagnetic, and antiphase domains, are widespread in hexagonal manganites. We have applied the extended Howie‐Whelan equations in hexagonal systems and simulated the electron‐diffraction intensities of four kinds of representative hexagonal manganites. Thereby, the polarization directions of domains and charging status of domain walls can be easily determined by electron‐diffraction contrast method, which is succinct and reliable. Here, we present a systematic investigation about the polarization structures and pave the way for further study about the properties of domains by transmission electron microscopy. Besides, the dynamic behavior of domains merely under transmission electron beam irradiation was firstly shown as well.
Different patterns of morphological changes in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus accompany the differential expression of disability following nerve injury
Authors: Kalman Eszter , Keay Kevin A.
Published: October 2014

Physical and psychological trauma which results in mood disorders and the disruption of complex behaviours is associated with reductions in hippocampal volume. Clinical evaluation of neuropathic pain reveals mood and behavioural change in a significant number of patients. A rat model of neuropathic injury results in complex behavioural changes in a subpopulation (~30%) of injured rats; these changes are co‐morbid with a range of other ‘disabilities’. The specific objective of this study was to determine in rats the morphology of the hippocampus and dentate gyrus in individuals with and without complex behavioural disruptions following a constriction injury of the sciatic nerve, and to determine whether rats that develop disabilities following nerve injury have a reduced hippocampal volume compared with injured rats with no disabilities. The social behaviours of nerve‐injured rats were evaluated before and after nerve injury. The morphology of the hippocampus of rats with and without behavioural disruptions was compared in serial histological sections. Single‐housing and repeated social‐interaction testing had no effect on the morphology of either the hippocampus or the dentate gyrus. Rats with transient or ongoing disability identified by behavioural disruption following sciatic nerve injury, show bilateral reductions in hippocampal volume, and lateralised reduction in the dentate gyrus (left side). Disabled rats display a combination of behavioural and physiological changes, which resemble many of the criteria used clinically to diagnose mood disorders. They also show reductions in the volume of the hippocampus similar to people with clinically diagnosed mood disorders. The sciatic nerve injury model reveals a similarity to the human neuropathic pain presentation presenting an anatomically specific focus for the investigation of the neural mechanisms underpinning the co‐morbidity of chronic pain and mood disorder.
Analysis of RhoE expression in the testis, epididymis and ductus deferens, and the effects of its deficiency in mice
Authors: Gómez Olga , Ballester‐Lurbe Begoña , Guasch Rosa M. , Pérez‐Roger Ignacio , García‐Roselló Empar , Terrado José
Published: October 2014

Rho proteins are a large family of GTPases involved in the control of actin cytoskeleton dynamics, proliferation and survival. Rnd1, Rnd2 and RhoE/Rnd3 form a subfamily of Rho proteins characterized by being constitutively active. The role of these proteins has been studied during the last years in several systems; however, little is known about their expression and functions in the reproductive organs. In this work we analysed the localization and the effect of RhoE deficiency in the testes using mice lacking RhoE expression (RhoE gt/gt), and our research shows some unexpected and relevant results. First, we have observed that RhoE is only expressed in Leydig cells within the testicular parenchyma and it is absent of seminiferous tubules. In addition, RhoE is expressed in the excurrent ducts of the testis, including the ductuli efferentes, epididymis and ductus deferens. Moreover, the testes of postnatal 15‐day‐old RhoE null mice are smaller, both in absolute values and in relation to the body weight. Furthermore, the dimensions of their seminiferous tubules are also reduced compared with wild‐types. In order to study the role of RhoE in the adult, we analysed heterozygous animals as RhoE null mice die early postnatally. Our results show that the testes of adult RhoE heterozygous mice are also smaller than those of the wild‐types, with a 17% decrease in the ratio testis weight/body weight. In addition, their seminiferous tubules have reduced tubular diameter (12%) and a thinner epithelial wall (33%) that appears disorganized and with a swollen lumen. Finally, and probably as a consequence of those alterations, the sperm concentration of heterozygous animals was found to be lower than in the wild‐types. These results indicate that accurate levels of RhoE in the testes are necessary for a correct development and function of male gonads, and suggest novel and unexpected roles of Rnd GTPases in the reproductive physiology.
The epigonal organ and mature pole of the testis in the recreationally fished blue shark (Prionace glauca): histochemico‐functional correlates
Authors: McClusky Leon Mendel , Sulikowski James
Published: October 2014

The exact role of the immune system in normal spermatogenesis is poorly understood. The attachment, however, of the lymphomyeloid epigonal organ specifically to the testis's mature pole in many shark species is a curious finding. Unlike the histology of the lymphomyeloid tissues of many other elasmobranchs, the epigonal organ leukocytes of wild‐caught blue shark (Prionace glauca), besides exhibiting extensive nuclear heterogeneity, contain some of the largest known granules ever seen in vertebrate white blood cells. It was previously shown that the blue shark epigonal organ remains unremarkable and functionally unchanged despite cestode parasites embedded into its surface, suggesting that it might have other functions in addition to microbial defense. We show here that Prionace epigonal leukocytes shed their granule‐laden cytoplasm into the cyst resorption zone (RZ) of the testis, i.e. the region separating the spermatogenic tissue from the epigonal organ, as they begin to migrate into the RZ. Using the immunoreactivity of the conserved transcription factor (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) as marker, it is shown that the granule‐lacking leukocytes exclusively infiltrated spermatozoal cysts leftover after the wave of wide‐spread multinuclear cell death in summer‐breeding males in a seasonally dependent manner. By contrast, Prionace caught 2 months later showed fully recovered testes containing numerous completely intact spermatozoal cysts. Conversely, degenerating immature spermatids were gradually phagocytized by their accompanying Sertoli cells, and leukocytes did not infiltrate such cysts. The autoimmune response described here resembles in every aspect the testicular autoimmune response induced experimentally in a teleost fish. These observations suggest functional adaptation of shark leukocytes in response to specific changes in the testicular microenvironment.
Short‐Term Assessment of the OHIP‐14 Scale on Denture Wearers Using Adhesives
Authors: Polyzois Gregory , Lagouvardos Panagiotis , Partalis Christos , Zoidis Panagiotis , Polyzois Hector
Published: October 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess differences of the Oral Health Implant Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) scale over a month and determine association with gender, supporting tissues (KIS), and denture base (KID) among patients wearing complete dentures using denture adhesives.

Materials and Methods

Sixteen denture wearers, candidates for a new set of complete dentures, were selected. OHIP‐14 scores were recorded at the beginning of the study, 6 weeks after fitting of the new set (T0), 15 days (T1), and finally 30 days (T2) after daily use of a denture adhesive as instructed. The KIS and KID were clinically examined and rated according to the Kapur Index. Statistical analyses were based on repeated‐measures ANOVA, Mann‐Whitney test, regression analysis, and Friedman test at a = 0.05.

Results

The OHIP‐14 scale was found to have a high reliability (alpha = 0.847) and a high test‐retest consistency (ICC = 0.889); however, domain 1 had the lowest item‐total correlation (rho = 0.144) and item 7 a negative one (rho = ‐0.414). Trend analysis indicated a significant negative linear trend over time (slope = ‐3.156, p = 0.002), while repeated‐measures ANOVA showed differences in OHIP‐14 between T2 and T1 (p = 0.003) or T0 (p = 0.005) intervals. OHIP‐14 groups were found to be positively associated with KIS (p = 0.010) and negatively with KID (p = 0.047) groups, but not with gender (p = 0.272).

Conclusions

The study shows that OHIP‐14 has a high internal reliability and consistency when applied to new denture wearers, and its score decreases if denture adhesives are used for at least 15 days. Low KIS and high KID contributes to this trend. Some OHIP‐14 items are more associated than others with the total score trend over time.
Double Full‐Arch Versus Single Full‐Arch, Four Implant‐Supported Rehabilitations: A Retrospective, 5‐Year Cohort Study
Authors: Maló Paulo , Araújo Nobre Miguel De , Lopes Armando , Rodrigues Rolando
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To report the 5‐year outcome of the All‐on‐4 treatment concept comparing double full‐arch (G1) and single‐arch (G2) groups.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 110 patients (68 women and 42 men, average age of 55.5 years) with 440 NobelSpeedy groovy implants. One hundred sixty‐five full‐arch, fixed, immediately loaded prostheses in both jaws were followed for 5 years. G1 consisted of 55 patients with double‐arch rehabilitations occluded with implant‐supported fixed prostheses, and G2 consisted of 55 patients with maxillary single‐arch rehabilitations or mandibular single‐arch rehabilitations occluded with natural teeth or removable prostheses. The groups were matched for age (±6 years) and gender. Primary outcome measures were cumulative prosthetic (both interim and definitive) and implant survival (Kaplan‐Meier product limit estimator). Secondary outcome measures were marginal bone levels at 5 years (through periapical radiographs and using the patient as unit of analysis) and the incidence of mechanical and biological complications. Differences in survival curves (log‐rank test), marginal bone level (Mann‐Whitney U test), and complications (chi‐square test) were compared inferentially between the two groups using the patient as unit of analysis with significance level set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results

No dropouts occurred. Prosthetic survival was 100%. Five patients lost 5 implants (G1: n = 3; G2: n = 2) before 1 year, rendering an estimated cumulative survival rate of 95.5% (G1: 94.5%; G2: 96.4%; Kaplan‐Meier, p = 0.645, nonsignificant). The average (SD) marginal bone level was 1.56 mm (0.89) at 5 years [G1: 1.45 mm (0.77); G2: 1.67 mm (0.99); p = 0.414]. The incidence rate of mechanical complications (in both interim and definitive prostheses) was 0.16 and 0.13 for G1 and G2, respectively (p = 0.032). The incidence rate of biological complications was 0.06 and 0.05 for G1 and G2, respectively (p = 0.669).

Conclusions

Based on the results, rehabilitating double‐ or single‐arch edentulous patients did not yield significant differences on survival curves. The incidence of mechanical complications was significantly higher for double‐arch rehabilitated patients but nevertheless, these mechanical complications did not affect the long‐term survival of either the prostheses or the implants.
In Vitro Comparison of Marginal and Internal Fit of Press‐on‐Metal Ceramic (PoM) Restorations with Zirconium‐Supported and Conventional Metal Ceramic Fixed Partial Dentures Before and After Veneering
Authors: Varol Seda , Kulak‐Özkan Yasemin
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To compare marginal and internal fit between 3‐ and 4‐unit press‐on‐metal (PoM) ceramic, zirconia‐supported, and conventional metal ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPDs) before and after veneering.

Materials and Methods

Ten pieces for each 3‐ and 4‐unit MC, IPS InLine PoM, and IPS e.max ZirCAD/Zir Press FPDs were produced. Cross‐sections from silicone replicas were examined and measured with a light microscope. Occlusal, axial, intermarginal, and marginal mean adaptation scores of cross‐sectioned replicas and means of measurements obtained from 4 sites were calculated independently.

Results

Mean values for molars were 78.44 ± 32.01 μm (MC), 89.84 ± 29.20 μm (PoM), and 85.17 ± 28.49 μm (Zir). Premolar values were 76.08 ± 27.92 μm (MC), 89.94 ± 23.49 μm (PoM), and 87.18 ± 28.25 μm (Zir). No difference existed between the means of 3‐ and 4‐unit FPDs except the molar‐intermarginal region. The mean value of 4‐unit FPDs (93.88 ± 25.41 μm) was less than the 3‐unit FPDs (103.68 ± 24.55 μm) at the molar‐inter marginal region. A gap increase was observed in all sites except the molar‐axio‐occlusal region after veneering. According to the mean difference, gap increases at the molar‐marginal, molar‐intermarginal, and premolar‐intermarginal regions were statistically significant. A statistical difference was found at the molar‐marginal region for 4‐unit MCR (p = 0.041) and 4‐unit PoM FPDs (p = 0.042) before and after veneering. Gap increase after veneering of 4‐unit metal ceramics at molar‐intermarginal, premolar‐marginal, and premolar‐intermarginal regions (p = 0.020; p = 0.015; p = 0.004) was significant.

Conclusion

The gap measurements of the IPS InLine PoM and IPS e.max ZirCAD/Zir Press groups were all clinically acceptable. No studies on marginal and internal fit in the IPS InLine PoM system have been published to date. This study should be supported with future studies. No significant increase was observed after press‐veneering the IPS e.max ZirCAD frameworks with an IPS e.max ZirPress material; therefore, we recommend the use of this combination.
Biopterin Status in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease is Associated with Disease Severity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Reimann M.J. , Häggström J. , Mortensen A. , Lykkesfeldt J. , Møller J.E. , Falk T. , Olsen L.H.
Published: October 2014

Background

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) has been suggested to be associated with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an important cofactor for production of the endothelium‐derived vasodilator nitric oxide (NO). Under conditions of oxidative stress,BH4 is oxidized to the biologically inactive form dihydrobiopterin (BH2). Thus, plasma concentrations ofBH2 andBH4 may reflectEDand oxidative stress.

Objective

To determine plasma concentrations ofBH2 andBH4 in dogs with different degrees ofMMVD.

Animals

Eighty‐four privately owned dogs grouped according toACVIMguidelines (37 healthy control dogs including 13 Beagles and 24 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels [CKCSs], 33CKCSs withMMVDof differing severity including 18CKCSs [group B1] and 15CKCSs [group B2], and 14 dogs of different breeds with clinical signs of congestive heart failure [CHF] because ofMMVD[group C]).

Methods

Dogs underwent clinical examination including echocardiography. Plasma concentrations ofBH2 andBH4 were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.

Results

Higher plasmaBH4 andBH2 concentrations were found with dogs inCHFcompared with all other groups (control, B1 and B2;P ≤ .001). Females had higher concentrations ofBH4 andBH4/BH2 (P ≤ .0003).BH4/BH2 was found to decrease with age (P < .0001). Cardiovascular risk factors in humans such as passive smoking (P ≤ .01) and increased body weight (P ≤ .009) were associated with lowerBH4 concentrations.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Age, sex, body weight, passive smoking, and cardiac status are associated with plasma biopterin concentration in dogs. Additional studies should clarify the clinical implications of the findings.
Characterization of Kidney Injury Molecule‐1 in Cats
Authors: Bland S.K. , Côté O. , Clark M.E. , DeLay J. , Bienzle D.
Published: October 2014

Background

Kidney disease (KD) is common in older cats and presumed to arise from subclinical kidney injuries throughout life. Sensitive markers for detecting kidney injury are lacking. Kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM‐1) is a useful biomarker of kidney injury in humans and rodents.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Feline KIM‐1 is conserved across species, expressed in kidney, and shed into urine of cats with acute kidney injury (AKI). The objectives were to characterize the feline KIM‐1 gene and protein, assess available immunoassays for detecting KIM‐1 in urine of cats, and identify KIM‐1 expression in kidney sections.

Animals

Samples from 36 hospitalized and 7 clinically healthy cats were evaluated. Hospitalized cats were divided into 2 groups based on absence (n = 20) or presence (n = 16) of historical KD.

Methods

Feline KIM‐1 genomic and complementary DNA sequences were amplified, sequenced and analyzed to determine the presence of isoforms, exon‐intron organization and similarity with orthologous sequences. Presence in urine was evaluated by immunoassay and expression in kidney by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Three expressed feline KIM‐1 transcript variants comprising 894, 810, and 705 bp were identified in renal tissue. KIM‐1 immunoassays yielded positive results in urine of cats with conditions associated with AKI, but not chronic KD. Immunohistochemistry of kidney sections identified KIM‐1 in proximal tubular cells of cats with positive urine immunoassay results.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Kidney injury molecule 1 was expressed in specific segments of the nephron and detected in urine of cats at risk of AKI. Urine KIM‐1 immunoassay may be a useful indicator of tubular injury.