bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of scleral buckling using chandelier endoillumination
Authors: Hu Yuntao , Si Shancheng , Xu Ke , Chen Huijin , Han Liang , Wang Xin , Ma Zhizhong
Published: December 2016

Purpose

To report the results and complications of scleral buckling for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) using 25‐gauge chandelier endoillumination.

Methods

A total of 61 patients (61 eyes) with RRD were treated with scleral buckling. For the sclera buckling procedure, a 25‐gauge chandelier was inserted through the pars plana for intra‐ocular illumination, and retinal tears were identified and treated with episcleral cryotherapy under surgical microscope. On postoperative days 1, 3 and 7, the intra‐ocular pressure was measured by a non‐contact tonometer. On postoperative months 1 and 3, ultrasound biomicroscopy was used to examine the pars plana incision.

Results

In the surgical procedure, there was no lenticular or retinal damage due to the chandelier insertion. There was no conjunctival bleb formation at pars plana incision and no incidence of endophthalmitis after surgery. The mean intra‐ocular pressure was 15.74 ± 2.98, 15.83 ± 2.76 and 16.14 ± 2.52 mmHg on postoperative days 1, 3 and 7, respectively. The one‐time retinal reattachment rate was 93.4%. No visible vitreous incarceration was found in the incision of the pars plana.

Conclusion

There was no complication found due to the chandelier insertion in early postoperative period. Chandelier endoillumination is a feasible method for retinal visualization under surgical microscope during scleral buckling.
Paediatric eye injuries in Finland – Helsinki eye trauma study
Authors: Haavisto Anna‐Kaisa , Sahraravand Ahmad , Holopainen Juha M. , Leivo Tiina
Published: December 2016

Purpose

To determine the current population‐based epidemiology, treatment, use of resources and outcomes of children's eye injuries in Finland.

Methods

The study included all new patients, 16 years of age or under, with ocular or orbital traumas taken into care to the Helsinki University Eye Hospital (population base 1.5 million people) in 1 year. The follow‐up period was 3 months.

Results

Two hundred and two children's eye injuries were treated. The eye injury incidence was 5.2–8.3 per 10 000 per year, including all minor and major eye traumas. Eye injury most likely occurred at the junior high school age (13–16 years). Thirty‐three percentage of accidents took place at home and 24% at school or in day care. The most common causes were sports equipment (15%), contact with human body (12%) and superficial foreign bodies (11%). Excluding minor injuries, contusion was the most common diagnosis (n = 60, 30%). Eighty‐seven percentage of contusion patients were estimated to need lifelong follow‐up due to elevated glaucoma risk. Nine percentage of all patients had a permanent disability. Guns, fireworks, tools and pellet guns were relatively the most dangerous objects. Pellet guns caused 6% of eye injuries, 36% of them causing permanent impairment. The number of outpatient visits was altogether 443, inpatient days were 49, and 60 children had major surgeries.

Conclusions

Use of protective eyewear would have prevented or diminished eye traumas caused by pellet gun, floorball, most of the firework and in many superficial foreign body. The use of pellet guns and protective eyewear should be more supervised. Fireworks and tools are not suitable toys for children.
Prevalence of posterior vitreous detachment in glaucoma patients and controls
Authors: Schwab Christoph , Glatz Wilfried , Schmidt Bernd , Lindner Ewald , Oettl Karl , Riedl Regina , Wedrich Andreas , Ivastinovic Domagoj , Velikay‐Parel Michaela , Mossboeck Georg
Published: December 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of oxidative stress – present in glaucoma – on the vitreous. We therefore compare the presence of early and late stages of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) between patients with glaucoma and controls.

Methods

The vitreous state was evaluated by the combination of optical coherence tomography and ultrasound. The main outcome was the vitreous state classified into ‘no PVD’, ‘initial PVD’ and ‘advanced PVD’.

Results

We evaluated the vitreous state in 48 patients with glaucoma (age: mean 66.5 ± 11.9 years; visual field deviation: mean 10.4 ± 6.8 dB) and compared the results with 101 previously investigated controls (age: mean 73.6 ± 9.3 years). After one‐to‐one matching on age and sex, ordinal logistic regression revealed that patients with glaucoma were significantly more likely to exhibit advanced PVD stages compared to non‐glaucoma patients (OR 2.60, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–6.36, p = 0.037).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the presence or absence of PVD might be a valuable hint for diagnosing glaucoma – however, further research is needed to determine whether PVD can be used to supplement current glaucoma screening guidelines.
Goodwill and Mandatory Disclosure Compliance: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Carvalho Carla , Rodrigues Ana Maria , Ferreira Carlos
Published: December 2016

The aim of this paper is to critically analyse the literature published from 2002 to mid‐2015 on disclosures of goodwill and their respective impairment tests; identify the main contributions of the literature, as well as its limitations; and suggest new approaches for future research. We also present a summary of the main determinants of disclosures on goodwill in the literature as well as the still scarce studies’ conclusions of those disclosures in the market. After a review of the literature, we discuss the need to reinforce enforcement mechanisms, so as to improve the level of compliance of disclosures on goodwill and their impairment tests. The majority of the analysed literature reveals that the information disclosed about goodwill is incomplete and largely heterogeneous, indicating a reduced level of compliance with the disclosures required by accounting standards. The paper may support the development of future empirical studies about goodwill's disclosures, which will bridge the identified gaps in the literature.
The Impact of AASB 8 Operating Segments on Analysts’ Earnings Forecasts: Australian Evidence
Authors: He Liyu , Evans Elaine , He Rong
Published: December 2016

This paper evaluates the impact of firms’ adoption of AASB 8 segment disclosure rules on analysts’ earnings forecasts. It examines whether providing more disaggregated segment information following the adoption of AASB 8 is associated with an increase in analysts’ ability to forecast earnings. We find that analysts’ earnings forecasts have not improved significantly after adopting AASB 8 in Australia, regardless of whether firms disclosed more disaggregated segment information. Our use of control firms provides assurance that the results are due to AASB 8 and not to some other events concurrent with the adoption of AASB 8. Overall, our results imply that the benefits associated with the management approach as experienced by financial analysts in the United States have not been realised by financial analysts in Australia. This suggests that the successful adoption of an accounting standard in one country should not be the justification for recommending adoption in other countries. Further, our results raise questions about whether the enhanced disclosures required in the new standard are more for the other users of financial statements, such as investors, rather than analysts.
The Impact and Implications of International Financial Reporting Standards in the United Kingdom: Evidence from the Alternative Investment Market
Authors: Ali Arshad , Akbar Saeed , Ormrod Phillip , Shah Syed Zulfiqar Ali
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates the implications of the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from the perspective of small and growing companies listed on the United Kingdom's (UK) Alternative Investment Market (AIM). We consider the cost–benefit issues of IFRS adoption and investigate its economic consequences. The results reveal that only a small number of comparatively larger AIM companies have voluntarily adopted IFRS for some anticipated economic objectives. The results also suggest that most of the mandatory adopters have done so for regulation compliance purposes and they would not have adopted IFRS if a choice was available to them. As the existing literature mainly covers the impact of IFRS adoption on large listed companies, the findings of this study will give better insights into extending IFRS to private companies. The findings show an association between the early adoption of IFRS and firm size and conclude that size matters in both the adoption and implications of IFRS. This study also contributes to the debate on the implications of the new IFRS‐based UK GAAP for SMEs‐FRS 102, which will replace the majority of existing UK accounting standards for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with effect from 2015. Our findings have implications for managers, regulators, market participants, practitioners and other stakeholders.
Children's use of decomposition strategies mediates the visuospatial memory and arithmetic accuracy relation
Authors: Foley Alana E. , Vasilyeva Marina , Laski Elida V.
Published: December 2016

This study examined the mediating role of children's use of decomposition strategies in the relation between visuospatial memory (VSM) and arithmetic accuracy. Children (N = 78; Age M = 9.36) completed assessments of VSM, arithmetic strategies, and arithmetic accuracy. Consistent with previous findings, VSM predicted arithmetic accuracy in children. Extending previous findings, the current study showed that the relation between VSM and arithmetic performance was mediated by the frequency of children's use of decomposition strategies. Identifying the role of arithmetic strategies in this relation has implications for increasing the math performance of children with lower VSM.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The link between children's visuospatial working memory and arithmetic accuracy is well documented.

Frequency of decomposition strategy use is positively related to children's arithmetic accuracy.

Children's spatial skill positively predicts the frequency with which they use decomposition.

What does this study add?

Short‐term visuospatial memory (VSM) positively relates to the frequency of children's decomposition use.

Decomposition use mediates the relation between short‐term VSM and arithmetic accuracy.

Children with limited short‐term VSM may struggle to use decomposition, decreasing accuracy.
Municipal Governance, Environmental Management and Disaster Risk Reduction in Chile
Authors: VALDIVIESO FERNÁNDEZ PATRICIO
Published: December 2016

Given the vulnerability of Latin American countries to extreme events of climatic and geophysical origin and the frequency of these events, how do local governments manage environmental and disaster risk reduction? This article contributes to the Latin American literature about environmental management and disaster risk reduction at the local level. Employing a comparative perspective, the article examines and explains the responses of Chilean municipalities and the role of municipal commitments and social capital.
Pollen and macrofossil‐inferred palaeoclimate at the Ridge Site, Hudson Bay Lowlands, Canada: evidence for a dry climate and significant recession of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during Marine Isotope Stage 3
Authors: Dalton April S. , Väliranta Minna , Barnett Peter J. , Finkelstein Sarah A.
Published: December 2016

We examine pollen, macrofossils and sedimentological proxies from the Ridge Site, an 18‐m sequence of glacial and non‐glacial sediments exposed along the bank of the Ridge River in the southern Hudson Bay Lowlands (HBL), Canada. As the HBL is located in the previously glaciated region of North America, palaeorecords from this region have important implications for understanding ice‐sheet palaeogeography and climate for the late Pleistocene. Two diamicton units were interpreted as subglacial till deposited by a glacier flowing toward the south‐southwest (lower diamicton) and west‐southwest (upper diamicton), respectively. Confined between these tills is a 6‐m non‐glacial unit, constrained to Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3; c. 57 000 to c. 29 000 a BP) by three radiocarbon dates. Quantitative analyses of the pollen record (dominated by Sphagnum, Cyperaceae, Pinus, Picea, Salix, Alnus and Betula) suggest that average summer temperature (June, July, August) was 14.6±1.51 °C, which is similar to that of the present day at the site. Total annual precipitation was 527±170 mm as compared to 705 mm present‐day. The macrofossil record confirmed the local presence of Betula, Salix and conifers. Our results, in combination with other records from the periphery of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, suggest that vast boreal forest‐type vegetation, along with a drier interstadial climate, existed in the region during MIS 3. We also compare pollen‐derived palaeoclimate reconstructions from the Ridge Site with reconstructions from a previously published site along the Nottaway River, HBL, which was dated to MIS 5a–d (c. 109 000 to c. 82 000 a BP). This comparison suggests that, with additional data, it may be possible to differentiate MIS 3 and MIS 5 deposits in the HBL on the basis of relative continentality, with MIS 3 characterized by lower total annual precipitation, and MIS 5 by values similar or greater than present‐day.
Neonatal Maternal Deprivation Enhances Presynaptic P2X7 Receptor Transmission in Insular Cortex in an Adult Rat Model of Visceral Hypersensitivity
Authors: Zhang Ping‐An , Xu Qi‐Ya , Xue Lu , Zheng Hang , Yan Jun , Xiao Ying , Xu Guang‐Yin
Published: December 2016

Aims

Insular cortex (IC) is involved in processing the information of pain. The aim of this study was to investigate roles and mechanisms of P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) in IC in development of visceral hypersensitivity of adult rats with neonatal maternal deprivation (NMD).

Methods

Visceral hypersensitivity was quantified by abdominal withdrawal reflex threshold to colorectal distension (CRD). Expression of P2X7Rs was determined by qPCR and Western blot. Synaptic transmission in IC was recorded by patch‐clamp recording.

Results

The expression of P2X7Rs and glutamatergic neurotransmission in IC was significantly increased in NMD rats when compared with age‐matched controls. Application of BzATP (P2X7R agonist) enhanced the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSC) and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSC) in IC slices of control rats. Application of BBG (P2X7R antagonist) suppressed the frequencies of sEPSC and mEPSC in IC slices of NMD rats. Microinjection of BzATP into right IC significantly decreased CRD threshold in control rats while microinjection of BBG or A438079 into right IC greatly increased CRD threshold in NMD rats.

Conclusion

Data suggested that the enhanced activities of P2X7Rs in IC, likely through a presynaptic mechanism, contributed to visceral hypersensitivity of adult rats with NMD.
Banting Memorial Lecture 2016 Reducing lifetime risk of complications in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Dunger D. B.
Published: December 2016

Adolescence is a challenging period of life for any young person, and for those with Type 1 diabetes, physiological and psychological factors can result in a deterioration in glycaemic control. In young people with Type 1 diabetes, puberty may be an additional risk factor impacting on the lifetime risk for renal and cardiovascular complications. Our longitudinal studies have identified that increases in urinary albumin excretion through childhood are associated with the development of microalbuminuria and a generalized endotheliopathy linked to cardiovascular risk. Screening of participants recruited to the Adolescent type 1 Diabetes cardio‐renal Intervention Trial (AdDIT) confirms that these early changes in albumin excretion are related to both diabetic nephropathy and cardiovascular risk; in part, independent of glycaemic control. Thus, as well as current attempts to improve glycaemic control through enhanced targeted insulin delivery, pumps, sensors and closed loop, we have explored the role of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and statins in providing cardio‐renal protection during adolescence.
Transplantation of embryonic spinal cord neurons to the injured distal nerve promotes axonal regeneration after delayed nerve repair
Authors: Zhang Wenming , Fang Xinyu , Zhang Chaofan , Li Wen , Wong Wai Man , Xu Yejun , Wu Wutian , Lin Jianhua
Published: December 2016

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) usually results in poor functional recovery. Nerve repair is the common clinical treatment for PNI but is always obstructed by the chronic degeneration of the distal stump and muscle. Cell transplantation can alleviate the muscle atrophy after PNI, but the subsequent recovery of the locomotive function is seldom described. In this study, we combined cell transplantation and nerve repair to investigate whether the transplantation of embryonic spinal cord cells could benefit the delayed nerve repair. The experiment consisted of 3 stages: transection of the tibial nerve to induce ‘pre‐degeneration’, a second surgery performed 2 weeks later for transplantation of E14 embryonic spinal cord cells or vehicle (culture medium) at the distal end of the injured nerve, and, 3 months later, the removal of the grafted cells and the cross‐suturing of the residual distal end to the proximal end of a freshly cut ipsilateral common peroneal (CP) nerve. Cell survival and fate after the transplantation were investigated, and the functional recovery after the cross‐suturing was compared between the groups. The grafted cells could survive and generate motor neurons, extending axons that were subsequently myelinated and forming synapses with the muscle. After the cross‐suturing, the axonal regeneration from the proximal stump of the injured CP nerve and the functional recovery of the denervated gastrocnemius muscle were significantly promoted in the group receiving the cells. Our study presents a new perspective indicating that the transplantation of embryonic spinal cord neurons may be a valuable therapeutic strategy for PNI.
Quinolinic acid induces neuritogenesis in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells independently of NMDA receptor activation
Authors: Hernandez‐Martinez Juan‐Manuel , Forrest Caroline M. , Darlington L. Gail , Smith Robert A. , Stone Trevor W.
Published: December 2016

Glutamate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) have been implicated in neuronal development and several types of cancer. The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism includes quinolinic acid (QA) which is both a selective agonist at N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors and also a precursor for the formation of NAD+. The effect of QA on cell survival and differentiation has therefore been examined on SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Retinoic acid (RA, 10 μm) induced differentiation of SH‐SY5Y cells into a neuronal phenotype showing neurite growth. QA (50–150 nm) also caused a concentration‐dependent increase in the neurite/soma ratio, indicating differentiation. Both RA and QA increased expression of the neuronal marker β3‐tubulin in whole‐cell homogenates and in the neuritic fraction assessed using a neurite outgrowth assay. Expression of the neuronal proliferation marker doublecortin revealed that, unlike RA, QA did not decrease the number of mitotic cells. QA‐induced neuritogenesis coincided with an increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species. Neuritogenesis was prevented by diphenylene‐iodonium (an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase) and superoxide dismutase, supporting the involvement of reactive oxygen species. NMDA itself did not promote neuritogenesis and the NMDA antagonist dizocilpine (MK‐801) did not prevent quinolinate‐induced neuritogenesis, indicating that the effects of QA were independent of NMDA receptors. Nicotinamide caused a significant increase in the neurite/soma ratio and the expression of β3‐tubulin in the neuritic fraction. Taken together, these results suggest that QA induces neuritogenesis by promoting oxidizing conditions and affecting the availability of NAD+, independently of NMDA receptors.
Moonlighting chaperone‐like activity of the universal regulatory 14‐3‐3 proteins
Authors: Sluchanko Nikolai N. , Gusev Nikolai B.
Published: December 2016

The ubiquitous eukaryotic 14‐3‐3 proteins coordinate multiple cellular processes due to their well‐known regulatory function, which is based on specific recognition of phosphorylated motifs in their partners. In this context, 14‐3‐3 proteins have been called ‘chaperones’. Although in the classical meaning this is not fully correct, recent studies have revealed that they can indeed be an integral part of the protein quality control system, as they (a) display ATP‐independent anti‐aggregation (‘holdase’) activity, similar to that of the unrelated small heat shock proteins, (b) assist in clearing misfolded proteins by directing them to proteasomes or aggresomes, (c) cooperate with classical chaperones for substrate refolding, and also (d) are associated with neurodegenerative disorders by affecting aggregation of tau, prion protein, α‐synuclein, huntingtin, etc. Importantly, these activities are usually independent of substrate phosphorylation and therefore should be considered as distinct, ‘moonlighting’ functions of 14‐3‐3 proteins that mimic and complement the functions of dedicated molecular chaperones. Although the precise mechanism of this activity is still unknown, it has been shown that it is not dependent on the unstructured C‐terminal region or the amphipathic phosphopeptide‐binding groove. However, since disassembly of 14‐3‐3 dimers significantly increases their chaperone‐like activity, the dimer interface, located in the N terminus, possessing a high disorder propensity and pronounced hydrophobicity, is likely to be involved. Various factors affecting the oligomeric status of 14‐3‐3 proteins can thus regulate the balance between regulatory phosphomotif binding and genuine chaperone‐like activity. Understanding the latter mode of 14‐3‐3 functioning is fundamental to defining the underlying molecular mechanisms for a range of human disorders.
Climate change‐induced vegetation shifts lead to more ecological droughts despite projected rainfall increases in many global temperate drylands
Authors: Tietjen Britta , Schlaepfer Daniel R. , Bradford John B. , Lauenroth William K. , Hall Sonia A. , Duniway Michael C. , Hochstrasser Tamara , Jia Gensuo , Munson Seth M. , Pyke David A. , Wilson Scott D.
Published: December 2016

Drylands occur worldwide and are particularly vulnerable to climate change because dryland ecosystems depend directly on soil water availability that may become increasingly limited as temperatures rise. Climate change will both directly impact soil water availability and change plant biomass, with resulting indirect feedbacks on soil moisture. Thus, the net impact of direct and indirect climate change effects on soil moisture requires better understanding. We used the ecohydrological simulation model SOILWAT at sites from temperate dryland ecosystems around the globe to disentangle the contributions of direct climate change effects and of additional indirect, climate change‐induced changes in vegetation on soil water availability. We simulated current and future climate conditions projected by 16 GCMs under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 for the end of the century. We determined shifts in water availability due to climate change alone and due to combined changes of climate and the growth form and biomass of vegetation. Vegetation change will mostly exacerbate low soil water availability in regions already expected to suffer from negative direct impacts of climate change (with the two RCP scenarios giving us qualitatively similar effects). By contrast, in regions that will likely experience increased water availability due to climate change alone, vegetation changes will counteract these increases due to increased water losses by interception. In only a small minority of locations, climate change‐induced vegetation changes may lead to a net increase in water availability. These results suggest that changes in vegetation in response to climate change may exacerbate drought conditions and may dampen the effects of increased precipitation, that is, leading to more ecological droughts despite higher precipitation in some regions. Our results underscore the value of considering indirect effects of climate change on vegetation when assessing future soil moisture conditions in water‐limited ecosystems.
Leaf chlorophyll content as a proxy for leaf photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Croft Holly , Chen Jing M. , Luo Xiangzhong , Bartlett Paul , Chen Bin , Staebler Ralf M.
Published: December 2016

Improving the accuracy of estimates of forest carbon exchange is a central priority for understanding ecosystem response to increased atmospheric CO2 levels and improving carbon cycle modelling. However, the spatially continuous parameterization of photosynthetic capacity (Vcmax) at global scales and appropriate temporal intervals within terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs) remains unresolved. This research investigates the use of biochemical parameters for modelling leaf photosynthetic capacity within a deciduous forest. Particular attention is given to the impacts of seasonality on both leaf biophysical variables and physiological processes, and their interdependent relationships. Four deciduous tree species were sampled across three growing seasons (2013–2015), approximately every 10 days for leaf chlorophyll content (ChlLeaf) and canopy structure. Leaf nitrogen (NArea) was also measured during 2014. Leaf photosynthesis was measured during 2014–2015 using a Li‐6400 gas‐exchange system, with A‐Ci curves to model Vcmax. Results showed that seasonality and variations between species resulted in weak relationships between Vcmax normalized to 25°C () and NArea (R2 = 0.62, P < 0.001), whereas ChlLeaf demonstrated a much stronger correlation with (R2 = 0.78, P < 0.001). The relationship between ChlLeaf and NArea was also weak (R2 = 0.47, P < 0.001), possibly due to the dynamic partitioning of nitrogen, between and within photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic fractions. The spatial and temporal variability of was mapped using Landsat TM/ETM satellite data across the forest site, using physical models to derive ChlLeaf. TBMs largely treat photosynthetic parameters as either fixed constants or varying according to leaf nitrogen content. This research challenges assumptions that simple NArea– relationships can reliably be used to constrain photosynthetic capacity in TBMs, even within the same plant functional type. It is suggested that ChlLeaf provides a more accurate, direct proxy for and is also more easily retrievable from satellite data. These results have important implications for carbon modelling within deciduous ecosystems.
Agronomic and environmental implications of sugarcane straw removal: a major review
Authors: Carvalho João Luís Nunes , Nogueirol Roberta Corrêa , Menandro Lauren Maine Santos , Bordonal Ricardo de Oliveira , Borges Clovis Daniel , Cantarella Heitor , Franco Henrique C. Junqueira
Published: December 2016

Large‐scale bioenergy demand has triggered new approaches to straw management in Brazilian sugarcane fields. With the progressive shift from a burned to a nonburned harvest system, most of the straw presently retained on the soil surface has become economically viable feedstock for bioenergy production. The trade‐offs between the need to preserve soil quality and produce more bioenergy have been the subject of intense discussion. This study presents a synthesis of available information on the magnitude of the main impacts of straw removal from sugarcane fields for bioenergy production and therefore represents an easily available resource to guide management decisions on the recommended amount of straw to be maintained on the field to take advantage of the agronomic, environmental, and industrial benefits. Crop residues remaining on sugarcane fields provide numerous ecosystem services including nutrient recycling, soil biodiversity, water storage, carbon accumulation, control of soil erosion, and weed infestation. Furthermore, several studies reported higher sugarcane production under straw retention on the field, while few suggest that straw may jeopardize biomass production in cold regions and under some specific soil conditions. Pest control is among the parameters favored by straw removal, while N2O emissions are increased only if straw is associated with the application of N fertilizer and vinasse. An appropriate recommendation, which is clearly site specific, should be based on a minimum mass of straw on the field to provide those benefits. Overall, this review indicates that most of the agronomic and environmental benefits are achieved when at least 7 Mg ha−1 of dry straw is maintained on the soil surface. However, modeling efforts are of paramount importance to assess the magnitude and rates of straw removal considering the several indicators involved in this complex equation, so that an accurate straw recovery rate could be provided to producers and industry toward greater sustainability.
Mohs micrographic surgery of rare cutaneous tumours
Authors: Flohil S.C. , van Lee C.B. , Beisenherz J. , Mureau M.A.M. , Overbeek L.I.H. , Nijsten T. , van den Bos R.R.
Published: December 2016

Background

Recurrence rates after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for rare cutaneous tumours are poorly defined.

Objective

To investigate the recurrence rate after MMS for rare cutaneous tumours at a university centre.

Methods & Materials

Retrospective review of all rare cutaneous tumours treated with MMS at a large university centre between January 2008 and December 2012. To detect all recurrences, patients were linked to The Nationwide Network and registry of histo‐ and cytopathology (PALGA).

Results

In total, 80 patients with 80 tumours were included. Tumour types included dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (27), atypical fibroxanthoma (22), Merkel cell carcinoma (8), microcystic adnexal carcinoma (9), sebaceous carcinoma (6), extramammary Paget's disease (2) and other (6). Mean follow‐up time was 3.7 years (standard deviation 1.4) during which two atypical fibroxanthomas recurred (2.5%).

Conclusion

This large case series shows that MMS is an appropriate treatment for rare cutaneous tumours with a recurrence rate less than 3%. Preferably, MMS for rare cutaneous tumours is performed in experienced multidisciplinary centres to further improve the quality of treatment.
Treatment of primary hyperhidrosis with oral anticholinergic medications: a systematic review
Authors: Cruddas L. , Baker D.M.
Published: December 2016

Primary hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating. Patients are treated off‐license with oral anticholinergic medications and report adverse events associated with systemic anticholinergic interactions. This review assesses clinical evidence of efficacy, impact on quality of life and adverse events associated with oral anticholinergic therapy for primary hyperhidrosis. PRISMA guidelines were implemented to complete a systematic review (PROSPERO:CRD42016036326). MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed were searched from 1946 to 2015. Inclusion criteria included observational and experimental studies, anticholinergic medication use in primary hyperhidrosis, oral therapy and clear diagnostic and outcome measures. Twenty‐three articles relevant to the inclusion criteria were analysed. Oxybutynin therapy improved symptoms in an average of 76.2% (range 60–97%) patients and improved QOL in 75.6% (range 57.6–100%) of patients. Methantheline bromide therapy was associated with a 41% reduction in axillary sweating, 16.4% reduction in palmar sweating, 25% decrease in HDSS score and 40.9% increase in DLQI score. Outcome measures of glycopyrrolate therapy were too variable to collate. Dry mouth was reported in 73.4% (range 43.3–100%) of participants taking oxybutynin 10 mg/day, 38.6% (range 27.8–63.2%) of patients taking glycopyrrolate and 68.8% of patients taking methantheline bromide. Nine studies reported that patients stopped therapy due to adverse events. In eight of these studies, a mean of 10.9% of total participants ceased treatment due to dry mouth. Evidence of oral anticholinergic therapy for hyperhidrosis is limited. However, its use is associated with improvement in quality of life and clinical symptoms but at the cost of considerable adverse events.
Haptophyte Diversity and Vertical Distribution Explored by 18S and 28S RibosomalRNAGene Metabarcoding and Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Gran‐Stadniczeñko Sandra , Šupraha Luka , Egge Elianne D. , Edvardsen Bente
Published: December 2016

Haptophyta encompasses more than 300 species of mostly marine pico‐ and nanoplanktonic flagellates. Our aims were to investigate the Oslofjorden haptophyte diversity and vertical distribution by metabarcoding, and to improve the approach to study haptophyte community composition, richness and proportional abundance by comparing tworRNAmarkers and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Samples were collected in August 2013 at the Outer Oslofjorden, Norway. TotalRNA/cDNAwas amplified by haptophyte‐specific primers targeting the V4 region of the 18S, and the D1‐D2 region of the 28SrRNA. Taxonomy was assigned using curated haptophyte reference databases and phylogenetic analyses. Both marker genes showed Chrysochromulinaceae and Prymnesiaceae to be the families with highest number of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), as well as proportional abundance. The 18SrRNAdata set also containedOTUs assigned to eight supported and defined clades consisting of environmental sequences only, possibly representing novel lineages from family to class. We also recorded new species for the area. Comparing coccolithophores bySEMwith metabarcoding shows a good correspondence with the 18SrRNAgene proportional abundances. Our results contribute to link morphological and molecular data and 28S to 18SrRNAgene sequences of haptophytes without cultured representatives, and to improve metabarcoding methodology.
Growth and annual survival estimates to examine the ecology of larval lamprey and the implications of ageing error in fitting models
Authors: Schultz L. D. , Chasco B. E. , Whitlock S. L. , Meeuwig M. H. , Schreck C. B.
Published: December 2016

This study used existing western brook lamprey Lampetra richardsoni age information to fit three different growth models (i.e. von Bertalanffy, Gompertz and logistic) with and without error in age estimates. Among these growth models, there was greater support for the logistic and Gompertz models than the von Bertalanffy model, regardless of ageing error assumptions. The von Bertalanffy model, however, appeared to fit the data well enough to permit survival estimates; using length‐based estimators, annual survival varied between 0·64 (95% credibility interval: 0·44–0·79) and 0·81 (0·79–0·83) depending on ageing and growth process error structure. These estimates are applicable to conservation and management of L. richardsoni and other western lampreys (e.g. Pacific lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus) and can potentially be used in the development of life‐cycle models for these species. These results also suggest that estimators derived from von Bertalanffy growth models should be interpreted with caution if there is high uncertainty in age estimates.
Persistent Hazardous Waste and the Quest Toward a Circular Economy: The Example of Arsenic in Chromated Copper Arsenate–Treated Wood
Authors: Augustsson Anna , Sörme Louise , Karlsson Anna , Amneklev Jennie
Published: December 2016

The importance of a circular economy is today widely accepted and advocated, but among the challenges in achieving this, we find difficulties in the implementation of legislation and policies designed to control various waste streams from society. The example used in this article is wood that has been treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), which, in Sweden, has been covered by the rules for hazardous waste since 2002. One year later, in 2003, a survey showed that only 42% to 50% of the expected amount of CCA waste could be traced to the public waste management system. An updated material flow analysis for 2010 revealed that the figure had increased to 73%, whereas the fraction of correctly treated CCA wood waste had increased from 11% to 35%. However, almost one third of the expected volume was still not tracable, and half of the amount that was correctly submitted was incinerated together with nontoxic waste fractions. This results in, for example, arsenic contamination of slag and fly ashes that prevents the further use of these residue products. So, despite legislative instruments, there is still an urgent need for an improved collection of hazardous wood waste, as well as better routines for identifying hazardous flows and separating them from nonhazardous ones. For a circular economy to be achievable, a key priority should be to reduce the gap between intended directions and legislation, on one hand, and activities in practice on the other.
The human brain endothelial barrier: transcytosis of AAV9, transduction by AAV2
Authors: Weber‐Adrian Danielle , Heinen Stefan , Silburt Joseph , Noroozian Zeinab , Aubert Isabelle
Published: December 2016

Read the highlighted article ‘Trafficking of adeno‐associated virus vectors across a model of the blood–brain barrier; a comparative study of transcytosis and transduction using primary human brain endothelial cells’ on page 216.
Prostaglandin E2 potentiates interferon‐γ‐induced nitric oxide production in cultured rat microglia
Authors: Nagano Takayuki , Nishiyama Ryo , Sanada Ayaka , Mutaguchi Yukiko , Ioku Anna , Umeki Hirohisa , Kishimoto Satoshi , Yamanaka Daisuke , Kimura Shinya H. , Takemura Motohiko
Published: December 2016

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays crucial roles in managing microglial activation through the prostanoid EP2 receptor, a PGE2 receptor subtype. In this study, we report that PGE2 enhances interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ)‐induced nitric oxide production in microglia. IFN‐γ increased the release of nitrite, a metabolite of nitric oxide, which was augmented by PGE2, although PGE2 by itself slightly affects nitrite release. The potentiating effect of PGE2 was positively associated with increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. In contrast to nitrite release induced by IFN‐γ, lipopolysaccharide‐induced nitrite release was not affected by PGE2. An EP2 agonist, ONO‐AE1‐259‐01 also augmented IFN‐γ‐induced nitrite release, while an EP1 agonist, ONO‐DI‐004, an EP3 agonist, ONO‐AE‐248, or an EP4 agonist, ONO‐AE1‐329, did not. In addition, the potentiating effect of PGE2 was inhibited by an EP2 antagonist, PF‐04418948, but not by an EP1 antagonist, ONO‐8713, an EP3 antagonist, ONO‐AE3‐240, or an EP4 antagonist, ONO‐AE3‐208, at 10−6 M. Among the EP agonists, ONO‐AE1‐259‐01 alone was able to accumulate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP), and among the EP antagonists, PF‐04418948 was the only one able to inhibit PGE2‐increased intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation. On the other hand, IFN‐γ promoted phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, which was not affected by PGE2. Furthermore, other prostanoid receptor agonists, PGD2, PGF2α, iloprost, and U‐46119, slightly affected IFN‐γ‐induced nitrite release. These results indicate that PGE2 potentiates IFN‐γ‐induced nitric oxide production in microglia through the EP2 receptor, which may shed light on one of the pro‐inflammatory aspects of PGE2.

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A genetic screen for zebrafish mutants with hepatic steatosis identifies a locus required for larval growth
Authors: Hugo Sarah E. , Schlegel Amnon
Published: December 2016

In a screen for zebrafish larval mutants with excessive liver lipid accumulation (hepatic steatosis), we identified harvest moon (hmn). Cytoplasmic lipid droplets, surrounded by multivesicular structures and mitochondria whose cristae appeared swollen, are seen in hmn mutant hepatocytes. Whole body triacylglycerol is increased in hmn mutant larvae. When we attempted to raise mutants, which were morphologically normal at the developmental stage that the screen was conducted, to adulthood, we observed that most hmn mutants do not survive to the juvenile period when raised. An arrest in growth occurs in the late larval period without obvious organ defects. Maternal zygotic mutants have no additional defects, suggesting that the mutation affects a late developmental process. The developmental window between embryogenesis and the metamorphosis remains under‐studied, and hmn mutants might be useful for exploring the molecular and anatomic processes occurring during this transition period.
Musculoskeletal anatomy of the pelvic fin of Polypterus: implications for phylogenetic distribution and homology of pre‐ and postaxial pelvic appendicular muscles
Authors: Molnar Julia L. , Johnston Peter S. , Esteve‐Altava Borja , Diogo Rui
Published: December 2016

As a member of the most basal clade of extant ray‐finned fishes (actinopterygians) and of one of the most basal clades of osteichthyans (bony fishes + tetrapods), Polypterus can provide insights into the ancestral anatomy of both ray‐finned and lobe‐finned fishes, including those that gave rise to tetrapods. The pectoral fin of Polypterus has been well described but, surprisingly, neither the bones nor the muscles of the pelvic fin are well known. We stained and dissected the pelvic fin of Polypterus senegalus and Polypterus delhezi to offer a detailed description of its musculoskeletal anatomy. In addition to the previously described adductor and abductor muscles, we found preaxial and postaxial muscles similar to those in the pectoral fin of members of this genus. The presence of pre‐ and postaxial muscles in both the pectoral and pelvic fins of Polypterus, combined with recent descriptions of similar muscles in the lobe‐finned fishes Latimeria and Neoceratodus, suggests that they were present in the most recent common ancestor of bony fishes. These results have crucial implications for the evolution of appendicular muscles in both fish and tetrapods.
Evaluation of salicylic acid peeling in comparison with topical tretinoin in the treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
Authors: Mohamed Ali Basma Morad , Gheida Shereen Farouk , El Mahdy Nageh Ahmed , Sadek Shery Nashaat
Published: December 2016

Background

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is an acquired hyperpigmentation that involves areas of prior cutaneous inflammation. In addition to prevention, there are a variety of medications and procedures used to treat PIH.

Aim of the work

The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of salicylic acid peeling in comparison with topical tretinoin in the treatment of PIH.

Patients and Methods

This study included forty‐five patients with PIH lesions. The patients were divided into three groups, group I was treated with salicylic acid peeling 20–30%, group II was treated with topical tretinoin 0.1%, and group III was treated with combination of salicylic acid peel and topical tretinoin. The patients were assessed clinically to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of the treatment. Dermoscopy was carried out to the recurrent or nonimproved cases only.

Results

Combination of salicylic acid peel and topical tretinoin treatment showed significant clinical improvement of PIH than each treatment alone with no complications. There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the three groups. There was nonsignificant difference between the efficacy of the treatment and the PIH type in the studied groups. There was nonsignificant difference between the efficacy of the treatment and the duration of the PIH except for group III.

Conclusion

Combination treatment modality is believed to be preferred in the treatment of PIH due to its higher efficacy than single treatment alone, with well tolerability, less side effects, and low recurrence rate.
The impact of arthrocentesis with and without hyaluronic acid injection in the prognosis and synovial fluid myeloperoxidase levels of patients with painful symptomatic internal derangement of temporomandibular joint: a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ozdamar S. M. , Alev B. , Yarat A.
Published: December 2016

We aimed to assess the relationship between myeloperoxidase (MPO) and internal derangement (ID) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and effects of arthrocentesis procedure, either alone or in combination with hyaluronic acid (HA) injection on the prognosis of ID of TMJ. A prospective randomised controlled trial has been conducted through patients, who underwent arthrocentesis for the treatment of ID of TMJ, were randomly divided into two groups. Group SS (n = 10) and Group HA (n = 14) patients were assigned 0·9% NaCl solution and sodium hyaluronate intra‐articularly, respectively. Synovial fluid samples were assayed for MPO at the time of arthrocentesis and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and maximum mouth opening (MMO) scores were recorded at pre‐ and post‐operative periods as well as first‐week, first‐month and third‐month intervals. There was a statistically significant decrease in MPO levels between the first to second arthrocenteses only in Group 2 (P = 0·001). Both VAS scores and MMO measurements decreased in the course of time following arthrocentesis and do not differ between the patients administered HA or SS. Similarly MPO levels do not change significantly between the two groups at either first or second arthrocenteses. In HA group, MPO levels significantly decreased from first to second sessions. In HA group, MPO levels decreased significantly only in patients with clinical success. Arthrocentesis procedure improves both pain VAS and MMO scores in the course of time, but these parameters do not differ between patients receiving either HA or SS. HA significantly reduces levels of MPO in synovial fluid, but SS does not. HA appears to alleviate inflammation inside the TMJ in patients with TMJ‐ID.
Relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and sleep bruxism: a systematic review
Authors: Jokubauskas L. , Baltrušaitytė A.
Published: December 2016

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a clinical risk factor for sleep bruxism (SB). Both OSAS and SB are reported to be associated with sleep‐related arousal reactions, although no clear causative link has been established. An electronic literature search was conducted of the MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, SAGE Journals and EBSCOhost databases covering the period January 2006 and September 2016. Sequential screenings at the title, abstract and full‐text levels were performed. The review included observational studies in the English language with a clearly established aim to assess the relationship between OSAS and SB using full‐night PSG. The seven‐item quality‐assessment tool for experimental bruxism studies was used to assess the methodology across the studies. After a comprehensive screening of titles, abstracts and full texts, only three studies that met the pre‐defined criteria were finally included in this systematic review. Two studies gave evidence that OSAS is associated with the occurrence of SB events: (i) SB events frequently occur during micro‐arousal events consequent on apnoea–hypopnoea (AH) events and (ii) most SB events occur in temporal conjunction with AH events termination. However, one study did not report a strong association between AH and SB events. It can be concluded that there are not enough scientific data to define a clear causative link between OSAS and SB. However, they appear to share common clinical features. Further studies should focus on the intermediate mechanisms between respiratory and SB events.