bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-driven activity-based costing
Authors: Barros Rúben Silva , Ferreira Ana Maria Dias Simões da Costa
Published: April 2017

Purpose

By designing a pilot time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) model, this study aims to examine in depth the suitability and the complexity of TDABC in a manufacturing company.

Design/methodology/approach

To obtain a deeper understanding on the matters to analyse, this research adopts an interventionist approach. The host organisation is GP, a Portuguese company in the frozen food sector.

Findings

The authors’ experience allows them to assert that TDABC is suitable for a manufacturing company and it is able to deal with the variability of the industrial processes. Nonetheless, through a comparison with the models presented in the literature, TDABC appears to be more complex for manufacturing. The authors argue that this happens for two reasons. First, the two types of resources (human labour and machinery) used in production areas create a need to split tasks and to create two equations for each process, something that does not happen in service companies. Second, times are difficult to individualise for certain highly automated procedures, which could also give rise to some errors.

Research limitations/implications

The designed model is compared to other models presented in the literature.

Practical implications

This study shows a real example of TDABC in manufacturing and the procedural innovation of the time equations.

Originality/value

As the TDABC literature has been mostly focused on examples of service companies, the authors examine the technical suitability and the complexity of TDABC in manufacturing companies.
Proteomic composition of the acrostyle: Novel approaches to identify cuticular proteins involved in virus–insect interactions
Authors: Webster Craig Graham , Thillier Mäelle , Pirolles Elodie , Cayrol Bastien , Blanc Stéphane , Uzest Marilyne
Published: April 2017

The acrostyle is a distinct anatomical region present on the cuticle at the inner face of the common food/salivary canal at the tip of aphid maxillary stylets. This conserved structure is of particular interest as it harbors the protein receptors of at least 1 plant virus, Cauliflower mosaic virus, and presumably has other roles in plant–insect interactions. Previously we reported immunolabeling of a highly conserved motif of cuticular proteins from the CPR family (named for the presence of a Rebers and Riddiford consensus) within the acrostyle. Here we report the development of novel tools to further study the proteomic composition of this region and to identify proteins involved in insect‐virus interactions. Using a series of antibodies against cuticular proteins from the RR‐2 subfamily, we identified additional peptides present within the acrostyle. Our results demonstrated that the acrostyle is a complex structure containing multiple domains of cuticular proteins accessible for interaction. In addition, an array of overlapping peptides, which covers the diversity of the majority of the RR‐2 subfamily, was developed as a generic tool to characterize cuticular protein/pathogen interactions. Upon probing this array with Cucumber mosaic virus particles, consensus peptide sequences from hybridizing peptides were identified. Use of these novel tools has extended our knowledge of the proteomic composition of insect maxillary stylets and identified sequences that could be involved in virus binding, thus contributing to further elucidation of the various properties and functions of the acrostyle.
RVX 208: A novel BET protein inhibitor, role as an inducer of apo A‐I/HDL and beyond
Authors: Ghosh Gopal C. , Bhadra Rajarshi , Ghosh Raktim K. , Banerjee Kinjal , Gupta Anjan
Published: April 2017

Low‐density cholesterol (LDL) has been the prime target of currently available lipid‐lowering therapies although current research is expanding the focus beyond LDL lowering and has included high‐density cholesterol (HDL) also as the target. Bromo and extra‐terminal (BET) proteins are implicated in the regulation of transcription of several regulatory genes and regulation of proinflammatory pathways. As atherosclerosis is an inflammatory pathway and studies showed that BET inhibition has a role in inhibiting inflammation, the concept of BET inhibition came in the field of atherosclerosis. RVX 208 is a novel, orally active, BET protein inhibitor and the only BET inhibitor currently available in the field of atherosclerosis. RVX 208 acts primarily by increasing apo A‐I (apolipoprotein A‐I) and HDL levels. RVX 208 has a novel action of increasing larger, more cardio‐protective HDL particles. Post hoc analysis of Phase II trials also showed that RVX 208 reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in treated patients, over and above that of apo A‐I/HDL increasing action. This MACE reducing actions of RVX 208 were largely due to its novel anti‐inflammatory actions. Currently, a phase III trial, BETonMACE, is recruiting patients to look for the effects of RVX 208 in patients with increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. So BET inhibitors act in multiple ways to inhibit and modulate atherosclerosis and would be an emerging and potential option in the management of multifactorial disease like coronary artery disease by inhibiting a single substrate. But we need long‐term phase III trial data's to look for effects on real‐world patients.
Ivabradine vs metoprolol in patients with acute inferior wall myocardial infarction—“Expanding arena for ivabradine”
Authors: Priti Kumari , Ranwa Bhanwar L. , Gokhroo Rajendra K. , Kishore Kamal , Bisht Devendra Singh , Gupta Sajal
Published: April 2017

Background

Atrioventricular (AV) blocks are of concern with the use of beta blockers in inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI). Ivabradine lowers heart rate with a lesser risk of AV blocks.

Objectives

To compare ivabradine with metoprolol in acute inferior wall MI in terms of feasibility, tolerability, and efficacy.

Methods

It was a prospective double‐blind single‐center randomized controlled study. Of 1032 patients with acute inferior wall MI, 468 eligible patients were randomized in 1:1 manner to ivabradine (group A) and metoprolol (group B). Intention to treat analysis of 426 patients (group A‐232 and group B‐232) was performed. The primary endpoint was 30‐day incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events including death, reinfarction, complete heart block (CHB), and heart failure. Secondary endpoints included 30 days incidence of recurrent angina, readmission, first‐ or second‐degree AV block, and tachyarrhythmias.

Results

Both the drugs decreased the mean heart rate to 62.22±2.95 (group A) vs 62.53±3.59 (group B) beats per minute (P=0.33). Ejection fraction improved in both the groups (5.15±1.93% in group A vs 5.52±2.18% in group B, P=0.065). The two groups did not differ significantly in their primary endpoints in terms of death (group A=1.72% vs group B=1.72%, OR=1.00, 95% CI=0.25‐4.05, P=1.00), reinfarction (group A=0.86% vs group B=0.86%, OR=1.00, 95% CI=0.14‐7.16, P=1.00), heart failure (group A=4.31% vs group B=2.59%, OR=1.70, 95% CI=0.61‐4.75, P=0.31), or CHB (0% vs 2.59%, OR=0.07, 95% CI=0.00‐1.34, P=0.08). There were no significant differences in the secondary endpoints of recurrent angina, readmission, and tachyarrhythmias except for more first‐ and second‐degree AV blocks with metoprolol (12.93% vs 2.59%, OR=5.59, 95% CI=2.28‐13.72, P=0.0002).

Conclusions

Ivabradine is well tolerated and equally effective as metoprolol in acute inferior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction patients for lowering the heart rate with lesser risk of AV blocks.
Assessment of vascular response to BiOSS LIM C® stents vs Orsiro® stents in the porcine coronary artery model
Authors: Bil Jacek , Gil Robert J. , Pawlowski Tomasz , Milewski Krzysztof P.
Published: April 2017

Aims

The optimal treatment strategy for coronary bifurcation lesions is still unknown. The aim of the study was to assess applicability of the new cobalt‐chromium version of the sirolimus‐eluting dedicated bifurcation BiOSS® LIM C stent in comparison with regular sirolimus‐eluting Orsiro® stent in a porcine coronary model.

Methods

A total of 13 BiOSS® LIM C stents and 6 Orsiro® stents were implanted in normal nonatherosclerotic porcine straight coronary arteries of six animals using 1.2:1.0 stent‐to‐artery ratio. Stent geometry and morphology were evaluated by Faxitron imaging. Vascular response was assessed by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histological analyses.

Results

OCT performed at 28 days confirmed that all stents were patent with no signs of thrombus. In morphometric analysis, no differences between groups regarding stent diameter (P=.141), neointima area (P=.247), % area stenosis (P=.293), or % diameter stenosis (P=.069) were observed. Also, no significant differences were noted between groups regarding their histopathology scores. The injury and inflammation scores were low (mean grade<1) in all groups.

Conclusions

The novel BiOSS® LIM C stent demonstrates good short‐term vascular effects in a porcine coronary bifurcation model which are comparable with Orsiro® stents.
External Validation of the DHAKA Score for Diagnosing Severe Dehydration in Children with Acute Diarrhea in Resource‐limited Settings
Authors: Levine Adam C. , Glavis‐Bloom Justin , Modi Payal , Nasrin Sabiha , Atika Bita , Rege Soham , Schmid Christopher H. , Alam Nur H.
Published: April 2017

Background

Acute diarrhea remains both common and deadly in children worldwide. Proper treatment depends on accurately assessing dehydration status. Current World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines include an algorithm for classifying children as having no, some, or severe dehydration, which has never been properly validated. The Dehydration: Assessing Kids Accurately (DHAKA) study recently derived a new scoring system for dehydration in children, but it requires external validation.

Methods

Our study enrolled a random sample of children with acute diarrhea in Bangladesh. Local nurses prospectively applied both the DHAKA score and the WHO algorithm to children on arrival and obtained serial weights as they were rehydrated. The percent weight change with rehydration was used to classify subjects with severe (>9%) dehydration, some (3%–9%) dehydration, or no (<3%) dehydration. Test characteristics and the area under receiver operator characteristic curves (AUC) were calculated and compared for both diagnostic tools.

Results

A total of 546 children were enrolled, with 488 included in the final analysis. The DHAKA score had an AUC of 0.77 compared to 0.72 for the WHO algorithm for the diagnosis of severe dehydration (p = 0.001) and 0.84 compared to 0.62 for the diagnosis of any dehydration (p < 0.001). The DHAKA score had a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 54% for diagnosing severe dehydration and 93 and 50% for diagnosing any dehydration.

Conclusion

The DHAKA score is now the first dehydration assessment tool both derived and validated in resource‐limited settings, and it outperformed the WHO algorithm. Frontline providers may use this new tool to better manage acute diarrhea in children.

DHAKA score.

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Individual and Neighborhood Characteristics of Children Seeking Emergency Department Care for Firearm Injuries Within the PECARN Network
Authors: Carter Patrick M. , Cook Lawrence J. , Macy Michelle L. , Zonfrillo Mark R. , Stanley Rachel M. , Chamberlain James M. , Fein Joel A. , Alpern Elizabeth R. , Cunningham Rebecca M. ,   the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)
Published: April 2017

Objective

The objective was to describe the characteristics of children seeking emergency care for firearm injuries within the PECARN network and assess the influence of both individual and neighborhood factors on firearm‐related injury risk.

Methods

This was a retrospective, multicenter cross‐sectional analysis of children (<19 years old) presenting to 16 pediatric EDs (2004–2008). ICD‐9‐CM E‐codes were used to identify and categorize firearm injuries by mechanism/intent. Neighborhood variables were derived from home address data. Multivariable analysis examined the influence of individual and neighborhood factors on firearm‐related injuries compared to nonfirearm ED visits. Injury recidivism was assessed.

Results

A total of 1,758 pediatric ED visits for firearm‐related injuries were analyzed. Assault (51.4%, n = 904) and unintentional injury (33.2%, n = 584) were the most common injury mechanisms. Among children with firearm injuries, 68.3% were older adolescents (15–19 years old), 82.3% were male, 68.2% were African American, and 76.3% received public insurance/were uninsured. Extremity injuries were most common (75.9%), with 20% sustaining injuries to multiple body regions, 48.1% requiring admission and 1% ED mortality. Multivariable analysis identified firearm injury risk factors, including adolescent age (p < 0.001), male sex (p < 0.001), non‐Caucasian race/ethnicity (p < 0.001), public payer/uninsured status (p < 0.001), and higher levels of neighborhood disadvantage (p < 0.001). Among children with firearm injuries, 12‐month ED recidivism for any reason was 22.4%, with < 1% returning for another firearm injury.

Conclusion

Among children receiving ED treatment within the PECARN network, there are distinct demographic and neighborhood factors associated with firearm injuries. Among younger children (<10 years old), unintentional injuries predominate, while assault‐type injuries were most common among older adolescents. Overall, among this PECARN patient population, male adolescents living in neighborhoods characterized by high levels of concentrated disadvantage had an elevated risk for firearm injury. Public health efforts should focus on developing and implementing initiatives addressing risk factors at both the individual and the community level, including ED‐based interventions to reduce the risk for firearm injuries among high‐risk pediatric populations.
Simulation and curriculum design: a global survey in dental education
Authors: Perry S , Burrow MF , Leung WK , Bridges SM
Published: April 2017

Background

Curriculum reforms are being driven by globalization and international standardization. Although new information technologies such as dental haptic virtual reality (VR) simulation systems have provided potential new possibilities for clinical learning in dental curricula, infusion into curricula requires careful planning.

Methods

This study aimed to identify current patterns in the role and integration of simulation in dental degree curricula internationally. An original internet survey was distributed by invitation to clinical curriculum leaders in dental schools in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand).

Results

The results (N = 62) showed Asia, Europe and Oceania tended towards integrated curriculum designs with North America having a higher proportion of traditional curricula. North America had limited implementation of haptic VR simulation technology but reported the highest number of scheduled simulation hours. Australia and New Zealand were the most likely regions to incorporate haptic VR simulation technology.

Conclusions

This survey indicated considerable variation in curriculum structure with regionally‐specific preferences being evident in terms of curriculum structure, teaching philosophies and motivation for incorporation of VR haptic simulation into curricula. This study illustrates the need for an improved evidence base on dental simulations to inform curriculum designs and psychomotor skill learning in dentistry.
Periodontal treatment in private dental practice: a case‐based survey
Authors: Darby I , Barrow S‐Y , Cvetkovic B , Musolino R , Wise S , Yung C , Bailey D
Published: April 2017

Background

This study aimed to assess the management and referral patterns of Victorian general dental practitioners based on periodontal diagnosis.

Methods

Following ethics approval, Victorian general dental practitioners were invited to complete five randomized text‐based periodontitis scenario questionnaires. Based on their diagnosis, respondents were asked for their management options and asked to specify who would perform these treatments. Respondents were also asked about referral procedures.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐five dentists attempted the survey. Most were in group practice and based in Melbourne. Of the total respondents, 22.5% worked in a practice employing a hygienist. The management of periodontal disease was appropriate, and treatment options increased with severity. As severity increased, patients were more likely to be referred to a periodontist. Periodontal services referred by general dentists to dental hygienists increased with the number of days the hygienists worked within a practice. Over‐ and underdiagnosis did not markedly affect management. The recommendation of antibiotics, mouthwashes and periodontal surgery varied depending on year and school of graduation.

Conclusions

The general dentists that completed the survey are managing periodontal conditions appropriately and according to current guidelines.
Comparative analysis of the merino sheep and Iberian red deer abomasum during prenatal development
Authors: Franco Antonio , Masot Javier , Redondo Eloy
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study is to describe differences in the ontogenesis of the abomasum in sheep (domestic ruminant) and deer (wild ruminant). Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis were carried out on 50 embryos and fetuses of the sheep and 50 red deer from the first prenatal stages until birth. To compare similar periods of gestation in both species, we calculate the percentages of gestation. The appearance of the abomasum was earlier in the red deer (22% gestation) than in the sheep (25% gestation). Throughout development the epithelium happened sequentially, being of the types pseudostratified to simple cylindrical. This important modification was earlier in the red deer than the sheep. At 46% gestation in red deer and 50% in sheep, gastric pits were observed on the surface of abomasal folds. Our studies suggest a close link between the initial formation of these pseudoglandular structures and the clear separation of lamina propria and submucosa separated by de muscularis mucosae. At 54% gestation in red deer and at 60% in sheep, in the bottom of these pits the first outlines of glands were distinguishable. Finally, the presence of neuroendocrine and glial cells were detected in deer at earlier stages than in sheep.
What impact do questionnaire length and monetary incentives have on mailed health psychology survey response?
Authors: Robb Kathryn A. , Gatting Lauren , Wardle Jane
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Response rates to health‐related surveys are declining. This study tested two strategies to improve the response rate to a health psychology survey mailed through English general practices: (1) sending a shortened questionnaire and (2) offering a monetary incentive to return a completed questionnaire.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Adults (n = 4,241) aged 45–59 years, from four General Practices in South‐East England, were mailed a survey on attitudes towards bowel cancer screening. Using a 2 × 4 factorial design, participants were randomized to receive a ‘short’ (four A4 pages) or a ‘long’ (seven A4 pages) questionnaire, and one of four monetary incentives to return a completed questionnaire – (1) no monetary incentive, (2) £2.50 shop voucher, (3) £5.00 shop voucher, and (4) inclusion in a £250 shop voucher prize draw. Age, gender, and area‐level deprivation were obtained from the General Practices.

Results

The overall response rate was 41% (n = 1,589). Response to the ‘short’ questionnaire (42%) was not significantly different from the ‘long’ questionnaire (40%). The £2.50 incentive (43%) significantly improved response rates in univariate analyses, and remained significant after controlling for age, gender, area‐level deprivation, and questionnaire length. The £5.00 (42%) and £250 prize draw (41%) incentives had no significant impact on response rates compared to no incentive (38%).

Conclusions

A small monetary incentive (£2.50) may slightly increase response to a mailed health psychology survey. The length of the questionnaire (four pages vs. seven pages) did not influence response. Although frequently used, entry into a prize draw did not increase response. Achieving representative samples remains a challenge for health psychology.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject

Response rates to mailed questionnaires continue to decline, threatening the representativeness of data.

Prize draw incentives are frequently used but there is little evidence to support their efficacy.

Research on interactions between incentives, questionnaire length, and demographics is lacking.

What does this study add

Contrary to previous findings, questionnaire length did not influence response rate.

A £2.50 incentive increased response, while incentives of £5.00 and a £250 prize draw did not.

Achieving representative samples to questionnaires remains a challenge for health psychology.
Endothelial ErbB4 deficit induces alterations in exploratory behavior and brain energy metabolism in mice
Authors: Wu Gang , Liu Xiu‐Xiu , Lu Nan‐Nan , Liu Qi‐Bing , Tian Yun , Ye Wei‐Feng , Jiang Guo‐Jun , Tao Rong‐Rong , Han Feng , Lu Ying‐Mei
Published: April 2017

Aims

The receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB4 is present throughout the primate brain and has a distinct functional profile. In this study, we investigate the potential role of endothelial ErbB4 receptor signaling in the brain.

Results

Here, we show that the endothelial cell‐specific deletion of ErbB4 induces decreased exploratory behavior in adult mice. However, the water maze task for spatial memory and the memory reconsolidation test reveal no changes; additionally, we observe no impairment in CaMKII phosphorylation in Cdh5Cre;ErbB4f/f mice, which indicates that the endothelial ErbB4 deficit leads to decreased exploratory activity rather than direct memory deficits. Furthermore, decreased brain metabolism, which was measured using micro‐positron emission tomography, is observed in the Cdh5Cre;ErbB4f/f mice. Consistently, the immunoblot data demonstrate the downregulation of brain Glut1, phospho‐ULK1 (Ser555), and TIGAR in the endothelial ErbB4 conditional knockout mice. Collectively, our findings suggest that endothelial ErbB4 plays a critical role in regulating brain function, at least in part, through maintaining normal brain energy homeostasis.

Conclusions

Targeting ErbB4 or the modulation of endothelial ErbB4 signaling may represent a rational pharmacological approach to treat neurological disorders.
INFORMATION AND THE BEAUTY PREMIUM IN POLITICAL ELECTIONS
Authors: Jones Todd R. , Price Joseph
Published: April 2017

We use data on 800 candidates from the 2012 U.S. election cycle in U.S. and state congressional races to examine the degree to which beauty affects electoral outcomes. We find that a candidate that is one standard deviation more beautiful receives a 1.1 percentage point higher vote share and is 6.0 percentage points more likely to win the election. This beauty premium is larger in situations where voters are less likely to have more information about the candidate. The beauty premium is much smaller for U.S. congressional races than for state congressional races, and is also much smaller for incumbent candidates. In addition, we find a correlation that the beauty premium is lower when a candidate spends more money on the election. (JEL D72, J70)
Changes in water‐soluble carbohydrates relative to crude protein in perennial ryegrass in response to defoliation frequency
Authors: Loaiza Pablo , Balocchi Oscar , López Ignacio F.
Published: April 2017

The water‐soluble carbohydrate relative to crude protein (WSC:CP) ratio in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) has been postulated as a useful indicator of nitrogen (N) use efficiency in grazing dairy cows. A mini‐sward study was conducted to quantify the effects of defoliation frequency based on leaf stage on the CP fractions and the WSC:CP ratio in perennial ryegrass. Defoliation frequency corresponded to the time taken by ryegrass to develop 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 leaves per tiller. Plant growth dynamics and plant nutritive parameters related to N use efficiency were measured. The results showed that perennial ryegrass plants that were defoliated more frequently had reduced herbage mass accumulation, leaf elongation rate and total lamina length than plants defoliated less frequently in both growth cycles. Extending the defoliation frequency from the one‐ to five‐leaf stage resulted in a decline in WSC content, an increase in CP and buffer soluble CP and a decline in the WSC:CP ratio. Given the defoliation frequencies tested here, we concluded that plants defoliated too frequently have a potential risk of low N efficiency use by grazing animals, due to a low WSC:CP ratio. The best nutritional quality balance occurs when plants were defoliated at the 3.0‐leaf stage during the first growth cycle and at the 2.0‐leaf stage during the second growth cycle.
Spontaneous remission of hepatitis B virus reactivation during direct‐acting antiviral agent‐based therapy for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Sato Ken , Kobayashi Takeshi , Yamazaki Yuichi , Takakusagi Satoshi , Horiguchi Norio , Kakizaki Satoru , Kusano Motoyasu , Yamada Masanobu
Published: April 2017

The administration of direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been reported to cause hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation. However, the actual conditions of HBV reactivation and the ideal timing of medical intervention have not been fully evaluated. We report the cases of two female patients dually infected with HBV and HCV. Both patients were inactive HBV carriers. Although the serum HCV RNA levels promptly decreased after the initiation of DAA‐based therapy, the serum HBV DNA levels gradually increased during DAA‐based therapy, with the peak serum HBV DNA levels observed at 16 weeks after the initiation of DAA‐based therapy in both cases. Subsequently, we checked the serum HBV DNA levels closely every week several times. Fortunately, the serum HBV DNA levels gradually decreased without medical intervention. Neither case developed an alanine aminotransferase flare‐up. The HCV genotypes were 2a and 1b, and the DAA‐based therapies of Cases 1 and 2 were 12 weeks of sofosbuvir/ribavirin and ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, respectively. The significance of our case reports is the demonstration of the existence of spontaneous remission of HBV reactivation that developed during DAA‐based therapy, the avoidance of intervention of nucleot(s)ide analogs by frequent monitoring of serum HBV DNA levels, and development of HBV reactivation regardless of the viral genotype or class of DAA. In conclusion, the close monitoring of serum HBV DNA levels during and after DAA‐based therapy is essential and medical intervention for HBV reactivation should be carefully considered on an individual basis.
Use of vegetable oils in dermatology: an overview
Authors: Sarkar Rashmi , Podder Indrashis , Gokhale Narendra , Jagadeesan Soumya , Garg Vijay K.
Published: April 2017

Vegetable oils have been used for a wide variety of purposes since time immemorial; however, their principle use remains as skin moisturizers, especially in neonates and children. Because of their considerable efficacy and a low side effect profile and bearable cost, these oils are hugely popular as moisturizers among the common people in countries such as India. A wide variety of oils have been used, and newer ones are coming up with each passing day. This article focuses on the different types of vegetable oils and their varied uses in dermatology.
Role of CD200 in differential diagnosis of mature B‐cell neoplasm
Authors: Rahman K. , Kumar P. , Gupta R. , Singh M. K. , Nityanand S.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

CD 200 is a type I immunoglobulin super family membrane glycoprotein, which is expressed in various mature B‐cell neoplasm (MBN). This study aimed at analyzing the expression pattern of CD200 by flow cytometry immunophenotyping (FCI) and to evaluate its utility in narrowing down the differential diagnosis of MBN, particularly in low‐grade lymphomas.

Methods

A total of 160 samples were evaluated by FCI over a period of 2 years (July 2014–June 2016), by a panel of antibodies including CD200. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD200 in the neoplastic population was noted and compared among several groups of MBN.

Results

All the 98 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), five being CD23‐negative, expressed CD200 with moderate‐to‐bright intensity (median MFI: 1174). None of the 24 mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cases, two being CD23‐positive, expressed CD200 (median MFI: 10). All six hairy cell leukemia (HCL) cases expressed CD200. CD200 expression in HCL was brightest among all the MBNs, with a median MFI of 5050. Other MBN (n = 32) expressed CD200 in a proportion of cases and with variable intensity, usually dimmer than CLL.

Conclusion

CD200 has a valid role in differentiating CLL from MCL, especially in the cases with immunophenotypic overlap. HCL has a consistent and brightest expression of CD200. It would be prudent to include CD200 in the primary panel of antibodies for MBN analysis.
Is anger management style associated with descending modulation of spinal nociception?
Authors: Lannon Edward , Terry Ellen L. , Thompson Kathryn , Rhudy Jamie L.
Published: April 2017

Anger management styles (i.e., anger‐in and anger‐out) characterize a person's typical response to anger. Anger‐in, the suppression of anger, and anger‐out, the outward expression of anger, have been associated with increased acute and chronic pain. Previous research suggests that anger‐in is related to pain because of its shared variance with negative affect; anger‐out is believed to be related to pain because of a disruption of endogenous opioid systems. It is currently unknown whether anger management styles promote pain by facilitating central sensitization or spinal nociception. This study assessed the relationship between anger management styles and markers of central sensitization (i.e., temporal summation of pain [TS‐pain] and nociception flexion reflex [TS‐NFR]), spinal nociception (nociception flexion reflex [NFR] threshold), and measures of pain experience. One hundred nine healthy pain‐free individuals completed the study. A bootstrapped mediation analysis was conducted to test whether negative affect mediated relationships with anger‐in. Results suggested that anger‐in and anger‐out were associated with lower NFR thresholds (facilitated spinal nociception), but no other outcome. Negative affect did not mediate either of these relationships. These results suggest that anger management styles may amplify spinal nociceptive processes in healthy humans without altering central sensitization.
LiCaAlN2:Eu3+/Tb3+: Red and green phosphors for LEDs and FEDs with charge transfer transition in n‐UV region
Authors: Wu Quansheng , Ding Jianyan , Li Yanyan , Wang Xicheng , Wang Yuhua
Published: April 2017

LiCaAlN2:Eu3+/Tb3+ red/green phosphors were successfully prepared by conventional solid‐state reaction. The photoluminescence (PL) properties and cathodoluminescence (CL) properties of LiCaAlN2:Eu3+/Tb3+ were investigated in detail. The Eu3+ (Tb3+) doped LiCaAlN2 shows red (green) emission peaking at 615 nm (550 nm). Monitored at 615 nm (550 nm), it is interesting to found that LiCaAlN2:Eu3+ (LiCaAlN2:Tb3+) has a broad charge transfer transition in the range of 350‐450 nm (275‐375 nm) peaking at 380 nm (343 nm), which can be efficiently excited by n‐UV light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). Under electron beam excitation, LiCaAlN2:Tb3+ exhibited a good resistance to the current saturation. The white LED has also been fabricated with blue, green, and LiCaAlN2:Eu3+ red phosphor. The results indicate that LiCaAlN2:Eu3+/Tb3+ could be conducive to the development of phosphor‐converted LEDs and field emission displays (FEDs).
Sonochemical synthesis of ZnO‐ZnS core‐shell nanorods for enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Cheon Se Young , Yoon Jae‐Sik , Oh Kyung Hee , Jang Kyu Yeon , Seo Jong Hyeok , Park Joon Yong , Choi Sang‐Il , Seo Won Seok , Lee Gaehang , Nam Ki Min
Published: April 2017

The ultrasonic‐assisted synthesis method provides a fast, simple, and large‐scale route for synthesizing desired materials under ambient conditions. In this work, we report on the facile preparation of ZnO‐ZnS core‐shell nanorods on a fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate. The core‐shell nanorods were synthesized by sequential nanoscale reactions involving the preparation of ZnO nanorods and conversion of the ZnO surface into a ZnS shell on the FTO substrate, using an in situ sonochemical method. The ZnO‐ZnS core‐shell nanorods showed improved photocurrents compared with ZnO nanorods for the water oxidation reaction. During the water oxidation reaction, the ZnS shell passivates the surface‐defects of the ZnO, which results in enhanced charge separation in the ZnO nanorods and higher performance.
Association between the ulcer status and the risk of delayed bleeding after the endoscopic mucosal resection of colon
Authors: Kim Gwang‐Un , Seo Myeongsook , Song Eun Mi , Hwang Sung Wook , Park Sang Hyoung , Yang Dong‐Hoon , Byeon Jeong‐Sik
Published: April 2017

Background and Aim

Bleeding is the most common adverse event following colonoscopic endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). We aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of a colon EMR according to the post‐EMR ulcer status and determine the risk factors of delayed postpolypectomy bleeding (DPPB) based on the post‐EMR ulcer status.

Methods

The medical records and endoscopic images of patients who underwent EMR of colon polyps with diameters of ≥ 5 mm were retrospectively reviewed by us. If any exposed vessels were observed on the post‐EMR ulcer, the types of exposed vessels were classified into cut and uncut vessels. The coagulation injuries on the post‐EMR ulcer were categorized as grades 1, 2, or 3.

Results

In total, 505 patients with 728 polyps were examined. Exposed vessels were present in 416 post‐EMR ulcers, including cut vessels in 11 (1.5%) and uncut vessels in 405 (55.6%). With regard to coagulation injury, 113 (15.5%), 443 (60.9%), and 172 (23.6%) post‐EMR ulcers had grades 1, 2, and 3 injuries, respectively. DPPB was observed in 20 lesions (2.7%). Multivariate analysis indicated that a polyp size > 10 mm (odds ratio [OR], 3.354; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.229–9.154), cut vessels (OR, 18.913; 95% CI, 3.106–115.187), and grade 3 coagulation injury (OR, 16.796; 95% CI, 1.825–154.556) were associated with DPPB.

Conclusions

Cut vessels and severe coagulation injury on post‐EMR ulcers, as well as larger polyp size, are risk factors for DPPB. Careful inspection of post‐EMR ulcers and prophylactic hemostasis, if necessary, may improve the clinical outcomes of colonoscopic EMR.
Efficacy and Safety of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Older Adults with Acute Ischemic Stoke
Authors: Sallustio Fabrizio , Koch Giacomo , Motta Caterina , Diomedi Marina , Alemseged Fana , D'Agostino Vittoria C. , Napolitano Simone , Samà Domenico , Davoli Alessandro , Konda Daniel , Morosetti Daniele , Pampana Enrico , Floris Roberto , Gandini Roberto
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular therapy in elderly adults treated for acute ischemic stroke.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Comprehensive Stroke Center, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.

Participants

Elderly adults treated for acute ischemic stroke (N = 219).

Measurements

Participants were divided into two groups based on their age (n = 62, ≥80; n = 157, <80). Baseline and procedural characteristics, safety outcomes such as intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and mortality and efficacy outcomes such as successful reperfusion and 3‐month good clinical outcome of the two groups were compared. Mutivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of clinical outcome.

Results

Intravenous thrombolysis was more frequent (67.7% vs 52.8%, P = .04), and onset to reperfusion time was shorter (318.7 ± 128.7 vs 282 ± 53.5, P = .02) in participants aged 80 and older, but no between‐group differences were found in terms of successful reperfusion (69% vs 63%, P = .4), good clinical outcome (30.6% vs 34.3%, P = .6), any (37% vs 37.5%, P > .99) or symptomatic (11% vs 14%, P = .6) ICH, or mortality (40.3% vs 29.2%, P = .14). Multivariable analysis revealed that, in the older group, onset National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (odds ratio (OR) = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.44–0.96, P = .03) and 24‐hour clinical improvement (OR = 141.13, 95% CI = 2.96–6,720.7, P = .01) were independent predictors of 3‐month functional independence.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that endovascular treatment for stroke in selected elderly adults could be safe and effective. Major determinants of outcome in this subgroup of elderly patients are presentation NIHSS score and 24‐hour clinical improvement.
JA but not JA‐Ile is the cell‐nonautonomous signal activating JA mediated systemic defenses to herbivory in Nicotiana attenuata
Authors: Bozorov Tohir A. , Dinh Son Truong , Baldwin Ian T.
Published: April 2017

The whole‐plant activation of defense responses to wounding and herbivory requires systemic signaling in which jasmonates (JAs) play a pivotal role. To examine the nature of the slower cell‐nonautonomous as compared to the rapid cell‐autonomous signal in mediating systemic defenses in Nicotiana attenuata, reciprocal stem grafting‐experiments were used with plants silenced for the JA biosynthetic gene ALLENE OXIDE CYCLASE (irAOC) or plants transformed to create JA sinks by ectopically expressing Arabidopsis JA‐O‐methyltransferase (ovJMT). JA‐impaired irAOC plants were defective in the cell‐nonautonomous signaling pathway but not in JA transport. Conversely, ovJMT plants abrogated the production of a graft‐transmissible JA signal. Both genotypes displayed unaltered cell‐autonomous signaling. Defense responses (17‐hydroxygeranyllinalool diterpene glycosides, nicotine, and proteinase inhibitors) and metabolite profiles were differently induced in irAOC and ovJMT scions in response to graft‐transmissible signals from elicited wild type stocks. The performance of Manduca sexta larvae on the scions of different graft combinations was consistent with the patterns of systemic defense metabolite elicitations. Taken together, we conclude that JA and possibly MeJA, but not JA‐Ile, either directly functions as a long‐distance transmissible signal or indirectly interacts with long distance signal(s) to activate systemic defense responses.
Career Cartography: From Stories to Science and Scholarship
Authors: Wilson Deleise S. , Rosemberg Marie‐Anne S. , Visovatti Moira , Munro‐Kramer Michelle L. , Feetham Suzanne
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To present four case scenarios reflecting the process of research career development using career cartography.

Organizing Constructs

Career cartography is a novel approach that enables nurses, from all clinical and academic settings, to actively engage in a process that maximizes their clinical, teaching, research, and policy contributions that can improve patient outcomes and the health of the public.

Methods

Four early‐career nurse researchers applied the career cartography framework to describe their iterative process of research career development. They report the development process of each of the components of career cartography, including destination statement, career map, and policy statement.

Conclusions

Despite diverse research interests and career mapping approaches, common experiences emerged from the four nurse researchers. Common lessons learned throughout the career cartography process include: (a) have a supportive mentorship team, (b) start early and reflect regularly, (c) be brief and to the point, (d) keep it simple and avoid jargon, (e) be open to change, (f) make time, and (g) focus on the overall career destination.

Clinical Relevance

These four case scenarios support the need for nurse researchers to develop their individual career cartography. Regardless of their background, career cartography can help nurse researchers articulate their meaningful contributions to science, policy, and health of the public.
Comparison of the nephrotoxic effects of iodixanol versus iohexol in patients with chronic heart failure undergoing coronary angiography or angioplasty
Authors: Song Tao , Song Min , Ge Zhiming , Li Yong , Shi Peimiao , Sun Menghan
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The aim of this clinical trial is to compare iodixanol with iohexol for the incidence of contrast‐induced nephropathy in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction who are currently undergoing coronary angiography or angioplasty.

Methods

The clinical trial included 220 consecutive patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction undergoing coronary angiography or angioplasty. Study participants were administered either iodixanol (n = 110) or iohexol (n = 110). The primary study endpoint was the incidence of contrast‐induced nephropathy within 72 h after the procedure. The secondary endpoints were to determine the peak increase in serum creatinine levels and Cystatin C, and the peak decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 72 h post‐contrast medium.

Results

Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were similar between the two groups. Our study showed that the overall incidence of contrast induced nephropathy in patients with chronic heart failure was 20.9%. The incidence of contrast induced nephropathy was significantly lower in iodixanol group than in iohexol group (29.1% vs 12.7%, P = 0.041). The peak increase in serum creatinine levels and the peak decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate after the procedure were statistically significant between the two groups. Moreover, there was statistically significance in the peak increase of Cystatin C levels after the procedure.

Conclusions

In patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction who are currently undergoing coronary angiography with or without percutaneous coronary intervention, the iso‐osmolar contrast iodixanol was associated with a lower incidence of contrast induced nephropathy than low‐osmolar contrast iohexol.
Comprehensive Review and Comparison of the Disinfection Techniques Currently Available in the Literature
Authors: Chidambaranathan Ahila S. , Balasubramanium Muthukumar
Published: April 2017

The goal of disinfection in the dental office is to prevent the spread of infection from one patient to another and maintain the safety of the dental care providers. Prevention of cross infection has significant effect on infection control. The standard procedure of rinsing impressions under tap water immediately after removal from the mouth eliminates microorganisms along with saliva and blood. A broad search on published literature was done using the keywords impression materials, disinfection method, and sterilization of dental impression from 1980 to 2016 in Medline, Google Scholar, the internet, and textbooks. This article critically analyzes the various published methods of dental impression disinfection in dentistry.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Twin‐Block and Fixed Oral Appliances in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Umemoto George , Toyoshima Hideo , Yamaguchi Yuji , Aoyagi Naoko , Yoshimura Chikara , Funakoshi Kouta
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To compare the efficacy of twin‐block (i.e., allows mouth opening) and fixed (i.e., maintains mouth closure) mandibular advancement splints (MASs) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSA).

Materials and Methods

From 2011 to 2013, 23 patients with OSA in the twin‐block group, and from 2013 to 2015, 29 patients in the fixed MAS group were included. All patients underwent polysomnography before and after 3 months of treatment. The two sets of polysomnographic and cephalometric variables were compared.

Results

A significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed in the apnea–hypopnea index before and after MAS treatment in both groups (twin‐block group: 20.6 ± 11.5 vs. 14.7 ± 9.4; fixed group: 21.4 ± 15.2 vs. 11.2 ± 9.7). In the twin‐block group, 5 patients (21.7%) were complete responders, 9 (39.1%) were fair responders, and 9 (39.1%) were nonresponders; the corresponding figures for the fixed group were 14 (48.3%), 9 (31.0%), and 6 (20.7%) patients. A significant between‐group difference was observed in the distribution of responders (p = 0.046). The fixed group showed a significant improvement in the snoring index (p = 0.003), arousal index (p = 0.036), and desaturation rate (p = 0.012). Finally, the change in incisal overjet was larger in the fixed group than in the twin‐block group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These results suggest that fixed oral appliances are superior in treating OSA, based on their ability to prevent mouth opening and reduce incisal overjet.
High payload itraconazole-incorporated lipid nanoparticles with modulated release property for oral and parenteral administration
Authors: Zeb Alam , Qureshi Omer S , Kim Hoo-Seong , Kim Myung-Sic , Kang Jong-Ho , Park Jeong-Sook , Kim Jin-Ki
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop high payload itraconazole-incorporated lipid nanoparticles (HINP) with modulated release property using a binary mixture core of solid and liquid lipid for oral and parenteral administration.

Methods

High payload itraconazole-incorporated lipid nanoparticles were prepared by hot high-pressure homogenization method using tristearin (TS) as a solid lipid, triolein (TO) as a liquid lipid and egg phosphatidylcholine/Tween 80/DSPE-PEG2000 as a surfactants mixture. To investigate the effects of liquid lipid in lipid core on itraconazole (ITZ) dissolution and release, TS/TO ratio was varied as 100/0, 90/10 and 80/20 (mg/mg).

Key findings

All HINP formulations showed particle size around 300 nm and polydispersity index below 0.3. The incorporation efficiencies of HINP formulations were above 80%, and more than 40 mg of ITZ was incorporated into each HINP formulation. In-vitro dissolution and release rate of ITZ from HINP increased as the amount of TO in lipid core increased. Compared with commercial formulations of ITZ, the pharmacokinetics of ITZ was improved after oral and parenteral administration of HINP formulations containing 0% or 10% of TO in lipid core.

Conclusion

High payload itraconazole-incorporated lipid nanoparticles with a binary mixture lipid core have a great potential for the development of controlled release formulation of ITZ.