bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic splenectomy for hereditary spherocytosis—preliminary report
Authors: Rogulski Robert , Adamowicz‐Salach Anna , Matysiak Michał , Piotrowski Dariusz , Gogolewski Michał , Piotrowska Anna , Roik Danuta , Kamiński Andrzej
Published: August 2015

Splenectomy is considered standard surgical therapy in hereditary spherocytosis. The procedure is indicated in patients with severe anemia, recurrent hemolytic, and aplastic crises. The aim of the study was to assess treatment outcomes in patients with hereditary spherocytosis who underwent total or partial laparoscopic splenectomy. Fifteen patients aged 4–17 yr underwent laparoscopic splenectomy from 2009 to 2012. Partial and total splenectomies were performed (five and 10 children, respectively). Hematologic parameters, liver function tests, and splenic volume before and after the surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Total follow‐up was 1–30 months. Hospitalization and operating time were similar in both groups. In partial splenectomy group, branches of splenic arteries gave better blood supply than short gastric vessels. In both groups, hematologic parameters were improved. Postoperative markedly elevated platelet count was maintained up to 6 months, and after that, platelet count gradually decreased to normal values. Bilirubin level was decreased in early postoperative period; however, it increased later to achieve levels lower than in preoperative period. No severe general infections were observed in both groups. Laboratory parameters (hemoglobin and bilirubin concentrations and RBC) after the surgery improved in all patients, and the effect was maintained during 12 months of follow‐up. Platelet count increased significantly after the surgery and was maintained at high levels during the next 6 months. However, it returned to preoperative levels within a year after the surgery. Our study showed that partial splenectomy was not inferior to total splenectomy. However, full assessment requires longer follow‐up and larger group of patients.
Practical recommendations for the process of proposing, planning and writing a neurological management guideline by EAN task forces
Authors: Leone M. A. , Keindl M. , Schapira A. H. , Deuschl G. , Federico A.
Published: August 2015

The European Academy of Neurology (EAN), founded in 2014 after the merging of the two previously active European Neurological Societies, considers the production of neurological guidelines a major obligation, as this is a major tool to improve clinical practice in neurology. This paper updates practical suggestions to develop guidelines about the treatment and diagnosis of neurological diseases within the framework of the EAN. Its aim is to make uniform, traceable and explicit the path from the decision to write an EAN guideline to its publication. We explain the protocol structure, handling of conflicts of interest, format, timeline and process of revision and acceptance.

It provides the view of the Scientific Committee and the Board of the EAN. We hope to make easier a larger involvement of the EAN scientific community in producing guidelines.
Predominance of caudate nucleus lesions in acute ischaemic stroke patients with impairment in language and speech
Authors: Grönholm E. O. , Roll M. C. , Horne M. A. , Sundgren P. C. , Lindgren A. G.
Published: August 2015

Background and purpose

Whereas traditional views of language processing in the brain have assumed that the language function is concentrated to a limited number of cortical areas (Broca's and Wernicke's areas), current knowledge points at a much more complex system of language and speech processing involving many brain areas, both cortical and subcortical. The purpose of the current study was to make an unbiased assessment of which cerebral areas are affected in first‐ever acute ischaemic stroke patients identified as having language and speech impairments according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).

Methods

Data from 34 patients with language and speech impairment, with a score of 1–3 on item 9 of the NIHSS, following ischaemic stroke were collected from the Lund Stroke Register. Magnetic resonance images acquired up to 20 days after stroke onset were used to create an overlap lesion image using MRIcron software.

Results

The classical language areas, Wernicke's and Broca's areas, were affected in less than one‐fourth of the patients. The most frequently affected region was a subcortical region – the left caudate nucleus and the adjacent corona radiata.

Conclusions

These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence that the basal ganglia have a crucial role in the control over language and speech processing.
To Nurture or Groom? The Parent–Founder Succession Dilemma
Authors: McMullen Jeffery S. , Warnick Benjamin J.
Published: August 2015

Family business and human resource management scholars suggest that firms whose leaders experience affective commitment are more likely to achieve their goals. Building on self–determination theory, we propose a model in which parent–founders promote affective commitment in child–successors by supporting their psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness within the family business. We conclude by exploring the ethical implications of different parenting approaches in encouraging intrafamily succession.
Ecological sensitivity of marl lakes to nutrient enrichment: evidence from Hawes Water, UK
Authors: Wiik Emma , Bennion Helen , Sayer Carl D. , Davidson Thomas A. , McGowan Suzanne , Patmore Ian R. , Clarke Stewart J.
Published: August 2015

Highly calcareous (marl) lakes are infrequent but important freshwater ecosystems, protected under the EU Habitats and Species Directive. Chara lakes have been considered resistant to eutrophication owing to the self‐stabilising properties of charophyte meadows. However, the opposite is suggested by the large‐scale biodiversity declines in marl lake taxa in Europe, and evidence of charophyte sensitivity to eutrophication. We combined contemporary, palaeolimnological and archival methods to investigate the eutrophication of Hawes Water, a shallow marl lake in north‐west England (U.K.).

Changes in aquatic macrophyte and invertebrate communities were reconstructed through the analysis of historical macrophyte surveys and sedimentary plant and animal macrofossils in two dated sediment cores from the littoral and deep zones of the lake. In addition, chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments were analysed to track changes in primary production from benthic and pelagic areas. Substantial changes in macrophyte communities were detected over centennial timescales, suggesting high ecosystem sensitivity considering the presently moderate phosphorus concentrations in Hawes Water (mean annual total phosphorus 20 μg L−1).

Two apparent periods of threshold‐like change were identified from the sediment record: (i) changes in cyanobacteria (aphanizophyll + myxoxanthophyll to canthaxanthin + zeaxanthin) and potentially in nutrient stoichiometry, reductions in the maximum macrophyte colonisation depth and water clarity, reduced charophyte and Potamogeton diversity, and increases in Nymphaeaceae; and (ii) severe reductions in light availability inferred from subdecadal doubling in phytoplankton abundance, substantial increases in Daphnia abundance and the extinction of charophytes from higher water depths.

Further, change in both the littoral and deeper water has confined key marl lake taxa to smaller niches. In the littoral, increasing siltation and reed and Nymphaeaceae densities caused extinction of Littorella uniflora in the early 1900s and have reduced the evenness of Characeae with suspected imminent extinction of two highly localised Chara spp. In the deeper water, upslope creep of maximum colonisation depth has reduced habitat for intermediate‐depth marl lake taxa leading to the loss of four Potamogeton and one Chara species, and replacement of these taxa by Nuphar lutea.

The large changes in macrophyte community composition and increased incidences of turbid water have reduced the distinctive and valued marl lake features of Hawes Water, indicating that marl lakes can, as a habitat type, be highly sensitive to eutrophication. The persistence of abundant generalist macrophyte species at considerable water depth may be a feature of high‐alkalinity lakes in clearwater, macrophyte‐dominated states, but is a distinct eutrophication response in marl lakes rather than an indication of resistance to eutrophication.
Interactive multiple‐stressor effects of the antibiotic monensin, cattle effluent and light on stream periphyton
Authors: Winkworth Cynthia L. , Salis Romana K. , Matthaei Christoph D.
Published: August 2015

Streams draining agricultural land are simultaneously exposed to multiple stressors including agricultural antibiotics and effluent from surface water run‐off. The potential interactive effects of these contaminants on stream benthic communities are poorly understood.

Using a streamside channel experiment with a full factorial, repeated‐measures design, we assessed the individual and combined effects of the veterinary antibiotic monensin (four concentrations versus control), dairy cattle effluent (added versus control) and differing light levels (reduced versus ambient) on benthic stream periphyton (biomass accrual, community composition and ecological algal guilds). Antibiotic and effluent treatments were applied during a 24‐hour pulse to simulate run‐off from farmland, while light was manipulated throughout the experiment, to mimic the presence or absence of riparian shading.

Periphyton taxon richness was decreased by the two highest antibiotic levels 8 days after the pulse. Multivariate community composition (relative abundances of the 15 most common periphyton taxa) was also affected by all three stressors 8 days post‐pulse. However, the periphyton community recovered within 16 days post‐pulse.

Interactions among stressors were fairly common, occurring for two of three ecological algal guilds and six of the 15 common taxa. Nevertheless, interactions were generally subtle, without any strong synergistic or antagonistic patterns.

Our study shows that the antibiotic monensin can negatively affect stream periphyton communities, but also implies short pulses may not have lasting impacts. The lack of strong synergistic or antagonistic interactions between monensin and light or effluent indicates monensin effects on stream periphyton may be predicted reasonably well based on single‐stressor studies.
Cancer incidence among HIV‐positive women in British Columbia, Canada: Heightened risk of virus‐related malignancies
Authors: Salters KA , Cescon A , Zhang W , Ogilvie G , Murray MCM , Coldman A , Hamm J , Chiu CG , Montaner JSG , Wiseman SM , Money D , Pick N , Hogg RS
Published: August 2015

Objectives

We used population‐based data to identify incident cancer cases and correlates of cancer among women living with HIV/AIDS in British Columbia (BC), Canada between 1994 and 2008.

Methods

Data were obtained from a retrospective population‐based cohort created from linkage of two province‐wide databases: (1) the database of the BC Cancer Agency, a province‐wide population‐based cancer registry, and (2) a database managed by the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, which contains data on all persons treated with antiretroviral therapy in BC. This analysis included women (≥ 19 years old) living with HIV in BC, Canada. Incident cancer diagnoses that occurred after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiation were included. We obtained a general population comparison of cancer incidence among women from the BC Cancer Agency. Bivariate analysis (Pearson χ2, Fisher's exact or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test) compared women with and without incident cancer across relevant clinical and sociodemographic variables. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for selected cancers compared with the general population sample.

Results

We identified 2211 women with 12 529 person‐years (PY) of follow‐up who were at risk of developing cancer after HAART initiation. A total of 77 incident cancers (615/100 000 PY) were identified between 1994 and 2008. HIV‐positive women with cancer, in comparison to the general population sample, were more likely to be diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma and less likely to be diagnosed with cancers of the digestive system.

Conclusions

This study observed elevated rates of cancer among HIV‐positive women compared to a general population sample. HIV‐positive women may have an increased risk for cancers of viral‐related pathogenesis.
Postnatal retention in HIV care: insight from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study over a 15‐year observational period
Authors: Aebi‐Popp K , Kouyos R , Bertisch B , Staehelin C , Rudin C , Hoesli I , Stoeckle M , Bernasconi E , Cavassini M , Grawe C , Lecompte TD , Rickenbach M , Thorne C , Martinez de Tejada B , Fehr J ,   the Swiss Mother and Child HIV Cohort Study and the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: August 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to quantify loss to follow‐up (LTFU) in HIV care after delivery and to identify risk factors for LTFU, and implications for HIV disease progression and subsequent pregnancies.

Methods

We used data on pregnancies within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study from 1996 to 2011. A delayed clinical visit was defined as > 180 days and LTFU as no visit for > 365 days after delivery. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for LTFU.

Results

A total of 695 pregnancies in 580 women were included in the study, of which 115 (17%) were subsequent pregnancies. Median maternal age was 32 years (IQR 28–36 years) and 104 (15%) women reported any history of injecting drug use (IDU). Overall, 233 of 695 (34%) women had a delayed visit in the year after delivery and 84 (12%) women were lost to follow‐up. Being lost to follow‐up was significantly associated with a history of IDU [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–5.88; P = 0.007] and not achieving an undetectable HIV viral load (VL) at delivery (aOR 2.42; 95% CI 1.21–4.85; P = 0.017) after adjusting for maternal age, ethnicity and being on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at conception. Forty‐three of 84 (55%) women returned to care after LTFU. Half of them (20 of 41) with available CD4 had a CD4 count < 350 cells/μL and 15% (six of 41) a CD4 count < 200 cells/μL at their return.

Conclusions

A history of IDU and detectable HIV VL at delivery were associated with LTFU. Effective strategies are warranted to retain women in care beyond pregnancy and to avoid CD4 cell count decline. ART continuation should be advised especially if a subsequent pregnancy is planned.
Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effects of the COPE Online Cognitive‐Behavioral Skill‐Building Program on Mental Health Outcomes and Academic Performance in Freshmen College Students: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek , Amaya Megan , Szalacha Laura A. , Hoying Jacqueline , Taylor Tiffany , Bowersox Kristen
Published: August 2015

Problem

Despite the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders in university students, few receive needed evidence‐based treatment.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and preliminary effects of a seven‐session online cognitive‐behavioral skill‐building intervention (i.e., COPE, Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) versus a comparison group on their anxiety, depressive symptoms, and grade performance.

Methods

A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted from September 2012 to May 2013 with 121 college freshmen enrolled in a required one credit survey course.

Findings

Although there were no significant differences in anxiety and depressive symptoms between the groups, only COPE students with an elevated level of anxiety at baseline had a significant decline in symptoms. Grade point average was higher in COPE versus comparison students. Evaluations indicated that COPE was a positive experience for students.

Conclusions

COPE is a promising brief intervention that can be integrated effectively into a required freshman course.
Percent Time With a Supratherapeutic INR in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Also Using an Antiplatelet Agent Is Associated With Long‐Term Risk of Dementia
Authors: JACOBS VICTORIA , WOLLER SCOTT C. , STEVENS SCOTT M. , MAY HEIDI T. , BAIR TAMI L. , CRANDALL BRIAN G. , CUTLER MICHAEL , DAY JOHN D. , WEISS J. PETER , OSBORN JEFFREY S. , MALLENDER CHARLES , ANDERSON JEFFREY L. , BUNCH T. JARED
Published: August 2015

Antiplatelet and Warfarin Use and Risk of Dementia in Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Background

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at higher risk of developing dementia. AF patients treated with warfarin with poor time in therapeutic ranges are significantly more likely to develop dementia. AF patients are also frequently treated with antiplatelet agents due to coexistent vascular disease. We hypothesize that AF patients with anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies will be at higher risk of dementia, particularly with chronic exposure to over‐anticoagulation.

Methods

Chronically anticoagulated patients receiving warfarin (target INR 2–3) for AF and managed by the Intermountain Healthcare Clinical Pharmacist Anticoagulation Service (CPAS) on concurrent antiplatelet agents with no history of dementia or stroke/TIA were included. The primary outcome was the presence of dementia defined by neurologist determined ICD‐9 codes. Percent time with an INR>3.0 was determined and then compared by 3 strata <10% (n = 340), 10–24% (n = 417), ≥25% (n = 235). Multivariable Cox hazard regression was utilized to determine dementia incidence by percent time.

Results

A total of 992 patients were studied. Patients with an INR>3 more than 25% of the time were 2.40 times more likely to develop dementia (P = 0.04). A comparison between < 10% group and 10–24.9% group with INR>3 indicated no difference in risk for the development of dementia (P = 0.74). The risk was significantly increased in patients using triple antithrombotic therapy, although the number of patients within this group was small.

Conclusion

In AF patients receiving antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies, the percent of time exposed to over‐anticoagulation increased dementia risk. These data support the possibility of chronic cerebral injury from microbleeds as a mechanism underlying the association of AF and dementia.
Lessons Learned from Asymptomatic Acute Coronary Occlusion Complicating Radiofrequency Ablation of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Tachycardia
Authors: DILLING‐BOER DAGMARA , VANDUYNHOVEN PHILIPPE
Published: August 2015

Asymptomatic Coronary Occlusion and Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Tachycardia Ablation

Introduction

Radiofrequency ablation has become a standard procedure in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias. The success rate varies according to the etiology and the presence or absence of underlying structural heart disease, while complication rates are relatively low.

Methods

To describe the damage in neighboring structures during the ablation in certain locations.

Results

We present a patient who underwent a radiofrequency ablation of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycadia at the inferior and anterior part of the right ventricular outflow tract, at the insertion of the right ventricle to the left ventricle. Extensive ablation resulted in an asymptomatic occlusion of the mid segment of the left descending coronary artery.

Conclusion

Creation of deeper and broader lesions with current catheter technologies can result in damage of the adjacent endo‐ and epicardial structures. Careful evaluation of the area of interest prior to and after the ablation should therefore be mandatory.
The Mechanism of Reflection Type Reentry: A Simulation Study
Authors: KANDEL SUNIL M. , ROTH BRADLEY J.
Published: August 2015

The Mechanism of Reflection Type Reentry

Introduction

Reflection is a special type of reentry in which an electrical wave front travels in a forward direction through tissue that is then re‐excited by a wave front that propagates backward. This type of reentry has been studied computationally in 1‐dimensional fibers and verified experimentally. Different hypotheses explaining reflected reentry have been proposed based on the structure and heterogeneity of the tissue properties, but the mechanism remains uncertain.

Methods and Results

We used the bidomain model to represent cardiac tissue and the Luo–Rudy model to describe the active membrane properties. We consider an ischemic region in a volume of ventricular myocardium. Our results show that a slow depolarization in the ischemic border zone caused by electrotonic coupling to depolarized tissue in the normal region creates a delay between proximal and distal regions that produces enough electrotonic current in the distal region to re‐excite the proximal region.

Conclusion

Our simulation shows that an early afterdepolarization (EAD) is not the source of the reflection. It depends on the pacing interval and stimulus strength necessary to maintain enough time delay between proximal and distal regions.
The role of evidence analysts in creating nutrition management guidelines for inherited metabolic disorders
Authors: Osara Yetsa , Coakley Kathryn , Aisthorpe Alana , Stembridge Adrya , Quirk Meghan , Splett Patricia L , Rohr Fran , Singh Rani H.
Published: August 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Evidence and consensus‐based guidelines for nutrition management of maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) were developed as part of a project to create nutrition guidelines for inherited metabolic disorders identified through newborn screening. The objective of this study was to describe and evaluate the role of evidence analysts in the systematic review phase of guideline development to improve quality of process and output and inform future guideline development projects.

Methods

Recruitment, training and output of evidence analysts were documented throughout the MSUD project. The role of analysts was to critically review and rate the scientific quality of published literature and abstract pertinent information using quality checklists and abstraction worksheets. A secure, web‐based application was developed to standardize the process and establish permanent documentation. Analysts completed a post‐project survey on perceptions of their role, training and the evidence analysis process.

Results

Of 23 recruits, 65% (15) completed evidence analyst training; 73% of those (11) participated in the analysis of 98 literature articles. Analysts reviewed a median of four articles (range 1–16) with median productivity of 1.1 articles per month. All analysts surveyed (n = 9) understood their role and agreed that training was adequate; 100% agreed that analyst involvement was critical in developing guidelines for MSUD.

Conclusion

Evidence analysts played a key role in appraising and abstracting evidence to develop nutrition guidelines for MSUD. With critical improvements to the process, particularly more stringent and systematic evaluation and documentation of analyst performance related to productivity and quality, we will continue to recruit, train and support evidence analysts in evidence‐based guideline development projects.
Structure, importance and recording of therapeutic information in the medical record: a multicentre observational study
Authors: Tichelaar Jelle , van Unen Robert J. , Brinkman David J. , Fluitman Pieter H.M. , van Agtmael Michiel A. , de Vries Theo P.G.M. , Richir Milan C.
Published: August 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Structuring the diagnostic section of the medical record (MR) improves diagnosis and communication between doctors. However, little is known about the therapeutic section of the MR. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the extent to which MRs are structured for therapeutic information, to determine which therapeutic data registrars and clinical consultants consider should be recorded in the MR and to what extent registrars record this information themselves.

Methods

A multicentre observational study was carried out in the internal medicine outpatient clinics of five teaching hospitals in the Netherlands. Preformatted structure, importance and actual recording of therapeutic information was compared with a reference list of 35 therapeutic items based on the WHO Guide to Good Prescribing (e.g. drug name, indication for drug).

Results

The preformatted structure of four paper MRs and one electronic MR was assessed. Eight of the 35 therapeutic items were listed in the paper MRs and 18 items in the electronic MR. Registrars and consultants agreed on the importance of recording most of the therapeutic items in the MR, 25 and 27 out of the 35 items, respectively; however, registrars recorded only 11 of the 35 items in the paper MR and 20 of the 35 items in the electronic MR.

Conclusions

The structure and content of paper and electronic MRs are not adequate. While both registrars and consultants agree on the importance of recording therapeutic items in the MR, registrars fail to record most of this information in practice. The results of this study can be used as starting point for the discussion regarding the necessity of structured recording of therapeutic information in the MR and its possible benefits with regard to medication safety and training of the new generation of prescribers.
Developing a simulation‐optimisation model for quantitative and qualitative control of urban run‐off using best management practices
Authors: Behroozi A. , Niksokhan M.H. , Nazariha M.
Published: August 2015

The management of urban run‐off is considered a success when the issues of flood and pollution are properly addressed. Flood can be controlled by reduction of peak flows and by treating polluted run‐off. Best management practices (BMPs) are important tools for reducing pollutants and run‐offs. Location of BMPs is an important factor in determining their optimum arrangement. In this paper, based on simulation‐optimisation model, a methodology has been proposed to select proper BMPs with optimum arrangements. Quality and quantity of water flow in urban area were modelled, using Storm Water Management Model. Multi objective particle swarm optimisation was also used to reach the BMP layouts so that the peak flow and pollutant concentration can be effectively minimised. The proposed methodology was developed for district number 10 of Tehran municipality. The results showed that the proposed methodology could lead to an improvement in quantity and quality of run‐off. For example, different combination of 32 BMPs led to a decrease in peak flow for 2, 5 and 10‐year return periods as much as 10%, 21%, and 13%, respectively, while the combination of 45 BMPs decreased the total suspended solids mean concentration for 2, 5 and 10‐year return periods as much as 50%, 57%, and 59%, respectively.
A method for the evaluation of thousands of automated 3D stem cell segmentations
Authors: BAJCSY P. , SIMON M. , FLORCZYK S.J. , SIMON C.G. , JUBA D. , BRADY M.C.
Published: August 2015

There is no segmentation method that performs perfectly with any dataset in comparison to human segmentation. Evaluation procedures for segmentation algorithms become critical for their selection. The problems associated with segmentation performance evaluations and visual verification of segmentation results are exaggerated when dealing with thousands of three‐dimensional (3D) image volumes because of the amount of computation and manual inputs needed.

We address the problem of evaluating 3D segmentation performance when segmentation is applied to thousands of confocal microscopy images (z‐stacks). Our approach is to incorporate experimental imaging and geometrical criteria, and map them into computationally efficient segmentation algorithms that can be applied to a very large number of z‐stacks. This is an alternative approach to considering existing segmentation methods and evaluating most state‐of‐the‐art algorithms. We designed a methodology for 3D segmentation performance characterization that consists of design, evaluation and verification steps. The characterization integrates manual inputs from projected surrogate ‘ground truth’ of statistically representative samples and from visual inspection into the evaluation. The novelty of the methodology lies in (1) designing candidate segmentation algorithms by mapping imaging and geometrical criteria into algorithmic steps, and constructing plausible segmentation algorithms with respect to the order of algorithmic steps and their parameters, (2) evaluating segmentation accuracy using samples drawn from probability distribution estimates of candidate segmentations and (3) minimizing human labour needed to create surrogate ‘truth’ by approximating z‐stack segmentations with 2D contours from three orthogonal z‐stack projections and by developing visual verification tools.

We demonstrate the methodology by applying it to a dataset of 1253 mesenchymal stem cells. The cells reside on 10 different types of biomaterial scaffolds, and are stained for actin and nucleus yielding 128 460 image frames (on average, 125 cells/scaffold × 10 scaffold types × 2 stains × 51 frames/cell). After constructing and evaluating six candidates of 3D segmentation algorithms, the most accurate 3D segmentation algorithm achieved an average precision of 0.82 and an accuracy of 0.84 as measured by the Dice similarity index where values greater than 0.7 indicate a good spatial overlap. A probability of segmentation success was 0.85 based on visual verification, and a computation time was 42.3 h to process all z‐stacks. While the most accurate segmentation technique was 4.2 times slower than the second most accurate algorithm, it consumed on average 9.65 times less memory per z‐stack segmentation.
Oral health‐related quality of life and complications after treatment with partial removable dental prosthesis
Authors: Al‐Imam H. , Özhayat E. B. , Benetti A. R. , Pedersen A. M. L. , Gotfredsen K.
Published: August 2015

The aims of this study were to measure and describe the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and to identify the complications caused by partial removable dental prosthesis (RDPs) in patients 1–5 years after treatment. Complications were identified in 65 patients who were treated with 83 RDPs (48 upper, 35 lower). OHRQoL was measured using the OHIP‐49 before treatment and at the baseline (1–2 months after treatment) and follow‐up (1–5 years after treatment) examinations. The types and numbers of oral problems that were experienced were described based on OHIP items with a score of 3 and 4. A significant improvement (P < 0·05) in the total OHIP‐49 was registered from pre‐treatment (mean 42, SD ± 37) to baseline (mean 29, SD ± 27) and from pre‐treatment to 1–5 years after treatment (mean 32, SD ± 30). There was no significant difference between the baseline and 1‐ to 5‐year follow‐up examinations. Problems with eating and appearance registered at pre‐treatment were improved at baseline and after 1–5 years. Problems with dentures that had been registered pre‐treatment were improved at baseline but reoccurred after 1–5 years. The two most frequent complications were ill‐fitting RDPs and inflammation of the oral mucosa, followed less frequently by fractures of the clasps. Treatment with RDPs improved OHRQoL, but denture‐related problems partly remained, and new problems related to RDPs occurred 1–5 years after treatment. The two most frequent complications were ill‐fitting RDPs and inflammation of the oral mucosa.
Coping orientation and psychological distress in healthcare professionals: The utility of appraising coping acceptability
Authors: Morimoto Hiroshi , Shimada Hironori , Tanaka Hideki
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine interaction effects of healthcare professionals' coping orientation (i.e., engagement versus disengagement) and appraisal of coping acceptability (ACA) on psychological distress, taking into account the individuals' job specificity and the psychological climate in their work environment. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted, and Japanese healthcare professionals (N = 189; 117 female; mean age: 40.1 ± 11.2 years) reported the coping strategies that they employed for task‐related or interpersonal stressors, their cognitive appraisal of the stressors, their ACA, and the psychological distress evoked by the stressors. The results showed that adding consideration of the ACA to the variable of coping orientation significantly improved predictions of psychological distress for both task and interpersonal stressors. There was no significant interaction between the coping orientation and the use of coping strategies that incorporated the ACA. These results suggest that considering the ACA, in addition to the coping orientation, would be useful for understanding individual differences in the mediators of healthcare professionals' coping in stressful situations.
Development of Japanese version of the long‐term mating orientation scale (LTMO‐J)
Authors: Kawamoto Tetsuya
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to validate the 7‐item long‐term mating orientation scale (LTMO) as translated into Japanese. Two samples of Japanese adults (N = 2000; 50.0% male; Mage = 40.9 for the first survey; N = 300; 54.7% male; Mage = 42.4 for the second survey) completed a web‐based questionnaire, including the Japanese translation of the LTMO. The results showed that the psychometric properties of the Japanese LTMO scale were comparable to those of the original English version. The scale had adequate reliability based on Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω. Convergent validity was demonstrated by the correlation between the LTMO scores and related variables: human life history strategies, short‐term sociosexual orientation, attitude to infidelity, romantic attachment style, and so on. The translated scale provides a valid and reliable instrument in Japanese that measures human mating strategy.
Pharmacokinetic study of enrofloxacin in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after a single oral administration in medicated feed
Authors: Teles J. A. , Castello Branco L. C. , Del Bianchi M. , Pilarski F. , Reyes F. G. R.
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the disposition kinetics of enrofloxacin (ENR) in the plasma and its distribution in the muscle tissue of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg body weight via medicated feed. The fish were kept at a temperature between 28 and 30 °C. The collection period was between 30 min and 120 h after administration of the drug. The samples were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector (HPLC‐FLD). The ENR was slowly absorbed and eliminated from the plasma (Cmax = 1.24 ± 0.37 μg/mL; Tmax = 8 h; T1/2Ke = 19.36 h). ENR was efficiently distributed in the muscle tissue and reached maximum values (2.17 ± 0.74 μg/g) after 8 h. Its metabolite, ciprofloxacin (CIP), was detected and quantified in the plasma (0.004 ± 0.005 μg/mL) and muscle (0.01 ± 0.011 μg/g) for up to 48 h. After oral administration, the mean concentration of ENR in the plasma was well above the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC50) for most bacteria already isolated from fish except for Streptococcus spp. This way the dose used in this study allowed for concentrations in the blood to treat the diseases of tilapia.
Phylogeographic inference using Bayesian model comparison across a fragmented chorus frog species complex
Authors: Barrow Lisa N. , Bigelow Alyssa T. , Phillips Christopher A. , Lemmon Emily Moriarty
Published: August 2015

Fragmented species complexes provide an interesting system for investigating biogeographic history and the present distribution of genetic variation. Recent advances in sequencing technology and statistical phylogeography enable the collection and rigorous analysis of large multilocus data sets, but designing studies that produce meaningful phylogeographic inferences remains challenging. We implemented a Bayesian model comparison approach to investigate previous biogeographic hypotheses while simultaneously inferring the presence of genetic structure in a chorus frog species complex. The Illinois chorus frog (Pseudacris illinoensis), originally described as a subspecies of the broadly distributed Strecker's chorus frog (Pseudacris streckeri), occurs in small, disjunct regions associated with scarce sand prairie habitats that have been impacted by human development. We used high‐throughput sequencing to develop and collect a multitiered genetic data set comprised of three different marker types (23 anonymous nuclear sequence loci, four mitochondrial genes and 14 microsatellite loci) designed to address questions across different evolutionary timescales. Phylogenetic analyses uncovered a deep divergence between populations in the Edwards Plateau of central Texas and all other P. streckeri/P. illinoensis populations, but suggest the disjunct distribution of P. illinoensis occurred more recently. Our best‐supported migration model is consistent with the hypothesis that central Texas represented a refugium from which populations expanded via multiple routes. This model also indicates that disjunct northern and southern regions of P. illinoensis should be considered genetically distinct management units. Our study provides an evolutionary context for future studies and conservation efforts in P. illinoensis and demonstrates the utility of model‐based approaches for phylogeographic inference.
Evolutionary suppression of erythropoiesis via the modulation of TGF‐β signalling in an Antarctic icefish
Authors: Xu Qianghua , Cai Chang , Hu Xingxing , Liu Yun , Guo Yanan , Hu Peng , Chen Zuozhou , Peng Sihua , Zhang Dongsheng , Jiang Shouwen , Wu Zhichao , Chan Jiulin , Chen Liangbiao
Published: August 2015

The Antarctic icefish, a family (Channichthyidae) of teleosts within the perciform suborder Notothenioidei, are the only known vertebrates without oxygen‐transporting haemoglobins and that are largely devoid of circulating erythrocytes. To elucidate the evo‐devo mechanisms underpinning the suppressed erythropoiesis in the icefish, we conducted comparative studies on the transcriptomes and microRNAomes of the primary haematopoietic tissues between an icefish (Chionodraco hamatus) and two red‐blooded notothenioids (Trematomus bernacchii and Gymnodraco acuticeps). We identified substantial remodelling of the haematopoietic programs in the icefish through which erythropoiesis is selectively suppressed. Experimental verification showed that erythropoietic suppression in the icefish may be attributable to the upregulation of TGF‐β signalling, which coincides with reductions in multiple transcription factors essential for erythropoiesis and the upregulation of hundreds of microRNAs, the majority (> 80%) of which potentially target erythropoiesis regulating factors. Of the six microRNAs selected for verification, three miRNAs (miR‐152, miR‐1388 and miR‐16b) demonstrated suppressive functions on GATA1 and ALAS2, which are two factors important for erythroid differentiation, resulting in reduced numbers of erythroids in microinjected zebra fish embryos. Codon substitution analyses of the genes of the TGF‐β superfamily revealed signs of positive selection in TGF‐β1 and endoglin in the lineages leading to Antarctic notothenioids. Both genes are previously known to function in erythropoietic suppression. These findings implied a general trend of erythropoietic suppression in the cold‐adapted notothenioid lineages through evolutionary modulation of the multi‐functional TGF‐β signalling pathway. This trend is more pronounced in the haemoglobin‐less icefish, which may pre‐emptively hinder the otherwise defective erythroids from production.
Job dissatisfaction and burnout of nurses in Hunan, China: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Zhou Wenjuan , He Guoping , Wang Honghong , He Ying , Yuan Qun , Liu Dan
Published: August 2015

In this study, we focused on measuring levels of nurse burnout and job dissatisfaction in the daily practice of nurses in Hunan province, China, analyzed factors related to nurse burnout and job dissatisfaction, and explored the relationship between them. Previous studies have shown a high level of burnout and job dissatisfaction among nurses worldwide. A cross‐sectional survey of 1100 nurses was conducted. The nurses worked at 20 hospitals in 11 cities and counties throughout China's Hunan province. Nurse burnout was measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Nurse‐rated job dissatisfaction was described using a four point scale, and work environment was measured using the Nursing Work Index – Practice Environment Scale. The results showed that nurses had high burnout scores and were dissatisfied with their jobs. Staffing, work environment, and work hours were all significantly associated with nurse burnout and job dissatisfaction. Adequate staffing, improved work environment, and reasonable work hours are related to decreasing nurse burnout and job dissatisfaction.
The genetic architecture of petal number in Cardamine hirsuta
Authors: Pieper Bjorn , Monniaux Marie , Hay Angela
Published: August 2015

Invariant petal number is a characteristic of most flowers and is generally robust to genetic and environmental variation. We took advantage of the natural variation found in Cardamine hirsuta petal number to investigate the genetic basis of this trait in a case where robustness was lost during evolution.

We used quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to characterize the genetic architecture of petal number.

Αverage petal number showed transgressive variation from zero to four petals in five C. hirsuta mapping populations, and this variation was highly heritable. We detected 15 QTL at which allelic variation affected petal number. The effects of these QTL were relatively small in comparison with alleles induced by mutagenesis, suggesting that natural selection may act to maintain petal number within its variable range below four. Petal number showed a temporal trend during plant ageing, as did sepal trichome number, and multi‐trait QTL analysis revealed that these age‐dependent traits share a common genetic basis.

Our results demonstrate that petal number is determined by many genes of small effect, some of which are age‐dependent, and suggests a mechanism of trait evolution via the release of cryptic variation.
Manipulating stomatal density enhances drought tolerance without deleterious effect on nutrient uptake
Authors: Hepworth Christopher , Doheny‐Adams Timothy , Hunt Lee , Cameron Duncan D. , Gray Julie E.
Published: August 2015

Manipulation of stomatal density was investigated as a potential tool for enhancing drought tolerance or nutrient uptake.

Drought tolerance and soil water retention were assessed using Arabidopsis epidermal patterning factor mutants manipulated to have increased or decreased stomatal density. Root nutrient uptake via mass flow was monitored under differing plant watering regimes using nitrogen‐15 (15N) isotope and mass spectrometry.

Plants with less than half of their normal complement of stomata, and correspondingly reduced levels of transpiration, conserve soil moisture and are highly drought tolerant but show little or no reduction in shoot nitrogen concentrations especially when water availability is restricted. By contrast, plants with over twice the normal density of stomata have a greater capacity for nitrogen uptake, except when water availability is restricted.

We demonstrate the possibility of producing plants with reduced transpiration which have increased drought tolerance, with little or no loss of nutrient uptake. We demonstrate that increasing transpiration can enhance nutrient uptake when water is plentiful.
Progress and gaps in understanding mechanisms of ash tree resistance to emerald ash borer, a model for wood‐boring insects that kill angiosperms
Authors: Villari Caterina , Herms Daniel A. , Whitehill Justin G. A. , Cipollini Don , Bonello Pierluigi
Published: August 2015

We review the literature on host resistance of ash to emerald ash borer (EAB,Agrilus planipennis), an invasive species that causes widespread mortality of ash. Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica), which coevolved with EAB, is more resistant than evolutionarily naïve North American and European congeners. Manchurian ash was less preferred for adult feeding and oviposition than susceptible hosts, more resistant to larval feeding, had higher constitutive concentrations of bark lignans, coumarins, proline, tyramine and defensive proteins, and was characterized by faster oxidation of phenolics. Consistent with EAB being a secondary colonizer of coevolved hosts, drought stress decreased the resistance of Manchurian ash, but had no effect on constitutive bark phenolics, suggesting that they do not contribute to increased susceptibility in response to drought stress. The induced resistance of North American species to EAB in response to the exogenous application of methyl jasmonate was associated with increased bark concentrations of verbascoside, lignin and/or trypsin inhibitors, which decreased larval survival and/or growth in bioassays. This finding suggests that these inherently susceptible species possess latent defenses that are not induced naturally by larval colonization, perhaps because they fail to recognize larval cues or respond quickly enough. Finally, we propose future research directions that would address some critical knowledge gaps.

ContentsSummary63I.Introduction64II.Emerald ash borer life cycle and host range64III.Mechanisms of ash resistance to emerald ash borer65IV.Nutritional quality and primary metabolites71V.Conclusions and future directions72Acknowledgements75References75
Translational genomics for plant breeding with the genome sequence explosion
Authors: Kang Yang Jae , Lee Taeyoung , Lee Jayern , Shim Sangrea , Jeong Haneul , Satyawan Dani , Kim Moon Young , Lee Suk‐Ha
Published: August 2015

The use of next‐generation sequencers and advanced genotyping technologies has propelled the field of plant genomics in model crops and plants and enhanced the discovery of hidden bridges between genotypes and phenotypes. The newly generated reference sequences of unstudied minor plants can be annotated by the knowledge of model plants via translational genomics approaches. Here, we reviewed the strategies of translational genomics and suggested perspectives on the current databases of genomic resources and the database structures of translated information on the new genome. As a draft picture of phenotypic annotation, translational genomics on newly sequenced plants will provide valuable assistance for breeders and researchers who are interested in genetic studies.