bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colonic mucosubmucosal elongated polyp: report of a series of 14 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Ali Rola H , Mohammad Nissreen M , Serra Stefano , Chetty Runjan
Published: March 2016

Aims

Most colorectal polyps can be reliably assigned to one of the known polyp categories, but a subset of polyps named colonic mucosubmucosal elongated polyps (CMSEPs) do not fall into any of these categories. First described in the Japanese literature, CMSEPs seem to be under‐recognized in the Western literature. The aims of this study were to describe the clinicopathological features of 14 CMSEPs, discuss potential pathogenetic mechanisms, and increase awareness of this entity among pathologists.

Methods and results

Fourteen pedunculated colorectal polyps that met the histopathological criteria for CMSEP (as described by Matake et al. and Alizart et al.) were assessed (12 males and two females; mean age 59.7 years). Five polyps were located in the sigmoid colon, four in the rectum, two in the descending colon, and three in the colon not otherwise specified. Nine of 14 polyps were discovered incidentally: two of nine on routine screening colonoscopy, two of nine on surveillance colonoscopy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and five of nine upon surgical intervention for carcinoma or IBD. None coexisted with diverticular disease. The polyps were long and slender, varied from 5 to 30 mm in length (mean 15.9 mm), and showed a normal‐looking colonic mucosal layer and underlying loose submucosa with thick‐walled and congested blood vessels and lymphatics.

Conclusions

CMSEPs show subtle but distinctive pathological features, and occur in normal and diseased colons. Pathologists need to be aware of this entity, to avoid confusion with other more commonly encountered colorectal polyps. With increasing colon cancer screening programmes and surveillance colonoscopy, it is likely that CMSEPs will be encountered more often.
Frequency of HIV testing among gay and bisexual men in the UK: implications for HIV prevention
Authors: McDaid LM , Aghaizu A , Frankis J , Riddell J , Nardone A , Mercey D , Johnson AM , Hart GJ , Flowers P
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The aim of the study was to explore HIV testing frequency among UK men who have sex with men (MSM) in order to direct intervention development.

Methods

Cross‐sectional surveys were completed by 2409 MSM in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London in 2011 and a Scotland‐wide online survey was carried out in 2012/13. The frequency of HIV testing in the last 2 years was measured.

Results

Overall, 21.2% of respondents reported at least four HIV tests and 33.7% reported two or three tests in the last 2 years, so we estimate that 54.9% test annually. Men reporting at least four HIV tests were younger and less likely to be surveyed in London. They were more likely to report higher numbers of sexual and anal intercourse partners, but not “higher risk” unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with at least two partners, casual partners and/or unknown/discordant status partners in the previous 12 months. Only 26.7% (238 of 893) of men reporting higher risk UAI reported at least four tests. Among all testers (n = 2009), 56.7% tested as part of a regular sexual health check and 35.5% tested following a risk event. Differences were observed between surveys, and those testing in response to a risk event were more likely to report higher risk UAI.

Conclusions

Guidelines recommend that all MSM test annually and those at “higher risk” test more frequently, but our findings suggest neither recommendation is being met. Additional efforts are required to increase testing frequency and harness the opportunities provided by biomedical HIV prevention. Regional, demographic and behavioural differences and variations in the risk profiles of testers suggest that it is unlikely that a “one size fits all” approach to increasing the frequency of testing will be successful.
Ex vivo evaluation of four final irrigation protocols on the removal of hard‐tissue debris from the mesial root canal system of mandibular first molars
Authors: Leoni G. B. , Versiani M. A. , Silva‐Sousa Y. T. , Bruniera J. F. B. , Pécora J. D. , Sousa‐Neto M. D.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of four final irrigation protocols on the reduction of hard‐tissue debris accumulated within the mesial root canal system of mandibular first molars using micro‐CT analysis.

Methodology

Forty mesial roots of mandibular molars with a single and continuous isthmus connecting the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals (Vertucci's Type I configuration) were selected and scanned at a resolution of 8.6 μm. Canals were enlarged sequentially using WaveOne Small and Primary instruments activated in reciprocating motion without intracanal irrigation to allow debris to accumulate within the mesial root canal system. Then, specimens were anatomically matched and distributed into four groups (n = 10), according to the final irrigation protocol: apical positive pressure (APP), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), Self‐adjusting File (SAF) and XP‐endo Finisher (XPF). The final irrigation procedures were performed over 2 min using a total of 5.5 mL of 2.5% NaOCl per canal. Reconstructed data sets were coregistered, and the mean percentage reduction of accumulated hard‐tissue debris after the final irrigation procedures was compared statistically between groups using the anovapost hoc Tukey test with a significance level set at 5%.

Results

Reduction of accumulated hard‐tissue debris was observed in all groups after the final irrigation protocol. Overall, PUI and XPF groups had higher mean percentage reductions of accumulated hard‐tissue debris (94.1% and 89.7%, respectively) than APP and SAF groups (45.7% and 41.3%, respectively) (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found when comparing the results of PUI and XPF groups (P > 0.05) or APP and SAF groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The PUI technique and XP‐endo Finisher instrument were associated with significantly lower levels of AHTD compared with conventional irrigation and the modified SAF system protocol in mesial root canals of mandibular molars.
Does root canal treatment in necrotic pulp or retreatment cases with periapical lesions require anaesthesia? An in vivo clinical study
Authors: Kfir A. , Blau‐Venezia N. , Tsesis I. , Goldberger T. , Metzger Z.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To examine whether local anaesthesia is required for treating teeth with necrotic pulps (TNP) and retreatment cases (RCs) associated with periapical lesions.

Methodology

Root canal treatment was performed in TNP and RCs without the administration of local anaesthesia. Patients were assured that if they experienced pain, local anaesthesia would be provided. Eighty canals, 40 TNP and 40 RCs, were included in the study. Two length measurements were performed: one using an electronic apex locator (EAL), which was defined as the electronic length (EL), and the second, the length at which the patient first reported that a size 15 file was touching the periapical tissues, which was defined as the periodontal length (PL). The difference between these two measurements (Δ = PL − EL) was the parameter studied. Statistical analysis was conducted using two‐way anova and paired t‐tests. Working length (WL) was defined in this study as being 0.5 mm short of the EL.

Results

EL was shorter than PL in 96% of cases. The mean difference between measurements was 0.78 (±0.11) mm in the TNP group and 0.63 (±0.15) mm in the RC group; the difference was not significant. The distances between the WL and PL were thus 1.28 and 1.13 mm, respectively. In none of the 80 canals did the patient experience any pain, either during the measurements or during the instrumentation procedures.

Conclusions

When EALs are used, local anaesthesia may not be required for root canal treatment in teeth with necrotic pulps and retreatment cases associated with periapical lesions.
Consonant lengthening for persuasiveness in L1 and L2 English
Authors: Banzina Elina
Published: March 2016

The present study explored how persuasiveness is expressed phonetically in English and whether non‐native speakers of English are able to employ L2 phonetic cues to convey importance in L2 in a native‐like manner. An acoustic experiment compared English and Latvian speakers’ of English treatment of syllable‐onset consonant duration relative to vowels in (i) neutral and (ii) persuasive speech contexts. Duration was measured in voiceless stops and continuants and a wide variety of vowels in the stressed syllables of key words. Results revealed that in persuasive speech, native English speakers significantly increased the proportion of consonantal duration, whereas no consonant lengthening was found in Latvian L1 and L2 productions. These findings provide evidence for the paralinguistic function of consonants and the existence of language‐specific persuasion cues.
Lichen planus of the lips: an intermediate disease between the skin and mucosa? Retrospective clinical study and review of the literature
Authors: Nuzzolo Paolo , Celentano Antonio , Bucci Paolo , Adamo Daniela , Ruoppo Elvira , Leuci Stefania , Mignogna Michele Davide
Published: March 2016

Background

Lichen planus of the lips (LPL) is not frequently described in the literature. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical outline, behavior, and prognosis of LPL.

Methods

Clinical data of patients with true oral lichen planus (LP) involving the lips, diagnosed and treated at our Oral Medicine Unit (University Federico II of Naples, Italy), have been collected and analyzed. Concurrently, a PubMed search was carried out from 1950 to March 2014 to assess epidemiological and clinical data about LPL.

Results

Our case series revealed 13 patients (female/male ratio 0.4) with a mean (± SD) age of 71.85 years (± 6.72). The lower/upper lip involvement ratio was 9, mainly with mixed clinical patterns (76.9%), generally including erosion and mild keratosis. In most cases, the lips were involved with other oral sites but displayed a better evolution of the lesions. The literature review showed 21 reports of LPL (35 patients, female/male ratio 0.4) with a mean (± SD) age of 45.35 years (± 16.19).

Conclusions

In the literature, erosive (28.57%) lower lip lesions showed a clear predominance (lower/upper lip ratio 6.5). One case of malignant transformation was also reported. The prevalence of isolated LPL was clearly reported only in two studies, ranging from 0.51% to 8.9%. In our patients, lesions were mostly found at the inner border of the lower vermillion and presented a tendency for self‐limitation, or to regression after treatment, like cutaneous lesions. The lip lesions were small and easy to overlook, and therefore the prevalence of these lesions may have been underestimated.
Prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies in Tunisia: an 18 years of experience
Authors: Ouali F. , Siala H. , Bibi A. , Hadj Fredj S. , Dakhlaoui B. , Othmani R. , Ouenniche F. , Zouari F. , Bouguerra B. , Rezigua H. , Fattoum S. , Messaoud T.
Published: March 2016

Hemoglobinopathies are the most common genetic disease in Tunisia with a total carrier prevalence of 4.48%.

Objective

The aim of this study was to report an 18‐year fully achieved experience of prenatal diagnosis (PND) of hemoglobinopathies (1994–2012) and to assess the impact of this prevention program.

Patient and methods

A total of 461 fetuses of 340 at‐risk couples have been the subject of PND for beta‐thalassemia major risk (41%), for sickle cell anemia risk (40.3%), for S/beta‐thal risk (14.7%). The remainder fetuses were at risk for a compound heterozygote hemoglobinopathies (S/O, O/beta‐thal, S/C….). Fetal DNA was studied by PCR procedure including the reverse dot‐blot technique and the amplification refractory mutation system and direct sequencing.

Results and discussion

Only 13.8% of the fetal samplings were conducted by chorionic villus sampling. The molecular result for beta‐thalassemia risk has shown 13 beta‐thal mutations, with two common: codon 39 (C>T) and IVS1‐110 (G>A). The last 3 years, STR study has permitted to reduce the problems of maternal cell contamination. Among the 461 tested fetuses, 121 were affected, and then the pregnancy was terminated except for 13 cases, because of religious considerations and this despite the abortion legality in Tunisia. The conducted PND is only about 30 PND per year corresponding essentially to the couples living in Tunis City and surrounding area. PND number has increased from 1994 to 2009. This evolution has brutally decreased after the Tunisian revolution (2010).

Conclusion

Although the good running of the PND, it covers only the Tunis city with low impact because it prevent apparition of only a mean of 7.3% of new cases. The reduced number of PND is not a technical inconvenience but rather a lack of a preventive program.
Association of mean platelet volume and platelet count with the development and prognosis of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Du J. , Wang Q. , He B. , Liu P. , Chen J.‐Y. , Quan H. , Ma X.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet (PLT) count are the two major parameters that reflect the functions and activities of PLTs. The associations of MPV and PLT count with the occurrence and prognosis of stroke have not been fully clarified. This study aimed to investigate the association of MPV and PLT count with the development and prognosis of first‐ever ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in order to provide evidence for early diagnosis and treatment of both strokes.

Methods

This study included 281 first‐ever ischemic stroke and 164 first‐ever hemorrhagic stroke patients between 2010 and 2012. All participants received routine blood tests within 2 h after admission and were categorized into good or poor prognosis group based on the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. MPV and PLT counts were transformed into categorical variables and their association with the occurrence and prognosis of both strokes was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in MPV group (>13 fL) was 22.17 and 5.21 times higher compared with normal MPV group. The PLT count was positively correlated with the risk of ischemic stroke, but negatively correlated with the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. MPV and PLT count was not correlated with the prognosis of either stroke.

Conclusions

Increased MPV is an independent risk factor for both strokes. Elevated PLT count increases the risk for ischemic stroke, but decreases the risk for hemorrhagic stroke. However, neither MPV nor PLT count has significant association with the prognosis of either stroke.
Evaluation of a flow cytometric assay for the confirmation of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Maličev E. , Kozak M. , Rožman P.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia associated with heparin therapy. The diagnosis consists of a combination of pretest probability and laboratory testing. The routinely available laboratory antigen binding assays for the detection of specific antibodies have a low HIT‐positive predictive value; therefore, to exclude false‐positive results, one of the functional assays should be performed. Functional assays evaluate the ability of heparin/PF4 antibodies to activate the platelets. The aim of our study was to validate the flow cytometric functional assay, based on the use of anti‐CD61 and anti‐CD62 antibodies, as a suitable diagnostic test for HIT.

Methods

Sera from patients with a clinical suspicion of HIT were previously analyzed with screening IgG‐specific ELISA, and 41 of those which were positive were selected for the functional assay.

Results

Our results were compared to another functional assay – the HIPA (heparin‐induced platelet aggregation assay). The diagnostic specificity of the flow cytometric assay was calculated based on HIPA results and was 83%.

Conclusion

Performing this functional test after the screening assay could significantly improve the specificity of HIT testing as heparin/PF4 antibodies are often not clinically significant.
Local verification between the hematological analyzers Sysmex XN‐series and XE‐5000
Authors: Pérez I. , Redín M. E. , Vives A. , Garrido A. , Urrechaga E. , Lacasta M.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

The aim of this study was to perform a verification of the hematology analyzer Sysmex XN‐2000 by comparing with the previous XE‐5000. This study assessed the precision and carryover on the XN‐2000 and the systematic error between the both counters according to desirable biological variability criterion and a flag comparison study.

Methods

Within‐run precision and between‐batch precision were measured according to the ICSH guidelines. A comparative study was performed analyzing two hundred and six samples of peripheral blood from patients. The statistical study was conducted using the Passing–Bablok and Bland–Altman analyses. The leucocyte flag comparison was made by measuring the efficiency rate.

Results

Between‐batch precision was lower than that recommended by the biological variability criterion and manufacturer specifications. The comparison gave nonagreement results for neutrophil and basophil counts according to the criterion of biological variability. Erythroblasts and immature granulocytes showed nonagreement, but there is no available biological variation database for these parameters to compare with. Nevertheless, excellent absolute agreement was found for red blood cell parameters, and for platelet, lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts.

Conclusions

The global results obtained for the precision, comparability, and efficiency provide a satisfactory integration of the XN‐2000 in the core laboratory routine and accomplish an optimal reliability.
Methylmalonic acid and neutrophil morphometric index in laboratory diagnosis of cobalamin deficiency without macrocytosis
Authors: Totoskovic D. , Dopsaj V. , Martinovic J.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the utility of methylmalonic acid (MMA) and neutrophil Cell Population Data, available on the Beckman Coulter LH750 Analyser (Miami, FL, USA), in laboratory assessment of cobalamin status in patients at risk of cobalamin deficiency, without macrocytosis and inflammation.

Methods

The study group included 189 patients. Neutrophil Cell Population Data along with vitamin B12 and homocysteine were assessed in regard to MMA tertile groups.

Results

Statistically significant differences were between lower and upper MMA tertile in serum B12 (P ˂ 0.001), homocysteine (P = 0.001) and neutrophil morphometric index, NeS‐DW (P = 0.029). Also, serum B12 concentrations were significantly different between lower and middle MMA tertile, P = 0.005. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of NeS‐DW ability to detect MMA˃367 nmol/L revealed a significant area under the curve AUC = 0.761 P ˂ 0.001 95% CI 0.693–0.830. Optimal cut‐off value was NeS‐DW˃3.51% with sensitivity of 74.19% and specificity of 68.87%.

Conclusion

In patients at risk of cobalamin deficiency and normal MCV, classification according to MMA revealed cobalamin status differences. Neutrophil morphometric index may be an indicator of early changes in neutrophil nucleus morphology caused by impaired cobalamin status.
Hemiscrotal agenesis: Pathogenesis and management strategies
Authors: Nishio Hidenori , Mizuno Kentaro , Moritoki Yoshinobu , Kamisawa Hideyuki , Naiki Taku , Kurokawa Satoshi , Nakane Akihiro , Okada Atsushi , Yasui Takahiro , Hayashi Yutaro
Published: March 2016

Hemiscrotal agenesis is among the rarest anomalies in scrotal development disorders. As it has only been reported in three cases, the clinical manifestations remain unclear. We report a case of hemiscrotal agenesis with ipsilateral cryptorchidism. Based on the thermal assessment of the scrotum, concurrent scrotoplasty and orchiopexy were carried out, and the scrotoplasty improved the thermal environment of the fixed left testis. Furthermore, the low expression of androgen receptor and steroid‐5‐alpha‐reductase, alpha polypeptide 2 in the affected side of the scrotum likely resulted in the characteristics of absent scrotal rugae, and pigmentation on histological and biological analyses. For future fertility, we believe that scrotoplasty should be considered as a management option for hemiscrotal agenesis.
Nurses' caring and empathy in Jordanian psychiatric hospitals: A national survey
Authors: Alhadidi Majdi M.B. , Abdalrahim Maysoon S. , Al‐Hussami Mahmoud
Published: March 2016

Nurses working in psychiatric hospitals need to acquire the skills of therapeutic communication and empathy, and have higher levels of caring. The present study aims to investigate the level of caring and empathy among nurses working in psychiatric hospitals. A cross‐sectional survey was utilized to collect data from 205 nurses recruited from three psychiatric hospitals in Jordan. The Background Information Questionnaire, Modified Caring Dimensions Inventory, and Toronto Empathy Questionnaire were administered to the recruited participants. The findings revealed that the sampled nurses had a high level of caring and empathy. Significant correlations were found between caring and having a specialized training in mental health nursing, and having organizational and managerial support. However, no significant correlations were found between empathy and participants' characteristics. Specialized training in mental health nursing, having organizational and managerial support, and empathy were found predictors for caring.
Rapid spread of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses with a new set of specific mutations in the internal genes in the beginning of 2015/2016 epidemic season in Moscow and Saint Petersburg (Russian Federation)
Authors: Komissarov Andrey , Fadeev Artem , Sergeeva Maria , Petrov Sergey , Sintsova Kseniya , Egorova Anna , Pisareva Maria , Buzitskaya Zhanna , Musaeva Tamila , Danilenko Daria , Konovalova Nadezhda , Petrova Polina , Stolyarov Kirill , Smorodintseva Elizaveta , Burtseva Elena , Krasnoslobodtsev Kirill , Kirillova Elena , Karpova Lyudmila , Eropkin Mikhail , Sominina Anna , Grudinin Mikhail
Published: March 2016

A dramatic increase of influenza activity in Russia since week 3 of 2016 significantly differs from previous seasons in terms of the incidence of influenza and acute respiratory infection (ARI) and in number of lethal cases. We performed antigenic analysis of 108 and whole‐genome sequencing of 77 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses from Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Most of the viruses were antigenically related to the vaccine strain. Whole‐genome analysis revealed a composition of specific mutations in the internal genes (D2E and M83I in NEP, E125D in NS1, M105T in NP, Q208K in M1, and N204S in PA‐X) that probably emerged before the beginning of 2015/2016 epidemic season.
Mechanical Properties and Solid Particle Erosion Behavior of LaMgAl11O19–Al2O3 Ceramic at Room and Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Tang Hao , Fang Minghao , Min Xin , Wang Xiaojun , Huang Zhaohui , Wen Ruilong , Liu Yangai , Wu Xiaowen
Published: March 2016

In this work, the mechanical properties and solid particle erosion wear behavior of LaMgAl11O19–Al2O3 ceramics toughened and reinforced with LaMgAl11O19 platelets were investigated. The effects of LaMgAl11O19 additions, impingement angles (30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°), and erosion temperatures varying from room temperature to 1400°C on the erosion rates and material removal mechanisms of LaMgAl11O19–Al2O3 composites were systematically studied. The results indicated that LaMgAl11O19–Al2O3 ceramics exhibited superior erosive wear resistance compared to monolithic Al2O3 ceramics at room and elevated temperatures due to their enhanced mechanical properties and improved microstructure resulting from the introduction of an appropriate amount of LaMgAl11O19 platelets. Examination of the eroded surfaces of LaMgAl11O19–Al2O3 composites revealed that erosion temperatures and impingement angles play important roles in determining the erosion behavior and mechanisms of the tested materials. For the case of elevated temperature and oblique erosion, plowing and subsurface intergranular fracture are the predominant mechanisms resulting in material removal, whereas at room temperature and normal impact, the erosion process of the targets is primarily dominated by grain ejection and lateral crack intersection.
Anxieties and coping methods of liver transplant recipients regarding pregnancy and delivery
Authors: Yoshimura Yasuko , Umeshita Koji , Kubo Shoji , Yoshikawa Yuki
Published: March 2016

Aim

To clarify the anxieties experienced by liver transplant recipients and their methods of coping during pregnancy and delivery.

Background

The recent increase in liver transplantation among adults and the growth in the number of paediatric (until reproductive age) liver transplant recipients have caused an increase in the number of pregnancies and deliveries among patients who have undergone liver transplantation.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Fourteen recipients experienced delivery after undergoing liver transplantation. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews from June 2012 ‐ May 2013. The descriptions obtained about the anxieties felt during pregnancy and the methods for coping were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Regarding anxieties during pregnancy, the two core categories, that is, ‘influences on the child born to the liver transplant recipient’ and ‘the liver transplant recipient's body’, and seven other categories were extracted. As for methods of coping, seven categories were extracted such as consulting a healthcare professional, family member or a recipient with a similar experience; accepting the necessity of immunosuppressive therapy; staying positive and avoiding negative thoughts; and practising good health habits.

Conclusions

Liver transplant recipients cope with anxieties about the effects of immunosuppressants on the child and worsening of their physical condition by consulting healthcare professionals and family members and by self‐management to maintain their physical condition. Nurses should seek to understand the physical and psychosocial status of each recipient after liver transplantation and provide support to facilitate the physical and psychological stability of liver transplant recipients during pregnancy and delivery.
Cross‐continental migratory connectivity and spatiotemporal migratory patterns in the great reed warbler
Authors: Koleček Jaroslav , Procházka Petr , El‐Arabany Naglaa , Tarka Maja , Ilieva Mihaela , Hahn Steffen , Honza Marcel , de la Puente Javier , Bermejo Ana , Gürsoy Arzu , Bensch Staffan , Zehtindjiev Pavel , Hasselquist Dennis , Hansson Bengt
Published: March 2016

Migratory connectivity describes to which degree different breeding populations have distinct (non‐overlapping) non‐breeding sites. Uncovering the level of migratory connectivity is crucial for effective conservation actions and for understanding of the evolution of local adaptations and migratory routes. Here we investigate migration patterns in a passerine bird, the great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus, over its wide Western Palearctic breeding range using geolocators from Spain, Sweden, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Turkey. We found moderate migratory connectivity: a highly significant spatial structure in the connections between breeding and sub‐Saharan non‐breeding grounds, but at the same time a partial overlap between individual populations, particularly along the Gulf of Guinea where the majority of birds from the Spanish, Swedish and Czech populations spent their non‐breeding period. The post‐breeding migration routes were similar in direction and rather parallel for the five populations. Birds from Turkey showed the most distinctive migratory routes and sub‐Saharan non‐breeding range, with a post‐breeding migration to east Africa and, together with birds from Bulgaria, a previously unknown pre‐breeding migration over the Arabian Peninsula indicating counter‐clockwise loop migration. The distances between breeding and sub‐Saharan non‐breeding sites, as well as between first and final sub‐Saharan non‐breeding sites, differed among populations. However, the total speed of migration did not differ significantly between populations; neither during post‐breeding migration in autumn, nor pre‐breeding migration in spring. There was also no significant relationship between the total speed of migration and distance between breeding and non‐breeding sites (neither post‐ nor pre‐breeding) and, surprisingly, the total speed of migration generally did not differ significantly between post‐breeding and pre‐breeding migration. Future challenges include understanding whether non‐breeding environmental conditions may have influenced the differences in migratory patterns that we observed between populations, and to which extent non‐breeding habitat fluctuations and loss may affect population sizes of migrants.
Biodiversity gradients in obligate symbiotic organisms: exploring the diversity and traits of lichen propagules across the United States
Authors: Tripp Erin A. , Lendemer James C. , Barberán Albert , Dunn Robert R. , Fierer Noah
Published: March 2016

Aim

Large‐scale distributions of plants and animals have been studied extensively and form the foundation for core concepts and paradigms in biogeography and macroecology. Much less attention has been given to other groups of organisms, particularly obligate symbiotic organisms. We present the first quantitative assessment of how spatial and environmental variables shape the abundance and distribution of obligate symbiotic organisms across nearly an entire subcontinent, using lichen propagules as an example.

Location

The contiguous United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii).

Methods

We useDNAsequence‐based analyses of lichen reproductive propagules from settled dust samples collected from nearly 1300 home exteriors to reconstruct biogeographical correlates of lichen taxonomic and functional diversity.

Results

Contrary to expectations, we found a weak but significant reverse latitudinal gradient in lichen propagule diversity. Diversity was not impacted by urbanization or human population density. We show that propagules of asexually reproducing species have wider geographical ranges than propagules from sexually reproducing species, likely reflecting the lichenized nature of asexual spores that disperse both the mycobiont and photobiont versus non‐lichenized sexual spores, which disperse only the mycobiont.

Main Conclusions

Our findings of a reverse latitudinal gradient and a relative lack of impact of urbanization on lichen propagules and/or lichen‐forming fungal spores suggest that core concepts in biogeography are better informed via consideration of additional patterns from other, less well studied groups of organisms.
Suppressive action of miRNAs to ARP2/3 complex reduces cell migration and proliferation via RAC isoforms in Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Tang Weibing , Cai Peng , Huo Weiwei , Li Hongxing , Tang Junwei , Zhu Dongmei , Xie Hua , Chen Pingfa , Hang Bo , Wang Shouyu , Xia Yankai
Published: March 2016

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder caused by the defective function of the embryonic enteric neural crest. The impaired migration of embryonic enteric neural crest plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Recent studies showed that the ARP2/3 complex and RAC isoforms had effects on actin cytoskeleton remodelling, which contributes to migration. Moreover, some regulatory relationships were identified between ARP2/3 complex and RAC isoforms. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been known to modulate target gene expression on the post‐transcriptional level, little is known about the regulation among miRNAs, ARP2/3 complex and RAC isoforms. Here, we report that down‐regulation of ARP2 and ARP3, two main subunits of ARP2/3 complex, suppressed migration and proliferation in 293T and SH‐SY5Y cell lines via the inhibition of RAC1 and RAC2. Meanwhile, as the target genes, ARP2 and ARP3 are reduced by increased miR‐24‐1* and let‐7a*, respectively, in 70 HSCR samples as compared with 74 normal controls. Co‐immunoprecipitation showed that aberrant reduction in ARP2 and ARP3 could weaken the function of ARP2/3 complex. Our study demonstrates that the miR‐24‐1*/let‐7a*‐ARP2/3 complex‐RAC isoforms pathway may represent a novel pathogenic mechanism for HSCR.
A20 deficiency leads to angiogenesis of pulmonary artery endothelial cells through stronger NF‐κB activation under hypoxia
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Linlin , Zhang Yueming , Liu Ying , Zhang Hongyue , Wei Liuping , Shen Tingting , Jiang Chun , Zhu Daling
Published: March 2016

A20 is a zinc finger protein associated with hypoxia. As chronic hypoxia is responsible for intimal hyperplasia and disordered angiogenesis of pulmonary artery, which are histological hallmarks of pulmonary artery hypertension, we intended to explore the role of A20 in angiogenesis of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we found a transient elevation of A20 expression in the lung tissues from hypoxic rats compared with normoxic controls. This rapid enhancement was mainly detected in the endothelium, and similar results were reproduced in vitro. During early hypoxia, genetic inhibition of A20 increased proliferation in pulmonary artery ECs, linking to advanced cell cycle progression as well as microtubule polymerization, and aggravated angiogenic effects including tube formation, cell migration and adhesion molecules expression. In addition, a negative feedback loop between nuclear factor‐kappa B and A20 was confirmed. Our findings provide evidence for an adaptive role of A20 against pulmonary artery ECs angiogenesis via nuclear factor‐kappa B activation.
Soft tissue volume alterations after connective tissue grafting at teeth: the subepithelial autologous connective tissue graft versus a porcine collagen matrix – a pre‐clinical volumetric analysis
Authors: Schmitt Christian M. , Matta Ragai E. , Moest Tobias , Humann Julia , Gammel Lisa , Neukam Friedrich W. , Schlegel Karl A.
Published: March 2016

Aim

This study evaluates a porcine collagen matrix (CM) for soft tissue thickening in comparison to the subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG).

Material and Methods

In eight beagle dogs, soft tissue thickening was performed at the buccal aspects of the upper canines (SCTG and CM). Impressions were taken before augmentation (i1), after surgery (i2), after one (i3), three (i4) and ten month (i5). Casts were optically scanned with a 3D scanner and each augmented region (unit of analysis) evaluated (primary outcome variable: volume increase in mm3; secondary outcome variables: volume increase in percent, mean and maximum thickness increases in mm).

Results

3D tissue measurements after surgery revealed a significant higher volume increase in the CM (86.37 mm3 ± 35.16 mm3) than in the SCTG group (47.65 mm3 ± 17.90 mm3). After 10 months, volume increase was non‐significant between groups (SCTG:11.36 mm3 ± 9.26 mm3; CM: 8.67 mm3 ± 13.67 mm3). Maximum soft tissue thickness increase (i1‐i5) was 0.66 mm ± 0.29 mm (SCTG) and 0.79 mm ± 0.37 mm (CM) with no significant difference.

Conclusions

Ten months after soft tissue thickening, the CM is statistically non‐inferior to the SCTG in terms of soft tissue volume and thickness increase. Further 3D studies are needed to confirm the data.
Carbohydrate‐induced secretion of glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon‐like peptide‐1
Authors: Seino Yusuke , Maekawa Ryuya , Ogata Hidetada , Hayashi Yoshitaka
Published: March 2016

Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) are the incretin hormones secreted from enteroendocrine K‐cells and L‐cells, respectively, by oral ingestion of various nutrients including glucose. K‐cells, L‐cells and pancreatic β‐cells are glucose‐responsive cells with similar glucose‐sensing machinery including glucokinase and an adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive K+ channel comprising KIR6.2 and sulfonylurea receptor 1. However, the physiological role of the adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive K+ channel in GIP secretion in K‐cells and GLP‐1 secretion in L‐cells is not elucidated. Recently, it was reported that GIP and GLP‐1‐producing cells are present also in pancreatic islets, and islet‐derived GIP and GLP‐1 contribute to glucose‐induced insulin secretion from pancreatic β‐cells. In this short review, we focus on GIP and GLP‐1 secretion by monosaccharides, such as glucose or fructose, and the role of the adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive K+ channel in GIP and GLP‐1 secretion.
Introducing a structured prescription form improves the quality of handwritten prescriptions in limited resource setting of developing countries
Authors: Raza Usman Ahmad , Latif Sana , Naseer Anum , Saad Maryam , Zeeshan Muhammad Fazal , Qazi Umair
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Incomplete or illegible prescriptions can lead to serious errors in administration of the prescribed medication, which can become hazardous.

Objective

Our aim is to determine if a structured prescription form can improve the quality of handwritten prescription in terms of completeness and legibility.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, non‐randomized, time series study of quality of written prescriptions of general practitioners at a tertiary teaching hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan. The study involved an intervention, composed of the introduction of a pre‐printed structured prescription form. The data were collected within 4 weeks including a 2‐week pre‐intervention phase and 2‐week post‐intervention phase. Completeness, quality of prescriptions and legibility were compared before and after the intervention of the pre‐printed structured prescription form.

Results

A total of 463 prescriptions were obtained (260 in the pre‐intervention phase and 203 in the post‐intervention phase). Between pre‐intervention phase and post‐intervention phase, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council registration number presence in prescriptions improved from 73.1% to 100% (P < 0.0005). The presence of prescriber's signature improved from 92.7% to 99% (P = 0.001). Drug duration was not missing in 99.5% in post‐intervention phase as compared with 90.4% in pre‐intervention phase (P < 0.0005). Prescriptions with no legibility problems improved from 76.2% to 94.1% (P < 0.0005). Although not statistically significant, prescriptions in which drug dosage was not missing improved from 85% to 90.6% (P = 0.07).

Limitations

We have a limited single‐center study. A larger study in multiple settings is needed to develop adequate evidence for such interventions. Subjective nature of prescription legibility can also be considered as a limitation.

Conclusion

Structuring a prescription form alone may improve certain aspects of quality of written prescription in terms of completeness and legibility.
Optical Dental Whitening Efficacy of Blue Covarine Toothpaste in Teeth Stained by Different Colors
Authors: Oliveira Morgana , Fernández Eduardo , Bortolatto Janaína , Oliveira Junior Osmir , Bandeca Matheus , Khajotia Sharukh , Florez Fernando
Published: March 2016

Objective

Evaluate the immediate and cumulative optical whitening efficacy of a blue covarine toothpaste.

Materials and Methods

180 bovine tooth specimens with similar shade (ΔE < 3.5) were staining of different beverage: black tea(BT), green tea (GT), red wine (RW), orange soda (OS), and brazilian açai juice (AJ), and then submitted to tooth brushing with a blue covarine toothpaste (Op) or a control abrasive toothpaste (Ab). The whitening effect was evaluated at baseline (B), after staining (S), after 1 day (1D) and 7 days of cumulative use of toothpastes (7D). The color shade chances were assessment by Vita Easyshade reflectance spectroscope and the data of CIELab color coordinates (L*, a*, and b*), color difference (ΔE) and the whiteness index optimized (WIO), were analyzed by two‐way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures and Bonferroni‐corrected t‐tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The analysis showed statistically significant differences before and after staining by colored beverages (p < 0.05), but no differences were found due to the action of toothpaste (p > 0.05), in the CIELab coordinates, ΔE and WIO index.

Conclusions

The use of toothpastes (Op or Ab) reduced the dental staining caused by different colored beverage, but the whitening effect of blue covarine toothpaste could not be confirmed (p > 0.05).
Entamoeba Clone‐Recognition Experiments: Morphometrics, Aggregative Behavior, and Cell‐Signaling Characterization
Authors: Espinosa Avelina , Paz‐y‐Miño‐C Guillermo , Hackey Meagan , Rutherford Scott
Published: March 2016

Studies on clone‐ and kin‐discrimination in protists have proliferated during the past decade. We report clone‐recognition experiments in seven Entamoeba lineages (E. invadens IP‐1, E. invadens VK‐1:NS, E. terrapinae, E. moshkovskii Laredo, E. moshkovskii Snake, E. histolytica HM‐1:IMSS and E. dispar). First, we characterized morphometrically each clone (length, width, and cell‐surface area) and documented how they differed statistically from one another (as per single‐variable or canonical‐discriminant analyses). Second, we demonstrated that amebas themselves could discriminate self (clone) from different (themselves vs. other clones). In mix‐cell‐line cultures between closely‐related (E. invadens IP‐1 vs. E. invadens VK‐1:NS) or distant‐phylogenetic clones (E. terrapinae vs. E. moshkovskii Laredo), amebas consistently aggregated with same‐clone members. Third, we identified six putative cell‐signals secreted by the amebas (RasGap/Ankyrin, coronin‐WD40, actin, protein kinases, heat shock 70, and ubiquitin) and which known functions in Entamoeba spp. included: cell proliferation, cell adhesion, cell movement, and stress‐induced encystation. To our knowledge, this is the first multi‐clone characterization of Entamoeba spp. morphometrics, aggregative behavior, and cell‐signaling secretion in the context of clone‐recognition. Protists allow us to study cell–cell recognition from ecological and evolutionary perspectives. Modern protistan lineages can be central to studies about the origins and evolution of multicellularity.
Evaluation of Physical‐Chemical, Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacological Attributes of Hot Air Dried and Swell Dried Jujube Powders
Authors: Benahmed Djilali Adiba , Nabiev Mohamed , Gelicus Antony , Benamara Salem , Allaf Karim
Published: March 2016

The main objective of this work is to study and compare the functional properties of jujube fruit (Zizyphus jujuba) powders obtained from two different drying processes: hot‐air drying and swell‐drying by combining Instant Controlled Pressure‐Drop (DIC) with conventional air drying process. For this purpose, we performed the convective drying kinetics of pitted whole fruit at an atmospheric pressure of 2 m/s, 85C, and 4% relative humidity. DIC treatment was carried out with 0.35 MPa saturated steam pressure for 15 s after eliminating a water content of 12.5 g H2O/100 g db (dry basis) through the first stage of ambient temperature convection drying. Under these experimental conditions, the effects of drying processes, the type of solvent and powder granulometry were studied. The results showed that swell‐dried compared to hot‐air dried powders had a higher availability of phenolic compounds (20.14 ± 0.07 against 13.28 ± 2.06 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent GAE/g dry basis db) and flavonoids (72.3 ± 7.1 against 17.5 ± 4.7 mg Quercetin Equivalent Querc. E/g db). The presence of several active compounds thanks to DIC texturing was observed in all the granule sizes. The biological activities of swell‐dried jujube flavonoids extracts showed the highest antimicrobial activity. The physical and pharmacological properties of jujube tablets were compared to Fumacur, which is known as an Algerian traditional drug used against anemia. In terms of metals, swell‐dried jujube powder contains a higher concentration of metals than that of Fumacur. This first approach greatly encourages the use of these natural pharmaceutical tablets as a very effective and economical drug to fight certain health problems.

Practical Applications

This research highlights the valorization of Zizyphus jujuba and its transformation into powder through swell‐drying process using “Instant controlled pressure drop” DIC as adequate texturing process coupled with conventional airflow drying. This study aims to reach possible industrial applications based on the functional quality of final products. The DIC swell‐drying process makes it possible to obtain a nutritional and functional powder with a high health benefit. A directly simple compression method has been efficient to transform the jujube powder into tablets. Based on the obtained results showing important chemical constituents, their biological activities and pharmacological properties, the swell‐dried jujube powder has exhibited a great potential for their use as pharmaceutical formulations and nutraceutical fields.
Candied Orange Peel Produced in Solutions with Various Sugar Compositions: Sugar Composition and Sorption Properties of the Product
Authors: Witczak Teresa , Witczak Mariusz , Socha Robert , StĘPień Anna , Grzesik Mirosław
Published: March 2016

This study investigated the relationships between equilibrium water content and water activity for candied orange peel produced by saturation in sucrose‐based and glucose–fructose syrups, and for native orange peel. Dry matter loss due to candying was found to be the highest for glucose–fructose syrup dehydrated products. The greatest amount of sugars was absorbed by products candied in sucrose syrup. The sorption isotherms of candied orange peel corresponded with type III isotherms, according to Brunauer's et al. classification, whereas the sorption isotherm of native orange peel displayed a sigmoidal shape characteristic for type II isotherm. For products owing the highest sucrose content (above 40%), the sorption isotherms showed a discontinuity in the water activity range of 0.3–0.4. The results demonstrated that the sorption properties of the studied products depend on the levels of individual sugars they contain. Principal component analysis revealed marked differences between candied and native peel and between products candied in sucrose syrup and those prepared in glucose–fructose syrup. Seven most popular models used for describing the sorption process of foods were examined. Among those, the Lewicki model appeared to best describe the experimental data. The Peleg model was well fitted into the data for candied orange peel in the limited range of water activity (up to 0.86).

Practical Applications

Candied fruits have for centuries enjoyed huge popularity among the consumers. Their properties depend on the sugar composition of hypertonic solutions used during candying process. The present study was aimed to determine the relationship among the sugar composition of hypertonic solutions, and the sugar composition of the product, as well as examining the influence of those solutions on the relationship between equilibrium water content and water activity of candied orange peel. Identifying the sorption model that describes the changes in the product's water content as dependent on water activity in the widest possible range, it can be helpful to predict the quality of the product during storage and extending its shelf‐life, and thus in optimizing and enhancing the quality of the final product.