bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homeostatic responses regulate selfish mitochondrial genome dynamics inC. elegans
Authors: Gitschlag Bryan L. , Kirby Cait S. , Samuels David C. , Gangula Rama D. , Mallal Simon A. , Patel Maulik R.
Published: May 2016

Selfish genetic elements have profound biological and evolutionary consequences. Mutant mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA) can be viewed as selfish genetic elements that persist in a state of heteroplasmy despite having potentially deleterious consequences to the organism. We sought to investigate mechanisms that allow selfish mtDNA to achieve and sustain high levels. Here, we establish a large 3.1kb deletion bearing mtDNA variantuaDf5as abona fideselfish genome in the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans. Next, using droplet digital PCR to quantify mtDNA copy number, we show thatuaDf5mutant mtDNA replicates in addition to, not at the expense of, wildtype mtDNA. These data suggest existence of homeostatic copy number control for wildtype mtDNA that is exploited byuaDf5to ‘hitchhike’ to high frequency. We also observe activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) in animals withuaDf5. Loss of UPRmtresults in a decrease inuaDf5frequency whereas constitutive activation of UPRmtincreasesuaDf5levels. These data suggest that UPRmtallowsuaDf5levels to increase. Interestingly, the decreaseduaDf5levels in absence of UPRmtrecover in parkin mutants lacking mitophagy, suggesting that UPRmtprotectsuaDf5from mitophagy. We propose that cells activate two homeostatic responses, mtDNA copy number control and UPRmt, inuaDf5heteroplasmic animals. Inadvertently, these homeostatic responses allowuaDf5levels to be higher than they would be otherwise. In conclusion, our data suggest that homeostatic stress response mechanisms play an important role in regulating selfish mitochondrial genome dynamics.
The impact of financial reforms on bank’s interest margins: a panel data analysis
Authors: Faizan Iftikhar Syed
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is investigate the impact of financial reforms, financial liberalization and banking regulation and supervision policies on net interest margins by using the BankScope database of 76 economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The micro-panel data of more than 1,300 banks of 76 developed and developing economies over the period 2001-2005 have been used to investigate the relationships of financial reform, financial liberalization, banking supervision and regulation with net interest margins by using dynamic two-step system of generalized method of moments.

Findings

The empirical results provided the evidence that financial reform have a negative and statistically significant impact on bank interest margins. Specifically, it is important to note that in a weakly regulated and supervised environment, financial liberalization has a negative and insignificant impact on net interest margins. The findings of this paper also explain that the huge entrance of banks, the removal of interest rate controls, strong banking regulation and supervision and effective liberalization policies have reduced net interest margins in sample countries.

Originality/value

The originality of this research into the existing literature is the inclusion of some recently introduced determinants such as index of financial liberalization (with range 0-3 meaning fully repressed to fully liberalize) and banking regulation and supervision, bank age and the share of foreign and government banks. This paper applies large micro-data to explore the relationship of financial reform, financial liberalization and banking regulation and supervision on net interest margins. This paper also tries to explore the relationship of different levels of liberalization and banking supervision with net interest margins in detail.
Safety and efficacy of adalimumab treatment in Japanese patients with psoriasis: Results of SALSA study
Authors: Asahina Akihiko , Torii Hideshi , Ohtsuki Mamitaro , Tokimoto Toshimitsu , Hase Hidenori , Tsuchiya Tsuyoshi , Shinmura Yasuhiko , Reyes Servin Ofelia , Nakagawa Hidemi
Published: May 2016

The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were evaluated over 24 weeks in Japanese patients with psoriasis in routine clinical practice. In this multicenter, observational, open‐label, postmarketing study, primary efficacy measures included the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in all patients with psoriasis. In patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), the 28‐joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and the visual analog scale (VAS) pain were also evaluated. Safety was assessed based on the frequency of adverse drug reactions (ADR). Among patients with psoriasis evaluated for efficacy (n = 604), significant improvements from baseline were observed in mean PASI and DLQI scores at weeks 16 and 24 (all P < 0.0001). Furthermore, in psoriasis patients without PsA, the PASI 75/90 response rates were 55.9%/28.4% at week 16 (n = 306) and 65.6%/43.3% at week 24 (n = 270), respectively. In patients with PsA evaluable for effectiveness, significant improvements from baseline were observed in PASI, DAS28 erythrocyte sedimentation rate, DAS28 C‐reactive protein and VAS pain at weeks 16 and 24 (all P < 0.0001). ADR and serious ADR were reported by 26.1% and 3.3%, respectively, of 731 safety evaluable patients with psoriasis; no unexpected safety findings were noted. The safety profile and effectiveness of adalimumab for the treatment of psoriasis in a routine clinical setting were as expected in Japanese patients.
Linear scleroderma with prominent multiple lymphadenopathy followed by the development of polymyositis: A case report and review of published work
Authors: Takahashi Takehiro , Asano Yoshihide , Hirakawa Maiko , Nakamura Kouki , Saigusa Ryosuke , Aozasa Naohiko , Sumida Hayakazu , Fujita Hideki , Sugaya Makoto , Ohmori Aki , Shimizu Jun , Sato Shinichi
Published: May 2016

Localized scleroderma is an inflammatory disorder affecting the skin and underlying tissues, a certain subset of which develops other autoimmune diseases on the basis of a prominent autoimmune background. We here report a unique case of linear scleroderma presenting with a sclerotic plaque on the left thigh, multiple lymphadenopathy in bilateral inguinal and para‐aortic lymph nodes, and hepatosplenomegaly, who later developed polymyositis. We describe the detailed disease course of our case and discuss the clinical significance of multiple lymphadenopathy in localized scleroderma based on a review of published work.
Report of Chinese family with severe dermatitis, multiple allergies and metabolic wasting syndrome caused by novel homozygous desmoglein‐1 gene mutation
Authors: Cheng Ruhong , Yan Ming , Ni Cheng , Zhang Jia , Li Ming , Yao Zhirong
Published: May 2016

Recently, homozygous mutations in the desmoglein‐1 (DSG1) gene and heterozygous mutation in the desmoplakin (DSP) gene have been demonstrated to be associated with severe dermatitis, multiple allergies and metabolic wasting (SAM) syndrome (Mendelian Inheritance in Man no. 615508). We aim to identify the molecular basis for a Chinese pedigree of SAM syndrome. A Chinese pedigree of SAM syndrome was subjected to mutation detection in the DSG1 gene. Sequence analysis of the DSG1 gene and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis for gene expression of DSG1 using cDNA derived from the epidermis of patients and controls were both performed. Skin biopsies were also taken from patients for pathological study and transmission electron microscopy observation. Novel homozygous splicing mutation c.1892‐1delG in the exon–intron border of the DSG1 gene has been demonstrated to be associated with SAM syndrome. We report a new family of SAM syndrome of Asian decent and expand the spectrum of mutations in the DSG1 gene.
Comparative activity and functional ecology of permafrost soils and lithic niches in a hyper‐arid polar desert
Authors: Goordial Jacqueline , Davila Alfonso , Greer Charles W. , Cannam Rebecca , DiRuggiero Jocelyne , McKay Christopher P. , Whyte Lyle G.
Published: May 2016

Permafrost in the high elevation McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica ranks among the driest and coldest on Earth. Permafrost soils appear to be largely inhospitable to active microbial life, but sandstone lithic microhabitats contain a trophically simple but functional cryptoendolithic community. We used metagenomic sequencing and activity assays to examine the functional capacity of permafrost soils and cryptoendolithic communities in University Valley, one of the most extreme regions in the Dry Valleys. We found metagenomic evidence that cryptoendolithic microorganisms are adapted to the harsh environment and capable of metabolic activity at in situ temperatures, possessing a suite of stress response and nutrient cycling genes to fix carbon under the fluctuating conditions that the sandstone rock would experience during the summer months. We additionally identified genes involved in microbial competition and cooperation within the cryptoendolithic habitat. In contrast, permafrost soils have a lower richness of stress response genes, and instead the metagenome is enriched in genes involved with dormancy and sporulation. The permafrost soils also have a large presence of phage genes and genes involved in the recycling of cellular material. Our results underlie two different habitability conditions under extreme cold and dryness: the permafrost soil which is enriched in traits which emphasize survival and dormancy, rather than growth and activity; and the cryptoendolithic environment that selects for organisms capable of growth under extremely oligotrophic, arid and cold conditions. This study represents the first metagenomic interrogation of Antarctic permafrost and polar cryptoendolithic microbial communities.
The distribution, diversity and function of predominant Thermoproteales in high‐temperature environments of Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Jay Zackary J. , Beam Jacob P. , Kozubal Mark A. , Jennings Ryan deM. , Rusch Douglas B. , Inskeep William P.
Published: May 2016

High‐temperature environments (> 70°C) contain diverse and abundant members of the crenarchaeal order Thermoproteales. However, a comprehensive study of the distribution and function of diverse members of this group across different habitat types has not been conducted. Consequently, the goals of this study were to determine the distribution of different Thermoproteales genera across geochemically distinct geothermal habitats of Yellowstone National Park, and to identify key functional attributes of major genera that correlate with environmental parameters. Curated sequence assemblies belonging to five genera were characterized in replicate samples of 11 high‐temperature communities ranging in pH from 3 to 9. Thermocladium, Vulcanisaeta and Caldivirga spp. were the primary Thermoproteales populations present in low pH (pH < 5) habitats, whereas Thermoproteus populations were found in mildly‐acidic (pH 5–6) sulfur sediments, and Pyrobaculum populations were confined to higher pH (pH > 6) sulfur sediments and/or filamentous ‘streamer’ communities. Metabolic reconstruction and comparative genomics among assemblies show that these populations are primarily chemoorganotrophs that utilize different electron acceptors depending on geochemical conditions. The presence of potential CO2 fixation pathways in some Thermoproteales populations appears to be linked with NiFe hydrogenases, which combined with high levels of H2 in many sulfidic systems, may provide the energy required to fix inorganic C.
Genome‐wide identification and characterization of macrolide glycosyltransferases from a marine‐derived Bacillus strain and their phylogenetic distribution
Authors: Liu Yang , Qin Wen , Liu Quanquan , Zhang Jun , Li Huayue , Xu Shanshan , Ren Pengfei , Tian Li , Li Wenli
Published: May 2016

Clarifying glycosyltrasferases (GTs) function is of significance for the development of GT inhibitors as drugs, and the use of GTs to glycodiversify small molecules in the search of drug leads. While many Actinomyces natural‐product GTs had been functionally characterized, our understanding towards Bacillus natural‐product GTs is so far very limited. Herein, genome‐wide identification of macrolide GT genes from marine‐derived Bacillus methylotrophicus B‐9987 revealed the presence of three macrolide GT genes bmmGT1−3. While bmmGT1 was previously revealed to be involved in the biosynthesis of trans‐acyltransferase (AT) polyketides compounds macrolactins (MLNs) and bacillaenes (BAEs), the functions of bmmGT2 and bmmGT3 were probed, demonstrating that they are capable to biochemically catalyze glycosylation of MLNs and BAEs as well but interestingly with different regioselectivity, affording four new MLNs analogs. Notably, further genome mining revealed that the orthologs of these three macrolide GT genes showed a regular distribution in the subtilis‐ and the cereus‐clade Bacillus strains; interestingly, bmmGT1 orthologs only occurred in the subtilis‐clade Bacillus, and they were also found in the genomes of Streptomyces strains, suggesting their close phylogenetic relationship. These results provide the first significant insight into the important roles of Bacillus macrolide GTs in the biology of the species.
Trainee versus supervisor assessment of training transfer: mediational analysis of transfer variables
Authors: Park Yoonhee , Lim Doo Hun , Chang Joohee
Published: May 2016

This study investigated the mediating relationships among an organizational variable (supervisory support), three trainee characteristics (self‐efficacy, expected utility, and learning motivation), a training design variable (content relevance), and training transfer perceived by both the trainees and the supervisors in South Korean organizational setting. Data analysis indicated that course relevance mediated the relationships between the study variables for both the trainee's and the supervisor's assessment of training transfer. Based on the study findings, training transfer is considered a multiphasic process including many factors interacting simultaneously rather than a linear influential process. For practical implications, content relevance and expected utility were identified as critical factors to enable training transfer in the workplace, which could be controlled and developed by training designers. Also, supervisory support should be carefully controlled to reduce its negative effect on training transfer.
Antioxidant Activity of Phenolic Compounds from Fava Bean Sprouts
Authors: Okumura Koharu , Hosoya Takahiro , Kawarazaki Kai , Izawa Norihiko , Kumazawa Shigenori
Published: May 2016

Fava beans are eaten all over the world and recently, marketing for their sprouts began in Japan. Fava bean sprouts contain more polyphenols and l‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (l‐DOPA) than the bean itself. Our antioxidant screening program has shown that fava bean sprouts also possess a higher antioxidant activity than other commercially available sprouts and mature beans. However, the individual constituents of fava bean sprouts are not entirely known. In the present study, we investigated the phenolic compounds of fava bean sprouts and their antioxidant activity. Air‐dried fava bean sprouts were treated with 80% methanol and the extract was partitioned in water with chloroform and ethyl acetate. HPLC analysis had shown that the ethyl acetate‐soluble parts contained phenolic compounds, separated by preparative HPLC to yield 5 compounds (1‒5). Structural analysis using NMR and MS revealed that the compounds isolated were kaempferol glycosides. All isolated compounds had an α‐rhamnose at the C‐7 position with different sugars attached at the C‐3 position. Compounds 1−5 had β‐galactose, β‐glucose, α‐rhamnose, 6‐acetyl‐β‐galactose and 6‐acetyl‐β‐glucose, respectively, at the C‐3 position. The amount of l‐DOPA in fava bean sprouts was determined by the quantitative 1H NMR technique. The l‐DOPA content was 550.45 mg ± 11.34 /100 g of the raw sprouts. The antioxidant activities of compounds 2−5 and l‐DOPA were evaluated using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay. l‐DOPA showed high antioxidant activity, but the isolated kaempferol glycosides showed weak activity. Therefore, it can be suggested that l‐DOPA contributed to the antioxidant activity of fava bean sprouts.
Recent advances in proximal gastric carcinoma
Authors: Huang Qin , Sun Qi , Fan Xiang Shan , Zhou Dan , Zou Xiao Ping
Published: May 2016

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging scheme requires staging proximal gastric carcinoma (PGC) as esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), which has been shown to be controversial by recent research results. To update the current research findings on PGC, we systematically reviewed and analyzed the scientific evidence on key arguments related to PGC. The data of high‐quality research articles showed that PGC arised in the cardiac mucosa in the proximal stomach within 3 cm below the gastroesophageal junction. Its incidence is rising in East Asian countries, but decreasing in the West, and plateaued at a low level in the United States. PGC is a slowly progressive cancer with unknown independent risk factors and the mechanisms of pathogenesis. This carcinoma exhibits a wide histopathological spectrum and heterogeneous post‐resection patient survival characteristics, and cannot be adequately staged for prognotic stratification by the current AJCC staging classification. The results on PGC genomics reveal unique genetic profiles, especially in East Asian populations. In conclusion, mounting evidence defies a simple placement of PGC in a single category of EAC for disease classification; further investigations on the mechanisms of PGC pathogenesis are urgently needed.
Double‐blind Randomized Controlled Trial of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine Versus Intranasal Midazolam as Anxiolysis Prior to Pediatric Laceration Repair in the Emergency Department
Authors: Neville Desiree N. W. , Hayes Katharina R. , Ivan Yaron , McDowell Erin R. , Pitetti Raymond D.
Published: May 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare anxiolysis with intranasal dexmedetomidine, an alpha‐2 agonist, versus intranasal midazolam for pediatric laceration repairs.

Methods

We performed a double‐blind, randomized controlled trial of 40 patients 1–5 years with lacerations requiring suture repair in an academic pediatric emergency department (ED). Patients were randomized to receive either intranasal dexmedetomidine or intranasal midazolam. Our primary outcome measure was the anxiety score at the time of patient positioning for the laceration repair. We chose this time point to isolate the anxiolysis from the medications prior to intervention. Patient encounters were videotaped and scored for anxiety at multiple time points using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. The scale is 23.3–100 with higher scores indicating higher anxiety. We also evaluated these scores as a secondary outcome by dichotomizing them into anxious versus not anxious with a previously validated score cutoff.

Results

Of the 40 patients enrolled, 20 in the dexmedetomidine group and 18 in the midazolam group completed the study and were included in the analysis. The median age was 3.3 years (range = 1.0–5.4 years). The median baseline anxiety score was 48.3. The anxiety score at position for procedure for patients receiving dexmedetomidine was 9.2 points lower than those receiving midazolam (median difference = 9.2, 95% confidence interval = 5 to 13.3; median score for dexmedetomidine = 23.3, median score for midazolam = 36.3). The proportion of patients who were classified as not anxious at the position for procedure was significantly higher in the dexmedetomidine group (70%) versus the midazolam group (11%). The number needed to treat with dexmedetomidine instead of midazolam to obtain the result of a not anxious patient at this time point was 1.7 patients. There were also significantly more patients who were classified as not anxious at the time of wound washout in the dexmedetomidine group compared to the midazolam group (35% vs. 6%). Dexmedetomidine and midazolam performed similarly with respect to all other measures including anxiety at other time points, parental perceived anxiety, parent and proceduralist satisfaction, procedural success, complications, and time in the ED. There were no serious adverse events seen in either group.

Conclusions

Intranasal dexmedetomidine is an alternative anxiolytic medication to intranasal midazolam for pediatric laceration repairs, performing similarly in our study, except that patients who received dexmedetomidine had less anxiety at the time of positioning for procedure.
Alcohol Use and Breast Cancer: A Critical Review
Authors: Shield Kevin D. , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Rehm Jürgen
Published: May 2016

The objective of this study was to outline the biological pathways of alcohol‐attributable breast cancer, the epidemiological risk relationship between alcohol consumption and breast cancer, and the global burden of breast cancer incidence and mortality attributable to alcohol consumption, with a focus on light drinking. First, the literature regarding the biological mechanisms of how alcohol affects the risk of breast cancer was reviewed and summarized. Second, a search of meta‐analyses that evaluated the risk relationship between alcohol consumption and breast cancer was conducted. Last, the burden of alcohol‐attributable breast cancer incidence and mortality was estimated by means of a Population‐Attributable Fraction methodology. Data on alcohol consumption were obtained from the Global Information System on Alcohol and Health, and data on cancer incidence and mortality were obtained from the GLOBOCAN database. Alcohol consumption affects breast cancer risk through the alteration in hormone levels and the associated biological pathways, the metabolism of ethanol resulting in carcinogens, and the inhibition of the one carbon metabolism pathway. The systematic review found 15 meta‐analyses on the risk relationship between alcohol consumption (also light consumption) and the risk of breast cancer. All but 2 of these analyses showed a dose–response relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of breast cancer. An estimated 144,000 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88,000 to 200,000) breast cancer cases and 38,000 (95% CI: 2,400 to 53,000) breast cancer deaths globally in 2012 were attributable to alcohol, with 18.8% of these cases and 17.5% of these deaths affecting women who were light alcohol consumers. All levels of evidence showed a risk relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of breast cancer, even at low levels of consumption. Due to this strong relationship, and to the amount of alcohol consumed globally, the incidence of and mortality from alcohol‐attributable breast cancer is large.
Clinical and histopathological features of adenomas of the ciliary pigment epithelium
Authors: Chang Ying , Wei Wen Bin , Shi Ji Tong , Xian Jun Fang , Yang Wen Li , Xu Xiao Lin , Bai Hai Xia , Li Bin , Jonas Jost B.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Adenomas of the ciliary pigment epithelium (CPE) are rare benign tumours which have mainly to be differentiated from malignant ciliary body melanomas. Here we report on a consecutive series of patients with CPE adenomas and describe their characteristics.

Methods

The retrospective hospital‐based case series study included all patients who were consecutively operated for CPE adenomas.

Results

Of the 110 patients treated for ciliary body tumours, five patients (4.5%) had a CPE adenoma. Mean age was 59.0 ± 9.9 years (range: 46–72 years). Mean tumour apical thickness was 6.6 ± 1.7 mm. Tumour colour was mostly homogenously brown to black, and the tumour surface was smooth. The tumour masses pushed the iris tissue forward without infiltrating iris or anterior chamber angle. Sonography revealed an irregular echogram with sharp lesion borders and signs of blood flow in Color Doppler flow imaging. Ultrasonographic biomicroscopy demonstrated medium‐low internal reflectivity and acoustic attenuation. In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the tumours as compared to brain were hyperintense on T1‐weighted images and hypointense on T2‐weighted images. Tumour tissue consisted of cords and nests of pigment epithelium cells separated by septa of vascularized fibrous connective tissue, leading to a pseudo‐glandular appearance. The melanin granules in the cytoplasm were large and mostly spherical in shape. In four patients, the tumours were hyperpigmented. Tumour cells were large with round or oval nuclei and clearly detectable nucleoli.

Conclusions

These clinical characteristics of CPE adenomas, such as homogenous dark brown colour, smooth surface, iris dislocation and anterior chamber angle narrowing but no iris infiltration, segmental cataract, pigment dispersion, and, as compared to brain tissue, hypointensity and, as compared to extraocular muscles or lacrimal gland, hyperintensity on T2‐weighted MRI images, may be helpful for the differentiation from ciliary body malignant melanomas.
Comparison of biomechanical effects of small incision lenticule extraction and laser‐assisted subepithelial keratomileusis
Authors: Chen Minjie , Yu Manrong , Dai Jinhui
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To compare the corneal biomechanical properties after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) group and laser‐assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) group.

Methods

The SMILE group comprised 39 patients (75 eyes) while it was 38 patients (76 eyes) in the LASEK group. Corneal hysteresis (CH) and the corneal resistance factor (CRF) parameters were determined using the Ocular Response Analyzer preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

Results

There were significant differences in the preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), central corneal thickness (CCT), the planned ablation depth (AD) or CRF values between the two groups, except for the CH value (p = 0.07). The CH and CRF values at 1 and 3 months postoperatively were significantly lower than the preoperative values in both groups (p < 0.01). The postoperative CH values were significantly lower in the LASEK group than in the SMILE group at both follow‐up visits after adjusting for age, sex, preoperative CCT, preoperative SE, planned AD and the use of both eyes in the same subject (p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were observed in postoperative CRF between groups (p = 0.22 at 1 month and p = 0.41 at 3 months). No significant correlation was found between the planned AD and the changes in CH or CRF at any follow‐up visit in the SMILE group. The preoperative magnitude of CH and CRF may be predictors of postoperative changes in CH and CRF in the both groups.

Conclusions

CH and CRF decreased after SMILE and LASEK. However, the changes in the CH values were less after SMILE than after LASEK.
The effect of surprising events in a serious game on learning mathematics
Authors: Wouters Pieter , van Oostendorp Herre , ter Vrugte Judith , vanderCruysse Sylke , de Jong Ton , Elen Jan
Published: May 2016

The challenge in serious games is to improve the effectiveness of learning by stimulating relevant cognitive processes. In this paper, we investigate the potential of surprise in two experiments with prevocational students in the domain of proportional reasoning. Surprise involves an emotional reaction, but it also serves a cognitive goal as it directs attention to explain why the surprise occurred and can play a key role in learning. In our experiments, surprises were triggered by a surprising event, ie, a nonplaying character who suddenly appeared and changed characteristics of a problem. In Experiment 1—comparing a surprise condition with a control condition—we found no overall differences, but the results suggested that surprise may be beneficial for higher level students. In Experiment 2, we combined Expectancy strength (Strong vs. Weak) with Surprise (Present vs. Absent) using higher level students. We found a marginal overall effect of surprising events on learning indicating that students who experienced surprises learned more than students who were not exposed to these surprises but we found a stronger effect of surprise when we included existing proportional reasoning skill as factor. These results provide some evidence that a narrative technique as surprise can be used in game‐based learning for the purpose of learning.
Generic 3D interpolation of Holocene base‐level rise and provision of accommodation space, developed for the Netherlands coastal plain and infilled palaeovalleys
Authors: Koster Kay , Stafleu Jan , Cohen Kim M.
Published: May 2016

We present an interpolation model that describes Holocene groundwater level rise and the creation of accommodation space in 3D in the Rhine‐Meuse delta – the Netherlands. The model area (ca. 12 400 km2) covers two palaeovalleys of Late Pleistocene age (each 30 km wide) and the overlying Holocene deposits of the Rhine‐Meuse delta, the Holland coastal plain, and the Zuiderzee former lagoon. Water table rise is modelled from 10 800 to 1000 cal. BP, making use of age‐depth relations based on 384 basal peat index points, and producing output in the form of stacked palaeo groundwater surfaces, groundwater age‐depth curves, and voxel sets. These products allow to resolve (i) regional change and variations of inland water table slopes, (ii) spatial differences in the timing and pacing of transgression, and (iii) analysis of interplay of coastal, fluvial and subsidence controls on the provision of accommodation space. The interpolation model is a multi‐parameter trend function, to which a 3D‐kriging procedure of the residuals is added. This split design deploys a generic approach for modelling provision of accommodation space in deltas and coastal lowlands, aiming to work both in areas of intermediate data availability and in the most data‐rich environments. Major provision of accommodation space occurred from 8500 cal BP onwards, but a different evolution occurred in each of the two palaeovalleys. In the northern valley, creation of accommodation space began to stall at 7500 cal BP, while in the southern valley provision of new accommodation space in considerable quantities continued longer. The latter is due to the floodplain gradient that was maintained by the Rhine, which distinguishes the fluvial deltaic environment from the rest of the back‐barrier coastal plain. The interpolation results allow advanced mapping and investigation of apparent spatial differences in Holocene aggradation in larger coastal sedimentary systems. Furthermore, they provide a means to generate first‐order age information with centennial precision for 3D geological subsurface models of Holocene deltas and valley fills. As such, the interpolation is of use in studies into past and present land subsidence and into low land sedimentation.
Immediate Restoration of Immediate Implants in the Esthetic Zone of the Maxilla Via the Copy‐Abutment Technique: 5‐Year Follow‐Up of Pink Esthetic Scores
Authors: Fürhauser Rudolf , Mailath‐Pokorny Georg , Haas Robert , Busenlechner Dieter , Watzek Georg , Pommer Bernhard
Published: May 2016

Background

Implant esthetics may benefit from individualized zirconia abutments copying the emergence profile of the natural tooth and delivered within days after immediate implant insertion.

Purpose

To investigate the esthetic outcome of the Copy‐Abutment technique using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES).

Materials and Methods

A total of 77 patients with single‐tooth implants in the anterior maxilla restored at the day of immediate implant placement using Copy‐Abutments and provisional crowns were followed‐up after 1 week, 1 month, 4 months, 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years to assess implant esthetics.

Results

PES ranged between 7 and 14 (median: 13) and improved significantly between the 6 month and 1 year follow‐up (p < .001), then remained stable up to the fifth year. Significant improvement was seen for the variables PES‐6 soft tissue color (p = .002) and PES‐7 soft tissue texture (p < .001) up to the 1 year follow‐up, while PES‐5 alveolar process deficiency deteriorated (p = .016). Mean mucosal recession was 0.26 ± 0.86 mm (range: 0–1.6) after 5 years and not related to gingival biotype.

Conclusion

Copy‐Abutments for immediate restoration of implants in the esthetic zone show satisfactory long‐term esthetic outcomes.
Clinicopathological features of gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland (chief cell predominant type) by retrospective and prospective analyses of endoscopic findings
Authors: Chiba Takashi , Kato Katsuaki , Masuda Takayuki , Ohara Shuichi , Iwama Noriyuki , Shimada Takenobu , Shibuya Daisuke
Published: May 2016

Background and Aim

Gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type (chief cell predominant type) (GA‐FG‐CCP) is a variant of gastric adenocarcinoma with chief cell differentiation. GA‐FG‐CCP is rare and not well understood. The present study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features of GA‐FG‐CCP using retrospective and prospective analyses of endoscopic findings.

Methods

A total of 20 patients including nine cases treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) were diagnosed with GA‐FG‐CCP. Morphological changes were analyzed by retrospectively retracing past endoscopic records and following up after definitive diagnoses, including the status of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.

Results

GA‐FG‐CCP were small and whitish lesions accompanied by atypical vascular growth and their macroscopic types were classified as 0‐IIa (60%), 0‐IIb (25%), and 0‐IIc (15%), respectively. The lesions were found in the non‐atrophic gastric mucosa of the upper (70%) or middle portion (30%), although gastric mucosal atrophy associated with current or past H. pylori infection was identified in 75% of cases. In the nine cases treated with ESD, submucosal invasion was identified in 80% of the resected lesions, but no lymphovenous infiltration was detected. Ki‐67 labeling index of GA‐FG‐CCP was low at 3.2% and visible morphological changes were rarely detected during long‐term endoscopic observation for 58.9 ± 13.1 months.

Conclusions

These data indicate that GA‐FG‐CCP, even when submucosal invasion occurs easily, might be of low‐grade malignancy as long as it is the chief cell predominant type without other epithelial abnormalities. In addition, GA‐FG‐CCP might develop despite H. pylori infection or gastric mucosal atrophy.
Perceptions and experiences of taking oral medications for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: McSharry J. , McGowan L. , Farmer A. J. , French D. P.
Published: May 2016

Aims

To explore patients' perceptions and experiences of taking oral medications for the pharmacological management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Cinahl, EMBASE, Medline and PsycINFO databases were searched in 2014 to identify qualitative studies exploring patients' perceptions or experiences of taking medications for the management of Type 2 diabetes. Key concepts and themes were extracted and synthesized using meta‐ethnography.

Results

Eight studies were included. Primary study findings were synthesized to develop three higher‐order constructs that moved beyond the results of individual studies. The first construct, Medications for diabetes: a necessary evil, outlines how patients' negative perceptions of medication risks co‐exist with a resounding view that medications are beneficial. Passive patients but active experimenters highlights the contrast between patients' passive acceptance of medication prescriptions and the urge to actively experiment and adjust doses to optimize medication use in daily life. Finally, Taking oral medication for Type 2 diabetes: a unique context describes features specific to the Type 2 diabetes medication experience, including lack of symptoms and the perceived relationship between medication and diet, which may influence adherence.

Conclusions

Medication‐taking for Type 2 diabetes is a unique adherence context, which requires the development of condition‐specific interventions. The present findings indicate patients understand the need for medications but adjust dosage and timing in their daily lives. This review suggests providers should acknowledge patient preferences in the development of management strategies, and highlights an opportunity to direct the motivation evident in patients' experimentation towards potentially more beneficial medication‐taking behaviours.
Identification ofCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisisolated from muscular abscesses in two horses: First report in Mexico
Authors: Muñoz‐Bucio A. V. , Cortés‐Pérez Y. A. , Arellano‐Reynoso B. , Hernández‐Gil M. , Hernández‐Castro R. , Díaz‐Aparicio E.
Published: May 2016

Two Quarter Horse stallions from the same region in Mexico presented with pectoral abscesses and lameness. Exudate samples were taken from drained muscular abscesses and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, identified by bacteriological techniques and multiplex polymerase chain reaction, was obtained in a pure isolation culture from both samples. The sequences of a hypervariable region of therpoBgene showed 100% and 99% identity toC. pseudotuberculosis316 biovarequi(CP003077.1) isolated from a horse. Both strains' sequences were located in the same phylogenetic cluster as other biovarequistrain sequences obtained from GenBank. Both horses responded satisfactorily to treatment, which included surgical procedures and wound management. These study cases proved the infection of Mexican horses withC. pseudotuberculosis; however, the prevalence of this pathogen remains unknown.
Cenozoic mean greenhouse gases and temperature changes with reference to the Anthropocene
Authors: Glikson Andrew
Published: May 2016

Cenozoic greenhouse gases (GHG) variations and warming periods underscore the extreme rates of current climate change, with major implications for the adaptability and survivability of terrestrial and marine habitats. Current rise rate of greenhouse gases, reaching 3.3 ppm CO2 per year during March 2015–2016, is the fastest recorded since the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Event (PETM) when carbon release to the atmosphere was about an order of magnitude less than at present. The ice core evidence of concentration of (GHG) and temperatures in the atmosphere/ocean/cryosphere system over the last 740 kyr suggests that the rate of rise in GHG over the last ~260 years, CO2 rates rising from 0.94 ppm yr−1 in 1959 (315.97 ppm) to 1.62 ppm yr−1 in 2000 (369.52 ppm) to 3.05 ppm yr−1 in 2015 (400.83 ppm), constitutes a unique spike in the history of the atmosphere. The reliance of pre‐740 kyr paleoclimate estimates on multiple proxies, including benthic and plankton fossils, fossil plants, residual organic matter, major and trace elements in fossils, sediments and soils, place limits on the resolution of pre‐upper Pleistocene paleoclimate estimates, rendering it likely recorded mean Cenozoic paleoclimate trends may conceal abrupt short‐term climate fluctuations. However, as exemplified by the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum (PETM) and earlier GHG and temperature spikes associated with major volcanic and asteroid impact events, the long‐term residence time of CO2 in the atmosphere extends the signatures of abrupt warming events to within detection limits of multiple paleoproxies. The mean post‐1750 temperature rise rate (approximately ~0.0034 °C per yr, or ~0.008 °C per yr where temperature is not masked by sulfur aerosols) exceeds those of the PETM (approximately ~0.0008–0.0015 °C per yr) by an order of magnitude and mean glacial termination warming rates (last glacial termination [LGT] ~ 0.00039; Eemian ~0.0004 °C per yr) by near to an order of magnitude. Consistent with previous interglacial peaks an increasing likelihood of collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Ocean Circulation is threatening a severe stadial event.
Cascading effects of mass mortality events in Arctic marine communities
Authors: Langangen Øystein , Ohlberger Jan , Stige Leif C. , Durant Joël M. , Ravagnan Elisa , Stenseth Nils C. , Hjermann Dag Ø.
Published: May 2016

Mass mortality events caused by pulse anthropogenic or environmental perturbations (e.g., extreme weather, toxic spills or epizootics) severely reduce the abundance of a population in a short time. The frequency and impact of these events are likely to increase across the globe. Studies on how such events may affect ecological communities of interacting species are scarce. By combining a multispecies Gompertz model with a Bayesian state‐space framework, we quantify community‐level effects of a mass mortality event in a single species. We present a case study on a community of fish and zooplankton in the Barents Sea to illustrate how a mass mortality event of different intensities affecting the lower trophic level (krill) may propagate to higher trophic levels (capelin and cod). This approach is especially valuable for assessing community‐level effects of potential anthropogenic‐driven mass mortality events, owing to the ability to account for uncertainty in the assessed impact due to uncertainty about the ecological dynamics. We hence quantify how the assessed impact of a mass mortality event depends on the degree of precaution considered. We suggest that this approach can be useful for assessing the possible detrimental outcomes of toxic spills, for example oil spills, in relatively simple communities such as often found in the Arctic, a region under increasing influence of human activities due to increased land and sea use.
Rising incidence of hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma in South Australia: 1996–2010
Authors: Chinnaratha M. A. , Graham C. , Fraser R. J. L. , Woodman R. J. , Wigg A. J.
Published: May 2016

Background

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is likely to be an important driver of increasing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence in Australia. However, there is paucity of Australian data on HBV‐related HCC incidence or outcomes.

Aims

To determine the incidence rates and survival trends of HBV‐related HCC in South Australia (SA) over 15 years.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study was performed in HBV patients notified to the SA Communicable Disease Control Branch between 1996 and 2010. The dataset was probabilistically linked with the SA Cancer Registry and death registry. Incidence rate trends and survival were determined for three 5‐year time periods (1996–2000, 2001–2006 and 2006–2010).

Results

Forty‐seven of 3881 notifications with HBV were linked to a HCC record (median (interquartile range) age at diagnosis: 58.9 (13.4) years, 83% males, 8.5% born in Australia, 62% diagnosed between 51–69 years). The overall crude HCC incidence was 111.3/100 000 person‐years with an age‐standardised HCC incidence of 189.1/100 000 person‐years, the rate for men was higher than for women: 241.7 versus 88.6/100 000 person‐years. The age‐standardised HCC incidence increased over time with an annual percentage increase of 20.8% (95% CI: 10.06–32.54, P = 0.001). Median survival following HCC diagnosis was 12.5 months (95% CI: 3.6–21.4), with a trend towards longer survival during the 2006–2010 time period (21.8 months) compared to the previous two time periods (9.2 and 10.2 months, P = 0.056).

Conclusion

Both crude and age‐standardised incidences of HBV‐related HCC increased between 1996 and 2010 in SA. There was a trend to longer survival in the latter time‐period.
Vocabulary development at home: a multimedia elaborated picture supporting parent–toddler interaction
Authors: Gremmen M.C. , Molenaar I. , Teepe R.C.
Published: May 2016

Some children enter elementary school with large vocabulary delays, which negatively influence their later school performance. A rich home language environment can support vocabulary development through frequent high‐quality parent–toddler interaction. Elaborated picture home activities can support this rich home language environment. This study compares the effects of a multimedia versus a paper elaborated picture on the parent–toddler interaction and toddlers' vocabulary development. In a within‐subjects design, 20 toddlers (age 3–4) discussed a multimedia and a paper elaborated picture with a parent. Results showed that toddlers knew significantly more words (receptively and expressively) after both activities. Moreover, the improvement in receptive vocabulary knowledge was significantly larger with the multimedia elaborated picture compared with the paper‐based picture. In addition, both parent and toddler engaged in a significant higher level of decontextualized language in response to multimedia. The present study shows that multimedia elaborated pictures can support parents at home to engage in a parent–toddler interaction that is richer and supports the development of receptive vocabulary more compared with traditional paper‐based activities. In the future, multimedia‐based home activities for toddlers' vocabulary development, supporting parent–child interaction, can be offered relatively cheap and easily via internet.
Serum of 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D and Intact Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Postmenopausal Women with Hip and Upper Limb Fractures
Authors: Lv Jiang‐Tao , Zhang Ying‐Ying , Tian Shao‐Qi , Sun Kang
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To assess the serum of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in postmenopausal women from northern China with hip and upper limb fractures.

Design

Case–control.

Setting

Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University.

Participants

Postmenopausal women diagnosed with hip fracture (n = 335) and matched controls without fracture (n = 335).

Measurements

Between 2011 and 2013, fasting venous samples were analyzed for 25(OH)D, iPTH, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, and phosphorus. All women completed a standardized questionnaire designed to document putative risk factors for fractures.

Results

Eight percent of participants had vitamin D deficiency, and 66.0% had secondary hyperparathyroidism. Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly (P < .001) lower in women with hip fracture than in controls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for common risk factors showed that serum 25(OH)D of 20 ng/mL or less was an independent indicator of hip fracture (odds ratio (OR) = 2.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.11–4.20) and concomitant upper limb fracture in those with existing hip fractures (OR = 4.77, 95% CI = 1.60–10.12). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 25(OH)D was 0.77 (95% CI = 0.68–0.84) for hip fracture and 0.80 (95% CI = 0.72–0.89) for hip and upper limb fractures.

Conclusion

Vitamin D insufficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism were a common problem in postmenopausal women who presented with concomitant hip and upper limb fractures, suggesting that they might contribute to the pathophysiology of fractures in postmenopausal women.