bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Remote Monitoring on Long‐Term Prognosis in Heart Failure Patients in a Real‐World Cohort: Results From All‐Comers COMMIT‐HF Trial
Authors: KUREK ANNA , TAJSTRA MATEUSZ , GADULA‐GACEK ELZBIETA , BUCHTA PIOTR , SKRZYPEK MICHAL , PYKA LUKASZ , WASIAK MICHAL , SWIETLINSKA MALGORZATA , HAWRANEK MICHAL , POLONSKI LECH , GASIOR MARIUSZ , KOSIUK JEDRZEJ
Published: February 2017

Remote Monitoring in Real‐World Cohort

Background

Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that remote monitoring (RM) of implantable cardioverter–defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRT‐Ds) may improve quality of care and prognosis in heart failure (HF) patients. However, the impact of RM on long‐term mortality in a real‐world cohort is still not well examined.

Methods and Results

This study was designed as a matched cohort study based on the COMMIT‐HF trial––a single‐center, ongoing prospective observational registry (NCT02536443). Complete patient demographics, medical history, in‐hospital results, hospitalizations, and mortality data were collected based on institutional registries and healthcare providers’ records. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on RM presence and matched by means of propensity scores according to clinical characteristics. The primary endpoint of this study was the long‐term all‐cause mortality. Out of 1,429 consecutive patients, 822 patients with a first implantation of an ICD/CRT‐D were included in the analysis. The final matched study population contained 574 patients in RM and in a control group. Although demographic and echocardiographic parameters as well as pharmacological treatments were similar in both groups, a significantly lower 1‐year mortality was detected in the RM group (2.1% vs. 11.5%, P < 0.0001). This was also maintained during a 3‐year follow‐up (4.9% vs. 22.3%, P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that RM was associated with an improved prognosis (hazard ratio 0.187, 95% confidence interval 0.075–0.467, P = 0.0003).

Conclusion

RM of HF patients with ICDs/CRT‐Ds significantly reduced long‐term mortality in a real‐world clinical condition.
Echocardiographic Predictors of Long‐Term Survival in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: What Is the Optimal Metric?
Authors: RICKARD JOHN , BARANOWSKI BRYAN , WILSON TANG W.H. , GRIMM RICHARD A. , NIEBAUER MARK , CANTILLION DANIEL , WILKOFF BRUCE L. , VARMA NIRAJ
Published: February 2017

Reverse Remodeling Survival CRT

Background

Multiple definitions of reverse ventricular remodeling (RVR) employing various changes in left ventricular end‐systolic (LVESV) or diastolic volumes (LVEDVs) or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have been used in determining cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response, making comparability across studies difficult. We compared different metrics to each other, and in combination, in terms of association with long‐term outcomes.

Methods

We collected clinical and echocardiographic data on 436 patients undergoing CRT. LVEF was assessed via a combined volumetric and visual assessment. Volumes were manually traced. Using a nested multivariate model of a priori determined predictors of long‐term survival free of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or heart transplant, multiple definitions of RVR were added to the model individually to determine which provided the best model fit.

Results

Over a mean follow‐up of 5.4 ± 2.3 years, there were 198 endpoints (10 LVADs, 15 heart transplants, and 173 deaths). When added to a nested model controlling for multiple potential confounders, all definitions of RVR were significantly associated with improved survival. Changes in LVEF and LVESV were superior to changes in LVEDV. A combination metric of an LVEF improvement ≥ 5% and LVESV reduction ≥ 10% was the best overall metric for model fit.

Conclusions

Changes in LVESV and LVEF are better predictors of long‐term outcome following CRT compared to changes in LVEDV. Adding an assessment of LVEF to reduction in LVESV ≥ 10% provided the best overall definition for RVR in predicting CRT outcomes.
Explaining the sex difference in dyslexia
Authors: Arnett Anne B. , Pennington Bruce F. , Peterson Robin L. , Willcutt Erik G. , DeFries John C. , Olson Richard K.
Published: February 2017

Background

Males are diagnosed with dyslexia more frequently than females, even in epidemiological samples. This may be explained by greater variance in males’ reading performance.

Methods

We expand on previous research by rigorously testing the variance difference theory, and testing for mediation of the sex difference by cognitive correlates. We developed an analytic framework that can be applied to group differences in any psychiatric disorder.

Results

Males’ overrepresentation in the low performance tail of the reading distribution was accounted for by mean and variance differences across sex. There was no sex difference at the high performance tail. Processing speed (PS) and inhibitory control partially mediated the sex difference. Verbal reasoning emerged as a strength in males.

Conclusions

Our results complement a previous finding that PS partially mediates the sex difference in symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and helps explain the sex difference in both dyslexia and ADHD and their comorbidity.
Association between poor psychosocial conditions and diabetic nephropathy in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ninomiya Hiroyo , Katakami Naoto , Matsuoka Taka‐aki , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Nishizawa Hitoshi , Maeda Norikazu , Otsuki Michio , Imagawa Akihisa , Iso Hiroyasu , Ohira Tetsuya , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: February 2017

Aims/Introduction

It is suggested that a positive psychosocial condition has a good effect on health and glycemic control. However, there has been no research to evaluate the association between positive psychosocial factors and diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between psychosocial factors and DN in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Material and Methods

To assess psychosocial condition, six indicators (happiness score, Life Orientation Test‐revised score as an indicator of dispositional optimism, laughter frequency, self‐awareness of stress, social network and social support) were assessed by a self‐administered questionnaire, and associations between these psychosocial indicators and the presence of DN were examined.

Results

A cross‐sectional analysis of patients with (n = 123) and without DN (n = 220) showed that a high score for happiness (odds ratio [OR] per 1 standard deviation 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57–0.89, P = 0.003), high Life Orientation Test‐revised score (OR per 1 standard deviation 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61–0.98, P = 0.035), less self‐awareness of stress (OR 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34–0.90, P = 0.017), high connection of social network (OR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.35–0.87, P = 0.010) and high social support (OR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38–0.96, P = 0.035) were associated with a reduced risk of prevalence of DN. Similar results were observed even after adjustment for the following conventional risk factors of DN: age, sex, duration of diabetes, hemoglobin A1c, hypertension, dyslipidemia and current smoking.

Conclusions

The present study showed that five out of six prespecified indicators of psychosocial condition were significantly associated with the presence of DN in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.
Retrospective cross‐sectional pilot study of rifaximin dosing for the prevention of recurrent hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Lyon Kelsey C , Likar Eric , Martello Jay L , Regier Michael
Published: February 2017

Standard treatment for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) includes medications that reduce ammonia and bacterial translocation in the gut. Rifaximin can be used off‐label for the reduction of overt HE. The study purpose was to determine efficacy of traditional rifaximin dosing (400 mg three times daily) compared with newer dosing (550 mg twice daily) via readmission rates for the prevention of recurrent HE. This was a retrospective, observational, cross‐sectional pilot study conducted in a tertiary medical center. A total of 226 patients 18–89 years of age with documentation of HE via ICD‐9 code who started rifaximin therapy while inpatient between April 2009 and June 2014 were evaluated. Data collected included rifaximin dosing, other medications used to treat HE, duration of therapy, time to readmission, and various laboratory values. There were no differences in readmission rates at 30 days, 60 days, or 6 months between treatment groups. Additionally, there was no difference in the odds of readmission between the treatment groups (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: [0.201, 4.365], P = 0.718). Patients had a low overall probability of readmission over the observational period. Based on average wholesale price data, the cost for a 9‐day supply of rifaximin for the 400‐mg dosing regimen is $952.56 versus $605.16 for the 550‐mg dosing regimen. The rifaximin 550‐mg dosing strategy should be utilized in hospitalized patients for the prevention of recurrent HE as there was no difference in readmission rate or time to readmission between dosing groups. The 550‐mg regimen had a lower acquisition cost for a 9‐day duration of treatment in the studied institution.
Distribution of endomorphin‐like‐immunoreactive neurones in the brain of the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus
Authors: Vijayalaxmi  , Ganesh C. B.
Published: February 2017

Endomorphins (EMs) are tetrapeptides involved in pain and neuroendocrine responses with a high affinity for μ‐opioid receptors in mammals. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of EM‐like‐immunoreactive (EM‐L‐IR) neurones in the brain of the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus. Application of antisera against EM‐1 and 2 (EM‐1‐2) revealed the presence of EM‐L‐IR somata and fibres throughout the different subdivisions of the olfactory bulb, such as the olfactory nerve layer and the granule cell layer. Although the extensions of EM‐L‐IR fibres were seen along the medial olfactory tract, intensely labelled EM‐L‐IR somata were found in different subdivisions of the telencephalon. In the diencephalon, intensely stained EM‐L‐IR neurones were noted in the preoptic area, the nucleus preopticus pars magnocellularis, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the nucleus lateralis tuberis pars lateralis and the nucleus lateralis tuberis pars medialis regions, whereas projections of EM‐L‐IR fibres were also seen along the hypothalamic‐hypophyseal tract, suggesting a possible hypophysiotrophic role for these neurones. Intense to moderately stained EM‐L‐IR neurones were noted in different subdivisions of thalamic nucleus, such as the dorsal posterior thalamic nucleus, commissura posterior, ventromedial thalamic nucleus, nucleus posterior tuberis, ventrolateral thalamic nucleus and medial preglomerular nucleus. Numerous intensely stained perikarya and axonal fibres were also noted throughout the inferior lobe, along the periventricular margin of the reccessus lateralis and in the nucleus recesus lateralis regions. In addition, numerous moderately labelled EM‐like neuronal populations were found in the secondary gustatory nucleus and rostral spinal cord. The widespread distribution of EM‐L‐IR neurones throughout the brain and spinal cord indicates the diverse roles for these cells in neuroendocrine and neuromodulatory responses for the first time in fish. The present study provides further insights into the possible existence of EM‐like peptides in early vertebrate lines and suggests that these peptides might have been well‐conserved during the course of evolution.
Novel NTRK1 mutations associated with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis verified by functional studies
Authors: Nam Tai‐Seung , Li Wenting , Yoon Somy , Eom Gwang Hyeon , Kim Myeong‐Kyu , Jung Sung Taek , Choi Seok‐Yong
Published: February 2017

Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA), also known as hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IV, features loss of pain sensation, decreased or absent sweating (anhidrosis), recurrent episodes of unexplained fever, self‐mutilating behavior, and variable mental retardation. Mutations in neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 1 (NTRK1) have been reported to be associated with CIPA. We identified four novel NTRK1 mutations in six Korean patients from four unrelated families. Of the four mutations, we demonstrated using a splicing assay that IVS14+3A>T causes aberrant splicing of NTRK1 mRNA, leading to introduction of a premature termination codon. An NTRK1 autophosphorylation assay showed that c.1786G>A (p.Asp596Asn) abolished autophosphorylation of NTRK1. In addition, Western blotting showed that c.704C>G (p.Ser235*) and c.2350_2363del (p.Leu784Serfs*79) blunted NTRK1 expression to undetectable levels. The four novel NTRK1 mutations we report here will expand the repertoire of NTRK1 mutations in CIPA patients, and further our understanding of CIPA pathogenesis.
An explanatory study on the concept of nursing presence from the perspective of patients admitted to hospitals
Authors: Mohammadipour Fatemeh , Atashzadeh‐Shoorideh Foroozan , Parvizy Soroor , Hosseini Meimanat
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectives

To clarify the concept of nursing presence through patients’ perception.

Background

The holistic caring process at the bedside must incorporate the concept of nursing presence. Most of the research about nursing presence is based on nurses’ experiences, and research into patients’ experiences is minimal. According to goals of patient centredness, the association between the patient satisfaction and nursing presence, and patients’ ability to understand this concept, it is important to explore this concept from the patients’ perspective.

Design

A qualitative approach.

Methods

Based on purposive sampling technique, 12 patients were recruited. After participant observation, 15 interviews were carried out with participants. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using conventional qualitative content analysis.

Results

Five main categories were drawn from the data including informed concentration, task‐centred/patient‐centred relationship, clarification of meanings, comprehensive participation and accountable encounter. Data analysis alongside the authors’ reflections resulted in the emergence of one overarching theme, ‘coconstructed interaction’, which shows the notion that effective nurse–patient interaction enhances cooperation, coordination and collaboration in caring and improves nursing outcomes.

Conclusions

Accordingly, the nursing presence would be ideal for patient‐centred caring.

Relevance to clinical practice

Knowing the perspectives of patients is important as the evaluation of nursing care quality should rely on outcome indicators that are sensitive to patients. For instance, client satisfaction and health status acceptance, especially as it relates to coping, comfort level, hope, and participation in decision‐making, are included in the nursing outcomes’ classification system. Thus, the findings of this study may facilitate improvement in the quality of care by continuous improvement in knowledge, attitudes and abilities of nurses. It is therefore recommended that managers and clinical nurses, by relying on these findings, design the caring activities so that nurses’ presence can act as a facilitating factor for improving quality assurance.
Dynamic relationships between personal resources and work engagement in entrepreneurs
Authors: Laguna Mariola , Razmus Wiktor , Żaliński Adam
Published: February 2017

The paper presents a longitudinal study that tests the postulates of social cognitive theory in real‐life settings on a sample of entrepreneurs – people who established and managed their firms. This study explores the reciprocal relationships between entrepreneurs’ personal resources and work engagement over time. It extends the dynamic understanding of entrepreneurship, explaining the role of work‐related self‐efficacy and positive affect – enthusiasm in relation to entrepreneurial activity engagement. In a longitudinal field study with three measurement times, 206 entrepreneurs took part. The results of structural equation modelling revealed that the model with reciprocal relationships between variables is the best fitting model. In this model, enthusiasm predicts work‐related self‐efficacy in the next two measurement times and is positively related to work engagement in entrepreneurs. Self‐efficacy beliefs, in turn, predict work engagement and enthusiasm, while work engagement predicts enthusiasm. In consequence, the results reveal that there are reciprocal relationships between self‐efficacy, positive affect, and work engagement among entrepreneurs, uncovering the dynamic interrelations between personal resources and work engagement over time. The resource gain spirals have not been confirmed.

Practitioner points

Work‐related self‐efficacy and enthusiasm towards work lead to engagement in entrepreneurial activity, which in turn mobilize further positive beliefs and affect.

The development of interventions that aim at increasing self‐efficacy and help to regulate affect may lead entrepreneurs to maintain engagement in their work.
Incidence of lip malignancies in Germany—data from nine population‐based cancer registries
Authors: Singer Susanne , Zeissig Sylke Ruth , Emrich Katharina , Holleczek Bernd , Kraywinkel Klaus , Ressing Meike
Published: February 2017

Background

The objective of this study was to analyse the incidence of lip malignancies in Germany.

Methods

Data from population‐based cancer registries covering a population of 39 million inhabitants from 14 federal states were pooled. Lip malignancies were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10). Age‐standardised incidence rates and annual percentage changes in the incidence trends of lip cancer (C00), melanoma of the lip (C43.0), and non‐melanoma skin cancer of the lip (C44.0) were calculated.

Results

Lip cancer (C00) incidence rate was 0.57/0.15 per 100 000 (men/women) in 2003 and 0.52/0.18 in 2012. In women, the change was statistically significant.

Melanoma lip cancer (C43.0) incidence rates both in men and women were 0.02 in 2003 and 0.01 in 2012. Incidence rates of non‐melanoma skin cancer of the lip (C44.0) significantly increased from 1.6 in 2003 to 2.1 in 2012 in men and from 1.5 in 2003 to 2.4 in 2012 in women.

In lip cancer (C00), the vast majority (98% in men/93% in women) were squamous cell carcinomas and 2%/7% were basal cell carcinoma. In men, 56% of non‐melanoma skin cancers (C44.0) were squamous cell carcinoma, whereas these were only 27% in women.

Conclusions

The incidences of non‐melanoma skin cancer of the lip increased over time in Germany in both sexes. Lip cancer incidence increased in women, while it stayed stable in men. Melanoma of the lip did not change in incidence. The distribution of histology in non‐melanoma skin cancer of the lip differed by sex.
A Novel Approach for Predicting and Understanding Consumers' Sense of Design Similarity
Authors: Schreiner Thomas F. , Fandrich Thomas , Heitmann Mark , Talke Katrin
Published: February 2017

Product designers continuously emphasize how important yet difficult it is to create new products with designs similar enough for brand recognition, yet dissimilar enough for a unique positioning. Advancing the understanding of perceived design similarity would greatly help to systematically manage this balance. Design literature typically assesses how much a new design deviates from the status quo based on consumers’ holistic similarity perceptions. For management practice, however, tests of numerous design alternatives with consumers throughout the NPD process are time‐consuming, costly, and threaten confidentiality. In addition, simple surveys often do not suffice to understand the role of individual design characteristics in the holistic perception of a product design. This article introduces an objective measurement approach of design similarity to overcome these drawbacks. The results of an empirical study demonstrate that consumers’ perception of design similarity can be reproduced by means of this approach. In addition, this approach makes measurement of design similarity more efficient, uncovers the design characteristics that drive holistic similarity perceptions, and enables managers to predict the positioning of alternative product designs in the perceptual space minimizing the need for consumer surveys.
Unveiling and initial characterization of neural crest‐like cells in mesenchymal populations from the human periodontal ligament
Authors: Ramírez‐García L. , Cevallos R. , Gazarian K.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To identify cells with neural crest properties in mesenchymal populations isolated from human periodontal ligament.

Background

Evidence from tracing experiments on animal embryos revealed proof that dental tissues are among the homing sites of craniofacial neural crest migratory cells. In humans, similar migratory cells were found in early embryos, but whether these cells are progeny of oral multipotent stem cells needs to be confirmed. Searching for the cells with neural crest characteristics in periodontal ligament mesenchymal populations can lead to a solution to the problem.

Material and Methods

Populations from the human periodontal ligament were cultured in media supplemented with various concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS); assays were performed to evaluate the expression of neural crest, mesenchymal and multipotency genes.

Results

In periodontal ligament populations cultured in the standard expansion medium containing minimal amounts of FBS (0.5% or 1%) or lacking FBS, growing numbers of epithelial‐like cells emerged, co‐expressing neural crest‐specific (p75, HNK‐1, SOX10), the epithelialization (E‐cadherin) and mesenchymal (CD73 and CD105) markers.

Conclusion

The human periodontal ligament contains a subpopulation of dormant neural crest‐like cells, which can be highlighted by culturing at FBS concentrations below 2% or in a serum‐free medium.
In vitro evaluation of the human gingival fibroblast/gingival mesenchymal stem cell dynamics through perforated guided tissue membranes: cell migration, proliferation and membrane stiffness assay
Authors: Gamal A. Y. , Al‐Berry N. N. , Hassan A. A. , Rashed L. A. , Iacono V. J.
Published: February 2017

Background

Migration of gingival fibroblasts/gingival mesenchymal stem cells through macro‐perforated barrier membranes may allow them to participate positively in periodontal regeneration. The optimal guided tissue membrane perforation diameter that could favor maximum cell migration into the defect area and at the same time act as an occlusive barrier for gingival epithelium and its associated gingival extracellular matrix component is not yet identified.

Material and Methods

Cultured human gingival fibroblasts/gingival mesenchymal stem cells were placed in the upper chambers of 12‐well collagen‐coated polytetrafluoroethylene transwells, which were manually perforated with 0.2, 0.4 and 0.7 mm sized pores. The lower chambers of the transwells received blood clot as an attraction medium. The number of cells that have migrated to the lower chambers was calculated. Proliferation of these cells was evaluated using MTT assay. Scanning electron microscopy images were obtained for the lower surfaces of the transwell membranes. Perforated bovine collagen membranes (Tutopatch®) were subjected to mechanical testing to determine the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity.

Results

Group 3 (0.7 mm) showed significantly higher values for cell migration and proliferation. All groups showed a small degree of extracellular matrix migration through membrane perforations. Scanning electron microscopy evaluation revealed variable numbers of cells in fibrin matrices located mainly around the pore edges. There were non‐significant differences between groups regarding mechanical properties.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that macro‐membrane perforations of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.7 mm are suitable pore diameters that could maintain membrane stiffness and allow for cellular migration. However, these membrane perforation diameters did not allow for total gingival connective tissue isolation.
Impact of periodontal disease on quality of life: a systematic review
Authors: Ferreira M. C. , Dias‐Pereira A. C. , Branco‐de‐Almeida L. S. , Martins C. C. , Paiva S. M.
Published: February 2017

The diagnosis of periodontal disease is commonly based on objective evaluations of the patient's medical/dental history as well as clinical and radiographic examinations. However, periodontal disease should also be evaluated subjectively through measures that quantify its impact on oral health‐related quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of periodontal disease on quality of life among adolescents, adults and older adults. A systematic search of the literature was performed for scientific articles published up to July 2015 using electronic databases and a manual search. Two independent reviewers performed the selection of the studies, extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality. Thirty‐four cross‐sectional studies involving any age group, except children, and the use of questionnaires for the assessment of the impact of periodontal disease on quality of life were included. Twenty‐five studies demonstrated that periodontal disease was associated with a negative impact on quality of life, with severe periodontitis exerting the most significant impact by compromising aspects related to function and esthetics. Unlike periodontitis, gingivitis was associated with pain as well as difficulties performing oral hygiene and wearing dentures. Gingivitis was also negatively correlated with comfort. The results indicate that periodontal disease may exert an impact on quality of life of individuals, with greater severity of the disease related to greater impact. Longitudinal studies with representative samples are needed to ensure validity of the findings.
The Canine POMC Gene, Obesity in Labrador Retrievers and Susceptibility to Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Davison L.J. , Holder A. , Catchpole B. , O'Callaghan C.A.
Published: February 2017

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) in dogs is a common endocrinopathy with a complex genetic architecture. Disease susceptibility in several breeds is associated with polymorphisms in immune response genes, but in the Labrador retriever breed, no genetic associations with DM have been identified. A deletion in the pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene in Labrador retrievers is associated with increased appetite and risk of obesity.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To characterize the POMC deletion in Labrador retrievers, to develop a simple genetic test for this mutation, and to test the hypothesis that the POMC gene deletion is associated with an increased risk of DM in this breed.

Animals

Sixty‐one non‐diabetic Labrador retrievers aged >6 years and 57 Labrador retrievers with DM.

Methods

Case–control genotyping study to compare the frequency of the POMC deletion in dogs with and without DM. After polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing to characterize the mutation, a PCR‐based test was developed and validated using 2 different restriction fragment length polymorphism assays.

Results

A 14‐base‐pair deletion was confirmed and localized to exon 3 of the canine POMC gene. A PCR‐based test for the deletion was successfully developed. There was no association between the presence of the POMC deletion mutation and DM in this population of Labrador retriever dogs (P = .31).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study adds to the existing scientific literature indicating that there is little evidence for a direct link between obesity and DM in dogs.
Social minds in Romanticism
Authors: Savarese John
Published: February 2017

This essay examines how recoveries of Romantic sociability have led to a renewed focus on the social mind, a subject of intense interest in Romantic‐era politics and science. The essay first traces the shift from Romantic scholarship's recovery of “the social” to more recent approaches to social networks. The second section examines how studies of sensibility and affect have enabled new work on Romantic empiricism. The final section points to some recent work that reframes Romantic empiricism, and the very question of the social encounter, in ways that suggest future directions for philosophical, scientific, and aesthetic approaches to the social mind.
Bank Capital Requirements and Collateralised Lending Markets
Authors: Rubio Margarita , Carrasco‐gallego José A.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we take as a baseline a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model, which features a housing market, borrowers, savers and banks, in order to evaluate the welfare and macroeconomic effects of the new fixed capital requirements in the Basel accords. Our results show that the higher capital requirements imposed by Basel I, II and III decrease both the quantity of borrowing and its variability, producing distributional welfare effects among agents: savers are better off, but borrowers and banks are worse off. Then, we propose a macroprudential rule for the countercyclical capital buffer of Basel III in which capital requirements respond to credit growth, output and housing prices. We find that the optimal implementation of Basel III is countercyclical for borrowers and banks, the agents directly affected by capital requirements, while procyclical for savers. From a normative perspective, we see that this macroprudential rule for Basel III delivers higher welfare for the society than a situation with no regulation. Keywords: Basel I, Basel II, Basel III, banking regulation, welfare, banking supervision, macroprudential, capital requirement ratio, credit, countercyclical capital buffer.
Absence of thrombocytopaenia and/or microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia does not reliably exclude recurrence of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome after kidney transplantation
Authors: Krishnan Anoushka R , Siva Brian , Chakera Aron , Wong Germaine , Wong Daniel , Lim Wai H
Published: February 2017

A 54‐year‐old man was diagnosed with atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) with confirmed complement H mutation in 2012, requiring ongoing dialysis. He was commenced on eculizumab in 2014 once the pharmaceutical board approved this drug. After 4 months, he received a live unrelated donor renal transplant from his wife and continued eculizumab post‐transplant. Three months later, there was a rise in his creatinine with no laboratory features of haemolysis and a kidney biopsy confirmed rejection, which was treated with increased immunosuppression. After completing 12 months of treatment with eculizumab, he opted for close monitoring rather than continuation with therapy. Five months post‐cessation of the drug, there was a rise in creatinine, and once again, haematological parameters remained within reference range; however, his kidney biopsy showed features consistent with recurrence of aHUS; hence, eculizumab was recommenced with good effect. While there was no evidence of haemolysis, there was a gradual rise in LDH level and a drop in platelet count, although the parameters remained within the normal range. This suggests that aHUS can recur in the allograft in the absence of haematological abnormalities. Clinicians should have a low threshold for allograft biopsy if haematological parameters are not just outside the reference range, but possibly also if there are changes of at least >25% from baseline in platelet count and LDH levels, particularly in those patients who are no longer eligible for eculizumab.
Life‐threatening pregnancy‐associated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome and its response to eculizumab
Authors: Gately Ryan , San Aye , Kurtkoti Jagadeesh , Parnham Alan
Published: February 2017

Pregnancy‐associated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (P‐aHUS) is a rare, potentially lethal condition that can complicate pregnancy in up to 1 in 25 000 cases. Without prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment, this condition can lead to disastrous consequences for both mother and child. Given the broad spectrum of conditions that can present similarly in the peripartum period, it is often difficult to establish the correct diagnosis in a timely manner. Recently, the terminal complement cascade inhibitor eculizumab has been used with considerable success in non‐pregnancy HUS; however, its use in P‐aHUS is limited to isolated case reports. Here, we present a case of fulminant P‐aHUS in the postpartum period that was successfully treated with eculizumab resulting in significant recovery of renal function.
Learning by experience? Visceral pain‐related neural and behavioral responses in a classical conditioning paradigm
Authors: Icenhour A. , Labrenz F. , Ritter C. , Theysohn N. , Forsting M. , Bingel U. , Elsenbruch S.
Published: February 2017

Background

Studies investigating mechanisms underlying nocebo responses in pain have mainly focused on negative expectations induced by verbal suggestions. Herein, we addressed neural and behavioral correlates of nocebo responses induced by classical conditioning in a visceral pain model.

Methods

In two independent studies, a total of 40 healthy volunteers underwent classical conditioning, consisting of repeated pairings of one visual cue (CSHigh) with rectal distensions of high intensity, while a second cue (CSLow) was always followed by low‐intensity distensions. During subsequent test, only low‐intensity distensions were delivered, preceded by either CSHigh or CSLow. Distension intensity ratings were assessed in both samples and functional magnetic resonance imaging data were available from one study (N=16). As a consequence of conditioning, we hypothesized CSHigh‐cued distensions to be perceived as more intense and expected enhanced cue‐ and distension‐related neural responses in regions encoding sensory and affective dimensions of pain and in structures associated with pain‐related fear memory.

Key Results

During test, distension intensity ratings did not differ depending on preceding cue. Greater distension‐induced neural activation was observed in somatosensory, prefrontal, and cingulate cortices and caudate when preceded by CSHigh. Analysis of cue‐related responses revealed strikingly similar activation patterns.

Conclusions & Inferences

We report changes in neural activation patterns during anticipation and visceral stimulation induced by prior conditioning. In the absence of behavioral effects, markedly altered neural responses may indicate conditioning with visceral signals to induce hypervigilance rather than hyperalgesia, involving altered attention, reappraisal, and perceptual acuity as processes contributing to the pathophysiology of visceral pain.
What characteristics of nutrition and physical activity interventions are key to effectively reducing weight gain in obese or overweight pregnant women? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yeo SeonAe , Walker Jennifer S. , Caughey Melissa C. , Ferraro Amanda M. , Asafu‐Adjei Josephine K.
Published: February 2017

Lifestyle interventions targeting gestational weight gain (GWG) report varying degrees of success. To better understand factors influencing efficacy, we reviewed randomized trials specifically among obese and overweight pregnant women.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and a meta‐analysis of 32 studies with a pooled population of 5,869 overweight or obese pregnant women. Random effects models were fit to compute the weighted mean difference (WMD) in GWG between groups across studies. Subgroup analyses were conducted to compare intervention efficacy in overweight vs. obese pregnant women, and interventions delivered by prenatal care providers (PCPs) vs. non‐PCPs during pregnancy. Moderator analyses ensured.

Results

Nine (28%) of 32 studies reported significant reductions in GWG in response to intervention. Of these, six (66%) of nine were delivered by PCPs. Overall, the WMD in GWG was −1.71 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.55, −0.86) kg. However, interventions delivered by PCPs yielded a significantly greater reduction in GWG compared to interventions delivered by non‐PCPs (WMD = −3.88 kg; 95% CI: −7.01, −0.75 vs. ‐0.80 kg; 95% CI: −1.32, −0.28; p for difference = 0.005).

Conclusion

When PCPs counsel nutrition and physical activity, obese and overweight pregnant women have greater success meeting GWG targets and may be more motivated to modify their behaviour than with other modes of intervention deliveries.
Salivary levels of interleukin‐8 and growth factors are modulated in patients with geographic tongue
Authors: Dafar A , Bankvall M , Garsjö V , Jontell M , Çevik‐Aras H
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the levels of salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as well as interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) in patients with geographic tongue (GT), as compared to control subjects.

Methodology

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of IL‐8, EGF and VEGF in whole saliva samples collected from 34 patients with GT and 38 control subjects. The patients and controls were grouped and matched according to age, gender and the presence of systemic diseases, which are factors that may influence the levels of salivary biomarkers.

Results

All patients with GT displayed significantly higher levels of IL‐8 than the controls (P < 0.001). The young female patients also showed reduced levels of EGF (P < 0.05) and VEGF (P < 0.05), as compared to the young male patients where no such differences were observed. Interestingly, high levels of IL‐8 (P < 0.001) and VEGF (P < 0.05) were detected in the patients with GT who also suffered from hypertension.

Conclusion

We consider IL‐8 an inflammatory mediator, which contributes to the acute inflammatory response found in GT. EGF and VEGF also seem to be involved in the pathophysiology of GT.
Imidazoline 1 receptor activation preserves respiratory drive in spontaneously breathing newborn rats during dexmedetomidine administration
Authors: Sato Nana , Saiki Chikako , Tamiya Junko , Imai Toshio , Sunada Katsuhisa
Published: February 2017

Background

Dexmedetomidine is an alpha‐2 (α2) adrenoceptor and imidazoline 1 (I1) receptor agonist that provides sedation without loss of respiratory drive.

Aims

The aim of this study was to elucidate the involvement of α2‐adrenoceptor and I1 receptor in the cardiorespiratory changes induced by dexmedetomidine in spontaneously breathing newborn rats.

Methods

An abdominal catheter to administer drugs and three subcutaneous electrodes to record electrocardiographic data were inserted into 2‐ to 5‐day‐old Wistar rats under isoflurane anesthesia. In individual chambers, each rat was intraperitoneally administered dexmedetomidine (50 μg·kg−1) followed 5 min later by normal saline or 1, 5, or 10 mg·kg−1 atipamezole (selective α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist) or efaroxan (α2‐adrenoceptor/I1 receptor antagonist). Cardiorespiratory indices were recorded before and after drug administration.

Results

The administration of dexmedetomidine alone resulted in significant changes to most of the cardiorespiratory indices examined. The addition of 5 or 10 mg·kg−1 atipamezole or 1 mg·kg−1 efaroxan completely ameliorated the dexmedetomidine‐associated reduction in heart rate (HR). The addition of 1 mg·kg−1 atipamezole or 1 or 5 mg·kg−1 efaroxan completely ameliorated the dexmedetomidine‐associated reduction in respiratory frequency. Mean inspiratory flow (VT/TI; VT is tidal volume and TI is inspiratory time), which is an index of respiratory drive, was not significantly affected by the administration of dexmedetomidine alone (P = 0.273) or dexmedetomidine + atipamezole (P = 0.605, 0.153, 0.138 for 1, 5, 10 mg·kg−1 atipamezole, respectively); however, it was significantly decreased after the administration of dexmedetomidine + efaroxan (P = 0.029, <0.001, <0.001 for 1, 5, 10 mg·kg−1 efaroxan, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that in newborn rats undergoing dexmedetomidine sedation, the α2‐adrenoceptor, but not I1 receptor, is involved in the regulation of HR and respiratory frequency, and that activation of the I1 receptor plays a major role in the maintenance of respiratory drive.
Saturated genicSNPmapping identified functional candidates and selection tools for thePinus monticola Cr2locus controlling resistance to white pine blister rust
Authors: Liu Jun‐Jun , Sniezko Richard A. , Zamany Arezoo , Williams Holly , Wang Ning , Kegley Angelia , Savin Douglas P. , Chen Hao , Sturrock Rona N.
Published: February 2017

Molecular breeding incorporates efficient tools to increase rust resistance in five‐needle pines. Susceptibility of native five‐needle pines to white pine blister rust (WPBR), caused by the non‐native invasive fungusCronartium ribicola(J.C. Fisch.), has significantly reduced wild populations of these conifers in North America. Major resistance (R) genes against specific avirulent pathotypes have been found in several five‐needle pine species. In this study, we screened genicSNPmarkers by comparative transcriptome and genetic association analyses and constructed saturated linkage maps for the western white pine (Pinus monticola) R locus (Cr2). Phenotypic segregation was measured by a hypersensitive reaction (HR)‐like response on the needles and disease symptoms of cankered stems post inoculation by theC. ribicola avcr2race.SNPgenotypes were determined byHRM‐ and TaqMan‐basedSNPgenotyping. Saturated maps of theCr2‐linkage group (LG) were constructed in three seed families using a total of 34SNPmarkers within 21 unique genes.Cr2was consistently flanked by contig_2142 (encoding a ruvb‐like protein) and contig_3772 (encoding a delta‐fatty acid desaturase) across the three seed families.Cr2was anchored to thePinusconsensusLG‐1, which differs fromLGs where other R loci ofPinusspecies were mapped.GOannotation identified a set ofNBS‐LRRand other resistance‐related genes as R candidates in theCr2region. Association of one nonsynonymousSNPlocus of anNBS‐LRRgene withCr2‐mediated phenotypes provides a valuable tool for marker‐assisted selection (MAS), which will shorten the breeding cycle of resistance screening and aid in the restoration ofWPBR‐disturbed forest ecosystems.
Associations between renaming schizophrenia and stigma‐related outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Yamaguchi Sosei , Mizuno Masashi , Ojio Yasutaka , Sawada Utako , Matsunaga Asami , Ando Shuntaro , Koike Shinsuke
Published: February 2017

Renaming schizophrenia is a potential strategy to reduce the stigma attached to people with schizophrenia. However, the overall associations between renaming schizophrenia and stigma‐related outcomes have not been fully elucidated. We conducted a systematic review of studies that empirically examined the outcomes between new or alternative terms and old or existing terms for schizophrenia. We searched for relevant articles in eight bibliographic databases, conducted a Google search, examined reference lists, and contacted relevant experts. We found a total of 2601 reference records, and 23 articles were included in this review. Overall, in countries where schizophrenia has been renamed, the name changes may be associated with improvements in adults’ attitudes toward people with schizophrenia, and with increased diagnosis announcement. However, studies conducted in countries where schizophrenia has not been renamed report inconsistent findings. In addition, renaming may not influence portrayals of schizophrenia in the media. Most studies included in our review had a risk of bias in their methodology, and we employed a vote‐counting method to synthesize study results; therefore, the impacts of renaming are still inconclusive. Future studies are needed to address the following issues: use of univariate descriptive statistics, adjustment for confounding variables, use of reliable measures, and employing a question that addresses the image of split or multiple personalities. Evidence is limited regarding the associations between renaming and stigma experienced by both people with schizophrenia and their families (e.g., perceived stigma, self‐stigma, discrimination experience, and burden). Further research in these populations is needed to confirm the effects of renaming schizophrenia.
Rhizogenic agrobacteria in hydroponic crops: epidemics, diagnostics and control
Authors: Bosmans L. , Moerkens R. , Wittemans L. , De Mot R. , Rediers H. , Lievens B.
Published: February 2017

Rhizogenic Agrobacterium biovar 1, harbouring an Ri‐plasmid (root‐inducing plasmid), is the causative agent of hairy root disease (HRD) in the hydroponic cultivation of tomato, cucumber and aubergine. The disease is characterized by extensive root proliferation leading to strong vegetative growth and, in severe cases, substantial losses in marketable yield. Agrobacterium biovar 1 is a heterogeneous group of agrobacteria and includes at least 10 genomospecies, among which at least four (G1, G3, G8 and G9) have been associated with HRD in hydroponically grown vegetables. This review has synthesized the current knowledge on rhizogenic Agrobacterium biovar 1, including infection process, current taxonomic status, genetic and phenotypic diversity, detection methods and strategies for disease control. With regard to the latter, symptom reduction and prevention of infection through cultivation methods and chemical disinfection (e.g. by the use of chlorine‐based disinfectants and hydrogen peroxide) are discussed and biocontrol strategies are elaborated on. Recent research has led to the identification of a phylogenetically related clade of Paenibacillus strains that have antagonistic activity against rhizogenic Agrobacterium biovar 1 strains, holding great potential for HRD control. Finally, possible directions for future research are proposed.
Guidelines for sampling bedload transport with minimum uncertainty
Authors: Frings Roy M. , Vollmer Stefan
Published: February 2017

The stability of river channels and their suitability as habitat for aqueous organisms is strongly controlled by the rate of bedload transport. Quantification of bedload transport rates in rivers is difficult, not only because of the temporal variation in transport, but also because of the cross‐channel variation in transport. The objectives of this study were: (i) to determine the effect of cross‐channel variation in bedload transport on the uncertainty of width‐integrated transport rates; and to use this knowledge (ii) to improve guidelines for bedload sampling. This was done through a thorough statistical evaluation of stochastic and systematic uncertainties involved in bed‐load transport measurements. Based on this evaluation, new guidelines are presented for determination of the number of samples and sampling positions across the channel that are required for bedload measurements in several types of sand‐bed rivers and gravel‐bed rivers. The guidelines relate to bedload measurements made with pressure‐difference (Helley‐Smith type) samplers that require numerous bedload samples of short duration at several positions across the channel. The results show that generally more sampling positions across the channel are required in gravel‐bed rivers than in sand‐bed rivers. For gravel‐bed rivers with unknown cross‐channel distribution of transport, at least 10 sampling positions are recommended, whereas for most sand‐bed rivers five positions suffice. In addition, at least 12 short‐duration samples are required at each position to obtain bedload estimates with uncertainties below 20%. If the same level of uncertainty is desired in the case of high spatial and temporal variation in transport rates, the number of short‐duration samples needed per sampling position increases to 40.