bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral arterial disease and revascularization of the diabetic foot
Authors: Forsythe R. O. , Brownrigg J. , Hinchliffe R. J.
Published: December 2014

Diabetes is a complex disease with many serious potential sequelae, including large vessel arterial disease and microvascular dysfunction. Peripheral arterial disease is a common large vessel complication of diabetes, implicated in the development of tissue loss in up to half of patients with diabetic foot ulceration. In addition to peripheral arterial disease, functional changes in the microcirculation also contribute to the development of a diabetic foot ulcer, along with other factors such as infection, oedema and abnormal biomechanical loading. Peripheral arterial disease typically affects the distal vessels, resulting in multi‐level occlusions and diffuse disease, which often necessitates challenging distal revascularisation surgery or angioplasty in order to improve blood flow. However, technically successful revascularisation does not always result in wound healing. The confounding effects of microvascular dysfunction must be recognised ‐ treatment of a patient with a diabetic foot ulcer and peripheral arterial disease should address this complex interplay of pathophysiological changes. In the case of non‐revascularisable peripheral arterial disease or poor response to conventional treatment, alternative approaches such as cell‐based treatment, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the use of vasodilators may appear attractive, however more robust evidence is required to justify these novel approaches.
Ecological contrasts drive responses of wintering farmland birds to conservation management
Authors: Hammers Martijn , Müskens Gerard J. D. M. , van Kats Ruud J. M. , Teunissen Wolf A. , Kleijn David
Published: December 2014

In the past decades, large‐scale conservation programs have been implemented to halt the decline of farmland species. The mechanisms explaining the effectiveness of these programs remain poorly understood. Here we test the recent hypothesis that the effects of conservation management are determined by the ecological contrasts in limiting resources they create relative to the baseline situation. We examine responses of wintering seed‐eating farmland birds to the experimental establishment of winter food plots in areas with contrasting food availability. We found that farmland bird abundance and species richness were strongly positively related to seed availability, regardless of compositional differences between agricultural landscapes. In line with the ecological contrast hypothesis, the responses of wintering farmland birds increased with increasing conservation induced contrast in a key limiting resource. Both contrasts and relative responses were negatively related to baseline food availability, but the absolute bird density in food plots was unrelated to baseline food availability. This indicates that both relative and absolute effects of conservation management need to be considered to properly evaluate the effectiveness of conservation management.
Ranking the ecological causes of dispersal in a butterfly
Authors: Legrand Delphine , Trochet Audrey , Moulherat Sylvain , Calvez Olivier , Stevens Virginie M. , Ducatez Simon , Clobert Jean , Baguette Michel
Published: December 2014

Dispersal, i.e. movements potentially leading to gene flow, is central in evolutionary ecology. Many factors can trigger dispersal, all linked to the social and/or the environmental context. Moreover, it is now widely demonstrated that phenotypes with contrasted dispersal abilities coexist within populations of a same species. The current challenge is to elucidate how social and environmental factors will influence the dispersal decision of individuals with distinct phenotypes. We have used the Metatron, a unique experimental mesocosm dedicated to the study of dispersal within fragmented landscapes, to analyze the relative and interactive roles played by ten potential dispersal triggers in experimental two‐patch metapopulations of butterflies. We demonstrate in our model species that some factors (flight performance and wing length) have direct effects on emigration decision, others act only through interactive effects (sex ratio), while a third class of factors presents both direct and interactive effects (weather conditions, habitat quality and sex). We also show that disperser and resident individuals have distinct behavioral and morphological attributes, revealing the existence of a dispersal syndrome. Finally, our results also suggest that the environmental context, and especially weather conditions and habitat quality, prevails over social factors and individual phenotypes in butterflies' decision to disperse. Our approach is applicable to many species facing medium to strong environmental fluctuations, and constitutes a new way to master the idiosyncrasy of the dispersal process. Our framework should also help prioritize the factors responsible for populations' spatial distribution, which is obviously crucial in the current era of global changes.
The spindle checkpoint and chromosome segregation in meiosis
Authors: Gorbsky Gary J.
Published: December 2014

The spindle checkpoint is a key regulator of chromosome segregation in mitosis and meiosis. Its function is to prevent precocious anaphase onset before chromosomes have achieved bipolar attachment to the spindle. The spindle checkpoint comprises a complex set of signaling pathways that integrate microtubule dynamics, biomechanical forces at the kinetochores, and intricate regulation of protein interactions and post‐translational modifications. Historically, many key observations that gave rise to the initial concepts of the spindle checkpoint were made in meiotic systems. In contrast with mitosis, the two distinct chromosome segregation events of meiosis present a special challenge for the regulation of checkpoint signaling. Preservation of fidelity in chromosome segregation in meiosis, controlled by the spindle checkpoint, also has a significant impact in human health. This review highlights the contributions from meiotic systems in understanding the spindle checkpoint as well as the role of checkpoint signaling in controlling the complex divisions of meiosis.
Biomarkers in post‐reperfusion syndrome after acute lower limb ischaemia
Authors: de Franciscis Stefano , De Caridi Giovanni , Massara Mafalda , Spinelli Francesco , Gallelli Luca , Buffone Gianluca , Caliò Francesco G , Butrico Lucia , Grande Raffaele , Serra Raffaele
Published: December 2014

Ischaemia reperfusion (I/R) injury refers to tissue damage caused when blood supply returns to the tissue after a period of ischaemia. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cytokines are biomarkers involved in several vascular complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of MMPs, NGAL and inflammatory cytokines in I/R syndrome. We conducted an open label, multicentric, parallel group study, between January 2010 and December 2013. Patients with acute limb ischaemia were enrolled in this study and were divided into two groups: (i) those subjected to fasciotomy and (ii) those not subjected to fasciotomy, according to the onset of compartment syndrome. Plasma and tissue values of MMPs and NGAL as well as plasma cytokines were evaluated. MMPs, NGAL and cytokine levels were higher in patients with compartment syndrome. Biomarkers evaluated in this study may be used in the future as predictors of I/R injury severity and its possible evolution towards post‐reperfusion syndrome.
China's Family Planning Policies: Recent Reforms and Future Prospects
Authors: Basten Stuart , Jiang Quanbao
Published: December 2014

In November 2013, China announced reforms to its family planning policies whereby couples would be allowed to have a second child if either parent is an only child. The announcement garnered worldwide media coverage, and stimulated academic and popular discussion. We explore the context of the 2013 reforms, including the economic, demographic, and political motivations behind them, and speculate on their likely effect. Noting that the impact of the reforms on China's long‐term demographic future is likely to be relatively slight, we consider why more radical reform may have been difficult to implement. We offer observations about possible future directions for Chinese family planning policies and explore the notion of “local pronatalism within nationally prescribed antinatalist limits” and how this suggests that an ideological shift within China's family planning apparatus may be plausible.
LUDOLPH DISSEN, AUGUST BOECKH, GOTTFRIED HERMANN AND TYCHO MOMMSEN: TRACING ASYNDETON, STEERING INFLUENCE
Authors: XANTHOU MARIA G.
Published: December 2014

Ludolph Dissen's Excursus II on the use of asyndeton in poetic diction, accompanying his 1830 edition of Pindar's odes and fragments, sparked a controversy among German classical scholars, August Boeckh, Gottfried Hermann, Theodor Bergk, Friedrich Schneidewin, and Tycho Mommsen among them. Set in a diachronic framework, this article explores Dissen's observations in his Excursus II and argues that Dissen's and Mommsen's views mark the two ends of a diachronic spectrum, constructing a virtual diptych of literary and textual criticism, as both classical scholars tackled the use of asyndeton in their editions. Along this train of thought, it scrutinizes Dissen's influence on Mommsen's editio maior. It also discusses the influence exerted on their views by Boeckh's and Hermann's editorial practices. Hence, in the light of the rivalry between Boeckh and Hermann, the article explores their reaction to Dissen's observations. In conclusion, it argues that nineteenth-century German classical scholarship fertilized Pindaric literary criticism through large scale projects e.g. the edition of texts, as well as through subtle observations resulting from textual criticism and close reading.
‘LITERACIES’ – 60+ YEARS OF ‘READING’ THE AEGEAN LATE BRONZE AGE
Authors: BENNET JOHN
Published: December 2014

Inaugurated in January 1954, the ‘Minoan Linear B Seminar’ explored the information emerging from Ventris' decipherment of Linear B in 1952. The new academic discipline of ‘Mycenaean Studies’ rapidly moved on from questions influenced by the field's ‘pre-history’ dating back a further 60 years to Evans' first publication on Aegean scripts. Intense philological and epigraphical research in the 1950s and 1960s laid the foundations for comparative study of the Mycenaean palatial societies, while a greater appreciation of archaeological data and contexts moved interpretation on in the 1980s and 1990s. Building on this tradition, Mycenaean studies currently needs more documents to sustain a ‘critical mass’ of researchers and, ideally, a new Ventris to unlock the Aegean scripts that remain undeciphered.
Estimates of Minimally Important Differences (MIDs) for Two Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Computer‐Adaptive Tests in Chronic Pain Patients
Authors: Swanholm Eric , McDonald Wade , Makris Una , Noe Carl , Gatchel Robert
Published: December 2014

Anchor‐ and distribution‐based methods were combined to evaluate and establish minimally important differences (MIDs) for two Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures in an outpatient chronic pain population. These included the computer‐adaptive test (CAT) versions of two PROMIS measures: Depressive Symptoms and Anxiety‐Related Symptoms (PROMIS; Cella, Gershon, Lai & Choi). Participants (n = 170) undergoing a behavioral medicine evaluation in an interdisciplinary pain management clinic completed two PROMIS CATs and multiple clinical anchor measures/questions. Modeled after similar analyses (Yost, Eton, Garcia, & Cella), three a priori criteria were used to select usable cross‐sectional anchor‐based MID estimates; these included a minimum Spearman correlation of .3 between the PROMIS measure and anchor item/categories, a minimum comparison group sample size of 10 within each anchor, and an effect size between .2 and .8 for each anchor‐based estimate. For each PROMIS measure, the mean standard error of measurement was calculated and incorporated into MID analyses. Using a large sample (n = 170), a number of the cross‐sectional T‐score anchor‐based MID estimates (57%) were not included due to failure to meet a priori criteria. Based on the analyses, the following T‐score MID ranges are recommended: Depression CAT (3.5–5.5) and Anxiety CAT (3.0–5.5). The average effect sizes for MID estimates ranged from .32 to .57. This study is among the first to address MIDs for PROMIS measures; it is the first study to establish usable MIDs for psychological symptoms on outpatients with chronic/persistent pain. The results may be used to gauge minimally important clinical difference and/or treatment response for individuals within this patient population. MIDs for PROs are particularly useful when treatment responses are significant to the patient but are difficult to evaluate during the clinical visit.
Metabolic Syndrome Parameters in adolescents may be determinants for the future periodontal diseases
Authors: Lee Kyeong‐Soo , Lee Sang Gyu , Kim Eun‐Kyong , Jin Hye‐Jung , Im Sang‐Uk , Lee Hee‐Kyung , Merchant Anwar T. , Song Keun‐Bae , Choi Youn‐Hee
Published: December 2014

Aim

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases even in adolescents. The evidence that MetS is associated with the periodontal diseases in adolescents has been understudied. Therefore, our aim was to assess the association between MetS parameters and gingivitis in adolescents.

Material and methods

A total of 941 participants (590 boys, 351 girls), aged 12–18 years was selected from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross‐sectional and nationally representative survey, which had had information on waist circumference, blood pressure, serum triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and the fasting blood sugar and community periodontal Index (CPI).

Results

The number of positive parameters of MetS showed significant positive correlation with gingivitis; adjusted and crude ORs with one positive parameters of MetS were 1.92 (95% CI: 1.21–3.04) and 1.88(95% CI: 1.28–2.76), respectively. And adjusted OR with three or more positive parameters of MetS was 3.29 (95% CI: 1.24–8.71). Among five parameters of MetS, Low HDL‐cholesterol showed significant association with gingivitis (crude OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.20–3.73; adjusted OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.24–3.12).

Conclusions

Having more positive parameters of MetS and low HDL‐cholesterol parameter had an independent relationship with the prevalence of gingivitis, which may be determinants for the future periodontal diseases even in adolescents.
A new vision of actinic keratosis beyond visible clinical lesions
Authors: Malvehy J.
Published: December 2014

In actinic keratosis (AK), clinical and subclinical lesions coexist across large areas of sun‐exposed skin resulting in field cancerization. The lesions are part of a disease continuum which can progress into invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Conventional biopsy sampling together with histopathological analysis of the excised tissue is still the gold standard for differentially diagnosing AK from invasive SCC and identifying the characteristic pathophysiological features of these lesions. Given that biopsy sampling is invasive and not suited to the investigation of disease across large fields of skin, several imaging technologies have been applied to non‐invasively investigate AK. Widely available imaging technologies such as cross‐polarized light, fluorescence and dermoscopy can assist the dermatologist in diagnosing AK and in identifying different types of AK lesions. Modern imaging technologies such as reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and high‐definition optical coherence tomography (HD‐OCT) provide high‐resolution images of the skin. These techniques can be used to image the histological changes that characterize AK and so can be used to diagnose the disease and its severity. They can also identify the presence of subclinical lesions and non‐invasively monitor the effects of AK treatments on both subclinical and clinical lesions over time. Both RCM and HD‐OCT have revealed a new vision of AK by visualizing in detail the cellular and histological changes that characterize both clinical and subclinical lesions, and confirming that the disease affects the entire sun‐exposed field. As a consequence of these findings, the target for the treatment of AK now needs to be the detection and clearance of all clinical and subclinical lesions across the entire sun‐exposed field.
Interdisciplinary workshop in the philosophy of medicine: medical knowledge, medical duties
Authors: Bullock Emma , Kingma Elselijn
Published: December 2014

On 27 September 2013, the Centre for the Humanities and Health (CHH) at King's College London hosted a 1‐day workshop on ‘Medical knowledge, Medical Duties’. This workshop was the fifth in a series of five workshops whose aim is to provide a new model for high‐quality, open interdisciplinary engagement between medical professionals and philosophers. This report identifies the key points of discussion raised throughout the day and the methodology employed.
Determining differences in user performance between expert and novice primary care doctors when using an electronic health record (EHR)
Authors: Clarke Martina A. , Belden Jeffery L. , Kim Min Soon
Published: December 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

The goal of this study is to determine usability gaps between expert and novice primary care doctors when using an electronic health record (EHR).

Methods

Usability tests using video analyses with triangular method approach were conducted to analyse usability gaps between 10 novice and seven expert doctors. Doctors completed 19 tasks, using think‐aloud strategy, based on an artificial but typical patient visit note. The usability session lasted approximately 20 minutes. The testing room consisted of the participant and the facilitator. Mixed methods approach including four sets of performance measures, system usability scale (SUS), and debriefing session with participants was used.

Results

While most expert doctors completed tasks more efficiently, and provided a higher SUS score than novice doctors (novice 68, expert 70 out of 100 being perfect score), the result of ‘percent task success rate’ were comparable (74% for expert group, 78% for novice group, P = 0.98) on all 19 tasks.

Conclusion

This study found a lack of expertise among doctors with more experience using the system demonstrating that although expert doctors have been using the system longer, their proficiency did not increase with EHR experience. These results may potentially improve the EHR training programme, which may increase doctors' performance when using an EHR. These results may also assist EHR vendors in improving the user interface, which may aid in reducing errors caused from poor usability of the system.
Maladaptation and phenotypic mismatch in hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon Salmo salar released in the wild
Authors: Stringwell R. , Lock A. , Stutchbury C. J. , Baggett E. , Taylor J. , Gough P. J. , Garcia de Leaniz C.
Published: December 2014

Changes in body shape, fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and crypsis were compared among Atlantic salmon Salmo salar fry kept as controls in captivity and those released and subsequently recaptured in the wild according to a before‐after‐control‐impact (BACI) design. Hatchery fish that survived in the wild became more cryptic and displayed a much lower incidence of fin erosion and of asymmetric individuals than control fish kept in captivity. Significant differences in body shape were also apparent, and survivors had longer heads, thicker caudal peduncles and a more streamlined body shape than hatchery controls as early as 20 days following stocking, most likely as a result of phenotypic plasticity and non‐random, selective mortality of maladapted phenotypes. Hatchery‐reared fish typically perform poorly in the wild and the results of this study indicate that this may be due to phenotypic mismatch, i.e. because hatcheries generate fish that are phenotypically mismatched to the natural environment.
Silver spoons in the rough: can environmental enrichment improve survival of hatchery Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in the wild?
Authors: Roberts L. J. , Taylor J. , Gough P. J. , Forman D. W. , Garcia de Leaniz C.
Published: December 2014

This study tested the ‘silver spoon’ hypothesis which posits that individuals that develop under favourable conditions should enjoy a fitness advantage later in life because they are more likely to recognize and settle in high‐quality habitats. Atlantic salmon Salmo salar of two age classes (0+ and 1+ years) were reared in environmentally enriched or standard hatchery tanks for a short period (c. 10 weeks), were then released into a natural river and sampled on repeated occasions to test for silver‐spoon effects. Compared with controls, enriched fish had a 6·4% higher recapture rate and settled in higher velocity habitats when they were stocked as 0+ year fry, but not when they were stocked as 1+ year parr. The opportunity for selection was generally higher for environmentally enriched fish than for controls, and also higher for 0+ than for 1+ year fish. Selection favoured individuals with high condition factor, extensive fat reserves and longer than average pectoral fins in both age classes but favoured a small body size in 1+ year and a large body size in 0+ year releases. Stomach analysis showed that enriched fish ate more, and adapted quicker to natural prey than controls. These results provide support for silver‐spoon effects in fish and indicate that enrichment can improve post‐release performance in conservation programmes, but seemingly only if fish are not kept in captivity for too long.
Association of weight gain since age 20 with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in normal weight individuals
Authors: Kimura Takeshi , Deshpande Gautam A , Urayama Kevin Y , Masuda Katsunori , Fukui Tsuguya , Matsuyama Yutaka
Published: December 2014

Background and Aims

Interventions for lifestyle diseases including non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have focused on overweight and obese populations. The impact of adult weight gain on NAFLD development among normal weight individuals remains unclear.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we collected data from participants presenting to a health check‐up program. Ultrasound‐diagnosed NAFLD prevalence was examined over 1‐kg increments of weight change since age 20. Relative risks were calculated in men and women stratified by current weight (normal, overweight, and obese). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Among 21 496 participants, 3498 cases of NAFLD (16.3%) were observed. Prevalence of NAFLD increased with weight gain since age 20; among the 10.1–11.0 kg weight gain group, 41.6% of men and 24.8% of women had NAFLD. Multivariate analysis by quartiles showed that weight change was significantly associated with NAFLD risk in men and women. Risk of NAFLD associated with weight change (10‐kg increments) was significantly higher in normal weight individuals (men: OR 7.53, 95% CI: 4.99–11.36, women: OR 12.20, 95% CI: 7.45–19.98) than overweight (men: OR 1.61, 95% CI: 0.91–2.85, women: OR 2.90, 95% CI: 0.99–8.54) and obese (men: OR 4.0, 95% CI: 2.97–5.39, women: OR 2.68, 95% CI: 2.00–3.60).

Conclusions

NAFLD is robustly associated with weight change since age 20. This effect appears particularly strong in individuals at normal weight, suggesting an important role for early and longitudinal weight monitoring, even among healthy individuals at normal weight.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth as an uncommon cause of false positive lactose hydrogen breath test among patients with diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome in Asia
Authors: Wang Yilin , Xiong Lishou , Gong Xiaorong , Li Weimin , Zhang Xiangsong , Chen Minhu
Published: December 2014

Background and Aim

It has been reported that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may lead to false positive diagnoses of lactose malabsorption (LM) in irritable bowel syndrome patients. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of SIBO on lactose hydrogen breath test (HBT) results in these patients.

Methods

Diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome patients with abnormal lactose HBTs ingested a test meal containing 99mTc and lactose. The location of the test meal and the breath levels of hydrogen were recorded simultaneously by scintigraphic scanning and lactose HBT, respectively. The increase in hydrogen concentration was not considered to be caused by SIBO if ≥ 10% of 99mTc accumulated in the cecal region at the time or before of abnormal lactose HBT.

Results

LM was present in 84% (31/37) of irritable bowel syndrome patients. Twenty of these patients agreed to measurement of oro‐cecal transit time. Only three patients (15%) with abnormal lactose HBT might have had SIBO. The median oro‐cecal transit time between LM and lactose intolerance patients were 75 min and 45 min, respectively (Z = 2.545, P = 0.011).

Conclusions

Most of irritable bowel syndrome patients with an abnormal lactose HBT had LM. SIBO had little impact on the interpretation of lactose HBTs. The patients with lactose intolerance had faster small intestinal transit than LM patients.
Anatomy of the proximal tibiofibular joint and interosseous membrane, and their contributions to joint kinematics in below‐knee amputations
Authors: Burkhart Timothy A. , Asa Benjamin , Payne Michael W. C. , Johnson Marjorie , Dunning Cynthia E. , Wilson Timothy D.
Published: December 2014

A result of below‐knee amputations (BKAs) is abnormal motion that occurs about the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ). While it is known that joint morphology may play a role in joint kinematics, this is not well understood with respect to the PTFJ. Therefore, the purposes of this study were: (i) to characterize the anatomy of the PTFJ and statistically analyze the relationships within the joint; and (ii) to determine the relationships between the PTFJ characteristics and the degree of movement of the fibula in BKAs. The PTFJ was characterized in 40 embalmed specimens disarticulated at the knee, and amputated through the mid‐tibia and fibula. Four metrics were measured: inclination angle (angle at which the fibula articulates with the tibia); tibial and fibular articular surface areas; articular surface concavity and shape. The specimens were mechanically tested by applying a load through the biceps femoris tendon, and the degree of motion about the tibiofibular joint was measured. Regression analyses were performed to determine the relationships between the different PTFJ characteristics and the magnitude of fibular abduction. Finally, Pearson correlation analyses were performed on inclination angle and surface area vs. fibular kinematics. The inclination angle measured on the fibula was significantly greater than that measured on the tibia. This difference may be attributed to differences in concavity of the tibial and fibular surfaces. Surface area measured on the tibia and fibula was not statistically different. The inclination angle was not statistically correlated to surface area. However, when correlating fibular kinematics in BKAs, inclination angle was positively correlated to the degree of fibular abduction, whereas surface area was negatively correlated. The characteristics of the PTFJ dictate the amount of fibular movement, specifically, fibular abduction in BKAs. Predicting BKA complications based on PTFJ characteristics can lead to recommendations in treatment.
A CONDITIONALLY PARAMETRIC PROBIT MODEL OF MICRODATA LAND USE IN CHICAGO
Authors: McMillen Daniel , Soppelsa Maria Edisa
Published: December 2014

Spatial data sets pose challenges for discrete choice models because the data are unlikely to be independently and identically distributed. A conditionally parametric spatial probit model is amenable to very large data sets while imposing far less structure on the data than conventional parametric models. We illustrate the approach using data on 474,170 individual lots in the City of Chicago. The results suggest that simple functional forms are not appropriate for explaining the spatial variation in residential land use across the entire city.
Sequential keratinocytic differentiation and maturation in a three‐dimensional model of human artificial oral mucosa
Authors: Viñuela‐Prieto J. M. , Sánchez‐Quevedo M. C. , Alfonso‐Rodríguez C. A. , Oliveira A. C. , Scionti G. , Martín‐Piedra M. A. , Moreu G. , Campos A. , Alaminos M. , Garzón I.
Published: December 2014

Background and Objective

Oral mucosa shortage may limit or condition some clinical approaches in maxillofacial, periodontal and implant treatment. The availability of a human oral mucosa model generated by tissue engineering could help clinicians to address the lack of oral mucosa. In this work, we carried out a sequential maturation and differentiation study of the epithelial cell layer of an artificial human oral mucosa substitute based on fibrin–agarose biomaterials with fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

Material and Methods

Histological, immunohistochemical and gene expression analyses were carried out in artificial human oral mucosa models developed and cultured for 1, 2 and 3 wk.

Results

Artificial oral mucosa models showed expression of tight junction proteins and cytokeratins from the first week of in vitro development. Mature samples of 3 wk of development subjected to air–liquid conditions showed signs of epithelial differentiation and expressed specific RNAs and proteins corresponding to adherent and gap junctions and basement lamina. Moreover, these mature samples overexpressed some desmosomal and tight junction transcripts, with gap junction components being downregulated.

Conclusion

These results suggest that bioengineered human oral mucosa substitutes form a well‐developed epithelial layer that was very similar to human native tissues. In consequence, the epithelial layer could be fully functional in these oral mucosa substitutes, thus implying that these tissues may have clinical usefulness.
Which Societies Provide a Strong Religious Socialization Context? Explanations Beyond the Effects of National Religiosity
Authors: Müller Tim S. , De Graaf Nan Dirk , Schmidt Peter
Published: December 2014

Religious socialization occurs within the immediate family as well as in the broader social context. Previous research has shown that parents’ religiosity matters less for the transmission of religious beliefs in devout than in secular nations, implying smaller costs of religious socialization. In this article we test which other societal factors affect the transmission of religious beliefs: anti‐religious policies in formerly socialist countries, economic development, and income inequality. Our results indicate that societies with high levels of income inequality seem to provide the most favorable context for religious socialization. Individuals develop strong religious beliefs even if they only received little religious socialization within the family. Formerly socialist nations increased socialization costs through the overall suppression of religious practice. Economic development has no impact on socialization effects, suggesting that inequality is a more important driver of religious change than previously thought.
Patterns of Religious Education Policy in Switzerland: The Long Arm of Distanced Christians?
Authors: Jödicke Ansgar , Rota Andrea
Published: December 2014

In spite of its different cantonal jurisdictions and traditions, the development of religious education in Switzerland over the past decade has taken a common direction: the state has assumed a more active role in the field of religious education in public (state‐run) schools. In this article, we ask the question: How do key social actors interpret these reforms and how do these interpretations relate to the social structure of religion in Switzerland, in particular with respect to the majority category of the so‐called distanced Christians? Drawing on qualitative interviews with members of the schools’ teaching staff, school administrators, and church representatives, the article highlights a dominant interpretative pattern that frames the socially accepted representation of religion in public schools. Thus, rather than addressing the pedagogical dimension of religious education, we discuss the significance of this pattern for the debate on the public presence of religion in Switzerland and Europe.
Changing American Congregations: Findings from the Third Wave of the National Congregations Study
Authors: Chaves Mark , Anderson Shawna L.
Published: December 2014

The third wave of the National Congregations Study (NCS‐III) was conducted in 2012. The 2012 General Social Survey asked respondents who attend religious services to name their religious congregation, producing a nationally representative cross‐section of congregations from across the religious spectrum. Data about these congregations were collected via a 50‐minute interview with one key informant from 1,331 congregations. Information was gathered about multiple aspects of congregations’ social composition, structure, activities, and programming. Approximately two‐thirds of the NCS‐III questionnaire replicates items from 1998 or 2006–2007 NCS waves. Each congregation was geocoded, and selected data from the 2010 U.S. Census or American Community Survey have been appended. We describe NCS‐III methodology and use the cumulative NCS dataset (containing 4,071 cases) to describe five trends: more ethnic diversity, greater acceptance of gays and lesbians, increasingly informal worship styles, declining size (but not from the perspective of the average attendee), and declining denominational affiliation.
Optimizing Location and Capacity for Multiple Types of Locomotive Maintenance Shops
Authors: Xie Weijun , Ouyang* Yanfeng , Somani Kamalesh
Published: December 2014

Thousands of locomotives run in the North America railroad network and each of them must receive periodic maintenance service; meanwhile, the locomotives may break down during shipment operations and demand repair. Maintenance shops are characterized by the types of locomotives they can handle and the level of service they can provide. This article formulates a mixed‐integer program model to optimize location and capacity of locomotive maintenance shops. The objective is to minimize the sum of the costs for building new (or shutting down existing) maintenance shops, the costs for capacity expansion (or reduction), and the costs for shipping broken locomotives to a suitable shop. A Lagrangian‐relaxation‐based heuristic algorithm is proposed to solve the shop location and capacity planning problem. The model and solution techniques are applied to a full‐scale real‐world case study, while the computational results show that the current maintenance shops are overly built and recommend that two maintenance shops should be closed and an amount of capacities should be reduced from the existing shops. A series of numerical sensitivity analyses are also conducted to draw managerial insights.
Constipation is not associated with colonic diverticula: a multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Yamada E. , Inamori M. , Watanabe S. , Sato T. , Tagri M. , Uchida E. , Tanida E. , Izumi M. , Takeshita K. , Fujisawa N. , Komatsu K. , Hamanaka J. , Kanesaki A. , Matsuhashi N. , Nakajima A.
Published: December 2014

Background

The association of diverticula with bowel habits is unclear. We therefore analyzed the association between diverticula and bowel habits in over 1000 Japanese individuals.

Methods

Japanese subjects who underwent total colonoscopies at seven centers in Japan from June to September 2013 were analyzed. Bowel habits were evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and stool form was assessed using a part of the Bristol Scale and Rome ΙΙΙ criteria. Diverticula were diagnosed by colonoscopy with a transparent soft‐short hood.

Key Results

The study evaluated 1066 subjects, 648 males and 418 females (ratio, 1.55 : 1), of mean age 63.9 ± 13.0 years. After adjusting for age and sex, the presence of constipation was associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of diverticula (odds ratio [OR] = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52–0.93). When assessed according to the location of diverticula, the presence of constipation was associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of left‐sided (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.16–0.93), but not right‐sided (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.48–2.53), diverticula. Furthermore, stool form was unrelated with the presence or absence of diverticula.

Conclusions & Inferences

The wide‐spread hypothesis that constipation was associated with colonic diverticula was not supported. Rather, we found that the absence of diverticula was associated with constipation, suggesting the need to reassess the etiology of colonic diverticula.
Predictors of Conversion of Recent‐Onset Atrial Fibrillation Treated with Vernakalant
Authors: COSTABEL JUAN P. , LAMBARDI FLORENCIA , ARAGÓN MARTIN , CAMPOS ROBERTO , URDAPILLETA MARCELA , ARIZNAVARRETA PAULA , VERGARA JUAN M. , CONDE DIEGO
Published: December 2014

Background

Vernakalant is an available drug for the treatment of recent‐onset atrial fibrillation, producing conversion between 55% and 87% of the patients treated. In this sense, little is known about the predictors of conversion with this agent. The aim of our study was to analyze the predictors of conversion in our 2‐year experience using vernakalant for the treatment of recent‐onset atrial fibrillation.

Methods

One hundred twenty‐one patients with recent‐onset atrial fibrillation without hemodynamic impairment received pharmacological treatment with vernakalant. Clinical variables, history of cardiovascular diseases, and echocardiographic data were recorded.

Results

Mean age was 58.1 ± 13.9 years and 13.4% of patients had structural heart disease. Conversion to sinus rhythm was achieved in 84.5% of patients, and 46% required the second dose of vernakalant. After analyzing the predictors of conversion, the presence of structural heart disease was significantly larger in the group without conversion (35.3 vs 9.7%; P = 0.02). The mean ejection fraction in the group with conversion was 61.05 ± 5.7% versus 54.9 ± 8.4% in the group without conversion (P = 0.016). After dichotomizing the variable ejection fraction, patients with ejection fraction <55% had a lower conversion rate (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

In our study, the absence of any kind of structural heart disease and preserved systolic function were associated with greater conversion rate with vernakalant.
Optimizing Radiofrequency Ablation of Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation by Direct Catheter Force Measurement—A Case‐Matched Comparison in 198 Patients
Authors: SIGMUND ELISABETH , PUERERFELLNER HELMUT , DERNDORFER MICHAEL , KOLLIAS GEORGIOS , WINTER SIEGMUND , AICHINGER JOSEF , NESSER HANS‐JOACHIM , MARTINEK MARTIN
Published: December 2014

Background

Sufficient electrode‐tissue contact is crucial for adequate lesion formation in radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

Objective

We assessed the impact of direct catheter force measurement on acute procedural parameters and outcome of RFCA for paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Ninety‐nine consecutive patients (70% men) with paroxysmal (63.6%) or persistent AF underwent left atrial RFCA using a 3.5‐mm open‐irrigated‐tip (OIT) catheter with contact force measurement capabilities (group 1). For comparison a case‐matched cohort with standard OIT catheters was used (99 patients; group 2). Case matching included gender, type of AF, number or RFCA procedures, and type of procedure.

Results

Procedural data showed a significant decline in radiofrequency ablation time from 52 ± 20 to 44 ± 16 minutes (P = 0.003) with a remarkable mean reduction in overall procedure time of 34 minutes (P = 0.0001; 225.8 ± 53.1 vs 191.9 ± 53.3 minutes). In parallel, the total fluoroscopy time could be significantly reduced from 28.5 ± 11.0 to 19.9 ± 9.3 minutes (P = 0.0001) as well as fluoroscopy dose from 74.1 ± 58.0 to 56.7 ± 38.9 Gy/cm2 (P = 0.016). Periprocedural complications were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

The use of contact force sensing technology is able to significantly reduce ablation, procedure, and fluoroscopy times as well as dose in RFCA of AF in a mixed case‐matched group of paroxysmal and persistent AF. Energy delivery is substantially reduced by avoiding radiofrequency ablation in positions with insufficient surface contact. Additionally 12‐month outcome data showed increased efficacy. Such time saving and equally safe technology may have a relevant impact on laboratory management and increased cost effectiveness.
A novel and fully scalable Agrobacterium spray‐based process for manufacturing cellulases and other cost‐sensitive proteins in plants
Authors: Hahn Simone , Giritch Anatoli , Bartels Doreen , Bortesi Luisa , Gleba Yuri
Published: December 2014

Transient transfection of plants by vacuum infiltration of Agrobacterium vectors represents the state of the art in plant‐based protein manufacturing; however, the complexity and cost of this approach restrict it to pharmaceutical proteins. We demonstrated that simple spraying of Nicotiana plants with Agrobacterium vectors in the presence of a surfactant can substitute for vacuum inoculation. When the T‐DNA of Agrobacterium encodes viral replicons capable of cell‐to‐cell movement, up to 90% of the leaf cells can be transfected and express a recombinant protein at levels up to 50% of total soluble protein. This simple, fast and indefinitely scalable process was successfully applied to produce cellulases, one of the most volume‐ and cost‐sensitive biotechnology products. We demonstrate here for the first time that representatives of all hydrolase classes necessary for cellulosic biomass decomposition can be expressed at high levels, stored as silage without significant loss of activity and then used directly as enzyme additives. This process enables production of cellulases, and other potential high‐volume products such as noncaloric sweetener thaumatin and antiviral protein griffithsin, at commodity agricultural prices and could find broad applicability in the large‐scale production of many other cost‐sensitive proteins.
Pigment patterns in adult fish result from superimposition of two largely independent pigmentation mechanisms
Authors: Ceinos Rosa M. , Guillot Raúl , Kelsh Robert N. , Cerdá‐Reverter José M. , Rotllant Josep
Published: December 2014

Dorso‐ventral pigment pattern differences are the most widespread pigmentary adaptations in vertebrates. In mammals, this pattern is controlled by regulating melanin chemistry in melanocytes using a protein, agouti‐signalling peptide (ASIP). In fish, studies of pigment patterning have focused on stripe formation, identifying a core striping mechanism dependent upon interactions between different pigment cell types. In contrast, mechanisms driving the dorso‐ventral countershading pattern have been overlooked. Here, we demonstrate that, in fact, zebrafish utilize two distinct adult pigment patterning mechanisms – an ancient dorso‐ventral patterning mechanism, and a more recent striping mechanism based on cell–cell interactions; remarkably, the dorso‐ventral patterning mechanism also utilizes ASIP. These two mechanisms function largely independently, with resultant patterns superimposed to give the full pattern.
Quantification of Mirafiori lettuce big‐vein virus and its vector, Olpidium virulentus, from soil using real‐time PCR
Authors: Momonoi K. , Mori M. , Matsuura K. , Moriwaki J. , Morikawa T.
Published: December 2014

Big vein disease of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is an economically important disease transmitted through soil by Olpidium virulentus, and has occurred in most production areas worldwide. The disease is assumed to be caused by Mirafiori lettuce big‐vein virus (MiLBVV). To understand the dynamics of the virus and its vector, MiLBVV and O. virulentus were directly detected in soil. DNA and RNA were extracted from 5 g soil using a bead beating method, followed by purification using adsorption to a column. Detection and quantification were performed using real‐time PCR and a TaqMan probe that was prepared based on the CP region of MiLBVV and the rDNA‐ITS region of O. virulentus, respectively. Furthermore, using a visual assessment of the incidence rate of big vein disease on lettuce in agricultural fields, the Ct values of MiLBVV and O. virulentus from soil were also determined using real‐time PCR. The results showed that MiLBVV concentrations in the soil were high in the field, as also determined by a visual assessment of the incidence rate of big vein disease on lettuce. However, the amount of O. virulentus in soil was not directly correlated with the incidence of MiLBVV. From these results, it is suggested that the risk of lettuce crops developing big vein disease can be estimated using an index of the amount of MiLBVV in the soil.
Population dynamics of iris yellow spot virus in onion fields and lisianthus greenhouses in Japan
Authors: Fuji S. , Zen S. , Sato I. , Kishi H. , Furuya H. , Okuda M.
Published: December 2014

Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV, genus Tospovirus) mainly occurs on onion and lisianthus plants (Eustoma grandiflorum) in Japan. The virus is genetically diverse and is classified based on its nucleocapsid protein sequence into two genotypes, IYSVNL (NL) and IYSVBR (BR), first isolated in the Netherlands and Brazil, respectively. Both genotypes are present in Japan, and they are sometimes found in the same field. Furthermore, the two genotypes are occasionally detected in a single necrotic lesion of an infected plant (designated as a ‘mosaic’ genotype). In this study, the population structures of these two genotypes and their dynamics in onion fields and lisianthus greenhouses from 2004 to 2006 were analysed using reverse transcription‐PCR‐restriction length polymorphism analysis (RT‐PCR‐RFLP). In onion fields the two genotypes were detected in all three years, and the BR genotype predominated within a year. On the other hand, both genotypes were detected at the first outbreak each year in almost all lisianthus greenhouses; however, the BR genotype was more widespread than the NL genotype. These results suggest that the incidence of IYSV disease in lisianthus during each year was triggered by the invasion of viruliferous Thrips tabaci that have acquired one or both genotypes from nearby onion fields. Although the BR genotype predominated in the last stages of cultivation, IYSV disease might be expanded by monocyclic patterns but may occasionally spread secondarily in lisianthus greenhouses.