bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conventional laparoscopic appendectomy versus double‐incision, three‐port laparoscopic appendectomy: A 1‐year randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pattanshetti Vishwanath M , Krishna Kanyadhara L
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Management of appendicitis has evolved dramatically in the last 120 years, from McBurney's large incision to minimally invasive laparoscopic appendectomy to hardly noticeable incisions with SILS. As a bridge between conventional laparoscopic surgery and SILS, double‐incision laparoscopic surgery further minimizes the invasiveness of laparoscopic surgery by reducing the number of incisions. This study aimed to establish the efficacy of double‐incision, three‐port laparoscopic appendectomy (DILA) as an alternative to conventional three‐port laparoscopic appendectomy.

Methods

A total of 60 patients were divided randomly into two groups: the conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA) group and the DILA appendectomy group. Demographics, diagnostic history, additional intraoperative findings, and duration of operation were recorded. Postoperative pain after 6 h and 24 h and cosmetic outcome after the surgery were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using Fisher's exact test, χ2 test, and Student's t‐test.

Results

No significant difference was observed in demographic and clinical characteristics in either group (P > 0.05). No significant difference in mean postoperative pain was observed between the two groups at 6 h (P = 0.62) or 24 h (P = 0.484). However, patients in the DILA group were more satisfied with their cosmetic outcomes than those in the CLA group (P = 0.04). The mean operative time was 26.4 min in the CLA group and 27.6 min in the DILA group (P = 0.62).

Conclusion

DILA can be performed with operative outcomes that are equivalent to CLA but with superior cosmetic outcomes.
Profiling children's emotion regulation behaviours
Authors: Callear Angela , Harvey Shane T. , Bimler David , Catto Nicholas
Published: February 2018

Callear, Harvey, and Bimler (2016, International Journal of Behavioral Development, 41, 456) organized children's emotion regulation behaviours into a coherent structure. However, further investigation is needed to identify core patterns of these emotion regulation behaviours. To identify clusters and prototypal constellations of emotion regulation behaviours, the 85 behavioural items comprising the Children's Emotion Regulation Inventory (ChERI) were ranked by 151 parents in order of applicability, using an ordinal sorting procedure (Method of Successive Sorts). Responses were aggregated in empirical scales, for classification of the cases using hierarchical and k‐means clustering. The scales were based on nine key ‘hotspots’ of children's emotion regulation behaviours, interpreted as Outward Engagement, Inward or Somatic Focus, Disengagement, Disruptive, Impulsive/Labile, Social Connectedness/Compliance, Generating Closeness/Intimacy, Establishing Order and Generating Disorder. Five summary styles of children's emotion regulation emerged and are characterized on those scales. These hotspots and styles provide guidance to clinicians, parents, teachers, and other invested adults to assess and support children's emotional development.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Measurements of children's emotion regulation predominantly focus on internal processes and/or isolated expressions of emotion regulation behaviours.

Research detailing anger and anxiety emotion regulation styles exists (e.g., Carthy, Horesh, Apter, & Gross, 2010, Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 32, 23; Zalewski, Lengua, Wilson, Trancik, & Bazinet, 2011, Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 110, 141).

Callear, Harvey, and Bimler (2016, International Journal of Behavioral Development, 41, 456) developed the Children's Emotion Regulation Inventory to identify children's observable emotion regulation strategies.

What does this study add?

Research does not investigate which clusters of children's emotion regulation behaviours are most commonly exhibited and nor does it investigate emotion regulation behavioural styles.

Examines how children's emotion regulation behaviours co‐occur.

Identifies nine core clusters (groupings) of emotion regulation behaviours most commonly observed to be exhibited in children.

Identifies five emotion regulation behavioural styles (common co‐occurring patterns of emotion regulation behaviour clusters) in children.
‘That proves my point’: How mediums reconstrue disconfirmation in medium–sitter interactions
Authors: Enoksen Anette Einan , Dickerson Paul
Published: February 2018

Previous research has examined how the talk of mediums attends to the epistemological status of their readings. Such work has identified that mediums frequently use question‐framed propositions that are typically confirmed by the sitter, thereby conferring epistemological status on the medium. This study seeks to investigate what happens when the sitter disconfirms the propositions of the medium. The study focuses on the ways in which such disconfirmation can be responded to such that it is reconstrued as evidence of the psychic nature of the medium's reading. Televised demonstrations of psychic readings involving British and US mediums and their sitters are analysed. The results suggest that mediums rework disconfirmation as proof in several ways: first, by emphasizing the different access that sitter and medium have to knowledge (e.g., about the future); second, as evidence that the medium has access to the actual voice of the deceased (and may therefore mishear what the deceased has said to them); and third, as revealing an important truth that has hitherto been concealed from the sitter. The implications of these findings are considered for cases where speakers bring different and potentially competing, epistemological resources to an interaction.
Testicular asymmetry in healthy adolescent boys
Authors: Vaganée Donald , Daems Frederik , Aerts William , Dewaide Rosina , van den Keybus Tinne , De Baets Karen , De Wachter Stefan , De Win Gunter
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To assess the presence of testicular asymmetry and the currently used threshold values in varicocoele management in a healthy adolescent population.

Subjects and Methods

We conducted an observational cross‐sectional study from April 2015 until December 2016 in which we recruited 539 adolescent boys aged 11–16 years. A clinical examination including testicular size measurement by ultrasonography was performed. Testicular volume (TV) was calculated using the Lambert formula (length × width × height × 0.71). The Testicular Atrophy Index (TAI) was calculated using the formula [(TV right – TV left)/largest TV] × 100. The data for all statistical analyses were stratified for Tanner stage for genital development (TSG) and pubic hair (TSP). Non‐parametric tests were used to assess the difference between right and left TV, and the prevalence of a smaller left testis for the entire population, and between each TSG and TSP. Parametric tests were used to determine the difference in mean TAI between each TSG and TSP, and to compare the mean TAI to a test value of 0.

Results

Of the 539 recruited boys, we excluded 194 due to a current or past pathology, including varicocoeles, influencing normal (testicular) growth or due to incomplete data. Most boys were in the second Tanner stage, followed by the third Tanner stage. The mean (sd) age of the entire population was 13.33 (1.25) years. Of the 345 included participants the mean (sd) left TV was 7.67 (5.63) mL and right TV was 7.97 (5.90) mL. The mean (sd) TAI was 2.85 (17.00)%. In all, 203 (58.84%) boys had a smaller left testis and 142 (41.16%) had a smaller right testis. In all, 51 boys (14.78%) had a TAI >20%, 45 (13.04%) had a TV difference (TVD) of >2 mL with a deficit in left TV, and 69 (20.00)% had a TAI >20% or a TVD of >2 mL with a deficit in left TV. Related‐samples Wilcoxon signed‐rank test showed a significant difference in mean left and right TV for the entire population, and more specifically for TSG3 (P < 0.001) and TSP3 (P = 0.004). A one‐sample t‐test showed a significant difference in the mean TAI vs the test value of 0 for the entire population (P = 0.002), and more specifically for TSG3 (P < 0.001) and TSP3 (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Testicular asymmetry, with a smaller left testis, was seen in a considerable number of healthy adolescents. One out of five adolescents had a smaller left testis and met one of the threshold values currently used in varicocoele management. Therefore, in left‐sided unilateral inguinoscrotal pathology, a smaller ipsilateral testis in combination with a TAI of >20% and/or TVD of >2 mL requires careful interpretation and serial measurements of TV should always be performed. Furthermore, this study provides reference values for TV, TVD and TAI according to TSG and TSP for a healthy adolescent population.
Species‐specific susceptibility to cannabis‐induced convulsions
Authors: Whalley Benjamin J , Lin Hong , Bell Lynne , Hill Thomas , Patel Amesha , Gray Roy A , Elizabeth Roberts C , Devinsky Orrin , Bazelot Michael , Williams Claire M , Stephens Gary J
Published: February 2018

Background and Purpose

Numerous claims are made for cannabis' therapeutic utility upon human seizures, but concerns persist about risks. A potential confounder is the presence of both Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), variously reported to be pro‐ and anticonvulsant, and cannabidiol (CBD), widely confirmed as anticonvulsant. Therefore, we investigated effects of prolonged exposure to different THC/CBD cannabis extracts on seizure activity and associated measures of endocannabinoid (eCB) system signalling.

Experimental Approach

Cannabis extract effects on in vivo neurological and behavioural responses, and on bioanalyte levels, were measured in rats and dogs. Extract effects on seizure activity were measured using electroencephalography telemetry in rats. eCB signalling was also investigated using radioligand binding in cannabis extract‐treated rats and treatment‐naïve rat, mouse, chicken, dog and human tissue.

Key Results

Prolonged exposure to cannabis extracts caused spontaneous, generalized seizures, subserved by epileptiform discharges in rats, but not dogs, and produced higher THC, but lower 11‐hydroxy‐THC (11‐OH‐THC) and CBD, plasma concentrations in rats versus dogs. In the same rats, prolonged exposure to cannabis also impaired cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1 receptor)‐mediated signalling. Profiling CB1 receptor expression, basal activity, extent of activation and sensitivity to THC suggested interspecies differences in eCB signalling, being more pronounced in a species that exhibited cannabis extract‐induced seizures (rat) than one that did not (dog).

Conclusions and Implications

Sustained cannabis extract treatment caused differential seizure, behavioural and bioanalyte levels between rats and dogs. Supporting radioligand binding data suggest species differences in eCB signalling. Interspecies variations may have important implications for predicting cannabis‐induced convulsions from animal models.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc
The role of bradykinin receptor type 2 in spontaneous extravasation in mice skin: implications for non‐allergic angio‐oedema
Authors: Bisha Marion , Dao Vu Thao‐Vi , Gholamreza‐Fahimi Ehsan , Vogt Michael , van Zandvoort Marc , Weber Sarah , Bas Murat , Khosravani Farbod , Kojda Georg , Suvorava Tatsiana
Published: February 2018

Background and Purpose

Non‐allergic angio‐oedema is a life‐threatening disease mediated by activation of bradykinin type 2 receptors (B2 receptors). The aim of this study was to investigate whether activation of B2 receptors by endogenous bradykinin contributes to physiological extravasation. This may shed new light on the assumption that treatment with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) results in an alteration in the vascular barrier function predisposing to non‐allergic angio‐oedema.

Experimental Approach

We generated a new transgenic mouse model characterized by endothelium‐specific overexpression of the B2 receptor (B2tg) and established a non‐invasive two‐photon laser microscopy approach to measure the kinetics of spontaneous extravasation in vivo. The B2tg mice showed normal morphology and litter size as compared with their transgene‐negative littermates (B2n).

Key Results

Overexpression of B2 receptors was functional in conductance vessels and resistance vessels as evidenced by B2 receptor‐mediated aortic dilation to bradykinin in presence of non‐specific COX inhibitor diclofenac and by significant hypotension in B2tg respectively. Measurement of dermal extravasation by Miles assay showed that bradykinin induced extravasation was significantly increased in B2tg as compared with B2n. However, neither endothelial overexpression of B2 receptors nor treatment with the ACEi moexipril or B2 antagonist icatibant had any effect on spontaneous extravasation measured by two‐photon laser microscopy.

Conclusions and Implications

Activation of B2 receptors does not appear to be involved in spontaneous extravasation. Therefore, the assumption that treatment with an ACEi results in an alteration in the physiological vascular barrier function predisposing to non‐allergic angio‐oedema is not supported by our findings.
In vitro and in vivo effects of MK2206 and chloroquine combination therapy on endometriosis: autophagy may be required for regrowth of endometriosis
Authors: Matsuzaki Sachiko , Pouly Jean‐Luc , Canis Michel
Published: February 2018

Background and Purpose

A high recurrence rate after medical treatment is a major clinical problem for patients with endometriosis. Here, we have evaluated the in vitro effects of combined treatment with MK2206 (an AKT inhibitor) + chloroquine on cell growth and regrowth of endometriotic stromal cells and the in vivo effects on endometriotic implants in a mouse xenograft model of endometriosis.

Experimental Approach

We evaluated the effects of autophagy inhibition by knockdown of the ATG13, Beclin‐1 and ATG12 genes and pharmacological agents (chloroquine, bafilomycin A1 or 3‐methyalanine) individually and in combination with MK2206 on cell growth and/or cell regrowth of endometriotic stromal cells in vitro. Furthermore, we evaluated treatment with MK2206 + chloroquine on endometriotic implants in a mouse xenograft model of endometriosis.

Key Results

Combined treatment with MK2206 and chloroquine markedly reduced cell growth and regrowth after discontinuation of treatment in endometriotic stromal cells compared with cells treated with either drug alone. Autophagy inhibition by ATG13, Beclin‐1 or ATG12 gene knockdown only affected regrowth of endometriotic stromal cells, but not endometrial stromal cells from the same patients, after a 72 h discontinuation of the combined treatment. Furthermore, combined treatment reduced the size of endometriotic implants, whereas no effects on endometriotic implants treated with either drug alone were observed in a mouse xenograft model of endometriosis.

Conclusions and Implications

The present findings suggest that a novel strategy for treatment of endometriosis may involve decreasing the number of endometriotic cells that can survive treatment and then preventing regrowth by autophagy inhibition.
Parental Depression, Overreactive Parenting, and Early Childhood Externalizing Problems: Moderation by Social Support
Authors: Taraban Lindsay , Shaw Daniel S. , Leve Leslie D. , Natsuaki Misaki N. , Ganiban Jody M. , Reiss David , Neiderhiser Jenae M.
Published: February 2018

This study used a large (N = 519), longitudinal sample of adoptive families to test overreactive parenting as a mediator of associations between parental depressive symptoms and early childhood externalizing, and parents’ social support satisfaction as a moderator. Maternal parenting (18 months) mediated the association between maternal depressive symptoms (9 months) and child externalizing problems (27 months). Paternal parenting was not a significant mediator. Unexpectedly, we found a cross‐over effect for the moderating role of social support satisfaction, such that partners’ social support satisfaction reduced the strength of the association between each parent's own depressive symptoms and overreactive parenting. Results point to the importance of accounting for broader family context in predicting early childhood parenting and child outcomes.
Fidelity of motivational interviewing in an American Indian oral health intervention
Authors: Wilson Anne R. , Fehringer Karen A. , Henderson William G. , Venner Kamilla , Thomas Jacob , Harper Maya M. , Batliner Terrence S. , Albino Judith
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Assess fidelity of a motivational interviewing (MI) intervention focused on preventing early childhood caries in a cohort of American Indian mothers with newborns.

Methods

Four interventionists were trained to administer an oral health MI intervention. The MI sessions were audio recorded to enable scoring as part of fidelity studies to assess the interventionist's degree of competence in using MI principles. Evaluation of the interventionists was completed using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) 3.1.1. which assesses global ratings and behaviour counts. Two reviewers evaluated and scored the MI sessions; a random sample of twenty per cent of the total interviews was scored by a trained reviewer and fifty per cent of the randomly selected files scored by an external expert. A total of 225 files were coded by the trained reviewer and 121 files by the external expert.

Results

Mean global scores for all interventionists combined were around 4.0 (expert competence). Scores for reflection to question ratios (around 0.6) were below beginner competence. Scores ranged from beginner to expert competence for open‐ended questions (54%‐56%), complex reflections (38%‐43%) and MI‐adherent statements (93%‐95%). There was variation in competence for the four interventionists when analysed individually. Inter‐rater reliability scores for the two reviewers ranged from fair (0.40‐0.59) to good (0.60‐0.74). The MI interventionist rated the best in the fidelity assessment had the worst study outcomes compared to other interventionists.

Conclusions

Individual interventionists' scores for the MITI global ratings and behaviour counts reflected variation in competence and ranged from below beginner to expert levels. A higher competence level of the interventionist as assessed by the fidelity study was not related to better study outcomes.
Outcomes at 7 years post‐transplant in black vs nonblack kidney transplant recipients administered belatacept or cyclosporine in BENEFIT and BENEFIT‐EXT
Authors: Florman Sander , Vincenti Flavio , Durrbach Antoine , Abouljoud Marwan , Bresnahan Barbara , Garcia Valter Duro , Mulloy Laura , Rice Kim , Rostaing Lionel , Zayas Carlos , Calderon Kellie , Meier‐Kriesche Ulf , Polinsky Martin , Yang Lingfeng , Medina Pestana Jose , Larsen Christian P.
Published: February 2018

Clinical outcomes are generally worse for black vs nonblack renal allograft recipients. In BENEFIT and BENEFIT‐EXT, recipients were randomized to belatacept more intense‐based, belatacept less intense‐based, or cyclosporine‐based immunosuppression. At year 7, belatacept was associated with superior graft survival vs cyclosporine in BENEFIT (recipients of living or standard criteria deceased donor kidneys); belatacept was associated with similar graft survival vs cyclosporine in BENEFIT‐EXT (recipients of extended criteria donor kidneys). In both studies, renal function was superior for belatacept‐treated vs cyclosporine‐treated patients. Seven‐year outcomes were examined by race post hoc in each study. The effect of race and treatment on time to death or graft loss was compared using Cox regression. The interaction between treatment and race was also considered. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated from months 1 to 84 using a repeated‐measures model. In total, 8.3% (55/666) and 13.1% (71/543) of patients in BENEFIT and BENEFIT‐EXT, respectively, were black. Time to death or graft loss was similar in blacks and nonblacks. For both subgroups, estimated mean GFR increased over 7 years for belatacept, but declined for cyclosporine. Outcomes were similar in belatacept‐treated black and nonblack patients. Due to the small number of black patients, these results must be interpreted with caution.
Consistent life history shifts along invasion routes? An examination of round goby populations invading on two continents
Authors: Masson L. , Masson G. , Beisel J. N. , Gutowsky L. F. G. , Fox M. G.
Published: February 2018

Aim

Many invasive populations exhibit dynamic life history shifts along their invasion route. We investigated whether these shifts represent consistent biological responses of a given species to range expansion, even in systems located in different geographic regions.

Location

North‐eastern France, Central Ontario (Canada).

Method

We investigated population density, life history traits and age‐specific reproductive investment in expanding populations of round goby at three invasion stages (expansion front, area colonized one year earlier and area colonized for ~five years) along the invasive routes in two river systems differing in climate and system productivity. Interindividual variability, shown to affect range expansion rates, was also investigated along the invasion routes. The study was based on female round gobies collected in three locations within each invasion stage twice monthly throughout the reproductive season (March/May to July).

Results

In both systems, reproductive investment was highest in the newly colonized area and decreased with time since colonization. A faster decrease in reproductive investment was found in the warmer, more productive system behind the invasion front, potentially associated with faster population growth and increased intraspecific competition. In both systems, individual variability in growth and reproductive traits increased from the newly colonized area to the areas of earlier colonization.

Main conclusions

The patterns observed in the two systems suggest a common invasion strategy independent of environmental conditions and highlight the dynamic nature of invasive populations’ life history behind the invasion front. Common energetic allocation strategies can be expected at the invasion front. Range expansion may be associated with population growth induced by rapid acclimation to biotic conditions associated with range shift.
Specific synbiotics in early life protect against diet‐induced obesity in adult mice
Authors: Mischke Mona , Arora Tulika , Tims Sebastian , Engels Eefje , Sommer Nina , van Limpt Kees , Baars Annemarie , Oozeer Raish , Oosting Annemarie , Bäckhed Fredrik , Knol Jan
Published: February 2018

Aims

The metabolic state of human adults is associated with their gut microbiome. The symbiosis between host and microbiome is initiated at birth, and early life microbiome perturbation can disturb health throughout life. Here, we determined how beneficial microbiome interventions in early life affect metabolic health in adulthood.

Methods

Postnatal diets were supplemented with either prebiotics (scGOS/lcFOS) or synbiotics (scGOS/lcFOS with Bifidobacterium breve M‐16 V) until post‐natal (PN) day 42 in a well‐established rodent model for nutritional programming. Mice were subsequently challenged with a high‐fat Western‐style diet (WSD) for 8 weeks. Body weight and composition were monitored, as was gut microbiota composition at PN21, 42 and 98. Markers of glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism and host transcriptomics of 6 target tissues were determined in adulthood (PN98).

Results

Early life synbiotics protected mice against WSD‐induced excessive fat accumulation throughout life, replicable in 2 independent European animal facilities. Adult insulin sensitivity and dyslipidaemia were improved and most pronounced changes in gene expression were observed in the ileum. We observed subtle changes in faecal microbiota composition, both in early life and in adulthood, including increased abundance of Bifidobacterium. Microbiota transplantation using samples collected from synbiotics‐supplemented adolescent mice at PN42 to age‐matched germ‐free recipients did not transfer the beneficial phenotype, indicating that synbiotics‐modified microbiota at PN42 is not sufficient to transfer long‐lasting protection of metabolic health status.

Conclusion

Together, these findings show the potential and importance of timing of synbiotic interventions in early life during crucial microbiota development as a preventive measure to lower the risk of obesity and improve metabolic health throughout life.
The role of type 2 diabetes mellitus on hypertensive‐related aortic stiffness
Authors: Sciatti Edoardo , Vizzardi Enrico , Castiello Assunta , Valentini Francesca , Bonadei Ivano , Gelsomino Sandro , Lorusso Roberto , Metra Marco
Published: February 2018

Background

Hypertension is strongly related to arterial stiffness in a cause‐effect fashion. Diabetes mellitus is also thought to determine vascular damage, mostly by means of advanced glycosylation end‐products (AGEs). Aim of our study was to study the role of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as regard ascending aortic elastic properties in hypertensive patients.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled outpatients with hypertension (n = 99) and type 2 diabetes mellitus plus hypertension (n = 42) without cardiovascular events. They underwent a transthoracic echocardiography to measure aortic diameters, aortic elastic properties (ie, compliance, distensibility, stiffness index, Peterson's elastic modulus, pulse wave velocity, M‐mode strain), tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) to calculate diastolic (Eʹ and Aʹ) and systolic (Sʹ) velocities, and tissue strain. Multivariable analysis was run to assess the association between T2DM and these variables after correcting for possible confounders (age, sex, body mass index [BMI], dyslipidemia).

Results

The two groups did not differ as regards age, sex, BMI, and blood pressure. However, T2DM patients were more likely to be dyslipidemic (43% vs 71%, P = .003). Aortic diameters were similar in the two groups, but the aortic elastic properties significantly more impaired in T2DM group. At multivariable analysis, stiffness index, Peterson's elastic modulus, the TDI waves, and the tissue strain remained associated with the co‐presence of T2DM and hypertension.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that people suffering from both T2DM and hypertension have more impaired aortic elastic properties than those hypertensive alone. Considering the prognostic role of aortic stiffness, these patients may benefit from a closer follow‐up.
Evaluation of sex differences in the relationship between diastolic dysfunction and thromboembolism using propensity score analysis
Authors: Kim Mi‐Na , Shim Jae‐Min , Choi Jong‐il , Park Seong‐Mi , Kim Young Hoon , Shim Wan Joo
Published: February 2018

Background

Female sex is a risk factor for thromboembolism (TE) in atrial fibrillation (AF); however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We postulated that left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) could be associated with increased thromboembolic risk in women.

Methods

From a retrospective cohort, 158 patients (female : male = 79:79) with nonvalvular AF were propensity score‐matched for age, presence of diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, embolic history, AF type, and AF duration. Cardiac size and function and central aortic stiffness parameters were evaluated. Diastolic function was classified as normal, indeterminate, and LVDD according to recent guidelines. Surrogate markers for thromboembolism (dense spontaneous echo contrast and thrombus) were evaluated using transesophageal echocardiography.

Results

Surrogate markers for TE showed a trend to be more frequent in women than in men (21.5% vs 11.4%, P = .086). LVDD was more prevalent in women than in men (22.8% vs 2.5%, P < .001); however, the prevalence of indeterminate diastolic function was not different between sexes (26.6% vs 20.3%, P = .453). Surrogate markers for TE were detected mostly in women with LVDD. LV diastolic parameters showed a restrictive pattern, and aortic stiffness parameters were worse in women than in men. Women with LVDD had increased aortic stiffness compared to women with indeterminate and normal function, whereas aortic stiffness did not differ among men in all groups. Significant relations between LV diastolic function and aortic stiffness parameters were observed only in women.

Conclusion

LVDD due to increased aortic stiffness could be related to a higher thromboembolic risk in women with AF.
Speed under sail during the early industrial revolution (c. 1750–1830)
Authors: Kelly Morgan , Ó Gráda Cormac
Published: February 2018

This article measures technological progress in oceanic shipping directly by using a large database of daily log entries from British, Dutch, and Spanish ships to estimate daily sailing speed in different wind conditions from 1750 to 1850. Against the consensus among economic (but not maritime) historians that the technology of sailing ships was fairly static during this time, we find that average sailing speeds of British East India Company and Navy ships in moderate to strong winds rose considerably after the 1770s. Driving this progress was the introduction of coppering in the 1780s, but subsequent rises are probably due to a continuous evolution of sails and rigging, and improved hulls that allowed a greater area of sail to be set safely in a given wind. By contrast, the speeds of Dutch and Spanish vessels were stagnant. Using separate data on the crossing times of Atlantic mail packets, we find gradual progress from the 1750s, followed by marked improvements when American packets appeared in the 1820s.
What can dental education gain by understanding student experience of the curriculum?
Authors: Leadbeatter D. , Bell A.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Within higher education, there is increasing recognition that understanding the ways students experience the educational environment is critical to developing programmes that can educate our future professionals. There is a small body of literature about how students experience the dental educational environment; however, none that adopts a qualitative phenomenographic approach. This study aims to contribute to our understanding by asking what is the variation in the ways dental students experience their curriculum?

Methods

This study uses a phenomenographic methodology. Phenomenography investigates the variation in the way a group of people experience a situation, and how they ascribe meaning to it. Interviews were conducted with 14 senior dental students at the University of Sydney. Transcripts were analysed using a phenomenographic approach.

Results

Six increasingly sophisticated, qualitatively distinct categories of description were identified from the collective of transcripts: surviving the education system; following a guide or manual, learning how to treat teeth, learning how to meet patient treatment needs, learning how to relate with patients and understanding the complexities of dental practice. The outcome space consists of ways the categories of description are related; considering interactions with teachers, ways of coping with multiple opinions and integration of disciplinary learning.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into the multifaceted and relational ways that dental students experience their educational environment. It could point curriculum designers towards strategies that assist students develop sophisticated understandings about themselves as practitioners, patients and the complexities of dental practice. Suggestions about the practical implications of the findings of this research are given.
Periodontal education and assessment in the undergraduate dental curriculum—A questionnaire‐based survey in European countries
Authors: Gürsoy M. , Wilensky A. , Claffey N. , Herrera D. , Preshaw P. M. , Sanz M. , Schlagenhauf U. , Trombelli L. , Demirel K.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

This survey aimed to evaluate whether periodontal education and assessment in undergraduate dental curricula amongst the member countries of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) follow the competency‐based curricular guidelines and recommendations developed by the Association for Dental Education in Europe.

Materials and methods

A multiple‐choice questionnaire was emailed to 244 dental institutes amongst the 24 EFP member countries between November 2014 and July 2015.

Results

Data were received from 16 (66.7%) EFP member countries. Out of 117 responding dental institutes, 76 (64.95%) were included as valid responders. In most of the institutes (86.3%), a minimum set of competencies in periodontology was taken into account when constructing their dental education programmes. Out of 76 responders, 98.1% included lecture‐based, 74.1% case‐based and 57.1% problem‐based teaching in their periodontal curricula, whilst a minority (15.9%) also used other methods. A similar pattern was also seen in the time allocation for these four educational methods, that is, the highest proportion (51.8%) was dedicated to lecture‐based teaching and only a small proportion (5.7%) to other methods. Periodontal competencies and skills were most frequently assessed by clinical grading on clinic, multiple‐choice examination (written examination) and oral examination, whereas competency tests and self‐assessment were rarely used. Only in 11 (14.5%) cases, access flap procedures were performed by students.

Conclusion

Great diversity in teaching methodology amongst the surveyed schools was demonstrated, and thus, to harmonise undergraduate periodontal education and assessment across Europe, a minimum set of recommendations could be developed and disseminated by the EFP.
Associations between fatigue, physical activity, and QoL in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Tolstrup Larsen Rasmus , Tang Lars H. , Brochmann Nana , Meulengracht Flachs Esben , Illemann Christensen Anne , Hasselbalch Hans C. , Zwisler Ann‐Dorthe
Published: February 2018

Background

Patients with Philadelphia chromosome‐negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) report fatigue as the most common symptom and contributing significantly to reduction in their quality of life (QoL). Targeted non‐pharmacological intervention to increase levels of physical activity is suggested as a fatigue‐reducing and QoL‐enhancing intervention in MPN patients. The interrelationship between physical activity, fatigue, and QoL has, to our knowledge, never been reported.

Methods

We analyzed data from 1807 MPN patients. The primary analysis included a multiple regression model allowing fatigue to mediate the relationship between physical activity and QoL.

Results

We herein report the first and the largest study of patients with MPNs, in whom we have investigated the interrelationship between fatigue, physical activity, and QoL. Sedentary patients were more likely to report fatigue compared to highly active patients. There was a negative association between fatigue and QoL, and there was a positive association between physical activity and QoL. There was no interaction between fatigue and physical activity in the association with QoL.

Conclusion

We found positive associations between level of physical activity and QoL, independently of fatigue being present. More research is needed before physical activity can be introduced as a targeted intervention to reduce fatigue and increase QoL in the management of patients.
Subpopulations of vomeronasal sensory neurons with coordinated coexpression of type 2 vomeronasal receptor genes are differentially dependent on Vmn2r1
Authors: Akiyoshi Sachiko , Ishii Tomohiro , Bai Zhaodai , Mombaerts Peter
Published: February 2018

The mouse vomeronasal organ is specialized in the detection of pheromones. Vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) express chemosensory receptors of two large gene repertoires, V1R and V2R, which encode G‐protein‐coupled receptors. Phylogenetically, four families of V2R genes can be discerned as follows: A, B, C, and D. VSNs located in the basal layer of the vomeronasal epithelium coordinately coexpress V2R genes from two families: Approximately half of basal VSNs coexpress Vmn2r1 of family C with a single V2R gene of family A8‐10, B, or D (‘C1 type of V2Rs’), and the other half coexpress Vmn2r2 through Vmn2r7 of family C with a single V2R gene of family A1‐6 (‘C2 type V2Rs’). The regulatory mechanisms of the coordinated coexpression of V2Rs from two families remain poorly understood. Here, we have generated two mouse strains carrying a knockout mutation in Vmn2r1 by gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. These mutations cause a differential decrease in the numbers of VSNs expressing a given C1 type of V2R. There is no compensatory expression of Vmn2r2 through Vmn2r7. VSN axons coalesce into glomeruli in the appropriate region of the accessory olfactory bulb in the absence of Vmn2r1. Gene expression profiling by NanoString reveals a differential and graded decrease in the expression levels across C1 type of V2Rs. There is no change in the expression levels of C2 type of V2Rs, with two exceptions that we reclassified as C1 type. Thus, there appears to be a fixed probability of gene choice for a given C2 type of V2R.
Epilepsy with auditory features: Long‐term outcome and predictors of terminal remission
Authors: Bisulli Francesca , Menghi Veronica , Vignatelli Luca , Licchetta Laura , Zenesini Corrado , Stipa Carlotta , Morigi Francesca , Gizzi Matteo , Avoni Patrizia , Provini Federica , Mostacci Barbara , d'Orsi Giuseppe , Pippucci Tommaso , Muccioli Lorenzo , Tinuper Paolo
Published: February 2018

Objective

To assess the long‐term outcome of epilepsy with auditory features (EAF) and to identify the clinical predictors for prognosis.

Methods

The study involved consecutive EAF patients with a follow‐up of ≥5 years. Terminal remission (TR) was defined as a period of ≥5 consecutive years of seizure freedom at the last follow‐up. We used Kaplan‐Meier estimate to calculate the cumulative time‐dependent probability of conversion to TR. Log‐rank test and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to study the association between time to TR and prognostic determinants.

Results

We included 123 EAF patients (male/female = 58/65) with a median follow‐up of 11 years (1626.9 person‐years). Most were sporadic cases (68.3%), whereas 31.7% reported a family history of epilepsy. At last assessment, 42 patients had achieved TR (34.1%). Of the remaining 81 cases with no TR (65.9%), 37% had been in remission for 1‐4 years and 62.9% still had seizures within the past year. The cumulative rates of TR were 26.6%, 35.7%, and 51.6% at 10, 20, and 30 years from inclusion. On multivariate analysis, age at onset > 10 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.2, P = .028), auditory aura characterized by distortions only versus simple/complex hallucinations (HR = 2.9, P = .041), and unremarkable scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) versus EEG with focal epileptiform activity (HR = 3.5, P = .041) were associated with TR.

Significance

Our data show a wide prognostic spectrum of EAF, ranging from mild forms with spontaneous remission, to severely refractory epilepsy addressed to surgery. The outcome, less favorable than expected from previous studies, appears to be primarily a function of 3 prognostic negative risk factors: age at onset < 10 years, auditory aura characterized by complex auditory hallucinations, and focal epileptiform abnormalities on scalp EEG. These predictors, easy to collect even at the first visit, may inform both clinicians and patients about the long‐term prognosis and aid patient management.
Validation of four real‐time TaqMan PCRs for the detection of Ralstonia solanacearum and/or Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum and/or Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus in potato tubers using a statistical regression approach
Authors: Vreeburg R. A. M. , Zendman A. J. W. , Pol A. , Verheij E. , Nas M. , Kooman‐Gersmann M.
Published: February 2018

A new DNA extraction method and a new multiplex real‐time TaqMan PCR test for detection of Ralstonia solanacearum, Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum and Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus in asymptomatic potato tubers are presented. This new multiplex PCR and three published TaqMan PCRs for detection of R. solanacearum and/or R. pseudosolanacearum and/or R. syzygii spp. and/or C. michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus were validated using linear regression analysis for estimating the Ct values and its variation at 5 × 103 bacteria mL−1. The three published PCRs that have been validated are Massart et al. (2014, detecting R. solanacearum and C. michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus), Weller et al. (1999, detecting R. solanacearum, R. pseudosolanacearum and R. syzygii spp.) and Gudmestad et al. (2009, detecting C. michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus). All tested PCRs were fit for purpose for their target organisms. The PCR tests have different target genes, allowing one of the sets to be used as first screening test and another as second screening test for the detection of R. solanacearum and/or R. pseudosolanacearum and/or C. michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus in asymptomatic potato tubers.
Advances in multisensor information fusion: A Markov–Kalman viscosity fuzzy statistical predictor for analysis of oxygen flow, diffusion, speed, temperature, and time metrics in CPAP
Authors: Rodger James A.
Published: February 2018

The efficacies of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are well documented in decreasing the apnoea–hypopnoea index in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. To guarantee these efficacies, CPAP manufacturers must thoroughly test these devices to ensure the flow of oxygenated air to the patient at various temperatures during a prescribed time frame. The calculation of the percent oxygen in a “bimixture” of gas can be done by measuring the travel time of a sound wave through the gas, and the travel time is proportional to the density of the air. We utilized existing multisensor tubes that were developed to collect and measure oxygen flow, diffusion, speed, temperature, and time metrics. Then these metrics were analysed using a Markov fuzzy, statistical, artificial neural network, nearest‐neighbour predictive approach to determine the interactions between these variables. An improved Kalman filter method was employed to reduce noise, increase viscosity, and obtain correct data from the CPAP system.
Effect of initial texture on fatigue properties of extruded ZK60 magnesium alloy
Authors: Xiong Y. , Gong X. , Jiang Y.
Published: February 2018

The effect of initial texture on cyclic deformation behavior of extruded ZK60 magnesium (Mg) alloy was experimentally investigated under strain‐controlled loading with the strain amplitudes at 4%, 1%, and 0.35%. The testing specimens were taken from extrusion direction (ED), transverse direction (TD), and a material precompressed to 9.4% along the ED (ED−9.4%). At a high strain amplitude of 4%, the cyclic deformation modes of ED and ED−9.4% specimens are similar, and they experience twinning exhaustion →  slip and detwinning exhaustion →  slip during each loading cycle. At a medium strain amplitude of 1%, twinning‐detwinning is involved in the cyclic deformation, but different deformation mechanisms were observed in the 3 different specimens. Partial twinning‐complete detwinning mode dominates the cyclic deformation in the ED specimen, while partial detwinning‐retwinning mode occurs in the ED−9.4% specimen. For the TD specimen, both  basal slip and
tension twinning occur during cyclic deformation. At a low strain amplitude of 0.35%, dislocation slips dominate the deformation for the ED specimen with a few observable tension twins. For the ED−9.4% specimen, initially twined texture increases the ductility of the material and enhances fatigue life as compared with the other 2 specimens.
A genomic assessment of population structure and gene flow in an aquatic salamander identifies the roles of spatial scale, barriers, and river architecture
Authors: Murphy Mason O. , Jones Kara S. , Price Steven J. , Weisrock David W.
Published: February 2018

Population structure and gene flow of species in lotic environments can be constrained by river network architecture, species life history and heterogeneous local barriers. Identifying the factors that influence population structure and gene flow, especially in species limited to movement within a river network, is vital for understanding the evolutionary and demographic history of a species.

We explored population structure and gene flow for a fully aquatic salamander, the common mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus), in Kentucky (USA) using genomic data. We examined population structure using both parametric and nonparametric methods, and we tested for a history of lineage divergence among identified genetic clusters. We quantified the partitioning of genetic variation at different hierarchical levels, and we tested for signatures of isolation by distance. Additionally, we used coalescent‐based model selection to identify a best‐fit model of gene flow between our three sampled basins.

We found the greatest support for population structure between the Kentucky River basin and the combined Licking and Kinniconick basins, with further subdivision within both the Kentucky and Licking River basins. However, we found no evidence for a history of lineage divergence among these structured units. The movement of N. maculosus is constrained by the lotic network architecture, which likely drives the evolution of this hierarchical population structure, with increasing differentiation between sites nested in river basins, and even greater differentiation between basins. However, we also found evidence for population structure not explained by river architecture, with an isolated population embedded within the Kentucky River basin.

This study demonstrates the heterogeneity in population structure that can evolve in aquatic species occupying lotic systems and illustrates the potential for genomic data to disentangle these complex patterns.
Subthalamic nucleus pathology contributes to repetitive behavior expression and is reversed by environmental enrichment
Authors: Lewis M. H. , Lindenmaier Z. , Boswell K. , Edington G. , King M. A. , Muehlmann A. M.
Published: February 2018

Repetitive motor behaviors are common in neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurological disorders. Despite their prevalence in certain clinical populations, our understanding of the neurobiological cause of repetitive behavior is lacking. Likewise, not knowing the pathophysiology has precluded efforts to find effective drug treatments. Our comparisons between mouse strains that differ in their expression of repetitive behavior showed an important role of the subthalamic nucleus (STN). In mice with high rates of repetitive behavior, we found significant differences in dendritic spine density, gene expression and neuronal activation in the STN. Taken together, these data show a hypoglutamatergic state. Furthermore, by using environmental enrichment to reduce repetitive behavior, we found evidence of increased glutamatergic tone in the STN with our measures of spine density and gene expression. These results suggest the STN is a major contributor to repetitive behavior expression and highlight the potential of drugs that increase STN function to reduce repetitive behavior in clinical populations.