bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responding to sounds from unseen locations: crossmodal attentional orienting in response to sounds presented from the rear
Authors: Spence Charles , Lee Jae , Van der Stoep Nathan
Published: October 2017

To date, most of the research on spatial attention has focused on probing people's responses to stimuli presented in frontal space. That is, few researchers have attempted to assess what happens in the space that is currently unseen (essentially rear space). In a sense, then, ‘out of sight’ is, very much, ‘out of mind’. In this review, we highlight what is presently known about the perception and processing of sensory stimuli (focusing on sounds) whose source is not currently visible. We briefly summarize known differences in the localizability of sounds presented from different locations in 3D space, and discuss the consequences for the crossmodal attentional and multisensory perceptual interactions taking place in various regions of space. The latest research now clearly shows that the kinds of crossmodal interactions that take place in rear space are very often different in kind from those that have been documented in frontal space. Developing a better understanding of how people respond to unseen sound sources in naturalistic environments by integrating findings emerging from multiple fields of research will likely lead to the design of better warning signals in the future. This review highlights the need for neuroscientists interested in spatial attention to spend more time researching what happens (in terms of the covert and overt crossmodal orienting of attention) in rear space.
Selection on the timing of migration and breeding: A neglected aspect of fishing‐induced evolution and trait change
Authors: Tillotson Michael D , Quinn Thomas P
Published: October 2017

Fishing can drive changes in important phenotypic traits through plastic and evolutionary pathways. Size‐selective harvest is a primary driver of such trait change, has received much attention in the literature and is now commonly considered in fisheries management. The potential for selection on behavioural traits has received less study, but mounting evidence suggests that aggression, foraging behaviour and linked traits can also be affected by fishing. An important phenomenon that has received much less attention is selection on reproductive phenology (i.e., the timing of breeding). The potential for this type of “temporal selection” is widespread because there is often substantial variability in reproductive phenology within fish populations, and fisheries management strategies or fishermen's behaviours can cause fishing effort to vary greatly over time. For example, seasonal closures may expose only early or late breeding individuals to harvest as observed in a range of marine and freshwater fisheries. Such selection may induce evolutionary responses in phenological traits, but can also have demographic impacts such as shortened breeding seasons and reduced phenotypic diversity. These changes can in turn influence productivity, reduce the efficacy of management, exacerbate ongoing climate‐driven changes in phenology and reduce resilience to environmental change. In this essay, we describe how fisheries management can cause temporal variability in harvest, and describe the types of selection on temporal traits that can result. We then summarize the likely biological consequences of temporally selective fishing on populations and population complexes and conclude by identifying areas for future research.
Projecting the future of an alpine ungulate under climate change scenarios
Authors: White Kevin S. , Gregovich David P. , Levi Taal
Published: October 2017

Climate change represents a primary threat to species persistence and biodiversity at a global scale. Cold adapted alpine species are especially sensitive to climate change and can offer key “early warning signs” about deleterious effects of predicted change. Among mountain ungulates, survival, a key determinant of demographic performance, may be influenced by future climate in complex, and possibly opposing ways. Demographic data collected from 447 mountain goats in 10 coastal Alaska, USA, populations over a 37‐year time span indicated that survival is highest during low snowfall winters and cool summers. However, general circulation models (GCMs) predict future increase in summer temperature and decline in winter snowfall. To disentangle how these opposing climate‐driven effects influence mountain goat populations, we developed an age‐structured population model to project mountain goat population trajectories for 10 different GCM/emissions scenarios relevant for coastal Alaska. Projected increases in summer temperature had stronger negative effects on population trajectories than the positive demographic effects of reduced winter snowfall. In 5 of the 10 GCM/representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios, the net effect of projected climate change was extinction over a 70‐year time window (2015–2085); smaller initial populations were more likely to go extinct faster than larger populations. Using a resource selection modeling approach, we determined that distributional shifts to higher elevation (i.e., “thermoneutral”) summer range was unlikely to be a viable behavioral adaptation strategy; due to the conical shape of mountains, summer range was expected to decline by 17%–86% for 7 of the 10 GCM/RCP scenarios. Projected declines of mountain goat populations are driven by climate‐linked bottom‐up mechanisms and may have wide ranging implications for alpine ecosystems. These analyses elucidate how projected climate change can negatively alter population dynamics of a sentinel alpine species and provide insight into how demographic modeling can be used to assess risk to species persistence.
Differentiating drought legacy effects on vegetation growth over the temperate Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Wu Xiuchen , Liu Hongyan , Li Xiaoyan , Ciais Philippe , Babst Flurin , Guo Weichao , Zhang Cicheng , Magliulo Vincenzo , Pavelka Marian , Liu Shaomin , Huang Yongmei , Wang Pei , Shi Chunming , Ma Yujun
Published: October 2017

In view of future changes in climate, it is important to better understand how different plant functional groups (PFGs) respond to warmer and drier conditions, particularly in temperate regions where an increase in both the frequency and severity of drought is expected. The patterns and mechanisms of immediate and delayed impacts of extreme drought on vegetation growth remain poorly quantified. Using satellite measurements of vegetation greenness, in‐situ tree‐ring records, eddy‐covariance CO2 and water flux measurements, and meta‐analyses of source water of plant use among PFGs, we show that drought legacy effects on vegetation growth differ markedly between forests, shrubs and grass across diverse bioclimatic conditions over the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Deep−rooted forests exhibit a drought legacy response with reduced growth during up to 4 years after an extreme drought, whereas shrubs and grass have drought legacy effects of approximately 2 years and 1 year, respectively. Statistical analyses partly attribute the differences in drought legacy effects among PFGs to plant eco‐hydrological properties (related to traits), including plant water use and hydraulic responses. These results can be used to improve the representation of drought response of different PFGs in land surface models, and assess their biogeochemical and biophysical feedbacks in response to a warmer and drier climate.
Privacy and False Identification Risk in Geomasking Techniques
Authors: Seidl Dara E. , Jankowski Piotr , Clarke Keith C.
Published: October 2017

Recent years have seen an increase in location privacy research, including the application of geomasking procedures. Geographical masks aim to protect privacy and preserve spatial information through the displacement of point data. False identification, or the mistaken association of data with the incorrect person or household, is an unexplored issue in geomasking, despite legal protections against false association. This study introduces a topological framework for assessing identification risk and examines the risk of false identification in four masking techniques: random perturbation, donut masking, and the newer Voronoi and MGRS masking techniques. While Voronoi masking is found to best preserve the clustering properties of a sample of urban foreclosure data, the other three masking techniques result in better protection against correct and false identification.
Late‐onset Pompe's disease in a hemodialysis patient: A first case report
Authors: Eleftheriadis Theodoros , Makri Panagiota , Karakosta Paschalia , Pissas Georgios , Liakopoulos Vassilios , Michelakakis Helen , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios M. , Stefanidis Ioannis
Published: October 2017

A 37‐year‐old hemodialysis patient appeared with unusual somnolence during 2 successive hemodialysis sessions. Blood gas analysis revealed hypercapnic respiratory failure and spirometry restrictive lung disease. After exclusion of other causes of restrictive lung disease with chest CT‐scan and cerebrum MRI, electrophysiological study revealed myopathy. Because besides lordosis and limb‐girdle gait the patient was ambulant the possibility of late‐onset Pompe's disease was set and confirmed with evaluation of α‐glucosidase activity and genetic analysis. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with aglucosidase alfa was started. Due to inaccessibility of veins in the arm without the arteriovenous fistula, during the last 1 year, the patient received the ERT through the venous line of the hemodialysis circuit. Three years later the patient remains ambulant without the need of any assistant device and preserved his pulmonary function. This is the first described case of late‐onset Pompe's disease in a hemodialysis patient treated with ERT.
The role of size and dominance in the feeding behaviour of coexisting hummingbirds
Authors: López‐Segoviano Gabriel , Bribiesca Rafael , Arizmendi María Del Coro
Published: October 2017

Interspecific competition can strongly influence community structure and limit the distribution and abundance of species. One of the main factors that determine hummingbird community structure is competition for food. The temporal and spatial distribution of nectar has a strong impact on hummingbird assemblages, shaping foraging niches according to hummingbird dominance and foraging strategy. We investigated whether body size and the degree of aggressive dominance influence feeding behaviour of hummingbirds in a temperate forest in northwestern Mexico (El Palmito, Mexico) when winter migrant hummingbirds are present in the community. First, we determined the dominance status of hummingbirds and evaluated the relationship between dominance and body mass, wing disc loading and migratory status. Secondly, we determined how hummingbird species used plant species differently. Thirdly, we examined whether the most dominant hummingbird species defended floral patches with more energy and/or with a larger number of flowers. At each flower patch, hummingbird species, number of hummingbird interactions, feeding time and number of flowers present were recorded. The total number of calories available within each floral patch was also determined. Our results demonstrate that the dominance hierarchy of 13 hummingbird species (migratory and resident) was correlated with body size but not wing disc loading, and that members of the hummingbird community showed a clear separation in resource use (by plant species). Hummingbirds at the top of the dominance hierarchy defended and fed on the best flower patches, defined by the quantity of calories available. Hence, the feeding behaviour of hummingbirds at El Palmito depends on the abundance of plant species used by hummingbirds and on the amount of energy available from each flower patch. Thus, hummingbird body size, aggressive dominance and defence of quality flower patches determines niche partitioning among species.
Interdental plaque reduction after use of different devices in young subjects with intact papilla: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Graziani F , Palazzolo A , Gennai S , Karapetsa D , Giuca MR , Cei S , Filice N , Petrini M , Nisi M
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To determine the efficacy of 4 different oral hygiene regimens involving adjunctive interdental cleaning devices in unsupervised young subjects with intact interdental papilla.

Material and methods

Sixty periodontally healthy subjects were randomly allocated to 4 groups following different oral hygiene regimens (T‐7): use of manual toothbrush alone; manual toothbrush plus dental floss; manual toothbrush plus interdental brushes; and manual toothbrush plus rubber interdental picks. Oral hygiene instructions (OHI) were given. One week after (T0), professional supragingival scaling and polishing was performed, and subjects were then reseen every 2 weeks (T14 and T28). At T‐7, T0, T14 and T28, full‐mouth plaque score (FMPS), full‐mouth bleeding score (FMBS) and angulated bleeding index (AngBI) were taken.

Results

During the first week (T‐7/T0 unclean phase), FMPS decreased significantly in all groups except the group using dental floss. At T28, a significant decrease in FMPS (P < .001, all groups) and FMBS (P < .05, all groups except the group using flossing P < .001) was noted. Interdental FMPS showed significantly lower values in subjects treated with interdental brushes or rubber interdental picks vs toothbrushing alone (P < .05). The use of interdental picks was associated with reduced interdental FMBS when compared to flossing (P < .05).

Conclusion

In young subjects, with no interdental attachment loss, toothbrushing or toothbrushing and adjunctive interdental cleaning devices such as dental floss, interdental brushes or interdental rubber picks can significantly reduce both plaque and gingival inflammation. Use of interdental brushes or rubber picks reduces more interdental plaque in comparison with toothbrushing alone.
Thermodynamic perspective of Sr‐related degradation issues in SOFCs
Authors: Yin Xiaoyan , Bencze Laszlo , Motalov Vladimir , Spatschek Robert , Singheiser Lorenz
Published: October 2017

(La,Sr)(Co,Fe)O3‐δ is very common as cathode material in SOFC applications. Sr in this type of cathode material is very reactive to form secondary phases with other oxides, which affect micro‐structures and properties of the cathode materials, GDC layers and ZrO2‐based electrolytes. The Sr‐related degradation issues, Cr poisoning and volatile Sr species formation, are studied. As supplement to existing experimental knowledge on Cr poisoning, specific thermodynamic aspects for Cr poisoning are discussed. The thermodynamic calculations show that the partial pressure pCrO3 has a stronger temperature dependence than pCrO2(OH)2, and when considering the reaction between SrO and CrO3(g), dependent on different pCrO3 and pO2, different Sr–Cr–O compounds SrCrO4, SrCrO3, Sr3Cr2O8 or Sr2CrO4 could be formed. In addition, thermodynamic calculations show that in the presence of water vapor, formation of volatile Sr(OH)2 is possible as well. pSr(OH)2 depends on temperature, pH2O and SrO activity and can be of the same order of magnitude as pCrO2(OH)2. Volatile Sr(OH)2 can diffuse through the porous GDC layer and react with ZrO2‐based electrolytes to form SrZrO3 precipitates. The reaction between gaseous Sr species and 8YSZ sheet is studied experimentally. The surface of the 8YSZ sheet is investigated by SEM coupled with EDS, confirming the deposition of Sr.
Study of efficacy and safety of noncultured, extracted follicular outer root sheath cell suspension transplantation in the management of stable vitiligo
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Bhari Neetu , Tembhre Manoj K. , Mohanty Sujata , Arava Sudheer , Sharma Vinod K. , Gupta Somesh
Published: October 2017

Background

Noncultured, extracted follicular outer root sheath suspension (NC‐EHF‐ORS‐CS) is a recently introduced technique for the treatment of stable vitiligo.

Objective

To study the clinical efficacy of this technique and to determine the viability and cell composition of the suspension.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with stable vitiligo were included in this prospective study. Fifty follicles were extracted from occipital scalp and were incubated with trypsin–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid to separate outer root sheath cells. The cell suspension was filtered and centrifuged to obtain a cell pellet, which was resuspended and applied to the dermabraded recipient area. Cell viability of the suspension was assessed using trypan blue staining, and markers of keratinocyte stem cells (CD200) and melanocytes (S100) were evaluated using flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry, respectively.

Results

At 6 months, the mean (±SD) repigmentation was 52 ± 25.1%, and >75% repigmentation was seen in 8/25 (32%) patients. Mean percentage cell viability of the suspension was 80 ± 17.2% with a mean concentration of CD200 + and S100 + cells being 7.91 ± 8.68% and 9.93 ± 1.22% (n = 3), respectively. Recipient site infection was seen in 4 of 25 (16%) patients and a color mismatch in 11 of 25 (44%) patients.

Conclusion

NC‐EHF‐ORS‐CS is a useful minimally invasive therapy for vitiligo.
Prosultiamine for treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction accompanied by human T‐lymphotropic virus type 1‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis
Authors: Matsuo Tomohiro , Miyata Yasuyoshi , Nakamura Tatsufumi , Satoh Katsuya , Sakai Hideki
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To evaluate oral prosultiamine treatment in patients with overactive bladder accompanied by human T‐lymphotropic virus type 1‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis.

Methods

This was a prospective, single‐center, open‐label study. Patients received oral prosultiamine (300 mg) once daily in the morning, and the overactive bladder symptom score and urine levels of overactive bladder‐related biomarkers (nerve growth factor/creatinine and adenosine triphosphate/creatinine) 12 weeks after the initial administration were compared with the baseline values. In addition, the urodynamic parameters, including involuntary detrusor contraction and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, were evaluated before and after treatment.

Results

A total of 16 patients were recruited for this clinical study. In the overactive bladder symptom score, night‐time frequency, urgency and the total score improved after oral prosultiamine treatment (P = 0.028, 0.001 and 0.004, respectively). Both urinary nerve growth factor/creatinine and adenosine triphosphate/creatinine levels decreased significantly after the treatment (P = 0.004 and 0.017, respectively). Urodynamic studies showed that the maximum cystometric capacity increased significantly after the treatment. However, the symptoms disappeared because of the treatment in six of 10 patients with involuntary detrusor contraction (60%) and three of seven patients with detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (42.9%). There were no serious adverse events.

Conclusions

The changes in urodynamic parameters and urine levels of overactive bladder‐related markers suggest that oral prosultiamine is a safe and effective treatment for overactive bladder with human T‐lymphotropic virus type 1‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis.
Public News Arrival and Cross‐Asset Correlation Breakdown
Authors: Ho Kin‐Yip , Liu Wai‐Man , Yu Jing
Published: October 2017

This study models and tests empirically the role of public news arrivals in the quote matching across single‐stock futures and underlying stock markets—a trading strategy often adopted by algorithmic traders. Our model suggests that quote return correlation across these two markets breaks down when the news uncertainty is sufficiently large and futures market makers switch from automating the quote matching process to manually analyze, monitor, and update quotes. We show empirically that the breakdown is more prominent for large stocks, and this effect of firm size falls during periods of high‐market volatility. Our empirical results are robust to the effect of distraction due to extraneous news events.
Enhancement in electrical and magnetodielectric properties of Ca‐ and Ba‐doped BiFeO3 polycrystalline ceramics
Authors: Balakrishnan Ramachandran , Dixit Ambesh , Naik Ratna , Rao Mamidanna Sri Ramachandra
Published: October 2017

We carried out a comparative study on the electrical and magnetodielectric properties of polycrystalline BiFeO3, Bi0.9Ca0.1FeO2.95, Bi0.9Ba0.05Ca0.05FeO2.95, and Bi0.9Ba0.1FeO2.95 ceramics. The two dielectric anomalies, near 25 K and 281 K, are observed for BiFeO3. Interestingly, the anomaly near 25 K shifts towards a higher temperature above 60 K with Ca and/or Ba doping, attributed to the doping induced chemical pressure. In addition, the room temperature switchable magnetodielectric effect is witnessed for the doped BiFeO3 compounds, due to the quadratic magnetoelectric coupling. This indicates the improved magnetoelectric coupling in BiFeO3 with the Ca and Ba doping. This is essentially due to the enhanced magnetic ordering and reduced leakage current in BiFeO3 after the doping.
Can solute segregation in ceramic materials be reduced by lattice strain?
Authors: Harrington George F. , Skinner Stephen J. , Kilner John A.
Published: October 2017

Lattice strain is a relatively unexplored route to modify the degradation effects in functional oxides for high‐temperature electrochemical devices. In this paper, we present results on the segregation of Gd to the surface of strained Gd0.1Ce0.9O2‐δ films using low‐energy ion scattering to assess the surface composition. The potential for strain‐modified segregation is discussed as well as the challenges in studying and implementing it.
Influence of inverse spinel structured CuGa2O4 on microwave dielectric properties of normal spinel ZnGa2O4 ceramics
Authors: Lu Xiaochi , Bian Wenjie , Li Yaoyao , Zhu Haikui , Fu Zhenxiao , Zhang Qitu
Published: October 2017

Spinel Zn1‐xCuxGa2O4 (x = 0‐0.15) ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid‐state method. Only a single phase was indexed in all samples. The continuous lattice contraction of ZnGa2O4 unit cell was caused by Cu2+ substitution, and the lattice parameter shows a linear correlation with the content of Cu. The refined crystal structure parameters suggest that Cu2+ preferentially occupies the octahedron site, and the degree of inversion of Zn1‐xCuxGa2O4 (x = 0‐0.15) ceramics almost equals to the content of Cu2+. The relative intensity of A*1g mode in Raman spectra confirm that the degree of inversion climbed with the growing content of Cu2+. The experimental and theoretical dielectric constant of Zn1‐xCuxGa2O4 ceramics fit well. Zn1‐xCuxGa2O4 (x = 0.01) ceramics sintered at 1400°C for 2 h exhibited good microwave dielectric properties, with εr = 9.88, Q × f = 131,445 GHz, tanδ = 6.85 × 10−5, and τf = −60 ppm/°C.
Explaining prejudice toward the mentally ill: A test of sociopolitical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors
Authors: Johansson Ole J. , Kunst Jonas R.
Published: October 2017

People with mental disorders often face prejudices that can further deteriorate their condition. We tested whether Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), Right‐Wing Authoritarianism (RWA), and Belief in a Just World (BJW), and characteristics of the mentally ill predict such prejudices. Both in a general population sample and a sample of health professionals and trainees, SDO, but not RWA and BJW, predicted more prejudice, although this pattern was less pronounced among health professionals/trainees. BJW interacted with the targets' gender in Study 1, predicting less empathy toward a male but not toward a female mentally ill person. In Study 2, depressed individuals were blamed more for their illness than those with schizophrenia or cancer. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
Global smoking‐attributable burden of periodontal disease in 186 countries in the year 2015
Authors: Schwendicke Falk , Dörfer Christof E. , Meier Toni
Published: October 2017

Aim

We aimed to quantify the smoking‐attributable burden of periodontal disease (PD).

Methods

The association between smoking and PD was evaluated. Population, smoking and PD data from the Global Burden of Disease Study were used, and the burden in different sex and age groups in 186 countries in 2015 calculated, adjusted for PD prevalence and numbers of cigarettes smoked. No adjustment was performed in a sensitivity analysis.

Results

The global smoking‐attributable burden was 251,160 disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs; 95% uncertainty interval: 190,721–324,241; sensitivity analysis: 344,041 DALYs) or 38.5 million cases. The burden was lower in females than males, and highest in the age group of the 50‐ to 69‐year‐olds. On super‐regional level, the burden was highest in South‐East Asia, East Asia and Oceania (83,052 DALYs), and high‐income North America and Asia Pacific (55,362 DALYs). On regional level, it was highest in East Asia (70,845 DALYs), South Asia (30,808 DALYs) and North Africa and the Middle East (24,095 DALYs). On national level, it was highest in China (69,148 DALYs), India (29,362 DALYs) and the United States (12,714 DALYs). The relative smoking‐attributable burden ranged between >25% in Suriname and <1% in Chad.

Conclusions

There is great need to monitor and tackle the smoking‐attributable burden of PD.
Conventional vs. daylight photodynamic therapy for patients with actinic keratosis on face and scalp: 12‐month follow‐up results of a randomized, intra‐individual comparative analysis
Authors: Sotiriou E. , Evangelou G. , Papadavid E. , Apalla Z. , Vrani F. , Vakirlis E. , Panagiotou M. , Stefanidou M. , Pombou T. , Krasagakis K. , Rigopoulos D. , Ioannides D.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Daylight PDT (DLPDT) is a new PDT procedure. Several trials demonstrate that DLPDT achieves similar response rates with conventional PDT (CPDT) in the treatment of non‐hyperkeratotic actinic keratoses (AKs) in a nearly painless way. It seems that DLPDT represents a more convenient and equally effective treatment modality. Data on long‐term efficacy of DLPDT are limited.

Objective

To compare short‐ and long‐term efficacy, safety and tolerability of DLPDT with that of CPDT in face and scalp AKs.

Methods

The study, an intra‐individual right–left comparison study, was conducted in three centres in North, Center and South Greece. Eligible patients received either DLPDT or CPDT randomly allocated to alternate sides of face or scalp. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 12 months after treatment. Assessments included lesion response at 3 and 12 months, PDT‐associated pain during PDT session, local skin reactions 3 days after treatment as well as patients’ preference 3 months after treatment.

Results

A total of 46 patients completed the study. Three months after treatment, the overall lesion complete response rate was 78% for DLPDT and 80.6% for CPDT. At the 12‐month follow‐up, response rate decreased to 71.8% and 73.7% for DLPDT and CPDT accordingly. Regarding response based on lesion grade, response rates obtained in grade‐I lesions were higher with DLPDT, while treatment with CPDT resulted to higher rates of cured grade‐II lesions at both follow‐up visits. Results were not supported by statistical significance. DLPDT was associated with significantly lower pain and reduced severity of local skin reactions. Patients’ preference favoured DLPDT.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that DLPDT is similar to CPDT in terms of long‐term efficacy and recurrence rates in the treatment of face and scalp AKs. DLPDT demonstrated a better tolerability profile as it was associated with lower pain and less severe adverse events.
A feasibility study for 3 strategies promoting HIV testing in primary health care in Madrid, Spain (ESTVIH project)
Authors: Domínguez‐Berjón M. Felicitas , Pichiule‐Castañeda Myrian , García‐Riolobos M. Carmen , Esteban‐Vasallo María D. , Arenas‐González Sonia M. , Morán‐Arribas Mónica , Verdejo‐Ortés José , Zoni Ana Clara , Álvarez‐Castillo M. Carmen , Astray Jenaro ,   others members of the ESTVIH group
Published: October 2017

Rationale and objectives

Late diagnosis of HIV infection is a public health problem. Framed by the international guidelines for improving HIV testing, in 2014, the Spanish Ministry of Health published a guide of recommendations to promote early diagnosis of HIV in health care settings. In the Community of Madrid, in order to implement these recommendations, we defined 3 new HIV testing strategies in primary health care. The objectives of this study were to know the interest of professionals and the acceptability for patients towards these strategies.

Methods

We performed a quasi‐experimental study to assess the feasibility of the implementation of new strategies (indicator condition, risk based, and universal offer) to promote early detection of HIV infection in the framework of the ESTVIH project. The centres participating in this project were randomly chosen among centres located in the health areas with the highest incidence of HIV infection. The feasibility was assessed in 6 centres. We considered outcomes by strategy in relation to the participation of professionals (family physician and nursing) and patients.

Results

Overall, 56.9% of eligible professionals agreed to take part in the study; however, the percentage of professionals who recruited patients was 25.9%. This percentage was higher in the indicator condition strategy (47.2%, versus 18.5% in the universal offer and 14.3% in the risk‐based strategy, P‐value < 0.05). The test uptake percentage was greater than 80%, and there were no statistically significant differences between strategies.

Conclusion

Different strategies promoting HIV testing in primary care had different acceptability among professionals and similar among patients. At the end of the ESTVIH project, these results will be complemented with others related to the contribution of each strategy to improving the early diagnosis of HIV infection.
Effect of Preoperative Geriatric Evaluation on Outcomes After Elective Surgery: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: McIsaac Daniel I. , Huang Allen , Wong Coralie A. , Wijeysundera Duminda N. , Bryson Gregory L. , van Walraven Carl
Published: October 2017

Background/Objectives

Randomized and nonrandomized single‐center studies suggest that preoperative geriatric evaluation improves postoperative outcomes in older adults. The generalizability and population‐level effect of preoperative geriatric evaluation has not been determined. Our objective was to measure the adjusted association between preoperative geriatric evaluation and postoperative outcomes.

Design

Multilevel multivariable regression model analysis of a population‐based historical cohort.

Setting

Publicly funded universal healthcare system in Ontario, Canada.

Participants

All adults aged 65 and older having major, elective, noncardiac surgery from 2002 to 2014 (N = 266,499).

Intervention

We studied geriatric consultations and comprehensive assessments performed in the 4 months prior to surgery. These were identified using validated methods.

Measurements

Ninety‐day survival (primary outcome), in‐hospital complications, length of stay, 30‐day readmissions, need for supported discharge, and 90‐day costs of care.

Results

The 7,352 participants (2.8%) who had a preoperative geriatric evaluation had longer 90‐day survival than those who who did not (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval = 0.68–0.95). Length of stay and complication rates did not differ between groups, but participants evaluated by a geriatrician preoperatively had higher rates of supported discharge, readmission rates, and costs of care. Sensitivity analyses supported the association between preoperative geriatric assessment and 90‐day survival.

Conclusion

In individuals aged 65 and older undergoing major, elective, noncardiac surgery, preoperative geriatric evaluation was associated with longer 90‐day survival, but it is used infrequently. Given these results, and those of previous small studies, the influence of a geriatric evaluation on postoperative outcomes should be determined in a multicenter randomized trial.
FIB‐fabricated complex‐shaped 3D chiral photonic silicon nanostructures
Authors: ROGOV O.Y. , ARTEMOV V.V. , GORKUNOV M.V , EZHOV A.A. , KHMELENIN D.N.
Published: October 2017

Technologies capable of fabricating complex shaped silicon metasurfaces attract increasing attention. The focused ion beam fabrication technique is considered traditionally as causing thick damaged layers in silicon resulting in a significant rise of the optical absorption loss. We examine the structure of the FIB‐fabricated nanostructures on the silicon‐on‐sapphire (SOS) platform and its optical characteristics before and after thermal oxidation. We show that being thermally oxidised the FIB‐patterned silicon subwavelength nanostructure tends to regain its chiral optical features. The impact of the oxidation process on the silicon nanostructure optical behaviour is discussed.
Detection of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in captive non‐human primates in the Amazon region, Brazil
Authors: Minervino Antonio Humberto Hamad , Cassinelli Ana Beatriz Melles , de Souza Alex Junior Souza , Alves Max Moreira , Soares Manoel do Carmo Pereira , Ferreira Dayana Alersa Conceição , Pereira Washington Luiz Assunção , Gennari Solange Maria
Published: October 2017

Background

Toxoplasma gondii infections in captive non‐human primates are of interest because often they die due to severe toxoplasmosis. Thus, we aimed to evaluate samples from a serum bank to T. gondii antibodies.

Methods

Serum samples of 179 monkeys from the National Center of Primates, Brazil, were retrospective analyzed for T. gondii IgG antibodies by modified agglutination test using formalin‐fixed whole parasites as antigen (cutoff 1:25).

Results

Among the 179 samples tested, 88 (49.2%) were positive. Twelve of the 18 evaluated species presented at least one positive animal. A higher occurrence of positive animals was found in New World (52.2%) than Old World (22.2%) monkeys (P = .023) and in the animals from domestic donation origin, which had lived in human homes as pets (P = .004).

Conclusions

We confirm the widespread presence of T. gondii in captive monkeys and contribute to the range of species that can be infected by this parasite.
Evaluation of fibroblast growth factor activity exerted by placental extract used as a cosmetic ingredient
Authors: Ito Kouhei , Yamada Ryuji , Matsumoto Nobuki , Imamura Toru
Published: October 2017

Background

The biological activities claimed for placental extract (PE) in its medical and cosmetic applications are largely assumed to be the combined effects of its various signaling molecules and nutritional constituents. But there are considerable uncertainties about this assumption.

Aims

To determine the specific biological activity of PE at a molecular level.

Methods

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) activity was assessed based on the ability to induce proliferation of FGF receptor (FGFR)‐overexpressing BaF3 cells.

Results

Porcine PE (PPE), an ingredient in numerous cosmetics, activated proliferation of BaF3 cells overexpressing FGFR subtypes 1c, 2c, 2b, 3c, or 4, that is, all the major FGFR subtypes. The effect was suppressed largely or partially when the cells were treated with a FGFR inhibitor PD173074, and the FGFR‐negative BaF3 parent cells exhibited minimal growth promotion as compared to the FGFR‐expressing BaF3 cells. The high (>10 kDa) and low (<3 kDa) molecular weight fractions of PPE were effective activators of FGFR signaling. PPE was found to contain sulfated glycosaminoglycans, including heparin/heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, which serve as both structural stabilizers of FGFs and indispensable cofactors for FGF‐FGFR signaling.

Conclusions

These results indicate that PPE is capable of evoking FGF signaling in cells via FGFRs. Given that recombinant FGFs have proven useful for medical/cosmetic purposes, our results suggest that the medical/cosmetic utility of PPE is provided at least partly through the activation of FGF signaling in epidermal, dermal, and subdermal tissues.
A 5‐year longitudinal study of association of maximum bite force with development of frailty in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Iwasaki M. , Yoshihara A. , Sato N. , Sato M. , Minagawa K. , Shimada M. , Nishimuta M. , Ansai T. , Yoshitake Y. , Ono T. , Miyazaki H.
Published: October 2017

To determine whether maximum bite force (MBF), an objective measure of oral function, is associated with development of frailty in community‐dwelling older adults. This prospective cohort study included community‐dwelling Japanese adults aged 75 years at baseline (n = 322). Baseline MBF was measured using an electronic recording device (Occlusal Force‐Meter GM10). Follow‐up examinations, including physical fitness and anthropometric evaluation and structured questionnaires, were administered annually over a 5‐year period to determine the incidence of frailty, which was defined by the presence of 3 or more of the following 5 components derived from the Cardiovascular Health Study: low level of mobility, low physical activity level, weakness, shrinking and poor endurance and energy. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of incidence of frailty according to sex‐stratified tertiles of baseline MBF were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. During the follow‐up, 49 participants (15.2%) developed frailty. Participants in the lower tertile of MBF exhibited a significantly greater risk of frailty than those in the upper tertile. After adjustment for sex, depression, diabetes and Eichner index, the adjusted HRs for frailty in the upper through lower tertiles of MBF were 1.00 (reference), 1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50‐3.20) and 2.78 (95% CI: 1.15‐6.72), respectively (P for trend = .01). Poor oral function, as indicated by low MBF, increases the risk of development of frailty among elderly men and women.
TMJ online: Investigating temporomandibular disorders as “TMJ” on YouTube
Authors: Basch C. H. , Yin J. , Walker N. D. , de Leon A. J. , Fung I. C.‐H.
Published: October 2017

As the understanding of temporomandibular disorders’ (TMDs) aetiologies and treatments develops from non‐evidence‐based to evidence‐based approaches, the availability of sound information will likewise grow and need to be disseminated. The purpose of this study is to describe the content most commonly viewed in YouTube videos related to TMDs or “TMJ” and see whether videos from different sources have different content. Video information was gathered by searching YouTube for the term “TMJ,” and data were recorded related to descriptive information as well as content. Statistical analyses included Kruskal‐Wallis H Test, Spearman's Rho and univariate logistic regression. The sources of upload were Consumer (n = 62), Professional (n = 29) and News (n = 9). There were almost no statistically significant differences in content distribution among video sources. Videos garnered a total of 4 749 360 views, with an overall median of 7014.5 views. About two‐thirds of the videos (68/100) explained what “TMJ” is, with a surprising third of Professional videos (9/29) not covering the subject. Roughly half of the videos mentioned at least one reason “TMJ” occurs (55/100), and seven in ten mentioned some kind of treatment (70/100). Video names mentioned a cure or treatment in 64 cases, while the other 36 referred to TMJ anatomy or “TMJ” aetiology. Future research should focus on ways to popularise professional videos with reliable information for those who are searching on YouTube for advice related to “TMJ.”
Victimization, Aggression, and Other Problem Behaviors: Trajectories of Change Within and Across Middle School Grades
Authors: Farrell Albert D. , Goncy Elizabeth A. , Sullivan Terri N. , Thompson Erin L.
Published: October 2017

This study examined trajectories of victimization and problem behaviors within and across three grades of middle school. Participants were 2,166 adolescents from three urban middle schools in the United States who completed measures of victimization, physical and relational aggression, substance use, and delinquent behavior. Latent curve analyses modeled changes in each construct across 12 waves collected every 3 months. In each case, the best‐fitting model required separate linear slopes to represent changes within each grade and a factor representing decreases in the summers. Positive cross‐construct correlations were found for intercepts, linear slopes, and measures within waves. The findings suggest strong associations among victimization and problem behaviors, and individual differences in their patterns of change both within and across grades.
Craniofacial anomalies and mothers’ psychological functioning: The mediating role of social support
Authors: Case Rosalind JL , Anderson Alastair , Walsh Rodney
Published: October 2017

Aim

To examine the psychological and psychosocial service needs of mothers of children with craniofacial anomalies (CFAs).

Methods

Mothers (n = 55) of children from newborn to 6 years with CFA completed self‐report measures of psychological distress, quality of life and perceived social support.

Results

Mothers’ psychological distress levels were significantly higher than those in a normative population. Mothers reported lower quality of life than the normative sample. Social support mediated the relationship between quality of life and psychological distress. While most mothers reported a willingness to receive formal psychological support for issues relating to their child's CFA, few had been offered such services.

Conclusions

Mothers of children with CFAs may experience increased psychological distress in comparison with the general population. Increased social support may reduce the risk of psychological distress, thus enhancing quality of life among such mothers. The majority of mothers of children with CFAs in Australia may not be routinely offered psychological support services in spite of their elevated psychological risk.
Paleogene fossil fruits of Stephania (Menispermaceae) from North America and East Asia
Authors: Han Meng , Manchester Steven R. , Fu Qiong‐Yao , Jin Jian‐Hua , Quan Cheng
Published: October 2017

Stephania Loureiro is a large genus within Menispermaceae, with approximately 60 extant species naturally distributed in tropical to subtropical areas in Asia and Africa, and a few in Oceania. This genus possesses highly characteristic endocarps that facilitate identification of extant and fossil specimens. Here, we report some well‐preserved fossil fruits of Stephania from North America and East Asia. The specimens indicate the endocarps were bony or woody with an obovate to obovate‐rotund outline and a horseshoe‐shaped locule. The endocarp length varies from 4.7 to 8.3 mm, and width from 3.7 to 7.0 mm. The endocarp has a clear foramen in the central area and is surrounded by a keel with ribs running along the dorsal surface. Only one lateral crest develops on each side of the endocarp. Two new species are recognized: Stephania wilfii Han & Manchester sp. nov. from the Paleocene to Eocene of Wyoming (USA), and Stephania jacquesii Han & Manchester sp. nov. disjunct between the late Eocene of Oregon (USA) and the late Oligocene of Guangxi Province (China). In addition, on the basis of more detailed morphological comparative analyses, we transfer the fossils formerly treated as Diploclisia auriformis (Hollick) Manchester from the early Eocene of London Clay, and the middle Eocene of Alaska and Oregon to Stephania auriformis (Hollick) Han & Manchester comb. nov. These fossil materials indicate a broader biogeographic distribution for the ancestors of extant Stephania lineages. This finding enhances our knowledge of the taxonomic and morphological diversity of Stephania and provides new evidence concerning its phytogeographic history.
Is the Biblical Land Promise Irrevocable?: Post‐Nostra Aetate Catholic Theologies of the Jewish Covenant and the Land of Israel
Authors: Gregerman Adam
Published: October 2017

This article studies the various ways that Catholics have interpreted the biblical promise of the land of Israel to Abraham and his descendants after Nostra Aetate, which affirmed the continuing legitimacy of the Jewish covenant containing this promise. Specifically, it analyzes the range of views regarding the religious significance of the land promise in Catholic statements on Jews and Judaism. These official Vatican statements affirm the covenant in general but decline to offer any theological legitimacy to this particular aspect of it. I argue that their perspective on the covenant is circumscribed and self‐referential. By contrast, other statements, despite beginning with nearly identical texts (both biblical and Catholic) and theological assumptions, not only affirm the covenant generically but insist that the land promise is itself an integral and legitimate part of the covenant.
Combined morphological, immunohistochemical and genetic analyses of medulloepithelioma in the posterior cranial fossa
Authors: Kusakabe Kosuke , Kohno Shohei , Inoue Akihiro , Seno Toshimoto , Yonezawa Sachiko , Moritani Kyoko , Mizuno Yosuke , Kurata Mie , Kitazawa Riko , Tauchi Hisamichi , Watanabe Hideaki , Iwata Shinji , Hirato Junko , Kunieda Takeharu
Published: October 2017

Medulloepithelioma is a rare and highly malignant primitive neuroectodermal tumor that usually occurs in childhood. The diagnosis of this entity required only morphological analysis until the World Health Organization classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors was revised, and now genetic analysis is necessary. We report a case of medulloepithelioma in the posterior cranial fossa that was diagnosed by both morphological and genetic analyses based on this classification. A 10‐month‐old girl was admitted to our hospital with consciousness disturbance and vomiting. Neuroimaging revealed a partially calcified mass and cyst formation in the posterior cranial fossa. Partial resection of the tumor was performed and histological findings revealed multilayered rosettes with LIN28A staining, but genetic analysis showed no amplification of the C19MC microRNA cluster at 19q14.32. Therefore, we diagnosed the tumor as medulloepithelioma belonging to other CNS embryonal tumors. The patient was immediately treated with systemic high‐dose chemotherapy. Follow‐up neuroimaging 10 months later showed no signs of recurrence. Medulloepitheliomas are difficult to diagnose by routine HE staining and require combined morphological, immunohistochemical and genetic analyses to provide an accurate diagnosis.