bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Economic Value of Hybrid Single‐photon Emission Computed Tomography With Computed Tomography Imaging in Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis
Authors: Toney Lauren K. , Kim Richard D. , Palli Swetha R.
Published: June 2017

Objective

The objective was to quantify the potential economic value of single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with computed tomography (CT; SPECT/CT) versus CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) planar scintigraphy, and V/Q SPECT imaging modalities for diagnosing suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) patients in an emergency setting.

Methods

An Excel‐based simulation model was developed to compare SPECT/CT versus the alternate scanning technologies from a payer's perspective. Clinical endpoints (diagnosis, treatment, complications, and mortality) and their corresponding cost data (2016 USD) were obtained by performing a best evidence review of the published literature. Studies were pooled and parameters were weighted by sample size. Outcomes measured included differences in 1) excess costs, 2) total costs, and 3) lives lost per annum between SPECT/CT and the other imaging modalities. One‐way (±25%) sensitivity and three scenario analyses were performed to gauge the robustness of the results.

Results

For every 1,000 suspected PE patients undergoing imaging, expected annual economic burden by modality was found to be 3.2 million (SPECT/CT), 3.8 million (CTPA), 5.8 million (planar), and 3.6 million (SPECT) USD, with a switch to SPECT/CT technology yielding per‐patient‐per‐month cost savings of $51.80 (vs. CTPA), $213.80 (vs. planar), and $36.30 (vs. SPECT), respectively. The model calculated that the incremental number of lives saved with SPECT/CT was six (vs. CTPA) and three (vs. planar). Utilizing SPECT/CT as the initial imaging modality for workup of acute PE was also expected to save $994,777 (vs. CTPA), $2,852,014 (vs. planar), and $435,038 (vs. SPECT) in “potentially avoidable”’ excess costs per annum for a payer or health plan.

Conclusion

Compared to the currently available scanning technologies for diagnosing suspected PE, SPECT/CT appears to confer superior economic value, primarily via improved sensitivity and specificity and low nondiagnostic rates. In turn, the improved diagnostic accuracy accords this modality the lowest ratio of expenses attributable to potentially avoidable complications, misdiagnosis, and underdiagnosis.
The secondary invasion of giant African land snail has little impact on litter or seedling dynamics in rainforest
Authors: O'Loughlin Luke S. , Green Peter T.
Published: June 2017

In the absence of empirical evidence, invasive species are often assumed to have negative impacts because of their conspicuously high abundance. The giant African land snail Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica is one such invader where its impact in natural ecosystems remains completely untested. On Christmas Island (Indian Ocean), A. fulica has become established across large tracts of rainforest following the impacts of invasive yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) in mutualism with non‐native scale insects. Yellow crazy ants facilitate the secondary invasion of A. fulica by extirpating native red land crabs (Gecarcoidea natalis) that are normally effective predators of A. fulica. We used a multifaceted approach to investigate some potential impacts of abundant A. fulica in invaded rainforest. Over the course of a wet season, diel activity transects showed that A. fulica consumed detrital material almost exclusively. However, stable isotope analysis did not confidently identify A. fulica as a predominantly detritivorous species. We found no statistically significant treatment effects of A. fulica exclusion on standing leaf litter and seedling recruitment processes during a 6‐month manipulative field study. However, litter cover and biomass did remain slightly higher where A. fulica were excluded, albeit with overlapping confidence intervals with control plots. Our study constitutes the first empirical test for impact of A. fulica in a natural ecosystem and suggests that for Christmas Island rainforest, this species is not a damaging invader. Other studies will need to assess the impacts of A. fulica in other natural areas before these findings could be considered broadly applicable.
Timing of fluvial sedimentation in the Upper Rhine Graben since the Middle Pleistocene: constraints from quartz and feldspar luminescence dating
Authors: Li Yan , Tsukamoto Sumiko , Frechen Manfred , Gabriel Gerald
Published: June 2017

The Heidelberg Basin (HDB) hosts one of the thickest Quaternary sediment successions in central Europe. To establish a reliable Middle and Upper Pleistocene chronology for a recently drilled core from the depocentre of the Heidelberg Basin, we applied multiple luminescence dating approaches, including quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), two feldspar post‐IR IRSL protocols using second IR stimulation temperatures of 225 °C (pIRIR225) and 290 °C (pIRIR290), and two fading correction models. Relatively high anomalous fading was observed for both the pIRIR225 and pIRIR290 signals, with mean fading rates of 2.13±0.27 and 2.08±0.49%/decade, respectively. Poor dose recovery behaviour of the pIRIR290 signal suggests that the pIRIR290 ages are not reliable. The comparison of two fading correction methods for the K‐feldspar ages indicates that the correction method proposed by Kars et al. (2008) Radiation Measurements 43, 786, yields reliable ages, whereas the dose‐rate correction method proposed by Lamothe et al. (2003) Radiation Measurements 37, 493, does not. A chronology for the HDB is established using the quartz ages and reliable fading corrected feldspar pIRIR225 ages. Our chronology shows that the sediments in the upper Mannheim Formation were deposited during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 4 (c. 70 ka), constrained by two quartz ages in the upper 20 m of the core. Four fading corrected pIRIR225 ages of c. 400 ka show that the upper Ludwigshafen Formation was deposited during MIS 12–11, correlated with the Elsterian‐Holsteinian stage. Two ages of 491±76 and 487±79 ka indicate that the Middle and Upper Ludwigshafen Formation were probably deposited during the Cromerian Complex. This luminescence chronology is consistent with palynological results. It also indicates that the IR‐RF ages reported earlier are probably underestimated due to anomalous fading.
Combined effects of seed and soil quality drive seedling performance of a late‐successional canopy tree in a tropical forest
Authors: Zambrano Jenny , Howe Henry F. , Gonzalez‐Meler Miquel
Published: June 2017

Habitat loss and fragmentation affect the structure and functioning of forested ecosystems worldwide, yet we lack an understanding of how species respond to environmental changes. Here, we examined reproductive success and seedling performance of Poulsenia armata (Moraceae) in continuous and fragmented forests of Los Tuxtlas, southern Mexico. We further investigated how maternal habitat and soil conditions manifested in the seedling stage. We determined seed quality and seedling performance by combining isotopic analyses in seed quality with field observations of P. armata fruit production and a common‐‐garden experiment. Soil conditions in forest fragments negatively impacted P. armata reproductive success. Trees of P. armata in forest fragments were smaller in size and produced fewer fruits and smaller seeds with lower quality compared with trees from the continuous forest. The combined effects of maternal habitat and soil conditions determined seedling survival and growth of this tropical tree. Notably, seedlings had restricted plasticity for biomass allocation to roots, limiting the capacity of fragmented populations to compensate for the initial low N content in seeds. Trees in forest fragments at Los Tuxtlas produced offspring competitively inferior and potentially less resilient than counterparts in continuous forest, jeopardizing future persistence of this late‐successional tree species.
When Cultural Norms Discourage Talking to Babies: Effectiveness of a Parenting Program in Rural Senegal
Authors: Weber Ann , Fernald Anne , Diop Yatma
Published: June 2017

In some areas of rural Africa, long‐standing cultural traditions and beliefs may discourage parents from verbally engaging with their young children. This study assessed the effectiveness of a parenting program designed to encourage verbal engagement between caregivers and infants in Wolof‐speaking villages in rural Senegal. Caregivers (n = 443) and their 4‐ to 31‐month‐old children were observed at baseline in 2013 and 1 year later at follow‐up. Results showed that caregivers in program villages nearly doubled the amount of child‐directed speech during a play session compared to baseline, whereas caregivers in matched comparison villages showed no change. After 1 year, children in program villages produced more utterances, and showed greater improvement in vocabulary and other language outcomes compared to children in comparison villages.
Preoperative geriatric assessment and tailored interventions in frail older patients with colorectal cancer: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ommundsen N. , Wyller T. B. , Nesbakken A. , Bakka A. O. , Jordhøy M. S. , Skovlund E. , Rostoft S.
Published: June 2017

Aim

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is prevalent in the older population, and surgery is the mainstay of curative treatment. A preoperative geriatric assessment (GA) can identify frail older patients at risk for developing postoperative complications. In this randomized controlled trial we wanted to investigate whether tailored interventions based on a preoperative GA could reduce the frequency of postoperative complications in frail patients operated on for CRC.

Method

Patients > 65 years scheduled for elective CRC surgery and fulfilling predefined criteria for frailty were randomized to either a preoperative GA followed by a tailored intervention or care as usual. The primary end‐point was Clavien–Dindo Grade II–V postoperative complications. Secondary end‐points included complications of any grade, reoperation, length of stay, readmission and survival.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐two patients with a mean age of 78.6 years were randomized. We found no statistically significant differences between the intervention group and the control group for Grade II–V complications (68% vs 75%, P = 0.43), reoperation (19% vs 11%, P = 0.24), length of stay (8 days in both groups), readmission (16% vs 6%, P = 0.12) or 30‐day survival (4% vs 5%, P = 0.79). Grade I–V complications occurred in 76% of patients in the intervention group compared with 87% in the control group (P = 0.10). In secondary analyses adjusting for prespecified prognostic factors, there was a statistically significant difference in favour of the intervention for reducing the total number of Grade I–V complications (P = 0.05).

Conclusion

A preoperative GA and tailored interventions did not reduce the rate of Grade II–V complications, reoperations, readmission or mortality in frail older patients electively operated on for CRC.
Lymph node yield in right colectomy for cancer: a comparison of open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches
Authors: Widmar M. , Keskin M. , Strombom P. , Beltran P. , Chow O. S. , Smith J. J. , Nash G. M. , Shia J. , Russell D. , Garcia‐Aguilar J.
Published: June 2017

Aim

Studies have demonstrated a relationship between lymph node (LN) yield and survival after colectomy for cancer. The impact of surgical technique on LN yield has not been well explored.

Method

This is a retrospective study of right colectomy (RC) for cancer at a single institution from 2012 to 2014. Exclusion criteria were previous colectomy and emergent and palliative operations. All data were collected by chart review. Primary outcomes were LN yield and the LN to length of surgical specimen (LN‐LSS) ratio. Multivariable mixed models were created with surgeon and pathologist as random effects. Sensitivity analyses were performed to exclude Stage IV cancers and to analyse groups on an ‘as‐treated’ basis.

Results

We identified 181 open (O‐RC), 163 laparoscopic (L‐RC) and 119 robotic (R‐RC) right colectomies. O‐RC was more commonly performed in women with metastatic disease. The mean LN yield was 28, 29 and 34 in O‐RC, L‐RC and R‐RC, respectively; the respective mean LN‐LSS ratios were 0.83, 0.91 and 1.0. The R‐RC approach produced a higher LN yield than the other approaches (P < 0.01), and a higher LN‐LSS ratio than O‐RC (P < 0.01). These findings were unchanged in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Robotic right colectomy improves LN yield and the LN‐LSS ratio, which may reflect better mesocolic excision. The effect of these findings on survival requires further investigation.
Considerations on the assessment of developmental coordination disorder and the elaboration of related contextual pathways
Authors: Wagner Matthias
Published: June 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Harrowell et al. on pages 973–979 of this issue.
A retrospective analysis of the relationship between facial injury and mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Abdul Razak Nurliza , Nordin Rifqah , Abd Rahman Normastura , Ramli Roszalina
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims

The association between facial injury characteristics and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the association between facial injury characteristics and mTBI.

Methods

A retrospective review utilizing patients’ medical records at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was performed. Records of subjects with a history of facial trauma from 1 April 2012 to 31 December 2012 were selected. Various levels and surgical speciality records were reviewed to ascertain the diagnoses of facial injuries and mTBI.

Results

A total of 348 medical records with the diagnosis of facial injuries were included. The prevalence of mTBI among these patients was 41.4% (95% CI 36.2‐46.6). The majority of the patients with mTBI were in the age group of 18‐25 years old. Patients with or without facial lacerations that were located on the lower face had a significant association with mTBI, P=.001, compared to other types of soft tissue injury. In addition, a statistically significant association was observed between facial fractures occurring to the middle face and mTBI, P=.018. Pearson chi‐square test also showed statistically significant association between the severity of facial injuries and mTBI, P=.018.

Conclusions

Mild traumatic brain injury should be suspected in patients with facial injuries and particularly those with lower face lacerations, midface fractures, moderate to severe facial injury and presence of multiple injuries.
Oomycota species associated with deciduous and coniferous seedlings in forest tree nurseries of Western Turkey
Authors: Lehtijärvi A. , Aday Kaya A. G. , Woodward S. , Jung T. , Doğmuş Lehtijärvi H. T.
Published: June 2017

Occurrence and pathogenicity of Oomycota species causing root rot were investigated in 10 forest tree nurseries in western Turkey. Soil samples (129 in total) taken from the rhizosphere of symptomatic seedlings were baited for Oomycota using young leaves of Quercus suber, Rhododendron simsii and R. ponticum. Oomycota (178 isolates) were obtained by culturing on selective media, and identified using morphological methods followed by PCR and sequencing of the ITS rDNA and cox1 regions. Phytophthora aff. cactorum, P. citricola sensu lato, P. crassamura, P. syringae, Pythium aphanidermatum, Py. intermedium, Py. irregulare, Py. ultimum and Phytopythium vexans were common amongst the isolates. The highest diversity of Oomycota was found in the forest nurseries at Adapazarı‐Hendek and İzmir‐Torbalı. Pathogenicity tests showed that the isolates caused lesions on a range of host plants. The importance of these nursery infections in transferring potentially damaging oomycete species to Turkish forests is discussed.
Impact of intravenous thrombolysis on recanalization rates in patients with stroke treated with bridging therapy
Authors: Mueller L. , Pult F. , Meisterernst J. , Heldner M. R. , Mono M.‐L. , Kurmann R. , Buehlmann M. , Fischer U. , Mattle H. P. , Arnold M. , Mordasini P. , Gralla J. , Schroth G. , El‐Koussy M. , Jung S.
Published: June 2017

Background and purpose

Randomized controlled trials have shown that bridging endovascular therapy (EVT) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) therapy improves outcome in patients with stroke with large‐artery anterior circulation stroke compared with IVT alone. It remains unknown whether IVT adds any benefit to EVT in these patients. The aim of this study was to assess recanalization rates and thrombus dislocation before initiation of EVT in patients receiving bridging therapy.

Methods

All patients in the Bernese stroke registry (2008–2015) in whom bridging therapy was considered were included in this analysis. Relevant recanalization before EVT, thrombus dislocation and increase in thrombus load between initial and control imaging were assessed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 319 patients were included. Relevant recanalization before EVT occurred in 8.8% and thrombus dislocation in 7.2% of patients before EVT. Recanalization rates were significantly higher in distal compared with large and more proximal vessel occlusions of the anterior circulation (occlusion of internal carotid artery, 5.4%; middle cerebral artery segment M1, 8.1%; middle cerebral artery segment M2, 17.6%) and in drip‐and‐ship patients compared with mother‐ship patients. In multivariable regression analysis the occlusion site was the only independent predictor of relevant recanalization before EVT (P = 0.046).

Conclusions

Relevant recanalization after IVT and prior to EVT in patients receiving bridging therapy was highly dependent on the occlusion site. These findings suggest that future randomized controlled trials should consider occlusion site and treatment paradigm to specify patients who benefit most from bridging therapy in comparison to EVT or IVT alone.
A single umbilical artery and omphalophlebitis in an Arabian foal
Authors: Girodroux M. , Lores M. , Vilaregut L. , Wilsher S.
Published: June 2017

In women, a single umbilical artery has been associated with congenital abnormalities and post‐natal problems for the infant. This paper describes a case of a single umbilical artery in the amniotic portion of an abnormally long umbilical cord of a recipient mare carrying an Arabian foal. In this case, the single umbilical artery did not appear to be associated with congenital abnormalities that resulted in fetal demise or serious post‐partum problems. However, the placenta showed signs, both during gestation and after delivery, of disturbances in its fluid dynamics, and omphalophlebitis developed in the foal at age one week. How such cord anomalies might disturb fluid homeostasis in the placenta or bias the foal to umbilical infection remains to be determined. Notwithstanding, careful examination of the umbilical cord at birth could alert attending veterinary clinicians to be particularly discerning in their examination of the umbilicus.
Global marine fisheries discards: A synthesis of reconstructed data
Authors: Zeller Dirk , Cashion Tim , Palomares Maria , Pauly Daniel
Published: June 2017

As part of the global marine fisheries catch reconstruction project conducted by the Sea Around Us over the last decade, estimates were derived for discards in all major fisheries in the world. The reconstruction process derives conservative but non‐zero time‐series estimates for every fisheries component known to exist, and relies on a wide variety of data and information sources and on conservative assumptions to ensure comprehensive and complete time‐series coverage. Globally, estimated discards increased from under 5 million t/year (t = 1,000 kg) in the early 1950s to a peak of 18.8 million t in 1989, and gradually declined thereafter to levels of the late 1950s of less than 10 million t/year. Thus, estimated discards represented between 10% and 20% of total reconstructed catches (reported landings + unreported landings + unreported discards) per year up to the year 2000, after which estimated discards accounted for slightly less than 10% of total annual catches. Most discards were generated by industrial (i.e. large‐scale) fisheries. Discarding occurred predominantly in northern Atlantic waters in the earlier decades (1950s–1980s), after which discarding off the West Coast of Africa dominated. More recently, fleets operating in Northwest Pacific and Western Central Pacific waters generated the most discards. In most areas, discards consist essentially of marketable taxa, suggesting a combination of poor fishing practices and poor management procedures is largely responsible for the waste discarding represents. This is important in an era of increasing food security and human nutritional health concerns, especially in developing countries.
Governing criminal markets: The role of private insurers in kidnap for ransom
Authors: Shortland Anja
Published: June 2017

The intersection between the formal and criminal economies presents a range of intractable coordination and enforcement problems. Who orders and facilitates the interactions between private, legal entities, and criminals (potentially) engaged in kidnap for ransom? I analyze the contracts, protocols, norms, and agencies created by insurers to govern this unusual market. Stringent insurance contracts, effective security measures, and orderly resolutions create a profitable market for kidnap insurance. Underwriters manage moral hazard and adverse selection. Business risk consultancies minimize the kidnapping of insured workers, high‐net‐worth individuals, and travellers. Crisis responders ensure that hostages are treated well, keep ransoms moderate and stable, and discourage kidnappers from reneging on agreed ransoms. The state, private sector, and mafias incentivize cooperation and enforce contracts. Understanding this complex polycentric governance architecture is crucial for remedying current trends in “terrorist” kidnap for ransom.
Of paradigms and power: British economic policy making since Thatcher
Authors: Carstensen Martin B. , Matthijs Matthias
Published: June 2017

How do ruling policy paradigms persist over time and why do they often undergo significant internal ideational changes? While the impact of Peter Hall's approach to policy paradigms on the study of governance has been immense, there is a burgeoning consensus that a “Kuhnian” understanding of paradigms makes punctuated equilibrium style shifts the only game in town. While Hall's approach can account for inter‐paradigm change with reference to exogenous shocks, it does not allow for significant ideational shifts to occur intra‐paradigm. To remedy this, we place ideational power dynamics at the heart of the study of policy paradigms. We demonstrate the general applicability of our approach by examining the evolution of British macroeconomic policy‐making since 1990. We show how key policy‐makers were able to employ their institutional and ideational power to reinterpret and redefine the dominant neoliberal understanding of the economy to match their own specific ideas and policy priorities.
Ab initio studies on phonon, dielectric, and piezoelectric responses in perovskite‐like bismuth aluminate
Authors: Song Yu‐Min , Dai Jian‐Qing , Xu Jie‐Wang , Cheng He‐Ming , Li Ru‐Yan
Published: June 2017

Ab initio method was used to explore the phonon, dielectric, and piezoelectric responses mechanism of the R3c phase BiAlO3 with rhombohedral structure by the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) of density function theory (DFT) and density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) using the plane wave (PAW) method of VASP code. The lattice parameters calculated from the stability of the structure are consistent with the existing experimental data. The micromechanism of dielectric and piezoelectric response was explored. Through the analysis and research, it can be seen that the large values of dielectric element ε11 and piezoelectric element e26 are basically due to low‐frequency infrared (IR) active phonons (ωλ = 1.561 and 1.962 THz) with E irreducible representation.
Quantification of the thermal and chemical inhomogeneity of glasses
Authors: Bartolomey Simon , Krogel Sebastian , Conradt Reinhard , Roos Christian
Published: June 2017

Attempts to scientifically capture and quantify glass homogeneity have been based on optical methods, namely, on those based on the work of Christiansen, Raman, and Shelyubskii. In industrial practice, a number of further methods are in use. In this study, glass homogeneity is determined by the measurement of density fluctuation. The method of “density titration” proposed in earlier literature is used in an essentially improved procedure. In this method, the density distribution is determined for a representative ensemble of glass particles prepared from a bulk glass sample. The particles float on a heavy liquid which is diluted, step by step, by a miscible liquid of lower density. The particle fraction with density exceeding the density of the mixture sinks. When the method is performed on quenched or hyperquenched glass, then two types of inhomogeneities contribute to the overall homogeneity, i.e., thermal and chemical contributions. By two consecutive measurements, one performed on a sample of quenched glass, one on the same sample relaxed at , these contributions are clearly discriminated. Results are presented by an error function type distribution where the median marks the average density, and the standard deviation is adopted as a measure of glass homogeneity.
Higher rate of central nervous system involvement by flow cytometry than morphology in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Dass J. , Dayama A. , Mishra P. C. , Mahapatra M. , Seth T. , Tyagi S. , Pati H. P. , Saxena R.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is diagnosed traditionally by cytopathology (CP) of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Role of flow cytometry (FC) to diagnose CNS involvement has not been extensively investigated.

Methods

We aimed to detect CNS involvement in 42 ALL patients (33 B‐ALL, nine T‐ALL) at diagnosis by FC and comparing it with CP and to correlate it with known risk factors for CNS disease like Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the cutoff of LDH to predict CSF involvement. For the analysis of categorical/quantitative variables, Fisher's exact test was used. For the analysis of continuous variables, Mann‐Whitney test was used. A P value of <.05 was taken as significant.

Results

CP and FC were positive in five (11.9%) and 11 patients (26.14%) respectively with FC detecting a significantly higher level of involvement (P=.001). All CP‐positive cases were FC positive. A LDH value of >472 U/L had a sensitivity of 61% and specificity of 62.5% for diagnosis of CSF involvement by FC.

Conclusions

CSF FC detects CNS disease in ALL patients at diagnosis at a rate double than CP alone and is statistically associated with an elevated LDH level. It should be incorporated in the evaluation of CSF to detect CNS involvement.
Evaluation of the Sysmex XN‐550, a Novel Compact Haematology analyser from the XN‐L® series, compared to the XN‐20 system
Authors: Tailor H. , Mackie I. , Mellick A. , Machin S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The XN‐550 is a new, automated, compact, haematology analyser designed to generate a full blood count with a standard five‐part white blood cell differential and an immature granulocyte count, as well as an optional reticulocyte and optical platelet (PLT) counts. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of the XN‐550 and compare it to the established XN‐20 system.

Methods

We evaluated the basic parameter and special measurement channels of the XN‐550, using the XN‐20 (which has a similar operating system), as a reference analyser. Precision, carry‐over and throughput evaluations were performed. In addition, a total of 202 samples including normal controls and various pathological samples were studied for comparability.

Results

Good correlations with the reference analyser were obtained for all parameters except basophils. The XN‐550 offers impedance and optical PLT counts and the latter showed a better correlation and less scatter than the impedance count and was comparable to the XN‐20 fluorescent count at PLT counts ≤40×109/L. Precision was good, and no significant carry‐over was detected.

Conclusions

The XN‐550 was simple and easy to use, while maintaining the good diagnostic sensitivity seen with high‐range systems such as the XN‐20, making this compact device suitable for near‐patient services and smaller satellite laboratories.
Phase evolution from Ln2Ti2O7 (Ln=Y and Gd) pyrochlores to brannerites in glass with uranium incorporation
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Kong Linggen , Aughterson Robert D. , Karatchevtseva Inna , Zheng Rongkun
Published: June 2017

Ln2Ti2O7 (Ln=Y and Gd) pyrochlore glass‐ceramics have been fabricated successfully via internal crystallization. Subsequently, the phase evolution from Ln2Ti2O7 pyrochlores to Ln0.5U0.5Ti2O6 brannerites in glass with uranium (U) substitutions on the Ln‐site of Ln2Ti2O7 has been investigated using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope‐electron dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Combined characterization by XRD, SEM‐EDS and TEM SAED confirms the structures and phase evolution while Raman spectroscopy reveals characteristic vibration modes for both pyrochlore and brannerite. In addition, DRS of the U5+ ion has been used to probe the phase evolution, with the corresponding f‐f transition band of 2F7/2 energy level significantly shifting to longer wavenumbers due to the local coordination environment changing from eightfold coordination in pyrochlore to sixfold coordination in brannerite.
Polypharmacy and Gait Performance in Community–dwelling Older Adults
Authors: George Claudene , Verghese Joe
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To examine the relationship between polypharmacy and gait performance during simple (normal walk (NW)) and complex (walking while talking (WWT)) locomotion.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Community‐dwelling older adults (N = 482).

Measurements

Polypharmacy, defined as use of five or more medications and a cohort‐specific alternate definition of eight or more medications, was examined. Velocity (cm/s) measured quantitatively during NW and WWT conditions.

Results

The 164 participants (34%) with polypharmacy of five or more medications were older (77.0 ± 6.6 vs 76.0 ± 6.4) and more likely to have hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, and higher body mass index (BMI) and to have fallen within the last year than the remaining 318 without polypharmacy and walked 6 cm/s slower (P = .004) during NW and 4 cm/s slower during WWT (P = .07), adjusting for age, sex, and education. Group differences were not statistically significant after adjusting for comorbidities. Prevalence of polypharmacy of eight or more medications was 10%. This group walked 11 cm/s slower during NW (P < .001) and 8.6 cm/s slower during WWT (P = .01) than those without polypharmacy, adjusted for age, sex, and education. Participants taking eight or more medications had slower NW (8.5 cm/s; P = .01), and WWT (6.9 cm/s; P = .07), compared to those without polypharmacy, adjusting for comorbidities. Adjustments for BMI, high‐risk drugs, falls, and comorbidities yielded slower NW (9.4 cm/s, P = .005) and WWT (7.9 cm/s, P = .04 among those with polypharmacy compared to those without polypharmacy).

Conclusion

These results suggest an association between polypharmacy and locomotion that medical comorbidities only partly explained.
Localized micronutrient patches induce lateral root foraging and chemotropism in Nicotiana attenuata
Authors: Ferrieri Abigail P. , Machado Ricardo A. R. , Arce Carla C. M. , Kessler Danny , Baldwin Ian T. , Erb Matthias
Published: June 2017

Nutrients are distributed unevenly in the soil. Phenotypic plasticity in root growth and proliferation may enable plants to cope with this variation and effectively forage for essential nutrients. However, how micronutrients shape root architecture of plants in their natural environments is poorly understood. We used a combination of field and laboratory‐based assays to determine the capacity of Nicotiana attenuata to direct root growth towards localized nutrient patches in its native environment. Plants growing in nature displayed a particular root phenotype consisting of a single primary root and a few long, shallow lateral roots. Analysis of bulk soil surrounding the lateral roots revealed a strong positive correlation between lateral root placement and micronutrient gradients, including copper, iron and zinc. In laboratory assays, the application of localized micronutrient salts close to lateral root tips led to roots bending in the direction of copper and iron. This form of chemotropism was absent in ethylene and jasmonic acid deficient lines, suggesting that it is controlled in part by these two hormones. This work demonstrates that directed root growth underlies foraging behavior, and suggests that chemotropism and micronutrient‐guided root placement are important factors that shape root architecture in nature.
Endocrine influence on neuroinflammation: the use of reporter systems
Authors: Rizzi N. , Villa A. , Benedusi V. , Brunialti E. , Cesari N. , Ciana P. , Maggi A.
Published: June 2017

Most of the ageing‐associated pathologies are coupled with a strong inflammatory component that accelerates the progress of the physiopathological functional decline related to ageing. The currently available pharmacological tools for the control of neuroinflammation present several side effects that restrict their application, particularly in chronic disorders. The discovery of the potential anti‐inflammatory action exerted by endogenous oestrogens, as well as the finding that activation of oestrogen receptor α results in a significant decrease of inflammation at the cellular level and in models of inflammatory diseases, prompted us to embark in a series of studies aimed at the generation of reporter systems, allowing us to (i) understand the anti‐inflammatory action of oestrogens at molecular level; (ii) evaluate the extent to which the action of this steroid hormone was relevant in models of pathologies characterised by a strong inflammatory component; and (iii) investigate the efficacy of novel, synthetic oestrogens endowed with anti‐inflammatory activity. Accordingly, we conceived the NFκB‐luc2 reporter mouse, a model characterised by dual reporter genes for fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging under the control of a synthetic DNA able to bind the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B, the master regulator of the expression of most of the cytokines responsible for the initial phase of acute inflammation. Here, we summarise the philosophy that has driven our research in the past years, as well as some of the results obtained so far.
Sex differences in brain mitochondrial metabolism: influence of endogenous steroids and stroke
Authors: Gaignard P. , Fréchou M. , Liere P. , Thérond P. , Schumacher M. , Slama A. , Guennoun R.
Published: June 2017

Steroids are neuroprotective and a growing body of evidence indicates that mitochondria are a potential target of their effects. The mitochondria are the site of cellular energy synthesis, regulate oxidative stress and play a key role in cell death after brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. After providing a summary of the literature on the general functions of mitochondria and the effects of sex steroid administrations on mitochondrial metabolism, we summarise and discuss our recent findings concerning sex differences in brain mitochondrial function under physiological and pathological conditions. To analyse the influence of endogenous sex steroids, the oxidative phosphorylation system, mitochondrial oxidative stress and brain steroid levels were compared between male and female mice, either intact or gonadectomised. The results obtained show that females have higher a mitochondrial respiration and lower oxidative stress compared to males and also that these differences were suppressed by ovariectomy but not orchidectomy. We have also shown that the decrease in brain mitochondrial respiration induced by ischaemia/reperfusion is different according to sex. In both sexes, treatment with progesterone reduced the ischaemia/reperfusion‐induced mitochondrial alterations. Our findings indicate sex differences in brain mitochondrial function under physiological conditions, as well as after stroke, and identify mitochondria as a target of the neuroprotective properties of progesterone. Thus, it is necessary to investigate sex specificity in brain physiopathological mechanisms, especially when mitochondria impairment is involved.
Genetic study of the BRAF gene reveals new variants and high frequency of the V600E mutation among Iranian ameloblastoma patients
Authors: Soltani Maryam , Tabatabaiefar Mohammad Amin , Mohsenifar Zhaleh , Pourreza Mohammad Reza , Moridnia Abbas , Shariati Laleh , Razavi Seyyed Mohammad
Published: June 2017

Background

Ameloblastoma is a benign, slow‐growing and locally invasive tumor. It is one of the most prevalent odontogenic tumors, with an incidence rate of 1% of all oral tumors and approximately 18% of odontogenic tumors. A group of genes have been investigated in patients with ameloblastoma. The BRAF V600E mutation has been implicated as the most common mutation in ameloblastoma. The presence or absence of this mutation has been associated with several clinicopathological properties, including location, age at diagnosis, histology, and prognosis. Although some populations have been investigated so far, little data are available on the Iranian population. The current research was launched to study the BRAF V600E mutation among a cohort of Iranian patients with ameloblastoma.

Methods

In this clinicopathological and molecular biology study, a total of 19 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues were studied. DNA extraction was performed, followed by PCR‐sequencing of exons 10 and 15 of the BRAF gene to identify mutations. In silico analysis was performed for the identified variants. Results were analyzed by T test, Chi‐square, and Fisher's exact test.

Results

Totally, 12 of 19 samples (63%) harbored the p. V600E hotspot mutation. In addition, we identified several variants, two of which were novel. The c.1769T>G (p. V590G) and c.1751C>T (p.L584F) as the novel variants showed a possible damaging effect by in silico analysis. No variant was found within exon 10.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the role of BRAF mutations in ameloblastoma in the Iranian patients studied.
On the equilibrium and welfare consequences of getting ahead of the Smiths
Authors: Gavrel Frédéric , Rebière Thérèse
Published: June 2017

This paper provides an analysis of the social consequences of people seeking to get ahead of the Smiths. All individuals attempt to reach a higher rank than the Smiths, including the Smiths themselves. This attitude gives rise to an equilibrium in which all individuals have equal utilities but unequal (gross) incomes. Due to a rat‐race effect, individuals devote too much energy to climbing the social scale. However, laissez‐faire equilibrium is an equal‐utility constrained social optimum. Conversely, a utilitarian social planner would not choose utility equality. Unexpectedly, this social ambition theory fairly well accounts for empirical intermediate wage inequality.
Regulation of growth–defense balance by the JASMONATE ZIM‐DOMAIN (JAZ)‐MYC transcriptional module
Authors: Major Ian T. , Yoshida Yuki , Campos Marcelo L. , Kapali George , Xin Xiu‐Fang , Sugimoto Koichi , de Oliveira Ferreira Dalton , He Sheng Yang , Howe Gregg A.
Published: June 2017

The plant hormone jasmonate (JA) promotes the degradation of JASMONATE ZIM‐DOMAIN (JAZ) proteins to relieve repression on diverse transcription factors (TFs) that execute JA responses. However, little is known about how combinatorial complexity among JAZ–TF interactions maintains control over myriad aspects of growth, development, reproduction, and immunity.

We used loss‐of‐function mutations to define epistatic interactions within the core JA signaling pathway and to investigate the contribution of MYC TFs to JA responses in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Constitutive JA signaling in a jaz quintuple mutant (jazQ) was largely eliminated by mutations that block JA synthesis or perception. Comparison of jazQ and a jazQ myc2 myc3 myc4 octuple mutant validated known functions of MYC2/3/4 in root growth, chlorophyll degradation, and susceptibility to the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. We found that MYC TFs also control both the enhanced resistance of jazQ leaves to insect herbivory and restricted leaf growth of jazQ. Epistatic transcriptional profiles mirrored these phenotypes and further showed that triterpenoid biosynthetic and glucosinolate catabolic genes are up‐regulated in jazQ independently of MYC TFs.

Our study highlights the utility of genetic epistasis to unravel the complexities of JAZ–TF interactions and demonstrates that MYC TFs exert master control over a JAZ‐repressible transcriptional hierarchy that governs growth–defense balance.
Educational strategies and atraumatic restorative treatment effect on salivary characteristics: A controlled clinical trial
Authors: Freitas CN , Castelo PM , Sousa KG , Alonso GC , Fonseca FLA , Klein MI , Barbosa TS
Published: June 2017

Objective

To evaluate educational strategies and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART)‐restoration impact on salivary physicochemical and microbiological characteristics.

Design

Two groups of 6‐ to 7‐year‐old children were included: GART, with at least one decayed primary molar (n = 36), submitted to four sessions of oral health educational strategy (OHES) and ART restoration; GC, a paired caries‐free group (n = 36), submitted to four sessions of OHES. Three evaluations were carried out: baseline, 1 week after OHES, and 1 month after OHES or ART, when biofilm and gingivitis frequencies, salivary flow, pH, buffer capacity, calcium and phosphorus concentrations were assessed. Total bacteria and Streptococcus mutans were quantified in unstimulated saliva (qPCR).

Results

Improvement in biofilm and gingivitis scores, salivary pH, and buffering capacity after OHES was observed in GC, with a decrease in total bacteria and S. mutans counts. GART also showed changes in salivary parameters, even before ART restoration was delivered, and total bacteria count remained lower than baseline 1 month after ART restoration, although a trend to increase the proportion of S. mutans was observed.

Conclusion

Improvements in salivary physicochemical and microbiological characteristics were observed after educational strategies, thus reducing the caries risk of children with decayed teeth, although a trend to increase the S. mutans percentage was observed 1 month after ART restoration.
Detection of human polyomaviruses JC and BK in liver pretransplant patients
Authors: Figueiredo MA , Domingues Fink MC , Castro T , Braz‐Silva PH , Steffens JC , Eduardo FP , Gallottini M , Ortega KL
Published: June 2017

Objective

This study aimed to identify and quantify polyomaviruses (BKPyV and JCPyV) in the saliva, mouthwash, blood and urine of liver pretransplant patients.

Materials and Methods

A case–control study was performed using a convenience sample of 21 end‐stage liver disease patients (EG = experimental group) and 20 normoreactive controls (CG = control group). In total, 162 samples were collected. Detection and quantification of polyomaviruses were performed using real‐time PCR method.

Results

In the EG, 21 samples (25%) were positive for BKPyV and 10 (11.90%) for JCPyV, while in the CG, 27 samples (34.61%) were positive for BKPyV and six (7.69%) for JCPyV. With regard to the number of samples positive for BKPyV and JCPyV, there was no statistically significant difference between EG and CG (p = .52 and p = .25). In the EG, we observed a panorama similar to that of the CG regarding the presence of polyomaviruses in mouthwash, blood and urine. The greatest difference between the samples was that regarding the identification of BKPyV in saliva.

Conclusion

Cirrhotic patients on the liver transplant waiting list did not show higher prevalence of BKPyV and JCPyV compared to normoreactive controls.
Endo‐ and epilithic faunal succession in a Pliocene–Pleistocene cave on Rhodes, Greece: record of a transgression
Authors: Steinthorsdottir Margret , Håkansson Eckart
Published: June 2017

A fossil cave and associated sediments and fossil fauna located on the Greek island of Rhodes in the eastern Aegean Sea is reported here, and the depositional history discussed. The sediments were deposited during the late Pliocene, in the interstitial space between basement boulders of up to 1500 tons. The depositional history of the cave comprises eight stages. From initial flooding, the basin experienced a continuous transgression with sea‐level rise in excess of 500 m, followed by a rapid, forced regression of similar magnitude. The recognition of a succession of fossil communities illustrates this transgression, with a seemingly abrupt shift from endolithic to epilithic biota dominance late in the transgressive cycle. The communities recording the increasing water depth from 0 to >150 m are: The Gatrochaenolithes torpedo (bivalve boring) and Entobia gonioides (sponge boring) ichnocoenosis, with peak distribution between 0 and 1 m water depth; the E. gonioides – E. magna ichnocoenosis, with 1–5 m depth peak distribution; the exclusive E. magna ichnocoenosis, with 5–40 m depth peak distribution; and the E. gigantea ichnocoenosis, with a peak distribution approaching 150–200 m. Below this depth, an epilithic community without boring organisms takes over, characterized by the calcareous sponge Merlia cf. normani, and the inarticulate brachiopod Novocrania turbinata. Simultaneously with the succession of the endo‐ and epilithic cave wall fossil communities, skeletal calcarenite accumulated on the cave floor; the erosional remnants of this sediment are insufficient to further expand the overall transgression–regression model.
Pulse propagation in turbidity currents
Authors: Ho Viet Luan , Dorrell Robert M. , Keevil Gareth M. , Burns Alan D. , McCaffrey William D.
Published: June 2017

Submarine turbidity currents are a key mechanism in the transportation of clastic sediments to deep seas. Such currents may initiate with a complex longitudinal flow structure comprising flow pulses (for example, by being sourced from retrogressive sea floor slope failures) or acquire such structure during run‐out (for example, following flow combination downstream of confluences). A key question is how far along channel pathway complex flow structure is preserved within turbidity currents as they run out and thus if flow initiation mechanism and proximity to source may be inferred from the vertical structure of their deposits. To address this question, physical modelling of saline flows has been conducted to investigate the dynamics of single‐pulsed versus multi‐pulsed density driven currents. The data suggest that, under most circumstances, individual pulses within a multi‐pulsed flow must merge. Therefore, initiation signatures will only be preserved in deposits upstream of the merging point and may be distorted approaching it; downstream of the merging point, all initiation signals will be lost. This new understanding of merging phenomenon within multi‐pulsed gravity currents broadens our ability to interpret multi‐pulsed turbidites.