bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elucidation of the zinc‐dependent regulation in Amycolatopsis japonicum enabled the identification of the ethylenediamine‐disuccinate ([S,S]‐EDDS) genes
Authors: Spohn Marius , Wohlleben Wolfgang , Stegmann Evi
Published: December 2015

The actinomycete Amycolatopsis japonicum produces the complexing agent ethylenediamine‐disuccinate ([S,S]‐EDDS), which is an isomer of the widely industrially applied ethylenediamine‐tetraacetate (EDTA). In contrast to EDTA, [S,S]‐EDDS is readily biodegradable and is therefore an alternative with a favourable environmental profile. Biotechnological production of [S,S]‐EDDS, however, is not currently possible because its biosynthesis is inhibited by low‐micromolar zinc concentrations. Here we illustrate the development of a new strategy for identifying a biosynthetic pathway that is based on the elucidation of transcriptional regulation and the screening for binding sites of the respective regulator that controls the [S,S]‐EDDS biosynthesis genes. To achieve this, we identified the zinc uptake regulator Zur in A. japonicum and showed that it mediates the repression of the zinc uptake system ZnuABCAj. The Zur‐binding motif, recognized by the zinc‐bound Zur protein in the upstream region of znuABCAj, was used to screen the genome, leading to the identification of the aes genes. Transcriptional analysis and shift assays reveal specific zinc‐responsive regulation of the aes genes by Zur, and gene inactivation shows their involvement in [S,S]‐EDDS biosynthesis. Zur‐mediated zinc repression of the [S,S]‐EDDS biosynthesis genes is abolished in a Δzur mutant, which offers now the opportunity to develop a biotechnological process.
Debate on Karen Bakker's Privatizing Water
Authors: Punjabi Bharat
Published: December 2015

In this IJURR debate, three critical urban scholars (Vinay Gidwani, Alana Boland and Roger Keil) and one water scholar (Farhana Sultana), who have done field research in different parts of the world, discuss and analyze different aspects of Karen Bakker's contributions to the question of water access in urban areas of the global South. Karen Bakker has the final word.
Review of ultrasound appearance in inflammatory breast cancer: A pictorial essay
Authors: Abeywardhana Dilupani Y , Nascimento Vinicius C , Dissanayake Deepthi , Taylor Donna , Metcalf Cecily , Saunders Christobel , Wylie Elizabeth
Published: December 2015

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare malignancy accounting for 1–2% of breast cancers. It has an aggressive clinical presentation and poor prognosis. The sonographic findings in 41 patients with a clinical diagnosis of IBC and biopsy‐proven breast malignancy are presented in this study. The most common finding was the presence of skin thickening (92%). Multiple small anechoic spaces within the dermis, correlating with the presence of dermal lymphatic invasion by tumour emboli on histopathology were noted in approximately one‐third of cases. Other sonographic findings included single or multiple masses, parenchymal oedema, axillary lymphadenopathy, echogenic foci consistent with microcalcifications and increased vascularity.
CT perfusion in acute stroke calls: A pictorial review and differential diagnoses
Authors: Chiu Albert H , Phillips Timothy J , Phatouros Constantine C , Singh Tejinder P , Hankey Graeme J , Blacker David J , McAuliffe William
Published: December 2015

CT perfusion is increasingly utilised in hyperacute stroke to facilitate diagnosis and patient selection for reperfusion therapies. This review article demonstrates eight examples of how CT perfusion can be used to diagnose stroke mimics and small volume infarcts, which can be easily missed on non‐contrast CT, and to suggest the presence of an ischaemic penumbra. Radiologists involved in stroke management must understand the importance of rapid imaging acquisition and be confident in the prospective interpretation of this powerful diagnostic tool as we move into a new era of hyperacute stroke care.
The association between initial manifestations of childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus and the survival
Authors: Fatemi Alimohammad , Matinfar Mohammad , Saber Mina , Smiley Abbas
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) comprises 15–20% of patients with SLE. Although several studies have reported the outcomes of adult‐onset SLE, few investigations have been conducted on cSLE in the Middle East.

Methods

In a retrospective study, all children with SLE admitted to our tertiary referral center between 1992 and 2011 were recruited. The clinical and laboratory data at the time of onset were recorded and analyzed. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to calculate the survival rates. Cox regression analysis was applied to assess the predictors of mortality.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐eight children diagnosed with SLE were enrolled during the study period. Nine patients were censored due to loss to follow‐up (6) and incomplete data (3 cases). Mean age of patients at the time of onset was 14.4 (3.05) years. Only 22 (11.8%) children were younger than 10 years at the time of disease onset. In total, 20 patients (11%) died, all after the first decade of life. The most common cause of death was lupus nephritis (10 patients, 50% of deaths) followed by infections (35%), cerebrovascular accidents (10%) and alveolar hemorrhage (5%). Cumulative survival rate after 5, 10, 15 and 20 years was 91, 87, 85, and 79%, respectively. Having hematuria or pleurisy at the time of SLE onset had a negative effect on survival in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

cSLE survival in Iran was comparable to that in other developing countries. Baseline presentation with hematuria predominantly increased the mortality rate in cSLE. Prospective and larger studies in future may unfold other aspects of cSLE.
Assessing ageist behaviours in undergraduate nursing students using the Relating to Older People Evaluation (ROPE) survey
Authors: Frost Jane , Ranse Kristen , Grealish Laurie
Published: December 2015

Aim

To describe the prevalence of ageist behaviours amongst first‐year undergraduate nursing students.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey design. The Relating to Older People Evaluation (ROPE) survey was administered to first‐year undergraduate nursing students in one Australian university.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐five students responded (response rate (RR) 85.3%). Up to 97.8% of students reported engaging in some ageist behaviours, with positive ageist behaviours ranked highest. Up to 87.5% of the cohort reported engaging in negative behaviours, such as talking slow and loud to an older person. Most students (63.2%) indicated that they would work in aged care in the future.

Conclusion

Nursing students report engaging in ageist behaviours that can have a negative effect on their future relationships with older patients. The ROPE survey can be used to make collective ageist behaviours explicit to students. Combining explicit collective information on ageist behaviours with educational strategies is proposed to address ageism in undergraduate nursing curricula.
Improving hand surgery access and care through service redesign
Authors: Isedale Grant , Harris Ian , Rider Mark
Published: December 2015

Background

The hand surgery service in our major trauma centre comprised predominantly emergency surgery with poor theatre access, resulting in many cases being postponed and performed after hours and with low rates of supervision.

Method

We report the results of a before‐and‐after study describing the change in processes and outcomes associated with a change in the model of care to a sequestered, area‐wide hand surgery service. The study uses data from 12 months prior to and 12 months after the change in practice.

Results

The hand service experienced a 24.7% increase in demand for surgery in the first 12 months after the relocation. However, demand for overnight beds fell by 303%, the rate of specialist supervision increased from 23.5% to 81.3% (P < 0.0001), the time between admission and surgery fell from 5.1 to 2.7 h (P < 0.0001), the rate of cancellations fell from 21.8% to 7.7% (P < 0.0001), the proportion of emergency surgery conducted in normal hours increased from 65.8% to 93.6% (P < 0.0001), the 28‐day unplanned reoperation rate fell from 1.2% to 0.5% (P = 0.02) and surgical time decreased to an equivalent of 41 half day operating sessions per year.

Conclusion

These outcomes are in line with international experiences of service centralization. The project may be used as a template for practice change in other surgical fields.
Patient‐related factors influence the risk of developing intestinal stoma complications in early post‐operative period
Authors: Harilingam Mohanraj , Sebastian Joseph , Twum‐Barima Charlene , Boshnaq Mohamed , Mangam Sudhakar , Khushal Amjad , Marzouk Deya , Tsavellas George
Published: December 2015

Background

Few studies have investigated the risk factors associated with developing intestinal stoma complications using appropriate multivariable methods. We aimed to determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, stomal complications.

Methods

A retrospective, case‐control methodology was used to investigate 12 explanatory variables and four outcome variables in 202 consecutive patients receiving stomas in a district general hospital in the United Kingdom between January 2013 and December 2014. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs).

Results

There were 69 complications (69/202; 34.2%) in the early post‐operative period (median 12 months) in total, the most common being retraction (30.4%). Performance status (World Health Organization score 1 or more; OR 2.67; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.33–5.33; P = 0.006) and body mass index (>30 kg/m2; OR 3.30; 95% CIs 1.61–6.78; P = 0.001) were significantly associated with developing complications in multivariable analysis. Surgery‐related risk factors, such as time of day or week of operation and grade of surgeon, were not associated with the development of stoma complications. Thirty‐eight patients (18.8%) died over the follow‐up period, but mortality was not related to the development of stoma complications (1.01; 0.48–2.13, P = 0.98).

Conclusion

Patient‐related risk factors influence the risk of developing a stoma complication more than surgery‐related risk factors. Preoperative and post‐operative interventions, planning, vigilance and management should be focussed to at‐risk groups, particularly obese patients.
East and South Asia: Managing Difficult Bilateral Relations and Regional Integration Globally
Authors: Armstrong Shiro Patrick
Published: December 2015

This paper analyzes the economic integration of the East and South Asian economies in the global economy. East Asian economies are shown to be achieving much more of their potential trade than South Asian economies, both in terms of intra‐regional trade and in trade with the rest of the world. Examination of the China–Japan, India–Pakistan and Taiwan–mainland China bilateral relationships shows that integration of these economies into the global economy has allowed economic relations to dominate and constrain difficult bilateral political relations in East Asia while in South Asia adverse political relations have hampered development of bilateral economic relationships.
Trade Diversification and Crisis Transmission: A Case Study of Thailand
Authors: Cheewatrakoolpong Kornkarun , Manprasert Somprawin
Published: December 2015

The international trade literature suggests trade concentration is an important factor in the amplification of the global financial crisis. However, the relationship between trade concentration and transmission of the subprime crisis is empirically weak. Thailand is one of the countries with declining reliance on the advanced economies, yet it was greatly affected by the recent crisis. This might result because the formation of global supply chains creates both direct and indirect trade linkages. In this paper, the authors include the effects of both linkages to examine their connection to the transmission of external shocks, as experienced by the Thai economy. If total trade linkages are calculated, Thailand is still found to be highly exposed to advanced markets. Simulation using a computational general equilibrium model also indicates that the country was seriously affected by the financial crisis through indirect channels.
Quantification of the filtering bleb's structure with anterior segment optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kokubun Taiki , Kunikata Hiroshi , Tsuda Satoru , Himori Noriko , Maruyama Kazuichi , Nakazawa Toru
Published: December 2015

Background

The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between post‐trabeculectomy bleb structure evaluated using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT) and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP).

Design

Rretrospective is showed for the design of this study.

Participants

There are twenty‐seven eyes of 27 trabeculectomy patients.

Methods

We drew contour lines for the bleb and cleft on 8‐radius‐scanned AS‐OCT images, and determined correlations of AS‐OCT measurements to postoperative IOP at 6 months.

Main Outcome Measures

The parameter used in this study is an anterior segment optical coherence tomography measurements of bleb structure, including cleft volume, wall volume, and the brightness of the bleb wall.

Results

We found significant correlations between postoperative IOP at 6 months and cleft volume at 3 and 6 months (r = −0.56, P = 0.007 and r = −0.82, P <0.001), bleb wall volume at 6 months (r = −0.48, P = 0.042), bleb vertical brightness at 3 and 6 months (r = 0.73, P < 0.001 and r = 0.49, P = 0.040), and bleb horizontal brightness at 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months (r = 0.49, P = 0.016, r = 0.65, P < 0.001, r = 0.52, P = 0.013 and r = 0.71, P = 0.001). A stepwise multiple regression analysis of bleb structural measurements made ≤2 weeks postoperatively showed that the strongest independent factor indicating postoperative IOP at 6 months was bleb horizontal brightness at 2 weeks (β = 0.50, P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Early postoperative AS‐OCT measurements of blebs, especially horizontal brightness of the bleb wall, were associated with postoperative IOP at 6 months. AS‐OCT measurements of blebs may be useful predictors of trabeculectomy outcomes.
Controlling range expansion in habitat networks by adaptively targeting source populations
Authors: Hock Karlo , Wolff Nicholas H. , Beeden Roger , Hoey Jessica , Condie Scott A. , Anthony Kenneth R. N. , Possingham Hugh P. , Mumby Peter J.
Published: December 2015

Controlling the spread of invasive species, pests, and pathogens is often logistically limited to interventions that target specific locations at specific periods. However, in complex, highly connected systems, such as marine environments connected by ocean currents, populations spread dynamically in both space and time via transient connectivity links. This results in nondeterministic future distributions of species in which local populations emerge dynamically and concurrently over a large area. The challenge, therefore, is to choose intervention locations that will maximize the effectiveness of the control efforts. We propose a novel method to manage dynamic species invasions and outbreaks that identifies the intervention locations most likely to curtail population expansion by selectively targeting local populations most likely to expand their future range. Critically, at any point during the development of the invasion or outbreak, the method identifies the local intervention that maximizes the long‐term benefit across the ecosystem by restricting species’ potential to spread. In so doing, the method adaptively selects the intervention targets under dynamically changing circumstances. To illustrate the effectiveness of the method we applied it to controlling the spread of crown‐of‐thorns starfish (Acanthaster sp.) outbreaks across Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Application of our method resulted in an 18‐fold relative improvement in management outcomes compared with a random targeting of reefs in putative starfish control scenarios. Although we focused on applying the method to reducing the spread of an unwanted species, it can also be used to facilitate the spread of desirable species through connectivity networks. For example, the method could be used to select those fragments of habitat most likely to rebuild a population if they were sufficiently well protected.
The decline of an aristocratic stud: the stud of Edward Lord Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford and Mortimer, at Welbeck (Nottinghamshire), 1717–29
Authors: Edwards Peter
Published: December 2015

In 1716 Edward Lord Harley took possession of one the country's most iconic studs when his wife, Henrietta, inherited Welbeck Abbey (Nottinghamshire) on the death of her mother. At the time, the stud, made famous by her great grandfather, William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle, was in temporary eclipse and run down. He resolved to restore its fortunes. However, beset by debts and with other expensive interests to distract him, including the purchase of books and manuscripts, he allowed the stud to decay, winding it up just over a decade later. With careful management and sound, timely investment, Harley could have restored its fortunes. However, he hoped to re‐establish the stud ‘on the cheap’, utilizing the top class stallions and mares he had at his disposal to produce first‐rate foals, from which he would select the best as replacements. Sadly, too few of the foals came up to expectations. In vain, his agent advised him to retire the ageing mares and invest in suitable replacements. His failure to do so soon impacted on the quality and the number of horses produced. Inevitably, he failed, providing contemporaries and historians alike with an object lesson on how not to run a ‘top‐end’ stud.
On the importance of trait interrelationships for understanding environmental responses of stream macroinvertebrates
Authors: Pilière A. F. H. , Verberk W. C. E. P. , Gräwe M. , Breure A. M. , Dyer S. D. , Posthuma L. , de Zwart D. , Huijbregts M. A. J. , Schipper A. M.
Published: December 2015

Biological traits of organisms are expected to provide increased mechanistic understanding of species–environment relationships. Linking traits to environmental conditions is, however, not straightforward, as traits are interconnected within species and can affect the adaptive value of each other. The aim of our study was to evaluate the importance of these trait interrelationships for understanding environmental responses of freshwater macroinvertebrates.

To this end, we investigated whether environmental responses of macroinvertebrates sharing a given trait were consistent or differed according to their taxonomy or to their other traits. We divided the macroinvertebrates into groups based on single traits (49 single‐trait modalities), on taxonomy (10 orders) and on their overall trait profile (10 trait profile groups [TPGs], defined using self‐organising maps clustering). Abundances of each of these 69 groups were related to 24 environmental variables using boosted regression tree (BRT) modelling, to assess the environmental responses of single traits, orders and TPGs.

Cross‐validated predictive power (R2) of the BRT models ranged from < 1% to 38%. Environmental responses of macroinvertebrates sharing a given trait were inconsistent and varied according to order and/or TPG. Single‐trait responses often reflected the responses of the most abundant taxonomic group expressing the trait, suggesting that analysis of trait responses simply revealed patterns in habitat use by the most abundant species and not necessarily mechanistic relationships.

Further, taxa from the same TPG (hence showing large overlap in their traits) but belonging to different orders showed different environmental responses. This indicates that the order a taxon belongs to confers unique information related to its evolutionary history that was not captured by our 49 trait modalities. However, groupings by orders cannot replace trait‐based approaches, since TPGs also revealed differences in trait profiles within some orders, which were associated with different environmental responses.

Our results highlight the importance of considering multiple rather than single traits when linking macroinvertebrates to environmental variables, including the potential information conveyed by evolutionary history.
Open evaluation of labetalol in the treatment of angina pectoris occurring in hypertensive patients.
Authors: Besterman EM , Spencer M
Published: December 2015

1 In nine hypertensive subjects with angina pectoris, labetalol diminished the incidence of chest pain occurring spontaneously or induced by exercise. 2 Labetalol lowered BP in all subjects. 3 Exercise tolerance at maximum levels was increased by labetalol. 4 Improved cardiac function by labetalol may be related to decreased afterload on the left ventricle, and diminished oxygen utilization by the myocardium.
Constructing and Adapting Causal and Formative Measures of Family Settings: The HOME Inventory as Illustration
Authors: Bradley Robert H.
Published: December 2015

Measures of the home environment are frequently used in studies of children's development. This review provides information on indices composed of causal and formative indicators (the kind of indicators often used to capture salient aspects of family environments) and to suggest approaches that may be useful in constructing such measures for diverse populations. The HOME Inventory is used to illustrate challenges scholars face in determining what to include in useful measures of family settings. To that end, a cross‐cultural review of research on relations among HOME, family context, and child outcomes is presented. The end of the review offers a plan for how best to further research on relations between the home environment and child development for diverse populations.
Substance use prevention program for adolescents with intellectual disabilities on special education schools: a cluster randomised control trial
Authors: Kiewik M. , VanDerNagel J. E. L. , Kemna L. E. M. , Engels R. C. M. E. , DeJong C. A. J.
Published: December 2015

Background

Students without intellectual disability (ID) start experimenting with tobacco and alcohol between 12 and 15 years of age. However, data for 12‐ to 15‐year old students with ID are unavailable. Prevention programs, like ‘prepared on time’ (based on the attitude–social influence–efficacy model), are successful, but their efficacy has not been studied in students with ID. The objectives of this study were (1) to undertake a cluster randomised control trial to test the efficacy of the e‐learning program among 12‐ to 15‐year old students with mild and borderline ID in secondary special‐needs schools and (2) to examine the tobacco and alcohol use for this population.

Methods

Five schools, randomly selected to be part of either the experimental group or the control group, participated in this study. Passive informed consent was used in which parents and their children can refuse to participate in the study, resulting in 111 students in the experimental group and 143 students in the control group. A total of 210 students completed both baseline and follow‐up questionnaires. Primary outcome variables are the knowledge and attitude towards alcohol and tobacco use. This study is registered in the ISRCTN registry with number ISRCTN95279686.

Results

Baseline findings showed that a large proportion of all respondents had initiated smoking (49%) and drinking (75%), well above the expected numbers based on national figures. ‘prepared on time’ did not affect the behavioural determinants (i.e. attitude, subjective norm and self‐efficacy), except modelling on smoking. Additionally, alcohol‐related knowledge of students in the experimental group increased after the completion of the program.

Conclusions

To obtain effective results on behavioural outcomes from ‘prepared on time’, a greater degree of flexibility (i.e. repetition, extension of the program, role playing, etc.) is required. Furthermore, prevention needs to be implemented at a younger age, as 6% of the students tried their first cigarette and 15% of the students drank alcohol at the age of 10 years or younger.
Case of pituitary stalk transection syndrome ascertained after breech delivery
Authors: Fukuta Kaori , Hidaka Takao , Ono Yosuke , Kochi Keiko , Yasoshima Kuniaki , Arai Takashi
Published: December 2015

Pituitary stalk transection syndrome (PSTS) is a rare complication that can accompany breech delivery. Early diagnosis of this syndrome is difficult, and it may cause a serious delay in the diagnosis. We present a case of PSTS ascertained after breech delivery. A 20‐year‐old woman presented with primary amenorrhea. The patient was born by breech delivery and had a history of treatment for pituitary dwarfism. Her laboratory findings showed pituitary hypothyroidism, and hormone replacement therapy was initiated. At 28 years old, she became pregnant and had a normal delivery at 38 weeks' gestation. One year after delivery, her thyroid hormone level changed. Laboratory test showed adrenocortical insufficiency, and magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland showed transection of the pituitary stalk and development of an ectopic posterior lobe. These findings were compatible with PSTS. When a patient who has been born by breech delivery presents with symptoms of pituitary deficiency, PSTS should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Randomized trial of ultrasound‐indicated cerclage in singleton women without lower genital tract inflammation
Authors: Otsuki Katsufumi , Nakai Akihito , Matsuda Yoshio , Shinozuka Norio , Kawabata Ikuno , Makino Yasuo , Kamei Yoshimasa , Iwashita Mitsutoshi , Okai Takashi
Published: December 2015

Aim

This is the first report of a randomized trial of cerclage on pure cervical shortening without vaginosis or cervicitis. The objective of our multicenter randomized controlled trial was to assess the benefits of ultrasound‐indicated cervical cerclage in the mid‐trimester to prevent preterm birth in women who have no signs of infection or inflammation of the lower genital tract.

Material and Methods

Women with a short cervical length < 25 mm between 16 and 26 weeks of gestation were randomly assigned to receive a Shirodkar cerclage, McDonald cerclage, or bedrest (no cerclage). Before being randomly assigned to one of the three groups, all women were screened for infection/inflammation of the lower genital tract; those with positive results were excluded from the study. The ratio of preterm delivery as a primary end‐point was evaluated in the groups.

Results

A total of 106 singleton patients with a short cervical length were assessed for study eligibility; 106 patients were randomized to the three treatment options. Ultimately, 98 patients (in the Shirodkar [n = 34], McDonald [n = 34] and bedrest [n = 30] groups) were analyzed. No differences in preterm delivery or perinatal outcomes were found between the three groups. Significantly fewer patients in the Shirodkar group required hospitalization for treatment of threatened preterm labor when compared to patients in the bedrest group.

Conclusion

For women with a short cervical length < 25 mm between 16 and 26 weeks of gestation, Shirodkar cerclage might be considered to reduce the occurrence of threatened preterm labor.
USPIO‐Enhanced MRI Neuroimaging: A Review
Authors: Gkagkanasiou Maria , Ploussi Agapi , Gazouli Maria , Efstathopoulos Efstathios P.
Published: December 2015

MRI is a powerful tool for the diagnosis and management for a variety of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles are a novel category of MRI contrast agents that seem to play a crucial role in the imaging of CNS. Due to their physical properties, USPIOs act as blood pool agents. USPIOs improve visualization of tumor vasculature and relative cerebral blood volume measurements, tumor‐associated inflammation, inflammatory‐immune mediated disorders, stroke and vascular malformations. Ferumoxytol, a new type of USPIO agent, appears to have ideal characteristics for the imaging of CNS. The last few years, ferumoxytol has been successfully used to image CNS neoplasms, CNS inflammations and cerebral malformations offering useful information on cellular and molecular level. In addition, ferumoxytol studies focused on the pathophysiology of other CNS disorders like multiple sclerosis and epilepsy are already in progress. Aim of this review article is to provide the potential role of USPIO‐enhanced MRI and the latest clinical applications of ferumoxytol agent in CNS imaging.
Influence of Cyclic Fatigue in Water on Screw Torque Loss of Long‐Span One‐Piece Implant‐Supported Zirconia Frameworks
Authors: Tiossi Rodrigo , Gomes Érica Alves , Faria Adriana Cláudia Lapria , Rodrigues Renata Cristina Silveira , Ribeiro Ricardo Faria
Published: December 2015

Purpose

It is still unclear whether four, six, or more implants should be used when restoring fully edentulous maxillae. This research evaluated the in vitro screw torque loss of zirconia frameworks supported by six implants and cantilevered zirconia frameworks supported by four implants.

Materials and Methods

Computer aided design/computer‐assisted machining was used to fabricate 10 one‐piece frameworks. Standardized pressable porcelain crowns were fabricated and luted to the frameworks. Specimens were divided into two groups (n = 5): AO4, cantilevered 12‐unit full‐arch fixed dental prosthesis supported by four implants; AO6, 14‐unit supported by six implants. An opposing mandibular dental arch was fabricated with bis‐acrylic composite resin. Specimens were submitted to 200 N underwater cyclic load at 2‐Hz frequency for 1 × 106 cycles in a controlled 37°C temperature. A digital torque gauge assessed the initial and postload screw removal torque. Linear mixed‐effects model was used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05).

Results

Significant screw torque loss was found for AO6 after cyclic loading (before: 36.20%/after: 52.82%; p < 0.05). Group AO6 (36.20%) presented lower preload loss before the cyclic loadings compared with AO4 (60.10%) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Cyclic loading and lower implant‐to‐replaced‐units ratio do not seem to compromise screw stability compared with higher implant‐to‐replaced‐units ratio; however, a steep drop in preload was found before cyclic loading for both groups.
Vascular and Chronological Age in Subjects with Erectile Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rastrelli Giulia , Corona Giovanni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Vascular age, as derived from the SCORE project algorithm for cardiovascular (CV) risk estimation, is an effective way for communicating CV risk. However, studies on its clinical correlates are scanty.

Aim

To evaluate if the difference between vascular and chronological age (Δage), in a population of subjects with erectile dysfunction (ED), can identify men with a worse risk profile.

Methods

A consecutive series of 2,853 male patients attending the outpatient clinic for erectile dysfunction (ED) for the first time was retrospectively studied. Among them, 85.4% (n  = 2,437) were free of previous MACE and were analyzed.

Main Outcome Measures

Several clinical, biochemical, and penile color Doppler parameters were studied. Vascular age was derived from the SCORE project algorithm, and the Δage was considered.

Results

Higher Δage is associated with several conventional (family history of CV diseases, hyperglycemia, elevated triglycerides, and increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome) and unconventional (severity of ED, frequency of sexual activity, alcohol abuse, lower education level, fatherhood, extramarital affairs, compensated hypogonadism, and low prolactin levels) risk factors. Δage is inversely related to penile color Doppler parameters, including flaccid and dynamic peak systolic velocity and flaccid acceleration (β = −0.125, −0.113, and −0.134, respectively, all P  < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In subjects referring for ED without a personal history of CV events, Δage is associated with an adverse cardio-metabolic profile and worse penile color Doppler ultrasound parameters. Δage provides a simple method for identifying high-risk men that must undergo significant modification in their lifestyle and risk factors. In addition, it can be considered a simple, inexpensive, and safe surrogate marker of penile arterial damage.
The Clitoral Photoplethysmograph: A Pilot Study Examining Discriminant and Convergent Validity
Authors: Suschinsky Kelly D. , Shelley Amanda J. , Gerritsen Jeroen , Tuiten Adriaan , Chivers Meredith L.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

The clitoral photoplethysmograph (CPP) is a relatively new device used to measure changes in clitoral blood volume (CBV); however, its construct validity has not yet been evaluated.

Aim

To evaluate the discriminant and convergent validity of the CPP. For discriminant validity, CBV responses should differ between sexual and nonsexual emotional films if the CPP accurately assesses clitoral vasocongestion associated with sexual arousal; for convergent validity, CBV responses should significantly correlate with subjective reports of sexual arousal.

Methods

Twenty women (M age = 21.2 years, SD = 3.4) watched neutral, anxiety-inducing, exhilarating, and sexual (female–male sex) audiovisual stimuli while their genital responses were measured simultaneously using vaginal and clitoral photoplethysmographs and CPPs. Most of these participants continuously reported sexual arousal throughout each stimulus (n  = 16), and all reported their sexual and nonsexual affect before and after each stimulus; subjective responses were recorded via button presses using a keypad.

Main Outcome Measures

Vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA), CBV, and self-reported sexual arousal and nonsexual affect were used as main outcome measures.

Results

CBV demonstrated both discriminant and convergent validity. CBV responses were similar to VPA responses and self-reported sexual arousal; all responses differed significantly as a function of stimulus content, with the sexual stimulus eliciting greater relative changes than nonsexual stimuli. CBV, but not VPA, was significantly (negatively) correlated with continuous self-reported sexual arousal during the shorter sexual stimulus. CBV was significantly negatively correlated with VPA for the shorter sexual stimulus.

Conclusion

CBV may be a valid measure of women’s genital sexual arousal that provides complementary information to VPA and correlates with self-reported sexual arousal. Given our relatively small sample size, and that this is among the first research to use the CPP, the current findings must be replicated. More research using the CPP and other devices is required for a more comprehensive description of women’s physiological sexual arousal.
Enhancing Cultural Intelligence: The Roles of Implicit Culture Beliefs and Adjustment
Authors: Chao Melody Manchi , Takeuchi Riki , Farh Jiing‐Lih
Published: December 2015

Although international experience has been proposed as an important factor contributing to the development of cultural intelligence (CQ), its effect on CQ has often been assumed. Through a contact hypothesis framework, this study advances our understanding of CQ. It examines the process through which CQ changes occur against the backdrop of international exchanges. University students who were enrolled in an international exchange program with partners worldwide participated in this study. Using a 3‐wave time‐lagged design, we found that implicit culture beliefs (the beliefs about fixedness or malleability of cultural attributes) influenced intercultural rejection sensitivity, which impacted the cross‐cultural adjustment of sojourning students and their subsequent CQ. Specifically, we found that cross‐cultural adjustment experiences, particularly in the social domain, play an important role in influencing CQ. Findings from this study raise novel research questions and underscore the need for more empirical work in this area. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Weight Loss Is Not the Answer: A Well‐being Solution to the “Obesity Problem”
Authors: Logel Christine , Stinson Danu Anthony , Brochu Paula M.
Published: December 2015

Americans have been gaining weight in recent decades, prompting widespread concern about the health implications of this change. Governments, health practitioners, and the general public all want to know: What is the best way to reduce the health risks associated with higher body weight? The dominant weight‐loss solution to this “obesity problem” encourages individuals to lose weight through behavior change. This solution rests on the assumptions that higher body weight causes health problems, that permanent weight loss is attainable, and that weight loss improves health. But comprehensive reviews of the scientific evidence find mixed, weak, and sometimes contradictory evidence for these premises. We suggest that a different solution to the “obesity problem” is needed – a solution that acknowledges both the multifaceted nature of health and the complex interaction between person and situation that characterizes the connection between weight and health. Thus, we use the lens of social psychological science to propose an alternative, well‐being solution to the “obesity problem”. This solution has the potential to improve health by encouraging eating and exercising for optimal health rather than weight loss, by developing interventions to reduce weight stigma and discrimination, and by helping higher body‐weight people cope with the stress of stigma and discrimination.
Positive Psychological Functioning and the Biology of Health
Authors: Kubzansky Laura D. , Boehm Julia K. , Segerstrom Suzanne C.
Published: December 2015

Most research considers both psychological and physical health with a disease perspective by focusing on poor psychological functioning or disease outcomes. However, identifying attributes that support adaptive functioning may inform approaches to achieving health beyond what we learn from studying risk factors that accelerate deterioration. Recent evidence suggests that positive psychological functioning contributes to attaining optimal physical health. We evaluate the current state of knowledge on the relationship between positive psychological functioning and physical health, defining health beyond solely the absence of disease. We further consider when positive psychological functioning begins to exert effects on health, whether it has direct effects on biological processes or serves primarily to buffer the effects of stress, and whether it is associated with health outcomes and biological processes beyond those that reflect the absence of deterioration and disease. We propose some key directions for future research including the assessment of positive psychological functioning, positive biological functioning, and optimal health, the value of multi‐system measures, and the potential of “omics” to provide novel insights into biological mechanisms underlying associations between positive psychological functioning and physical health.
The importance of soil carbon and nitrogen for amelioration of acid sulphate soils
Authors: Michael P. S. , Fitzpatrick R. W. , Reid R. J.
Published: December 2015

When exposed to air and adequate moisture, soils containing sulphides (sulphidic soils with pH > 4) become oxidized and generate sulphuric acid to form ‘sulphuric soils’ (pH < 4). Treatment of this acidity is undertaken by addition of lime. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of adding plant organic matter, and simple carbon and nitrogen compounds, as alternatives to lime to sulphuric and sulphidic soils. In sulphuric soils under aerobic conditions, organic matter increased pH, the extent depending on the nitrogen content. Lucerne hay, which had the largest nitrogen content, increased the pH from 3.7 to 8.0, while pea straw and wheat straw effected smaller changes, in proportion to their respective nitrogen contents. Lucerne hay also caused the greatest reductions in soil redox potential and sulphate content, consistent with the action of sulphate‐reducing bacteria. Similarly, incorporation of organic matter under aerobic conditions effectively prevented sulphidic soil acidification and reduced the redox potential and sulphate content. The individual effects of carbon and nitrogen compounds were then examined and compared to plant organic material. Glucose was ineffective at both small and large concentrations, while molasses increased the pH slightly to 4.6 and acetate to 5.9. None of these carbon compounds was as effective as complex organic matter. Nitrogen added alone as nitrate or ammonia had little or no effect on pH, whereas organic nitrogen in the form of urea caused the pH to rise to 6.3 and reduced the redox to less than 0 mV but had no significant effect on sulphate content.
Comprehensive red blood cell and platelet antigen prediction from whole genome sequencing: proof of principle
Authors: Lane William J. , Westhoff Connie M. , Uy Jon Michael , Aguad Maria , Smeland‐Wagman Robin , Kaufman Richard M. , Rehm Heidi L. , Green Robert C. , Silberstein Leslie E. ,   for the MedSeq Project
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

There are 346 serologically defined red blood cell (RBC) antigens and 33 serologically defined platelet (PLT) antigens, most of which have known genetic changes in 45 RBC or six PLT genes that correlate with antigen expression. Polymorphic sites associated with antigen expression in the primary literature and reference databases are annotated according to nucleotide positions in cDNA. This makes antigen prediction from next‐generation sequencing data challenging, since it uses genomic coordinates.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The conventional cDNA reference sequences for all known RBC and PLT genes that correlate with antigen expression were aligned to the human reference genome. The alignments allowed conversion of conventional cDNA nucleotide positions to the corresponding genomic coordinates. RBC and PLT antigen prediction was then performed using the human reference genome and whole genome sequencing (WGS) data with serologic confirmation.

RESULTS

Some major differences and alignment issues were found when attempting to convert the conventional cDNA to human reference genome sequences for the following genes: ABO, A4GALT, RHD, RHCE, FUT3, ACKR1 (previously DARC), ACHE, FUT2, CR1, GCNT2, and RHAG. However, it was possible to create usable alignments, which facilitated the prediction of all RBC and PLT antigens with a known molecular basis from WGS data. Traditional serologic typing for 18 RBC antigens were in agreement with the WGS‐based antigen predictions, providing proof of principle for this approach.

CONCLUSION

Detailed mapping of conventional cDNA annotated RBC and PLT alleles can enable accurate prediction of RBC and PLT antigens from whole genomic sequencing data.
Eficacia de la entrevista motivacional para promover la adherencia terapéutica en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2
Authors: García Cedillo Ismael , Morales Antúnez Brenda Verónica
Published: December 2015

Se reporta un estudio pre-post con dos grupos, control y experimental, en el que se implementó una intervención individual con el enfoque de la entrevista motivacional (EM) para aumentar la adherencia terapéutica (AT) de pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Participaron 11 pacientes en grupo control y 11 en el experimental, de una institución de salud en México; se aplicaron dos instrumentos para evaluar su AT y estilo de vida. La intervención consistió en seis sesiones individuales de 40 minutos, basadas en la EM. Siete de los once pacientes del grupo experimental cambiaron de nivel de AT. Los niveles de glucosa del grupo experimental mostraron diferencias significativas (p ≤ 0.05). Se concluye que la EM resultó efectiva para aumentar la AT en pacientes con DM2 y que las intervenciones diseñadas para promover la AT deben considerar que, por cuestiones personales y culturales, a las mujeres les resulta más difícil.
La organización de la enseñanza de la lectura en las aulas chilenas. Diferencias entre profesores calificados como básicos o como competentes
Authors: Iturra Herrera Carolina
Published: December 2015

El artículo describe las prácticas educativas de profesores chilenos en clases de comprensión de textos en educación primaria, seleccionadas del sistema de evaluación docente. Utilizando un sistema de análisis del discurso en el aula, se segmentó cada una de las tareas que fueron desplegadas en ellas. Esto permitió describir la organización de la enseñanza, identificando patrones asociados a cada fase de la lectura. Se observaron algunas diferencias de acuerdo a la calificación otorgada a los profesores, siendo los profesores calificados como “competentes” quienes organizaron de manera más coherente las actividades, incluyendo mayores acciones de cierre. No obstante, se desempeñaron de manera similar al resto de los profesores en la fase during-reading, no logrando desplegar acciones tendientes a supervisar la comprensión.
Preferencias implícitas de una muestra española: una técnica novedosa para determinar preferencias raciales
Authors: Dorantes Argandar Gabriel , Ferrero Berlanga Javier , Tortosa Gil Francisco
Published: December 2015

Las preferencias raciales expresadas explícitamente pueden carecer de información que sea completa en su contenido, ya sea porque las personas prefieren no expresar sus actitudes per se o tal vez porque no estén al tanto de ellas. El Implicit Association Test (IAT), desarrollado por Greenwald, Banaji y Nosek, evalúa las preferencias implícitas de las personas a través de una plataforma de internet. Demuestra que cuando una persona expresa una preferencia en particular, es posible que no conciba que esa actitud tenga un componente inconsciente y que pueda modificarla. Se obtuvieron 235 sujetos que respondieron a la prueba de preferencia implícita de raza (negra y blanca), a través del portal de internet del IAT. Los resultados indican que hay una preferencia explícita hacia personas blancas sobre las personas de color, y que la preferencia implícita es de mayor intensidad que la explícita, en el mismo sentido.
Association between chronic mental stress and academic performance among Korean adolescents
Authors: Lee Sun-Kyung , So Wi-Young , Sung Dong Jun
Published: December 2015

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Creatividad y sus dimensiones: ¿De qué hablamos y qué evaluamos?
Authors: Soto Gloria , Ferrando Mercedes , Sáinz Marta , Almeida Leandro S. , Prieto Lola
Published: December 2015

Este artículo analiza el papel de los procesos cognitivos y de los contenidos de las tareas en el desempeño creativo, haciendo un estudio comparativo entre dos pruebas que evalúan la creatividad. La muestra utilizada es de 271 alumnos con edades entre los 8-15 años. Para la evaluación de la creatividad se utilizó una prueba clásica, el Test de Pensamiento Creativo de Torrance (TTCT), y otra posterior, la Prueba de Imaginación Creativa (PIC). Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que, aunque ambas pruebas evalúen la creatividad y tengan el referencial psicométrico de Guilford, sus resultados no están significativamente correlacionados. Los resultados de los análisis factoriales exploratorio y confirmatorio muestran dos factores autónomos que se corresponden con cada una de las pruebas, por tanto, identificándose más con los contenidos y demandas de la tarea que con los procesos cognitivos que tradicionalmente se consideran en la definición y medida de la creatividad.