bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Much Can a Forensic Laboratory Do to Discriminate Questioned Ink Entries?
Authors: Sun Qiran , Luo Yiwen , Zhang Qinghua , Yang Xu , Xu Che
Published: March 2016

Questioned document examiners are frequently required to determine whether the questioned ink entries on a document are written with the same ink, either for forged document identification or relative ink dating. How many methods are sufficient to discriminate potentially different inks? In this paper, 18 blue ballpoint inks were first nondestructively examined with a video spectral comparator. The ink entries were subsequently extracted with organic solvents for analysis of the volatile solvents and dyes by GC/MS, TLC, and LC‐MS/MS. The 18 ink samples were divided into 10, 9, 12, and 14 categories by these four methods, respectively. With the combined results, there were only two inks that remained indistinguishable, but they were further differentiated by microscopy. Therefore, to achieve effective discrimination of ballpoint ink entries, the authors suggest that a complete examination should include an analysis of their optical features, volatile solvents, and dyes as well as the ink quality.
The Effects of Soil Texture on the Ability of Human Remains Detection Dogs to Detect Buried Human Remains
Authors: Alexander Michael B. , Hodges Theresa K. , Wescott Daniel J. , Aitkenhead‐Peterson Jacqueline A.
Published: March 2016

Despite technological advances, human remains detection (HRD) dogs still remain one of the best tools for locating clandestine graves. However, soil texture may affect the escape of decomposition gases and therefore the effectiveness of HDR dogs. Six nationally credentialed HRD dogs (three HRD only and three cross‐trained) were evaluated on novel buried human remains in contrasting soils, a clayey and a sandy soil. Search time and accuracy were compared for the clayey soil and sandy soil to assess odor location difficulty. Sandy soil (p < 0.001) yielded significantly faster trained response times, but no significant differences were found in performance accuracy between soil textures or training method. Results indicate soil texture may be significant factor in odor detection difficulty. Prior knowledge of soil texture and moisture may be useful for search management and planning. Appropriate adjustments to search segment sizes, sweep widths and search time allotment depending on soil texture may optimize successful detection.
Association between fluid balance and mortality in patients with septic shock: a post hoc analysis of the TRISS trial
Authors: Cronhjort M. , Hjortrup P. B. , Holst L. B. , Joelsson‐Alm E. , Mårtensson J. , Svensen C. , Perner A.
Published: March 2016

Background

Several studies have shown an association between a positive fluid balance and increased mortality in patients with septic shock. This may have led to a more restrictive use of intravenous fluids. The association between fluid accumulation and mortality in the setting of a more restrictive use of intravenous fluids, however, is uncertain. We therefore aimed to investigate the association between a cumulative fluid balance 3 days after randomization and 90‐day mortality in a recent Nordic multicentre cohort of patients with septic shock.

Methods

A post hoc analysis of patients from the Transfusion Requirements in Septic Shock (TRISS) trial treated for 3 days or more in the ICU after randomization. The patients were categorized into four groups depending on their weight‐adjusted cumulative fluid balance after 3 days. We performed multivariable Cox regression analysis, adjusting for important prognostics (study site, age, chronic cardiovascular and chronic lung disease, haematologic malignancy, chronic dialysis, source of infection, baseline SOFA score and plasma lactate).

Results

The median cumulative fluid balance of the 841 included patients was 2480 ml (IQR 47‐5045). The median time from ICU admission to inclusion in the trial was 22 h. The overall 90‐day mortality was 52%. There was no statistically significant association between fluid balance 3 days from inclusion and 90‐day mortality after the adjustment for the prognostics (P = 0.37).

Conclusion

In our cohort of patients with septic shock and a comparably low cumulative fluid balance, there was no association between fluid balance and mortality. However, the study design and the limited power preclude strong conclusions. There is an urgent need for high‐quality trials assessing the benefit and harm of different fluid volume strategies in patients with septic shock.
Course of residual symptoms according to the duration of euthymia in remitted bipolar patients
Authors: Samalin L. , Reinares M. , de Chazeron I. , Torrent C. , Bonnin C. M. , Hidalgo‐Mazzei D. , Murru A. , Pacchiarotti I. , Geoffroy P. A. , Bellivier F. , Llorca P. M. , Vieta E.
Published: March 2016

Objective

Although many studies showed the negative impact of residual symptoms on the course of bipolar disorder (BD), there is a need to examine potential differences in residual symptoms according to the duration of euthymia in remitted BD patients.

Method

This was a large cross‐sectional study of 525 euthymic BD out‐patients. A multivariate analysis of covariance was conducted to compare depressive and manic residual symptoms, sleep disturbances and cognitive complaints among three patient groups on the basis of duration of euthymia (A. 6 months to <1 year; B. 1 year to <3 years; C. 3 years to ≤5 years).

Results

A significant difference between the three groups was found in residual symptoms [Pillai's Trace: F(8942) = 4.659, P < 0.001]. Tukey post hoc analysis indicated that patients from Group C presented lower residual depressive symptoms, higher sleep quality and better perceived cognitive performance compared with Group A. Group B also presented better sleep and cognitive outcomes than Group A. In addition, Group C showed the lowest incidence of functional impairment.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the intensity of residual symptoms and functional impairment in remitted BD patients is negatively related to the duration of euthymia.
A genome‐wide association study of copy number variations with umbilical hernia in swine
Authors: Long Yi , Su Ying , Ai Huashui , Zhang Zhiyan , Yang Bin , Ruan Guorong , Xiao Shijun , Liao Xinjun , Ren Jun , Huang Lusheng , Ding Nengshui
Published: March 2016

Umbilical hernia (UH) is one of the most common congenital defects in pigs, leading to considerable economic loss and serious animal welfare problems. To test whether copy number variations (CNVs) contribute to pigUH, we performed a case–control genome‐wideCNVassociation study on 905 pigs from the Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire breeds using the PorcineSNP60 BeadChip andpenncnvalgorithm. We first constructed a genomic map comprising 6193CNVs that pertain to 737CNVregions. Then, we identified eightCNVs significantly associated with the risk forUHin the three pig breeds. Six of seven significantly associatedCNVs were validated using quantitative real‐timePCR. Notably, a rareCNV(CNV14:13030843–13059455) encompassing theNUGGCgene was strongly associated withUH(permutation‐correctedP = 0.0015) in Duroc pigs. ThisCNVoccurred exclusively in seven Duroc UH‐affected individuals.SNPs surrounding theCNVdid not show association signals, indicating that rareCNVs may play an important role in complex pig diseases such asUH. TheNUGGCgene has been implicated in human omphalocele and inguinal hernia. Our finding supports thatCNVs, including theNUGGCCNV, contribute to the pathogenesis of pigUH.
India's post‐green‐revolution agricultural performance: what is driving growth?
Authors: Rada Nicholas
Published: March 2016

Following a period of poor performance in the 1990s, India's agricultural growth rate has reaccelerated in the 2000s. Some believe the reacceleration has been a product of intensified investment, which in turn has spurred yield growth. Others suggest it is because India's newly wealthy citizens have demanded greater product diversification. To examine these hypotheses, we use growth accounting techniques in conjunction with more complete agricultural production data than in past studies to construct state, regional, and national output, input, and total factor productivity quantity indexes, which can be decomposed into their underlying sources. Sectoral performance evaluation suggests that, since 1980, output growth has diffused away from the northern “grain belt” and toward high‐value agriculture in traditionally less‐productive regions. Productivity growth, rather than resource use, has accounted for these geographical and intensity shifts. The growth burst has not, as the literature has primarily argued, been uniquely explainable by yield growth or product diversification but by a variety of factors, including area expansion. For example, the contributions of irrigation technologies permitting double‐cropping have until now been largely ignored.
Uncommon cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders in two patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Carroll Melissa , Biswas Neela , Wheller Laura , Shepherd Victoria , Strutton Geoffrey M
Published: March 2016

Two patients with rheumatoid arthritis developed rare cutaneous lymphomas while on long‐term immunosuppression: extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal and plasmablastic lymphoma. We give an overview of these lymphomas in the context of rheumatoid arthritis and postulate whether these diagnoses could be iatrogenically induced.
Expression ratio of histone demethylase KDM3A to protamine‐1 mRNA is predictive of successful testicular sperm extraction in men with obstructive and non‐obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Javadirad S. M. , Hojati Z. , Ghaedi K. , Nasr‐Esfahani M. H.
Published: March 2016

To evaluate the predictive value of histone demethylase KDM3A to protamine 1 (PRM1) mRNA expression ratio as a reliable marker of sperm retrieval in men with obstructive and non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Fifty eight azoospermic men, including 44 with NOA and 14 with obstructive azoospermia (OA). Testis tissue samples were collected from azoospermic men who have been referred for testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and micro‐TESE. Relative expression ratio of KDM3A to PRM1 was analyzed after selection of approved reference genes. Histological classification of testis biopsies was performed. Sperm retrieval following TESE and micro‐TESE was evaluated. A sperm retrieval prediction sensitivity of 95% was established when the Cq of PRM1 became smaller than the Cq of both KDM3A and GAPDH genes. However, azoospermic men with down‐regulated KDM3A and decreased expression of PRM1 mRNA showed very low success for sperm retrieval (<25%), even after micro‐TESE surgery. The KDM3A to PRM1 mRNA expression ratio can be used as a reliable marker of successful testicular sperm extraction in men with obstructive and non‐obstructive azoospermia with 95% sensitivity.
MYC translocation and/or BCL 2 protein expression are associated with poor prognosis in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Kawamoto Keisuke , Miyoshi Hiroaki , Yoshida Noriaki , Nakamura Naoya , Ohshima Koichi , Sone Hirohito , Takizawa Jun
Published: March 2016

Genomic alterations and protein expression levels have been established as prognostic factors for survival in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In particular, double‐hit DLBCL (DHL), which exhibits translocations in MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6, is known to be associated with a poor prognosis. However, the clinical significance of gene alterations and protein expression levels for MYC, B‐cell lymphoma (BCL)2, and BCL6 are unclear. In this study, we analyzed 61 adult patients diagnosed with DLBCL without DHL, who were treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone, or similar regimens. There were no differences in the distribution of MYC expression rates among the different MYC gene statuses. In log–rank tests, MYC translocation was a prognostic factor for overall survival (OS; P = 0.011), whereas BCL2 and BCL6 translocation were not prognostic indicators (P = 0.999 and P = 0.925, respectively). Although the expression levels of MYC and BCL6 were not significantly associated with OS, the expression of BCL2 was a prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.027). Furthermore, copy number gains in the MYC, BCL2, and BCL6 genes did not affect OS. MYC translocation (hazard ratio, 4.769; range, 1.518–14.98; P = 0.007) and BCL2 protein expression (hazard ratio, 3.072; range, 1.002–9.413; P = 0.049) were independent prognostic factors for survival in multivariate analyses. In conclusion, MYC translocation and BCL2 expression may need to be investigated at the initial diagnosis to predict prognosis in patients with DLBCL.
Early introduction of palliative care and advanced care planning for children with complex chronic medical conditions: a pilot study
Authors: Liberman D. B. , Song E. , Radbill L. M. , Pham P. K. , Derrington S. F.
Published: March 2016

Background

Children with complex chronic medical conditions benefit from early introduction of palliative care services and advanced care planning for symptom management and to support quality of life and medical decision‐making. This study evaluated whether introducing palliative care during primary care appointments (1) was feasible; (2) increased access and improved knowledge of palliative care; and (3) facilitated advanced care planning.

Methods

Pilot study of a multi‐modal intervention including targeted education for primary care providers (PCPs), an informational packet for families and presence of a palliative care team member in the outpatient clinic. PCPs completed pre‐ and post‐surveys assessing experience, knowledge and comfort with palliative care. Enrolled families received an information packet; a subset also met a palliative care team member. All families were encouraged to make an appointment with the palliative care team, during which the team assessed palliative care needs and goals of care. Upon study completion, the investigators assessed family and PCP satisfaction and collected feedback on project feasibility.

Results

Twenty families were enrolled and received the information packet; 15 met a palliative care team member. Of the 17 participating families who were reached and completed a post‐study survey, 11 families had never heard of palliative care and 13 were unaware that the palliative care team existed. Most families perceived palliative care information as ‘very helpful’ and ‘very important’. All would recommend palliative care team services to others. Nine families followed up with the palliative care team, but none was prepared to complete an advanced care plan. PCPs reported lack of training in communicating bad news and conducting goals of care discussions. However, they felt increasingly comfortable introducing palliative care to families and supported program continuation.

Conclusions

Initiating palliative care services in the outpatient primary care setting is logistically challenging but increases access to palliative care for children with complex chronic medical conditions and improves palliative care knowledge and comfort for PCPs.
Can Community and School‐Based Supports Improve the Achievement of First‐Generation Immigrant Children Attending High‐Poverty Schools?
Authors: Dearing Eric , Walsh Mary E. , Sibley Erin , Lee‐St.John Terry , Foley Claire , Raczek Anastacia E.
Published: March 2016

Using a quasi‐experimental design, the effects of a student support intervention were estimated for the math and reading achievement of first‐generation immigrant children (n = 667, M = 11.05 years of age) attending high‐poverty, urban elementary schools. The intervention was designed to help schools identify developmental strengths and barriers to learning and, in turn, connect children to community and school supports aligned with their strengths and needs. By exploiting within‐school changes in the implementation of the intervention, the present study revealed statistically and practically significant treatment effects indicating improvements in math and reading achievement at the end of elementary school. In addition, the intervention appears to considerably narrow achievement gaps between English language learners and immigrant children proficient in English.
Quantizing Intersections Using Compact Voxels
Authors: Chen Y.‐Y. , Chen Y.‐J. , Chien S.‐Y.
Published: March 2016

Efficient intersection queries are important for ray tracing. However, building and maintaining the acceleration structures is demanding, especially for fully dynamic scenes. In this paper, we propose a quantized intersection framework based on compact voxels to quantize the intersection as an approximation. With high‐resolution voxels, the scene geometry can be well represented, which enables more accurate simulation of global illumination, such as detailed glossy reflections. In terms of memory usage in our graphics processing unit implementation, voxels are binarized and compactly encoded in a few 2D textures. We evaluate the rendering quality at various voxel resolutions. Empirically, high‐fidelity rendering can be achieved at the voxel resolution of 1 K3 or above, which produces images very similar to those of ray tracing. Moreover, we demonstrate the feasibility of our framework for various illumination effects with several applications, including first‐bounce indirect illumination, glossy refraction, path tracing, direct illumination, and ambient occlusion.
Measuring the impact of the pet trade on Indonesian birds
Authors: Harris J. Berton C. , Tingley Morgan W. , Hua Fangyuan , Yong Ding Li , Adeney J. Marion , Lee Tien Ming , Marthy William , Prawiradilaga Dewi M. , Sekercioglu Cagan H. , Suyadi   , Winarni Nurul , Wilcove David S.
Published: March 2016

The trade in wild animals involves one‐third of the world's bird species and thousands of other vertebrate species. Although a few species are imperiled as a result of the wildlife trade, the lack of field studies makes it difficult to gauge how serious a threat it is to biodiversity. We used data on changes in bird abundances across space and time and information from trapper interviews to evaluate the effects of trapping wild birds for the pet trade in Sumatra, Indonesia. To analyze changes in bird abundance over time, we used data gathered over 14 years of repeated bird surveys in a 900‐ha forest in southern Sumatra. In northern Sumatra, we surveyed birds along a gradient of trapping accessibility, from the edge of roads to 5 km into the forest interior. We interviewed 49 bird trappers in northern Sumatra to learn which species they targeted and how far they went into the forest to trap. We used prices from Sumatran bird markets as a proxy for demand and, therefore, trapping pressure. Market price was a significant predictor of species declines over time in southern Sumatra (e.g., given a market price increase of approximately $50, the log change in abundance per year decreased by 0.06 on average). This result indicates a link between the market‐based pet trade and community‐wide species declines. In northern Sumatra, price and change in abundance were not related to remoteness (distance from the nearest road). However, based on our field surveys, high‐value species were rare or absent across this region. The median maximum distance trappers went into the forest each day was 5.0 km. This suggests that trapping has depleted bird populations across our remoteness gradient. We found that less than half of Sumatra's remaining forests are >5 km from a major road. Our results suggest that trapping for the pet trade threatens birds in Sumatra. Given the popularity of pet birds across Southeast Asia, additional studies are urgently needed to determine the extent and magnitude of the threat posed by the pet trade.
Increased hepatic progenitor cell response and ductular reaction in patients with severe recurrent HCV post‐liver transplantation
Authors: Sclair Seth N. , Fiel Maria Isabel , Wu Hai‐Shan , Doucette John , Aloman Costica , Schiano Thomas D.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Post‐liver transplant (LT) hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients may develop allograft cirrhosis and rarely fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH), while others have a stable course. Hepatic progenitor cells (HPC) may be implicated in liver injury and fibrogenesis through ductular reaction (DR). We studied HPC response and DR in three distinct post‐LT patterns of HCV: stable recurrence, allograft cirrhosis, and FCH.

Methods

We identified 52 patients with untreated recurrent HCV and longitudinal liver biopsies (20 stable/23 cirrhosis/9 FCH) and eight healthy controls. Archived liver biopsy specimens for three time points (LT; initial recurrence; and clinical outcome) were stained for cytokeratin‐7. Manual HPC counts and DR quantification using image analysis were performed.

Results

HCV counts and DR at LT did not differ across groups. At initial recurrence, HPC expansion occurred only in patients who developed cirrhosis, while prominent DR was present in those who developed FCH vs. stable and controls (p < 0.05). At outcome biopsies, HPC response and DR were increased in cirrhosis and FCH vs. stable and controls (p < 0.05). HPC response and DR did not differ in stable vs. controls.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that an altered HPC response assessed by cytokeratin‐7 stain after LT may predict severity of HCV recurrence.
Increased mortality in a Danish cohort of young people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus followed for 24 years
Authors: Sandahl K. , Nielsen L. B. , Svensson J. , Johannesen J. , Pociot F. , Mortensen H. B. , Hougaard P. , Broe R. , Rasmussen M. L. , Grauslund J. , Peto T. , Olsen B. S.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To determine the mortality rate in a Danish cohort of children and adolescents diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus compared with the general population.

Methods

In 1987 and 1989 we included 884 children and 1020 adolescents aged 20 years and under, corresponding to 75% of all Danish children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes, in two nationwide studies in Denmark. Those who had participated in both investigations (n = 720) were followed until 1 January 2014, using the Danish Civil Registration System on death certificates and emigration. We derived the expected number of deaths in the cohort, using population data values from Statistics Denmark to calculate the standardized mortality ratio. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

During the 24 years of follow‐up, 49 (6.8%) patients died, resulting in a standardized mortality ratio of 4.8 (95% confidence interval 3.5, 6.2) compared with the age‐standardized general population. A 1% increase in baseline HbA1c (1989), available in 718 of 720 patients, was associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio = 1.38; 95% confidence interval 1.2, 1.6; P < 0.0001). Type 1 diabetes with multiple complications was the most common reported cause of death (36.7%).

Conclusion

We found an increased mortality rate in this cohort of children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes compared with the general population. The only predictor for increased risk of death up to 24 years after inclusion was the HbA1c level in 1989. This emphasizes the importance of achieving optimal metabolic control in young people with Type 1 diabetes.
In‐stream structure alters density‐dependent fish effects in stream ecosystems
Authors: Gary Kaitlen P. , Hargrave Chad W.
Published: March 2016

The independent effects of in‐stream structure (ISS) and fish foraging on stream properties have been well documented, but few studies have explored the interactive effects of ISS and fishes on streams. Herein, we tested the independent and interactive effects of ISS and a generalist fish (Blacktail shiner, Cyprinella venusta) on suspended organic matter (SOM), benthic algae, invertebrate density and fish growth using experimental mesocosms. We found that Blacktail shiner foraging affected all of the ecosystem properties; however, in some cases, the fish effects differed between mesocosms with and without ISS. Specifically, mesocosms with ISS provided greater surface area for invertebrate colonisation and enhanced food resources for Blacktail shiner. As a result, benthic foraging by Blacktail shiner was reduced in these mesocosms. The reduced benthic foraging in turn enhanced benthic algae and benthic invertebrates via a bottom‐up, nutrient excretion pathway. The ISS‐dependent effects of fish on these stream properties, however, were only evident at low and intermediate fish densities (1 and 2 fish·m−2 respectively). This was likely because at the highest fish density (4 fish·m−2) intense fish foraging overrode any mediating effects of ISS. Furthermore, fish growth decreased with fish density because of intraspecific competition, but this negative effect on growth was reduced in mesocosms with ISS because of the increased forage base. However, the positive effect on fish growth was weak and only marginally significant. Our data suggest that fish‐mediated effects on streams are context dependent, changing with microhabitat availability (e.g. ISS) and density of the fish population.
Creatine kinase enzyme level correlates positively with serum creatinine and lean body mass, and is a prognostic factor for survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Rafiq M. K. , Lee E. , Bradburn M. , McDermott C. J. , Shaw P. J.
Published: March 2016

Background and purpose

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition for which there is no single diagnostic test or biomarker. The level of the creatine kinase (CK) enzyme in serum may be mild to moderately elevated in some patients withALS, the precise cause of which and its behaviour with disease progression is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of monitoringCKserially during theALSdisease trajectory and to determine whetherCKlevels mirror disease progression.

Methods

This was a prospective observational cohort study, using the clinical database of the olesoxime (TRO19622) investigational medicinal product trial.

Results

The baselineCKwas raised in 52% of the trial participants with the mean CK ± SD being 257 ± 239 U/l. The meanCKwas significantly higher in male participants than in female participants (P< 0.001) and amongst participants with limb onsetALScompared to participants with bulbar onsetALS(P< 0.001). There was no significant difference in theCKlevels between upper limb and lower limb onset disease (P= 0.746). TheCKlevel co‐related positively with serum creatinine and estimated lean body mass but there was no relationship betweenCKand muscle scores and limb function. A higherCKlogwas associated with significantly better survival, even when adjusted for prognostic co‐variants (P= 0.013).

Conclusions

The serumCKlevel seems to be an independent prognostic factor for survival inALS. The cellular mechanism ofCKenzyme suggests that it may be upregulated to provide energy in the face of metabolic stress inALS.
The Interdependence of Relationships with Adult Children and Spouses
Authors: Lee Jeong Eun , Zarit Steven H. , Rovine Michael J. , Birditt Kira , Fingerman Karen L.
Published: March 2016

Researchers have documented the interrelatedness of parent–child and marital relationships during the early parenting years, but little is known about how these two family subsystems are associated once children reach adulthood. The authors of the current study addressed this gap by examining parents' relationships with their adult children and their marital satisfaction using an actor–partner interdependence model. Participants included 197 married other‐sex couples (N = 394 individuals; range: 40–69 years of age) who had a child over age 18 years. A spillover effect was found among fathers, indicating that parent–child relationship quality was positively associated with marital satisfaction, but the same was not found for mothers. Interestingly, a negative crossover effect was also found, meaning that more negative relationship quality between mothers and their adult children was associated with lower marital satisfaction on the part of the father. These findings suggest that the interdependence between parent–child and marital relationships persist once children reach adulthood.
IFNL4 polymorphism effects on outcome of simeprevir, peginterferon, and ribavirin therapy for older patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Mori Nami , Imamura Michio , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Nagaoki Yuko , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Tsuge Masataka , Hiramatsu Akira , Hayes C. Nelson , Aikata Hiroshi , Miki Daiki , Ochi Hidenori , Honda Yohji , Takaki Shintaro , Tsuji Keiji , Chayama Kazuaki ,   Hiroshima Liver Study Group
Published: March 2016

Aim

Older patients with chronic hepatitis C have a lower virological response to interferon (IFN)‐based treatments compared to younger patients. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the IFN‐λ‐4 (IFNL4) gene has a potent predictive effect on treatment response to IFN‐based treatments. The efficacy of simeprevir (SMV) plus pegylated‐IFN (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin therapy and the predictive value of IFNL4 on the outcome of therapy for older patients have not been addressed.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included 234 consecutive Japanese patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C. We assessed the predictive factors for sustained virological response (SVR) to SMV, PEG‐IFN, and ribavirin triple therapy in 170 younger (<70 years) and 64 older (≥70 years) patients. IFNL4 polymorphism ss469415590 was analyzed by Invader assay.

Results

The SVR rate for older patients was similar to that for younger patients (63.9% and 72.0%, respectively). The SVR rate for the IFNL4 TT/TT group was significantly higher than the IFNL4 TT/ΔG or ΔG/ΔG group both in younger (93.6% and 46.1%, respectively, P < 0.01) and older patients (84.4% and 33.3%, respectively, P < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, IFNL4 TT/TT genotype, response to previous treatment and IFNL4 TT/TT genotype were identified as independent predictive factors for SVR in older and younger patients, respectively. Decrease in hemoglobin level was similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

The virological response to SMV triple therapy in older patients was similar to that of younger patients. Analysis of IFNL4 polymorphisms is a valuable predictor in both younger and older patients.
Garden greenery and the health of older people in residential care facilities: a multi‐level cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dahlkvist Eva , Hartig Terry , Nilsson Annika , Högberg Hans , Skovdahl Kirsti , Engström Maria
Published: March 2016

Aims

To test the relationship between greenery in gardens at residential facilities for older people and the self‐perceived health of residents, mediated by experiences of being away and fascination when in the garden and the frequency of visitation there. To examine how these indirect effects vary with the number of physical barriers to visiting the garden.

Background

Many older people in residential facilities suffer from complex health problems. Access to a green outdoor environment may enable psychological distance, engage effortless attention, encourage more frequent visitation and promote resident health.

Design

A multi‐level, cross‐sectional, correlational design.

Methods

Questionnaires were administered June–August, 2011 to convenience samples of residents at 72 facilities for older people with complex healthcare needs. One to 10 eligible residents were sampled during self‐motivated garden visits at each facility (n = 290). They reported on their garden experiences and health. Facility staff reported on objective garden characteristics and barriers to access. A serial mediation model was tested with multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The total indirect effect of greenery on self‐perceived health was positive and significant. Garden greenery appears to affect health by enhancing a sense of being away, affording possibilities to experience the outdoor environment as interesting and encouraging visitation. Among residents in homes with multiple barriers, only fascination mediated the relationship between greenery and self‐perceived health.

Conclusion

Ample greenery in outdoor space at residential facilities for older people appears to promote experiences of being away and fascination, more frequent visitation and better health.
Simulated environments with animated agents: effects on visual attention, emotion, performance, and perception
Authors: Romero‐Hall E. , Watson G. S. , Adcock A. , Bliss J. , Adams Tufts K.
Published: March 2016

This research assessed how emotive animated agents in a simulation‐based training affect the performance outcomes and perceptions of the individuals interacting in real time with the training application. A total of 56 participants consented to complete the study. The material for this investigation included a nursing simulation in which participants interacted with three animated agents. The results of this investigation indicated that both experienced and novice participants focused more visual attention time on the body of the animated agent than the other defined areas of interest in the simulated environment. The results also indicated that novice participants conveyed more neutral facial expressions during the interaction with the animated agents than experience participants. The results of the simulation performance scores indicated that novice participants achieved higher simulation performance scores on the simulation task than experienced participants. Lastly, the results of the agent persona instrument showed that experienced and novice participants perceived the animated agents as facilitators of learning, credible, human‐like and engaging.
Experimental Investigation of the Efficiency of Heat Pump Drying System with Full Air Recirculation
Authors: Zlatanović Ivan , Komatina Mirko , Antonijević Dragi
Published: March 2016

The paper presents results of an experimental investigation of convective drying of apples “var. Idared,” potatoes “var. Désirée” and bananas “var. Grand Nein,” in full recirculation laboratory‐scale dryer. The experiments were conducted with cube‐shaped apple samples (side length 10 and 13 mm), potato chips (slice thickness 2 and 3 mm) and banana cylinders (slice thickness 6 and 7 mm), without pre‐treatment. The drying experiment was conducted at fully controlled air temperature (35–45–55°C), relative humidity (10–20–30%) and air velocity (1–1.5–2 m/s). Results are discussed through their comparison with other heat pump drying system scenarios in order to find the most efficient one. The efficiency of the heat pump drying (HPD) system was analyzed using the several indicators: specific moisture extraction rate (SMER), specific energy consumption (SEC), heat pump dryer efficiency (HPDE) and moisture extraction rate (MER). The average values of the full air recirculation HPD system efficiency indicators were obtained in range: SMERHP = 0.030–1.317 kg/kWh, SMERHPD = 0.047–0.651 kg/kWh, SEC = 0.211–9.358 MJ/kg, HPDE = 0.426–20.7 MJ/kg and MER = 1.362–17.194 kWh/kg. The results were evaluated in order to provide better information about the benefits of full air recirculation usage in HPD systems in regards to the other similar dryer configurations.

Practical Applications

This study uses full air recirculation to provide better control of the main drying parameters and to minimize impact of the surroundings. The novelty of this study lies in the fact that RH of the drying air was precisely controlled during all experiments. The evaluation of the relevance of full air recirculation HPD system is rare in literature and therefore the present study is directed toward quantification of influence of HPD system configuration on drying process efficiency. Dependence of several energy efficiency indicators of HPD system performance: SMER, SEC, HPDE and MER on HPD system air recirculation rate were investigated. The results were evaluated in order to provide better information about the benefits of full air recirculation usage in HPD systems in regards to the other similar dryer configurations.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Salmonella SPP. and Salmonella Typhimurium in Broiler Carcasses Wings and Liver
Authors: Goncuoglu Muammer , Ormanci F. Seda Bilir , Uludag Murat , Cil Guzin Iplikcioglu
Published: March 2016

The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify Salmonella spp. from broiler carcasses, wings and liver samples by immunomagnetic separation based cultivation technique, to verify the isolates as Salmonella spp. by the detection of oriC gene by PCR, to identify the isolates using malic acid dehydrogenase and DT104 specific primers as S. Typhimurium and S. Typhimurium DT104. Also to determine the two important virulence genes, virulence plasmid (spvC) and invasion (invA) for molecular characterization, to evaluate the antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates. For this purpose, 110 broiler carcasses, 110 broiler wings and 110 broiler liver samples with a total number of 330 were analyzed. Ninety six (29.1%) of the samples were detected as contaminated with Salmonella spp. According to the results 11 isolates (11.4%) were identified as S. Typhimurium. None of these serotypes were determined as specific phage type DT104. InvA gene was detected from all the (100.0%) Salmonella isolates and 14 isolates (14.6%) were detected as positive for spvC gene. Eighty‐three isolates (86.4%) were resistant to at least 5, 70 isolates (72.9 %) resistant to at least 7 and 36 isolates (37.5%) were resistant to at least 9 antibiotic.

Practical Application

This work is significant because Salmonella is still an important public health problem all around the world. This study would provide some data about the incidence of S. Typhimurium and S. Typhimurium DT104 in chicken meat and parts and the antibiotic resistance of the isolates in Turkey. Besides, the method used in study and the parts chosen for analysis would be a model for the other researchers who are thinking to study in this area.
The impact of caring for an adult with intellectual disability and psychiatric comorbidity on carer stress and psychological distress
Authors: Dawson F. , Shanahan S. , Fitzsimons E. , O'Malley G. , Mac Giollabhui N. , Bramham J.
Published: March 2016

Background

Given that carers of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and carers of individuals with psychiatric disorders experience elevated levels of stress and psychological distress, carers of individuals with both ID and a comorbid psychiatric disorder are potentially at even greater risk for psychological difficulties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychological well‐being of carers of adults with a dual diagnosis compared with carers of adults with intellectual disability alone.

Method

Four‐hundred and forty‐two questionnaires were sent to four community services and seventy‐five family carers of adults with intellectual disability responded. Psychological well‐being of carers was assessed using the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress – Friedrich edition (QRS‐F) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Comorbid psychopathology for their family member with ID was assessed using the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behaviour (RSMB).

Results

Twenty‐four percent of the individuals with ID were reported to have comorbid psychopathology. Between‐group analyses compared carers of people with ID and comorbid psychopathology to carers of people with ID alone. Regression analyses examined the relationship between psychopathology and other care‐related variables to carer stress and psychological distress. Carers of people with ID and comorbid psychopathology were found to have significantly higher levels of stress and psychological distress than carers of people with ID alone. Autism was found to be the only significant predictor of both stress and psychological distress among measures of psychopathology.

Conclusions

Additional comorbid psychopathology in individuals with intellectual disability has a significant impact on their carers’ psychological well‐being.
The impact of behavioural executive functioning and intelligence on math abilities in children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Dekker M.C. , Ziermans T.B. , Swaab H.
Published: March 2016

Background

Little is known about the role of behavioural executive functioning (EF) skills and level of intelligence (IQ) on math abilities in children with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities.

Method

Teachers of 63 children attending a school for special education (age: 10 to 13 years; IQ: 50 to 85) filled out a Behaviour Rating Inventory for Executive Function for each student. Furthermore, students took a standardised national composite math test and a specific math test on measurement and time problems. Information on level of intelligence was gathered through school records. Multiple regression analyses were performed to test direct, moderating and mediating effects of EF and IQ on math performance.

Results

Behavioural problems with working memory and flexibility had a direct negative effect on math outcome, while concurrently, level of intelligence had a positive effect. The effect of IQ on math skills was moderated by problems with inhibition: in children with a clinical level of inhibition problems, there was no effect of level of intelligence on math performance.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that in students with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities and math difficulties, it is important to address their strengths and weaknesses with respect to EF and adjust instruction and remedial intervention accordingly.
miR‐186 in Alzheimer's disease: a big hope for a small RNA?
Authors: Ben Halima Saoussen , Siegel Gabriele , Rajendran Lawrence
Published: March 2016

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This Editorial highlights a study by Kim et al. in the current issue of Journal of Neurochemistry, in which the authors demonstrate that miR‐186 is a potent negative regulator of BACE1 and might be one of the molecular links between advanced brain aging and the increased risk for Alzheimer disease.

Read the highlighted article ‘miR‐186 is decreased in aged brain and suppresses BACE1 expression’ on page 436.
Posterodorsal Medial Amygdala Mediates Tail‐Pinch Induced Food Intake in Female Rats
Authors: Hu M. H. , Bashir Z. , Li X. F. , O'Byrne K. T.
Published: March 2016

Comfort eating during periods of stress is a common phenomenon observed in both animals and humans. However, the underlying mechanisms of stress‐induced food intake remain elusive. The amygdala plays a central role in higher‐order emotional processing and the posterodorsal subnucleus of the medial amygdala (MePD), in particular, is involved in food intake. Extra‐hypothalamic corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) is well recognised for mediating behavioural responses to stress. To explore the possible role of amygdala CRF receptor activation in stress‐induced food intake, we evaluated whether a stressor such as tail‐pinch, which reliably induces food intake, would fail to do so in animals bearing bilateral neurotoxic lesions of the MePD. Our results showed that ibotenic acid induced lesions of the MePD markedly reduced tail‐pinch induced food intake in ovariectomised, 17β‐oestradiol replaced rats. In addition, intra‐MePD (right side only) administration of CRF (0.002 or 0.02 ng) via chronically implanted cannulae resulted in a dose‐dependent increase in food intake, although higher doses of 0.2 and 2 ng CRF had less effect, producing a bell shaped curve. Furthermore, intra‐MePD (bilateral) administration of the CRF receptor antagonist, astressin (0.3 μg per side) effectively blocked tail‐pinch induced food intake. These data suggest that the MePD is involved in stress‐induced food intake and that the amygdala CRF system may be a mediator of comfort eating.
Influence of different fixation protocols on the preservation and dimensions of cardiac tissue
Authors: Hołda Mateusz K. , Klimek‐Piotrowska Wiesława , Koziej Mateusz , Piątek Katarzyna , Hołda Jakub
Published: March 2016

Recent extensive progress in invasive cardiac procedures has triggered a wave of dozens of heart morphometric anatomical studies that are carried out largely using autopsied samples fixed in formaldehyde solution prior to observations and measurements. In reality, very little is known about changes in heart tissue dimensions during fixation. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate how fixation affects the dimensions of cardiac tissue, and if different types and concentrations of reagents affect this phenomenon. A total of 40 pig heart samples were investigated, and seven different measuring sites were permanently marked in every heart prior to fixation. Four study groups (n = 10 each) were assembled that differed only in concentration and the type of fixative: (i) 2% formaldehyde solution; (ii) 4% formaldehyde solution (formalin); (iii) 10% formaldehyde solution; (iv) alcoholic formalin. The samples were measured before and after fixation at the following time points: 24 h, 72 h and 168 h. It was found that different fixatives significantly affected different parameters. Almost all of the heart dimensions that were measured stabilized after 24 h; later changes were statistically insignificant in the point‐to‐point comparison. Change in the length of the interatrial septum surface was not altered significantly in any of the fixatives after 24 h of preservation. It was found that 10% formaldehyde increased the thickness of muscular tissue only after 24 h; this thickening was reduced after 72 h and was insignificant at 168 h. Other heart parameters in this group do not present significant changes over the entire fixation time duration. In conclusion, the 10% formaldehyde phosphate‐buffered solution appeared to be the best fixative among the fixatives that were studied for cardiac morphometric purposes; this solution caused the smallest changes in tissue dimensions. Measurements should be obtained at least after 1 week of preservation when most parameters exhibit the smallest changes compared with the non‐preserved samples.
Comparison of efficacy of products containing azelaic acid in melasma treatment
Authors: Mazurek Klaudia , Pierzchała Ewa
Published: March 2016

Background

Melasma is one of the most frequently diagnosed hyperpigmentation changes on the skin of women's faces. Nearly 30% of women using oral estrogen therapy struggle with this problem. A common way of reducing melasma is the application of azelaic acid products.

Aim

Comparison of efficacy of three dermocosmetic products, containing azelaic acid, in the reduction in melasma for women aged 35–55.

Material and methods

A group of 60 women diagnosed with melasma were divided into three even, twenty‐person subgroups. Each subgroup was assigned one dermocosmetic product containing azelaic acid. For 24 weeks, the patients applied the assigned product twice a day. The level of the colorant within the hyperpigmentation was marked before the treatment, after 1 month, after 3 months, and after 6 months of therapy. The pigmentation was measured using Mexameter® (Courage + Khazaka electronic, Germany). In addition, during each inspection, the patients' level of hydration, elasticity, and intensity of erythema was checked using Corneometer®, Reviscometer®.

Results

All dermocosmetics containing azelaic acid that were applied significantly contributed to the reduction in pigment in the pigmentary lesion. The largest decrease in the amount of pigment was observed in the first 3 months of use of the products.

A combination containing 20% azelaic acid and mandelic acid, phytic acid, 4N‐butyl resorcinol, and ferulic acid proved to be the most effective dermocosmetic III (Sesderma, Valencia, Spain).

Conclusions

Dermocosmetics containing azelaic acid significantly contribute to the clearing of melasma. The effect depends on the treatment time, the acid concentration, and addition of other components.