bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facial Psoriasis Log‐based Area and Severity Index: A valid and reliable severity measurement method detecting improvement of facial psoriasis in clinical practice settings
Authors: Kwon Hyuck Hoon , Kim Min‐Woo , Park Gyeong‐Hun , Bae You in , Kuk Su Kyung , Suh Dae Hun , Youn Jai Il , Kwon In Ho
Published: March 2016

Facial psoriasis is often observed in moderate to severe degrees of psoriasis. While we previously demonstrated construct validity of the facial Psoriasis Log‐based Area and Severity Index (fPLASI) system for the cross‐sectional evaluation of facial psoriasis, its reliability and accuracy to detect clinical improvement has not been confirmed yet. The aim of this study is to analyze whether the fPLASI properly represents the range of improvement for facial psoriasis compared with the existing facial Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (fPASI) after receiving systemic treatments in clinical practice settings. The changing severity of facial psoriasis for 118 patients was calculated by the scales of fPASI and fPLASI between two time points after systemic treatments. Then, percentage changes (ΔfPASI and ΔfPLASI) were analyzed from the perspective of both the Physician's Global Assessment of effectiveness (PGA) and patients’ Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). As a result, the distribution of the fPASI was more heavily clustered around the low score range compared with the fPLASI at both first and second visits. Linear regression analysis between ΔfPASI and ΔfPLASI shows that the correlation coefficient was 0.94, and ΔfPLASI represented greater percentage changes than ΔfPASI. Remarkably, degrees of clinical improvement measured by the PGA matched better with ΔfPLASI, while ΔfPASI underestimated clinical improvements compared with ΔfPLASI from treatment‐responding groups by the PGA and SGA. In conclusion, the fPLASI represented clinical improvement of facial psoriasis with more sensitivity and reliability compared with the fPASI. Therefore, the PLASI system would be a viable severity measurement method for facial psoriasis in clinical practice.
Physician and Practice‐Level Drivers and Disparities around Meaningful Use Progress
Authors: Heisey‐Grove Dawn , King Jennifer A.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To identify physician and practice characteristics that are markers of success for meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs).

Data Sources

American Medical Association survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) EHR Incentive, Pioneer Accountable Care Organization, and PECOS Programs, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's Regional Extension Center Program, and National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient‐centered Medical Home certification program.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of 865,370 physicians' participation in CMS's EHR Incentive Program and progress to stage 1 Meaningful Use between 2011 and 2013. Physician specialty, age, practice size, geographic markers, delivery reform participation, and technical assistance receipt were predictive elements.

Principal Findings

Medicaid physicians were progressing more slowly to Meaningful Use than Medicare physicians: by 2013, 8 in 10 physicians registered with Medicare had achieved meaningful use, compared to one‐third of Medicaid‐registered physicians. The strongest predictors of meaningful use were technical assistance (79 percent more likely) and delivery reform participation (34 percent more likely).

Conclusions

Continued outreach and technical assistance that demonstrates strong interactions between meaningful use of health IT and delivery reform may facilitate further adoption of both initiatives.
The Decipherment of Latent White Board Entries
Authors: Toulomelis Wendy
Published: March 2016

This case involves an incriminating message written on a white board and erased before the investigators seized the evidence. Investigators inquired about the possibility of recovering the entries and subsequently submitted the board to the Documents and Digital Evidence Branch for examination. In an attempt to recover latent handwritten entries, examinations were conducted utilizing the Foster and Freeman Video Spectral Comparator 6000/Hyper Spectral (VSC 6000/HS). Latent handwritten entries were observed with the use of an excitation band‐pass filter in the range of 485 nm‐610 nm with a longpass barrier filter at 645 nm in front of the camera lens of the VSC 6000/HS. Entries were also recovered and imaged using an alternate light source with the Phase One (P65) imaging system. Multiple latent handwritten entries were recovered utilizing various instruments and lighting techniques. This report discusses the details concerning the examination and the results.
Daily Home Hemodialysis Is an Available Option for Renal Replacement Therapy in Spain
Authors: Vega Almudena , Sequí María José , Abad Soraya , Yuste Claudia , Santos Alba , Macías Nicolás , López‐Gómez Juan M.
Published: March 2016

The objective of the present study was to analyze the characteristics and survival of patients from our hospital who started home hemodialysis. We analyzed all patients receiving home hemodialysis from 1969 to 2015 (51 patients; age 45 ± 23 years; men 77%). We collected characteristics, hospital admission, and mortality. After a median follow‐up of 43 (22–76) months, we found 0–1 hospital admissions per year. Sixty‐nine percent received a kidney transplant, and the global mortality was 10%. Survival at 5 years was 96%. Mean equivalent renal urea clearance was 15.6 ± 4.2 mL/min, the β‐2 microglobulin reduction rate was 67 ± 18%, the number of antihypertension drugs was 0.7 ± 0.3, and the erythropoietin resistance index was 3.7 ± 2.1 IU/kg/week/g/dL. Daily home hemodialysis is a viable option for renal replacement therapy and should be offered alongside other therapies.
Relevant risk factors for positive lateral margin after en bloc endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fu Qing Yan , Cui Yun , Li Xiao Bo , Chen Ping , Chen Xiao Yu
Published: March 2016

Objective

This study aimed to systematically assess the relevant risk factors of positive lateral margin (LM) after en bloc resection of early gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

A total of 242 patients who had undergone endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) due to early gastric lesions from January 2009 to March 2015 were included in the study. Clinicopathological features of the lesions and the risk factors related to positive LM were analyzed.

Results

The curative rate was 82.2% and positive LM was found in 12.4% of the lesions. Univariate analysis showed that positive LM was significantly associated with the tumor location (at the upper third of the stomach), size (>3 cm), histological findings, the presence of lymphovascular invasion and deeper invasion depth. Moreover, positive LM had a higher incidence of recurrent or residual tumors. A multivariate analysis showed that the location, tumor size and histological classification of tumors were independent risk factors for positive LM.

Conclusions

Positive LM is closely related to the upper third of stomach, a tumor larger than 3 cm and a mixed‐type carcinoma. Additionally, positive LM has a predilection for recurrent or residual tumors.
Do Chrysoperla carnea and Adalia bipunctata influence the spread of Cucurbit aphid‐borne yellows virus and its vector Aphis gossypii?
Authors: Garzón A. , Budia F. , Morales I. , Fereres A. , Viñuela E. , Medina P.
Published: March 2016

The effects of two aphidophagous predators, the larvae of Chrysoperla carnea and the adults of Adalia bipunctata, on the spread of Cucurbit aphid‐borne yellows virus (CABYV) transmitted by the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii were studied under semi‐field conditions. Aphids and natural enemies were released inside insect‐proof cages with a CABYV‐infected cucumber plant placed in the centre of the cage and surrounded by 48 healthy cucumber seedlings. The spatiotemporal dynamics of the virus and vector were evaluated in the short (7 days) and long term (14 days) in the presence and absence of each predator. The spatial analysis by distance indices methodology, together with other indices measuring the dispersal around a single focus, was used to assess the spatial pattern and the degree of association between the virus and vector.

The presence of C. carnea larvae and A. bipunctata adults induced A. gossypii dispersal after 14 days but not after 7 days. The reduction of the initial aphid population established in the plant located in the centre of each cage was always higher for C. carnea than for A. bipunctata. There was some evidence that the natural enemies affected the spread of CABYV, though more so for C. carnea than for A. bipunctata.

This study suggests an influence of both predators on the spread of the aphid, mainly in the long term, but only weak effect of predators in the spread of the viral disease was demonstrated.
Serious complications in male infant circumcisions in Scandinavia indicate that this always be performed as a hospital‐based procedure
Authors: Edler Gertrud , Axelsson Inge , Barker Gillian M. , Lie Susanne , Naumburg Estelle
Published: March 2016

Aim

More than 7000 male circumcisions are performed in Scandinavia every year. Circumcision is regulated in different ways in Sweden and Denmark and Norway. This study reviewed and described factors associated with complications of circumcision in infant boys in Scandinavia over the last two decades and discussed how these complications could be avoided.

Methods

Data on significant complications following circumcision on boys under the age of one in Scandinavia over the last 20 years were collected. Information was retrieved from testimonies of circumcisers, witnesses, medical records and verdicts. A systematic review was performed of fatal cases in the literature.

Results

We found that 32 cases had been reported to the health authorities in the three countries, and we identified a total of 74 complications in these cases. These included four boys with severe bleeding and circulatory shock, which ended in the death of one boy. Other less serious complications may have occurred in other boys, but not been reported.

Conclusion

Complications following male circumcision in Scandinavia were relatively rare, but serious complications did occur. Based on the analyses of the severe cases, we argue that circumcision should only be performed at hospitals with 24‐hour emergency departments.
FRY site‐specific methylation differentiates pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from other adenocarcinomas
Authors: Srisuttee Ratakorn , Ota Jun , Muangsub Tachapol , Keelawat Somboon , Trirattanachat Surang , Kitkumthorn Nakarin , Mutirangura Apiwat
Published: March 2016

Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the glandular cells throughout the body. There are several metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown primary origin. Currently, there is no highly effective method to differentiate pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) from other adenocarcinomas. Here, we identified pancreas tissue by site‐specific methylation at FRY and found that it can also detect PDAC. The establishment of Combined Bisulphite Restriction Analysis (COBRA) and quantitative real‐time PCR techniques of FRY revealed FRY hypermethylation in 21 out of 24 normal pancreatic tissue samples, whereas all other normal tissue samples from thirteen other organs (80 samples) remained totally unmethylated. Similarly in application to PDAC, this marker effectively indicated 25 PDAC among 151 other common adenocarcinomas with values of 100%, 98.7%, 92.6%, and 100% in sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, respectively. In summary, we have demonstrated that this epigenetic site‐specific marker has high potential for pancreatic tissue identification and can be applied in PDAC diagnosis.
Partial autolysis of μ/m‐calpain during post mortem aging of chicken muscle
Authors: Zhao Liang , Jiang Nanqi , Li Miaozhen , Huang Ming , Zhou Guanghong
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate changes occurring in μ/m‐calpain in post mortem chicken muscles and to determine the origin of the unknown bands found in calpain casein zymography. The unknown bands were reported with slightly greater mobility compared to conventional μ/m‐calpain bands in casein zymography. Identification of these bands was accomplished using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and with protein phosphatase treatment. Results showed that the unknown bands were corresponding to μ/m‐calpain, and dephosphorylation by protein phosphatase did not change their appearance. The calpain samples were then incubated with various concentrations of Ca2+ to determine the relationship between changes in μ/m‐calpain and the appearance of the unknown bands. The products of μ/m‐calpain partial autolysis were found to be consistent with the appearance of the unknown bands. Therefore, the appearance of these bands did not result from phosphorylation of μ/m‐calpain as previously hypothesized, but from partial autolysis of μ/m‐calpain. Also their presence suggests that μ/m‐calpain undergoes partial autolysis during aging which may play certain roles in meat quality improvement.
Orally administered conjugated linoleic acid ameliorates allergic dermatitis induced by repeated applications of oxazolone in mice
Authors: Nakanishi Tomonori , Tokunaga Yuzo , Yamasaki Masao , Erickson Laurie , Kawahara Satoshi
Published: March 2016

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is one of the constituents of animal products with possible health benefits such as anti‐carcinogenic and anti‐obesity effects. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of CLA using a mouse model of allergic dermatitis. Mice were orally administered either a CLA mixture containing equal amounts of 9c, 11 t‐CLA and 10 t, 12c‐CLA, or high linoleic acid safflower oil, and allergic dermatitis was induced on the ear by repeated topical applications of oxazolone. Oral administration of the CLA mixture but not the high linoleic safflower oil attenuated the symptoms of allergic dermatitis in both ear weights and clinical scores. This effect was associated with decreased levels of ear interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and plasma immunoglobulin E. The immunomodulatory effects of the CLA isomers were compared by an in vitro cytokine production assay. The results showed that 9c, 11 t‐CLA, the most predominant isomer in animal products, significantly inhibited IL‐4 and interferon‐γ production from mouse splenocytes with similar potency to 10 t, 12c‐CLA. These findings suggest that CLA, a constituent of animal products, has a potentially beneficial effect for amelioration of allergic dermatitis.
How educators build knowledge and expand their practice: The case of open education resources
Authors: Littlejohn Allison , Hood Nina
Published: March 2016

The movement toward open education is requiring educators to expand and update their practice in order to keep up with the new demands being placed on them. This study explored how educators can engage in meaningful learning opportunities, which will facilitate the creation of expertise and knowledge, through the use of open education resources (OER). The article describes the design of the instrument employed to measure workplace learning through OER activity of adult educators (n = 522) and to report its internal reliability and convergent validity. Results indicate engagement with OER promote three levels of learning, each connected to the different types of knowledge educators require to integrate OER into their teaching practice.
Functional connectivity and genetic diversity of Eulaema atleticana (Apidae, Euglossina) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest Corridor: assessment of gene flow
Authors: Rosa Jaqueline Figuerêdo , Ramalho Mauro , Arias Maria Cristina
Published: March 2016

The mobility and dispersal of organisms affect population genetics and dynamics, and consequently affect persistence and the risk of extinction. Thus, it is important to understand how organisms move in the fragmented landscapes in order to manage populations and predict the effects of habitat changes on species persistence. This study evaluated the functional connectivity of an orchid bee (Eulaema atleticana Nemésio, 2009) with a high fidelity to forest habitats in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest Corridor by analyzing genetic diversity, spatial genetic structure, and gene flow estimated from microsatellite and mitochondrial markers. Genetic diversity was not correlated with area of the forest fragments, or with forest isolation. At the mosaic scale, Eulaema atleticana showed no significant or low genetic differentiation, indicating genetic homogeneity among forest fragments. A previous field study indicated that Eulaema atleticana was one of the most sensitive Euglossina bees to forest fragmentation but the present molecular analyses demonstrates that current gene flow is sufficient to maintain genetic variability at the mosaic scale.
TP53 mutation at early stage of colorectal cancer progression from two types of laterally spreading tumors
Authors: Sakai Eiji , Fukuyo Masaki , Matsusaka Keisuke , Ohata Ken , Doi Noriteru , Takane Kiyoko , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki , Fukushima Junichi , Nakajima Atsushi , Kaneda Atsushi
Published: March 2016

Although most sporadic colorectal cancers (CRC) are thought to develop from protruded adenomas through the adenoma–carcinoma sequence, some CRC develop through flat lesions, so‐called laterally spreading tumors (LST). We previously analyzed epigenetic aberrations in LST and found that LST are clearly classified into two molecular subtypes: intermediate‐methylation with KRAS mutation and low‐methylation with absence of oncogene mutation. Intermediate‐methylation LST were mostly granular type LST (LST‐G) and low‐methylation LST were mostly non‐granular LST (LST‐NG). In the present study, we conducted a targeted exon sequencing study including 38 candidate CRC driver genes to gain insight into how these genes modulate the development of LST. We identified a mean of 11.5 suspected nonpolymorphic variants per sample, including indels and non‐synonymous mutations, although there was no significant difference in the frequency of total mutations between LST‐G and LST‐NG. Genes associated with RTK/RAS signaling pathway were mutated more frequently in LST‐G than LST‐NG (P = 0.004), especially KRAS mutation occurring at 70% (30/43) of LST‐G but 26% (13/50) of LST‐NG (P < 0.0001). Both LST showed high frequency of APC mutation, even at adenoma stage, suggesting its involvement in the initiation stage of LST, as it is involved at early stage of colorectal carcinogenesis via adenoma‐carcinoma sequence. TP53 mutation was never observed in adenomas, but was specifically detected in cancer samples. TP53 mutation occurred during development of intramucosal cancer in LST‐NG, but during development of cancer with submucosal invasion in LST‐G. It is suggested that TP53 mutation occurs in the early stages of cancer development from adenoma in both LST‐G and LST‐NG, but is involved at an earlier stage in LST‐NG.
Comparing parasitoid life histories
Authors: Mayhew Peter J.
Published: March 2016

Species and clades are characterized by their unique combinations, or suites, of life‐history traits. In parasitoids, traits include a core group common to other organisms, and a parasitoid‐specific group. These organize into several sets of mutually covarying traits which overlap a little, but not wholly, with other sets. Across parasitoid species, host size, clutch size, and body size tend to covary. Roughly independent of these is a dichotomy between idiobionts (host does not develop after parasitization), which tend to have fast development but slow adult life histories, and koinobionts (hosts develop after parasitization) with the opposite set of traits. Consistent links between the dichotomy and host characteristics remain elusive. A low ovigeny index (low allocation to early reproduction) is found in idiobionts, and is a predictor of some of the dichotomous set, but also more host feeding, egg resorption, solitary development, and larger bodies. Variation in fecundity, in taxonomically restricted studies, is predicted by the host stage attacked, but this is not reflected in taxonomically broad studies. The reasons behind trait co‐variation are only partly understood. Analyses of evolutionary lability suggest that variation in development mode and body size tends to be clustered within higher taxonomic levels, with variation in other traits such as lifespan, fecundity, and egg size more evenly distributed across taxonomic levels. Thus, taxonomically constrained radiations of parasitoids tend to retain a particular suite of traits that revolve around fundamental shifts in hosts and their use that occur relatively rarely. Parasitoids illustrate how the fast‐slow continuum can be much less extensive than in mammals, how the ecology of the host affects the life histories of parasitic organisms, how different taxa require different life‐history theories, and how understanding resource allocation in early adult life can help explain life‐history variation.
Evidence that some long‐lasting effects of direct current in the rat spinal cord are activity‐independent
Authors: Jankowska Elzbieta , Kaczmarek Dominik , Bolzoni Francesco , Hammar Ingela
Published: March 2016

The effects of trans‐spinal direct current (DC) stimulation (tsDCS) on specific neuronal populations are difficult to elucidate, as it affects a variety of neuronal networks. However, facilitatory and depressive effects on neurons processing information from the skin and from muscles can be evaluated separately when weak (0.2–0.3 μA) DC is applied within restricted areas of the rat spinal cord. The effects of such local DC application were recently demonstrated to persist for at least 1 h, and to include changes in the excitability of afferent fibres and their synaptic actions. However, whether these effects require activation of afferent fibres in spinal neuronal pathways during DC application, i.e. whether they are activity‐dependent or activity‐independent, remained an open question. The aim of the present study was to address this question by analysing the effects of local DC application on monosynaptic actions of muscle and skin afferents (extracellular field potentials) and afferent fibre excitability. The results revealed that long‐lasting post‐polarization changes evoked without concomitant activation of afferent fibres replicate changes evoked by stimuli applied during, before and after polarization. The study leads to the conclusion that the reported effects are activity‐independent. As this conclusion applies to the local effects of DC application in at least two spinal pathways and to the effects of both cathodal and anodal polarization, it indicates that some of the more widespread effects of trans‐spinal and trans‐cranial stimulation (both tsDCS and transcranial DC stimulation) may be activity‐independent. The results may therefore contribute to the design of more specific DC applications in clinical practice.
Angiotensin‐(1‐7) improves non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis through an adiponectin‐independent mechanism
Authors: Tang Ailian , Li Can , Zou Nan , Zhang Qian , Liu Meiling , Zhang Xia
Published: March 2016

Aim

Recent evidence suggests that angiotensin‐(1‐7) [Ang‐(1‐7)] could improve non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) through an adiponectin‐dependent mechanism. This study aimed to investigate whether and how Ang‐(1‐7) influences NASH without adiponectin.

Methods

Adiponectin knockout mice were fed with a high fat diet (HFD) or normal chow for 6 months, and were subsequently infused with Ang‐(1‐7) or saline for 2 weeks.

Results

We found that HFD‐fed mice showed obesity, hyperlipidemia, NASH, and significantly increased levels of serum Ang‐(1‐7). Chronic infusion of Ang‐(1‐7) could reduce body weight, absolute and relative liver weight, and serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in HFD‐fed mice. In addition, Ang‐(1‐7) treatment could attenuate hepatocellular inflammation, steatosis, and ballooning with activation of the hepatic AMP‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway in HFD‐fed knockout mice.

Conclusions

These results showed the protective role of Ang‐(1‐7) in the development of NASH through an adiponectin‐independent mechanism, which may be partially attributed to the activation of hepatic AMP‐activated protein kinase pathway.
Investigation of vasculature characteristics to improve venepuncture techniques in hospitalized elderly patients
Authors: Kimori Keiko , Sugama Junko
Published: March 2016

Targeting invisible veins might result in venepuncture complications or failure. In November 2014, we compared the diameter, depth and skin colour of invisible veins used for intravenous access with those of visible veins, aiming to provide information to improve venepuncture techniques. We measured artery depth to identify how close skin arteries were to the nearest venepuncture site. Study participants were hospitalized elderly patients. Vein diameter and vein and artery depths were measured using ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. Visualization became difficult for veins with diameters ≥ 2.3 mm and at depths ≥ 2.5 mm. The shallowest depth of arteries nearest the puncture site was 7.0 mm. Therefore, venepuncture techniques for intravenous injection should improve by targeting invisible veins with depths of 2.5 to < 7 mm in hospitalized elderly patients.
Comparison of preoperative adaptive enlargement of the contralateral normal kidney in patients nephrectomized for benign non‐functioning kidney versus renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Song Wan , Sung Hyun Hwan , Han Deok Hyun , Jeong Byong Chang , Seo Seong Il , Jeon Seong Soo , Lee Hyun Moo , Choi Han Yong , Jeon Hwang Gyun
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To investigate the potential effects of preoperative volumetric compensation of the contralateral normal kidney on renal function after simple nephrectomy or radical nephrectomy.

Methods

A total of 306 patients (80 simple nephrectomy patients and 226 radical nephrectomy patients) with 1:3 propensity score matching were included between October 1996 and December 2013. Preoperative three‐dimensional kidney volume was estimated from computed tomography images using a specialized volumetric program. Glomerular filtration rate assessed using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations was checked preoperatively, 1 week, 3 months and 1 year after nephrectomy.

Results

Preoperative mean Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration glomerular filtration rate was 76.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the simple nephrectomy group and 89.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the radical nephrectomy group. In simple nephrectomy patients, mean Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration glomerular filtration rate showed a stable pattern up to 3 months (75.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 7 days and 76.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 3 months), and decreased slightly to 72.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 1 year. However, in radical nephrectomy patients, mean Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration glomerular filtration rate decreased immediately to 63.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 7 days after surgery, and then increased gradually to 64.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 3 months and 65.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 1 year. Preoperative mean contralateral normal kidney volume was 225.7 mL in the simple nephrectomy group and 180.1 mL in the radical nephrectomy group (P < 0.001). The contralateral normal kidney volume to total normal kidney volume ratio was 0.74 in the simple nephrectomy group and 0.51 in the radical nephrectomy group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Preoperative volumetric compensation of the contralateral normal kidney is important to maintain postoperative renal function in patients undergoing nephrectomy.
Partners in learning and innovative teaching practices. An approach to conservation education to suit the context and purpose of learning skills in the 21st century: a pilot study
Authors: Costa A. , Carrilho T.
Published: March 2016

Zoological institutions are unique learning environments that require a tailored approach to conservation education to suit the context and purpose of learning skills in the 21st century. In recent years, Lisbon Zoo, Portugal, has trialled an education model that combines contemporary learning theories with emotional learning. Just as nature is an inspiration in all sorts of visual and performing arts, environmental awareness and protection can kindle new ideas and projects. Technology has a reputation for being in opposition to the environment but it does not have to be. People can be challenged to find ways to use new innovations with smaller ecological footprints. Lisbon Zoo works with several partners in learning to help develop innovative teaching practices that improve learning outcomes for students and better prepare young people for life in the 21st century. The combination of technology and traditional educational programmes at zoological institutions appears to be an important strategy to engage people and to change the way they see the world around them. This paper will present our conclusions from a pilot study carried out to assess whether technology, if used correctly, would make it possible to convert knowledge acquisition into a much more motivating and fostering educational programme.
Variation in the prion protein sequence in Dutch goat breeds
Authors: Windig J.J. , Hoving R.A.H. , Priem J. , Bossers A. , van Keulen L.J.M. , Langeveld J.P.M.
Published: March 2016

Scrapie is a neurodegenerative disease occurring in goats and sheep. Several haplotypes of the prion protein increase resistance to scrapie infection and may be used in selective breeding to help eradicate scrapie. In this study, frequencies of the allelic variants of the PrP gene are determined for six goat breeds in the Netherlands. Overall frequencies in Dutch goats were determined from 768 brain tissue samples in 2005, 766 in 2008 and 300 in 2012, derived from random sampling for the national scrapie surveillance without knowledge of the breed. Breed specific frequencies were determined in the winter 2013/2014 by sampling 300 breeding animals from the main breeders of the different breeds. Detailed analysis of the scrapie‐resistant K222 haplotype was carried out in 2014 for 220 Dutch Toggenburger goats and in 2015 for 942 goats from the Saanen derived White Goat breed. Nine haplotypes were identified in the Dutch breeds. Frequencies for non‐wild type haplotypes were generally low. Exception was the K222 haplotype in the Dutch Toggenburger (29%) and the S146 haplotype in the Nubian and Boer breeds (respectively 7 and 31%). The frequency of the K222 haplotype in the Toggenburger was higher than for any other breed reported in literature, while for the White Goat breed it was with 3.1% similar to frequencies of other Saanen or Saanen derived breeds. Further evidence was found for the existence of two M142 haplotypes, M142/S240 and M142/P240. Breeds vary in haplotype frequencies but frequencies of resistant genotypes are generally low and consequently selective breeding for scrapie resistance can only be slow but will benefit from animals identified in this study. The unexpectedly high frequency of the K222 haplotype in the Dutch Toggenburger underlines the need for conservation of rare breeds in order to conserve genetic diversity rare or absent in other breeds.
Effect of Esterification Temperature and Duration on the Physicochemical Properties of Phosphorylated Spelt Starch
Authors: Rożnowski Jacek , Fortuna Teresa , Kłosowska Jadwiga
Published: March 2016

The aim of study was to analyze the effect of temperature and duration of modification on physicochemical properties of phosphorylated spelt starch. The thermodynamic properties of samples were conducted using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and pasting properties (RVA) were determined. Flow curves were plotted and the resulting curves described the Herschel‐Bulkley model. The results demonstrated that increasing the temperature of esterification and prolonging the process facilitates the incorporation of phosphorus into starch from 1.6 to 2.3 times. Prolonging the modification of starch reduces the temperatures of phase transformations about 3.6–6.5°C while increasing the final viscosity of starch pastes from 2380 (samples obtained at 115°C for 1 h) to 3827 mPa·s (samples obtained at 130°C for 2 h). However, heating samples at 145°C for 3 h caused reduced its viscosity to 2601 mPa·s. Adjusting the temperature and duration caused the reduction of retrogradation ratio even 24 times, from about 30% to 7%.

Practical Application

Corn, wheat, rice and potatoes are the major sources of starch used worldwide, but new sources of starch with new functional properties are constantly being sought. Use of modified starch in manufacture can bring the desired properties to the products, but should not hinder the manufacturing process. Different starch modification technologies lead to different product's properties, and therefore application of right modifying technology is important for manufacturing. This paper provides an assessment of the effect of the phosphorylation of spelt starch. Moreover examined effect of different condition of modification on selected physical and chemical properties of the resulting starch samples. The optimize modification process can bring the elimination of level of addition phosphorylated starch to products and that products can be characterized by the same physicochemical properties such as thicked, stabilization, texture smoothing but in the same time more healthy and safe for consumers health.
Nonpharmaceutical Pain Control Adjuncts During First‐Trimester Aspiration Abortion: A Review
Authors: Tschann Mary , Salcedo Jennifer , Kaneshiro Bliss
Published: March 2016

Introduction

First‐trimester aspiration abortion is associated with moderate to severe pain. The effectiveness of adjunctive therapies for pain control is not well understood. This critical review summarizes the existing literature regarding nonpharmacologic interventions to reduce pain during first‐trimester office‐based abortion.

Methods

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using the following search terms in various combinations: “abortion,” “pain,” “nonpharmaceutical,” “nonpharmacologic,” “anxiety,” “fear,” “pain management,” “pain reduction,” “anxiety reduction,” “complementary and alternative medicine,” and “integrative medicine.” Seven articles meeting inclusion criteria were entered into a matrix for comparison. Findings from each study are summarized describing design, results, and themes. These results are summarized to provide evidence‐based clinical guidelines and identify areas for further research.

Results

None of the nonpharmacologic interventions studied were significantly associated with a reduction in pain or anxiety scores. However, women in many studies strongly endorsed future use of these techniques.

Discussion

The data included in this critical review did not demonstrate a relationship between the nonpharmacologic interventions and pain or anxiety scores, yet participants endorsed these as positive and helpful. Women found value in these supportive interventions, and ongoing investigation into these techniques is warranted.
Remobilization causes site‐specific cyst formation in immobilization‐induced knee cartilage degeneration in an immobilized rat model
Authors: Nagai Momoko , Ito Akira , Tajino Junichi , Iijima Hirotaka , Yamaguchi Shoki , Zhang Xiangkai , Aoyama Tomoki , Kuroki Hiroshi
Published: March 2016

An understanding of the articular cartilage degenerative process is necessary for the prevention and treatment of joint disease. The present study aimed to examine how long‐term immobilization‐induced cartilage degeneration is aggravated by remobilization. Sixty 8‐week‐old male Wistar rats were used in this study. The unilateral knee joint was immobilized using an external fixator for 8 weeks. The rats were killed at 0 and 3 days, and at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after removing the fixator. After the rats were killed, the maximum knee extension angles were measured. Histological sections at the medial mid‐condylar region (non‐contact, transitional and contact regions of the femur and tibia) were prepared and scored. The cartilage thickness and number of chondrocytes were measured, and CD44 and Col2‐3/4c expression levels were assessed immunohistochemically. The histological assessment revealed progressive aggravation of cartilage degeneration in the transitional region, with a decreased number of chondrocytes and CD44‐positive chondrocytes as well as poor scoring over time, particularly in the tibia. Cyst formation was confirmed in the transitional region of the tibia at 8 weeks post‐remobilization. The cartilage thickness in the transitional region was thicker than that in the contact region, particularly in the tibia. Col2‐3/4c expression was observed in the non‐contact and transitional regions, and the knee extension angle was recovered. In conclusion, immobilization‐induced cartilage degeneration was aggravated by remobilization over time in the transitional region, followed by observations of a decreased number of chondrocytes and morphological disparity between different cartilage regions.
Dual trajectories of maternal parenting stress and marital intimacy during toddlerhood
Authors: CHESTER CHARLENE E. , BLANDON ALYSIA Y.
Published: March 2016

Parenting stress disrupts both parenting and child adjustment. Marital intimacy is often conceptualized as a source of support that may reduce parenting stress. We examined the association between mothers' trajectories of parenting stress and marital intimacy when their children were 15–36 month old. We also explored whether maternal depressive symptoms at 15 months accounted for individual differences concurrently or in the trajectories of parenting stress and marital intimacy. Mothers' marital intimacy was negatively associated with their concurrent levels of parenting stress and declines in parenting stress over time. Depressive symptoms were associated with 15‐month parenting stress and marital intimacy. Overall, intimacy within the marriage appears to be a resource that reduces mothers' parenting stress during the toddler years
Tracking growth and survival of rescued boulder corals
Authors: Bright Allan J. , Miller Margaret W. , Bourque Amanda S.
Published: March 2016

Patterns of survivorship and growth of rescued boulder corals from two vessel groundings in Biscayne National Park, Homestead, Florida, U.S.A., were evaluated over 5 years and compared to nearby undamaged reference corals. The rescued colonies had been dislodged but reattached in situ 10–12 years later (hereafter termed “restored” corals). Change in live coral tissue area was assessed using novel contoured tissue measurements which proved useful in detecting small changes in tissue area for slow‐growing coral species. At the initial survey, restored boulder corals had a higher level of partial mortality (33.8 ± 3.1%, mean ± SE) relative to reference corals (19.9 ± 2.5%), likely a result of prolonged detachment. During the course of the 5‐year monitoring period, whole‐colony mortality was greater for restored corals (13.1%) compared to reference corals (3.3%). For surviving corals, restored coral growth and recent mortality rates were similar to reference corals even though restored corals, especially those of Dichocoenia stokesii, had greater disease prevalence (19.7%) than reference corals (6.6%). These results suggest that dislodged boulder coral rescue following an acute disturbance can be an effective tool in stemming tissue loss. If dislodged corals were reattached in a more timely manner, we predict that the survival and tissue growth would be greater.
Diagnostic performance of 1,3‐beta‐D‐glucan serum screening in patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Reischies F.M.J. , Prattes J. , Woelfler A. , Eigl S. , Hoenigl M.
Published: March 2016

Background

The polysaccharide cell wall component, 1,3‐beta‐D‐glucan (BDG), is used as a serum biomarker for invasive fungal infection (IFI). Patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are considered a highly vulnerable group for IFI development. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of serum BDG screening in HSCT recipients.

Methods

HSCT recipients were prospectively enrolled in this study between September 2014 and August 2015. Routine serum BDG screening was performed 2–3 times weekly by using the Fungitell® assay. All samples were classified according to the 2008 EORTC/MSG criteria, with serum BDG results not being considered for classification. The diagnostic performance of BDG testing for IFI was calculated. BDG values ≥80 pg/mL were considered positive.

Results

A total of 308 serum samples were collected in 45 patients. The majority of 172 samples (55.8%) were obtained at the early phase (within 30 days) after allogeneic HSCT. BDG levels were significantly higher in 16 possible/probable IFI samples when compared to no evidence for IFI samples (median 170 pg/mL, interquartile range [IQR] 100–274 pg/mL vs. median 15 pg/mL, IQR 15–15 pg/mL; P < 0.001, Mann–Whitney U‐test). Diagnostic performance of serum BDG screening for possible IFI/probable invasive pulmonary aspergillosis vs. no evidence for IFI was as follows: sensitivity 81%, specificity 98%, positive predictive value 65%, negative predictive value (NPV) 99%, and diagnostic odds ratio 176 (95% confidence interval 41–761).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that serum BDG testing in HSCT patients may be highly specific and associated with a very high NPV of >99%. Therefore, serum BDG may be a helpful tool to rule out IFI in HSCT patients.
Efficacy of pomades containing different percentages of enilconazole in the treatment of bovine dermatophytosis
Authors: Kirmizigul Ali Haydar , Erkilic Ekin Emre , Buyuk Fatih , Gokce Erhan , Citil Mehmet
Published: March 2016

Background

Enilconazole is a broad‐spectrum topical antimycotic agent used for the management of bovine dermatophytosis.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To investigate the efficacy of pomades containing different concentrations of enilconazole for the treatment of bovine dermatophytosis.

Methods

Dermatophytosis was confirmed in 120 cattle from farm in Gole region of Turkey. Animals were divided into six groups (n = 20 in each). Pomades containing 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% enilconazole were applied topically to individual lesions in groups I–V, respectively, once a day for 3 days. Group VI animals were used as a control group. Animals were monitored clinically once a week for a two month period.

Results

Cows treated with pomades containing 4% and 5% enilconazole recovered; adverse topical reactions occurred in 40% and 55% of animals, respectively. The success rate for cows treated with pomades containing 3% enilconazole was 95% and they recovered with no adverse reactions. Success rates for treatment were 25% and 50% for cows treated with pomades containing 1% and 2% enilconazole, respectively. No improvement was observed in the control group.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Pomades containing 3% enilconazole are recommended for the treatment of bovine dermatophytosis.
Inactivation of Acanthamoeba spp. and Other Ocular Pathogens by Application of Cold Atmospheric Gas Plasma
Authors: Heaselgrave Wayne , Shama Gilbert , Andrew Peter W. , Kong Michael G.
Published: March 2016

Currently there are estimated to be approximately 3.7 million contact lens wearers in the United Kingdom and 39.2 million in North America. Contact lens wear is a major risk factor for developing an infection of the cornea known as keratitis due to poor lens hygiene practices. While there is an international standard for testing disinfection methods against bacteria and fungi (ISO 14729), no such guidelines exist for the protozoan
Acanthamoeba
, which causes a potentially blinding keratitis most commonly seen in contact lens wearers, and as a result, many commercially available disinfecting solutions show incomplete disinfection after 6 and 24 h of exposure. Challenge test assays based on international standard ISO 14729 were used to determine the antimicrobial activity of cold atmospheric gas plasma (CAP) against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
,
Candida albicans
, and trophozoites and cysts of
Acanthamoeba polyphaga
and
Acanthamoeba castellanii
.
P. aeruginosa
and
C. albicans
were completely inactivated in 0.5 min and 2 min, respectively, and trophozoites of
A. polyphaga
and
A. castellanii
were completely inactivated in 1 min and 2 min, respectively. Furthermore, for the highly resistant cyst stage of both species, complete inactivation was achieved after 4 min of exposure to CAP. This study demonstrates that the CAP technology is highly effective against bacterial, fungal, and protozoan pathogens. The further development of this technology has enormous potential, as this approach is able to deliver the complete inactivation of ocular pathogens in minutes, in contrast to commercial multipurpose disinfecting solutions that require a minimum of 6 h.
MultiDimensional ClinOmics for Precision Therapy of Children and Adolescent Young Adults with Relapsed and Refractory Cancer: A Report from the Center for Cancer Research
Authors: Chang Wendy , Brohl Andrew S. , Patidar Rajesh , Sindiri Sivasish , Shern Jack F. , Wei Jun S. , Song Young K. , Yohe Marielle E. , Gryder Berkley , Zhang Shile , Calzone Kathleen A. , Shivaprasad Nityashree , Wen Xinyu , Badgett Thomas C. , Miettinen Markku , Hartman Kip R. , League-Pascual James C. , Trahair Toby N. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Merchant Melinda S. , Kaplan Rosandra N. , Lin Jimmy C. , Khan Javed
Published: March 2016

Purpose: We undertook a multidimensional clinical genomics study of children and adolescent young adults with relapsed and refractory cancers to determine the feasibility of genome-guided precision therapy.

Experimental Design: Patients with non-central nervous system solid tumors underwent a combination of whole exome sequencing (WES), whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS), and high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism array analysis of the tumor, with WES of matched germline DNA. Clinically actionable alterations were identified as a reportable germline mutation, a diagnosis change, or a somatic event (including a single nucleotide variant, an indel, an amplification, a deletion, or a fusion gene), which could be targeted with drugs in existing clinical trials or with FDA-approved drugs.

Results: Fifty-nine patients in 20 diagnostic categories were enrolled from 2010 to 2014. Ages ranged from 7 months to 25 years old. Seventy-three percent of the patients had prior chemotherapy, and the tumors from these patients with relapsed or refractory cancers had a higher mutational burden than that reported in the literature. Thirty patients (51% of total) had clinically actionable mutations, of which 24 (41%) had a mutation that was currently targetable in a clinical trial setting, 4 patients (7%) had a change in diagnosis, and 7 patients (12%) had a reportable germline mutation.

Conclusions: We found a remarkably high number of clinically actionable mutations in 51% of the patients, and 12% with significant germline mutations. We demonstrated the clinical feasibility of next-generation sequencing in a diverse population of relapsed and refractory pediatric solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 22(15); 3810–20. ©2016 AACR.