bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conjoint analysis to understand preferences of patients with multiple sclerosis for disease-modifying therapy attributes in Spain: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Arroyo Rafael , Sempere Angel P , Ruiz-Beato Elena , Prefasi Daniel , Carreño Agata , Roset Montse , Maurino Jorge
Published: March 2017

Objective

To assess patients’ preferences for a range of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) attributes in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Design

A cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

The data reported were from 17 MS units throughout Spain.

Participants

Adult patients with relapsing-remitting MS.

Main outcome

A conjoint analysis was applied to assess preferences. A total of 221 patients completed a survey with 10 hypothetical DMT profiles developed using an orthogonal design and rating preferences from 1 (most acceptable) to 10 (least acceptable). Medication attributes included preventing relapse, preventing disease progression, side effect risk, route and frequency of administration.

Results

Patients placed the greatest relative importance on the side effect risk domain (32.9%), followed by route of administration (26.1%), frequency of administration (22.7%), prevention of disease progression (10.0%) and prevention of relapse (8.3%). These results were independent of the Expanded Disability Status Scale score. The importance assigned to side effect risk was highest for patients with a recent diagnosis. Patients who had previously received more than one DMT gave a higher importance to relapse rate reduction than patients receiving their first DMT.

Conclusions

Patient DMT preferences were mainly driven by risk minimisation, route of administration and treatment schedule. The risk–benefit spectrum of available DMT for MS is becoming increasingly complicated. Understanding which treatment characteristics are meaningful to patients may help to tailor information for them and facilitate shared decision-making in clinical practice.
Cohort analysis of outcomes in 69 490 emergency general surgical admissions across an international benchmarking collaborative
Authors: Chana Prem , Joy Mark , Casey Neil , Chang David , Burns Elaine M , Arora Sonal , Darzi Ara W , Faiz Omar D , Peden Carol J
Published: March 2017

Objective

This study aims to use the Dr Foster Global Comparators Network (GC) database to examine differences in outcomes following high-risk emergency general surgery (EGS) admissions in participating centres across 3 countries and to determine whether hospital infrastructure factors can be linked to the delivery of high-quality care.

Design

A retrospective cohort analysis of high-risk EGS admissions using GC's international administrative data set.

Setting

23 large hospitals in Australia, England and the USA.

Methods

Discharge data for a cohort of high-risk EGS patients were collated. Multilevel hierarchical logistic regression analysis was performed to examine geographical and structural differences between GC hospitals.

Results

69 490 patients, admitted to 23 centres across Australia, England and the USA from 2007 to 2012, were identified. For all patients within this cohort, outcomes defined as: 7-day and 30-day inhospital mortality, readmission and length of stay appeared to be superior in US centres. A subgroup of 19 082 patients (27%) underwent emergency abdominal surgery. No geographical differences in mortality were seen at 7 days in this subgroup. 30-day mortality (OR=1.47, p<0.01) readmission (OR=1.42, p<0.01) and length of stay (OR=1.98, p<0.01) were worse in English units. Patient factors (age, pathology, comorbidity) were significantly associated with worse outcome as were structural factors, including low intensive care unit bed ratios, high volume and interhospital transfers. Having dedicated EGS teams cleared of elective commitments with formalised handovers was associated with shorter length of stay.

Conclusions

Key factors that influence outcomes were identified. For patients who underwent surgery, outcomes were similar at 7 days but not at 30 days. This may be attributable to better infrastructure and resource allocation towards EGS in the US and Australian centres.
Impact of health portal enrolment with email reminders at an academic rheumatology clinic
Authors: Mendel Arielle , Chow Shirley
Published: March 2017

Missed appointments reduce the quality, safety and efficiency of healthcare delivery. ‘No-Shows’ (NS) have been identified as a problem within the rheumatology clinic at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center in Toronto, Ontario.

NS were studied through a prospective chart review and telephone interviews. Over 6 months, 110 NS took place (rate 2.5-6.8%). From interviews, 85% of NS were attributed to forgetting, being unaware of the appointment, having the wrong date, or another miscommunication. Fifty-seven percent of patients were interested in an appointment reminder, including electronic reminders (46%).

Patients were encouraged to enroll in the hospital's electronic patient portal, MyChart, and email reminders were implemented at one clinic for portal users. A detailed follow-up card was also given to patients. Process measures included portal enrolment, email reminder receipt, and call volumes. Outcome measures were NS and patient and staff satisfaction.

During the intervention, 120/274 (44%) surveyed patients had MyChart accounts. Of these, 73 (61%) received the e-mail reminder and 72 (99%) found the e-mail helpful. Twenty-two patients knew about their appointment from the e-mail reminder alone. Improvement in attendance was seen after 3.5 months, but it was not sustained thereafter.

Prior to this intervention there was no appointment reminder system at this clinic, and the email reminder demonstrated high patient satisfaction. Low portal enrolment, technical difficulties, and the inability of the intervention to reach new patients were possible reasons why the intervention was unsuccessful at reducing NS.
Evaluating veterinary practitioner perceptions of communication skills and training
Authors: McDermott M. P. , Cobb M. A. , Tischler V. A. , Robbé I. J. , Dean R. S.
Published: March 2017

A survey was conducted among veterinary practitioners in the UK and the USA in 2012/2013. Thematic analysis was used to identify underlying reasons behind answers to questions about the importance of communication skills and the desire to participate in postgraduate communication skills training. Lack of training among more experienced veterinary surgeons, incomplete preparation of younger practitioners and differences in ability to communicate all contribute to gaps in communication competency. Barriers to participating in further communication training include time, cost and doubts in the ability of training to provide value. To help enhance communication ability, communication skills should be assessed in veterinary school applicants, and communication skills training should be more thoroughly integrated into veterinary curricula. Continuing education/professional development in communication should be part of all postgraduate education and should be targeted to learning style preferences and communication needs and challenges through an entire career in practice.
Production of primordial gravitational waves in a simple class of running vacuum cosmologies
Authors: Tamayo D. A. , Lima J. A. S. , Bessada D. F. A.
Published: March 2017

The problem of cosmological production of gravitational waves (GWs) is discussed in the framework of an expanding, spatially homogeneous and isotropic FRW type universe with time-evolving vacuum energy density. The GW equation is established and its modified time-dependent part is analytically resolved for different epochs in the case of a flat geometry. Unlike the standard [Formula: see text]CDM cosmology (no interacting vacuum), we show that GWs are produced in the radiation era even in the context of general relativity. We also show that for all values of the free parameter, the high frequency modes are damped out even faster than in the standard cosmology both in the radiation and matter-vacuum dominated epoch. The formation of the stochastic background of gravitons and the remnant power spectrum generated at different cosmological eras are also explicitly evaluated. It is argued that measurements of the CMB polarization (B-modes) and its comparison with the rigid [Formula: see text]CDM model plus the inflationary paradigm may become a crucial test for dynamical dark energy models in the near future.
LTB geometry with tilted and nontilted congruences in f(R,T) gravity
Authors: Yousaf Z. , Zaeem-ul-Haq Bhatti M. , Rafaqat Aamna
Published: March 2017

We investigate the role of tilted and nontilted congruence in the dynamics of dissipative Lemaître–Tolman–Bondi spacetime in [Formula: see text] gravity. We consider imperfect fluid with its congruences observed by tilted observer and dust fluid filled with LTB geometry observed by the nontilted observer. In order to elaborate the dynamical features of two congruences, we consider well-known [Formula: see text] models and develop relationships between tilted and nontilted dynamical variables. We evaluate the nonzero divergence of energy–momentum tensor for tilted congruence and transport equation for the system in [Formula: see text] gravity. We have also checked the instability regimes for nontilted congruence.
Salt supplementation ameliorates developmental kidney defects in COX-2−/− mice
Authors: Slattery Patrick , Frölich Stefanie , Goren Itamar , Nüsing Rolf M.
Published: March 2017

Deficiency of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity in the early postnatal period causes impairment of kidney development leading to kidney insufficiency. We hypothesize that impaired NaCl reabsorption during the first days of life is a substantial cause for nephrogenic defects observed in COX-2−/− mice and that salt supplementation corrects these defects. Daily injections of NaCl (0.8 mg·g−1·day−1) for the first 10 days after birth ameliorated impaired kidney development in COX-2−/− pups resulting in an increase in glomerular size and fewer immature superficial glomeruli. However, impaired renal subcortical growth was not corrected. Increasing renal tubular flow by volume load or injections of KCl did not relieve the renal histomorphological damage. Administration of torsemide and spironolactone also affected nephrogenesis resulting in diminished glomeruli and cortical thinning. Treatment of COX-2−/− pups with NaCl/DOCA caused a stronger mitigation of glomerular size and induced a slight but significant growth of cortical tissue mass. After birth, renal mRNA expression of NHE3, NKCC2, ROMK, NCCT, ENaC, and Na+/K+-ATPase increased relative to postnatal day 2 in wild-type mice. However, in COX-2−/− mice, a significantly lower expression was observed for NCCT, whereas NaCl/DOCA treatment significantly increased NHE3 and ROMK expression. Long-term effects of postnatal NaCl/DOCA injections indicate improved kidney function with normalization of pathologically enhanced creatinine and urea plasma levels; also, albumin excretion was observed. In summary, we present evidence that salt supplementation during the COX-2-dependent time frame of nephrogenesis partly reverses renal morphological defects in COX-2−/− mice and improves kidney function.
Looking for New Polycrystalline MC-Reinforced Cobalt-Based Superalloys Candidate to Applications at 1200°C
Authors: Berthod Patrice
Published: March 2017

For applications for which temperatures higher than 1150°C can be encountered the currently best superalloys, the γ/γ′ single crystals, cannot be used under stress because of the disappearance of their reinforcing γ′ precipitates at such temperatures which are higher than their solvus. Cobalt-based alloys strengthened by refractory and highly stable carbides may represent an alternative solution. In this work the interest was focused on MC carbides of several types. Alloys were elaborated with atomically equivalent quantities in M element (among Ti, Ta, Nb, Hf, or Zr) and in C. Script-like eutectic TiC, TaC, NbC, HfC, and ZrC carbides were successfully obtained in the interdendritic spaces. Unfortunately, only one type, HfC, demonstrated high morphological stability during about 50 hours at 1200°C. The concerned alloy, of the Co-25Cr-0.5C-7.4Hf type (in wt.%), was further characterized in flexural creep resistance and air-oxidation resistance at the same temperature. The creep behaviour was very good, notably by comparison with a more classical Co-25Cr-0.5C-7.5Ta alloy, proving that the interest of HfC is higher than the TaC one. In contrast the oxidation by air was faster and its behaviour not really chromia-forming. Significant improvements of this chemical resistance are expected before taking benefit from the mechanical superiority of this alloy.
Gingival Cyst of the Adult: Report of an Inconspicuous Lesion Associated with Multiple Agenesis
Authors: Brod Juliana Mançano Melhado , Passador-Santos Fabrício , Soares Andresa Borges , Sperandio Marcelo
Published: March 2017

Gingival cyst of the adult is a rare slow growing and asymptomatic lesion that arises from the rests of the dental lamina. The present report describes the case of a miniscule adult gingival cyst in the lower anterior gingiva in a 51-year-old male with agenesis of lower premolars and lateral incisors. This paper contrasts the literature concerning the differentiation between the gingival cyst of the adult and the lateral periodontal cysts as well as the possible misguided concept that the former may be such rare an occurrence.
Periodontal Status and Quality of Life: Impact of Fear of Pain and Dental Fear
Authors: Wright Casey D. , McNeil Daniel W. , Edwards Cierra B. , Crout Richard J. , Neiswanger Katherine , Shaffer John R. , Marazita Mary L.
Published: March 2017

Background. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is impacted by periodontal disease and orofacial pain. There is a limited research examining the impact of avoidance of care or physiological arousal related to the fear of pain response on periodontal-related OHRQoL.Methods. Data are from the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia family-based study focusing on 1,339 adults. Measures included a modified Periodontal Screening and Recording Index across sextants of dentition, dental fear survey, Fear of Pain Questionnaire-9, and Oral Health Impact Profile-14. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the effects of periodontal disease screening indicators on OHRQoL including the mediating role of dental fear while accounting for fear of pain.Results. A significant total effect was found for the mandibular anterior sextant, components of dental anxiety/fear, and indicators of OHRQoL (pain and discomfort,β=.165,p=.001; psychosocial impact,β=.199,p<.001). The maxillary anterior region was significantly associated with pain discomfort (β=.116,p=.017) and functionality (β=.130,p=.011).Conclusions. Findings provide a granular perspective of periodontal disease indicators and OHRQoL. Dental avoidance/anticipatory fear and physiological arousal mediate OHRQoL in individuals who have indicators of periodontal disease in sextants that may be visible and susceptible to higher pain and psychosocial impact.
Influence of Blasting Vibration on Young Concrete Bridge: A Case Study of Yesanhe Super Large Bridge
Authors: Chen Ming , Zhang Jun , Lu Wenbo , Yan Peng , Deng Ke
Published: March 2017

Influence of blasting vibration on young concrete structure is an important issue in the field of hydropower engineering, transportation, and so forth. Based on influence of blasting excavation on concrete pouring progress of box girder in nearby Yesanhe Super Large Bridge, which is located in Hubei Province of China, a method combining field test and numerical simulation is used to study influence of blasting vibration on young concrete super large bridge. The results show that blasting excavation of nearby Yesanhe Hydropower Station induced vibration response on Yesanhe Bridge and peak particle velocity (PPV) on the bridge was quite small under test conditions. Monitoring data and numerical simulation both indicate that PPV of box girder is 1 to 4 times larger than that of pier foundation; with the extension of bridge cantilever casting section, velocity amplification factors of different parts of the box girder have different changes and duration of vibration in vertical direction increases. Three days after concrete pouring, the impact of concrete ageing on PPV and damage distribution of the bridge is not obvious. When vibration velocity of pier foundation is within 2 cm/s, the maximum tensile and compressive stress of box girder concrete are less than the tensile and compressive strength of concrete, so that blasting vibration unlikely gives impact on the safety of bridge.
Tofacitinib versus Biologic Treatments in Moderate-to-Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Who Have Had an Inadequate Response to Nonbiologic DMARDs: Systematic Literature Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bergrath Evelien , Gerber Robert A. , Gruben David , Lukic Tatjana , Makin Charles , Wallenstein Gene
Published: March 2017

Objective. To compare the efficacy and tolerability of tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as monotherapy and combined with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) versus biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) and other novel DMARDs for second-line moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients by means of a systematic literature review (SLR) and network meta-analysis (NMA). Methods. MEDLINE®, EMBASE®, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published between 1990 and March 2015. Efficacy data based on American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response criteria, improvements in the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) at 6 months, and discontinuation rates due to adverse events were analyzed by means of Bayesian NMAs. Results. 45 RCTs were identified, the majority of which demonstrated a low risk of bias. Tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily (BID) and 10 mg BID monotherapy exhibited comparable efficacy and discontinuation rates due to adverse events versus other monotherapies. Tofacitinib 5 mg BID and 10 mg BID + DMARDs or methotrexate (MTX) were mostly comparable to other combination therapies in terms of efficacy and discontinuation due to adverse events. Conclusion. In most cases, tofacitinib had similar efficacy and discontinuation rates due to adverse events compared to biologic DMARDs.
Potential Role of Carvedilol in the Cardiac Immune Response Induced by Experimental Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Horta Aline Luciano , Leite Ana Luisa Junqueira , Paula Costa G. , Figueiredo Vivian Paulino , Talvani André
Published: March 2017

Trypanosoma cruzi causes a cardiac infection characterized by an inflammatory imbalance that could become the inciting factor of the illness. To this end, we evaluated the role of carvedilol, a beta-blocker with potential immunomodulatory properties, on the immune response in C57BL/6 mice infected with VL-10 strain of T. cruzi in the acute phase. Animals (n=40) were grouped: (i) not infected, (ii) infected, (iii) infected + carvedilol, and (iv) not infected + carvedilol. We analyzed parameters related to parasitemia, plasma levels of TNF, IL-10, and CCL2, and cardiac histopathology after the administration of carvedilol for 30 days. We did not observe differences in the maximum peaks of parasitemia in the day of their detection among the groups. The plasma TNF was elevated at 60 days of infection in mice treated or not with carvedilol. However, we observed a decreased CCL2 level and increased IL-10 levels in those infected animals treated with carvedilol, which impacted the reduction of the inflammatory infiltration in cardiac tissue. For this experimental model, carvedilol therapy was not able to alter the levels of circulating parasites but modulates the pattern of CCL2 and IL-10 mediators when the VL10 strain of T. cruzi was used in C57BL6 mice.
Inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Formation by Traditional Chinese Medicinal Herb Herba patriniae
Authors: Fu Bo , Wu Qiaolian , Dang Minyan , Bai Dangdang , Guo Qiao , Shen Lixin , Duan Kangmin
Published: March 2017

New antimicrobial agents are urgently needed to treat infections caused by drug-resistant pathogens and by pathogens capable of persisting in biofilms. The aim of this study was to identify traditional Chinese herbs that could inhibit biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important human pathogen that causes serious and difficult-to-treat infections in humans. A luxCDABE-based reporter system was constructed to monitor the expression of six key biofilm-associated genes in P. aeruginosa. The reporters were used to screen a library of 36 herb extracts for inhibitory properties against these genes. The results obtained indicated that the extract of Herba patriniae displayed significant inhibitory effect on almost all of these biofilm-associated genes. Quantitative analysis showed that H. patriniae extract was able to significantly reduce the biofilm formation and dramatically altered the structure of the mature biofilms of P. aeruginosa. Further studies showed H. patriniae extract decreased exopolysaccharide production by P. aeruginosa and promoted its swarming motility, two features disparately associated with biofilm formation. These results provided a potential mechanism for the use of H. patriniae to treat bacterial infections by traditional Chinese medicines and revealed a promising candidate for exploration of new drugs against P. aeruginosa biofilm-associated infections.
Evaluation of the Automated QIAsymphony SP/AS Workflow for Cytomegalovirus DNA Extraction and Amplification from Dried Blood Spots
Authors: Spalletti-Cernia Daniela , Barbato Sara , Sorrentino Rosanna , Vallefuoco Luca , Rocco Caterina , Di Costanzo Pasquale , Giannattasio Antonella , Raimondi Francesco , Mazzarella Claudia , De Mattia Roberta , Portella Giuseppe
Published: March 2017

Objective: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be considered the most important agent of congenital infection. Long-term sequelae of congenital infection occur in about 15% of infants asymptomatic at birth. To avoid long-term sequelae or to reduce their burden, it is necessary to identify infected children for early interventions. CMV DNA can be detected in dried blood spots (DBSs). DBSs have been used in several studies for the retrospective diagnosis of congenital CMV (CCMV). It has been proposed to use DBSs for the newborn screening of CMV infection; however, manual methods are not suitable for newborn screening of CCMV. Methods: We evaluated in an off-label application the use of an automated instrument, the QIAsymphony SP/AS, in combination with the artus CMV QS-RGQ kit and the RotorGene Q real-time polymerase chain reaction system. Results: We analyzed 100 DBSs from newborns positive or negative for plasma CMV DNA with a 94% concordance in positive samples. Conclusions: We show that the QIAsymphony SP/AS and RotorGene Q workflow is suitable for CMV DNA extraction and detection from DBSs and that the system correctly identified newborns at risk of late sequelae due to CMV infection.
Perceived Health Status: Is Obesity Perceived as a Risk Factor and Disease?
Authors: Visscher Tommy L.S. , Lakerveld Jeroen , Olsen Nanna , Küpers Leanne , Ramalho Sofia , Keaver Laura , Brei Christina , Bjune Jan-Inge , Ezquerro Silvia , Yumuk Volkan
Published: March 2017

One might expect that a perception of obesity being a risk factor and disease, contributes to effective obesity prevention and management strategies. However, obesity rates continue to increase worldwide. The question arises whether obesity is truly perceived as a risk factor and a disease. This paper aims at describing perception of obesity as risk factor and disease among individuals seeking care, individuals not seeking care, the society, and different professionals having a role in the field of obesity. The paper is a reflection of the lecture on the topic that was given at the EASO's New Investigators United's Summer School 2016 in Portugal and the discussion with the new investigators and other senior speakers. Individual obese patients seeking help are very much aware of obesity being a risk factor and disease, but perceptions regarding obesity seem to be flawed among those who do not seek help for obesity. Also, misperceptions regarding obesity play a role at different levels, including society, different political levels, the fields of health care and social work, prevention organizations, and the food and marketing industry. The food and marketing industry has an enormous role in changing perceptions by the society and policy makers. Obesity rates will continue to increase as long as individuals, the society, and professionals at different levels have false interpretations of the severity of obesity. Severe action is needed against those who are playing a role in maintaining false perceptions of obesity as a risk factor and disease.
True Nondisjunction of Whole Bivalents in Oocytes with Attachment and Congression Defects
Authors: Sodek Martin , Kovacovicova Kristina , Anger Martin
Published: March 2017

Chromosome segregation in mammalian oocytes is prone to errors causing aneuploidy with consequences such as precocious termination of development or severe developmental disorders. Aneuploidy also represents a serious problem in procedures utilizing mammalian gametes and early embryos in vitro. In our study, we focused on congression defects during meiosis I and observed whole nondisjoined bivalents in meiosis II as a direct consequence, together with a substantially delayed first polar body extrusion. We also show that the congression defects are accompanied by less stable attachments of the kinetochores. Our results describe a process by which congression defects directly contribute to aneuploidy.
A Case of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Induced by Cisplatin/Pemetrexed Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer
Authors: Ishihara Masashi , Matsutani Noriyuki , Ota Shuji , Seki Nobuhiko
Published: March 2017

This report presents the case of a 60-year-old woman who was diagnosed with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma with asymptomatic brain metastases and commenced chemotherapy with cisplatin/pemetrexed (CDDP/Pem). She experienced tonic-clonic convulsions on day 9 of the first cycle, which were accompanied by increased blood pressure (173/69 mm Hg) and headache. Therefore, brain MRI was performed to check for stroke or progression of brain metastatic foci. T2-weighted, FLAIR, and ADC map images showed high-intensity areas in the subcortical region of the bilateral parieto-occipital lobes, leading to a diagnosis of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). The symptoms improved after treatment with antihypertensive and antiepileptic drugs. Clinicians should keep it in mind that central nervous system symptoms during anticancer therapy containing Pem may indicate possible PRES.
Usefulness of Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Retinopathy of Prematurity with Severely Dilated Tunica Vasculosa Lentis and Poor Mydriasis
Authors: Higashiyama Tomoaki , Muraki Sanae , Ohji Masahito
Published: March 2017

Background: Laser therapy has been the gold standard treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), while intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) is reported to be of significant benefit for zone I ROP. A problem with laser therapy is that it is difficult to administer in ROP patients with severely dilated tunica vasculosa lentis and poor mydriasis. However, although IVB treatment has been performed in such severe ROP cases, only 1 report has discussed its usefulness. Case 1: A male infant was born with a birth weight of 382 g at 23 weeks’ gestation. As visualization was poor and laser therapy could not be performed due to dilated tunica vasculosa lentis and poor mydriasis, IVB (0.625 mg/0.025 mL) was administered to both eyes. Following treatment, the ROP gradually improved, with regression of the dilated tunica vasculosa lentis and improvement of the mydriasis in both eyes. Case 2: A male infant was born with a birth weight of 698 g at 25 weeks’ gestation. As laser therapy could not be performed due to severely dilated tunica vasculosa lentis and poor mydriasis, IVB (0.625 mg/0.025 mL) was administered to both eyes. Following treatment, the ROP gradually improved, with regression of the dilated tunica vasculosa lentis and improvement of the mydriasis in both eyes. Conclusions: IVB is potentially more useful than laser therapy for the treatment of severe ROP with dilated tunica vasculosa lentis and poor mydriasis.
Aktueller Forschungsstand zum Unvollständigkeitserleben bei Zwangsstörungen
Authors: Ecker Willi , Gönner Sascha
Published: March 2017

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird ein Überblick über den Forschungsstand zum Unvollständigkeitserleben bei Menschen mit Zwängen gegeben. Empirische Daten zur phänomenologischen Differenzierung zwischen selbstbezogenem Unvollständigkeitserleben (SU) und Nicht-genau-richtig-Erleben («not-just-right experiences»; NJREs) werden vorgestellt. Erhebungsinstrumente und Befunde zur Auftretenshäufigkeit, zur Assoziation mit unterschiedlichen symptombasierten Subtypen und mit der Schwere der Zwänge sowie zur Spezifität von NJREs für Zwänge werden skizziert. Überlegungen und Befunde zur theoretischen Einordnung von Unvollständigkeitsphänomenen werden zusammengefasst (SU als zwangsspezifische Form von Depersonalisation/Derealisation mit «Zwei-Bühnen-Modell» als ätiologischer Hypothese; NJREs als empfindungsbasierter Perfektionismus mit Bezug zu zwanghaften Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen und Ticstörungen und mit vermuteter neurobiologischer Basis). Bislang fehlen Studien zur Evaluation auf unvollständigkeitsbetonte Zwänge zugeschnittener Modifikationen kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischer Verfahren.
Management and Outcomes of Pancreatic Resections Performed in High-Volume Referral and Low-Volume Community Hospitals Lead by Surgeons Who Shared the Same Mentor: The Importance of Training
Authors: Capretti Giovanni , Balzano Gianpaolo , Gianotti Luca , Stella Marco , Ferrari Giovanni , Baccari Paolo , Zuliani Walter , Braga Marco , Zerbi Alessandro
Published: March 2017

Background: High hospital volume improves outcomes after pancreatic resection. The aim of this study was to assess if practice and outcomes differed between high- and low-volume centers across which chief surgeons shared a similar training and mentoring. Methods: Data on patients undergoing standard pancreatic resections (2010-2013) at 7 Italian hospitals were collected. Chiefs of pancreatic surgery at each hospital had received the same training, with the same mentor. Two centers were high-volume referral hospitals for pancreatic disease, while 5 were low-volume hospitals. Results: A total of 856 patients were included, with median annual volume of resections 82 at high-volume referral hospitals and 11 at low-volume hospitals. Patients at low-volume hospitals were older, had more comorbidities, and were more often referred from the emergency room. Intraoperative techniques and reconstruction methods were similar. Comparable rates of major postoperative complications (18 vs. 22%; p = 0.236) and pancreatic fistula (29 vs. 32%; p = 0.287) were achieved in both groups, with no significant increases in failure to rescue from grade B-C fistula (6.2 vs. 15.0%; p = 0.108) and mortality (2.4 vs. 4.1%; p = 0.233) in low-volume hospitals. Postoperative length of stay was shorter in high-volume referral hospitals (10 vs. 15 days; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Similar postoperative outcomes can be achieved across high- and low-volume centers where chief surgeons shared a similar training and mentoring. However, multidisciplinary postoperative provision more often associated with high-volume centers may also affect outcomes.
CCR5+ CD8 T-cell levels and monocyte activation precede the onset of acute coronary syndrome in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Tarancon-Diez Laura , De Pablo-Bernal Rebeca S. , Alvarez-Ríos Ana I. , Rosado-Sánchez Isaac , Dominguez-Molina Beatriz , Genebat Miguel , Pacheco Yolanda M. , Jiménez José Luis , Ángeles Muñoz-Fernández M. , Ruiz-Mateos Ezequiel , Leal Manuel
Published: March 2017

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is nowadays one of the leading causes of morbid-mortality in HIV-infected population, but innate and adaptive immune mechanisms preceding this event are unknown. In this work we comprehensively and longitudinally observed, by multi-parametric flow cytometry and following a case-control design, increased CCR5+CD8+ T-cells levels and monocytes expressing activation and adhesion markers in HIV-infected patients who are going to suffer ACS. In addition, we found direct associations between activated CD8+ T-cells and myeloid cells that were only statistically significant in the group of patients with ACS and in the follow up time point just before the ACS. Our data highlight the important role of CCR5 in the onset of ACS and suggest this receptor as a marker of cardiovascular risk and potential therapeutic target to prevent the development of such non-AIDS-related event in HIV-infected patients.

Note: This work was presented at the CROI 2016 conference (Boston, USA in February 2016).
The role of RNA uptake in platelet heterogeneity
Authors: Beaulieu Lea , Tanriverdi Kahraman , Freedman Jane , Clancy Lauren
Published: March 2017

The role of platelets in regulating vascular homeostasis has expanded beyond mediation of haemostasis and thrombosis. The discovery of platelet RNA and the presence of subpopulations of platelets containing varying amounts of RNA suggest a role for platelet transcripts in vascular function. As the RNA in anucleated platelets is biologically functional and may transfer to other vascular cells, we hypothesised that platelet RNA diminishes over the lifespan of the platelet with diminishing platelet size due to horizontal cellular transfer. The purpose of this study is to determine if platelet RNA variance is the result of horizontal cellular transfer between platelets and other vascular cells. Utilising platelet sorting and RNA sequencing, we found that smaller platelets contained a more diverse set of transcripts than larger platelets. Further investigation using fluorescence imaging, gene expression analyses and in vitro and in vivo modelling revealed that platelets take up RNA from other vascular cells in a complex manner, revealing a dynamic role for platelets in modulating vascular homeostasis through bidirectional RNA transfer. The resultant RNA profile heterogeneity suggests unique functional roles for platelets dependent on size and complexity. This study expands our basic understanding of platelet function and heterogeneity and is the first to evaluate endogenous vascular RNA uptake and its relation to platelet processes. Our findings describe a novel endogenous phenomenon that can help elucidate the platelet’s role in these non-thrombotic and haemostatic fields, as well as present potential for diagnostic and therapeutic development.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
On the sea anemone Paracondylactis hertwigi (Wassilieff, 1908)
Authors: Corrêa Diva Diniz , Schlenz Erika
Published: March 2017

É redescrita a espécie tipo do gênero Paracondylactis Carlgren, 1934 (Carlgren, 1934), P. hertwigi (Wassilieff, 1908), com base em espécimes provenientes da costa de São Paulo, Brasil.Uma comparação é feita com a primeira redescrição da espécie (Carlgren, 1934), assim como também com as outras duas espécies do gênero, P. sinensis Carlgren, 1934 (Carlgren, 1934) e P. dawydoffi Carlgren, 1943 (Carlgren, 1943).O gênero era conhecido até agora apenas de localidades do Leste Asiático.
Sobre a reprodução, embriologia e desenvolvimento larval de Callichirus major Say, 1818 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Thalassinidea)
Authors: Rodrigues Sérgio De Almeida
Published: March 2017

O gênero Callichirus contém numerosas espécies, porém sua biologia é muito mal conhecida. A maioria das referências é de caráter sistemático, muitas vêzes baseada em apenas um animal, freqüentemente incompleto. Os fenômenos de copulação e postura são praticamente desconhecidos e nenhuma espécie foi criada em laboratório desde o ovo até estágios pós-larvais. Esta falta de conhecimento deve-se fundamentalmente às dificuldades encontradas na captura, pois estes animais vivem em galerias subterrâneas às vezes bastante extensas e profundas. O aperfeiçoamento de uma técnica eficiente de captura, semelhante à descrita por Hailstone e Stephenson (1961), permitiu a exploração de várias praias do litoral brasileiro (Rodrigues, 1971) e a obtenção de material vivo indispensável para estudos biológicos. Adoto aqui a revisão de Saint Laurent (1973), que separou o vasto gênero Callianassa em seis gêneros, ressaltando que C. major é a espécie tipo do gênero Callichirus.
Meroscolex marcussi, sp. n., Oligochaeta, Glossoscolecidae da Amazônia
Authors: Righi Gilberto , Ayres Ione
Published: March 2017

O presente estudo baseia-se em 18 animais coletados por um de nós (I. Ayres) em duas localidades do estado do Amazonas como segue:1 Estrada Manaus-Caracarai (BR-174), km 38, solo arenoso, 10 exemplares(5 clitelados), IX-XI/1974 (P I .N .P .A . 8-10).2. Estrada Manaus-Itacoatiara, km 80, Rio Preto de Eva, 8 exemplares(1 clitelado), XI/1974 ( P . I .N P.A. 11-12).Os animais foram fixados em formalina 10% e os cortes corados pela Hematoxilina de Ehrlich-Eosina. Os exemplares encontram-se depositados no Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Laboratório de Pedobiologia (P . I .N . P .A .).
Anatomy of the Nauplii of Oithona ovalis Herbst (Copepoda, Cyclopoida)
Authors: Fanta Edith Susana
Published: March 2017

Foram estudados 6 estágios naupliares do ciclopóide Oithona ovalis Herbst 1955obtidos na n atureza ou criados em laboratório.Os náuplios vivos e as preparações histológicas foram observadas e descritas,a anatomia interna, o funcionamento de alguns órgãos e as mudanças que ocorreram durante o desenvolvimento naupliar. Atenção especial foi dispensada à musculatura e ao aparelho digestivo.
Notas sobre associações de Trigona (Oxytrigona) tataira (Apidae, meliponinae)
Authors: Cortopassi-Laurino Marilda
Published: March 2017

As relações entre abelhas sem ferrão e outros artrópodos são bastante variáveis. Nesse trabalho são descritas associações de Oxytrigona tataira com Membracoidea através das quais as abelhas induzem a eliminação de líquido e desidratam-no no próprio local. A substância cerosa que recobre e desova dos mesmos Membracoidea também é coletada por essas abelhas.
On a collection of Chilean landplanarians
Authors: Froehlich Eudoxia Maria
Published: March 2017

Este artigo não contém resumo.
Studies on Paratrigona subnuda (Moure) Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponinae - III: queen supersedure
Authors: Imperatriz Fonseca Vera Lúcia
Published: March 2017

Nesse trabalho a substituição natural de rainha em Paratrigona subnuda (Moure) e as condições em que esse processo ocorre, são descritas. A rainha virgem (Vq) atrativa tem uma participação ativa na substituição natural da rainha fecundada (Q) da colônia, pois o processo é iniciado quando a Vq coloca uma gota de sua substância mandibular sobre o corpo da Q da colônia, que passa a ser intensamente lambida pelas operárias. Geralmente a Q conseque distribuir os seus próprios feromônios massageando somente o seu próprio corpo. As operárias de Paratrigona subnuda têm um corte de avanço e recuo para a Q parada, a qual normalmente não é lambida, como acontece em Apis mellifera. Algumas vezes as Q de Paratrigona são lambidas intensamente por mais de 10 operárias. Esse comportamento está relacionado com a tentativa de substituição da rainha fecundada. No início do processo de substituição, a corte da Q aumenta com a participação de operárias pertencendo à corte da Vq: elas lambem a secreção da Vq depositada sobre o corpo da Q. Enquanto isso, a Vq anda ativamente pela colônia; quando para, infla o abdômen, cuja ponta é lambida por operárias que lhe fazem a corte, e às vezes entram em trofalaxis com ela. Quando o número de operárias que lambe a Q diminui, a Vq aproxima-se novamente e excreta sobre o seu corpo. Na primeira fase do processo de substituição a frequência das visitas da Vq ao corpo da Q aumenta gradualmente. Mais tarde essas visitas tornam-se raras, até que as operárias que lambem o corpo da Q começam a atacá-la. O corpo da rainha é cortado em pedaços e eliminado da colônia (as glândulas abdominais dos tergitos são as primeiras a serem cortadas). Embora a tentativa de substituição natural da rainha da colônia faça parte do ciclo biológico das VqSj a substituição não é frequentemente observada. Quando a Q é mais atrativa que a Vq> não é substituida, e a Vq é morta por operárias. A substituição natural de rainha ocorre frequentemente quando a colônia está enxameando. Nessa ocasião há muitas Vq na colônia, e as relações entre enxameagem e presença de várias Vq foi explicada. As rainhas injuriadas também são substituídas, mas o mecanismo de substituição e diferente: a Vq não tem papel ativo nesse tipo de substituição.
Aspectos biológicos de Haementeria depressa (É. Blanchard, 1849) (Hirudinea, Rhynchobdellae, Glossiphoniidae)
Authors: Souza Ana Maria de
Published: March 2017

Alguns aspectos sobre a biologia do hirudineo Haementeria depressa foram observados em laboratório. Foi observada a ovipostura que é semelhante à de Glossiphonia lata. Os jovens apresentaram os movimentos números 1 e 2 de Herter (1929) e mantiveram-se agrupados até a primeira refeição.
Oribátidos edáficos do Brasil. I
Authors: Pérez-Inigo Carlos , Baggio Domingos
Published: March 2017

Os ácaros oribátidos de 25 amostras coletadas nos solos do Campus da Universidade e da Cidade de São Paulo foram estudados, constituindo a primeira parte de urna pesquisa sobre a fauna oribátida do solo brasileiro. 29 espécies foram encontradas, das quais 10 são bem conhecidas, a saber: Rhysotritia pe- ruensis (Hammer, 1961); Epilohmannia lenkoi Balogh & Mahunka, 1977; Nothu- rus biciliatus Kock, 1844; Hermannobates monstruosus Hammer, 1961; Eremo- belba zicsii Balogh & Mahunka, 1969; Opiella nova (Oudemans, 1902); Manco- ribates rostropilosus Hammer, 1961; Peloribates longicoma Hammer, 1958; Ros- trozetes foveolatus Sellnick, 1925 e Rostrozetes pseudofurcatus Balogh & Mahunka, 1968. Três novos gêneros foram criados: Furcodamaeus (Família Gym- nodamaeidae); Dinoxenillus (Família Xenillidae) e Brasilobates (Família Ori- batulidae). Dezenove novas espécies são descritas: Protophthiracarus brasilien- sis: Steganacarus fonseciai: Forcodamaeus bifurcatus; Xenillus sanctipauli; Xenillus butantaniensis; Dinoxenillus superbus; Pseudotocepheus simplex; Bra- chioppia tropicalis; Teratoppia tropicalis; Teratoppia uspiensis; Oripoda brasi- liensis; Brasilobates bipilis; Seheloribates artigasi; Scheloribates femoroserra- tus; Scheloribates pauliensisr Peloribates anomalus; Galumna similis; Alloga- lumna striata; Pergalumna (?) australis e Pergalumna (?) nasica. Além destas, 2 espécies de outras regiões receberam novos nomes: Pseudccepheus longus Mahunka, 1973 (nom. praecc. Balogh, 1960) foi mudado para Longocepheus ma- hunkai, e, Teratoppia pectinata Balcgh & Mahunka, 1969 (nom praeocc Balogh, 1961) recebeu o nome Teratoppia baloghi.
Distribuição de hidróides (Hydrozoa, Thecata) na costa do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil
Authors: Mayal Elga Miranda
Published: March 2017

Este trabalho representa o início do levantamento sistemático das espécies de hidróides que ocorrem na Costa do Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. São 11 espécies coletadas na plataforma continental, por uma Expedição realizada pela Superintendência de Desenvolvimento do Nordeste (SUDENE), em colaboração com o Laboratório de Ciências do Mar (LACIMAR), da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco.
Contribuição ao estudo dos Salticidae (Araneae) do Brasil. VII
Authors: Vianna Maria José Bauab , Soares Benedicto A. M.
Published: March 2017

Neste trabalho descrevemos uma nova espécie de aranha Salticidae do Brasil, Tulpius gauchus n. sp., assim como é completada a descrição do gênero Tulpius Peckham & Peckham, 1896.
Distribution of Euconchoecia chierchiae G. W. Muller (Crustacea, Ostracoda) of Santos, Brazil
Authors: Rocha Carlos Eduardo Falavigna da
Published: March 2017

A distribuição e migração vertical, bem como a distribuição segundo as massas de água do Ostracoda planctônico Euconchoecia chierchiae foram estudadas em amostras de plâncton coletadas sucessivamente a 45-47 m, 20-25 m e 0-1 m, em intervalos de 4 horas, durante 24 horas nas seguintes datas: 8-9/04/60, 22- 23/09/60, 6-7/07/61 e 7-8/11/61. Salinidade e temperatura foram medidas em profundidades previamente estabelecidas. E. chierchiae foi eurihalina e euritér- mica, mas preferiu águas com salinidades próximas de 36,00 °/oo e temperaturas entre 20,0 °C e 23,0 °C. Distribuiu-se entre 0 e 20 m, realizando migrações noturnas para a superfície e permanecendo no fundo durante o dia. Apenas uma veb, em 6-7/07/61, jovens e adultos migraram diferentemente. A migração vertical foi controlada pela luz, com interferência da termoclina, fitoplâncton e massas de água nas diferentes épocas do ano.
On some structures in Nannotrigona (Scaptotrigona) postica Latreille (Hymenoptera, Meliponinae)
Authors: Bego Luci Rolandi , Simões Dércio , Zucchi Ronaldo
Published: March 2017

No presente trabalho, estudamos o ciclo de desenvolvimento das glândulas hipofaringeanas, glândulas de cera e ovários de operárias de Scaptotrigona postiça, em colônias normal e órfã. As glândulas hipofaringeanas de operárias da colônia normal apresentaram um ciclo de desenvolvimento e regressão bem definido. As glândulas hipofaringeanas das operárias da colónia órfã entraram num processo de regressão, a partir do quinto dia de vida das operárias, não apresentando seu ciclo normal, provavelmente, devido à falta da atividade de aprovisionadoras dos alvéolos de cria. Em condição normal, os ovários, as glândulas de cera e glândulas hipofaringeanas, encontraram-se desenvolvidos, na mesma época. Este fato indica que a atividade de todas essas estruturas estão intimamente correlacionadas. Em operárias da calônia órfã, a coincidência de funções foi observada somente em relação as glândulas de cera e ovários.
Anatomia funcional de Mytella charruana (d'Orbigny, 1846) (Bivalvia: Mytilidae)
Authors: Narchi Walter , Galvão-Bueno Mario Sergio
Published: March 2017

Mytella charruana (d’Orbigny. 1846) ocorre no litoral Atlântico da Venezuela até a Argentina. Como adaptações principais ao meio lodoso, foram estudados neste trabalho i a motilidade e sensibilidade dos sifões, a presença de membrana sifonal, o tamanho e movimentação dos palpos, a ciliação nos ctemdeos e a estrutura do estômago. Os sifões são do tipo A (Yonge, 1948b), os ctenídeos do tipo B (1) (Atkins, 1937a), o estômago do tipo III (Purchon, 1957) com mecanismos do tipo B (Reid, 1965). O fato do saco do estilete e do intestino médio partirem separadamente do estômago constitui exceção entre os Filabranchia.
Histoquímica dos carboidratos nos mucocitos da sola pediosa de Prosobranchia marinhos: I. Archeogastropoda
Authors: Macha Newton
Published: March 2017

Foi realizado um estudo histoquímico do muco da sola pediosa de Prosobranchia marinhos (Archeogastropoda). Utilizando-se métodos para carboidratos foi encontrada a presença de uma sulfomucina em todos os animais estudados. Entretanto, uma espécie revelou grupamentos vic-glicol na constituição do muco.
Aspectos ecológicos da saúva no cerrado: a saúva, as queimadas e sua possível relação na ciclagem de nutrientes minerais
Authors: Coutinho Leopoldo Magno
Published: March 2017

O presente trabalho procura analisar comparativamente os efeitos das queimadas e das saúvas na ciclagem dos nutrientes minerais em ecossistemas de cerrado. Sugere-se uma possível relação antagônica entre eles, tanto do ponto de vista temporal quanto espacial.