bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epilepsy diagnostic and treatment needs identified with a collaborative database involving tertiary centers in France
Authors: Chipaux Mathilde , Szurhaj William , Vercueil Laurent , Milh Mathieu , Villeneuve Nathalie , Cances Claude , Auvin Stéphane , Chassagnon Serge , Napuri Sylvia , Allaire Catherine , Derambure Philippe , Marchal Cécile , Caubel Isabelle , Ricard‐Mousnier Brigitte , N'Guyen the Tich Sylvie , Pinard Jean‐Marc , Bahi‐Buisson Nadia , de Baracé Claire , Kahane Philippe , Gautier Agnès , Hamelin Sophie , Coste‐Zeitoun Delphine , Rosenberg Sarah‐Dominique , Clerson Pierre , Nabbout Rima , Kuchenbuch Mathieu , Picot Marie‐Christine , Kaminska Anna ,   the GRENAT Group
Published: April 2016

Objective

To obtain perspective on epilepsy in patients referred to tertiary centers in France, and describe etiology, epilepsy syndromes, and identify factors of drug resistance and comorbidities.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of the characteristics of 5,794 pediatric and adult patients with epilepsy included in a collaborative database in France between 2007 and 2013. Comparisons between groups used Student's t‐test or Fisher's exact test for binary or categorical variables. Factors associated with drug resistance and intellectual disability were evaluated in multi‐adjusted logistic regression models.

Results

Mean age at inclusion was 17.9 years; children accounted for 67%. Epilepsy was unclassified in 20% of patients, and etiology was unknown in 65%, including those with idiopathic epilepsies. Etiologies differed significantly in adult‐ when compared to pediatric‐onset epilepsy; however, among focal structural epilepsies, mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis began as often in the pediatric as in adult age range. Drug resistance concerned 53% of 4,210 patients evaluable for seizure control and was highest in progressive myoclonic epilepsy (89%), metabolic diseases (84%), focal cortical dysplasia (70%), other cortical malformations (69%), and mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (67%). Fifty‐nine percent of patients with focal structural epilepsy and 69% with epileptic encephalopathies were drug resistant; however, 40–50% of patients with West syndrome and epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spike‐and‐waves during sleep were seizure‐free. Ages at onset in infancy and in young adults shared the highest risk of drug resistance. Epilepsy onset in infancy comprised the highest risk of intellectual disability, whereas specific cognitive impairment affected 36% of children with idiopathic focal epilepsy.

Significance

Our study provides a snapshot on epilepsy in patients referred to tertiary centers and discloses needs for diagnosis and treatment. Large databases help identify patients with rare conditions that could benefit from specific prospective studies.
Double plate fixation for the management of proximal interphalangeal joint instability in 30 horses (1987–2015)
Authors: McCormick J. D. , Watkins J. P.
Published: April 2016

Reasons for performing study

Double plate fixation has been reported in a small number of horses with comminuted fractures of the middle phalanx. There are no published reports using this technique in the management of other injuries that destabilise the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIJ), including biaxial palmar/plantar eminence fractures and disruption of the palmar/plantar soft tissue support structures of the PIJ. Furthermore, there is a paucity of information on the long‐term prognosis for horses undergoing double plate fixation to manage destabilising injuries of the PIJ.

Objectives

To document further the clinical use of double plate fixation for management of injuries to the PIJ resulting in palmar/plantar instability and compare these results with other methods of management.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

The case records and radiographs of 30 horses with destabilising injuries to the PIJ treated by double plate fixation at Texas A&M University between 1987 and 2013 were analysed. Long‐term follow‐up information was obtained by telephone interview with the client or referring veterinarian.

Results

Thirty‐one disruptive PIJ injuries were double plated in 30 cases. Twenty‐nine of 30 horses were discharged from the hospital. The medial time for post operative external coaptation was 41 days. Long‐term follow‐up (>2 years) was available for 25 horses, of which 15 (60%) returned to useful function. Radiographic evidence of fracture healing and arthrodesis of the PIJ was evident in 28 (90%) repairs at 6 months following repair.

Conclusions

The use of 2 abaxially placed dorsal plates for management of destabilising injuries to the PIJ results in a very good prognosis for survival and a reasonable prognosis for return to functional use.
The repeatability of an oral glucose test in ponies
Authors: de Laat M. A. , Sillence M. N.
Published: April 2016

Reasons for performing study

Insulin dysregulation can be difficult to diagnose from basal insulin and glucose concentrations, so a field‐based oral glucose test (OGT) is preferred. However, the repeatability of this test has not been reported.

Objectives

To determine the repeatability of an in‐feed OGT in ponies and examine some factors affecting the palatability of the test meal.

Study design

A repeated measures, longitudinal study.

Methods

An in‐feed OGT was performed at 08.00 h on 3 consecutive occasions under controlled conditions in 8 mixed breed ponies. d‐glucose (0.75 g/kg bwt) was dissolved in water and combined with wheat bran and lucerne chaff. Blood samples were taken before and 90, 120, 180 min and 24 h after d‐glucose. The repeatability of the test was analysed with repeated measures ANOVA. Insulin and glucose responses to d‐glucose were also compared to an equivalent dose of dietary carbohydrate provided with a commercial grain mixture.

Results

The overall insulin responses to the OGTs did not differ between tests. Individual insulin responses were more variable (P<0.05) than glucose responses. There was no difference in insulin concentration in post d‐glucose samples over time. Insulin and glucose responses to grain and d‐Glucose were not different.

Conclusions

An OGT is reasonably repeatable in ponies. The currently recommended post‐glucose sampling time point of 2 h is acceptable, with sampling at 90 min also likely to produce a consistent result. The use of an alternative carbohydrate source to d‐glucose, such as a commercial grain‐based product, may be a viable and more palatable option for the test.
Long‐term persistence, density dependence and effects of climate change on rosyside dace (Cyprinidae)
Authors: Grossman Gary D. , Sundin Gary , Ratajczak Robert E.
Published: April 2016

We used long‐term population data for rosyside dace (Clinostomus funduloides), a numerically dominant member of a stochastically organised fish assemblage, to evaluate the relative importance of density‐dependent and density‐independent processes to population persistence.

We also evaluated the potential impacts of global climate change (GCC) on this species and predicted how directional environmental changes will affect dace.

We sampled two 30 m permanent sites in spring and autumn in the Coweeta catchment for rosyside dace density using three‐pass electrofishing between 1984 and 1995, and a single 100 m site from 1991 to 2003.

Habitat availability and flow variation data for this 20‐year period demonstrated that two droughts (1985–1988 and 1999–2002) produced smaller wetted areas, lower mean, maximum and minimum flows, fewer high flow events and greater amounts of depositional substrata in the sites.

Droughts produced significant increases in abundance, and significant decreases in standard length and mass of rosyside dace. Increases in abundance were mainly due to increased survival/immigration of young‐of‐the‐year (YOY).

Model selection analysis using multiple single and multivariable models indicated that density dependence in various forms possessed substantial explanatory power with respect to long‐term variation in the per‐capita rate of increase (r) in all sites and seasons. Density‐dependent effects onrwere stronger in autumn than spring, whereas negative density‐independent models (flow variation) had the greatest explanatory power in spring.

Results for growth data were similar to those for rosyside dace density and confirm density dependence likely through intraspecific competition for food or foraging sites leading to reduced growth at higher densities.

These data support the hypothesis that species may persist in stochastic animal assemblages via strong intraspecific density dependence. Greater flow variability or increased high flows produced by GCC may destabilise this population leading to reduced compensation and possibly eventual extinction.
A neutral‐metabolic theory of latitudinal biodiversity
Authors: Tittensor Derek P. , Worm Boris
Published: April 2016

Aim

Latitudinal gradients of species richness represent Earth's first‐order biodiversity pattern. Most species groups display a near‐monotonic decline in richness from the equator to the poles, yet there exists little mechanistic theory to derive such patterns from first principles. Here we integrate two key advances – neutral theory and the metabolic theory of ecology – to reconstruct global species richness gradients and test underlying causes.

Location

Simulated global meta‐community.

Methods

We constructed a spatially explicit global meta‐community with constant per capita rates of disturbance, speciation and dispersal. No gradient emerged in this neutral base model. Focusing on the oceans as a model system, we added a water temperature gradient of 0–30°C that independently affected rates of community turnover and speciation based on established metabolic scaling laws. We also added a gradient in habitat area that roughly parallels the observed decrease in ocean area from tropical to polar waters.

Results

Thermal effects on the community turnover rate caused a transient latitudinal gradient that ultimately disappeared. Thermal effects on speciation produced a dynamically stable but relatively weak gradient. Increasing habitat area towards the equator in combination with thermal effects on speciation rate produced a more realistic gradient that emerged from the combined effects of species–area and species–energy theory.

Main conclusions

This reasonably simple model provides a platform to explore support for processes underpinning large‐scale biodiversity gradients, and the ability of prominent ecological theories, independently or in combination, to capture them.
Micro‐CT evaluation of the quality of root fillings when using three root filling systems
Authors: Başer Can E. D. , Keleş A. , Aslan B.
Published: April 2016

Aim

To evaluate the percentage volumes of filling materials and voids in single‐rooted teeth filled with three different filling systems using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT).

Methodology

Thirty single‐rooted human teeth were used. After preparation of the root canals, the teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10). The canals were filled with EndoREZ, ActiV GP or AH Plus/gutta‐percha. Each specimen was scanned using a micro‐CT device at a resolution of 13.68 μm. Percentage volumes of root filling materials and voids were calculated and data were analysed statistically using the Kruskal–Wallis test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test with Bonferroni adjustment. Within each group, the Friedman test was performed with the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test to detect discrepancies.

Results

The percentage volume of filling material was significantly lower in the ActiV GP group than in the other groups (P < 0.05), whilst the percentage volume of voids was significantly higher in the ActiV GP group than in the other groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

None of the systems were associated with void‐free root fillings. The ActiV GP system had a significantly higher percentage volume of voids than the other systems.
Controlled transurethral resection and incision of the bladder neck to treat female primary bladder neck obstruction: Description of a novel surgical procedure
Authors: Shen Wenhao , Ji Huixiang , Yang Chao , Zhang Heng , Xiong Tailing , Wu Xiaojun , Zhang Jiahua , Zhou Zhansong
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy and complications of controlled transurethral resection and incision of the bladder neck to treat female primary bladder neck obstruction.

Methods

A total of 59 patients who were diagnosed with female primary bladder neck obstruction by urodynamic examination underwent surgical procedures at Urological Institute of the People's Liberation Army, First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China, between March 2010 and March 2014. For all patients, neurogenic, anatomical and dysfunctional voiding causes of bladder outlet obstruction had been excluded. Perioperative and follow‐up data, including operative time, maximum urine flow rate, residual urine volume, International Prostate Symptom Score and Quality of Life Score, were prospectively investigated.

Results

All of the operations were completed uneventful. The median operative time was 15 ± 8 min (range 10–22 min). No massive hemorrhage or infection was reported. Follow‐up data were available for 59, 59, and 57 of the patients at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. The mean maximum urine flow rate increased from 7.2 ± 3.9 mL/s preoperatively to 26.1 ± 5.2 mL/s postoperatively. The mean residual urine volume decreased from 162 ± 75 to 20 ± 7 mL. The mean International Prostate Symptom Score decreased from 24.5 ± 7.2 to 5.5 ± 3.6. The mean Quality of Life Score decreased from 5.4 ± 1.7 to 1.9 ± 1.1. All of the differences between the preoperative and postoperative values were significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The novel technique described here shortens the length of the urethra to 2.5 cm, which both released the obstruction and maintained continence. The results of the present preliminary study show that this method represents a safe and effective treatment for female primary bladder neck obstruction.
Helpful and unhelpful responses after suicide: Experiences of bereaved family members
Authors: Peters Kath , Cunningham Colleen , Murphy Gillian , Jackson Debra
Published: April 2016

Individuals who are bereaved by suicide and other traumatic natured deaths are thought to be at greater risk of psychological complications, than people bereaved by other means. While it is recognized that interventions can influence the bereavement process, there remains limited communications about both helpful responses and those that may adversely influence the grieving process for the suicide bereaved. This paper presents findings from a narrative study, which sought the experiences of family members after the loss of a loved one as a result of suicide. The study findings demonstrated that responses by agencies are often insensitive and not aligned with the needs of those bereaved. We argue that training is paramount for all services to increase awareness of the needs of people bereaved by suicide and available support services. Changes to organizational policies in relation to finance support would greatly support the bereaved during their time of grief and heightened distress.
Heterogeneity in Economic Shocks and Household Spending in the US
Authors: Devlin‐Foltz Sebastian , Sabelhaus John
Published: April 2016

Large swings in aggregate household sector spending, especially for big‐ticket items such as cars and housing, have been a dominant feature of the macroeconomic landscape in the past two decades. Income and wealth inequality increased over the same period, leading some to suggest the two phenomena are interconnected. Indeed, there is supporting evidence for the idea that heterogeneity in economic shocks and spending are connected, most notably in studies using local‐area geography as the unit of analysis. The Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) provides a household‐level perspective on changes in wealth, income and spending across different types of families. The SCF confirms that inequality is indeed increasing in recent decades, and the data provide support for the proposition that shocks to income and wealth are indeed related to large swings in spending across and within birth cohorts. However, the economic shocks associated with the Great Recession and changes in spending and debt to income ratios are widespread, and inconsistent with a narrow focus on the experiences and changes in behaviour of particular (especially low‐ and modest‐income) households.
Comparing Retirement Wealth Trajectories on Both Sides of the Pond
Authors: Blundell Richard , Crawford Rowena , French Eric , Tetlow Gemma
Published: April 2016

We use comparable data from the US and England to examine similarities and differences in the level and trajectories of assets among households aged 70 and over. We find that in the US assets on average decline gradually with age, while in England older households actually accumulate wealth. These differences appear to be driven largely, though not entirely, by housing wealth: over the period we consider, house price growth drove increases in housing wealth in England that more than offset the slow drawdown of non‐housing wealth. This suggests the illiquid nature of housing is likely to be an important factor in explaining wealth drawdown at older ages. We also consider the potential importance of bequest motives and savings to insure against the risk of medical and long‐term care expenses.
Lifetime Receipt of Inheritances and the Distribution of Wealth in England
Authors: Crawford Rowena , Hood Andrew
Published: April 2016

We investigate the impact of inheritances and gifts received on the distribution of wealth. Whereas previous work has looked only at marketable wealth, we consider broader measures of wealth including state and private pensions. We find that once pension wealth is included, inheritances and gifts no longer have an equalising impact on the distribution of wealth. Without pension wealth, including wealth transfers reduces the Gini coefficient for wealth from 0.57 to 0.52. With pension wealth, the impact is negligible. We argue that this latter effect gives a better indication of the impact of inheritances on the distribution of lifetime income.
Incipient radiation versus multiple origins of the GalápagosCroton scouleri(Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Rumeu Beatriz , Vargas Pablo , Riina Ricarda
Published: April 2016

Aim

Island radiations imply the emergence of numerous species in a short period of time. Downscaling at the infraspecific level, considerable differentiation among populations can be a sign of ‘incipient radiation’. However, this process remains largely unexplored. We focus on one of the most outstanding cases of infraspecific morphological variation in the Galápagos flora. Our hypothesis is that the phenotypic variation ofCroton scouleriis a sign of incipient radiation, in which a single colonization has generated new lineages with considerable morphological differentiation.

Location

The Galápagos Islands and Neotropics.

Methods

One hundred and forty‐four nuclear ribosomalDNA(ITS) and plastidtrnL‐Fsequences ofCrotonsect.Adenophylliwere used to test the hypothesis of a single ancestry (monophyly) ofC. scouleriusing a phylogenetic approach. Sequence data were analysed using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML). A complementary phylogeographical analysis ofC. scouleriand phylogenetically related species was also performed using 123 plastid sequences (trnL‐F,petL‐psbE,trnH‐psbA) in search for common ancestry of Galápagos lineages.

Results

The phylogenetic approach revealed that the closest relatives ofC. scouleriwereC. alnifolius,C. pavonisandC. rivinifolius. However, we failed to support monophyly ofC. scouleripopulations. Despite finding numerous haplotypes (14 polymorphic sequences/9 substitution‐based sequences), their distribution acrossCrotonspecies prevented us from inferring common ancestry forC. scouleri. The phylogeographical reconstruction revealed multiple lineages related to the origin ofC. scouleri.

Main conclusions

Lack of monophyly likely indicates that an incipient radiation from a single ancestor does not account for the striking infraspecific phenotypic variation inC. scouleri. This morphological diversity could be explained by recurrent biogeographical connections between Galápagos and the mainland, involving multiple colonizations to the islands from the continent rather than back colonizations from the islands to the mainland. Morphological, reproductive, geographical and ecological evidence better support the scenario of recurrent colonizations from the continent in different periods of time.
The Use of Qualitative Methods in Developing Implementation Strategies in Prevention Research for Stroke Survivors in Nigeria
Authors: Hurst Samantha , Arulogun Oyedunni , Owolabi Mayowa O. , Akinyemi Rufus O. , Uvere Ezinne , Warth Stephanie , Fakunle Gregory , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: April 2016

Implementing complex clinical interventions is a key challenge in many global regions. Local communities play a necessary role in enhancing feasibility and strengthening adaptive issues in the design and implementation of stroke interventions in developing countries. Drawing on the knowledge of physicians, patients, and caregivers, the authors employed qualitative methods as a phase 1 strategy to explore the challenges of stroke management and improve the adaptability and efficient delivery of a multimodal preventive intervention for secondary stroke disease in Nigeria. A total of 22 individual interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals, as well as 12 focus groups with patients and caregivers. Findings revealed four operational domains to improve strategies for phase 2 implementation and intervention: (1) barriers influencing optimal adherence in stroke survivors, (2) patient health beliefs and perceptions of patient health beliefs by others, (3) adoption of the “patient report card,” and (4) “medical action plan” and family management strategies.
Localized aggressive periodontitis immune response to healthy and diseased subgingival plaque
Authors: Shaddox Luciana M. , Spencer William P. , Velsko Irina M. , Al‐Kassab Hiba , Huang Hong , Calderon Nadia , Aukhil Ikramuddin , Wallet Shannon M.
Published: April 2016

Aim

The objective of this case–control study was to compare the inflammatory response of peripheral blood from localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP) patients when stimulated with healthy or diseased plaque samples.

Materials and Methods

Whole blood and subgingival plaque samples were collected from 13 LAP subjects, 14 siblings of LAP subjects and six periodontally healthy individuals. Whole blood was stimulated for 24 h with plaque samples generated from healthy or diseased sites. The levels of 14 cyto/chemokines were detected using multiplex technology.

Results

Localized aggressive periodontitis‐derived cultures displayed higher levels of G‐CSF, INFγ, IL10, IL12p40, IL1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1, MIP‐1α, and TNFα, than control cultures regardless of stimulus used. Whole blood from healthy siblings displayed higher levels of IL‐6 compared to control subjects, but lower levels than those observed in cultures from LAP participants.

Conclusions

This study suggests that although bacteria is an important factor in eliciting the hyper‐inflammatory response observed in LAP patients, the predisposition of host's response to bacterial presence may play a more significant role than the components of the stimulatory plaque.
A four‐phase strategy for the implementation of reflectance confocal microscopy in dermatology
Authors: Hoogedoorn L. , Gerritsen M.J.P. , Wolberink E.A.W. , Peppelman M. , van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , van Erp P.E.J.
Published: April 2016

Background

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is gradually implemented in dermatology. Strategies for further implementation and practical ‘hands on’ guidelines are lacking.

Objective

The primary outcome was to conduct a general strategy for further implementation ofRCM. The secondary outcome was the diagnosis of psoriasis and differentiation of stable from unstable psoriatic plaques by means of the ‘hands on’ protocol, derived from the strategy.

Methods

We used a four‐phased model; an exploring phase, a systematic literature search, a clinical approach and, finally, an integration phase to develop a clinical guideline forRCMin psoriasis. Receiver operating characteristic curve statistics was applied to define the accuracy for the diagnosis of unstable psoriasis.

Results

A general strategy for further implementation ofRCMand practical approach was developed to examine psoriasis byRCMand to distinguish stable from unstable psoriasis. Unstable psoriasis was diagnosed by epidermal inflammatory cell counts with a sensitivity and specificity of 91.7% and 98.3%, respectively, and with an accuracy of 0.92 (area under the curve). In addition, a monitoring model was proposed.

Conclusion

This is the first study that shows a method for implementation ofRCMin dermatology. The strategy and hands on protocol for psoriasis may serve as a model for other dermatological entities and additionally may lead to specialized ready‐to‐useRCMprotocols for clinical dermatological practice.
Sharp acoustic boundaries across an altitudinal avian hybrid zone despite asymmetric introgression
Authors: Halfwerk W. , Dingle C. , Brinkhuizen D. M. , Poelstra J. W. , Komdeur J. , Slabbekoorn H.
Published: April 2016

Birdsong is a sexually selected trait that could play an important evolutionary role when related taxa come into secondary contact. Many songbird species, however, learn their songs through copying one or more tutors, which complicates the evolutionary outcome of such contact. Two subspecies of a presumed vocal learner, the grey‐breasted wood‐wren (Henicorhina leucophrys), replace each other altitudinally across the western slope of the Ecuadorian Andes. These subspecies are morphologically very similar, but show striking differences in their song. We examined variation in acoustic traits and genetic composition across the altitudinal range covered by both subspecies and between two allopatric populations. The acoustic boundary between the subspecies was found to be highly abrupt across a narrow elevational range with virtually no evidence of song convergence. Mixed singing and use of hetero‐subspecific song occurred in the contact zone and was biased towards the use of leucophrys song types. Hetero‐subspecific song copying by hilaris and not by leucophrys reflected a previously found asymmetric pattern of response to song playback. Using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) markers, we detected hybridization in the contact zone and asymmetric introgression in parapatric populations, with more leucophrys alleles present in hilaris populations than vice versa. This pattern may be a trail of introgression due to upslope displacement of leucophrys by hilaris. Our data suggest that song learning may impact speciation and hybridization in contrasting ways at different spatial scales: although learning may speed up population divergence in songs, thereby enhancing assortative mating and reducing gene flow, it may at a local level also lead to the copying of heterospecific songs, therefore allowing some level of hybridization and introgression.
Short bowel syndrome (SBS)‐associated alterations within the gut‐liver axis evolve early and persist long‐term in the piglet model of short bowel syndrome
Authors: Pereira‐Fantini Prue M , Bines Julie E , Lapthorne Susan , Fouhy Fiona , Scurr Michelle , Cotter Paul D , Gahan Cormac GM , Joyce Susan A
Published: April 2016

Background and Aim

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is primarily characterized by malabsorption and malnutrition, resulting from loss of intestinal absorptive area following massive small bowel resection (SBR). Bile acids and the gut microbiota are functionally linked within the gut‐liver axis; however, SBS‐associated disturbances within the gut‐liver axis remain largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to characterize the evolution of bile acid alterations within the gut‐liver axis at both short‐term and long‐term time points and to relate these changes to alterations in colonic bacterial composition.

Methods

Four‐week‐old piglets were assigned to 75% SBR, sham‐operation or non‐operation control groups. High throughput sequencing was employed to determine bacterial abundance in colonic content and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography used to determine the bile acid concentration of gall bladder, portal serum, and fecal samples.

Results

Bile acid complexity and relative abundance are altered in the SBS piglet model at two weeks post‐SBR, and these changes persisted at six weeks post‐SBR. Our examination of the microbial profile revealed an early and persistent loss in bacteria belonging to the Clostridiales order.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of an early and persistent disturbance of the bile acid profile throughout the entero‐hepatic circulation with an increase in the proportion of primary bile acids and a decrease in secondary bile acids following SBR. These changes were associated with a loss of bacteria belonging to the Clostridiales order consistent with a disturbance in the bile‐microbial axis following SBR.
Association Between Oral Health and Cognitive Status: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wu Bei , Fillenbaum Gerda G. , Plassman Brenda L. , Guo Liang
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To systematically review longitudinal studies examining the association between oral health and cognitive decline.

Design

Studies published between January 1993 and March 2013 were identified by search of English language publications in PubMed/Medline using relevant Medical Subject Heading terms and title and abstract keywords and from CINAHL using relevant subject headings. After applying eligibility criteria and adding four studies identified from article references, 56 of the 1,412 articles identified remained; 40 were cross‐sectional, and 16 were longitudinal; 11 of the latter examined the effect of oral health on change in cognitive health or dementia incidence, five examined the reverse.

Setting

Sources of information included administrative data, subject evaluations in parent studies, medical and dental records, self‐reports, and in‐person evaluations.

Participants

Older adults.

Measurements

Most studies used subjects whose oral or cognitive status was known, using standard approaches to impute for missing information. The oral health information most frequently studied included number of teeth, periodontal and caries problems, and denture use. Cognition was most frequently evaluated using the Mini‐Mental State Examination or according to a diagnosis of dementia.

Results

Some studies found that oral health measures such as number of teeth and periodontal disease were associated with risk of cognitive decline or incident dementia, whereas others did not find an association. Similarly, cognitive decline was not consistently associated with greater loss of teeth or number of decayed teeth. It is likely that methodological limitations play a major role in explaining the inconsistent findings.

Conclusion

It is unclear how or whether oral health and cognitive status are related. Additional research is needed in which there is greater agreement on how oral health and cognitive states are assessed to better examine the linkages between these two health outcomes.
Making a difference? A comparison between multi‐sensory and regular storytelling for persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
Authors: ten Brug A. , Van der Putten A. A. J. , Penne A. , Maes B. , Vlaskamp C.
Published: April 2016

Background

Multi‐sensory storytelling (MSST) was developed to include persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in storytelling culture. In order to increase the listeners' attention, MSST stories are individualised and use multiple sensory stimuli to support the verbal text. In order to determine the value of MSST, this study compared listeners' attention under two conditions: (1) being read MSST books and (2) being read regular stories.

Method

A non‐randomised control study was executed in which the intervention group read MSST books (n = 45) and a comparison group (n = 31) read regular books. Books were read 10 times during a 5‐week period. The 1st, 5th and 10th storytelling sessions were recorded on video in both groups, and the percentage of attention directed to the book and/or stimuli and to the storyteller was scored by a trained and independent rater. Two repeated measure analyses (with the storytelling condition as a between‐subject factor and the three measurements as factor) were performed to determine the difference between the groups in terms of attention directed to the book/stimuli (first analysis) and storyteller (second analysis). A further analysis established whether the level of attention changed between the reading sessions and whether there was an interaction effect between the repetition of the book and the storytelling condition.

Results

The attention directed to the book and/or the stimuli was significantly higher in the MSST group than in the comparison group. No significant difference between the two groups was found in the attention directed to the storyteller. For MSST stories, most attention was observed during the fifth reading session, while for regular stories, the fifth session gained least attentiveness from the listener.

Conclusion

The persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities paid more attention to the book and/or stimuli in the MSST condition compared with the regular story telling group. Being more attentive towards the book and stimuli might give persons with PIMD the opportunity to apprehend the story and to be included in storytelling culture.
Vitamin D insufficiency and cognitive impairment in Asians: a multi‐ethnic population‐based study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Annweiler C. , Milea D. , Whitson H. E. , Cheng C.‐Y. , Wong T.‐Y. , Ikram M. K. , Lamoureux E. L. , Sabanayagam C.
Published: April 2016

Background

The relationship between vitamin D insufficiency and cognitive impairment remains equivocal in Asians. We examined the association between circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentration and cognitive performance in a large multi‐ethnic Singaporean population‐based study. We also conducted a meta‐analysis of 25OHD concentrations amongst cognitively impaired older adults in Asia.

Methods

Our population‐based cross‐sectional study included 2273 persons ≥60 years of age from the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases (SEED) study (mean ± SD age 70.4 ± 6.2 years; 44.7% female), who were categorized according to 25OHD concentration (i.e. ≤10, 10.1–20 and >20 ng mL−1). The 25OHD concentration was measured and adjusted to reflect a deseasonalized value. Cognition was assessed using the total and domain scores of the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT). Global cognitive impairment was defined as AMT score of ≤6 if 0–6 years of education and AMT score of ≤8 if >7 years of education. Fully adjusted multivariate models were used. We included seven studies in a meta‐analysis of 25OHD and cognition in Asia (6068 participants; 1179 cognitively impaired cases).

Results

Participants with 25OHD levels >20 ng mL−1 (n = 1302) had higher AMT total scores (mean ± SD 8.5 ± 1.9) and were less likely to have cognitive impairment (14.1%) than participants with lower 25OHD levels (overall P < 0.001, P‐trend < 0.001). Deseasonalized 25OHD concentration was associated with AMT score (β = 0.10 per 10 ng mL−1, P = 0.035). Vitamin D insufficiency (25OHD ≤20 ng mL−1) was associated with global cognitive impairment (OR 1.56, P = 0.028). Specifically, 25OHD concentration correlated with semantic memory (r = 0.08, P = 0.009) and orientation in time (r = 0.09, P = 0.003). In the meta‐analysis, the pooled mean 25OHD difference was −6.83 ng mL−1 (95% confidence interval −11.36; −2.30), indicating lower 25OHD concentrations amongst cognitively impaired compared to cognitively healthy participants in Asia.

Conclusion

Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with a greater likelihood of and more severe cognitive impairment in Asian populations.
Cytogenetic and immunohistochemical biomarker profiling of therapy‐relevant factors in salivary gland carcinomas
Authors: Lemound Juliana , Schenk Maxie , Keller Gunter , Stucki‐Koch Angelika , Witting Sandra , Kreipe Hans , Hussein Kais
Published: April 2016

Objectives

There is currently no established algorithm for the molecular profiling of therapy‐relevant defects in salivary gland carcinomas (SGC). HER2 overexpression in a subfraction of SGC and low frequencies of EGFR mutations are known. Here, we established receptor and cell signalling profiles of 17 therapy‐relevant factors and propose a molecular diagnostic algorithm for SGC.

Materials and Methods

Formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissue samples from SGC (n = 38) were analysed with immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH).

Results

Two or more expressed receptors and/or receptor gene amplification were detectable in eight of 38 (21%) tumours: HER2 3+/AR 1+, HER3 gene amplification/AR 1+/EGFR 1+, ER 3+/AR 1+, EGFR 2+/PR 1+ and EGFR 2+/PR 1+/AR 1+. No FGFR1–3, MET, ALK1, ROS1, RET, BRAF nor VEGFA defects were detectable, and ERCC1 was not overexpressed. No PD1+ tumour‐infiltrating T cells were detectable.

Conclusion

Personalised therapy of patients with salivary gland carcinomas should include HER2 and EGFR signalling testing and, in negative cases, evaluation of rare potential target molecules. ERCC1 and PD1 do not appear to be reliable markers for the decision for or against chemotherapy or immunotherapy, respectively.
Dragon Slaying with Ambiguity: Theory and Experiments
Authors: KELSEY DAVID , LE ROUX SARA
Published: April 2016

This paper studies the impact of ambiguity in the best‐shot and weakest‐link models of public good provision. The models are first analyzed theoretically. Then, we conduct experiments to study how ambiguity affects behavior in these games. We test whether subjects' perception of ambiguity differs between a local opponent and a foreign one. We find that an ambiguity‐safe strategy is often chosen by subjects. This is compatible with the hypothesis that ambiguity aversion influences behavior in games. Subjects tend to choose contributions above (respectively, below) the Nash equilibrium in the best‐shot (respectively, weakest‐link) model.
Projected future distribution of dentists in Japan
Authors: Ishimaru Miho , Ono Sachiko , Yasunaga Hideo , Matsui Hiroki , Koike Soichi
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Appropriate health policies for the supply of dentists have been an ongoing issue in many developed countries. The purpose of this study was to estimate the future distribution of dentists with different working statuses in Japan and to discuss policy implications about the supply of dentists in any country.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using data from the National Survey of Physicians, Dentists and Pharmacists for 1972–2012. Based on data from the 2010 and 2012 surveys, we calculated by means of a Markov model the future number of dentists with different working statuses until 2042 according to sex.

Results

We estimated that the total number of active dentists will decrease from 2012 to 2042. The number of active dentists per 1,000 population was predicted to reach a peak in 2018, decrease by 4.2% from 2012 to 2038, and thereafter slightly increase. With regard to working status, the number of dentists with their own practices per 1,000 people was predicted to have reached a peak in 2014 and decrease by 22.0% until 2042. We estimated that the number of dentists used in dental clinics per 1,000 population will increase continuously between 2012 and 2042 by 20.0%.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that maintaining this supply of dentists may lead to maldistribution of their working status in the future.
Arctic marine phytobenthos of northern Baffin Island
Authors: Küpper Frithjof C. , Peters Akira F. , Shewring Dawn M. , Sayer Martin D. J. , Mystikou Alexandra , Brown Hugh , Azzopardi Elaine , Dargent Olivier , Strittmatter Martina , Brennan Debra , Asensi Aldo O. , van West Pieter , Wilce Robert T.
Published: April 2016

Global climate change is expected to alter the polar bioregions faster than any other marine environment. This study assesses the biodiversity of seaweeds and associated eukaryotic pathogens of an established study site in northern Baffin Island (72° N), providing a baseline inventory for future work assessing impacts of the currently ongoing changes in the Arctic marine environment. A total of 33 Phaeophyceae, 24 Rhodophyceae, 2 Chlorophyceae, 12 Ulvophyceae, 1 Trebouxiophyceae, and 1 Dinophyceae are reported, based on collections of an expedition to the area in 2009, complemented by unpublished records of Robert T. Wilce and the first‐ever photographic documentation of the phytobenthos of the American Arctic. Molecular barcoding of isolates raised from incubated substratum samples revealed the presence of 20 species of brown seaweeds, including gametophytes of kelp and of a previously unsequenced Desmarestia closely related to D. viridis, two species of Pylaiella, the kelp endophyte Laminariocolax aecidioides and 11 previously unsequenced species of the Ectocarpales, highlighting the necessity to include molecular techniques for fully unraveling cryptic algal diversity. This study also includes the first records of Eurychasma dicksonii, a eukaryotic pathogen affecting seaweeds, from the American Arctic. Overall, this study provides both the most accurate inventory of seaweed diversity of the northern Baffin Island region to date and can be used as an important basis to understand diversity changes with climate change.
Application of multigene phylogenetics and site‐stripping to resolve intraordinal relationships in the Rhodymeniales (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Filloramo Gina V. , Saunders Gary W.
Published: April 2016

Previous molecular assessments of the red algal order Rhodymeniales have confirmed its monophyly and distinguished the six currently recognized families (viz. Champiaceae, Faucheaceae, Fryeellaceae, Hymenocladiaceae, Lomentariaceae, and Rhodymeniaceae); however, relationships among most of these families have remained unresolved possibly as a result of substitution saturation at deeper phylogenetic nodes. The objective of the current study was to improve rhodymenialean systematics by increasing taxonomic representation and using a more robust multigene dataset of mitochondrial (COB, COI/COI‐5P), nuclear (LSU, EF2) and plastid markers (psbA, rbcL). Additionally, we aimed to prevent phylogenetic inference problems associated with substitution saturation (particularly at the interfamilial nodes) by removing fast‐evolving sites and analyzing a series of progressively more conservative alignments. The Rhodymeniales was resolved as two major lineages: (i) the Fryeellaceae as sister to the Faucheaceae and Lomentariaceae; and (ii) the Rhodymeniaceae allied to the Champiaceae and Hymenocladiaceae. Support at the interfamilial nodes was highest when 20% of variable sites were removed. Inclusion of Binghamiopsis, Chamaebotrys, and Minium, which were absent in previous phylogenetic investigations, established their phylogenetic affinities while assessment of two genera consistently polyphyletic in phylogenetic analyses, Erythrymenia and Lomentaria, resulted in the proposition of the novel genera Perbella and Fushitsunagia. The taxonomic position of Drouetia was reinvestigated with re‐examination of holotype material of D. coalescens to clarify tetrasporangial development in this genus. In addition, we added three novel Australian species to Drouetia as a result of ongoing DNA barcoding assessments—D. aggregata sp. nov., D. scutellata sp. nov., and D. viridescens sp. nov.
Colonization and diversification in the African ‘sky islands’: insights from fossil‐calibrated molecular dating of Lychnis (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Gizaw Abel , Brochmann Christian , Nemomissa Sileshi , Wondimu Tigist , Masao Catherine Aloyce , Tusiime Felly Mugizi , Abdi Ahmed Abdikadir , Oxelman Bengt , Popp Magnus , Dimitrov Dimitar
Published: April 2016

The flora on the isolated high African mountains or ‘sky islands’ is remarkable for its peculiar adaptations, local endemism and striking biogeographical connections to remote parts of the world. Ages of the plant lineages and the timing of their radiations have frequently been debated but remain contentious as there are few estimates based on explicit models and fossil‐calibrated molecular clocks.

We used the plastid region maturaseK (matK) and a Caryophylloflora paleogenica fossil to infer the age of the genus Lychnis, and constructed a data set of three plastid (matK; a ribosomal protein S16 (rps16); and an intergenic spacer (psbE‐petL)) and two nuclear (internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and a region spanning exon 18‐24 in the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2)) loci for joint estimation of the species tree and divergence time of the African representatives.

The time of divergence of the African high‐altitude Lychnis was placed in the late Miocene to early Pliocene. A single speciation event was inferred in the early Pliocene; subsequent speciation took place sporadically from the late Pliocene to the middle Pleistocene.

We provide further support for a Eurasian origin of the African ‘sky islands’ floral elements, which seem to have been recruited via dispersals at different times: some old, as in Lychnis, and others very recent. We show that dispersal and diversification within Africa play an important role in shaping these isolated plant communities.
Foliar fungal disease‐resistant introgression lines of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) record higher pod and haulm yield in multilocation testing
Authors: Pasupuleti Janila , Pandey Manish K. , Manohar Surendra S. , Variath Murali T. , Nallathambi Premalatha , Nadaf Hajisaheb L. , Sudini Harikishan , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: April 2016

Introgression lines (ILs) of groundnut with enhanced resistance to rust and late leaf spot (LLS) recorded increased pod and haulm yield in multilocation testing. Marker‐assisted backcrossing (MABC) approach was used to introgress a genomic region containing a major QTL that explains >80% of phenotypic variance (PV) for rust resistance and 67.98% PV for LLS resistance. ILs in the genetic background of TAG 24, ICGV 91114 and JL 24 were evaluated for two seasons to select 20 best ILs based on resistance, productivity parameters and maturity duration. Multilocation evaluation of the selected ILs was conducted in three locations including disease hot spots. Background genotype, environment and genotype × environment interactions are important for expression of resistance governed by the QTL region. Six best ILs namely ICGV 13192, ICGV 13193, ICGV 13200, ICGV 13206, ICGV 13228 and ICGV 13229 were selected with 39–79% higher mean pod yield and 25–89% higher mean haulm yield over their respective recurrent parents. Pod yield increase was contributed by increase in seed mass and number of pods per plant.