bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ERBB‐2 overexpression as a risk factor for malignant phaeochromocytomas and paraganglinomas
Authors: Wang Weiqing , Zhong Xu , Ye Lei , Qi Yan , Su TingWei , Wei Qing , Xie Jing , Jiang Lei , Jiang Yiran , Zhou Weiwei , Cui Bin , Ning Guang
Published: January 2016

Objective

There are currently no good histological or molecular markers to differentiate benign from malignant phaeochromocytomas and paraganglinomas (PPGLs). Our previous cross‐sectional study observed that ERBB‐2 overexpression was associated with malignant PPGLs. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of ERBB‐2 overexpression for metastasis in PPGLs in a large population.

Methods

A total of 262 patients diagnosed as PPGLs in our institution between 2002 and 2012 were included. We analysed ERBB‐2 protein expression in the primary PPGL tumours by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and ERBB‐2 amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Direct Sanger sequencing was performed to examine ERBB‐2 exon 20 mutations. The occurrence of malignant PPGLs was documented in the follow‐up period. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between ERBB‐2 overexpression and metastasis of PPGLs.

Results

Twenty‐six (9·9%) patients had ERBB‐2 overexpression in their primary PPGL tumours, which was significantly associated with ERBB‐2 amplification (17/25, 68%). No ERBB‐2 mutation was found. At a median follow‐up of 4·5 years, a total of 23 malignant PPGLs were documented, including eight (30·8%) patients in the ERBB‐2 overexpression group and 15 (6·4%) patients in the ERBB‐2‐negative group. The incidence rate of metastasis was 5·3 per 100 person‐years vs 1·4 per 100 person‐years in the ERBB‐2 overexpression and ERBB‐2‐negative groups (P < 0·001), respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that ERBB‐2 overexpression was associated with decreased metastasis‐free survival (P = 0·001, log‐rank test). After adjusting for primary tumour size and location, Cox regression analysis revealed that ERBB‐2 overexpression was independently associated with risk of malignant PPGLs (HR = 2·78; 95% CI, 1·12–6·90; P = 0·028).

Conclusion

Patients harbouring tumours with ERBB‐2 overexpression have a significantly higher risk of developing malignant PPGLs.
Truncation and microdeletion of EVC/EVC2 with missense mutation of EFCAB7 in Ellis‐van Creveld syndrome
Authors: Nguyen Tran Quynh Nhu , Saitoh Makiko , Trinh Huu Tung , Doan Nguyen Minh Thien , Mizuno Yoko , Seki Masafumi , Sato Yusuke , Ogawa Seishi , Mizuguchi Masashi
Published: January 2016

Ellis‐van Creveld syndrome (EvC) is a ciliopathy with cardiac anomalies, disproportionate short stature, polydactyly, dystrophic nails and oral defects. To obtain further insight into the genetics of EvC, we screened EVC/EVC2 mutations in eight Vietnamese EvC patients. All the patients had a congenital heart defect with atypical oral and/or skeletal abnormalities. One had compound heterozygous EVC2 mutations: a novel mutation c.769G > T‐p.E177X in exon 6 inherited from father and another previously reported c.2476C > T‐p.R826X mutation in exon 14 inherited from mother. The EVC2 mRNA expression level was significantly lower in the patient and her parents compared to controls. Another case had a novel heterozygous EVC mutation (c.1717C > G‐p.S572X) in exon 12, inherited from his father. Of note, the mother without any EVC mutation on Sanger sequencing showed a lower expression level of EVC mRNA compared with controls. SNP array analysis revealed that the patient and mother had a heterozygous 16.4 kb deletion in EVC. This patient also had a heterozygous novel variant in exon 9 of EFCAB7 (c.1171 T > C‐p.Y391H), inherited from his father. The atypical cardiac phenotype of this patient and the father suggested that EFCAB7 may modify the phenotype by interacting with EVC. In conclusion, we detected two novel nonsense mutations and a partial deletion of EVC/EVC2 in two Vietnamese families with EvC. Moreover, we found in one family a missense mutation of EFCAB7, a possible modifier gene in EvC and its related disorders.
Complex mode of inheritance in holoprosencephaly revealed by whole exome sequencing
Authors: Mouden C. , Dubourg C. , Carré W. , Rose S. , Quelin C. , Akloul L. , Hamdi‐Rozé H. , Viot G. , Salhi H. , Darnault P. , Odent S. , Dupé V. , David V.
Published: January 2016

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is the most common congenital cerebral malformation, characterized by impaired forebrain cleavage and midline facial anomalies. Heterozygous mutations in 14 genes have been associated with HPE and are often inherited from an unaffected parent, underlying complex genetic bases. It is now emerging that HPE may result from a combination of multiple genetic events, rather than from a single heterozygous mutation. To explore this hypothesis, we undertook whole exome sequencing and targeted high‐throughput sequencing approaches to identify mutations in HPE subjects. Here, we report two HPE families in which two mutations are implicated in the disease. In the first family presenting two foetuses with alobar and semi‐lobar HPE, we found mutations in two genes involved in HPE, SHH and DISP1, inherited respectively from the father and the mother. The second reported case is a family with a 9‐year‐old girl presenting lobar HPE, harbouring two compound heterozygous mutations in DISP1. Together, these cases of digenic inheritance and autosomal recessive HPE suggest that in some families, several genetic events are necessary to cause HPE. This study highlights the complexity of HPE inheritance and has to be taken into account by clinicians to improve HPE genetic counselling.
Association of COL4A1 gene polymorphisms with cerebral palsy in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Bi D. , Wang H. , Shang Q. , Xu Y. , Wang F. , Chen M. , Ma C. , Sun Y. , Zhao X. , Gao C. , Wang L. , Zhu C. , Xing Q.
Published: January 2016

The basement membrane (BM) is an extracellular matrix associated with overlying cells and is important for proper tissue development, stability, and physiology. COL4A1 is the most abundant component of type IV collagen in the BM, and COL4A1 variants can present with variable phenotypes that might be related to cerebral palsy (CP). We postulated, therefore, that variations in the COL4A1 gene might play an important role in the etiology of CP. In this study, six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the COL4A1 gene were genotyped among 351 CP patients and 220 healthy controls from the Chinese Han population. Significant association was found for an association between CP and rs1961495 (allele: p = 0.008, odds ratio (OR) = 1.387, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.088–1.767) and rs1411040 (allele: p = 0.009, OR = 1.746, 95% CI = 1.148–2.656) SNPs of the COL4A1 gene. Multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis suggested that these SNPs had interactive effects on the risk of CP. This study is the first attempt to investigate the contribution of polymorphisms in the COL4A1 gene to the susceptibility of CP in a Chinese Han population. This study shows an association of the COL4A1 gene with CP and suggests a potential role of COL4A1 in the pathogenesis of CP.
The c.65‐2A>G splice site mutation is associated with a mild phenotype in Danon disease due to the transcription of normal LAMP2 mRNA
Authors: Cetin H. , Wöhrer A. , Rittelmeyer I. , Gencik M. , Zulehner G. , Zimprich F. , Ströbel T. , Zimprich A.
Published: January 2016

Danon disease (DD) is a rare X‐linked multisystem disorder caused by mutations of the LAMP2 gene and characterized by intellectual disability, skeletal myopathy and cardiomyopathy. The survival time is severely reduced. Contrasting with the usual disease course, we report on a family with an exceptionally mild phenotype of DD despite having two potentially damaging LAMP2 mutations. Using RNA‐Seq analysis, we showed that a c.65‐2A>G splice site mutation results in the tissue‐specific production of four different transcripts including the full‐length mRNA in muscle tissue but not in leukocytes. We confirmed our results by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, showing the detection of LAMP2 protein only in muscle. The second mutation (c.586A>T, p.T196S) has been reported before to have an uncertain clinical significance. In our patients, however, neither of the two mutations seem to have a high enough functional impact to cause a severe phenotype. Overall, our study reveals that alternative splicing is a potential mechanism in DD with underlying splice site mutations of the LAMP2 gene in order to rescue the full‐length mRNA. Moreover, our report of a mild phenotype complements the DD spectrum, which is of great importance for a rare disease suspected to be underdiagnosed.
First‐trimester spontaneous pregnancy loss – molecular analysis using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification
Authors: Zimowski J. G. , Massalska D. , Pawelec M. , Bijok J. , Michałowska A. , Roszkowski T.
Published: January 2016

Spontaneous miscarriages are the most frequent complications of pregnancy and, in at least half of cases, are caused by chromosomal abnormalities, mainly aneuploidies. We present the preliminary results of the implementation of multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) in the detection of chromosomal aberrations in the tissue derived from first‐trimester miscarriage and evaluate the limitations and requirements of the method. We studied 181 MLPA analyses with subtelomeric and subcentromeric probe kits for all chromosomes (SALSA P070 and SALSA P181) performed on the first‐trimester spontaneous miscarriage products in our Department of Genetics between September 2012 and December 2014. Conclusive MLPA results were obtained in 97.2% of samples. Chromosomal aberrations were detected in 40.3% of samples: 61.8% samples of good quality and 12.6% samples of poor quality (p < 0.001). The normal female karyotype was detected in 14.7% of good quality samples and 84.8% of poor quality samples (p < 0.001). MLPA is a useful tool for the detection of chromosomal aberrations in first‐trimester miscarriage products. However, the tissue has to be well prepared before testing and the results 46,XX should be interpreted with caution.
Predicting Visual Perception of Material Structure in Virtual Environments
Authors: Filip J. , Vávra R. , Havlíček M. , Krupička M.
Published: January 2016

One of the most accurate yet still practical representation of material appearance is the Bidirectional Texture Function (BTF). The BTF can be viewed as an extension of Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) for additional spatial information that includes local visual effects such as shadowing, interreflection, subsurface‐scattering, etc. However, the shift from BRDF to BTF represents not only a huge leap in respect to the realism of material reproduction, but also related high memory and computational costs stemming from the storage and processing of massive BTF data. In this work, we argue that each opaque material, regardless of its surface structure, can be safely substituted by a BRDF without the introduction of a significant perceptual error when viewed from an appropriate distance. Therefore, we ran a set of psychophysical studies over 25 materials to determine so‐called critical viewing distances, i.e. the minimal distances at which the material spatial structure (texture) cannot be visually discerned. Our analysis determined such typical distances typical for several material categories often used in interior design applications. Furthermore, we propose a combination of computational features that can predict such distances without the need for a psychophysical study. We show that our work can significantly reduce rendering costs in applications that process complex virtual scenes.
Accurate and Efficient Computation of Laplacian Spectral Distances and Kernels
Authors: Patané Giuseppe
Published: January 2016

This paper introduces the Laplacian spectral distances, as a function that resembles the usual distance map, but exhibits properties (e.g. smoothness, locality, invariance to shape transformations) that make them useful to processing and analysing geometric data. Spectral distances are easily defined through a filtering of the Laplacian eigenpairs and reduce to the heat diffusion, wave, biharmonic and commute‐time distances for specific filters. In particular, the smoothness of the spectral distances and the encoding of local and global shape properties depend on the convergence of the filtered eigenvalues to zero. Instead of applying a truncated spectral approximation or prolongation operators, we propose a computation of Laplacian distances and kernels through the solution of sparse linear systems. Our approach is free of user‐defined parameters, overcomes the evaluation of the Laplacian spectrum and guarantees a higher approximation accuracy than previous work.
Towards Globally Optimal Normal Orientations for Large Point Clouds
Authors: Schertler Nico , Savchynskyy Bogdan , Gumhold Stefan
Published: January 2016

Various processing algorithms on point set surfaces rely on consistently oriented normals (e.g. Poisson surface reconstruction). While several approaches exist for the calculation of normal directions, in most cases, their orientation has to be determined in a subsequent step. This paper generalizes propagation‐based approaches by reformulating the task as a graph‐based energy minimization problem. By applying global solvers, we can achieve more consistent orientations than simple greedy optimizations. Furthermore, we present a streaming‐based framework for orienting large point clouds. This framework orients patches locally and generates a globally consistent patch orientation on a reduced neighbour graph, which achieves similar quality to orienting the full graph.
Phylogenetic analysis of RAD‐seq data: examining the influence of gene genealogy conflict on analysis of concatenated data
Authors: Rivers David M. , Darwell Clive T. , Althoff David M.
Published: January 2016

One of the major issues in phylogenetic analysis is that gene genealogies from different gene regions may not reflect the true species tree or history of speciation. This has led to considerable debate about whether concatenation of loci is the best approach for phylogenetic analysis. The application of Next‐generation sequencing techniques such as RAD‐seq generates thousands of relatively short sequence reads from across the genomes of the sampled taxa. These data sets are typically concatenated for phylogenetic analysis leading to data sets that contain millions of base pairs per taxon. The influence of gene region conflict among so many loci in determining the phylogenetic relationships among taxa is unclear. We simulated RAD‐seq data by sampling 100 and 500 base pairs from alignments of over 6000 coding regions that each produce one of three highly supported alternative phylogenies of seven species of Drosophila. We conducted phylogenetic analyses on different sets of these regions to vary the sampling of loci with alternative gene trees to examine the effect on detecting the species tree. Irrespective of sequence length sampled per region and which subset of regions was used, phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated data always recovered the species tree. The results suggest that concatenated alignments of Next‐generation data that consist of many short sequences are robust to gene tree/species tree conflict when the goal is to determine the phylogenetic relationships among taxa.
Loading protocols and implant supported restorations proposed for the rehabilitation of partially and fully edentulous jaws. Camlog Foundation Consensus Report
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Sanz‐Martín Ignacio , Kern Jaana‐Sophia , Taylor Thomas , Schaer Alex , Wolfart Stefan , Sanz Mariano
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The aim of this consensus meeting was to assess whether immediate loading protocols achieve comparable clinical outcomes when compared to conventional loading protocols depending on the type of prosthetic restoration. In addition post‐loading implant loss for implant supported prostheses in edentulous jaws was analyzed regarding a potential impact of implant location (maxilla vs. mandible), implant number per patient, type of prosthesis (removable vs. fixed), and type of attachment system (screw‐retained, ball vs. bar vs. telescopic crown).

Material and methods

Two comprehensive systematic reviews were prepared in advance of the meeting. Consensus statements, practical recommendations, and implications for future research were based on within group as well as plenary scrutinization and discussions of these systematic reviews.

Results

The survival rates are high for immediate loaded and conventional loaded implants, but immediate loading may impose a greater risk for implant failure. The estimated implant loss rate is influenced by the implant location, type of restoration, and implant number.

Conclusions

Consistent reporting of clinical studies is necessary and high‐quality studies are needed to confirm the present results.
Effect of poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA)‐coated beta‐tricalcium phosphate on the healing of rat calvarial bone defects: a comparative study with pure‐phase beta‐tricalcium phosphate
Authors: Bizenjima Takahiro , Takeuchi Takahiro , Seshima Fumi , Saito Atsushi
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To investigate the effect of poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA)‐coated β‐tricalcium phosphate (TCP) as a scaffold on bone regeneration in rat calvaria.

Material and Methods

Bilateral critical‐sized defects were created in the calvaria of 20 Sprague Dawley rats. Defects of each rat were filled with pure‐phase β‐TCP or PLGA/β‐TCP, or left as unfilled control. The healing was evaluated by micro‐computed tomography, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was also performed to assess the resorption activity.

Results

At 4 weeks, ingrowth of cells from the surrounding tissue into the β‐TCP and PLGA/β‐TCP biomaterials were observed in the defect area, and new bone formation had started. At 6 weeks, the value for defect closure in the β‐TCP group was significantly greater than that in the unfilled control (P < 0.01). A significantly greater level of new bone formation was found in the β‐TCP group (P < 0.01) and PLGA/β‐TCP group (P < 0.05) than that in the control group, while no significant difference was found between the β‐TCP and PLGA/β‐TCP groups. At both time points, the height of new tissue/biomaterial in the central third of the defect was significantly increased when the β‐TCP or PLGA/β‐TCP was used. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen ‐positive cells were observed around and inside the β‐TCP or PLGA/β‐TCP, and TRAP‐positive cells were found at the surface of the biomaterials, suggesting that remodeling was occurring.

Conclusion

The application of PLGA‐coated β‐TCP could promote bone regeneration to similar extent as the β‐TCP biomaterial in this in vivo model.
Volumetric analysis of chin and mandibular retromolar region as donor sites for cortico‐cancellous bone blocks
Authors: Zeltner Marco , Flückiger Laura B. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Hüsler Jürg , Benic Goran I.
Published: January 2016

Aim

To test whether the mandibular retromolar region renders different results from the chin region with respect to the amount of bone available for the harvesting of block grafts.

Material and methods

Sixty cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of mandibles of adult patients without pathologic findings in the chin and retromolar region were included. According to the number of mandibular teeth, 20 CBCT data sets were allocated to each of the following groups: group M1: dentition 36–46; group M2: dentition 37–47; and group M3: dentition 38–48. For the potential donor sites in the chin and the retromolar regions, the volume (VChin, VRetro), the length (LChin, LRetro), the height (HChin, HRetro) and the width (HChin, HRetro) were assessed using a computer software. Moreover, the chin was examined for the presence and the localization of the mandibular incisive canal. To compare the donor sites in the chin and in the retromolar regions, the quotients VRetro/VChin, LRetro/LChin, HRetro/HChin and WRetro/WChin were calculated and tested using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test or the sign test.

Results

The mean bone volume VChin measured 3.5 ± 1.3 cm3 (SD), whereas the overall VRetro amounted to 1.8 ± 1.1 cm3 (SD). VRetro amounted to 2.6 ± 1.4 cm3 (SD) in the group M1, 1.8 ± 0.5 cm3 in the group M2 and 1.0 ± 0.4 cm3 in the group M3. For the group M1, VRetro/VChin measured 82 ± 39% (P = 0.036). VRetro/VChin reached 57 ± 20% in the group M2 and 32 ± 12% in the group M3 (P < 0.001). The mandibular incisive canal was detected in 97% of the CBCT scans. The distance between the mandibular incisive canal and the apices of the central incisors measured 10.5 ± 3.5 mm.

Conclusion

The amount of bone available for the harvesting of cortico‐cancellous blocks in the chin region was superior in comparison with the mandibular retromolar region. In the absence of the second and the third molars, the amount of bone harvestable in the retromolar region reached approximately 80% of the bone volume available in the chin region. In the majority of the cases, the mandibular incisive canal was detected within the donor site in the chin region.
H‐classic: a new method to identify classic articles in Implant Dentistry, Periodontics, and Oral Surgery
Authors: De la Flor‐Martínez Maria , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Sánchez‐Fernández Elena , Piattelli Adriano , Cobo Manuel Jesus , Herrera‐Viedma Enrique
Published: January 2016

Introduction

The study of classic papers permits analysis of the past, present, and future of a specific area of knowledge. This type of analysis is becoming more frequent and more sophisticated. Our objective was to use the H‐classics method, based on the h‐index, to analyze classic papers in Implant Dentistry, Periodontics, and Oral Surgery (ID, P, and OS).

Material and methods

First, an electronic search of documents related to ID, P, and OS was conducted in journals indexed in Journal Citation Reports (JCR) 2014 within the category ‘Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine’. Second, Web of Knowledge databases were searched using Mesh terms related to ID, P, and OS. Finally, the H‐classics method was applied to select the classic articles in these disciplines, collecting data on associated research areas, document type, country, institutions, and authors.

Results

Of 267,611 documents related to ID, P, and OS retrieved from JCR journals (2014), 248 were selected as H‐classics. They were published in 35 journals between 1953 and 2009, most frequently in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology (18.95%), the Journal of Periodontology (18.54%), International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants (9.27%), and Clinical Oral Implant Research (6.04%). These classic articles derived from the USA in 49.59% of cases and from Europe in 47.58%, while the most frequent host institution was the University of Gothenburg (17.74%) and the most frequent authors were J. Lindhe (10.48%) and S. Socransky (8.06%).

Conclusion

The H‐classics approach offers an objective method to identify core knowledge in clinical disciplines such as ID, P, and OS.
Bacterial influence on consolidation of bone grafts in maxillary sinus elevation
Authors: Carreño Carreño Javier , González‐Jaranay Maximino , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , Aguilar‐Salvatierra Antonio , Menéndez López‐Mateos María Luisa , Menéndez‐Núñez Mario
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify microorganisms present on the maxillary sinus floor at the moment of sinus elevation surgery and, using tomography, to investigate the repercussions these might have for regenerated bone 9 months after the procedure.

Materials and methods

174 patients (90 women and 84 men) with a mean age of 55.92 years underwent 227 sinus elevations (120 left sinus, 107 right sinus). As the membrane was lifted, a sample of the maxillary sinus floor was collected with a cotton swab, and placed on a blood agar and chocolate agar culture to incubate for 48 h at 37°C; the samples then underwent microbiological analysis. Orthopantomographs and computerized tomographs were made immediately after the sinus grafting and after 9 months to measure the amount of remaining and regenerated bone in vertical and transversal direction.

Results

18.1% of 227 cultures were bacteria‐positive. 45% of the germs were of the Streptococcus genus, most of which belonged to the S. viridans group (61.1%). Patients presenting negative cultures had 5% more regenerated bone than patients with bacteria‐positive cultures, which represents an additional 2.28 mmof vertical bone (with a confidence interval between 0.83 mm and 3.73 mm).

Conclusions

Patients with bacteria‐positive cultures obtained previously to the sinus grafting procedure have greater risk of bone height loss after 9 months, which indicates that bacterial contamination may influence bone graft regeneration.
Sequential healing of onlay bone grafts using combining biomaterials with cross‐linked collagen in dogs
Authors: Cha Jae Kook , Joo Myung‐Jae , Yoon Sora , Lee Jung‐Seok , Choi Seong‐Ho , Jung Ui‐Won
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to observe the sequential healing of onlay grafts in terms of the volumetric and histologic changes using different bone substances and absorbable membranes according to the presence of collagen cross‐linking.

Material and methods

Four groups involving onlay grafting with different materials were randomly assigned to both sides of the maxillae of 15 beagle dogs: (i) control group without any treatment; (ii) group NN, bovine hydroxyapatite incorporated into a non‐cross‐linked collagen matrix (BHC) + non‐cross‐linked collagen membrane (NCCM); (iii) group NC, BHC + cross‐linked collagen membrane (CCM); and (iv) group CC, porcine hydroxyapatite incorporated into a cross‐linked collagen matrix + CCM. Radiographic and histological analyses were performed after three different healing periods: 4, 8 and 12 weeks.

Results

At week 4, the bone substances were well localized under the barrier membrane in groups NC and CC, while the bone substances became spread out and flattened in group NN. Similarly, the augmented height was significantly greater in groups NC and CC (2.55 and 2.51 mm, respectively; median) than in group NN (1.96 mm, P < 0.001, both). The percentages of newly formed bone were significantly higher at week 12 than at weeks 4 and 8 in all of the groups. The NCCM showed an earlier angiogenesis pattern than the CCM; however, earlier degradation was observed at week 12.

Conclusion

Combining biomaterials with cross‐linked collagen might contribute to maintaining its initial morphology with excellent biocompatibility in early healing period of lateral onlay grafts.
The fate of buccal bone around dental implants. A 12‐month postloading follow‐up study
Authors: Merheb Joe , Vercruyssen Marjolein , Coucke Wim , Beckers Ludovic , Teughels Wim , Quirynen Marc
Published: January 2016

Introduction and aim

Buccal bone thickness is considered to be an important factor during implant surgery. Its resorption might have an effect on the soft tissue stability and eventually on implant survival. This study aimed to investigate the resorption of the buccal bone over the first 12 months after implant loading.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐four subjects (47 implants) were included. The buccal bone thickness was measured during implant surgery at several distances from the implant shoulder using a specifically designed device which allows buccal bone thickness measurements without the elevation of a muco‐periostal flap. These measurements were repeated after 12 months of loading. Sixteen implants were placed flapless and 31 with the elevation of a flap. Of the latter, 19 were placed following a one‐stage protocol and 12 following a two‐stage protocol.

Results

The mean reduction in buccal bone thickness, when all groups pooled, was 0.26, 0.36, 0.35 and 0.27 mm at the shoulder and 2, 4 and 6 mm apically. Implants with initial bone thickness <1mm (thin buccal plate) did not lose significantly more bone than those with an initial thickness ≥1mm (thick bone plate) except in the ‘open‐flap, one‐stage’ group (P = 0.009). A flapless procedure leads to less bone resorption compared to an open‐flap procedure (P = 0.03). However, the number of surgeries (one stage vs. two stages) did not influence the rate of bone resorption (P = 0.23).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, one might question the necessity of having a thick bone plate at the vestibular site of the implant.
Patient‐reported outcomes of implant placement performed concomitantly with transcrestal sinus floor elevation or entirely in native bone
Authors: Franceschetti Giovanni , Rizzi Alessandro , Minenna Luigi , Pramstraller Mattia , Trombelli Leonardo , Farina Roberto
Published: January 2016

Aim

Based on the hypothesis that maxillary sinus floor elevation with a transcrestal approach (tSFE) does not increase the morbidity of implant surgery, the study evaluated the patient‐reported outcomes as well as the type and incidence of complications when implants are placed either concomitantly with tSFE (performed according to Trombelli et al. 2008, 2010a,b) or entirely in native bone.

Methods

Data from the record charts of patients undergone implant placement for single‐tooth rehabilitation in the posterior maxilla were retrospectively obtained from four clinical centers. Cases for tSFE group were included if they showed an extent of sinus lift ≥4 mm concomitantly to implant placement. Cases for N group were included when implant placement was performed entirely in native bone. Patient‐reported outcomes had been assessed using 100‐mm visual analog scales (postoperative pain, VASpain) and visual rating scales (level of discomfort, VRSdiscomfort; willingness to undergo the same surgery, VRSwillingness). The dose of analgesics had been self‐recorded.

Results

A convenience sample of 14 patients and 17 patients (contributing with one implant site each) treated with tSFE and N, respectively, was obtained for this study. Membrane perforation occurred in 1 tSFE case, without compromising the completion of the procedure. VASpain remained low (<12) in both groups. A tendency of VASpain to decrease with time was observed in both groups. The area under the curve for VASpain (AUCpain), indicating the level of pain experience through the first week following surgery, was 18.0 (IR: 8.5–85.0) and 11.5 (IR: 4.5–18.5) in tSFE and N groups, respectively, with no significant inter‐group differences (P = 0.084). The dose of analgesics was similarly low between groups. No significant inter‐group difference in VRSdiscomfort and VRSwillingness was observed.

Conclusions

Implant placement performed either concomitantly with tSFE (according to Trombelli et al. 2008, 2010a,b) or entirely in native bone is associated with limited incidence of complications, low postoperative pain and medication and are both well tolerated.
Faecal lactoferrin is a useful biomarker for mucosal healing in patients with ulcerative colitis during granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis therapy
Authors: Sagawa T. , Kakizaki S. , Tomizawa T. , Nakayama T. , Tanaka H. , Tojima H. , Sato K. , Kusano M. , Okamura S. , Yamada M.
Published: January 2016

Aim

The study investigated the value of faecal lactoferrin as a follow‐up biomarker for mucosal healing of ulcerative colitis during granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) therapy.

Method

Patients with ulcerative colitis exhibiting a moderate or severe disease activity with a partial Mayo Score (pMS) of over 4 were enrolled in this study. The patients received 10 courses of GMA therapy. The pMS value and faecal lactoferrin level were monitored and compared with the findings of endoscopy until 12 months after the last dose of GMA therapy.

Results

Twenty patients (male:female 11:9) were enrolled in this study. Twelve had total colitis, while six had left‐sided involvement and two had distal proctitis. Thirteen (65.0%) responded to GMA therapy. The faecal lactoferrin levels were significantly decreased in patients who responded to GMA therapy (P < 0.05), whereas the levels did not change in non‐responders. Moreover, the faecal lactoferrin levels correlated with the endoscopic findings (r = 0.792, P < 0.01) and pMS scores (r = 0.529, P < 0.01). The correlation coefficients between the faecal lactoferrin levels and mucosal findings were higher than those observed between the pMS score and mucosal findings.

Conclusion

The faecal lactoferrin level is a useful biomarker of the mucosal findings in ulcerative colitis. Although endoscopy is the gold standard, the faecal lactoferrin level can be used as a biomarker during GMA therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis.
High mortality rates after nonelective colon cancer resection: results of a national audit
Authors: Bakker I. S. , Snijders H. S. , Grossmann I. , Karsten T. M. , Havenga K. , Wiggers T.
Published: January 2016

Aim

Colon cancer resection in a nonelective setting is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this retrospective study is to identify risk factors for overall mortality after colon cancer resection with a special focus on nonelective resection.

Method

Data were obtained from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit. Patients undergoing colon cancer resection in the Netherlands between January 2009 and December 2013 were included. Patient, treatment and tumour factors were analysed in relation to the urgency of surgery. The primary outcome was 30‐day postoperative mortality.

Results

The study included 30 907 patients. A nonelective colon cancer resection was performed in 5934 (19.2%) patients. There was a 4.4% overall mortality rate, with significantly more deaths after nonelective surgery (8.5% vs 3.4%, P < 0.001). Older patients, male patients and patients with high comorbidity, advanced tumours, perforated tumours, a tumour in the right or transverse colon and postoperative anastomotic leakage were at risk of postoperative death. In nonelective resections, a right‐sided tumour and postoperative anastomotic leakage were associated with high mortality.

Conclusion

Nonelective colon cancer resection is associated with high mortality. In particular, right‐sided resections and patients with tumour perforation are at particularly high risk. The optimization of patients prior to surgery and expeditious operation after diagnosis might prevent the need for a nonelective resection.
Transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: early outcomes in 50 consecutive patients
Authors: Burke J. P. , Martin‐Perez B. , Khan A. , Nassif G. , de Beche‐Adams T. , Larach S. W. , Albert M. R. , Atallah S.
Published: January 2016

Aim

Minimally invasive approaches to proctectomy for rectal cancer have not been widely adopted due to inherent technical challenges. A modification of traditional transabdominal mobilization, termed transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME), has the potential to improve access to the distal rectum. The aim of the current study is to assess outcomes following TaTME for rectal cancer.

Method

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of consecutive patients who underwent TaTME for rectal cancer at a single institution. The study period was from 1 March 2012 to 31 July 2015.

Results

During the study period 50 patients underwent TaTME. The median tumour distance from the anal verge was 4.4 (3.0–5.5) cm. The rate of conversion from a planned minimally invasive approach was 2.2%. The median operative time was 267.0 (227.0–331.0) min. The median lymph node yield was 18.0 (12.0–23.8), the macroscopic quality assessment of the resected specimen was incomplete in 2% and the circumferential resection margin positivity rate was 4%. Intra‐operative morbidity occurred in 6% and the 30 day morbidity rate was 36%. The median length of stay was 4.5 (4.0–8.0) days. The median follow‐up was 15.1 (7.0–23.2) months; two patients have developed a local recurrence and eight patients have developed distant recurrence.

Conclusion

These data suggest that TaTME for rectal cancer is feasible with an acceptable pathological outcome and morbidity profile. Further data on functional and long‐term survival outcomes are required.
Biodiversity Risks of Adopting Resilience as a Policy Goal
Authors: Newton Adrian C.
Published: January 2016

Resilience is increasingly being incorporated into environmental policy at national and global scales. Yet resilience is a contested concept, with a wide variety of definitions proposed in the scientific literature, and little consensus regarding how it should be measured. Consequently, adoption of resilience as a policy goal presents risks to biodiversity conservation, which are considered here in relation to three categories: (1) ambiguity, (2) measurement difficulty, and (3) misuse. While policy makers might welcome the ambiguity of resilience as a concept, as it provides flexibility and opportunities to build consensus, the lack of clear definitions hinders evaluation of policy effectiveness. Policy relating to resilience is unlikely to be evidence‐based, as monitoring will be difficult to implement. Vague definitions also provide scope for misuse. This is illustrated by the case of European forests, where resilience is being used as a justification to promote management interventions that will negatively affect biodiversity. To address these risks, there is a need for standard definitions and measures of resilience to be developed for use in policy. Furthermore, there is a need for guidelines, standards, and identification of best practice in relation to resilience policy, to ensure that its implementation does not contribute to biodiversity loss.
Telemetry‐derived heart rate variability responses to a physical stressor
Authors: Montaño Alexandra , Brown Freddy , Credeur Daniel P. , Williams Michelle A. , Stoner Lee
Published: January 2016

Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) responses to an orthostatic challenge can be used to investigate autonomic control of heart rate, an index of cardiovascular function. HRV is typically assessed using the electrocardiogram (ECG), which can be impractical for use with large population‐based studies.

Purpose

To assess the validity and reliability of telemetry‐derived HRV responses to an orthostatic challenge.

Methods

Twenty healthy adults (26 + 5 years, 45% male) were tested on three separate mornings. Following 20‐min supine rest, R‐R intervals were recorded using a telemetric device during three conditions: BASE, TILT and RECOVERY. ECG was simultaneously used on 1 day for validity comparison. Measures of HRV included the following: standard deviation of normal‐to‐normal intervals (SDNN), the root‐mean‐square of successive differences (RMSSD) and the low‐frequency (LF) and high‐frequency (HF) spectral power.

Results

For all parameters, there was excellent agreement between devices for BASE (r = 0·96–0·99), TILT (r = 0·89–1·00) and RECOVERY (r = 0·96–1·00). For the telemetric device, between‐day intraclass coefficient values for RMSDD, SDNN and HF were all above the 0·75 criterion for each condition, indicating excellent between‐day reliability. For each condition, the reliability coefficient, expressed as a percentage of the mean (RC%), was marginally lower (greater reliability) for RMSDD (RC% 11–13) and SDNN (RC% 10–12) compared to HF (RC% 12–17). However, SDNN did not significantly respond to the orthostatic challenge.

Conclusion

Telemetric HRV, particularly RMSDD and HF, can be used to provide a sensitive, valid and reliable assessment of autonomic control of heart rate.
The lactate and ventilatory thresholds in resistance training
Authors: Maté‐Muñoz José Luis , Domínguez Raúl , Lougedo Juan H. , Garnacho‐Castaño Manuel V.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

This study was designed to identify the lactate threshold (LT) and first ventilatory threshold (VT1) in a graded resistance half‐squat test and determine whether both thresholds are produced at the same workload. A further goal was to compare the visual inspection and algorithm adjustment methods of detecting both thresholds during graded resistance exercise.

Methods

Twenty‐four young men completed two test sessions 48 h apart; (i) the one‐repetition maximum (1RM) was determined, (ii) an incremental load test was performed to locateLTandVT1.VT1was calculated in three different ways based on pulmonary ventilation, the ventilatory equivalent of oxygen or the end‐tidal oxygen pressure (asVT1‐VE,VT1‐VE·orVT1‐PetO2,respectively).

Results

LTandVT1were located at the same intensity of exercise during the incremental load test. Using the algorithm method, theLTandVT1‐VEwere estimated at 24·8 ± 4·8% 1RM(50·6 ± 10·5 kg) and 23·7 ± 4·8% 1RM(48·4 ± 10·0 kg), respectively; the difference between the two values being non‐significant (P = 0·127). In addition, positive correlation was observed between the two thresholds(r = 0·761; P<0·001; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (0·864). The visual inspection and algorithm adjustment methods provided similarLTandVT1values (r > 0·796;ICC > 0·885).

Conclusions

TheLTandVT1were readily located during the incremental load half‐squat test at similar workloads using both the visual inspection and algorithm adjustment methods. Both thresholds served to define two physiological stages (I,II) corresponding to the zones described for endurance exercise. Thus, bothLTandVT1could be used to prescribe the same intensity of resistance half‐squat exercise.
Measurement of maximal isometric torque and muscle quality of the knee extensors and flexors in healthy 50‐ to 70‐year‐old women
Authors: Francis Peter , Toomey Clodagh , Mc Cormack William , Lyons Mark , Jakeman Philip
Published: January 2016

Muscle quality is defined as strength per unit muscle mass. The aim of this study was to measure the maximal voluntary isometric torque of the knee extensor and flexor muscle groups in healthy older women and to develop an index of muscle quality based on the combined knee extensor and flexor torque per unit lean tissue mass (LTM) of the upper leg. One hundred and thirty‐six healthy 50‐ to 70‐year‐old women completed an initial measurement of isometric peak torque of the knee extensors and flexors (Con‐Trex MJ; CMV AG, Dubendorf, Switzerland) that was repeated 7 days later. Subsequently, 131 women returned for whole‐ and regional‐body composition analysis (iDXA™; GE Healthcare, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, UK). Isometric peak torque demonstrated excellent within‐assessment reliability for both the knee extensors and flexors (ICC range: 0·991–1·000). Test–retest reliability was lower (ICC range: 0·777–0·828) with an observed mean increase of 5% in peak torque [6·2 (17·2) N m] on the second day of assessment (P<0·001). The relative mean decrease in combined isometric peak torque (−12·2%; P = 0·001) was double that of the relative, non‐significant, median difference in upper leg LTM (−5·3%; P = 0·102) between those in the 5th and 6th decade. The majority of difference in peak isometric torque came from the knee extensors (15·1 N m, P<0·001 versus 2·4 N m, P = 0·234). Isometric peak torque normalized for upper leg LTM (muscle quality) was 8% lower between decades (P = 0·029). These findings suggest strength per unit tissue may provide a better indication of age‐related differences in muscle quality prior to change in LTM.
Induced pluripotent stem cells and Parkinson's disease: modelling and treatment
Authors: Xu Xiaoyun , Huang Jinsha , Li Jie , Liu Ling , Han Chao , Shen Yan , Zhang Guoxin , Jiang Haiyang , Lin Zhicheng , Xiong Nian , Wang Tao
Published: January 2016

Many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), are characterized by progressive neuronal loss in different regions of the central nervous system, contributing to brain dysfunction in the relevant patients. Stem cell therapy holds great promise for PD patients, including with foetal ventral mesencephalic cells, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Moreover, stem cells can be used to model neurodegenerative diseases in order to screen potential medication and explore their mechanisms of disease. However, related ethical issues, immunological rejection and lack of canonical grafting protocols limit common clinical use of stem cells. iPSCs, derived from reprogrammed somatic cells, provide new hope for cell replacement therapy. In this review, recent development in stem cell treatment for PD, using hiPSCs, as well as the potential value of hiPSCs in modelling for PD, have been summarized for application of iPSCs technology to clinical translation for PD treatment.
Diagnostic value of eccrine glands and hair follicles in direct immunofluorescent analysis of pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Yu Yan , Elston Dirk M.
Published: January 2016

The immunofluorescence pattern in adnexal structures may be of value, especially when the epidermis is not well represented in diagnostic sections. We studied a total of 88 cases of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and bullous pemphigoid (BP) accessioned between 2010 and 2015 (40 cases of PV and 48 cases of BP). Immunofluorescence patterns and sensitivity in adnexal structures were similar to those observed in the epidermis. One case of PV and three cases of BP showed weak or absent fluorescence in the epidermis, while the eccrine glands were strongly positive, suggesting that careful examination of adnexal structures can be of value.
Maneuvering through Hostile Environments: How Firms Leverage Product and Process Innovativeness
Authors: Kach Andrew , Busse Christian , Azadegan Arash , Wagner Stephan M.
Published: January 2016

Is focusing on innovativeness the appropriate organizational response in hostile environments? This study addresses four distinct forms of hostile environments: market decline, restrictiveness, competition, and resource scarcity. The research draws on contingency theory to explain how these forms of hostility affect product innovativeness, process innovativeness, and firm performance. While the extant literature has investigated the effects of hostile environments on performance, little has been done to distinguish between different forms of hostility and, in turn, their potential effect on product and process innovativeness. We argue that investments in product and process innovativeness are either fostered or hindered, contingent on the form of hostile pressures from the external operating environment. These firm responses should in turn suppress the negative effects of hostility on performance. A survey using newly developed measurement scales for hostile environments was used to collect data from 148 small and medium‐sized manufacturing plants. The results provide evidence that generally supports our hypotheses. More specifically, the direct effects of the four forms of hostile environments impact product and process innovativeness differently. Likewise, the suppression and consistent mediation effects of product and process innovativeness differ depending upon the type of hostile environment, suggesting that manufacturers consider applying these capabilities contingent upon the type of hostile climate they face. Therefore, to understand how firms leverage product and process innovativeness, hostile environments are best differentiated into categories rather than being aggregated.