bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration and wintering strategies in vulnerable Mediterranean Osprey populations
Authors: Monti Flavio , Grémillet David , Sforzi Andrea , Sammuri Giampiero , Dominici Jean Marie , Triay Bagur Rafel , Muñoz Navarro Antoni , Fusani Leonida , Duriez Olivier
Published: November 2017

A broad range of migration strategies exist in avian species, and different strategies can occur in different populations of the same species. For the breeding Osprey Pandion haliaetus populations of the Mediterranean, sporadic observations of ringed birds collected in the past suggested variations in migratory and wintering behaviour. We used GPS tracking data from 41 individuals from Corsica, the Balearic Islands and continental Italy to perform the first detailed analysis of the migratory and wintering strategies of these Osprey populations. Ospreys showed heterogeneous migratory behaviour, with 73% of the individuals migrating and the remaining 27% staying all year round at breeding sites. For migratory individuals, an extremely short duration of migration (5.2 ± 2.6 days) was recorded. Mediterranean Ospreys were able to perform long non‐stop flights over the open sea, sometimes overnight. They also performed pre‐ and post‐migratory trips to secondary sites, before or after crossing the sea during both autumn and spring migration. Ospreys spent the winter at temperate latitudes and showed high plasticity in habitat selection, using marine bays, coastal lagoons/marshland and inland freshwater sites along the coasts of different countries of the Mediterranean basin. Movements and home‐range areas were restricted during the wintering season. The short duration of trips and high levels of variability in migratory routes and wintering grounds revealed high behavioural plasticity among individuals, probably promoted by the relatively low seasonal variability in ecological conditions throughout the year in the Mediterranean region, and weak competition for non‐breeding sites. We stress the importance of considering the diversity in migration strategies and the particular ecology of these vulnerable populations, especially in relation to proactive management measures for the species at the scale of the Mediterranean region.
Efficacy of irrigant activation techniques in removing intracanal smear layer and debris from mature permanent teeth: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Virdee S. S. , Seymour D. W. , Farnell D. , Bhamra G. , Bhakta S.
Published: November 2017

Aims

To establish whether irrigant activation techniques (IATs) result in greater intracanal smear layer and debris removal than conventional needle irrigation (CNI).

Methodology

Six electronic databases were searched to identify scanning electron microscopy studies evaluating smear layer and/or debris removal following the use of manual dynamic activation (MDA), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), sonic irrigation (SI) or apical negative pressure (ANP) IATs in mature permanent teeth. Meta‐analyses were performed for each canal segment (coronal, middle, apical and apical 1 mm) in addition to subgroup analyses for individual IATs with respect to CNI. Outcomes were presented as standardized mean differences (SMD) alongside 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and chi‐squared analysis.

Results

From 252 citations, 16 studies were identified. The meta‐analyses demonstrated significant improvements in coronal (SMD: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.72–1.57 / SMD: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.29–0.80), middle (SMD: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.59–2.53 / SMD: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.58–1.13) and apical thirds (SMD: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.83–1.62 / SMD: 1.86, 95% CI: 0.76–2.96) for smear layer and debris removal, respectively. In the apical 1 mm IATs improved cleanliness; however, differences were insignificant (SMD: 1.15, 95% CI: ‐0.47–2.77). Chi‐squared analysis revealed heterogeneity scores of 79.3–92.8% and 0.0–93.5% for smear layer and debris removal, respectively.

Conclusions

IATs improve intracanal cleanliness across a substantial portion of the canal, and therefore, their use is recommended throughout root canal preparation. However, current data is too heterogeneous to compare and identify superiority of an individual technique highlighting the need to standardize experimental protocols and develop a more representative research model to investigate the in vivo impact of IATs on clinical outcomes and periapical healing following root canal treatment.
An audit of change in clinical practice: from oxygen‐driven to air‐driven nebulisers for prehospital patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD)
Authors: Heys Deborah , Swain Andrew , Knowles Sarah , Waugh Amy , Bailey Mark
Published: November 2017

Background

In developed countries, ambulances normally carry oxygen cylinders, but not compressed air. Treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with oxygen‐driven nebulisers can result in hypercapnia and acidosis. Attempts to avoid this have involved interrupted administration of oxygen. However, small battery‐powered air nebulisers are now available. This study aims to compare the prehospital oxygen saturations and treatment of patients suffering from AECOPD before and after the introduction of air nebulisers.

Methods

The oxygen saturations and treatment of 200 AECOPD patients before and 200 AECOPD patients after the introduction of air nebulisers were compared. Compliance with a target saturation of 88–92% was calculated.

Results

The median final oxygen saturation was lower for the post‐intervention category (94%) than the pre‐intervention category (96%). There was an increase in air nebuliser use from 0 to 56% (P < 0.001) and a decrease in oxygen use from 100 to 71.5% (P < 0.001). There was a numerical increase in the proportion of patients arriving at hospital with oxygen saturations of 88–92% following introduction of the air nebulisers (24 vs 16.5%) and a decrease in patients arriving with high saturations (67.5 vs 76.5%). The likelihood of achieving the target oxygen saturations following introduction of air nebulisers increased (odds ratio 1.598; 95% confidence interval 0.974, 2.621).

Conclusion

The introduction of prehospital air nebulisers resulted in a reduction in oxygen therapy in patients with AECOPD and a lower median prehospital oxygen saturation. This study supports the use of air nebulisers in the prehospital setting.
Use of ceramic industry milling and glazing waste as an active addition in cement
Authors: Sánchez de Rojas María Isabel , Frías Moisés , Sabador Elvira , Asensio Eloy , Rivera Julián , Medina César
Published: November 2017

The beneficial effects of pozzolans on cement manufacture have encouraged their use in that industry. Traditional natural pozzolan have become less available of late, however, due to a decline in quarrying intensity aimed at minimizing the impact on the landscape. At the same time, environmental policies pursue the reduction or elimination of spoil heaps by valorizing industrial waste and by‐products as raw materials, in keeping with the principles of the circular economy. The quest for new types of waste and by‐products with pozzolanic properties has consequently become a priority line of research. This study explored the valorization of one such by‐product, the ceramic sludge resulting from fired clay industry milling and glazing, as a component in new, more eco‐sustainable cements. The sludge was characterized physically, chemically, morphologically, and mineralogically to determine its suitability as a pozzolanic addition in cement. The findings showed that ceramic sludge consists in clustered particles ranging in size from 100 μm to 1 μm. SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 together comprise over 70% of the total composition, while the reactive silica content is greater than the 25% required by the existing legislation. The predominant minerals are quartz, kaolinite, and muscovite, with some zircon. A study of pozzolanic reaction kinetics in the ceramic sludge/lime system revealed that over time this waste can fix lime, generating products such as calcium aluminate hydrates and C–S–H gels. The cements made with ceramic sludge proved to be standard‐compliant in terms of water demand, setting, drying shrinkage and mechanical strength.
Phase evolution mechanism of non‐oxide bonded Al–Al2O3–MgO–ZrO2 composites at 1873 K in flowing nitrogen
Authors: Yan Mingwei , Li Yong , Wang Jiaojiao , Li Hongyu , Sun Yang , Ma Chenhong
Published: November 2017

In flowing nitrogen, non‐oxides such as Al4O4C, Al2OC, Zr2Al3C4, and MgAlON bonded Al2O3‐based composites were successfully prepared by a gaseous phase mass transfer pathway using aluminum, zirconia, alumina, and magnesia as raw materials at 1873 K, after an Al–AlN core‐shell structure was formed at 853 K. Resin bonded Al–Al2O3–MgO–ZrO2 composites after sintering were characterized and analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and, energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and the influence of the MgO content on the sintered composites was studied. The results show that after sintering, the phase composition of the Al–Al2O3–ZrO2 composite is Al2O3, Al4O4C, Al2OC, and Zr2Al3C4, while the phase composition of the Al–Al2O3–ZrO2 composite with the addition of MgO 6 wt% and MgO 12 wt% is Al2O3, MgAlON, Al4O4C, Al2OC, and Zr2Al3C4 as well as Al2O3, MgAlON, Al2OC, and Zr2Al3C4, respectively. The addition of MgO changed the phase composition and distribution for the resin bonded Al–Al2O3–MgO–ZrO2 system composites after sintering. When the added MgO content is equal to or more than 12 wt%, the Al4O4C in the resin bonded Al–Al2O3–MgO–ZrO2 system composites is unable to exist in a stable phase.
Electronic structure and magnetic properties of Al‐doped Ca2Fe2O5 brownmillerite compounds
Authors: Phan The‐Long , Tran Ngo , Kim Deok Hyeon , Tho Pham T. , Huy Bui T. , Dang Toan N. , Yang Dong‐Seok , Lee Bowha
Published: November 2017

Polycrystalline Ca2Fe2−xAlxO5 (x = 0‐1.4) samples were prepared by conventional solid‐state reactions. Their crystalline/electronic structures and magnetic properties were characterized in detail. Powder X‐ray diffraction analyses revealed that the samples crystallized in orthorhombic brownmillerite‐type structures with the occurrence of the Pcmn‐Ibm2 phase separation in the region between x = 0.4 and 0.6. The results obtained from analyzing Raman scattering and X‐ray‐absorption fine‐structure spectra also indicated this phase separation. Although x in Ca2Fe2−xAlxO5 varies in a wide range from 0 to 1.4, the +3 oxidation state of Fe remained almost unchanged. Magnetization measurements revealed that all Ca2Fe2−xAlxO5 samples have weak ferromagnetic order, and both the saturation magnetization and coercive force are dependent on the temperature, x, and structure phases.
Control of electromechanical properties of multilayer ceramic capacitors for vibration reduction
Authors: Ohm Won‐Suk , Kim Dongjoon , Ko Byung‐Han , Park No‐Cheol
Published: November 2017

A multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) contains layers of ceramics as the dielectric materials. It has been known that Class 2 MLCCs, made of ferroelectric ceramics such as barium titanate, tend to suffer from electromechanical coupling hence vibration, which leads to the generation of acoustic humming noise, a source of annoyance in many modern electronic devices. In this article, a repoling method to control the electromechanical properties and the resulting vibration of MLCCs is presented. The repoling protocol hinges on the understanding that two independent mechanisms are responsible for the electromechanical coupling in MLCCs: piezoelectricity and electrostriction of the ceramic layers. The vibration due to piezoelectricity is linearly proportional to the input voltage, whereas the vibration due to electrostriction shows a quadratic dependence. Given the DC bias and the AC input voltage under normal operating conditions, the vibration is composed of the fundamental component at the frequency of the AC input and the second harmonic component spawned by the quadratic nonlinearity of electrostriction. It is demonstrated that by engineering the coefficients of piezoelectricity and electrostriction of the ceramic layers through a carefully designed repoling treatment, vibration reduction can be achieved for both the fundamental and second harmonic components. Especially, the fundamental component of vibration can be reduced significantly, as the piezoelectric effect is made to offset the electrostrictive effect.
Processing and characteristics of transparent Gd3TaO7 polycrystalline ceramics
Authors: Chen Ching‐Fong , Synowicki Ron A. , Brand Michael J. , Tegtmeier Eric L. , Montalvo J. D. , Ivy Jacob , Brennecka Geoff L. , Seeley Zach , Cherepy Nerine J. , Payne Steven A.
Published: November 2017

Transparent polycrystalline Gd3TaO7 ceramics were successfully developed. A sol‐gel process was used to synthesize Gd3TaO7 powder with a uniform composition and an estimated average particle size of 100 nm. Simultaneous thermal gravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) was used to identify the decomposition sequence as a function of temperature for the as‐synthesized sol‐gel powders. Crystallization was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and a single phase was achieved by calcining at 1000°C. The calcined powders were hot‐pressed at 1400°C to achieve >96% theoretical density with closed pore structure followed by a hot isostatic pressing at 1400°C at 207 MPa to achieve a fully dense structure. Microstructural characterization shows a uniform grain size distribution with an average grain size of about 7 μm. In‐line transmission measurements revealed high transparency in the red and infrared. Thermal conductivity was measured to be >1.6 W/mK at room temperature, decreasing to ~1.3 W/mK by 500°C. Dielectric properties remain stable with relative permittivity values just above 200 and loss tangents <0.005 up to 350°C.
Magnetic solid phase extraction for chromatographic separation of carbamates
Authors: Issa Ahmed A. , Al‐Saad Khalid A. , Luyt Adriaan S.
Published: November 2017

Magnetic solid phase extraction particles (MSPE) were produced using magnetite nanoparticles with diameters between 9 and 13 nm as nucleating agent. The produced particles with magnetite cores were smaller, and more irregular and poly‐dispersed, than those produced in the absence of the magnetite particles. The average diameters of the particles were 377 and 521 nm, respectively, for silica particles with and without magnetic core, whereas the diameters of the different grafted particles were of the same order of magnitude than the silica particles with magnetic cores. BET results indicated surface areas ranging between 9 and 37 m2 g−1 The TGA results showed that the particles contained about 10% water and other solvents, and between 5 to 6% grafted groups. The thermal decomposition of the particles (presented under Supplementary Information) was autocatalytic with activation energies of 367, 546, and 616 kJ mol−1 for particles grafted with cyanopropyl (cyano), octyl, and trimethyl (TMS), respectively. The order of dispersity of the particles in water followed the sequence cyano > PMA > TMS ≫ octyl, whereas the pesticides removing efficiency followed the reverse order.
Spatial distribution of nucleated bubbles in molten glasses undergoing coalescence and growth
Authors: Boloré Damien , Pigeonneau Franck
Published: November 2017

Two‐dimensional spatial distributions and growths of nucleated bubbles during the re‐melting of “float” glass samples are experimentally investigated. To follow the bubble population undergoing coalescence, the temporal behavior of the Voronoï tessellation built by the bubble positions are monitored. During coalescence, the Voronoï cell areas are fitted by a single‐parameter Gamma distribution. Numerical time simulation of population of bubbles undergoing coalescence shows an exponential increase in the parameter associated to the Gamma distribution with the fraction of coalesced bubbles in agreement with experimental observation. An initial density of nuclei is then estimated; direct observation would require an extremely high space resolution. The bubble number density is two orders of magnitude larger on the side which was in contact with tin bath than on the other side in contact with atmosphere. Moreover, bubbles grow faster on tin side. From a thermodynamic and mass transfer models, we prove that tin reduces the glass former liquid which leads to an increase in dissolved sulfur explaining the more abundant bubble population and the enhanced growth rate on tin side.
Community level niche overlap and broad scale biogeographic patterns of bee communities are driven by phylogenetic history
Authors: Sydenham Markus Arne Kjær , Eldegard Katrine , Hegland Stein Joar , Nielsen Anders , Totland Ørjan , Fjellheim Siri , Moe Stein R.
Published: November 2017

Aim

Because the ecological similarity between species is expected to increase with relatedness and that speciation is a local process, phylogeny may provide a common measure for the influence of ecological and biogeographic processes on community assembly. We tested if similarities in floral visitation patterns within communities and the phylogenetic beta‐diversity among communities were related to the position of bees within the bee phylogeny.

Location

Global.

Methods

We combined a genus level phylogeny with within‐genera phylogenies for the bee species occurring within 18 globally distributed bee‐flower networks. Networks consisted of a matrix of bee and plant species and information on whether or not a bee species had been observed visiting flowers of a given plant species. For each network, we used Abouheif's Cmean to test if the similarity in floral associations (niche similarity) between bees and the number of plant species visited displayed a significant phylogenetic signal. To test if biogeography influenced the relatedness among species within networks we tested if the phylogenetic beta‐diversity increased with geographical distance and dissimilarity in climatic conditions among networks.

Results

We found a phylogenetic signal for niche similarity in only 50% of the bee‐flower networks. However, network size influenced the likelihood of observing a phylogenetic signal and for seven of the eight bee‐flower networks with >20 species it was statistically significant. On a global scale, the phylogenetic beta‐diversity increased with geographical distances and with climatic dissimilarity between sites.

Main conclusions

Bee communities are structured by processes of speciation and migration so that regional species pools are dominated by a subset of the global phylogenetic clades, resulting in increasing phylogenetic beta‐diversity with geographical distance. Moreover, ecological filtering processes operating at both local (floral resource use) and continental (climatic constraints) scale determine the distribution of species among resources and geographical regions. The assembly of bee communities should therefore be understood as a product of both biogeographic and community ecological processes.
The drivers of high Rhododendron diversity in south‐west China: Does seasonality matter?
Authors: Shrestha Nawal , Su Xiangyan , Xu Xiaoting , Wang Zhiheng
Published: November 2017

Aim

Is high diversity in tropical and subtropical mountains due to topographical complexity alone or a combination of topography and temperature seasonality? Here, we aim to assess the contribution of these two factors on Rhododendron diversity in China. Specifically, we evaluate how low temperature seasonality in subtropical China jointly with heterogeneous environment accounts for increased species diversity across montane landscapes relative to those of the more seasonal temperate zone in north China.

Location

China.

Methods

We compiled distributional data for all Rhododendron species in China and then estimated the species richness patterns of rare versus common species, and of shrubs versus trees at spatial resolutions of 50 × 50 km. Bivariate regressions were performed to evaluate the effects of environmental variables on species richness followed by stepwise regression to select the best set of predictors.

Results

The variables of habitat heterogeneity and climate seasonality were consistently the strongest predictors of species richness for all species groups, while the contribution of water and energy variables was proportionately much lower. Winter coldness had very low predictive power, which indicated that unlike other woody plants, the northward dispersal of Rhododendron is not limited by cold winter temperature.

Main conclusions

High Rhododendron diversity in south‐west China appears to be influenced jointly by the climatic gradients induced by topographical complexity and temperature seasonality as suggested by Janzen's hypothesis. The increased topographical complexity in combination with low temperature seasonality in south‐west China might have promoted species accumulation by offering more niche space, preventing extinction and providing increased opportunities for allopatric speciation. While our findings strongly indicate the effect of habitat heterogeneity on species diversity, they also suggest the role of seasonal uniformity of temperature for increased diversity towards the tropics. The effect of seasonality may, however, be more pronounced in plants because of their limited ability to use behaviour to avoid environmental influences.
Investigating the cardiac pathology of SCO2‐mediated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using patients induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Hallas Tova , Eisen Binyamin , Shemer Yuval , Ben Jehuda Ronen , Mekies Lucy N. , Naor Shulamit , Schick Revital , Eliyahu Sivan , Reiter Irina , Vlodavsky Eugene , Katz Yeshayahu (Shai) , Õunap Katrin , Lorber Avraham , Rodenburg Richard , Mandel Hanna , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Binah Ofer
Published: November 2017

Mutations in SCO2 are among the most common causes of COX deficiency, resulting in reduced mitochondrial oxidative ATP production capacity, often leading to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). To date, none of the recent pertaining reports provide deep understanding of the SCO2 disease pathophysiology. To investigate the cardiac pathology of the disease, we were the first to generate induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC‐CMs) from SCO2‐mutated patients. For iPSC generation, we reprogrammed skin fibroblasts from two SCO2 patients and healthy controls. The first patient was a compound heterozygote to the common E140K mutation, and the second was homozygote for the less common G193S mutation. iPSC were differentiated into cardiomyocytes through embryoid body (EB) formation. To test the hypothesis that the SCO2 mutation is associated with mitochondrial abnormalities, and intracellular Ca2+‐overload resulting in functional derangements and arrhythmias, we investigated in SCO2‐mutated iPSC‐CMs (compared to control cardiomyocytes): (i) the ultrastructural changes; (ii) the inotropic responsiveness to β‐adrenergic stimulation, increased [Ca2+]o and angiotensin‐II (AT‐II); and (iii) the Beat Rate Variability (BRV) characteristics. In support of the hypothesis, we found in the mutated iPSC‐CMs major ultrastructural abnormalities and markedly attenuated response to the inotropic interventions and caffeine, as well as delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) and increased BRV, suggesting impaired SR Ca2+ handling due to attenuated SERCA activity caused by ATP shortage. Our novel results show that iPSC‐CMs are useful for investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the SCO2 mutation syndrome.
Dihydroartemisinin up‐regulates VE‐cadherin expression in human renal glomerular endothelial cells
Authors: Li Liqun , Chen Xiaocui , Dong Fengyun , Liu Qiang , Zhang Caiqing , Xu Dongmei , Allen Thaddeus D. , Liu Ju
Published: November 2017

The antimalarial agent dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been shown to be anti‐inflammatory. In this study, we found that DHA increased the expression of the junctional protein vascular endothelial (VE)‐cadherin in human renal glomerular endothelial cells. In addition, DHA inhibited TGF‐β RI‐Smad2/3 signalling and its downstream effectors SNAIL and SLUG, which repress VE‐cadherin gene transcription. Correspondingly, DHA decreased the binding of SNAIL and SLUG to the VE‐cadherin promoter. Together, our results suggest an effect of DHA in regulating glomerular permeability by elevation of VE‐cadherin expression.
Electrochemotherapy of unresectable cutaneous tumours with reduced dosages of intravenous bleomycin: analysis of 57 patients from the International Network for Sharing Practices of Electrochemotherapy registry
Authors: Rotunno R. , Campana L.G. , Quaglino P. , de Terlizzi F. , Kunte C. , Odili J. , Gehl J. , Ribero S. , Liew S.H. , Marconato R. , Brizio M. , Curatolo P.
Published: November 2017

Background

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is currently used to treat unresectable superficial tumours of different histotypes through the combination of cytotoxic chemotherapy and local application of electric pulses. In 2006, a collaborative project defined the ESOPE (European Standard Operating Procedures of Electrochemotherapy) guidelines to standardize the procedure. The International Network for Sharing Practices of Electrochemotherapy (InspECT) aims to refine the ESOPE and improve clinical practice. Limiting patient exposure to systemic chemotherapy would be advisable to ameliorate ECT safety profile.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of ECT with reduced chemotherapy dosages.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database (InspECT registry), we evaluated the outcome of patients who received ECT with reduced dosages of bleomycin (7500, 10 000 or 13 500 IU/m2, instead of the standard dose of 15 000 IU/m2). Tumour response in melanoma patients was compared with melanoma patients of the InspECT registry who received the standard dose of bleomycin.

Results

We identified 57 patients with 147 tumours (melanoma, 38.6%; squamous cell carcinoma, 22.8%; basal cell carcinoma, 17.5%; breast cancer 7%; Kaposi sarcoma 7%; other histotypes, 7.1%). Per‐tumour complete response (CR) rate at 60 days was 70.1% (partial, 16.3%); per‐patient CR was 57.9% (partial, 21.1%). Local pain was the most frequently reported side‐effect (n = 22 patients [39%]), mostly mild; two patients experienced flu‐like symptoms, one patient nausea. We observed the same CR rate (55%) in patients with melanoma treated by reduced or conventional bleomycin dosages (P = 1.00).

Conclusions

Electrochemotherapy performed with reduced bleomycin dosages could be as effective as with currently recommended dose. Patients with impaired renal function or candidate to multiple ECT cycles could benefit from a reduced dose protocol. Our findings need prospective confirmation before being adopted in clinical practice.
Educational and practice gaps in the management of volar melanocytic lesions
Authors: Costello C.M. , Ghanavatian S. , Temkit M. , Buras M.R. , DiCaudo D.J. , Swanson D.L. , Mangold A.R.
Published: November 2017

Background

The benign and malignant patterns of acral melanocytic naevi (AMN) and acral melanomas (AM) have been defined in a series of retrospective studies. A three‐step algorithm was developed to determine when to biopsy acral melanocytic lesions. This algorithm has only been applied to a Japanese population.

Objectives

Our study aimed to review the current management strategy of acral melanocytic lesions and to investigate the utility of the three‐step algorithm in a predominately Caucasian cohort.

Methods

A retrospective search of the pathology and image databases at Mayo Clinic was performed between the years 2006 and 2016. Only cases located on a volar surface with dermoscopic images were included. Two dermatologists reviewed all dermoscopic images and assigned a global dermoscopic pattern. Clinical and follow‐up data were gathered by chart review. All lesions with known diameter and pathological diagnosis were used for the three‐step algorithm.

Results

Regular fibrillar and ridge patterns were more likely to be biopsied (P = 0.01). The majority of AMN (58.1%) and AM (60%) biopsied were due to physician‐deemed concerning dermoscopic patterns. 39.2% of these cases were parallel furrow, lattice‐like or regular fibrillar. When patients were asked to follow‐up within a 3‐ to 6‐month period, only 16.7% of the patients returned within that interval. The three‐step algorithm would have correctly identified four of five AM for biopsy, missing a 6 mm, multicomponent, invasive melanoma.

Conclusion

We found one major educational gap in the recognition of low‐risk lesions with high rates of biopsy of the fibrillary pattern. Recognizing low‐risk dermoscopic patterns could reduce the rate of biopsy of AMN by 23.3%. We identified two major practice gaps, poor patient compliance with follow‐up and the potential insensitivity of the three‐step algorithm to small multicomponent acral melanocytic lesions.
Novel device‐based acne treatments: comparison of a 1450‐nm diode laser and microneedling radiofrequency on mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris and seborrhoea in Korean patients through a 20‐week prospective, randomized, split‐face study
Authors: Kwon H.H. , Park H.Y. , Choi S.C. , Bae Y. , Jung J.Y. , Park G.‐H.
Published: November 2017

Background

While device‐based acne treatments are widely applied for patients not tolerating conventional medications, related controlled studies have been still limited. Recently, non‐ablative 1450‐nm diode laser (DL) and fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) have been effectively used for acne, in addition to well‐recognized dermal remodelling effects.

Objective

To compare the clinical course of acne treatment between DL and FMR.

Methods

Twenty‐five Korean patients with mild‐to‐moderate facial acne completed treatments with DL and FMR through a 20‐week, randomized split‐face study. One randomly assigned half side of each patient's face received DL and the other side by FMR. Treatments were scheduled to receive three consecutive sessions at 4‐week intervals. Objective assessments including revised Leeds grades, lesion counts, sebum output measurements, and patients’ subjective satisfaction were investigated.

Results

Both DL and FMR demonstrated steady improvement of acne and seborrhoea during treatment sessions. While results between two devices were similar during treatment sessions, FMR was superior to DL in the 12‐week follow‐up. Patients’ subjective assessments for seborrhoea improvement were similar between two devices, while those for acne, skin texture, and acne scars were more satisfactory for FMR. For safety profile, no significant difference was observed between two regimens, while mild postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed only in DL side.

Conclusion

Both DL and FMR demonstrated efficacies for acne and seborrhoea, with reasonable safety profile. FMR was more effective than DL for the long‐term maintenance, and subjective assessments for texture and scar improvements. Therefore, a few sessions of these devices would be a viable option for acne treatments.
Non‐melanoma Hutchinson's sign: a reappraisal of this important, remarkable melanoma simulant
Authors: Baran L.R. , Ruben B.S. , Kechijian P. , Thomas L.
Published: November 2017

Background

More than 20 years ago, our reappraisal of the Hutchinson's sign (HS) gave birth to the concept of the pseudo‐Hutchinson's sign.

Objectives

We have found it interesting to emphasize some important histologic points and to expand the list of the numerous HS simulants.

Methods

We have examined the cutaneous samples taken from the pigmented skin of patients in association with nail matrix biopsy. We have also extended the long list of non‐melanoma HS based on comprehensive literature review.

Results

Histologically, HS may present only as an epidermal pigmentation, depending on the area sampled. Occasionally, there may be a sparse junctional melanocytic proliferation which does not demonstrate cytologic atypia due to an underlying melanocytic naevus of the nail matrix. However, early HS often shows a melanoma in situ, with a HS at the proximal nail fold (PNF) and confluent “atypical” melanocytes in the nail matrix. Finally, involvement of the PNF, nail matrix and nail bed containing atypical melanocytes in irregular array may be seen in more advanced lesions. The recent literature on non‐melanoma HS simulants is summarized and clinical examples are provided.

Conclusion

The mere presence of periungual pigmentation is neither clinically nor histologically pathognomonic of subungual melanoma and justifies the usefulness of this work stressing the non‐melanoma HS.
In vivo Confocal Laser Microscopy for monitoring of actinic keratosis treatment: a comparison with histopathologic assessment after treatment with topical 5% 5‐fluorouracil
Authors: Ishioka P. , Maia M. , Rodrigues S.B. , Lellis R.F. , Hirata S.H.
Published: November 2017

Background

Histological examination is the gold standard for actinic keratosis diagnosis; however, it is not always a feasible approach. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a non‐invasive technique that may be an alternative for monitoring actinic keratoses treatment response. Topical 5‐fluorouracil is indicated for actinic keratosis multiple lesions and for field cancerization treatment.

Objectives

To assess the RCM accuracy, sensibility and specificity for actinic keratosis, considering as a gold standard the histopathological examination; as well as to evaluate the efficacy of 5% 5‐fluorouracil treatment.

Methods

This is a prospective study in actinic keratosis patients between August 2014 and November 2015. RCM analyses were performed in one randomly selected actinic keratosis lesion of the upper limbs by two independent observers before and after 5% 5‐fluorouracil treatment. At the end of treatment and with clinical bleaching of treated lesions, histological examination was performed by two pathologists.

Results

A total of 50 lesions were enroled, and 40 lesions presented complete clinical bleaching after treatment and were included in the final analysis. Accuracy, sensibility and specificity means among observers were 83.8%, 84.6% and 83.3%, respectively. After 5‐fluorouracil treatment, actinic keratosis was diagnosed in 45.0% (observer 1) and 32.5% (observer 2) of subjects according to RCM and in 32.5% of subjects according to histological examination. Considering RCM observers diagnosis, the concordance was substantial (k 0.637, P < 0.001). 5‐fluorouracil led to a reduction in 55.0%–67.5% of actinic keratoses according to RCM analysis.

Conclusion

This study allows to validate RCM as a non‐invasive method capable of monitoring actinic keratosis therapeutic response to 5‐fluorouracil, presenting efficacy comparable to histological examination. Additionally, the results suggest that 5‐fluorouracil may be a satisfactory option for therapeutic control of this condition.
Clinical and genetic characteristics of xeroderma pigmentosum in Nepal
Authors: Espi P. , Parajuli S. , Benfodda M. , Lebre A.‐S. , Paudel U. , Grange A. , Grybek V. , Grange T. , Soufir N. , Grange F.
Published: November 2017

Background

Little is known about xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) in Himalayan countries.

Objective

To describe clinical characteristics of XP in Nepal and investigate its genetic bases.

Methods

This study was carried out on all consecutive patients referred for XP to a Nepalese tertiary referral centre in 2014–2015. Clinical data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. DNA was extracted from salivary samples, and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted using a panel covering all 8 known XP genes (classical XP (XP‐A to XP‐G) and XP variant) and a skin cancer modifier gene, the melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R).

Results

Seventeen patients (median age: 15 years; range: 1–32) were included. Twelve had skin cancers (including a total of 8 squamous cell carcinomas, 60 basal cell carcinomas, ocular carcinomas requiring an orbital exenteration in 3 patients, but no melanoma). Fifteen patients carried the same homozygous non‐sense XPC mutation c.1243C>T, p.R415X. A homozygous non‐sense XPA mutation (p.W235X) was found in the only patient with a history of early severe sunburn reaction and associated neurological symptoms. Associated genetic alterations included heterozygous missense variants in XPD/ERCC2 gene and the presence of MC1R variant R163Q in 5 and 9 patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Although not previously reported, XP seems frequent in Nepal. Patients often presented with a very severe phenotype after a long history of excessive sun exposure without knowledge of the disease. Fifteen of 17 had the same p.R415X XPC mutation, which seems very specific of XP in Nepal, suggesting a founder effect. NGS analyses frequently revealed associated genetic alterations which could play a modifier role in the clinical expression of the disease.
Mathematical modeling of soybean drying by a fractional‐order kinetic model
Authors: Nicolin Douglas Junior , Defendi Rafael Oliveira , Rossoni Diogo Francisco , de Matos Jorge Luiz Mario
Published: November 2017

In this article, a mathematical model based on the generalization of first‐order kinetic model, to model soybean drying kinetic, is proposed by taking into account that the humidity variation rate is given by a derivative of arbitrary order. The Bootstrap technique was used to study the minimum required number of terms of the analytic solution to fit the parameters with stable variability. Results were highly successful for the estimated moisture curves. These results were compared with the first‐order kinetic model and with the classic Page model. Series solution minimum number of terms varied both with respect to the model parameters and temperature.

Practical applications

The modeling procedure presented in this article presents the use of fractional calculus as a potential tool to generalize mathematical models based on differential equations. The proposed model proved to be statistically better than its version which was based on conventional calculus. Thus, the model proposed is suitable for modeling kinetic processes in general and can be used to project drying equipment. Due to the fact that drying of food could present nonexponential behavior, the fractional model proposed would be an adequate option to capture the characteristics of the kinetic curve which the conventional calculus cannot. In addition, this article presents a statistical approach to evaluate the correct number of terms to be used in an equation based on an infinite series in order to result the least variability possible. Such approach provides more reliable results when the model is applied to experimental data.
Measles vaccination status of nurses and associated factors during community measles outbreaks
Authors: Kim Kyung Mi , Choi Jeong Sil
Published: November 2017

Aim

To identify the measles vaccination status of nurses, their knowledge and health beliefs about measles, and the associated factors that influence their measles vaccination status during a community measles outbreak in South Korea.

Methods

The participants were 156 nurses from four hospitals in a region where a community measles outbreak occurred.

Results

The measles vaccination rate of the nurses was 73.7%. The nurses’ health belief score about measles was 2.44 out of 4 and their knowledge score was 73.85 out of 100. The associated factors that influenced the nurses’ measles vaccination status included their experience of caring for patients with measles and a low level of perceived barriers to vaccination.

Conclusion

In order to encourage an increased measles vaccination rate in nurses, hospitals should screen susceptible nurses and offer vaccination. Effective measles vaccination campaigns and educational programs are also required in hospitals.
Kisspeptin, gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone and oestrogen receptor α colocalise with neuronal nitric oxide synthase neurones in prepubertal female sheep
Authors: Bedenbaugh M. N. , O'Connell R. C. , Lopez J. A. , McCosh R. B. , Goodman R. L. , Hileman S. M.
Published: November 2017

Puberty is a process that integrates multiple inputs ultimately resulting in an increase in gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. Although kisspeptin neurones play an integral role in GnRH secretion and puberty onset, other systems are also likely important. One potential component is nitric oxide (NO), a gaseous neurotransmitter synthesised by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The present study aimed to neuroanatomically characterise neuronal NOS (nNOS) in prepubertal female sheep and determine whether oestradiol exerts effects on this system. Luteinising hormone secretion was reduced by oestradiol treatment in prepubertal ovariectomised ewes. Neurones immunoreactive for nNOS were identified in several areas, with the greatest number present in the ventrolateral portion of the ventromedial hypothalamus, followed by the ventromedial hypothalamus, preoptic area (POA) and arcuate nucleus (ARC). Next, we determined whether nNOS neurones contained oestrogen receptor (ER)α and could potentially communicate oestradiol (E2) feedback to GnRH neurones. Neuronal NOS neurones contained ERα with the percentage of coexpression (12%‐40%) depending upon the area analysed. We next investigated whether a neuroanatomical relationship existed between nNOS and kisspeptin or nNOS and GnRH neurones. A high percentage of kisspeptin neurones in the POA (79%) and ARC (98%) colocalised with nNOS. Kisspeptin close contacts were also associated with nNOS neurones. A greater number of close contacts were observed in the ARC than the POA. A high percentage of POA GnRH neurones (79%) also expressed nNOS, although no GnRH close contacts were observed onto nNOS neurones. Neither the numbers of nNOS neurones in the POA or hypothalamus, nor the percentage of nNOS coexpression with GnRH, kisspeptin or ERα were influenced by oestradiol. These experiments reveal that a neuroanatomical relationship exists between both nNOS and kisspeptin and nNOS and GnRH in prepubertal ewes. Therefore, nNOS may act both directly and indirectly to influence GnRH secretion in prepubertal sheep.
Transforming nurse–patient relationships—A qualitative study of nurse self‐disclosure in mental health care
Authors: Unhjem Jeanette Varpen , Vatne Solfrid , Hem Marit Helene
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To describe what and why nurses self‐disclose to patients in mental health care.

Background

Self‐disclosure is common, but controversial and difficult to delineate. Extant research suggests that self‐disclosure might have several potentially beneficial effects on therapeutic alliance and treatment outcome for patients in mental health care, but results are often mixed and limited by definitional inconsistencies.

Design

Multi‐site study with purposive sampling and source triangulation.

Method

Qualitative descriptive study including data from 16 nurses taking part in participant observation, individual interviews and focus group interviews.

Results

Separate analyses resulted in four themes addressing the research question of what nurses self‐disclose, and one main theme and four subthemes addressing why nurses self‐disclose. The content of self‐disclosure was captured in the four themes: Immediate family, Interests and activities, Life experiences and Identity. In addition, results showed that disclosures were common among the nurses. Self‐disclosure's potential to transform the nurse–patient relationship, making it more open, honest, close, reciprocal and equal, was the overarching reason why nurses shared personal information. The nurses also chose to self‐disclose to share existential and everyday sentiments, to give real‐life advice, because it felt natural and responsive to patients’ question to do so.

Conclusion

Nurse self‐disclosure is common and cover a variety of personal information. Nurses have several reasons for choosing to self‐disclose, most of which are connected to improving the nurse–patient relationship.

Relevance to clinical practice

Self‐disclosure controversy can make it difficult for nurses to know whether they should share personal information or not. Insights into the diversity of and reasons for nurse self‐disclosure can help with deliberations on self‐disclosure.
Trends in the total numbers of HBV and HCV carriers in Japan from 2000 to 2011
Authors: Tanaka J. , Akita T. , Ohisa M. , Sakamune K. , Ko K. , Uchida S. , Satake M.
Published: November 2017

We estimated the total number of undiagnosed HBV and HCV carriers and patients with hepatitis virus‐related disease in Japan according to 6 different groups classified by their natural histories during 2011. In 2011, the total number of carriers and patients infected with HBV or HCV was estimated according to 6 groups using government reports and reports from the hepatitis epidemiology research group of The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan. In 2011, the total number of hepatitis virus carriers was estimated to be 2 090 128‐2 840 128 in which the estimated number of undiagnosed HCV and HBV carriers was 776 826 (HBV: 481 470; HCV: 295 356). The total number of treated patients, as either inpatients or outpatients, was estimated to be 811588 (HBV: 303 366; HCV: 520 600) in 2011. It is presumed that many carriers shirk consultation for many reasons, such as patients’ misunderstanding, lack of awareness and forgetfulness of their positive status. The numbers of infected patients who did not seek treatment increased gradually to 501 714‐1 251 714 (HBV: 333 791‐483 791; HCV: 167 923‐767 923) in 2011. Compared to 2000, the number of undiagnosed carriers was significantly reduced in 2011 probably because of the well‐organized, effective national hepatitis virus screening system that has been launched by the Japanese government since 2002. Moreover, the increase in the number of untreated persons who are aware of their positive status shows that more effort should be invested in improving the referral system from screening centres to core hospitals.
Highlighting patterns of fungal diversity and composition shaped by ocean currents using the East China Sea as a model
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Mengmeng , Pan Haoqin , Burgaud Gaëtan , Liang Shengkang , Guo Jiajia , Luo Tian , Li Zhaoxia , Zhang Shoumei , Cai Lei
Published: November 2017

How ocean currents shape fungal transport, dispersal and more broadly fungal biogeography remains poorly understood. The East China Sea (ECS) is a complex and dynamic habitat with different water masses blending microbial communities. The internal transcribed spacer 2 region of fungal rDNA was analysed in water and sediment samples directly collected from the coastal (CWM), Kuroshio (KSWM), Taiwan warm (TWM) and the shelf mixed water mass (MWM), coupled with hydrographic properties measurements, to determine how ocean currents impact the fungal community composition. Almost 9k fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) spanning six phyla, 25 known classes, 102 orders and 694 genera were obtained. The typical terrestrial and freshwater fungal genus, Byssochlamys, was dominant in the CWM, while increasing abundance of a specific OTU affiliated with Aspergillus was revealed from coastal to open ocean water masses (TWM and KSWM). Compared with water samples, sediment harboured an increased diversity with distinct fungal communities. The proximity of the Yangtze and Qiantang estuaries homogenizes the surface water and sediment communities. A significant influence of ocean currents on community structure was found, which is believed to reduce proportionally the variation explained by environmental parameters at the scale of the total water masses. Dissolved oxygen and depth were identified as the major parameters structuring the fungal community. Our results indicate that passive fungal dispersal driven by ocean currents and river run‐off, in conjunction with the distinct hydrographic conditions of individual water masses, shapes the fungal community composition and distribution pattern in the ECS.