bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of biologic therapy in chronic plaque psoriasis from a societal perspective: an analysis based on Italian actual clinical practice
Authors: Polistena B. , Calzavara‐Pinton P. , Altomare G. , Berardesca E. , Girolomoni G. , Martini P. , Peserico A. , Puglisi Guerra A. , Spandonaro F. , Vena Gino A. , Chimenti S. , Ayala F.
Published: September 2015

Objective

Psoriasis is one of the most common forms of chronic dermatitis, affecting 2–3% of the worldwide population. It has a serious effect on the way patients perceive themselves and others, thereby prejudicing their quality of life and giving rise to a significant deterioration in their psycho‐physical well‐being; it also poses greater difficulties for them in leading a normal social life, including their ability to conduct a normal working life. All the above‐mentioned issues imply a cost for the society. This study proposes to evaluate the impact on societal costs for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis with biologics (etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab) in the Italian clinical practice.

Method

A prospective observational study has been conducted in 12 specialized centres of the Psocare network, located throughout Italy. Direct and indirect costs (as well as the health‐related quality of life of patients with plaque psoriasis undergoing biologic treatments) have been estimated, while the societal impact has been determined using a cost‐utility approach.

Results

Non‐medical and indirect costs account for as much as 44.97% of the total cost prior to treatment and to 6.59% after treatment, with an overall 71.38% decrease. Adopting a societal perspective in the actual clinical practice of the Italian participating centres, the ICER of biologic therapies for treating plaque psoriasis amounted to €18634.40 per QALY gained – a value far from the €28656.30 obtained by adopting a third‐party payer perspective.

Conclusion

Our study confirms that chronic psoriasis subjects patients to a considerable burden, together with their families and caregivers, stressing how important it is to take the societal perspective into consideration during the appraisal process. Besides, using data derived from Italian actual practice, treatment with biologics shows a noteworthy benefit in social terms.
Classification of hand eczema
Authors: Agner T. , Aalto‐Korte K. , Andersen K.E. , Foti C. , Gimenéz‐Arnau A. , Goncalo M. , Goossens A. , Le Coz C. , Diepgen T.L. ,   the European Environmental and Contact Dermatitis Research Group
Published: September 2015

Background

Classification of hand eczema (HE) is mandatory in epidemiological and clinical studies, and also important in clinical work.

Objectives

The aim was to test a recently proposed classification system of HE in clinical practice in a prospective multicentre study.

Methods

Patients were recruited from nine different tertiary referral centres. All patients underwent examination by specialists in dermatology and were checked using relevant allergy testing. Patients were classified into one of the six diagnostic subgroups of HE: allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, atopic HE, protein contact dermatitis/contact urticaria, hyperkeratotic endogenous eczema and vesicular endogenous eczema, respectively. An additional diagnosis was given if symptoms indicated that factors additional to the main diagnosis were of importance for the disease.

Results

Four hundred and twenty‐seven patients were included, 379 (89%) of the patients could be classified directly into one of the six diagnostic subgroups, with irritant and allergic contact dermatitis comprising 249 patients (58%). For 32 (7%) more than one of the six diagnostic subgroups had been formulated as a main diagnosis, and 16 (4%) could not be classified. 38% had one additional diagnosis and 26% had two or more additional diagnoses. Eczema on feet was found in 30% of the patients, statistically significantly more frequently associated with hyperkeratotic and vesicular endogenous eczema.

Conclusion

We find that the classification system investigated in the present study was useful, being able to give an appropriate main diagnosis for 89% of HE patients, and for another 7% when using two main diagnoses. The fact that more than half of the patients had one or more additional diagnoses illustrates that HE is a multifactorial disease.
Fragile X syndrome: economic burden and health‐related quality of life of patients and caregivers in France
Authors: Chevreul K. , Berg Brigham K. , Brunn M. , des Portes V. ,   BURQOL‐RD Research Network
Published: September 2015

Background

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the main hereditary cause of intellectual disability. Although the associated burden appears to be considerable, to date no study has comprehensively assessed the cost incurred because of FXS, including its specific impact on health‐related quality of life and the burden on caregivers using standardised quantitative tools. The aim of this article is to provide data in order to increase awareness of the repercussions of FXS on patients and caregivers as well as on the health and social care systems in France.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was carried out on 145 patients recruited through Le Goëland X‐Fragile and Mosaïques, the French FXS patient associations. Data on their demographic characteristics and resource use were obtained from an online questionnaire, and costs were estimated by a bottom‐up approach. The EQ‐5D health questionnaire was used to measure patients' and caregivers' health‐related quality of life. Perceived burden of care was measured using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview. The Barthel index, a non‐utility‐based assessment, was used to measure patients' level of dependence.

Results

The annual total direct cost of FXS was estimated at €25 800 per patient. The main contributors were informal care provided by the main caregiver (€10 500) and social services (€8400). Healthcare costs, estimated at €2700, represented only a minor share. Mean EQ‐5D utility scores were 0.49 for patients and 0.75 for caregivers. The mean burden for caregivers as measured by the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview was 39.9.

Conclusions

Fragile X syndrome requires significant resources that are mainly of a non‐medical nature and are higher for children than for adults. Compared with related diseases, it constitutes a particularly high burden for caregivers. Using a bottom‐up approach and a wide range of standardised measures, this study underscores the need for greater awareness of the burden of FXS as well as an assessment of new and existing interventions to address it.
Study of two tungstates Ca0.5Cd0.5WO4 and Ca0.2Cd0.8WO4 by transmission electron microscopy
Authors: TAOUFYQ A. , PATOUT L. , GUINNETON F. , BENLHACHEMI A. , BAKIZ B. , VILLAIN S. , LYOUSSI A. , NOLIBE G. , GAVARRI J.‐R.
Published: September 2015

To better understand the role of crystal structures and local disorder in the photonic properties of the system (1 − x)CaWO4 − xCdWO4 with 0 < x < 1, two specific phases with compositions x = 0.5 (scheelite phase) and 0.8 (wolframite phase) have been studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopies. High‐resolution electron microscopy images and image simulations, associated with X‐ray diffraction data, allowed confirming the lattices and space groups I41/a and P2/c of the two scheelite and wolframite phases, at the local scale. The electron microscopy data show the existence of a high degree of crystallization associated with statistical distribution of Ca or Cd atoms on a Ca1−xCdx site in each lattice.
Inline electron holography and VEELS for the measurement of strain in ternary and quaternary (In,Al,Ga)N alloyed thin films and its effect on bandgap energy
Authors: MÁNUEL J.M. , KOCH C.T. , ÖZDÖL V.B. , SIGLE W. , VAN AKEN P.A. , GARCÍA R. , MORALES F.M.
Published: September 2015

We present the use of (1) dark‐field inline electron holography for measuring the structural strain, and indirectly obtaining the composition, in a wurtzite, 4‐nm‐thick InAlGaN epilayer on a AlN/GaN/AlN/GaN multinano‐layer heterosystem, and (2) valence electron energy‐loss spectroscopy to study the bandgap value of five different, also hexagonal, 20–50‐nm‐thick InAlGaN layers. The measured strain values were almost identical to the ones obtained by other techniques for similarly grown materials. We found that the biaxial strain in the III‐N alloys lowers the bandgap energy as compared to the value calculated with different known expressions and bowing parameters for unstrained layers. By contrast, calculated and experimental values agreed in the case of lattice‐matched (almost unstrained) heterostructures.
Menstrual blood contains immune cells with inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory properties
Authors: Hosseini Samira , Shokri Fazel , Tokhmechy Reihaneh , Savadi‐Shiraz Elham , Jeddi‐Tehrani Mahmood , Rahbari Marjaneh , Zarnani Amir‐Hassan
Published: September 2015

Aim

Successful pregnancy requires balanced regulation of immune cells at the feto‐maternal interface. Systemic monitoring of the immune system cannot precisely outline local immune status in the uterus. In this survey, endometrial immune milieu was investigated using a non‐invasive method of analysis of menstrual blood (MB). The results were compared with peripheral blood (PB).

Method

PB and MB of healthy fertile women (n = 15) were collected simultaneously on the second day of their menstrual cycle. T and natural killer T cell subpopulations were immunophenotyped by flow cytometry.

Results

Among examined cell populations, the frequency of CD4 + Foxp3+, CD4 + Foxp3 + CD25‐, CD4 + Foxp3 + CD25+ and IL17+ T cells (P = 0.022, 0.028, 0.017 and 0.005, respectively) and TCRαβ+, CD45RO+, CD16‐, IFNγ + and IL17+ NKT (CD56 + CD3+) cells (P = 0.010, 0.037, 0.038, 0.015 and 0.021, respectively) were significantly higher in MB compared with PB. Conversely, PB contained a higher percentage of CD16+ T cells (P = 0.025) in comparison with MB.

Conclusion

MB contains cells of an inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory nature, implying the existence of finely tuned cell homeostasis during menstruation. Our results imply that MB could be viewed as an easy‐to access specimen for monitoring endometrial immune cells, especially those that have preferential endometrial localization.
Use of dienogest over 53 weeks for the treatment of endometriosis
Authors: Sugimoto Kouhei , Nagata Chie , Hayashi Hiroshi , Yanagida Satoshi , Okamoto Aikou
Published: September 2015

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of Dienogest (DNG) over 53 weeks for the treatment of endometriosis.

Methods

DNG was administered to 75 patients with endometriosis over a period of 53 weeks. Medical charts were retrospectively examined on the efficacy and side effects. Reduction rates of ovarian chocolate cyst, adenomyosis and changes in serum estradiol and cancer antigen 125 concentration were measured. Adverse effects, patient evaluation of their symptoms and willingness to continue taking DNG were assessed by a questionnaire.

Results

The median duration of treatment was 87 weeks, with the longest follow‐up duration being 120 weeks. Ovarian chocolate cysts were initially reduced; however, upon cessation of DNG treatment, an increase in size was observed. Adenomyosis lesions were reduced to some extent after 53 weeks of DNG treatment. In terms of adverse events, more than 60% (61.3%, 46/75) of patients experienced atypical genital bleeding. However, this did not prove to be a cause of discontinuation. We ceased DNG treatment in two cases because of lower abdominal pain and shoulder discomfort.

Conclusions

Long term DNG treatment beyond one year for endometriosis proved to be effective and safe. Ovarian chocolate cysts were markedly reduced by short‐term use of DNG, while a longer duration was required to reduce the size of adenomyosis. The decision regarding the choice of therapy lies with the individual clinician, considering a balance of efficacy with expense and adverse effects.
Clinicopathologic and survival analyses of synchronous primary endometrial and epithelial ovarian cancers
Authors: Sozen Hamdullah , Vatansever Dogan , Iyibozkurt Ahmet Cem , Topuz Samet , Ozsurmeli Mehmet , Salihoglu Yavuz , Guzelbey Burcu , Berkman Sinan
Published: September 2015

Aim

The aim of the study was to describe clinicopathologic characteristics, survival outcomes and the factors associated with recurrence in patients diagnosed with synchronous primary endometrial and epithelial ovarian cancers.

Material and Methods

In this retrospective study, 50 patients who were diagnosed with synchronous primary endometrial and epithelial ovarian cancers and underwent surgery between 1998 and 2010 were reviewed.

Results

In our study, the median age at the time of diagnosis was 53 years (range 28–79). The most common presenting symptom was abnormal uterine bleeding with a ratio of 36%. Fifty‐four percent of the patients had endometrioid type endometrial cancer and endometrioid type ovarian cancer. All patients were surgically staged and the majority of the patients were in stage I for both endometrial cancer (58%) and ovarian cancer (60%). Nearly one‐third (32%) of the patients had a recurrence during the follow‐up period and by Cox regression analysis the level of cancer antigen 125 (P = 0.023) at diagnosis, serous or clear‐cell histopathologic type ovarian cancer (P = 0.029) and stage of endometrial cancer above I (P = 0.048) were found to be independent risk factors associated with development of recurrence. Patients with endometrioid type endometrium histology and endometrioid type ovarian histology had favorable prognosis with 120.00 months mean disease‐free survival and 92% disease‐free survival rate at 36 months.

Conclusion

In our cohort, we found that endometrioid/endometrioid type synchronous primary endometrial and ovarian cancer had different clinical histopathologic characteristics and favorable prognosis compared to the other histologic types of these cancers. Histopathologic type of the ovarian cancer component, stage of endometrial cancer and level of cancer antigen 125 at diagnosis were observed to have a great influence on the development of recurrence and survival of synchronous primary carcinomas of the endometrium and ovary.
The effect of culture on pain sensitivity
Authors: Al‐Harthy M. , Ohrbach R. , Michelotti A. , List T.
Published: September 2015

Cross‐cultural differences in pain sensitivity have been identified in pain‐free subjects as well as in chronic pain patients. The aim was to assess the impact of culture on psychophysical measures using mechanical and electrical stimuli in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain and pain‐free matched controls in three cultures. This case–control study compared 122 female cases of chronic TMD pain (39 Saudis, 41 Swedes and 42 Italians) with equal numbers of age‐ and gender‐matched TMD‐free controls. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) and tolerance (PPTo) were measured over one hand and two masticatory muscles. Electrical perception threshold and electrical pain threshold (EPT) and tolerance (EPTo) were recorded between the thumb and index fingers. Italian females reported significantly lower PPT in the masseter muscle than other cultures (P < 0·001) and in the temporalis muscle than Saudis (P = 0·003). Swedes reported significantly higher PPT in the thenar muscle than other cultures (P = 0·017). Italians reported significantly lower PPTo in all muscles than Swedes (P ≤ 0·006) and in the masseter muscle than Saudis (P < 0·001). Italians reported significantly lower EPTo than other cultures (P = 0·01). Temporomandibular disorder cases, compared to TMD‐free controls, reported lower PPT and PPTo in all the three muscles (P < 0·001). This study found cultural differences between groups in the PPT, PPTo and EPTo. Overall, Italian females reported the highest sensitivity to both mechanical and electrical stimulation, while Swedes reported the lowest sensitivity. Mechanical pain thresholds differed more across cultures than did electrical pain thresholds. Cultural factors may influence response to type of pain test.
Bond Strength of Resin Cements to Zirconia Ceramic Using Adhesive Primers
Authors: Stefani Ariovaldo , Brito Rui Barbosa , Kina Sidney , Andrade Oswaldo Scopin , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria Bovi , Carvalho Andreia Assis , Giannini Marcelo
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of adhesive primers on the microshear bond strength of resin cements to zirconia ceramic.

Materials and Methods

Fifty zirconia plates (12 mm × 5 mm × 1.5 mm thick) of a commercially available zirconium oxide ceramic (ZirCad) were sintered, sandblasted with aluminum oxide particles, and cleaned ultrasonically before bonding. The plates were randomly divided into five groups of 10. Three resin cements were selected (RelyX ARC, Multilink Automix, Clearfil SA Cement self‐adhesive resin cement), along with two primers (Metal‐Zirconia Primer, Alloy Primer) and one control group. The primers and resin cements were used according to manufacturers’ recommendations. The control group comprised the conventional resin cement (RelyX ARC) without adhesive primer. Test cylinders (0.75 mm diameter × 1 mm high) were formed on zirconia surfaces by filling cylindrical Tygon tube molds with resin cement. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 hours at 37°C, then tested for shear strength on a Shimadzu EZ Test testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. Bond strength data were analyzed statistically by two‐way ANOVA and Dunnett's test (5%).

Results

The bond strength means in MPa (± s.d.) were: RelyX ARC: 28.1 (6.6); Multilink Automix: 37.6 (4.5); Multilink Automix + Metal‐Zirconia Primer: 55.7 (4.0); Clearfil SA Cement: 46.2 (3.3); and Clearfil SA Cement + Alloy Primer: 47.0 (4.1).

Conclusion

Metal‐Zirconia Primer increased the bond strength of Multilink Automix resin cement to zirconia, but no effect was observed for Alloy Primer using Clearfil SA Cement. RelyX ARC showed the lowest bond strength to zirconia.
Natural Tooth Color Estimation Based on Age and Gender
Authors: Gómez‐Polo Cristina , Montero Javier , Gómez‐Polo Miguel , de Parga Juan Antonio Martínez Vázquez , Celemin‐Viñuela Alicia
Published: September 2015

Purpose

Assessment of the predictability of tooth color coordinates according to the CIELab system to estimate the color of the maxillary central incisor based on patient age and gender.

Material and Methods

The tooth color of one of the maxillary central incisors of 1361 Caucasian Spanish individuals aged 16 to 89 years, male and female, was measured using the Easyshade compact spectrophotometer. Color coordinates L*, C*, h*, a*, and b* were recorded according to age and gender.

Results

The results obtained show that differences in age account for 45% of the total variation of the L (lightness) coordinate; 21% of the variation in coordinate a*, and 17% of the variation in coordinate b* is due to the same reason. At a confidence level of 95% it may be proposed that the mean estimated color difference (ΔEab*) between real natural color and that predicted by the linear regression model is between 6.4 and 6.9 units.

Conclusions

In this sample of Caucasians from Spain, teeth became darker yellow and more reddish with increasing age. The L* coordinate is most strongly related to tooth color in aging.
Complete Edentulism and Comorbid Diseases: An Update
Authors: Felton David A.
Published: September 2015

The relationship between complete edentulism, which is the terminal outcome of a multifactorial oral disease process and other comorbid diseases, was first reported in 2009. Although the relationship between edentulism and a multitude of systemic diseases was reported, none of the publications studied could determine causality of tooth loss on the incidence of any comorbid disease. Since that publication, there has been a renewed interest in this relationship, and a plethora of new articles have been published. This article will provide an update on articles published since 2008 on the relationship between edentulism and comorbid diseases, and will include the relationship between complete edentulism and such comorbid conditions as malnutrition, obesity, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary diseases (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cancer, and even mortality.
Dietary overlap and seasonality in three species of mormoopid bats from a tropical dry forest
Authors: Salinas‐Ramos Valeria B. , Herrera Montalvo L. Gerardo , León‐Regagnon Virginia , Arrizabalaga‐Escudero Aitor , Clare Elizabeth L.
Published: September 2015

Competing hypotheses explaining species’ use of resources have been advanced. Resource limitations in habitat and/or food are factors that affect assemblages of species. These limitations could drive the evolution of morphological and/or behavioural specialization, permitting the coexistence of closely related species through resource partitioning and niche differentiation. Alternatively, when resources are unlimited, fluctuations in resources availability will cause concomitant shifts in resource use regardless of species identity. Here, we used next‐generation sequencing to test these hypotheses and characterize the diversity, overlap and seasonal variation in the diet of three species of insectivorous bats of the genus Pteronotus. We identified 465 prey (MOTUs) in the guano of 192 individuals. Lepidoptera and Diptera represented the most consumed insect orders. Diet of bats exhibited a moderate level of overlap, with the highest value between Pteronotus parnellii and Pteronotus personatus in the wet season. We found higher dietary overlap between species during the same seasons than within any single species across seasons. This suggests that diets of the three species are driven more by prey availability than by any particular predator‐specific characteristic. P. davyi and P. personatus increased their dietary breadth during the dry season, whereas P. parnellii diet was broader and had the highest effective number of prey species in all seasons. This supports the existence of dietary flexibility in generalist bats and dietary niche overlapping among groups of closely related species in highly seasonal ecosystems. Moreover, the abundance and availability of insect prey may drive the diet of insectivores.
Borrelia burgdorferi HtrA: evidence for twofold proteolysis of outer membrane protein p66
Authors: Coleman James L. , Toledo Alvaro , Benach Jorge L.
Published: September 2015

In prokaryotes, members of the High Temperature Requirement A (HtrA) family of serine proteases function in the periplasm to degrade damaged or improperly folded membrane proteins. Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, codes for a single HtrA homolog. Two‐dimensional electrophoresis analysis of B. burgdorferi B31A3 and a strain that overexpresses HtrA (A3HtrAOE) identified a downregulated protein in A3HtrAOE with a mass, pI and MALDI‐TOF spectrum consistent with outer membrane protein p66. P66 and HtrA from cellular lysates partitioned into detergent‐resistant membranes, which contain cholesterol‐glycolipid‐rich membrane regions known as lipid rafts, suggesting that HtrA and p66 may reside together in lipid rafts also. This agrees with previous work from our laboratory, which showed that HtrA and p66 are constituents of B. burgdorferi outer membrane vesicles. HtrA degraded p66 in vitro and A3HtrAOE expressed reduced levels of p66 in vivo. Fluorescence confocal microscopy revealed that HtrA and p66 colocalize in the membrane. The association of HtrA and p66 establishes that they could interact efficiently and their protease/substrate relationship provides functional relevance to this interaction. A3HtrAOE also showed reduced levels of p66 transcript in comparison with wild‐type B31A3, indicating that HtrA‐mediated regulation of p66 may occur at multiple levels.
Long‐term outcome of severe acute kidney injury survivors followed by nephrologists in a developing country
Authors: Ponce Daniela , Dias Dayana Bitencourt , Nascimento Ginivaldo Ribeiro , Silveira Liciana Vaz de Arruda , Balbi André Luís
Published: September 2015

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term outcome of patients after a severe episode of acute kidney injury (AKI) on survival and progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to identify risk factors associated with these outcomes.

Methods

We performed a prospective study that evaluated the long‐term outcome of 509 AKI stage 3 patients who were followed by nephrologists in a Brazilian University Hospital from 2004 to 2013.

Results

Age was 60.2 years (47.5–71) and the follow‐up time was 25 months (12–44). The late mortality was 38.1% and age (HR 2.89, 95%CI=1.88 to 4.46, P < 0.0001), diabetes (HR 1.46, 95%CI=1 0.02 to 2.16, P < 0.047), liver disease (HR 2.95, 95%CI=1.19 to 7.3, P = 0.02) and creatinine (Cr) at the time of hospital discharge (HR 1.21, 95%CI=1.04 to 1.41, P = 0.01) were associated with poor long‐term survival. At the moment of hospital discharge, 52.1% of patients had complete recovery of renal function, 39.7% had partial recovery and 8.3% had not recovered renal function. After 36 months, 43.5% of patients progressed to CKD, and 5.3% needed for chronic dialysis. Factors associated with progression to CKD were age (HR 1.02, 95%CI=1.008 to 1.035, P = 0.009), CKD (HR 1.05 95% CI=1.007 to 1.09, P = 0.04), diabetes (HR 1.12, CI 1.008‐1.035, P = 0.009) and number of AKI episodes (HR 1.65, 95%CI=1.19 to 2.2, P = 0.0023).

Conclusion

This study showed that AKI patients have high mortality after hospital discharge and age, diabetes, liver disease, and Cr value at the time of discharge were factors associated with long‐term mortality. The risk factors for this progression to CKD were age, the presence of diabetes and the number of AKI episodes.
Primary vesicoureteral reflux: A 26‐year experience in a single centre
Authors: Vachvanichsanong Prayong , Dissaneewate Pornsak , McNeil Edward
Published: September 2015

Aim

To determine the nature of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and the association of VUR with hydronephrosis and renal damage.

Methods

The medical records of children ≤ 15 years diagnosed with VUR, attending the Department of Pediatrics, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand between 1987 and 2013 were reviewed. Renal ultrasound and technetium‐99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan (DMSA) results were examined to determine the severity of hydronephrosis and renal damage, respectively.

Results

There were 177 boys and 211 girls. 350 (90.2%) were diagnosed following urinary tract infection (UTI). The median (IQR) age at diagnosis of first VUR was 7.6 (4.3–12.2) months in boys and 18.6 (9.0–46.6) months in girls (P < 0.001).

Renal ultrasound was performed in 340 patients. Hydronephrosis was found in 105 patients and 135 kidneys and 22.5% VUR kidneys and 11.0% non‐VUR kidneys (P = 0.01). The severity of hydronephrosis was associated with VUR grade (44.2% of grades IV and V VUR had hydronephrosis vs 11.9% of grades I–III VUR, P < 0.001).

DMSA was performed in 332 patients. Abnormalities were found in 30.1% VUR kidneys and 4.1% non‐VUR kidneys (P < 0.001). Abnormal DMSA results were strongly associated with VUR grade (17.8% for VUR grades I–III vs 60.5% for VUR grades IV and V, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Primary VUR in this group was most commonly diagnosed following investigation of UTI and detected during infancy, earlier in boys. Hydronephrosis and renal damage were associated with severity of VUR.
Prospective study of nephrolithiasis occurrence in children receiving cefotriaxone
Authors: Youssef Doaa Mohammed , Sherief Laila Metwaly , Sherbiny Hanan Saker , ElAttar Mai Yehia , Sheikh Abdel Razek Mohammed El , Fawzy Faten Mohammed , Adham Tamer
Published: September 2015

Aim

Ceftriaxone is a commonly used antibiotic among the paediatric population. Various reports have associated high doses of Ceftriaxone with the development of nephrolithiasis; our aim was to test this association with a 5 day course of treatment.

Methods

Our study group consisted of 120 patients divided into two groups. The first group included 60 patients who underwent treatment with Ceftriaxone therapy that was started empirically and continued for 5 days at the dose of 80 mg/kg per day. The second group (60 patients) who received treatment with other antibiotics (other than Ceftriaxone), as recommended by hospital protocols. Patients with urinary tract infections (UTI) were excluded as UTI may be a predisposing cause for nephrolithiasis. Baseline and follow up after 5 days were done with; abdominal ultrasound, serum urea, creatinine, serum calcium, 24 h urinary calcium and urinary calcium/ creatinine ratio. Extended metabolic tests were done for cases that developed nephrolithiasis.

Results

Five cases out of the 60 patients treated with Ceftriaxone developed calculi; that were small and were eliminated spontaneously in four cases at mean duration of 3 weeks. In these cases renal ultrasonography examinations were normal prior to treatment; and none of them had metabolic disturbances or risk factors leading to stone formation. By multiple regression analysis, only age was related to nephrolithiasis formation being higher in the group that has developed stones.

Conclusion

Only patients who underwent Ceftriaxone therapy have developed renal stones, even with a short course of therapy (5 days), and in the absence of a known predisposing cause for nephrolithiasis. We have thus concluded that Ceftriaxone by itself maybe a predisposing factor for nephrolithiasis
The origins of the universe: why is there something rather than nothing?
Authors: Paulson Steve , Albert David , Holt Jim , Turok Neil
Published: September 2015

Perhaps the greatest mystery is why the universe exists in the first place. How is it possible for something to emerge from nothing, or has a universe in some form always existed? This question of origins—both of the universe as a whole and of the fundamental laws of physics—raises profound scientific, philosophical, and religious questions, culminating in the most basic existential question of all: Why are we here? Discussion of this and related questions is presented in this paper.
Direct and indirect effects of nursery habitats on coral‐reef fish assemblages, grazing pressure and benthic dynamics
Authors: Harborne Alastair R. , Nagelkerken Ivan , Wolff Nicholas H. , Bozec Yves‐Marie , Dorenbosch Martijn , Grol Monique G. G. , Mumby Peter J.
Published: September 2015

Migrating species are common within seascapes, but the potential for these movements to alter the populations and functional roles of non‐migrating species (e.g. by increasing predation) is rarely investigated. This study considers whether the presence of nursery habitats (mangroves and seagrass) simply enhances the abundance of nursery‐using parrotfishes and piscivores on nearby coral reefs, or also affects other parrotfishes. Data from 131 reef sites and multiple seascape configurations across 13 degrees of latitude were used to model correlations between biophysical variables, including nursery habitat connectivity, and the abundance and grazing pressure of both nursery‐using species and other parrotfishes and piscivore biomass. Connectivity to mangroves and dense seagrass was positively correlated with the biomass of nursery‐using species, but was also negatively correlated with non‐nursery parrotfish populations. This reduction may be caused indirectly by nursery habitats increasing confamilial competition and predation by nursery‐using piscivores, particularly affecting small parrotfishes settling directly onto reefs.

As key reef grazers, parrotfishes affect coral demographics. Consequently, a spatial simulation model predicted the impacts after five years of changes in grazing pressure because of nursery habitat connectivity. The model demonstrated that high nursery connectivity was correlated to changes in grazing pressure on nearby reefs that could potentially lead to differences in coral cover of ∼3–4% when compared to low connectivity reefs. However, the direction of this change depended on the seascapes’ characteristics. Historically, large‐bodied, nursery‐using parrotfish would have increased grazing in all nursery‐rich seascapes. Overfishing means that nursery availability may have spatially variable impacts on coral cover, influencing reserve design.

This study suggests that nursery availability may directly and indirectly modify an ecological process, and alter an ecological cascade (migrating species increase predator and competitor abundances, affecting other grazers and consequently corals). Therefore, elucidating the multi‐species impacts of animal movements is required to better understand ecosystem functioning.
The fundamental niche of blood oxygen binding in the pelagic ocean
Authors: Mislan K. A. S. , Dunne John P. , Sarmiento Jorge L.
Published: September 2015

Marine species ranging in size from microscopic zooplankton to large predatory fish move vertically in the ocean water column to forage for food and avoid predators. Oxygen and temperature decrease, often rapidly, from shallow to deeper depths, restricting the ability of species to use the vertical habitat. One physiological trait that determines the tolerance of organisms to low oxygen is the oxygen affinity of oxygen carrier proteins, hemoglobin and hemocyanin, in the blood. To quantify the range of oxygen affinities for marine organisms, we surveyed the literature for measurements of oxygen binding to blood at multiple temperatures to account for its temperature sensitivity. Oxygen affinity is mapped within the ocean environment using the depth at which oxygen pressure decreases to the point at which the blood is 50% oxygenated (P50depth) as organisms move from the surface to depth in the ocean water column. We find that vertical gradients in both temperature and oxygen impact the vertical position and areal extent of P50depths. Shifts in P50due to temperature cause physiological types with the same P50in the surface ocean to have different P50depths and physiological types with different P50's in the surface ocean to have the same P50depth. The vertical distances between P50depths are spatially variable, which may determine the frequency of ecological interactions, such as competition and predation. In summary, P50depth, which represents a key physiological transition point between dexoxygenated and oxygenated blood, provides mechanistic insight into organism function within the water column of the global ocean.
Relative Orientation Dependent on Dual Quaternions
Authors: Sheng Qing H. , Shao Sa , Xiao Hui , Zhu Feng , Wang Qing , Zhang Bin
Published: September 2015

A new approach to relative orientation based on dual quaternions is proposed. Dual quaternions are used to express a unified description of the relative position and orientation of two images in a stereopair. The coplanarity condition equation and its linearised model based on dual quaternions are established. According to the principle of least squares adjustment with constraints, a dual quaternion can be identified and the relative‐orientation parameters can then be obtained by a non‐linear transformation of the components of the dual quaternion. Experimental results show that the proposed approach is feasible and more reliable and efficient than the conventional approach based on Euler angles.
Analysis of Different Methods for 3D Reconstruction of Natural Surfaces from Parallel‐Axes UAV Images
Authors: Eltner Anette , Schneider Danilo
Published: September 2015

Recent advances in structure from motion (SfM) and dense matching algorithms enable surface reconstruction from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images with high spatial resolution, allowing for new insights into earth surface processes. However, accuracy issues are inherent in parallel‐axes UAV image configurations. In this study, the quality of digital elevation models (DEMs) is assessed using images from a simulated UAV flight. Five different SfM tools and three different cameras are compared. If ground control points (GCPs) are not integrated into the adjustment process with parallel‐axes image configurations, significant dome‐effect systematic errors are observed, which can be reduced based on calibration parameters retrieved from a testfield captured with convergent images immediately before or after the UAV flight. A comparison between DEMs of a soil surface generated from UAV images and terrestrial laser‐scanning data show that natural surfaces can be very accurately reconstructed from UAV images, even when GCPs are missing and simple geometric camera models are considered.
Hydration status influences seed fire tolerance in temperate European herbaceous species
Authors: Ruprecht E. , Lukács K. , Domokos P. , Kuhn T. , Fenesi A.
Published: September 2015

Prescribed burning is an important management tool in many parts of the world. While natural fires generally occur during the driest and warmest period of the year, prescribed burning is often timed out‐of‐season, when there is higher soil moisture and lower biomass combustibility. However, fire season may influence seedling recruitment after fire, e.g. through the effect of seed hydration status on fire tolerance. In non‐fire‐prone temperate regions, anthropogenic fire may occur exclusively in periods outside the growing season with higher soil moisture, which may have negative consequences on seedling recruitment. Fire tolerance of moist and dry seeds of 16 temperate European herbaceous species belonging to four families was assessed using heat treatment of 100 °C for 5 min and subsequent germination trials. Moist seeds of Asteraceae, Poaceae and Brassicaceae had a predominantly negative reaction to the heat treatment, while those of Fabaceae tolerated it or germination was even enhanced. The reaction of dry seeds was completely different, with positive responses in three species of the Fabaceae and fire tolerance in species of other families. Our results point out that hydration status may significantly influence the post‐fire germination of seeds. Dry seeds were found to tolerate high heat, while moist seeds were harmed in more than half of the species. This implies that if prescribed burning is applied in temperate grasslands of Europe, it should be timed to dry periods of the dormant season in order to protect seeds from negative effects of fire.
Latency as a region contrast: Measuring ERP latency differences with Dynamic Time Warping
Authors: Zoumpoulaki A. , Alsufyani A. , Filetti M. , Brammer M. , Bowman H.
Published: September 2015

Methods for measuring onset latency contrasts are evaluated against a new method utilizing the dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm. This new method allows latency to be measured across a region instead of single point. We use computer simulations to compare the methods’ power and Type I error rates under different scenarios. We perform per‐participant analysis for different signal‐to‐noise ratios and two sizes of window (broad vs. narrow). In addition, the methods are tested in combination with single‐participant and jackknife average waveforms for different effect sizes, at the group level. DTW performs better than the other methods, being less sensitive to noise as well as to placement and width of the window selected.
Empirically based comparisons of the reliability and validity of common quantification approaches for eyeblink startle potentiation in humans
Authors: Bradford Daniel E. , Starr Mark J. , Shackman Alexander J. , Curtin John J.
Published: September 2015

Startle potentiation is a well‐validated translational measure of negative affect. Startle potentiation is widely used in clinical and affective science, and there are multiple approaches for its quantification. The three most commonly used approaches quantify startle potentiation as the increase in startle response from a neutral to threat condition based on (1) raw potentiation, (2) standardized potentiation, or (3) percent‐change potentiation. These three quantification approaches may yield qualitatively different conclusions about effects of independent variables (IVs) on affect when within‐ or between‐group differences exist for startle response in the neutral condition. Accordingly, we directly compared these quantification approaches in a shock‐threat task using four IVs known to influence startle response in the no‐threat condition: probe intensity, time (i.e., habituation), alcohol administration, and individual differences in general startle reactivity measured at baseline. We confirmed the expected effects of time, alcohol, and general startle reactivity on affect using self‐reported fear/anxiety as a criterion. The percent‐change approach displayed apparent artifact across all four IVs, which raises substantial concerns about its validity. Both raw and standardized potentiation approaches were stable across probe intensity and time, which supports their validity. However, only raw potentiation displayed effects that were consistent with a priori specifications and/or the self‐report criterion for the effects of alcohol and general startle reactivity. Supplemental analyses of reliability and validity for each approach provided additional evidence in support of raw potentiation.
Efficacy and safety of aclidinium bromide in patients with COPD: A phase 3 randomized clinical trial in a Korean population
Authors: Lee Sang Haak , Lee Jongmin , Yoo Kwang Ha , Uh Soo‐Taek , Park Myung Jae , Lee Sang Yeub , Kim Jae Yeol , Kim Deog Kyeom , Kim Seung Joon , Lee Kwan Ho , Yoo Chul‐Gyu
Published: September 2015

Background and objective

Aclidinium bromide (‘aclidinium’) is a novel, inhaled long‐acting muscarinic antagonist. Therapeutic effects of aclidinium on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been demonstrated in Caucasian populations in several clinical trials. This was a randomized, double‐blind, multi‐centre phase‐3 clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aclidinium in a Korean population.

Methods

A total of 263 Korean patients with moderate‐to‐severe COPD were randomized to receive aclidinium (400 μg, bd) (Genuai) or placebo via a dry‐powder inhaler. The primary end point was change in trough forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) at 12 weeks. Other lung function measurements, COPD exacerbation, health status (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), dyspnoea (Transition Dyspnea Index (TDI) and safety were assessed throughout the study period.

Results

A significant improvement in trough FEV1 from baseline was shown with aclidinium compared with the placebo (0.126 L, P < 0.0001). Significant improvements were also demonstrated in peak FEV1 (0.190 L, P < 0.0001), SGRQ and TDI. Furthermore, aclidinium significantly reduced the prevalence of exacerbations (aclidinium, 5.4%; placebo, 15.6%, P < 0.05), and the duration of exacerbations was shorter compared with placebo (rate ratio: 0.27; P < 0.05). Aclidinium (400 μg) was well tolerated and the prevalence of adverse events was comparable with the placebo.

Conclusions

Inhaled aclidinium (400 μg) was shown to be safe and efficacious in Korean patients with moderate‐to‐severe COPD.

Clinical trial registration: NCT01636401 at Clinicaltrials.gov
“Know What to Do If You Encounter a Flash Flood”: Mental Models Analysis for Improving Flash Flood Risk Communication and Public Decision Making
Authors: Lazrus Heather , Morss Rebecca E. , Demuth Julie L. , Lazo Jeffrey K. , Bostrom Ann
Published: September 2015

Understanding how people view flash flood risks can help improve risk communication, ultimately improving outcomes. This article analyzes data from 26 mental models interviews about flash floods with members of the public in Boulder, Colorado, to understand their perspectives on flash flood risks and mitigation. The analysis includes a comparison between public and professional perspectives by referencing a companion mental models study of Boulder‐area professionals. A mental models approach can help to diagnose what people already know about flash flood risks and responses, as well as any critical gaps in their knowledge that might be addressed through improved risk communication. A few public interviewees mentioned most of the key concepts discussed by professionals as important for flash flood warning decision making. However, most interviewees exhibited some incomplete understandings and misconceptions about aspects of flash flood development and exposure, effects, or mitigation that may lead to ineffective warning decisions when a flash flood threatens. These include important misunderstandings about the rapid evolution of flash floods, the speed of water in flash floods, the locations and times that pose the greatest flash flood risk in Boulder, the value of situational awareness and environmental cues, and the most appropriate responses when a flash flood threatens. The findings point to recommendations for ways to improve risk communication, over the long term and when an event threatens, to help people quickly recognize and understand threats, obtain needed information, and make informed decisions in complex, rapidly evolving extreme weather events such as flash floods.
Effects of fatigue and surface instability on neuromuscular performance during jumping
Authors: Lesinski M. , Prieske O. , Demps M. , Granacher U.
Published: September 2015

It has previously been shown that fatigue and unstable surfaces affect jump performance. However, the combination thereof is unresolved. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of fatigue and surface instability on jump performance and leg muscle activity. Twenty elite volleyball players (18 ± 2 years) performed repetitive vertical double‐leg box jumps until failure. Before and after a fatigue protocol, jump performance (i.e., jump height) and electromyographic activity of selected lower limb muscles were recorded during drop jumps (DJs) and countermovement jumps (CMJs) on a force plate on stable and unstable surfaces (i.e., balance pad on top of force plate). Jump performance (3–7%; P < 0.05; 1.14 ≤ d ≤ 2.82), and muscle activity (2–27%; P < 0.05; 0.59 ≤ d ≤ 3.13) were lower following fatigue during DJs and CMJs, and on unstable compared with stable surfaces during DJs only (jump performance: 8%; P < 0.01; d = 1.90; muscle activity: 9–25%; P < 0.05; 1.08 ≤ d ≤ 2.54). No statistically significant interactions of fatigue by surface condition were observed. Our findings revealed that fatigue impairs neuromuscular performance during DJs and CMJs in elite volleyball players, whereas surface instability affects neuromuscular DJ performance only. Absent fatigue × surface interactions indicate that fatigue‐induced changes in jump performance are similar on stable and unstable surfaces in jump‐trained athletes.
Presidential Campaign Spending and Correct Voting from 2000 to 2008*
Authors: Bergbower Matthew L. , McClurg Scott D. , Holbrook Thomas
Published: September 2015

Objective

This study examines whether presidential campaigns help voters make informed choices on Election Day, or whether unique campaign contexts can actually hinder quality votes. We explore this question by relating the allocation of resources by presidential campaigns to a measure of correct voting (Lau and Redlawsk, 1997).

Methods

We expect that when campaign messages become overwhelmingly one sided, the number of incorrect votes increases and test this through an assessment of campaign data and responses to the 2000, 2004, and 2008 American National Election Studies.

Results

Our results reveal that lopsided campaign contexts create an opportunity for campaigns to pick up votes that would otherwise go to the opposing candidate.

Conclusion

This research underscores the normative value of competitive political campaigns as it relates to voters’ exposure to political information. Our findings contribute to debates on campaign strategy, information environments, and the effect of campaigns on voter decision‐making.