bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stratified analysis of 800 Asian patients after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy with a median 64 months of follow up
Authors: Abdel Raheem Ali , Kim Dae Keun , Santok Glen Denmer , Alabdulaali Ibrahim , Chung Byung Ha , Choi Young Deuk , Rha Koon Ho
Published: July 2016

Objective

To report the 5‐year oncological outcomes of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy from the largest series ever reported from Asia.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 800 Asian patients who were treated with robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy from July 2005 to May 2010 in the Department of Urology and Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea was carried out. The primary end‐point was to evaluate the biochemical recurrence. The secondary end‐point was to show the biochemical recurrence‐free survival, metastasis‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival.

Results

A total of 197 (24.65%), 218 (27.3%), and 385 (48.1%) patients were classified as low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk patients according to the D'Amico risk stratification risk criteria, respectively. The median follow‐up period was 64 months (interquartile range 28–71 months). The overall incidence of positive surgical margin was 36.6%. There was biochemical recurrence in 183 patients (22.9%), 38 patients (4.8%) developed distant metastasis and 24 patients (3%) died from prostate cancer. Actuarial biochemical recurrence‐free survival, metastasis‐free survival, and cancer‐specific survival rates at 5 years were 76.4%, 94.6% and 96.7%, respectively. Positive lymph node was associated with lower 5‐year biochemical recurrence‐free survival (9.1%), cancer‐specific survival (75.7%) and metastasis‐free survival (61.9%) rates (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, among all the predictors, positive lymph node was the strongest predictor of biochemical recurrence, cancer‐specific survival and metastasis‐free survival (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Herein we report the largest robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy series from Asia. Robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy is confirmed to be an oncologically safe procedure that is able to provide effective 5‐year cancer control, even in patients with high‐risk disease.
Goserelin toxicities and preferences for ovarian suppression method in pre‐menopausal women with breast cancer
Authors: Hsieh A. H.‐C. , Kichenadasse G. , Vatandoust S. , Roy A. , Sukumaran S. , Karapetis C. S. , Martin H. , Chong L. C. , Koczwara B.
Published: July 2016

Background

Goserelin, a form of medical ovarian suppression, is an effective treatment for pre‐menopausal women with breast cancer (PMBC). Meta‐analysis data showed that similar efficacy is achieved with medical ovarian suppression and non‐pharmacological ovarian suppression (NPOS) – oophorectomy or ovarian irradiation. The acceptance rate of NPOS remains low.

Aims

This study explored the reported toxicities of PMBC women and their preferred ovarian suppression method whilst on goserelin.

Methods

A postal survey consisting of 22 study‐specific questions was sent to PMBC women who received goserelin at the Flinders Medical Centre.

Results

Nineteen women were identified from the database; 12 versus 7 women received goserelin in the adjuvant versus metastatic setting respectively. Thirteen (68.4%) responded to the survey. Women in the adjuvant cohort were more likely to report toxicities. The most common were hot flushes (100% vs 50% P = 0.033), myalgia/arthralgia (71.4% vs 16.7%, P = 0.048) and decreased libido (57/1% vs 16.7%, P = 0.135). NPOS was recalled to be offered to five (38.5%) women, with acceptance by one BRCA2 carrier. NPOS was declined initially due to fear of procedure, surgical/anaesthetic risk, invasiveness and planned future pregnancies. If given the option, upfront oophorectomy was indicated in seven (53.8%) women due to inconveniences with monthly goserelin.

Conclusion

Half of PMBC women indicated a preference to NPOS, but only a minority recollected NPOS being discussed. Inconvenience with monthly goserelin is the main driver toward a preference of favouring NPOS. Clarification from larger trials that research patients’ decision process and preferences regarding ovarian suppression is needed to validate our findings.
Corrected QT interval anomalies are associated with worse prognosis among patients suffering from sepsis
Authors: Wasserstrum Y. , Lotan D. , Itelman E. , Barbarova I. , Kogan M. , Klempfner R. , Dagan A. , Segal G.
Published: July 2016

Background

Patients suffering from sepsis experience organ failure and metabolic derangements, with a negative impact on their prognosis and survival. Objective markers for dismal prognosis in this group of patients are sought.

Aims

To assess the potential role of corrected QT interval anomalies as surrogates for metabolic derangements leading to increased short and medium‐term mortality in patients suffering from sepsis.

Methods

This study utilised a historic‐cohort analysis of 257 septic patients admitted to internal medicine departments. Personal data, vital signs, laboratory results and electrocardiograms were collected. Patients were grouped according to QTc duration, weather mid‐range (395–490 ms) or non‐mid‐range, and further defined as shorter (<395 ms) or longer (>490 ms).

Results

Mortality rates differed significantly between the mid‐range QTc group and the non‐mid‐range groups at 14 days (23.7 vs 38.2%, respectively; P = 0.014) and at 3 months (38.5 vs 59.6%, respectively; P = 0.001). In a three‐group analysis, the 14‐day mortality was the highest in the longer QTc group and the lowest in the mid‐range group compared with the shorter QTc group (44.4, 23.7 and 35.5%, respectively; P = 0.034), and this difference also remained at 3 months (74.1, 38.5 and 53.2%, respectively; P = 0.001). All differences remained statistically significant in a multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Conclusions

QTc duration anomalies are associated with worse short‐ and medium‐term prognosis and may act as a marker for more severe clinical sequelae.
Origin of the Static Fatigue Limit in Oxide Glasses
Authors: Seaman Jared H. , Blanchet Thierry A. , Tomozawa Minoru
Published: July 2016

Oxide glasses exhibit slow crack growth under stress intensities below the fracture toughness in the presence of water vapor or liquid water. The log of crack velocity decreases linearly with decreasing stress intensity factor in Region I. For some glasses, at a lower stress intensity, Ko, log v asymptotically diminishes where there is no measurable crack growth. The same glasses exhibit static fatigue, or a decreasing strength for increasing static loading times, as cracks grow and stress intensity eventually reaches the fracture toughness. In this case, some glasses exhibit a low stress below which no fatigue/failure is observed. The absence of slow crack growth under a low stress intensity factor is called the fatigue limit. Currently, no satisfactory explanation exists for the origin of the fatigue limit. We show that the surface stress relaxation mechanism, which is promoted by molecular water diffusion near the glass surface, may be the origin of the fatigue limit. First, we hypothesize that the slowing down of slow crack growth takes place due to surface stress relaxation during slow crack growth near the static fatigue limit. The applied stress intensity becomes diminished by a shielding stress intensity due to relaxation of crack tip stresses, thus resulting in a reduced crack velocity. This diminishing stress intensity factor should result in a crack growth rate near the static fatigue limit that decreases in time. By performing Double Cantilever Beam crack growth measurements of a soda‐lime silicate glass, a decreasing crack growth rate was measured. These experimental observations indicate that surface stress relaxation is causing crack velocities to asymptotically become immeasurably small at the static fatigue limit. Since the surface stress relaxation was shown to take place for various oxide glasses, the mechanism for fatigue limit explained here should be applicable to various oxide glasses.
Comparative Study of Silver Nanoparticles Coated and Uncoated NiO–Fe2O3–CaO–SiO2–P2O5 Ferromagnetic Bioactive Ceramics
Authors: Anand Vikas , Singh Kanwarjit , Kaur Kulwinder , Kaur Harpreet , Bhatia Gaurav , Singh Sukhdev , Arora Daljit Singh
Published: July 2016

Bioactive ferromagnetic ceramics of system xNiO–(3−x)Fe2O3–52CaO–30SiO2–15P2O5, (x = 0, 3 mol%) have been prepared in the laboratory using sol–gel technique. Silver nanoparticles coating has been undertaken on the surface of synthesized samples. Comparative study of silver nanoparticles coated and uncoated samples has been undertaken with the help of transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), degradation, drug delivery, hemolysis, antimicrobial, and cell culture studies. XRD patterns indicate the growth of hydroxyl apatite layer on the surface of coated as well as uncoated samples. Ferromagnetic properties of samples have been investigated with the help of vibrating sample magnetometer technique. Samples have shown good response as drug carriers under normal conditions as well as under the influence of magnetic field. Drug release mechanism and mesoporus nature of samples have been investigated with the help of Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique. Nonreactivity of samples (coated and uncoated) with red blood cells and white blood cells show nontoxic nature of the samples. Coated samples have shown better antimicrobial properties against six different microorganisms, including some resistive strain like methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.05 mg/ml as compared to uncoated samples. It has been observed that samples also provide a healthy environment for the growth of MG 63 cell lines. It has been noticed that presence of silver nanoparticles on the surface of samples improve degradation and antimicrobial properties.
Attentional bias training in girls at risk for depression
Authors: LeMoult Joelle , Joormann Jutta , Kircanski Katharina , Gotlib Ian H.
Published: July 2016

Background

This study examined, for the first time, whether attentional biases can be modified in adolescents at risk for depression.

Methods

The final sample consisted of 41 girls at familial risk for depression, who were randomly assigned to receive six sessions (864 trials) of real or sham attention bias training [Real attentional bias training (ABT) vs. Sham ABT]. Participants who received Real ABT completed a modified dot‐probe task designed to train attention toward positive and away from negative facial expressions; in contrast, girls who received Sham ABT completed the standard dot‐probe task. Attentional biases, self‐reported mood, and psychophysiological responses to stress were measured at pre‐ and post‐training assessments.

Results

As expected, girls who received Real ABT, but not those who received Sham ABT, exhibited significant increases from pre‐ to post‐training in their attention toward happy faces and away from sad faces. Moreover, adolescents who received Real ABT were buffered against the negative outcomes experienced by adolescents who received Sham ABT. Specifically, only adolescents who received Sham ABT experienced an increase in negative mood and a pre‐ to post‐training increase in heart rate in anticipation of the stressor.

Conclusions

The current findings provide the first experimental evidence that attentional biases can be modified in youth at risk for depression and further suggest that ABT modulates the heightened response to stress that is otherwise experienced by high‐risk adolescents.
Factors influencing inter‐day glycemic variability in diabetic outpatients receiving insulin therapy
Authors: Mori Hiroko , Okada Yosuke , Kurozumi Akira , Narisawa Manabu , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: July 2016

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to determine the actual state of inter‐day glycemic variability and identify the factors that affect glycemic variability in diabetic outpatients on insulin therapy.

Materials and Methods

The participants were 45 outpatients with diabetes mellitus receiving insulin therapy. The mean plasma glucose (MPG) levels, intra‐day glycemic variability (expressed by standard deviation and mean amplitude of glucose excursion) and inter‐day glycemic variability (expressed by mean of daily differences [MODD] in blood glucose levels) were measured continuously over 7 days with iPro2®. The primary outcome was the relationship between MODD and the life variability index.

Results

MODD values were high in 93.3% of the participants, and significantly higher in patients with lifestyle changes than in those without (higher in patients with high life variability index). MODD values were not associated with age, but significantly higher in women. MODD values correlated significantly with glycated hemoglobin and glycoalbumin levels, and negatively with 1,5‐anhydroglucitol levels. MODD values were significantly higher in type 1 diabetes patients and not associated with duration of disease. MODD values correlated significantly with insulin dose. Multivariate analysis identified the life variability index as a significant determinant of MODD.

Conclusions

iPro2® provided detailed information on glycemic profile in diabetic outpatients receiving insulin therapy. The results suggest that patients with large inter‐day glycemic variability are unlikely to achieve an improvement in their glycated hemoglobin level. Treatment and instructions based on a patient's characteristics, day‐to‐day glycemic variability and lifestyle are important to achieve good glycemic control.
Matrix metalloproteinases‐3 gene‐promoter polymorphism as a risk factor in oral submucous fibrosis in an Indian population: a pilot study
Authors: Zade Prajakta R. , Gosavi Suchitra R. , Hazarey Vinay K. , Ganvir Sindhu M.
Published: July 2016

Aim

Host‐related factors could be important to the fundamental understanding of oral diseases. One such factor is matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). MMP3 (stromelysin 1) is crucial in connective tissue remodeling. Promoter regions are specific segments of DNA that control the rate of mRNA synthesis. Thus, polymorphism in the (5A/6A) promoter region of the MMP3 gene results in different transcriptional activities and is related to susceptibility in diseases. The aim of the present study was to detect polymorphism in the MMP3 gene‐promoter region in oral submucous fibrosis patients (OSF), oral squamous cell carcinoma patients (OSCC), and normal individuals with tobacco and areca nut habit and without lesions, and to correlate the genotype as a risk factor in these diseases.

Method

Genomic DNA from blood of OSF (n = 5), OSCC (n = 5), and normal individuals with tobacco and areca nut habit (n = 5) and without (n = 5) were subjected to polymerase chain reaction of the MMP3 gene‐promoter region and DNA sequencing.

Results

The 5A allele in the MMP3 gene‐promoter region was observed more frequently in the OSF group than the control groups. No significant difference was noted between OSCC and the control groups on the 5A allele.

Conclusion

The results indicated that the 5A allele of the MMP3 gene‐promoter region could be associated with OSF risk factor, but not OSCC, in an Indian population.
Endocrine‐Disrupting Chemicals and Reproductive Health
Authors: Zlatnik Marya G.
Published: July 2016

This review discusses the evidence linking industrial chemicals to a variety of health and reproductive outcomes. Industrial chemical production has increased over the past 30 to 40 years. Basic science, animal models, and epidemiologic data suggest that certain chemicals may act as endocrine disruptors (substances that interfere with normal hormonal action) and may play an etiologic role in a number of conditions whose incidence has also increased during this same period. These include low birth weight, gestational diabetes, obesity, certain cancers, certain birth defects, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit disorder and autism. In addition, some environmental chemicals may have epigenetic effects, resulting in transgenerational health impacts. The epidemiologic and experimental evidence that links chemicals such as plasticizers (eg, phthalates and phenols), flame retardants, perfluorinated compounds, and pesticides with adverse reproductive health outcomes is reviewed. Women's health care providers are the liaison between scientific research and their patients; they should educate themselves on the significance of environmental toxins to health. They are ideally positioned, not only to counsel and reassure pregnant women, but also to suggest practicable changes in dietary and lifestyle habits to improve their health. Furthermore, women's health care providers should advocate for regulatory changes that protect women and their families from the health effects of environmental toxins.
The Experience of Men Caring for a Partner With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Rollero Chiara
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was exploring the experience of male caregivers living with a partner with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Design and Methods

A qualitative study was conducted following a grounded theory approach. Twenty‐four men–husbands or partners of a woman diagnosed with MS–were interviewed in‐depth. A thematic analysis was carried out and involved line‐by‐line coding with codes deriving from narratives.

Findings

Five major themes emerged: caregiving as a full‐time job; changes in the couple; the importance of social support and social life; gender specificities; and fear of the future.

Conclusions

Results highlight the complexity of issues surrounding this specific form of caregiving. Social expectations referring to the marital relationship and to gender norms play a central role.

Clinical Relevance

Findings can help in developing ad hoc interventions to support male spousal caregivers to care for their partners.
At‐Home Father Families in the United States: Gender Ideology, Human Capital, and Unemployment
Authors: Kramer Karen Z. , Kramer Amit
Published: July 2016

The rising population of stay‐at‐home fathers is driven by economic conditions, human capital, and changing gender ideology. When unemployment rates increase, women become breadwinners in these families. The growing gender education gap is a crucial factor in spousal work and caregiving arrangements. The authors test these propositions by tracking individuals using data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Youth and the Current Population Survey. They find that unemployment rates are associated with having both caregiving and unable‐to‐work stay‐at‐home father families and that the probability that households choose stay‐at‐home father arrangements is greater when mothers have more education than fathers. Finally, individual differences in gender ideology have strong effects on the probability that families choose a caregiving stay‐at‐home father family structure.
Nano‐TiO2 penetration of oral mucosa: in vitro analysis using 3D organotypic human buccal mucosa models
Authors: Konstantinova Victoria , Ibrahim Mohamed , Lie Stein A. , Birkeland Eivind Salmorin , Neppelberg Evelyn , Marthinussen Mihaela Cuida , Costea Daniela Elena , Cimpan Mihaela R.
Published: July 2016

Background

Oral cavity is a doorway for a variety of products containing titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) (nano‐TiO2) such as food additives, oral healthcare products and dental materials. Their potential to penetrate and affect normal human oral mucosa is not yet determined.

Objectives

To evaluate the ability of nano‐TiO2 to penetrate the in vitro reconstructed normal human buccal mucosa (RNHBM).

Methods

RNHBM was generated from primary normal human oral keratinocytes and fibroblasts isolated from buccal oral mucosa of healthy patients (n = 6). The reconstructed tissues were exposed after 10 days to clinically relevant concentrations of spherical or spindle rutile nano‐TiO2 in suspension for short (20 min) and longer time (24 h). Ultrahigh‐resolution imaging (URI) microscopy (CytoViva™, Auburn, AL, USA) was used to assess the depth of penetration into reconstructed tissues.

Results

Ultrahigh‐resolution imaging microscopy demonstrated the presence of nano‐TiO2 mostly in the epithelium of RNHBM at both 20 min and 24‐h exposure, and this was shape and doze dependent at 24 h of exposure. The depth of penetration diminished in time at higher concentrations. The exposed epithelium showed increased desquamation but preserved thickness.

Conclusion

Nano‐TiO2 is able to penetrate RNHBM and to activate its barrier function in a doze‐ and time‐dependent manner.
Effect of Fiber Information on Consumer's Expectation and Liking of Wheat Bran Enriched Pasta
Authors: Laureati Monica , Conte Amalia , Padalino Lucia , Del Nobile Matteo Alessandro , Pagliarini Ella
Published: July 2016

The need to promote a diet rich in wholegrain has been recognized as an important task in nutrition education. Despite this, the intake of fiber in Western countries is below the recommended 25 g per day. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of wheat bran addition on the sensory quality of durum wheat spaghetti and to evaluate the effect of fiber information on consumer's acceptability and expectation. Information about fiber content had a positive impact on consumer's expected product quality but only for bran addition equal or higher than 20%. Consumers completely assimilated their liking in the direction of expectations for spaghetti with 20 and 25% of bran addition. Assimilation was incomplete for the 30% added sample indicating that the health benefit of eating fiber did not compensate the decrease in liking. The effect of information varied according to consumers’ frequency consumption of bran‐enriched pasta. Non‐users showed a negative disconfirmation starting with a 20% bran addition, whereas for low‐ and high‐users disconfirmation occurred at a higher bran addition. A complete assimilation effect was seen only for non‐users, indicating that fiber information had an impact only for those consumers who actually do not consume wholegrain pasta.

Practical Applications

Consumer‐led product development requires having a detailed understanding of what the consumer expects from a product. The findings of the present study provide information about the hedonic expectation and liking of pasta with high wheat bran content. Establishing the right balance between the expected health benefit of eating fiber and perceived product liking might be useful to food developers to increase fiber content in pasta formulations without sacrificing sensory attributes and pleasure.
Hospitalization and mortality due to hepatitis A in Taiwan: a 15‐year nationwide cohort study
Authors: Chen C.‐M. , Chen S. C.‐C. , Yang H.‐Y. , Yang S.‐T. , Wang C.‐M.
Published: July 2016

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the most common food‐borne hepatitis in the world. The study objectives were (i) to describe the epidemiology of HAV‐related hospitalizations during 1997–2011 in Taiwan, (ii) to examine the age effect on the length of stay (LOS) in hospital and (iii) to study the factors associated with death. The hospitalized cases were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 1997 and 2011 by ICD‐9‐CM code of 070.0/070.1. Patient sex, birthday, dates of hospitalization and death were analysed. A total of 3990 HAV‐hospitalized cases, males 2467 (62%), were identified. The LOS increased as patients’ age increased. The overall mortality rate was 16.8 per 1000 hospitalizations. Males had significantly higher case fatality rate than females (20.7 vs 10.5 per 1000 cases). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for death rose by age and increased rapidly over 40 years of age. The aOR and 95% confidence interval [95%CI] for aged 40–59 years and aged over 60 years were 7.89 (1.06–58.98) and 14.88 (2.02–109.40) compared to aged 0–19 years, respectively. Patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis had significantly higher risk of death (aOR=1.03 [1.01–1.04]), compared to those without liver disease. However, patients with liver disease, but no cirrhosis did not have higher risk of death (aOR=1.00 [0.99–1.01]). The aOR [95%CI] for LOS >9 day was 3.26 (1.96–5.40) compared to cases with LOS ≤9 days. Male sex, age over 40 years, cirrhotic liver and long LOS are significant factors associated with death in HAV‐hospitalized cases.
Difference as a Resource for Thinking: An Online Dialogue Showing the Role Played by Difference in Problem Solving and Decision Making
Authors: Saracco Susanna
Published: July 2016

Contemporary societies require citizens and workers to face unexpected challenges. This calls for a shift of emphasis from individualistic competence to the importance of collective intelligence. This article describes a plan for a project in which students who are eight to twelve years old will not only realize that difference is a crucial resource in problem solving and decision making but also live out their personal value as thinking, active beings. They will participate in an online dialogue that takes place among children who attend schools in under‐resourced communities and in middle‐class and upper‐class communities. The students will work on learning units based on philosophical content designed to stimulate their critical ability. The philosophical scenarios will be related to the everyday lives of the children through concrete examples. These examples will be followed by questions that aim to promote the advancement of the students’ thinking skills.
Characterization of the Xylella fastidiosa PD1311 gene mutant and its suppression of Pierce's disease on grapevines
Authors: Hao Lingyun , Johnson Kameka , Cursino Luciana , Mowery Patricia , Burr Thomas J.
Published: July 2016

Xylella fastidiosa causes Pierce's disease (PD) on grapevines, leading to significant economic losses in grape and wine production. To further our understanding of X. fastidiosa virulence on grapevines, we examined the PD1311 gene, which encodes a putative acyl‐coenzyme A (acyl‐CoA) synthetase, and is highly conserved across Xylella species. It was determined that PD1311 is required for virulence, as the deletion mutant, ΔPD1311, was unable to cause disease on grapevines. The ΔPD1311 strain was impaired in behaviours known to be associated with PD development, including motility, aggregation and biofilm formation. ΔPD1311 also expressed enhanced sensitivity to H2O2 and polymyxin B, and showed reduced survival in grapevine sap, when compared with wild‐type X. fastidiosa Temecula 1 (TM1). Following inoculation, ΔPD1311 could not be detected in grape shoots, which may be related to its altered growth and sensitivity phenotypes. Inoculation with ΔPD1311 2 weeks prior to TM1 prevented the development of PD in a significant fraction of vines and eliminated detectable levels of TM1. In contrast, vines inoculated simultaneously with TM1 and ΔPD1311 developed disease at the same level as TM1 alone. In these vines, TM1 populations were distributed similarly to populations in TM1‐only inoculated plants. These findings suggest that, through an indirect mechanism, pretreatment of vines with ΔPD1311 suppresses pathogen population and disease.
Primulina maciejewskii sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from Guangdong, China
Authors: Zhang Rui‐Li , Ma Wen , Wen Fang , Dong An‐Qiang
Published: July 2016

Primulina maciejewskii F. Wen, R.L. Zhang & A.Q. Dong, a new species of Primulina (Gesneriaceae) from Guangdong, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to P. lobulata and P. danxiaensis in leaf and flower shape, but can be distinguished by bract shape, peduncle, pedicel, and bract size, filament and anther indumentum, and number of bracts, staminodes and stigma.
Current treatment options for esophageal diseases
Authors: Martínek Jan , Akiyama Jun‐ichi , Vacková Zuzana , Furnari Manuele , Savarino Edoardo , Weijs Teus J. , Valitova Elen , van der Horst Sylvia , Ruurda Jelle P. , Goense Lucas , Triadafilopoulos George
Published: July 2016

Exciting new developments—pharmacologic, endoscopic, and surgical—have arisen for the treatment of many esophageal diseases. Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease presents a therapeutic challenge, and several new options have been proposed to overcome an insufficient effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors. In patients with distal esophageal spasm, drugs and endoscopic treatments are the current mainstays of the therapeutic approach. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors (or antireflux surgery) should be considered in patients with Barrett's esophagus, since a recent meta‐analysis demonstrated a 71% reduction in risk of neoplastic progression. Endoscopic resection combined with radiofrequency ablation is the standard of care in patients with early esophageal adenocarcinoma. Mucosal squamous cancer may also be treated endoscopically, preferably with endoscopic submucosal dissection. Patients with upper esophageal cancer often refrain from surgery. Robot‐assisted, thoracolaparoscopic, minimally invasive esophagectomy may be an appropriate option for these patients, as the robot facilitates a good overview of the upper mediastinum. Induction chemoradiotherapy is currently considered as standard treatment for patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma, while the role of neoadjuvant therapy for adenocarcinoma remains controversial. A system for defining and recording perioperative complications associated with esophagectomy has been recently developed and may help to find predictors of mortality and morbidity.
New material of Palaeoamasia kansui (Embrithopoda, Mammalia) from the Eocene of Turkey and a phylogenetic analysis of Embrithopoda at the species level
Authors: Erdal Ozan , Antoine Pierre‐Olivier , Sen Sevket
Published: July 2016

Since the discovery of the megaherbivore Arsinoitherium zitteli Beadnell (early Oligocene of Egypt), the extinct order Embrithopoda has remained an enigmatic group, with disputed affinities among ungulates. In this study, new specimens of Palaeoamasia kansui from the early Palaeogene of Turkey are described and a synthetic dental terminology is proposed for embrithopods. Based on 130 cranial–mandibular and dental characters, the first phylogenetic analysis of embrithopods is carried out in aim to enhance the position of Palaeoamasia within embrithopods. The monophyly of Embrithopoda is confirmed, following the topology (Phenacolophus (Namatherium (Arsinoitheriinae, Palaeamasiinae))). However, phylogenetic relationships between Eurasian embrithopods (Palaeoamasiinae: Palaeoamasia, Crivadiatherium and Hypsamasia) remain unresolved. The integration of all embrithopod genera within a cladistic analysis encompassing a wider taxonomic sample (Condylarthra, Afrotheria/Paenungulata and Laurasiatheria) also supports Embrithopoda as being monophyletic, but questions the position of both Phenacolophus and Namatherium within Embrithopoda. Finally, possible faunal exchange events are proposed based on three hypothesized scenarios between Eurasia and Arabia–Africa during the early Palaeogene.
Cancer in patients with schizophrenia: What is the next step?
Authors: Chou Frank H‐C. , Tsai Kuan‐Yi , Wu Hung‐Chi , Shen Shih‐Pei
Published: July 2016

People with schizophrenia, who constitute approximately 0.3–1% of the general population, have a nearly 20% shorter life expectancy than the general population. The incidence of varied types of cancers in patients with schizophrenia is controversial. The majority of previous research has demonstrated that patients who have schizophrenia and cancer have early mortality compared to the general population with cancer. The causes of early mortality in patients with schizophrenia and cancer might be attributed to a lower cancer screening rate and lack of effective treatment, including: (i) patient factors, such as poor lifestyle, passive attitude toward treatment, or comorbidity; (ii) physician factors, such as physician bias, which may decrease the delivery of care for individuals with mental disorders; and (iii) hospital administration factors, such as stigma and discrimination. Additional studies on patients with schizophrenia and cancer are warranted and should include the following: a comprehensive review of previous studies; a focus on differentiating the specific types of cancer; and methods for improvement. To decrease the early mortality of patients with schizophrenia, the following measures are proposed: (i) enhance early detection and early treatment, such as increasing the cancer screening rate for patients with schizophrenia; (ii) provide effective, timely treatment and rehabilitation; (iii) improve patients’ psychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairment; (iv) promote healthy behavior in the general population and emphasize healthy lifestyles in vulnerable populations; and (v) remove the stigma of schizophrenia. To reduce disparities in physical health, public health strategies and welfare policies must continue to focus on this group of patients.
Idiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation in a child with citrin deficiency
Authors: Fu Chu‐Li , Hu Yun‐Feng , Song Yuan‐Zong
Published: July 2016

Idiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation (IEMP) is a rare dermatological disorder with generally unclear etiology and pathogenesis. A 5½‐year‐old girl was referred to hospital with a 10 month history of brown skin rashes. In early infancy, citrin deficiency had been diagnosed with the SLC25A13 genotype c.851_854del4/c.998G > A, but all clinical and laboratory abnormalities recovered following the introduction of a lactose‐free and medium‐chain triglyceride‐enriched formula. Physical examination at referral indicated symmetric, multiple and non‐scaly brown macules on the neck, trunk, buttocks and proximal parts of the extremities. Histopathology indicated epidermal basal layer hyperpigmentation with an irregular distribution, along with a large number of melanophages in the upper dermis. The diagnosis of IEMP was thus made. Within 2 years of follow up, the rashes disappeared spontaneously and gradually. To our knowledge, this is the first description of IEMP in a patient with silent citrin deficiency.
How work spills over into the relationship: Self‐control matters
Authors: DANNER‐VLAARDINGERBROEK GERDIENTJE , KLUWER ESTHER S. , VAN STEENBERGEN ELIANNE F. , VAN DER LIPPE TANJA
Published: July 2016

This research investigated how and for whom experiences of the workday spill over into relationship functioning at home. Two correlational studies and one experimental study were conducted among Dutch dual‐earners with children. Moderated mediation analyses showed that work demands spill over into relationship behavior through the depletion of temporary self‐regulatory resources and subsequently a decrease in psychological availability for the partner. Whether work demands spill over into relationship behavior was dependent on dispositional self‐control in that evidence for negative spillover was only found for individuals low in dispositional self‐control. The experimental study showed that the induction of gratitude for the partner after the workday helped individuals low in dispositional control to prevent negative spillover into the partner relationship.
Price Adjustment to Exchange Rates and Forward‐looking Exporters: Evidence from USA–China Trade
Authors: Li Yao Amber , Zhao Chen Carol
Published: July 2016

This paper shows that the pricing behavior of exporting firms exhibits a “forward‐looking” nature with sticky prices. As a result, the expectations of future exchange rates affect current prices at both the product level and firm level. We find evidence by employing both highly disaggregated Harmonized System (HS) 10‐digit product‐level import data of the USA and firm–product level customs data on China's exports to the USA. These findings provide evidence for a previously unexplored micro‐level forward‐looking nature of trade price adjustment as response to future exchange rates, and suggest a potentially important factor in helping explain incomplete exchange rate pass‐through.
Measuring alluvial fan sensitivity to past climate changes using a self‐similarity approach to grain‐size fining, Death Valley, California
Authors: D'Arcy Mitch , Whittaker Alexander C. , Roda‐Boluda Duna C.
Published: July 2016

The effects of climate change on eroding landscapes and the terrestrial sedimentary record are poorly understood. Using mountain catchment–alluvial fan systems as simple analogues for larger landscapes, a wide range of theoretical studies, numerical models and physical experiments have hypothesized that a change in precipitation rate could leave a characteristic signal in alluvial fan sediment flux, grain size and down‐system fining rate. However, this hypothesis remains largely untested in real landscapes. This study measures grain‐size fining rates from apex to toe on two alluvial fan systems in northern Death Valley, California, USA, which each have well‐exposed modern and ca 70 ka surfaces, and where the long‐term tectonic boundary conditions can be constrained. Between them, these surfaces capture a well‐constrained temporal gradient in climate. A grain‐size fining model is adapted, based on self‐similarity and selective deposition, for application to these alluvial fans. This model is then integrated with cosmogenic nuclide constraints on catchment erosion rates, and observed grain‐size fining data from two catchment‐fan systems, to estimate the change in sediment flux from canyon to alluvial fan that occurred between mid‐glacial and modern interglacial conditions. In a fan system with negligible sediment recycling, a ca 30% decrease in precipitation rate led to a 20% decrease in sediment flux and a clear increase in the down‐fan rate of fining, supporting existing landscape evolution models. Consequently, this study shows that small mountain catchments and their alluvial fan stratigraphy can be highly sensitive to orbital climate changes over <105 year timescales. However, in the second fan system it is observed that this sensitivity is completely lost when sediment is remobilized and recycled over a time period longer than the duration of the climatic perturbation. These analyses offer a new approach to quantitatively reconstructing the effects of past climate changes on sedimentation, using simple grain‐size data measured in the field.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A*02 allele, HLA‐A*02:622N
Authors: Huo M.‐R. , Xi B. , Yu Y. , Li D.
Published: July 2016

HLA‐A*02:622N differs from A*02:07:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 420 of exon 3.
Identification of New Fungal Peroxisomal Matrix Proteins and Revision of the PTS1 Consensus
Authors: Nötzel Christopher , Lingner Thomas , Klingenberg Heiner , Thoms Sven
Published: July 2016

The peroxisomal targeting signal type 1 (PTS1) is a seemingly simple peptide sequence at the C‐terminal end of most peroxisomal matrix proteins. PTS1 can be described as a tripeptide with the consensus motif [S/A/C] [K/R/H] L. However, this description is neither necessary nor sufficient. It does not cover all cases of PTS1 proteins, and some proteins in accordance with this consensus do not target to the peroxisome. In order to find new PTS proteins in yeast and to arrive at a more complete description of the PTS1 consensus motif, we developed a machine learning approach that involves orthologue expansion of the set of known peroxisomal proteins. We performed a genome‐wide in silico screen, characterised several PTS1‐containing peptides and identified two new peroxisomal matrix proteins, which we named Pxp1 (Yel020c) and Pxp2 (Yjr111c). Based on these in silico and in vivo analyses, we revised the yeast PTS1 consensus which now includes all known PTS1 proteins.
Trade Diversion as Firm Adjustment to Trade Policy: Evidence from EU Anti‐dumping Duties on Vietnamese Footwear
Authors: Hoai Nguyen Trong , Toan Nguyen Truong , Van Pham Hoang
Published: July 2016

This paper evaluates the impact of the 2006 European Union anti‐dumping (AD) action on Vietnamese footwear in three markets: imports to the EU, footwear producers in Vietnam, and the trade diversionary adjustment of Vietnamese firms in the US market. We find that the AD action reduced Vietnamese imports to the EU by as much as 65 per cent. Given that the EU makes up almost two‐thirds of Vietnam's footwear exports and footwear is among the top four export industries for Vietnam, this reduction is economically significant. Consistent with predictions of our model, we find evidence of trade diversion by Vietnamese producers from the EU to the US market. Our difference‐in‐difference estimates of the AD actions on the value of Vietnamese footwear imports to the United States ranged from 69 to 71 per cent over the period 2004–07 and 69 to 72 per cent in terms of quantity. These results highlight the spillover effects of trade policy in third markets when firms adjust to trade barriers. Our results are robust to triple‐difference specifications where we adjust for trend differences and a series of placebo specifications.
Imaging and Clinical Outcomes in 20 Dogs Treated with Thin Film Banding for Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts
Authors: Nelson Nathan C. , Nelson Laura L.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of thin film band attenuation of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (CEPSS) in dogs using clinical, biochemical, and imaging‐related outcome measures.

Study Design

Prospective case series.

Animals

Dogs with CEPSS (n=20).

Methods

Client‐owned dogs with CEPSS were enrolled and thin film banding of the shunting vessel was performed. Before and at least 6 months after surgery, serum bile acids and computed tomography (CT) angiography were performed and owners completed a health questionnaire regarding the dog's clinical signs. Postoperative CT images were assessed for the effectiveness of band closure, change in portal vein/aorta ratio, change in liver volume/weight ratio, and whether the band was placed in the appropriate location. Preoperative and postoperative health questionnaire data and serum bile acids were compared.

Results

The band resulted in complete closure of the vessel around which it was placed in 13 dogs. In the remaining 7 dogs, the vessel lumen was narrowed but not completely closed. In 8 dogs the band location was suboptimal, allowing systemic drainage of visceral blood or secondary shunting branches to persist. Liver volume/body weight ratios and portal vein/aorta diameter ratios increased in most dogs. Serum bile acids decreased in all but 1 dog and owners reported improved health in 19 dogs.

Conclusion

Thin film banding resulted in complete occlusion of many, but not all vessels around which it was placed. Even in dogs with inappropriate band location or with incomplete closure, clinical improvement can be expected based on our results.
Early Clinical Experience with a Newly Designed Interlocking Nail System—Targon® Vet
Authors: Brückner Michael , Unger Martin , Spies Markus
Published: July 2016

Objective

To describe early clinical experience with a newly designed interlocking nail system (Targon® Vet) in diaphyseal fractures in cats and small dogs.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Client‐owned cats (n=49) and dogs (n=8).

Methods

Fifty‐seven consecutive cases (49 cats, 8 dogs) with 60 long bone fractures were included in the study. Follow‐up radiographs were scheduled at 4 and 8 weeks and again 6 months postoperatively. The end point for each case was determined radiographically by a healed fracture. Complications were defined as minor or major. Clinical outcome was subjectively assessed by a full orthopedic examination and follow‐up radiographs. Descriptive data are reported.

Results

Median age of cats was 18 months (range, 3–220 months) and of dogs was 28 months (range, 7–115 months). Median body weight was 3.7 kg (range, 1.67–8.41 kg) for cats and 8.15 kg (range, 2.68–13.6 kg) for dogs. Median radiographic follow‐up was 16 weeks. All fractures with follow‐up radiographs available (n=46) were healed with no infections reported. A total of 12 postoperative complications occurred: 3 minor (slippage of the locking screws) and 9 major (5 femoral—irritation of the sciatic nerve, stress protection, fracture because of a missed fissure, femoral neck fracture, intra‐operative revision with a rod and plate; 4 tibial—3 with protrusion of the distal locking screw through the skin and 1 with in‐growth of the intramedullary nail).

Conclusion

Implantation of the Targon® Vet System was feasible in all cases. It provides an alternative system for diaphyseal fracture repair in cats and small dogs.
Perceptions and Practices of Mass Bat Exposure Events in the Setting of Rabies Among U.S. Public Health Agencies
Authors: Hsu C. H. , Brown C. M. , Murphy J. M. , Haskell M. G. , Williams C. , Feldman K. , Mitchell K. , Blanton J. D. , Petersen B. W. , Wallace R. M.
Published: July 2016

Current guidelines in the setting of exposures to potentially rabid bats established by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) address post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) administration in situations where a person may not be aware that a bite or direct contact has occurred and the bat is not available for diagnostic testing. These include instances when a bat is discovered in a room where a person awakens from sleep, is a child without an adult witness, has a mental disability or is intoxicated. The current ACIP guidelines, however, do not address PEP in the setting of multiple persons exposed to a bat or a bat colony, otherwise known as mass bat exposure (MBE) events. Due to a dearth of recommendations for response to these events, the reported reactions by public health agencies have varied widely. To address this perceived limitation, a survey of 45 state public health agencies was conducted to characterize prior experiences with MBE and practices to mitigate the public health risks. In general, most states (69% of the respondents) felt current ACIP guidelines were unclear in MBE scenarios. Thirty‐three of the 45 states reported prior experience with MBE, receiving an average of 16.9 MBE calls per year and an investment of 106.7 person‐hours annually on MBE investigations. PEP criteria, investigation methods and the experts recruited in MBE investigations varied between states. These dissimilarities could reflect differences in experience, scenario and resources. The lack of consistency in state responses to potential mass exposures to a highly fatal disease along with the large contingent of states dissatisfied with current ACIP guidance warrants the development of national guidelines in MBE settings.
Underreporting of Lyme and Other Tick‐Borne Diseases in Residents of a High‐Incidence County, Minnesota, 2009
Authors: Schiffman E. K. , McLaughlin C. , Ray J. A. E. , Kemperman M. M. , Hinckley A. F. , Friedlander H. G. , Neitzel D. F.
Published: July 2016

Lyme disease (LD), anaplasmosis, babesiosis and other tick‐borne diseases (TBDs) attributed to Ixodes ticks are thought to be widely underreported in the United States. To identify TBD cases diagnosed in 2009, but not reported to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), diagnostic and procedural billing codes suggestive of tick‐borne diseases were used to select medical charts for retrospective review in medical facilities serving residents of a highly endemic county in Minnesota. Of 444 illness events, 352 (79%) were not reported. Of these, 102 (29%) met confirmed or probable surveillance case criteria, including 91 (26%) confirmed LD cases with physician‐diagnosed erythema migrans (EM). For each confirmed and probable LD, probable anaplasmosis and confirmed babesiosis case reported to MDH in 2009, 2.8, 1.3, 1.2 and 1.0 cases were likely diagnosed, respectively. These revised estimates provide a more accurate assessment and better understanding of the burden of these diseases in a highly endemic county.