bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two types of marine controlled source electromagnetic transmitters
Authors: Wang Meng , Deng Ming , Zhao Qingxian , Luo Xianhu , Jing Jianen
Published: October 2015

Marine controlled source electromagnetic methods are used to derive the electrical properties of a wide range of sub‐seafloor targets, including gas hydrate reservoirs. In most marine controlled source electromagnetic surveys, the deep‐tow transmitter is used with a long horizontal electric dipole being towed above the seafloor, which is capable of transmitting dipole moments in the order of up to several thousand ampere‐metres. The newly developed deployed transmitter uses two horizontal orthogonal electrical dipoles and can land on the seafloor. It can transmit higher frequency electromagnetic signals, can provide accurate transmission orientation, and can obtain higher signal stacking, which compensates for the shorter source dipole length. In this paper, we present the study, key technologies, and implementation details of two new marine controlled source electromagnetic transmitters (the deep‐tow transmitter and the deployed transmitter). We also present the results of a marine controlled source electromagnetic experiment conducted from April to May 2014 in the South China Sea using both the deep‐tow transmitter and the deployed transmitter, which show that the two types of marine transmitters can be used as effective source for gas hydrate exploration.
The need for a consistent fire policy for Cerrado conservation
Authors: Durigan Giselda , Ratter James A.
Published: October 2015

The Cerrado is a fire‐dependent savanna requiring a clear and urgent fire management policy. The extensive misuse of fire for deforestation or pasture management in Brazil has created an overall perception that its use is always deleterious. This view, reinforced by threats of global warming and climatic change, has lead to current policies of fire suppression.

Cerrado ecosystems depend on the historical fire regime to maintain their structure, biodiversity and functioning. The suppression of fire has transformed savanna vegetation into forests, causing biodiversity losses and drastic changes in ecological processes.

Policy implications. The National Fire Policy required by law must be urgently implemented in Brazil, including use of fire for Cerrado conservation in public and private lands on the basis of existing knowledge of indigenous people and scientists. Objective regulations on prescribed burning, land manager training, incentives for fire research and experimentation and a broad campaign to disseminate the benefits of fire for Cerrado conservation should be the cornerstones of the policy. If implemented, the policy can give the biodiversity of the Cerrado a future that has previously been severely threatened by fire suppression.
Use of hypofractionated post‐mastectomy radiotherapy reduces health costs by over $2000 per patient: An Australian perspective
Authors: Mortimer Joshua W , McLachlan Craig S , Hansen Carmen J , Assareh Hassan , Last Andrew , McKay Michael J , Shakespeare Thomas P
Published: October 2015

Introduction

The most recent clinical practice guidelines released by Cancer Australia draw attention to unanswered questions concerning the health economic considerations associated with hypofractionated radiotherapy. This study aimed to quantify and compare the healthcare costs at a regional Australian radiotherapy institute with respect to conventionally fractionated post‐mastectomy radiotherapy (Cf‐PMRT) versus hypofractionated post‐mastectomy radiotherapy (Hf‐PMRT) administration.

Methods

Medical records of 196 patients treated with post‐mastectomy radiotherapy at the NSW North Coast Cancer Institute from February 2008 to June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Australian Medicare item numbers billed for patients receiving either Cf‐PMRT of 50 Gy in 25 daily fractions or Hf‐PMRT of 40.05 Gy in 15 daily fractions were calculated. Decision tree analysis was used to model costs. Independent‐samples t‐tests and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used to compare crude average costs for Cf‐PMRT and Hf‐PMRT and determine which treatment components accounted for any differences.

Results

Hf‐PMRT, with or without irradiation to the regional lymph nodes, was associated with significantly reduced Medicare costs ($5613 AUD per patient for Hf‐PMRT vs $8272 AUD per patient for Cf‐PMRT; P < 0.001). Savings associated with Hf‐PMRT ranged from $1353 (22.1%) for patients receiving no regional irradiation to $2898 (32.0%) for patients receiving both axillary and supraclavicular therapy.

Conclusions

Hf‐PMRT results in a significant reduction in the financial costs associated with treating breast cancer patients in a regional Australian setting when compared with Cf‐PMRT.
A Selective Association between Central and Peripheral Lithium Levels in Remitters in Bipolar Depression: A 3T‐7Li Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Machado‐Vieira R. , Otaduy M. C. , Zanetti M. V. , De Sousa R. T. , Dias V. V. , Leite C. C. , Forlenza O. V. , Busatto G. F. , Soares J. C. , Gattaz W. F.
Published: October 2015

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate brain lithium levels using 7Li magnetic resonance spectroscopy after 6 weeks of lithium therapy in bipolar depression to test the hypothesis that brain and plasma lithium are correlated. It was also tested whether responders and remitters have different pharmacokinetics, blood and brain lithium levels (ratio) compared with those presenting suboptimal antidepressant improvement.

Method

Twenty‐three patients with bipolar disorder (I and II) during depressive episodes were included and followed up for 6 weeks at the University of Sao Paulo using flexible dose of lithium (450–900 mg/day). Sixteen patients were drug‐naïve. At endpoint, patients underwent a 7Li‐MRS scan and brain lithium concentrations were calculated.

Results

A significant association between central and peripheral lithium levels was found only in remitters (r = 0.7, P = 0.004) but not in non‐remitters (r = −0.12, P = 0.76). Also, brain lithium (but not plasma) was inversely correlated with age (r = −0.46, P = 0.025). Plasma lithium did not correlate with any clinical outcome, lithium dosage or adverse effects.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that non‐remitters may not transport lithium properly to the brain, which may underlie treatment resistance to lithium in BD. Future studies with 7Li‐MRS integrated with the evaluation of blood–brain barrier transport mechanisms and longitudinal clinical outcomes in BD and aging are warranted.
Analyst Following, Information Environment and Value Relevance of Comprehensive Income: Evidence from China
Authors: He Hong , Lin Zhijun
Published: October 2015

This study investigates the value relevance of comprehensive income (CI) reporting contextual to the specific market and financial reporting environment in China. We posit the information content of CI or other comprehensive incomes (OCI) is affected by the information environment. By applying analyst coverage as a main proxy for firms' information environment, this study finds that analyst following contributes to reducing information asymmetry and increasing information preciseness and investors' comprehension, thus it is positively associated with the value relevance of CI or OCI information. We also document that a few OCI items have incremental explanatory power to firm valuation in the Chinese market, which is mainly for those firms with greater analyst coverage. We therefore conclude that the information environment should be taken into consideration in evaluating the value relevance of CI reporting.
Firm Age and Valuation: Evidence From Korea
Authors: Chay J.B.(Jong‐Bom) , Kim Heuijung , Suh Jungwon
Published: October 2015

Using Korean stock market data, we document evidence that firm age is a key determinant of firm value. Specifically, firm value (measured by the market‐to‐book equity ratio) has a downward sloping relation with firm age. We also find that profitability and capital expenditures decline as firms age, suggesting that firms may become less valuable with age as they become less profitable and run out of investment opportunities. Our evidence also suggests that firms conduct IPOs by capitalizing on a small window of opportunity for listing during which their profitability is temporarily at its peak. Because this profitability is not sustainable, IPO issuers experience a sharp drop in profitability, contributing to a negative relation between firm value and age in the post‐IPO period. The learning hypothesis of Pástor and Veronesi () is unable to explain the negative firm age–value relation in the Korean stock market, given that uncertainty does not decline with age and that the negative relation is either non‐existent or very weak among dividend‐non‐payers.
The change in motor unit firing rates at de‐recruitment relative to recruitment is correlated with type I myosin heavy chain isoform content of the vastus lateralis in vivo
Authors: Herda T. J. , Miller J. D. , Trevino M. A. , Mosier E. M. , Gallagher P. M. , Fry A. C. , Vardiman J. P.
Published: October 2015

Aim

To investigate the change in motor unit (MU) firing rates (FR) at de‐recruitment relative to recruitment and the relation to % type I myosin heavy chain isoform content (type I %MHC) of the vastus lateralis (VL) in vivo.

Methods

Ten subjects performed a 22‐s submaximal isometric trapezoid muscle action that included a linearly increasing, steady force at 50% maximal voluntary contraction, and linearly decreasing segments. Surface electromyographic signals were collected from the VL and were decomposed into constituent MU action potentials trains. A tissue sample from the VL was taken to calculate type I %MHC. The y‐intercepts and slopes were calculated for the changes (Δ) in FR at de‐recruitment (FRDEREC) relative to FR at recruitment (FRREC) vs. FRREC relationship for each subject. Correlations were performed between the y‐intercepts and slopes with type I %MHC.

Results

The majority of MUs had greater FRDEREC than FRREC. The y‐intercepts (r = −0.600, P = 0.067) were not significantly correlated, but the slopes (r = −0.793, P = 0.006) were significantly correlated with type I %MHC.

Conclusion

The majority of the motoneuron pool had greater FRDEREC than FRREC, however, individuals with higher type I %MHC had a greater propensity to have MUs with FRREC > FRDEREC as indicated by the slope values. Overall, the contractile properties of the muscle (MHC) could partially explain the differences in MU firing rates at de‐recruitment relative to recruitment. Thus, suggesting the fatigability of the muscle influences the alterations in MU firing rates from recruitment to de‐recruitment.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic oesophagitis in children and adults in population‐based studies
Authors: Arias Á. , Pérez‐Martínez I. , Tenías J. M. , Lucendo A. J.
Published: October 2015

Background

The recognition of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) has risen sharply, but its current epidemiology is still under debate.

Aim

To estimate accurately the prevalence and incidence rates of EoE, by a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and SCOPUS databases were searched for population‐based studies on the epidemiology of EoE. Pooled incidence and prevalence rates, male:female and children:adult ratios, and geographical and temporal variations were calculated with random‐effects models.

Results

The search yielded 1334 references; the final quantitative summary included 13 population‐based studies from North America, Europe and Australia, with the results showing high heterogeneity. The pooled EoE incidence rate was 3.7/100 000 persons/year [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7–6.5] and was higher for adults (7; 95% CI: 1–18.3) than for children (5.1; 95% CI: 1.5–10.9).

The pooled prevalence of EoE was 22.7 cases/100 000 inhabitants (95% CI: 12.4–36), rising to 28.1 (95% CI: 13–49) when studies with a lower risk of bias were considered; prevalence was higher in adults than in children (43.4; 95% CI: 22.5–71.2 vs. 29.5; 95% CI: 17.5–44.7, respectively), and in American compared to European studies.

A steady rise in EoE incidence and prevalence rates was observed upon comparison of studies conducted before and after 2008. No significant publication bias was found.

Conclusions

Eosinophilic oesophagitis is an increasingly common diagnosis in North America and Europe. The population‐based incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic oesophagitis vary widely across individual studies, probably due to variations in diagnosis and risk of bias of research. More prospective, large‐scale, multicenter studies are needed to evaluate reported data.
Reducing worry and subjective health complaints: A randomized trial of an internet‐delivered worry postponement intervention
Authors: Versluis Anke , Verkuil Bart , Brosschot Jos F.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Several studies have shown that perseverative, worrisome thoughts are prospectively related to subjective health complaints (SHC) and that a short worry postponement intervention can decrease these complaints. As SHC and worry are prevalent and costly, we tested whether the intervention can be offered online to reduce these complaints in the general population.

Design

A randomized parallel‐group trial was conducted with self‐selected participants from the general population.

Methods

Via the research website, 996 participants were instructed to register their worrying for 6 consecutive days. The intervention group was instructed to postpone worry to a special 30‐min period in the early evening. The Subjective Health Complaints inventory, as administered before and after the intervention, and daily worry frequency and duration were considered the primary outcomes.

Results

Three hundred and sixty‐one participants completed the study. Contrary to our expectation, the registration group (n = 188) did not differ from the intervention group (n = 163) in SHC ( = .000, CI [0.000–0.003]), or in worry frequency or duration. Nevertheless, the different worry parameters were moderately related to SHC (r between .238 and .340, p ≤ .001).

Conclusions

In contrast to previous studies using pen‐and‐pencil versions of the worry postponement intervention, this study suggests that a direct online implementation was not effective in reducing SHC and worry. Overall, participants had high trait worry levels and reported difficulty with postponing worrying. Reducing SHC and worries via the Internet might require more elaborate interventions that better incorporate the advantages of delivering interventions online.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The perseverative cognition hypothesis argues that perseverative cognition, such as worry and rumination, acts as a mediator by which psychosocial stress may produce negative health effects. Prior research has indeed shown that worry and subjective health complaints (SHC) are prospectively related, but causality studies – that is, showing that changes in worry induce changes in health outcomes – are scarce and have mainly been conducted in young samples. These studies showed that reducing worry, using a worry postponement intervention, can reduce daily worrying and SHC.

What does this study add?

Trait and daily worrying are associated with SHC.

An online worry postponement intervention is ineffective in reducing worry and SHC.

Paper‐and‐pencil interventions cannot directly be used as online interventions.
PROGRESSIVE TAXATION, ENDOGENOUS GROWTH, AND MACROECONOMIC (IN)STABILITY
Authors: Chen Shu‐Hua , Guo Jang‐Ting
Published: October 2015

In the context of a standard one‐sector model of endogenous growth, we show that the economy exhibits equilibrium indeterminacy and belief‐driven aggregate fluctuations under progressive taxation of income. When the tax schedule is regressive or flat, the economy's balanced growth path displays saddle‐path stability and equilibrium uniqueness. These results imply that in sharp contrast to a conventional automatic stabilizer, progressive income taxation may destabilize an endogenously growing macroeconomy by generating cyclical fluctuations driven by agents' self‐fulfilling expectations or sunspots.
Hereditary epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Laimer Martin , Prodinger Christine , Bauer Johann W.
Published: October 2015

The term epidermolysis bullosa (EB) includes a group of rare genodermatoses characterized by mutational impairment of the structural and functional integrity of intraepidermal adhesion and dermoepidermal anchorage. Clinically, these disorders are marked by increased skin fragility as well as characteristic mechanically inducible blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. Extracutaneous manifestations and their complications in other epithelialized organs render EB a multi‐system disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Cornerstones of a dynamically changing healthcare structure include precise and early diagnosis; coordinated, multidisciplinary, individually adjusted patient care at specialized centers; optimized symptomatic therapies; and access to research‐based, potentially curative therapeutic strategies.
Matriptase‐1 expression is lost in psoriatic skin lesions and is downregulated by TNFα in vitro
Authors: Mildner Michael , Bauer Reinhard , Mlitz Veronika , Ballaun Claudia , Tschachler Erwin
Published: October 2015

Background and objectives

Matriptase‐1 participates in terminal keratinocyte (KC) differentiation. Knockdown of matriptase‐1 in skin equivalent cultures leads to impaired KC differentiation and retention of nuclei in the stratum corneum. Here, we investigated the expression and regulation of matriptase‐1 in psoriatic skin and in KC in vitro.

Patients and methods

Matriptase‐1 expression in healthy and psoriatic skin and its regulation in skin equivalents were analyzed by Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, qRT‐PCR, and activity assays. Involvement of the nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signaling pathway was investigated by adenoviral overexpression of a dominant‐negative form of IKK2.

Results

Matriptase‐1 expression was detected in the stratum granulosum of healthy human skin and in skin equivalent cultures. Its expression and activity was strongly reduced in lesional skin of patients with psoriasis. Addition of TNFα to skin equivalent cultures resulted in complete loss of matriptase‐1 expression accompanied by disturbed KC differentiation. Mechanistically, we were able to show that TNFα‐induced downregulation of matriptase‐1 was inhibited by blocking the IKK2/NFκB signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Given that matriptase‐1 participates in terminal KC differentiation, its absence in psoriatic skin lesions indicates that this contributes to the barrier disturbances in this disease. Our data suggests that blocking the IKK2/NFκB‐pathway represents a potential target for the treatment of psoriasis.
Epidermal barrier in hereditary ichthyoses, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis
Authors: Schmuth Matthias , Blunder Stefan , Dubrac Sandrine , Gruber Robert , Moosbrugger‐Martinz Verena
Published: October 2015

Several skin disorders are associated with impaired skin barrier function. Primary dysfunction is caused by monogenic defects in key components of the epidermis (for example ichthyoses). Secondary barrier impairment occurs in inflammatory dermatoses marked by disturbed epidermal homeostasis (eczema, psoriasis, etc.). In these disorders, inflammation impedes the synthesis or maintenance of skin barrier components. Recent evidence suggests a combination of primary and secondary barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis and, to a lesser extent, also in psoriasis. In the future, subtypes of atopic dermatitis may likely be defined, in which one or the other is prevalent.
Die modifizierte subkutan gestielte Lappenplastik
Authors: Koller Josef , Hintersteininger Arno , Brugger-Jentsch Karin
Published: October 2015

Die subkutan gestielte Plastik, auch VY‐Plastik genannt, gehört zur Gruppe der Insellappenplastiken, deren Blutversorgung (im Gegensatz zu den horizontal perfundierten Verschiebe‐ und Transpositionslappenplastiken) durch senkrecht zur Hautoberfläche führende subkutane Blutgefäße erfolgt. Aufgrund der hervorragenden Perfusion dieses Lappentyps entfernen wir bis zu einem Drittel des kranialen Lappenstiels und bilden dort einen 3–4 mm dicken Hautlappen, woraus ein wesentlicher Zugewinn im Hinblick auf die mit dem VY‐Lappen deckbare Defektgröße resultiert. Darüber hinaus wird dieser Lappen in der Infraorbitalregion, soweit dies topographisch möglich ist, im kranialen Bereich durch eine schräg gesetzte Periostnaht weiter nach kranial in Richtung des zu verschließenden Defektes gezogen. Dadurch wird ein eventuell vorhandener Zug des Lappens nach distal aufgehoben, was sich zur Verhinderung eines Ektropiums bewährt hat.
Die Gonokokkeninfektion in Österreich: Eine Langzeitbeobachtung der Prävalenz und Resistenzentwicklung von 1999 bis 2014
Authors: Stary Angelika , Heller‐Vitouch Claudia , Binder Michael , Geusau Alexandra , Stary Georg , Rappersberger Klemens , Komericki Peter , Hoepfl Reinhard , Haller Maria
Published: October 2015

Hintergrund und Ziel:

Die Zunahme der minimalen Hemmkonzentration (MHK) auf Cephalosporine bei Neisseria gonorrhoeae geben Anlass zur Besorgnis einer unbehandelbaren Gonokokkeninfektion. Ziel war die Erhebung der Prävalenz der Gonorrhoe in einem Wiener Patientenkollektiv und Bestimmung des Resistenzmusters sowie die Evaluierung des Resistenzprofils und der MHK‐Werte bei Gonokokkenisolaten im Rahmen eines österreichweiten Surveillance‐Projektes.

Patienten und Methodik:

Von 1999 bis 2014 wurden 350 000 Patienten im Wiener Ambulatorium auf das Vorliegen einer Gonokokkeninfektion untersucht. Zusätzlich erfolgte von 2010 bis 2014 bei 3 584 Gonokokkenisolaten eine MHK‐Bestimmung der empfohlenen Antibiotika zunächst mittels Agardilution und Breakpoint‐Bestimmung, ab 2012 mittels E‐Test.

Ergebnisse:

Im Beobachtungszeitraum hat sich die Zahl der Gonokokkeninfektionen im Wiener Patientenkollektiv verachtfacht und die Resistenz auf Chinolone, Penicillin und Tetrazykline dramatisch erhöht. Bei den österreichweit isolierten Gonokokkenstämmen war ein Anstieg der MHK von Cefixim und Ceftriaxon in Richtung Breakpoint feststellbar. Eine Cefixim‐Resistenz war bei 21 Isolaten zu beobachten, ebenso eine Zunahme der Azithromycin‐Resistenz von 0,9 % (2013) auf 3,2 % (2014), nicht jedoch eine Resistenz auf Ceftriaxon.

Schlussfolgerungen:

Derzeit besteht in Österreich noch keine unmittelbare Gefahr einer nicht behandelbaren Gonorrhoe. Das Beibehalten der Gonokokkenkultur für die Erstellung des Resistenzprofils ist jedoch für die weitere Beobachtung der Resistenzentwicklung von Neisseria (N.) gonorrhoeae essentiell.
Phrynoderm und erworbene Acrodermatitis enteropathica bei stillenden Frauen nach bariatrischer Chirurgie
Authors: Monshi Babak , Stockinger Theresa , Vigl Kornelia , Richter Leo , Weihsengruber Felix , Rappersberger Klemens
Published: October 2015

Hintergrund und Ziele:

Frauen, die sich einem bariatrisch‐chirurgischen Eingriff unterzogen haben, sind bei späteren Schwangerschaften anfällig für Nährstoffmangelzustände. Wir beleuchten die wichtige Rolle der Dermatologen bei der Früherkennung von Hautsymptomen infolge von Mangelernährung in dieser speziellen klinischen Situation.

Patienten und Methoden:

Wir vergleichen die klinischen Merkmale zweier junger Frauen mit dermatologischen Symptomen kombinierter postnataler Nährstoffmangelzustände nach einer Magenbypass‐Operation nach Roux‐en‐Y.

Ergebnisse:

Patientin 1 zeigte follikuläre Papeln an den Extremitäten, perianale Ekzeme, Perlèche, Haarausfall und Depigmentierung der Haare. Patientin 2 wies erythematöse Plaques im Genitoanalbereich und an den Akren, Perlèche, diffusen Haarausfall und Depigmentierung der Haare auf. Auf der Grundlage der klinischen und histopathologischen Befunde und des erniedrigten Vitamin‐A‐ (Patientin 1) oder Zink‐Spiegels (Patientin 2) diagnostizierten wir ein Phrynoderm beziehungsweise eine erworbene Acrodermatitis enteropathica. Bei beiden Patientinnen war, (i) nach der Magenbypass‐Operation keine Nachbeobachtung erfolgt, (ii) entwickelten sich Hautläsionen als primäre Symptome, (iii) traten aufgrund kombinierter Nährstoffmangelzustände verschiedene klinische Manifestationen auf und (iv) traten die Symptome erstmals beim Stillen auf, was auf einen kausalen Zusammenhang hinwies.

Schlussfolgerungen:

Unsere Beobachtungen weisen darauf hin, dass Frauen nach einem bariatrisch‐chirurgischen Eingriff ein erhöhtes Risiko für postnatale dermatologische Manifestationen einer Mangelernährung haben könnten. Sind sich Dermatologen dieser neuen anfälligen Patientengruppe bewusst, kann dies dazu beitragen, Schäden für Mutter und Kind zu vermeiden.
Die Behandlung der Psoriasis mit klassischer, stationärer Dithranol‐Therapie: eine retrospektive Patientenbefragung
Authors: Painsi Clemens , Patscheider Michael , Inzinger Martin , Lange‐Asschenfeldt Bernhard , Quehenberger Franz , Wolf Peter
Published: October 2015

Hintergrund:

Die Wirksamkeit von Dithranol sowie die Sicht der Patienten bezüglich dieser Behandlung ist nur unzureichend dokumentiert.

Patienten und Methoden:

Mittels telefonischer Befragung wurden retrospektiv Daten von 63 Patienten (41 Männer [65,1 %] und 22 Frauen [34,9 %]) nach klassischer, stationärer Dithranol‐Behandlung (KSD) erhoben. Aus PsoRA (www.psoriasisregistry.at) konnten klinische Daten und Behandlungsergebnisse herangezogen und mit den Ergebnissen der Telefoninterviews korreliert werden.

Ergebnisse:

Innerhalb von durchschnittlich 12,5 Tagen (Spanne 3–25 Tage) erreichten 52 Patienten (82,5 %) eine PASI 75‐ und 51 Patienten (81 %) eine PASI 90‐Reduktion. 10 von 12 Patienten (83 %) sprachen zufriedenstellend auf KSD (PASI 75 oder größere Reduktion) an, obwohl sie zuvor auf Methotrexat, orale Retinoide, Ciclosporin oder Ustekinumab nicht adäquat angesprochen hatten. Die Patienten berichteten von einem symptomfreien Intervall von durchschnittlich vier Monaten (95 %‐KI: 3–9) nach Ansprechen auf KSD; dies korrelierte positiv mit der Empfehlung der Patienten für (p = 0,018) und ihrer großen Zufriedenheit mit der Behandlung (p = 0,012) insgesamt.

Schlussfolgerungen:

Trotz der bekannten Limitationen von KSD zeigt diese Umfrage, dass Dithranol als Induktionstherapie von Psoriasis eine sehr wirksame und wertvolle Behandlungsoption darstellt. Bei Patienten, die auf systemische Therapie, inklusive herkömmlicher Wirkstoffe und Biologika, nicht ansprechen, kann KSD wirksam sein.
Matriptase‐1‐Expression ist in psoriatischen Hautläsionen reduziert und wird in vitro durch TNFα herabreguliert
Authors: Mildner Michael , Bauer Reinhard , Mlitz Veronika , Ballaun Claudia , Tschachler Erwin
Published: October 2015

Hintergrund und Ziele:

Matriptase‐1 wesentlich an der terminalen Differenzierung von Keratinozyten (KC) beteiligt. In einer früheren Studie konnten zeigen, dass der knockdown der Matriptase‐1 Expression in organotypischen Hautkulturen zu einer Beeinträchtigung der KC‐Differenzierung und zur Retention von Zellkernen im Stratum corneum führt. In dieser Studie untersuchten wirdie Expression und Regulation der Matriptase‐1 in psoriatischer Haut und primären humanen KC in vitro.

Patienten und Methoden:

Mittels Western‐Blot Analyse, Immunfluoreszenzfärbung, qRT‐PCR und Aktivitäts‐Assays wurde die Expression von Matriptase‐1 in ­gesunder und psoriatischer Haut und ihre Regulation in organotypischen Hautkulturen analysiert. Durch adenovirale Überexpression einer dominant negativen Form von IKK2 wurde die Beteiligung des Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB)‐Signalweges ­untersucht.

Ergebnisse:

Ingesunder menschlicher Haut und in organotypischen Hautkulturen wurde eine signifikante Matriptase‐1 Expression ausschließlich im Stratum granulosum nachgewiesen. In läsionaler Haut von Psoriasispatienten waren sowohl die Expression als auch die Aktivität von Matriptase‐1 stark reduziert. Die Zugabe von TNFα zu organotypischen Kulturen führte zum vollständigen Verlust der Matriptase‐1‐Expression und einer gestörten KC‐Differenzierung. Weiters konnten wir zeigen, dass die TNFα‐induzierte Herabregulation von Matriptase‐1 über die Aktivierung des IKK2/NFκB‐Signalweges reguliert wird.

Schlussfolgerungen:

Da Matriptase‐1 an der terminalen KC‐Differenzierung beteiligt ist, trägt ihr Fehlen in psoriatischen Hautläsionen vermutlich zu der gestörten Barrierefunktion dieser Krankheit bei. Unsere Daten weisen darauf hin, dass eine Blockade des IKK2/NFκB‐Signalweges ein interessanter Ansatz für die Behandlung von Psoriasis sein könnte.
Development of a new classification for in vivo diagnosis of duodenal epithelial tumors with confocal laser endomicroscopy: A pilot study
Authors: Nonaka Kouichi , Ohata Ken , Ichihara Shin , Ban Shinichi , Hiejima Yoshimitsu , Minato Yohei , Tashima Tomoaki , Matsuyama Yasushi , Takita Maiko , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki , Takasugi Rumi , Neumann Helmut
Published: October 2015

Background and Aim

Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) has been established for in vivo diagnosis of various gastrointestinal diseases. However, validated criteria for confocal diagnosis of duodenal tumors do not exist. Therefore, the aim of the present pilot study was to develop a novel classification for in vivo optical diagnosis of duodenal tumors using CLE.

Methods

Consecutive patients with duodenal tumorous lesions were included. First, an initial classification system was developed which was then validated. Histopathology was used as a reference standard.

Results

A simple classification system for in vivo diagnosis of duodenal epithelial tumors using CLE was developed. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 90%, 100%, and 97%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were calculated as 100% and 96%. The kappa coefficient representing consistency was 1 between observers and within each observer.

Conclusion

A new classification for in vivo diagnosis of duodenal epithelial tumors using confocal imaging has been developed. The new classification system allows adequate prediction of histology and could therefore be used to guide subsequent therapy of duodenal lesions.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of solid lesions on clopidogrel may not be a high‐risk procedure for bleeding: A case series
Authors: Trindade Arvind J , Hirten Robert , Slattery Eoin , Inamdar Sumant , Sejpal Divyesh V
Published: October 2015

The major gastrointestinal endoscopy society guidelines list endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) as a high‐risk procedure for bleeding. However, there are no studies evaluating the risk of bleeding for EUS‐FNA of solid organs while patients continue to take clopidogrel. The aim of the present case series was to evaluate the rate of bleeding in a cohort of patients who underwent EUS‐FNA for solid lesions while on clopidogrel. Bleeding was measured at the time of the procedure by bleeding seen on EUS, endoscopic visualization of blood, or drop in hemoglobin after the procedure. From 2013 to 2015, 10 patients were identified for this case series. Lesions that underwent EUS‐FNA included gastric and rectal subepithelial lesions, pancreas masses, and liver masses. No immediate or delayed bleeding was observed in any of the patients. EUS‐FNA of solid lesions on clopidogrel may not be a high‐risk procedure for bleeding. Larger studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Parent‐reported pain in non‐verbal children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: Jayanath Subhashini , Ong Lai Choo , Marret Mary Joseph , Fauzi Aishah Ahmad
Published: October 2015

Aim

This cross‐sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence, frequency, and intensity of parent‐reported pain among non‐verbal children with cerebral palsy (CP) and explore associations with medical, demographic, and parental psychosocial factors.

Method

Participants were parents of non‐verbal outpatients (aged 2–20y) with CP at University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur and two community centres. Parents answered the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities Questionnaire and a pro forma regarding parent‐reported frequency and intensity of pain during the preceding 4 weeks. Parental psychosocial well‐being was assessed via the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.

Results

The response rate was 94%; 104 children (54 males, 50 females) were studied. The majority (51%) were in Gross Motor Function Classification System level V and 65% had spastic quadriplegia. Parents reported pain in 65%, intense pain in 17%, and daily pain in 28%. Intense and frequent pain was reported during physiotherapy. More intense pain was reported in older children (p=0.016) and those with spastic quadriplegia (p=0.020).

Interpretation

Caregivers of non‐verbal children with CP report a high frequency of pain. Pain intensity is associated with patient factors but not parental psychosocial factors.
Is a reduction in albuminuria associated with renal and cardiovascular protection? A post hoc analysis of the ALTITUDE trial
Authors: Heerspink H. J. L. , Ninomiya T. , Persson F. , Brenner B. M. , Brunel P. , Chaturvedi N. , Desai A. S. , Haffner S. M. , Mcmurray J. J. V. , Solomon S. D. , Pfeffer M. A. , Parving H.‐H. , de Zeeuw D.
Published: October 2015

Aims

To investigate whether the degree of albuminuria reduction observed in the ALTITUDE trial is associated with renal and cardiovascular protection, and secondly, whether the reduction in albuminuria was too small to afford clinical benefit.

Methods

In a post hoc analysis of the ALTITUDE trial in 8561 patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease or cardiovascular disease we examined the effect of albuminuria changes at 6 months on renal and cardiovascular outcomes using Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

The median change in albuminuria in the first 6 months in the aliskiren arm of the trial was −12% (25th to 75th percentile: −48.7_to_ +41.9%) and 0.0% (25th to 75th percentile: −40.2_to_55%) in the placebo arm. Changes in albuminuria in the first 6 months were linearly associated with renal and cardiovascular endpoints: a >30% reduction in albuminuria in the first 6 months was associated with a 62% reduction in renal risk and a 25% reduction in cardiovascular risk compared with an increase in albuminuria. The association between changes at 6 months in albuminuria and renal or cardiovascular endpoints was similar in the two treatment groups (p for interaction >0.1 for both endpoints).

Conclusions

The addition of aliskiren to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker therapy resulted in albuminuria changes that were associated with renal and cardiovascular risk changes. This did not translate into renal or cardiovascular protection because the overall reduction in albuminuria in the aliskiren arm was too small and nearly similar to that in the placebo arm.
Evaluation of Pulmonary Artery Stiffness in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Altıparmak Ibrahim Halil , Erkus Muslihittin Emre , Polat Mustafa , Sak Zafer Hasan Ali , Yalcın Funda , Gunebakmaz Ozgur , Sezen Yusuf , Kaya Zekeriya , Demirbag Recep
Published: October 2015

Objective

To investigate whether obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has any effect on pulmonary artery stiffness (PAS) derived from echocardiographic calculation.

Methods

Fifty‐two patients with newly diagnosed OSAS and forty‐two subjects without OSAS matched by age and sex were enrolled in the study. OSAS was categorized according to apnea hypopnea index (AHI, event/h) as follows: normal (AHI<5), mild OSAS (AHI 5–15), moderate and severe OSAS (AHI>15). All participants were evaluated by echocardiography to determine PAS and right ventricle functions. PAS was calculated throughout pulmonary artery flow by the formula; PAS (kHz/sec) = maximal frequency shift/acceleration time.

Results

Demographic and clinical parameters were similar in both groups. PAS significantly increased in OSAS compared with the control group (26.9 ± 6.1 vs. 18.0 ± 3.5, P < 0.001). Additionally, PAS in severe and moderate OSAS was considerably high compared with that in mild OSAS and control group (P < 0.001). Right ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI) and mean pulmonary artery pressures (mPAP) were considerably higher in OSAS group than control group (P < 0.001). Tricuspid E/A, right ventricle tissue Doppler E’/A’, and right ventricular ejection time (RVET) decreased in OSAS group compared with control group (P < 0.001). There was a significantly positive correlation between PAS and AHI, mPAP, and MPI (P < 0.001), and a significantly negative correlation between PAS and tricuspid E/A, E’/A’, and RVET (P < 0.001). Linear regression analyses showed that PAS was an independent factor for mPAP (ß = 0.595, P = 0.034).

Conclusion

Elastic properties of pulmonary artery deteriorate with severity of OSAS and may be responsible for right ventricular dysfunctions in OSAS.
CREDIBLE SIGNALS OF THE RELEASE OF NEW VERSIONS
Authors: Caylor William
Published: October 2015

Prices can credibly signal whether a durable‐goods monopolist will offer an improved good in the future. When the future release of a new version is private information, a monopoly seller will reveal a failure to develop and market a new version with a lower price than he or she would charge in full information. A firm would be willing to pay more to innovate when consumers are uncertain than if they are informed ex ante because a failure to innovate is punished by a low equilibrium price. Consumers' uncertainty about innovation intensifies an unsuccessful innovator's Coasian problem and increases consumer welfare. (JEL D82, L12, L15)
Model‐specification uncertainty in future forest pest outbreak
Authors: Boulanger Yan , Gray David R. , Cooke Barry J. , De Grandpré Louis
Published: October 2015

Climate change will modify forest pest outbreak characteristics, although there are disagreements regarding the specifics of these changes. A large part of this variability may be attributed to model specifications. As a case study, we developed a consensus model predicting spruce budworm (SBW, Choristoneura fumiferana [Clem.]) outbreak duration using two different predictor data sets and six different correlative methods. The model was used to project outbreak duration and the uncertainty associated with using different data sets and correlative methods (=model‐specification uncertainty) for 2011–2040, 2041–2070 and 2071–2100, according to three forcing scenarios (RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). The consensus model showed very high explanatory power and low bias. The model projected a more important northward shift and decrease in outbreak duration under the RCP 8.5 scenario. However, variation in single‐model projections increases with time, making future projections highly uncertain. Notably, the magnitude of the shifts in northward expansion, overall outbreak duration and the patterns of outbreaks duration at the southern edge were highly variable according to the predictor data set and correlative method used. We also demonstrated that variation in forcing scenarios contributed only slightly to the uncertainty of model projections compared with the two sources of model‐specification uncertainty. Our approach helped to quantify model‐specification uncertainty in future forest pest outbreak characteristics. It may contribute to sounder decision‐making by acknowledging the limits of the projections and help to identify areas where model‐specification uncertainty is high. As such, we further stress that this uncertainty should be strongly considered when making forest management plans, notably by adopting adaptive management strategies so as to reduce future risks.
Effects of grass silage feed value on feed intake and performance of pregnant and lactating ewes and their lambs
Authors: Nadeau E. , Arnesson A. , Helander C.
Published: October 2015

Effects of grass silage feed value on intake, dietary sorting, body condition (BC) and body weight (BW) of pregnant and lactating ewes and on liveweight gain (LWG) of their suckling lambs were evaluated. Twin‐bearing ewes were fed ad libitum grass silage of (i) high feed value (HFV), (ii) medium feed value (MFV) and (iii) low feed value (LFV), plus 0·8 kg concentrate in late pregnancy and lactation. The HFV, MFV and LFV silages contained 11·7, 10·8 and 9·3 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) kg−1 DM respectively. The HFV resulted in 8·2 and 15·2 MJ greater ME intake in pregnancy and 14·7 and 21·0 MJ greater ME intake from silage in lactation than MFV and LFV respectively (P < 0·01). Ewes fed the MFV and LFV silages sorted for more digestible particles during eating (P < 0·10). The HFV gave no loss in BC, whereas ewes fed MFV and LFV lost 0·7 and 0·8 units of BC, respectively, during lactation (P < 0·10). There were similar trends in BW. The nursing HFV lambs had 73 g higher daily LWG than the LFV lambs (P < 0·01). In conclusion, the HFV increased the ME intake of pregnant and lactating ewes, resulting in improved BC and BW of lactating ewes and LWG of suckling lambs compared to MFV and LFV.
Benchmarking administrative expenditures of mandatory social security programmes
Authors: Sluchynsky Oleksiy
Published: October 2015

This article offers a framework for the comparison and benchmarking of administrative expenditures of mandatory pension schemes as part of national social security provisions. It presents results of a quantitative analysis that builds on a framework developed around the extensive body of literature on both public and private pension programmes surveyed as part of this analysis. Our dataset includes over 100 observations and a broad set of explanatory variables. We developed and compared a number of standardized cost indices discussing their advantages and limitations. We also discuss major cost components and their shares in total programme costs. The regression analysis explains over 90 per cent of variation in administrative expenditures. It confirms some of the hypotheses expressed in the earlier studies and presents new evidence of driving factors for costs. We developed three different specifications for statistical analysis. The first set looks at the impact of design of a programme on total costs. The second group of specifications assesses differences in costs of managing pension liabilities between the public and private mandatory pension schemes. Finally, on the basis of the third model we generate benchmarks for staffing levels and for the total administrative expenditures, providing guidance for policy analysis and recommendations. Notably, the spread between low and high benchmark estimates for programmes of the same size and operating in the same economic environment can be four‐fold and is driven by parameters of design and operation (for example, asset management function, in‐house collection, or operation of special supplementary schemes). Therefore, inferences about the level of administrative expenditures should always be done keeping in mind the institutional context for each programme.
The multidimensional adequacy of social insurance benefits and insurability
Authors: Gottlieb Daniel
Published: October 2015

In this article the adequacy of social insurance benefits is addressed from the perspective of eight fundamental goals of social insurance. With respect to these goals, the legislated level of the benefit and other conditions represent tools to achieve adequate levels of benefits vis‐à‐vis contributory effort. The goals address income risks of various sorts: (i) income compensation; (ii) securing a decent standard of living; (iii) universality, implying simplicity and a high takeup of social rights; (iv) reducing income risk deriving from physical incapacity; (v) safeguarding insurability by balancing the expected payoff to the insured and the value of the contributions paid over the lifetime; (vi) intergenerational equity; (vii) containing work and savings disincentives; and (viii) risk reduction (prevention). A simple model serves to clarify what is needed to achieve benefit adequacy together with insurability and contribution adequacy. An example of income support in working age, based on Israeli data, illustrates the use of specific instruments to achieve a decent standard of living while containing economic disincentives. The example stresses the importance of synchronizing efforts with institutions outside the social insurance system.
Does saline water consumption affect feeding and fuel deposition rate of a staging, long‐distance migrating passerine?
Authors: Efrat Ron , Shani Gavriella , Gutman Roee , Sapir Nir
Published: October 2015

To accomplish their enduring journeys, migrating birds accumulate fuel consisting mainly of lipids in stopover sites located throughout their migration routes. Fuel deposition rate (FDR) is considered a key parameter determining the speed of migration and thereby bird fitness, and recent studies have demonstrated the positive effects of fresh water consumption on the FDR of migrating blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla. Sewage water reservoirs, characterized by higher water salinity than fresh water, were extensively built in different parts of the world and are used by birds during their travel, but their effects on wildlife and specifically on migrating birds have been largely overlooked thus far. We experimentally examined the effects of water salinity on blackcap FDR during migration. We captured birds in an autumn stopover site, transported them to the laboratory and provided them with fruits, mealworms and water of different salinity levels (0.3, 4.5 and 9‰ NaCl) for several days. We examined the effects of water salinity on the blackcaps’ diet, water consumption and FDR and found that FDR was mainly affected by fruit consumption rate and not by the water salinity levels. Water salinity nevertheless caused elevated water consumption as the birds consumed almost 3 times more saline water than fresh water per consumed fruit mass. Our work is the first to explore the consequences of saline water consumption on migrating passerines, specifically suggesting that anthropogenic alterations of habitats by sewage water treatment facilities may modulate bird nutrition and diet.
The evolution of sexually dimorphic tail feathers is not associated with tail skeleton dimorphism
Authors: Felice Ryan N. , O'Connor Patrick M.
Published: October 2015

Sexual selection can influence the evolution of sexually dimorphic exaggerated display structures. Herein, we explore whether such costly ornamental integumentary structures evolve independently or if they are correlated with phenotypic change in the associated skeletal system. In birds, elongate tail feathers have frequently evolved in males and are beneficial as intraspecific display structures but impart a locomotor/energetic cost. Using the sexually dimorphic tail feathers of several passeriform species as a model system, we test the hypothesis that taxa with sexually dimorphic tail feathers also exhibit sexual dimorphism in the caudal skeleton that supports the muscles and integument of the tail apparatus. Caudal skeletal morphology is quantified using both geometric morphometrics and linear morphometrics across four sexually dimorphic passeriform species and four closely related monomorphic species. Sexual dimorphism is assessed using permutational MANOVA. Sexual dimorphism in caudal skeletal morphology is found only in those taxa that exhibit active functional differences in tail use between males and females. Thus, dimorphism in tail feather length is not necessarily correlated with the evolution of caudal skeletal dimorphism. Sexual selection is sufficient to generate phenotypic divergence in integumentary display structures between the sexes, but these change are not reflected in the underlying caudal skeleton. This suggests that caudal feathers and bones evolve semi‐independently from one another and evolve at different rates in response to different types of selective pressures.