bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fundic gland differentiation of oncocytic/pancreatobiliary subtypes of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
Authors: Mamat Osman , Fukumura Yuki , Saito Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Michiko , Mitomi Hiroyuki , Sai Jin Kan , Kawasaki Seiji , Yao Takashi
Published: March 2016

Aims

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) differentiate in several histological directions, which are related to their clinical behaviour. Differentiation of IPMNs to the gastric foveolar epithelium/pyloric gland (PG) is well known. However, no study has been conducted regarding fundic gland (FG) differentiation. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of FG differentiation and its relationship with the clinicopathological features of IPMNs, by studying 48 surgically resected IPMN cases consisting of 17 gastric IPMNs, 15 intestinal IPMNs, 10 pancreatobiliary IPMNs, and six oncocytic IPMNs.

Methods and results

Clinicopathological data, including histological tumour grade, immunohistochemical data for mucins (MUCs), pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, and H,K‐ATPase, and GNAS/KRAS status, were analysed. Pepsinogen I and H,K‐ATPase were used to assess FG differentiation, and pepsinogen II and MUC6 were used to identify the equivalent cell type of the normal FG. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for PGA5/PGC (pepsinogen I and pepsinogen II mRNA, respectively) and quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) for PGA5 were performed to confirm the immunohistochemistry results. Pepsinogen I expression was detected in 12.5% (6/48) of total IPMNs, of which 66.7% (4/6) of oncocytic IPMNs and 20.0% (2/10) of pancreatobiliary IPMNs were pepsinogen I‐positive. No H,K‐ATPase‐positive cases were detected. Three oncocytic IPMNs with pepsinogen I expression showed similar histology to normal FG. RT‐PCR and qRT‐PCR confirmed the immunohistochemical results. All IPMNs with FG differentiation were of the oncocytic or pancreatobiliary subtype, were of histologically high grade, and were without GNAS mutation.

Conclusions

The differentiation of IPMNs to gastric FG is related to oncocytic and pancreatobiliary subtypes, and to high grade. This is the first report to describe differentiation of IPMNs to the FG, and to reveal its relationship with the clinicopathological features of IPMNs.
Correlating HIV tropism with immunological response under combination antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Bader J , Schöni‐Affolter F , Böni J , Gorgievski‐Hrisoho M , Martinetti G , Battegay M , Klimkait T ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: March 2016

Objectives

A significant percentage of patients infected with HIV‐1 experience only suboptimal CD4 cell recovery while treated with combination therapy (cART). It is still unclear whether viral properties such as cell tropism play a major role in this incomplete immune response. This study therefore intended to follow the tropism evolution of the HIV‐1 envelope during periods of suppressive cART.

Methods

Viruses from two distinct patient groups, one with good and another one with poor CD4 recovery after 5 years of suppressive cART, were genotypically analysed for viral tropism at baseline and at the end of the study period.

Results

Patients with CCR5‐tropic CC‐motif chemokine receptor 5 viruses at baseline tended to maintain this tropism to the study end. Patients who had a CXCR4‐tropic CXC‐motif chemokine receptor 4 virus at baseline were overrepresented in the poor CD4 recovery group. Overall, however, the majority of patients presented with CCR5‐tropic viruses at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Our data lend support to the hypothesis that tropism determination can be used as a parameter for disease progression even if analysed long before the establishment of a poorer immune response. Moreover, the lasting predominating CCR5‐tropism during periods of full viral control suggests the involvement of cellular mechanisms that preferentially reduce CXCR4‐tropic viruses during cART.
Chronic hepatitis B increases mortality and complexity among HIV‐coinfected patients in South Africa: a cohort study
Authors: Velen K , Charalambous S , Innes C , Churchyard GJ , Hoffmann CJ
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To assess the effect of chronic hepatitis B on survival and clinical complexity among people living with HIV following antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation.

Methods

We evaluated mortality and single‐drug substitutions up to 3 years from ART initiation (median follow‐up 2.75 years; interquartile range 2–3 years) among patients with and without chronic hepatitis B (CHB) enrolled in a workplace HIV care programme in South Africa.

Results

Mortality was increased for CHB patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels > 10 000 copies/mL (adjusted hazard ratio 3.1; 95% confidence interval 1.2–8.0) compared with non‐CHB patients. We did not observe a similar difference between non‐CHB patients and those with CHB and HBV DNA < 10 000 copies/mL (adjusted hazard ratio 0.70; 95% confidence interval 0.2–2.3). Single‐drug substitutions occurred more frequently among coinfected patients regardless of HBV DNA level.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that CHB may increase mortality and complicate ART management.
Habitat complexity and the structure of vocalizations: a test of the acoustic adaptation hypothesis in three rail species (Rallidae)
Authors: Ręk Paweł , Kwiatkowska Katarzyna
Published: March 2016

The acoustic adaptation hypothesis is based on the assumption that senders are directionally selected to maximize transmission and minimize degradation; however, the two aims are not necessarily convergent. In complex habitats, where more effects that might potentially cause attenuation and degradation co‐occur and longer transmission must incur a higher cost, signals should attenuate faster and have shorter transmission ranges. At the same time, such signals should be more resistant to degradation in order to preserve their communicatory function. Based on a sound transmission experiment, we tested the evidence for these predictions using territorial calls of three sympatric species of rails, inhabiting habitats with increasing complexity: Corncrake Crex crex, Spotted Crake Porzana porzana and Water Rail Rallus aquaticus. In the experiment, the calls were broadcasted with similar amplitudes through a heterogeneous habitat inhabited by all three species and rerecorded at different distances up to 320 m. Despite standardized amplitudes and habitats, calls of the species living in simpler habitats had longer transmission ranges but were more susceptible to degradation than calls of the species living in more complex habitats. Our results suggest that narrow frequency bandwidth is an adaptation of species inhabiting complex habitats that helps their calls to degrade less at the cost of stronger attenuation and shorter transmission range. By contrast, wide frequency bandwidth extends the range but increases degradation and thus it is used only by species inhabiting structurally simpler habitats. This study shows that, in more complex habitats, the clarity of the message is preserved at the cost of range.
Micro‐CT evaluation of several glide path techniques and ProTaper Next shaping outcomes in maxillary first molar curved canals
Authors: Alovisi M. , Cemenasco A. , Mancini L. , Paolino D. , Scotti N. , Bianchi C. C. , Pasqualini D.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To evaluate the ability of ProGlider instruments, PathFiles and K‐files to maintain canal anatomy during glide path preparation using X‐ray computed micro‐tomography (micro‐CT).

Methodology

Forty‐five extracted maxillary first permanent molars were selected. Mesio‐buccal canals were randomly assigned (n = 15) to manual K‐file, PathFile or ProGlider groups for glide path preparation. Irrigation was achieved with 5% NaOCl and 10% EDTA. After glide path preparation, each canal was shaped with ProTaper Next X1 and X2 to working length. Specimens were scanned (isotropic voxel size 9.1 μm) for matching volumes and surface areas and post‐treatment analyses. Canal volume, surface area, centroid shift, canal geometry variation through ratio of diameter ratios and ratio of cross‐sectional areas were assessed in the apical and coronal levels and at the point of maximum canal curvature. One‐way factorial anovas were used to evaluate the significance of instrument in the various canal regions.

Results

Post‐glide path analysis revealed that instrument factor was significant at the apical level for both the ratio of diameter ratios and the ratio of cross‐sectional areas (P < 0.001), with an improved maintenance of root canal geometry by ProGlider and PathFile. At the coronal level and point of maximum canal curvature, ProGlider demonstrated a tendency to pre‐flare the root canal compared with K‐file and PathFile. PathFile and ProGlider demonstrated a significantly lower centroid shift compared with K‐file at the apical level (P = 0.023). Post‐shaping analysis demonstrated a more centred preparation of ProGlider, compared with PathFile and K‐files, with no significant differences for other parameters.

Conclusions

Use of ProGlider instruments led to less canal transportation than PathFiles and K‐files.
Effect of different freeze drying cycle in Semimembranous and Gluteus Medius bovine muscles: changes on microstructure, colour, texture and physicochemical parameters
Authors: Messina Valeria , Pieniazek Facundo , Sancho Ana
Published: March 2016

The aim of the present research was to evaluate effects of freeze drying cycle in Semimembranous and Gluteus Medius bovine muscles (sp: Aberdeen Angus) for instant meal. Samples were analysed by Scanning electron microscopy; texture and colour parameters were analysed by image analysis and physicochemical properties by instrumental assays. Micrographs revealed that a higher porous size structure and shrinkage of muscle fibre diameter were obtained at −40 °C. In Semimembranous and Gluteus Medius bovine muscles, significant difference (P < 0.0001) was obtained for texture, colour and physicochemical parameters. Results revealed that colour, texture and physicochemical parameters were less affected when freeze drying cycle was performed at −40 °C. Freeze drying cycle at −50 and −60 °C showed increases in lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*); decrease in redness (a*) and in water absorbing capability).
Clinical value to quantitate hematogones in Chinese childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia by flow cytometry analysis
Authors: Wang Y. , Peng L. , Dai Q. , Ye L. , Chen L. , Chen Q. , Lai C. , Jiang Y. , Zhang G.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Past studies have shown hematogones (HGs) become prominent in recovery phase after chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but still need further researches including different age, centers, and races to prove. So we provide relevant information regarding the clinical impact of this methodology in monitoring the response to treatment.

Methods

HGs in 279 consecutive ALL patients at a time frame of postconsolidation treatment were recorded by flow cytometric minimal residual disease techniques according to the European BIOMED‐1 standard. Patients divided by risk stratification, clinical phases and cytogenesis test were judged.

Results

Total HGs correlated inversely with age but not with >2 years, significant difference existed between ≤2 years and >2 years. HGs in low‐risk patients were much higher than that in intermediate‐ and high‐risk patients (P< 0.01), significant difference (P< 0.05) was also found for HGs quantitation between patients experiencing hematological complete remission and relapse. Total HGs and Pro‐B+immature B HGs in patients with TEL‐AML1 were much higher than those with BCR‐ABL and MLL‐AF4 (P< 0.01). HGs > 1% of TNCs had significantly prolonged event‐free survival (EFS) (P< 0.01); Multivariate analysis indicated HGs was independently associated with the longer EFS.

Conclusion

The strong independently prognostic impact indicated that the better HGs regeneration is a marker of better response to therapy.
School breakfast and body mass index: a longitudinal observational study of middle school students
Authors: Wang S. , Schwartz M. B. , Shebl F. M. , Read M. , Henderson K. E. , Ickovics J. R.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The objectives are to identify breakfast location patterns (frequency and place of breakfast consumption) and explore the association between breakfast patterns and weight status over time among preadolescents.

Methods

Surveys and physical measurements were completed among students from 12 randomly selected schools in a medium‐sized urban school district. All students were followed from fifth (Fall, 2011) to seventh grade (Fall, 2013). Latent transition analysis and longitudinal analyses were used in the study.

Results

Six distinct breakfast location patterns emerged at baseline (1) frequent skippers; (2) inconsistent school eaters; (3) inconsistent home eaters; (4) regular home eaters; (5) regular school eaters and (6) double breakfast eaters. Results from the longitudinal analyses revealed that there was an increased odds of overweight/obesity among frequent skippers compared with double breakfast eaters after adjusting for school, year and students' race/ethnicity (AOR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.67, 4.24). Weight changes from year to year were similar between double breakfast eaters and other students.

Conclusions

Concerns that a second breakfast at school increases risk of excessive weight gain are unsupported. Students who regularly consumed breakfasts at school, including double breakfast eaters, were more likely to exhibit a healthy weight trajectory. Additional research is needed to understand the impact of universal school breakfast on students' overall diets.
Medication management in comprehensive schools in Finland: teachers’ perceptions
Authors: Siitonen Piia , Hämeen-Anttila Katri , Kärkkäinen Sirpa , Vainio Kirsti
Published: March 2016

Objective

Many children who take medication require it during school time, and their participation in school activities could depend on it. The aim of this study was to identify whether schools have guidelines for medication management and to explore teachers’ perceptions about medication administration practices and the characteristics affecting these practices using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as the framework.

Methods

A cross-sectional postal survey was conducted in Finland in 2010 covering a representative sample of comprehensive school teachers (n = 1700). The survey included sections on guidelines and practices for medication administration, beliefs about medicines, and background information on the respondent and the respondent’s school. Quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis were used.

Key findings

The response rate was 56% (928/1664). At the national level (macrosystem), teachers reported uncertainty about existing laws and guidelines, while at the local level (exosystem), most of the teachers reported having medication management guidelines (73% primary; 76% lower secondary school). However, a majority described guidelines instructing them not to administer medicines to pupils. Medication management practices were found to differ depending on the province and size of school. At the personal level (microsystem), practices were also affected by teachers’ experience of, and views about, medicines.

Conclusion

No consistent medication administration guidelines exist in Finnish schools. Challenges were identified at all system levels of ecological theory. To ensure proper medication management, school staff need clear and consistent guidance developed in co-operation between different professions, and exploring ways to involve pharmacists in this task.
Salvage hormonal therapy after failed microdissection testicular sperm extraction: A multi‐institutional prospective study
Authors: Shiraishi Koji , Ishikawa Tomomoto , Watanabe Noriko , Iwamoto Teruaki , Matsuyama Hideyasu
Published: March 2016

Objective

To validate the efficacy of salvage hormonal therapy in men with non‐obstructive azoospermia at their second microdissection testicular sperm extraction.

Methods

This was a multi‐institutional study registered at the Japanese University Hospital Medical Information Network clinical trial center. After 1 month of human chorionic gonadotropin therapy (5000 IU, three times a week), patients were treated with recombinant human follicle‐stimulating hormone (150 IU, three times a week) and human chorionic gonadotropin for the next 3 months. Three testicular samples were obtained randomly from both testes, and sent for pathological diagnosis at the first and second microdissection testicular sperm extraction.

Results

A total of 21 men, excluding those with chromosomal abnormalities, azoospermia factor a or b deletions, extremely small testes (<2 mL), or prior hormonal therapy, were eligible to participate based on our inclusion criteria. At the first microdissection testicular sperm extraction, 13 and six patients had Sertoli cells only and an early maturation arrest, respectively. With the second microdissection testicular sperm extraction, sperm were successfully obtained from two patients (10%). Patient age, testicular volume and hormone profiles were not associated with the results of the second microdissection testicular sperm extraction. However, the testicular histology of the two successful patients were late maturation arrest and hypospermatogenesis.

Conclusions

Effectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin‐based salvage hormonal therapy preceding a second microdissection testicular sperm extraction seems to be limited. Non‐obstructive azoospermia men who have differentiated cells in their testes are likely to respond to hormonal stimulation.
The Role of Migration Policy Changes in Europe for Return Migration to Senegal
Authors: Flahaux Marie-Laurence
Published: March 2016

This study questions the role of migration policy changes in France, Italy, and Spain for return migration to Senegal, by analyzing biographic data from the Migration between Africa and Europe (MAFE-Senegal) survey and the contextual data of the Determinants of International Migration (DEMIG) VISA and DEMIG POLICY databases that cover major changes in migration policies in these destination countries for the different categories of migrants. Event history logistic regressions reveal that Senegalese migrants are less likely to return when the entry restrictions have become tighter. This result suggests that the decision to return depends on the possibility of migrating again after the return, which is crucial for both theory and policy regarding Western democracies’ attempts to regulate migration.
Do You Do as I Do?: Young Toddlers Prefer and Copy Toy Choices of Similarly Acting Others
Authors: Gerson Sarah A. , Bekkering Harold , Hunnius Sabine
Published: March 2016

Recognizing similarity between one's own and others' actions is important for identifying others with whom to affiliate and from whom to learn. In this study, 40 19‐month‐old toddlers recognized when a puppet chose the same toys as them. Toddlers preferred to affiliate with a puppet who chose the same toys as themselves relative to a puppet who chose other toys and they modified their subsequent behavior by choosing the same toys as that puppet when presented with novel toys. Toddlers' actions were not based on perceivable features of the puppet (e.g., similar accent or language as oneself) or an association between the puppet and the preferred toys (as assessed in a control condition). Results indicate that toddlers identified and recognized the similarity in action choices between themselves and the puppet via comparison between their own and the puppets' actions. Identifying this similarity is critical for children's developing understanding of and engagement in interactions with others.
Impact of oral clinical problems on oral health‐related quality of life in brazilian children: a hierarchical approach
Authors: Souza João Gabriel Silva , Martins Andréa Maria Eleutério De Barros Lima , Silveira Marise Fagundes , Jones Kimberly Marie , Meirelles Maria Paula Maciel Rando
Published: March 2016

Background

Oral health‐related quality of life may be influenced by a series of characteristics. Considering the multidimensional character of quality of life, these impacts should be evaluated in the context of the physical, psychological, and social domains.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of clinical and perceived oral health problems on oral health‐related quality of life in its different domains.

Design

Clinical exams were conducted on a representative cross‐sectional sample of 12‐year‐old children in Brazil. The instrument Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) was used to evaluate the quality of life in relation to oral health. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple hierarchical analyses were conducted.

Results

Of the 7328 children studied, 2577 (33.5%) presented oral health‐related impacts on quality of life. Clinical and perceived conditions of oral health were associated with the presence of overall impacts in the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of oral health‐related quality of life. Furthermore, Family income was associated with overall impacts and the level of motivation to use dental health services was associated with the physical dimension.

Conclusions

The clinical and perceived conditions of oral health in Brazilian 12‐year‐olds were associated with a negative impact on oral health‐related quality of life.
An analysis of contract form for supply chains with quality improvement
Authors: Yan* Xinghao
Published: March 2016

This study examines different contract forms for the supply chain with quality improvement decision and retailer price decision. We consider three types of quality improvement: cost consuming, cost identical, and cost saving, which correspond to the cases in which quality improvement leads to an increment, no change, and a decrease in production cost, respectively. We compare the performance of two types of quality contracts: (1)pay‐before‐performancecontract, under which the supplier receives monetary support from the buyer before exerting quality improvement effort; and (2)pay‐after‐performancecontract, under which the supplier receives monetary compensation based on the outcome of effort. We find that the performance of each contract depends on the types of quality improvement. Further, the pay‐after‐performance contract leads to close‐to‐perfect contract efficiency and dominates the pay‐before‐performance contract from the supplier's perspective in most cases. However, this result does not apply in two extended cases: when there are multiple competing suppliers, the pay‐before‐performance contract can dominate the pay‐after‐performance contract if quality improvement is cost consuming; and when the buyer can exert sales effort, neither contract can achieve close‐to‐perfect efficiency in most cases.
Structure, Infrared Reflectivity and Microwave Dielectric Properties of (Na0.5La0.5)MoO4–(Na0.5Bi0.5)MoO4 Ceramics
Authors: Li Wen‐Bo , Zhou Di , Xi Hai‐Hong , Pang Li‐Xia , Yao Xi
Published: March 2016

A series of temperature‐stable microwave dielectric ceramics, (1−x)(Na0.5La0.5)MoO4–x(Na0.5Bi0.5)MoO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) were prepared by using solid‐state reaction. All specimens can be well sintered at temperature of 580°C–680°C. Sintering behavior, phase composition, microstructures, and microwave dielectric properties of the ceramics were investigated. X‐ray diffraction results indicated that tetragonal scheelite solid solution was formed. Microwave dielectric properties showed that permittivity (εr) and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) were increased gradually, while quality factor (Q × f) values were decreased, at the x value was increased. The 0.45(Na0.5La0.5)MoO4–0.55(Na0.5Bi0.5)MoO4 ceramic sintered at 640°C with a relative permittivity of 23.1, a Q × f values of 17 500 GHz (at 9 GHz) and a near zero τf value of 0.28 ppm/°C. Far‐infrared spectra (50–1000 cm−1) study showed that complex dielectric spectra were in good agreement with the measured microwave permittivity and dielectric losses.
Rapid Rate Sintering of Yttria Transparent Ceramics
Authors: Wang Jun , Ning Kaijie , Zhang Jian , Luo Dewei , Ma Jie , Yin Danlei , Tang Dingyuan , Kong Ling Bing
Published: March 2016

This paper reports on the influence of rapid rate sintering (RRS) on densification and microstructure evolution of yttria transparent ceramics by using vacuum sintering. The presence of temperature gradient has been confirmed during the RRS process. The higher the heating rate (HR), the larger the temperature gradient in the samples would be. By using RRS, e.g., HR = 40°C/min, the samples could be densified very fast to a relative density of 99.6%. However, these samples could not be further densified, due to the presence of difference in densification caused by a heating rate‐induced temperature gradient. By using a two‐step RRS with an intermediate‐temperature thermal treatment, this problem has been successfully addressed. The intermediate‐temperature treatment allowed for the particle neck growth, so that effective thermal conductivity of the compacts was increased greatly. Therefore, the temperature gradient and differentiate densification were effectively prevented. Samples sintered using the two‐step RRS process could be fully densified and excellent in‐line optical transmittance was achieved. It is believed this strategy is applicable to other transparent ceramics, as well as other engineering ceramics.
Engaging patients and families in communication across transitions of care: an integrative review protocol
Authors: Bucknall Tracey K. , Hutchinson Alison M. , Botti Mari , McTier Lauren , Rawson Helen , Hewitt Nicky A. , McMurray Anne , Marshall Andrea P. , Gillespie Brigid M. , Chaboyer Wendy
Published: March 2016

Aim

To describe an integrative review protocol to analyse and synthesize peer‐reviewed research evidence in relation to engagement of patients and their families in communication during transitions of care to, in and from acute care settings.

Background

Communication at transitions of care in acute care settings can be complex and challenging, with important information about patients not always clearly transferred between responsible healthcare providers. Involving patients and their families in communication during transitions of care may improve the transfer of clinical information and patient outcomes and prevent adverse events during hospitalization and following discharge. Recently, optimizing patient and family participation during care transitions has been acknowledged as central to the implementation of patient‐centred care.

Design

Integrative review with potential for meta‐analysis and application of framework synthesis.

Review method

The review will evaluate and synthesize qualitative and quantitative research evidence identified through a systematic search. Primary studies will be selected according to inclusion criteria. Data collection, quality appraisal and analysis of the evidence will be conducted by at least two authors. Nine electronic databases (including CINAHL and Medline) will be searched. The search will be restricted to 10 years up to December 2013. Data analysis will include content and thematic analysis.

Discussion

The review will seek to identify all types of patient engagement activities employed during transitions of care communication. The review will identify enablers for and barriers to engagement for patients, families and health professionals. Key strategies and tools for improving patient engagement, clinical communication and promoting patient‐centred care will be recommended based on findings.
Evaluation of sire by environment interactions for growth rate and backfat depth using reaction norm models in pigs
Authors: Li L. , Hermesch S.
Published: March 2016

Reaction norm models for sires were used to evaluate genotype by environment interactions for lifetime average daily gain (ADG) and backfat depth (BF) in pigs recorded at 143 days. Data for ADG and BF were available for 265 103 pigs recorded in Australia between 2000 and 2010 in nine herds. The full data set and two subsets based on minimum numbers of progeny per sire of 50 and 100 were analysed. The environmental descriptor was quantified as least square means of herd‐by‐birth month (HBM) contemporary groups which varied from 540 to 738 g/day for ADG and from 8.2 to 13.8 mm for BF. Several models were evaluated for estimation of variance components in terms of predictive ability for sire intercepts and slopes. The accuracy of genetic parameter estimates was improved by increasing family size, fitting models with a fixed regression coefficient on the environmental descriptor instead of fixed HBM effects and heterogeneous residual variances. Significant sire by environment interactions were found for ADG but not for BF. Heritability estimates for ADG ranged from approximately 0.21 in average environments to approximately 0.30 in the most unfavourable environments. Estimates of sire intercepts and slopes varied by 98.5 g/day and 0.253 g/day per g/day for ADG, respectively. Lowly negative correlations between sire intercept and slope do not support the hypothesis that high growth is associated with larger environmental sensitivity.
Long‐Term Evaluation of Biotronik Linox and Linoxsmart Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Leads
Authors: GOOD ERIC D. , CAKULEV IVAN , ORLOV MICHAEL V. , HIRSH DAVID , SIMELES JOHN , MOHR KELLY , MOLL PHIL , BLOOM HEATHER
Published: March 2016

Long‐Term Evaluation of Biotronik Linox Family of ICD Leads

Introduction

Expert consensus holds that post‐market, systematic surveillance of ICD leads is essential to ensure confirmation of adequate lead performance. GALAXY (NCT00836589) and CELESTIAL (NCT00810264) are ongoing multicenter, prospective, non‐randomized registries conducted to confirm the long‐term safety and reliability of Biotronik leads.

Methods and Results

ICD and CRT‐D patients are followed for Linox and Linoxsmart ICD lead performance and safety for 5 years post‐implant. All procedural and system‐related adverse events (AEs) were assessed at each follow‐up, along with lead electrical parameters. An independent CEC of EPs adjudicated AEs to determine AE category and lead relatedness. The analysis used categories of lead observations per ISO 5841‐2 (Third edition).

A total of 3,933 leads were implanted in 3,840 patients (73.0% male, mean age 67.0 ± 12.2 years) at 146 US centers. The estimated cumulative survival probability was 96.3% at 5 years after implant for Linox leads and 96.6% at 4 years after implant for Linoxsmart leads. A comparison of the Linox and Linoxsmart survival functions did not find evidence of a difference (P = 0.2155). The most common AEs were oversensing (23, 0.58%), conductor fracture (14, 0.36%), failure to capture (13, 0.33%), lead dislodgement (12, 0.31%), insulation breach (10, 0.25%), and abnormal pacing impedance (8, 0.20%).

Conclusions

Linox and Linoxsmart ICD leads are safe, reliable and infrequently associated with lead‐related AEs. Additionally, estimated cumulative survival probability is clinically acceptable and well within industry standards. Ongoing data collection will confirm the longer‐term safety and performance of the Linox family of ICD leads.
Dose Timing of an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker/Calcium Channel Blocker Combination in Hypertensive Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Hoshide Satoshi , Uchiyama Kazuaki , Yoshida Tetsuro , Okazaki Osamu , Noshiro Takao , Aoki Hirotaka , Mizuno Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Yuri
Published: March 2016

It has long been thought that there is a close association between hypertension and atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the efficacy of an angiotensin II receptor blocker for the prevention of organ damage in hypertensive individuals with AF is still controversial. The present study was a multicentered, prospective, randomized, open‐label clinical trial investigating the differences in the effect of treatment with telmisartan/amlodipine combination tablets on blood pressure (BP) levels and BP variability between morning and bedtime administration in hypertensive patients with paroxysmal AF, using ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and home BP. With this treatment, the patients' 24‐hour BP, nighttime BP, preawake BP, and morning BP shown by ABPM were significantly reduced, and the antihypertensive effects were similar regardless of the timing of the drug administration. The standard deviation of day‐by‐day home systolic BP and the maximum home systolic BP were also significantly reduced, and these effects were similar regardless of the treatment timing. The N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide level was significantly decreased only in the bedtime administration group. A larger study will demonstrate whether the bedtime administration of telmisartan/amlodipine combination tablets maximizes the risk‐lowering effect against AF recurrence in paroxysmal AF hypertensive patients.
Alternative form of glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypepide and its physiology
Authors: Fujita Yukihiro , Yanagimachi Tsuyoshi , Takeda Yasutaka , Honjo Jun , Takiyama Yumi , Abiko Atsuko , Makino Yuichi , Haneda Masakazu
Published: March 2016

Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypepide (GIP) was first extracted from porcine gut mucosa and identified as “incretin” decades ago. Though early studies have shown the possible GIP isoforms by gel filtration profiles from porcine or human intestinal extracts analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA), GIP is currently believed to consist of 42 amino acids (GIP1‐42), which are released from gut K‐cells and promote postprandial insulin release. In fact, GIP1‐42 is usually processed from proGIP by the action of prohormone convertase (PC) 1/3 in the gut. GIP expression is occasionally found in the intestinal glucagon‐like peptide‐1‐secreting cells, suggesting gene expression of both GIP and proglucagon can co‐exist in identical cells. However, GIP1‐42 immunoreactivity is rarely found in α‐cells or other pancreatic endocrine cells of wild‐type mammals. Interestingly, we found that short‐form GIP1‐30 is expressed in and released from pancreatic α‐cells and a subset of enteroendocrine cells through proGIP processing by PC2. GIP1‐30 is also insulinotropic and modulates glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in a paracrine manner. It is also suggested that short‐form GIP1‐30 possibly plays a crucial role for the islet development. It has not been well elucidated whether expression of GIP1‐30 is modulated in the diabetic status, and whether GIP1‐30 might have therapeutic potentials. Our preliminary data suggest that short‐form GIP1‐30 might play important roles in glucose metabolism.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and cholecystokinin production and signaling in the pancreatic islet as an adaptive response to obesity
Authors: Linnemann Amelia K , Davis Dawn Belt
Published: March 2016

Precise control of blood glucose is dependent on adequate β‐cell mass and function. Thus, reductions in β‐cell mass and function lead to insufficient insulin production to meet demand, and result in diabetes. Recent evidence suggests that paracrine signaling in the islet might be important in obesity, and disruption of this signaling could play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. For example, we recently discovered a novel islet incretin axis where glucagon‐like peptide‐1 regulates β‐cell production of another classic gut hormone, cholecystokinin. This axis is stimulated by obesity, and plays a role in enhancing β‐cell survival. In the present review, we place our observations in the wider context of the literature on incretin regulation in the islet, and discuss the potential for therapeutic targeting of these pathways.
Engineering the gut for insulin replacement to treat diabetes
Authors: Mojibian Majid , Glavas Maria M , Kieffer Timothy J
Published: March 2016

The gut epithelium's large surface area, its direct exposure to ingested nutrients, its vast stem cell population and its immunotolerogenic environment make it an excellent candidate for therapeutic cells to treat diabetes. Thus, several attempts have been made to coax immature gut cells to differentiate into insulin‐producing cells by altering the expression patterns of specific transcription factors. Furthermore, because of similarities in enteroendocrine and pancreatic endocrine cell differentiation pathways, other approaches have used genetically engineered enteroendocrine cells to produce insulin in addition to their endogenous secreted hormones. Several studies support the utility of both of these approaches for the treatment of diabetes. Converting a patient's own gut cells into meal‐regulated insulin factories in a safe and immunotolerogenic environment is an attractive approach to treat and potentially cure diabetes. Here, we review work on these approaches and indicate where we feel further advancements are required.
A novel method of comparing mating success and survival reveals similar sexual and viability selection for mobility traits in female tree crickets
Authors: Ercit K. , Gwynne D. T.
Published: March 2016

The relationship between sexual and viability selection in females is necessarily different than that in males, as investment in sexual traits potentially comes at the expense of both fecundity and survival. Accordingly, females do not usually invest in sexually selected traits. However, direct benefits obtained from mating, such as nuptial gifts, may encourage competition among females and subsidize investment into sexually selected traits. We compared sexual and viability selection on female tree crickets Oecanthus nigricornis, a species where females mate frequently to obtain nuptial gifts and sexual selection on females is likely. If male choice determines female mating success in this species, we expect sexual selection for fecundity traits, as males of many species prefer more fecund females. Alternatively, intrasexual scramble or combat competition on females may select for larger jumping legs or wider heads (respectively). We estimated mating success in wild caught crickets using microsatellite analysis of stored sperm and estimated relative viability by comparing surviving female O. nigricornis to those captured by a common wasp predator. In support of the scramble competition hypothesis, we found sexual selection for females with larger hind legs and narrower heads. We also found stabilizing viability selection for intermediate head width and hind leg size. As predicted, traits under viability and sexual selection were very similar, and the direction of that selection was not opposing. However, because the shape of sexual and viability selection differs, these episodes of selection may favour slightly different trait sizes.
Strong sexual selection in males against a mutation load that reduces offspring production in seed beetles
Authors: Grieshop K. , Stångberg J. , Martinossi‐Allibert I. , Arnqvist G. , Berger D.
Published: March 2016

Theory predicts that sexual reproduction can increase population viability relative to asexual reproduction by allowing sexual selection in males to remove deleterious mutations from the population without large demographic costs. This requires that selection acts more strongly in males than females and that mutations affecting male reproductive success have pleiotropic effects on population productivity, but empirical support for these assumptions is mixed. We used the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus to implement a three‐generation breeding design where we induced mutations via ionizing radiation (IR) in the F0 generation and measured mutational effects (relative to nonirradiated controls) on an estimate of population productivity in the F1 and effects on sex‐specific competitive lifetime reproductive success (LRS) in the F2. Regardless of whether mutations were induced via F0 males or females, they had strong negative effects on male LRS, but a nonsignificant influence on female LRS, suggesting that selection is more efficient in removing deleterious alleles in males. Moreover, mutations had seemingly shared effects on population productivity and competitive LRS in both sexes. Thus, our results lend support to the hypothesis that strong sexual selection on males can act to remove the mutation load on population viability, thereby offering a benefit to sexual reproduction.
Use of a novel statistical technique to examine the delivery of breast cancer follow‐up care by different types of oncology providers
Authors: Neuman Heather B. , Rathouz Paul J. , Winslow Emily , Weiss Jennifer M. , LoConte Noelle K. , Lin Chee Paul , Wurm Mike , Smith Maureen A. , Schrag Deborah , Greenberg Caprice C.
Published: March 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

Frequent follow‐up is recommended for the more than 3 million breast cancer survivors living in the USA. Given the multidisciplinary nature of breast cancer treatment, follow‐up may be provided by medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons and primary care providers. This creates the potential for significant redundancy as well as gaps in care. The objective was to examine patterns of breast cancer follow‐up provided by different types of oncologists and develop a statistical means of quantifying visit distribution over time.

Methods

We identified stage I–III breast cancer patients who underwent breast conservation from 2000 to 2006 (n = 12 139) within the SEER‐Medicare linked database. Provider type was defined using Medicare specialty provider codes and AMA Masterfile. The coefficient of variation (CV) for time between oncologist follow‐up visits was calculated. Ordinal logistic regression assessed factors associated with CV.

Results

Substantial variation in CV was observed. Sixty‐seven per cent of patients with low CV (high visit regularity) received follow‐up from a single oncologist type, versus 8% with high CV (low visit regularity). The number of oncologist types participating in follow‐up had the greatest association with high CV (odds ratio 7.4 [6.7–8.3] and 15.4 [13.6–17.6] for two and three oncologist types).

Conclusions

Using a novel means of quantifying follow‐up visit regularity, we determined that breast cancer patients with dispersed follow‐up with more than one oncologist have more disordered care. The CV could be used in electronic medical records to identify cancer survivors with more disordered.
The spatial‐temporal expression and functional divergence of bach homologs in zebrafish Danio rerio
Authors: Luo Q. , Wu C. , Sun S. , Lu F. , Xie L. , Zhao H. , Zhong X. , Zhou Q.
Published: March 2016

The spatial‐temporal expressions of bach1a, bach1b, bach2a and bach2b in early development of zebrafish Danio rerio embryos were examined in the present study by whole mount in situ hybridization. Transcripts of all genes were found at the one cell stage, suggesting that these four genes are maternally inherited. From the phylogenetic analyses, Bach1a and Bach1b from fishes form a well‐supported group with two sub‐groups. Bach2a and Bach2b, however, did not fall into one clade, suggesting that Bach2 proteins diverged faster or earlier than Bach1 proteins in fishes. The differentially regulated expression of the exocrine zymogen (such as the trypsin‐like gene, tryl) of both paralogs of bach1 and bach2, respectively, showed that their functions are still active and already divergent, coinciding with subfunction partitioning.
A Viscosity Model for Soy White Flakes‐Based Aquafeed Dough in a Single Screw Extruder
Authors: Singh Sushil K. , Muthukumarappan Kasiviswanathan
Published: March 2016

A viscosity model was developed to study the influence of soy white flakes during extrusion of fish feed and the effect of extrusion processing parameters on mass flow rate, torque, specific mechanical energy and viscosity of dough inside a single screw extruder were evaluated. Full factorial design was used for three variables each at three levels which generated total 27 experimental runs. Round capillary die rheometer was used to determine the rheological data of the dough within the extruder. It was observed that increase in the soy white flakes content resulted in a higher mass flow rate, torque and specific mechanical energy and a decrease in the apparent viscosity. The specific mechanical energy, mass flow rate increased and viscosity decreased with increase in screw speed. Higher barrel and die temperature led to decrease in the apparent viscosity of the dough, torque and specific mechanical energy. The viscosity model developed in this study can be applied to develop large‐scale extrusion models to determine the effect of soy white flakes on the feed material extrudates.

Practical Applications

During extrusion, the shearing effects of screws with thermal energy generated by viscous dissipation modifies the rheological properties of raw materials due to the physical and chemical changes of biopolymers. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the rheological properties of dough during extrusion. In the present study the viscosity of dough within the extruder was analyzed and the effect of extrusion processing parameters on the viscosity was evaluated. This study provides new experimental data of viscosity of soy white flakes‐based aquafeed dough during extrusion processing. The viscosity models developed will be of great significance for aquafeed manufacturing industry mainly to produce low cost soy white flakes‐based fish feed.
Effects of Probiotic Lactobacillus Rhamnosus LOCK900 on the Staphylococcus Aureus Survival in Carrot Juice
Authors: Trząskowska Monika , Gasentzer Paulina
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of Lb. rhamnosus LOCK900 probiotic additive, lactic acid and incubation process, i.e., the moment of S. aureus contamination on the growth and survival rate of the pathogen in carrot juice. Both the Lb. rhamnosus LOCK900 additive and the incubation process (32C) had an impact on the number of S aureus in the carrot juice (P < 0.05) whereas the lactic acid additive did not cause any significant change in the number of S. aureus (P > 0.05). Lactic acid, particularly in the product inoculated with the pathogen and incubated was not sufficient to hinder the development of S. aureus. The increase of S. aureus number in carrot juice with lactic acid indicates its acid resistance. The adaptation mechanism was observed also in sample inoculated with pathogen before fermentation. Gradually increasing acidity did not inhibit S. aureus proliferation. Inhibitory effect of Lb. rhamnosus LOCK900 was revealed during storage of P1 sample but the highest suppress was observed when pathogen's inoculation occurred after fermentation.

Practical Applications

In recent years, an increasing interest has developed in functional foods, including food with probiotics. The basic requirement that has to be fulfilled during the food production and turnover process is to ensure that food will not do any harm to the consumer (CAC/RCP ). The results obtained in this work help in understanding the situation of using contaminated raw materials or cross contamination that may happen during the production of probiotic food. In particular mechanisms of S. aureus survival during food fermentation. The outcome might be taken into account for the development and optimization of functional food preservation processes.