bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Expert Opinion from the European College of Gerodontology and the European Geriatric Medicine Society: European Policy Recommendations on Oral Health in Older Adults
Authors: Kossioni Anastassia E. , Hajto‐Bryk Justyna , Maggi Stefania , McKenna Gerry , Petrovic Mirko , Roller‐Wirnsberger Regina Elisabeth , Schimmel Martin , Tamulaitienè Marija , Vanobbergen Jacques , Müller Frauke
Published: December 2017

This is an expert opinion paper on oral health policy recommendations for older adults in Europe, with particular focus on frail and care‐dependent persons, that the European College of Gerodontology (ECG) and the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EUGMS) Task and Finish Group on Gerodontology has developed. Oral health in older adults is often poor. Common oral diseases such as caries, periodontal disease, denture‐related conditions, hyposalivation, and oral pre‐ and cancerous conditions may lead to tooth loss, pain, local and systemic infection, impaired oral function, and poor quality of life. Although the majority of oral diseases can be prevented or treated, oral problems in older adults remain prevalent and largely underdiagnosed, because frail persons often do not receive routine dental care, due to a number of barriers and misconceptions. These hindrances include person‐related issues, lack of professional support, and lack of effective oral health policies. Three major areas for action are identified: education for healthcare providers, health policy action plans, and citizen empowerment and involvement. A list of defined competencies in geriatric oral health for non‐dental healthcare providers is suggested, as well as an oral health promotion and disease prevention protocol for residents in institutional settings. Oral health assessment should be incorporated into general health assessments, oral health care should be integrated into public healthcare coverage, and access to dental care should be ensured.
How do clinicians practise the principles of beneficence when deciding to allow or deny family presence during resuscitation?
Authors: Giles Tracey , de Lacey Sheryl , Muir‐Cochrane Eimear
Published: December 2017

Aims and Objectives

To examine how clinicians practise the principles of beneficence when deciding to allow or deny family presence during resuscitation.

Background

Family presence during resuscitation has important benefits for family and is supported by professional bodies and the public. Yet, many clinicians restrict family access to patients during resuscitation, and rationales for decision‐making are unclear.

Design

Secondary analysis of an existing qualitative data set using deductive category application of content analysis.

Methods

We analysed 20 interview transcripts from 15 registered nurses, two doctors and three paramedics who had experienced family presence during resuscitation in an Australian hospital. The transcripts were analysed for incidents of beneficent decision‐making when allowing or denying family presence during resuscitation.

Results

Decision‐making around family presence during resuscitation occurred in time poor environments and in the absence of local institutional guidelines. Clinicians appeared to be motivated by doing “what's best” for patients and families when allowing or denying family presence during resuscitation. However, their individual interpretations of “what's best” was subjective and did not always coincide with family preferences or with current evidence that promotes family presence during resuscitation as beneficial.

Conclusions

The decision to allow or deny family presence during resuscitation is complex, and often impacted by personal preferences and beliefs, setting norms and tensions between clinicians and consumers. As a result, many families are missing the chance to be with their loved ones at the end of life. The introduction of institutional guidelines and policies would help to establish what safe and effective practice consists of, reduce value‐laden decision‐making and guide beneficent decision‐making.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

These findings highlight current deficits in decision‐making around FPDR and could prompt the introduction of clinical guidelines and policies and in turn promote the equitable provision of safe, effective family‐centred care during resuscitation events.
Spirituality and religiosity of non‐directed (altruistic) living kidney donors
Authors: Maghen Ariella , Vargas Grecia B , Connor Sarah E , Nassiri Sima , Hicks Elisabeth M , Kwan Lorna , Waterman Amy D , Maliski Sally L , Veale Jeffrey L
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To describe the spirituality and religiosity of 30 non‐directed (altruistic) living kidney donors in the USA and explore how they may have affected their motivations to donate and donation process experiences.

Background

The rise in non‐directed donors and their ability to initiate kidney chains offer a novel approach to help alleviate the overextended kidney transplant wait list in the USA. However, little is known about the non‐directed donors’ motivations, characteristics and experiences.

Design

We conducted a qualitative‐dominant study and used a grounded theory approach to analyse data.

Methods

Thirty participants completed in‐depth interviews between April 2013–April 2015. Three analysts independently read and coded interview transcripts. Grounded theory techniques were used to develop descriptive categories and identify topics related to the non‐directed donors donation experience.

Results

Sixteen of the 30 non‐directed donorss discussed the topic of spirituality and religiosity when describing their donation experiences, regardless of whether they were actively practising a religion at the time of donation. Specifically, three themes were identified within spirituality and religiosity: motivation to donate, support in the process, and justification of their donation decisions postdonation.

Conclusions

Findings from this study are the first to describe how spirituality and religiosity influenced the experiences of U.S. non‐directed donorss and may help improve non‐directed donors educational resources for future spiritual or religious non‐directed donors, and the overall non‐directed donors donation experience in efforts to increase the living donor pool.

Relevance to clinical practice

Spirituality and religiosity are often overlooked yet potentially influential factors in Western medicine, as demonstrated through the experiences of Jehovah's Witnesses and their religious restrictions while undergoing surgery and the beliefs of Christian Scientists against taking medications and receiving medical procedures. Understanding needs of non‐directed donors specifically with spirituality and religiosity can better position kidney transplant centres and teams to improve predonation screening of non‐directed donor candidates and provide support services during the donation process.
What makes for a good break? A diary study on recovery experiences during lunch break
Authors: Bosch Christine , Sonnentag Sabine , Pinck Anna Sophia
Published: December 2017

This study investigated the role of four recovery experiences during lunch break for employees’ afternoon well‐being. We hypothesized that lunch‐break recovery experiences (psychological detachment, relaxation, control, and relatedness) reduce afternoon exhaustion and enhance afternoon work engagement via replenished personal resources (i.e., state of being recovered immediately after break and subsequent self‐efficacy regarding the upcoming tasks in the afternoon). One hundred and nine employees provided daily survey data three times a day (i.e., start of work, after lunch break, end of work) over a period of two workweeks. Multilevel path analysis showed that relaxation, control, and relatedness during lunch break negatively predicted afternoon exhaustion and positively predicted afternoon work engagement via state of being recovered. For relaxation and relatedness, we additionally found positive serial indirect effects on afternoon work engagement via state of being recovered and self‐efficacy. Psychological detachment was not related to personal resources and afternoon well‐being. This study demonstrates that experiencing control over lunch break and using the lunch break to relax and to relate to others are indirectly associated with improved afternoon well‐being via replenished personal resources.

Practitioner points

Relaxation, control, and relatedness constitute lunch‐break recovery experiences that indirectly foster feeling confident, replenished, and engaged in the afternoon.

Employees should strive to spend their lunch breaks in ways that help them feel relaxed, related, and in control.

Organizations should provide their employees with sufficient break control and offer environments that facilitate relaxation and socializing during lunch break.
The Colletotrichum gloeosporioides perilipin homologue CAP 20 regulates functional appressorial formation and fungal virulence
Authors: Lin Chunhua , Liu Xianbao , Shi Tao , Li Chaoping , Huang Guixiu
Published: December 2017

Previous studies of the CAP20 gene in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides show that the CAP20 gene may affect virulence in avocados and tomatoes. In this study, we characterized the function of CAP20 from C. gloeosporioides, the causal agent of Colletotrichum leaf fall disease of Hevea brasilience. CAP20 encodes a perilipin homologue protein. Further investigations showed that the Cap20‐GFP fusion protein localized in lipid droplets in hypha and conidia. A C. gloeosporioides mutant, lacking CAP20, had thinner spores and smaller appressoria, and its turgor pressure generation was dramatically reduced and pore size was enlarged. Furthermore, we tested the pathogenicity of conidia from the wild type, gene‐deleted mutant and complemented transformant C.gloeosporioides on the leaves of rubber trees in sterile water and 0.19 M PEG2000. Conidia from the wild type and complemented transformant C. gloeosporioides in 0.19 M PEG2000 caused necrotic lesions and did not produce any lesion with the CAP20 null mutant. But all of them had developed normal disease lesions when they were inoculated in water. These results suggest that CAP20 is a perilipin homologue protein and is involved in functional appressoria development in C. gloeosporioides. CAP20 gene only affects fungal virulence to some extent by reducing the penetration of the immature appressoria into host cuticle in C. gloeosporioides.
Religious Intermarriage in Canada, 1981 to 2011
Authors: Lee Sharon M. , Hou Feng , Edmonston Barry , Wu Zheng
Published: December 2017

Is the social influence of religion weakening as the ranks of the unaffiliated grow and religious attendance falls? Will these changes extend to religion's influence on marriage? This research note contributes to these discussions by examining religious intermarriage as another indicator of religion's social influence. Increased religious intermarriage may indicate a weakening of traditional norms of religious endogamy and a decline in religion's social influence. Descriptive results from examining Canadian census and survey data from 1981 to 2011 show that religious intermarriage increased from 14 percent in 1981 to 19 percent in 2011, but varies by religion and other characteristics. Results from probit models confirm the descriptive findings and further reveal three trends: increasing intermarriage for Protestants, Catholics, Jews, and Buddhists; low and stable intermarriage for Hindus and Sikhs; and decreasing intermarriage for Muslims and the unaffiliated. The findings provide a descriptive base for future research to elaborate and explain the different trends and their implications for religion's social influence on marriage and how this may be changing in societies where religious identity and attendance are also changing.
Identification of a melting type variant among peach (P. persica L. Batsch) fruit textures by a digital penetrometer
Authors: Ciacciulli Angelo , Chiozzotto Remo , Attanasio Giovanna , Cirilli Marco , Bassi Daniele
Published: December 2017

The increase of peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) fruit shelf‐life is one of the most important objectives of breeding activities, as peach is a highly perishable fruit which undergoes rapid softening during ripening. The loss of fruit firmness is accompanied by a modification of textural properties. At least four distinct textures were described in peach: melting, non‐melting, stony‐hard, and slow‐melting (better defined as “slow‐softening”). Flesh textures are usually discriminated using different approaches, specific for each type. Objective of this work was the development of a reliable method to assess flesh texture variants in peach fruit, with special attention to the slow‐softening type which is currently scored by sensorial evaluation. A puncture‐based test using a digital penetrometer was performed on 20 accessions belonging to the four textural groups, obtaining a series of rheological measures related to mechanical flesh properties and including Young's Modulus, Upper Yield Point, and Slope of Yield Stress. Among the components of elasto‐plastic behavior of the fruits, the texture dynamic index (TD) was shown to be a reliable parameter to distinguish the group of melting flesh texture from slow‐softening, non‐melting, and stony‐hard, these last resulting characterized by similar mechanical properties. The TD index can be applied to discriminate slow‐softening and melting fruits, although variability within the different texture groups suggests the existence of accessions with intermediate phenotypes and minor quantitative trait variation. The availability of an objective method to clearly distinguish the melting from the slow‐softening phenotypes paves the road to phenotype segregating progenies in order to find molecular markers associated to the slow‐softening trait.

Practical applications

The TD index could be considered to determine different textures in fleshy fruits in preharvest and postharvest, to support evaluation of quality for the intended use.
Urethral function and histopathology in aged female rats as a stress urinary incontinence model
Authors: Yanai‐Inamura Hiroko , Ohashi Ryosuke , Ishigami Takao , Hirata Takuya , Kumakura Fumiyo , Kono Go , Yokono Masanori , Takeda Masahiro , Miyata Keiji
Published: December 2017

Objective

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common disease condition in elderly women, suggesting that its etiology may be linked to aging. To investigate the hypothesis that urethral dysfunction and histopathological changes are possible contributors to SUI in elderly women, several parameters of urethral function, as well as histological parameters, were compared between young and aged rats.

Methods

Virgin female rats were examined at 3 different ages, namely 3, 12, and 24 months, corresponding to young, middle‐aged, and aged rats, respectively. Urethral function was assessed by measuring the leak point pressure (LPP), pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS)‐induced elevation in urethral pressure, and phenylephrine‐induced increase in urethral perfusion pressure (UPP). Histopathological assessments were performed following hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and immunofluorescence staining of urethral tissue.

Results

LPP of aged rats was significantly reduced compared to that of both young and middle‐aged rats. PNS‐induced elevation in urethral pressure in aged rats was also significantly lower than that in young rats. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the phenylephrine‐induced increase in UPP between young and aged rats. Connective tissue area in the external urethral sphincter (EUS) layer was increased in aged rats, whereas the smooth muscle layer was histologically similar to that in young rats. The number of EUS fibers was significantly reduced in aged rats, whereas the cross‐sectional area of EUS fibers increased from differed compared with young rats.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated age‐related changes in EUS function and morphology in the rat urethra, which are considered to be etiological risk factors for SUI in humans.
The Instructed Learning of Form–Function Mappings in the English Article System
Authors: ZHAO HELEN , MACWHINNEY BRIAN
Published: December 2017

This article analyzes the instructed learning of the English article system by second language (L2) learners. The Competition Model (MacWhinney, 1987, 2012) was adopted as the theoretical framework for analyzing the cues to article usage and for designing effective computer‐based article instruction. Study 1 found that article cues followed a Zipfian distribution for availability or frequency and that the cues had overall high reliabilities. Study 2 assessed the initial level of cue reliance in a group of intermediate–advanced L2 learners. As expected, the input variables of cue availability and cue reliability clearly influenced both the accuracy of learners’ choices in a cloze test format and the subjects’ response times. Study 3 demonstrated that the form–function mappings relevant for native‐like article choice can be taught in two 1‐hour sessions using the strategy of cue focusing. The type of explicit instruction (analogical, i.e., by giving analogous examples without metalinguistic comments, vs. metalinguistic feedback) had an additional effect on response time, while both instruction types led to a similar increase in accuracy. These findings are novel and are highly relevant to both theory and pedagogy.
A contribution towards resolving the nomenclature of Citharexylum (Verbenaceae): typification of names linked to South American taxa
Authors: O’Leary Nataly , Moroni Pablo
Published: December 2017

During ongoing taxonomic studies in the genus Citharexylum (Verbenaceae), twenty names were found in need of typification or typification clarifications. Fourteen names (C. andinum, C. herrerae, C. ilicifolium, C. kunthianum, C. laetum, C. myrianthum var. acuminatum, C. myrianthum var. rigidum, C. pernambucense, C. poeppigii, C. quercifolium, C. solanaceum, C. solanaceum var. macrocalyx, C. surrectum and C. weberbaueri) are here lectotypified, and epitypes are selected for three names (C. herrerae, C. kunthianum and C. pernambucense). Neotypes are designated for the names C. berteroi, C. broadwayi and C. coriaceum. Furthermore, updates and supporting information for three names already typified by Harold Moldenke (C. macrochlamys, C. punctatum and C. subthyrsoideum) are provided.
FABP4 blocker attenuates colonic hypomotility and modulates white adipose tissue‐derived hormone levels in mouse models mimicking constipation‐predominant IBS
Authors: Mosińska P. , Jacenik D. , Sałaga M. , Wasilewski A. , Cygankiewicz A. , Sibaev A. , Mokrowiecka A. , Małecka‐Panas E. , Pintelon I. , Storr M. , Timmermans J. P. , Krajewska W. M. , Fichna J.
Published: December 2017

Background

The role of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) in lower gastrointestinal (GI) motility is unknown. We aimed to verify the effect of inhibition of FABP4 on GI transit in vivo, and to determine the expression of FABP4 in mouse and human tissues.

Methods

Fatty acid binding protein 4 inhibitor, BMS309403, was administered acutely or chronically for 6 and 13 consecutive days and its effect on GI transit was assessed in physiological conditions and in loperamide‐induced constipation. Intracellular recordings were made to examine the effects of BMS309403 on colonic excitatory and inhibitory junction potentials. Abdominal pain was evaluated using behavioral pain response. Localization and expression of selected adipokines were determined in the mouse colon and serum using immunohistochemistry and Enzyme‐Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay respectively. mRNA expression of FABP4 and selected adipokines in colonic and serum samples from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and control group were assessed.

Key Results

Acute injection of BMS309403 significantly increased GI motility and reversed inhibitory effect of loperamide. BMS309403 did not change colonic membrane potentials. Chronic treatment with BMS309403 increased the number of pain‐induced behaviors. In the mouse serum, level of resistin was significantly decreased after acute administration; no changes in adiponectin level were detected. In the human serum, level of adiponectin and resistin, but not of FABP4, were significantly elevated in patients with constipation‐IBS (IBS‐C). FABP4 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated in the human colon in IBS‐C.

Conclusions and Inferences

Fatty acid binding protein 4 may be involved in IBS pathogenesis and become a novel target in the treatment of constipation‐related diseases.
Interspecific competition alters leaf stoichiometry in 20 grassland species
Authors: Guiz Jordan , Ebeling Anne , Eisenhauer Nico , Hacker Nina , Hertzog Lionel , Oelmann Yvonne , Roscher Christiane , Wagg Cameron , Hillebrand Helmut
Published: December 2017

The extensive use of traits in ecological studies over the last few decades to predict community functions has revealed that plant traits are plastic and respond to various environmental factors. These plant traits are assumed to predict how plants compete and capture resources. Variation in stoichiometric ratios both within and across species reflects resource capture dynamics under competition. However, the impact of local plant diversity on species‐specific stoichiometry remains poorly studied. Here, we analyze how spatial and temporal diversity in resource‐acquisition traits affects leaf elemental stoichiometry of plants (i.e. the result of resource capture) and how flexible this stoichiometry is depending on the functional composition of the surrounding community. Therefore, we assessed inter‐ and intraspecific variations of leaf carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) (and their ratios) of 20 grassland species in a large trait‐based plant diversity experiment located in Jena (Germany) by measuring leaf elemental concentrations at the species‐level along a gradient in plant trait dissimilarity. Our results show that plants showed large intra‐ and interspecific variation in leaf stoichiometry, which was only partly explained by the functional group identity (grass or herb) of the species. Elemental concentrations (N, P, but not C) decreased with plant species richness, and species tended to become more deviant from their monoculture stoichiometry with increasing trait dissimilarity in the community. These responses differed among species, some consistently increased or decreased in P and N concentrations; for other species, the negative or positive change in P and N concentrations increased with increasing trait difference between the target species and the remaining community. The strength of this relationship was significantly associated to the relative position of the species along trait gradients related to resource acquisition. Trait‐difference and trait‐diversity thus were important predictors of how species’ resource capture changed in competitive neighbourhoods.
Use of an antimicrobial pouch/envelope in the treatment of Twiddler's syndrome
Authors: Osoro Moses , Lorson William , Hirsh Jeffrey B. , Mahlow William Jeremy
Published: December 2017

Background

“Twiddler's syndrome” occurs when a patient consciously or subconsciously manipulates their pacemaker/defibrillator pulse generator, often resulting in lead dislodgement and device system malfunction. Once dislodgement has occurred, corrective measures include resecuring the system to the pectoralis fascia with redundant anchoring sutures. Unfortunately, patients with Twiddler's syndrome tend to have a high rate of recurrence. This study presents a case series of patients with Twiddler's syndrome and evaluates the strategy of using a nonabsorbable antimicrobial pouch to prevent recurrent lead dislodgement events.

Methods

Pacemaker and defibrillator operative reports were reviewed at a single institution over a time period of 16 years. Historical, fluoroscopic, and intraoperative findings were used to identify 21 patients with strong evidence for Twiddler's syndrome. Patient charts were retrospectively analyzed, and a cohort of 13 patients who received a nonabsorbable antimicrobial pouch was compared to a cohort of eight patients who received other corrective measures.

Results

The rate of “retwiddling” events was 0% in the antimicrobial pouch group versus 50% in the suture‐only group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Among patients requiring device system revision for Twiddler's syndrome, the use of nonabsorbable antimicrobial pouches was associated with significantly fewer recurrences of lead dislodgement events.
Junctional ectopic rhythm after AVNRT ablation: An underrecognized complication
Authors: Kusterer Nathan , Morales Gustavo , Butt Muhammad , Darrat Yousef , Parrott Kevin , Ogunbayo Gbolahan , Bidwell Katrina , Patel Ripa , Delisle Brian , Czarapata Melissa , Elayi Claude S.
Published: December 2017

Background

Ablation is an effective treatment for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). The occurrence of junctional ectopic rhythm (JER), including junctional ectopic tachycardia, following AVNRT ablation has been described as an extremely rare phenomenon, but may be underestimated. We aimed to determine the incidence of JER following AVNRT ablation within our institution, as well as that reported in the literature via an extensive review.

Methods

We reviewed our adult ablation institutional experience for the occurrence of JER after AVNRT ablation from 2009 to 2016. Additionally, we conducted an extensive literature search using different databases looking for AVNRT ablation case series. The individually reported complications of these studies were reviewed, with a primary endpoint defined as the occurrence of JER shortly after AVNRT ablation. The study was approved by our institutional review board.

Results

Our institutional data revealed 6/126 patients (prevalence 4.8%) developed non‐preexisting JER post‐AVNRT ablation. Four patients were asymptomatic. Two patients had persistent symptoms lasting over a year, with one patient requiring repeat ablation. The literature review included 149 adult and pediatric studies. There were three cases of reported JER, out of a total of 37,541 patients (31,768 adults and 5,773 pediatric; prevalence 0.008%). The three JER patients were pediatric, and all required further therapeutic intervention.

Conclusion

JER might be an underreported complication of AVNRT ablation. It seems most often to be transient and self‐limited, occurring days to weeks after ablation, but may also be debilitating, requiring more aggressive management.
Unique presentation of transient zinc deficiency from low maternal breast milk zinc levels
Authors: Tang Tina , Lam Joseph M.
Published: December 2017

We report full‐term siblings with a unique clinical presentation of polycyclic papulosquamous plaques secondary to transient zinc deficiency due to low maternal breast milk zinc levels. We present this case to highlight this unique presentation of zinc deficiency in breastfed infants.
Midline anterior neck inclusion cyst: A novel superficial congenital developmental anomaly of the neck
Authors: Walsh Rabina , North Jeffrey , Cordoro Kelly M. , Rodríguez Bandera Ana Isabel , Kristal Leonard , Frieden Ilona J.
Published: December 2017

Background/Objectives

A variety of congenital developmental anomalies arise on the neck because of the many fusion planes and complex embryologic structures in this region. We describe a series of seven patients with a novel type of superficial midline congenital anomaly.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Clinical and histopathologic features were compared and used to describe this entity.

Results

Seven patients with nearly identical clinical findings were identified. In all cases, a small superficial cyst resembling a giant milium was observed at birth. There were no significant changes during infancy and no evidence of underlying abnormalities. The histopathologic findings were identical to those of an infundibular follicular cyst.

Conclusion

We have termed this entity midline anterior neck inclusion cyst. We believe it is a superficial developmental anomaly, probably a forme fruste of a midline fusion developmental defect, which has not to our knowledge, previously been described.
Pediatric dermatology procedures and pearls: Multimodal revision of earlobe keloids
Authors: Greywal Tanya , Krakowski Andrew C.
Published: December 2017

Keloid scars are benign proliferations of fibrous tissue and collagen that usually occur in response to cutaneous injury. Many treatment modalities have been described in the literature, with variable rates of recurrence and no clear consensus. Keloids remain a therapeutic challenge to patients and physicians alike. Herein we describe a novel technique for treating recurrent earlobe keloids in an outpatient setting with multimodal therapy including shave removal followed immediately by ablative fractional laser resurfacing (AFR) and laser‐assisted delivery (LAD) of corticosteroids.
Intimal thickening at coronary bifurcations in pediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Duncombe Stephanie L. , Hosking Martin C. K. , Coté Anita T. , Voss Christine , Harris Kevin C.
Published: December 2017

Heart transplant recipients are at increased risk for atherosclerosis and cardiac allograft vasculopathy, both initially presenting as intimal thickening. We aimed to determine the presence, extent, and anatomical characteristics of intimal thickness at coronary bifurcations in children using OCT. We measured the intimal thickness of coronary arteries in pediatric transplant recipients using OCT during routine cardiac catheterization. Intimal thickening was defined as (i) a percent change in contralateral intimal thickness greater than 50% when comparing the thickness at the bifurcation to the baseline thickness, and (ii) greater than 0.1 mm. We evaluated 153 unique coronary bifurcations in 31 children (58% boys, median 12.7 years). Intimal thickening was almost exclusively observed in the left coronary system (22 of 67 bifurcations) and rare in the right coronary system (2 of 86 bifurcations; P < .001). There was a positive association between the relative size of the side branch and contralateral intimal thickening at coronary bifurcations (P = .009). Intimal thickening at coronary bifurcations is already present in the left coronary system in many pediatric transplant recipients. The correlation between intimal thickening and side branch size suggests that low shear stress and oscillating shear stress may have an important role in the development of intimal thickening at coronary bifurcations.
Use of subcutaneous treprostinil in pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension—Bridge‐to‐transplant or long‐term treatment?
Authors: Ablonczy László , Tordas Dániel , Kis Eva , Szatmári András
Published: December 2017

PAH is a progressive life‐threatening disease in children. While parenteral prostacyclin therapy improves survival in patients with severe PAH, central line‐related complications are common. Our aim was to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of subcutaneous treprostinil treatment in pediatric PAH patients. Eight patients were treated with subcutaneous treprostinil at the Pediatric Heart Center Budapest. Indications for subcutaneous treprostinil therapy were clinical worsening and/or echocardiographic progression or switch from intravenous to subcutaneous therapy. Following treprostinil initiation, clinical status improved or did not change in four of eight patients. Two patients were lost early during treprostinil therapy, parenteral treprostinil as a rescue therapy being insufficient in these cases. The final dose in long‐term treated patients was between 60 and 100 ng/kg/min. Aside from thrombocytopenia, other severe side effects were not observed. Potts shunt was performed as palliative treatment in two cases. Three patients had successful lung transplantation, and one died while on the waiting list. Long‐term subcutaneous treprostinil could be a safe and well‐tolerated therapy in children with severe PAH even at higher doses. It may serve as an alternative to intravenous prostacyclin treatment allowing to avoid the potential complications of permanent central line placement.
Towards cavity‐collapse hazard maps with Zeb‐Revo handheld laser scanner point clouds
Authors: Dewez Thomas J. B. , Yart Silvain , Thuon Ysoline , Pannet Pierre , Plat Emmanuelle
Published: December 2017

Underground cavities are ubiquitous across northern Europe's cities and countryside due to a long history of mining and building‐stone extraction. Management of cavity‐collapse risks requires detailed knowledge of a cavity's geometry, depth and rock‐mass characterisation. Current mapping practices are neither sufficiently accurate, detailed nor cost‐effective in underground settings. Here, a GeoSLAM Zeb‐Revo handheld mobile laser scanner was tested. Its point clouds reproduced planes faithfully (RMS < 10 mm) over typical gallery dimensions (<10 m) and any survey horizontality defect was not measurable. In well‐structured corridor networks, reference distance inaccuracy arising after a 115 m loop and 5·25 minutes of instrumental drift did not exceed 3 mm over 30 m (1:10 000) and the difference from the reference length was insignificant. Applied to mapping 11 ha of a disused underground stone quarry in the Paris Basin, Zeb‐Revo surveys produced accurate (<1 m) base maps adequate for regulatory cavity hazard maps at 1/5000 scale. Geometric knowledge of accessible cavities is therefore no longer a challenge for collapse hazard mapping.
Humoral and T cell–mediated immune response against trichomoniasis
Authors: Nemati M. , Malla N. , Yadav M. , Khorramdelazad H. , Jafarzadeh A.
Published: December 2017

Trichomonas vaginalis(T. vaginalis) infection leads to the synthesis of specific antibodies in the serum and local secretions. The profile ofT. vaginalis‐specific antibodies and T cell–mediated immune responses may influence the outcome of infection, towards parasite elimination, persistence or pathological reactions. Studies have indicated that Th1‐, Th17‐ and Th22 cell‐related cytokines may be protective or pathogenic, whereas Th2‐ and Treg cell‐related cytokines can exert anti‐inflammatory effects duringT. vaginalisinfection. A number ofT. vaginalis‐related components such as lipophosphoglycan (TvLPG), α‐actinin, migration inhibitory factor (TvMIF), pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), legumain‐1 (TvLEGU‐1), adhesins and cysteine proteases lead to the induction of specific antibodies.T. vaginalishas acquired several strategies to evade the humoral immune responses such as degradation of immunoglobulins by cysteine proteases, antigenic variation and killing of antibody‐producing B cells. The characterization of theT. vaginalis‐specific antibodies to significant immunogenic molecules and formulation of strategies to promote their induction in vaginal mucosa may reveal their potential protective effects against trichomoniasis. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of antibody and T cell–mediated immune responses toT. vaginalisand highlight novel insights into the possible role of immune responses in protection against parasite.
Spatiotemporal distribution of Ascochyta pinodes and Ascochyta pinodella during the winter growing season in France
Authors: Le May C. , Chilvers M. I. , Saucereau A. L. , Guibert M. , Peever T. L.
Published: December 2017

Ascochyta blight of pea is caused by four related fungi, Ascochyta pisi, Phoma koolunga, Ascochyta pinodes and Ascochyta pinodella. The latter two taxa appear to be much more common and economically significant worldwide but the relative impact of each fungus on ascochyta blight epidemics is not well understood. To study the spatiotemporal distribution of A. pinodes and A. pinodella infecting pea in France, 368 isolates were sampled monthly, from February to May, at three locations (Rennes, Boigneville and Dijon) and molecular markers were used to genotype isolates. The aggressiveness of isolates from the fourth sampling date was estimated using a detached leaf assay on the winter cultivar Enduro. Disease was low during the sampling period as climatic conditions were generally not conducive to disease development (cold temperature, low rainfall). Population genetic analysis showed that 99% of the observed variation could be attributed to variation within populations compared to only 1% among populations. Both species were observed in each location, although A. pinodella was observed at a lower frequency (6–32%). Moreover, results showed that both species could develop on different nodes of the plant. Significant differences in aggressiveness were observed between species and among isolates within species with A. pinodes isolates being significantly more aggressive on average than A.  pinodella isolates. These results emphasize the necessity to study the components of disease complexes in order to understand the impact of pathogen species interactions on disease and yield reduction as well as the dynamics of disease epidemics during the cropping season.
Change in lignin structure, but not in lignin content, in transgenic poplar overexpressing the rice master regulator of secondary cell wall biosynthesis
Authors: Nuoendagula  , Tsuji Yukiko , Takata Naoki , Sakamoto Shingo , Nakagawa‐Izumi Akiko , Taniguchi Toru , Ralph John , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Kajita Shinya
Published: December 2017

We previously succeeded in enhancing wood formation of wood in transgenic poplar plants by overexpressing secondary wall NAM/ATAF/CUC (NAC) domain protein 1 from Oryza sativa (OsSWN1), a transcription factor ‘master regulator’ of secondary cell wall formation in rice, under control of the fiber preferential NST3/SND1 promoter from Arabidopsis. Transgenic plants had an increased cell wall thickness and cell wall density of individual cells in the secondary xylem of stems as well as an increased wood density. OsSWN1 triggers the induction of polysaccharide and lignin biosynthetic gene expressions, however, resulting in no significant impact on the lignin content in the transgenic plants. In contrast, wet and dry chemical analyses of lignin revealed changes in S/G ratio and in the composition of lignin interunit linkages in transgenic lines. The results from gene expression analysis suggest that the structural changes in lignin were due to an unbalanced induction of lignin biosynthetic genes in transgenic lines. Our present data indicate that the overexpression of the chimeric transcription factor causes accelerated deposition of secondary cell wall components including lignin and polysaccharides through an acquired mechanism.
ERP correlates of processing the auditory consequences of own versus observed actions
Authors: Ghio Marta , Scharmach Katrin , Bellebaum Christian
Published: December 2017

Research has so far focused on neural mechanisms that allow us to predict the sensory consequences of our own actions, thus also contributing to ascribing them to ourselves as agents. Less attention has been devoted to processing the sensory consequences of observed actions ascribed to another human agent. Focusing on audition, there is consistent evidence of a reduction of the auditory N1 ERP for self‐ versus externally generated sounds, while ERP correlates of processing sensory consequences of observed actions are mainly unexplored. In a between‐groups ERP study, we compared sounds generated by self‐performed (self group) or observed (observation group) button presses with externally generated sounds, which were presented either intermixed with action‐generated sounds or in a separate condition. Results revealed an overall reduction of the N1 amplitude for processing action‐ versus externally generated sounds in both the intermixed and the separate condition, with no difference between the groups. Further analyses, however, suggested that an N1 attenuation effect relative to the intermixed condition at frontal electrode sites might exist only for the self but not for the observation group. For both groups, we found a reduction of the P2 amplitude for processing action‐ versus all externally generated sounds. We discuss whether the N1 and the P2 reduction can be interpreted in terms of predictive mechanisms for both action execution and observation, and to what extent these components might reflect also the feeling of (self) agency and the judgment of agency (i.e., ascribing agency either to the self or to others).
Oyster culture on the Amazon mangrove coast: asymmetries and advances in an emerging sector
Authors: de Souza Sampaio Dioniso , Tagliaro Claudia Helena , Schneider Horacio , Beasley Colin Robert
Published: December 2017

Oyster culture activity along the eastern Amazon mangrove coast in Pará state, Brazil, was evaluated using socio‐economic data to support its management and future development. Between 2013 and 2014, surveys were carried out in the region's seven oyster culture associations through interviews with the president of each association as well as with 56 members (72% of the total). Further data up to 2016 were obtained from annual reports of the Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas in Pará and the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Two associations stand out from the rest due to their larger on‐growing areas and total production in 2013. However, smaller associations are more efficient with higher production per unit area. Currently, oyster culture in Pará provides an alternative source of income for 80 families, where total production has increased from 8.25 tons in 2013 to 41.8 tons in 2016. Although associations have grown in number since 2006, along with increased capacity and production due to government assistance, in comparison with other regions of Brazil, they need to be better organized internally, including regular monitoring of growth, production and environmental variables, development of depuration facilities and improved distribution and presentation of products. Diversification of seed supply among different locations is desirable. There should also be less dependence on public funding and more partnerships with private enterprise, as well as active coparticipation in the development of legislation and public policies regulating both oyster culture and protection of natural oyster beds.
Did the transition to plate tectonics cause Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth?
Authors: Stern Robert J. , Miller Nathan R.
Published: December 2017

When Earth's tectonic style transitioned from stagnant lid (single plate) to the modern episode of plate tectonics is important but unresolved, and all lines of evidence should be considered, including the climate record. The transition should have disturbed the oceans and atmosphere by redistributing continents, increasing explosive arc volcanism, stimulating mantle plumes and disrupting climate equilibrium established by the previous balance of silicate‐weathering greenhouse gas feedbacks. Formation of subduction zones would redistribute mass sufficiently to cause true polar wander if the subducted slabs were added in the upper mantle at intermediate to high latitudes. The Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth climate crisis may reflect this transition. The transition to plate tectonics is compatible with nearly all proposed geodynamic and oceanographic triggers for Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth events, and could also have contributed to biological triggers. Only extraterrestrial triggers cannot be reconciled with the hypothesis that the Neoproterozoic climate crisis was caused by a prolonged (200–250 m.y.) transition to plate tectonics.
Pattern recognition receptors and signaling in plant–microbe interactions
Authors: Saijo Yusuke , Loo Eliza Po‐iian , Yasuda Shigetaka
Published: December 2017

Plants solely rely on innate immunity of each individual cell to deal with a diversity of microbes in the environment. Extracellular recognition of microbe‐ and host damage‐associated molecular patterns leads to the first layer of inducible defenses, termed pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI). In plants, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) described to date are all membrane‐associated receptor‐like kinases or receptor‐like proteins, reflecting the prevalence of apoplastic colonization of plant‐infecting microbes. An increasing inventory of elicitor‐active patterns and PRRs indicates that a large number of them are limited to a certain range of plant groups/species, pointing to dynamic and convergent evolution of pattern recognition specificities. In addition to common molecular principles of PRR signaling, recent studies have revealed substantial diversification between PRRs in their functions and regulatory mechanisms. This serves to confer robustness and plasticity to the whole PTI system in natural infections, wherein different PRRs are simultaneously engaged and faced with microbial assaults. We review the functional significance and molecular basis of PRR‐mediated pathogen recognition and disease resistance, and also an emerging role for PRRs in homeostatic association with beneficial or commensal microbes.
Red blood cell transfusion support and management of secondary iron overload in patients with haematological malignancies in the Netherlands: a survey
Authors: Hoeks M. P. A. , Middelburg R. A. , Romeijn B. , Blijlevens N. M. A. , van Kraaij M. G. J. , Zwaginga J. J.
Published: December 2017

Background and Objectives

Evidence‐based guidelines on optimal triggers for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in patients with haematological malignancies exist, but the evidence is weak. Secondary iron overload is an often overlooked chronic complication of RBC transfusions, and also here, guidelines are either lacking or lack international consensus. Our aim was to evaluate the triggers for RBC transfusion support and management of secondary iron overload among haematologists in the Netherlands.

Materials and Methods

For this cross‐sectional study, all haematologists and haematologists in training in the Netherlands were sent a web‐based, 25‐question survey including three clinical scenarios. The survey distribution took place between 19 November 2015 and 26 January 2016.

Results

Seventy‐seven responses were received (24%), well distributed among community and university hospitals. A wide variation in haemoglobin triggers existed: 5·6–9·5 g/dl (median: 8·0 g/dl). Personalization of this trigger was mostly based on (estimated) cardiopulmonary compensation capacity of patients. About 65% of respondents reported two RBC units per transfusion episode (range 1–3). For monitoring secondary iron overload, serum ferritin was most frequently measured (97%), while a value of 1000–1500 μg/l was the most common cut‐off to initiate treatment (39%). For 81% of respondents, phlebotomies were the first choice of treatment, although often the haemoglobin level was considered a limiting factor.

Conclusion

Our results confirm large reported variation in daily practice among haematologists in the Netherlands regarding RBC transfusion support and management of secondary iron overload. Future studies providing better evidence are needed to improve guidelines specific for patients with haematological malignancies.
Sustainable water use and the nexus of behavioural intentions: the case of four South African communities
Authors: Onyenankeya Kevin , Caldwell Marc , Okoh Anthony I.
Published: December 2017

South Africa continues to ramp up public campaigns to rein in escalating water demand against the backdrop of dwindling and erratic supply. While the water conservation campaign appears to resonate with commercial and urban water users, it does not seem to have gained traction with rural and periurban residents. Using the sequential mixed methods, this paper explores the water conservation attitudes, behaviour and intentions of rural and periurban respondents in four South African communities. Results reveal respondents consider water conservation important and are favourably disposed to conserving water. Attitude, subjective norm and behavioural control emerged as significant factors influencing respondents’ water conservation intentions. The study concludes that rural and periurban residents are yet to develop a social ethic of water conservation essential in creating sustainability of resource use.