bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the effects of derived relational training and computer coding on intellectual potential in school‐age children
Authors: Hayes Jennifer , Stewart Ian
Published: April 2016

Background

Previous research found that pre‐teenage ability to derive arbitrary ‘same’, ‘opposite’, ‘more’, and ‘less’ relations correlated with measured intelligence quotient (IQ) and that training this derived relational responding (DRR) skill produced substantial IQ rises.

Aims

This study extended previous work by comparing the effects of DRR training (using strengthening mental abilities with relational training [SMART], an automated online training protocol) with the effects of a similar quantity of training in ‘Scratch’ computer coding.

Sample

Twenty‐eight children (13 girls) aged 10–11 (M = 10.34) participated, all members of the same class in a primary school in Co. Limerick, Ireland.

Methods

Participants were tested before and after training for DRR ability as well as on standardized tests of IQ and academic attainment. Training time was limited to 29 hrs over two academic semesters in twice‐weekly 1‐hr instalments.

Results

Significant improvements were seen in measures of overall intellectual performance; in digit span and letter/number sequencing; and in academic attainment, including spelling, reading, and numerical operations, in the SMART/DRR group alone, and there was significantly more improvement on these measures in the SMART/DRR group than in the Scratch group.

Conclusions

These findings extend the evidence that training DRR can produce improvements in intellectual and academic ability.
The role of extracellular histones in haematological disorders
Authors: Alhamdi Yasir , Toh Cheng‐Hock
Published: April 2016

Over the past decades, chromosomal alterations have been extensively investigated for their pathophysiological relevance in haematological malignancies. In particular, epigenetic modifications of intra‐nuclear histones are now known as key regulators of healthy cell cycles that have also evolved into novel therapeutic targets for certain blood cancers. Thus, for most haematologists, histones are DNA‐chained proteins that are buried deep within chromatin. However, the plot has deepened with recent revelations on the function of histones when unchained and released extracellularly upon cell death or from activated neutrophils as part of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Extracellular histones and NETs are increasingly recognized for profound cytotoxicity and pro‐coagulant effects. This article highlights the importance of recognizing this new paradigm of extracellular histones as a key player in host defence through its damage‐associated molecular patterns, which could translate into novel diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in various haematological and critical disorders.
Immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of childhood, adolescent and young adult non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Barth Matthew J. , Chu Yaya , Hanley Patrick J. , Cairo Mitchell S.
Published: April 2016

With the introduction of the anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab, B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma was the first malignancy successfully treated with an immunotherapeutic agent. Since then, numerous advances have expanded the repertoire of immunotherapeutic agents available for the treatment of a variety of malignancies, including many lymphoma subtypes. These include the introduction of monoclonal antibodies targeting a variety of cell surface proteins, including the successful targeting of immunoregulatory checkpoint receptors present on T‐cells or tumour cells. Additionally, cellular immunotherapeutic approaches utilize T‐ or Natural Killer‐cells generated with chimeric antigen receptors against cell surface proteins or Epstein–Barr virus‐associated latent membrane proteins. The following review describes the current state of immunotherapy for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma including a summary of currently available data and promising agents currently in clinical development with future promise in the treatment of childhood, adolescent and young adult non‐Hodgkin lymphoma.
Phase II trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel, nedaplatin, and S1 for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tanaka Yoshihiro , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Tanahashi Toshiyuki , Okumura Naoki , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Yamaguchi Kazuya
Published: April 2016

Although standard chemotherapy for esophageal cancer patients is fluorouracil and cisplatin, the prognosis is still unsatisfactory. A new therapeutic regimen combining docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5‐fluorouracil was recently developed to improve both local and distant tumor control. We developed a new regimen of docetaxel, nedaplatin, and S1 (DGS) and previously reported the recommended dose in a phase I dose‐escalation study. We then undertook a phase II study of DGS for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Patients with clinical stage IB/II/III disease were eligible. Patients received two courses of chemotherapy: docetaxel 35 mg/m2 with nedaplatin 40 mg/m2 on day 8, 80 mg/m2 S1 on days 1–14, and 2 weeks off. After completion of chemotherapy, patients underwent esophagectomy. The primary endpoint was the completion rate of protocol treatment (completion of two courses of preoperative chemotherapy and R0 surgery [no residual tumor]). We enrolled 32 patients. The completion rate of protocol treatment was 96.9%. During chemotherapy, the most common grade 3 or 4 toxicity was neutropenia (25.0%). No treatment‐related deaths were observed, and the incidence of operative morbidity was tolerable. The overall response rate after chemotherapy was 83.3%. This DGS regimen was well tolerated and highly active. This trial is registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN ID: 000014626).
Pollen derived low molecular compounds enhance the human allergen specific immune response in vivo
Authors: Gilles‐Stein S. , Beck I. , Chaker A. , Bas M. , McIntyre M. , Cifuentes L. , Petersen A. , Gutermuth J. , Schmidt‐Weber C. , Behrendt H. , Traidl‐Hoffmann C.
Published: April 2016

Background

Besides allergens, pollen release bioactive, low molecular weight compounds that modulate and stimulate allergic reactions. Clinical relevance of these substances has not been investigated to date.

Objective

To elucidate the effect of a non‐allergenic, low molecular weight factors from aqueous birch pollen extracts (Bet‐APE < 3 kDa) on the human allergic immune response in vivo.

Methods

Birch and grass pollen allergic individuals underwent skin prick testing with allergen alone, allergen plus Bet‐APE < 3 kDa, or allergen plus pre‐identified candidate substances from low molecular pollen fraction. Nasal allergen challenges were performed in non‐atopic and pollen allergic individuals using a 3 day repeated threshold challenge battery. Subjects were either exposed to allergen alone or to allergen plus Bet‐APE< 3 kDa. Local cytokine levels, nasal secretion weights, nasal congestion and symptom scores were determined.

Results

Skin prick test reactions to pollen elicited larger weals when allergens were tested together with the low molecular weight compounds from pollen. Similar results were obtained with candidate pollen‐associated lipid mediators. In nasal lining fluids of allergic patients challenged with allergen plus Bet‐APE < 3 kDa, IL‐8 and IgE was significantly increased as compared to allergen‐only challenged patients. These patients also produced increased amounts of total nasal secretion and reported more severe rhinorrhea than the allergen‐only challenged group.

Conclusions

Low molecular compounds from pollen enhance the allergen specific immune response in the skin and nose. They are therefore of potential clinical relevance in allergic patients.
Cortisol dysregulation is associated with daily diary‐reported hot flashes among midlife women
Authors: Gibson Carolyn J. , Thurston Rebecca C. , Matthews Karen A.
Published: April 2016

Objective

Hot flashes are reported by 70–80% of women during the menopause transition. It has been proposed that cortisol dysregulation is involved in hot flashes, but the relationship between cortisol and hot flashes has received little empirical attention. This study examined the relationship between cortisol and daily self‐reported hot flashes.

Design

For 7 days, participants used electronic diaries to report their hot flash frequency, severity and bothersomeness, along with mood and health behaviours, multiple times each day. Participants also provided hair samples for cortisol assays at baseline and morning and bedtime saliva samples for salivary cortisol collection over 3 days during the observation period. Hierarchical linear regression was used to examine the relationships between cortisol and hot flashes.

Participants

Forty‐four women (41% African American, 39% non‐Hispanic White) who reported daily hot flashes were enrolled.

Measurements

Salivary cortisol, hair cortisol and the frequency, severity and bothersomeness of daily diary‐reported hot flashes were measured in this study.

Results

Controlling for health and demographic variables, higher hair cortisol was associated with a higher frequency of hot flashes (β = 0·05, P = 0·01). A flatter diurnal cortisol slope was associated with greater hot flash severity (β = 0·09, P = 0·03) and bother (β = 0·10, P = 0·01). Hair cortisol was no longer significant after adjusting for depression or disturbed sleep; all other associations persisted.

Conclusion

Cortisol dysregulation was related to more frequent, severe and bothersome daily self‐reported hot flashes. These findings support a potential role of the HPA axis in the aetiology and phenomenology of these common menopause symptoms.
Combination of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors and laser therapy for diabetic macular oedema: a review
Authors: Mehta Hemal , Gillies Mark C , Fraser‐Bell Samantha
Published: April 2016

This review provides a perspective on published and ongoing clinical trials of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti‐VEGF agents) combined with laser therapy for diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Although there was little short‐term benefit in combining prompt macular laser with anti‐VEGF therapy for centre‐involving DMO in the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCRnet) Protocol I study, deferred macular laser was still required in over 40% of study eyes in DRCRnet Protocol T. Macular laser was applied in more than 30% of eyes with centre‐involving DMO receiving ranibizumab in the RISE and RIDE studies. For non centre‐involving DMO the evidence‐base still supports use of focal macular laser alone, although clinicians should be cautious about applying laser too close to the foveal avascular zone with the availability of pharmacotherapy. Ongoing clinical trials are assessing whether selectively targeting areas of peripheral retinal ischaemia with laser reduces the number of anti‐VEGF injections to stabilise DMO and whether combining macular micropulse laser with anti‐VEGF therapy is beneficial in DMO.
Molecular phylogeny of the hyperdiverse genusSarcophaga(Diptera: Sarcophagidae), and comparison between algorithms for identification of rogue taxa
Authors: Buenaventura Eliana , Whitmore Daniel , Pape Thomas
Published: April 2016

The hyperdiverse genusSarcophagaMeigen, with about 890 valid species arranged within 169 subgenera, accounts for almost half of the diversity of the subfamily Sarcophaginae. Current phylogenetic hypotheses for this genus are poorly supported or based on small taxon sets, or both. Here, we use molecular data from the genesCOIand28Sto reconstruct the phylogeny ofSarcophagabased on the most comprehensive sampling for the group to date: 144 species from 47 subgenera, including representatives from all regional faunas for the first time. Of the total sequences ofSarcophagaused in the present study, 94.7% were newly generated. The secondary structure of the D1–D3 expansion segments of28Sis presented for the first time for the family Sarcophagidae, and is used in a multiple sequence alignment. Branch support and tree resolution increased remarkably through rogue taxa identification and exclusion. Rogue behaviour was explained mostly as a missing data problem. The RogueNaRok web service and the algorithmschkmoves, IterPCR andprunmajorimplemented in the computer program TNT were equally good at identifying critical rogue species, butchkmovesand IterPCR also identified rogue clades. Pruning rogues increased the number of monophyletic subgenera in consensus trees from one to six out of 19 subgenera with more than one representative species. Bayesian inference, maximum‐likelihood and parsimony analyses recovered more monophyletic subgenera after the removal of rogue taxa, with parsimony showing the largest improvements in branch support and resolution. Although with low support, Nearctic taxa were found to be the earliest diverging lineages, followed by a subsequent diversification of Old World faunas, which is in agreement with currently available evidence of a New World origin and early diversification ofSarcophaga.
Accuracy comparison of guided surgery for dental implants according to the tissue of support: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Raico Gallardo Yolanda Natali , da Silva‐Olivio Isabela Rodrigues Teixeira , Mukai Eduardo , Morimoto Susana , Sesma Newton , Cordaro Luca
Published: April 2016

Aim

To systematically assess the current dental literature comparing the accuracy of computer‐aided implant surgery when using different supporting tissues (tooth, mucosa, or bone).

Material and Methods

Two reviewers searched PubMed (1972 to January 2015) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central) (2002 to January 2015). For the assessment of accuracy, studies were included with the following outcome measures: (i) angle deviation, (ii) deviation at the entry point, and (iii) deviation at the apex.

Results

Eight clinical studies from the 1602 articles initially identified met the inclusion criteria for the qualitative analysis. Four studies (n = 599 implants) were evaluated using meta‐analysis. The bone‐supported guides showed a statistically significant greater deviation in angle (P < 0.001), entry point (P = 0.01), and the apex (P = 0.001) when compared to the tooth‐supported guides. Conversely, when only retrospective studies were analyzed, not significant differences are revealed in the deviation of the entry point and apex. The mucosa‐supported guides indicated a statistically significant greater reduction in angle deviation (P = 0.02), deviation at the entry point (P = 0.002), and deviation at the apex (P = 0.04) when compared to the bone‐supported guides. Between the mucosa‐ and tooth‐supported guides, there were no statistically significant differences for any of the outcome measures.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that the tissue of the guide support influences the accuracy of computer‐aided implant surgery.
Transforming growth factor‐β, interleukin‐17, and IL‐23 gene expression profiles associated with human peri‐implantitis
Authors: Mardegan Gustavo Pereira , Shibli Jamil Awad , Roth Leandro Amadeu , Faveri Marcelo , Giro Gabriela , Bastos Marta Ferreira
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The mRNA expression profiles of IL‐23/Th17 and the Treg‐associated cytokine TGF‐β in peri‐implantitis are currently under research. This study characterized the IL‐17, IL‐23, and TGF‐β gene expression levels in healthy and diseased peri‐implant tissues and correlated these data with radiographic bone loss.

Material and Methods

Peri‐implant soft tissues from 40 subjects (20 healthy controls with mean age of 59.4 ± 6.3, and 20 with peri‐implantitis with mean age of 56.6 ± 5.5) were enrolled in this study, and real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) was used to define the profile of IL‐17, IL‐23, and TGF‐β gene expression.

Results

Higher levels of TGF‐β mRNA were observed in biopsies taken from healthy controls, and the IL‐23 mRNA levels were significantly increased in the peri‐implantitis group (P < 0.0001). No differences in IL‐17 mRNA levels were observed between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Data presented in this report demonstrated a predominant Th17 response in peri‐implantitis subjects based on the higher levels of IL‐23 and lower levels of TGF‐β detected.
The data not collected on community forestry
Authors: Hajjar Reem , Oldekop Johan A. , Cronkleton Peter , Etue Emily , Newton Peter , Russel Aaron J.M. , Tjajadi Januarti Sinarra , Zhou Wen , Agrawal Arun
Published: April 2016

Conservation and development practitioners increasingly promote community forestry as a way to conserve ecosystem services, consolidate resource rights, and reduce poverty. However, outcomes of community forestry have been mixed; many initiatives failed to achieve intended objectives. There is a rich literature on institutional arrangements of community forestry, but there has been little effort to examine the role of socioeconomic, market, and biophysical factors in shaping both land‐cover change dynamics and individual and collective livelihood outcomes. We systematically reviewed the peer‐reviewed literature on community forestry to examine and quantify existing knowledge gaps in the community‐forestry literature relative to these factors. In examining 697 cases of community forest management (CFM), extracted from 267 peer‐reviewed publications, we found 3 key trends that limit understanding of community forestry. First, we found substantial data gaps linking population dynamics, market forces, and biophysical characteristics to both environmental and livelihood outcomes. Second, most studies focused on environmental outcomes, and the majority of studies that assessed socioeconomic outcomes relied on qualitative data, making comparisons across cases difficult. Finally, there was a heavy bias toward studies on South Asian forests, indicating that the literature on community forestry may not be representative of decentralization policies and CFM globally.
Is a Pink Cow Still a Cow? Individual Differences in Toddlers' Vocabulary Knowledge and Lexical Representations
Authors: Perry Lynn K. , Saffran Jenny R.
Published: April 2016

When a toddler knows a word, what does she actually know? Many categories have multiple relevant properties; for example, shapeandcolor are relevant to membership in the categorybanana. How do toddlers prioritize these properties when recognizing familiar words, and are there systematic differences among children? In this study, toddlers viewed pairs of objects associated with prototypical colors. On some trials, objects were typically colored (e.g., Holstein cow and pink pig); on other trials, colors were switched (e.g., pink cow and Holstein‐patterned pig). On each trial, toddlers were directed to find a target object. Overall, recognition was disrupted when colors were switched, as measured by eye movements. Moreover, individual differences in vocabularies predicted recognition differences: Toddlers who say fewer shape‐based words were more disrupted by color switches. “Knowing” a word may not mean the same thing for all toddlers; different toddlers prioritize different facets of familiar objects in their lexical representations.
A novel bronchoscope method (saline injection method) for complete extraction of ruptured pulmonary hydatid cyst
Authors: Hejazi Mohammad Esmaeil , Tekantapeh Sepideh Tahsini , Hasani Sabah
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Echinococcus granulosus is an important public health problem in the Mediterranean area. Today's surgery is the principal therapeutic approach for chronic ruptured hydatid cyst removal.

Objectives

In this paper, a new bronchoscopic method using saline injection is explained as a safe method to remove ruptured pulmonary hydatid cysts. This non‐invasive method has no complications and no need to anesthesia and admission. We hope that this novel bronchoscopic method can be a starting point for future advances in the field of pulmonary hydatid cyst treatment methods.

Methods

Saline injection method by bronchoscopy (M. E. Hejazi Method)

Results

We extracted the entire hydatid cysts of both patients by fiber optic bronchoscopy using saline injection method (M. E. Hejazi Method) for the detachment of underlying membrane from cavity wall.

Conclusions

This bronchoscopic method is minimally invasive, without surgery, anesthesia and hospital admission, the least complication and morbidity as well as is cost benefit in comparison with surgery.
How Popular Music is Exhibited by Museums in Portugal at the Beginning of the Twenty‐First Century: A Case Study
Authors: Cortez Alcina
Published: April 2016

Popular music is deeply embedded in the dynamics of the contemporary world by means of its capacity to engender modes of privacy and publicness, to communicate emotion, and to enable us to create connections—and so to work within communities. Museums have traditionally addressed art‐music through the exhibition of musical instruments. But now that the exhibition of popular music has presented new challenges and opportunities worldwide for museum professionals, examining popular music discourses in museums is of the utmost importance in order for it to be meaningfully celebrated as instances of heritage. This paper expands on the representation of Popular Music in museums in Portugal at the beginning of the twenty‐first century by discussing a case study: the exhibition No Tempo do Gira‐Discos: Um Percurso Pela Produção Fonográfica Portuguesa at Museu Nacional da Música, Lisbon, Portugal, in 2007. Two methods of analysis are deployed: interviews with the curators, which revealed insights on their understanding of popular music, and analysis of the exhibition through discourse analysis, specifically through the lens of the analytical concepts genre and register. Although the curators had themselves previously developed insightful and innovative concepts with regard to popular music, discourse analysis reveals how, in this instance, the museum practices were primarily inherited from past traditions, and so failed to convey the meanings previously envisioned by the curators. In order for genuine public engagement with museum exhibitions about music, a collaboration is required between the music studies and museum studies professionals. Only through such a collaboration can it be ensured that those contemporary dynamics are present and meaningful.
Efficacy and safety of liraglutide versus sitagliptin, both in combination with metformin, in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: a 26‐week, open‐label, randomized, active comparator clinical trial
Authors: Zang L. , Liu Y. , Geng J. , Luo Y. , Bian F. , Lv X. , Yang J. , Liu J. , Peng Y. , Li Y. , Sun Y. , Bosch‐Traberg H. , Mu Y.
Published: April 2016

Aims

To compare the efficacy and safety of liraglutide versus sitagliptin as add‐on to metformin after 26 weeks of treatment in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This 26‐week open‐label, active comparator trial (NCT02008682) randomized patients (aged 18–80 years) with T2DM inadequately controlled with metformin [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.0–10.0% (53–86 mmol/mol)] 1 : 1 to once‐daily subcutaneously administered liraglutide 1.8 mg (n = 184) or once‐daily oral sitagliptin 100 mg (n = 184), both as add‐on to metformin. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to week 26.

Results

Liraglutide was superior to sitagliptin in reducing HbA1c from baseline [8.1% (65 mmol/mol)] to 26 weeks, as evidenced by estimated mean HbA1c change of −1.65% (−18.07 mmol/mol) versus −0.98% (−10.72 mmol/mol), respectively [estimated treatment difference for liraglutide vs sitagliptin of −0.67% (95% CI −0.86, −0.48) or −7.35 mmol/mol (95% CI −9.43; −5.26); p < 0.0001]. More patients receiving liraglutide (76.5%) than sitagliptin (52.6%) achieved the HbA1c target of <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) at week 26 [odds ratio 3.65 (95% CI 2.18, 6.12); p < 0.0001]. Reductions in fasting plasma glucose, 7‐point self‐measured plasma glucose and body weight were greater with liraglutide than with sitagliptin (p < 0.0001 for all). More patients experienced nausea (14.8% vs 0.5%), diarrhoea (8.2% vs 2.2%) and decreased appetite (10.9% vs 0.5%) with liraglutide than sitagliptin. Two hypoglycaemic episodes were confirmed for liraglutide and one for sitagliptin; none were severe or nocturnal.

Conclusions

Liraglutide provided better glycaemic control and greater body weight reduction than sitagliptin when administered as add‐on to metformin. More patients had nausea, diarrhoea and decreased appetite with liraglutide versus sitagliptin.
Foreign aid and domestic taxation: multiple sources, one conclusion
Authors: Clist Paul
Published: April 2016

There are influential studies that argue that foreign aid displaces domestic tax revenue when it is given in the form of grants. These claims are based on data that are deeply problematic: several different sources are amalgamated into one dataset, with no apparent checks on compatibility. In this article, a variety of econometric strategies are used to overcome these issues of data quality. The resulting weight of evidence points to a modest but positive effect on the part of foreign aid generally on domestic tax revenue. Fears over a negative effect for aid grants appear unwarranted, and are accounted for by the inappropriate use of data or endogeneity issues.
Cost Management in the Public Sector: Legitimation Behaviour and Relevant Decision Making
Authors: Mättö Toni , Sippola Kari
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a case study where a cost management project was implemented using action research methodology at two Finnish organizations working in a purchaser–provider relationship. While the study demonstrates the efficiency‐seeking motive behind the implementation of the management accounting tool, subsequent investigation found that tool remained partly unused despite showing its potential relevance for practice through user involvement. However, this does not necessarily signal legitimation‐seeking behaviour. Reasons for not using some parts of the tool point to an overestimation of the functionality and an underestimation of implementation problems during the design process. The case also highlights the relationship between relevance and decision making.
On the fatigue behaviour of quenched and tempered at 300 and 600 °C SAE 1045 steel in an environment of sugar cane juice
Authors: Muñoz Cubillos J. , Rodríguez S.A. , Coronado J.J.
Published: April 2016

SAE 1045 steel is widely used for manufacturing shafts in the sugar cane mills of the sugar industry. These shafts are designed with an expectation of a long lifetime. However, fatigue failures occur frequently. The sugar cane juice processed in these mills has corrosive properties that can alter the fatigue life of these shafts. In this research, the fatigue strength of SAE 1045 steel between 1 × 104and 2 × 105cycles in air and in sugar cane juice, with two different microstructures (tempered martensite at 300 °C and tempered martensite at 600 °C), was determined in rotating bending. The microstructure of the materials was characterized using optical microscopy, and the fracture surfaces were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the fatigue strength at 2 × 105cycles for the tempered condition at 600 °C decreases 7% because of the sugar cane juice effect, and for the tempered condition at 300 °C, the fatigue strength decreases 15%.
Vascular refilling is independent of volume overload in hemodialysis with moderate ultrafiltration requirements
Authors: Kron Susanne , Schneditz Daniel , Leimbach Til , Aign Sabine , Kron Joachim
Published: April 2016

Introduction Blood volume changes and vascular refilling during hemodialysis (HD) and ultrafiltration (UF) have been assumed to depend on volume overload (Vo). It was the aim to study the magnitude of vascular refilling in stable HD patients with moderate volume expansion in everyday dialysis using novel technical approaches. Methods Patients were studied during routine dialysis and UF based on clinical dry weight assessment. Pre‐dialysis Vo was independently measured by bioimpedance spectroscopy. Vascular refilling volume (Vref) was calculated as: Vref = Vuf − ΔV, where ΔV is the absolute blood volume change determined by on‐line dialysate dilution using a commercial on‐line hemodiafiltration machine incorporating a relative blood volume monitor, and where Vuf is the prescribed UF volume. Findings Thirty patients (dry weight: 81.0 ± 17.8 kg) were studied. Pre‐dialysis Vo was 2.46 ± 1.45 L. Vuf was 2.27 ± 0.71 L, specific UF rate was 6.45 ± 2.43 mL/kg/h, and since ΔV was 0.66 ± 0.31 L, Vref was determined as 1.61 ± 0.58 L, corresponding to a constant refilling fraction (Fref) of 70.6 ± 10.6%. Vref strongly correlated with Vuf (r2 = 0.82) but was independent of Vo and other volumes. Fref was also independent of Vo and other volumes normalized for various measures of body size. Discussion While vascular refilling and Fref is independent of Vo in treatments with moderate UF requirements, intravascular volume depletion increases with increasing UF requirements. The relationship between blood volume and Vo needs to be more closely examined in further studies to optimize volume control in everyday dialysis.
L‐carnitine prevents metabolic steatohepatitis in obese diabetic KK‐Ay mice
Authors: Kon Kazuyoshi , Ikejima Kenichi , Morinaga Maki , Kusama Hiromi , Arai Kumiko , Aoyama Tomonori , Uchiyama Akira , Yamashina Shunhei , Watanabe Sumio
Published: April 2016

Aim

Pharmacological treatment for metabolic syndrome‐related non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis has not been established. We investigated the effect of L‐carnitine, an essential substance for β‐oxidation, on metabolic steatohepatitis in mice.

Methods

Male KK‐Ay mice were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, with supplementation of L‐carnitine (1.25 mg/mL) in drinking water for the latter 4 weeks.

Results

Serum total carnitine levels were decreased following HFD feeding, whereas the levels were reversed almost completely by L‐carnitine supplementation. In mice given L‐carnitine, exacerbation of hepatic steatosis and hepatocyte apoptosis was markedly prevented even though HFD feeding was continued. Body weight gain, as well as hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia, following HFD feeding were also significantly prevented in mice given L‐carnitine. High‐fat diet feeding elevated hepatic expression levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A mRNA; however, production of β‐hydroxybutyrate in the liver was not affected by HFD alone. In contrast, L‐carnitine treatment significantly increased hepatic β‐hydroxybutyrate contents in HFD‐fed mice. L‐carnitine also blunted HFD induction in sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c mRNA in the liver. Furthermore, L‐carnitine inhibited HFD‐induced serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate‐1 in the liver. L‐carnitine decreased hepatic free fatty acid content in 1 week, with morphological improvement of swollen mitochondria in hepatocytes, and increases in hepatic adenosine 5’‐triphosphate content.

Conclusions

L‐carnitine ameliorates steatohepatitis in KK‐Ay mice fed an HFD, most likely through facilitating mitochondrial β‐oxidation, normalizing insulin signals, and inhibiting de novo lipogenesis in the liver. It is therefore postulated that supplementation of L‐carnitine is a promising approach for prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome‐related non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Ti3SiC2 Reinforced ZA27 Alloy Composites with Enhanced Mechanical Properties
Authors: Li Hai‐Yan , Zhou Yang , Cui Ao , Zheng Yong , Huang Zhen‐Ying , Zhai Hong‐Xiang , Li Shi‐Bo
Published: April 2016

This work reports the fabrication and mechanical properties of Ti3SiC2 reinforced Zn‐27 wt. % Al alloy (denoted as ZA27). A total of 10–40 vol. % Ti3SiC2 reinforced ZA27 alloy composites were synthesized by hot pressing mechanically alloyed mixtures of Ti3SiC2 and ZA27 powders. Among the fabricated composites, 20 vol. % Ti3SiC2/ZA27 composite possesses the highest room temperature tensile strength, bending strength and Vickers hardness of 339 MPa, 593 MPa, and 1.13 GPa, respectively. The improved mechanical properties of the 20 vol. % Ti3SiC2/ZA27 composite are mainly attributed to the effects of fine‐grain strengthening and dispersion strengthening.
Refractive Index and Thermo‐Optic Coefficients of Ge‐As‐Se Chalcogenide Glasses
Authors: Gleason Benn , Richardson Kathleen , Sisken Laura , Smith Charmayne
Published: April 2016

Seventeen glasses in the Ge‐As‐Se ternary glass‐forming region have been fabricated and analyzed to provide input for optical design data and to establish composition‐ and structure‐based relationships to aide development of novel chalcogenide glasses with tailored optical functionality. While known that Ge addition to binary As‐Se glasses enhances the mean coordination number (MCN) of the network and results in increased Tg and decreased CTE, this work highlights the impact on optical properties, specifically mid‐wave (λ = 4.515 μm) index and thermo‐optic coefficient (dn/dT). Trends in property changes were correlated with an excess or deficiency of chalcogen content in the glassy network as compared to stoichiometric compositions. Transitions in key optical properties were observed with the disappearance of Se–Se homopolar bonds and creation of As–As homopolar bonds which are associated with the Se‐rich and Se‐deficient regions near the stoichiometry, respectively. A second transition was observed with the creation of GeSe ethane‐like structures, which are only present in strongly Se‐deficient networks. Fitting dn/dT values with a simplified version of the thermal Lorentz–Lorenz formulation yielded a linear relation between the quantity (n−3∙dn/dT) and the CTE, which can be used to predict compositions with the near‐zero dn/dT required for athermal optical systems.
Seasonal variations in dermatologic and dermatopathologic diagnoses: a retrospective 15‐year analysis of dermatopathologic data
Authors: Harvell Jeff D. , Selig Daniel J.
Published: April 2016

Background

Certain dermatologic conditions are known to show seasonal variations in frequency, the reasons for which are unclear but in some cases may be attributable to changes in ambient weather conditions.

Objectives

The current study was conducted to determine whether seasonal trends might exist for dermatologic conditions including erythema multiforme, guttate psoriasis, erythema dyschromicum perstans (ashy dermatosis), pityriasis lichenoides, and pityriasis rosea.

Methods

Data were derived from a 15‐year retrospective review of electronic records from a large dermatopathology laboratory located in the mid‐Atlantic region of theUSA. Numbers of diagnoses per month and “per season” were determined. Pairwise comparisons of seasonal data were made using two‐samplet‐tests with significance set atP≤ 0.05.

Results

Perniosis (chilblains) was significantly more common in winter and spring (P= 0.001). Hand, foot, and mouth disease was statistically more prevalent in summer and autumn (P= 0.028). Erythema multiforme was most common in spring and summer (P= 0.004). Grover's disease was most common in winter and spring (P= 0.000039). Guttate psoriasis was non‐significantly more common in winter and spring (P= 0.076). No statistically significant seasonal variation was found for erythema dyschromicum perstans (P= 0.899), pityriasis rosea (P= 0.727), or pityriasis lichenoides (P= 0.366).

Conclusions

This study found statistically significant seasonal trends for several dermatologic conditions. The study was primarily epidemiologic and was not intended to address histopathologic differences that might underlie the seasonal variations observed. However, further investigation of seasonal differences in the histopathology of erythema multiforme may prove interesting.
Contextualizing Migrants' Strategies of Seeking Medical Care in Russia*
Authors: Demintseva Ekaterina , Kashnitsky Daniel
Published: April 2016

Russia is an important destination for labour migrants from the former Soviet Union republics especially Central Asian low‐income countries: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The life of migrants from Central Asia is characterized in Russia by scarce resources and social exclusion. Limited access to healthcare is aggravated by the negative attitudes and discrimination that migrants face when visiting state hospitals and clinics. In our study, we aim to describe the medical infrastructure available to migrants in Moscow. We investigate how migrants use formal and informal strategies to overcome the barriers to their receiving medical care in the urban environment. The study is based on the analysis of qualitative interviews with 60 labour migrants from Central Asian countries and 23 caregivers working in Moscow‐based medical facilities such as state hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulance stations, and private medical centres including the so‐called Kyrgyz clinics.
Hatching plasticity in the tropical gastropodNerita scabricosta
Authors: Collin Rachel , Roof Karah Erin , Spangler Abby
Published: April 2016

Hatching plasticity has been documented in diverse terrestrial and freshwater taxa, but in few marine invertebrates. Anecdotal observations over the last 80 years have suggested that intertidal neritid snails may produce encapsulated embryos able to significantly delay hatching. The cause for delays and the cues that trigger hatching are unknown, but temperature, salinity, and wave action have been suggested to play a role. We followed individual egg capsules ofNerita scabricostain 16 tide pools to document the variation in natural time to hatching and to determine if large delays in hatching occur in the field. Hatching occurred after about 30 d and varied significantly among tide pools in the field. Average time to hatching in each pool was not correlated with presence of potential predators, temperature, salinity, or pool size. We also compared hatching time between egg capsules in the field to those kept in the laboratory at a constant temperature in motionless water, and to those kept in the laboratory with sudden daily water motion and temperature changes. There was no significant difference in the hatching rate between the two laboratory treatments, but capsules took, on average, twice as long to hatch in the laboratory as in the field. Observations of developing embryos showed that embryos in the field develop slowly and continuously until hatching, but embryos in the laboratory reach the hatching stage during the first month of development and remain in stasis after that. Instances of hatching plasticity in benthic marine invertebrates, like the one inN. scabricosta, could greatly enhance our ability to investigate the costs and benefits of benthic versus planktonic development, a long‐standing area of interest for invertebrate larval biologists.
Dy3+‐Doped Selenide Chalcogenide Glasses: Influence of Dy3+ Dopant‐Additive and Containment
Authors: Tang Zhuoqi , Furniss David , Neate Nigel C. , Barney Emma , Benson Trevor M. , Seddon Angela B.
Published: April 2016

This work reports on process‐induced impurities in rare‐earth ion: Dy3+‐doped selenide chalcogenide glasses, which are significant materials for active photonic devices in the mid‐infrared region. In particular, the effect of contamination from the silica glass ampoule containment used in chalcogenide glass synthesis is studied. Heat‐treating Dy‐foil‐only, and DyCl3‐only, separately, within evacuated silica glass ampoules gives direct evidence of silica ampoule corrosion by the rare‐earth additives. The presence of [Ga2Se3] associated with [Dy] on the silica glass ampoule that has been contact with the chalcogenide glass during glass melting, is reported for the first time. Studies of 0–3000 ppmw Dy3+‐doped Ge16.5As9Ga10Se64.5 glasses show that Dy‐foil is better than DyCl3 as the Dy3+ additive in Ge‐As‐Ga‐Se glass in aspects of avoiding bulk crystallization, improving glass surface quality and lowering optical loss. However, some limited Dy/Si/O related contamination is observed on the surfaces of Dy‐foil‐doped chalcogenide glasses, as found for DyCl3‐doped chalcogenide glasses, reported in our previous work. The surface contamination indicates the production of Dy2O3 and/or [≡Si‐O‐Dy=]‐containing particles during chalcogenide glass melting, which are potential light‐scattering centers in chalcogenide bulk glass and heterogeneous nucleation agents for α‐Ga2Se3 crystals.
Large Piezoelectricity and Ferroelectricity in Mn‐Doped (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3‐BaTiO3 Thin Film Prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Lin Qianru , Ding Rui , Li Qian , Tay Yee Yan , Wang Danyang , Liu Yun , Huang Yizhong , Li Sean
Published: April 2016

Mn‐doped (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3 (MnBNBT) thin films were prepared on SrRuO3 (SRO)‐coated (001) SrTiO3 (STO) single crystal substrates by pulsed laser deposition under different processing conditions. Structural characterization (i.e., XRD and TEM) confirms the epitaxial growth of STO/SRO/MnBNBT heterostructures. Through the judicious control of deposition temperature, the defect level within the films can be finely tuned. The MnBNBT thin film deposited at the optimized temperature exhibits superior ferroelectric and piezoelectric responses with remanent polarization Pr of 33.0 μC/cm2 and piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 120.0 ± 20 pm/V.
Structure Control of Calcium Silicate Hydrate Gels for Dye Removal Applications
Authors: Maeda Hirotaka , Abe Toshiyuki , Ishida Emile Hideki , Kasuga Toshihiro
Published: April 2016

The structure of calcium silicate hydrate (C‐S‐H) gels was modified by hydrothermal reaction with aqueous acetic acid solvent, and then the C‐S‐H gels were used for dye removal from aqueous solution. With increasing acetic acid concentration, the Ca:Si molar ratio decreased and the length of the silicate anion chain structure of the C‐S‐H gels increased. The silicate anion chain length affects the number of available silanol groups on the surface of the C‐S‐H gel: the longer the silicate anion chain length, the greater the number of negative charges and the higher the surface potential. C‐S‐H gels with a long silicate anion structure exhibited higher adsorption capacity for methylene blue than gels with a short silicate anion structure. The enhanced adsorption capacity of the C‐S‐H gels is related to the higher number of silanol groups in the bridging silica tetrahedra of the intermediate anion chain structure compared with those in the end units of silica tetrahedra.
Evidence on the validity and reliability of the German, French and Italian nursing home version of the Basel Extent of Rationing of Nursing Care instrument
Authors: Zúñiga Franziska , Schubert Maria , Hamers Jan P.H. , Simon Michael , Schwendimann René , Engberg Sandra , Ausserhofer Dietmar
Published: April 2016

Aim

To develop and test psychometrically the Basel Extent of Rationing of Nursing Care for Nursing Homes instrument, providing initial evidence on the validity and reliability of the German, French and Italian‐language versions.

Background

In the hospital setting, implicit rationing of nursing care is defined as the withholding of nursing activities due to lack of resources, such as staffing or time. No instrument existed to measure this concept in nursing homes.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

We developed the instrument in three phases: (1) adaption and translation; (2) content validity testing; and (3) initial validity and reliability testing. For phase 3, we analysed survey data from 4748 care workers collected between May 2012–April 2013 from a randomly selected sample of 162 nursing homes in the German‐, French‐ and Italian‐speaking regions of Switzerland to provide evidence from response processes (e.g. missing), internal structure (exploratory factor analysis), inter‐item inconsistencies (e.g. Cronbach's alpha) and interscorer differences (e.g. within‐group agreement).

Results

Exploratory factor analysis revealed a four‐factor structure with good fit statistics. Rationing of nursing care was structured in four domains: (1) activities of daily living; (2) caring, rehabilitation and monitoring; (3) documentation; and (4) social care. Items of the social care subscale showed lower content validity and more missing values than items of other subscales.

Conclusion

First evidence indicates that the new instrument can be recommended for research and practice to measure implicit rationing of nursing care in nursing homes. Further refinements of single items are needed.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment and Atrial Fibrillation: A Need for Definitive Evidence
Authors: NALLIAH CHRISHAN J. , SANDERS PRASHANTHAN , KALMAN JONATHAN M.
Published: April 2016

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

Prevalence rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are rising on a global scale. Epidemiological data have consistently demonstrated an independent association between the 2 conditions. Investigators pose that pathophysiologic features of OSA enable progression of the AF substrate; these features include abnormalities of gas exchange, autonomic remodeling, atrial stretch, and inflammation. Furthermore, many of the mechanistic perturbations that impact the AF substrate in OSA can be substantially attenuated by effective treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Clear associations of OSA treatment and improved AF control have been observed across multiple clinical contexts. However, the precision and generalizability of these findings are unclear in view of the data's observational nature. Although risk factor management has emerged as a critical component of AF treatment, effective control of many AF risk factors can be challenging in the longer term. In view of the efficacy and sustainability of CPAP therapy, OSA raises its profile as a prime candidate for intervention. However, translation of this strategy to the broader framework for AF management requires robust data from randomized controlled trials.
Impact of Pulmonary Vein Cryoballoon Ablation on Bronchial Injury
Authors: ARYANA ARASH , BOWERS MARK R. , HAYATDAVOUDI SA MAN , ZHANG YANHONG , AFIFY ALAA , D'AVILA ANDRÉ , O'NEILL PADRAIG GEAROID
Published: April 2016

Pulmonary Vein Cryoablation and Bronchial Injury

Introduction

There is a paucity of data on the mechanisms of cough and hemoptysis that sometimes ensue from cryoballoon ablation of pulmonary veins (Cryo‐PV). This study specifically examined the impact of ultra‐cold (≤−60 °C, 3 minutes), prolonged (>−55 °C, 6 minutes), and conventional (>−55 °C, 3 minutes) Cryo‐PV on lung/bronchial injury.

Methods and Results

Four healthy adult swine underwent Cryo‐PV. Each animal received Cryo‐PV to the inferior common trunk and the right superior PV. In 2 animals, 1 PV was treated with 2 ultra‐cold (Cryo‐AUltra‐cold) and the other with 2 conventional (Cryo‐AConventional) cryoapplications. In the other 2 animals, 1 PV was ablated using 2 prolonged (Cryo‐BProlonged) and the other with 2 conventional (Cryo‐BConventional) applications. The nadir cryoballoon temperatures were lower in Cryo‐AUltra‐cold versus Cryo‐AConventional (−66 ± 6 °C vs. −45 ± 5 °C; P = 0.001), but did not differ between Cryo‐BProlonged and Cryo‐BConventional (−46 ± 3 °C vs. −49 ± 3 °C; P = 0.123). Post‐ablation bronchoscopy revealed immediate mucosal edema and erythema with/without bleeding in the adjacent bronchi in 100% of Cryo‐AUltra‐cold and 50% of Cryo‐AConventional/Cryo‐BConventional and Cryo‐BProlonged. At 4 hours post‐ablation, there were marked increases in bronchoalveolar macrophages (P <0.001), lymphocytes (P = 0.035) and neutrophils (P = 0.001). Furthermore, Cryo‐AUltra‐cold yielded the largest increase in the macrophage (P = 0.005) and neutrophil (P = 0.034) cell counts. While similar trends were seen in Cryo‐BProlonged, these did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Cryo‐PV can elicit acute bronchial inflammation, bleeding, and mucosal injury. While this was further augmented by ultra‐cold cryoapplications, it was also evident to a lesser degree with prolonged and even conventional cryoapplications. The mechanism for this appears to be direct collateral injury.