bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of Albumin Leakage for Survival in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A 7‐year Observational Study
Authors: Nagai Kojiro , Tsuchida Kenji , Ishihara Noriyuki , Minagawa Naoto , Ichien Go , Yamada Satoshi , Hirose Daisuke , Michiwaki Hiroyuki , Kanayama Hiro‐omi , Doi Toshio , Minakuchi Jun
Published: April 2017

Albumin leakage during hemodialysis (HD) presents a clinical dilemma. However, protein‐binding uremic toxins are suggested to be responsible for increased mortality. No one has investigated the relationship between albumin leakage and mortality. Therefore, the purpose of this observational study was to analyze the association of albumin leakage with mortality in 690 HD patients who survived one year after enrollment. They were divided to three groups who received HD with large (3 g or more per HD session), middle (1 to 3 g) or small (less than 1 g) amount of albumin leakage, respectively. A propensity score analysis minimizing indication bias was performed. Consequently, in a 7‐year observation period, 212 patients died. Albumin leakage 3 g or more per HD session provided better prognosis than albumin leakage less than 3 g per HD session. In conclusion, clinically acceptable large albumin leakage provides beneficial effects on mortality in maintenance HD patients.
Substance use and suicide risk in a sample of young Colombian adults: An exploration of psychosocial factors
Authors: Pereira‐Morales Angela J. , Adan Ana , Camargo Andrés , Forero Diego A.
Published: April 2017

Background and Objectives

Young adults might engage in many risk behaviors, including alcohol and drug use, which could lead to mental health problems, such as suicide. The aim of this study was to examine specific psychosocial and clinical factors that could influence the possible relationship between polysubstance use (PSU) and suicide risk in a sample of young Colombian participants.

Methods

A sample of 274 young participants (mean age = 21.3 years) was evaluated with two substance use screening tests (ASSIST and AUDIT) and five scales for clinical and psychosocial factors and suicide risk: The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, Zung Self‐Rating Anxiety scale, Family APGAR, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the Plutchik Suicide Risk scale. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Use of cannabis and tobacco was significantly correlated with suicide risk in the total sample (p < .05). Depressive and anxiety symptoms, family functioning, and emotional abuse during childhood were significantly associated with suicide risk (p < .001), while alcohol use, anxiety symptoms, and family functioning were variables significantly related to PSU.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our findings are consistent with previous evidence suggesting a relationship between substance use, several psychosocial factors, and suicide risk in young participants.

Scientific Significance

Our study is one of the first reports the relationship between substance use and suicide risk in a Latin American population. (Am J Addict 2017;26:388–394)
Perceived need for depression treatment among persons entering inpatient opioid detoxification
Authors: Stein Michael D. , Santiago Rivera Olga J. , Anderson Bradley J. , Bailey Genie L.
Published: April 2017

Background and Objectives

Depression is common among persons with opioid use disorder. We examined the perceived need for depression treatment (PNDT) among opioid‐dependent patients and the relationship of PNDT to depression screening result.

Methods

Between May and December 2015, we surveyed consecutive persons (n = 440) seeking inpatient opioid detoxification. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire‐2 (PHQ‐2) to screen for depression. To assess perceived need for depression services, participants were asked, “Do you believe you should be treated for depression?” Response options were recorded into four categories: “Not Depressed (ND),” “Perceive Need for Depression Treatment (PNDT),” “Depressed/Don't Want Treatment,” and “Currently Treated.”

Results

Participants’ mean age was 32.3 (±8.7) years; 70.7% were male. Nearly two out of three persons screened positive for depression yet only 8.2% were being treated for depression prior to admission. Screening positive for depression was associated with a 2.95 (95%CI 1.82–4.81, p < .005) fold increase in the expected odds of PNDT. But nearly half of those depressed (48%) did not perceive the need for treatment. Approximately 40% of the participants (n = 177) perceived that they were not depressed; of these persons, 52% screened positive for depression.

Discussion and Conclusions

Detoxification program staff should screen patients for depression, and if a clinical diagnosis is confirmed, discuss treatment options, exploring the level of interest in mental health treatment for depression.

Scientific Significance

Screening for and addressing depression, including patients’ interest in treatment, should be central to post‐detoxification aftercare planning. (Am J Addict 2017;26:395–399)
Population structure and group size of geladas (Theropithecus gelada) at Chenek, Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Ejigu Dessalegn , Bekele Afework
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate population structure and group size of geladas (Theropithecus gelada) at Chenek, Simien Mountains National Park. The study was carried out from January 2010 to June 2011 using total count method by classifying the study site into five different blocks. Size of the group was determined by counting individuals of geladas within an hour interval. A total of 397 geladas were counted and the ratio of adult males to adult females was 1 : 1.25, and this difference showed statistical significant (t = 8.157, P < 0.05). There was also significant difference between adult females with juveniles and infants (t = 21.027, P < 0.05). Population structure of geladas in a band comprised a single reproductive male and a number of females, subadults, juveniles and infants. Fission and fusion of individual geladas among different bands were observed during the study period. Geladas at the study site showed population growth and were seen competing for available food. They also stole food from local people and tourists and were seen to be interactive with people. Thus, the interference of people and livestock within the geladas natural habitat should be minimized to avoid human disturbance on the species and its natural habitat.
Detection of interannual population trends in seven herbivores from a West African savannah: a comparison between dung counts and direct counts of individuals
Authors: Hema Emmanuel M. , Di Vittorio Massimiliano , Barnes Richard F.W. , Guenda Wendengoudi , Luiselli Luca
Published: April 2017

In West Africa, whether in forests or savannahs, most of the large mammal species have a scattered spatial distribution. Monitoring their population size represents a logistic, financial, theoretical challenge because counting of transects is not appropriate, unlike elsewhere in Africa. In this study, we (i) analyse the patterns of interannual (2006–2008) changes in population density of seven sympatric species of savannah herbivores in a protected area of Burkina Faso with two alternative methods: dung counts versus direct counts and (ii) quantify the economic costs for these two methods. The seven species of mammals we considered are the following:Hippotragus equinus, Alcelaphus busephalus, Sylvicapra grimmia, Tragelaphus scriptus, Ourebia ourebi, Kobus ellipsiprymnusandPhacochoerus africanus. A distance methodology was used to generate estimates with both methods. There were significant correlations between estimates of mammal density obtained using dung counts and direct counts, and an analysis of covariance revealed that the interannual trends in population densities were consistently detected with both methods. In addition, the dung count method costs 55% less. Thus, our study documents that dung counts can be used as a proxy of population size fluctuations for the seven studied species, offering a methodological alternative that is much less expensive, less sophisticated in terms of equipment compared to other methods and that can be performed by field staff with moderate professional qualification. We suggest that standardized campaigns of dung count surveys may be applied to all protected areas and savannah in Burkina Faso, West Africa, in order to improve evidence‐based, large‐scale conservation and management planning in the region.
Computation of Ancestry Scores with Mixed Families and Unrelated Individuals
Authors: Zhou Yi-Hui , Marron James S. , Wright Fred A.
Published: April 2017

The issue of robustness to family relationships in computing genotype ancestry scores such as eigenvector projections has received increased attention in genetic association, and is particularly challenging when sets of both unrelated individuals and closely related family members are included. The current standard is to compute loadings (left singular vectors) using unrelated individuals and to compute projected scores for remaining family members. However, projected ancestry scores from this approach suffer from shrinkage toward zero. We consider two main novel strategies: (i) matrix substitution based on decomposition of a target family-orthogonalized covariance matrix, and (ii) using family-averaged data to obtain loadings. We illustrate the performance via simulations, including resampling from 1000 Genomes Project data, and analysis of a cystic fibrosis dataset. The matrix substitution approach has similar performance to the current standard, but is simple and uses only a genotype covariance matrix, while the family-average method shows superior performance. Our approaches are accompanied by novel ancillary approaches that provide considerable insight, including individual-specific eigenvalue scree plots.
Trends in the surgical management of stage 1 renal cell carcinoma: findings from a population‐based study
Authors: White Victoria , Marco David J.T. , Bolton Damien , Davis Ian Douglas , Jefford Michael , Hill David , Prince Henry Miles , Millar Jeremy L. , Winship Ingrid M. , Coory Michael , Giles Graham G.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To determine whether the use of nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) for treatment of stage 1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) changed between 2009 and the end of 2013 in Australia.

Patients and Methods

All adult cases of RCC diagnosed in 2009, 2012 and 2013 were identified through the population‐based Victorian Cancer Registry. For each identified patient, trained data‐abstractors attended treating hospitals or clinician rooms to extract tumour and treatment data through medical record review. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to examine the significance of change in use of NSS over time, after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

A total of 1 836 patients with RCC were identified. Of these, the proportion of cases with stage 1 tumours was 64% in 2009, 66% in 2012 and 69% in 2013. For T1a tumours, the proportion of patients residing in metropolitan areas receiving NSS increased from 43% in 2009 to 58% in 2012 (P < 0.05), and 69% in 2013 (P < 0.05). For patients residing in non‐metropolitan areas, the proportion receiving NSS increased from 27% in 2009 to 49% in 2012, and 61% in 2013 (P < 0.01). Univariable logistic regression showed patients with moderate (odds ratio [OR] 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35–0.94) or severe comorbidities (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.33–0.99), residing in non‐metropolitan areas (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47–0.90), were less likely to be treated by NSS, while those attending high‐volume hospitals (≥30 cases/year: OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.21–2.65) and those with higher socio‐economic status (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.02–2.07) were more likely to be treated by NSS. In multivariable analyses, patients with T1a tumours in 2012 (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.34–2.97) and 2013 (OR 3.15, 95% CI 2.13–4.68) were more likely to be treated by NSS than those in 2009. For T1b tumours, use of NSS increased from 8% in 2009 to 20% in 2013 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This population‐based study of the management of T1 renal tumours in Australia found that the use of NSS increased over the period 2009 to 2013. Between 2009 and 2013 clinical practice for the treatment of small renal tumours in Australia has increasingly conformed to international guidelines.
STOCK‐BOND CO‐MOVEMENTS AND FLIGHT‐TO‐QUALITY IN G7 COUNTRIES: A TIME‐FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
Authors: Bayraci Selcuk , Demiralay Sercan , Gencer Hatice Gaye
Published: April 2017

This paper examines co‐movement between stock returns and changes in 10‐year government bond yields as well as flight‐to‐quality behaviour in G7 countries. We conduct the wavelet squared coherence analysis to explore the dynamics in both time and frequency domain. Our results provide evidence of positive co‐movements, which vary over time and across investment horizon. The higher co‐movement is found to be more concentrated in the lower frequency bands. We further analyse the dynamic nature of the scale‐dependent wavelet correlations and find that the correlations are highly volatile and significantly increase across different time scales during the episodes of equity market turbulence. The increase in correlations reflects flights from stocks to safer bond investments as a result of dramatic changes in investor sentiment and risk aversion at times of market stress.
Local injection of Lenti‐Olig2 at lesion site promotes functional recovery of spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Tan Bo‐Tao , Jiang Long , Liu Li , Yin Ying , Luo Ze‐Ru‐Xin , Long Zai‐Yun , Li Sen , Yu Le‐Hua , Wu Ya‐Min , Liu Yuan
Published: April 2017

Aims

Olig2 is one of the most critical factors duringCNSdevelopment, which belongs to b‐HLHtranscription factor family. Previous reports have shown that Olig2 regulates the remyelination processes inCNSdemyelination diseases models. However, the role of Olig2 in contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) and the possible therapeutic effects remain obscure. This study aims to investigate the effects of overexpression Olig2 by lentivirus on adult spinal cord injury rats.

Methods

Lenti‐Olig2 expression and control Lenti‐eGFPvectors were prepared, and virus in a total of 5 μL (108TU/mL) was locally injected into the injured spinal cord 1.5 mm rostral and caudal near the epicenter. Immunostaining, Western blot, electron microscopy, and CatWalk analyzes were employed to investigate the effects of Olig2 on spinal cord tissue repair and functional recovery.

Results

Injection of Lenti‐Olig2 significantly increased the number of oligodendrocytes lineage cells and enhanced myelination afterSCI. More importantly, the introduction of Olig2 greatly improved hindlimb locomotor performances. Other oligodendrocyte‐related transcription factors, which were downregulated or upregulated after injury, were reversed by Olig2 induction.

Conclusions

Our findings provided the evidence that overexpression Olig2 promotes myelination and locomotor recovery of contusionSCI, which gives us more understanding of Olig2 on spinal cord injury treatment.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of applying a gelatin–copper complex in the low‐temperature bleaching of cotton with hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Wang Xueyan , Tang Junling
Published: April 2017

A gelatin–copper complex was prepared and then added as catalyst to a hydrogen peroxide bleaching bath. Cotton fabric was bleached with the new system at low temperature (70 °C). The effects of the gelatin–copper complex on the whiteness, capillary effect, damage, and bleaching rate of the bleached fabric and on the decomposition ratio of hydrogen peroxide were evaluated. These effects were compared with the effectiveness of traditional high‐temperature bleaching and low‐temperature bleaching without the gelatin–copper complex. The results showed that the gelatin–copper complex enhances the bleaching effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide. The whiteness of cotton fabric bleached with the catalytic complex is comparable with the whiteness achieved with a conventional peroxide system. The catalytic bleaching technology not only realises low‐temperature and low‐alkali bleaching of cotton with hydrogen peroxide but also reduces fabric strength loss, which meets the requirements of industry for continued development of the wet processing of textiles.
Bridging international relations and disaster studies: the case of disaster–conflict scholarship
Authors: Hollis Simon
Published: April 2017

International relations and disaster studies have much to gain by thinking critically about their respective theoretical and epistemological assumptions. Yet, few studies to date have sought to assess the potential value of linking these two disciplines. This paper begins to address this shortfall by examining the relationship between disasters and conflict as a research sphere that intersects international relations and disaster studies. Through an analysis of whether or not disasters contribute to intra‐national and international conflict, this paper not only provides a review of the state of the art, but also serves to invite scholars to reflect on related concepts from other fields to strengthen their own approaches to the study of disasters in an international setting. An evaluation of the conceptual and theoretical contributions of each subject area provides useful heuristics for the development of disaster–conflict scholarship and encourages alternative modes of knowledge production through interdisciplinarity.
Special needs hurricane shelters and the ageing population: development of a methodology and a case study application
Authors: Horner Mark W. , Ozguven Eren Erman , Marcelin Jean Michael , Kocatepe Ayberk
Published: April 2017

Recent experience of hurricanes, particularly in the southeast United States, has heightened awareness of the multifaceted nature of and the challenges to effective disaster relief planning. One key element of this planning is providing adequate shelter at secure locations for people who evacuate. Some of these individuals will have ‘special needs’, yet there is little research on the relationship with shelter space. This study designed a geographic information systems‐based network optimisation methodology for the siting of special needs hurricane relief shelters, with a focus on the transportation component. It sought to find new locations for shelters that maximise accessibility by vulnerable populations, given capacity constraints, concentrating on the ageing population. The framework was implemented in a medium‐sized metropolitan statistical area in the state of Florida where data suggest a possible deficit in special needs shelter space. The study analysed options for increasing special needs shelter capacity, while considering potential uncertainties in transportation network availability.
DO MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES INFLUENCE WORKER HEALTH?
Authors: Horn Brady P. , Maclean Johanna Catherine , Strain Michael R.
Published: April 2017

This study investigates whether minimum wage increases impact worker health in the United States. We consider self‐reported measures of general, mental, and physical health. We use data on lesser‐skilled workers from the 1993 to 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. Among men, we find no evidence that minimum wage increases improve health; instead, we find that such increases lead to worse health outcomes, particularly among unemployed men. We find both worsening general health and improved mental health following minimum wage increases among women. These findings broaden our understanding of the full impacts of minimum wage increases on lesser‐skill workers. (JEL I1, I11, I18)
Remote diagnosis of traumatic dental injuries using digital photographs captured via a mobile phone
Authors: de Almeida Geraldino Rogério , Rezende Liliana Vicente Melo de Lucas , da‐Silva Cibele Queiroz , Almeida Júlio César Franco
Published: April 2017

Background

Intra‐oral photographs have been aided diagnosis of several pathologies in teledentistry. Mobile phone cameras may produce high‐quality photographs, presenting itself as a viable tool for remote diagnosis of traumatic dental injuries.

Aim

To evaluate the levels of interexaminer agreement in cases of traumatic dental injuries when comparing diagnoses conducted in person and remotely.

Material and Methods

The sample included 40 patients with 73 traumatized teeth, and a total of 90 diagnoses, who had presented to two dental clinics, one private, and the other public, in Brazil's Federal District. The dental history and clinical examination data were registered in electronic forms, and digital photographs were captured with a mobile phone camera and uploaded to a cloud drive. Six remote examiners formulated their diagnoses based solely on photographic analysis. Thereafter, they were provided with additional clinical data and asked to provide a second round of diagnoses. These diagnoses were compared to those conducted in person, which were considered the gold standard. The data were analyzed with Gwet's AC1 interexaminers’ measure to evaluate the agreement between the in‐surgery and remote diagnoses.

Results

The levels of interexaminer agreement between the in‐surgery and remote diagnoses formulated exclusively with images were 0.83 or higher (95% confidence interval: 0.73‐0.91), and 0.93 or higher (95% confidence interval: 0.88‐0.97), when clinical information was available.

Conclusion

The precision of the remote diagnoses was comparable to the diagnoses conducted in person. The levels of interexaminer agreement were higher when clinical data were included with the images. Mobile phones may be an effective tool for capturing images that assist in the remote diagnosis of traumatic dental injuries.
Quarantine host range of Bikasha collaris, a potential biological control agent of Chinese tallowtree (Triadica sebifera) in North America
Authors: Wheeler Gregory S. , Steininger M. Sedonia , Wright Susan
Published: April 2017

Chinese tallowtree, Triadica sebifera (L.) Small (Euphorbiaceae), is one of the worst invasive weeds of the southeastern USA impacting coastal wetlands, forests, and natural areas. Traditional mechanical and chemical controls have been unable to limit the spread, and this invasive species continues to expand its range. A proposed biological control candidate, the flea beetle Bikasha collaris (Baly) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), shows high specificity for the target weed Chinese tallowtree. Results from a series of no‐choice and choice feeding tests of B. collaris adults and larvae indicated that this flea beetle was highly specific to Chinese tallowtree. The larvae of B. collaris feed by tunneling in the roots, whereas the adults feed on the leaves of Chinese tallowtree. A total of 77 plant taxa, primarily from members of the tallow plant family Euphorbiaceae, were tested in numerous test designs. Larval no‐choice tests indicated that larvae completed development only on two of the non‐target taxa. Of 80 B. collaris larvae fed roots of Hippomane mancinella L. and 50 larvae fed roots of Ricinus communis L., two and three larvae completed development, respectively. The emerging adults of these five larvae died within 3 days without reproducing. Larval choice tests also indicated little use of these non‐target taxa. Adult no‐choice tests indicated little leaf damage by B. collaris on the non‐targets except for Ditrysinia fruticosa (Bartram) Govaerts & Frodin and Gymnanthes lucida Sw. When given a choice, however, B. collaris adults consumed much less of the non‐targets D. fruticosa (7.4%) and G. lucida (6.1%) compared with the control leaves. Finally, no‐choice oviposition tests indicated that no eggs were produced when adults were fed all non‐target taxa, except those fed G. lucida. These B. collaris adults fed G. lucida leaves produced an average of 4.6 eggs compared with 115.0 eggs per female when fed Chinese tallowtree. The eggs produced from adults fed G. lucida were either inviable or the emerging larvae died within 1 day. These results indicate that the flea beetle B. collaris was unable to complete its life cycle on any of the non‐target taxa tested. If approved for field release, B. collaris will be the first biological control agent deployed against Chinese tallowtree in the USA. This flea beetle may play an important role in suppressing Chinese tallowtree and contribute to the integrated control of this invasive weed.
Heightened brain response to pain anticipation in high‐functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Gu Xiaosi , Zhou Thomas J. , Anagnostou Evdokia , Soorya Latha , Kolevzon Alexander , Hof Patrick R. , Fan Jin
Published: April 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is marked by both socio‐communicative difficulties and abnormalities in sensory processing. Much of the work on sensory deficits in ASD has focused on tactile sensations and the perceptual aspects of somatosensation, such as encoding of stimulus intensity and location. Although aberrant pain processing has often been noted in clinical observations of patients with ASD, it remains largely uninvestigated. Importantly, the neural mechanism underlying higher order cognitive aspects of pain processing such as pain anticipation also remains unknown. Here we examined both pain perception and anticipation in high‐functioning adults with ASD and matched healthy controls (HC) using an anticipatory pain paradigm in combination with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and concurrent skin conductance response (SCR) recording. Participants were asked to choose a level of electrical stimulation that would feel moderately painful to them. Compared to HC group, ASD group chose a lower level of stimulation prior to fMRI. However, ASD participants showed greater activation in both rostral and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex during the anticipation of stimulation, but not during stimulation delivery. There was no significant group difference in insular activation during either pain anticipation or perception. However, activity in the left anterior insula correlated with SCR during pain anticipation. Taken together, these results suggest that ASD is marked with aberrantly higher level of sensitivity to upcoming aversive stimuli, which may reflect abnormal attentional orientation to nociceptive signals and a failure in interoceptive inference.
Autism: a transdiagnostic, dimensional, construct of reasoning?
Authors: Aggernæs Bodil
Published: April 2017

The concept of autism has changed across time, from the Bleulerian concept, which defined it as one of several symptoms of dementia praecox, to the present‐day concept representing a pervasive development disorder. The present theoretical contribution to this special issue of EJN on autism introduces new theoretical ideas and discusses them in light of selected prior theories, clinical examples, and recent empirical evidence. The overall aim is to identify some present challenges of diagnostic practice and autism research and to suggest new pathways that may help direct future research. Future research must agree on the definitions of core concepts such as autism and psychosis. A possible redefinition of the concept of autism may be a condition in which the rationale of an individual's behaviour differs qualitatively from that of the social environment due to characteristic cognitive impairments affecting reasoning. A broad concept of psychosis could focus on deviances in the experience of reality resulting from impairments of reasoning. In this light and consistent with recent empirical evidence, it may be appropriate to redefine dementia praecox as a developmental disorder of reasoning. A future challenge of autism research may be to develop theoretical models that can account for the impact of complex processes acting at the social level in addition to complex neurobiological and psychological processes. Such models could profit from a distinction among processes related to (i) basic susceptibility, (ii) adaptive processes and (iii) decompensating factors involved in the development of manifest illness.
Daily oscillation of odorant detection in rat olfactory epithelium
Authors: Francois Adrien , Bombail Vincent , Jarriault David , Acquistapace Adrien , Grebert Denise , Grosmaitre Xavier , Meunier Nicolas
Published: April 2017

Most of biological variables follow a daily rhythm. It holds true as well for sensory capacities as two decades of research have demonstrated that the odorant induced activity in the olfactory bulbs oscillates during the day. Olfactory bulbs are the first central nervous system structures, which receive inputs from the olfactory neurons located in the nose olfactory epithelium in vertebrates. So far, data on variation in odorant detection in the olfactory epithelium throughout the day are missing. Using electroolfactogram recordings in rats housed under daily light and dark cycles, we found that the olfactory epithelium responsiveness varies during the day with a maximum in the beginning of the light phase. This fluctuation was consistent with cycling of transduction pathway gene expression in the olfactory epithelium examined by qPCR. It was also consistent with the levels of two transduction pathway proteins (olfactory‐type G protein and adenylyl cyclase III) examined by western blot. Daily variations were also observed at the level of olfactory sensory neurons responses recorded by patch‐clamp. To rule out a potential effect of the feeding status of the animal, we examined the variation in odorant response in starved animals during the day. We observed a similar pattern to ad libidum fed animals. Taken together, our results reveal that the olfactory epithelium sensitivity varies during the day in part due to modulation of the very first step of odorant detection.
Population genomics analyses of European ibex species show lower diversity and higher inbreeding in reintroduced populations
Authors: Grossen Christine , Biebach Iris , Angelone‐Alasaad Samer , Keller Lukas F. , Croll Daniel
Published: April 2017

Restoration of lost species ranges to their native distribution is key for the survival of endangered species. However, reintroductions often fail and long‐term genetic consequences are poorly understood. Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) are wild goats that recovered from <100 individuals to ~50,000 within a century by population reintroductions. We analyzed the population genomic consequences of the Alpine ibex reintroduction strategy. We genotyped 101,822 genomewide single nucleotide polymorphism loci in 173 Alpine ibex, the closely related Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) and domestic goat (Capra hircus). The source population of all Alpine ibex maintained genetic diversity comparable to Iberian ibex, which experienced less severe bottlenecks. All reintroduced Alpine ibex populations had individually and combined lower levels of genetic diversity than the source population. The reintroduction strategy consisted of primary reintroductions from captive breeding and secondary reintroductions from established populations. This stepwise reintroduction strategy left a strong genomic footprint of population differentiation, which increased with subsequent rounds of reintroductions. Furthermore, analyses of genomewide runs of homozygosity showed recent inbreeding primarily in individuals of reintroduced populations. We showed that despite the rapid census recovery, Alpine ibex carry a persistent genomic signature of their reintroduction history. We discuss how genomic monitoring can serve as an early indicator of inbreeding.
Stepfamilies Doing Family: A Meta‐Ethnography
Authors: Pylyser Charlotte , Buysse Ann , Loeys Tom
Published: April 2017

The present review examines how stepfamily members without a shared history co‐construct a shared family identity and what family processes are relevant in this stepfamily formation. Three databases (Web of Science, PsycInfo, and ProQuest) were systematically searched, resulting in 20 included qualitative studies. The meta‐ethnography approach of Noblit and Hare allowed synthesizing these qualitative studies and constructing a comprehensive framework of stepfamilies doing family. Three interdependent family tasks were identified: (a) honoring the past, (b) marking the present, and (c) investing in the future. Stepfamily members’ experiences of these family tasks are strongly affected by the dominant societal perspectives and characterized by an underlying dialectical tension between wanting to be like a first‐time family and feeling the differences in their family structure at the same time. These findings clearly demonstrate the family work that all stepfamily members undertake and provide a broader context for interpreting stepfamilies’ co‐construction of a new family identity.
PK‐guided personalized prophylaxis with Nuwiq® (human‐cl rhFVIII) in adults with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Lissitchkov T. , Rusen L. , Georgiev P. , Windyga J. , Klamroth R. , Gercheva L. , Nemes L. , Tiede A. , Bichler J. , Knaub S. , Belyanskaya L. , Walter O. , Pasi K. J.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Nuwiq® (human‐cl rhFVIII) is a 4th generation recombinant human FVIII, without chemical modification or protein fusion, produced in a human cell‐line.

Aims/Methods

This study (NuPreviq) was a prospective, open‐label, multicentre, phase IIIb study of the efficacy and safety of personalized prophylaxis with Nuwiq® in 66 previously treated adults with severe haemophilia A. NuPreviq had three phases: (i) a 72‐h pharmacokinetic (PK) phase; (ii) a 1–3 month standard prophylaxis phase; and (iii) a 6‐month personalized prophylaxis phase. The personalized prophylaxis regimen was based on individual PK modelling for each patient according to whether their PK profile most closely fitted a two‐ or one‐compartment model (NuPreviq approach). In cases of uncertainty, a noncompartment model was applied.

Results

The median dosing interval during personalized prophylaxis was 3.5 days, with 57% of patients on ≤2 weekly dosing. Mean annualized bleeding rates during personalized prophylaxis were 1.45 (median [interquartile range, IQR]: 0 [0, 1.9]) for all bleeds, 0.79 (median [IQR]: 0 [0, 0]) for spontaneous bleeds, and 0.91 (median [IQR]: 0 [0, 0]) for joint bleeds. During personalized prophylaxis, 83.1% of patients were spontaneous bleed‐free. Compared with standard prophylaxis, median weekly prophylaxis dose was reduced by 7.2% from 100.0 to 92.8 IU kg−1 during the last 2 months of personalized prophylaxis. There were no FVIII inhibitors or treatment‐related serious or severe adverse events.

Conclusion

PK‐guided personalized prophylaxis with Nuwiq® provided bleeding protection and enabled the dosing interval to be extended to twice weekly or less in many patients and an overall dose reduction.
Effects of glutinous and nonglutinous sorghums on Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation for Chinese liquor making
Authors: Wu Qun , Cao Shuai , Xu Yan
Published: April 2017

This work investigated the effect of sorghum, including Chinese glutinous (S1 and S2) and nonglutinous (S3 and S4), Canadian nonglutinous cultivars (S5 and S6), on fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MT and FJ, the representative strains for Chinese liquor fermentation with glutinous and nonglutinous sorghums as materials, respectively. S. cerevisiae MT and FJ exhibited a longer stationary phase in glutinous and nonglutinous cultivars, respectively. Fat and tannin contents in sorghums were, respectively, negatively related with ethanol and esters production by both MT and FJ. FJ produced the most amount of flavour compounds in nonglutinous cultivars, while MT showed no preference on sorghum cultivars, as it produced most flavour compounds in both S1 and S3. Moreover, sorghums showed different characteristics on flavour production. The nonglutinous cultivars S3 and S4 were correlated with most of the acids, aromatic compounds and terpenoids, while S5 and S6 were correlated with most of the esters.
Corrosion of ISG fibers in alkaline solutions
Authors: Trivelpiece Cory L. , Rice Jarrett A. , Clark Nicholas L. , Kabius Bernd , Jantzen Carol M. , Pantano Carlo G.
Published: April 2017

The corrosion behavior of glass fibers synthesized from the International Simple Glass (ISG) reference ingot, an international High‐Level Waste (HLW) borosilicate glass standard, is reported. Bundles of glass fibers were submerged in 120 mL of four different solutions of initial pH values (pHi) of 9.5, 10.5, 11.5, and 12.5 for static corrosion testing. While all the experiments reached a residual corrosion rate after ~50 days, which remained approximately constant for the duration of the pHi 9.5‐11.5 experiments, the pHi 12.5 experiment underwent a Stage II→III dissolution transition after 57 days. This transition was preceded by a decrease in the Al concentration in solution followed by an increase in B and Si concentration in the leachate. Zeolite NaP2 was observed to form on these fibers via scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction—the crystallinity of the fibers was estimated to be ~40%‐45% (relative to amorphous component) after the Stage II→III transition. Transmission electron microscopy cross‐sectional imaging of sampled fibers revealed several porous layers on the pHi 9.5‐11.5 samples, and a more aggressive alteration mechanism in the pHi 12.5 fibers. Potential markers that indicate a transition from Stage II→Stage III corrosion are shown to occur based on experimental observations.
Genetic and morphometric data demonstrate alternative consequences of secondary contact inClitarchusstick insects
Authors: Myers Shelley S. , Holwell Gregory I. , Buckley Thomas R.
Published: April 2017

Aim

Comparisons of independent secondary contact events provide insights into allopatric speciation. The geographic distribution ofClitarchusstick insects across northern New Zealand corresponds to islands that existed in the Pliocene. Subsequent joining to the mainland provided multiple opportunities for secondary contact. We address the hypothesis that secondary contact has similar effects on parental species, across two peninsulas, due to the simultaneous removal of allopatric barriers.

Location

Northland, New Zealand

Methods

We explore how genetic structure relates to morphological variation and biogeographical history ofClitarchus hookeriandC. tepaki. MitochondrialDNAsequences were used to reconstruct phylogenetical relationships. Population structure was estimated using 14 microsatellite markers. We analysed genital morphology and genetic structure within a biogeographical context to identify the consequences of independent secondary contact events.

Results

Geographical patterns of genital shape indicate two independent hybrid swarms occur betweenC. hookeriandC. tepaki. Haplotype distributions and Bayesian cluster analyses revealC. tepakifrom the Aupouri Peninsula are distinguished fromC. hookerion the basis of both genetic structure and morphology.Clitarchus tepakion the Karikari Peninsula did not group phylogenetically or through Bayesian clustering withC. tepakifrom the Aupouri Peninsula. We observed a hybrid swarm along the Aupouri Peninsula.

Main conclusions

Clitarchusspecies were separated on Pliocene islands and then subsequently made independent secondary contact as land connections formed.Clitarchus tepakion the Aupouri Peninsula maintained genetic integrity; whereas we hypothesize genetic swamping has occurred on Karikari Peninsula. Our data demonstrate different outcomes of independent secondary contact events.
Medical students and measuring blood pressure: Results from the American Medical Association Blood Pressure Check Challenge
Authors: Rakotz Michael K. , Townsend Raymond R. , Yang Jianing , Alpert Bruce S. , Heneghan Kathleen A. , Wynia Matthew , Wozniak Gregory D.
Published: April 2017

Blood pressure (BP) measurement is the most common procedure performed in clinical practice. Accurate BP measurement is critical if patient care is to be delivered with the highest quality, as stressed in published guidelines. Physician training in BP measurement is often limited to a brief demonstration during medical school without retraining in residency, fellowship, or clinical practice to maintain skills. One hundred fifty‐nine students from medical schools in 37 states attending the American Medical Association's House of Delegates Meeting in June 2015 were assessed on an 11‐element skillset on BP measurement. Only one student demonstrated proficiency on all 11 skills. The mean number of elements performed properly was 4.1. The findings suggest that changes in medical school curriculum emphasizing BP measurement are needed for medical students to become, and remain, proficient in BP measurement. Measuring BP correctly should be taught and reinforced throughout medical school, residency, and the entire career of clinicians.
Epigenetic dysregulation of ID4 predicts disease progression and treatment outcome in myeloid malignancies
Authors: Zhou Jing‐dong , Zhang Ting‐juan , Li Xi‐xi , Ma Ji‐chun , Guo Hong , Wen Xiang‐mei , Zhang Wei , Yang Lei , Yan Yang , Lin Jiang , Qian Jun
Published: April 2017

Promoter hypermethylation‐mediated inactivation of ID4 plays a crucial role in the development of solid tumours. This study aimed to investigate ID4 methylation and its clinical relevance in myeloid malignancies. ID4 hypermethylation was associated with higher IPSS scores, but was not an independent prognostic biomarker affecting overall survival (OS) in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, ID4 hypermethylation correlated with shorter OS and leukaemia‐free survival (LFS) time and acted as an independent risk factor affecting OS in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Moreover, ID4 methylation was significantly decreased in the follow‐up paired AML patients who achieved complete remission (CR) after induction therapy. Importantly, ID4 methylation was increased during MDS progression to AML and chronic phase (CP) progression to blast crisis (BC) in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Epigenetic studies showed that ID4 methylation might be one of the mechanisms silencing ID4 expression in myeloid leukaemia. Functional studies in vitro showed that restoration of ID4 expression could inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in both K562 and HL60 cells. These findings indicate that ID4 acts as a tumour suppressor in myeloid malignancies, and ID4 methylation is a potential biomarker in predicting disease progression and treatment outcome.
Oral infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis induces peri‐implantitis in a murine model: Evaluation of bone loss and the local inflammatory response
Authors: Tzach‐Nahman Rinat , Mizraji Gabriel , Shapira Lior , Nussbaum Gabriel , Wilensky Asaf
Published: April 2017

Aim

Peri‐implantitis is a major health concern, with unclear pathogenesis, and with no accessible animal models. Our aim was to establish a mouse model for peri‐implantitis and to investigate mediators of inflammation.

Materials and Methods

Mice were divided into implanted versus non‐implanted groups. Implants were inserted immediately following the extraction of the upper first molar. Four weeks following implantation, implanted and non‐implanted mice were challenged with either Porphyromonas gingivalis or vehicle (eight mice in each subgroup, 32 mice in total). Alveolar bone loss and expression of inflammatory mediators in the soft tissue were assessed 42 days following infection.

Results

Porphyromonas gingivalis infection induced greater bone loss around implants than around teeth. In non‐infected animals, the presence of the implant correlated with elevated expression of Il‐10, Foxp3 and Rankl/Opg ratio, while Tnf‐α levels were decreased relative to tissue around teeth. Six weeks following infection, Tnf‐α increased significantly while the expression of Foxp3 decreased in the tissue around the implants. No significant differences in anti‐ or pro‐inflammatory mediators were found around teeth of infected, relative to non‐infected mice.

Conclusions

Oral infection with P. gingivalis of mice with implants induced bone loss and a shift in gingival cytokine expression. This mouse model enables exploration of the pathogenesis of peri‐implantitis and testing of novel treatments.
Non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis at two‐piece zirconium implants: A clinical follow‐up observation after up to 3 years
Authors: John Gordon , Becker Jürgen , Schmucker Andrea , Schwarz Frank
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To assess the long‐term clinical outcomes following non‐surgical therapy of peri‐implant diseases at two‐piece zirconium implants.

Material and Methods

A total of 27 patients suffering from either (i) peri‐implant mucositis (n = 24 implants), or (ii) peri‐implantitis (n = 16 implants) completed a mean follow‐up period of 32.8 ± 2.85 months (median: 34 months). The initial treatment procedures included (i) mechanical debridement + local antiseptic therapy using chlorhexidine digluconate (MD + CXH), or (ii) Er:YAG laser monotherapy (ERL). The primary outcome was disease resolution (i.e. absence of bleeding on probing (BOP) at mucositis sites/absence of BOP and probing pocket depths (PD) ≥6 mm at peri‐implantitis sites).

Results

Resolution of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis was obtained in 7/14 (50.0%; p = .003) and 5/13 (38.5%; p = .001) of the patients investigated. This corresponded to 54.2% (13/24) and 50.0% (8/16) at the implant level respectively.

Conclusion

Both MD + CHX and ERL were effective on the long‐term, but failed to achieve a complete disease resolution.
Saliva and plasma levels of cardiac‐related biomarkers in post‐myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Rathnayake Nilminie , Buhlin Kåre , Kjellström Barbro , Klinge Bjorn , Löwbeer Christian , Norhammar Anna , Rydén Lars , Sorsa Timo , Tervahartiala Taina , Gustafsson Anders ,   the PAROKRANK Steering Committee
Published: April 2017

Aim

To relate cardiac biomarkers, such as cystatin C and growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15) in saliva to myocardial infarction (MI) and to periodontal status, and to investigate the relation between salivary and plasma cardiac biomarkers.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred patients with MI admitted to coronary care units and 200 matched controls without MI were included. Dental examination and collection of blood and saliva samples was performed 6–10 weeks after the MI for patients and in close proximity thereafter for controls. Analysing methods: ARCHITECT i4000SR, Immulite 2000 XPi or ELISA.

Results

The mean age was 62 ± 8 years and 84% were male. Total probing pocket depth, fibrinogen, white blood cell counts and HbA1c were higher in patients than controls. GDF‐15 levels correlated with most of the included clinical variables in both study groups. No correlation was found between plasma and saliva levels of cystatin C or GDF‐15.

Conclusion

Salivary cystatin C and GDF‐15 could not differentiate between MI patients and controls.