bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological study of ovarian carcinoid tumours
Authors: McGrath Shaun , Nicklin James
Published: July 2016

Objective

To describe the clinical features, treatment, clinical course and survival rates of women diagnosed with ovarian carcinoid tumours.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients diagnosed with primary ovarian carcinoid tumours who were managed by the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer from 1982 to 2015.

Results

Eighteen patients were identified with ovarian carcinoid tumours over the 32 years of the study period. Of the 18 patients, 14 were diagnosed with stage 1 disease, two were diagnosed with stage 3 disease and two were diagnosed with stage 4 disease. Carcinoid syndrome was present in two patients. All patients underwent surgical management. Follow‐up strategies varied for early stage disease, but no patient with early stage disease received any adjuvant treatment and no patient developed recurrent disease. Patients with advanced stage disease were treated with cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy. The five year survival was 100% for stage 1 disease, and 25% for stages 3 and 4 disease.

Conclusions

The vast majority of carcinoid tumours are diagnosed as an incidental finding. Prognosis for early stage disease is excellent, whether conservative or more extensive surgery with staging was performed, and intensive follow up did not influence survival. Optimal treatment for advanced disease remains unknown and requires further study.
Flow Preconditioning of Endothelial Cells on Collagen‐Immobilized Silicone Fibers Enhances Cell Retention and Antithrombotic Function
Authors: Salehi‐Nik Nasim , Banikarimi Seyedeh Parnian , Amoabediny Ghassem , Pouran Behdad , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Zandieh‐Doulabi Behrouz , Klein‐Nulend Jenneke
Published: July 2016

Stability and antithrombotic functionality of endothelial cells on silicone hollow fibers (SiHFs) are critical in the development of biohybrid artificial lungs. Here we aimed to enhance endothelial cell retention and anti‐thrombotic function by low (12 dyn/cm2, 24 h) fluid shear stress (“flow”) preconditioning of endothelial cells seeded on collagen‐immobilized SiHFs. The response of endothelial cells without preconditioning (48 h static culture) and with preconditioning (24 h static culture followed by 24 h flow preconditioning) on hollow fibers to high fluid shear stress (30 dyn/cm2, 1 h) was assessed in a parallel‐plate flow chamber. Finite element (FE) modeling was used to simulate shear stress within the flow chamber. We found that collagen immobilization on hollow fibers using carbodiimide bonds provided sufficient stability to high shear stress. Flow preconditioning for 24 h before treatment with high shear stress for 1 h on collagen‐immobilized hollow fibers increased cell retention (1.3‐fold). The FE model showed that cell flattening due to flow preconditioning reduced maximum shear stress on cells by 32%. Flow preconditioning prior to exposure to high fluid shear stress enhanced the production of nitric oxide (1.3‐fold) and prostaglandin I2 (1.2‐fold). In conclusion, flow preconditioning of endothelial cells on collagen‐immobilized SiHFs enhanced cell retention and antithrombotic function, which could significantly improve current biohybrid artificial lungs.
Pharmacokinetics of oral fludrocortisone in septic shock
Authors: Polito Andrea , Hamitouche Noureddine , Ribot Mégane , Polito Angelo , Laviolle Bruno , Bellissant Eric , Annane Djillali , Alvarez Jean‐Claude
Published: July 2016

Aim

The combination of hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone improved outcomes in septic shock. However, the specific role of fludrocortisone remains controversial and its pharmacokinetics (PK) has never been investigated in septic shock. This study aimed at characterizing the PK of fludrocortisone in septic shock.

Methods

This was a single‐centre ancillary PK study of a large multinational trial of crystalloids versus colloids for acute hypovolemia in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. In 21 adults with septic shock, fludrocortisone plasma concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry tandem analysis, before and repeatedly until 18 h after an oral dose of 50 μg. PK parameters were estimated using a nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling.

Results

Undetectable plasma concentrations were observed in 7 out of 21 patients. In the remaining 14 patients, plasma fludrocortisone concentrations were best described by a one‐compartmental model with first‐order absorption, a lag time (Tlag) before the absorption phase, and first‐order elimination. Severity of illness, as quantified by Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, significantly increased Tlag and apparent clearance. There was a large inter‐individual variability in PK parameters. The population estimates of PK parameters (inter‐individual variability) were: Tlag 0.65 h (98%), apparent clearance 40 l h−1 (49%) and apparent volume of distribution 78 l (75%). Plasma half‐life was estimated at 1.35 h (95% CI, 0.84–2.03) and area under the curve of plasma concentrations was estimated at 1.25 μg h l−1 (95% CI, 1.09–1.46).

Conclusions

A single oral dose of fludrocortisone yielded undetectable plasma concentrations in one‐third of adults with septic shock. Fludrocortisone PK showed a short plasma elimination half‐life and a large inter‐individual variability.
Application of glycoscience to the early detection of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Miyoshi Eiji , Kamada Yoshihiro
Published: July 2016

The prognosis of pancreatic cancer is extremely poor compared to other cancers. One of the reasons for this is the difficulty of early diagnosis. Surveillance using cancer biomarkers and image diagnosis can enable early detection and has improved the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in Japan. However, it is very difficult to detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage using cancer biomarkers and image diagnosis alone. Fucosylation is one of the most important types of glycosylation involved in cancer and inflammation. We have developed a novel glycocancer biomarker, fucosylated haptoglobin (Fuc‐Hpt), and have investigated its usefulness for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer over approximately 10 years. Recently, we also found that most pancreatic tissues surrounding pancreatic cancer exhibit chronic pancreatitis with fibrosis and/or fatty degeneration. Certain forms of chronic pancreatitis might indicate high risk for the development of pancreatic cancer. In this review, we provide a historical summary of our research on Fuc‐Hpt as a cancer biomarker, and discuss a potential early detection system for pancreatic cancer.
Design, synthesis, and preliminary bioactivity evaluation of N1‐hydroxyterephthalamide derivatives with indole cap as novel histone deacetylase inhibitors
Authors: Wang Xue , Li Xiaoyang , Li Jingyao , Hou Jinning , Qu Ying , Yu Chenggong , He Feng , Xu Wenfang , Wu Jingde
Published: July 2016

Histone deacetylases inhibitors (HDACIs) have been widely recognized as significant therapeutic approach to cancers. In our efforts to develop novel histone deacetylases inhibitors (HDACIs) as potential anticancer agents, a series of N1‐hydroxyterephthalamide derivatives with an indole cap group were designed and synthesized. Compound 12m was identified to be the most potent one (IC50 = 0.074 μm against HeLa nuclear extract) and showed higher inhibitory activity than the positive control SAHA (IC50 = 0.131 μm), which was also verified by further molecular docking studies into active site of HDAC2. The results of selectivity on the inhibition of HDACs exhibited 12m being with similar isoform selective profile with PXD101. In addition, the representative compounds (8d, 12d, 12j, 12m) based on the outcomes of preliminary tumor cell screening demonstrated more potent or comparable to SAHA in the next antiproliferative activity assays. Collectively, the results encouraged further development of this chemical template to provide more potent analogs as HDACIs.
Current Understandings of What Works to Support the Development of Emergent Literacy in Early Childhood Classrooms
Authors: Piasta Shayne B.
Published: July 2016

Despite growing attention to early literacy experiences and emergent literacy perspectives, many children start kindergarten with less than optimal emergent literacy skills. In this article, I review research on efforts to identify what works to support young children's development of emergent literacy in early childhood classrooms prior to starting kindergarten. These efforts include curricula, best practices, and professional development. Such efforts show promise in improving children's emergent literacy skills, but many gaps remain and require further study. In particular, research is necessary to identify ways to improve meaning‐focused skills, understand the generalizability and sustainability of effects, and translate findings into practice.
Experience of childhood abuse and later number of remaining teeth in older Japanese: a life‐course study from Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study project
Authors: Matsuyama Yusuke , Fujiwara Takeo , Aida Jun , Watt Richard G. , Kondo Naoki , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Kondo Katsunori , Osaka Ken
Published: July 2016

Objectives

From a life‐course perspective, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as childhood abuse are known risk factors for adult diseases and death throughout life. ACEs could also cause poor dental health in later life because they could induce poor dental health in childhood, initiate unhealthy behaviors, and lower immune and physiological functions. However, it is not known whether ACEs have a longitudinal adverse effect on dental health in older age. This study aimed to investigate the association between experience of childhood abuse until the age of 18 and current number of remaining teeth among a sample of older Japanese adults.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES), a large‐scale, self‐reported survey in 2013 including 27 525 community‐dwelling Japanese aged ≥65 years (response rate=71.1%). The outcome, current number of remaining teeth was used categorically: ≥20, 10–19, 5–9, 1–4, and no teeth. Childhood abuse was defined as having any experience of physical abuse, psychological abuse, and psychological neglect up until the age of 18 years. Ordered logistic regression models were applied.

Results

Of the 25 189 respondents who indicated their number of remaining teeth (mean age: 73.9; male: 46.5%), 14.8% had experience of childhood abuse. Distributions of ≥20, 10–19, 5–9, 1–4, and no teeth were as follows: 46.6%, 22.0%, 11.4%, 8.2%, and 11.8% among respondents with childhood abuse, while 52.3%, 21.3%, 10.3%, 6.6%, and 9.5% among respondents without childhood abuse. Childhood abuse was significantly associated with fewer remaining teeth after adjusting for covariates including socioeconomic status (odds ratio=1.14; 95% confidence interval: 1.06, 1.22).

Conclusions

Childhood abuse could have a longitudinal adverse effect on later dental health in older age. This study emphasizes the importance of early life experiences on dental health throughout later life.
Areas of endemism in the Nearctic: a case study of 1339 species of Miridae (Insecta: Hemiptera) and their plant hosts
Authors: Weirauch Christiane , Seltmann Katja C. , Schuh Randall T. , Schwartz Michael D. , Johnson Christine , Feist Mary Ann , Soltis Pamela S.
Published: July 2016

Areas of endemism are essential first hypotheses in investigating historical biogeography, but there is a surprising paucity of such hypotheses for the Nearctic region. Miridae, the plant bugs, are an excellent taxon to study in this context, because this group combines high species diversity, often small distribution ranges, a history of modern taxonomic revisions, and comprehensive electronic data capture and data cleaning that have resulted in an exceptionally error‐free geospatial data set. Many Miridae are phytophagous and feed on only one or a small number of host plant species. The programs ndm/vndm are here used on plant bug and plant data sets to address two main objectives: (i) identify areas of endemism for plant bugs based on parameters used in a recent study that focused on Nearctic mammals; and (ii) discuss hypotheses on areas of endemism based on plant bug distributions in the context of areas identified by their host plant species. Given the narrow distribution ranges of many species of Miridae, the analytical results allow for tests of the prediction that areas of endemism for Miridae are smaller and more numerous, especially in the Western Nearctic, than are those of their host plants. Analyses of the default plant bug data set resulted in 45 areas of endemism, 35 of them north of Mexico and many located in the Western Nearctic; areas in the Nearctic are more numerous and smaller than those identified by mammals. The host plant data set resulted in ten areas of endemism, and even though the size range of areas is similar between the Miridae and plant data sets, the average area size is smaller in the Miridae data set. These results allow for the conclusion that the Miridae indeed present a valuable model system to investigate areas of endemism in the Nearctic.
Baby FaceTime: can toddlers learn from online video chat?
Authors: Myers Lauren J. , LeWitt Rachel B. , Gallo Renee E. , Maselli Nicole M.
Published: July 2016

There is abundant evidence for the ‘video deficit’: children under 2 years old learn better in person than from video. We evaluated whether these findings applied to video chat by testing whether children aged 12–25 months could form relationships with and learn from on‐screen partners. We manipulated social contingency: children experienced either real‐time FaceTime conversations or pre‐recorded Videos as the partner taught novel words, actions and patterns. Children were attentive and responsive in both conditions, but only children in the FaceTime group responded to the partner in a temporally synced manner. After one week, children in the FaceTime condition (but not the Video condition) preferred and recognized their Partner, learned more novel patterns, and the oldest children learned more novel words. Results extend previous studies to demonstrate that children under 2 years show social and cognitive learning from video chat because it retains social contingency. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/rTXaAYd5adA
Spatial variation in soil properties and diffuse losses between and within grassland fields with similar short‐term management
Authors: Peukert S. , Griffith B. A. , Murray P. J. , Macleod C. J. A. , Brazier R. E.
Published: July 2016

One of the major challenges for agriculture is to understand the effects of agricultural practices on soil properties and diffuse pollution, to support practical farm‐scale land management. Three conventionally managed grassland fields with similar short‐term management, but different ploughing histories, were studied on a long‐term research platform: the North Wyke Farm Platform. The aims were to (i) quantify the between‐field and within‐field spatial variation in soil properties by geostatistical analysis, (ii) understand the effects of soil condition (in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon contents) on the quality of discharge water and (iii) establish robust baseline data before the implementation of various grassland management scenarios. Although the fields sampled had experienced the same land use and similar management for at least 6 years, there were differences in their mean soil properties. They showed different patterns of soil spatial variation and different rates of diffuse nutrient losses to water. The oldest permanent pasture field had the largest soil macronutrient concentrations and the greatest diffuse nutrient losses. We show that management histories affect soil properties and diffuse losses. Potential gains in herbage yield or benefits in water quality might be achieved by characterizing every field or by area‐specific management within fields (a form of precision agriculture for grasslands). Permanent pasture per se cannot be considered a mitigation measure for diffuse pollution. The between‐ and within‐field soil spatial variation emphasizes the importance of baseline characterization and will enable the reliable identification of any effects of future management change on the Farm Platform.

Highlights

Quantification of soil and water quality in grassland fields with contrasting management histories.

Considerable spatial variation in soil properties and diffuse losses between and within fields.

Contrasting management histories within and between fields strongly affected soil and water quality.

Careful pasture management needed: the oldest pasture transferred the most nutrients from soil to water.
The evolution of host specialisation in avian brood parasites
Authors: Medina Iliana , Langmore Naomi E.
Published: July 2016

Traditional ecological theory predicts that specialisation can promote speciation; hence, recently derived species are specialists. However, an alternative view is that new species have broad niches, which become narrower and specialised over time. Here, we test these hypotheses using avian brood parasites and three different measures of host specialisation. Brood parasites provide an ideal system in which to investigate the evolution of specialisation, because some exploit more than 40 host species and others specialise on only one. We find that young brood parasite species are smaller and specialise on a narrower range of host sizes, as expected, if specialisation is linked with the generation of new species. Moreover, we show that highly virulent parasites are more specialised, supporting findings in other host–parasite systems. Finally, we demonstrate that different measures of specialisation can lead to different conclusions, and specialisation indices should be designed taking into account the biology of each system.
Species residency status affects model selection and hypothesis testing in freshwater community ecology
Authors: Bried Jason T. , Siepielski Adam M. , Dvorett Daniel , Jog Suneeti K. , Patten Michael A. , Feng Xiao , Davis Craig A.
Published: July 2016

Species occurrences have multiple ecological states that may strongly influence community analysis and inference. This may be especially true in freshwater systems where many animals have complex life cycles with adult dispersal and juvenile resident stages.

The effects of ecological state variation on standard empirical approaches are largely unknown. Here, we analysed the effects of natal resident versus non‐natal immigrant species occurrence on community‐level environmental gradient modelling and spatial–environmental hypothesis testing using adult dragonflies and damselflies as model taxa.

Resident and total (resident + immigrant) occurrences of these taxa responded to different sets of environmental variables and resident occurrences reduced model selection uncertainty in 75% of test cases.

Effects of environmental gradients, spatial gradients or both were observed in residents but not immigrants, and supported predictions of dispersal limitation and niche‐based species sorting often implicated for structuring freshwater communities.

These results indicate that resident‐only analysis of the dispersal stage should improve multi‐model inference and detection of spatial–environmental effects in freshwater community ecology. The species resident–immigrant dichotomy neglects population dynamics and individual variation yet apparently marks an ecologically significant boundary that scales up to influence community‐level occurrence patterns.
Methane oxidation in contrasting soil types: responses to experimental warming with implication for landscape‐integrated CH4 budget
Authors: D'Imperio Ludovica , Nielsen Cecilie Skov , Westergaard‐Nielsen Andreas , Michelsen Anders , Elberling Bo
Published: July 2016

Arctic ecosystems are characterized by a wide range of soil moisture conditions and thermal regimes and contribute differently to the net methane (CH4) budget. Yet, it is unclear how climate change will affect the capacity of those systems to act as a net source or sink of CH4. Here, we present results of in situ CH4 flux measurements made during the growing season 2014 on Disko Island (west Greenland) and quantify the contribution of contrasting soil and landscape types to the net CH4 budget and responses to summer warming. We compared gas flux measurements from a bare soil and a dry heath, at ambient conditions and increased air temperature, using open‐top chambers (OTCs). Throughout the growing season, bare soil consumed 0.22 ± 0.03 g CH4‐C m−2 (8.1 ± 1.2 g CO2‐eq m−2) at ambient conditions, while the dry heath consumed 0.10 ± 0.02 g CH4‐C m−2 (3.9 ± 0.6 g CO2‐eq m−2). These uptake rates were subsequently scaled to the entire study area of 0.15 km2, a landscape also consisting of wetlands with a seasonally integrated methane release of 0.10 ± 0.01 g CH4‐C m−2 (3.7 ± 1.2 g CO2‐eq m−2). The result was a net landscape sink of 12.71 kg CH4‐C (0.48 tonne CO2‐eq) during the growing season. A nonsignificant trend was noticed in seasonal CH4 uptake rates with experimental warming, corresponding to a 2% reduction at the bare soil, and 33% increase at the dry heath. This was due to the indirect effect of OTCs on soil moisture, which exerted the main control on CH4 fluxes. Overall, the net landscape sink of CH4 tended to increase by 20% with OTCs. Bare and dry tundra ecosystems should be considered in the net CH4 budget of the Arctic due to their potential role in counterbalancing CH4 emissions from wetlands – not the least when taking the future climatic scenarios of the Arctic into account.
Reforming the Westminster Model of Agency Governance: Britain and Ireland After the Crisis
Authors: Dommett Katharine , MacCarthaigh Muiris , Hardiman Niamh
Published: July 2016

Conventional understandings of what the Westminster model implies anticipate reliance on a top‐down, hierarchical approach to budgetary accountability, reinforced by a post–New Public Management emphasis on recentralizing administrative capacity. This article, based on a comparative analysis of the experiences of Britain and Ireland, argues that the Westminster model of bureaucratic control and oversight itself has been evolving, hastened in large part due to the global financial crisis. Governments have gained stronger controls over the structures and practices of agencies, but agencies are also key players in securing better governance outcomes. The implication is that the crisis has not seen a return to the archetypal command‐and‐control model, nor a wholly new implementation of negotiated European‐type practices, but rather a new accountability balance between elements of the Westminster system itself that have not previously been well understood.
Historical decision‐making for the choice of natural stone in St Bavo's Cathedral tower in Ghent, Belgium
Authors: De Kock Tim , Roelens Ignace , Cnudde Veerle
Published: July 2016

The St Bavo's Cathedral tower in Ghent, Belgium, is currently under restoration. This tower was built during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries over a period of 73 years, using Eocene white stone. Restorations over the last two centuries introduced different Jurassic limestones from the Paris Basin. Documentation of these interventions, however, is very poor for the period before the twentieth century, and documentation on the original construction is non‐existing. Nevertheless, the use of the different stones in their historical context forms a typical example of the historical mindset on the use of white stone, representative for Ghent and by extension northwestern Belgium.
Recombinant to modified factor VIII and factor IX – chromogenic and one‐stage assays issues
Authors: Kitchen S. , Kershaw G. , Tiefenbacher S.
Published: July 2016

The recent development of modified recombinant factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX) therapeutic products with extended half‐lives will create challenges for the haemostasis laboratory in obtaining recovery estimates of these products in clinical samples using existing assays. The new long‐acting therapeutic concentrates contain molecular modifications of Fc fusion, site‐specific of polyethylene glycol or albumin fusion. The optimum methods for monitoring each new product will need to be assessed individually and laboratories should select an assay which gives similar results to the assay used to assign potency to the product in question. For some extended half‐life FVIII and FIX products some one stage assays are entirely unsuitable for monitoring purposes. For most products and assay reagents studied so far, and reviewed in this manuscript, chromogenic FVIII or FIX assays can be safely used with conventional plasma standards. If one stage assays are used then they should be performed using carefully selected reagents/methods which have been shown to recover activity close to the labelled potency for the specific product being monitored.
Arsenic and skin cancer in the USA: the current evidence regarding arsenic‐contaminated drinking water
Authors: Mayer Jonathan E. , Goldman Rose H.
Published: July 2016

Background

Studies carried out in developing countries, such as Bangladesh and Taiwan, have reported an association between exposure to arsenic in drinking water and increased rates of non‐melanoma skin cancer. However, it is unclear whether this correlation can be extended to the populations of developed countries such as the USA, which have lower levels of arsenic exposure and differ in other factors, such as genetics, nutrition, sun exposure, and socioeconomic status.

Objectives

This report examines the current evidence in an attempt to resolve whether populations in the USA have rates of skin cancer that correlate with higher arsenic concentrations.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases.

Results

Six key studies were found and reviewed. Several studies conducted in US populations indicate an association between arsenic‐contaminated water and skin cancer, which may in some cases occur at arsenic concentrations of <10 μg/l, the 2001 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum allowable concentration for municipal water.

Conclusions

Private wells are not regulated by the EPA's rule, and many have concentrations above the EPA maximum. In order to help curb the rising incidence of skin cancer, arsenic contamination of water warrants the attention of policymakers. Greater testing of well water and increased education and skin cancer surveillance by dermatologists in arsenic‐endemic areas may help to reduce exposure to arsenic and facilitate the early recognition of skin cancer.
Splinter hemorrhages of the nails: a systematic review of clinical features and associated conditions
Authors: Haber Roger , Khoury Rana , Kechichian Elio , Tomb Roland
Published: July 2016

Splinter hemorrhages (SHs) of the nails represent a frequent although not specific clinical finding that has been associated with conditions of varying severity. However, to date, there is no single report of their characteristics and etiologies. The aim of this study is to guide clinical practice by reviewing all of the data concerning SH of the nails that have become available since the first description of this condition was published in 1923, with particular reference to all clinical features, associated medical conditions, pathogenesis, and necessary workup. PubMed and EMBASE were searched using the keywords “splinter” AND “hemorrhage*”; the only articles excluded were those studying SHs of the retina. Splinter hemorrhage is a frequent nail disorder that may be idiopathic, drug‐induced, or a sign of a dermatological disease, such as psoriasis and lichen planus, or a wide range of systemic disorders, the most important of which are infections and vasculitis. Clinicians and dermatologists should be aware of all the clinical features of both SH and associated medical conditions.
Skin conditions in a South African tuberculosis hospital: Prevalence, description, and possible associations
Authors: McLachlan Iréne , Visser Willem I. , Jordaan H. Francois
Published: July 2016

Background

The current pandemic of tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co‐infection, the modern era of antiretroviral therapy, and the rising incidence of multidrug‐resistant TB have led to a broader spectrum of skin conditions in patients hospitalized with TB. These factors also influence investigations into possible causal relationships with TB.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe mucocutaneous conditions found in patients hospitalized with TB and to report associated factors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study examining the spectrum of skin manifestations found in 105 patients hospitalized with TB was conducted. All relevant demographic and clinical data were collected. Possible associations were evaluated by making use of statistical analysis.

Results

Seventy‐four (70%) of the investigated population were HIV‐positive, and 46 (44%) patients were being treated for drug‐resistant TB. The most prevalent dermatosis was xerosis (n = 83, 79%), followed by oral candidiasis (n = 33, 31%) and scars (n = 33, 31%), finger clubbing (n = 31, 29%), leukonychia (n = 29, 28%), striae (n = 25, 24%), and facial hyperpigmentation (n = 22, 21%). Anemia was detected in 90 (86%) patients, and 75 (71%) were classified as being underweight. Three patients were diagnosed with cutaneous TB.

Conclusions

Patients hospitalized with TB have on average four different dermatoses, but xerosis remains the leading dermatological finding, irrespective of HIV status or TB drug sensitivity. Anemia and malnutrition are associated with numerous skin conditions found in this population. The prevalence of cutaneous TB among patients hospitalized with TB remains low, despite the high rate of TB and HIV co‐infection.
Evaluation of hypoxia, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis in actinic cheilitis
Authors: Barbosa Natália G. , Souza Lélia B. , Nonaka Cassiano F. W. , Silveira Ericka J. D.
Published: July 2016

Background

Actinic cheilitis is a potentially malignant condition caused mainly by chronic sun exposure. Here we aim to evaluate the role of hypoxia, angiogenesis, and lymphatic density in the clinical and morphological progression of a series of cases of actinic cheilitis.

Materials and methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate positivity to hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐C, and D2–40 in 40 cases of actinic cheilitis of the lower lip.

Results

The cases studied exhibited variable degrees of positivity to the markers. The median number of lymphatic vessels was 3.2, 2.4, and 3.0 in lesions showing no epithelial dysplasia (NED) and with mild (MED) and moderate (MOED) epithelial dysplasia, respectively. The median VEGF‐C positivity index was 82.44% (NED), 92.74% (MED), and 82.83% (MOED), and the median HIF‐1α positivity index was 11.57% (NED), 5.26% (MED), and 13.55% (MOED). No significant differences in lymphatic density or median VEGF‐C and HIF‐1α positivity indices were observed between histological grades or clinical presentations of actinic cheilitis (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Although representing early events in lip carcinogenesis, the present results suggest that hypoxia, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis do not influence the morphological or clinical progression of actinic cheilitis.
Modified keystone flap for extremity defects after Mohs surgery
Authors: Magliano Julio , Falco Sofia , Agorio Caroline , Bazzano Carlos
Published: July 2016

Background

When possible, surgery is the treatment of choice for cutaneous carcinomas, as it allows to us perform the anatomopathological study and control the surgical margins. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) controls 100% of the margins, maintains a larger amount of healthy tissue, and a fewer number of recurrences are seen. Large limb surgical defects after MMS are a challenge. Within the different kind of flaps, the keystone flap, which is a fasciocutaneous island advancement flap, is an option.

Methods

A descriptive study was carried out on the extremity defects that occurred after MMS, which were reconstructed with the modified keystone type flap, during the years 2013–2014 in our department.

Results

Six patients underwent reconstruction surgery with the modified keystone flap. The tumor types presented by the patients were four squamous cell carcinomas and two basal cell carcinomas. Locations of the repaired defects were three in the leg, two in the thigh, and one in the forearm. The average size of the repaired defects was 3.1 cm. The procedure was well tolerated in all cases. No complications were observed, such as postoperative bleeding, infection, or necrosis, or dehiscence of the suture.

Conclusions

The modified keystone flap has been very helpful for solving the limb defects of these six patients, although they were not compared with other types of reconstruction.
The antioxidant activity and the composition of free and bound phenolic acids in dough of wheat flour enriched by Boletus edulis after mixing and thermal processing
Authors: Nikolić Nada , Stojanović Jelena , Mitrović Jelena , Lazić Miodrag , Karabegović Ivana , Stojanović Gordana
Published: July 2016

The porcino is good source of phenolics and has been used to enrich wheat flour. The antioxidant activity and the content and composition of free and bound phenolic acids in the dough of wheat and porcino flour mixture (70:30 w/w) were investigated. The free form in the amount of 1305.76 μg g−1 was the main part of the phenolic content in the flour mixture. By dough mixing, the content of free phenolics increased by approximately 70%. Further thermal processing decreased the content of both forms of phenolics compared to dough after mixing, but the content of free phenolics of 1764.24 μg g−1 is still higher than in the flour mixture. The stability of the detected phenolic acids during mixing and thermal processing depended on whether they were in free or bound form. After thermal processing, the total content of detected phenolic acids was 683.31 μg g−1, indicating that approximately 87% of the total content of phenolic acids detected in flour mixture was retained.
Evaluation of plasma, high‐pressure and ultrasound processing on the stability of fructooligosaccharides
Authors: Alves Filho Elenilson G. , Cullen Patrick J. , Frias Jesus M. , Bourke Paula , Tiwari Brijesh K. , Brito Edy S. , Rodrigues Sueli , Fernandes Fabiano A.N.
Published: July 2016

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are among the main carbohydrates with prebiotic activity, and they are the most applied functional carbohydrate ingredient in the food industry. FOS are known to hydrolyse when subjected to thermal processing, thus partially losing its functional properties. In this study, we evaluate whether three nonthermal technologies are suitable for processing FOS regarding its stability after processing. FOS were subjected to ultrasound, high‐pressure processing (HPP) and atmospheric cold plasma (ACP). The FOS solution, 70 g L−1, was set at a concentration recommended for human intake. The treatments were carried out at operating conditions usually used for microbial inactivation in foods (HPP at 450 MPa for 5 min; US at 600–1200 W L−1 for 5 min; ACP at 70 kV for 15–60 s). NMR and HPLC analysis of the FOS components showed that ACP, ultrasound and HPP have not induced any significant change on FOS concentration (<2.0%) nor on the degree of polymerisation of the FOS (<3.3%). Contrarily to what is reported for thermal treatments, these nonthermal technologies were considered suitable for FOS processing.
Effects of silodosin on bladder activity in rats with frequent urination induced by pelvic venous congestion
Authors: Sugaya Kimio , Nishijima Saori , Kadekawa Katsumi , Ashitomi Katsuhiro , Ueda Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Hideyuki
Published: July 2016

Objective

To examine the effects of silodosin on bladder activity using female rats with frequent urination induced by pelvic venous congestion.

Methods

A total of 24 female rats were divided into three groups: sham, pelvic venous congestion and pelvic venous congestion/silodosin group. Rats in the pelvic venous congestion and pelvic venous congestion/silodosin groups were anesthetized with isoflurane, after which the bilateral common iliac veins and uterine veins were ligated. In the pelvic venous congestion/silodosin group, silodosin (0.3 mg/kg/day) was given using an osmotic pump implanted into the subcutaneous space of the back. After 5–6 weeks, analysis of voiding behavior, measurements of urinary 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine and nitric oxide metabolites, continuous cystometry under urethane anesthesia, and Evans blue dye extravasation test of the bladder were carried out.

Results

In comparison with sham rats, pelvic venous congestion rats showed an increase in urination frequency with a concomitant increase in urine volume, a shorter interval between bladder contractions on continuous cystometry, an increase in urinary 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine, a decrease in urinary nitric oxide metabolites and an increase in vesical vascular permeability. In comparison with pelvic venous congestion rats, pelvic venous congestion/silodosin rats showed a decrease in urination frequency with a concomitant decrease in urine volume, a lower maximum bladder contraction pressure, a longer interval between bladder contractions, an increase in urinary nitric oxide metabolites and a decrease in vascular permeability.

Conclusion

Silodosin might improve both bladder dysfunction caused by pelvic venous congestion, and the pelvic venous congestion itself.
Local recurrence of renal cell carcinoma that simulated multiple renal arteriovenous fistulas after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: Report of a rare case
Authors: Aydin Ahmet Murat , Eldem Gonca , Peynircioglu Bora , Baydar Dilek Ertoy , Bilen Cenk Yucel
Published: July 2016

Herein we report a patient who was initially thought to have renal arteriovenous fistulas 3 months after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for a small renal mass. After timely intervention using selective renal artery embolization, computed tomography 9 months post‐surgery showed persistent renal arteriovenous fistulas and nodular lesions in the perirenal fat. The patient then underwent radical nephrectomy, and histopathological examination showed underlying recurrent clear cell renal cell carcinoma invading the intraparenchymal arteries and veins, which was simulating multiple high‐flow renal arteriovenous fistulas.
Creating the optimal workspace for hospital staff using human centred design
Authors: Cawood T. , Saunders E. , Drennan C. , Cross N. , Nicholl D. , Kenny A. , Meates D. , Laing R.
Published: July 2016

We were tasked with creating best possible non‐clinical workspace solutions for approximately 450 hospital staff across 11 departments encompassing medical, nursing, allied health, administrative and other support staff. We used a Human‐Centred Design process, involving ‘Hear, Create and Deliver’ stages. We used observations, contextual enquiry and role‐specific workshops to understand needs, key interactions and drivers of behaviour. Co‐design workshops were then used to explore and prototype‐test concepts for the final design. With extensive employee engagement and design process expertise, an innovative solution was created that focussed on meeting the functional workspace needs of a diverse group of staff requiring a range of different spaces, incorporating space constraints and equity. This project demonstrated the strength of engaging employees in an expert‐led Human‐Centred Design process. We believe this is a successful blueprint process for other institutions to embrace when facing similar workspace design challenges.
The Valuation Model for a Risky Asset When Its Risky Factors Follow Gamma Distributions
Authors: Tsai Ming Shann , Chiang Shu Ling
Published: July 2016

This paper constructed a pricing model for the asset with multi‐risks by specifying the risky factors (i.e., interest rate and termination hazard rates) to follow gamma distributions. The model not only avoids the possibility of the termination hazard rate taking an irrational (i.e., negative) value, but it also makes it easier to derive a valuation formula for a risky asset. Our model can also effortless apply because the parameters of the gamma distribution can easily be estimated from market data. An example using Taiwanese bond data illustrates how the model can be utilized for practical applications. To facilitate understanding of how accurately the different models price risky bonds, we compare their out‐of‐sample pricing errors for different hazard rate specifications assuming normal and gamma distributions. The results show that our pricing formula is realistic and accurate in its applications. Therefore, it should help market participants to accurately price risky assets and to effectively manage complicated portfolios.
Identification of stably expressed reference small non‐coding RNAs for microRNA quantification in high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma tissues
Authors: Bignotti Eliana , Calza Stefano , Tassi Renata A. , Zanotti Laura , Bandiera Elisabetta , Sartori Enrico , Odicino Franco E. , Ravaggi Antonella , Todeschini Paola , Romani Chiara
Published: July 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to a family of small non‐coding RNAs (sncRNAs) playing important roles in human carcinogenesis. Multiple investigations reported miRNAs aberrantly expressed in several cancers, including high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGS‐OvCa). Quantitative PCR is widely used in studies investigating miRNA expression and the identification of reliable endogenous controls is crucial for proper data normalization. In this study, we aimed to experimentally identify the most stable reference sncRNAs for normalization of miRNA qPCR expression data in HGS‐OvCa. Eleven putative reference sncRNAs for normalization (U6, SNORD48, miR‐92a‐3p, let‐7a‐5p, SNORD61, SNORD72, SNORD68, miR‐103a‐3p, miR‐423‐3p, miR‐191‐5p, miR‐16‐5p) were analysed on a total of 75 HGS‐OvCa and 30 normal tissues, using a highly specific qPCR. Both the normal tissues considered to initiate HGS‐OvCa malignant transformation, namely ovary and fallopian tube epithelia, were included in our study. Stability of candidate endogenous controls was evaluated using an equivalence test and validated by geNorm and NormFinder algorithms. Combining results from the three different statistical approaches, SNORD48 emerged as stably and equivalently expressed between malignant and normal tissues. Among malignant samples, considering groups based on residual tumour, miR‐191‐5p was identified as the most equivalent sncRNA. On the basis of our results, we support the use of SNORD48 as best reference sncRNA for relative quantification in miRNA expression studies between HGS‐OvCa and normal controls, including the first time both the normal tissues supposed to be HGS‐OvCa progenitors. In addition, we recommend miR‐191‐5p as best reference sncRNA in miRNA expression studies with prognostic intent on HGS‐OvCa tissues.
European Guidelines (S1) on the use of high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin in dermatology
Authors: Enk A.H. , Hadaschik E.N. , Eming R. , Fierlbeck G. , French L.E. , Girolomoni G. , Hertl M. , Jolles S. , Karpati S. , Steinbrink K. , Stingl G. , Volc‐Platzer B. , Zillikens D.
Published: July 2016

Background

The treatment of severe dermatological autoimmune diseases and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) with high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a well‐established procedure in dermatology. As treatment with IVIg is usually considered for rare clinical entities or severe clinical cases, the use of immunoglobulin is not generally based on data from randomized controlled trials that are usually required for the practice of evidence‐based medicine. Owing to the rarity of the indications for the use of IVIg, it is also unlikely that such studies will be available in the foreseeable future. Because the high costs of IVIg treatment also limit its first‐line use, the first clinical guidelines on its use in dermatological conditions were established in 2008 and renewed in 2011.

Materials and methods

The European guidelines presented here were prepared by a panel of experts nominated by the EDF and the EADV. The guidelines were developed to update the indications for treatment currently considered as effective and to summarize the evidence base for the use of IVIg in dermatological autoimmune diseases and TEN.

Results and conclusion

The current guidelines represent consensual expert opinions and definitions on the use of IVIg reflecting current published evidence and are intended to serve as a decision‐making tool for the use of IVIg in dermatological diseases.
Characteristics and residence of First Nations patients and their use of health care services in Saskatchewan, Canada: informing First Nations and Métis health services
Authors: Lafond Gabe , Haver Charlene R. A. , McLeod Valerie , Clarke Sharon , Horsburgh Beth , McLeod Katherine M.
Published: July 2016

Rationale

In Canada, Aboriginal people, particularly First Nations experience significant health disparities and a lower health status compared with the non‐Aboriginal population.

Aims and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the demographic and clinical characteristics of First Nations patients admitted to hospitals in Saskatchewan, and the acute care services used by First Nations compared with non‐First Nations, specifically hospital length of stay. Primary residence of patients was also mapped to determine geographic patterns that would inform health service provision.

Methods

A retrospective medical chart audit was carried out to collect data on patient demographics and clinical characteristics of 203 First Nations and 200 non‐First Nations patients admitted to two urban hospitals in Saskatchewan from 2012 to 2014.

Results

The most common reason for admission of First Nations and non‐First Nations patients was infection (24.6%) and cardiology conditions (19.5%), respectively. There was no significant difference in mean length of stay for First Nations (10.44 days) compared with non‐First Nations (10.57 days). After adjusting for age, mean length of stay for First Nations was nearly 3 days longer than non‐First Nations. First Nations patients' residence was from across the broad geography of Saskatchewan, with 45% living in rural communities or on reserve.

Conclusions

The outcomes of this study are clinically meaningful and support the need for research, in collaboration with Aboriginal patients and families, to further examine and improve the care experience in order to decrease health disparities for Aboriginal patients in Canada.
Chronic pregabalin treatment decreases excitability of dentate gyrus and accelerates maturation of adult‐born granule cells
Authors: Lempel Augusto Abel , Coll Lucia , Schinder Alejandro F. , Uchitel Osvaldo Daniel , Piriz Joaquin
Published: July 2016

Pregabalin (PGB) is extensively prescribed to treat neurological and neuropsychiatrical conditions such as neuropathic pain, anxiety disorders, and epilepsy. AlthoughPGBis known to bind selectively to the α2δ subunit of voltage‐gated calcium channels, there is little understanding about how it exerts its therapeutic effects. In this article, we analyzed the effects of anin vivochronic treatment withPGBover the physiology of dentate gyrus granule cells (DGGCs) usingex vivoelectrophysiological and morphological analysis in adult mice. We found thatPGBdecreases neuronal excitability ofDGGCs. In addition,PGBaccelerates maturation of adult‐bornDGGCs, an effect that would modify dentate gyrus plasticity. Together, these findings suggest thatPGBreduces activity in the dentate gyrus and modulates overall network plasticity, which might contribute to its therapeutic effects.

image

Cover Imagefor this issue: doi:10.1111/jnc.13783.