bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supraclavicular flap repair in the free flap era
Authors: Trautman Jodie , Gore Sinclair , Potter Matthew , Clark Jonathan , Hyam Dylan , Tan Ngian C. , Ngo Quan , Ashford Bruce
Published: November 2017

Background

Supraclavicular flap (SCF) repair is widely reported in head and neck surgery in select patients and defects. The authors’ objective is to present our series of 30 patients who underwent SCF repair for varying defects and to review the scope and outcome of SCF repair in the literature.

Methods

The authors contributed primary evidence of 30 cases of SCF repair. Our outcomes are compared with those reported in the last 5 years’ literature; 33 articles published between January 2012 and January 2017 that present original clinical experience of 528 SCFs.

Results

SCF is suitable for a wide variety of oral cavity, pharyngeal, skull base and cutaneous defects. Consistent with our experience, SCF is highly reliable even in previously irradiated or dissected necks, so long as the supraclavicular artery is intact. Our case series shows minor complications in 3/30 (10%) and flap loss in 1/30 (3.3%) cases. The literature reports a similar rate of complete flap failure of 3.4% and a slightly higher average minor complication rate of 24.6%.

Conclusion

We add our experience of 30 cases of SCF repair to the international literature. We experienced a complication rate lower than the reported average, and maintain that the SCF is an excellent reconstructive option in patients with previously irradiated necks or comorbidities that affect microvasculature and anaesthetic resilience.
Brain‐Computer Interfaces With Multi‐Sensory Feedback for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Case Study
Authors: Irimia Danut C. , Cho Woosang , Ortner Rupert , Allison Brendan Z. , Ignat Bogdan E. , Edlinger Guenter , Guger Christoph
Published: November 2017

Conventional therapies do not provide paralyzed patients with closed‐loop sensorimotor integration for motor rehabilitation. This work presents the recoveriX system, a hardware and software platform that combines a motor imagery (MI)‐based brain‐computer interface (BCI), functional electrical stimulation (FES), and visual feedback technologies for a complete sensorimotor closed‐loop therapy system for poststroke rehabilitation. The proposed system was tested on two chronic stroke patients in a clinical environment. The patients were instructed to imagine the movement of either the left or right hand in random order. During these two MI tasks, two types of feedback were provided: a bar extending to the left or right side of a monitor as visual feedback and passive hand opening stimulated from FES as proprioceptive feedback. Both types of feedback relied on the BCI classification result achieved using common spatial patterns and a linear discriminant analysis classifier. After 10 sessions of recoveriX training, one patient partially regained control of wrist extension in her paretic wrist and the other patient increased the range of middle finger movement by 1 cm. A controlled group study is planned with a new version of the recoveriX system, which will have several improvements.
Artificial Walking Technologies to Improve Gait in Cerebral Palsy: Multichannel Neuromuscular Stimulation
Authors: Rose Jessica , Cahill‐Rowley Katelyn , Butler Erin E.
Published: November 2017

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood motor disability and often results in debilitating walking abnormalities, such as flexed‐knee and stiff‐knee gait. Current medical and surgical treatments are only partially effective in improving gait abnormalities and may cause significant muscle weakness. However, emerging artificial walking technologies, such as step‐initiated, multichannel neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), can substantially improve gait patterns and promote muscle strength in children with spastic CP. NMES may also be applied to specific lumbar‐sacral sensory roots to reduce spasticity. Development of tablet computer‐based multichannel NMES can leverage lightweight, wearable wireless stimulators, advanced control design, and surface electrodes to activate lower‐limb muscles. Musculoskeletal models have been used to characterize muscle contributions to unimpaired gait and identify high muscle demands, which can help guide multichannel NMES‐assisted gait protocols. In addition, patient‐specific NMES‐assisted gait protocols based on 3D gait analysis can facilitate the appropriate activation of lower‐limb muscles to achieve a more functional gait: stance‐phase hip and knee extension and swing‐phase sequence of hip and knee flexion followed by rapid knee extension. NMES‐assisted gait treatment can be conducted as either clinic‐based or home‐based programs. Rigorous testing of multichannel NMES‐assisted gait training protocols will determine optimal treatment dosage for future clinical trials. Evidence‐based outcome evaluation using 3D kinematics or temporal‐spatial gait parameters will help determine immediate neuroprosthetic effects and longer term neurotherapeutic effects of step‐initiated, multichannel NMES‐assisted gait in children with spastic CP. Multichannel NMES is a promising assistive technology to help children with spastic CP achieve a more upright, functional gait.
Genetic risk factors for perception of symptoms in GERD: an observational cohort study
Authors: Patel A. , Hasak S. , Nix B. D. , Sayuk G. S. , Newberry R. D. , Gyawali C. P.
Published: November 2017

Background

Genetic polymorphisms in G‐protein beta‐3 subunit (GNβ3) and beta‐2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) are associated with pain and gut hypersensitivity, which can overlap with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Aim

To evaluate relationships between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within GNβ3 and ADRB2 systems, and reflux symptom burden, GERD phenotypes from ambulatory reflux monitoring, and quality of life.

Methods

Symptomatic adults undergoing ambulatory reflux testing were recruited and phenotyped based on acid burden and symptom reflux association; major oesophageal motor disorders and prior foregut surgery were exclusions. A comparison asymptomatic control cohort was also identified. Subjects and controls completed questionnaires assessing symptom burden on visual analog scales, short‐form health survey‐36 (SF‐36), and Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories (BAI and BDI). Genotyping was performed from saliva samples; 6 SNPs selected from each of the two genes of interest were compared.

Results

Saliva from 151 study subjects (55.3 ± 1.2 years, 63.6% F) and 60 control subjects (50.9 ± 2.2 years, 66.7%) had sufficient genetic material for genotyping. Study subjects had higher symptom burden, worse total and physical health, and higher anxiety scores compared to controls (P ≤ .002). Tested SNPs within ADRB2 were similar between study subjects and controls (P > .09). Study subjects with recessive alleles in 3 GNβ3 SNPs (Rs2301339, Rs5443, and Rs5446) had worse symptom severity (P = .011), worse mental health (P = .03), and higher depression scores (P = .005) despite no associations with GERD phenotypes or reflux metrics.

Conclusions

Genetic variation within GNβ3 predicts oesophageal symptom burden and affect, but not oesophageal acid burden or symptom association with reflux episodes.
Use of oral anticoagulants in German nursing home residents: drug use patterns and predictors for treatment choice
Authors: Jobski Kathrin , Hoffmann Falk , Herget‐Rosenthal Stefan , Dörks Michael
Published: November 2017

Aims

Information on utilization of oral anticoagulants (OACs) in nursing homes is scarce. This study aimed to (i) describe OAC use in German nursing home residents, (ii) examine factors influencing whether treatment is initiated with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or non‐VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and (iii) assess which conditions predict switching to NOAC instead of continuing VKA.

Methods

Using claims data (2010–2014), we studied a cohort of new nursing home residents aged ≥65 years receiving OAC. Further, OAC use in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) was examined over the years.

Results

Overall, 16 804 patients (median age: 85 years, 75% female, 44% with renal disease) were included. The majority received phenprocoumon as first OAC (58.0%), followed by rivaroxaban (28.1%). Over the study period, NOAC use increased substantially. Initiating NOAC instead of VKA was predicted by a previous stroke (adjusted odds ratio: 1.76; 95% confidence interval: 1.49–2.08). In contrast, renal disease predicted VKA initiation (0.66; 0.59–0.75) as did the presence of a prosthetic heart valve. Switching from VKA to NOAC was predicted by a stroke (2.55; 2.00–3.24), bleeding events and a recent hospitalization. During 2010–2014, the proportion of AF patients with a CHADS2 score ≥2 receiving OAC increased from 27% to 46%.

Conclusions

NOACs are increasingly used in German nursing homes, both for initial anticoagulation but also in VKA pre‐treated patients. Switching from VKA to NOAC was substantially influenced by aspects such as intended higher effectiveness and safety but probably also practicability due to less blood monitoring.
Role of p62/SQSTM1 beyond autophagy: a lesson learned from drug‐induced toxicity in vitro
Authors: Alegre Fernando , Moragrega Ángela B , Polo Miriam , Marti‐Rodrigo Alberto , Esplugues Juan V , Blas‐Garcia Ana , Apostolova Nadezda
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose

SQSTM1/p62 is a multifunctional, stress‐induced, scaffold protein involved in multiple cellular processes including autophagic clearance, regulation of inflammatory responses and redox homeostasis. Its altered function has been associated with different human pathologies, such as neurodegenerative, metabolic and bone diseases (down‐regulation), and cancerogenesis (up‐regulation). However, its role in the off‐target effects of clinically used drugs is still not understood.

Experimental Approach

We evaluated the expression of p62 in cultured Hep3B cells and their derived ρ° cells (lacking mitochondria), along with markers of autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction. The effects of efavirenz were compared with those of known pharmacological stressors, rotenone, thapsigargin and CCCP, and we also used transient silencing with siRNA and p62 overexpression. Western blotting, quantRT‐PCR and fluorescence microscopy were used to assay these effects and their underlying mechanisms.

Key Results

In Hep3B cells, efavirenz augmented p62 protein content, an effect not observed in the corresponding ρ° cells. p62 up‐regulation followed enhanced SQSTM1 expression mediated through the transcription factor CHOP/DDIT3, while other well‐known regulators (NF‐kB and Nrf2) were not involved. Inhibition of autophagy with 3MA or with transient silencing of Atg5 did not affect SQSTM1 expression in efavirenz‐treated cells while p62 overexpression ameliorated the deleterious effect of efavirenz on cell viability.

Conclusion and Implications

In our model, p62 exerted a specific, autophagy‐independent role and protected against efavirenz‐induced mitochondrial ROS generation and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings add to the multifunctional nature of p62 and may help to understand the off‐target effects of clinically useful drugs.
Hormone therapy and patient satisfaction with treatment, in a large cohort of diverse disorders of sex development
Authors: Nordenström Anna , Röhle Robert , Thyen Ute , Bouvattier Claire , Slowikowska‐Hilczer Jolanta , Reisch Nicole , Claahsen van der Grinten Hedi , Brac de la Perriere Aude , Cohen‐Kettenis Peggy T. , Köhler Birgit ,   the dsd‐LIFE group
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To describe and investigate the hormone treatments in individuals with different forms of disorders of sex development (DSD) and the patients’ own views on their treatment.

Design

Multicentre cross‐sectional clinical evaluation, dsd‐LIFE in 6 European countries from February 2014 to September 2015.

Participants

A total of 1040 adolescents and adults (≥16 years) with different DSD conditions.

Main outcomes measures

Hormone replacement, information received and patient satisfaction.

Results

Included were women with Turner syndrome (301), 46,XX GD (n = 20), and women with 45,X/46XY (n = 24). Individuals with Klinefelter syndrome (n = 218), 46,XX males (n = 6), individuals with different forms of 46,XY DSD (n = 243): 46,XY DSD conditions (n = 222), men with 45,X/46XY (n = 21) 46,XX CAH, (n = 226). Oestrogen ± progestin was used by 306 (81%) individuals, 72 (19%) received ethinylestradiol and 198 had testosterone treatment. The overall adherence was good, with 10% of women with oestrogen and 5% of those on testosterone had stopped the medication despite 20% reporting dissatisfaction with the treatment, mostly because of psychological side effects. Glucocorticoid replacement in patients with CAH was very seldom stopped. More than 75% were satisfied with the information about the treatment, but the satisfaction with information about treatment options and side effects was lower.

Conclusions

More than 50% in the total cohort had hormone replacement. Although adherence was generally good, this study shows that hormone replacement therapy may be improved. This may be achieved by better individualization of the treatment and by providing specific information to patients regarding both long‐term and short‐term hormonal effects and side effects.
The New Bohemia as Urban Institution
Authors: Lloyd Richard
Published: November 2017

Bohemia, the colorful intersection of place, lifestyle, and artistic imagination, is rooted in the urban revolutions of 19th century Paris, and has proven to be a durable and transposable tradition of modernity in the nearly two centuries since. We have ideas about what living like an artist in the city should look like, and these in turn continue to powerfully shape what it does look like, culturally and materially. This cultural continuity today interacts with the structural transformation of the US economy and of American cities. Education, flexibility, and the creative capacity of high value city workers are elevated as principles of urban inequality, within and between cities, impacting new place making projects. In this case, the 21st century bohemia materializes in small and large cities around the country, serving as both a consumer amenity and an incubator of innovation in the arts and beyond. Birthed in the wrenching urban crisis wrought by postindustrial transition, neo–bohemia has now become an institutionalized feature of the urban landscape, intersecting with dominant policy and design discourses including the new urbanist and creative cities paradigms.
Piezoelectric versus conventional implant site preparation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Atieh Momen A. , Alsabeeha Nabeel H. M. , Tawse‐Smith Andrew , Duncan Warwick J.
Published: November 2017

Background

The use of a piezoelectric device (PED) for implant site preparation (ISP) has been introduced to overcome the limitations of using conventional drills (CDs). With little and inconsistent information in the literature regarding their efficiency for preparing implant osteotomies, the objective of this systematic review was to compare the use of CDs to PEDs for ISP with regard to implant stability values, marginal bone level changes, operating time, and dental implant failure rate.

Methods

The systematic review was prepared according to the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA). The literature was searched for studies that assessed the use of CDs and PEDs for ISP. The Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the selected studies and meta‐analyses were performed using statistical software.

Results

A total of 755 citations were identified. Of these, 4 studies with 178 implant osteotomies in 80 participants were included. The pooled estimates for the implant stability showed significant differences between the 2 surgical techniques in favor of PEDs at baseline, 8 and 12 weeks. A statistically significant difference in the operating time was also shown between the 2 techniques with more time required using PED. The differences in marginal bone level changes or implant failure rate were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

With the limitations of this review in mind, PEDs appear to be a viable alternative to traditional drilling techniques for ISP. With the exception of prolonged operating time associated with the use of PEDs, both techniques were comparable in terms of the marginal bone level changes and the risk of implant failure. The favorable influence of the implant stability pattern related to the use of PEDs on the predictability of immediate and early loading protocols need to be confirmed in future studies.
Total evidence analysis and body size evolution of extant and extinct tortoises (Testudines: Cryptodira: Pan‐Testudinidae)
Authors: Vlachos Evangelos , Rabi Márton
Published: November 2017

Testudinidae (tortoises) is an extant clade of terrestrial turtles of worldwide distribution and with a rich fossil record that provides an exceptional context for studying their evolutionary history. Because of the lack of global phylogenetic analyses integrating extinct taxa, our current knowledge of the relationships of the total clade of Testudinidae is rather poor. To resolve this issue, we performed the first total evidence analysis of Pan‐Testudinidae. The total evidence trees are congruent with the molecular topology and agree on the dichotomy of derived Testudinidae (=Testudininae; Converted Clade Name) into two previously recognized major clades, Testudona and Geochelona (New Clade Name). The integration of extinct taxa into the analysis allowed the stratigraphic fit of the total evidence trees, indicating that crown Testudininae, Testudona and Geochelona all originated by the Late Eocene, in agreement with recent molecular estimates. Ghost lineage analysis indicates high diversification in the Late Eocene and in the Miocene. The age of crown Testudo is Late Miocene, again in accordance with some molecular dates. Phylogenetic placement of fossils demonstrates that giant body size independently evolved in multiple continental mainland taxa and confirms recent results deduced from living taxa—giantism in Testudinidae is not linked to the insular effect. An unexpected outcome is the recovery of miniaturization in Testudona (<30 cm carapace length) that emerged sometime between the Oligocene and Early Miocene. No clear correlation between body size evolution and climate is apparent, but increased taxon sampling may nevertheless demonstrate the role of cooling and warming as one of many influential variables.
Three‐dimensional analysis of bone remodeling following ridge augmentation of compromised extraction sockets in periodontitis patients: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Aimetti Mario , Manavella Valeria , Corano Lisa , Ercoli Elena , Bignardi Cristina , Romano Federica
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze linear and volumetric hard tissue changes in severely resorbed alveolar sockets after ridge augmentation procedure and to compare them with spontaneous healing using three‐dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Material and methods

Thirty patients (mean age 53.2 ± 6.3 years) requiring tooth extraction for advanced periodontitis were randomly allocated to test and control groups. The test sites were grafted using a collagenated bovine‐derived bone (DBBM‐C) covered with a collagen membrane, while control sites had spontaneous healing. Both groups healed by secondary intention. Linear and volumetric measurements were taken on superimposed CBCT images obtained after tooth extraction and 12 months later.

Results

Greater horizontal shrinkage, localized mainly in the crestal zone, was observed in the control group (4.92 ± 2.45 mm) compared to the test group (2.60 ± 1.24 mm). While both groups presented a rebuilding of the buccal wall, it was most pronounced in the grafted sockets (2.50 ± 2.12 mm vs. 0.51 ± 1.02 mm). A significant difference was also registered in the percentage of volume loss between grafted and non‐grafted sites (9.14% vs. 35.16%, p‐value <.0001).

Conclusion

Alveolar sockets with extensive buccal bone deficiencies undergo significant three‐dimensional volumetric alterations following natural healing. The immediate application of a slow‐resorbing xenograft with a covering collagen membrane seems to be effective in improving alveolar ridge shape and dimensions, thus potentially reducing the need for adjunctive regenerative procedures at the time of implant placement.
Mobilizing volunteers to sustain local suppression of a global marine invasion
Authors: Green Stephanie J. , Underwood Elizabeth B. , Akins John L.
Published: November 2017

Species invasions often occur at geographic scales that preclude complete eradication, setting up long‐term battles for population control. To understand the extent to which exotic species removal by volunteers can contribute to local invasion suppression and alleviate invasion effects, we studied the activities of volunteers culling invasive lionfish during annual “derby” events in the Atlantic. From 2012 to 2014, single‐day derbies reduced lionfish densities by 52% over 192 km2on average each year. Differences in recolonization and productivity between regions meant that annual events were sufficient to suppress the invasion below levels predicted to cause declines in native species in one region, but not the other. Population reduction was not related to catch per unit effort, confirming the importance of in situ monitoring to gauge control effectiveness. Culling by volunteers may be a useful tool in areas where exotic species are easily identified and safely captured, and culling can be promoted as an ongoing recreational activity. Strategically guiding volunteer effort toward sensitive or underserved habitats could aid practitioners in optimizing their use of limited resources for invasion management.
Insulinoma‐associated 1: A novel nuclear marker in Merkel cell carcinoma (cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma)
Authors: Rush Patrick S. , Rosenbaum Jason N. , Roy Madhuchhanda , Baus Rebecca M. , Bennett Daniel D. , Lloyd Ricardo V.
Published: November 2017

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, clinically aggressive, cutaneous neuroendocrine (NE) neoplasm. As a tumor with small, round, blue cells, the histologic differential diagnosis for MCC can include melanoma, metastatic small cell carcinoma (SCC), nodular hematopoietic tumors, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), atypical variants of squamous carcinoma and the uncommon occurrence of primary cutaneous Ewing sarcoma. In cases with atypical histology or without the classic immunophenotype, the diagnosis can be challenging. Ultimately, immunohistochemistry (IHC) is essential to the definitive diagnosis of MCC and in difficult cases, the diagnosis may hinge entirely on the immunophenotype of the tumor cells. Insulinoma‐associated 1 (INSM1) is a transcription factor expressed in tissues undergoing terminal NE differentiation. As a nuclear protein tied to both differentiation and the cell cycle, INSM1 may offer additional utility in comparison to traditional, cytoplasmic markers of NE differentiation.
Pleomorphic mastocytoma in an adult
Authors: Exposito‐Serrano Vicente , Agut‐Busquet Eugenia , Leal Canosa Lorena , Herrerías Moreno Jose , Saez Amparo , Luelmo Jesús
Published: November 2017

Cutaneous mastocytoma (CM) is a localized variant of mastocytosis, characterized by an over‐accumulation of mast cells in the skin, without extra‐cutaneous organ involvement. It is defined as the presence of up to 3 isolated mast‐cell skin lesions and commonly develops in newborns and children. We report the case of a 35‐year‐old healthy Caucasian woman presenting with a 4‐year history of a pruritic brown plaque on her left breast. Hematoxylin‐eosin staining showed a dense dermal infiltrate of atypical mast cells extending to the subcutis. The cells presented a marked nuclear pleomorphism with bilobed and multilobed nuclei. Immunohistochemical studies revealed strongly expressed KIT (CD117) and CD25 proteins. Serum tryptase levels and bone marrow biopsy were normal. The diagnosis was a solitary cutaneous pleomorphic mastocytoma. This case can be added to 17 other cases of adult mastocytoma documented in the literature, although, unlike other reported cases, and as far as we are aware, this is the first case of pleomorphic mastocytoma in an adult.
Development of undergraduate gerodontology courses in Austria, Germany and Switzerland 2004‐2014
Authors: Nitschke I. , Neitzel M. , Sobotta B. A. J.
Published: November 2017

Purpose/objectives

In view of the demographic shift, undergraduate dental students should be prepared for growing numbers of older people and their specific needs. The study examines changes in undergraduate dental teaching in Austria, Germany and Switzerland between 2004 and 2014.

Methods

Questionnaires were mailed in 2004, 2009 and 2014 to all deans and all department heads of Austrian (n = 4), German (n = 30) and Swiss (n = 4) dental schools.

Results

Response rates were 51% for deans and 47% for heads of department. Gerodontology was taught in 5 German universities, all 3 Swiss and 1 Austrian dental school. Aspects of gerodontology were included in traditional core subjects; however, in a large number of German (88%) and Austrian (50%) universities, dedicated lecture series and seminars are lacking. Changes over time indicate firmly established teaching in Switzerland, minor fluctuations in Austria and reduced dedicated teaching activities in Germany.

Conclusions

Inclusion of gerodontology in the national syllabus is a decisive factor for the integration of the subject into undergraduate courses. The recommendations of the European College of Gerodontology (2009) regarding didactical and practical teaching should be implemented in the respective compulsory syllabus to prepare current undergraduate dental students for the challenges of tomorrow.
Community evolution increases plant productivity at low diversity
Authors: van Moorsel Sofia J. , Hahl Terhi , Wagg Cameron , De Deyn Gerlinde B. , Flynn Dan F. B. , Zuppinger‐Dingley Debra , Schmid Bernhard
Published: November 2017

Species extinctions from local communities negatively affect ecosystem functioning. Ecological mechanisms underlying these impacts are well studied, but the role of evolutionary processes is rarely assessed. Using a long‐term field experiment, we tested whether natural selection in plant communities increased biodiversity effects on productivity. We re‐assembled communities with 8‐year co‐selection history adjacent to communities with identical species composition but no history of co‐selection (‘naïve communities’). Monocultures, and in particular mixtures of two to four co‐selected species, were more productive than their corresponding naïve communities over 4 years in soils with or without co‐selected microbial communities. At the highest diversity level of eight plant species, no such differences were observed. Our findings suggest that plant community evolution can lead to rapid increases in ecosystem functioning at low diversity but may take longer at high diversity. This effect was not modified by treatments simulating co‐evolutionary processes between plants and soil organisms.
Emerging roles of ER stress in the etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gerakis Yannis , Hetz Claudio
Published: November 2017

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by synaptic dysfunction and accumulation of abnormal aggregates formed by amyloid‐β peptides or phosphorylated tau proteins. Accumulating evidence suggests that alterations in the buffering capacity of the proteostasis network are a salient feature of AD. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the main compartment involved in protein folding and secretion and is drastically affected in AD neurons. ER stress triggers the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), a signal transduction pathway that enforces adaptive programs to recover homeostasis or trigger apoptosis of irreversibly damaged cells. Experimental manipulation of specific UPR signaling modules in preclinical models of AD has revealed a key role of this pathway in regulating protein misfolding and neurodegeneration. Recent studies suggest that the UPR also influences synaptic plasticity and memory through ER stress‐independent mechanisms. Consequently, targeting of the UPR in AD is emerging as an interesting therapeutic approach to modify the two pillars of AD, protein misfolding and synaptic failure. Here, we review the functional role of ER stress signaling in AD, discussing the complex involvement of the pathway in controlling neuronal survival, the amyloid cascade, neurodegeneration and synaptic function. Recent intervention efforts to target the UPR with pharmacological and gene therapy strategies are also discussed.
Metacommunity detectives: Confronting models based on niche and stochastic assembly scenarios with empirical data from a tropical stream network
Authors: Valente‐Neto Francisco , Durães Lucas , Siqueira Tadeu , Roque Fabio O.
Published: November 2017

Metacommunity models predict that species richness and composition patterns in communities are determined predominantly by environmental selection and dispersal, with speciation and drift playing a lesser role. In the tropics, our understanding about these processes comes almost purely from empirical data; there is lack of formal confrontation between models and data.

Here, we evaluated if a metacommunity simulation model designed for riverine networks could predict insect diversity patterns observed in a tropical stream network within the Atlantic Forest biome. Our individual‐oriented model simulated biological processes, including dispersal of adults, oviposition, dispersal of larvae, colonisation and mortality. We used this model to simulate communities considering three assembly scenarios (niche, niche–stochastic and stochastic) and three flight dispersal ability groups (low, medium and high). To parameterise the model, we used data from 97 riffle communities, distributed along a stream network, and biological data from the literature.

For the high dispersal ability group, none of the assembly scenarios significantly predicted the observed richness and community dissimilarity. The niche–stochastic assembly scenario, however, provided a better approximation of observed richness and community dissimilarity for the medium and low dispersal ability groups.

Our results show that deterministic and stochastic processes combine to better explain observed aquatic insect diversity patterns. Although simulations were limited to similar explanatory power to studies using pattern‐oriented approaches, our findings highlight the promise of a more predictive use of metacommunity simulation models.
Identifying biomechanical gait parameters in adolescent boys with haemophilia using principal component analysis
Authors: Suckling L. B. , Stephensen D. , Cramp M. C. , Mahaffey R. , Drechsler W. I.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Improvements in the medical management for those with haemophilia have resulted in improved clinical outcomes. However, current treatment regimens do not alleviate all joint haemarthroses with the potential for long‐term joint deterioration remaining. The evaluation of functional activities such as gait, using standardized tools to monitor children with haemophilia is emerging.

Aim

This study explored differences in sagittal plane biomechanics of walking in adolescent boys aged 11‐18 years with haemophilia and an age‐matched group of typically developing boys.

Methods

A motion capture system and 2 force platforms were used to collect sagittal plane kinematic, kinetic and temporal spatial data during level walking. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to kinematic and kinetic waveform variables. Group differences in temporal spatial and principal component scores for each kinematic and kinetic variable were evaluated using independent t tests.

Results

Significant alterations (P < .05) in temporal spatial and kinetic parameters were found in adolescent boys with haemophilia. Compared with typically developing adolescent boys, boys with haemophilia walked with reduced stance phase duration and altered pattern of external ankle joint moments during push off and the beginning of swing.

Conclusion

The use of PCA rather than predetermined discriminatory variables provided additional insight into biomechanical alterations in adolescent boys with haemophilia, with adaptations occurring during terminal double support and early swing, affecting the ankle joint. This finding might be a key biomechanical marker that could be used to evaluate the joint function and the progression of early haemophilic arthropathy.
Clinical parameters before and after the transition to dialysis
Authors: Maddux Dugan W. , Usvyat Len A. , Ketchersid Terry , Jiao Yue , Blanchard Tommy C. , Kotanko Peter , van der Sande Frank M. , Kooman Jeroen P. , Maddux Franklin W.
Published: November 2017

Introduction: The transition from pre‐dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) to post‐dialysis start is a critical period associated with high patient mortality and increased hospital admissions. Little is known about the trends of key clinical and laboratory parameters through this time of transition to start dialysis.

Methods: De‐identified data including demographics, vital signs, lab results, and eGFR from the Fresenius Medical Care‐CKD Registry were analyzed to determine trends in clinical and laboratory parameters through the time of transition from 12 months pre‐dialysis start to 12 months post‐dialysis start. Trends in key clinical and laboratory parameters associated with cardiovascular, nutritional, mineral metabolism and inflammatory domains were examined in association with the transition to dialysis start and first year dialysis survival.

Findings: All parameters show divergence for patients who survive vs. do not survive the first year of dialysis. Of note, during pre‐dialysis CKD the absolute systolic blood pressure (SBP) level is lower and the slope for SBP decline is significantly steeper for patients who do not survive the first year on dialysis.

Discussion: This study uniquely demonstrates the trajectories of key parameters though the transition from pre‐dialysis to post‐dialysis start. Significant differences are noted in the pre‐dialysis period for patients who survive vs. those who do not survive the first year of dialysis. Early recognition of adverse trends in the pre‐dialysis period may create opportunity to intervene to improve early dialysis outcomes.
Tag location and risk assessment for passive integrated transponder‐tagging passerines
Authors: Oswald Krista N. , Evlambiou Anthony A. , Ribeiro Ângela M. , Smit Ben
Published: November 2017

Understanding changes in body temperature is central to several fields in biology, but determining these changes accurately without harming or restraining individuals can be challenging, particularly for small species. We tested first whether body temperature readings differed between passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags injected subcutaneously inter‐scapulae (i.e. solely through the skin) and intra‐peritoneally (through the skin and abdominal muscle wall) and, secondly, whether intra‐peritoneal tag injuries differed among three weight classes of passerines. We found no significant difference in body temperature readings between subcutaneous inter‐scapulae and intra‐peritonealPIT‐tags, and observed that the intra‐peritoneal injection ofPIT‐tags may cause adverse effects among smaller (<25 g) birds. Our findings suggest a reduced gradient between core and peripheral body temperature in small species, which to the best of our knowledge has not yet been quantified. We further show that the risk of detrimental injury was greatest in small species, and thus recommend implantingPIT‐tags subcutaneously between the scapulae for smaller birds.
Factors contributing to managerial competence of first‐line nurse managers: A systematic review
Authors: Gunawan Joko , Aungsuroch Yupin , Fisher Mary L.
Published: November 2017

Aims

To determine the factors contributing to managerial competence of first‐line nurse managers.

Background

Understanding factors affecting managerial competence of nurse managers remains important to increase the performance of organizations; however, there is sparse research examining factors that influence managerial competence of first‐line nurse managers.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

The search strategy was conducted from April to July 2017 that included 6 electronic databases: Science Direct, PROQUEST Dissertations and Theses, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for the years 2000 to 2017 with full text in English. Quantitative and qualitative research papers that examined relationships among managerial competence and antecedent factors were included.

Review methods

Quality assessment, data extractions, and analysis were completed on all included studies. Content analysis was used to categorize factors into themes.

Results

Eighteen influencing factors were examined and categorized into 3 themes—organizational factors, characteristics and personality traits of individual managers, and role factors.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that managerial competence of first‐line nurse managers is multifactorial. Further research is needed to develop strategies to develop managerial competence of first‐line nurse managers.
A model delineating the dielectric spectra of a relaxor PLZT obtained by impedance analyzer
Authors: Hong Chang‐Hyo , Jo Wook
Published: November 2017

The origin of the dielectric responses of relaxor ferroelectrics, featured by a signal dispersion according to the measurement frequency, were investigated systematically using a canonical relaxor Pb0.92La0.08(Zr0.65Ti0.35)0.98O3 (PLZT 8/65/35) ceramic. By scanning complex dielectric permittivity over a frequency range from 10 mHz to 10 MHz as a function of temperature from 0°C to 100°C, we revealed that the complex dielectric permittivity spectra obtained from an impedance analyzer are a consequence of a convolution of at least three distinct relaxation processes, featured by the unique relaxation time and distribution. The complex dielectric permittivity spectra at each measurement temperature were deconvoluted by the application of a series of Havriliak‐Negami relaxation models, resulting in three distinguished processes; namely, slow, intermediate, and fast process. We identified that the fast process is responsible for the overall magnitude of capacitance with little influence on the dielectric loss, the intermediate mainly for the thermal evolution of the capacitance, and the slow mainly for the thermal evolution of the loss. With this model, we successfully rationalized the characteristics of the relaxor behavior such as the frequency dispersion of the dielectric maxima, the disparity in peak positions of real and imaginary parts, and the unique feature during aging, so‐called a “dip.”
Job satisfaction, work environment and successful ageing: Determinants of delaying retirement among acute care nurses
Authors: Wargo‐Sugleris Michele , Robbins Wendie , Lane Christianne Joy , Phillips Linda. R.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To determine the relationships between job satisfaction, work environment and successful ageing and how these factors relate to Registered Nurses’ intent to retire.

Background

Although little studied, retention of older nurses by delaying early retirement, before age 65, is an important topic for research. Qualitative and quantitative studies have indicated that job satisfaction work environment and successful ageing are key motivators in acute care Registered Nurses retention and/or delaying retirement. This study was designed to provide information to administrators and policy makers about retaining older, experienced RNs longer and more productively.

Design

This was a correlational, descriptive, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

An online survey of acute care Registered Nurses (N = 2,789) aged 40 years or older working in Florida was conducted from September ‐ October 2013. Participants completed items related to job satisfaction, work environment, successful ageing and individual characteristics. Hypotheses derived from the modified Ellenbecker's Job Retention Model were tested using regression analysis.

Results

Job satisfaction scores were high. Highest satisfaction was with scheduling issues and co‐workers; lowest with advancement opportunities. Successful ageing scores were also high with 81% reporting excellent or good health. Work environment explained 55% of the variance in job satisfaction. Years to retirement were significantly associated with successful ageing (p < .001), age (p < .001) and income (p < .010).

Conclusions

This study provides quantitative evidence that environment and successful ageing are important areas that have an impact on job satisfaction and delay of retirement in older nurses and further studies in these areas are warranted to expand on this knowledge.
Can the positive effects of inspiration be extended to different domains?
Authors: Klein Jack W. , Case Trevor I. , Fitness Julie
Published: November 2017

It is presently unknown whether inspiration extends across different domains: can a salesperson, for example, be inspired by a successful athlete? The present study investigated whether inspirational content must be relevant to a subsequent task to improve performance. Participants (N = 70) wrote about a time they felt inspired in a sporting context (domain‐relevant), creative context (domain‐irrelevant); or amused (positive control). Participants then held a handgrip, with the option of giving up or continuing to exhaustion. Regardless of the relevance of the inspirational content to the performance task, inspired participants were less likely to give up than controls. This is the first research to show that the benefits of inspiration reach beyond the domain defined by the inspiring event.
Social dominance and interpersonal power: Asymmetrical relationships within hierarchy‐enhancing and hierarchy‐attenuating work environments
Authors: Aiello Antonio , Tesi Alessio , Pratto Felicia , Pierro Antonio
Published: November 2017

We studied whether high‐social dominant employees sustain hierarchies in different hierarchy‐enhancing and hierarchy‐attenuating organizations endorsing harsh and soft power tactics. We found that social dominance orientation was positively associated with harsh power tactics, and negatively associated with soft power tactics. Employees higher in social dominance orientation endorsed harsh and opposed to soft power tactics as respectively hierarchy‐enhancing and hierarchy‐attenuating legitimizing myths that promote a dominant‐submissive form of intergroup relationships. We also found that supervisors higher in social dominance, due to their dominant position, strongly opposed soft power tactics more than subordinates did. Amongst high‐social dominant employees in the hierarchy‐attenuating (vs. hierarchy‐enhancing) organization, we observed the strongest opposition to soft power tactics, which are the tactics most shared in an organization which tends to attenuate hierarchies.
Disulfiram combined with copper inhibits metastasis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma through the NF‐κB and TGF‐β pathways
Authors: Li Yi , Wang Li‐Hui , Zhang Hao‐Tian , Wang Ya‐Ting , Liu Shuai , Zhou Wen‐Long , Yuan Xiang‐Zhong , Li Tian‐Yang , Wu Chun‐Fu , Yang Jing‐Yu
Published: November 2017

Late‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually has a low survival rate because of the high risk of metastases and the lack of an effective cure. Disulfiram (DSF) has copper (Cu)‐dependent anticancer properties in vitro and in vivo. The present work aims to explore the anti‐metastasis effects and molecular mechanisms of DSF/Cu on HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that DSF inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. Cu improved the anti‐metastatic activity of DSF, while Cu alone had no effect. Furthermore, DSF/Cu inhibited both NF‐κB and TGF‐β signalling, including the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB subunits and the expression of Smad4, leading to down‐regulation of Snail and Slug, which contributed to phenotype epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Finally, DSF/Cu inhibited the lung metastasis of Hep3B cells not only in a subcutaneous tumour model but also in an orthotopic liver metastasis assay. These results indicated that DSF/Cu suppressed the metastasis and EMT of hepatic carcinoma through NF‐κB and TGF‐β signalling. Our study indicates the potential of DSF/Cu for therapeutic use.
Salidroside attenuates neuroinflammation and improves functional recovery after spinal cord injury through microglia polarization regulation
Authors: Wang Chenggui , Wang Qingqing , Lou Yiting , Xu Jianxiang , Feng Zhenhua , Chen Yu , Tang Qian , Zheng Gang , Zhang Zengjie , Wu Yaosen , Tian Naifeng , Zhou Yifei , Xu Huazi , Zhang Xiaolei
Published: November 2017

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe neurological disease; however, few drugs have been proved to treat SCI effectively. Neuroinflammation is the major pathogenesis of SCI secondary injury and considered to be the therapeutic target of SCI. Salidroside (Sal) has been reported to exert anti‐inflammatory effects in airway, adipose and myocardial tissue; however, the role of Sal in SCI therapeutics has not been clarified. In this study, we showed that Sal could improve the functional recovery of spinal cord in rats as revealed by increased BBB locomotor rating scale, angle of incline, and decreased cavity of spinal cord injury and apoptosis of neurons in vivo. Immunofluorescence double staining of microglia marker and M1/M2 marker demonstrated that Sal could suppress M1 microglia polarization and activate M2 microglia polarization in vivo. To verify how Sal exerts its effects on microglia polarization and neuron protection, we performed the mechanism study in vitro in microglia cell line BV‐2 and neuron cell line PC12. The results showed that Sal prevents apoptosis of PC12 cells in coculture with LPS‐induced M1 BV‐2 microglia, also the inflammatory secretion phenotype of M1 BV‐2 microglia was suppressed by Sal, and further studies demonstrated that autophagic flux regulation through AMPK/mTOR pathway was involved in Sal regulated microglia polarization after SCI. Overall, our study illustrated that Sal could promote spinal cord injury functional recovery in rats, and the mechanism may relate to its microglia polarization modulation through AMPK‐/mTOR‐mediated autophagic flux stimulation.
Public Attention, Governmental Bargaining, and Supranational Activism: Explaining European Integration in Response to Crises
Authors: Degner Hanno
Published: November 2017

Why and how do crises cause European integration? Going beyond case‐ and policy area‐specific analyses, the present paper develops a general, liberal intergovernmentalist model of the crisis‐integration link. The empirical process‐tracing test of this model is performed on two diverse cases of crises: the BSE Crisis 1996–2002 and the Euro Crisis 2010–13. The original analysis of primary documents and newspaper articles reveals that, as theoretically expected, crises stir high public attention and thus turn policy change in the affected policy areas into a salient issue for governments. This opens a ‘window of opportunity’ for domestic actors to approach their governments with change proposals. Governmental cost–benefit calculations, the distribution of bargaining power at the EU level, as well as supranational activism then explain deeper European integration in response to a crisis. With these findings, the present paper contributes to a broader understanding of the mechanisms of European integration in exceptional times.