bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socket Shield Technique for immediate implant placement – clinical, radiographic and volumetric data after 5 years
Authors: Bäumer Daniel , Zuhr Otto , Rebele Stephan , Hürzeler Markus
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Implant placement immediately after tooth extraction is often accompanied by resorption of surrounding tissues. A clinical technique was developed where the buccal portion of the root is retained to preserve the periodontal ligament and bundle bone. This technique is based on animal studies showing the potential to preserve the facial tissues utilizing this approach. The purpose of this study was to gain more insight regarding the safety of the technique with regard to biological and implant‐related long‐term complications and to observe the clinical appearance of the peri‐implant tissues. Another objective was to evaluate volumetric changes of the affected facial contours in long‐term and the esthetic outcomes.

Material and Methods

This study is a retrospective case series of 10 consecutive patients with implant replacement between the maxillary first premolars. Impressions were made prior to extraction (t1) and 5 years post‐implant placement (t2). 3D‐surface scans of the casts were digitally superimposed for quantitative evaluation of alterations of the facial peri‐implant tissue contours and soft tissue recessions. Additionally, clinical data were collected (PPD, BOP, peri‐apical radiographs and photographs).

Results

All implants healed without adverse events. Peri‐implant probing revealed healthy conditions. The comparison of radiographic images showed physiologic bone remodeling at the implant shoulders. Mean tissue loss on the facial side in oro‐facial direction was −0.21 ± 0.18 mm. Average recession at implants was −0.33 ± 0.23 mm and at neighboring teeth −0.38 ± 0.27 mm. Mean loss of the marginal bone level at the implant shoulder amounted to 0.33 ± 0.43 mm at the mesial and 0.17 ± 0.36 mm at the distal aspect of the implants. A mean pink esthetic score of 12 was recorded.

Conclusion

Volumetric analysis showed a low degree of contour changes from extraction and implant placement to the follow‐ups. Mucosal recession at the implant restoration was comparable to that of the neighboring teeth. Within the limitations of this descriptive study, the socket shield technique offers reduced invasiveness at the time of surgery and high esthetic outcomes with effective preservation of facial tissue contours. This technique should not be used in routine clinical practice until a higher level evidence in the form of prospective clinical trials is available.
Water‐compatible, pH‐sensitive, colour‐changing polyurethane with low‐temperature flexibility
Authors: Chung Yong‐Chan , Jung In‐Hong , Chun Byoung Chul
Published: March 2017

A pH indicator (Bromocresol Green, Bromocresol Purple, or Thymol Blue) is grafted onto polyurethane (PU) using 2,2‐dimethylolpropanoic acid (DMPA) to enhance water compatibility. The indicator‐grafted, water‐compatible PU is analysed for soft‐segment thermal, tensile, and shape recovery properties, fast colour change depending on various pH conditions, and low‐temperature flexibility. The PU surface becomes water compatible as DMPA content increases, and the characteristic UV‐vis absorbance is observed for each grafted indicator. The PU series exhibits a sharp increase in tensile stress and crosslink density at low DMPA content, but a decrease with increased DMPA content. The glass transition temperature increases significantly with increased DMPA content. Shape recovery remains high, but shape retention sharply decreases after an indicator is grafted. The grafting of pH indicator onto PU improves the low‐temperature flexibility and imparts an immediate colour change according to the solution pH and grafted indicator.
Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma with intralymphatic involvement associated with chronic lymphedema
Authors: Fan Peiyuan , Nong Lin , Sun Jingru , Liu Xiaoqing , Kadin Marshall E. , Li Ting , Tu Ping , Wang Yang
Published: March 2017

Chronic lymphedema predisposes to develop malignant cutaneous tumors, including angiosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma and B‐cell lymphoma. T‐cell malignancy has rarely been associated with chronic lymph stasis. Here, we report a case of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) with lymphatic spread associated with chronic lymphedema. The patient is a 56‐year‐old man who received orchiectomy and right inguinal lymphadenectomy for malignant seminoma 10 years ago, which led to prominent lymphedema of the right leg. He developed extensive skin nodules on the lymphedematous area for 3 months. Histopathology findings confirmed a diagnosis of pcALCL, which is a subtype of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma characterized by the presence of CD30+ T cells. Intralymphatic infiltration of malignant cells is prominent. The pathogenesis of intralymphatic cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma is largely unknown. Our case suggests that chronic lymphedema resulted in persistent CD4+ T‐cell inflammation, which then may contribute to the development of pcALCL.
Diagnostic performance of the MelaFind device in a real‐life clinical setting
Authors: Fink Christine , Jaeger Claudia , Jaeger Katharina , Haenssle Holger A.
Published: March 2017

Background

MelaFind is a multispectral computer vision system intended to ­provide additional information on melanocytic lesions suspected of being melanoma by ­objectively assessing their three‐dimensional morphology.

Objectives

Analysis of the diagnostic performance of MelaFind in a real‐life clinical setting.

Patients and methods

In this observational study, 360 pigmented skin lesions (PSL) in 111 patients were assessed by office‐based dermatologists using MelaFind. Scores ≥ 2 were considered to be suspicious of malignancy. The decision for surgical excision was left to the discretion of the examining dermatologists.

Results

MelaFind scores ≥ 2 were observed in 147 of 360 PSL (40.8 %). Of the 107 excised lesions with a MelaFind‐score ≥ 2, the diagnosis of melanoma was made in three cases; 53 (49.5 %) lesions proved to be dysplastic nevi. Among all lesions biopsied (n = 113), the sensitivity and specificity of MelaFind was 100 % and 5.5 %, respectively. While a higher specificity of 68.5 % may be assumed with respect to the overall data set (n = 360), this assumption is limited by incomplete follow‐up data required to confirm that all non‐excised lesions with a score < 2 were actually benign.

Conclusion

The high sensitivity of MelaFind facilitated the detection of melanoma. The overall specificity and benign‐to‐malignant ratio of excised lesions were acceptable. These parameters may be improved by using higher cutoff scores for excisional biopsies, and by more vigorously selecting PSL for MelaFind examination.
Multidisciplinary care of children and young people with ataxia‐telangiectasia
Authors: Whitehouse William P
Published: March 2017

This commentary is on the review by van Os et al. on pages 680–689 of this issue.
Eutypella parasitica naturalised in Bohemian and Polish Silesia
Authors: Černý K. , Hrabětová M. , Svobodová I. , Mrázková M. , Kowalski T.
Published: March 2017

In 2015 and 2016, the North American maple tree pathogen Eutypella parasitica was identified in Bohemian and Polish Silesia. To date, the pathogen has been recorded in 35 locations over an area of approximately 400 km2. It has been found primarily in natural stands in Silesia in several types of ravine and alluvial forests, in other natural or commercial forests, in riparian stands and in open landscapes. The proportion of diseased maples ranged between approximately 1% and 50% in certain locations. Acer pseudoplatanus was confirmed as the main host but infections were also detected on A. platanoides and A. campestre. E. parasitica damages the most valuable sycamore timber and represents a clear risk for maple cultivation in the region.
The chemistry, function and (patho)physiology of stratum corneum barrier ceramides
Authors: Moore D. J. , Rawlings A. V.
Published: March 2017

Research on understanding of the chemistry, function and (patho)physiology of stratum corneum (SC) lipids and especially ceramides has evolved over the last two decades. This has been made successful through the application of separation techniques that have become increasingly more sophisticated, and it has become increasingly evident that our understanding of these molecules remains in its infancy. Thirteen classes of ceramides with over 300 and possibly up to 1000 distinct ceramide species have been identified suggesting an exquisitely subtle relationship between the types of ceramides and physical and chemical behaviour. Nevertheless, research has demonstrated the importance of the correct SC lipid lamellar architecture with conformationally‐ordered lipid bilayers, the presence of long‐chain ceramides, as either free or covalently bound lipids, greater quantities of phytosphingosine‐containing ceramides and a high SC lipid/protein ratio is essential for optimal barrier function. These features are known to change in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Clearly, there is more to be learned but as we further decipher the complexity of SC lipids and understand their individual roles in the SC, we will learn how to better treat the disorders of cornification.
Odontoclastogenesis of mouse papilla‐derived MDPC‐23 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Li C. , Qi W. T. , Jiang H. W.
Published: March 2017

Aim

To investigate the role of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the odontoclast differentiation of MDPC‐23 cells. It was hypothesized that MDPC‐23 odontoblast‐like cells may function as odontoclasts under the influence of LPS.

Methodology

MDPC‐23 cells were cultured in the presence of 0.1 or 1 μg mL−1 LPS for 6 days. Cell viability was determined using the CCK8 assay. TRAP staining, dentine resorption assay and ROS detection by confocal laser scanning microscope were used to test the odontoclast‐like function of the induced cells. In additional, the related protein expression was confirmed by Western blotting and ELISA. An unpaired Student's t‐test and one‐way anova were used in statistical analysis.

Results

TRAP‐positive cells, which are multinucleated, on the dentine slice were significantly increased in 1 μg mL−1 LPS‐induced cells (P < 0.05). Osteoclast‐specific proteins such as TRAP cathepsin K and Rac1 were upregulated in the 1 μg mL−1 LPS‐treated cells (P < 0.05), whilst the expression of marker proteins of the RANKL‐RANK signalling pathway (RANKL, RANK and TRAF6) in the induced cells was not significantly changed (P > 0.05). ROS production was observed in the 1 μg mL−1 LPS treatment group (P < 0.05), but no significant differences were observed in the level of RANKL in the cell supernatant between the LPS‐treated group and the control group (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

A known value of 1 μg mL−1 LPS might induce odontoblast‐like MDPC‐23 cells to generate odontoclast‐like cells or to function as odontoclasts. The data might provide a new explanation for the precursors of odontoclasts and root resorption.
The role of pain catastrophizing as a mediator in the work disability process following acute low back pain
Authors: Besen Elyssa , Gaines Brittany , Linton Steven J. , Shaw William S.
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to assess pain catastrophizing as a mediator in the relationships between pain and recovery expectations with work limitations and functional disability in a working population experiencing acute low back pain (LBP). Workers (n = 241) with acute, work‐relatedLBPcompleted measures of pain and injury at medical intake and then the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) shortly after the initial intake visit. At 3‐months follow‐up, measures of work limitations and functional disability were administered. Structural equation modeling was used to assess whether thePCSmediated longitudinal associations between pain and recovery expectations with perceived disability and work limitations. ThePCSscore completely mediated the relationship between initial pain intensity and 3‐month perceptions of disability (40% explained) and work limitations (29% explained). ThePCSalso completely mediated the longitudinal relationship between pain recovery expectations and 3‐month disability (50% explained) and work limitations (40% explained). Effective clinical management during this acute phase ofLBPmight be improved by incorporating early interventions to reduce catastrophizing in cases where pain catastrophizing may be especially problematic.
Diversity in warning coloration is easily recognized by avian predators
Authors: Arenas L. M. , Stevens M.
Published: March 2017

Warning coloration is a widespread strategy to alert predators about prey unprofitability. The success of this strategy partly depends on predators being able to learn and recognize certain signals as indicators of toxicity, and theory predicts that this is easier if signals converge on similar colours. However, the diversity in warning signal form is astonishing, contradicting predictions. Here, we quantified ladybird signal diversity with respect to avian vision, measuring how unique and discernible each signal is from one another. In addition, we measured signal conspicuousness against a series of backgrounds, namely an average green, average brown, and where we collected each species, to determine whether signals are more contrasting against the ladybirds’ local substrates than compared to average ones. This allowed us to establish whether there are local adaptations in conspicuousness that promote signal diversity. We found that while ladybird signals are unique and recognizable, specialist species are more contrasting against the background they are most commonly found on. However, overall our study suggests that warning signals have evolved to be effective against a wide range of natural backgrounds, partly explaining the success of this strategy in nature.
Bearing Witness: Testimony in Latin American Anthropology and Related Fields
Authors: Stephen Lynn
Published: March 2017

El testimonio oral es un vehículo importante para ampliar el análisis antropológico: se abre y amplía quien legítimamente habla y se escucha en una sociedad. El testimonio es también un componente crucial en la producción de saberes y en la construcción del archivo histórico. En este artículo se refleja en el testimonio en relación a puntos que se tejen juntos cómo el testimonio sirve para construir nuevos conocimientos y modelos analíticos: testimonio y sus roles en la alfabetización indígena a través del tiempo; la trayectoria del testimonio de la narrativa heroica individuo a narrativas de colaboración / colectivos; el género, el testimonio y la resistencia a la lógica del sistema de género colonial / moderno; y el poder del testimonio de influir en la percepción de la historia y los acontecimientos; la antropología y la movilización de testimonio en el testimonio de expertos.
The clinical applicability of a daily summary of patients’ self‐reported postoperative pain—A repeated measure analysis
Authors: Wikström Lotta , Eriksson Kerstin , Fridlund Bengt , Nilsson Mats , Årestedt Kristofer , Broström Anders
Published: March 2017

Aim and objectives

(i) To determine whether a central tendency, median, based on patients’ self‐rated pain is a clinically applicable daily measure to show patients’ postoperative pain on the first day after major surgery (ii) and to determine the number of self‐ratings required for the calculation of this measure.

Background

Perioperative pain traits in medical records are difficult to overview. The clinical applicability of a daily documented summarising measure of patients’ self‐rated pain scores is little explored.

Design

A repeated measure design was carried out at three Swedish country hospitals.

Methods

Associations between the measures were analysed with nonparametric statistical methods; systematic and individual group changes were analysed separately. Measure I: pain scores at rest and activity postoperative day 1; measure II: retrospective average pain from postoperative day 1.

Results

The sample consisted of 190 general surgery patients and 289 orthopaedic surgery patients with a mean age of 65; 56% were men. Forty‐four percent had a pre‐operative daily intake of analgesia, and 77% used postoperative opioids. A range of 4‒9 pain scores seem to be eligible for the calculation of the daily measures of pain. Rank correlations for individual median scores, based on four ratings, vs. retrospective self‐rated average pain, were moderate and strengthened with increased numbers of ratings. A systematic group change towards a higher level of reported retrospective pain was significant.

Conclusions

The median values were clinically applicable daily measures. The risk of obtaining a higher value than was recalled by patients seemed to be low. Applicability increased with increased frequency of self‐rated pain scores and with high‐quality pain assessments.

Relevance to clinical practice

The documenting of daily median pain scores at rest and during activity could constitute the basis for obtaining patients’ experiences by showing their pain severity trajectories. The measures could also be an important key to predicting postoperative health‐related consequences.
Home care services for sick children: Healthcare professionals’ conceptions of challenges and facilitators
Authors: Castor Charlotte , Hallström Inger , Hansson Helena , Landgren Kajsa
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore healthcare professionals’ conceptions of caring for sick children in home care services.

Background

Families often prefer home care to hospital care, and the number of home care services for children is increasing. Caring for children at home has been recognised as challenging for healthcare professionals in home care services used to providing care predominately for adults.

Design

An inductive qualitative design.

Method

Seven focus group interviews were performed with 36 healthcare professionals from multidisciplinary home care services. Data were analysed stepwise using a phenomenographic analysis.

Results

Three description categories emerged: “A challenging opportunity”, “A child perspective”, and “Re‐organise in accordance with new prerequisites.” Providing home care services for children was conceived to evoke both professional and personal challenges such as feelings of inadequacy and fear and professional growth such as increased competence and satisfaction. Conceptions of whether the home or the hospital was the best place for care differed. Adapting to the child's care was conceived as important. Cooperation with paediatric departments and a well‐functioning team work were important organisational aspects.

Conclusion

Providing home care for children was a challenging but rewarding task for healthcare professionals used to care for adults. To provide care with a child perspective was experienced as important even though there were conflicting conceptions of how this should be done. Close cooperation with paediatric departments and teamwork were prerequisites that make up for the low number of paediatric patients and facilitate confidence and competence.

Relevance to clinical practice

A sufficient number of referred children and enabling healthcare professionals to be part of the re‐organising and implementation processes might facilitate the home care services for sick children. Enough time and good teamwork must be emphasised. Early referrals, continuous cooperation with paediatric clinics complemented with individualised support when a child is referred is desirable.
Implementing guidelines for preventing, identifying and treating adolescent overweight and obesity—School nurses’ perceptions of the challenges involved
Authors: Helseth Sølvi , Riiser Kirsti , Holmberg Fagerlund Bettina , Misvær Nina , Glavin Kari
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives

To gain a better understanding of school nurses’ perceptions of the challenges involved in implementing national guidelines on managing overweight and obesity in adolescents.

Background

National guidelines for the management of childhood overweight and obesity are developed in many countries to translate scientific knowledge into practice. However, several challenges are involved in their implementation.

Design and methods

A qualitative design with focus group interviews was chosen for data collection. Six focus group interviews with 21 school nurses were conducted. Data were analysed by qualitative content analyses.

Results

National guidelines provided new directions for managing overweight and obesity in school health services. School nurses were assigned new tasks and responsibilities, which they felt they were not sufficiently prepared for, nor were they supported by extra resources. Challenges in implementation of the guidelines were identified at various levels: system level (implementation strategy, available resources, training and support, professional collaboration, referral options); individual school nurse level (perceived competence, burden of responsibility, attitudes and emotions); subject level (sensitivity of weight‐related issues); and professional level (scepticism to a body mass index cut‐off of 25 kg/m2 as the starting point for intervention).

Conclusions

School nurses felt overwhelmed in terms of implementing the guidelines. This indicates barriers not being sufficiently identified or acted upon during implementation. Further, the nurses’ scepticism about the body mass index cut‐off for intervention, and their experience that measuring and follow‐up of adolescents’ weight development was their responsibility alone, indicates that important discussions are needed on this as an adequate measure as well as on the professional division of responsibilities.

Relevance to clinical practice

Having a proper strategy for implementation, and ensuring that necessary clinical structures and resources are available, is crucial. Including school nurses in developing and implementing such strategies is vital for success in implementing national guidelines.
Complications of peripherally inserted central catheters in advanced cancer patients undergoing combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy
Authors: Xie Jun , Xu Linjie , Xu Xiaomin , Huang Yunjuan
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives

To identify whether patients with advanced cancers were at high risk of peripherall"y inserted central catheter‐related complications when treated with concurrent chemo‐radiotherapy.

Background

Peripherally inserted central catheters are widely used in chemotherapy. However, catheter usage may elevate the risks of infections and thrombosis. It is important to identify the patients with high risk of peripherally inserted central catheter‐related complications. To date, little is known about peripherally inserted central catheter‐related complications in patients with advanced cancers and receiving concurrent chemo‐radiotherapy.

Design

Five hundred and sixty‐nine cancer patients with advanced cancers and treated by chemo‐radiotherapy were analysed in the study. The incidences of peripherally inserted central catheter‐related complications were investigated.

Methods

Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed for identification of risk factors.

Results

Eighty‐six (15.1%) patients exhibited peripherally inserted central catheter‐related infectious complications, of which 6.3% were local infection, 3.9% were catheter‐related bloodstream infection and 4.9% were exit‐site infection. Sixty‐five (11.4%) developed symptomatic peripherally inserted central catheter‐related thrombosis, and 52 (9.1%) were suffering from phlebitis. The overall complication rate was 53.1%. The univariable logistic regression and multivariate analysis showed that comorbidity (OR 1.51, p = .0148) and body mass index (OR 1.46, p = .0157), and duration of radio‐chemotherapy (OR 1.4733, p = .0049) were significantly associated with peripherally inserted central catheter‐related complications. Patients with peripherally inserted central catheter‐related complications showed lower 5‐year survival rate than those without peripherally inserted central catheter‐related complications.

Conclusions

Identification of risk factors for peripherally inserted central catheter‐related complications in patients with advanced cancer before catheter usage may play an important role in improvement of the prognosis.

Relevance to clinical practice

Doctors need to be aware of the risk of peripherally inserted central catheter‐related complications in patients with advanced cancers.
Growing up with perinatal human immunodeficiency virus—A life not expected
Authors: Williams Elaine Fay , Ferrer Kathleen , Lee Marlene A. , Bright Kimberly , Williams Keetra , Rakhmanina Natella Y.
Published: March 2017

Aim and Objectives

To describe the lived experience of young adults with perinatally acquired HIV (PaHIV).

Background

With the advancement of the highly active antiretroviral treatment, PaHIV infection has transformed into a chronic lifelong illness that is faced by young adults who grew up with HIV. The known challenges that are associated with HIV are poverty, stigma and social and emotional isolation.

Design

This was a qualitative single‐interview study of a convenience sample of PaHIV‐infected young adults receiving care at a large metropolitan pediatric hospital.

Methods

The participants had individual face‐to‐face interviews which were audio‐taped and transcribed verbatim. Themes were developed to describe their living space, and Max Van Manen's lifeworld guide was used to describe their lived experience.

Findings

Seventeen participants (eight males/nine females) were enrolled. Four major themes emerged: (i) limited social capital, especially when orphaned participants reflected on a life void of parental guidance; (ii) incomplete education and unemployment, participants described an idle existence; (iii) a harsh life, described as participants facing difficulties meeting their life's milestones; (iv) unanticipated adult issues, where participants described their limited ability to care for themselves and their children. Van Manen lifeworld themes also described the space they occupied, their memories growing up with PaHIV, their health care and relationships.

Conclusion

Our study provides a valuable insight into the social and emotional difficulties faced by youth with PaHIV. The findings underscore the importance of extensive support and coordination of services between adult and pediatric providers to optimize long‐term outcomes among young adults with PaHIV.

Relevance to clinical practice

The young adults with PaHIV require close attention and support from the healthcare providers, who can offer them a safe space to discuss lived experiences and support their ability to achieve full lives.
Activities of daily living trajectories among institutionalised older adults: A prospective study
Authors: Kuo Huai‐Ting , Lin Kuan‐Chia , Lan Chung‐Fu , Li I‐Chuan
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives

To examine activities of daily living trajectory groups among older residents in Taiwan, and to determine the relative risks of demographic characteristics and health status in explaining the trajectory group of activities of daily living.

Background

Activity of daily living is a crucial indicator of health status for institutionalised older adults. activities of daily living is a dynamic process and has differences in trajectory groups.

Design

This study was a 3‐year longitudinal analysis of long‐term care facility residents in Taiwan.

Methods

A total of 364 older residents completed the entire research process. We used group‐based trajectory modelling and multinomial logistic models for statistical analysis.

Results

The result of this study revealed that three activities of daily living trajectory groups among older residents exhibited high dependency with gradually declining function (Group 1, 22.53%), low dependency with gradually declining function (Group 2, 43.13%) and persistent independent function (Group 3, 34.34%). Compared with Group 3, Group 1 was related to the following potential risk factors: older age, female, nonmainland China born and a married status. After considering resident health status in the analysis, three significant factors emerged for Group 1: the number of chronic diseases (odds ratio = 2.45), depressive symptoms (odds ratio = 1.71) and cognitive status (odds ratio = 83.11). Compared with Group 3, Group 2 was related to older age. After adding resident health status to the analysis, two significant factors of Group 2 emerged: the number of chronic diseases (odds ratio = 1.68) and depressive symptoms (odds ratio = 1.74).

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicated that health factors, including the number of chronic diseases, cognitive status and depressive symptoms, were more likely to contribute to the development of a decline pattern of activities of daily living.

Relevance to clinical practice

Appropriate exercise programmes and physical activities, according to residents’ personal characteristics and activities of daily living status, is crucial for improving physical functioning, alleviating depression and cognitive defects in institutionalised older adults.
Response to ‘avoidance of sun exposure as a risk factor for major causes of death: a competing risk analysis of the Melanoma in Southern Sweden cohort’
Authors: Hoffmann S. , Sobotzki C.
Published: March 2017

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Dr. Lindqvist & Olsson
Expanded Newborn Screening Program in Saudi Arabia: Incidence of screened disorders
Authors: Alfadhel Majid , Al Othaim Ali , Al Saif Saif , Al Mutairi Fuad , Alsayed Moeenaldeen , Rahbeeni Zuhair , Alzaidan Hamad , Alowain Mohammed , Al‐Hassnan Zuhair , Saeedi Mohamad , Aljohery Saeed , Alasmari Ali , Faqeih Eissa , Alwakeel Mansour , AlMashary Maher , Almohameed Sulaiman , Alzahrani Mohammed , Migdad Abeer , Al‐Dirbashi Osama Y , Rashed Mohamed , Alamoudi Mohamed , Jacob Minnie , Alahaidib Lujane , El‐Badaoui Fahd , Saadallah Amal , Alsulaiman Ayman , Eyaid Wafaa , Al‐Odaib Ali
Published: March 2017

Aim

To address the implementation of the National Newborn Screening Program (NBS) in Saudi Arabia and stratify the incidence of the screened disorders.

Methods

A retrospective study conducted between 1 August 2005 and 31 December 2012, total of 775 000 newborns were screened from 139 hospitals distributed among all regions of Saudi Arabia. The NBS Program screens for 16 disorders from a selective list of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) and endocrine disorders. Heel prick dry blood spot samples were obtained from all newborns for biochemical and immunoassay testing. Recall screening testing was performed for Initial positive results and confirmed by specific biochemical assays.

Results

A total of 743 cases were identified giving an overall incidence of 1:1043. Frequently detected disorders nationwide were congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia with an incidence of 1:7175 and 1:7908 correspondingly. The highest incidence among the IEM was propionic acidaemia with an incidence rate of 1:14 000.

Conclusion

The article highlights the experience of the NBS Program in Saudi Arabia and providing data on specific regional incidences of all the screened disorders included in the programme; and showed that the incidence of these disorders is one of the highest reported so far world‐wide.
Isolation of an Antibacterial Substance from Mahonia fortunei and its Biological Activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola
Authors: Yuan Gaoqing , Chen Yuanyuan , Li Fangjing , Zhou Rongjin , Li Qiqin , Lin Wei , Huang Lihong
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to isolate the antibacterial substance from Mahonia fortunei and determine its antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc). Bacterial leaf streak of rice, caused by Xoc, is an important rice disease and difficult to control. During a screening of antibacterial plants against plant pathogenic bacteria at an early stage, the extract from M. fortunei was found to have a strong inhibitory effect on Xoc. In this study, the chemical components of M. fortunei stems were extracted using methanol solvent, the antibacterial substance was isolated and purified by liquid–liquid partition and silica gel column chromatography and its structure was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance. The effect and mode of action of the antibacterial substance on bacterial leaf streak of rice were also detected under greenhouse conditions. Two compounds were identified, berberine and jatrorrhizine, which had a strong inhibitory effect on Xoc. The antibacterial activity of berberine was stronger, with a half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.9008 mg/l. At the concentration of 0.5 g/l, its control efficacy on bacterial leaf streak of rice was more than 84%. Additionally, berberine could be absorbed by rice leaves and be translocated up and down in the rice plant, and the effective period was long, but its capability of lateral translocation inside the blade was poor.
Effects of Rain‐shelter Cultivation on the Temporal Dynamics of Grape Downy Mildew Epidemics
Authors: Yu Shuyi , Liu Changyuan , Liang Chunhao , Zang Chaoqun , Liu Li , Wang Hui , Guan Tianshu
Published: March 2017

Grape downy mildew (GDM), which is caused by Plasmopara viticola (Berk et Curt.) Burl. & de Toni, is the most destructive grapevine disease in the world. In this study, we chose three cultivars that differ in their resistance to GDM and compared the effects of rain‐shelter cultivation and open‐field cultivation methods on GDM epidemics (2012–2015). The temporal dynamics of GDM were examined over a 4‐year period the results indicated that the disease index fit an S‐shaped curve, and further analysis revealed that a logistic model best fit the disease development and derived epidemic periods. Rain‐shelter cultivation significantly delayed the epidemic onset by 30 days, reduced the epidemic phase by 4 days, and decreased the final disease index by 50% as compared to open‐field cultivation. The logistic and decline phases were shortened significantly by 7 and 21 days under rain‐shelter conditions, respectively. Moreover, the rain‐shelter cultivation technique effectively decreased the highest apparent infection rate and standard area under the disease progression curve values associated with reduced disease severity. The above results demonstrate that rain‐shelter cultivation significantly affects temporal dynamics parameters of GDM. Meteorological factors had significant effects on the GDM epidemic in that the apparent infection rate was significantly positively correlated with mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and leaf wetness duration before the first week of the experiment.
Highway and Road Probabilistic Safety Assessment Based on Bayesian Network Models
Authors: Grande Zacarías , Castillo Enrique , Mora Elena , Lo Hong K.
Published: March 2017

A Bayesian network model is developed, in which all the items or safety related elements encountered when traveling along a highway or road, such as terrain, infrastructure, light signals, speed limit signs, intersections, roundabouts, curves, tunnels, viaducts, and any other safety relevant elements are reproduced. Since human error is the main cause of accidents, special attention is given to modeling the driver behavior variables (driver's tiredness and attention) and to how they evolve with time or travel length. The sets of conditional probabilities of variables given their parents, which permit to quantify the Bayesian network joint probability, are obtained and written as closed formulas, which allow us to identify the particular contribution of each variable to safety and facilitate the computer implementation of the proposed method. In particular, the probabilities of incidents affecting safety are calculated so that a probabilistic safety assessment of the road can be done and its most critical elements can be identified and sorted by importance. This permits the improvement of road safety making adequate corrections to save time and money in the maintenance program by concentrating on the most critical elements and effective investments. Some real examples of a Spanish highway and a conventional road are provided to illustrate the proposed methodology and show its advantages and performance.
The Snf1‐activating kinase Sak1 is a key regulator of metabolic adaptation and in vivo fitness of Candida albicans
Authors: Ramírez‐Zavala Bernardo , Mottola Austin , Haubenreißer Julia , Schneider Sabrina , Allert Stefanie , Brunke Sascha , Ohlsen Knut , Hube Bernhard , Morschhäuser Joachim
Published: March 2017

The metabolic flexibility of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans is important for colonisation and infection of different host niches. Complex regulatory networks, in which protein kinases play central roles, link metabolism and other virulence‐associated traits, such as filamentous growth and stress resistance, and thereby control commensalism and pathogenicity. By screening a protein kinase deletion mutant library that was generated in the present work using an improved SAT1 flipper cassette, we found that the previously uncharacterised kinase Sak1 is a key upstream activator of the protein kinase Snf1, a highly conserved regulator of nutrient stress responses that is essential for viability in C. albicans. The sak1Δ mutants failed to grow on many alternative carbon sources and were hypersensitive to cell wall/membrane stress. These phenotypes were mirrored in mutants lacking other subunits of the SNF1 complex and partially compensated by a hyperactive form of Snf1. Transcriptional profiling of sak1Δ mutants showed that Sak1 ensures basal expression of glyoxylate cycle and gluconeogenesis genes even in glucose‐rich media and thereby contributes to the metabolic plasticity of C. albicans. In a mouse model of gastrointestinal colonisation, sak1Δ mutants were rapidly outcompeted by wild‐type cells, demonstrating that Sak1 is essential for the in vivo fitness of C. albicans.
Fractal analysis provides new insights into the complexity of marine mammal behavior: A review, two methods, their application to diving and surfacing patterns, and their relevance to marine mammal welfare assessment
Authors: Seuront Laurent , Cribb Nardi
Published: March 2017

Fractals have been applied to describe the complexity of behavioral displays in a range of organisms. Recent work suggests that they may represent a promising tool in the quantification of subtle behavioral responses in marine mammals under chronic exposure to disturbance. This paper aims at introducing the still seldom used fractals to the broader community of marine mammal scientists. We first briefly rehearse some of the fundamental principles behind fractal theory and review the previous uses of fractals in marine mammal science. We subsequently introduce two methods that may be used to assess the complexity of marine mammal diving patterns, and we apply them to the temporal dynamics of the diving patterns of killer whales in the presence and absence of sea kayaks, the sequential behavior of harbor and gray seals in environments with distinct levels of anthropogenic influence, and southern right whales with and without calves. We discuss the ecological relevance of identifying fractal properties in marine mammal behavior, and the potential strength of the fractal behavioral parameters in comparison to more standard behavioral metrics. We finally briefly address the relevance fractal methods may have for the design and implementation of management and conservation strategies.
Epidemiology, species distribution, clinical characteristics and mortality of candidaemia in a tertiary care university hospital in Turkey, 2007‐2014
Authors: Yeşilkaya Ayşegül , Azap Özlem , Aydın Mehtap , Akçil Ok Mehtap
Published: March 2017

Candidaemia still continues to be a serious medical concern and the epidemiology of candidaemia varies according to geographical areas. We aim to determine the incidence, local epidemiology, Candida species distribution and crude mortality rates of candidaemia. We retrospectively evaluated candidaemia episodes in between January 2007 and August 2014. We compared demographic, clinical, microbiological findings and mortality rates of episodes caused by Candida albicans and non‐albicans Candida species. Overall the candidaemia incidences were 1.23 episodes/1000 admissions. A significant negative slope among candidaemia episodes and years was determined. Overall C. albicans (54.6%) was the most common species followed by Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis respectively. Preinfection hospital stay and length of hospital stay were statistically longer in patients with non‐albicans Candida candidaemia than in patients with C. albicans candidaemia. The source of candidaemia was unknown in 52.5% of all episodes. Central venous catheters among non‐albicans Candida candidaemia episodes and urinary system among C. albicans candidaemia episodes were common source of candidaemia compared to each other. Previous antifungal therapy preceding candidaemia and concomitant bacteraemia were significantly associated with non‐albicans Candida candidaemia. Continuous local surveillance will preserve its pivotal importance in formulating empirical antifungal therapy and improving management of candidaemia.
Infective capacity of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in a human astrocytoma cell line
Authors: Olave M. C. , Vargas‐Zambrano J. C. , Celis A. M. , Castañeda E. , González J. M.
Published: March 2017

Pathogenesis of cryptococcosis in the central nervous system (CNS) is a topic of ongoing research, including the mechanisms by which this fungus invades and infects the brain. Astrocytes, the most common CNS cells, play a fundamental role in the local immune response. Astrocytes might participate in cryptococcosis either as a host or by responding to fungal antigens. To determine the infectivity of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii and Cryptococcus gattii in a human astrocytoma cell line and the induction of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. A glioblastoma cell line was infected with C. neoformans var. grubii and C. gattii blastoconidia labelled with FUN‐1 fluorescent stain. The percentage of infection and expression of HLA class I and II molecules were determined by flow cytometry. The interactions between the fungi and cells were observed by fluorescence microscopy. There was no difference between C. neoformans var. grubii and C. gattii in the percentage infection, but C. neoformans var. grubii induced higher expression of HLA class II than C. gattii. More blastoconidia were recovered from C. neoformans‐infected cells than from C. gattii infected cells. Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii may have different virulence mechanisms that allow its survival in human glia‐derived cells.
The MTP1 promoters from Arabidopsis halleri reveal cis‐regulating elements for the evolution of metal tolerance
Authors: Fasani Elisa , DalCorso Giovanni , Varotto Claudio , Li Mingai , Visioli Giovanna , Mattarozzi Monica , Furini Antonella
Published: March 2017

In the hyperaccumulator Arabidopsis halleri, the zinc (Zn) vacuolar transporter MTP1 is a key component of hypertolerance. Because protein sequences and functions are highly conserved between A. halleri and Arabidopsis thaliana, Zn tolerance in A. halleri may reflect the constitutively higher MTP1 expression compared with A. thaliana, based on copy number expansion and different cis regulation.

Three MTP1 promoters were characterized in A. halleri ecotype I16. The comparison with the A. thaliana MTP1 promoter revealed different expression profiles correlated with specific cis‐acting regulatory elements.

The MTP1 5′ untranslated region, highly conserved among A. thaliana, Arabidopsis lyrata and A. halleri, contains a dimer of MYB‐binding motifs in the A. halleri promoters absent in the A. thaliana and A. lyrata sequences. Site‐directed mutagenesis of these motifs revealed their role for expression in trichomes. A. thaliana mtp1 transgenic lines expressing AtMTP1 controlled by the native A. halleri promoter were more Zn‐tolerant than lines carrying mutations on MYB‐binding motifs. Differences in Zn tolerance were associated with different distribution of Zn among plant organs and in trichomes.

The different cis‐acting elements in the MTP1 promoters of A. halleri, particularly the MYB‐binding sites, are probably involved in the evolution of Zn tolerance.
Measuring the depth of the caudal epidural space to prevent dural sac puncture during caudal block in children
Authors: Lee Hyun Jeong , Min Ji Young , Kim Hyun Il , Byon Hyo‐Jin
Published: March 2017

Background

Caudal blocks are performed through the sacral hiatus in order to provide pain control in children undergoing lower abdominal surgery. During the block, it is important to avoid advancing the needle beyond the sacrococcygeal ligament too much to prevent unintended dural puncture. This study used demographic data to establish simple guidelines for predicting a safe needle depth in the caudal epidural space in children.

Methods

A total of 141 children under 12 years old who had undergone lumbar‐sacral magnetic resonance imaging were included. The T2 sagittal image that provided the best view of the sacrococcygeal membrane and the dural sac was chosen. We used Picture Achieving and Communication System (Centricity® PACS, GE Healthcare Co.) to measure the distance between the sacrococcygeal ligament and the dural sac, the length of the sacrococcygeal ligament, and the maximum depth of the caudal space.

Results

There were strong correlations between age, weight, height, and BSA, and the distance between the sacrococcygeal ligament and dural sac, as well as the length of the sacrococcygeal ligament. Based on these findings, a simple formula to calculate the distance between the sacrococcygeal ligament and dural sac was developed: 25 × BSA (mm).

Conclusion

This simple formula can accurately calculate the safe depth of the caudal epidural space to prevent unintended dural puncture during caudal block in children. However, further clinical studies based on this formula are needed to substantiate its utility.
Characterization of a set of common wheat–Hordeum chilense chromosome 7Hch introgression lines and its potential use in research on grain quality traits
Authors: Mattera M. Gabriela , Cabrera Adoracion
Published: March 2017

Chromosome 7Hch from Hordeum chilense has potential for improving seed carotenoid content in wheat as it carries a Phytoene synthase 1 (Psy1) gene, which has a major role in this trait. Structural changes in chromosome 7Hch were obtained in common wheat background by crossing the wheat disomic substitution line 7Hch(7D) with a disomic addition line carrying chromosome 2Cc from Aegilops cylindrica in common wheat cv. ‘Chinese Spring’. Rearranged 7Hch chromosomes were cytologically characterized by FISH. A set of 24 molecular markers and the Psy1 gene were used to identify the H. chilense chromosome segments involved in the introgressions. Six structural rearrangements of chromosome 7Hch were identified. They included three homozygous wheat–H. chilense centromeric translocations, one involving the 7HchS arm (T‐7HchS·A/B) and two involving the 7HchL arm (T1‐7HchL·A/B and T2‐7HchL·A/B). In addition, one 7HchS arm deletion, one 7HchL·7HchL isochromosome and one 7HchS telosome were obtained in hemizygous condition. These genetic stocks will be useful for studying the effect of chromosome 7Hch on wheat flour colour.