bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiorenal syndrome in renal transplant recipients — It’s the fistula at fault: A case series
Authors: Samarendra Padmaraj , Ramkumar Mohan , Sharma Vivek , Kumari Sarita
Published: October 2018

Complications arising from a functional arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in successful kidney transplant recipients (KT) have been overlooked despite some reports of its deleterious effect on heart, lungs, and kidney allograft. As such, there is no consensus regarding management of AVF after renal transplantation. We report Cardio‐Renal Syndrome Type 5 in kidney transplant recipients who presented with a clinical syndrome of shortness of breath, edematous state, kidney allograft dysfunction, and high pulmonary pressure 3‐8 months after successful transplantation. Investigations showed this to be due to high flow functioning AVF (>2 L/min) behaving like a systemic shunt causing high output heart failure, along with pulmonary and venous hypertension. This led to allograft dysfunction of fluid homeostasis. Symptoms resolved with cessation or reduction of AVF flow. Right heart catheterization and echocardiographic features indicating the syndrome are discussed to help clinicians identify the entity and decide management strategy for these AVF.
Word comprehension mediates the link between gesture and word production: Examining language development in infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Roemer Emily J. , West Kelsey L. , Northrup Jessie B. , Iverson Jana M.
Published: October 2018

Children's gesture production precedes and predicts language development, but the pathways linking these domains are unclear. It is possible that gesture production assists in children's developing word comprehension, which in turn supports expressive vocabulary acquisition. The present study examines this mediation pathway in a population with variability in early communicative abilities—the younger siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; high‐risk infants, HR). Participants included 92 HR infants and 28 infants at low risk (LR) for ASD. A primary caregiver completed the MacArthur‐Bates Communicative Development Inventory (Fenson, et al., 1993) at 12, 14, and 18 months, and HR infants received a diagnostic evaluation for ASD at 36 months. Word comprehension at 14 months mediated the relationship between 12‐month gesture and 18‐month word production in LR and HR infants (ab = 0.263; p < 0.01). For LR infants and HR infants with no diagnosis or language delay, gesture was strongly associated with word comprehension (as = 0.666; 0.646; 0.561; ps < 0.01). However, this relationship did not hold for infants later diagnosed with ASD (a = 0.073; p = 0.840). This finding adds to a growing literature suggesting that children with ASD learn language differently. Furthermore, this study provides an initial step toward testing the developmental pathways by which infants transition from early actions and gestures to expressive language.
Cloud‐based collaboration and productivity tools to enhance self‐perception and self‐evaluation in senior dental students: A pilot study
Authors: Botelho João , Machado Vanessa , Proença Luís , Rua João , Delgado Ana , João Mendes José
Published: October 2018

Context

Web/cloud‐based collaborations have been successively used in several educational and clinical settings with very satisfactory results against the traditional background. In this study, we assess the usefulness, ease of use, ease of learning and satisfaction of a cloud‐based clinical progression practice record comparing to a traditional paper practice record.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional forty senior dental students answered a USE‐Questionnaire on the traditional paper book versus a digital clinical book assembled with Google Docs. They were asked about usefulness, ease of use, ease of learning and satisfaction of both gears.

Results

There were an absolute agreement in all four different dimensions, with the cloud‐based digital system evidencing more advantages and preference from the users’ perspective in usefulness (from P = 0.002 to P < 0.001), ease of use (from P = 0.034 to P < 0.001), ease of learning (P < 0.001) and satisfaction (from P = 0.001 to P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that a digital clinical book, using free cloud‐based collaboration tools, is more useful, easier to use and learn and more satisfactory than a traditional paper recording system. Also, this cloud‐based collaboration system presents characteristics that may guide future clinical research.
Comparison of two high doses of oral methylprednisolone for multiple sclerosis relapses: a pilot, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Hervás‐García J. V. , Ramió‐Torrentà L. , Brieva‐Ruiz L. , Batllé‐Nadal J. , Moral E. , Blanco Y. , Cano‐Orgaz A. , Presas‐Rodríguez S. , Torres F. , Capellades J. , Ramo‐Tello C.
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

Oral or intravenous methylprednisolone (≥500 mg/day for 5 days) is recommended for multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses. Nonetheless, the optimal dose remains uncertain. We compared clinical and radiological effectiveness, safety and quality of life (QoL) of oral methylprednisolone [1250 mg/day (standard high dose)] versus 625 mg/day (lesser high dose), both for 3 days] in MS relapses.

Methods

A total of 49 patients with moderate to severe MS relapse within the previous 15 days were randomized in a pilot, double‐blind, multicentre, non‐inferiority trial (ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT01986998). The primary endpoint was non‐inferiority of the lesser high dose by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score improvement on day 30 (non‐inferiority margin, 1 point). The secondary endpoints were EDSS score change on days 7 and 90, changes in T1 gadolinium‐enhanced and new/enlarged T2 lesions on days 7 and 30, and safety and QoL results.

Results

The primary outcome was achieved [mean (95% confidence interval) EDSS score difference, −0.26 (−0.7 to 0.18) at 30 days (P = 0.246)]. The standard high dose yielded a superior EDSS score improvement on day 7 (P = 0.028). No differences were observed in EDSS score on day 90 (P = 0.352) or in the number of T1 gadolinium‐enhanced or new/enlarged T2 lesions on day 7 (P = 0.401, 0.347) or day 30 (P = 0.349, 0.529). Safety and QoL were good at both doses.

Conclusions

A lesser high‐dose oral methylprednisolone regimen may not be inferior to the standard high dose in terms of clinical and radiological response.
Plastic mismatch effect on plasticity induced crack closure: Fatigue crack propagation perpendicularly across a plastically mismatched interface
Authors: Song Xiao‐Xiong , Shang Yi‐Bo , Shi Hui‐Ji , Niu Li‐Sha , Wang Zhao‐Xi
Published: October 2018

In the present work, comprehensive investigation of both theoretical analysis and numerical simulation was carried out to investigate the plastic mismatch effect on plasticity induced crack closure (PICC) behavior and effective fatigue crack tip driving force. During the process of crack tip approaching interface, crack tip load and crack tip load ratio will change, resulting in the change of PICC degree. When the crack propagates towards higher strength side,Kop/Kmaxincreases; when the crack propagates towards lower strength side,Kop/Kmaxdecreases firstly and then increases. The two mechanisms of “interface plastic mismatch effect on nominal fatigue crack tip driving force” and “interface plastic mismatch effect on PICC degree” were compared. The second mechanism must be considered when building crack tip driving force model for describing fatigue crack crossing plastically mismatched interface, because it is more physically factual and maybe more important than the first mechanism.
The contribution of morphological awareness to lexical inferencing in L2 Chinese: Comparing more‐skilled and less‐skilled learners
Authors: Chen Tianxu
Published: October 2018

Learners’ ability to infer unknown words’ meanings (lexical inferencing) plays a key role in word knowledge development for second language (L2) learners. It has recently been acknowledged that learners’ sensitivity to word‐internal structures (morphological awareness) makes an important contribution to L2 lexical inferencing. However, it remains unclear whether the contribution of morphological awareness to lexical inferencing is affected by L2 learner‐related factors (e.g., language skills). Data obtained from five paper‐pencil tasks in Chinese for 73 L2 learners who studied Chinese for two semesters in China showed that (1) for more‐skilled learners, morphological awareness significantly contributed to lexical inferencing with and without contextual cues, whereas no significant relationships existed between morphological awareness and lexical inferencing for less‐skilled learners; and (2) L2 learners’ morphological awareness does not equally facilitate lexical inferencing due to a possible threshold of linguistic knowledge. The findings have implications for learners’ success in inferring the meanings of unknown words
Democratization in the Global South: From democratic transitions to transformative democratic politics
Authors: Stokke Kristian
Published: October 2018

Democracy has attained a hegemonic position both as a normative ideal and as the dominant form of government, but there are growing concerns about democratic decline and crisis. The numerical growth of democracies has slowed down, and there have been some reversals from democratic to authoritarian rule in recent years. Nevertheless, the primary concern is about the substance of formal democracies, especially as recent democratic transitions have tended to produce depoliticized democracies and hybrid forms of rule rather than substantive democracy. This article uses the growth and decline of democracy as an occasion to review the current state of democracy in the world, discusses the links between the modality of democratic transition and problems of post‐transition democratic substance, and examines competing approaches to democratic deepening. A case is made for shifting the perspective on democratization, from democratic transitions to the open‐ended politics of substantial democratization. This means that the analytical approach should be broadened from elitist institutional design for electoral democracy to transformative democratic politics. The article presents this line of argument and provides brief illustrations based on recent transitions in the Global South.
Clinical and molecular evaluation of therapy with the use of cyclosporine A in patients with psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Michalska‐Bańkowska Anna , Wcisło‐Dziadecka Dominika , Grabarek Beniamin , Mazurek Urszula , Brzezińska‐Wcisło Ligia , Michalski Piotr
Published: October 2018

Background

Psoriasis course involves increased secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, among others, a beta transforming growth factor (TGFβs) and its receptors. Cyclosporine A (CsA), an immunosuppressive medicine with the molecular mechanism of operation connected with the properties of cell cycle suppression, is often used in the treatment of severe forms of psoriasis. The efficacy of therapy is assessed based on the disease clinical progression indexes – Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), body surface area (BSA), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The aim of the study was the evaluation of the efficacy of the CsA treatment of patients with psoriasis vulgaris, based on the clinical parameters and an assessment of the expression profiles of TGFβs and TGFβRs, depending on the concurrent diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Methods

The group under study composed of 32 patients (15 with the metabolic syndrome, seven with diabetes) treated with CsA for 84 days. The molecular analysis included extraction of RNA, assessment of TGβF1‐3, TGFβRI‐III gene expression with the use of the RTqPCR method. The clinical assessment of the effects of this pharmacotherapy involved evaluation of the parameters: PASI, BSA, DLQI before therapy commencement, on the 42nd and 84th days of therapy.

Results

A statistically significant change in the transcription activity of TGFβ1 in patients with and without diabetes (P = 0.018) and patients with and without metabolic syndrome (P = 0.023) was shown that on the 84th day of therapy.

Conclusions

TGFb1 may be claimed as the supplementary molecular marker to evaluate the efficacy of CsA therapy. It seems that systemic diseases have an effect on the efficacy of the applied pharmacotherapy and the course of psoriasis.
Role of bone marrow biopsy for fever of unknown origin in the contemporary Australian context
Authors: Hong Frank S. , Fox Lucy C. , Chai Khai Li , Htun Kay , Clucas Danielle , Morgan Susan , Cole‐Sinclair Merrole F. , Juneja Surender
Published: October 2018

Background

Bone marrow biopsy (BMB) is an accepted investigation in fever of unknown origin (FUO) to uncover haematological malignancies, such as lymphoma, and sometimes infections. With the advance in imaging modalities, such as 18‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) to identify the focus of lymphoma, BMB may not contribute to the diagnosis when there are no other clinical features to suggest an underlying haematological disease.

Aim

To investigate the utility of BMB in determining the cause of FUO, when there are no other indications for BMB.

Methods

Medical records of adult patients who had BMB performed for FUO or febrile illness from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2014 in four metropolitan tertiary hospitals in Melbourne, Australia were reviewed. Patients with other concurrent indications for BMB, known human immunodeficiency virus infection and previously diagnosed connective tissue diseases were excluded.

Results

Seventy‐three patients were included in the study. Fifty‐one patients had a final diagnosis for fever (systemic inflammatory diseases, infective, malignancy or other) while 22 patients had no diagnoses. In only 10 patients (13.7%) did BMB contribute to the diagnosis, finding either malignancy or granulomata. However, all these diagnoses could have been made without BMB. Two patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma had normal BMB. FDG‐PET was helpful in making a diagnosis in eight (25%) out of 32 patients.

Conclusion

Performing BMB in patients with FUO and no other haematological abnormalities is of very limited value, and other investigations, such as FDG‐PET, may be more likely to help establish a definitive diagnosis.
Validity and reproducibility testing of the Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) Index
Authors: Ghanim Aghareed , Mariño Rodrigo , Manton David J.
Published: October 2018

Background

To address challenges presented to clinicians to diagnose and treat molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), a new assessment tool was created.

Aim

To explore the reproducibility and validity of a new instrument developed to assess MIH.

Methods

Inter‐rater and test‐retest reliabilities were examined using Cronbach's alpha. Thirty‐five oral health professionals scored clinical photographs for the presence/absence of MIH and other enamel defects using the new index. Face, content, and construct validities were assessed. A panel of six experienced researchers assessed face validity. Construct validity was determined by examining hypothesised associations with clinical variables reported to change concurrently or as modifiers of the MIH outcome. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were also assessed.

Results

The index reflected the hypothesised associations regarding the presence, prevalence, and severity of MIH, demonstrating construct validity. Researchers indicated that codes and definitions were clear and suitable for international use. The index showed satisfactory scores of sensitivity/specificity and PPV/NPV. Examiners achieved “Substantial” to “Almost perfect” levels of agreement in clinical presentation and lesion extension.

Conclusions

The tested MIH index had reasonably solid properties providing confidence that it is a reliable and valid instrument for use in population‐based and clinical screenings for diagnosis of MIH and other enamel defects.
Adolescent with caries and experienced interaction with dental staff
Authors: Mattila Marja‐Leena , Rautava Päivi , Saarinen Maiju , Tolvanen Mimmi , Ojanlatva Ansa , Jaakkola Sirkka , Aromaa Minna , Sillanpää Matti
Published: October 2018

Background

There is a lack of studies about how adolescents experience the interaction during dental visits. The experienced interaction during dental visits will influence how adolescents take care of their oro‐dental health, and how they attend at the dentist's office.

Aim

To explore the interaction experiences during dental visits of 18‐year‐olds with or without a history of caries.

Design

The dental health status at age 15 years was used as a predictor of subsequent interaction experiences with the dental staff. The dental health status was assessed by the Decayed Missed Filled Teeth index and interaction experiences by the Patient Dental Staff Interaction Questionnaire.

Results

Adolescents with a history of caries experienced the interaction at dental visits significantly more often negatively than adolescents with healthy teeth. The association was significant after adjustment for potential confounding factors (sense of coherence, gender, and duration of maternal basic education).

Conclusions

Understanding, encouraging, and appropriate interaction with adolescents with caries may make patients more positive and receptive for treatment and self‐care.
Chemical plant protectants and plant growth regulator effects on annual bluegrass survival of ice cover
Authors: Laskowski Kevin , Frank Kevin , Merewitz Emily
Published: October 2018

Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L; ABG) is susceptible to damage from ice cover. Effects of chemical treatments on ice survival under low temperature growth chamber conditions were studied. Field putting green plots of ABG were treated in the fall of 2014 and 2015 with Civitas, mefluidide, propiconazole or trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) at label rates. After acclimation, turfgrass cores from each plot were transferred to a low temperature growth chamber, received ice or no ice treatment and were sampled at 0, 20, 40 and 60 days. Ice was applied by misting plants at low temperature. In 2014, Civitas‐, mefluidide‐ and propiconazole‐treated plugs had the greatest amount of regrowth after ice and no ice treatments on most days; comparable results were found in 2015 but fewer statistical differences were detected. TE‐treated plants were no different from the untreated controls on most days in either year. Plants that were treated with mefluidide, propiconazole and Civitas had more polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) in crown tissue, with linoleic acid approximately 50% greater compared to TE and untreated samples. Civitas, mefluidide or propiconazole treatments improved ABG survival of simulated ice conditions, which could be associated with the changes to saturated and unsaturated FA ratios that were observed in this study.
A longitudinal study of parent‐reported sensory responsiveness in toddlers at‐risk for autism
Authors: Wolff Jason J. , Dimian Adele F. , Botteron Kelly N. , Dager Stephen R. , Elison Jed T. , Estes Annette M. , Hazlett Heather C. , Schultz Robert T. , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Piven Joseph ,   the IBIS Network
Published: October 2018

Background

Atypical sensory responsivity and sensory interests are now included in the DSM 5 diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) under the broad domain of restricted and repetitive behavior (RRB). However, relatively little is known about the emergence of sensory‐related features and their relation to conventionally defined RRB in the first years of life.

Methods

Prospective, longitudinal parent‐report data using the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ) were collected for 331 high‐risk toddlers (74 of whom met diagnostic criteria for ASD at age 2) and 135 low‐risk controls. Longitudinal profiles for SEQ scores were compared between groups across ages 12–24 months. Associations between SEQ measures and measures of RRB subtypes (based on the Repetitive Behavior Scale, Revised) were also examined.

Results

Longitudinal profiles for all SEQ scores significantly differed between groups. SEQ scores were elevated for the ASD group from age 12 months, with differences becoming more pronounced across the 12–24 month interval. At both 12 and 24 months, most measures derived from the SEQ were significantly associated with all subtypes of RRB.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that differences in sensory responsivity may be evident in high‐risk infants later diagnosed with ASD in early toddlerhood, and that the magnitude of these differences increases over the second year of life. The high degree of association between SEQ scores and RRB supports the conceptual alignment of these features but also raises questions as to explanatory mechanisms.
Developmental and family history‐based analysis of congenital fused labia phenotype in the captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Wedi Edris , Tkachenko Olena Y. , Do Valle Rodrigo Del Rio , Heistermann Michael , Michelmann Hans Wilhelm , Nayudu Penelope L.
Published: October 2018

Background

Congenital fused labia (CFL) is defined as a failure or significant delay in the opening of the juvenile sealed labia majora. This phenotype is known to be variably common in adult captive female marmosets but has never been investigated in detail before.

Materials and Methods

Here, we define, describe and quantify the variations in the degree of closure of the vulva in 122 captive marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) from 1.2 to 42 months old and include colony analysis.

Results

There was a negative correlation between the degree of labial fusion and animal age after prepubertal period (P < 0.05). CFL females had higher number CFL relatives (4.3 ± 0.6 vs 2.4 ± 0.5 for non‐CFL, P < 0.05) and more external ancestors compared to non‐CFL (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results therefore suggest that CFL phenotype is most likely associated with epigenetic effects induced by the captive environment and colony management strategy of extensive crossing of family lines to promote heterozygosity.
Effects of isotretinoin on the hair cycle
Authors: İslamoğlu Zeynep Gizem Kaya , Altınyazar Hilmi Cevdet
Published: October 2018

Background/ Objectives

Isotretinoin is a synthetic vitamin A agent that affects all of the pathogenic factors that suppress sebum production and play a role in the formation of acne. It is frequently used in the treatment of moderate‐severe acne vulgaris. However, there are some mucocutaneous and systemic side effects that limit the use of isotretinoin. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of isotretinoin on hair growth parameters.

Material and Methods

Isotretinoin treatment at 0.5 mg/kg per day dose was started to patients with moderate‐severe acne vulgaris, and hair growth parameters were evaluated before treatment and after 3 months of treatment. Parameters were measured by Fotofinder dermatoscopy device using the TrichoScan Professional program.

Results

In the TrichoScan analysis, the total hair count, hair density, percentage of anagen and telogen hair, density, count, and ratio of vellus and terminal hairs in the 0.73 area were calculated. As a result, there were differences in some values between the first analysis and the second analysis. However, these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Our study was based on the mucocutaneous side effects of isotretinoin which are telogen effluvium and thinning hair. Our results support that the drug does not alter hair growth parameters in the short term and when very high doses are not used.
Hyaluronic acid gel based on CPM® technology with and without lidocaine: Is there a difference?
Authors: Micheels Patrick , Besse Stéphanie , Sarazin Didier , Obamba Martinien
Published: October 2018

Background

In 2011, a cohesive polydensified matrix (CPM®) hyaluronic acid (HA) gel filler was approved by the USA Food and Drug Administration. In 2014, lidocaine was added to the gel during its manufacturing process.

Objectives

To compare the behavior and rheological properties of a CPM® HA gel with and without lidocaine.

Methods

In our office, we performed simple tests to document the cohesiveness and resistance to traction force of both gels. In two different laboratories, the rheological properties of both gels were measured. We used comparative data of the gel without lidocaine collected from over 6 years. We also observed the gels’ behavior when injected into the superficial and mid‐reticular dermis, comparing their distribution using both ultrasonography and histology.

Results

Over more than 10 years, we observed no difference between both gels, even if clinically we felt a difference in the gels’ viscosity upon injection. Their behaviors during injection were similar. Using more sophisticated tests measuring the gels’ rheological properties with different techniques, namely sheer sweeps, a difference was, however, noted between the two gels.

Conclusions

Adding lidocaine to CPM® HA gel renders it more viscous. Whether this means a difference in the clinical results, however, would require a comparative clinical study over an extended time period.
Multidisciplinary Management of a Severe Maxillary Midline Diastema: A Clinical Report
Authors: Şen Nazmiye , Işler Sabire
Published: October 2018

A maxillary midline diastema (MMD) is a common form of incomplete occlusion and often is a primary complaint of patients during dental consultations. MMD is considered to be a multifactorial phenomenon and can therefore be best restored with a multidisciplinary approach. This clinical report presents a multidisciplinary approach to the management of a 4.0‐mm MMD by using limited orthodontics combined with periodontal and prosthodontic treatments.
Effectiveness of a hospital-based education programme in improving knowledge of the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among heart failure patients in a Malaysia regional hospital
Authors: Choong Lai-Yuan , Lew Pit-Chin , George Doris , Tan Rou-Wei , Leow Hon-Lunn , Leow Koon-Hoong , Chan Huan-Keat , Chang Chee-Tao
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in heart failure patients is known to be associated with a wide range of adverse events, including an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an education programme in improving the knowledge about the safety of NSAID use among the hospitalized heart failure patients.

Method

This was a single-arm, quasi-experimental study. It was undertaken in a regional referral centre in Perak State, Malaysia. Each recruited patient received an educational leaflet and a 10-min counselling intervention by a clinical pharmacist. A 5-item questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge before and after the intervention. Each correct answer was awarded with 1 point, and a patient with a total score of 3 points or above was considered having adequate knowledge.

Key findings

A total of 31 patients received the intervention and completed the assessment. They were mainly female (61%), with a median age of 68 (interquartile range (IQR) = 22) years. Of all the patients, four (13.3%) reported a long-term use of NSAIDs, while only one (3.2%) reported the use of NSAIDs in 1 week before the hospitalization. The postintervention score (median = 3; IQR = 2) was shown to be significantly higher than the preintervention score (median = 1; IQR = 2; P = < 0.001). Additionally, the majority of the patients (86.7%) found the education programme was useful to avoid unnecessary NSAID use in the future.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the pharmacist-initiated education programme is useful and could be used as a long-term strategy to improve the knowledge about the safety of NSAID use in heart failure patients.
Exserohilum infections in Australian Queensland children
Authors: Dobinson Hazel C. , Down Gregory , Clark Julia E.
Published: October 2018

Background

Exserohilum species are environmental moulds that can cause skin infection and sinusitis in both normal and immunosuppressed children. This study reviews paediatric cases of Exserohilum infection in Queensland, Australia, to identify the spectrum of disease and its clinical course.

Methods

All culture‐positive samples of Exserohilum species in children <18 years of age were identified from the Queensland Health Laboratory database (April 2003‐April 2018). Clinical information was recorded from medical records.

Results

Eleven children were identified, and all had isolated Exserohilum rostratum. The mean age was 7.4 years (range 2.3‐17.8) and 64% female. Four immunocompetent children (36%) had a skin infection (2/4), chronic sinusitis (1/4) or otitis externa (1/4). Seven children (64%) had an underlying oncological diagnosis with E. rostratum causing local skin infection (2/7), invasive rhinosinus disease (3/7) or disseminated infection (2/7). All oncological patients were empirically started on liposomal amphotericin B with addition, or switch, to posaconazole or voriconazole.

Conclusion

Exserohilum rostratum infection of the skin has a favourable course, whereas rhinosinus infection can be rapidly invasive in the immunocompromised child requiring prompt surgical intervention and antifungal therapy. Susceptibility data support empiric use of liposomal amphotericin and/or posaconazole.
Cytotaxonomic investigations on Allium valdecallosum (Amaryllidaceae), a critical species endemic to Morocco
Authors: Brullo Salvatore , Brullo Cristian , Cambria Salvatore , Salmeri Cristina
Published: October 2018

Allium valdecallosum is a critical and poorly known species endemic to Morocco. Its diagnostic features, karyology, seed testa micro‐morphology, leaf anatomy, ecology, distribution, conservation status, and taxonomic relationships are examined here.
Comparison of miRNA expression profiles in individuals with chronic or aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Amaral Sérgio Antonucci , Pereira Thaís Santos Fontes , Brito João Artur Ricieri , Cortelli Sheila Cavalca , Cortelli José Roberto , Gomez Ricardo Santigo , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Miranda Cota Luís Otávio
Published: October 2018

Objectives

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role in inflammatory response. However, the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of periodontitis is unclear. The present study aimed to compare the miRNA expression profiles in individuals with chronic (CP) or aggressive (AP) periodontitis.

Materials and methods

Eighteen non‐smoker individuals (CP = 9 and AP = 9) without any history of systemic diseases or previous periodontal therapies were selected at the Clinics of Periodontology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Gingival tissue samples were collected during the initial periodontal therapy. miRNAs were isolated, and expression patterns of 754 miRNAs were assessed with a quantitative miRNA PCR array. miRNAs expression profiles were compared between CP and AP groups.

Results

There were no differences observed in the miRNAs expression profiles between CP and AP (p > 0.05). According to the microarray analyses, the most expressed miRNAs in both groups were hsa‐miR‐1274b, hsa‐let‐7b‐5p, hsa‐miR‐24‐3p, hsa‐miR‐19b‐3p, hsa‐miR‐720, hsa‐miR‐126‐3p, hsa‐miR‐17‐3p and hsa‐miR‐21‐3p.

Conclusion

Findings suggested no differences in miRNAs expression profiles between chronic and aggressive forms of periodontitis. The overexpression of specific miRNAs could provide insights into the pathogenesis of both forms of the disease.
Multi‐ethnic variations in the practice of oral cancer risk habits in a developing country
Authors: Ghani Wan Maria Nabillah , Razak Ishak Abdul , Doss Jennifer Geraldine , Yang Yi‐Hsin , Rahman Zainal Ariff Abdul , Ismail Siti Mazlipah , Abraham Mannil Thomas , Wan Mustafa Wan Mahadzir , Tay Keng Kiong , Zain Rosnah Binti
Published: October 2018

Objective

To elucidate ethnic variations in the practice of oral cancer risk habits in a selected Malaysian population.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study involves 790 cases of cancers of the oral cavity and 450 controls presenting with non‐malignant oral diseases, recruited from seven hospital‐based centres nationwide. Data on risk habits (smoking, drinking, chewing) were obtained using a structured questionnaire via face‐to‐face interviews. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine association between risk habits and oral cancer risk; chi‐square test was used to assess association between risk habits and ethnicity. Population attributable risks were calculated for all habits.

Results

Except for alcohol consumption, increased risk was observed for all habits; the highest risk was for smoking + chewing + drinking (aOR 22.37 95% CI 5.06, 98.95). Significant ethnic differences were observed in the practice of habits. The most common habit among Malays was smoking (24.2%); smoking + drinking were most common among Chinese (16.8%), whereas chewing was the most prevalent among Indians (45.2%) and Indigenous people (24.8%). Cessation of chewing, smoking and drinking is estimated to reduce cancer incidence by 22.6%, 8.5% and 6.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

Ethnic variations in the practice of oral cancer risk habits are evident. Betel quid chewing is the biggest attributable factor for this population.
PR deviation as a risk marker for cardiac events in patients with Takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Shimizu Masato , Fujii Hiroyuki , Suzuki Makoto , Yamawake Noriyoshi , Nishizaki Mitsuhiro
Published: October 2018

Background

PR segment deviation (PRD: defined as PR elevation in aVR and PR depression in lead II/III) on electrocardiography is frequently observed in patients with acute pericarditis; however, there have been few studies that explore the occurrence of PRD in patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). The clinical significance of PRD in TTS is not clearly elucidated.

Methods & results

A total of 52 consecutive patients with TTS in sinus rhythm (73.9 ± 13.8 years, nine males) were enrolled in the study. The major cardiac events were defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, Killip class 4 heart failure, and cardiac death within 30 days. PRD in the hyperacute phase (within 48 h from the onset of TTS) was observed in 15 patients (29%), and all PRDs disappeared or diminished at 1 week later. The PRD (+) group had a higher value of C‐reactive protein level (median: 1.80 mg/dL [0.31‐3.26] vs 0.20 mg/dL [0.06‐0.81], P  =  0.013) and creatine kinase‐muscle/brain isoenzyme (median: 60 IU/L [28‐75] vs 17 IU/L [13‐26], P < 0.001) and a lower level of left ventricular ejection fraction (42.7 ± 7.2% vs 48.8 ± 9.4%, P  =  0.041) than the PRD (−) group. Multivariate analysis showed that PRD was a significant and independent predictor for major cardiac events (odds ratio  =  21.0, 95% confidence interval  =  1.18‐273).

Conclusions

TTS patients with PRD in the hyperacute phase showed a high incidence of major cardiac events. Therefore, PRD may help to identify TTS patients at high risk for cardiac event.
Mayor‐Council Form of Government and Policy Responses in Times of Economic Travail
Authors: Aguado N. Alexander
Published: October 2018

This study examines the relationship between forms of government in U.S. cities and budgetary cuts that were soon implemented after the 2008 financial crisis. This analysis focuses on mayor‐council and council‐manager cities to determine the effects that institutional arrangements had on municipal governments’ ability to implement austerity measures in a timely fashion. Using data from the International City/County Management Association, this study finds that mayor‐council cities implemented fewer austerity measures and were less likely to implement many of the cutback strategies, when compared to municipalities with the council‐manager form government.
Cooperation among Local Governments to Deliver Public Services
Authors: Di Porto Edoardo , Paty Sonia
Published: October 2018

Cooperation among local governments has been encouraged to enable the aggregation of resources and improved public sector efficiency. The objective of this article is to contribute to the emerging literature on the factors driving intermunicipal cooperation. Using a unique panel dataset of 36,000 French municipalities for 1995‐2002, we estimate the relationship between cooperation decision and the fiscal revenues raised to provide local public goods. We find that the cooperation choice of neighboring municipalities is extremely relevant for the cooperation decision. A municipality will be more inclined to join an existing community if its neighbors have already joined an intermunicipal jurisdiction. We also find evidence that, ceteris paribus, a positive difference between the expected fiscal revenues of a cooperating locality and the actual revenues realized by an isolated locality is required to set up the agreement.
Archaic and contemporary topographic diversification of Upper Mississippi River forests
Authors: King Richard S. , Stravers Jon , Maas Lisa , Elliot Tamra , Langhus Amber
Published: October 2018

Topographic diversity is an important component of environmental heterogeneity. Topographic diversity within the Upper Mississippi River floodplain has been degraded because of modifications for navigation improvement. Efforts aimed at restoring topographic diversity in the Upper Mississippi River floodplain have been extensive but have not focused on reversing the effects of forest loss and degradation. We investigated habitat features associated with Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) locations both within and outside of river floodplains and hypothesized this species would select topographically diverse habitats. Both topographic diversity and the distance to the upland forest/floodplain forest interface were useful predictors of Cerulean Warbler presence. We conclude that incorporation of topographic diversity into floodplain forest restoration planning would likely benefit Cerulean Warblers and the other species with similar habitat requirements. Incorporating topographic diversity into floodplain forest conservation planning will be challenging on major rivers that serve multiple purposes.
Block periodization of strength and endurance training is superior to traditional periodization in ice hockey players
Authors: Rønnestad Bent R. , Øfsteng Sjur J. , Ellefsen Stian
Published: October 2018

Team sports like ice hockey require high levels of performance in numerous physical characteristics such as strength, power, and endurance. As such, training is associated with a potential interference effect. The present study randomized well‐trained ice hockey players into a block periodization group (BP; n = 8), focusing on the development of either strength and power or endurance on a weekly, undulating basis, and a traditional group (TRAD; n = 8), performing a mixed training model, with simultaneous focus of strength, power, and endurance training every week. During the 6‐week intervention, the two groups performed equal volumes and intensities of both strength, power, and endurance training. BP led to larger improvements than TRAD in knee extension peak torque at 180° s−1 (6.6 ± 8.7 vs −4.2% ± 6.3%, respectively; P < 0.05) and maximal oxygen uptake (5.1 ± 3.3 vs 1.1% ± 3.5%, respectively; P < 0.05). There was also a trend toward larger improvements in BP than TRAD in peak torque in knee extension at 60° s−1 (2.1 ± 2.5 vs −0.1% ± 2.5%, respectively; P < 0.1, effect size = 0.83) and mean power output during a 30‐s cycling sprint (4.1 ± 2.5 vs −0.3% ± 5.9%, respectively; P < 0.1, effect size = 0.89). Overall, BP exhibited a moderate to large effect size for all these variables compared to TRAD. The present study suggests that block periodization of strength and endurance training induces superior adaptations in both strength and endurance capacities in well‐trained ice hockey players compared to traditional mixed organization, despite similar training volume and intensity.
Leaf stable carbon isotope composition reflects transpiration efficiency in Zea mays
Authors: Twohey Robert J. , Roberts Lucas M. , Studer Anthony J.
Published: October 2018

The increasing demand for food production and predicted climate change scenarios highlight the need for improvements in crop sustainability. The efficient use of water will become increasingly important for rain‐fed agricultural crops even in fertile regions that have historically received ample precipitation. Improvements in water‐use efficiency in Zea mays have been limited, and warrant a renewed effort aided by molecular breeding approaches. Progress has been constrained by the difficulty of measuring water‐use in a field environment. The stable carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of the leaf has been proposed as an integrated signature of carbon fixation with a link to stomatal conductance. However, additional factors affecting leaf δ13C exist, and a limited number of studies have explored this trait in Z. mays. Here we present an extensive characterization of leaf δ13C in Z. mays. Significant variation in leaf δ13C exists across diverse lines of Z. mays, which we show to be heritable across several environments. Furthermore, we examine temporal and spatial variation in leaf δ13C to determine the optimum sampling time to maximize the use of leaf δ13C as a trait. Finally, our results demonstrate the relationship between transpiration and leaf δ13C in the field and the greenhouse. Decreasing transpiration and soil moisture are associated with decreasing leaf δ13C. Taken together these results outline a strategy for using leaf δ13C and reveal its usefulness as a measure of transpiration efficiency under well‐watered conditions rather than a predictor of performance under drought.
Practical guide to characterize biomolecule adsorption on solid surfaces (Review)
Authors: Migliorini Elisa , Weidenhaupt Marianne , Picart Catherine
Published: October 2018

The control over the adsorption or grafting of biomolecules from a liquid to a solid interface is of fundamental importance in different fields, such as drug delivery, pharmaceutics, diagnostics, and tissue engineering. It is thus important to understand and characterize how biomolecules interact with surfaces and to quantitatively measure parameters such as adsorbed amount, kinetics of adsorption and desorption, conformation of the adsorbed biomolecules, orientation, and aggregation state. A better understanding of these interfacial phenomena will help optimize the engineering of biofunctional surfaces, preserving the activity of biomolecules and avoiding unwanted side effects. The characterization of molecular adsorption on a solid surface requires the use of analytical techniques, which are able to detect very low quantities of material in a liquid environment without modifying the adsorption process during acquisition. In general, the combination of different techniques will give a more complete characterization of the layers adsorbed onto a substrate. In this review, the authors will introduce the context, then the different factors influencing the adsorption of biomolecules, as well as relevant parameters that characterize their adsorption. They review surface-sensitive techniques which are able to describe different properties of proteins and polymeric films on solid two-dimensional materials and compare these techniques in terms of sensitivity, penetration depth, ease of use, and ability to perform “parallel measurements.”
Analysis of negative electron affinity InGaN photocathode by temperature-programed desorption method
Authors: Kashima Masahiro , Sato Daiki , Koizumi Atsushi , Nishitani Tomohiro , Honda Yoshio , Amano Hiroshi , Iijima Hokuto , Meguro Takashi
Published: October 2018

A III–V semiconductor with a few monolayers of alkali metals (e.g., Cs) forms a negative electron affinity (NEA) surface, for which the vacuum level lies below the conduction band minimum of the base semiconductor. The photocathodes that form an NEA surface (NEA photocathodes) have various advantages, such as low emittance, a large current, high spin polarization, and ultrashort pulsed operation. The NEA-InGaN photocathode, which is sensitive to blue light, has been studied as a material for the next-generation robust photocathode. However, the proper conditions for forming NEA surfaces remain unknown. The authors consider whether the suitable process for NEA surfaces can be understood by investigating the relationship between the electron emission and the adsorption state of alkali metals. In this study, the relationship between the electron emission and the adsorption state of Cs on the p-type InGaN (0001) was analyzed by the temperature-programed desorption (TPD) method using a quadrupole mass spectrometer. From the results of the TPD measurements, it was shown that there were several adsorption states of Cs on InGaN. The quantum efficiency (QE), which indicates the ratio of emitted electrons to incident photons, increased while Cs desorption occurred. The authors divided the formation process of an NEA surface into several sections to investigate the adsorption states of Cs related to the electron emission and to discuss the reasons why the QE increased despite the desorbed Cs. From the results of the NEA activation in each section, it was shown that there were sections where the QE increased by reacting with O2 after Cs supply stopped. There is a possibility that several layers reacting with O2 and those not reacting with O2 are formed by performing NEA activation until the QE saturates. From the results of the TPD measurements in each section, it was suggested that there was a Cs peak at above 700 °C when the TPD method was carried out immediately after confirming the electron emission. Therefore, the adsorption state of Cs that formed a peak at above 700 °C had a close relation to the electron emission. It is considered that the increase of the QE in the TPD was affected by adsorbed Cs compounds that reacted with O2. Although the mechanism is not understood, it is known that the QE was increased by the reaction of Cs adsorbed compounds and O2 in previous studies. It was suspected that layers that reacted with O2 appeared from TPD and then the QE increased by reacting with O2.