bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Tongue Dorsal Surface in Fish: A Comparison Among Three Farmed Species
Authors: Levanti M. , Germanà A. , Montalbano G. , Guerrera M. C. , Cavallaro M. , Abbate F.
Published: December 2016

The oral cavity of vertebrates has a very important role in many functions strictly related to the food processing. Two species, sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax and seabream Sparus aurata, are mainly involved in the aquaculture industry in the mediterranean area; moreover, the white seabream Diplodus sargus sargus was recently chosen as the best candidate for the diversification of species of commercial interest. This investigation was carried out, using the standard procedures for light and scanning electron microscopy, to analyse the morphology of the tongue dorsal surface in order to show whether relationships are present between the tongue morphology and the nutritional choices of these species. In all the three investigated species, three different areas were observed on the dorsal lingual surface: an apex, a body and a root. In the sea bass D. labrax, numerous caninelike teeth, organized in pads, were present along the dorsal surface. The presence of numerous taste buds, scattered on the tongue, was shown. In the seabream S. aurata, the apical part of the tongue is inserted in a pouch with a characteristic medial ridge on the body surface. Numerous taste buds were scattered on the whole surface. In the white seabream D. sargus sargus, a pouch partially covering the apex was clearly observed. In the pouch, filiform‐like and foliate‐like papillae can be distinguished. The results show the important role of the fish tongue in the food ingestion process, demonstrating the interaction of food processing, taste and morphological characteristics.
Triangle of Marcille: the anatomical gateway to lateral pelvic exenteration
Authors: Lee Peter , Francis Katherine E. , Solomon Michael J. , Ramsey‐Stewart George , Austin Kirk K. S. , Koh Cherry
Published: December 2016

Background

To perform more radical surgery for complex pelvic malignancies and recurrent colorectal cancer, the surgeon must increasingly operate outside the conventional anatomical planes. Published in 1963 the ‘Triangle of Marcille’ (lumbosacral triangle) remained primarily of intellectual interest being found lateral to the traditional operating field. However, with the advancement of complex colorectal and gynaecological surgery it now provides a schema to assist surgeons in becoming acquainted with a complex and poorly understood anatomical region. Additionally, it prepares the surgeon for the extent of lateral dissection required to achieve the ‘holy grail’ for oncological surgery in pelvic malignancy, the complete resection (R0).

Methods

To prosect a preserved cadaver in order to demonstrate, in vivo, the contents and borders of the Triangle of Marcille for the purposes of teaching surgeons and future surgeons.

Results

The Triangle of Marcille is both described and demonstrated in vivo, illustrated with diagrams and photographs. The importance of this region to the surgical management of complex colorectal and gynaecological surgery is discussed.

Conclusion

The Triangle of Marcille is a vital anatomical region for advanced pelvic surgery, particularly in the current era of pelvic exenteration, and especially for those that include the lateral pelvic compartment.
Interpersonal emotion regulation in Asperger's syndrome and borderline personality disorder
Authors: López‐Pérez Belén , Ambrona Tamara , Gummerum Michaela
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Interpersonal emotion regulation (ER) plays a significant role in how individuals meet others’ emotional needs and shape social interactions, as it is key to initiating and maintaining high‐quality social relationships. Given that individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or Asperger's syndrome (AS) exhibit problems in social interactions, the aim of this study was to examine their use of different interpersonal ER strategies compared to normative control participants.

Methods

Thirty individuals with AS, 30 with BPD, and 60 age‐, gender‐, and education‐matched control participants completed a battery of measures to assess interpersonal ER, which assessed to what extent participants tended to engage in interpersonal affect improvement and worsening and to what extent they used different strategies. Before completing those measures, all groups were screened for disorders of Axis I and Axis II with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I and Axis II Disorders.

Results

Compared to controls, individuals with AS and with BPD engaged less in affect improvement. No differences were found for affect worsening. Individuals with AS reported to use less adaptive (attention deployment, cognitive change) and more maladaptive (expressive suppression) interpersonal ER strategies, compared to individuals with BPD and control participants who did not differ from each other.

Conclusions

The obtained results suggest the need to develop tailored ER interventions for each of the clinical groups studied. Furthermore, they highlight the need to study further potential differences in intrapersonal and interpersonal ER in clinical populations.

Practitioner points

Individuals with Asperger's syndrome (AS) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) engaged significantly less than healthy controls in interpersonal affect improvement.

Individuals with BPD did not differ from healthy controls in the use of interpersonal strategies.

Individuals with AS reported to use more maladaptive and less adaptive strategies than BPD individuals and healthy controls.

Understanding differences in interpersonal emotion regulation in individuals with AS and with BPD and normative controls might help practitioners develop better interventions.
Changing Teacher–Child Dyadic Interactions to Improve Preschool Children's Externalizing Behaviors
Authors: Williford Amanda P. , LoCasale‐Crouch Jennifer , Whittaker Jessica Vick , DeCoster Jamie , Hartz Karyn A. , Carter Lauren M. , Wolcott Catherine Sanger , Hatfield Bridget E.
Published: December 2016

A randomized controlled trial was used to examine the impact of an attachment‐based, teacher–child, dyadic intervention (Banking Time) to improve children's externalizing behavior. Participants included 183 teachers and 470 preschool children (3–4 years of age). Classrooms were randomly assigned to Banking Time, child time, or business as usual (BAU). Sparse evidence was found for main effects on child behavior. Teachers in Banking Time demonstrated lower negativity and fewer positive interactions with children compared to BAU teachers at post assessment. The impacts of Banking Time and child time on reductions of parent‐ and teacher‐reported externalizing behavior were greater when teachers evidenced higher‐quality, classroom‐level, teacher–child interactions at baseline. An opposite moderating effect was found for children's positive engagement with teachers.
The Development of Preschoolers’ Living Kinds Concept: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Margett‐Jordan Tessa , Falcon Rachael G. , Witherington David C.
Published: December 2016

Given limitations in the integrative scope of past research, basic questions about the organization and development of preschoolers’ living kinds concept remain open to debate. This study was designed to address past limitations through use of a longitudinal design, extensive stimulus set, and alternate indices of understanding. Thirty‐five English‐speaking 3‐year‐olds from middle‐class families in Albuquerque, NM participated in four testing sessions over 1 year. Indices of understanding included statements that preschoolers generated about various living and nonliving objects, biological properties they attributed to the objects, and their characterization of objects as “alive” or not. Results reveal a multifaceted picture of developmental change in preschoolers’ living kinds concept involving both the construction and elaboration of a core biological understanding.
Impact on quality of life of alitretinoin in severe chronic hand eczema: FUGETTA real‐world study
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Thaçi Diamant , Kamps Anja
Published: December 2016

Background and objectives

Alitretinoin is the only approved treatment for severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) refractory to potent topical corticosteroids. This study (FUGETTA) evaluated the effectiveness and impact on quality of life (QoL) of oral alitretinoin in patients with severe refractory CHE in accordance with prescription guidelines.

Patients and Methods

Open‐label, multicenter, noninterventional, observational study conducted in Germany. Patients were treated at their physician's discretion with once‐daily alitretinoin 10 mg or 30 mg for a maximum of 24 weeks. Effectiveness was assessed by Physician Global Assessment (PGA) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Adverse events (AEs) were assessed.

Results

The study population included 658 patients (30 mg n = 581; 10 mg n = 77). At baseline, most patients had CHE characterized as severe by PGA (83 %). At last visit, 48 % of patients had a PGA response of clear/almost clear (30 mg: 49 %; 10 mg: 43 %). Mean improvement in DLQI scores at week 24 was 58 % (30 mg: mean [SD] change from baseline –10.4 [8.04]) and 70 % (10 mg: mean [SD] change from baseline –10.8 [7.29]). The overall incidence of AEs was low and similar in both groups.

Conclusions

Alitretinoin produced rapid, marked improvement in QoL of patients with severe CHE.
Azelainsäure 20 % Creme: Auswirkung auf Lebensqualität und Krankheitsaktivität bei erwachsenen Patientinnen mit Acne vulgaris
Authors: Kainz Julius Thomas , Berghammer Gabriele , Auer‐Grumbach Piet , Lackner Verena , Perl‐Convalexius Sylvia , Popa Rodica , Wolfesberger Barbara
Published: December 2016

Hintergrund

Zur Wirksamkeit von Aknetherapien und deren Auswirkungen auf die Lebensqualität erwachsener Patienten liegen kaum Daten vor.

Ziel

Erhebung der Wirkung von Azelainsäure 20 % Creme (Skinoren®) auf Akne‐Schweregrad und krankheitsbedingte Lebensqualität.

Patienten und Methodik

Nichtinterventionelle Studie bei erwachsenen Patientinnen mit leichter bis mittelschwerer Akne. Wirksamkeitsparameter waren DLQI sowie Akne‐Schweregrad im Gesicht, am Dekolleté sowie am Rücken im Gesamturteil des Prüfarztes (IGA‐Skala: Grad 1 = annähernd reine Haut; 2 = leichte Akne; 3 = mittelschwere Akne). Visiten waren zu Studienbeginn sowie nach 4–8 und zwölf Wochen geplant.

Ergebnisse

Von den 251 eingeschlossenen Patientinnen lag zu Studienbeginn bei 59 %, 31 % bzw. 10 % ein IGA‐Grad von 1, 2 bzw. 3 vor; die am häufigsten betroffene Hautpartie war das Gesicht (IGA‐Grad 2 oder 3: 79 %). Nach zwölf Behandlungswochen war eine signifikante Besserung der Acne vulgaris im Gesicht (IGA‐Grad 0 oder 1: 82 %) sowie auf Dekolleté und Rücken feststellbar. Der mediane DLQI‐Wert sank von neun zu Studienbeginn auf fünf nach zwölf Behandlungswochen. Neunzig Prozent der behandelnden Ärzte und Patientinnen beurteilten die Verträglichkeit der Behandlung als sehr gut oder gut.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Anwendung von 20%iger Azelainsäure‐Creme führt bei erwachsenen Frauen zu einer signifikanten Besserung der Acne vulgaris und der krankheitsbedingten Lebensqualität.
B‐Zell‐Lymphome der Haut – Pathogenese, Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Nicolay Jan P. , Wobser Marion
Published: December 2016

Primär kutane B‐Zell‐Lymphome (PCBCL) beschreiben reifzellige lymphoproliferative Erkrankungen der B‐Zell‐Reihe, die primär die Haut betreffen. Die Biologie und der klinische Verlauf der einzelnen PCBCL‐Subtypen variieren untereinander stark und unterscheiden sich grundsätzlich von primär nodalen und systemischen B‐Zell‐Lymphomen. Primär kutane Marginalzonenlymphome (PCMZL) und primäre kutane follikuläre Keimzentrumslymphome (PCFCL) werden auf Grund ihres unkomplizierten Verlaufs und ihrer exzellenten Prognose zu den indolenten PCBCL gezählt. Demgegenüber stellen die diffus großzelligen B‐Zell‐Lymphome, hauptsächlich vom Beintyp (DLBCL, LT) die aggressiveren PCBCL‐Varianten mit schlechterer Prognose dar. Für die Ausbreitungsdiagnostik und die Therapieentscheidung sind eine genaue histologische und immunhistochemische Klassifizierung sowie der Ausschluss einer systemischen Beteiligung in Abgrenzung zu nodalen oder systemischen Lymphomen notwendig. Die Diagnostik sollte dabei durch molekularbiologische Untersuchungen unterstützt werden. Therapeutisch stehen für die indolenten PCBCL primär operative und radioonkologische Maßnahmen im Vordergrund sowie eine Systemtherapie mit dem CD20‐Antikörper Rituximab bei disseminiertem Befall. Die aggressiveren Varianten sollten in erster Linie mit Kombinationen aus Rituximab und Polychemotherapieschemata wie z. B. dem CHOP‐Schema oder Modifikationen davon behandelt werden. Auf Grund der in allen seinen Einzelheiten noch nicht vollständig verstandenen Pathogenese und Biologie sowie des begrenzten Therapiespektrums der PCBCL besteht hier, speziell beim DLBCL, LT, noch erheblicher Forschungsbedarf.
Interpersonal movement synchrony facilitates pro‐social behavior in children's peer‐play
Authors: Tunçgenç Bahar , Cohen Emma
Published: December 2016

The emergence of pro‐social behaviors and social interaction skills is a major focus of research on children's development. Here, we consider one important feature of human social interactions, interpersonal movement synchrony, and explore its effects on pro‐sociality among young children. Coordinated movements are a crucial part of mother–infant interactions, with important social effects extending well into childhood. Musical interactions are also known to facilitate bonding between infants and caretakers and pro‐sociality among peers. We specifically examine the pro‐social effects of interpersonal movement synchrony in a naturalistic peer‐play context among 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children. We assessed the amount of helping behavior between pairs of children following an activity that they performed synchronously or non‐synchronously. Children who engaged in synchronous play, as compared with non‐synchronous play, showed significantly more subsequent spontaneous helping behavior. Further, more mutual smiling and eye contact were observed in the synchronous condition and amounts of mutual smiling and eye contact during the movement task correlated with amount of helping behavior observed. Neither measure mediated the condition‐wise effects on helping, however. These results are discussed in terms of their contribution to existing literature and their broader implications for the development of pro‐sociality and coordinated movements in early childhood.
Punishment of Minor Female Genital Ritual Procedures: Is the Perfect the Enemy of the Good?
Authors: Jacobs Allan J. , Arora Kavita Shah
Published: December 2016

Female genital alteration (FGA) is any cutting, removal or destruction of any part of the external female genitalia. Various FGA practices are common throughout the world. While most frequent in Africa and Asia, transglobal migration has brought ritual FGA to Western nations. All forms of FGA are generally considered undesirable for medical and ethical reasons when performed on minors. One ritual FGA procedure is the vulvar nick (VN). This is a small laceration to the vulva that does not cause morphological changes. Besides being performed as a primary ritual procedure it has been proposed as a substitute for more extensive forms of FGA. Measures advocated or taken to reduce the burden of FGA can be punitive or non‐punitive. Even if it is unethical to perform VN, we argue that it also is unethical to attempt to suppress it through punishment. First, punishment of VN is likely to cause more harm than good overall, even to those ostensibly being protected. Second, punishment is likely to exceed legitimate retributive ends. We do not argue in favor of performing VN. Rather, we argue that non‐punitive strategies such as education and harm reduction should be employed.
The expanding microRNA world in psoriasis
Authors: Sonkoly Enikö
Published: December 2016

Psoriasis skin lesions are characterized by dramatic changes in the transcriptome, reflecting altered activity of multiple signalling pathways in resident and infiltrating cells. miRNAs are small non‐coding RNAs that have a large impact on cellular functions by regulating multiple genes simultaneously, and they have been shown to play key roles in skin homoeostasis and inflammation. In this commentary to the review article “MicroRNAs in Psoriasis: Immunological Functions and Potential Biomarkers” by Liu et al., the role of miRNAs in psoriasis and their diagnostic and therapeutic potential are discussed and remaining unanswered questions are highlighted.
Melanocyte‐protective effect of afzelin is mediated by the Nrf2‐ARE signalling pathway via GSK‐3β inactivation
Authors: Jung Eunsun , Kim Jin Hee , Kim Mi Ok , Lee Sang Yeol , Lee Jongsung
Published: December 2016

Vitiligo is an acquired condition characterized by depigmented, cutaneous lesions that result from the death of pigment‐producing cells, melanocytes. The occurrence of oxidative stress has been proposed as a pathogenetic mechanism for melanocyte degeneration in vitiligo. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the cytoprotective effects of afzelin against oxidative stress and its mechanism of action in human epidermal melanocytes. We found that afzelin significantly inhibited hydrogen peroxide‐induced cell death, cellular reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation in melanocytes. In an antioxidant response element (ARE)‐luciferase reporter assay, afzelin increased ARE‐luciferase reporter activity in a concentration‐dependent manner. Consistently, the expression of antioxidant genes, including NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and catalase, was enhanced by afzelin treatment. Nuclear translocation of Nrf2 also increased in response to afzelin treatment. In addition, the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) was induced by afzelin treatment. The enhancement of HO‐1 gene expression by afzelin treatment was reduced by Nrf2‐siRNA expression. Furthermore, we found that the expression of Nrf2‐siRNA significantly attenuated the cytoprotective effect of afzelin against hydrogen peroxide. These data suggest that the cytoprotective effects of afzelin against hydrogen peroxide may be mediated by Nrf2‐ARE signalling via GSK‐3β inactivation. Our data suggest the novel use of afzelin for the prevention of oxidative stress‐induced damage in melanocytes and its potential as a therapeutic agent for vitiligo.
Basophils and mast cells are crucial for reactions due to epicutaneous sensitization to ovalbumin
Authors: Yu Rie , Igawa Ken , Handa Yutaro , Munetsugu Takichi , Satoh Takahiro , Yokozeki Hiroo
Published: December 2016

The prevalence of food allergies worldwide has increased recently. Epicutaneous sensitization to antigen could be a method to study food allergy. To clarify the mechanisms of food allergy, we established a mouse model of epicutaneous sensitization using ovalbumin (OVA). BALB/c mice were sensitized by three‐time application of OVA to tape‐stripped skin (1‐week sensitization at 2‐week intervals) and oral challenge of OVA undertaken. Rectal temperature was monitored. Blood and tissue (skin and jejunum) of challenged mice were taken. Numbers of mast cells (MCs) and basophils were counted. Serum and/or tissue levels of OVA ‐specific IgE and IgG antibodies and several cytokines were measured using enzyme‐linked immunoassay kits. MC and basophil depletion experiments were undertaken. In OVA/epicutaneous‐sensitized and orally challenged mice, systemic anaphylaxis (as evidenced by reduced rectal temperature) was observed. Levels of OVA‐specific IgE and IgG antibodies were increased in these mice, as were increased number of MCs and basophils. Serum levels of MC protease 1 were increased significantly. Basophil and MC depletion experiments revealed that they both participate in reactions. Increased production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) at skin sites of OVA sensitization was noted. We speculate that TSLP produced from epidermal cells during antigen sensitization can enable basophils to promote a T helper (Th)2 immune reaction, leading to and systemic anaphylaxis by antigen‐specific IgE‐bearing MCs. This TSLP‐basophils‐MC axis could be a novel therapeutic target against food allergy.
Effect of 12‐month weekly professional oral hygiene care on the composition of the oral flora in dentate, dependent elderly residents: A prospective study
Authors: Wikström Maude , Kareem Kawa L. , Almståhl Annica , Palmgren Erika , Lingström Peter , Wårdh Inger
Published: December 2016

Objective

To study the effect of weekly professional oral hygiene care on the proportion of micro‐organisms associated with good oral health, caries, and periodontal and soft tissue diseases in oral biofilms in dentate, dependent elderly residents.

Background

Assisted oral hygiene care reduces the plaque score and number of micro‐organisms in the oral biofilms in elderly residents. Less is known about the effect on the quality/composition of the remaining oral flora.

Materials and methods

Participants comprised 33 residents in the study and 35 in the control group. Dental status (≥10 natural teeth and no removable dentures to be included), plaque score, salivary secretion rate and prescription medicines were recorded. Duplicate samples, collected from supragingival plaque and tongue, were analysed using cultivation technique. Differences between and within groups were analysed using one‐way and two‐way ANOVA, respectively.

Results

At the baseline, the number of teeth in the participants (mean age, 83.7 ± 7.4 years) was 22.0 ± 4.5. The number of prescription medicines was 9.4 ± 4.5. Seventy‐six per cent had low salivary secretion rate. Fifty per cent had “visible thick” supragingival plaque. At the 12‐month registration, “no visible” or “visible but thin” plaque was recorded in 92% in the study group. The proportions of bacteria associated with good oral health and periodontal diseases were decreased over time, while the frequency and proportions of micro‐organisms associated with caries and soft tissue infection were unaffected or increased.

Conclusion

The results indicate that assisted oral hygiene care alone is not sufficient to regain an oral microbial flora associated with good oral health in dentate, dependent elderly residents.
Untangling the Association Between Migraine, Pain, and Anxiety: Examining Migraine and Generalized Anxiety Disorders in a Canadian Population Based Study
Authors: Fuller‐Thomson Esme , Jayanthikumar Janany , Agbeyaka Senyo K.
Published: December 2016

Objective

The aims of this study were to investigate: (1) the prevalence and unadjusted and adjusted odds of 12‐month generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among adults with migraine in comparison to those without migraine; (2) If debilitating pain and/or limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are mediators of the migraine‐GAD association; and (3) Factors associated with past year GAD among adults with migraine.

Methods

Secondary data analysis of the nationally representative 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey‐Mental Health (CCHS‐MS), a population‐based survey of community dwellers with a response rate of 68.9%. The first subsample included those with (n = 2232) and without migraine (n = 19,270), and the second subsample was restricted to those with migraine (n = 2232). GAD was based on the WHO‐CIDI scale.

Results

Fully, 6% of those with migraines had past year GAD in comparison of 2.1% of those without migraine (P < .001). The socio‐demographically adjusted odds of past year GAD were two and a half times higher among those with migraine than those without (OR= 2.46; 95% CI = 2.00, 3.02). A path analysis indicated that debilitating pain and limitations in IADLs were mediators in the relationship between migraine and GAD. In the sample restricted to migraineurs, the factors associated with higher odds of 12‐month GAD included having a university degree, having low income, being without a confidant, and being male.

Conclusions

Generalized anxiety disorder is robustly associated with migraine and targeted outreach and interventions are warranted.
An Independent Investigation of the Utility of the Learning Disability Screening Questionnaire (LDSQ) within a Community Learning Disability Team
Authors: Stirk Steven , Field Bryony , Black Jessica
Published: December 2016

Background

The Learning Disability Screening Questionnaire (LDSQ) has been shown to have high sensitivity and specificity to identify those who are likely to meet intellectual disability diagnostic criteria (McKenzie, et al. ). However, there is no independent research to date to support these findings.

Materials and Methods

An archival research design was used, utilizing data from diagnostic tools including the LDSQ, Wechsler Adult Intelligence assessments and Adaptive Behavior Assessment System Second Edition (ABAS‐II) scores.

Results

Sensitivity and specificity values derived here were lower than those reported by (McKenzie, et al. ). Only IQ, not adaptive/social functioning, was found to be an accurate predictor of the LDSQ score.

Conclusions

Results indicate limited validity in using (McKenzie, et al. ) proposed cut‐off scores. The authors have expressed caution around using the LDSQ in isolation to identify those with an intellectual disability.
Anger‐irritability as a mediator of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder risk for adolescent alcohol use and the contribution of coping skills
Authors: Harty Seth C. , Gnagy Elizabeth M. , Pelham William E. , Molina Brooke S.G.
Published: December 2016

Background

Research on susceptibility to alcohol use disorder within the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) population has begun to expand examination of putative moderators and mediators in order to develop effective treatments. Specific dysregulated emotions have been separately associated with ADHD and with alcohol use difficulties. The current study is the first to conjointly study these variables by testing anger‐irritability as a mediator of ADHD risk for adolescent alcohol use.

Methods

Frequency of binge drinking, drunkenness, and alcohol problems were examined for 142 children with ADHD followed into adolescence and compared to 100 demographically similar youth without ADHD. Parent‐rated anger‐irritability was tested as a mediator. Behavioral and cognitive coping skills, which are key clinical treatment targets, were studied as moderators of these associations.

Results

Childhood ADHD was positively associated with anger‐irritability and the drinking outcomes in adolescence. Anger‐irritability mediated the association between ADHD and alcohol use problems, but not binge drinking or drunkenness. Behavioral and cognitive, but not avoidant, coping played a moderating role, but only of the association between childhood ADHD and anger‐irritability.

Conclusions

Active coping strategies by adolescents with ADHD may reduce the vulnerability to alcohol problems through a reduction of negative emotions. Future research on additional mediators and treatments that target these skills is encouraged.
The genetics of adaptation to discrete heterogeneous environments: frequent mutation or large‐effect alleles can allow range expansion
Authors: Gilbert K. J. , Whitlock M. C.
Published: December 2016

Range expansions are complex evolutionary and ecological processes. From an evolutionary standpoint, a populations' adaptive capacity can determine the success or failure of expansion. Using individual‐based simulations, we model range expansion over a two‐dimensional, approximately continuous landscape. We investigate the ability of populations to adapt across patchy environmental gradients and examine how the effect sizes of mutations influence the ability to adapt to novel environments during range expansion. We find that genetic architecture and landscape patchiness both have the ability to change the outcome of adaptation and expansion over the landscape. Adaptation to new environments succeeds via many mutations of small effect or few of large effect, but not via the intermediate between these cases. Higher genetic variance contributes to increased ability to adapt, but an alternative route of successful adaptation can proceed from low genetic variance scenarios with alleles of sufficiently large effect. Steeper environmental gradients can prevent adaptation and range expansion on both linear and patchy landscapes. When the landscape is partitioned into local patches with sharp changes in phenotypic optimum, the local magnitude of change between subsequent patches in the environment determines the success of adaptation to new patches during expansion.
Quality of Life, Perceptions, and Health Satisfaction of Older Adults with End‐Stage Renal Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Balogun Seki A. , Balogun Rasheed , Philbrick John , Abdel‐Rahman Emaad
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To explore the quality of life (QOL), perceptions, and health satisfaction of older adults with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT).

Design

Systematic review of literature.

Participants

Individuals with ESRD undergoing RRT aged 65 and older.

Measurements

Articles identified from PubMed database search from January 1994 to December 2014. The methodological quality of each of the selected articles was assessed using eight standards adapted from well‐established research quality review criteria.

Results

Of the initial 1,401 articles identified, 23 met the inclusion criteria. The age range of study participants examined was 65 to 90. Seventy‐eight percent of the studies met six or more of the methodological standards; 47% found overall health‐related and mental component summary QOL scores in elderly adults with ESRD to be similar to or higher than those of age‐matched controls or younger individuals, although the physical component summary QOL scores tended to be lower in older adults. Only six studies addressed health satisfaction and perceptions of elderly adults with ESRD, with widely variable findings.

Conclusion

Few studies specifically examine QOL in elderly adults with ESRD undergoing RRT and even fewer address issues of perceptions and health satisfaction. However, the limited data from the QOL studies looks promising with a significant proportion showing similar or higher overall health‐related and mental component summary QOL scores in elderly adults with ESRD. The very limited data on perceptions and health satisfaction of elderly adults with ESRD undergoing RRT makes it difficult to make any generalizable conclusions. Overall, more research is needed to examine these factors in elderly adults with ESRD.
Ovarian transmigration of intrauterine device
Authors: Rovati Marco , Raveglia Federico , Baisi Alessandro , De Simone Matilde , Cioffi Ugo
Published: December 2016

Extrauterine translocation of intrauterine device (IUD) to peritoneal cavity is an uncommon event, moreover the ovarian embedding of a transmigrated IUD is very rare, and only two previous cases have been reported in the literature. We present a single case treated with laparoscopy. The aims of this study were to focus attention on the utility of preoperative computed tomography in planning the best surgical approach and to describe the two‐port technique.
Vector synthesis high‐resolution electrocardiography, atrial natriuretic peptide and N‐terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide for estimation of cardiac load in pregnancy
Authors: Tanaka Shino , Oyama Rie , Fukushima Akimune , Kikuchi Akihiko , Sugiyama Toru
Published: December 2016

Aim

We analyzed atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and vector synthesis high‐resolution electrocardiography (ECG), to estimate cardiac load with circulatory dynamic change from pregnancy through the post‐partum period.

Methods

The subjects were singleton pregnant women (n = 19), who were divided into three stages: stage 1, 34–36 weeks of gestation; stage 2, 2–6 post‐partum days; and stage 3, 1–3 months after delivery. Vector synthesis high‐resolution ECG, ANP and NT‐proBNP were analyzed for all subjects.

Results

A pregnant woman with massive uterin liomyoma expressed largest the corrected recover time (RTc) dispersion in I + II of tow Dimensional (2D) color distribution map ANP and NT‐proBNP were significantly higher in stage 2 than in stages 1 and 3.

Conclusions

ANP, NT‐proBNP and vector synthesis high‐resolution ECG there might be able to evaluate cardiac load of normal pregnancy.
Family fairness and cohesion in marital dyads: Mediating processes between work–family conflict and couple psychological distress
Authors: Huffman Ann Hergatt , Matthews Russell A. , Irving Louis H.
Published: December 2016

The well‐being of employed adults is linked to demands and resources in both work and family domains. This study takes a family systems approach to understand how an employee's work–family conflict and their spouse's observed work–family conflict can create stress within a family unit by negatively impacting employee and spousal perceptions of fairness in the division of household labour. This decreased fairness is related to reduced family cohesion, which we argue is a key resource in the family domain. These variables were assessed by data collected from military personnel and their spouses in a sample of 78 marital dyads. Analyses using the actor–partner interdependence model and maximum likelihood bootstrapping supported our contention that work–family conflict is related to family cohesion through perceived fairness in the division of household labour. However, after accounting for the strong direct effect employee's reported work‐to‐family conflict has on employee's psychological distress, reduced family cohesion was only directly related to the psychological distress of employee's spouses, and not employees themselves. We suggest that these findings support the importance of taking a family systems approach to more fully contextualize the impact of dual‐domain challenges on employee well‐being.

Practitioner points

Organizations need to take the family into consideration when assessing employee well‐being.

Work–family conflict directly impacts an employee's psychological well‐being and has the potential to create distress within the employee's family.

Employers should provide employees with more family‐supportive resources to reduce the strain created by work–family conflict.
New competencies for the 21st century dental public health specialist
Authors: Altman Donald , Mascarenhas Ana Karina
Published: December 2016

The American Board of Dental Public Health (ABDPH) currently recognizes 10 core competencies, which identify the skills, knowledge and understanding expected of all dental public health specialists. The last update to the competencies was 1998. The American Board of Dental Public Health, along with the American Association of Public Health Dentistry and its many partners, initiated a process to revise the competencies. This report presents the process and the new competencies for the dental public health specialist of the 21st century. Each of the developed competencies is supported by a “statement of intent”. These competencies take effect immediately. The new competencies will be used in testing candidates for specialty status beginning with the 2018 ABDPH examination.
A Plug‐in Bandwidth Selection Procedure for Long‐Run Covariance Estimation with Stationary Functional Time Series
Authors: Rice Gregory , Shang Han Lin
Published: December 2016

In several arenas of application, it is becoming increasingly common to consider time series of curves or functions. Many inferential procedures employed in the analysis of such data involve the long‐run covariance function or operator, which is analogous to the long‐run covariance matrix familiar to finite‐dimensional time‐series analysis and econometrics. This function may be naturally estimated using a smoothed periodogram type estimator evaluated at frequency zero that relies on the choice of a bandwidth parameter. Motivated by a number of prior contributions in the finite‐dimensional setting, in particular Newey and West (), we propose a bandwidth selection method that aims to minimize the estimator's asymptotic mean‐squared normed error (AMSNE) in L2[0,1]2. As the AMSNE depends on unknown population quantities including the long‐run covariance function itself, estimates for these are plugged in in an initial step after which the estimated AMSNE can be minimized to produce an empirical optimal bandwidth. We show that the bandwidth produced in this way is asymptotically consistent with the AMSNE optimal bandwidth, with quantifiable rates, under mild stationarity and moment conditions. These results and the efficacy of the proposed methodology are evaluated by means of a comprehensive simulation study, from which we can offer practical advice on how to select the bandwidth parameter in this setting.
Hepatitis B virus core‐related antigen as a surrogate marker for covalently closed circular DNA
Authors: Wong Danny Ka‐Ho , Seto Wai‐Kay , Cheung Ka‐Shing , Chong Chun‐Kong , Huang Fung‐Yu , Fung James , Lai Ching‐Lung , Yuen Man‐Fung
Published: December 2016

Background & Aims

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is a key to viral persistence in chronic hepatitis B infection. Serum hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) is a novel marker for HBV disease. We aimed to determine whether HBcrAg could be a surrogate marker for intrahepatic cccDNA.

Methods

Three hundred and five liver biopsies and the corresponding sera collected from 138 nucleos(t)ide analogues‐treated patients were analysed. 124 patients had paired liver biopsies at baseline and 1‐year post‐treatment, and 43 patients had a third biopsy after 6‐12 years of treatment. Serum HBcrAg, HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and intrahepatic HBV DNA and cccDNA were measured.

Results

HBcrAg strongly correlated with cccDNA (r=.70), intrahepatic total HBV DNA (r=.67) and serum HBV DNA (r=.69; all P<.0001). In the 130 samples with undetectable serum HBV DNA, HBcrAg was detectable in 101 (78%) samples, and HBcrAg levels still correlated positively with cccDNA (r=.42, P<.0001). At ≥6 years of therapy, the median logarithmic reduction in HBcrAg was 2.7 log kU/mL, which was comparable to the magnitude of reduction in cccDNA. Twenty‐one patients had undetectable cccDNA after ≥6 years of treatment, in whom 15 (71%) had detectable HBcrAg (range: 1.2‐537 kU/mL).

Conclusions

Serum HBcrAg is a reliable surrogate marker for intrahepatic cccDNA. HBcrAg could be a very sensitive marker to reflect the cccDNA content and persistence of disease even with the cccDNA levels below the detection limit of assays.
Novel monitoring of hepatitis B reactivation based on ultra‐high sensitive hepatitis B surface antigen assay
Authors: Shinkai Noboru , Kusumoto Shigeru , Murakami Shuko , Ogawa Shintaro , Ri Masaki , Matsui Tekeshi , Tamori Akihiro , Toyoda Hidenori , Ishida Takashi , Iida Shinsuke , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: December 2016

Background & Aims

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection should be evaluated before systemic chemotherapy to prevent HBV reactivation‐related hepatitis. We investigated HBV reactivation using high sensitivity HB surface antigen (HBsAg) chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (HBsAg‐HQ) and ultra‐high sensitive HBsAg assay employing a semi‐automated immune complex transfer chemiluminescence enzyme technique (ICT‐CLEIA).

Methods

Of 120 HBV‐resolved patients with haematological malignancy receiving systemic chemotherapy from 2012 to 2015 in our hospital, 13 patients had HBV DNA reactivation (in 12/13 patients HBV DNA became quantifiable) according to HBV DNA monitoring. These patients were applied for Architect HBsAg‐QT (detection limit:50 mIU/mL), HBsAg‐HQ (5 mIU/mL) and ICT‐CLEIA (0.5 mIU/mL) using stored samples.

Results

When HBV DNA was firstly quantifiable by regular HBV DNA monitoring, HBsAg‐QT was detected in 1/12 patients (8%), HBsAg‐HQ was detected in 4/12 patients (33%) and ICT‐CLEIA was detected in all 12 patients (100%), suggesting that the sensitivity of ICT‐CLEIA was comparable to that of HBV DNA quantification. Interestingly, two patients were HBsAg positive by ICT‐CLEIA before HBV DNA became detectable. Median difference of detectable point between HBV DNA and ICT‐CLEIA was zero (range from −28 to 56 days), while median delay by HBsAg‐QT or HBsAg‐HQ was 52.5 days after HBV DNA became detectable. Although anti‐HBs titres were high (131.9 mIU, 80.4 mIU) in two patients with escape mutations (Saa126V, Saa145R), HBsAg by ICT‐CLEIA and HBV DNA were detectable concurrently.

Conclusions

ICT‐CLEIA is a novel assay for HBV monitoring to prevent hepatitis caused by HBV reactivation.
Persistent alternate abundance states in the coral reef sea urchin Diadema savignyi: evidence of alternate attractors
Authors: Han Xueying
Published: December 2016

Alternate attractors have been shown to exist in a variety of terrestrial and aquatic systems, e.g. temperate forests, savannas, shallow lakes, wetlands, coral reefs, kelp forests. The shift from one attractor to another, also referred to as a regime shift, is thought to occur when a system passes some critical threshold such that the trajectory of the system changes direction. Alternate attractors in population dynamics can also exist, leading to alternate stable states in the population abundance of a species. This study explored alternate attractors in the population dynamics of the Indo‐Pacific sea urchin Diadema savignyi and the potential underlying mechanisms that promote its bi‐stability. In Moorea, French Polynesia, the local abundance of D. savignyi, a functionally important herbivore in lagoon habitats, occurs in two states: (i) solitary individuals that occupy crevices in low densities and (ii) aggregations of tens to hundreds of individuals. These different states are temporally stable and are not explained by spatial differences in recruitment rates of juveniles. A field experiment revealed that the per capita mortality rate of adult D. savignyi was substantially lower at sites where urchins occurred in aggregations compared with sites at which they were solitary individuals. An additional experiment showed that per capita mortality decreased with increasing aggregation size. Individuals in high‐density aggregations, however, had significantly smaller test diameters than solitary individuals, indicating that individuals in aggregations may be food limited. Collectively, the evidence suggests that the two different local abundance states of D. savignyi result from negative feedback loops where high local density can be maintained by aggregative behavior that greatly reduces per capita risk of predation when the local number of adult sea urchins is sufficiently large; sites with few sea urchins remain at low density because individuals are more susceptible to predation when crevices are occupied but there are not enough individuals to form large aggregations. Thus, there may be alternate attractors in the population dynamics of D. savignyi that can produce either persistently low or high local population densities.
Large‐scale connectivity of Grapsus grapsus (Decapoda) in the Southwestern Atlantic oceanic islands: integrating genetic and morphometric data
Authors: Teschima Mariana M. , Strӧher Patrícia R. , Firkowski Carina R. , Pie Marcio R. , Freire Andrea S.
Published: December 2016

The degree of connectivity among island populations can influence their demography and affect their level of genetic differentiation. In this study we investigated genetic and morphometric differences among four populations of Grapsus grapsus (Linnaeus 1758), in Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago (0°55′ N, 29°20′ W), Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (3°50′ S, 32°24′ W), Rocas Atoll (3°50′ S, 33°49′ W) and Trindade Island (20°30′ S, 29°20′ W) from 2003 to 2011. Morphometric results indicated the existence of two distinct groups based on the morphology of their chelae (Trindade Island/Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago versus Fernando de Noronha/Rocas Atoll). In addition, genetic variation in a fragment of the mitochondrial control region revealed substantial differentiation between Trindade and the other islands, with Trindade Island showing only exclusive haplotypes. The congruence of the genetic and morphologic analyses suggests the occurrence of a divergent population in Trindade Island as well as high connectivity among the three remaining equatorial islands. This is the first study to assess the level of morphologic differentiation and genetic connectivity of a species among all four Southwestern Atlantic oceanic islands. Our results provide valuable insight into understanding connectivity through surface ocean currents and suggest that the unstable current system of this area could be responsible for different dispersal patterns. We also suggest that the design of Brazilian marine protected areas should be adjusted to provide stronger protection for Trindade Island as it harbors unique genetic and morphologic variation in G. grapsus.
Globular glial inclusions unveil enigmas of MAPT mutations
Authors: Kovacs G. G.
Published: December 2016

The editorial by Professor Kovacs provides an overview of tauopathies, setting the scene for the publication in this issue by Tacik and colleagues, of the first case of globular glial tauopathy (GGT) in association with p.P301L mutation in MAPT.
Christensonella ecallosa sp. nov. (Orchidaceae, Maxillariinae) from Guyana and Brazil
Authors: Lipińska Monika , Szlachetko Dariusz L.
Published: December 2016

A new species of Christensonella (Orchidaceae, Maxillariinae) is described and illustrated based on herbarium material. The most important characters of Christensonella ecallosa Lipińska & Szlach. are the ovate lip, with transversely elliptic middle lobe, minutely dentate margins and very obscure lip callus, which forms an elevated thick pad near the base. Taking into account the habit, it may be misidentified as C. uncata, but they are clearly distinguished by the lip shape. The taxonomic affiliations of the new species are briefly discussed.