bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on the user evaluation for an RDA-based Korean bibliography retrieval system
Authors: Do Seulki , Oh Sam G. , Lee Sungin
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to validate the usefulness of resource description and access (RDA) from user perspectives by implementing an RDA-based bibliographic retrieval system, and comparing it against two retrieval systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– Surveys and interviews were conducted to gather responses from 20 subjects who used the systems. Usability was measured according to the following metrics: search usefulness from search process and results; search efficiency, measured in time and the number of steps involved; general satisfaction for search results and process, and for information need; satisfaction for search functionalities, with five sub-measures (usability of functions of search tool, appropriateness of search results, usability of additional information, usability of associative relations, and appropriateness of search categories); and system convenience in terms of understandability and ease.

Findings

– The survey results indicate that all but the satisfaction for appropriateness of search categories showed significant differences between the systems. The interviews show that the RDA system received from the subjects a more positive evaluation compared to the counterpart systems, in search usefulness, search efficiency, general search satisfaction, satisfaction for search functionalities.

Practical implications

– Though a few organizations such as the Library of Congress in the USA have implemented RDA, no such endeavors have been undertaken in the context of Korean bibliography, and especially for the systematic validation of usability of such a system from user perspectives.

Originality/value

– This is the first published study that validates the usefulness perceived by users of RDA in the context of Korean bibliography.
Towards a better understanding of the “buffering effects” of organizational virtuousness’ perceptions on employee outcomes
Authors: Nikandrou Irene , Tsachouridi Irene
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the buffering effects of organizational virtuousness. More specifically, the study investigates employee reactions (job satisfaction, intent to quit and willingness to support the organization) to organizational virtuousness’ perceptions both in conditions without crisis and in conditions with crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper adopts the experimental methodology to explore its main hypotheses and research question. The results of a field study are also presented in order to add generalizability to the experimental results. Apost hocqualitative analysis based on focus-group interviews sheds light on the above findings and enables their better understanding.

Findings

– The results indicated that even during a financial crisis those perceiving higher organizational virtuousness expressed higher job satisfaction, lower intent to quit and higher willingness to support the organization compared to those perceiving lower organizational virtuousness. Organizational virtuousness’ perceptions have also been found to moderate (accentuate) the effects of the financial crisis on job satisfaction and intent to quit. Willingness to support the organization seems to be unaffected by the financial crisis.

Practical implications

– Managers should be aware of how individuals respond to organizational virtuousness during conditions of financial crisis.

Originality/value

– The study makes a unique contribution to the literature by being the first to investigate the effects of organizational virtuousness’ perceptions on employee reactions both pre- and during-financial crisis.
User-oriented elderly care: a validation study in two different settings using observational data
Authors: Kazemi Ali , Kajonius Petri J.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– User-oriented care, defined as individualized assisting behaviors, is the dominant approach within elderly care today. Yet, there is little known about its conceptual structure. This paper proposes that user-oriented care has a bi-partite structure which may be decomposed into the two dimensions of task and relation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Care workers were “shadowed” (i.e. observed) at their work (n=391 rated interactions). User-oriented care was assessed along ten process quality indicators targeting the acts of caregiving (i.e. task focus, relation focus, involvement, time-use, body language, autonomy, respect, warmth, encouragement, and information) in two elderly care settings, i.e. home care and nursing home. Observations added up to 45 hours.

Findings

– Principal component analyses confirmed the proposed two-factor structure of user-oriented care. Specifically, the user-oriented care indicators loaded on two distinct factors, i.e. task and relation. The underlying structure of user-oriented care revealed to be invariant across the two settings. However, the results revealed interesting structural differences in terms of explained variance and the magnitude of factor loadings in the home care and nursing home settings. Differences also emerged specifically pertaining to the indicators of autonomy and time-use. These findings suggest that user-oriented behavior may to some extent denote different acts of caregiving and what may be called task- and relation-orientation may be loaded with different meanings in these two care settings.

Originality/value

– This is the first study investigating user-oriented behavior in the context of elderly care using a quantitative observational approach. The authors propose that the observed differences between the two care settings are primarily not due to better elderly care work in home care, but due to some inherent differences between these two contexts of care (e.g. better health and living at home).
Critical issues in spatial distribution of public housing estates and their implications on urban renewal in Hong Kong
Authors: Zheng Wei , Shen Geoffrey , Wang Hao , Lombardi Patrizia
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Public housing in Hong Kong plays an essential role in accommodation supply to people of low income. Access to social resources and rent levels of nearby private residential housing are two critical issues impacting the well-being of residents living in public housing estates. However, previous research has rarely focused on the spatial distribution of public housing estates through exploring these two critical issues. On the other hand, Hong Kong is currently experiencing an urban renewal process. It would be beneficial to consider these critical issues for spatial allocation of public housing in urban renewal decision making. The purpose of this paper is to investigate these two critical issues in relation to the spatial distribution of public housing estates in Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

– Seven spatial variables were selected to reflect these critical issues. Spatial analysis in Geographic Information System was conducted to process the data required. Multiple logistic regression was employed to analyse the relationships between the spatial location of public housing estates and the seven selected variables.

Findings

– Based on the analysis results, several problems as well as geographical advantages of the current location of public housing estates were discovered, which can be valuable references for decision making by government authorities for public housing development in the future.

Originality/value

– This research is a pilot study on the spatial distribution of public housing estates and the critical influencing factors in Hong Kong, undertaken by applying both spatial analysis and statistical methods. It can help relevant decision makers deal with current problems of public housing location and make informed decisions on where to locate new housing projects in an urban renewal process, which can increase the equal distribution of social resources and improve the well-being of people living in public housing.
Home owners and developers relationships: exploring the cordiality factor
Authors: Rotimi Funmilayo Ebun , Tookey John Edward , Rotimi James Olabode Bamidele
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The cordiality of the relationship between home owners and house developers is significant in the house building sector. This plays a key role in meeting needs, expectations and overall satisfaction. Home owners’ satisfactions are very often dependent on their encounters and experiences with the building organisations they deal with. The purpose of this paper is to explore home owners’ satisfaction to the quality of their new homes by investigating the relationships between them and their house developers when they take possession of their properties.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two distinct lines of investigation were conducted, with the first utilising mail questionnaires administered to new home owners. The second involved interviews with house building developers. Both investigations cover five main regions in New Zealand. However, this study reports the mail questionnaire survey. The data analysis is based on 216 new home owners, and the results presented using descriptive and correlation analysis.

Findings

– This research found that the higher the home owner’s satisfaction with the services provided by the developers, the better the relationship that could exist between them. In addition, the longer it takes for developers to rectify defects that are reported by home owners, the lesser the cordiality of their relationship with their developers. It is also evident from this study that home owners’ relationships with their house developers could be sensitive to the extent of defects in their homes. While it is apparent from this research that new home owners satisfaction level is high, some improvement opportunities exist, which the study highlights for continuous performance improvement. This will enable the residential construction sector to establish more aggressive and pro-active measures of monitoring to the satisfaction of home owners.

Practical implications

– This research provides insight into significant factors that could influence the relationship between home owners and their house developers. The study provides information on changes required in the quality culture that could enable house developers do it once and do it right.

Originality/value

– The originality of this research lies in the provision of a wealth of information on cordiality as a key determinant of home owners and house developers’ relationships. This will enable house developers to set realistic performance standards and focus efforts where they are most needed so that home owners derive satisfaction from the quality of service offered by them.
Insurance and Economic Growth Nexus in Nigeria: Asymmetric Non‐Linear Relationship under Heterogeneous Agents
Authors: Olayungbo D.O.
Published: September 2015

This paper examines the asymmetric non‐linear relationship between insurance and economic growth in Nigeria between 1976 and 2010. Prior studies have examined the direction of causality between insurance and economic growth with mixed conclusions in the insurance‐growth literature. Moreover, the majority of these studies assumed symmetric causal relationships by concentrating mainly on testing the supply‐leading and demand‐following hypothesis. This paper, therefore, contributes to the literature by examining the asymmetric causality test between insurance and economic growth in Nigeria. After the cointegration, the asymmetry causality and the asymmetric impulse responses show a robust significant relationship between high gross domestic product (GDP) and low insurance in the long run.
Novel Blood Purification System for Regulating Excessive Immune Reactions in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: An Ex Vivo Pilot Study
Authors: Hara Yoshitaka , Shimomura Yasuyo , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Kuriyama Naohide , Yamashita Chizuru , Kato Yu , Miyasho Taku , Sakai Toshikazu , Yamada Shingo , Moriyama Kazuhiro , Nishida Osamu
Published: September 2015

Promising results have been reported with blood purification as adjuvant treatment; however, the immunological mechanisms remain unclear. We have been developing a new blood purification system for regulating excessive immune reactions in severe sepsis and septic shock using a granulocyte adsorbing column (Adacolumn [Ada]), and a cytokine‐adsorbing hemofilter (AN69ST hemofilter [AN69]). Fresh porcine blood was circulated for 6 h in five experimental groups including Ada and AN69 to assess the effects of leukocyte adsorption, phagocytic activity and adhesiveness of granulocytes. In the present study, we found that Ada mainly adsorbed granulocytes and monocytes, but not lymphocytes. The phagocytic activity level of granulocytes decreased, and adhesiveness increased, but the number of CD11b‐positive cells markedly decreased in the current system. Elevated cytokine levels (IL‐1β, IL‐8 and IL‐10) at the outlet of Ada were significantly lower than at the outlet of AN69 due to cytokine adsorption. Further studies are needed to better understand cellular interactions.
Characteristics of Patients and Their Ascites Who Underwent Repeated Cell‐Free and Concentrated Ascites Reinfusion Therapy
Authors: Maeda Sayako , Yabuuchi Junko , Nobuta Hiroshi , Makiishi Tetsuya , Hirose Kunihiko
Published: September 2015

Novel cell‐free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (KM‐CART) is easy to use, safe and applicable for refractory ascites. We can get the full amount of ascites, filtrate, and concentrate in a short time. KM‐CART can be applied as palliative care for dying patients including patients with massive malignant ascites. Some patients who underwent repeated KM‐CART survived longer than those who did not repeat the therapy. The aim of this study was to identify the type of patients with ascites for whom KM‐CART would be effective and candidates for repeated KM‐CART. In this retrospective cohort observational study, we examined 123 CART processes performed on 58 patients with refractory ascites. Data were collected before and after processing of the ascites. We compared two groups; patients who underwent KM‐CART ≥ 5 times and those who underwent this process ≤ 4 times. Age, disease, benign or malignant status of the disease, the amount of ascites, concentrations of total protein (TP) and albumin (Alb) and their amounts in the original ascites and the filtered and concentrated ascitic fluid and the recovery ratio of TP and Alb were determined. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in age, disease, amount of ascites, and the recovery ratio of TP and Alb. Significant differences were observed in the amounts of TP and Alb in the original ascites and the filtered and concentrated ascitic fluid. Patients who underwent KM‐CART ≥ 5 times had higher Alb levels in the original ascites than those who underwent this therapy ≤ 4 times. Patients with higher Alb concentrations in the original ascites could be candidates for repeated KM‐CART.
Using Defatted Rice Bran as a Bioadsorbent for Carrying Tea Catechins
Authors: Shi Meng , Yang Ya‐Ping , Jin Jing , Huang Long‐Yue , Ye Jian‐Hui , Liang Yue‐Rong
Published: September 2015

The potential of rice bran as a bioabsorbent for tea catechins was examined. Defatted rice bran had the highest adsorption capacity for tea catechins and the best selectivity for (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate over total catechins among water‐washed rice bran and untreated rice bran. The adsorption characteristics of tea catechins onto defatted rice bran were determined over a range of concentration (0.5 to 2.5 g/L) and temperatures (10, 25, and 45 °C). The adsorption of tea catechins onto defatted rice bran showed excellent fitness with the pseudo‐second‐order model at different temperature. Both the Langmuir and Freundlich models adequately describe the isothermal adsorption of tea catechins onto defatted rice bran. The adsorption of total catechins on rice bran decreased from 10 to 25 °C, whereas was greatly enhanced at 45 °C. The adsorption system of bioadsorbent with multiconstituents may not be as simple as the single‐force‐driving adsorption system. Protein and cellulose are the main contributors to the adsorption of tea catechins on defatted rice bran.
Externally reported performance measures and benchmarks in Australia
Authors: Woodhouse Kerrie , Mather Paul , Ranasinghe Dinithi
Published: September 2015

We survey 116 Australian CFOs from the top 700 Australian Securities Exchange‐listed firms regarding externally reported performance measures and benchmarks. CFO responses are not always consistent with theory, and a comparison with a similar U.S. survey highlights differences consistent with the respective institutional settings. Conditional analyses of responses also find that characteristics such as firm size that differentiate the Australian market from the U.S. market are associated with differences in opinion between the CFOs in each domain. The key message to accounting researchers is that, given significant institutional differences, it is unwise to infer that U.S. findings will apply to Australia and similar market settings.
Soluble urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor as a putative marker of male accessory gland inflammation
Authors: Autilio C. , Morelli R. , Milardi D. , Grande G. , Marana R. , Pontecorvi A. , Zuppi C. , Baroni S.
Published: September 2015

The association between male accessory gland infection/inflammation (MAGI) and infertility is well‐known in clinical practice. Standard semen analysis, leukocytospermia, and microbiological tests are often not enough accurate for a diagnosis. A large amount of biochemical parameters in seminal plasma have been suggested as inflammation markers, however, there is not yet a sensitive and specific biomarker that accurately identifies MAGI. We investigated the presence of soluble urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), known marker of systemic inflammation, in the seminal plasma to evaluate its possible involvement in urogenital tract inflammation. On the basis of andrological evaluation, including spermiogram and ultrasound findings, we selected 76 patients with MAGI and 30 healthy men as control group. Patients were classified according to the results of the semen culture in group A (n = 28) presenting a bacterial MAGI and group B (n = 48) with abacterial MAGI. C‐reactive protein (CRP), total protein (TP), procalcitonin (PCT), leukocytes peroxidase (LP), and suPAR concentrations were assayed on seminal plasma. Spermiogram parameters were significantly lower in the patients with MAGI than in controls. CRP, TP, PCT, and LP did not differ in MAGI vs. controls. suPAR was detectable in all semen samples; it was significantly increased in A and B groups (86.6 ± 30.7 ng/mL vs. 39.7 ± 17.2 ng/mL) with an inverse correlation with sperm parameters. We selected by receiver operating characteristic curve a suPAR cut‐off value of 55.3 ng/mL as a diagnostic threshold for the diagnosis of MAGI. We report in this study the first evidence of suPAR presence in seminal plasma, focusing on its interesting role as reliable and sensitive marker of inflammation for the differential diagnosis of MAGI.
Isolated abnormal strict morphology is not a contraindication for intrauterine insemination
Authors: Lockwood G. M. , Deveneau N. E. , Shridharani A. N. , Strawn E. Y. , Sandlow J. I.
Published: September 2015

This study sought to investigate whether isolated abnormal strict morphology (<5% normal forms) and very low strict morphology (0–1% normal forms) affects pregnancy rates in intrauterine insemination (IUI). This was a retrospective study performed at an Academic Medical Center/Reproductive Medicine Center. Four hundred and eight couples were included for 856 IUI cycles. 70 IUI cycles were performed in couples with abnormal strict morphology and otherwise normal semen parameters. Outcomes were measured as clinical pregnancy rate per IUI cycle as documented by fetal heart activity on maternal ultrasound. Clinical pregnancy rate did not significantly differ between the group with abnormal strict morphology [11/70 (15.7%)] and the normal morphology group [39/281 (13.9%)]. Additionally, there was no significant difference between the pregnancy rate in the abnormal morphology group compared to that of our overall institutional IUI pregnancy rate [145/856 (16.9%)]. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between pregnancy rate in the very low morphology group [3/14 (21.4%)] compared to those with normal morphology or the overall IUI pregnancy rate. Patients with isolated abnormal strict morphology have clinical pregnancy rates similar to those with normal morphology for IUI. Even in those with very low normal forms, consideration of IUI for assisted reproduction should not be excluded.
Specific, personally meaningful cues can benefit episodic prospection in medial temporal lobe amnesia
Authors: Kwan Donna , Kurczek Jake , Rosenbaum R. Shayna
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To determine whether severity of episodic prospection impairment in medial temporal lobe (MTL) amnesia is reduced by the types of cues that are used to elicit personal future episodes and, if so, whether episodic memory impairment is similarly affected.

Design

Multiple case study of five individuals with MTL amnesia and healthy control participants.

Methods

Participants were administered two tests of episodic prospection: A commonly used Galton–Crovitz task that uses generic cues (e.g., lemon) and a novel task that includes specific, personally meaningful cues referring to planned or plausible future events (e.g., granddaughter's recital). Narratives were scored for episodic detail using the Autobiographical Interview protocol (Levine et al., 2002), which distinguishes between internal (episodic) details and external (non‐episodic) details.

Results

Results showed that specific, personally meaningful cues led to an appreciable reduction of episodic memory and prospection impairment in three of the amnesic cases tested. Clinical benefit from more structured, self‐related cues may depend on factors such as extent of MTL damage or general severity of episodic memory and prospection impairment, highlighting the importance of methodological approaches to neuropsychological research that treat each case on an individual basis.

Conclusions

In cases of mild–moderate amnesia, specific, personal cues afford more detailed episodic remembering and prospective imagining than individual cue words.

Practitioner points

Previous reports of episodic prospection impairment in medial temporal lobe (MTL) amnesia might misrepresent an individual case's true prospective abilities

Specific cues drawn from a patient's everyday life have greater ecological validity than the more typical generic cues used to elicit episodic prospection and can aid some individuals with MTL amnesia in the ability to imagine future experiences

Assessment and rehabilitation tools for MTL amnesic populations should attempt to minimize broad, open‐ended questions and instead provide more structured and personally meaningful cues to guide responses

Further research is needed to determine case‐specific characteristics that best predict benefit from specific, personal cues. These might include extent of MTL damage and overall severity of episodic memory and prospection impairment.
Changes in disengagement coping mediate changes in affect following mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy in a non‐clinical sample
Authors: Cousin Gaëtan , Crane Catherine
Published: September 2015

Past research has shown that mindfulness‐based interventions increase positive affect in non‐clinical populations. However, the mechanisms underlying this increase are poorly understood. On the basis of previous empirical and theoretical accounts, we hypothesized that a decreased use of disengagement coping strategies in daily life would explain the benefits of a mindfulness‐based intervention in terms of increased positive affect. We analysed the data of 75 healthy adult participants (58 women; 17 men) of different ages (M = 49 years old;SD = 13; age range 19–81) who had been randomly allocated to 8‐weekMindfulness‐BasedCognitiveTherapy (MBCT) or to a waitlist control group. The results confirmed our hypothesis: Participants in theMBCTgroup showed significant improvements in positive affect compared to the control group, with decreased use of disengagement coping styles mediating these improvements. The implications of this study are discussed.
Population‐based assessment of cancer‐specific mortality after local tumour ablation or observation for kidney cancer: a competing risks analysis
Authors: Larcher Alessandro , Trudeau Vincent , Sun Maxine , Boehm Katharina , Meskawi Malek , Tian Zhe , Fossati Nicola , Dell'Oglio Paolo , Capitanio Umberto , Briganti Alberto , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Montorsi Francesco , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To examine, using competing risks regression, differences in cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) that might distinguish between local tumour ablation (LTA) and observation (OBS) for patients with kidney cancer.

Patients and Methods

The study focused on 1 860 patients with cT1a kidney cancer treated with either LTA or OBS between 2000 and 2009 in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results‐Medicare database. Propensity‐score matching was used. The study outcome was CSM. Multivariable competing risks regression analyses, adjusting for other‐cause mortality as well as patient (including comorbidities) and tumour characteristics, were fitted.

Results

Overall, fewer patients underwent LTA than OBS (30 vs 70%; n = 553 vs n = 1 307). Compared with patients in the OBS group, those in the LTA group were younger (median age 77 vs 78 years; P < 0.001), more likely to be white (84 vs 78%; P = 0.005), more frequently married (59 vs 52%; P = 0.02) and more frequently of high socio‐economic status (54 vs 45%; P = 0.001). After propensity‐score matching, 553 patients who underwent LTA and 553 who underwent OBS remained for subsequent analyses. The mean standardized differences of patient characteristics between the two groups were <10%, indicating a high degree of similarity. After LTA or OBS, the 5‐year CSM estimates from Poisson regression‐derived smoothed plots were 3.5 and 9.1%, respectively. In multivariable competing risks regression analyses, LTA use was found to have a protective effect on CSM (hazard ratio 0.47 [95% confidence interval 0.25–0.89]; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

After adjustment for comorbidity and tumour characteristics in elderly patients with kidney cancer, LTA was associated with a clinically and statistically significant protective effect on CSM, compared with OBS. This advantage of LTA deserves consideration when obtaining informed consent.
Variation in serum prostate‐specific antigen levels in men with prostate cancer managed with active surveillance
Authors: Ehdaie Behfar , Poon Bing Ying , Sjoberg Daniel D. , Recabal Pedro , Laudone Vincent , Touijer Karim , Eastham James , Scardino Peter T.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To describe fluctuations in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels in men managed with active surveillance (AS) to determine if a single PSA increase is a consistent measure to use to trigger intervention.

Patients and Methods

We evaluated data on 541 patients undergoing AS between 1995 and 2011. PSA variation was described by studying the Kaplan–Meier probability of patients’ PSA levels reaching 4 or 7 ng/mL, falling below those thresholds, and then rising to those thresholds again. We also examined PSA variation by calculating the Kaplan–Meier probability of a PSA change followed by an equal or greater change in the opposite direction.

Results

We analysed data on 541 patients undergoing AS with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 8 (6–12) PSA measurements and undergoing AS for a median (IQR) of 4 (2–6) years. The 5‐year estimate of the probability of reaching a threshold PSA of 7 ng/mL was 40% (95% confidence interval [CI] 35–46%) and the 5‐year estimate of subsequently falling below this threshold was 90% (95% CI 82–95%). The 5‐year estimate of a PSA direction change was 95% (95% CI 93–97%) overall and 56% (95% CI 51–61%) for PSA direction changes of ≥1 ng/mL.

Conclusions

We observed a high probability of variability in PSA levels for patients on AS. The probability of changes in PSA, defined by an increase to the specified thresholds or a rise >1 ng/mL within 6 months and subsequent decrease of equal or greater value on a subsequent measurement, increases over time; therefore, a single change in PSA level is not a reliable endpoint for patients on AS.
First steps in the standardization of immunoglobulin IgG myeloperoxidase-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody measurements
Authors: Hutu D P , Tuddenham E , Monogioudi E , Meroni P , Schimmel H , Sheldon J , Zegers I
Published: September 2015

The standardization of immunoassays for immunoglobulin (Ig)G myeloperoxidase-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (MPO-ANCA) could contribute to a more accurate diagnosis and follow-up of small vessels-associated vasculitis, a systemic autoimmune disorder that leads to necrosis of blood vessel walls. Despite significant efforts by different groups, the level of comparability of results from commercially available immunoassays used for IgG MPO-ANCA detection is still poor. Therefore, the potential for improvement using reference materials was assessed. The evaluation of a set of 30 patient samples with 11 assays showed that differences between assays result in different interpretations for individual patients. Only 10 of 30 patient samples had the same clinical interpretation among 11 assays applying the cut-off values provided by each respective manufacturer. The correlation between results from 13 different assays was assessed in a pairwise manner. The correlation between results from patient samples was systematically very good for combinations of seven of those assays. The correlation of results ranged from reasonable to good for combinations with four other assays, therefore it should be possible to improve the comparability of results using a commutable reference material for calibration. Feasibility studies were conducted in order to find a reference material format most suitable for a calibrator. Two sets of candidate reference materials were produced from different raw materials, and assessed according to their suitability. A final format was selected, and a candidate reference material was produced.
Possible evidence of systemic lupus erythematosus and periodontal disease association mediated by Toll-like receptors 2 and 4
Authors: Marques C P C , Maor Y , de Andrade M S , Rodrigues V P , Benatti B B
Published: September 2015

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) participate in the innate immune response and trigger the immune responses of the body. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology, characterized by an excessive autoimmune response in the body affecting the connective tissues. The disease is possibly triggered by both environmental aetiological factors and pathological organic processes such as exposure to sunlight, chronic infectious processes and genetic factors. Conversely, periodontal disease is an infectious disease caused by microorganisms in the oral cavity, resulting in a chronic inflammatory process which continuously stimulates the immune response, thus causing damage to the periodontal tissues. The expression of both TLR-2 and TLR-4 receptors are increased in both SLE and periodontal disease. Periodontitis might trigger excessive activation of immune response occurring in SLE by maintaining a high expression of TLRs, leading in turn to the acceleration of the onset and progression of autoimmune reactions. In addition, periodontal treatment is able to reduce the expression of these receptors and therefore the symptoms of SLE. Here we discuss the possible interaction between SLE and periodontitis, and suggest further studies evaluating common features in both factors that could explored, due to morbidity and mortality of SLE and the high incidence of periodontal infections around the world.
The current use of patient‐centered/reported outcomes in implant dentistry: a systematic review
Authors: De Bruyn Hugo , Raes Stefanie , Matthys Carine , Cosyn Jan
Published: September 2015

Aim

To provide an update on the use of Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in the field of implant dentistry (1); to compare PROMs for prostheses supported by one or more implants to alternative treatment options or a healthy dentition (2).

Materials and methods

The dental literature was searched on PubMed until December 31, 2014, using a general search algorithm. An overall quantitative analysis was performed, and a qualitative appraisal was made on the output of the last 6 years. Per type of edentulism and prosthetic treatment, the general search algorithm was refined in order to select controlled studies comparing PROMs for prostheses supported by one or more implants to alternative treatment options or a healthy dentition.

Results

With nearly half of the output (300 of 635) published in the last 6 years, there is a growing interest in PROMs by the scientific community. When scrutinizing the 300 most recent publications, only 84 controlled studies could be identified among which 38 RCTs and 31 cohort studies. An “ad hoc” approach is commonly employed using non‐standardized questions and different scoring methods, which may compromise validity and reliability. Overall, 39 eligible papers related to fully edentulous patients treated with an implant overdenture (IOD) and 9 to fully edentulous patients treated with a fixed implant prosthesis (FIP). There is plenty of evidence from well‐controlled studies showing that fully edentulous patients in the mandible experience higher satisfaction with an IOD when compared to a conventional denture (CD). This may not hold true for fully edentulous patients in the maxilla. In general, fully edentulous patients seem to opt for a fixed or removable rehabilitation on implants for specific reasons. Data pertaining to partially edentulous patients were limited (FIP: n = 6; single implants: n = 16). In these patients, the timing of implant placement does not seem to affect patient satisfaction. Patients seem to prefer straightforward implant surgery over complex surgery that includes bone grafting.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need for standardized reporting of PROMs in the field of implant dentistry. Fully edentulous patients in the mandible experience higher satisfaction with an IOD when compared to a CD. All other types of prostheses have been underexposed to research.
Long‐term outcomes of bone augmentation on soft and hard‐tissue stability: a systematic review
Authors: Lutz Rainer , Neukam Friedrich W. , Simion Massimo , Schmitt Christian M.
Published: September 2015

Background

Peri‐implant hard‐tissue augmentation is a widely used clinical procedure.

Aim

The present review aimed to analyse the current literature regarding medium‐ and long‐term data concerning the stability of peri‐implant tissues after hard‐tissue augmentation prior or immediately with implant placement.

Material and methods

An electronic literature search was performed using Medline (PubMed) databases detecting clinical studies focusing on hard‐ and soft‐tissue stability around dental implants placed either in augmented alveolar ridges or simultaneously with peri‐implant bone grafting. The search was limited to articles published between 1995 and December 2014, focusing on clinical studies with a prospective study design assessing peri‐implant bone and soft tissue stability over time with a minimum follow‐up of 12 months. Recent publications were also searched manually to find any relevant studies that might have been missed using the search criteria noted above.

Results

Thirty‐seven articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. Since the outcome measures and methods, as well as types of grafts and implants used were so heterogeneous, the performance of meta‐analysis was impossible. The highest level of evidence was achieved by randomized clinical trials.

Conclusion

Different hard‐tissue augmentation procedures seem to show stable peri‐implant tissues, although, up to now, long‐term stability of the augmented buccal bone is assessed by only few studies. Further research should concentrate on combining three‐dimensional radiographic data with non‐invasive methods as digital surface measuring techniques or ultrasound evaluation.
Risk indicators for peri‐implantitis. A narrative review
Authors: Renvert Stefan , Quirynen Marc
Published: September 2015

Aim

To examine the existing evidence in identifying risk indicators in the etiology of peri‐implantitis.

Material and methods

A literature search was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed database of the US National Library of Medicine, for articles published until October 2014 using Medical Subject Heading search terms + free text terms and in different combinations.

Results

The microbiota associated with peri‐implantitis is complex, demonstrating differences and similarities to the one seen at periodontitis sites. Plaque accumulation at dental implants triggers the inflammatory response leading to peri‐implant mucositis/peri‐implantitis. Individuals with a history of periodontal disease and smokers have an increased risk of developing peri‐implantitis. There is some evidence to support the role of genetic polymorphism, diabetes, and excess cement as risk indicators for the development of peri‐implantitis. There is also evidence to support that individuals on regular maintenance are less likely to develop peri‐implantitis and that successful treatment of periodontitis prior to implant placement lowers the risk of peri‐implantitis.

Conclusions

Plaque accumulation at implants will result in the development of an inflammation at implants. A history of periodontal disease, smoking, excess cement, and lack of supportive therapy should be considered as risk indicators for the development of peri‐implantitis.
Therapeutic concepts and methods for improving dental implant outcomes. Summary and consensus statements. The 4th EAO Consensus Conference 2015
Authors: Sanz Mariano , Donos Nikos , Alcoforado Gil , Balmer Marc , Gurzawska Katarzyna , Mardas Nikos , Milinkovic Iva , Nisand David , Rocchietta Isabella , Stavropoulos Andreas , Thoma Daniel S. , Torsello Ferruccio
Published: September 2015

Background

Different therapeutic concepts and methods have been proposed for improving dental implant outcomes in three specific clinical situations: (i) the fresh extraction socket with alveolar ridge preservation protocols; (ii) the posterior maxilla with limited bone height with either the placement of regular‐sized implants after sinus elevation and grafting or short dental implants and; (iii) the posterior mandible with limited bone height with either vertical bone augmentation and placement of implants or short dental implants.

Materials and methods

Three systematic reviews, based on randomized and controlled clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of these different therapeutic modalities in terms of dental implant outcomes.

Results and conclusions

Interventions aimed for alveolar ridge preservation have shown efficacy in terms of allowing the placement of dental implants and for reducing the need of further augmentation procedures at implant placement. Both therapeutic options, the placement of implants after sinus elevation and grafting or short dental implants, were valid alternatives in the treatment of the posterior maxilla with deficient bone availability, although short implants resulted in fewer complications. Similarly, the placement of implants in vertically augmented bone rendered comparable outcomes with those of short implants in the treatment of the posterior mandible, but short implants resulted in fewer complications.
The patient undergoing implant therapy. Summary and consensus statements. The 4th EAO Consensus Conference 2015
Authors: Klinge Björn , Flemming Thomas , Cosyn Jan , De Bruyn Hugo , Eisner Barbara M. , Hultin Margareta , Isidor Flemming , Lang Niklaus P. , Lund Bodil , Meyle Jürg , Mombelli Andrea , Navarro Jose Manuel , Pjetursson Bjarni , Renvert Stefan , Schliephake Henning
Published: September 2015

Introduction

The assignment for this working group was to update the existing knowledge regarding factors considered being of special relevance for the patient undergoing implant therapy. This included areas where conflicting opinions exists since long or recently has been expressed, like the role of antibiotic prophylaxis in dental implant surgery and peri‐implantitis. Also areas with growing interest and concern such as patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) and health‐economy was included in this review.

Materials and methods

The literature in the respective areas of interest (antibiotic prophylaxis, peri‐implantitis, patient‐reported outcome measurements and health‐economic aspects) was searched using different strategies for the different papers. Search strategies ranged from a complex systematic review to systematic‐ and narrative reviews, depending on subject and available literature. All collected material was critically reviewed. Four manuscripts were subsequently presented for group analysis and discussion and plenum discussions and concensus approval. The selected areas were considered to be of key importance and relevance for the patient undergoing implant therapy.

Results

The results and conclusions of the review process are presented in the respective papers. The group′s conclusions, identified knowledge gaps, directions for future research and concensus statements are presented in this article.

The following reviews were available for group discussions and the foundation for subsequent plenary sessions:

Lund B, Hultin M, Tranaeus S, Naimi‐Akbar A, Klinge B. (2015) Perioperative antibiotics in conjunction with dental implant placement. A complex systematic review.

Renvert S & Quirynen M. (2015) Risk indicators for peri‐implantitis. A narrative review.

De Bruyn H, Raes S, Matthys C, Cosyn J. (2015) The current use of patient centered/reported outcomes in implant dentistry. A systematic review.

Beikler T & Flemmig T.F. (2015) Economic evaluation of implant‐supported prostheses. A narrative review.
Bone Marrow Endothelial Progenitor Cell Transplantation After Ischemic Stroke: An Investigation Into Its Possible Mechanism
Authors: Bai Ying‐Ying , Peng Xin‐Gui , Wang Li‐Shan , Li Zi‐Hui , Wang Yuan‐Cheng , Lu Chun‐Qiang , Ding Jie , Li Pei‐Cheng , Zhao Zhen , Ju Sheng‐Hong
Published: September 2015

Aims

We tested the hypothesis that endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)‐mediated functional recovery after stroke may be associated with the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)/brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway.

Methods

Mice were infused with either EPCs or saline after being subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion. The EPC‐treated mice also received intravenous injections of either Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, the NOS inhibitor) or saline.

Results

The activation of eNOS and the expression of BDNF were significantly increased in ischemic brain of the EPC‐treated mice, along with increased angiogenesis and neurogenesis. On diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), significant increases in fractional anisotropy and fiber count were observed in white matter, indicating axonal growth stimulated by EPCs. However, the EPC‐treated mice that were received an L‐NAME injection failed to exhibit the observed increases in angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and axonal growth. In addition, the neurons cocultured with EPCs in vitro exhibited the increased expression of BDNF and decreased apoptosis after oxygen–glucose deprivation compared with the control group. This EPC‐induced protective effect was virtually absent in the L‐NAME treatment group.

Conclusion

The eNOS/BDNF pathway may be involved in the EPC‐mediated functional recovery of stroke mice. DTI is feasible for dynamically tracking the orientation of axonal projections after EPC treatment.
Generalized epileptiform discharges in postanoxic encephalopathy: Quantitative characterization in relation to outcome
Authors: Ruijter Barry J. , van Putten Michel J. A. M. , Hofmeijer Jeannette
Published: September 2015

Objective

Electrographic status epilepticus is observed in 10–35% of patients with postanoxic encephalopathy. It remains unclear which electrographic seizure patterns indicate possible recovery, and which are a mere reflection of severe ischemic encephalopathy, where treatment would be futile. We aimed to identify quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) features with prognostic significance.

Methods

From continuous EEG recordings of 47 patients with generalized electrographic status epilepticus after cardiac arrest, 5‐min epochs were selected every hour. Epochs were visually assessed and categorized into seven categories, including epileptiform discharges. Five quantitative measures were extracted, reflecting background continuity, discharge frequency, discharge periodicity, relative discharge power, and interdischarge waveform correlation. The best achieved outcome within 6 months after cardiac arrest was categorized as “good” (Cerebral Performance Category 1–2, i.e., no or moderate neurologic disability) or “poor” (CPC 3–5, i.e., severe disability, coma, or death).

Results

Ten patients (22%) had a good outcome. Status epilepticus in patients with good outcome started later (45 vs. 29 h after cardiac arrest, p < 0.001), more often ceased for at least 12 h (90% vs. 16%, p = 0.02), and was less often treated with antiepileptic drugs (30% vs. 73%, p = 0.02). Status epilepticus in patients with a good outcome always evolved from a continuous background pattern, as opposed to evolution from a discontinuous background pattern in 14 patients (38%) with a poor outcome. Epileptiform patterns of patients with good outcome had higher background continuity (1.00 vs. 0.83, p < 0.001), higher discharge frequency (1.63 vs. 0.90 Hz, p = 0.002), lower relative discharge power (0.29 vs. 0.40, p = 0.01), and lower discharge periodicity (0.32 vs. 0.45, p = 0.04).

Significance

Our results can be used to identify patients with possible recovery. We speculate that quantitative features associated with poor outcome reflect low neural network complexity, resulting from extensive ischemic damage.
Association study of interleukin‐1 family and interleukin‐6 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms in recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Najafi S. , Yousefi H. , Mohammadzadeh M. , Bidoki A. Z. , Firouze Moqadam I. , Farhadi E. , Amirzargar A. A. , Rezaei N.
Published: September 2015

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common painful, ulcerative oral inflammatory disorder with unknown aetiology. Immune system and aberrant cytokine cascade deemed to be critical in outbreaks of RAS ulcers. Interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) and IL‐6 are the most potent pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL‐1 and IL‐6 genes can affect the secretion of these cytokines. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between RAS and IL‐6 and IL‐1 in Iranian subjects with minor RAS. Genomic DNA was obtained from 64 Iranian patients with RAS. IL‐1α C −889 T, IL‐1β C −511 T, IL‐1β C +3962 T, IL‐1R C pst‐I 1970 T, IL‐1Ra C Mspa‐I11100 T, IL‐6 C −174 G and IL‐6 A nt +565 G polymorphisms were determined using polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP). The frequency of C −174 C genotype in the patients group was significantly different from the healthy control. No other significant differences were found in genotype and alleles frequencies between the two groups. These results indicate that certain SNPs of IL‐6 gene at position −174 which located in promoter have association with predisposition of individuals to RAS.