bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VA‐ECMO for cardiogenic shock in the contemporary era of heart transplantation: Which patients should be urgently transplanted?
Authors: Habal Marlena V. , Truby Lauren , Ando Masahiko , Ikegami Hirohisa , Garan Arthur R. , Topkara Veli K. , Colombo Paolo , Takeda Koji , Takayama Hiroo , Naka Yoshifumi , Farr Maryjane A.
Published: July 2018

With the impending United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) heart allocation policy giving VA‐ECMO supported heart transplant (HT) candidates highest priority status (Tier 1), identifying patients in cardiogenic shock (CS) with severe and irreversible heart failure (HF) appropriate for urgent HT is critically important. In a center where wait times currently preclude this approach, we retrospectively reviewed 119 patients (ages 18‐72) with CS from 1/2014 to 12/2016 who required VA‐ECMO for >24 hours. Underlying aetiologies included postcardiotomy shock (45), acute coronary syndromes (33), and acute‐on‐chronic HF (16). Eighty‐four percent of patients (100) had ≥1 contraindication to HT with 61.3% (73) having preexisting contraindications (eg, multiorgan dysfunction and substance abuse), and 68.1% (81) experienced preclusive complications (eg, renal failure, coagulopathy, and infection). Potential HT candidates were significantly more likely to survive to discharge (potential HT candidates 84.2% vs preexisting contraindications 43.8% vs contraindications developing on VA‐ECMO 33.3%, P = 0.001). Among potential HT candidates, 11 (68.8%) were discharged without advanced therapies and 4 received durable left ventricular assist device (25.0%). Importantly, 1‐year survival was 100% for the 11 patients with follow‐up. Thus, further work is critical to define appropriate candidates for HT from VA‐ECMO while avoiding preemptive transplantation in those with otherwise favorable outcomes.
Methylation of the dopamine transporter gene in blood is associated with striatal dopamine transporter availability in ADHD: A preliminary study
Authors: Wiers Corinde E. , Lohoff Falk W. , Lee Jisoo , Muench Christine , Freeman Clara , Zehra Amna , Marenco Stefano , Lipska Barbara K. , Auluck Pavan K. , Feng Ningping , Sun Hui , Goldman David , Swanson James M. , Wang Gene‐Jack , Volkow Nora D.
Published: July 2018

Dopamine transporters (DAT) are implicated in the pathogenesis and treatment of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are upregulated by chronic treatment with methylphenidate, commonly prescribed for ADHD. Methylation of the DAT1 gene in brain and blood has been associated with DAT expression in rodents' brains. Here we tested the association between methylation of the DAT1 promoter derived from blood and DAT availability in the striatum of unmedicated ADHD adult participants and in that of healthy age‐matched controls (HC) using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and [11C]cocaine. Results showed no between‐group differences in DAT1 promoter methylation or striatal DAT availability. However, the degree of methylation in the promoter region of DAT1 correlated negatively with DAT availability in caudate in ADHD participants only. DAT availability in VS correlated with inattention scores in ADHD participants. We verified in a postmortem cohort with ADHD diagnosis and without, that DAT1 promoter methylation in peripheral blood correlated positively with DAT1 promoter methylation extracted from substantia nigra (SN) in both groups. In the cohort without ADHD diagnosis, DAT1 gene expression in SN further correlated positively with DAT protein expression in caudate; however, the sample size of the cohort with ADHD was insufficient to investigate DAT1 and DAT expression levels. Overall, these findings suggest that peripheral DAT1 promoter methylation may be predictive of striatal DAT availability in adults with ADHD. Due to the small sample size, more work is needed to validate whether DAT1 methylation in blood predicts DAT1 methylation in SN in ADHD and controls.
Patient and caregiver involvement in the formulation of guideline questions: findings from the European Academy of Neurology guideline on palliative care of people with severe multiple sclerosis
Authors: Köpke S. , Giordano A. , Veronese S. , Rahn A. C. , Kleiter I. , Basedow‐Rajwich B. , Fornari A. , Battaglia M. A. , Drulovic J. , Kooij L. , Koops J. , Mens J. , Meza Murillo E. R. , Milanov I. , Milo R. , Patti F. , Pekmezovic T. , Sastre‐Garriga J. , Vosburgh J. , Voltz R. , Bay J. , Oliver D. J. , Solari A.
Published: July 2018

Background and purpose

Patient and public involvement in clinical practice guideline development is recommended to increase guideline trustworthiness and relevance. The aim was to engage multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and caregivers in the definition of the key questions to be answered in the European Academy of Neurology guideline on palliative care of people with severe MS.

Methods

A mixed methods approach was used: an international online survey launched by the national MS societies of eight countries, after pilot testing/debriefing on 20 MS patients and 18 caregivers, focus group meetings of Italian and German MS patients and caregivers.

Results

Of 1199 participants, 951 (79%) completed the whole online survey and 934 from seven countries were analysed: 751 (80%) were MS patients (74% women, mean age 46.1) and 183 (20%) were caregivers (36% spouses/partners, 72% women, mean age 47.4). Participants agreed/strongly agreed on inclusion of the nine pre‐specified topics (from 89% for ‘advance care planning’ to 98% for ‘multidisciplinary rehabilitation’), and <5% replied ‘I prefer not to answer’ to any topic. There were 569 free comments: 182 (32%) on the pre‐specified topics, 227 (40%) on additional topics (16 guideline‐pertinent) and 160 (28%) on outcomes. Five focus group meetings (three of MS patients, two of caregivers, and overall 35 participants) corroborated the survey findings. In addition, they allowed an explanation of the guideline production process and the exploration of patient‐important outcomes and of taxing issues.

Conclusions

Multiple sclerosis patient and caregiver involvement was resource and time intensive, but rewarding. It was the key for the formulation of the 10 guideline questions and for the identification of patient‐important outcomes.
Fast‐track versus long‐term hospitalizations for patients with non‐disabling acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Fladt J. , Hofmann L. , Coslovsky M. , Imhof A. , Seiffge D. J. , Polymeris A. , Thilemann S. , Traenka C. , Sutter R. , Schaer B. , Kaufmann B. A. , Peters N. , Bonati L. H. , Engelter S. T. , Lyrer P. A. , De Marchis G. M.
Published: July 2018

Background and purpose

The aim was to assess the feasibility and safety of fast‐track hospitalizations in a selected cohort of patients with stroke.

Methods

Patients hospitalized at the Stroke Center of the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, with an acute ischaemic stroke confirmed on magnetic resonance diffusion‐weighted imaging were included. Neurological deficits of the included patients were non‐disabling, i.e. not interfering with activities of daily living and compatible with a direct discharge home. Patients with premorbid disability were excluded. All patients were admitted to the Stroke Center for ≥24 h. Two study groups were compared – fast‐track hospitalizations (≤72 h) and long‐term hospitalizations (>72 h). The primary end‐point was a composite of any unplanned rehospitalization for any reason within 3 months since hospital discharge and a modified Rankin Scale 3–6 at 3 months. Adjustment for confounders was done using the inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW).

Results

Amongst the 521 patients who met the inclusion criteria, fast‐track hospitalizations were performed in 79 patients (15%). In the fast‐track group, seven patients (8.9%) met the primary end‐point, compared to 37 (8.4%) in the long‐term group [odds ratio (OR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42–2.34, P = 0.88]. After weighting for IPTW, the odds of the primary end‐point remained similar between the two arms (ORIPTW 1.27, 95% CI 0.51–3.16, P = 0.61). The costs of fast‐track hospitalizations were lower, on average, by $4994.

Conclusions

Fast‐track hospitalizations including a full workup proved to be feasible, showed no increased risk and were less expensive than long‐term hospitalizations.
Dystonia: diagnosis and management
Authors: Albanese A. , Di Giovanni M. , Lalli S.
Published: July 2018

Clinical practice in dystonia has greatly evolved in recent years; a synthetic review on patient management is provided here. Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions causing abnormal, often repetitive, movements, postures or both. A recent classification has innovated clinical practice and serves as guidance for clinical assessment: Axis I describes clinical features, whereas Axis II indicates etiology. Dystonia presents with different syndromic aggregations with varied somatic involvement and some common features. There are five recognizable physical signs of dystonia: two main signs (dystonic postures and movements) and three additional signs (gestes antagonistes or tricks, mirror dystonia and overflow dystonia). There is still no validation of diagnostic criteria for the different dystonia syndromes, and many cases with mild phenomenology remain undiagnosed. Patients with dystonia also present non‐motor features that are variably combined with the movement disorder. The features of the most common inherited and acquired dystonia syndromes are reviewed here. There is clear evidence of genetic–environmental interaction in the determinism of dystonia. The diagnostic process is guided by clinical examination and based on specific laboratory examinations. Symptomatic treatments are available for dystonia: botulinum neurotoxin injections are the primary choice for most focal dystonia syndromes; deep brain stimulation is useful in some generalized and non‐generalized syndromes. Additional treatment strategies are currently being assessed.
Ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy for intraoperative, real‐time diagnosis of cutaneous inflammatory diseases: A preliminary study
Authors: Bertoni Laura , Azzoni Paola , Reggiani Camilla , Pisciotta Alessandra , Carnevale Gianluca , Chester Johanna , Kaleci Shaniko , Reggiani Bonetti Luca , Cesinaro Anna Maria , Longo Caterina , Pellacani Giovanni
Published: July 2018

Ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) is an innovative imaging tool that can be used intraoperatively to obtain real‐time images of untreated excised tissue with almost histologic resolution. As inflammatory diseases often share overlapping clinical features, histopathology evaluation is required for dubious cases, delaying definitive diagnoses, and therefore therapy. This study identifies key‐features at ex vivo FCM for differential diagnoses of cutaneous inflammatory diseases, in particular, psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus and discoid lupus erythematosus. Retrospective ex vivo FCM and histological evaluations with relevant diagnoses were correlated with prospectively reported histopathologic diagnoses, to evaluate agreement and the level of expertise required for correct diagnoses. We demonstrated that ex vivo FCM enabled the distinction of the main inflammatory features in most cases, providing a substantial concordance to histopathologic diagnoses. Moreover, ex vivo FCM and histological evaluations reached a substantial agreement with histopathologic diagnoses both for all raters and for each operator. After a yet to be defined learning curve, these preliminary results suggest that dermatologists may be able to satisfactorily interpret ex vivo FCM images for correct real‐time diagnoses. Despite some limitations mainly related to the equipment of FCM with a single objective lens, our study suggests that ex vivo FCM seems a promising tool in assisting diagnoses of cutaneous inflammatory lesions, with a level of accuracy quite close to that offered by histopathology. This is the first study to investigate ex vivo FCM application in cutaneous inflammatory lesions, and to evaluate the diagnostic capability of this technology.
Characterization of stem‐like cancer cells in basal cell carcinoma and its surgical margins
Authors: Milosevic Maja , Lazarevic Milos , Toljic Bosko , Simonovic Jelena , Trisic Dijana , Nikolic Nađa , Petrovic Milan , Milasin Jelena
Published: July 2018

Background

Understanding the pathogenesis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and identifying the cells responsible for propagation and recurrence are crucial for the development of new treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to characterize the cells isolated from BCC and its margin.

Methods

Primary cultures were established from 10 BCCs, their respective close resection margins (3 mm) and 10 control tissues. Stem cell markers analysis was carried out by real‐time PCR and/or flow cytometry. Spheroid formation and MTT assays were also performed.

Results

Real‐time PCR showed a higher expression of embryonic (Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog) and mesenchymal (CD44 and CD73) stem cell markers in tumors compared to margins and controls (P < 0.05). Bmi‐1 and GPR49 were also upregulated in tumors in comparison with margins. Both tumor and margin cells, but not normal, had the capacity to form spheroids. During passages, the number of spheres increased, while the diameter decreased. Tumor cells showed higher chemo‐resistance compared to margin and control cells.

Conclusions

Basal cell carcinomas expressed stem cell markers, pointing to the existence of a cancer cell side population with stemness characteristics. Margin also appeared to harbour a small number of cancer‐initiating cells.
Rapid warming is associated with population decline among terrestrial birds and mammals globally
Authors: Spooner Fiona E. B. , Pearson Richard G. , Freeman Robin
Published: July 2018

Animal populations have undergone substantial declines in recent decades. These declines have occurred alongside rapid, human‐driven environmental change, including climate warming. An association between population declines and environmental change is well established, yet there has been relatively little analysis of the importance of the rates of climate warming and its interaction with conversion to anthropogenic land use in causing population declines. Here we present a global assessment of the impact of rapid climate warming and anthropogenic land use conversion on 987 populations of 481 species of terrestrial birds and mammals since 1950. We collated spatially referenced population trends of at least 5 years’ duration from the Living Planet database and used mixed effects models to assess the association of these trends with observed rates of climate warming, rates of conversion to anthropogenic land use, body mass, and protected area coverage. We found that declines in population abundance for both birds and mammals are greater in areas where mean temperature has increased more rapidly, and that this effect is more pronounced for birds. However, we do not find a strong effect of conversion to anthropogenic land use, body mass, or protected area coverage. Our results identify a link between rapid warming and population declines, thus supporting the notion that rapid climate warming is a global threat to biodiversity.
Furazolidone‐containing triple and quadruple eradication therapy for initial treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection: A multicenter randomized controlled trial in China
Authors: Xie Yong , Zhang Zhenyu , Hong Junbo , Liu Wenzhong , Lu Hong , Du Yiqi , Wang Weihong , Xu Jianming , Wang Xuehong , Huo Lijuan , Zhang Guiying , Lan Chunhui , Li Xiaoyan , Li Yanqing , Wang Hong , Zhang Guoxin , Zhu Yin , Shu Xu , Chen Ye , Wang Jiangbin , Lu Nonghua ,   the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology Chinese Study Group on Helicobacter pylori
Published: July 2018

Background

The efficacy of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication has steadily declined, primarily because of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of furazolidone eradication therapies as initial treatments for H. pylori infection.

Methods

A national, multicenter, open‐label, randomized controlled trial was performed at 16 sites across 13 provinces in China to evaluate the efficacy and safety of furazolidone‐containing therapies for H. pylori infection. Treatment naïve patients were randomly assigned to: esomeprazole 20 mg, bismuth 220 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and furazolidone 100 mg twice daily for 10 and 7 days (FAB 10 and FAB 7; the same therapy without bismuth (FA 10 and FA 7). The primary and secondary outcomes were the eradication rate and regimen safety, respectively. Treatment success was assessed by the 13C urea breath test at least 4 weeks after treatment completion.

Results

Overall, according to intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis, the eradication rates for FAB 10 and FAB 7 were 86.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.9%‐93.2%) and 83.6% (95% CI, 76.3%‐90.9%) and for FA 10 and FA 7 were 82.4% (95% CI, 74.9%‐89.8%) and 77.6% (95% CI, 69.4%‐85.8%), respectively. According to per‐protocol analysis, the overall eradication rates for FAB 10 and FAB 7 were 94.7% (95% CI, 90.3%‐99.1%) and 90.8% (95% CI, 85.1%‐96.5%) and for FA 10 and FA 7 were 90.6% (95% CI, 84.9%‐96.3%) and 85.1% (95% CI, 78.2%‐92.1%), respectively. The overall prevalence of side effects was 8.1%.

Conclusions

Furazolidone‐containing therapies, particularly the tested 10‐day quadruple therapy, exhibited satisfactory efficacy and safety. This 10‐day quadruple therapy represents a promising initial treatment strategy for Chinese patients.
Maspin mRNA expression in sentinel lymph nodes predicts non‐SLN metastasis in breast cancer patients with SLN metastasis
Authors: Umekita Yoshihisa , Ohi Yasuyo , Iwaya Orie , Souda Masakazu , Sagara Yasuaki , Tamada Shugo , Yotsumoto Daisuke , Tanimoto Akihide
Published: July 2018

Aims

Maspin is known to be a tumour suppressor protein, but its prognostic significance in breast cancer patients is controversial. There is no report focusing on maspin expression in metastatic carcinoma of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs); we thus investigated maspin mRNA expression in SLNs using the remaining specimens after the one‐step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) assay.

Methods and results

Ninety‐three breast cancer patients with SLNs metastasis detected by the OSNA assay were enrolled. All patients experienced additional axillary lymph nodes (LNs) dissection and all dissected LNs were examined histopathologically. Maspin mRNA expression in SLNs was detected in 49.5% (46 of 93) and was correlated significantly with the presence of non‐SLN metastasis (P < 0.0001) and ≥4 LN metastases (P = 0.029). In a multivariate logistic analysis, maspin mRNA expression in SLNs (P = 0.0015) had the most significant effect on predicting non‐SLN metastasis, followed by pathological tumour size (P = 0.0039) and lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.009). The status of maspin mRNA expression in SLNs was correlated significantly with that of maspin protein expression in the primary carcinoma (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

This is the first study, to our knowledge, demonstrating that maspin mRNA expression in SLNs is an independent predictor of non‐SLN metastasis and the presence of ≥4 LN metastases in breast cancer patients with SLN metastasis. The investigation of maspin mRNA expression in SLNs using the remaining specimens after the OSNA assay may be useful for predicting the further progression of metastatic carcinoma in breast cancer patients with SLNs metastasis.
The role of accounting conservatism in executive compensation contracts
Authors: Iwasaki Takuya , Otomasa Shota , Shiiba Atsushi , Shuto Akinobu
Published: July 2018

To test the implication of Watts’ (2003) argument that accounting conservatism increases the efficiency of executive compensation contracts, we investigate the relation between accounting conservatism and earnings‐based executive compensation contracts in Japanese firms. We focus on Japanese executive compensation practices because the demand for accounting conservatism is likely to be greater for Japanese than for US firms given the predominance of earnings‐based executive compensation contracts and relatively weak corporate governance of compensation contracts in Japan. We also investigate how the quality of the ex‐ante information environment affects the relation between accounting conservatism and earnings‐based executive compensation contracts. Consistent with our expectations, we find a positive relation between accounting conservatism and the compensation earnings coefficient. We also show that this positive relation is greater for firms with poor ex‐ante information environment. These results suggest that the demand for accounting conservatism is greater for firms that use more earnings‐based executive compensation contracts and have more serious ex‐post settling‐up problems.
Expected consequences of including methane footprint into the breeding goals in beef cattle. A Spanish Blonde d'Aquitaine population as a case of study
Authors: López‐Paredes Javier , Alenda Rafael , González‐Recio Oscar
Published: July 2018

This study evaluates two potential scenarios for including methane (CH4) emissions in the breeding objectives of beef cattle, using the Spanish population of Blonde d′Aquitaine as a case of study. First, CH4 emissions were included as a cost using a shadow carbon price of 1.22€/CH4 kg (0.044€/CO2 kg) (carbon tax scenario). In the other scenario, a CH4 quota was applied, optimizing emissions per unit of product. The current production system was used as benchmark scenario (Scenario 1). The economic value of CH4 was calculated under all scenarios using a bioeconomic model that translated the production system into a mathematical function. Then, CH4 emissions were included with proper relative weight in the selection index under each scenario. The economic value of CH4 production from cows was −0.54€/year and −0.16€/year in a carbon tax and in a CH4 quota scenario, respectively. Economic values for CH4 production from fattening calves were −1.22€/year and −0.34€/year in a carbon tax and a quota scenario, respectively. The relative weights of total CH4 traits in the indices were 4.9% and 1.8% in a carbon tax and quota scenario. The carbon tax scenario led to smaller cows (−7.59 kg of mature weight) and a decrease in carcass weight gain of calves (−4.78 g/day) involving a reduction in emissions in comparison with Scenario 1 (−0.76 CH4 kg/slaughtered calf/year). However, it also led to a lower expected gain in profit per unit of product (−7.86 €/slaughtered calf/year). A carbon quota scenario would select slightly smaller cows (−0.48 kg) with similar responses in maternal abilities (age at first calving, calving interval, maternal weaning weight, and calving ease) and growth, and lower emissions (−0.22 CH4 kg/slaughtered calf/year) regarding the benchmark scenario. Profit per cow would increase by +1.52€/slaughtered calf/year although this scenario implies a reduction in the number of cows per herd. In a carbon tax scenario, higher reduction in emissions implied a reduction of profitability per animal.
From signals to knowledge: A conceptual model for multimodal learning analytics
Authors: Di Mitri Daniele , Schneider Jan , Specht Marcus , Drachsler Hendrik
Published: July 2018

Multimodality in learning analytics and learning science is under the spotlight. The landscape of sensors and wearable trackers that can be used for learning support is evolving rapidly, as well as data collection and analysis methods. Multimodal data can now be collected and processed in real time at an unprecedented scale. With sensors, it is possible to capture observable events of the learning process such as learner's behaviour and the learning context. The learning process, however, consists also of latent attributes, such as the learner's cognitions or emotions. These attributes are unobservable to sensors and need to be elicited by human‐driven interpretations. We conducted a literature survey of experiments using multimodal data to frame the young research field of multimodal learning analytics. The survey explored the multimodal data used in related studies (the input space) and the learning theories selected (the hypothesis space). The survey led to the formulation of the Multimodal Learning Analytics Model whose main objectives are of (O1) mapping the use of multimodal data to enhance the feedback in a learning context; (O2) showing how to combine machine learning with multimodal data; and (O3) aligning the terminology used in the field of machine learning and learning science.
Framework for assessing the performance of flood adaptation innovations using a risk‐based approach
Authors: Lendering Kasper T. , Sebastian Antonia , Jonkman Sebastiaan N. , Kok Matthijs
Published: July 2018

The application of risk‐based approaches for the design of flood infrastructure has become increasingly common in flood management. This approach, based on risk reduction and reliability, is used to assess the performance of conventional interventions (e.g., flood defences and dams) and to support decisions regarding their implementation. However, for more innovative solutions, performance has often not been quantified by means of these metrics and, therefore, end‐users are hesitant to implement them in existing flood risk reduction systems. To overcome the gap between innovators and end‐users, we present a framework based on four performance indicators, to ensure the required insights in risk and reliability are provided. The four indicators: effectiveness, durability, reliability and costs, allow end‐users to evaluate, select, and implement flood adaptation innovations, and provide innovators with insight into the performance of the technology and the criteria and information necessary for successful market uptake of their innovation. The practical application of the framework is demonstrated for a (hypothetical) case of a hospital complex built in an area that has subsided below the surrounding area, which is subject to tropical rain showers. The following innovations are considered: an early flood warning system, a green roof, and a temporary flood barrier.
Nutritional status, the development and persistence of malnutrition and dietary intake in oesophago‐gastric cancer: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Grace E. M. , Shaw C. , Lalji A. , Mohammed K. , Andreyev H. J. N. , Whelan K.
Published: July 2018

Background

Patients with oesophago‐gastric (OG) cancer may be at risk of malnutrition, troublesome gastrointestinal symptoms (GI) and reduced dietary intake in view of the tumour location and multimodality curative treatment approach. Longitudinal research is lacking. The present study aimed to assess (i) nutritional status and how it evolved over the first year; (ii) the association between nutritional status scores and GI symptom scores; and (iii) the nutrient and food group intake pattern.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study of patients with an OG lesion planned for radical treatment, with assessment at diagnosis, 3 months and 12 months after the start of treatment. Nutritional assessment was performed using the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment, GI symptoms measured using the modified Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and dietary intake assessed using a semi‐quantitative food frequency approach.

Results

Eighty patients (61 males, 19 females; aged 46–89 years) were recruited. At baseline, 3 (n = 68) and 12 months (n = 57), 61%, 62% and 60%, respectively, were moderately/severely malnourished. Higher symptom burden was associated with poorer nutritional status at baseline (r = 0.55, P < 0.001), 3 months (r = 0.51, P < 0.001) and 12 months (r = 0.42, P = 0.001). At each respective time point, 37%, 38% and 42% were meeting their estimated average requirement for energy. No change in mean (SD) intake of energy, fibre, nutrient and food groups was observed over time.

Conclusions

Patients with OG cancer have progressive weight loss, with malnutrition present over the majority of the 12‐month study period. Optimising nutritional status and symptom management throughout the treatment pathway should be a clinical priority.
Concepts of job satisfaction in people with intellectual disability
Authors: Kocman A. , Weber G.
Published: July 2018

Background

There is a growing body of research on job satisfaction in people with intellectual disability (ID). However, little is known about the subjective concepts of job satisfaction in this population. Knowledge on the conceptualisation of job satisfaction in people with ID and whether currently used concepts are meaningful for this population are crucial prerequisites to purposeful research for this group.

Method

Qualitative interviews on subjective concepts of job satisfaction were conducted with 129 employees of sheltered workshops. Relevant concepts and associated aspects were extracted using content analysis.

Results

Concepts can be grouped into holistic concepts, facet‐related concepts and self‐actualising concepts of job satisfaction in people with ID. Twenty‐five percent of the sample did not have any concept of job satisfaction.

Conclusions

The concepts of job satisfaction in people with ID are closely related to those concepts as reported in organisational psychology. However, sufficient comprehension of the term has to be ensured prior to conducting research on job satisfaction in people with ID.
Feasibility, accuracy and safety of a percutaneous fine‐needle biopsy technique to obtain qualitative muscle samples of the lumbar multifidus and erector spinae muscle in persons with low back pain
Authors: Agten Anouk , Verbrugghe Jonas , Stevens Sjoerd , Boomgaert Lukas , O. Eijnde Bert , Timmermans Annick , Vandenabeele Frank
Published: July 2018

The lumbar muscular system, in particular the lumbar multifidus muscle (LM) and the erector spinae muscle (ES), plays an important role in stabilizing and mobilizing the lumbar spine. Based on the topography, the lumbar paraspinal muscles can be classified into local and global muscles. LM is part of the local system, whereas ES is part of the global system. Therefore, it is interesting to investigate the muscle fibre type composition in both muscles. There is accumulating evidence that nonspecific chronic low back pain is associated with lumbar muscle dysfunction. To further elucidate this lumbar paraspinal muscle dysfunction, it is important to understand the structural characteristics of individual muscle fibres of LM and ES. Muscle fibre type composition can be investigated in muscle tissue samples. So far, muscle samples are taken by using invasive procedures that are not well tolerated. The aim of this article was to evaluate the feasibility, accuracy and safety of a percutaneous fine‐needle biopsy technique to obtain muscle samples from LM and ES in persons with nonspecific chronic low back pain and to evaluate the feasibility of performing immunofluorescence analysis of myosin heavy chain isoform expression to investigate muscle fibre type composition. Preliminary investigations in cadavers were performed to determine the optimal vertebral level and puncture site to obtain muscle samples of LM and ES through a single skin puncture. In 15 persons with nonspecific chronic low back pain, muscle samples of LM and ES were taken under local anaesthesia with the percutaneous fine‐needle biopsy technique, preceded by determination of the puncture site with ultrasonography. Muscle fibre type composition was investigated using immunofluorescence analysis of myosin heavy chain expression. The subjects reported little or no pain and were willing to repeat the procedure. The obtained muscle tissue contained transverse‐sectioned muscle fibres in which muscle fibre contractile characteristics of the paraspinal muscles could be evaluated with immunofluorescence analysis of the myosin heavy chains. We can conclude that percutaneous microbiopsy appears to be feasible and accurate, and safe to use to obtain muscle tissue from the paraspinal muscles. The use of ultrasonography to determine the puncture site is necessary to ensure biopsy of the correct muscles and to ensure the safety of the procedure.
Comparison of three strip harvesting technqiues (Haber's, Pathomvanich's and Ahmad's techniques)
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad
Published: July 2018

Background

To compare the three techniques, that is, using tissue spreader, using skin hooks technique, and using sharp scissor techniques.

Methods

A double‐blind, randomized study was conducted in 10 patients undergoing hair transplant surgery by strip harvest after informed consent. The marked strip was divided into 3 equal parts to be assigned randomly to one of the harvesting techniques, that is, (a) using tissue spreader technique (A), (b) using skin hooks technique (B), and (c) using sharp scissor technique (C). The total number of hair of the strip margins were counted. The number of transected hair were also counted. The time taken for harvesting for each technique was noted. All the data were analyzed using ANOVA test.

Results

The average length of the strip was 27.8 cm. The mean harvesting time was 46.2 seconds (technique A), 174.5 seconds (technique B), and 49.9 seconds (technique C) (P < 0.05). The total hair density was 640.9 vs 664.5 vs 690.0, respectively. The total transection rate was 2.822 vs 2.689 vs 2.465 in technique A, B, and C, respectively.

Conclusion

Sharp scissor technique is a safe technique which results in lower transection rate and no significant increase in operation time.
Growth‐regulated oncogene‐α from oral submucous fibrosis fibroblasts promotes malignant transformation of oral precancerous cells
Authors: Ye Mei‐Yin , Chen Meng‐Yen , Chang Ya‐Han , Huang Jehn‐Shyun , Huang Tze‐Ta , Wong Tung‐Yiu , Hong Tse‐Ming , Chen Yuh‐Ling
Published: July 2018

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common human malignancy and is usually preceded by the oral precancerous lesions. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is one of the oral precancerous lesions with high incidence of malignant transformation. In addition to cancer cells, cancer‐associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment are correlated with cancer progression, but the role of fibroblasts from OSF in tumorigenesis and progression is still unknown. Growth‐regulated oncogene‐α (GRO‐α), a member of CXC chemokine family, is related to tumorigenesis in several cancers. In this study, we would like to explore the role of GRO‐α from OSF‐associated fibroblasts in oral cancer progression.

Methods

We isolated primary culture fibroblasts of normal, precancerous, and tumor tissues from patients with OSCC accompanied with OSF. A cytokine array was used to screen cytokine secretions in the conditioned media of the fibroblasts. A wound healing migration assay, WST‐1 cell proliferation assay, rhodamine‐phalloidin staining, and soft agar colony formation assay were used to investigate the effects of GRO‐α on a dysplastic oral keratinocyte cell line (DOK) cell migration, growth, and anchorage‐independent growth.

Results

GRO‐α was identified to be increased in conditioned media of OSF‐associated fibroblasts. GRO‐α promotes DOK cells proliferation, migration, and anchorage‐independent growth through enhancing the EGFR/ERK signaling pathway, F‐actin rearrangement, and stemness properties, respectively. Moreover, GRO‐α neutralizing antibodies downregulated the conditioned medium‐induced cell proliferation and migration of DOK.

Conclusion

GRO‐α from OSF‐associated fibroblasts paracrinally promotes oral malignant transformation and significantly contributes to OSCC development.
Three‐dimensional ultrastructural analysis and histomorphometry of collagen bundles in the periodontal ligament using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope tomography
Authors: Hirashima Shingo , Ohta Keisuke , Kanazawa Tomonoshin , Okayama Satoko , Togo Akinobu , Miyazono Yoshihiro , Kusukawa Jingo , Nakamura Kei‐ichiro
Published: July 2018

Background and objective

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is an essential tissue for tooth function. However, the 3‐dimensional ultrastructure of these PDL collagen bundles on a mesoscale is not clear. We investigated the 3‐dimensional ultrastructure of these collagen bundles and quantitatively analyzed their histomorphometry using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM) tomography.

Material and methods

The PDLs of the first mandibular molar of male C57BL/6 mice were analyzed using FIB/SEM tomography. The serial images of the collagen bundles so obtained were reconstructed. The collagen bundles were analyzed quantitatively using 3‐dimensional histomorphometry.

Results

Collagen bundles of the PDL demonstrated multiple branched structures, rather than a single rope‐like structure, and were wrapped in cytoplasm sheets. The structure of the horizontal fiber of the collagen bundle was an extensive meshwork. In contrast, the oblique and apical fibers of the collagen bundle showed a chain‐like structure. The area and the minor and major axis lengths of cross‐sections of the horizontal fiber, as determined from 3‐dimensional images, were significantly different from those of the oblique and apical fibers.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that collagen bundles in horizontal fiber areas have high strength and that the tooth is firmly anchored to the alveolar bone by the horizontal fibers, but is not secured evenly to the alveolar bone. The tooth is firmly anchored around the cervical area, creating a “slingshot‐like structure.” This study has provided further insights into the structure of the PDL and forms the basis for the development of more effective therapies for periodontal tissue regeneration.
Position of maximal nasopharyngeal maximal occlusion in relation to hamuli pterygoidei: use of hamuli pterygoidei as landmarks for palatoplasty in brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome surgical treatment
Authors: Sarran D. , Caron A. , Testault I. , Segond S. , Billet J. P.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To assess the influence of complete nasopharyngeal occlusion on respiratory signs in brachycephalic dogs. To determine the cranio‐caudal position of rostral nasopharyngeal occlusion in relation to the hamuli pterygoidei in brachycephalic dogs. To determine whether using the hamuli pterygoidei as anatomical landmarks for palatoplasty results in clinical respiratory improvement.

Materials and Methods

Prospective study of dogs diagnosed with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. The dogs were scored according to the severity of their clinical respiratory signs and the nasopharynx was CT scanned. The site of most rostral nasopharyngeal occlusion was measured in relation to the hamuli pterygoidei. Measurements were compared between brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome group, completely occluded and partially occluded groups. The hamuli pterygoidei were used as the most cranial landmarks for the palatoplasty incision, such that the incision was made at the point of maximal nasopharyngeal occlusion. Owners were interviewed by telephone for the medium‐term follow‐up.

Results

Thirty‐five dogs were included. There was no significant association between the severity of respiratory clinical signs and extent of nasopharyngeal occlusion. Maximal nasopharyngeal occlusion was always located directly caudal to the hamuli pterygoidei (mean ±sd value of 9∙4 ±6∙5 mm). hamuli pterygoidei were easily palpable perioperatively in all cases. There was a significant improvement of clinical grades postoperatively.

Clinical Significance

The hamuli pterygoidei are a reliable landmark for soft palate incision for palatoplasty in these cases but the distance between them and the site of maximal nasopharyngeal occlusion varied greatly.
Nap‐mediated benefit to implicit information processing across age using an affective priming paradigm
Authors: Shaikh Netasha , Coulthard Elizabeth
Published: July 2018

Understanding how sleep‐related information processing affects behaviour may allow targeted cognitive enhancement to improve quality of life. Previous evidence demonstrates that implicitly‐presented cues are processed during subsequent sleep, resulting in enhanced cognition upon waking. We used a masked priming task to investigate this further. To assess sleep‐mediated effects on reactions to implicitly presented primes, participants performed an Affective Priming Task pre‐and‐post 90 min of sleep, compared with an equal period of wakefulness. The Choice Reaction Time Task—a similar binary choice task but without the implicit aspect—was used as a control. Sixteen healthy participants across a range of ages were tested and sleep monitored using electroencephalogram. In stark contrast to the control task, in the Affective Priming Task reaction times significantly improved across all prime types after sleep, but not an equal period of wake. There was no significant change in reaction times on Choice Reaction Time Task after wakefulness or sleep. Rather than a general suppression of all primes, the data are more in keeping with specific strategic optimisation of prime processing during sleep. We plan future work to probe the mechanisms and neuroanatomical substrate of sleep‐mediated prime processing.
Inherent Aspect and L1 Transfer in the L2 Acquisition of Spanish Grammatical Aspect
Authors: GONZÁLEZ PAZ , QUINTANA HERNÁNDEZ LUCÍA
Published: July 2018

The aim of this article is to show that the use of Spanish grammatical aspect is biased by inherent aspect depending on the learner's first language (L1). It considers both the Lexical Aspect Hypothesis (LAH; Andersen, 1986, and his followers) and the L1 Transfer Hypothesis (Izquierdo & Collins, 2008; McManus, 2015), and it compares the use of Spanish past tenses by L1 Dutch and L1 English learners at first stages of acquisition. Differences in grammatical aspect in both L1 and the second language (L2) predict that learners will have difficulties acquiring grammatical differences such as the contrast between the Preterit and the Imperfect. Recent studies claim that not all learners are biased by the traditional Vendlerian lexical aspect typology (Domínguez et al., 2013; González, 2013), which may mean that refinement of the LAH is necessary. For our study, L1 English and Dutch learners of Spanish performed the same written production task, which involved the retelling of a story after watching a muted video. The results, based on an approximate binomial distribution analysis, show that the use of both the Preterit and the Imperfect by English‐speaking learners is biased by dynamicity contrasts. Furthermore, their overuse of Preterit to complete the written task shows L1 transfer from the English past tense, which can be uttered in perfective and imperfective contexts. On the other hand, the results of L1 Dutch speakers show that the use of Spanish grammatical aspect is biased by the terminative‐durative classification, and that they prefer the Present Perfect in perfective contexts, also showing L1 transfer.
Differences in maternal smoking across successive pregnancies – dose‐dependent relation to BMI z‐score in the offspring: an individual patient data (IPD) meta‐analysis
Authors: Albers L. , von Kries R. , Sobotzki C. , Gao H. J. , Buka S. L. , Clifton V. L. , Grzeskowiak L. E. , Oken E. , Paus T. , Pausova Z. , Rifas‐Shiman S. L. , Sharma A. J. , Gilman S. E.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Uncontrolled family factors may bias the estimation of the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring body mass index (BMI). The objective was to assess if there is an association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring BMI z‐score independent of factors in the siblings' shared environment and if such association is linear.

Methods

We performed an individual patient data meta‐analysis using five studies providing sibling data (45,299 children from 14,231 families). In a multi‐level model, separating within‐family and between‐family effects and with random intercept for families, we analysed the dose–response association between maternal number of cigarettes per day during pregnancy and offspring's BMI z‐score using B‐splines to allow for non‐linear associations.

Results

A linear within‐family effect for number of cigarettes smoked in the range from 1 to 30 cigarettes per day on the offspring's BMI z‐score was observed. Each additional cigarette per day between sibling pregnancies resulted in an increase in BMI z‐score of 0.007 (95% CI [0.006, 0.009]). A between family‐effect emerged only with doses ≥25 cigarettes per day.

Conclusions

The number of cigarettes mothers smoke per day during pregnancy is positively associated with offspring BMI z‐score even among siblings, suggesting that the association is not entirely explained by confounding by family factors.
Metabotype variation in a field population of tansy plants influences aphid host selection
Authors: Clancy Mary V. , Zytynska Sharon E. , Moritz Franco , Witting Michael , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter
Published: July 2018

It is well known that plant volatiles influence herbivores in their selection of a host plant; however, less is known about how the nonvolatile metabolome affects herbivore host selection. Metabolic diversity between intraspecific plants can be characterized using non‐targeted mass spectrometry that gives us a snapshot overview of all metabolic processes occurring within a plant at a particular time. Here, we show that non‐targeted metabolomics can be used to reveal links between intraspecific chemical diversity and ecological processes in tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). First, we show that tansy plants can be categorized into five subgroups based up on their metabolic profiles, and that these “metabotypes” influenced natural aphid colonization in the field. Second, this grouping was not due to induced metabolomic changes within the plant due to aphid feeding but rather resulted from constitutive differences in chemical diversity between plants. These findings highlight the importance of intraspecific chemical diversity within one plant population and provide the first report of a non‐targeted metabolomic field study in chemical ecology.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase controls experimental Strongyloides infection
Authors: Rodrigues Rosângela Maria , Gonçalves Ana Lúcia Ribeiro , Silva Neide Maria , Cardoso Cristina Ribeiro de Barros , Araújo Natália Rodrigues , Coutinho Loyane Bertagnolli , Alves Ronaldo , Ueta Marlene Tiduko , Costa‐Cruz Julia Maria
Published: July 2018

Infection with Strongyloides sp. induces a host immune response, predominantly the Th2 type, that is able to eliminate the parasite. However, little is known about the role of the nitric oxide (NO) mediator, induced by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), in strongyloidiasis. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the immune response of mice genetically deficient in the enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS−/−), infected with Strongyloides venezuelensis. C57BL/6 wild‐type (WT) and iNOS−/− mice were individually inoculated by subcutaneous injection of 3000 S. venezuelensis L3 larvae. In the absence of iNOS, mice were more susceptible to the infection than WT animals, in which the parasite was completely eliminated. The overall production of cytokines and specific IgG, IgG1 or IgE antibodies against the parasite was significantly lowered in infected iNOS−/− mice. The expression of iNOS was observed in the intestine of WT hosts but mainly in the wall of the parasite, despite the presence of iNOS in mice. Altogether, we concluded that iNOS expression may play an important role in the control of S. venezuelensis infection.