bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case‐control study of the association between ulcerative colitis and hyperthyroidism in an Asian population
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Chieh , Lin Herng‐Ching , Lee Cha‐Ze
Published: March 2017

Objective

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease with significant clinical diversity. However, the aetiology, pathogenesis and optimal treatment of UC remain unclear. The purpose of this case‐control study was to investigate the association between previously diagnosed hyperthyroidism and UC using a large population‐based data set in Taiwan.

Methods

The data for this population‐based case‐control study were retrieved from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005. We included 2709 patients with UC as cases and 8127 sex‐ and age‐matched patients without UC as controls. A conditional logistic regression analysis was conducted to compute the odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between UC and prior hyperthyroidism.

Results

We found that, in total, 327 of the 10 836 sampled patients (3.02%) had previously been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. There was a higher proportion of prior hyperthyroidism among cases than controls (4.10% vs 2.66%, P<.001). A conditional logistic regression showed that the OR of prior hyperthyroidism was 1.57 (95% CI=1.24‐1.98) compared to controls. Similarly, after adjusting for monthly income, geographic location and urbanization level, cases were still more likely to have previously been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism than controls (OR=1.61, 95% CI=1.27‐2.05). Furthermore, we analysed the ORs of prior hyperthyroidism between cases and controls according to age group. We found that of the youngest group of sampled patients (18‐39 years), cases had the greatest adjusted OR for having previously been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism than controls (OR=1.98, 95% CI=1.04‐3.79).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated an association between UC and hyperthyroidism.
The effects of dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet on weight loss, anti‐Müllerian hormone and metabolic profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Foroozanfard Fatemeh , Rafiei Hamideh , Samimi Mansooreh , Gilasi Hamid Reza , Gorjizadeh Roohangiz , Heidar Zahra , Asemi Zatollah
Published: March 2017

Objective

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH diet) on weight loss, anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) and metabolic profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design, Patients and Measurements:

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted among 60 overweight or obese patients with PCOS. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either low‐calorie DASH (N=30) or control diet (N=30) for 12 weeks. The DASH and control diets were consisted of 52%‐55% carbohydrates, 16%‐18% proteins and 30% total fats; however, the DASH diet was designed to be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low‐fat dairy products, cholesterol and refined grains. Both diets were equicaloric.

Results

Adherence to the DASH diet, compared to the control diet, resulted in a significant decrease in BMI (−1.6±0.5 vs −1.2±0.7 kg/m2, P=.02). Significant decreases in AMH (−1.1±3.1 vs +0.3±0.7 ng/mL, P=.01), insulin (−25.2±51.0 vs −1.2±28.8 pmol/L, P=.02), homoeostasis model of assessment‐estimated insulin resistance (−0.9±2.0 vs −0.1±1.0, P=.02), free androgen index (FAI; −0.03±0.09 vs +0.06±0.21, P=.02) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (−0.5±0.4 vs +0.2±0.3 μmol/L, P<.001), and significant increases in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01±0.03 vs −0.004±0.01, P=.02), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG; +3.7±8.5 vs −1.5±7.2 nmol/L, P=.01) and nitric oxide (NO; +9.0±4.9 vs +0.6±2.3 μmol/L, P<.001) were also seen in the DASH group compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Adherence to the DASH diet for 12 weeks among PCOS women had beneficial effects on BMI, AMH, insulin metabolism, SHBG, FAI, NO and MDA levels.
The State of the Art in Integrating Machine Learning into Visual Analytics
Authors: Endert A. , Ribarsky W. , Turkay C. , Wong B.L. William , Nabney I. , Blanco I. Díaz , Rossi F.
Published: March 2017

Visual analytics systems combine machine learning or other analytic techniques with interactive data visualization to promote sensemaking and analytical reasoning. It is through such techniques that people can make sense of large, complex data. While progress has been made, the tactful combination of machine learning and data visualization is still under‐explored. This state‐of‐the‐art report presents a summary of the progress that has been made by highlighting and synthesizing select research advances. Further, it presents opportunities and challenges to enhance the synergy between machine learning and visual analytics for impactful future research directions.
Functional Equivalence of Sleep Loss and Time on Task Effects in Sustained Attention
Authors: Veksler Bella Z. , Gunzelmann Glenn
Published: March 2017

Research on sleep loss and vigilance both focus on declines in cognitive performance, but theoretical accounts have developed largely in parallel in these two areas. In addition, computational instantiations of theoretical accounts are rare. The current work uses computational modeling to explore whether the same mechanisms can account for the effects of both sleep loss and time on task on performance. A classic task used in the sleep deprivation literature, the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), was extended from the typical 10‐min duration to 35 min, to make the task similar in duration to traditional vigilance tasks. A computational cognitive model demonstrated that the effects of time on task in the PVT were equivalent to those observed with sleep loss. Subsequently, the same mechanisms were applied to a more traditional vigilance task—the Mackworth Clock Task—providing a good fit to existing data. This supports the hypothesis that these different types of fatigue may produce functionally equivalent declines in performance.
Comparative study of HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose vs the oral glucose tolerance test for diagnosis of diabetes in people with tuberculosis
Authors: Aftab H. , Ambreen A. , Jamil M. , Garred P. , Petersen J. H. , Nielsen S. D. , Bygbjerg I. C. , Christensen D. L.
Published: March 2017

Aim

To compare HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose assessment, with the 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test as reference, in screening for diabetes in people with turberculosis.

Methods

Individuals (N=268) with newly diagnosed smear‐positive tuberculosis were screened for diabetes at a tertiary hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Diabetes diagnosis was based on WHO criteria: thresholds were ≥48 mmol/mol (≥6.5%) for HbA1c and ≥7.0mmol/l for fasting plasma glucose.

Results

The proportion of participants diagnosed with diabetes was 4.9% (n =13) by oral glucose tolerance test, while 11.9% (n =32) and 14.6% (n =39) were diagnosed with diabetes using HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose criteria, respectively. The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve was 0.79 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.94) for HbA1c and 0.61 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.73) for fasting plasma glucose, with a borderline significant difference between the two tests (P=0.07).

Conclusions

HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose performed equally in terms of diagnosing new diabetes cases in individuals with tuberculosis, but the proportion of participants falsely classified as positive was higher for fasting plasma glucose. This may be explained by acute blood glucose fluctuations when using fasting plasma glucose. HbA1c may be a more reliable test in individuals with transient hyperglycaemia.
Switchgrass nitrogen response and estimated production costs on diverse sites
Authors: Fike John H. , Pease James W. , Owens Vance N. , Farris Rodney L. , Hansen Julie L. , Heaton Emily A. , Hong Chang O. , Mayton Hilary S. , Mitchell Robert B. , Viands Donald R.
Published: March 2017

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been the principal perennial herbaceous crop investigated for bioenergy production in North America given its high production potential, relatively low input requirements, and potential suitability for use on marginal lands. Few large trials have determined switchgrass yields at field scale on marginal lands, including analysis of production costs. Thus, a field‐scale study was conducted to develop realistic yield and cost estimates for diverse regions of the USA. Objectives included measuring switchgrass response to fertility treatments (0, 56, and 112 kg N ha−1) and generating corresponding estimates of production costs for sites with diverse soil and climatic conditions. Trials occurred in Iowa, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Virginia, USA. Cultivars and management practices were site specific, and field‐scale equipment was used for all management practices. Input costs were estimated using final harvest‐year (2015) prices, and equipment operation costs were estimated with the MachData model ($2015). Switchgrass yields generally were below those reported elsewhere, averaging 6.3 Mg ha−1 across sites and treatments. Establishment stand percent ranged from 28% to 76% and was linked to initial year production. No response to N was observed at any site in the first production year. In subsequent seasons, N generally increased yields on well‐drained soils; however, responses to N were nil or negative on less well‐drained soils. Greatest percent increases in response to 112 kg N ha−1 were 57% and 76% on well‐drained South Dakota and Virginia sites, where breakeven prices to justify N applications were over $70 and $63 Mg−1, respectively. For some sites, typically promoted N application rates may be economically unjustified; it remains unknown whether a bioenergy industry can support the breakeven prices estimated for sites where N inputs had positive effects on switchgrass yield.
A Potential (U‐Th)/He Zircon Reference Material from Penglai Zircon Megacrysts
Authors: Li Youjuan , Zheng Dewen , Wu Ying , Wang Ying , He Huaiyu , Pang Jianzhang , Wang Yizhou , Yu Jingxing
Published: March 2017

In this study (U‐Th)/He dating of the Penglai zircons, which occur as abundant megacrysts in Neogene alkaline basalts in northern Hainan Province, south‐eastern China, was undertaken. A weighted mean age of 4.06 ± 0.35 Ma (2s) with a mean square weighted deviation (MSWD) of 1.79 was obtained from eighteen fragments of four zircon megacrysts using single‐crystal laser fusion He determinations and the U‐Th isotope dilution (ID) method. The (U‐Th)/He ages are consistent, homogeneous and systematically slightly younger than the preferred206Pb/238U age of 4.4 ± 0.1 Ma (95% confidence interval) determined byID‐TIMSand subsequently published U‐Pb results. The U‐Pb isotopic system in zircon has a high closure temperature of ~ 900 °C, and the preferred U‐Pb age may record both the time since eruption and the zircon residence time in the magma chamber. In contrast, the closure temperature of the zircon (U‐Th)/He system is ~ 190 °C and the zircon megacrysts were brought quickly to the surface by the host basaltic magma. Thus, the (U‐Th)/He age represents the timing of the eruption. Based on the unlimited quantity, large grain size, mostly weak broad zoning, rapid cooling and homogenous (U‐Th)/He ages, we consider the Penglai zircons suitable for use as a reference material in (U‐Th)/He isotope geochronology.
Electron Probe Microanalysis of Bromine in Minerals and Glasses with Correction for Spectral Interference from Aluminium, and Comparison with Microbeam Synchrotron X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Chao , Lin Jinru , Pan Yuanming , Feng Renfei , Almeev Renat R. , Holtz Francois
Published: March 2017

The strong spectral interference between Br‐ and Al‐induced X‐ray lines hampers the utilisation of electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) for measuring Br mass fractions in Al‐bearing minerals and glasses. Through measuring Br‐free Al‐bearing materials, we established an EPMA method to quantify the overlap from AlKα on BrLβ, which can be expressed as a linear function of the Al2O3 content. The count rate of the BrLβ peak signal was enhanced by high beam currents and long measurement times. Application of this EPMA method to Al‐ and Br‐bearing materials, such as sodalite and scapolite, and to five experimental glasses yielded Br mass fractions (in the range of 250–4000 μg g−1) that are consistent with those measured by microbeam synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence (μ‐SXRF) spectrometry. The EPMA method has an estimated detection limit of ~ 100–300 μg g−1. We propose that this method is useful for measuring Br mass fractions (hundreds to thousands of μg g−1) in Al‐bearing minerals and glasses, including those produced in Br‐doped experiments. In addition, the natural marialitic scapolite (ON70) from Mpwapwa (Tanzania) containing homogeneously distributed high mass fractions of Br (2058 ± 56 μg g−1) and Cl (1.98 ± 0.03% m/m) is an ideal reference material for future in situ analyses.
Markers of iron status in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Gaweda Adam E.
Published: March 2017

Anemia is one of the main comorbidities related to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Until the advent of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA), endogenous erythropoietin deficiency has been thought to be the main culprit of anemia in CKD patients. The use of ESAs has shed new light on the physiology of CKD anemia, where iron homeostasis plays an increasingly important role. Disorders of iron homeostasis occurring in CKD turn the anemia management in those patients into a complex multifactorial therapeutic task, where ESA and Iron dose must be properly balanced to achieve the desired outcome without exposing the patients to the risk of serious adverse events. This review covers diagnostic markers traditionally used for quantifying iron status in CKD patients, such as serum ferritin and transferrin saturation, new ones, such as reticulocyte hemoglobin content and percent hypochromic red cells (HRC), as well as experimental ones, such as hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). Each marker is presented in terms of their diagnostic performance, followed by biological and analytical variability data. Advantages and disadvantages of each marker are briefly discussed. Although serum ferritin and transferrin saturation are easily available, they exhibit large biological variability and require caution when used for diagnosing iron status in CKD patients. Reticulocyte hemoglobin content and the percentage of HRC are more powerful, but their widespread use is hampered by the issue of sample stability in storage. sTfR and hepcidin show promise, but require further investigation as well as the development of standardized, low‐cost assay platforms.
A comparison of ALK gene rearrangement and ALK protein expression in primary lung carcinoma and matched metastasis
Authors: Trejo Bittar Humberto E , Luvison Alyssa , Miller Caitlyn , Dacic Sanja
Published: March 2017

Aims

The 2013 College of American Pathologists, the Association for Molecular Pathology and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer guideline for EGFR and ALK testing in lung carcinoma indicates that either the primary tumour or the metastasis is suitable for testing. The heterogeneity of gene mutations has been studied extensively, while similar reports on gene rearrangements are limited. The aim of this study was to determine if ALK status between primary tumour and matched metastasis differs.

Methods and results

Fifteen ALK fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) rearranged and 19 non‐ALK FISH rearranged adenocarcinomas were collected retrospectively based on availability of tissue from a matched metastatic site. Sixty‐eight samples were tested by ALK FISH (Vysis ALK break‐apart FISH kit) and ALK immunohistochemistry (IHC) (Ventana ALK D5F3 CDx assay). Overall agreement of FISH and IHC was 88%, with IHC showing 100% specificity and 71% sensitivity. Concordance between primary site and metastasis by ALK FISH was seen in 30 cases (88%), and in 32 cases (94%) by ALK IHC. Five discordant cases were found (15%). Three ALK FISH discordant cases had low percentage of ALK FISH‐positive tumour cells (average 23%, range: 18–31%) and all were negative by ALK IHC. One IHC discordant case had a high percentage of ALK FISH‐positive tumour cells (67%), and was ALK IHC‐negative. One FISH discordant case showed ALK FISH‐ and ALK IHC‐positive primary tumour, but ALK FISH‐ and ALK IHC‐negative metastasis.

Conclusions

ALK FISH results show more frequent discordances between primary tumour and matched metastases than ALK IHC, due probably to technical challenges and sample quality. This observation indicates that the quality of sample and technical expertise of the laboratory should guide the decision about ALK testing in clinical practice.
An efficient detection method for the red‐listed beetle Acanthocinus griseus based on attractant‐baited traps
Authors: Cocoş Dragoş , Etxebeste Iñaki , Schroeder Martin
Published: March 2017

Many insect species that depend on dead wood (saproxylic) are difficult to detect because of their concealed life‐style, small size and camouflage. This limits available information and thus poses problems when assessing their conservation status. Thus, more efficient detection methods are required for more accurate red‐list classifications.

The aim of this study was to develop an efficient method for detecting the red‐listed saproxylic beetle Acanthocinus griseus, through experiments with multifunnel traps baited with different potential attractants and placed in various types of forest stands in Sweden.

Acanthocinus griseus was strongly attracted to the bark beetle pheromones ipsdienol and ipsenol. Catches were almost four times higher in fresh clear‐cuts than in pine stands, and about two times higher than in old clear‐cuts. Catches in old clear‐cuts increased when the monoterpene α‐pinene was added to bark beetle pheromones. The flight period of A. griseus extended from June to August.

Acanthocinus griseus has been previously considered a rare species. However, this study with attractant‐baited traps doubled the total number of records of the species on the Swedish mainland in just two seasons and tripled the number of observed or caught adults, demonstrating that it should not be considered rare in the studied region.
Influence of continuous rotation or reciprocation of Optimum Torque Reverse motion on cyclic fatigue resistance of nickel‐titanium rotary instruments
Authors: Pedullà E. , Corsentino G. , Ambu E. , Rovai F. , Campedelli F. , Rapisarda S. , La Rosa G. R. , Rapisarda E. , Grandini S.
Published: March 2017

Aim

To evaluate the resistance to cyclic fatigue of ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), Revo‐S (Micro‐Mega, Besançon, France), Mtwo (Sweden & Martina, Padova, Italy), Twisted Files (TF, SybronEndo, Orange, CA, USA) and EndoWave (J Morita Corporation, Osaka, Japan) used in continuous rotation or in reciprocation of Optimum Torque Reverse motion (OTR).

Methodology

A total of 120 nickel‐titanium files were tested. Twenty‐four instruments for each brand were divided into two groups (n = 12) on the basis of the motion tested: continuous rotation (Group 1) or reciprocation of OTR motion (Group 2). Resistance to cyclic fatigue was determined by recording time to fracture (TtF) in a stainless steel artificial canal with a 60° angle of curvature and 5 mm radius of curvature. The TtF data were analysed by using two‐way analysis of variance (anova) and Bonferroni's post hoc tests at 0.05.

Results

Mtwo and TF had significantly higher TtF when compared with all other instruments, both in continuous rotation and in reciprocation of OTR motion (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05, respectively). No difference was observed between Mtwo and TF (P > 0.05), in both motions. PTN was associated with higher cyclic fatigue resistance than Revo‐S and EndoWave, both in continuous rotation and in reciprocation of OTR motions (P < 0.0001). No difference was observed between Revo‐S and EndoWave, in both motions (P > 0.05). Reciprocating OTR motion improved TtF of all instruments (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Reciprocation of OTR motion improved significantly cyclic fatigue resistance of all instruments tested compared with continuous rotation. Mtwo and TF had significantly higher cyclic fatigue than the other instruments, in both continuous rotation and reciprocation of OTR motion.
IRX3 is a genetic modifier for birth weight, adolescent obesity and transaminase metabolism
Authors: Liu C. , Chu C. , Zhang J. , Wu D. , Xu D. , Li P. , Chen Y. , Liu B. , Pei L. , Zhang L. , Liu S. , Qi T. , Lou X.‐Y. , Li L.
Published: March 2017

Objective

IRX3 expression has been functionally associated in obesity‐associated long‐distance susceptibility loci, but the effect of the IRX3 genetic variants on human obesity and obesity‐related metabolism remains uncertain.

Methods

To determine the genetic role of IRX3, we conducted a molecular epidemiological analysis using three haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs8053360, rs3751723 and rs12445085) and one nonsynonymous SNP (rs1126960) at the IRX3 locus in 333 junior and senior high school students from a northeast Chinese population.

Results

We identified significant associations between IRX3 SNPs and birth weight, body mass index (BMI), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and AST/ALT ratio. The rs8053360 CC and rs1126960 GG genotypes were associated with increased birth weight and BMI, especially in females. Individuals with the rs12445085 TT genotype had significantly higher levels of AST and ALT, whereas individuals with the rs1126960 GG genotype had a significantly lower AST/ALT ratio than did individuals with other genotypes. However, no significant relationships were found between any of the IRX3 SNPs and metabolic syndrome or diabetes.

Conclusions

IRX3 genetic variants associate with birth weight, BMI and AST/ALT‐related transaminase metabolism, supporting the role of IRX3 as an obesity‐associated susceptibility gene.
Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha inhibits differentiation of myogenic cells in human urethral rhabdosphincter
Authors: Shinohara Mayuka , Sumino Yasuhiro , Sato Fuminori , Kiyono Tohru , Hashimoto Naohiro , Mimata Hiromitsu
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To examine the inhibitory effects of tumor necrosis factor‐α on myogenic differentiation of human urethral rhabdosphincter cells.

Methods

A rhabdosphincter sample was obtained from a patient who underwent total cystectomy. To expand the lifespan of the primary cultured cells, rhabdosphincter myogenic cells were immortalized with mutated cyclin‐dependent kinase 4, cyclin D1 and telomerase. The differential potential of the cells was investigated. The transfected human rhabdosphincter cells were induced for myogenic differentiation with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor‐α and/or the tumor necrosis factor‐α antagonist etanercept at different concentrations, and activation of signaling pathways was monitored.

Results

Human rhabdosphincter cells were selectively cultured for at least 40 passages. Molecular analysis confirmed the expression of myosin heavy chain, which is a specific marker of differentiated muscle cells, significantly increased after differentiation induction. Although tumor necrosis factor‐α treatment reduced the myosin heavy chain expression in a concentration‐dependent manner, etanercept inhibited this suppression. Tumor necrosis factor‐α suppressed phosphorylation of protein kinase B and p38, whereas etanercept pretreatment promoted phosphorylation and myosin heavy chain expression in a concentration‐dependent manner.

Conclusions

Tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibits differentiation of urethral rhabdosphincter cells in part through the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase pathways. Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor‐α might be a useful strategy to treat stress urinary incontinence.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators for Primary Prevention of Mortality in Patients With Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: STAVRAKIS STAVROS , ASAD ZAIN , REYNOLDS DWIGHT
Published: March 2017

ICD for Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy

Background

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) improve survival in patients with heart failure due to ischemic cardiomyopathy, but their benefit in nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) has been recently questioned. We performed a meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials to examine the effect of ICDs on total mortality and arrhythmic death in patients with NICM. We also examined the impact of age and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on the relative effect of ICD compared to control.

Methods and Results

We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for randomized trials evaluating the effect of ICD versus control in patients with NICM. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. Six trials involving 2,967 patients were included (ICD, n = 1,553; control, n = 1,414). Based on the pooled estimate across the six studies, the use of ICD was associated with a significant reduction in total mortality (HR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.66–0.92; P = 0.003), as well as arrhythmic death (HR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.29–0.71; P = 0.0005) compared to control. ICD decreased total mortality in younger patients compared to control (HR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.46–0.86; P = 0.004), but not in older patients (HR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.56–1.68; P = 0.92). In patients with CRT, ICD reduced total mortality compared to control (HR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.65–0.95; P = 0.02), but not in patients with CRT (HR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.40–1.26).

Conclusions

ICDs decrease total mortality and arrhythmic deaths in patients with NICM. The benefit of ICD appears to be dependent on age and concomitant use of CRT.
Ablation of Complex Fractionated Electrograms With or Without ADditional LINEar Lesions for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (The ADLINE Trial)
Authors: AMMAR‐BUSCH SONIA , BOURIER FELIX , REENTS TILKO , SEMMLER VERENA , TELISHEVSKA MARTA , KATHAN SUSANNE , HOFMANN MONIKA , HESSLING GABRIELE , DEISENHOFER ISABEL
Published: March 2017

Linear Ablation for AF

Background

For persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, different strategies including complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) ablation and linear lesions (LL) have been used in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, it is still a matter of debate if extended substrate modification improves long‐term outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the benefit of LL in addition to PVI and CFAE ablation regarding freedom from arrhythmia recurrence in patients with persistent AF.

Methods

The study was a prospective randomized trial including 90 patients with persistent and longstanding persistent AF. All patients underwent PVI and CFAE ablation. If AF did not terminate to atrial tachycardia (AT) or sinus rhythm, patients were randomized to direct current cardioversion (Group 1; n = 45) or LL (Group 2; n = 45). Primary endpoint was freedom from any atrial arrhythmia off antiarrhythmic drugs at 12 months. (NCT02059369)

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups with more than half of the patients having structural heart disease. The primary endpoint was reached in 37% in Group 1 (G1) and 16% in Group 2 (G2; P = 0.03). After a total number of 1.4 ± 0.5 (G1) versus 1.7 ± 0.4 (G2; P = 0.01) procedures, freedom from any arrhythmia was reached in 54% in G1 and 65% in G2 (P = 0.35).

Conclusion

In persistent AF ablation, LL in addition to PVI and CFAE show a significantly lower success rate after a single procedure compared to PVI and CFAE. Following LL, significantly more patients needed a reablation to reach a similar success rate during a 12‐month follow‐up.
Digital Workflow for Fixed Implant Rehabilitation of an Extremely Atrophic Edentulous Mandible in Three Appointments
Authors: Papaspyridakos Panos , Rajput Neha , Kudara Yukio , Weber Hans‐Peter
Published: March 2017

Objective

To present a rationale to reduce treatment complexity, number of surgeries, and overall treatment time for patients with extreme mandibular ridge deficiency.

Clinical Considerations

A 67‐year‐old fully edentulous male presented with a chief complaint of poor retention and stability of the mandibular complete denture with consequent discomfort and inability to chew. A novel 3‐appointment protocol from guided implant placement to definitive prosthesis delivery was implemented. At the first appointment, a guided surgery protocol with the All‐on‐4 concept was used in the mandible. Implant placement was followed by immediate loading with a fixed provisional prosthesis providing the patient with immediate function. Final impression, cast verification and articulation, determination of VDO, and interocclusal records were obtained in the same appointment. In the second appointment, the framework try‐in was performed and a pick‐up impression was taken after a new CR record. The third appointment included the delivery of the final screw‐retained, one‐piece, full‐arch prosthesis opposed by a maxillary complete denture.

Conclusion

This expedited protocol allows for implant placement with a surgical template generated from preoperative virtual planning of the implants and the CAD/CAM prosthodontic rehabilitation using a digital workflow. The patient was satisfied with the esthetic and functional outcome and was enrolled into a 6‐month recall program.

Clinical Significance

This article describes an expedited protocol illustrating a digital workflow for full arch implant rehabilitation of the extremely atrophic mandible. Flapless implant placement with a surgical template generated from virtual planning was followed by immediate loading with a fixed prosthesis. Digital impression/digitization of the working cast and CAD/CAM technology were used to mill the definitive prosthesis. From guided surgery to the definitive rehabilitation only three appointments were necessary. This digital workflow can enhance patient acceptance and comfort and serve as an alternative treatment in the indicated clinical scenario. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:178–188, 2017)
Comparison between direct and indirect methods to diagnose malnutrition and cardiometabolic risk in haemodialisys patients
Authors: Balbino K. P. , Epifânio A. P. S. , Ribeiro S. M. R. , da Silva L. D. M. , Gouvea M. G. , Hermsdorff H. H. M.
Published: March 2017

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) by comparing nutritional risk scores with biochemical, anthropometric and body composition variables.

Methods

Eighty‐five individuals [65.9% male, mean (SD) age 62 (14) years] participated in a cross‐sectional study. Global Objective Assessment (GOA) and Modified Global Subjective Assessment (mGSA) scores, as well as biochemical, anthropometric and body composition data, were collected using standardised procedures.

Results

The prevalence of malnutrition ranged from 20.0% (% body fat by electrical bioimpedance) to 95.3% (by GOA), depending on the indicator or score used. According to the waist circumference, 61.2% of the individuals presented abdominal obesity and visceral adipose tissue was excessive in 20% of them. Malnutrition diagnosis by GOA showed the relationship between the anthropometric and body composition indicators, as assessed by the extent that the ratings of risk nutritional/mild malnutrition and mainly moderate malnutrition were accompanied by a significant decrease in nutritional status and body composition variables. However, with respect to categories of mGSA, no statistically significant differences were observed for nutritional status and body composition variables. In the receiver operator characteristic curve analyses, mGSA and GOA were good indicators for diagnosing malnutrition because both achieved an AUC > 0.5.

Conclusions

mGSA and GOA were more sensitive with respect to identifying individuals at nutritional risk compared to the isolated anthropometric indicators, thus indicating their utility in diagnostic malnutrition. However, individuals at high nutritional risk also presented cardiometabolic risk, as diagnosed mainly by central fat indicators, suggesting the application of both malnutrition and cardiometabolic risk markers in HD patients.
New mechanisms for pain: From neurons to glia; from spinal cord to cortex
Authors: Zhuo Min
Published: March 2017

This is the Preface for the special article series “Pain”.

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13799.
A Labor Capital Asset Pricing Model
Authors: KUEHN LARS‐ALEXANDER , SIMUTIN MIKHAIL , WANG JESSIE JIAXU
Published: March 2017

We show that labor search frictions are an important determinant of the cross‐section of equity returns. Empirically, we find that firms with low loadings on labor market tightness outperform firms with high loadings by 6% annually. We propose a partial equilibrium labor market model in which heterogeneous firms make dynamic employment decisions under labor search frictions. In the model, loadings on labor market tightness proxy for priced time‐variation in the efficiency of the aggregate matching technology. Firms with low loadings are more exposed to adverse matching efficiency shocks and require higher expected stock returns.
Social Capital, Trust, and Firm Performance: The Value of Corporate Social Responsibility during the Financial Crisis
Authors: LINS KARL V. , SERVAES HENRI , TAMAYO ANE
Published: March 2017

During the 2008–2009 financial crisis, firms with high social capital, as measured by corporate social responsibility (CSR) intensity, had stock returns that were four to seven percentage points higher than firms with low social capital. High‐CSR firms also experienced higher profitability, growth, and sales per employee relative to low‐CSR firms, and they raised more debt. This evidence suggests that the trust between a firm and both its stakeholders and investors, built through investments in social capital, pays off when the overall level of trust in corporations and markets suffers a negative shock.
Trader Leverage and Liquidity
Authors: KAHRAMAN BIGE , TOOKES HEATHER E.
Published: March 2017

Does trader leverage drive equity market liquidity? We use the unique features of the margin trading system in India to identify a causal relationship between traders’ ability to borrow and a stock's market liquidity. To quantify the impact of trader leverage, we employ a regression discontinuity design that exploits threshold rules that determine a stock's margin trading eligibility. We find that liquidity is higher when stocks become eligible for margin trading and that this liquidity enhancement is driven by margin traders’ contrarian strategies. Consistent with downward liquidity spirals due to deleveraging, we also find that this effect reverses during crises.
Income Insurance and the Equilibrium Term Structure of Equity
Authors: MARFÈ ROBERTO
Published: March 2017

Output, wages, and dividends feature term structures of variance ratios that are respectively flat, increasing, and decreasing. Income insurance from shareholders to workers explains these term structures. Risk‐sharing smooths wages but only concerns transitory risk and hence enhances short‐run dividend risk. As a result, actual labor‐share variation largely forecasts the risk, premium, and slope of dividend strips. A simple general equilibrium model in which labor rigidity affects dividend dynamics and the price of short‐run risk reconciles standard asset pricing facts with the term structures of the equity premium, volatility, and macroeconomic variables, which are at odds in leading models.
Variation in growth rate, carbon assimilation, and photosynthetic efficiency in response to nitrogen source and concentration in phytoplankton isolated from upper San Francisco Bay
Authors: Berg Gry Mine , Driscoll Sara , Hayashi Kendra , Ross Melissa , Kudela Raphael
Published: March 2017

Six species of phytoplankton recently isolated from upper San Francisco Bay were tested for their sensitivity to growth inhibition by ammonium (NH4+), and for differences in growth rates according to inorganic nitrogen (N) growth source. The quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was a sensitive indicator of NH4+ toxicity, manifested by a suppression of Fv/Fm in a dose‐dependent manner. Two chlorophytes were the least sensitive to NH4+ inhibition, at concentrations of >3,000 μmoles NH4+ · L−1, followed by two estuarine diatoms that were sensitive at concentrations >1,000 μmoles NH4+ · L−1, followed lastly by two freshwater diatoms that were sensitive at concentrations between 200 and 500 μmoles NH4+ · L−1. At non‐inhibiting concentrations of NH4+, the freshwater diatom species grew fastest, followed by the estuarine diatoms, while the chlorophytes grew slowest. Variations in growth rates with N source did not follow taxonomic divisions. Of the two chlorophytes, one grew significantly faster on nitrate (NO3−), whereas the other grew significantly faster on NH4+. All four diatoms tested grew faster on NH4+ compared with NO3−. We showed that in cases where growth rates were faster on NH4+ than they were on NO3−, the difference was not larger for chlorophytes compared with diatoms. This holds true for comparisons across a number of culture investigations suggesting that diatoms as a group will not be at a competitive disadvantage under natural conditions when NH4+ dominates the total N pool and they will also not have a growth advantage when NO3− is dominant, as long as N concentrations are sufficient.
Patterns of temporal and enemy niche use by a community of leaf cone moths (Caloptilia) coexisting on maples (Acer) as revealed by metabarcoding
Authors: Nakadai Ryosuke , Kawakita Atsushi
Published: March 2017

The diversity of herbivorous insects is often considered a function of host plant diversity. However, recent research has uncovered many examples of closely related herbivores using the same host plant(s), suggesting that partitioning of host plants is not the only mechanism generating diversity. Herbivores sharing hosts may utilize different parts of the same plant, but such resource partitioning is often not apparent; hence, the factors that allow closely related herbivores to coexist are still largely undetermined. We examined whether partitioning of phenology or natural enemies may explain the coexistence of leaf cone moths (Caloptilia; Gracillariidae) associated with maples (Acer; Sapindaceae). Larval activity of 10 sympatric Caloptilia species found on nine maple species was monitored every 2–3 weeks for a total of 13 sampling events, and an exhaustive search for internal parasitoid wasps was conducted using high‐throughput sequencing. Blocking primers were used to facilitate the detection of wasp larvae inside moth tissue. We found considerable phenological overlap among Caloptilia species, with two clear peaks in July and September–October. Coexisting Caloptilia species also had largely overlapping parasitoid communities; a total of 13 chalcid and ichneumon wasp species attacked Caloptilia in a nonspecific fashion at an overall parasitism rate of 46.4%. Although coexistence may be facilitated by factors not accounted for in this study, it appears that niche partitioning is not necessary for closely related herbivores to stably coexist on shared hosts. Co‐occurrence without resource partitioning may provide an additional axis along which herbivorous insects attain increased species richness.
Evolutionary ecology of beta‐lactam gene clusters in animals
Authors: Suring Wouter , Meusemann Karen , Blanke Alexander , Mariën Janine , Schol Tim , Agamennone Valeria , Faddeeva‐Vakhrusheva Anna , Berg Matty P. ,   the 1KITE Basal Hexapod consortium, Brouwer Abraham , van Straalen Nico M. , Roelofs Dick
Published: March 2017

Beta‐lactam biosynthesis was thought to occur only in fungi and bacteria, but we recently reported the presence of isopenicillin N synthase in a soil‐dwelling animal, Folsomia candida. However, it has remained unclear whether this gene is part of a larger beta‐lactam biosynthesis pathway and how widespread the occurrence of penicillin biosynthesis is among animals. Here, we analysed the distribution of beta‐lactam biosynthesis genes throughout the animal kingdom and identified a beta‐lactam gene cluster in the genome of F. candida (Collembola), consisting of isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS), δ‐(L‐α‐aminoadipoyl)‐L‐cysteinyl‐D‐valine synthetase (ACVS), and two cephamycin C genes (cmcI and cmcJ) on a genomic scaffold of 0.76 Mb. All genes are transcriptionally active and are inducible by stress (heat shock). A beta‐lactam compound was detected in vivo using an ELISA beta‐lactam assay. The gene cluster also contains an ABC transporter which is coregulated with IPNS and ACVS after heat shock. Furthermore, we show that different combinations of beta‐lactam biosynthesis genes are present in over 60% of springtail families, but they are absent from genome‐ and transcript libraries of other animals including close relatives of springtails (Protura, Diplura and insects). The presence of beta‐lactam genes is strongly correlated with an euedaphic (soil‐living) lifestyle. Beta‐lactam genes IPNS and ACVS each form a phylogenetic clade in between bacteria and fungi, while cmcI and cmcJ genes cluster within bacteria. This suggests a single horizontal gene transfer event most probably from a bacterial host, followed by differential loss in more recently evolving species.
Molecular ecology studies of species radiations: current research gaps, opportunities and challenges
Authors: de la Harpe Marylaure , Paris Margot , Karger Dirk N. , Rolland Jonathan , Kessler Michael , Salamin Nicolas , Lexer Christian
Published: March 2017

Understanding the drivers and limits of species radiations is a crucial goal of evolutionary genetics and molecular ecology, yet research on this topic has been hampered by the notorious difficulty of connecting micro‐ and macroevolutionary approaches to studying the drivers of diversification. To chart the current research gaps, opportunities and challenges of molecular ecology approaches to studying radiations, we examine the literature in the journalMolecular Ecologyand revisit recent high‐profile examples of evolutionary genomic research on radiations. We find that available studies of radiations are highly unevenly distributed among taxa, with many ecologically important and species‐rich organismal groups remaining severely understudied, including arthropods, plants and fungi. Most studies employed molecular methods suitable over either short or long evolutionary time scales, such as microsatellites or restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq) in the former case and conventional amplicon sequencing of organellar DNA in the latter. The potential of molecular ecology studies to address and resolve patterns and processes around the species level in radiating groups of taxa is currently limited primarily by sample size and a dearth of information on radiating nuclear genomes as opposed to organellar ones. Based on our literature survey and personal experience, we suggest possible ways forward in the coming years. We touch on the potential and current limitations of whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) in studies of radiations. We suggest that WGS and targeted (‘capture’) resequencing emerge as the methods of choice for scaling up the sampling of populations, species and genomes, including currently understudied organismal groups and the genes or regulatory elements expected to matter most to species radiations.
Chironomus riparius (Diptera) genome sequencing reveals the impact of minisatellite transposable elements on population divergence
Authors: Oppold Ann‐Marie , Schmidt Hanno , Rose Marcel , Hellmann Sören Lukas , Dolze Florian , Ripp Fabian , Weich Bettina , Schmidt‐Ott Urs , Schmidt Erwin , Kofler Robert , Hankeln Thomas , Pfenninger Markus
Published: March 2017

Active transposable elements (TEs) may result in divergent genomic insertion and abundance patterns among conspecific populations. Upon secondary contact, such divergent genetic backgrounds can theoretically give rise to classical Dobzhansky–Muller incompatibilities (DMI), thus contributing to the evolution of endogenous genetic barriers and eventually causing population divergence. We investigated differential TE abundance among conspecific populations of the nonbiting midge Chironomus riparius and evaluated their potential role in causing endogenous genetic incompatibilities between these populations. We focussed on a Chironomus‐specific TE, the minisatellite‐like Cla‐element, whose activity is associated with speciation in the genus. Using a newly generated and annotated draft genome for a genomic study with five natural C. riparius populations, we found highly population‐specific TE insertion patterns with many private insertions. A significant correlation of the pairwise FST estimated from genomewide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the FST estimated from TEs is consistent with drift as the major force driving TE population differentiation. However, the significantly higher Cla‐element FST level due to a high proportion of differentially fixed Cla‐element insertions also indicates selection against segregating (i.e. heterozygous) insertions. With reciprocal crossing experiments and fluorescent in situ hybridization of Cla‐elements to polytene chromosomes, we documented phenotypic effects on female fertility and chromosomal mispairings. We propose that the inferred negative selection on heterozygous Cla‐element insertions may cause endogenous genetic barriers and therefore acts as DMI among C. riparius populations. The intrinsic genomic turnover exerted by TEs may thus have a direct impact on population divergence that is operationally different from drift and local adaptation.
Melatonin pretreatment improves gastric mucosal blood flow and maintains intestinal barrier function during hemorrhagic shock in dogs
Authors: Vollmer Christian , Weber Andreas P. M. , Wallenfang Martin , Hoffmann Till , Mettler‐Altmann Tabea , Truse Richard , Bauer Inge , Picker Olaf , Mathes Alexander M.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Melatonin improves hepatic perfusion after hemorrhagic shock and may reduce stress‐induced gastric lesions. This study was designed to investigate whether pretreatment with melatonin may influence gastric mucosal microcirculatory perfusion (μflow), oxygenation (μHbO2), or intestinal barrier function during physiological and hemorrhagic conditions in dogs.

Methods

In a randomized crossover study, five anesthetized foxhounds received melatonin 100 μg kg−1 or vehicle (ethanol 5%) intravenously in the absence or presence of hemorrhagic shock (60 minutes, −20% blood volume). Systemic hemodynamic variables, gastric mucosal perfusion, and oxygenation were recorded continuously; intestinal barrier function was assessed intermittently via xylose absorption.

Results

During hemorrhagic shock, melatonin significantly attenuated the decrease in μflow, compared with vehicle (−19±9 vs −43±10 aU, P<.05), without influence on μHbO2. A significant increase in xylose absorption was detected during hemorrhage in vehicle‐treated dogs, compared with sham‐operated animals (13±2 vs 8±1 relative amounts, P<.05); this was absent in melatonin‐treated animals (6±1 relative amounts). Melatonin did not influence macrocirculation.

Conclusions

Melatonin improves regional blood flow suggesting improved oxygen delivery in gastric mucosa during hemorrhagic shock. This could provide a mechanism for the observed protection of intestinal barrier function in dogs.