bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new framework for analysing automated acoustic species detection data: Occupancy estimation and optimization of recordings post‐processing
Authors: Chambert Thierry , Waddle J. Hardin , Miller David A. W. , Walls Susan C. , Nichols James D.
Published: October 2017

The development and use of automated species detection technologies, such as acoustic recorders, for monitoring wildlife are rapidly expanding. Automated classification algorithms provide cost‐ and time‐effective means to process information‐rich data, but often at the cost of additional detection errors. Appropriate methods are necessary to analyse such data while dealing with the different types of detection errors.

We developed a hierarchical modelling framework for estimating species occupancy from automated species detection data. We explore design and optimization of data post‐processing procedures to account for detection errors and generate accurate estimates. Our proposed method accounts for both imperfect detection and false‐positive errors and utilizes information about both occurrence and abundance of detections to improve estimation.

Using simulations, we show that our method provides much more accurate estimates than models ignoring the abundance of detections. The same findings are reached when we apply the methods to two real datasets on North American frogs surveyed with acoustic recorders.

When false positives occur, estimator accuracy can be improved when a subset of detections produced by the classification algorithm is post‐validated by a human observer. We use simulations to investigate the relationship between accuracy and effort spent on post‐validation, and found that very accurate occupancy estimates can be obtained with as little as 1% of data being validated.

Automated monitoring of wildlife provides opportunity and challenges. Our methods for analysing automated species detection data help to meet key challenges unique to these data and will prove useful for many wildlife monitoring programmes.
Challenges in Patient Enrollment and Retention in Clinical Studies for Alcoholic Hepatitis: Experience of the TREAT Consortium
Authors: Comerford Megan , Lourens Spencer , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Chalasani Naga P. , Sanyal Arun J. , Shah Vijay H. , Kamath Patrick S. , Puri Puneet , Katz Barry P. , Radaeva Svetlana , Crabb David W.
Published: October 2017

The TREAT Consortium has carried out clinical studies on alcoholic hepatitis (AH) for over 4 years. We encountered problems with participant recruitment, retention, and eligibility for specific protocols. To improve our ability to carry out such trials, we reviewed recruitment screening logs, end of study logs, and surveyed study coordinators to learn the reasons for missing patients, why patients declined enrollment, and the number of patients eligible for treatment trials. Associations of the recruited subjects’ demographics with their adherence to follow‐up appointments were examined. Three hundred eight‐seven patients (AH and heavy drinking controls) were enrolled in the observational study, and 55 AH patients were recruited into treatment trials. About half of patients identified with AH could not be recruited; no specific reason could be determined for about two‐thirds of these. Among the patients who gave a reason for not participating, the most common reasons were feeling too sick to participate, desire to concentrate on abstinence, and lack of interest in research. Approximately a quarter of the AH patients met eligibility criteria for treatment trials for moderate or severe AH and we were able to recruit half to two‐thirds of those eligible. Approximately 35% of participants in the observational study returned for both 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up visits. We did not identify biopsychosocial or demographic correlates of retention in the study. This analysis revealed that attempts at recruitment into trials for AH miss some subjects because of structural issues surrounding their hospital admission, and encounter a high rate of patient refusal to participate. Nonetheless, more than half of the patients who met the eligibility criteria for moderate or severe AH were entered into clinical trials. Retention rates for the observational study are relatively low. These findings need to be accounted for in clinical trial design and power analysis.
Comparing pathological complete response rate using oral capecitabine versus infusional 5‐fluorouracil with preoperative radiotherapy in rectal cancer treatment
Authors: Jootun Narotam , Evans Tess , Mak Jackie , Makin Greg , Platell Cameron
Published: October 2017

Background

Infusional 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) has been the standard radiation sensitizer in patients undergoing preoperative long‐course chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer in Australia. Capecitabine (Xeloda) is an oral 5‐FU prodrug of comparable pharmacodynamic activity, currently preferred in place of 5‐FU infusion, its established counterpart in neoadjuvant CRT for rectal cancer. The few studies quantifying pathological complete response (pCR) of Xeloda versus 5‐FU have produced inconsistent results. We reviewed our own data to determine if the rates of pCR of oral capecitabine were non‐inferior to intravenous 5‐FU in patients undergoing neoadjuvant CRT for rectal cancer.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed from a prospectively kept database. Four hundred and fifty‐two patients received preoperative CRT from January 2006 to January 2016. Pelvic radiotherapy was delivered concurrently with capecitabine (n = 42) or infusional 5‐FU (n = 341). The remaining received different chemotherapy regimens. Surgery was performed 6–12 weeks of CRT completion. Pathological responses were assessed using Dworak regression grading score (0–4). Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of local control and recurrence‐free survival.

Results

The proportion of patients who had a tumour regression score of 4 (pCR) after CRT was 4/42 (9.5%) in the capecitabine group and 71/341 (20%) in the infusional 5‐FU group (P = 0.082). pCR was an independent predictor for survival in this group of patients (hazard ratio: 0.002, P = 0.0001, 95% confidence interval: 0.0001–0.027).

Conclusion

The use of capecitabine as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with rectal cancer was associated with a reduced rate of pCR. However this difference did not achieve statistical significance.
Cost‐effective imaging for resectability of liver lesions in colorectal cancer: an economic decision model
Authors: Saing Sopany , Haywood Phil , Duncan Joanna K. , Ma Ning , Cameron Alun L. , Goodall Stephen
Published: October 2017

Background

This study aimed to determine the cost‐effectiveness of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE‐MRI) compared with multiphase CE computed tomography (CE‐CT) scan to characterize suspected liver lesions in patients with known colorectal carcinoma.

Methods

A decision analytic model linking diagnostic accuracy to health outcomes in patients with colorectal carcinoma was constructed. The model assumed that CE‐MRI has superior sensitivity and equivalent specificity to CE‐CT, and patients with a colorectal liver metastasis could be eligible for curative surgery or chemotherapy and palliation. Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis was associated with worse health outcomes (disutility). Cost‐effectiveness was calculated as the incremental cost relative to the incremental benefit, the benefit was estimated using quality‐adjusted life years. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of the results.

Results

The clinical evidence supports increased sensitivity of CE‐MRI compared with CE‐CT (0.943 versus 0.768). CE‐MRI was more effective and more costly than CE‐CT. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was estimated to be $40 548 per quality‐adjusted life year gained. The model is most sensitive to the cost of MRI, cost of palliative treatment and the disutility associated with delayed palliative care. The results were also sensitive to the assumptions made about the clinical algorithm.

Conclusion

The results provide evidence of the potential cost‐effectiveness associated with CE‐MRI for the diagnosis of liver metastases in patients with identified colorectal carcinoma. CE‐MRI can be recommended as cost‐effective provided it replaces CE‐CT and that improved diagnostic accuracy results in earlier, curative, disease management.
Differential effect of the ultra‐low dose and standard estrogen plus dydrogesterone therapy on thrombin generation and fibrinolysis in postmenopausal women
Authors: Piróg Magdalena , Jach Robert , Kacalska‐Janssen Olga
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The objective of this study was to estimate the effects of different doses of oral hormone therapy (HT) on thrombin generation and fibrinolytic activity in postmenopausal women after 12 months of treatment.

Material and methods

Thrombin generation, fibrinolysis activators and inhibitors were determined before and after 12 months of treatment. Participants (180) were assigned (1:1:1) as follows: (1) standard HT group, 17β‐estradiol (1 mg/day) with dydrogesterone (5 mg/day); (2) ultra‐low dose HT group, 17β‐estradiol (0.5 mg/day) with dydrogesterone (2.5 mg/day); (3) control group, no treatment.

Results

The standard HT led to a higher concentration of prothrombin 1 + 2 fragment (by 5.8%) with lower antithrombin activity (by 6.1%). Compared with baseline, we observed a reduction in mean antithrombin activity in the standard HT group and increases in mean levels of prothrombin 1 + 2 fragment in two HT groups. We found decreases after treatment in both standard and ultra‐low dose HT groups in plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) activity (−32.4% and −19.6%, respectively) and PAI‐1 antigen (−9.9% and −7.8%, respectively). Intergroup analysis revealed reduction in both mean PAI‐1 activities and PAI‐1 antigen levels in the two treatment groups when compared with the control.

Conclusion

Contrary to the standard estrogen plus dydrogesterone treatment, ultra‐low dose HT revealed positive effects on hemostasis by intensifying fibrinolysis through a decrease in both PAI‐1 activity and antigen levels, and with no impact on thrombin generation.
Obstetrical complications in dichorionic twin pregnancies in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Jonsdottir Fjola , Nilas Lisbeth , Andreasen Kirsten R. , Grinsted Jørgen , Christiansen Michael , Hedley Paula L. , Naver Klara V.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Both women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and women with twin pregnancies have increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of PCOS and maternal androgen levels on the outcome of dichorionic twin pregnancy.

Material and methods

A retrospective study of 360 women with dichorionic twin pregnancies: 72 women with PCOS from a fertility clinic (years 1997–2010) and 288 women without PCOS from a hospital cohort (years 2005–2007). The obstetrical outcome was extracted from Danish National registers and supplemented by patient file data. In all, 65% of the PCOS group had a registered prepregnancy androgen level and these were stratified into normoandrogenic and hyperandrogenic women. The groups were compared by multiple regression analysis adjusting for mode of conception and prepregnancy body mass index.

Results

We found no overall impact of PCOS on the pregnancy outcome; the risks of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm delivery were comparable within the groups. However, five deliveries in the PCOS group compared with two in the control group occurred before gestational week 28. No difference in the obstetrical outcome between hyperandrogenic and normoandrogenic women was found. The body mass index in the PCOS population was lower than in the non‐PCOS, possibly reflecting a higher socioeconomic status and a healthier lifestyle, which may underestimate the impact of a PCOS diagnosis.

Conclusion

Neither PCOS nor maternal androgen levels confer additional risks to the outcome of dichorionic twin pregnancies of normal weight women.
Distance, environmental and substrate factors impacting recovery of bryophyte communities after harvesting
Authors: Baker Thomas P. , Jordan Gregory J. , Fountain‐Jones Nicholas M. , Balmer Jayne , Dalton Patrick J. , Baker Susan C.
Published: October 2017

Aims

Bryophyte re‐colonization after disturbance is largely governed by environmental conditions within disturbed forests. In particular, distance to a forest edge is an important predictor of bryophyte community re‐colonization, through either direct constraints, such as dispersal limitation, or indirectly by altering environmental conditions. This study examines a range of factors – environmental, distance to an edge, substrate specific environment or local‐level environment – to determine which are important in the re‐colonization of bryophyte communities after forest harvesting. As bryophyte communities vary with the particular substrate inhabited, responses were examined across four substrates (rock, exposed roots, ground and CWD).

Location

Tasmanian southern forests, Australia.

Methods

Bryophyte composition was examined on four substrates (ground, coarse wood debris, exposed roots, rocks) within three ages (~7, ~27 and ~45 years post‐disturbance) of harvested wet eucalypt forest. Re‐colonization success of bryophyte communities was determined by comparing communities in regeneration forest to mature forest communities using axis scores from one‐dimensional constrained ordination. The importance of various environmental conditions for re‐colonization success was then modelled. Finally, path analysis was used to determine whether the impact of distance to a forest edge was meditated through its effects on key environmental variables.

Results

Multiple environmental factors impacted re‐colonization of mature bryophyte communities. Local‐level conditions such as microclimate (temperature, humidity and VPD) and LAI were the most important in determining re‐colonization across substrates. Path analysis showed that distance to a forest edge had a significant impact on re‐colonization success, but only a relatively small part of this was mediated through its impact on environmental factors.

Conclusions

Bryophyte re‐colonization is driven by a combination of microclimate conditions and factors related to distance from a forest edge (most likely dispersal distance). While some substrate‐specific factors impact bryophyte re‐colonization success, the consistent impact of local environmental factors across substrates suggests that harvesting management strategies that develop more ‘mature’ microclimate conditions and increase proximity to nearby mature forest patches will be beneficial for all bryophytes communities. As bryophyte re‐colonization was correlated with temporally dynamic environmental conditions, we suggest that forest age needs to be considered in future work.
Adulteration of proprietary Chinese medicines and health products with undeclared drugs: experience of a tertiary toxicology laboratory in Hong Kong
Authors: Ching Chor Kwan , Chen Sammy Pak Lam , Lee Hencher Han Chih , Lam Ying Hoo , Ng Sau Wah , Chen Mo Lung , Tang Magdalene Huen Yin , Chan Suzanne Suk San , Ng Candy Wai Yan , Cheung Jana Wing Lan , Chan Tina Yee Ching , Lau Nike Kwai Cheung , Chong Yeow Kuan , Mak Tony Wing Lai
Published: October 2017

Aims

Proprietary Chinese medicines (pCMs) and health products, generally believed to be natural and safe, are gaining popularity worldwide. However, the safety of pCMs and health products has been severely compromised by the practice of adulteration. The current study aimed to examine the problem of adulteration of pCMs and health products in Hong Kong.

Methods

The present study was conducted in a tertiary referral clinical toxicology laboratory in Hong Kong. All cases involving the use of pCMs or health products, which were subsequently confirmed to contain undeclared adulterants, from 2005 to 2015 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 404 cases involving the use of 487 adulterated pCMs or health products with a total of 1234 adulterants were identified. The adulterants consisted of approved drugs, banned drugs, drug analogues and animal thyroid tissue. The six most common categories of adulterants detected were nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (17.7%), anorectics (15.3%), corticosteroids (13.8%), diuretics and laxatives (11.4%), oral antidiabetic agents (10.0%) and erectile dysfunction drugs (6.0%). Sibutramine was the most common adulterant (n = 155). The reported sources of these illicit products included over‐the‐counter drug stores, the internet and Chinese medicine practitioners. A significant proportion of patients (65.1%) had adverse effects attributable to these illicit products, including 14 severe and two fatal cases. Psychosis, iatrogenic Cushing syndrome and hypoglycaemia were the three most frequently encountered adverse effects.

Conclusions

Adulteration of pCMs and health products with undeclared drugs poses severe health hazards. Public education and effective regulatory measures are essential to address the problem.
Clinical Case Seminar: Postmenopausal androgen excess–challenges in diagnostic work‐up and management of ovarian thecosis
Authors: Mamoojee Yaasir , Ganguri Murali , Taylor Norman , Quinton Richard
Published: October 2017

Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism can be tumour‐ or non‐tumour‐related, with pathology residing either in the ovary or adrenal gland(s). The tempo of investigation is determined by the clinical severity of hyperandrogenism (presence/absence of actual virilisation) and degree of serum testosterone elevation. When clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism is severe, rapidly developing, or associated with hypercortisolism, screening for adrenocortical or ovarian carcinoma with cross‐sectional imaging should be prioritised over detailed biochemical evaluation. Adrenal hyperandrogenism is readily characterised, both biochemically and radiologically. By contrast, even a combination of high‐resolution imaging with laboratory evaluation, including dynamic endocrine testing, often cannot distinguish between ovarian hyperthecosis (OH) and virilising ovarian tumour (VOT); a definitive diagnosis usually emerging only after histological examination of excised ovaries. VOTs are typically below the resolution‐limit of current imaging modalities and exhibit suppression of gonadotropin‐dependent androgen secretion with GnRH‐analogue therapy. Thus, for well‐characterised ovarian hyperandrogenism, laparoscopic bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy may serve both as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. Nevertheless, women unable or unwilling to undergo ovarian surgery can be reassured that malignant VOTs are exceedingly rare and that long‐term medical therapy with oral antiandrogens or GnRH‐analogues is safe and well‐tolerated. OH is strongly associated with insulin‐resistance, with hyperinsulinaemia acting synergistically with raised gonadotropin levels to stimulate thecal cell hyperplasia and androgen secretion by the postmenopausal ovary, which lacks granulosa cell aromatase activity and thus cannot convert testosterone to 17 beta estradiol. Thus, features of metabolic syndrome may indicate OH, and significant reductions in androgens can thereby potentially be achieved with lifestyle measures and/or insulin‐sensitising drugs.
Pleomorphic fibroma of the skin with MDM2 immunoreactivity: A potential diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Tashakori Mehrnoosh , Pimentel Jason , Howitt Brooke E. , Sanchez Jessica , Michalowski Susan , Chitale Dhananjay , Ormsby Adrian H. , Williamson Sean R.
Published: October 2017

Pleomorphic fibroma is a rare benign cutaneous neoplasm characterized by spindle‐shaped cells and multinucleated giant cells scattered throughout collagenous stroma. These morphologic features can lead to diagnostic confusion, including atypical lipomatous tumor as one consideration. In contrast to atypical lipomatous tumor, previous studies have found pleomorphic fibroma to be negative for MDM2 immunohistochemical staining and MDM2 gene amplification. Here, we present a case of pleomorphic fibroma of skin with nuclear MDM2 immunoreactivity in the absence of MDM2 gene amplification, underscoring the superiority of fluorescence in situ hybridization as a diagnostic test in this differential diagnosis. The RB1 locus is also explored for differential diagnosis with pleomorphic/spindle cell lipoma and related entities.
An interesting case of pyoderma gangrenosum with immature hystiocytoid neutrophils
Authors: Besner Morin Catherine , Côté Benoit , Belisle Annie
Published: October 2017

We present a unique case of a 36‐year‐old male who developed more than 20 pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) ulcers showing on histopathology a dense inflammatory infiltrate composed of histiocytoid mononuclear immature cells with a strong positivity for myeloperoxidase and Leder stain, suggesting a myeloid lineage in the absence of a concomitant myeloproliferative disorder. Histiocytoid Sweet syndrome (SS) is now recognized as a histological subtype of SS. Although PG and SS belong to the spectrum of neutrophilic diseases, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a “Histiocytoid pyoderma gangrenosum” encompassing immature granulocytes in the absence of leukemia cutis.
Noninvasive diagnosis in dermatology
Authors: Welzel Julia , Schuh Sandra
Published: October 2017

In addition to dermoscopy, there are other imaging and biophysical methods for the noninvasive diagnosis of skin lesions. Confocal laser microscopy allows for high‐resolution imaging of the epidermis and upper dermis. It is particularly suitable in the differential diagnosis of melanocytic lesions. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has a lower resolution compared to confocal laser microscopy but a greater depth of penetration. It is primarily used for imaging epithelial skin cancer, especially in the context of monitoring the effectiveness of nonsurgical therapies. Electrical impedance spectroscopy does not yield cutaneous images but rather provides a score based on the cellular irregularity of the skin. Multispectral analysis involves illumination of the skin with different wavelengths and likewise results in the computation of a score. Both methods are used in the differentiation of dysplastic nevi from melanoma. Other diagnostic imaging and biophysical methods are currently still in the developmental stages.

By increasing the sensitivity and specificity of clinical and dermoscopic findings, the aforementioned methods bring about an improvement in noninvasive diagnosis. They allow for skin lesions to be monitored over time and therapeutic effects to be quantified. Finally, they facilitate early diagnosis of skin cancer, and help avoid unnecessary surgery of benign lesions.
The association of profilin‐1 levels with survival in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Eroglu Eray , Unal Hilmi U. , Guclu Aydin , Kocyigit Ismail , Karaman Murat , Saglam Mutlu , Gezer Mustafa , Tas Ahmet , Zararsiz Gokmen , Eyileten Tayfun , Aydin İbrahim , Oguz Yusuf , Gungor Ozkan , Yilmaz Mahmut I.
Published: October 2017

Background

Profilin‐1 is a ubiquitous, actin‐binding protein that plays an important role in the regulation of actin polymerization and cytoskeleton remodelling and contributes to vascular dysfunction. We conducted this study to investigate the association of serum profilin‐1 levels with fatal and nonfatal CVE in a cohort of patients with stage 1‐5 CKD.

Materials and methods

Serum concentrations of profilin‐1 levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation (flow‐mediated dilatation [FMD]) and endothelium‐independent vasodilatation (nitroglycerine‐mediated dilatation [NMD]) of the brachial artery were assessed noninvasively, using high‐resolution ultrasound.

Results

Both fatal and nonfatal CVE were significantly higher in patients with high profilin‐1 levels. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves showed that patients with profilin‐1 below the median value (114 pg/mL) had higher cumulative survival compared with patients who had profilin‐1 levels above the median value (log‐rank test, P < .001).

Conclusions

This is the first study that demonstrates the serum profilin‐1 is independently associated with endothelial dysfunction, cardiovascular events and survival in patients with CKD.
Mouthguards and their use in sports: Report of the 1st International Sports Dentistry Workshop, 2016
Authors: Lloyd Jeffrey D. , Nakamura Wayne S. , Maeda Yoshinobu , Takeda Tomotaka , Leesungbok Richard , Lazarchik David , Dorney Brett , Gonda Tomoya , Nakajima Kazunori , Yasui Toshikazu , Iwata Yoshihiro , Suzuki Hiroshi , Tsukimura Naoki , Churei Hiroshi , Kwon Kung‐Rock , Choy Melvin M.H. , Rock James B.
Published: October 2017

There appears to be much confusion or misinformation worldwide regarding mouthguards and their use in sports. In an effort to clarify where the international dental community stands on mouthguards and mouthguard research, the workshop looked at some important questions. The goal was to one day formulate consensus statements related to these questions, which will be based on current scientific evidence‐based research, to motivate the international community of the importance of dentally fitted laminated mouthguards and the wearing of them by athletes of all sports. There are only five sports in the United States that require the use of mouthguards. If, through workshops such as this, the importance of wearing dentally fitted laminated mouthguards can be demonstrated, then more sports may require their athletes to wear them.
Relationship between overweight/obesity in the first year of age and traumatic dental injuries in early childhood: Findings from a birth cohort study
Authors: Borges Tássia Silvana , Chaffee Benjamin W. , Kramer Paulo Floriani , Feldens Eliane Gerson , Vítolo Márcia Regina , Feldens Carlos Alberto
Published: October 2017

Background/Aim

The impact of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in the primary dentition on oral health‐related quality of life indicates the need for the planning of prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to assess whether anthropometric characteristics in early life are associated with TDI by preschool age.

Materials and Methods

A birth cohort was recruited from the public healthcare system in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Socio‐demographic variables, type of birth, head circumference, weight, and length were collected at birth (WHO standards). Head circumference, body mass index for age, and height for age were collected at 12 months. TDI (Andreasen criteria) at three years of age (n = 458) were recorded by two examiners who had undergone training and calibration exercises. Multivariable analysis was carried out with Poisson regression with robust variance.

Results

A total of 31.0% of the children (142/458) exhibited TDI at three years of age. In the final model, the risk of TDI was 47% higher among children with a smaller head circumference upon birth and nearly 60% higher among those who were overweight/obese at 12 months of age (RR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.15‐2.17). The risk of TDI was also significantly higher among boys (RR 1.50; 95% CI: 1.13‐2.00), but the outcome was not significantly associated with socioeconomic variables or other anthropometric variables.

Conclusion

Overweight/obesity in early life is a risk factor for TDI in preschool children.
Increasing motor cortex plasticity with spaced paired associative stimulation at different intervals in older adults
Authors: Sidhu Simranjit K. , Pourmajidian Maryam , Opie George M. , Semmler John G.
Published: October 2017

The ability of priming non‐invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to modulate neuroplasticity induction (i.e. metaplasticity) within primary motor cortex (M1) may be altered in older adults. Previous studies in young subjects suggest that consecutive NIBS protocols interact in a time‐dependent manner and involve homoeostatic metaplasticity mechanisms. This was investigated in older adults by assessing the response to consecutive blocks of paired‐associative stimulation (PAS) separated by different inter‐PAS intervals (IPIs). Fifteen older (62–82 years) subjects participated in four sessions, with each session involving two PAS blocks separated by IPIs of 10 (IPI10) or 30 (IPI30) mins. For each IPI, the first (priming) PAS block was either PASLTP (N20 latency + 2 ms) or PASLTD (N20 latency − 10 ms), while the second (test) PAS block was always PASLTP. Changes in M1 excitability were assessed by recording motor evoked potentials from a muscle of the right hand. For both IPIs, the response produced by PASLTD‐primed PASLTP was significantly greater than the response produced by PASLTP‐primed PASLTP. Furthermore, the effects of PASLTD priming on PASLTP were significantly greater for IPI30. These findings suggest that priming PAS can increase plasticity induction in older adults, and this occurs through mechanisms involving homoeostatic metaplasticity. They also demonstrate that the timing between priming and test NIBS is a crucial determinant of this effect, with a 30‐min interval being most effective. Providing a 30‐min delay between priming NIBS and motor training may improve the efficacy of NIBS in augmenting motor performance and learning in the elderly.
Corticosterone regulates both naturally occurring and cocaine‐induced dopamine signaling by selectively decreasing dopamine uptake
Authors: Wheeler Daniel S. , Ebben Amanda L. , Kurtoglu Beliz , Lovell Marissa E. , Bohn Austin T. , Jasek Isabella A. , Baker David A. , Mantsch John R. , Gasser Paul J. , Wheeler Robert A.
Published: October 2017

Stressful and aversive events promote maladaptive reward‐seeking behaviors such as drug addiction by acting, in part, on the mesolimbic dopamine system. Using animal models, data from our laboratory and others show that stress and cocaine can interact to produce a synergistic effect on reward circuitry. This effect is also observed when the stress hormone corticosterone is administered directly into the nucleus accumbens (NAc), indicating that glucocorticoids act locally in dopamine terminal regions to enhance cocaine's effects on dopamine signaling. However, prior studies in behaving animals have not provided mechanistic insight. Using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry, we examined the effect of systemic corticosterone on spontaneous dopamine release events (transients) in the NAc core and shell in behaving rats. A physiologically relevant systemic injection of corticosterone (2 mg/kg i.p.) induced an increase in dopamine transient amplitude and duration (both voltammetric measures sensitive to decreases in dopamine clearance), but had no effect on the frequency of transient release events. This effect was compounded by cocaine (2.5 mg/kg i.p.). However, a second experiment indicated that the same injection of corticosterone had no detectable effect on the dopaminergic encoding of a palatable natural reward (saccharin). Taken together, these results suggest that corticosterone interferes with naturally occurring dopamine uptake locally, and this effect is a critical determinant of dopamine concentration specifically in situations in which the dopamine transporter is pharmacologically blocked by cocaine.
Benefits and limitations of animal models in partial bladder outlet obstruction for translational research
Authors: Kitta Takeya , Kanno Yukiko , Chiba Hiroki , Higuchi Madoka , Ouchi Mifuka , Togo Mio , Moriya Kimihiko , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: October 2017

The functions of the lower urinary tract have been investigated for more than a century. Lower urinary tract symptoms, such as incomplete bladder emptying, weak urine stream, daytime urinary frequency, urgency, urge incontinence and nocturia after partial bladder outlet obstruction, is a frequent cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia in aging men. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The use of animal models is absolutely imperative for understanding the pathophysiological processes involved in bladder dysfunction. Surgical induction has been used to study lower urinary tract functions of numerous animal species, such as pig, dog, rabbit, guinea pig, rat and mouse, of both sexes. Several morphological and functional modifications under partial bladder outlet obstruction have not only been observed in the bladder, but also in the central nervous system. Understanding the changes of the lower urinary tract functions induced by partial bladder outlet obstruction would also contribute to appropriate drug development for treating these pathophysiological conditions. In the present review, we discuss techniques for creating partial bladder outlet obstruction, the characteristics of several species, as well as issues of each model, and their translational value.
High‐speed heteroepitaxial growth of 3C‐SiC (111) thick films on Si (110) by laser chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Sun Qingyun , Zhu Peipei , Xu Qingfang , Tu Rong , Zhang Song , Shi Ji , Li Haiwen , Zhang Lianmeng , Goto Takashi , Yan Jiasheng , Li Shusen
Published: October 2017

3C‐SiC (111) thick films were grown on Si (110) substrate via laser chemical vapor deposition (laser CVD) using hexamethyldisilane (HMDS) as precursor and argon (Ar) as dilution gas. The 3C‐SiC (111) polycrystalline films were prepared at deposition temperature (Tdep) of 1423‐1523 K, whereas the 3C‐SiC (111) epitaxial films were obtained at 1573‐1648 K with the thickness of 5.40 to 9.32 μm. The in‐plane relationship was 3C‐SiC [‐1‐12]//Si [001] and 3C‐SiC [‐110]//Si [‐110]. The deposition rates (Rdep) were 16.2‐28.0 μm/h, which are 2 to 100 times higher than that of 3C‐SiC (111) epi‐grown on Si (111) by conventional CVD. The growth mechanism of 3C‐SiC (111) epitaxial films has also been proposed.
Novel insights into electrical transport mechanism in ionic‐polaronic glasses
Authors: Nikolić Juraj , Pavić Luka , Šantić Ana , Mošner Petr , Koudelka Ladislav , Pajić Damir , Moguš‐Milanković Andrea
Published: October 2017

Transformation of electrical transport from ionic to polaronic in glasses, which are a potential class of new cathode materials, has been investigated in four series containing WO3/MoO3 and Li+/Na+ ions, namely: xWO3–(30−0.5x)Li2O–(30−0.5x)ZnO–40P2O5, xWO3–(30−0.5x)Na2O–(30.5x)ZnO–40P2O5, xMoO3–(30−0.5x)Li2O–(30−0.5x)ZnO–40P2O5, and xMoO3–(30−0.5x)Na2O–(30−0.5x)ZnO–40P2O5, 0 ≤ x ≤ 60, (mol%). This study reports a detailed analysis of the role of structural modifications and its implications on the origin of electrical transport in these mixed ionic‐polaron glasses. Raman spectra show the clustering of WO6 units by the formation of W–O–W bonds in glasses with high WO3 content while the coexistence of MoO4 and MoO6 units is evidenced in glasses containing MoO3 with no clustering of MoO6 octahedra. Consequently, DC conductivity of tungstate glasses with either Li+ or Na+ exhibits a transition from ionic to polaronic showing a minimum at about 20‐30 mol% of WO3 as a result of ion‐polaron interactions followed by a sharp increase for six orders of magnitude as WO3 content increases. The formation of WO6 clusters involved in W‐O‐W linkages for tungsten glasses plays a key role in significant increase in DC conductivity. On the other hand, DC conductivity is almost constant for glasses containing MoO3 suggesting an independent ionic and polaronic transport pathways for glasses containing 10‐50 mol% of MoO3.
Cisplatin chemotherapy impairs the peri‐implant bone repair around titanium implants: An in vivo study in rats
Authors: Matheus Henrique Rinaldi , Ervolino Edilson , Faleiros Paula Lazilha , Novaes Vivian Cristina Noronha , Theodoro Leticia Helena , Garcia Valdir Gouveia , de Almeida Juliano Milanezi
Published: October 2017

Aim

The purpose of this study in animals was to evaluate the peri‐implant bone repair against systemic administration of the antineoplastic agent.

Material and methods

We used 84 male rats (Rattus norvegicus, albinus, Wistar), divided into two groups: cisplatin (CIS) and saline solution (SS). The titanium implants were inserted into the right tibia at day 0 in all animals from both groups. Group SS received SS intraperitoneally at 15 and 17 days postoperatively. Group CIS received 5 and 2.5 mg/kg of CIS intraperitoneally at 15 and 17 days postoperatively, respectively. Euthanasia was performed at 22, 30 and 60 days postoperatively. Twenty‐four undecalcified specimens were prepared for histometric analysis of bone/implant contact (BIC). Sixty specimens were selected to bone area (BA) measurement, histological analysis and immunohistochemical analysis of RUNX‐2, osteocalcin (OCN) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). BIC and BA were considered to be the primary outcome parameters.

Results

Group CIS showed lower BIC (11.87 ± 0.97 mm; 19.19 ± 0.8 mm; 17.69 ± 1.05 mm; p ≤ .05) and BA (3.68 ± 1.29 mm2; 3.05 ± 0.88 mm2; 3.23 ± 0.67 mm2; p ≤ .05), as well as decreased number of RUNX‐2 (102.8 ± 27.35 cells/mm2; 100.04 ± 8.61 cells/mm2; 118.82 ± 21.38 cells/mm2; p ≤ .05)‐ and OCN‐positive cells (120 ± 24.5 cells/mm2; 102 ± 27.73 cells/mm2; 100 ± 14.23 cells/mm2; p ≤ .05) at 22, 30 and 60 days, respectively. The animals in group CIS also showed increased number of TRAP‐positive cells (86.8 ± 6.37 cells/mm2; 71.5 ± 4.72 cells/mm2; 92.8 ± 9.52 cells/mm2; p ≤ .05) and a persistent and exacerbated inflammatory response in all experimental periods.

Conclusion

Within the limits of this study, it was concluded that the chemotherapeutic CIS negatively affects the bone repair at peri‐implant areas, jeopardizing the osseointegration of titanium implants.
Healing of two‐wall intra‐bony defects treated with a novel EMD‐liquid—A pre‐clinical study in monkeys
Authors: Shirakata Yoshinori , Miron Richard J. , Shinohara Yukiya , Nakamura Toshiaki , Sena Kotaro , Horai Naoto , Bosshardt Dieter D. , Noguchi Kazuyuki , Sculean Anton
Published: October 2017

Aim

To investigate the effect of a novel enamel matrix derivative formulation (EMD‐liquid or Osteogain) combined with an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) on periodontal wound healing in intra‐bony defects in monkeys.

Materials and Methods

Chronic two‐wall intra‐bony defects were created at the distal aspect of eight teeth in three monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). The 24 defects were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: (i) open flap debridement (OFD) + ACS alone, (ii) OFD + Emdogain + ACS (Emdogain/ACS), (iii) OFD + Osteogain + ACS (Osteogain/ACS) or (iv) OFD alone. At 4 months, the animals were euthanized for histologic evaluation.

Results

Osteogain/ACS resulted in more consistent formation of cementum, periodontal ligament and bone with limited epithelial proliferation compared to OFD alone, Emdogain/ACS and OFD + ACS. Among the four treatment groups, the Osteogain/ACS group demonstrated the highest amount of regenerated tissues. However, complete periodontal regeneration was not observed in any of the defects in the four groups.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that in two‐wall intra‐bony defects, reconstructive surgery with Osteogain/ACS appears to be a promising novel approach for facilitating periodontal wound healing/regeneration, thus warranting further clinical testing.
The mechanisms of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell regeneration: A possible communication system associated with vascular endothelial growth factor in liver cells
Authors: MOCHIDA SATOSHI , ISHIKAWA KEIKO , TOSHIMA KEIKO , INAO MIE , IKEDA HITOSHI , MATSUI ATSUSHI , SHIBUYA MASABUMI , FUJIWARA KENJI
Published: October 2017

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to induce proliferation of sinusoidal endothelial cells in primary culture. To elucidate the mechanisms of sinusoidal endothelial cell regeneration in vivo, mRNA expression of VEGF and its receptors, flt‐1 and KDR/flk‐1, were studied in rat livers. Northern blot analysis revealed that VEGF‐mRNA was expressed in hepatocytes immediately after isolation from normal rats. In contrast, non‐parenchymal cells, including sinusoidal endothelial cells, expressed VEGF receptor‐mRNA. Vascular endothelial growth factor‐mRNA expression in hepatocytes was decreased during primary culture, but increased following a peak of DNA synthesis, induced by addition of epidermal growth factor or hepatocyte growth factor to the culture medium at 24 h of plating. In a 70% resected rat liver, VEGF‐mRNA expression increased with a peak at 72 h after the operation, and mRNA expression of VEGF receptors between 72 and 168 h. In such a liver, mitosis was maximal in hepatocytes at 36 h and in sinusoidal endothelial cells at 96 h. Also, mRNA expression of both VEGF and its receptors was significantly increased in carbon tetrachloride‐intoxicated rat liver compared with normal rat liver. Vascular endothelial growth factor expression was minimal in Kupffer cells isolated from normal rats, but marked in activated Kupffer cells and hepatic macrophages from the intoxicated rats. Vascular endothelial growth factor‐mRNA expression was also increased in activated stellate cells from these rats and in the cells activated during primary culture compared with quiescent cells. We conclude that increased levels of VEGF expression in regenerating hepatocytes may contribute to the proliferation of sinusoidal endothelial cells in partially resected rat liver, probably through VEGF receptors up‐regulated on the cells. Also, VEGF derived from activated Kupffer cells, hepatic macrophages and stellate cells may be involved in this proliferation in injured rat liver.
Quality of nursing documentation: Paper‐based health records versus electronic‐based health records
Authors: Akhu‐Zaheya Laila , Al‐Maaitah Rowaida , Bany Hani Salam
Published: October 2017

Aims and objectives

To assess and compare the quality of paper‐based and electronic‐based health records. The comparison examined three criteria: content, documentation process and structure.

Background

Nursing documentation is a significant indicator of the quality of patient care delivery. It can be either paper‐based or organised within the system known as the electronic health records. Nursing documentation must be completed at the highest standards, to ensure the safety and quality of healthcare services. However, the evidence is not clear on which one of the two forms of documentation (paper‐based versus electronic health records is more qualified.

Methods

A retrospective, descriptive, comparative design was used to address the study's purposes. A convenient number of patients’ records, from two public hospitals, were audited using the Cat‐ch‐Ing audit instrument. The sample size consisted of 434 records for both paper‐based health records and electronic health records from medical and surgical wards.

Results

Electronic health records were better than paper‐based health records in terms of process and structure. In terms of quantity and quality content, paper‐based records were better than electronic health records. The study affirmed the poor quality of nursing documentation and lack of nurses’ knowledge and skills in the nursing process and its application in both paper‐based and electronic‐based systems.

Conclusion

Both forms of documentation revealed drawbacks in terms of content, process and structure. This study provided important information, which can guide policymakers and administrators in identifying effective strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of nursing documentation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Policies and actions to ensure quality nursing documentation at the national level should focus on improving nursing knowledge, competencies, practice in nursing process, enhancing the work environment and nursing workload, as well as strengthening the capacity building of nursing practice to improve the quality of nursing care and patients’ outcomes.
Development and initial validation of a clinical measure to assess early symptoms of post‐stroke depression in the acute stroke patient
Authors: Li Jufang , Oakley Linda Denise , Li Yun , Luo Yong
Published: October 2017

Aims and objectives

To evaluate a measure specifically developed to clinically assess early symptoms of poststroke depression (PSD) in acute stroke patients.

Background

Poststroke depression is associated with elevated rates of morbidity and mortality following a mild‐to‐moderate stroke. Measures currently used to assess depression in acute poststroke patients can lack the clinical specificity necessary to detect symptoms within 30 days poststroke.

Design

A two‐round Delphi design was used to estimate symptom consensus.

Methods

Three panels, healthcare professionals (N = 74), experts (N = 16) and acute poststroke patients (N = 40), evaluated an initial set of symptom‐items systematically developed by the research team.

Results

Our study yielded consensus for 29 symptom‐items. Additional symptoms recommended by acute poststroke patients increased the final number of symptoms to 35.

Conclusions

We developed a specific measure of early symptoms of PSD in acute stroke patients with good content validity.

Relevance to clinical practice

The specific clinical relevance of our findings lies in the consensus of health professionals, the Delphi panel and patients regarding core areas of clinical assessment during the acute poststroke phase. And our findings may draw attention to the need to assess and treat acute stroke patients with early symptoms of PSD.
Swallowing disorders and 1‐year functional decline in community‐dwelling older adults receiving home care
Authors: Takeuchi K. , Furuta M. , Okabe Y. , Suma S. , Takeshita T. , Akifusa S. , Adachi M. , Kinoshita T. , Kikutani T. , Yamashita Y.
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of swallowing disorders on functional decline in community‐dwelling older adults receiving home care. This was a 1‐year follow‐up survey of 176 individuals ≥60 years living at home and receiving homecare services, without total dependence in basic daily living activities, in two mid‐sized municipalities in Fukuoka, Japan. Functional decline was measured using the Barthel index (BI), and the primary outcome was total dependence in basic daily living activities (BI ≤ 20 points). Swallowing function was assessed using cervical auscultation, and the primary predictor was swallowing disorders. Logistic regression models were used to assess univariate and multivariate associations between baseline swallowing function and functional decline during follow‐up. During follow‐up 16 (9.1%), the participants became totally dependent in basic daily living activities. The participants with swallowing disorders had 6.41 times higher odds of total dependence in basic daily living activities compared to participants with normal swallowing function. After adjusting for potential confounders, swallowing disorders were significantly associated with higher odds of total dependence in basic daily living activities (odds ratio = 5.21, 95% confidence interval = 1.33‐20.44). Regarding swallowing disorders, the corresponding population attributable fraction (%) of the incidence of total dependence in basic daily living activities was 50.4%. The current findings demonstrated that swallowing disorders were associated with greater risk of functional decline in basic daily living activities among older adults living at home and receiving home nursing care. Maintenance and improvement of swallowing function may prevent late‐life functional decline.