bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does geographic context influence employability‐motivated volunteering? The role of area‐level material insecurity and urbanicity
Authors: Chum Antony , Carpenter Sara , Farrell Eddie , Mook Laurie , Handy Femida , Schugurensky Daniel , Quarter Jack
Published: March 2015

There is a growing public discourse that volunteering increases the likelihood of finding a better job because it improves social and human capital. While previous studies have largely treated volunteers' motivations as individualistically determined, contextual determinants of volunteers' motivations are relatively neglected. The purpose of this study is to understand the individual and contextual characteristics in which individuals are more likely to volunteer as a means of improving their employability. Using a random sample of 768 volunteers across Canada, we estimate the independent effects of a) municipal‐level material insecurity, b) urbanicity, and c) individual characteristics on the odds of “volunteering to improve employability.” Our findings show that living in municipalities with high economic insecurity and in urban settings independently increases the odds of volunteering to improve employability. Our study points to evidence of model misspecification, by omission of unobserved geographical covariates, in previous studies of volunteers' motivations.
Human rights of children with intellectual disabilities: comparing self‐ratings and proxy ratings
Authors: Huus K. , Granlund M. , Bornman J. , Lygnegård F.
Published: March 2015

Background

A child rights‐based approach to research articulates well with Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and highlights the importance and value of including children's own views about aspects that concern them. The aim of this study is to compare children with intellectual disability's own ratings (as self‐raters) to those of their primary caregivers (as proxy raters) regarding human rights of children. The study also aims to establish whether there is an inter‐rater agreement between the self‐raters and proxy raters concerning Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Method

This study is nested in a larger study examining the human rights of children with intellectual disability in South Africa. In total, 162 children with intellectual disability from 11 schools across three provinces and their primary caregivers participated by answering parts of a Children's Rights Questionnaire (CRQ) developed by the researchers based on the United Nation's CRC. We compared the answers for six questions in the questionnaire that were addressed to self‐raters (children) and proxy raters (primary caregivers) in the same way.

Results

Questions regarding basic needs, such as access to clean water or whether the child had food to eat at home, were answered similarly by self‐raters and proxy raters. Larger differences were found when self‐raters and proxy raters were asked about whether the child had things or friends to play with at home. Socio‐economic variables seemed to affect whether self‐raters and proxy raters answered similarly.

Conclusion

The results underscore the importance of promoting children's rights to express themselves by considering the opinions of both the children as self‐raters and their primary caregivers as proxy raters – not only the latter. The results indicate that it is especially important to include children's own voices when more complex needs are surveyed. Agreement between self‐ and proxy ratings could be affected by socio‐economic circumstances.
Changing prevalence of wheeze, rhinitis and allergic sensitisation in late childhood: findings from 2 Isle of Wight birth cohorts 12 years apart
Authors: Patil V. K. , Kurukulaaratchy R. J. , Venter C. , Grundy J. , Roberts G. , Dean T. , Arshad S. H.
Published: March 2015

Background

While the prevalence of asthma in children is decreasing or remaining the same, time trends in the prevalence of rhinitis in children are not known. Understanding sensitisation trends may help inform about trends in asthma and rhinitis prevalence.

Objective

To assess time trends of wheeze, rhinitis and aero‐allergen sensitisation prevalence at 10 years of age, we compared two birth cohorts established 12 years apart. To gain insight into differences in disease prevalence, we assessed association of family history, early life exposures and sensitisation with wheeze and rhinitis in each cohort.

Methods

The IoW (Isle of Wight) and FAIR (Food Allergy and Intolerance Research) unselected birth cohorts were established in 1989 and 2001 respectively in IoW. Identical ISAAC questionnaire and skin prick test data were collected and compared at 10 years of age.

Results

Over the 12‐year period from 2001 to 2012, prevalence of lifetime wheeze, current wheeze and those ever treated for asthma decreased by 15.9% (45.5 vs. 29.6, P < 0.001), 3.9% (18.9 vs. 15, P = 0.020) and 8.2% (31.7 vs. 23.5, P = 0.001), respectively. Conversely, current rhinitis and lifetime rhinitis prevalence increased by 5.5% (22.6 vs. 28.1, P = 0.004) and 13% (18.6 vs. 31.7, P < 0.001), respectively. Atopic status remained stable; however, house dust mite (HDM) sensitisation decreased by 5.6% (19.2 vs. 13.6, P = 0.004) and grass sensitisation increased by 3.5% (12.9 vs. 16.4, P = 0.054). Male sex, parental history of asthma and HDM sensitisation were significantly associated with lifetime wheeze in both cohorts, while maternal smoking during pregnancy was a significant risk factor only in the earlier IoW cohort. Parental history of rhinitis and grass sensitisation was significantly associated with lifetime rhinitis in both cohorts, while HDM sensitisation was significant only for the IoW cohort.

Conclusion

Contrasting changes were noted with falling wheeze and HDM sensitisation but rising rhinitis and grass sensitisation prevalence. Changing prevalence of aero‐allergen sensitisations may explain the different time trends observed in these cohorts.
First surgery for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours in a patient with MEN1: enucleation versus disease‐modifying surgery
Authors: Harper Simon , Harrison Barney
Published: March 2015

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) are the second most common manifestation of MEN1, affecting up to 80% of patients. The secretion of peptide hormones by PNETs causes clinical syndromes requiring therapeutic intervention. Malignant progression of PNETs is a leading cause of mortality in patients with MEN1. The goal of surgery, when required, is to alleviate a biochemical syndrome or to treat established tumour(s) to reduce the risk of local progression or metastases against the background of preservation of pancreatic function. Determining the need and optimum timing for an operative intervention is complex and requires an approach individualized for each patient. When a clinically significant biochemical syndrome is confirmed, the time course to surgery is clear. In patients with a potentially malignant PNET, the decision as to when to intervene is more challenging. In all cases surgical treatment carries the potential for harm, of more than usual concern because many of the patients are young. In this study, we explain an approach to the surgical treatment of MEN1 patients with biochemical or radiological evidence of PNETs where other manifestations of the syndrome are either treated or controlled and the patient lacks comorbidity that would preclude pancreatic surgery. In each scenario we present, a normal serum gastrin will be assumed as the surgical approach to this usually duodenal manifestation of MEN1 is significantly different to the management of other PNETs.
New insights into Brunner syndrome and potential for targeted therapy
Authors: Palmer E.E. , Leffler M. , Rogers C. , Shaw M. , Carroll R. , Earl J. , Cheung N.W. , Champion B. , Hu H. , Haas S.A. , Kalscheuer V.M. , Gecz J. , Field M.
Published: March 2015

We report two families with Brunner syndrome living in one state of Australia. The first family had a predicted protein‐truncating variant of monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) (p.S251KfsX2). Affected males had mild intellectual disability (ID), obsessive behaviour, limited friendships and were introverted and placid during clinical interview. The family disclosed episodic explosive aggression after a diagnosis was made. The second family had a missense variant in MAOA (p.R45W). Affected males had borderline‐mild ID, attention deficit disorder and limited friendships. One had a history of explosive aggression in childhood and episodic symptoms of flushing, headaches and diarrhoea. Their carrier mother had normal intelligence but similar episodic symptoms. Characteristic biochemical abnormalities included high serum serotonin and urinary metanephrines and low urinary 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA). Symptomatic individuals in the second family had particularly high serotonin levels, and treatment with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and dietary modification resulted in reversal of biochemical abnormalities, reduction of ‘serotonergic’ symptoms and behavioural improvement. Brunner syndrome should be considered as a cause of mild ID with paroxysmal behavioural symptoms. It can be screened for with serum/urine metanephrine and serotonin measurement. Cautious treatment with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, dietary modifications and avoidance of medications contraindicated in patients on monoamine oxidase inhibitors can improve symptoms.
A Survey of Physically Based Simulation of Cuts in Deformable Bodies
Authors: Wu Jun , Westermann Rüdiger , Dick Christian
Published: March 2015

Virtual cutting of deformable bodies has been an important and active research topic in physically based modelling and simulation for more than a decade. A particular challenge in virtual cutting is the robust and efficient incorporation of cuts into an accurate computational model that is used for the simulation of the deformable body. This report presents a coherent summary of the state of the art in virtual cutting of deformable bodies, focusing on the distinct geometrical and topological representations of the deformable body, as well as the specific numerical discretizations of the governing equations of motion. In particular, we discuss virtual cutting based on tetrahedral, hexahedral and polyhedral meshes, in combination with standard, polyhedral, composite and extended finite element discretizations. A separate section is devoted to meshfree methods. Furthermore, we discuss cutting‐related research problems such as collision detection and haptic rendering in the context of interactive cutting scenarios. The report is complemented with an application study to assess the performance of virtual cutting simulators.
Associations of Resonance Frequency Analysis with Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Dental Implant Systems
Authors: Kim Do‐Gyoon , Kwon Hyun‐Jung , Jeong Yong‐Hoon , Chien Hua‐Hong , Crance Samantha , Agnew Amanda M. , Battula Suneel , Lee Jin Whan , Wen Hai Bo
Published: March 2015

Background

Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) has been introduced as a noninvasive method to clinically estimate the stability of dental implant systems.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to examine whether implant stability quotient (ISQ) values of RFA can account for mechanical stability of the dental implant system, which is assessed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐seven screw‐type titanium dental implants were placed in artificial polyurethane foams with seven different thicknesses (3.5 to 12 mm) and eight edentulous mandibles of human cadavers (four men and four women, 79.11 ± 13.48 years). After the ISQ values, insertion torque, and static stiffness of each implant system were measured, the DMA was performed to assess dynamic stiffness and viscoelastic tan δ.

Results

The ISQ value had strong positive correlations with thickness, insertion torque, static and dynamic stiffness, and a negative correlation with tan δ of implant systems in artificial bone blocks (r = 0.769 to 0.992, p < .043). However, the ISQ value was correlated with only the insertion torque of implant systems in human mandibles (p < .049).

Conclusion

The ISQ values could reflect mechanical stability of the dental implant system under the controlled condition of homogeneous density in simple dimensions.
Long‐term Survival of Straumann Dental Implants with TPS Surfaces: A Retrospective Study with a Follow‐up of 12 to 23 Years
Authors: Becker Stephan T. , Beck‐Broichsitter Benedicta E. , Rossmann Christian M. , Behrens Eleonore , Jochens Arne , Wiltfang Jörg
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term dental implant survival rates of Straumann dental implants in a university hospital environment over 12 to 23 years.

Materials and Methods

A total of 388 Straumann dental implants with titanium‐sprayed surfaces (TPS) were inserted in 92 patients between 1988 and 1999 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University Hospital Schleswig‐Holstein in Kiel, and they were reevaluated with standardized clinical and radiological exams. Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed for individual factors. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to detect the factors influencing long‐term implant failure.

Results

The long‐term implant survival rate was 88.03% after an observation time of 12.2 to 23.5 years. Cox regression revealed statistically significant influences of the International Team for Implantology (ITI) implantation type (p = .00354) and tobacco smoking (p = .01264) on implant failure. A proportion 82.8% of the patients with implant losses had a medical history of periodontitis. Peri‐implantitis was diagnosed in 9.7% of the remaining implants in the long‐term survey.

Conclusions

This study emphasized the long‐term rehabilitation capabilities of Straumann dental implants in complex cases. The survival rates after several years constitute important information for patients, as well as for clinicians, in deciding about different concepts of tooth replacement. Patient‐related and technical factors – determined before implant placement – could help to predict the risk of implant loss.
Maxillary Four Implant‐retained Overdentures via Locator® Attachment: Intermediate‐term Results from a Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Feng , Monje Alberto , Huang Wei , Zhang Zhiyong , Wang Guomin , Wu Yiqun
Published: March 2015

Background

Maxillary overdentures have been utilized to restore oral function in scenarios where limited bone structure represents a drawback for financial issues and for cases where oral hygiene is uncertain.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intermediate‐term clinical outcome of four locator attachment retaining maxillary overdentures and to test their reliability.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted from January 2007 to October 2013. After the placement of four maxillary dental implants and a healing period of approximately 3 months, all the implants were restored with locator‐retained overdentures with partial palatal coverage. Subjects and implant characteristics, implant position (anterior vs posterior maxilla), bone quality, and opposing dentition were recorded. Peri‐implant clinical parameters and marginal bone loss (MBL) were evaluated after delivery of the final prosthesis and annually thereafter. The performance of locator components and the prosthetic restoration were also recorded at follow‐up.

Results

A total of 104 implants were placed in 26 subjects (11 women, 15 men; mean age, 64 years; age range, 55–76 years). One implant failed before loading. One subject dropped out of the study during a mean follow‐up period of 46 months (range: 7–73 months), achieving an overall survival rate of 95.2%. Clinical parameters revealed healthy tissues around most of the implants, with low scores of plaque and bleeding indices. At the last follow‐up evaluation, the mean MBL was 1.7 ± 1.1 mm (0.4–2.6 mm). Regression model analysis indicated that MBL for implants in the posterior maxilla was significantly higher than that for implants in the anterior maxilla (p = .0487). Overall, 26 technical and prosthetic complications were reported.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, maxillary four implant‐retained overdentures via Locator attachment seem to be a predictable alternative for oral rehabilitation.
Effect of dental cements on peri‐implant microbial community: comparison of the microbial communities inhabiting the peri‐implant tissue when using different luting cements
Authors: Korsch Michael , Marten Silke‐Mareike , Dötsch Andreas , Jáuregui Ruy , Pieper Dietmar H. , Obst Ursula
Published: March 2015

Background

Cementing dental restorations on implants poses the risk of undetected excess cement. Such cement remnants may favor the development of inflammation in the peri‐implant tissue. The effect of excess cement on the bacterial community is not yet known. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of two different dental cements on the composition of the microbial peri‐implant community.

Methods

In a cohort of 38 patients, samples of the peri‐implant tissue were taken with paper points from one implant per patient. In 15 patients, the suprastructure had been cemented with a zinc oxide–eugenol cement (Temp Bond, TB) and in 23 patients with a methacrylate cement (Premier Implant Cement, PIC). The excess cement found as well as suppuration was documented. Subgingival samples of all patients were analyzed for taxonomic composition by means of 16S amplicon sequencing.

Results

None of the TB‐cemented implants had excess cement or suppuration. In 14 (61%) of the PIC, excess cement was found. Suppuration was detected in 33% of the PIC implants without excess cement and in 100% of the PIC implants with excess cement. The taxonomic analysis of the microbial samples revealed an accumulation of oral pathogens in the PIC patients independent of the presence of excess cement. Significantly fewer oral pathogens occurred in patients with TB compared to patients with PIC.

Conclusion

Compared with TB, PIC favors the development of suppuration and the growth of periodontal pathogens.
Pes planus and paediatric obesity: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Stolzman S. , Irby M. B. , Callahan A. B. , Skelton J. A.
Published: March 2015

Children with obesity report musculoskeletal pain more than normal‐weight children; this may be linked with literature suggesting children with obesity have higher prevalence of pes planus (flatfoot). To further elucidate whether this relation occurs, we conducted a systematic literature review on the co‐occurrence of pes planus and paediatric obesity. Empirical articles published until September 2013 were obtained through an electronic search of MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus; included articles examined the association between body weight and pes planus in children. Thirteen cross‐sectional studies of varied designs were identified. Methods used to diagnose pes planus varied between studies: imaging modalities, anthropometric measurements and clinical examination. Across all studies, pes planus prevalence among children with obesity ranged widely from 14 to 67%. Nearly all studies indicated increasing pes planus in children with increasing weight. No studies evaluated pain/complications related to pes planus. Our review suggests increased prevalence of pes planus among children with obesity or increasing weight status. Because of differing methodologies, lack of consensus regarding the pes planus definition, the dearth of investigation into pain/complications and the few existing studies, more research is needed to determine a relation between children's body weight, pes planus and associated effects on pain and function.
Leave Her out of It: Person‐Presentation of Strategies is Harmful for Transfer
Authors: Riggs Anne E. , Alibali Martha W. , Kalish Charles W.
Published: March 2015

A common practice in textbooks is to introduce concepts or strategies in association with specific people. This practice aligns with research suggesting that using “real‐world” contexts in textbooks increases students’ motivation and engagement. However, other research suggests this practice may interfere with transfer by distracting students or leading them to tie new knowledge too closely to the original learning context. The current study investigates the effects on learning and transfer of connecting mathematics strategies to specific people. A total of 180 college students were presented with an example of a problem‐solving strategy that was either linked with a specific person (e.g., “Juan's strategy”) or presented without a person. Students who saw the example without a person were more likely to correctly transfer the novel strategy to new problems than students who saw the example presented with a person. These findings are the first evidence that using people to present new strategies is harmful for learning and transfer.
How Children and Adults Represent God's Mind
Authors: Heiphetz Larisa , Lane Jonathan D. , Waytz Adam , Young Liane L.
Published: March 2015

For centuries, humans have contemplated the minds of gods. Research on religious cognition is spread across sub‐disciplines, making it difficult to gain a complete understanding of how people reason about gods' minds. We integrate approaches from cognitive, developmental, and social psychology and neuroscience to illuminate the origins of religious cognition. First, we show that although adults explicitly discriminate supernatural minds from human minds, their implicit responses reveal far less discrimination. Next, we demonstrate that children's religious cognition often matches adults' implicit responses, revealing anthropomorphic notions of God's mind. Together, data from children and adults suggest the intuitive nature of perceiving God's mind as human‐like. We then propose three complementary explanations for why anthropomorphism persists in adulthood, suggesting that anthropomorphism may be (a) an instance of the anchoring and adjustment heuristic; (b) a reflection of early testimony; and/or (c) an evolutionary byproduct.
Postoperative abdominal collections drainage: Percutaneous versus guided by endoscopic ultrasound
Authors: Téllez‐Ávila Félix , Carmona‐Aguilera Guillermo Jesús , Valdovinos‐Andraca Francisco , Casasola‐Sánchez Luis Eduardo , González‐Aguirre Adrían , Casanova‐Sánchez Ivan , Elizondo‐Rivera Javier , Ramírez‐Luna Miguel Ángel
Published: March 2015

Background and Aim

Postoperative fluid collections (POFC) have high mortality. Percutaneous drainage (PD) is the preferred treatment modality. Drainage guided by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS‐GD) represents a good alternative. The aim of the present study was to compare clinical success and complication rates of EUS‐GD versus PD.

Methods

Data collected prospectively were analyzed in a retrospective manner. Patients with POFC from October 2008 to November 2013 were included. All collections were drained percutaneously or by EUS‐GD.

Results

Sixty‐three procedures in 43 patients with POFC were analyzed; 13 patients were drained using EUS‐GD and 32 patients with PD. Two patients assigned initially to the PD group were reassigned to EUS‐GD. Surgery procedures most often related to the collections were intestinal reconnection, distal pancreatectomy, biliary‐digestive bypass, and exploratory laparotomy. Technical success (100% vs 91%; P = 0.25), clinical success (100% vs 84%; P = 0.13), recurrence (31% vs 25%; P = 0.69), hospital stay days (median 22 vs 27; P = 0.35), total costs (8328 ± 1600 USD vs 11 047 ± 1206 USD; P = 0.21), complications (0% vs 6%; P = 0.3), and mortality (8% vs 6%; P = 0.9) were each evaluated in the EUS‐GD and PD groups, respectively. In the PD group one death was related to the procedure.

Conclusions

EUS‐GD is as effective and safe as PD in patients with POFC. The advantage of not requiring external drainage and a trend to higher clinical success and lower total costs must be considered.
Spatial spread and infestation risk assessment in the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis
Authors: Favaro Riccardo , Wichmann Lars , Ravn Hans Peter , Faccoli Massimo
Published: March 2015

The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is recognised as potentially one of the most damaging invasive insects in Europe and North America. International trade has increased the risk of accidental introduction of ALB. An eradication programme was initiated in Northeast Italy in June 2009, when an ALB infestation was discovered. The infestation was monitored by annual surveys of all host‐tree species growing in the eradication area. Infested trees were cut down and chipped. This study analyses the spatiotemporal distribution of infested trees for a 5‐year period from 2008 to 2012 using a generalised linear model approach. The results show that spread and infestation risk were significantly affected by (1) distance of suitable hosts from the nearest infested trees, (2) number of infested trees in the surroundings, and (3) annual variation. The significant differences in beetle dispersal between years reflect to some extent the onset of the eradication programme. The model allowed the estimation of arbitrary probability‐based management boundaries surrounding ALB‐infested trees. For example, the model estimated a 0.1% probability of attack on a suitable host tree 1 910 m from an existing attack.
Environmental determinants of fish community structure in gravel pit lakes
Authors: Zhao Tian , Grenouillet Gaël , Pool Thomas , Tudesque Loïc , Cucherousset Julien
Published: March 2015

Gravel pit lakes are increasingly common, and there is an urgent need to better understand the functioning of these artificial and disconnected ecosystems. However, our knowledge of the environmental determinants of fish community structure within these types of lakes remains poor. In this study, we quantified the taxonomic diversity, fish species and life‐stage composition in 17 gravel pit lakes sampled in 2012 and 2013 located in south‐west France to determine the potential role of environmental variables (i.e. lake morphology, productivity, water quality and human‐use intensity) as drivers of fish community structure and composition. Our results demonstrated that fish community structure significantly differed between gravel pit lakes, and we notably found that lakes managed for angling hosted higher levels of taxonomic diversity. We also found that young and large lakes supported higher native species biomass and were dominated by native European perch (Perca fluviatilis). Older, smaller and more productive lakes, located closer to the main urban area, supported a higher biomass of non‐native species such as largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Native and non‐native sport fishing species such as northern pike (Esox lucius), pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and cyprinid prey species were positively associated with fishery management effort, suggesting that management practices play also a critical role in shaping fish species composition. Overall, our study demonstrated that fish community composition followed a predictable shift along environmental gradients associated with the maturation of gravel pit lakes and the associated human practices.
Informational efficiency in theTokyoStockExchange, 1931–40
Authors: Bassino Jean‐Pascal , Lagoarde‐Segot Thomas
Published: March 2015

This article relies on a unique dataset of daily price indices for stocks and bonds to analyse the functioning of theTokyoStockExchange (TSE) in the period 1931–40. We find that this market deviated from weak‐form efficiency, in a context of cross‐market segmentation, short‐run spillovers, and turmoil surrounding major events. In this context,zaibatsuinsiders were able to make abnormal returns via informed trading, while other uninformed investors could rely on technical rules to make abnormal profits. Such findings call for a micro‐level analysis of the interwarTSEcorporate financing function.
Borderline personality pathology in young people at ultra high risk of developing a psychotic disorder
Authors: Ryan Jaymee , Graham Anne , Nelson Barnaby , Yung Alison
Published: March 2015

Aim

The association between borderline personality disorder and the ultra high risk (UHR) for psychosis state is unclear. The following study aimed to investigate the type of attenuated psychotic symptoms and prevalence of borderline personality pathology in a sample of UHR young people. Additionally, the study aimed to explore whether borderline personality pathology influenced the transition rate to psychosis.

Methods

Medical records from Orygen Youth Health between 2007 and 2009 were examined. There were 180 patients who met UHR criteria and were included for analysis. Most patients were females (62.8%) and age ranged from 15 to 24 years.

Results

A quarter (25.2%) of UHR patients endorsed items consistent with borderline personality pathology. UHR patients with borderline personality pathology experienced a range of attenuated psychotic symptoms and could not be statistically differentiated from UHR patients with less significant or without borderline personality pathology. Borderline personality pathology did not increase or decrease the risk of developing a psychotic disorder. The absence of depression was the only predictor of psychosis.

Conclusions

Many UHR patients present with concurrent borderline personality features. The psychotic experiences reported by UHR patients with borderline personality features were not limited to paranoid ideation, supporting the idea that borderline personality disorder may include a wider range of psychotic symptoms than previously thought. It is further possible that the psychotic symptoms experienced in this group could also be indicative of an emerging psychotic disorder.
Influence of early trauma on features of schizophrenia
Authors: Ruby Eugene , Rothman Karen , Corcoran Cheryl , Goetz Raymond R. , Malaspina Dolores
Published: March 2015

Aim

This proof‐of‐concept study examined if early trauma influences features of schizophrenia, consistent with hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis activation.

Methods

Early trauma and current perceived stress were assessed in 28 treated schizophrenia cases, along with salivary cortisol, brain volumes, cognition and symptoms.

Results

Early trauma predicted more positive (r = .66, P = .005) and dysthymia symptoms (r –.65, P = .007), but less negative symptoms (r = −.56, P = .023), as well as reduced whole brain volumes (r = .50, P = .040) and increased amygdala to whole brain volume ratios (r = .56, P = .018). Larger volume reductions accompanied cortisol levels: evening values predicted smaller whole brain and hippocampal volumes whereas afternoon levels only significantly predicted smaller brain volumes in women. Sex differences were demonstrated between early trauma and cognition, with better cognition in traumatized women than other women and no male effects. Current perceived stress was related to dysthymia (especially in women) and diminished sense of purpose and social drive (especially in men).

Conclusions

These results suggest that early trauma and current stress impact features of schizophrenia, consistent with stress sensitization and increased dopamine activity for treatment refractory positive symptoms, as well as the cascade of increased morning cortisol, reduced brain volumes, and depressive and deficit symptoms. Conversely, cognitive deficits and negative symptoms may arise from a distinct diathesis. The sex differences accord with the literature on human HPA function and stress responses. Early trauma may be a stressor in the aetiopathophysiology of schizophrenia, particularly for cases with treatment refractory positive symptoms, and may guide future treatment development.
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia with nucleophosmin (NPM1) mutation
Authors: Peng Jie , Zuo Zhuang , Fu Bin , Oki Yasuhiro , Tang Guilin , Goswami Maitrayee , Priyanka Priyanka , Muzzafar Tariq , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Wang Sa A.
Published: March 2015

Nucleophosmin (NPM1) mutations in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) are extremely uncommon, and the clinicopathologic features of these neoplasms are poorly characterized. Over a 10‐yr interval, NPM1 mutation analysis was performed in 152 CMML at our institution. NPM1 mutations were identified in 8 (5.3%) patients, five men and three women, with a median age of 72 yr (range, 27–87). In all patients, the bone marrow was hypercellular with multilineage dysplasia, monocytosis, and retained maturation supporting a diagnosis of CMML. NPM1 mutation allele burden was <5% in two patients and >10% in six patients. Four (50%) patients, all with >10% NPM1, progressed AML with a median interval of 11 months (range, 1–21). Compared with 144 CMML without NPM1 mutations, CMML patients with NPM1 mutation presented with more severe anemia (P = 0.053), higher BM monocyte percentage (P = 0.033), and an increased tendency for AML progression (P = 0.088) and an inferior overall survival (P = 0.076). Mutations involving NRAS/KRAS (2/7), TET2(2/5), ASXL1(1/5,) and FLT3(0/8) were not significantly different between these two groups. In summary, CMML with NPM1 mutation shows histopathological features of CMML, but patients appear to have a high probability for AML progression and may require aggressive clinical intervention, especially in patients with a high mutation burden.
Masked polycythaemia vera: presenting features, response to treatment and clinical outcomes
Authors: Alvarez‐Larrán Alberto , Angona Anna , Ancochea Agueda , García‐Pallarols Francesc , Fernández Concepción , Longarón Raquel , Bellosillo Beatriz , Besses Carlos
Published: March 2015

Masked polycythaemia vera (PV) has been proposed as a new entity with poorer outcome than overt PV. In this study, the initial clinical and laboratory characteristics, response to treatment and outcome of masked and overt PV were compared using red cell mass and haemoglobin or haematocrit levels for the distinction between both entities. Sixty‐eight of 151 PV patients (45%) were classified as masked PV according to World Health Organisation diagnostic criteria, whereas 16 (11%) were classified as masked PV using the British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH). In comparison with overt PV, a higher platelet count and a lower JAK2V617F allele burden at diagnosis were observed in masked PV. Patients with masked PV needed lower phlebotomies and responded faster to hydroxcarbamide than those with overt PV. Complete haematological response was more frequently achieved in masked than in overt PV (79% vs. 58%, P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in the duration of haematological response, the rate of resistance or intolerance to hydroxycarbamide and the probability of molecular response according to type of PV (masked vs. overt). Overall survival, rate of thrombosis and major bleeding, and probability of transformation was superimposable among patients with masked and overt PV.
Electrophysiological and morphological properties of neurons in the prepositus hypoglossi nucleus that express both ChAT and VGAT in a double‐transgenic rat model
Authors: Saito Yasuhiko , Zhang Yue , Yanagawa Yuchio
Published: March 2015

Although it has been proposed that neurons that contain both acetylcholine (ACh) and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) are present in the prepositus hypoglossi nucleus (PHN), these neurons have not been characterized because of the difficulty in identifying them. In the present study, PHN neurons that express both choline acetyltransferase and the vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) were identified using double‐transgenic rats, in which the cholinergic and inhibitory neurons express the fluorescent proteins tdTomato and Venus, respectively. To characterize the neurons that express both tdTomato and Venus (D+ neurons), the afterhyperpolarization (AHP) profiles and firing patterns of these neurons were investigated via whole‐cell recordings of brainstem slice preparations. Regarding the three AHP profiles and four firing patterns that the D+ neurons exhibited, an AHP with an afterdepolarization and a firing pattern that exhibited a delay in the generation of the first spike were the preferential properties of these neurons. In the three morphological types classified, the multipolar type that exhibited radiating dendrites was predominant among the D+ neurons. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that the VGAT‐immunopositive axonal boutons that expressed tdTomato were primarily located in the dorsal cap of inferior olive (IO) and the PHN. Although the PHN receives cholinergic inputs from the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus and laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, D+ neurons were absent from these brain areas. Together, these results suggest that PHN neurons that co‐express ACh and GABA exhibit specific electrophysiological and morphological properties, and innervate the dorsal cap of the IO and the PHN.
Rates of climatic niche evolution are correlated with species richness in a large and ecologically diverse radiation of songbirds
Authors: Title Pascal O. , Burns Kevin J.
Published: March 2015

By employing a recently inferred phylogeny and museum occurrence records, we examine the relationship of ecological niche evolution to diversification in the largest family of songbirds, the tanagers (Thraupidae). We test whether differences in species numbers in the major clades of tanagers can be explained by differences in rate of climatic niche evolution. We develop a methodological pipeline to process and filter occurrence records. We find that, of the ecological variables examined, clade richness is higher in clades with higher climatic niche rate, and that this rate is also greater for clades that occupy a greater extent of climatic space. Additionally, we find that more speciose clades contain species with narrower niche breadths, suggesting that clades in which species are more successful at diversifying across climatic gradients have greater potential for speciation or are more buffered from the risk of extinction.
Fossil‐based comparative analyses reveal ancient marine ancestry erased by extinction in ray‐finned fishes
Authors: Betancur‐R Ricardo , Ortí Guillermo , Pyron Robert Alexander
Published: March 2015

The marine‐freshwater boundary is a major biodiversity gradient and few groups have colonised both systems successfully. Fishes have transitioned between habitats repeatedly, diversifying in rivers, lakes and oceans over evolutionary time. However, their history of habitat colonisation and diversification is unclear based on available fossil and phylogenetic data. We estimate ancestral habitats and diversification and transition rates using a large‐scale phylogeny of extant fish taxa and one containing a massive number of extinct species. Extant‐only phylogenetic analyses indicate freshwater ancestry, but inclusion of fossils reveal strong evidence of marine ancestry in lineages now restricted to freshwaters. Diversification and colonisation dynamics vary asymmetrically between habitats, as marine lineages colonise and flourish in rivers more frequently than the reverse. Our study highlights the importance of including fossils in comparative analyses, showing that freshwaters have played a role as refuges for ancient fish lineages, a signal erased by extinction in extant‐only phylogenies.
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis is a network disorder with altered cortical hubs
Authors: Jin Seung‐Hyun , Jeong Woorim , Chung Chun Kee
Published: March 2015

Objective

Electrophysiologic hubs within the large‐scale functional networks in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) have not been investigated. We hypothesized that mTLE with HS has different resting‐state network hubs in their large‐scale functional networks compared to the hubs in healthy controls (HC). We also hypothesized that the hippocampus would be a functional hub in mTLE patients with HS.

Methods

Resting‐state functional networks, identified by using magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals in the theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands, were evaluated. Networks in 44 mTLE patients with HS (left mTLE = 22; right mTLE = 22) were compared with those in 46 age‐matched HC. We investigated betweenness centrality at the source‐level MEG network.

Results

The main network hubs were at the pole of the left superior temporal gyrus in the beta band, the pole of the left middle temporal gyrus in the beta and gamma bands, left hippocampus in the theta and alpha bands, and right posterior cingulate gyrus in all four frequency bands in mTLE patients; all of which were different from the main network hubs in HC. Only patients with left mTLE showed profound differences from HC at the left hippocampus in the alpha band.

Significance

Our analysis of resting‐state MEG signals shows that altered electrophysiologic functional hubs in mTLE patients reflect pathophysiologic brain network reorganization. Because we detected network hubs in both hippocampal and extrahippocampal areas, it is probable that mTLE is a large‐scale network disorder rather than a focal disorder. The hippocampus was a network hub in left mTLE but not in right mTLE patients, which may be due to intrinsic functional and structural asymmetries between left and right mTLE patients. The evaluation of cortical hubs, even in the spike‐free resting‐state, could be a clinical diagnostic marker of mTLE with HS.
Treatment of equine metabolic syndrome: A clinical case series
Authors: Morgan R. A. , Keen J. A. , McGowan C. M.
Published: March 2015

Reasons for performing study

Treatment of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is essential to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of laminitis. Calorie restriction and increased exercise are the mainstays of treatment but there is potential for poor owner compliance.

Objectives

To determine whether significant weight loss accompanied by improvements in measures of insulin sensitivity can be achieved in horses and ponies with EMS managed by their owners in their normal environment under veterinary guidance.

Study design

Retrospective clinical case series.

Methods

Horses and ponies attending 2 university hospitals for investigation and treatment of suspected EMS were eligible for inclusion in the study. Animals underwent a clinical examination, basal and dynamic endocrine testing; those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) were excluded. Owners were given individually tailored diet and exercise programmes to follow for between 3 and 6 months. After the treatment period, clinical examination and endocrine tests were repeated and results compared to the initial assessment.

Results

Nineteen animals were recruited to the study, 17 with a history of laminitis. All animals showed a reduction in body condition score (P<0.001) and 18/19 had a reduction in bodyweight (P<0.001) between assessments. There were significant (P<0.05) reductions in basal insulin, insulin at 45 min during a combined glucose insulin tolerance test (CGIT), time for blood glucose concentration to return to baseline during a CGIT and mean area under the glucose curve.

Conclusions

A diet and exercise programme tailored to the needs of the individual animal and implemented by the owner results in weight loss accompanied by improvements in insulin sensitivity.
Senescent dermal fibroblasts enhance stem cell migration through CCL2/CCR2 axis
Authors: Ohgo Shiro , Hasegawa Seiji , Hasebe Yuichi , Mizutani Hiroshi , Nakata Satoru , Akamatsu Hirohiko
Published: March 2015

During aging, increases in the number of senescent cells are seen in various tissues. On the other hand, stem cells play crucial roles in tissue repair and homeostasis. Therefore, it is likely that stem cells give rise to new cells that replace senescent cells. However, how stem cells contribute to homeostasis in the dermis has not been elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of factors secreted from senescent fibroblasts on stem cells. We found that senescent human dermal fibroblast (HDF) conditioned medium (CM) significantly enhanced stem cell migration compared with young HDF CM. The senescent HDF CM strongly secreted chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). Furthermore, CCL2 was found to enhance stem cell migration, and the inhibition of CCR2, a receptor for CCL2, reduced stem cell migration. These results suggest that senescent fibroblasts recruit stem cells by secreting various factors and that the CCL2/CCR2 axis is one of the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.
Inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 5 (ITIH5) is overexpressed in inflammatory skin diseases and affects epidermal morphology in constitutive knockout mice and murine 3D skin models
Authors: Huth Sebastian , Heise Ruth , Vetter‐Kauczok Claudia S. , Skazik Claudia , Marquardt Yvonne , Czaja Katharina , Knüchel Ruth , Merk Hans F. , Dahl Edgar , Baron Jens M.
Published: March 2015

Inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitors are protease inhibitors that are thought to be important regulators in various acute‐phase processes. They are composed of one light chain (bikunin) and different heavy chains (ITIHs). The only function known so far of ITIHs is the covalent linkage to hyaluronan (HA). As there is virtually no knowledge on the distribution and function of ITIH proteins in skin tissue, we performed a systematic characterization of ITIH expression in healthy and diseased skin. Using GeneChip® Human Exon 1.0 ST expression profiling, we found that ITIH5 represents the major ITIH family member expressed in human skin. Moreover, the use of quantitative reverse transcription PCR and a customized ITIH5‐specific antibody indicated that ITIH5 is predominantly produced by dermal fibroblasts. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a clearly detectable ITIH5 protein expression in normal skin. Interestingly, ITIH5 expression was significantly up‐regulated in inflammatory skin diseases. Furthermore, 3D skin models employing murine Itih5−/− epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts as well as skin specimens of Itih5−/− mice revealed a significantly altered epidermal structure compared to wild‐type controls. Hence, we can strengthen the presumption that ITIH5 may constitute a novel regulatory molecule of the human skin that could play an important role in inflammation via its interaction with HA.
A simulation tool for monitoring elderly who suffer from disorientation in a smart home
Authors: García‐Rodríguez Coral , Martínez‐Tomás Rafael , Cuadra‐Troncoso José Manuel , Rincón Mariano , Fernández‐Caballero Antonio
Published: March 2015

This paper addresses the challenging problem of disorientation of elderly people living at home. In order to detect confusion, we monitor the behaviour of the elderly and identify actions that appear alarming in a sensorized and video‐controlled smart environment. In the past, our research has focused on identifying situations, activities and interactions between various actors based on user‐understandable models. This work addresses the development of a simulation tool capable of synthesizing sensor data and low‐level/medium‐level scene events. The tool is of great interest with regard to the design and configuration of an elderly disorientation recognition system because it reduces the laborious and expensive need for experimentation with real devices. We integrate this proposal in a comprehensive framework that distinguishes between a recognition line and a simulation line in a potentially continuous and closed cycle. The recognition line goes from a multisensory monitored scene to its semantic interpretation, which could be completed even with only the narration of the facts. In the opposite direction, the simulation line goes from the narration of a scene to its synthesis with the same semantic content into a 3D simulation and the corresponding sensor signals and low/medium events at specific location points.