bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fragmentation in eucalypt woodlands promotes nest‐tree occupancy by a despotic species, the noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala)
Authors: Barati Ahmad , Etezadifar Farzaneh , McDonald Paul G.
Published: August 2016

The effects of habitat fragmentation as a threat to biodiversity are well known; decreased connectivity can potentially influence population processes and dynamics, resulting in smaller, isolated populations that may not function optimally. However, fragmentation may also increase the amount of edge or ecotone habitat available to open country species, benefiting their populations and enabling them to dominate remnant habitats. Noisy miners (Manorina melanocephala) are one such species, occupying eastern‐Australian eucalypt woodlands. They are considered a ‘despotic’ species, in that their presence negatively impacts woodland avifauna biodiversity due to their aggressive exclusion of other taxa from occupied areas. Despite this well‐known impact, little information exists on the patterns of nest‐tree occupancy by noisy miners within eucalypt woodlands. In the current study, we explored the patterns of nest‐tree occupancy by noisy miners across two successive years, aiming to identify preferences for breeding areas relative to vegetation structure. Our results show that both habitat fragmentation and the characteristics of individual eucalypt trees in an area influenced nest‐tree occupancy. Noisy miners constructed nests in trees near the edge of woodland patches more often than expected. Moreover, the nest tree chosen was a eucalypt that was significantly smaller than randomly selected trees from the surrounding area. The results highlight the importance of habitat management measures that may reduce the suitability of woodland patches as nesting sites for this species, in order to mitigate the severe effects of this despotic edge specialist.
Genetic Epidemiology of Mitochondrial Pathogenic Variants Causing Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss in a Large Cohort of South Indian Hearing Impaired Individuals
Authors: Subathra Mahalingam , Ramesh Arabandi , Selvakumari Mathiyalagan , Karthikeyen N. P. , Srisailapathy C. R. Srikumari
Published: August 2016

Mitochondria play a critical role in the generation of metabolic energy in the form of ATP. Tissues and organs that are highly dependent on aerobic metabolism are involved in mitochondrial disorders including nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL). Seven pathogenic variants leading to NSHL have so far been reported on two mitochondrial genes: MT‐RNR1 encoding 12SrRNA and MT‐TS1 encoding tRNA for Ser(UCN). We screened 729 prelingual NSHL subjects to determine the prevalence of MT‐RNR1 variants at position m.961, m.1555A>G and m.1494C>T, and MT‐TS1 m.7445A>G, m.7472insC m.7510T>C and m.7511T>C variants. Mitochondrial pathogenic variants were found in eight probands (1.1%). Five of them were found to have the m.1555A>G variant, two others had m.7472insC and one proband had m.7444G>A. The extended relatives of these probands showed variable degrees of hearing loss and age at onset. This study shows that mitochondrial pathogenic alleles contribute to about 1% prelingual hearing loss. This study will henceforth provide the reference for the prevalence of mitochondrial pathogenic alleles in the South Indian population, which to date has not been estimated. The m.1555A>G variant is a primary predisposing genetic factor for the development of hearing loss. Our study strongly suggests that mitochondrial genotyping should be considered for all hearing impaired individuals and particularly in families where transmission is compatible with maternal inheritance, after ruling out the most common variants.
Evidence for Association between SH2B1 Gene Variants and Glycated Hemoglobin in Nondiabetic European American Young Adults: The Add Health Study
Authors: Lange Leslie A. , Graff Mariaelisa , Lange Ethan M. , Young Kristin L. , Richardson Andrea S. , Mohlke Karen L. , North Kari E , Harris Kathleen M , Gordon‐Larsen Penny
Published: August 2016

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is used to classify glycaemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Body mass index (BMI) is a predictor of HbA1c levels and T2D. We tested 43 established BMI and obesity loci for association with HbA1c in a nationally representative multiethnic sample of young adults from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health [Add Health: age 24–34 years; n = 5641 European Americans (EA); 1740 African Americans (AA); 1444 Hispanic Americans (HA)] without T2D, using two levels of covariate adjustment (Model 1: age, sex, smoking, and geographic region; Model 2: Model 1 covariates plus BMI). Bonferroni adjustment was made for 43 SNPs and we considered P < 0.0011 statistically significant. Means (SD) for HbA1c were 5.4% (0.3) in EA, 5.7% (0.4) in AA, and 5.5% (0.3) in HA. We observed significant evidence for association with HbA1c for two variants near SH2B1 in EA (rs4788102, P = 2.2 × 10−4; rs7359397, P = 9.8 × 10−4) for Model 1. Both results were attenuated after adjustment for BMI (rs4788102, P = 1.7 × 10−3; rs7359397, P = 4.6 × 10−3). No variant reached Bonferroni‐corrected significance in AA or HA. These results suggest that SH2B1 polymorphisms are associated with HbA1c, largely independent of BMI, in EA young adults.
The use of dextrose/insulin infusions during labour and delivery in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: Is there any point?
Authors: Farrant Maritza T. , Williamson Kathryn , Battin Malcolm , Hague William M. , Rowan Janet A.
Published: August 2016

We compared, in 733 women with gestational diabetes mellitus treated with metformin and/or insulin, rates of neonatal hypoglycaemia in those who had received a dextrose/insulin infusion during labour and prior to delivery (n = 132) with those who did not (n = 601). Women who had infusions were more likely to have been treated with insulin (87.1% vs 70.4%, P < 0.01) and have higher mean capillary glucose values (measured four times daily) in the two weeks prior to delivery (P < 0.01). They had lower mean (SD) glucose values in the 12 h prior to delivery (5.1 (1.1) mmol/L vs 5.4 (0.9) mmol/L, P < 0.01). There was no difference between the groups in rates of neonatal hypoglycaemia (glucose <2.6 mmol/L on two or more occasions), 15.9% versus 17.8%, P = 0.78, or of severe neonatal hypoglycaemia (one or more glucose <1.6 mmol/L), 8.3% versus 5.2%, P = 0.15. In the absence of randomised data comparing use of infusions with no infusions, these data are reassuring for clinicians who do not routinely use infusions.
Care‐full Justice in the City
Authors: Williams Miriam J.
Published: August 2016

Feminist theorists in geography and beyond have long been calling for an ethic of care to be considered alongside justice as a normative ideal that can assist us in repairing our world. In urban theory this call has largely remained unheard as an ethic of care remains absent from theorisations of what comprises a just city. In this paper I argue for care to be considered alongside justice as an equally important ethic in our search for justice in the city. I develop the concept of care‐full justice, which assists us in negotiating the inherent tension between the normative and situated in the search for the ideals, and actually existing expressions, of justice and care in the city. I demonstrate the generative potential of this concept and argue that it enables us to re‐think what cities can be and to reveal times and places where this is the case.
Newly Shaped Intra‐Aortic Balloons Improve the Performance of Counterpulsation at the Semirecumbent Position: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Kolyva Christina , Pepper John R. , Khir Ashraf W.
Published: August 2016

The major hemodynamic benefits of intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation are augmentation in diastolic aortic pressure (Paug) during inflation, and decrease in end‐diastolic aortic pressure (ΔedP) during deflation. When the patient is nursed in the semirecumbent position these benefits are diminished. Attempts to change the shape of the IAB in order to limit or prevent this deterioration have been scarce. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hemodynamic performance of six new IAB shapes, and compare it to that of a traditional cylindrical IAB. A mock circulation system, featuring an artificial left ventricle and an aortic model with 11 branches and physiological resistance and compliance, was used to test one cylindrical and six newly shaped IABs at angles 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40°. Pressure was measured continuously at the aortic root during 1:1 and 1:4 IABP support. Shape 2 was found to consistently achieve, in terms of absolute magnitude, larger ΔedP at angles than the cylindrical IAB. Although ΔedP was gradually diminished with angle, it did so to a lesser degree than the cylindrical IAB; this diminishment was only 53% (with frequency 1:1) and 40% (with frequency 1:4) of that of the cylindrical IAB, when angle increased from 0 to 40°. During inflation Shape 1 displayed a more stable behavior with increasing angle compared to the cylindrical IAB; with an increase in angle from 0 to 40°, diastolic aortic pressure augmentation dropped only by 45% (with frequency 1:1) and by 33% (with frequency 1:4) of the drop reached with the cylindrical IAB. After compensating for differences in nominal IAB volume, Shape 1 generally achieved higher Paug over most angles. Newly shaped IABs could allow for IABP therapy to become more efficient for patients nursed at the semirecumbent position. The findings promote the idea of personalized rather than generalized patient therapy for the achievement of higher IABP therapeutic efficiency, with a choice of IAB shape that prioritizes the recovery of those hemodynamic indices that are more in need of support in the unassisted circulation.
Role of Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Early Graft Failure After Cardiac Transplantation
Authors: Loforte Antonio , Murana Giacomo , Cefarelli Mariano , Jafrancesco Giuliano , Sabatino Mario , Martin Suarez Sofia , Pilato Emanuele , Pacini Davide , Grigioni Francesco , Bartolomeo Roberto Di , Marinelli Giuseppe
Published: August 2016

Early graft failure (EGF) is a major risk factor for death after heart transplantation (Htx). We investigated the predictive risk factors for moderate‐to‐severe EGF requiring an intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circulatory support as treatment after Htx. Between January 2000 and December 2014, 412 consecutive adult patients underwent isolated Htx at our institution. Moderate and severe EGF were defined as the need for IABP and ECMO support, respectively, within 24 h after Htx. All available recipient and donor variables were analyzed to assess the risk of EGF occurrence. Overall, moderate‐to‐severe EGF occurred in 46 (11.1%) patients. Twenty‐nine (63.04%) patients required peripheral or central ECMO support in the treatment of severe EGF and 17 (36.9%) patients required IABP support for the treatment of moderate EGF. The predictive risk factors for moderate‐to‐severe EGF in recipients, as assessed by logistic regression analysis, were a preoperative transpulmonary gradient > 12 mm Hg (odds ratio [OR] 5.2; P = 0.023), a preoperative inotropic score > 10 (OR 8.5; P = 0.0001), and preoperative ECMO support (OR 4.2; P = 0.012). For donors, the predictive risk factor was a donor score ≥ 17 (OR 8.3; P = 0.006). The absence of EGF was correlated with improved long‐term survival: 94% at 1 year and 81% at 5 years without EGF versus 76% and 36% at 1 year (P < 0.001), and 70% and 28% at 5 years (P < 0.001) with EGF requiring IABP and ECMO support, respectively. In‐hospital weaned and survived patients after IABP or ECMO treatment for moderate‐to‐severe EGF had a similar 5‐year conditional survival rate as transplant patients who had not suffered EGF: 88% without EGF versus 84% with EGF treated with mechanical circulatory support devices (P = 0.08). The occurrence of EGF is a multifactorial deleterious event that depends on donor and recipient profiles. IABP and ECMO support are reliable treatment strategies, depending on the grade of EGF. Furthermore, surviving patients treated with IABP or ECMO have the same long‐term conditional survival rate as patients who have not suffered EGF.
Involvement of circadian clock in crowing of red jungle fowls (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Ito Shuichi , Hori Shuho , Hirose Makiko , Iwahara Mari , Yatsushiro Azusa , Matsumoto Atsushi , Tanaka Masayuki , Okamoto Chinobu , Yayou Ken‐ichi , Shimmura Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2016

The rhythmic locomotor behavior of flies and mice provides a phenotype for the identification of clock genes, and the underlying molecular mechanism is well studied. However, interestingly, when examining locomotor rhythm in the wild, several key laboratory‐based assumptions on circadian behavior are not supported in natural conditions. The rooster crowing ‘cock‐a‐doodle‐doo’ is a symbol of the break of dawn in many countries. Previously, we used domestic inbred roosters and showed that the timing of roosters' crowing is regulated by the circadian clock under laboratory conditions. However, it is still unknown whether the regulation of crowing by circadian clock is observed under natural conditions. Therefore, here we used red jungle fowls and first confirmed that similar crowing rhythms with domesticated chickens are observed in red jungle fowls under the laboratory conditions. Red jungle fowls show predawn crowing before light onset under 12:12 light : dim light conditions and the free‐running rhythm of crowing under total dim light conditions. We next examined the crowing rhythms under semi‐wild conditions. Although the crowing of red jungle fowls changed seasonally under semi‐wild conditions, predawn crowing was observed before sunrise in all seasons. This evidence suggests that seasonally changed crowing of red jungle fowls is under the control of a circadian clock.
Comparative assessment of clinical response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis between PF‐05280586, a proposed rituximab biosimilar, and rituximab
Authors: Williams Jason H. , Hutmacher Matthew M. , Zierhut Matthew L. , Becker Jean‐Claude , Gumbiner Barry , Spencer‐Green George , Melia Lisa A. , Liao Kai‐Hsin , Suster Matthew , Yin Donghua , Li Ruifeng , Meng Xu
Published: August 2016

Aims

To evaluate potential differences between PF‐05280586 and rituximab sourced from the European Union (rituximab‐EU) and USA (rituximab‐US) in clinical response (Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints [DAS28] and American College of Rheumatology [ACR] criteria), as part of the overall biosimilarity assessment of PF‐05280586.

Methods

A randomised, double‐blind, pharmacokinetic similarity trial was conducted in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis refractory to anti‐tumour necrosis factor therapy on a background of methotrexate. Patients were treated with 1000 mg of PF‐05280586, rituximab‐EU or rituximab‐US on days 1 and 15 and followed over 24 weeks for pharmacokinetic, clinical response and safety assessments. Key secondary end points were the areas under effect curves for DAS28 and ACR responses. Mean differences in areas under effect curves were compared against respective reference ranges established by observed rituximab‐EU and rituximab‐US responses using longitudinal nonlinear mixed effects models.

Results

The analysis included 214 patients. Demographics were similar across groups with exceptions in some baseline disease characteristics. Baseline imbalances and group‐to‐group variation were accounted for by covariate effects in each model. Predictions from the DAS28 and ACR models tracked the central tendency and distribution of observations well. No point estimates of mean differences were outside the reference range for DAS28 or ACR scores. The probabilities that the predicted differences between PF‐05280586 vs. rituximab‐EU or rituximab‐US lie outside the reference ranges were low.

Conclusions

No clinically meaningful differences were detected in DAS28 or ACR response between PF‐05280586 and rituximab‐EU or rituximab‐US as the differences were within the pre‐specified reference ranges. TRIAL REGISTRATION Number: NCT01526057.
Is age of onset associated with severity, prognosis, and clinical features in bipolar disorder? A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Joslyn Cassandra , Hawes David J , Hunt Caroline , Mitchell Philip B
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To identify clinical characteristics and adverse outcomes associated with an earlier age of onset of bipolar disorder.

Methods

A comprehensive search yielded 15 empirical papers comparing clinical presentation and outcomes in individuals with bipolar disorder grouped according to age of onset (total N=7370). The following variables were examined to determine odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs): presence of Axis I comorbidity, rapid cycling, psychotic symptoms, mixed episodes (DSM‐IV), lifetime suicide attempts, lifetime alcohol and substance abuse, symptom severity, and treatment delay.

Results

Early age of onset was found to be associated with longer delay to treatment (Hedges’ g=0.39, P=.001), greater severity of depression (Hedges’ g=0.42, P<.001), and higher levels of comorbid anxiety (OR=2.34, P<.001) and substance use (OR=1.80, P<.001). Surprisingly, no association was found between early age of onset and clinical characteristics such as psychotic symptoms or mixed episodes as defined by DSM‐IV.

Conclusions

Earlier age of onset of bipolar disorder is associated with factors that can negatively impact long‐term outcomes such as increased comorbidity. However, no association was found between early onset and indicators of severity or treatment resistance such as psychotic symptoms. Clinical features found to have the strongest relationship with early age of onset were those potentially amenable to pharmacological and psychological treatment. Results highlight the importance of early identification and provide potential areas of focus for the development of early intervention in bipolar disorder.
Exhaled nitric oxide dynamics in asthmatic reactions induced by diisocyanates
Authors: Mason P. , Scarpa M. C. , Guarnieri G. , Giordano G. , Baraldi E. , Maestrelli P.
Published: August 2016

Background

Isocyanate‐induced asthmatic reactions are associated with delayed increase in fractional exhaled nitric oxide measured at expiratory flow of 50 mL/s (FeNO50), a biomarker of airway inflammation. The time course of FeNO increase is compatible with the activation of NO synthase, but the origin of NO production in the lung is undetermined.

Objective

The aim of this study was to define the dynamics of airway and alveolar NO during specific inhalation challenge (SIC) with isocyanates and the role of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase.

Methods

Spirometry, exhaled NO parameters (FeNO50, bronchial wall NO concentration, NO airway diffusing capacity, NO flux to luminal space, alveolar NO) and ADMA levels in exhaled breath condensate were measured before and at intervals up to 24 h after exposure to isocyanates. The results were compared between 17 SIC‐positive and eight SIC‐negative subjects.

Results

A significant FeNO50 increase in SIC‐positive subjects was detected 24 h after exposure and was associated with the augmented NO flux from airway wall to the lumen, whereas airway NO diffusion and alveolar NO were not affected. The changes in NO dynamics were specific for the subjects who developed an asthmatic reaction, but were independent from the pattern and magnitude of bronchoconstriction. There was no evidence that exhaled NO is modulated by the changes in ADMA concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Because isocyanate‐induced increase in FeNO50 was almost exclusively determined by the increase in NO flux, the use of FeNO50 appears adequate to monitor the exhaled NO dynamics during SIC. FeNO50 measurement may provide additional information to spirometry, because bronchoconstriction and airway inflammatory responses are dissociated.
Chemically modified titanium–zirconium implants in comparison with commercially pure titanium controls stimulate the early molecular pathways of bone healing
Authors: Galli Silvia , Jimbo Ryo , Naito Yoshihito , Berner Simon , Dard Michel , Wennerberg Ann
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Titanium–zirconium (TiZr) has been proposed as a mechanically stronger alternative to commercially pure titanium for oral and orthopaedic implants. However, not much is known on the osseointegration kinetics of TiZr surfaces. In this study, we aimed to identify the genetic response of bone around TiZr implants compared to pure Ti.

Material and methods

Microtextured and hydrophilic TiZr implants (tests) and cpTi implants grade IV (controls) were placed in the tibia of 30 New Zealand white rabbits. At 2, 4 and 12 weeks, the implants were subjected to removal torque test (RTQ). The expression of a panel of genes involved in the process of osseointegration was measured in the bone around the test and control implants by means of quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and compared to the control samples.

Results

The controls yielded statistically significant higher RTQ at 4 weeks, but the RTQ of the tests had a larger increase between 4 and 12 weeks, when both groups reached similar values. The gene expression analysis showed that all selected markers for bone formation, bone remodelling and cytokines were significantly upregulated around TiZr implants after 2 weeks. After 4 weeks of healing, two bone formation markers were significantly more expressed in the test samples, while at 12 weeks, the expression of all genes was similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

TiZr implants showed comparable biomechanical outcomes to cpTi up to 12 weeks of healing. However, at early healing stages, they showed a significant upregulation of osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis markers.
Panfolliculoma with an endophytic architecture resembling a hair follicle: a report of three cases
Authors: Terushkin Vitaly , Meehan Shane , Shahabi Ladan , Brinster Nooshin
Published: August 2016

Panfolliculoma is a benign follicular tumor comprised of all components of the hair follicle. We report three cases of panfolliculoma with a solid, endophytic architecture, which at scanning magnification had the profile of a hair follicle. The epithelial components included uniform dark blue germinative cells, matrical cells, clear cells and cells containing trichohyaline granules. All the cases also had a central hyperkeratotic horn resembling a hair shaft. Two patients were female and one was male. Two lesions were located on the head and neck, and one was located on the leg. Clinical differential diagnoses included basal cell carcinoma, foreign body and cyst.
Histopathologic spectrum of hypersensitivity reactions associated with anti‐CD52 therapy (alemtuzumab)
Authors: Clark Stacie L. , Tse Julie Y. , Fisher David C. , LeBeouf Nicole R. , Murphy George F. , Kupper Thomas S. , Clark Rachael A. , Lian Christine G.
Published: August 2016

Background

Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against CD52, a cell surface antigen on B and T lymphocytes, and used to treat B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. Skin rash is a common adverse reaction following treatment with alemtuzumab. However, the clinicopathologic features and immunologic basis for the reaction have not been previously reported.

Methods

Our hospital's electronic pathology database was searched for cases with documentation of ‘alemtuzumab’ or ‘anti‐CD52’ in the clinical history provided by either the ordering physician or the pathologist. Clinical and histopathologic review of the cases was performed.

Results

Five patients with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were treated with alemtuzumab, and developed pruritic, erythematous papules and plaques. Histopathology of the skin lesions revealed subacute spongiotic dermatitis with multifocal parakeratosis, endothelial activation and perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. Eosinophils were not a prominent feature.

Conclusions

We describe the clinicopathologic features of a novel hypersensitivity reaction to alemtuzumb, and hypothesize it may be due to an immunologic response precipitated by the persistence of resident memory T‐cells (TRM) in the skin. Our findings raise awareness for a novel reaction pattern and guide the histopathologic interpretation of lesions which may clinically mimic residual or recurrent cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders.
834. STYLOPHORUM LASIOCARPUM
Authors: Grey‐Wilson Christopher
Published: August 2016

Stylophorum lasiocarpum is illustrated and its relationships are discussed. Instructions for its cultivation are given.
Human pancreatic islets develop through fusion of distinct β and α/δ islets
Authors: Lee Inchul
Published: August 2016

Human pancreatic islets show unique architecture in which α and δ cells are mostly at the peripheral and perivascular areas. It has remained unknown how such prototype is realized in every islet. Here, I report that fetal islets develop first in two distinct types consisting of β or α/δ cells, respectively. The α/δ islets are variable in shape, composed of α and δ cells evenly intermixed. They are vascularized better but encapsulated poorer than β islets in general. During the development, the β and α/δ islets adjoin and fuse with each other in such a way that α and δ cells form a crescent on β cells and, then, progress to encompass and encroach into β cells. Most mature‐form islets appear to develop through the fusion. Islets at various stages of fusion are present concurrently until late gestation, suggesting that the islet fusion is an ongoing developmental process. The α/δ islets appear to play a primary role for the process, approaching toward the fusion partner actively. Direct connection is present between the α/δ islets and neural ganglia undergoing active neurogenesis, suggesting an organ‐wide neuroendocrine network development. The fusion of precursor islets appears to be a principle of human pancreatic development providing the prototype of mature islets. The complex development might be a reference for in vitro reproduction of biologically competent islets.
EMPLOYEE FINANCIAL LITERACY AND RETIREMENT PLAN BEHAVIOR: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Clark Robert , Lusardi Annamaria , Mitchell Olivia S.
Published: August 2016

This article uses administrative data on all active employees of the Federal Reserve (FR) System to examine participation in and contributions to the Thrift Saving Plan, the System's defined contribution (DC) plan. We link to administrative records a unique employee survey of economic/demographic factors including a set of financial literacy questions. Not surprisingly, FR employees are substantially more financially literate than the population at large. Most importantly, financially savvy employees are also most likely to participate in their DC plan. Sophisticated workers contribute three percentage points more of their earnings to the DC plan than do the less knowledgeable, and they hold more equity in their pension accounts. We examine changes in employee plan behavior 1 year after employees completed a Learning Module about retirement planning, and we compare it to baseline patterns. We find that those employees who completed the Learning Module were more likely to start contributing and less likely to have stopped contributing to the DC plan postsurvey. In sum, employer‐provided learning programs are shown to significantly impact employee retirement saving decisions and consistent with a lot of other research, higher levels of financial literacy are found to have a beneficial impact on retirement saving patterns. (JEL J3, H7)
Being Different, But Close: How and When Faultlines Enhance Team Learning
Authors: Rupert Joyce , Blomme Robert Jan , Dragt Maria J. , Jehn Karen
Published: August 2016

Although work‐group diversity may have potential positive impact on team learning and performance, the way diversity characteristics are distributed, influences whether teams exploit this potential. In this quantitative field study on 52 teams in two health‐care organizations, we examined the relationship between informational faultlines (the demographic alignment of the informational characteristics of the members in a group, creating relatively homogeneous subgroups) and team learning. We used a moderated‐mediation model to test the interplay between faultline strength (the alignment of characteristics) and distance (between subgroups, based on the characteristics) on task and process learning. We hypothesized and found that strong but close subgroups stimulate task and process learning in teams. This study also provides evidence that transactive memory is a mediator in the relationship between the interaction of faultline strength and distance with task and process learning.
Late Quaternary reptile extinctions: size matters, insularity dominates
Authors: Slavenko Alex , Tallowin Oliver J. S. , Itescu Yuval , Raia Pasquale , Meiri Shai
Published: August 2016

AimA major Late Quaternary vertebrate extinction event affected mostly large‐bodied ‘megafauna’. This is well documented in both mammals and birds, but evidence of a similar trend in reptiles is scant. We assess the relationship between body size and Late Quaternary extinction in reptiles at the global level.

LocationGlobal.

MethodsWe compile a body size database for all 82 reptile species that are known to have gone extinct during the last 50,000 years and compare them with the sizes of 10,090 extant reptile species (97% of known extant diversity). We assess the body size distributions in the major reptile groups: crocodiles, lizards, snakes and turtles, while testing and correcting for a size bias in the fossil record. We examine geographical biases in extinction by contrasting mainland and insular reptile assemblages, and testing for biases within regions and then globally by using geographically weighted models.

ResultsExtinct reptiles were larger than extant ones, but there was considerable variation in extinction size biases among groups. Extinct lizards and turtles were large, extinct crocodiles were small and there was no trend in snakes. Lizard lineages vary in the way their extinction is related to size. Extinctions were particularly prevalent on islands, with 73 of the 82 extinct species being island endemics. Four others occurred in Australia. The fossil record is biased towards large‐bodied reptiles, but extinct lizards were larger than extant ones even after we account for this.

Main conclusionsBody size played a complex role in the extinction of Late Quaternary reptiles. Larger lizard and turtle species were clearly more affected by extinction mechanisms such as over exploitation and invasive species, resulting in a prevalence of large‐bodied species among extinct taxa. Insularity was by far the strongest correlate of recent reptile extinctions, suggesting that size‐biased extinction mechanisms are amplified in insular environments.
Development of an oral health‐related self‐efficacy scale for use with older adults
Authors: Ohara Yuki , Yoshida Naomi , Kawai Hisashi , Obuchi Shuichi , Yoshida Hideyo , Mataki Shiro , Hirano Hirohiko , Watanabe Yutaka
Published: August 2016

Aim

Self‐efficacy is considered to be an important factor influencing behavior change; however, there are no existing tools to measure self‐efficacy in the context of oral health among older adults. The purpose of the present study was to develop the Geriatric Self‐Efficacy Scale for Oral Health (GSEOH) for use with older adults, and to evaluate its reliability and validity.

Methods

The self‐administered questionnaire was completed by 646 Japanese older people. The draft version of the scale consisted of 35 items that were generated to measure the three dimensions of personal beliefs in tooth brushing, observing own oral health status and oral function. We carried out a principal components factor analysis with promax rotation, and investigated the scale's internal consistency and construct validity.

Results

The final version of the scale consisted of three dimensions measured with 20 items. Cronbach's alpha of the GSEOH total scale was 0.924. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in total scores on the GSEOH for the change process of oral health behavior, and in relation to self‐rated oral health.

Conclusions

We developed the GSEOH, with three factors and 20 items, and confirmed its reliability and validity. More studies are necessary to investigate the cross‐cultural validity and reliability with larger samples from other countries. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1406–1411.
Helicobacter pylori in children
Authors: Sustmann Andrea , Okuda Masumi , Koletzko Sibylle
Published: August 2016

Helicobacter pylori infection in early childhood may differ in many aspects compared to infection in adulthood: the immune response in the gut, the type and prevalence of complications within and outside the stomach, and the impact on long‐term health. In high prevalence countries, transient infections seem to be common in infants and toddlers, and the consequences of this phenomenon on the short‐ and long‐term immune response are still unclear. Other controversial issues are related to the question of which H. pylori‐infected children benefit from treatment and which is the best regimen to eradicate the infection in the presence of a worldwide increasing antibiotic resistance. The first large‐scale randomized placebo‐controlled vaccination trial in schoolchildren indicates that prevention of the infection may be possible.
Analysis of papillary urothelial carcinomas of the bladder with grade heterogeneity: supportive evidence for an early role of CDKN2A deletions in the FGFR3 pathway
Authors: Downes Michelle R , Weening Berber , van Rhijn Bas W G , Have Cherry L , Treurniet Kilian M , van der Kwast Theodorus H
Published: August 2016

Aims

The dual pathway model of urothelial carcinogenesis does not fully explain grade and stage progression in patients with initial low‐grade, non‐muscle invasive urothelial carcinomas. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) mutations are a hallmark of the low‐grade pathway, with subsequent progression to muscle invasion occurring when FGFR3 mutant tumours exhibit a homozygous CDKN2A deletion. We hypothesized that grade heterogeneity represents the morphological manifestation of molecular changes associated with disease progression.

Methods and results

We identified retrospectively 29 non‐muscle invasive papillary urothelial carcinomas with grade heterogeneity (<20% high grade). Nineteen had sufficient material for immunohistochemistry, CDKN2A fluorescence in‐situ hybridization and FGFR3 mutation analysis. Eight pure low‐grade urothelial carcinomas (PLGUC) were also analysed. FGFR3 mutation was seen in 10 of 19 cases. A homozygous CDKN2A deletion was identified in the low‐grade areas of eight of nine (88%) technically suitable FGFR3 mutant cases (including five pTa cancers), in five of nine FGFR3 wild‐type carcinomas and in none of the PLGUC. Increased MIB‐1 expression was seen in low‐grade areas of 12 of 19, in high‐grade areas of 17 of 19 cases with grade heterogeneity and in none of the PLGUC. p53 staining was increased in one of 19 low‐grade and seven of 19 high‐grade areas.

Conclusion

Our findings show that grade heterogeneity in urothelial carcinoma is characterized by increased MIB‐1 labelling, and particularly in the FGFR3 mutant pathway, with homozygous deletions of CDKN2A in low‐ and high‐grade areas. This would suggest that CDKN2A deletion occurs prior to grade progression and supports the current convention to assign the highest grade to urothelial carcinomas with grade heterogeneity.
The influence of generic substitution on the content of patient–pharmacist communication in Swedish community pharmacies
Authors: Olsson Erika , Wallach-Kildemoes Helle , Ahmed Ban , Ingman Pontus , Kaae Susanne , Kälvemark Sporrong Sofia
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The objective was to study the relationship between the length and content of patient–pharmacist communication in community pharmacies, and generic substitution.

Methods

The study was conducted in six community pharmacies in Sweden. Non-participant observations with audio recordings and short structured interviews were conducted. Out of 32 pharmacists 29 agreed to participate (90.6%), as did 282 out of 407 patients (69.3%). Logistic regression analysis was applied to calculate odds ratio for occurrence of generic substitution. Linear regression (β-coefficients) was applied to test for differences in time spent on different categories.

Key findings

In encounters where generic substitution occurred more time (19.2 s) was spent on non-medical (for instance administrative or economical) issues (P = 0.01, 95% confidence interval 4.8–33.6). However, the total time of the encounter was not significantly longer. The amount of time spent on non-medical issues increased with age of patient (age 60+: β, 33 s, P > 0.001). The results indicate that more time was spent on medical issues with patients who have a higher education (high school: β, 10.8 s, P = 0.07, university: β, 10.2 s, P = 0.11) relative to those with only elementary school education.

Conclusions

Occurrence of generic substitution was correlated with more time spent on communicating on non-medical, but not on medical, issues. No extra time was spent on medical information for the groups normally overrepresented among those with low health literacy. This study suggests that pharmacists need to further embrace their role in promoting rational use of medicines, not least when generic substitution occurs.
Essential Japanese guidelines for the prevention of perioperative infections in the urological field: 2015 edition
Authors: Yamamoto Shingo , Shigemura Katsumi , Kiyota Hiroshi , Wada Koichiro , Hayami Hiroshi , Yasuda Mitsuru , Takahashi Satoshi , Ishikawa Kiyohito , Hamasuna Ryoichi , Arakawa Soichi , Matsumoto Tetsuro ,   the Japanese Research Group for UTI
Published: August 2016

After publication of the initial version of the Japanese guidelines for urological surgery in 2007, new surgical techniques have been introduced. Furthermore, several important issues, such as criteria for use of single‐dose antimicrobial prophylaxis and control of hospitalized infection, were also established, which led to alterations of the methods used for antimicrobial prophylaxis as well as perioperative management. The purpose of antimicrobial prophylaxis is to protect the surgical wound from contamination by normal bacterial flora. Antimicrobial prophylaxis should be based on penicillins with beta‐lactamase inhibitors, or first‐ or second‐generation cephalosporins, though penicillins without beta‐lactamase inhibitors should not be prescribed because of the high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. As an adequate intratissue concentration of the antimicrobial at the surgical site should be accomplished by the time of initiation of surgery, antimicrobial prophylaxis should be started up to 30 min before beginning the operation. Antimicrobial prophylaxis should be terminated within 24 h in clean and clean‐contaminated surgery, and within 2 days of surgery using the bowels, because a longer duration is a risk factor for surgical site infection development. Importantly, possible risk factors for surgical site infections include the antimicrobial prophylaxis methodology used as well as others, such as duration of preoperative hospitalization, hand washing, the American Society of Anesthesiologists score, diabetes and smoking history. These guidelines are to be applied only for preoperatively non‐infected low‐risk patients. In cases with preoperative infection or bacteriuria that can cause a surgical site infection or urinary tract infection after surgery, patients must receive adequate preoperative treatment based on the individual situation.
Combination of intravesical prostatic protrusion and resistive index is useful to predict bladder outlet obstruction in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Suzuki Takahisa , Otsuka Atsushi , Ozono Seiichiro
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To examine which parameters obtained from transrectal ultrasonography are accurate predictors of urodynamically‐confirmed bladder outlet obstruction in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods

The records of 350 patients with complaints of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia were reviewed. Baseline parameters were international prostate symptom score, quality of life score, postvoid residual urine volume, prostate‐specific antigen, and data obtained from uroflowmetry and transrectal ultrasonography. Urodynamic studies were carried out to determine bladder outlet obstruction. Receiver operator characteristic curves were generated to compare the accuracy of the different parameters, and the area under the curve of each parameter was calculated.

Results

Bladder outlet obstruction index positively correlated with intravesical prostatic protrusion, total prostate volume, transition zone volume, transition zone index, resistive index and prostate‐specific antigen. Further, resistive index was only a significant independent variable with intravesical prostatic protrusion. Intravesical prostatic protrusion had the highest area under the curve of 0.790 among all variables, and its cut‐off value was 10 mm. The positive predictive value of intravesical prostatic protrusion was 76.2%. In addition, the positive predictive value of the combined parameters intravesical prostatic protrusion and resistive index increased to 83.8%.

Conclusions

Intravesical prostatic protrusion and resistive index are useful parameters for predicting bladder outlet obstruction in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In clinical practice, the combination of intravesical prostatic protrusion and resistive index on ultrasound can be diagnostic of bladder outlet obstruction.
An analysis of employment dynamics in the Republic of Korea: The role of temporary work and self‐employment
Authors: AHN Taehyun
Published: August 2016

Relative to “standard”, permanent employment, the shares of temporary employment and self‐employment are on the rise throughout much of the developed world. Here, the author examines the dynamics of this trend in the Republic of Korea by investigating employment choices among prime‐age men and women. Using panel data and a dynamic multinomial logit model with a factor‐analytic random‐effects specification, he finds that temporary employment rarely serves as a stepping stone towards permanent employment. Individuals who are self‐employed, however, are less likely than those in any other employment status category to be non‐employed in the following year.
Structural Evolution in Hollandite Solid Solutions Across the A‐Site Compositional Range from Ba1.33Ga2.66Ti5.34O16 to Cs1.33Ga1.33Ti6.67O16
Authors: Xu Yun , Feygenson Mikhail , Page Katharine , Nickles Lindsay Shuller , Brinkman Kyle S.
Published: August 2016

Hollandite solid solutions along the A‐site compositional range from the pure barium end‐member Ba1.33Ga2.66Ti5.34O16 to the pure cesium end‐member Cs1.33Ga1.33Ti6.67O16 have been synthesized using a solid‐state reaction technique. The crystal structure of the hollandite across the entire compositional range remained in the I4/m space group. Structural evolution was resolved by neutron diffraction, total scattering data, and density functional theory calculations. A trend of decreasing thermodynamic stability with smaller tunnel cations was attributed to increased structural distortion observed in the system. In addition, the tunnel cations' local environment was studied in the eightfold coordinated oxygen cavities. Local binding features of the tunnel cations reveals that the hollandite structure can strongly stabilize tunnel cations, even at elevated temperatures up to 500 K.
Koilonychia: an update on pathophysiology, differential diagnosis and clinical relevance
Authors: Walker J. , Baran R. , Vélez N. , Jellinek N.
Published: August 2016

Koilonychia, a concave nail dystrophy, has multiple aetiologies and may be hereditary, acquired or idiopathic. Within dermatology, koilonychia is often a manifestation of an inflammatory dermatosis such as psoriasis or lichen planus, or a sign of onychomycosis. Other disease associations include iron store abnormalities, Plummer–Vinson Syndrome, nutritional deficiencies and occupational or traumatic aetiologies. In young children, koilonychia of the toenails is commonly transient and idiopathic, although familial and syndromic cases are reported. The dermatologist must be aware of the potential cutaneous and systemic associations with koilonychia in order to guide appropriate workup, treatment and/or referral. An algorithm for evaluation of koilonychia is presented along with discussion of common causes of koilonychia and a comprehensive list of all known associations.
Influence of Accelerated Aging on the Color Stability of Dental Zirconia
Authors: Volpato Cláudıa Ângela Mazıero , Cesar Paulo Francısco , Bottıno Marco Antônıo
Published: August 2016

Objective

This study evaluated the influence of different aging times on the color stability of zirconia that is either veneered or not by ceramic.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen zirconia disks (3Y‐TZP) were produced (12.0 mm in diameter and 1.0 mm‐thick). Five disks (G1) did not receive veneering ceramic layer; 5 disks (G2) were veneered with 1.0 mm a ceramic layer and the other 5 disks (G3) were veneered with layer of 1.5 mm. The L*a*b* coordinates (T1) were measured with a spectrophotometer. The disks were subjected to an accelerated aging protocol for 1 hour (T2), 2 hours (T3) and 4 hours (T4). Measurements were made after each aging time. Differences in color (ΔE00), lightness (ΔL′), chroma (ΔC′), and hue (ΔH′) were calculated by CIEDE2000 color difference formula among standard‐averages, aging times and thickness tested. For ΔE00, one‐way ANOVA was performed for the G1 and two‐way ANOVA for G2 and G3. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed for ΔL′, ΔC′, and ΔH′. Multiple comparisons were performed using Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

Results

For G1, statistical differences were found for lightness (ΔL′), chroma (ΔC′), and hue differences (ΔH′) (p = 0.0001), highlighting the major in chroma differences (ΔC′). Discrete color differences (ΔE00) were observed (0.95ΔE00) especially after 4 hours of aging (T4). For G2 and G3, statistical differences for ΔL′, ΔC′, and ΔH′ were found as a function of the thickness of the ceramic coating (p < 0.0001) and aging time (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

When 3Y‐TZP was subjected to aging, discrete color differences were present. With exception of the G2, the color difference was less than 1.25ΔE00, demonstrating that the zirconia maintained its colorimetric properties after aging protocol.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

After prolonged aging, discrete color changes can occur in zirconia, particularly when it is contact with the oral environment, as is the case of abutments and monolithic crowns. Thus, clinical and laboratory care should be taken to maintain surface integrity of zirconia, minimizing aging. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:304–312, 2016)