bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with older adults' need for oral hygiene management by dental professionals
Authors: Morishita Shiho , Watanabe Yutaka , Ohara Yuki , Edahiro Ayako , Sato Emiko , Suga Takeo , Hirano Hirohiko
Published: September 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess the need for oral hygiene management by dental professionals among older adults requiring long‐term care, and to collect basic data for building a dental treatment framework on a regional level. Although healthcare providers are aware of the importance of oral care for older adults requiring long‐term care, reports claim that the provision of oral care is insufficient, and a framework is being built for the provision of oral hygiene management by dental professionals.

Methods

A survey on lifestyle and oral health was carried out on 372 older adults requiring long‐term care in one town in Japan. Binomial logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess factors affecting the need for oral hygiene management.

Results

A total of 66.1% of participants required oral hygiene management. The Barthel Index, Clinical Dementia Rating, oral hygiene status and other factors differed significantly with the presence or absence of oral hygiene management need. In addition to variables related to oral hygiene status (dental plaque and tongue coating), factors that significantly affected oral hygiene management need included the Clinical Dementia Rating (odds ratio 2.63, 95% confidence interval 1.08–6.41).

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that the need for oral hygiene management by dental professionals increases as dementia advances. However, current systems that provide regional dental care are structured based on the level of care need and the degree of independence. A dementia perspective needs to be added to these systems. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 956–962.
Prevalence of sarcopenia in acute hip fracture patients and its influence on short‐term clinical outcome
Authors: González‐Montalvo Juan I , Alarcón Teresa , Gotor Pilar , Queipo Rocío , Velasco Rocío , Hoyos Rubén , Pardo Armando , Otero Angel
Published: September 2015

Aim

Current international criteria provide standardized procedures to diagnose sarcopenia in older people. However, to date few data exist on patients with acute disease. The present study was carried out to determine the frequency of sarcopenia in acute hip fracture patients, and its association with their baseline characteristics and prognosis during hospitalization.

Methods

Data were collected from 509 consecutive patients hospitalized for hip fracture. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People Criteria for sarcopenia were applied in the first 72 h. Muscle mass was measured by electrical bioimpedance and grip strength by hydraulic dynamometer. Clinical, functional and cognitive characteristics were assessed at baseline and hospital discharge, and their association with the presence of sarcopenia was studied.

Results

A total of 479 patients (94%) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 85.3 (SD 6.8 years). The frequency of sarcopenia was 17.1% (12.4% in men, 18.3% in women). Sarcopenia was associated with residence in nursing homes (30.5% vs 19.6%, P = 0.030), older age (86.8, SD 6.2 vs 85.1, SD 6.9 years, P = 0.038), and lower body mass index (23.1, SD 3.6 vs 25.6, SD 4.23, P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, only low body mass index was predictive of sarcopenia (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.80–0.91). Sarcopenia was associated with worse functional prognosis at discharge in the crude analysis (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.15–3.07), but not in the multivariate analysis (OR 1.68, 95% CI 0.99–2.84).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia was detected in almost one of five acute hip fracture patients and was associated with lower body mass index, but an association with worse prognosis at discharge could not be confirmed. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1021‐1027.
Prevalence of elder self‐neglect in a Chicago Chinese population: The role of cognitive physical and mental health
Authors: Dong XinQi , Simon Melissa
Published: September 2015

Aim

The present study examined the cognitive, physical and psychological characteristics associated with elder self‐neglect in a USA Chinese older population.

Methods

The Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago is a population‐based epidemiological study of Chinese older adults in the greater Chicago area. In total, 3159 Chinese older adults aged 60 years and older were interviewed from 2011 to 2013. Personal and home environment was rated on hoarding, personal hygiene, house in need of repair, unsanitary conditions and inadequate utility.

Results

The prevalence of elder self‐neglect of all severities was higher among older adults who were with worsening health status, lower cognitive function, lower physical function and more depressive symptoms. Poorer health status (mild self‐neglect OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.06–1.35; moderate/severe self‐neglect: OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.30–1.77), lower physical function (activities of daily living moderate/severe self‐neglect OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05–1.13; instrumental activities of daily living mild OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03–1.06; instrumental activities of dailiy living moderate/severe OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04–1.07), lower cognitive function (mild self‐neglect OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.07; moderate/severe self‐neglect OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.09) and more depressive symptoms (mild self‐neglect OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.07; moderate/severe self‐neglect OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.06–1.11) were significantly associated with increased risk for elder self‐neglect of all severities.

Conclusion

Older adults with lower levels of cognitive, physical, and psychological health were more likely to report elder self‐neglect and its phenotypes. Future research is required to examine risk/protective factors associated with elder self‐neglect. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1051–1062.
‘I should have taken that further’ – missed opportunities during cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with psoriasis inUKprimary care settings: a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Nelson Pauline A. , Kane Karen , Chisholm Anna , Pearce Christina J. , Keyworth Christopher , Rutter Martin K. , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A. , Griffiths Christopher E.M. , Cordingley Lis ,   the IMPACT Team (Identification and Management of Psoriasis‐Associated Co‐morbidiTy)
Published: September 2015

Background

Unhealthy lifestyle is common in psoriasis, contributing to worsening disease and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.CVDrisk communication should improve patients’ understanding of risk and risk‐reducing behaviours; however, the effectiveness of risk screening is debated and evaluation currently limited.

Objective

To examine the process of assessing for and communicating aboutCVDrisk in the context of psoriasis.

Design

Mixed‐methods study inEnglish general practices to (i) determine proportions ofCVDrisk factors among patients with psoriasis at risk assessment and (ii) examine patient and practitioner experiences of risk communication to identify salient ‘process’ issues. Audio recordings of consultations informed in‐depth interviews with patients and practitioners using tape‐assisted recall, analysed with framework analysis.

Participants

Patients with psoriasis (n = 287) undergoingCVDrisk assessment; 29 patients and 12 practitioners interviewed.

Results

A high proportion of patients had risk factor levels apparent at risk assessment aboveNICErecommendations: very high waist circumference (52%), obesity (35%), raised blood pressure (29%), smoking (18%) and excess alcohol consumption (18%). There was little evidence of personalized discussion aboutCVDrisk and behaviour change support in consultations. Professionals reported a lack of training in behaviour change, while patients wanted to discussCVDrisk/risk reduction and believed practitioners to be influential in supporting lifestyle management.

Conclusions

Despite high levels of risk factors identified, opportunities may be missed in consultations to support patients with psoriasis to understandCVDrisk/risk reduction. Practitioners need training in behaviour change techniques to capitalize on ‘teachable moments’ and increase the effectiveness of risk screening.
Gastric crypt dysplasia: a distinct subtype of gastric dysplasia with characteristic endoscopic features and immunophenotypic and biological anomalies
Authors: Kim Ahrong , Ahn Sang‐Jeong , Park Do Youn , Lee Bong‐Eun , Song Geum‐Am , Kim Gwang Ha , Lauwers Gregory Y
Published: September 2015

Aims

Previous reports have shown that gastric epithelial dysplasia (GED) limited to the crypt (gastric crypt dysplasia, GCD) is commonly identified at the periphery of gastric carcinoma. However, it is unknown whether GCD is endoscopically identifiable, and how it relates to classic GED lesions.

Methods and results

We investigated 1196 consecutive endoscopic resections of GED lesions between January 2011 and December 2014. We also evaluated clinicopathological features of these lesions, as well as the immunohistochemical expression of mucin (Muc)2, Muc5AC, Muc6, CD10, Ki67 and p53. We found 51 (4.3%) lesions composed microscopically of GCD among 1196 GED lesions. Those were elevated mucosal lesions (66.7%) similar in colour and texture to the adjacent mucosa (68.6%). GCD was likely to have an antropyloric location and a higher grade than the adenomatous type, similar to the foveolar and hybrid types (P < 0.05). A gastric immunophenotype was more common in GCD compared to adenomatous GED (P < 0.05). Ki‐67‐ and p53‐positive cells were more evident in GCD compared to the adjacent gastric mucosa.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that GCD can be an endoscopically identifiable lesion, sharing many similarities with foveolar and hybrid GED, for which it may represent a precursor lesion in the gastric carcinogenic sequence.
Cost savings with a new screening algorithm for pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Quinlivan A. , Thakkar V. , Stevens W. , Morrisroe K. , Prior D. , Rabusa C. , Youssef P. , Gabbay E. , Roddy J. , Walker J. G. , Zochling J. , Sahhar J. , Nash P. , Lester S. , Rischmueller M. , Proudman S. M. , Nikpour M.
Published: September 2015

Background

Screening for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is now standard care in this disease. The existing Australian Scleroderma Interest Group algorithm (ASIGSTANDARD) is based on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and pulmonary function tests (PFT). Recently, ASIG has derived and validated a new screening algorithm (ASIGPROPOSED) that incorporates N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide level together with PFT in order to decrease reliance on TTE, which has some limitations. Right heart catheterisation (RHC) remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of PAH in patients who screen ‘positive’.

Aim

To compare the cost of PAH screening in SSc with ASIGSTANDARD and ASIGPROPOSED algorithms.

Methods

We applied both ASIGSTANDARD and ASIGPROPOSED algorithms to 643 screen‐naïve SSc patients from the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study (ASCS), assuming a PAH prevalence of 10%. We compared the costs of screening, the number of TTE required and both the total number of RHC required and the number of RHC needed to diagnose one case of PAH, and costs, according to each algorithm. We then extrapolated the costs to the estimated total Australian SSc population.

Results

In screen‐naïve patients from the ASCS, ASIGPROPOSED resulted in 64% fewer TTE and 10% fewer RHC compared with ASIGSTANDARD, with $1936 (15%) saved for each case of PAH diagnosed. When the costs were extrapolated to the entire Australian SSc population, there was an estimated screening cost saving of $946 000 per annum with ASIGPROPOSED, with a cost saving of $851 400 in each subsequent year of screening.

Conclusions

ASIGPROPOSED substantially reduces the number of TTE and RHC required and results in substantial cost savings in SSc‐PAH screening compared with ASIGSTANDARD.
Color‐coded etiological keys: A simple survey tool towards amputation‐free limb survival in diabetic foot lesions
Authors: Sharkawy Mohamed , Samadoni Ayman El
Published: September 2015

Aims/Introduction

We devised a simple implementable color‐coded etiological key survey based on six significant categories to screen and manage all diabetic foot patients. The study results were analyzed to verify the impact of this survey.

Materials and Methods

First we carried out a retrospective internal survey of all diabetic patients that presented to us during the period from January 2004 to January 2007. We used this analysis to develop the color‐coded etiological survey, and applied it to analyze patients prospectively for 5 years from May 2007 to May 2012. Out of 4,102 diabetic foot patients, 739 patients were referred by other medical facilities for major amputation as a result of the severity of their foot lesions. This group was then subjected to further analysis to study the value and impact of the survey on amputation‐free limb survival.

Results

Blood quality abnormalities were most prevalent followed by peripheral occlusive diseases, whereas tissue loss was the least. After the completion of the assessment process, management was implemented according to the defined protocol based on the lesions’ characteristics. The primary end‐point of major amputation‐free limb survival was achieved in 72.5% of patients, with an average hospital stay of 13.3 days. Statistical analysis of the etiological keys showed a significant impact of tissue loss, and previous foot surgery as a poor predictor of limb loss.

Conclusion

We conclude that the implementation of the color‐coded etiological key survey can provide efficient and effective service to diabetic foot victims with comparable outcomes to dedicated diabetic foot clinics.
BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS AND MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE
Authors: Livingston Miles , Zhou Lei
Published: September 2015

In this article we analyze fund‐level data on brokerage commissions paid by diversified U.S. equity mutual funds from 2001 to 2011. We find that brokerage commission per dollar traded has a positive and significant impact on mutual fund performance, indicating that funds paying premium brokerage commissions were able to improve performance net of all expenses. The positive impact of premium brokerage services (better execution quality, timely research reports, etc.) purchased through higher commissions is more pronounced during volatile market times.
ON THE DIMINISHING RETURN TO TRADE CREDIT
Authors: Hill Matthew D. , Kelly G.W. , Venkiteshwaran Vinod
Published: September 2015

We examine the relation between excess returns and corporate trade credit policy. Robust results suggest a lower market value of receivables for firms with higher lagged receivables levels, consistent with diminishing returns from extending trade credit. Further findings indicate that the diminishing return to trade credit varies with industry affiliation, market share, and financial constraint. Our results emphasize the importance of actively monitoring trade credit levels.
TARGET FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE AND TAKEOVER PRICING
Authors: Jindra Jan , Moeller Thomas
Published: September 2015

In a large sample of U.S. takeovers, we find that acquisitions of targets with greater financial independence are associated with higher takeover premiums and lower acquirer announcement returns. This empirical result is most consistent with targets' deriving bargaining power from their financial independence. Raising external funds is costly. Targets that do not depend on external funds do not need new external capital and have no reason to acquiesce potential takeover premium to acquirers that can provide capital. Therefore, more financially independent targets should be in stronger bargaining positions vis‐à‐vis potential acquirers, leading to the effect on takeover pricing that we observe.
Risk Overhang and Loan Portfolio Decisions: Small Business Loan Supply before and during the Financial Crisis
Authors: DEYOUNG ROBERT , GRON ANNE , TORNA GӦKHAN , WINTON ANDREW
Published: September 2015

We estimate a structural model of bank portfolio lending and find that the typical U.S. community bank reduced its business lending during the global financial crisis. The decline in business credit was driven by increased risk overhang effects (consistent with a reduction in the liquidity of assets held on bank balance sheets) and by reduced loan supply elasticities suggestive of credit rationing (consistent with an increase in lender risk aversion). Nevertheless, we identify a group of strategically focused relationship banks that made and maintained higher levels of business loans during the crisis.
Modeling Gene‐Environment Interactions With Quasi‐Natural Experiments
Authors: Schmitz Lauren , Conley Dalton
Published: September 2015

This overview develops new empirical models that can effectively document Gene × Environment (G×E) interactions in observational data. Current G×E studies are often unable to support causal inference because they use endogenous measures of the environment or fail to adequately address the nonrandom distribution of genes across environments, confounding estimates. Comprehensive measures of genetic variation are incorporated into quasi‐natural experimental designs to exploit exogenous environmental shocks or isolate variation in environmental exposure to avoid potential confounders. In addition, we offer insights from population genetics that improve upon extant approaches to address problems from population stratification. Together, these tools offer a powerful way forward for G×E research on the origin and development of social inequality across the life course.
Now hang on a minute: five rules for writing an editorial
Authors: Gray R.
Published: September 2015

The Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (re)introduced editorials – after an absence of several years – in the November 2014 edition. The first editorial by the new Editor in Chief – Lawrie Elliott – set out an ambitious programme of work that aims to enhance the reputation, quality and impact of the Journal. Editorials can serve to distil emergent themes, or highlight papers from a particular issue and/or set out an opinion on a topical issue. Generally, the editor or the editorial team will write the majority of editorials. There is also an expectation that members of the editorial board will also occasionally draft the lead piece. We also hope that readers of the journal will – from time to time – be stirred about a particular issue, put pen to paper and submit an editorial.

As an editorial team, we thought it might be helpful to consider some guidance for writing editorials. These are therefore my five rules based on my experience writing, reading and reviewing editorials both for this and other journals over the past couple of decades.
Genetic Susceptibility to Rhodococcus equi
Authors: McQueen C.M. , Dindot S.V. , Foster M.J. , Cohen N.D.
Published: September 2015

Rhodococcus equi pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal foals. Much effort has been made to identify preventative measures and new treatments for R. equi with limited success. With a growing focus in the medical community on understanding the genetic basis of disease susceptibility, investigators have begun to evaluate the interaction of the genetics of the foal with R. equi. This review describes past efforts to understand the genetic basis underlying R. equi susceptibility and tolerance. It also highlights the genetic technology available to study horses and describes the use of this technology in investigating R. equi. This review provides readers with a foundational understanding of candidate gene approaches, single nucleotide polymorphism‐based, and copy number variant‐based genome‐wide association studies, and next generation sequencing (both DNA and RNA).
What Do We Know? Reconsideration of Victorian Realism and Epistemological Doubt
Authors: Pond Kristen A.
Published: September 2015

This essay traces what might be called an epistemology of realism: the attempt to gather empirical evidence about the world, to then selectively represent that evidence so as to make the others we encounter as intelligible as possible, but all the while acknowledging, implicitly or explicitly, that such complete knowledge is unattainable. In this way, realism continually comes up against its own epistemological endeavors. In what follows, I take a brief look at definitions, both conventional and troubling, of realism, the historical context out of which realism developed, and the historical trajectory of the 20th‐century criticism about realism. I then examine some of the more recent work on realism, focusing in particular on the trend of viewing realism in relation to epistemology. I conclude by performing two short readings of realist novels that utilize this epistemological lens in order to illustrate how this way of reading realism not only underscores some of the tough epistemological questions that realist writers grappled with but also draws our attention to texts previously defined as outside of the realist paradigm.
Determinants of parasitoid communities of willow‐galling sawflies: habitat overrides physiology, host plant and space
Authors: Nyman Tommi , Leppänen Sanna A. , Várkonyi Gergely , Shaw Mark R. , Koivisto Reijo , Barstad Trond Elling , Vikberg Veli , Roininen Heikki
Published: September 2015

Studies on the determinants of plant–herbivore and herbivore–parasitoid associations provide important insights into the origin and maintenance of global and local species richness. If parasitoids are specialists on herbivore niches rather than on herbivore taxa, then alternating escape of herbivores into novel niches and delayed resource tracking by parasitoids could fuel diversification at both trophic levels. We usedDNAbarcoding to identify parasitoids that attack larvae of sevenPontaniasawfly species that induce leaf galls on eight willow species growing in subarctic and arctic–alpine habitats in three geographic locations in northern Fennoscandia, and then applied distance‐ and model‐based multivariate analyses and phylogenetic regression methods to evaluate the hierarchical importance of location, phylogeny and different galler niche dimensions on parasitoid host use. We found statistically significant variation in parasitoid communities across geographic locations and willow host species, but the differences were mainly quantitative due to extensive sharing of enemies among gallers within habitat types. By contrast, the divide between habitats defined two qualitatively different network compartments, because many common parasitoids exhibited strong habitat preference. Galler and parasitoid phylogenies did not explain associations, because distantly related arctic–alpine gallers were attacked by a species‐poor enemy community dominated by two parasitoid species that most likely have independently tracked the gallers’ evolutionary shifts into the novel habitat. Our results indicate that barcode‐ and phylogeny‐based analyses of food webs that span forested vs. tundra or grassland environments could improve our understanding of vertical diversification effects in complex plant–herbivore–parasitoid networks.
Essentiality of threonylcarbamoyladenosine (t6A), a universal tRNA modification, in bacteria
Authors: Thiaville Patrick C. , El Yacoubi Basma , Köhrer Caroline , Thiaville Jennifer J. , Deutsch Chris , Iwata‐Reuyl Dirk , Bacusmo Jo Marie , Armengaud Jean , Bessho Yoshitaka , Wetzel Collin , Cao Xiaoyu , Limbach Patrick A. , RajBhandary Uttam L. , de Crécy‐Lagard Valérie
Published: September 2015

Threonylcarbamoyladenosine (t6A) is a modified nucleoside universally conserved in tRNAs in all three kingdoms of life. The recently discovered genes for t6A synthesis, including tsaC and tsaD, are essential in model prokaryotes but not essential in yeast. These genes had been identified as antibacterial targets even before their functions were known. However, the molecular basis for this prokaryotic‐specific essentiality has remained a mystery. Here, we show that t6A is a strong positive determinant for aminoacylation of tRNA by bacterial‐type but not by eukaryotic‐type isoleucyl‐tRNA synthetases and might also be a determinant for the essential enzyme tRNAIle‐lysidine synthetase. We confirm that t6A is essential in Escherichia coli and a survey of genome‐wide essentiality studies shows that genes for t6A synthesis are essential in most prokaryotes. This essentiality phenotype is not universal in Bacteria as t6A is dispensable in Deinococcus radiodurans, Thermus thermophilus, Synechocystis PCC6803 and Streptococcus mutans. Proteomic analysis of t6A− D. radiodurans strains revealed an induction of the proteotoxic stress response and identified genes whose translation is most affected by the absence of t6A in tRNAs. Thus, although t6A is universally conserved in tRNAs, its role in translation might vary greatly between organisms.
Griscelli Syndrome Type 3: Two New Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nouriel Ariella , Zisquit Jonah , Helfand Alexander M. , Anikster Yair , Greenberger Shoshana
Published: September 2015

A 3‐year‐old Arab boy with a history of hypoplastic left heart syndrome was referred to the pediatric dermatology clinic at Sheba Medical Center for evaluation of hypomelanosis, manifested by fair skin pigmentation and silvery‐grey hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. The child had one older brother with similar hypopigmentation and another older brother who had died of congenital heart disease. The child had no history of neurologic deficits or immunodeficiency and no additional findings on clinical evaluation.
Identifying Performance Gaps in Comorbidity and Risk Factor Screening, Prevention, and Counseling Behaviors of Providers Caring for Children with Psoriasis
Authors: Swary Jillian H. , Stratman Erik J.
Published: September 2015

Background/Objectives

Comorbidities and risk factors are associated with pediatric psoriasis. It is unknown whether pediatricians and dermatologists ask about, record, or counsel on pediatric psoriasis risk factors and comorbidities. The aim of our study was to assess the rate at which pediatricians and dermatologists inquire about, counsel on, and document pediatric psoriasis risk factors and comorbidities in a stable population.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review from 2011 to 2013 in a large, rural multidisciplinary clinic, the Marshfield Epidemiologic Study Area. Participants were children ages 18 years and younger with plaque psoriasis. Rates of counseling and screening for pediatric psoriasis risk factors and comorbidities by pediatricians and dermatologists were determined.

Results

Thirty patients qualified for the study. Data were collected on body mass index (BMI) and tobacco exposure. Caregiver counseling rates on these factors were low; 66.7% and 60% did not receive counseling on BMI reduction or family member smoking cessation, respectively. Counseling on stress as a risk factor was performed at only one patient's dermatology visit (3.3%). Lipid panels were collected for 40% of patients and fasting glucose levels for 33.3% since the date of first psoriasis diagnosis. Blood pressure was collected for all patients. Only 13.3% of patients were counseled on the psoriasis comorbidity hyperlipidemia, 10% on hypertension, and 3.3% on diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

Dermatologists and pediatricians have a low rate of counseling, documenting, and screening for pediatric psoriasis risk factors and comorbidities, suggesting that psoriasis comorbidity education is an aspect of the patient visit that may need improvement. Pediatric psoriasis counseling and screening guidelines are needed.
Development of Sinus Tracts within a Connective Tissue Nevus
Authors: Shwayder Tor , Rambhatla Pranita , Novice Karlee
Published: September 2015

We report a case of sinus tract development within a connective tissue nevus in a patient with velocardiofacial syndrome and describe our treatment of sinus tracts using surgical deroofing and trichloroacetic acid scarification.
First case of methemoglobinemia caused by a ClO2‐based household product
Authors: Hagiwara Yusuke , Inoue Nobuaki
Published: September 2015

When new household products are developed and distributed, new injuries often occur in children. We report the first known case of methemoglobinemia caused by a chlorine dioxide (ClO2)‐based household product. A 1‐year‐old boy presented to the emergency department with vomiting and poor complexion after accidentally ingesting a ClO2‐based household product. The patient had profound hypoxia that did not respond to oxygen therapy and required endotracheal intubation to maintain a normal oxygen level. Although oxygen saturation (SpO2) fluctuated at approximately 95% after intubation, arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) was high on arterial blood gas analysis. We suspected methemoglobinemia based on the gap between SpO2 and PaO2, and subsequently detected increased methemoglobin at 8.0%. The patient was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for further management. After supportive treatment, he was discharged without any complications. He had no cognitive or motor dysfunction on follow up 3 months later.
Bridging the Void: New Interpretations of Christian Mysticism and Mystical Theology
Authors: Hole Sam
Published: September 2015

There is currently a welcome intensification of interest in the contemporary theological significance of both historical traditions of mystical theology and twentieth‐century theories of mysticism. This review article surveys and evaluates the stimulating range of approaches to these two issues contained in the essays in these volumes. It suggests that the volumes make evident the difficulty of attempting to uncover an underlying conceptual unity in these two historically entangled but deeply different forms of thought. The historical and philosophical sophistication with which many of these essays reflect on these tensions, however, points towards fruitful lines of future enquiry.
The relationship between dermal papillary structure and skin surface properties, color, and elasticity
Authors: Mizukoshi K. , Nakamura T. , Oba A.
Published: September 2015

Background/purpose

The skin contains an undulating structure called the dermal papillary structure between the border of the epidermis and dermis. The physiological importance of the dermal papillary structures has been discussed, however, the dermal papillary structures have never been evaluated for their contribution to skin appearance. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the dermal papillary structure and skin color and elasticity. In addition, the relationship was validated with skin model experiments.

Methods

The dermal papillary structures in the skin of the female cheek were quantitatively measured by in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy images. In addition, the skin color and elasticity were measured at the same site. A skin model with dermal papilla‐like structures was created by referring to the optical and shape properties of the skin using agar gel and a scattering sheet.

Results

Correlations were found between the dermal papillary structures and skin color irregularity and skin elasticity. These relationships were verified by the experiments employing a skin model.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicated that the dermal papillary structure is also an important factor for skin appearance such as color and elasticity.
Phylogeny and systematics of the subfamily Bryocorinae based on morphology with emphasis on the tribe Dicyphini sensu Schuh,
Authors: NAMYATOVA ANNA A. , KONSTANTINOV FEDOR V. , CASSIS GERASIMOS
Published: September 2015

The classification of the hyperdiverse true bug family Miridae is far from settled, and is particularly contentious for the cosmopolitan subfamily Bryocorinae. The morphological diversity within the subfamily is pronounced, and a lack of explicit character formulation hampers stability in the classification. Molecular partitions are few and only a handful of taxa have been sequenced. In this study the phylogeny of the subfamily Bryocorinae has been analysed based on morphological data alone, with an emphasis on evaluating the tribe Dicyphina sensu Schuh, 1976, within which distinct groups of taxa exist. A broad sample of taxa was examined from each of the bryocorine tribes. A broad range of outgroup taxa from most of the other mirid subfamilies was also examined to test for bryocorine monophyly, ingroup relationships and to determine character polarity. In total a matrix comprising 44 ingroup, 15 outgroup taxa and 111 morphological characters was constructed. The phylogenetic analysis resulted in a monophyletic subfamily Bryocorinae sensu Schuh (1976, 1995), except for the genus Palaucoris, which is nested within Cylapinae. The tribe Dicyphini sensu Schuh (1976, 1995) has been rejected. The subtribe Odoniellina is synonymized with the subtribe Monaloniina and the subtribes Dicyphina, Monaloniina and Eccritotarsina are now elevated to tribal level, with the Dicyphini now restricted in composition and definition. The genus Felisacus is highly autapomorphic and a new tribe – the Felisacini – is erected for the included taxa. This phylogeny of the tribes of the Bryocorinae comprises the following sister‐group relationships: Dicyphini ((Bryocorini + Eccritotarsini)(Felisicini + Monaloniini)).
Arabidopsis PLC2 is involved in auxin‐modulated reproductive development
Authors: Li Lin , He Yuqing , Wang Yarui , Zhao Shujuan , Chen Xi , Ye Tiantian , Wu Yuxuan , Wu Yan
Published: September 2015

Phospholipase C (PLC) is an enzyme that plays crucial roles in various signal transduction pathways in mammalian cells. However, the role of PLC in plant development is poorly understood. Here we report involvement of PLC2 in auxin‐mediated reproductive development in Arabidopsis. Disruption of PLC2 led to sterility, indicating a significant role for PLC2 in reproductive development. Development of both male and female gametophytes was severely perturbed in plc2 mutants. Moreover, elevated auxin levels were observed in plc2 floral tissues, suggesting that the infertility of plc2 plants may be associated with increased auxin concentrations in the reproductive organs. We show that expression levels of the auxin reporters DR5:GUS and DR5:GFP were elevated in plc2 anthers and ovules. In addition, we found that expression of the auxin biosynthetic YUCCA genes was increased in plc2 plants. We conclude that PLC2 is involved in auxin biosynthesis and signaling, thus modulating development of both male and female gametophytes in Arabidopsis.
Interactions between CXCR4 and CXCL12 promote cell migration and invasion of canine hemangiosarcoma
Authors: Im K. S. , Graef A. J. , Breen M. , Lindblad‐Toh K. , Modiano J. F. , Kim J.‐H.
Published: September 2015

The CXCR4/CXCL12 axis plays an important role in cell locomotion and metastasis in many cancers. In this study, we hypothesized that the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis promotes migration and invasion of canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA) cells. Transcriptomic analysis across 12 HSA cell lines and 58 HSA whole tumour tissues identified heterogeneous expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12, which was associated with cell movement. In vitro, CXCL12 promoted calcium mobilization, cell migration and invasion that were directly proportional to surface expression of CXCR4; furthermore, these responses proved sensitive to the CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, in HSA cell lines. These results indicate that CXCL12 potentiates migration and invasion of canine HSA cells through CXCR4 signalling. The direct relationship between these responses in HSA cells suggests that the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis contributes to HSA progression.
Effects of age and breed on corneal thickness, density, and morphology of corneal endothelial cells in enucleated sheep eyes
Authors: Coyo Natalia , Peña Maria Teresa , Costa Daniel , Ríos José , Lacerda Rodrigo , Leiva Marta
Published: September 2015

Objective

The purpose of the study was to determine corneal thickness (CT), endothelial cell density (ECD), morphology, and morphometry in ovine eyes, and to report the effects of age and breed on these parameters.

Animals studied and procedures

Forty‐eight healthy ovine eyes were classified into six groups (eight eyes per group) according to animals' age (lambs and adults) and breed (Manchega, Ripollesa, and Rasa Aragonesa). Endothelial cell density (cells/mm2) andCT(μm) were calculated in the central cornea and four peripheral quadrants by means of specular microscopy. Mean cell area (MCA(μm2)), pleomorphism (% hexagonal cells), and polymegethism (CV) were evaluated in the central cornea. Statistics consisted of an ANOVA model and aLSDtest for thepost hocanalysis.

Results

Results in lambs were as follows:ECD = 3532 ± 259,CT = 699 ± 56,MCA = 283 ± 22, % hexagonal cells = 75.64 ± 3.09, andCV = 18 ± 8.4; and in adults:ECD = 2204 ± 261,CT = 804 ± 87,MCA = 473 ± 53, % hexagonal cells = 69.9 ± 3.42, andCV = 18.1 ± 5.2. There were differences (P < 0.001) in all parameters studied between both groups except for theCV(P = 0.962). Regarding the breed, Rasa Aragonesa presented a higherCT(P = 0.001) andCV(P = 0.04) compared to other breeds. Mean values of all groups together showed that central and dorsal areas of the cornea were the thickest, whereas temporal quadrant was the thinnest (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that age and breed influence corneal and endothelial parameters in sheep.
Differential diagnoses, investigation, and management of a periocular swelling close to the nasolacrimal duct in a horse – A case report of Dacryops
Authors: Dawson Charlotte , Dixon Jonathon , Lam Richard , Priestnall Simon L. , Escanilla Natalia
Published: September 2015

To describe the differential diagnoses, investigation, and management of a periocular swelling close to the nasolacrimal duct in a horse that was consistent with a nasolacrimal duct dacryops (lacrimal cyst). A 16‐year‐old gelding, Connemara cross presented with a history of a periocular swelling rostroventral medial to the right eye that had been sampled by the referring veterinary surgeon. A cystic lesion was diagnosed following standing computed tomography. Surgical removal of the cystic lesion was performed, and the tissue was submitted for histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination. Surgical removal of the cyst was curative, and there was no recurrence of clinical signs 7 months later. There was a small amount of mineralized material in the center of the cyst. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination confirmed a nasolacrimal duct cyst. Dacryops can form in horses as well as other species and appears to have a favorable outcome if surgically removed.
Weak D alleles in Japanese: a c.960G>A silent mutation in exon 7 of the RHD gene that affects D expression
Authors: Ogasawara K. , Sasaki K. , Isa K. , Tsuneyama H. , Uchikawa M. , Satake M. , Tadokoro K.
Published: September 2015

Background and Objectives

The molecular basis of the weak D phenotype has been investigated for many years, and more than 80 different alleles producing weak D phenotypes have been identified. Most alleles producing weak D phenotypes have a single missense mutation in exons corresponding to a transmembrane domain of the RhD polypeptide. We report here RHD alleles with single nucleotide mutations in Japanese accounting for weak expression of D antigen.

Methods

Seventy‐five blood samples with a weak D phenotype were detected from 763 408 blood donors by standard serological methods. Forty‐five of the 75 blood donors were available for RHD gene analysis by PCR and sequencing using genomic DNA and reticulocyte mRNA. Real‐time PCR was performed to estimate the relative amounts of the RHD transcripts.

Results

We detected 16 different RHD alleles in the 45 individuals with weak D by nucleotide sequencing; 12 were newly identified. Thirty‐two of the 45 individuals had an RHD allele with a single missense mutation, while the other 13 individuals had RHD with a c.960G>A silent mutation in exon 7. Red blood cells of these 13 individuals showed direct agglutination with anti‐D at a strength of 3+ or less. Semi‐quantitative analysis of the RHD transcripts by real‐time PCR revealed that the cDNA samples with the c.960G>A mutation showed a significant increment of exon 7 skipping compared with the common RHD.

Conclusion

Reduced expression of D antigen is caused not only by missense mutation of the RHD gene, but also by silent mutation that may affect splicing.
Platelet‐rich plasma for resistant oral erosions of pemphigus vulgaris: A pilot study
Authors: EL‐Komy Mohamed Hussein Medhat , Hassan Akmal Saad , Raheem Heba Mohammed Abdel , Doss Sally Sameh , EL‐Kaliouby Mona , Saleh Noha Adly , Saleh Marwah Adly
Published: September 2015

Oral erosions and ulcers of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) are a debilitating condition that is usually difficult to treat. The wound healing properties of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) encouraged us to evaluate its usefulness in treatment of non‐healing oral PV lesions. Seven patients with chronic oral PV, resistant to conventional therapy, were treated with weekly to monthly injections of PRP of affected mucosal membranes. All recruits reported improvement in pain and mastication and 6 of 7 patients had an improvement in pemphigus disease area index scores with PRP treatment. PRP injections seems to accelerate the healing process and decrease the pain and eating discomfort associated with the oral erosions and ulcers induced by PV.
Ca2+ current facilitation determines short‐term facilitation at inhibitory synapses between cerebellar Purkinje cells
Authors: Díaz‐Rojas Françoise , Sakaba Takeshi , Kawaguchi Shin‐ya
Published: September 2015

Key points

Short‐term facilitation takes place at GABAergic synapses between cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs).

By directly patch clamp recording from a PC axon terminal, we studied the mechanism of short‐term facilitation.

We show that the Ca2+ currents elicited by high‐frequency action potentials were augmented in a [Ca2+]i‐dependent manner.

The facilitation of synaptic transmission showed 4–5th power dependence on the Ca2+ current facilitation, and was abolished when the Ca2+ current amplitude was adjusted to be identical.

Short‐term facilitation of Ca2+ currents predominantly mediates short‐term facilitation at synapses between PCs.

Short‐term synaptic facilitation is critical for information processing of neuronal circuits. Several Ca2+‐dependent positive regulations of transmitter release have been suggested as candidate mechanisms underlying facilitation. However, the small sizes of presynaptic terminals have hindered the biophysical study of short‐term facilitation. In the present study, by directly recording from the axon terminal of a rat cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) in culture, we demonstrate a crucial role of [Ca2+]i‐dependent facilitation of Ca2+ currents in short‐term facilitation at inhibitory PC–PC synapses. Voltage clamp recording was performed from a PC axon terminal visualized by enhanced green fluorescent protein, and the Ca2+ currents elicited by the voltage command consisting of action potential waveforms were recorded. The amplitude of presynaptic Ca2+ current was augmented upon high‐frequency paired‐pulse stimulation in a [Ca2+]i‐dependent manner, leading to paired‐pulse facilitation of Ca2+ currents. Paired recordings from a presynaptic PC axon terminal and a postsynaptic PC soma demonstrated that the paired‐pulse facilitation of inhibitory synaptic transmission between PCs showed 4–5th power dependence on that of Ca2+ currents, and was completely abolished when the Ca2+ current amplitude was adjusted to be identical. Thus, short‐term facilitation of Ca2+ currents predominantly mediates short‐term synaptic facilitation at synapses between PCs.
Cardiovascular function in term fetal sheep conceived, gestated and studied in the hypobaric hypoxia of the Andean altiplano
Authors: Herrera Emilio A. , Rojas Rodrigo T. , Krause Bernardo J. , Ebensperger Germán , Reyes Roberto V. , Giussani Dino A. , Parer Julian T. , Llanos Aníbal J.
Published: September 2015

Key points

High altitude developmental hypoxia causes intrauterine growth restriction and cardiovascular programming. However, some mammals exposed chronically to high‐altitude hypoxia have less growth restriction suggesting certain protection.

Cardiovascular defence mechanisms during acute fetal hypoxia divert blood flow from the periphery towards the brain, heart and adrenals. In contrast, little is known about the cardiovascular defence mechanisms during chronic fetal hypoxia.

Here, we established the cardiovascular responses in fetal sheep that were conceived, gestated, born and studied at 3600 m. The data suggest that chronically hypoxic pregnant ewes and their fetuses have evolved different mechanisms from sea level pregnancies to withstand chronic hypoxia.

The cardiovascular responses to acute hypoxia are blunted in the chronically hypoxic fetus. These findings points towards compensatory mechanisms in the highland fetus at the level of the cells and molecules rather than mounting major cardiovascular responses, saving oxygen not easily available in the Alto Andino.

High‐altitude hypoxia causes intrauterine growth restriction and cardiovascular programming. However, adult humans and animals that have evolved at altitude show certain protection against the effects of chronic hypoxia. Whether the highland fetus shows similar protection against high altitude gestation is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that high‐altitude fetal sheep have evolved cardiovascular compensatory mechanisms to withstand chronic hypoxia that are different from lowland sheep. We studied seven high‐altitude (HA; 3600 m) and eight low‐altitude (LA; 520 m) pregnant sheep at ∼90% gestation. Pregnant ewes and fetuses were instrumented for cardiovascular investigation. A three‐period experimental protocol was performed in vivo: 30 min of basal, 1 h of acute superimposed hypoxia (∼10% O2) and 30 min of recovery. Further, we determined ex vivo fetal cerebral and femoral arterial function. HA pregnancy led to chronic fetal hypoxia, growth restriction and altered cardiovascular function. During acute superimposed hypoxia, LA fetuses redistributed blood flow favouring the brain, heart and adrenals, whereas HA fetuses showed a blunted cardiovascular response. Importantly, HA fetuses have a marked reduction in umbilical blood flow versus LA. Isolated cerebral arteries from HA fetuses showed a higher contractile capacity but a diminished response to catecholamines. In contrast, femoral arteries from HA fetuses showed decreased contractile capacity and increased adrenergic contractility. The blunting of the cardiovascular responses to hypoxia in fetuses raised in the Alto Andino may indicate a change in control strategy triggered by chronic hypoxia, switching towards compensatory mechanisms that are more cost‐effective in terms of oxygen uptake.
Properties of black silicon obtained at room-temperature by different plasma modes
Authors: Gaudig Maria , Hirsch Jens , Schneider Thomas , Sprafke Alexander N. , Ziegler Johannes , Bernhard Norbert , Wehrspohn Ralf B.
Published: September 2015

Black silicon plasma technology begins to be integrated into the process flow of silicon solar cells. However, most of the current technology is used at cryogenic or very low substrate temperatures. Here, the authors investigate the temperature-dependent properties of black silicon prepared by two different plasma etching techniques for black silicon, a pure capacitively coupled process (CCP), and an inductively and capacitively coupled process (ICP + CCP). It turns out that the ICP + CCP process at room-temperature yields black silicon samples with 93% absorption and minority carrier lifetime above 1 ms. The authors show that these optoelectronic properties are comparable to samples obtained at low temperatures.