bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of a communication strategy on family satisfaction in the intensive care unit
Authors: Pagnamenta Alberto , Bruno Roberta , Gemperli Armin , Chiesa Alessandro , Previsdomini Marco , Corti Fabio , Merlani Paolo , Cottini Silvia , Llamas Michael , Rothen Hans Ulrich
Published: January 2016

Background

Family satisfaction of critically ill patients has gained increased interest as important indicator to evaluate the quality of care in the intensive care unit (ICU). The family satisfaction in the ICU questionnaire (FS‐ICU 24) is a well‐established tool to assess satisfaction in such settings. We tested the hypothesis that an intervention, aiming at improved communication between health professionals and patients' next of kin in the ICU improves family satisfaction, as assessed by FS‐ICU 24.

Methods

Using a multicenter before‐and‐after study design, we evaluated medium‐term effectiveness of VALUE, a recently proposed strategy aiming at improved communication. Satisfaction was assessed using the FS‐ICU 24 questionnaire. Performance–importance plots were generated in order to identify items highly correlated with overall satisfaction but with low individual score.

Results

A total of 163 completed family questionnaires in the pre‐intervention and 118 in the post‐intervention period were analyzed. Following the intervention, we observed: (1) a non‐significant increase in family satisfaction summary score and sub‐scores; (2) no decline in any individual family satisfaction item, and (3) improvement in items with high overall impact on satisfaction but quoted with low degree of satisfaction.

Conclusion

No significant improvement in family satisfaction of critically ill adult patients could be found after implementing the VALUE strategy. Whether these results are due to insufficient training of the new strategy or a missing effect of the strategy in our socio‐economic environment remains to be shown.
Indocyanine green angiographic findings in initial‐onset acute Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease
Authors: Abouammoh Marwan A. , Gupta Vishali , Hemachandran Suhail , Herbort Carl P. , Abu El‐Asrar Ahmed M.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

To study the features of Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in patients with initial‐onset acute Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of ICGA performed with the use of Heidelberg scanning laser ophthalmoscope on a consecutive series of patients with initial‐onset acute VKH disease. The following signs were analysed: choroidal perfusion inhomogeneity, early hyperfluorescent stromal vessels, hypofluorescent dark dots (HDDs), fuzzy or lost pattern of large stromal choroidal vessels, disc hyperfluorescence, and, diffuse late choroidal hyperfluorescence. In addition, we looked for any new ICGA findings.

Results

Thirty‐six patients (72 eyes) from a single academic institution were studied. The following findings were identified: HDDs in all eyes (100%), fuzzy or lost pattern of large stromal vessels in all eyes (100%), early hyperfluorescent stromal vessels were seen in 60 eyes (83%), diffuse late choroidal hyperfluorescence was present in 51 eyes (71%), choroidal perfusion inhomogeneity was seen in 44 eyes (61%), disc hyperfluorescence was seen in 25 cases (69%), and choroidal folds were present in only six eyes. New ICGA findings detected in this study were hypofluorescent patches corresponding to areas of exudative retinal detachment in 60 eyes (83%) and ‘starry sky’ pattern of late widespread punctate choroidal hyperfluorescence in 37 eyes (51%).

Conclusions

The most prevalent ICGA findings were HDDs, fuzzy stromal vessels and early hyperfluorescent stromal vessels in patients with initial‐onset acute VKH disease. Novel ICGA findings in this group of patients included hypofluorescent patches corresponding to areas of exudative retinal detachment, and late widespread punctate choroidal hyperfluorescence taking on a ‘starry sky’ pattern.
Early experience with endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy for plantar hyperhidrosis
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Kaur Simranjit , Wilson Paul
Published: January 2016

Objective

We describe our endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy technique and our early experience using it to treat plantar hyperhidrosis.

Methods

We reviewed 20 lumbar sympathectomies performed in our vascular unit for plantar hyperhidrosis in 10 patients from 2011 and 2014. Demographics and outcomes were analyzed and a review of the literature conducted.

Results

All procedures were carried out endoscopically with no intraoperative or postoperative morbidity. Plantar anhidrosis was achieved in all the patients, although two patients (20%) suffered a relapse. Unwanted side‐effects occurred in the form of compensatory sweating in three patients (30%) and post‐sympathectomy neuralgia in two patients (20%). None of the patients experienced sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion

Management of plantar hyperhidrosis may be based upon a therapeutic ladder starting with conservative measures and working up to surgery depending on the severity of the disease. Minimally invasive (endoscopic) sympathectomy for the thoracic chain is well established, but minimally invasive sympathectomy for the lumbar chain is a relatively new technique. Endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy provides an effective, minimally invasive method of surgical management, but long‐term data are lacking.
‘I don't view myself as a woman politician, I view myself as a politician who's a woman’: The discursive management of gender identity in political leadership
Authors: Sorrentino Jasmin , Augoustinos Martha
Published: January 2016

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard's speech in the Australian parliament on sexism and misogyny received considerable public attention and controversy. However, less attention has been paid to how Gillard attended and oriented to issues related to her status as a woman during the period between her elevation to the position of Prime Minister in June 2010 and the delivery of the misogyny speech in October 2012. Using a discursive psychological approach, this article examines a corpus of interview transcripts in which gender was occasioned both explicitly and implicitly by speakers, thus requiring Gillard to attend to her gender identity. The analysis demonstrates that far from making gender a salient and relevant membership category, Gillard worked strategically to mitigate her gender as merely inconsequential to her role as Prime Minister. These findings are discussed in relation to existing research examining how gender is oriented to, negotiated, and resisted in talk to accomplish social actions, and more specifically what may be at stake for women in leadership positions who explicitly orient to gender as an identity category.
The Impact of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Assembly Patterns of Termite Communities
Authors: Hausberger Barbara , Korb Judith
Published: January 2016

Intensification of land‐use threatens biodiversity, especially in tropical ecosystems that harbor the planet's highest species richness. This negative impact of anthropogenic disturbance on species numbers is well established, but the mechanisms underlying the community assembly processes are less well understood. Termites are of fundamental importance in tropical ecosystems where they are critical for nutrient recycling and species diversity. We tested the impact of anthropogenic disturbance on termite species diversity and assembly processes in a West African savanna applying the newest techniques of phylogenetic community analyses. Species richness dropped in areas of intensive land‐use and compositional similarity between intensive land‐use areas was high. This contrasted with a protected National Park where communities were characterized by high species richness and intermediate species turnover between sites. Slightly disturbed areas in the buffer zone surrounding the park were intermediate, they still had high species richness but similarity between sites increased. Strikingly, the assembly pattern also changed with disturbance from more phylogenetic overdispersion to more clustering (coexisting species became phylogenetically more similar), but only when the fungus‐growing termite Macrotermes bellicosus was absent. Our data suggest that the major forces structuring termite communities depend: (1) on the presence of this dominant mound‐building termite; and (2) that they change to more environmental filtering with disturbance. Anthropogenic disturbance seems to function as a filter that allows only a specific subset of species to occur. Such an effect might be widespread in ecology but it is difficult to document quantitatively. Phylogenetic community analyses can help to contribute such evidence.
Epigenetic Regulation of Placental NR3C1: Mechanism Underlying Prenatal Programming of Infant Neurobehavior by Maternal Smoking?
Authors: Stroud Laura R. , Papandonatos George D. , Salisbury Amy L. , Phipps Maureen G. , Huestis Marilyn A. , Niaura Raymond , Padbury James F. , Marsit Carmen J. , Lester Barry M.
Published: January 2016

Epigenetic regulation of the placental glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) was investigated as a mechanism underlying links between maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) and infant neurobehavior in 45 mother–infant pairs (49% MSDP‐exposed; 52% minorities; ages 18–35). The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Network Neurobehavioral Scale was administered 7 times over the 1st postnatal month; methylation of placental NR3C1 was assessed via bisulfite pyrosequencing. Increased placental NR3C1 methylation was associated with increased infant attention and self‐regulation, and decreased lethargy and need for examiner soothing over the 1st postnatal month. A causal steps approach revealed that NR3C1 methylation and MSDP were independently associated with lethargic behavior. Although preliminary, results highlight the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in elucidating pathways to neurobehavioral alterations from MSDP.
Transformative Role of Epigenetics in Child Development Research: Commentary on the Special Section
Authors: Keating Daniel P.
Published: January 2016

Lester, Conradt, and Marsit (2016) have assembled a set of articles that bring to readers of Child Development the scope and impact of the exponentially growing research on epigenetics and child development. This commentary aims to place this work in a broader context of theory and research by (a) providing a conceptual framework for developmental scientists who may be only moderately familiar with this emergent field; (b) considering these contributions in relation to the current status of work, highlighting its transformative nature; (c) suggesting cautions to keep in mind, while simultaneously clarifying that these do not undermine important new insights; and (d) identifying the prospects for future work that builds on the progress reflected in this special section.
Next‐generation sequencing confirms the implication of SLC24A1 in autosomal‐recessive congenital stationary night blindness
Authors: Neuillé M. , Malaichamy S. , Vadalà M. , Michiels C. , Condroyer C. , Sachidanandam R. , Srilekha S. , Arokiasamy T. , Letexier M. , Démontant V. , Sahel J.‐A. , Sen P. , Audo I. , Soumittra N. , Zeitz C.
Published: January 2016

Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous retinal disorder which represents rod photoreceptor dysfunction or signal transmission defect from photoreceptors to adjacent bipolar cells. Patients displaying photoreceptor dysfunction show a Riggs‐electroretinogram (ERG) while patients with a signal transmission defect show a Schubert–Bornschein ERG. The latter group is subdivided into complete or incomplete (ic) CSNB. Only few CSNB cases with Riggs‐ERG and only one family with a disease‐causing variant in SLC24A1 have been reported. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in a previously diagnosed icCSNB patient identified a homozygous nonsense variant in SLC24A1. Indeed, re‐investigation of the clinical data corrected the diagnosis to Riggs‐form of CSNB. Targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) identified compound heterozygous deletions and a homozygous missense variant in SLC24A1 in two other patients, respectively. ERG abnormalities varied in these three cases but all patients had normal visual acuity, no myopia or nystagmus, unlike in Schubert–Bornschein‐type of CSNB. This confirms that SLC24A1 defects lead to CSNB and outlines phenotype/genotype correlations in CSNB subtypes. In case of unclear clinical characteristics, NGS techniques are helpful to clarify the diagnosis.
Different sealing materials preventing the microbial leakage into the screw‐retained implant restorations: anin vitroanalysis byDNA checkerboard hybridization
Authors: do Nascimento Cássio , Pita Murillo Sucena , Calefi Paulo Linares , de Oliveira Silva Thalisson Saymo , dos Santos Juliane Bustamante Sá , Pedrazzi Vinícius
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The aim of this controlledin vitrostudy was to identify and quantify up to 38 microbial species penetrating through the screw‐retained implant prostheses with different sealing materials.

Material and methods

Sixty morse cone implants were restored with single‐unit screw‐retained prostheses. All the components were randomly divided into five groups (n = 12) according to the proposed materials: (1) polytetrafluoroethylene tape+composite resin; (2) polytetrafluoroethylene tape+gutta‐percha; (3) polytetrafluoroethylene tape+light‐polymerized provisional composite; (4) cotton pellet+gutta‐percha; and (5) cotton pellet+light‐polymerized provisional composite. Human saliva was used as contaminant media, andDNAcheckerboard hybridization was used to identify and quantify microbial species.

Results

Microbial leakage was observed in all groups:M. salivarium,S. pasteuri,P. nigrescens, andP. melaninogenicawere the species presenting the highest values of genome count, prevalence, and proportion within the groups. The total microbial mean counts (×105, ±SD) were as follows: Group 1 (2.81 ± 0.38), Group 2 (3.41 ± 0.38), Group 3 (6.02 ± 1.48), Group 4 (6.40 ± 1.42), and Group 5 (17.45 ± 1.67). Group 5 showed the higher microbial counts (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Moderate to high counts of pathogenic/nonpathogenic species were detected in the inner parts of implants from all groups. The lowest values of microbial counts were recorded for polytetrafluoroethylene tape associated with composite resin or gutta‐percha; cotton pellet associated with light‐polymerized provisional composite presented the highest microbial counts.
Functional hearing deficits in children with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Rance G. , Chisari D. , Edvall N. , Cameron F.
Published: January 2016

Aim

Hearing loss (as reflected by abnormal sound detection) is a frequently reported consequence of Type 1 diabetes mellitus. We sought to evaluate sound detection, auditory neural function and binaural processing ability in a group of school‐aged participants with Type 1 diabetes and to assess their functional hearing and general communication ability.

Methods

A range of electroacoustic, electrophysiological and behavioural test techniques were used to evaluate both cochlear and auditory neural function in 19 affected children. A cohort of matched controls was also assessed.

Results

Although all of the participants with Type 1 diabetes enjoyed normal sound detection, 9 of the 19 (47%) showed evidence of auditory pathway abnormality with evoked potential latencies and/or amplitudes beyond age‐related norms. Auditory brainstem response interpeak latencies (wave I–V) were longer than in matched controls [ 95% confidence interval (95% CI); 0.10, 0.28 ms: P < 0.001] and wave V amplitudes were reduced (95% CI; –0.21, 0.00 μV: P = 0.02). Binaural speech perception in noise was also impaired (95% CI; 0.82, 3.17 dB: P = 0.002) and perceptual ability was correlated with degree of neural disruption in the auditory brainstem (r = 0.662, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Hearing deficits severe enough to restrict communication and threaten academic progress were common on our group of school‐aged children with Type 1 diabetes. Evaluation of both cochlear and auditory neural function may form an important part of the standard management regime for children with diabetes.
Peripheral neuropathy is a common manifestation of mitochondrial diseases: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Luigetti M. , Sauchelli D. , Primiano G. , Cuccagna C. , Bernardo D. , Lo Monaco M. , Servidei S.
Published: January 2016

Background and purpose

Peripheral neuropathy in mitochondrial diseases (MDs) may vary from a subclinical finding in a multisystem syndrome to a severe, even isolated, manifestation in some patients.

Methods

To investigate the involvement of the peripheral nervous system in MDs extensive electrophysiological studies were performed in 109 patients with morphological, biochemical and genetic diagnosis of MD [12 A3243G progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO)/mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS), 16 myoclonic epilepsy with ragged‐red fibres (MERRF), four mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE), 67 PEO with single or multiple deletions of mitochondrial DNA, 10 others].

Results

A neuropathy was found in 49 patients (45%). The incidence was very high in MNGIE (100%), MELAS (92%) and MERRF (69%), whilst 28% of PEO patients had evidence of peripheral involvement. The most frequent abnormality was a sensory axonal neuropathy found in 32/49 patients (65%). A sensory‐motor axonal neuropathy was instead detected in 16% of the patients and sensory‐motor axonal demyelinating neuropathy in 16%. Finally one Leigh patient had a motor axonal neuropathy. It is interesting to note that the great majority had preserved tendon reflexes and no sensory disturbances.

Conclusions

In conclusion, peripheral involvement in MD is frequent even if often mild or asymptomatic. The correct identification and characterization of peripheral neuropathy through electrophysiological studies represents another tile in the challenge of MD diagnosis.
Influence of anisotropy, porosity and initial stresses on crack propagation due to Love‐type wave in a poroelastic medium
Authors: Singh A. K. , Yadav R. P. , Mistri K. C. , Chattopadhyay A.
Published: January 2016

An analytical solution has been attained to establish the closed form expression of stress intensity factor at the tip of a semi‐infinite crack, dynamically propagating in an initially stressed transversely isotropic poroelastic strip due to Love‐type wave for the case of concentrated force of constant intensity as well as for the case of constant load. The study presents the sound effect of various affecting parameters viz. speed of the crack, length of the crack, horizontal compressive/tensile initial stress, vertical compressive/tensile initial stress, porosity parameter and anisotropy parameter on the stress intensity factor. In order to delineate the effects of these aforementioned parameters on the stress intensity factor graphically, numerical simulations have been accomplished. One of the major highlight of the paper is the comparative study carried out for horizontal compressive/tensile initial stress, vertical compressive/tensile initial stress, porosity parameter and anisotropy parameter with the case when the strip is isotropic, non‐porous and free from initial stresses. Wiener–Hopf technique and the Fourier integral transform has been effectuated for the procurement of the closed form expression (exact solution) of stress intensity factor.
A New Equation Solver for Modeling Turbulent Flow in Coupled Matrix‐Conduit Flow Models
Authors: Hubinger Bernhard , Birk Steffen , Hergarten Stefan
Published: January 2016

Karst aquifers represent dual flow systems consisting of a highly conductive conduit system embedded in a less permeable rock matrix. Hybrid models iteratively coupling both flow systems generally consume much time, especially because of the nonlinearity of turbulent conduit flow. To reduce calculation times compared to those of existing approaches, a new iterative equation solver for the conduit system is developed based on an approximated Newton–Raphson expression and a Gauß–Seidel or successive over‐relaxation scheme with a single iteration step at the innermost level. It is implemented and tested in the research code CAVE but should be easily adaptable to similar models such as the Conduit Flow Process for MODFLOW‐2005. It substantially reduces the computational effort as demonstrated by steady‐state benchmark scenarios as well as by transient karst genesis simulations. Water balance errors are found to be acceptable in most of the test cases. However, the performance and accuracy may deteriorate under unfavorable conditions such as sudden, strong changes of the flow field at some stages of the karst genesis simulations.
Activation, activity and inactivation of factor VIII in factor VIII products
Authors: Orfeo T. , Elsman R. , Gissel M. , Mann K. G. , Butenas S.
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Factor VIII (FVIII) products used in haemophilia A treatment show inter‐and intra‐product and inter‐assay differences in specific activity. The mechanistic basis of these differences remains unclear.

Aim

The aim of this study was to mechanistically compare the functional properties of an in‐house excipient‐free full‐length FVIII standard and pharmacologic recombinant products containing full‐length (products A and B) or B‐domainless (C and D) FVIII.

Methods

Factor VIII protein concentration was quantitated by ELISA. Product potency determinations (APTT, intrinsic tenase assays) and kinetic analyses detailing these products' activations by thrombin and FXa, their spontaneous and activated protein C (APC) catalysed inactivation and their performances in coagulation proteome reconstructions were studied +/− von Willebrand factor (VWF). Computational models were developed to facilitate interpretation of empirical data.

Results

Factor VIII protein content per manufacturer activity unit was highest for product C with the other three products similar to the standard. Potency estimates, done five different ways, varied 20–30% in inter‐ and intra‐assay comparisons, with product B consistently showing lower specific activity. Kinetic analyses showed the five FVIII species to differ somewhat in maximum rate of activation, the maximum level of activity achieved, the rate of spontaneous or APC catalysed inactivation and the magnitude of the effect of VWF on these parameters. When evaluated both computationally and empirically in the context of tissue factor initiated thrombin generation, product C appears the most dissimilar.

Conclusion

Assessments of FVIII activation/inactivation dynamics report larger differences between FVIII products than standard functional assays. However, all FVIII products promote a ‘normal' thrombin generation response to TF.
Laser fluorescence in monitoring the influence of targeted tooth brushing on remineralization of initial caries lesions on newly erupted molar teeth – RCT
Authors: Laitala M‐L , Jaanti E , Vähänikkilä H , Määttä T , Heikka H , Hausen H , Anttonen V
Published: January 2016

Objective

This study aimed to monitor mineralization changes in initial caries lesions on newly erupted second molars using laser fluorescence (LF) scanning after a 1‐month targeted tooth brushing intervention.

Methods

Altogether, 124 13‐ to 14‐year‐old school children were invited to participate. Of those who fulfilled the clinical criteria (at least one initial lesion with LF value >10 in second molars), 51 gave their written consent to participate. Laser fluorescence values were registered at baseline and after 1‐month follow‐up period. All participants were individually taught targeted tooth brushing of their second molars and randomly provided tooth paste with 0 or 1500 ppm fluoride. Brushing frequency was investigated at baseline and after the follow‐up. Change in LF values was compared considering the tooth, content of fluoride in the paste and brushing frequency.

Results

In lesions with LF values ≤30 at baseline, change in LF values demonstrated improvement. Improvement was detected especially in upper molars. In lesions with LF values >30 at baseline, improvement was least detected. Brushing frequency increased slightly during the intervention.

Conclusions

Laser fluorescence is a simple method and useful in monitoring remineralization of incipient lesions even in weeks. Targeted tooth brushing seems to induce remineralization even in weeks. Laser fluorescence could be a valuable motivating tool in promoting patients’ self‐care.
Preparation and Dynamometer Tests of 3D Needle‐Punched C/C‐SiC Composites for High‐Speed and Heavy‐Duty Brake Systems
Authors: Li Zhuan , Xiao Peng , Zhang Ben‐gu , Li Yang , Lu Yu‐hai , Zhu Su‐hua
Published: January 2016

Three‐dimensional (3D) needle‐punched C/C‐SiC brake composites were fabricated by chemical vapor infiltration combined with liquid silicon infiltration. The microstructures, properties, and dynamometer tests for different high‐speed and heavy‐duty brake systems had been investigated. The results indicated that the value of flexural strength and compressive strength can reach 182 Mpa and 234 MPa, respectively. Their thermal conductivity remained between 15–21 W/m/K between room temperature and 1100°C. The dynamometer test of 3D needle‐punched C/C‐SiC brake disk and pads for high‐speed trains, according to the procedure of International Union of Railways, showed that the coefficient of friction (μ) was about 0.32 and not sensitive to the brake speeds. After four times of emergency stops, the linear wear rate of the C/C‐SiC pads was 0.481 cm3/MJ. The C/C‐SiC brake pairs of vehicle were tested with inertia dynamometer according to SAE's J2522 testing procedure, and the characteristic values of the C/C‐SiC brakes indicated that the hot fade was almost 0. The C/C‐SiC pads were matched with C45 steel disk and tested for engineering machineries brake system, and the wear rate of C/C‐SiC pads was 4.2 μm/cycle and less than one‐sixth of that of the traditional powder metallurgy brake pad. The 3D needle‐punched C/C‐SiC brake composites have been demonstrated to be the top choice for advanced friction materials of high‐speed and heavy‐duty brake systems.
One World One Water Center for Urban Water Education and Stewardship
Authors: Haynes Sandra , Cech Thomas V.
Published: January 2016

The One World One Water Center for Urban Water Education and Stewardship (O'WOW Center) at Metropolitan State University of Denver is an innovative program designed to educate students and others about the important role of water in Colorado's economy and environment. The Center was created in 2011 with a $1 million donation to develop “urban water stewards” from diverse backgrounds and a wide range of disciplines. Students who study hydrology, history, politics, biology, water law, psychology, theater, art, geography, environmental science, chemistry, conflict resolution and negotiation, and other disciplines will be guided toward internships, careers, and volunteer opportunities to help shape new solutions for local and statewide water issues. To date, approximately 6,000 people have been directly reached by the O'WOW Center during the first four years of operation with potentially thousands of others reached indirectly. Outreach activities have included water festivals, water summits, author talks, seminars, media events and field trips. This paper illustrates the need for the O'WOW Center and presents information regarding MSU Denver, the Pilot Project and how the Center was created. The new Water Studies minor and Water Studies Certificate, fundraising and other current projects of O'WOW are described. Finally, the paper explores successes and challenges experienced by the faculty and staff of the O'WOW Center.
Developing Capacity for Local Watershed Management: Essential Leadership Skills and Training Approaches
Authors: Wolfson Lois , Lewandowski Ann , Bonnell Joe , Frankenberger Jane , Sleeper Faye , Latimore Jo
Published: January 2016

Management of water resources at a watershed scale often occurs at the local level and relies on the effectiveness of local staff and leaders. Four land‐grant universities in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio are delivering training programs that build the capacity of local water resource professionals. Based on experience from these programs, a survey on watershed management core competencies, and two surveys of information and training needs for watershed groups, we examined what core proficiencies are needed by watershed group leaders, how existing programs have approached professional training, and effective methods for delivering the training. Results indicated that successful watershed leaders said they must have skills in leadership, communication, collaboration, technology, policy, and planning along with a solid understanding of natural science disciplines. More importantly, they must be able to integrate these skills to solve problems. The mode of delivery (distance or in‐person) depended on the audience and training goals, emphasized networking opportunities with the instructor and other participants, and encouraged participants to apply lessons to their own situations. Features of a successful training program that effectively build watershed leadership capacity are provided.
Growth and Physiological Responses of Quinoa to Drought and Temperature Stress
Authors: Yang A. , Akhtar S. S. , Amjad M. , Iqbal S. , Jacobsen S.‐E.
Published: January 2016

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), traditionally called the mother of grains, has the potential to grow under high temperatures and drought, tolerating levels regarded as stresses in other crop species. A pot experiment was conducted in a climate chamber to investigate the potential of quinoa tolerance to increasing drought and temperature. Quinoa plants were subjected to three irrigation and two temperature regimes. At low temperature, the day/night climate chamber temperature was maintained at 18/8 °C and 25/20 °C for high temperature throughout the treatment period. The irrigation treatments were full irrigation (FI), deficit irrigation (DI) and alternate root‐zone drying (ARD). FI plants were irrigated daily to the level of the pot's water‐holding capacity. In DI and ARD, 70 % water of FI was applied either to the whole pot or to one side of the pot alternating, respectively. The results indicated that plant height and shoot dry weight significantly decreased by ARD and DI compared to FI treatment both at low and at high temperatures. However, plants in ARD treatment showed significantly higher plant height and shoot dry weight compared to DI especially at higher temperature, which is linked to increased xylem ion content. Higher quinoa plant growth in ARD was associated with increase in water‐use efficiency (WUEi) due to higher abscisic acid concentration and higher nutrient contents compared to DI. From results, it can be concluded that quinoa plant growth is favoured by high temperature (25/20 °C) and ARD is an effective irrigation strategy to increase WUE in drought prone areas.
Risk Factors for Inadequate Defibrillation Safety Margins Vary With the Underlying Cardiac Disease: Implications for Selective Testing Strategies
Authors: BONNES JUDITH L. , WESTRA SJOERD W. , BOUWELS LEON H.R. , DE BOER MENKO JAN , BROUWER MARC A. , SMEETS JOEP L.R.M.
Published: January 2016

Inadequate Defibrillation Safety Margins

Introduction

In view of the shift from routine toward no or selective defibrillation testing, optimization of the current risk stratification for inadequate defibrillation safety margins (DSMs) could improve individualized testing decisions. Given the pathophysiological differences in myocardial substrate between ischemic and nonischemic heart disease (IHD/non‐IHD) and the accompanying differences in clinical characteristics, we studied inadequate DSMs and their predictors in relation to the underlying etiology.

Methods and Results

Cohort of routine defibrillation tests (n = 785) after first implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)‐implantations at the Radboud UMC (2005–2014). A defibrillation threshold >25 J was regarded as an inadequate DSM. In total, 4.3% of patients had an inadequate DSM; in IHD 2.5% versus 7.3% in non‐IHD (P = 0.002). We identified a group of non‐IHD patients at high risk (13–42% inadequate DSM); the remainder of the cohort (>70%) had a risk of only 2% (C‐statistic entire cohort 0.74; C‐statistic non‐IHD 0.82). This was based upon two identified interaction terms: (1) non‐IHD and age (aOR 0.94 [95% CI 0.91–0.97]); (2) non‐IHD and the indexed left ventricular (LV) internal diastolic diameter (aOR 3.50 [95% CI 2.10–5.82]).

Conclusion

The present study on risk stratification for an inadequate DSM not only confirms the importance of making a distinction between IHD and non‐IHD, but also shows that risk factors in an entire cohort (LV dilatation, age) may only apply to a subgroup (non‐IHD). Appreciation of this concept could favorably affect current risk stratification. If confirmed, our approach may be used to optimize individualized testing decisions in an upcoming era of non‐routine testing.
Changes of volatile sulphur compounds during therapy of a case series of patients with chronic periodontitis and halitosis
Authors: Iatropoulos Avraam , Panis Vasileios , Mela Eirini , Stefaniotis Theodoros , Madianos Phoebus N. , Papaioannou William
Published: January 2016

Aim

To assess the effect of different stages of intervention on volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) of periodontitis patients with halitosis, before and after non‐surgical periodontal therapy.

Material & Methods

This clinical trial included 18 adults with chronic periodontitis and halitosis. After initial examination, patients received oral hygiene (OH) instructions and tongue cleaner. One week later, non‐surgical periodontal therapy was completed within 48 h. Measurements were at baseline, 1 week after OH, 1 and 6 weeks post therapy. These included simplified plaque index (sPlI), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP), Winkel Tongue Coating Index (WTCI), organoleptic scores (OLSs) of nose and mouth air and VSCs.

Results

sPlI, BoP, WTCI, OLS of the mouth air and VSCs showed significant differences (p < 0.05), even after 1 week of OH. A further significant decrease was determined 1 week after non‐surgical therapy for WTCI, OLS (nose and mouth air) and methyl mercaptan concentration. A significant decrease, 6 weeks post therapy, was observed for sPlI, BoP, WTCI, PPD, OLS of the nose and mouth air and VSCs (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Oral hygiene and tongue cleaning improve the OLSs of the mouth air and reduce VSCs. Periodontal therapy further improves the OLSs and reduces the concentration of VSCs.
A new species of Gobius (Perciformes: Gobiidae) from the Mediterranean Sea and the redescription of Gobius bucchichi
Authors: Kovačić M. , Šanda R.
Published: January 2016

A new species of the gobiid genus Gobius (Gobiidae, Perciformes), Gobius incognitus sp. nov. is described from the Mediterranean Sea, and its most morphologically similar species Gobius bucchichi is redescribed. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by: scales in lateral series 51–59; predorsal scales 25–35; opercle scaled in adults with 10–16 scales present; pectoral fin with ray count 18–20 and free tips on upper rays well developed and on the first ray longer than two thirds of the entire ray length; pelvic disc complete and with well‐developed anterior membrane without lateral lobes; anterior oculoscapular canal with pore α at rear of orbit; oculoscapular row x1 not extending forwards to pore β; suborbital row d discontinuous with large gap below suborbital rows 3 and 4; eye diameter 1·08–1·32 in snout length; by pigment rows on cheek and pigmentation on pectoral‐fin base.
Conservation of Hox gene clusters in the self‐fertilizing fish Kryptolebias marmoratus (Cyprinodontiformes; Rivulidae)
Authors: Kim B.‐M. , Lee B.‐Y. , Lee J.‐H. , Rhee J.‐S. , Lee J.‐S.
Published: January 2016

In this study, whole Hox gene clusters in the self‐fertilizing mangrove killifish Kryptolebias marmoratus (Cyprinodontiformes; Rivulidae), a unique hermaphroditic vertebrate in which both sex organs are functional at the same time, were identified from whole genome and transcriptome sequences. The aim was to increase the understanding of the evolutionary status of conservation of this Hox gene cluster across fish species.
Muscarinic receptor subtypes differentially control synaptic input and excitability of cerebellum‐projecting medial vestibular nucleus neurons
Authors: Zhu Yun , Chen Shao‐Rui , Pan Hui‐Lin
Published: January 2016

Neurons in the vestibular nuclei have a vital function in balance maintenance, gaze stabilization, and posture. Although muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are expressed and involved in regulating vestibular function, it remains unclear how individual mAChR subtypes regulate vestibular neuronal activity. In this study, we determined which specific subtypes of mAChRs control synaptic input and excitability of medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) neurons that project to the cerebellum. Cerebellum‐projecting MVN neurons were labeled by a fluorescent retrograde tracer and then identified in rat brainstem slices. Quantitative PCR analysis suggested that M2 and M3 were the possible major mAChR subtypes expressed in the MVN. The mAChR agonist oxotremorine‐M significantly reduced the amplitude of glutamatergic excitatory post‐synaptic currents evoked by stimulation of vestibular primary afferents, and this effect was abolished by the M2‐preferring antagonist AF‐DX 116. However, oxotremorine‐M had no effect on GABA‐mediated spontaneous inhibitory post‐synaptic currents of labeled MVN neurons. Furthermore, oxotremorine‐M significantly increased the firing activity of labeled MVN neurons, and this effect was blocked by the M3‐preferring antagonist J104129 in most neurons tested. In addition, AF‐DX 116 reduced the onset latency and prolonged the excitatory effect of oxotremorine‐M on the firing activity of labeled MVN neurons. Our findings suggest that M3 is the predominant post‐synaptic mAChR involved in muscarinic excitation of cerebellum‐projecting MVN neurons. Pre‐synaptic M2 mAChR regulates excitatory glutamatergic input from vestibular primary afferents, which in turn influences the excitability of cerebellum‐projecting MVN neurons. This new information has important therapeutic implications for treating vestibular disorders with mAChR subtype‐selective agents.

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Medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) neurons projecting to the cerebellum are involved in balance control. We found that activation of pre‐synaptic M2 muscarinic receptors inhibit glutamatergic input from vestibular primary afferents, whereas stimulation of post‐synaptic M3 muscarinic receptors increases the firing activity of cerebellum‐projecting MVN neurons. This new information advances our understanding of the cholinergic mechanism regulating the vestibular system.
Novel Method for Real Time Co‐Registration of IVUS and Coronary Angiography
Authors: Frimerman Aharon , Abergel Eitan , Blondheim David S. , Shotan Avraham , Meisel Simcha , Shochat Michael , Punjabi Pritesh , Roguin Ariel
Published: January 2016

Objectives

We present our experience with a novel method for real time co‐registration of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and coronary angiography.

Background

A major limitation of the current practice of concomitant use of coronary angiography and IVUS is that the locations of the acquired IVUS images are not correlated with their exact locations on the vessel roadmap obtained by coronary angiography.

Methods

Phantoms simulating the coronary tree were used to test the accuracy and potential of co‐registration. Subsequently we examined patients who underwent IVUS during cardiac catheterization. Analysis and feasibility were performed in 42 arteries of 36 patients.

Results

The statistical validation in phantoms resulted in a co‐registration accuracy of 1.12 mm. The length measurement on an angiogram resulted in an accuracy of 0.38 mm. Co‐registration in patients was successful in all cases and four categories were assisted by 1(bad) to 5 (good) grading. Accuracy (the co‐registration precision in pointing at the exact corresponding location): 4.8±0.41; Ease of use and workflow: 4.74±0.44; Stent landing zone detection and evaluation: 4.58±0.5; Stent landing zone length and diameter measurement: 4.94±0.23. The co‐registration error was estimated as no more than 1 mm.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, we found that the novel IVUS and coronary angiography co‐registration method is accurate, easy to use, fast and user‐friendly. This method precludes the need to use motorized automated pull back device. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:225–231)
Mechanism of Residual Lumen Stenosis at the Side Branch Ostium After Final Kissing Balloon Inflation: A Volumetric Intracoronary Ultrasound Study of Coronary Bifurcation Lesions
Authors: Yamawaki Masahiro , Murasato Yoshinobu , Kinoshita Yoshihisa , Fujii Kenichi , Fujino Yoshihisa , Shinke Toshiro , Takeda Yoshihiro , Yamada Shinichiro , Shimada Yoshihisa , Tsukahara Reiko , Muramatsu Toshiya , Suzuki Takahiko ,   On behalf of the J‐REVERSE investigators
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To investigate the mechanisms of residual stenosis (RS) at side branch ostium (SBO) after final kissing balloon inflation (FKI) and clarify the impact of carina‐ and plaque‐shifts on RS.

Background

Carina‐ and plaque‐shift induce SBO compromise. FKI is an effective technique to treat this complication; however, RS often persist, and are associated with restenosis at SBO.

Methods

We performed serial volumetric analysis of 91 bifurcations in which crossover‐stenting with FKI and pre‐/post‐intravascular ultrasounds (IVUS) were completed in both branches. The plaque‐ and carina‐shifts were defined as an increase in the plaque‐volume and a decrease in the vessel‐volume at the SBO, respectively. RS at the SBO, defined as area stenosis >50% on IVUS, was identified in 19 lesions.

Results

After FKI, the plaque volume‐ significantly increased at the SBO, with its reduction in the proximal main vessel (MV). However, at the SBO, the volumetric lumen change correlated with vessel change (ρ = 0.690, P < 0.001), but not plaque change (P = 0.390), suggesting that RS at SBO was more likely associated with inadequate vessel stretch, not plaque increase after FKI. Carina‐shift was more frequently found in cases with RS, compared to those without RS (37% vs. 11%, P = 0.013). Pre‐procedure IVUS findings to predict RS at SBO after FKI were negative‐remodeling at distal MV, plaque ‐burden at distal MV, and plaque‐burden at the SBO.

Conclusions

Carina‐shift has a greater contribution to the formation of RS at SBO after FKI. The pre‐procedure IVUS provides helpful information for predicting the RS after FKI. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:188–196)
Sofosbuvir‐based treatment is safe and effective in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection and end stage renal disease: a case series
Authors: Singh Tavankit , Guirguis John , Anthony Sumi , Rivas John , Hanouneh Ibrahim A. , Alkhouri Naim
Published: January 2016

Background & Aims

Interferon and ribavirin‐free regimens to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with end stage renal disease are not approved and represent an area of unmet clinical need. We report our experience on the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir/simeprevir and sofosbuvir/ledipasvir therapy in patients on haemodialysis.

Methods

Patients with chronic HCV infection on haemodialysis were included in this study. Patients were started on either sofosbuvir/simeprevir or sofosbuvir/ledipasvir. Routine clinical and laboratory data were collected at baseline and during treatment. The primary outcome was sustained virological response at week 12 (SVR12).

Results

Eight patients with mean age 56.8 ± 20 years were included in this study. Seven were treatment naïve and one was a priori null responder to interferon‐based therapy. Four patients were started on sofosbuvir/simeprevir and four on sofosbuvir/ledipasvir for 12 weeks. Therapy was well tolerated overall with nausea/vomiting, pruritus, headache and a 2 g/dl drop in haemoglobin developing in one patient each. No patient discontinued therapy because of side effects. Comparison of labs at baseline and nadir levels during treatment revealed no significant change in haemoglobin (10.8 ± 2.4 g/dl vs 10.3 ± 1.6 g/dl), platelet count (198 ± 164 k/μl vs 184.5 ± 162/μl) and bilirubin (0.3 ± 0.4 mg/dl vs 0.25 ± 0.15 mg/dl). Eight of eight patients had undetectable HCV RNA at the end of treatment. One patient was lost to follow up and the remaining seven achieved SVR12.

Conclusion

Full dose sofosbuvir/simeprevir or sofosbuvir/ledipasvir therapy for HCV‐infected patients with end stage renal disease was well tolerated with no discontinuation owing to side effects and no significant adverse events.
The signal peptide peptidase SppA is involved in sterol regulatory element‐binding protein cleavage and hypoxia adaptation in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Bat‐Ochir Chinbayar , Kwak Jun‐Yong , Koh Sun‐Ki , Jeon Mee‐Hyang , Chung Dawoon , Lee Yin‐Won , Chae Suhn‐Kee
Published: January 2016

Using forward genetics, we revealed that the signal peptide peptidase (SPP) SppA, an aspartyl protease involved in regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP), is essential for hypoxia adaptation in Aspergillus nidulans, as well as hypoxia‐sensitive mutant alleles of a sterol regulatory element‐binding protein (SREBP) srbA and the Dsc ubiquitin E3 ligase complex dscA‐E. Both null and dead activity [D337A] mutants of sppA failed to grow in hypoxia, and the growth defect of ΔsppA was complemented by nuclear SrbA‐N381 expression. Additionally, SppA interacted with SrbA in the endoplasmic reticulum, where SppA localized in normoxia and hypoxia. Expression of the truncated SrbA‐N414 covering the SrbA sequence prior to the second transmembrane region rescued the growth of ΔdscA but not of ΔsppA in hypoxia. Unlike ΔdscA and ΔdscA;ΔsppA double mutants, in which SrbA cleavage was blocked, the molecular weight of cleaved SrbA increased in ΔsppA compared to the control strain in immunoblot analyses. Overall, our data demonstrate the sequential cleavage of SrbA by Dsc‐linked proteolysis followed by SppA, proposing a new model of RIP for SREBP cleavage in fungal hypoxia adaptation. Furthermore, the function of SppA in hypoxia adaptation was consistent in Aspergillus fumigatus, suggesting the potential roles of SppA in fungal pathogenesis.
Reversal of sensory deficit through sacral neuromodulation in an animal model of fecal incontinence
Authors: Evers J. , Devane L. , Carrington E. V. , Scott S. M. , Knowles C. H. , O'Connell P. R. , Jones J. F. X.
Published: January 2016

Background

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a treatment option for intractable fecal incontinence. The mechanism of action is unclear, however, increasing evidence for afferent somatosensory effects exists. This study's aim was to elucidate effects of acute SNM on the cerebral cortex in a rodent model of pudendal nerve injury.

Methods

The effects of 14 Hz and 2 Hz SNM on sensory cortical activation were studied. In 32 anesthetized rats, anal canal evoked potentials (EPs) were recorded over the primary somatosensory cortex. Pudendal nerve injury was produced by 1‐hour inflation of two intra‐pelvic balloons. Four groups were studied: balloon injury, balloon injury plus either 14 Hz or 2 Hz SNM, sham operation. Immunohistochemistry for the neural plasticity marker polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM) positive cells (numerical density and location) in the somatosensory cortex was performed.

Key Results

Anal EP amplitudes diminished during balloon inflation; 14 Hz SNM restored diminished anal EPs to initial levels and 2 Hz SNM to above initial levels. Evoked potential latencies were prolonged during balloon inflation. The numerical density of PSA‐NCAM positive cells increased in the SNM groups, but not in sham or balloon injury without SNM. Stimulated cortices showed clusters of PSA‐NCAM positive cells in layers II, IV, and V. Post SNM changes were similar in both SNM groups.

Conclusions & Inferences

Sacral neuromodulation augments anal representation in the sensory cortex and restores afferent pathways following injury. PSA‐NCAM positive cell density is increased in stimulated cortices and positive cells are clustered in layers II, IV, and V.