bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary relationships of completely sequenced Clostridia species and close relatives
Authors: Kunisawa Takashi
Published: September 2015

The classClostridiain the phylumFirmicutesincludes a very heterogeneous assemblage of bacteria. Their evolutionary relationships are not well established; revisions of their phylogenetic placements based on comparative studies of 16S rRNA gene sequences are in progress as genome sequence information accumulates. In this work, phylogenetic trees were reconstructed based on 21 concatenated ribosomal protein sequences using Bayesian and maximum-likelihood methods. Both trees consistently indicate that theHalanaerobialesis a deeply branching order among the classClostridia. The rest of theClostridiaspecies are grouped into 10 monophyletic clusters, most of which are comprised of two or three orders and families according to the currentClostridialtaxonomy. The maximum-likelihood tree placedCoprothermobacter proteolyticusandThermodesulfobium narugensein the classClostridiain accordance with the current taxonomy, in which these two bacteria are assigned to the familyThermodesulfobiaceae. However, the Bayesian tree placed these two bacteria at the boundary between theFirmicutesandActinobacteria. A gene arrangement that is present uniquely in theFirmicutesspecies was identified. BothCoprothermobacter proteolyticusandThermodesulfobium narugensedo not have this arrangement characteristic of theFirmicutes. On the basis of the Bayesian tree and gene arrangement comparison, it is suggested thatCoprothermobacter proteolyticusandThermodesulfobium narugenseshould be placed outside the phylumFirmicutes.
Burkholderia dipogonis sp. nov., isolated from root nodules of Dipogon lignosus in New Zealand and Western Australia
Authors: Sheu Shih-Yi , Chen Ming-Hui , Liu Wendy Y. Y. , Andrews Mitchell , James Euan K. , Ardley Julie K. , De Meyer Sofie E. , James Trevor K. , Howieson John G. , Coutinho Bruna G. , Chen Wen-Ming
Published: September 2015

Seven strains, ICMP 19430T, ICMP 19429, ICMP 19431, WSM4637, WSM4638, WSM4639 and WSM4640, were isolated from nitrogen-fixing nodules on roots of the invasive South African legume Dipogon lignosus (subfamily Papilionoideae, tribe Phaseoleae) in New Zealand and Western Australia, and their taxonomic positions were investigated by using a polyphasic approach. All seven strains grew at 10–37 °C (optimum, 25–30 °C), at pH 4.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0–7.0) and with 0–2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum growth in the absence of NaCl). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strains showed 99.0–99.5 % sequence similarity to the closest type strain, Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJNT, and 98.4–99.7 % sequence similarity to Burkholderia caledonica LMG 19076T. The predominant fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c (21.0 % of the total fatty acids in strain ICMP 19430T), C16 : 0 (19.1 %), C17 : 0 cyclo (18.9 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c; 10.7 %) and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c (7.5 %). The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and several uncharacterized aminophospholipids and phospholipids. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8 and the DNA G+C content of strain ICMP 19430T was 63.2 mol%. The DNA–DNA relatedness of the novel strains with respect to the closest neighbouring members of the genus Burkholderia was 55 % or less. On the basis of 16S rRNA and recA gene sequence similarities and chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, these strains represent a novel symbiotic species in the genus Burkholderia, for which the name Burkholderia dipogonis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain ICMP 19430T ( = LMG 28415T = HAMBI 3637T).
Design of the TRONCO BioConductor Package for TRanslational ONCOlogy
Authors: Antoniotti Marco , Caravagna Giulio , De Sano Luca , Graudenzi Alex , Mauri Giancarlo , Mishra Bud , Ramazzotti Daniele
Published: September 2015

Models ofcancer progressionprovide insights on the order of accumulation of genetic alterations during cancer development. Algorithms to infer such models from the currently available mutational profiles collected from different cancer patiens (cross-sectional data) have been defined in the literature since late 90s. These algorithms differ in the way they extract agraphical modelof the events modelling the progression, e.g., somatic mutations or copy-number alterations.

TRONCO is an R package for TRanslational ONcology which provides a serie of functions to assist the user in the analysis of cross-sectional genomic data and, in particular, it implements algorithms that aim to model cancer progression by means of the notion of selective advantage. These algorithms are proved to outperform the current state-of-the-art in the inference of cancer progression models. TRONCO also provides functionalities to load input cross-sectional data, set up the execution of the algorithms, assess the statistical confidence in the results and visualize the models.

Availability. Freely available athttp://www.bioconductor.org/under GPL license; project hosted athttp://bimib.disco.unimib.it/andhttps://github.com/BIMIB-DISCo/TRONCO.

Contact.tronco@disco.unimib.it
The impact of host metapopulation structure on the population genetics of colonizing bacteria
Authors: Numminen Elina , Gutmann Michael , Shubin Mikhail , Marttinen Pekka , Méric Guillaume , van Schaik Willem , Coque Teresa M. , Baquero Fernando , Willems Rob J.L. , Sheppard Samuel K. , Feil Edward J. , Hanage William P. , Corander Jukka
Published: September 2015

Many key bacterial pathogens are frequently carried asymptomatically, and the emergence and spread of these opportunistic pathogens can be driven, or mitigated, via demographic changes within the host population. These inter-host transmission dynamics combine with basic evolutionary parameters such as rates of mutation and recombination, population size and selection, to shape the genetic diversity within bacterial populations. Whilst many studies have focused on how molecular processes underpin bacterial population structure, the impact of host migration and the connectivity of the local populations has received far less attention. A stochastic neutral model incorporating heightened local transmission has been previously shown to fit closely with genetic data for several bacterial species. However, this model did not incorporate transmission limiting population stratification, nor the possibility of migration of strains between subpopulations, which we address here by presenting an extended model. The model captures the observed population patterns for the common nosocomial pathogensStaphylococcus epidermidisandEnterococcus faecalis,whileStaphylococcus aureusandEnterococcus faeciumdisplay deviations attributable to adaptation. It is demonstrated analytically and numerically that expected strain relatedness may either increase or decrease as a function of increasing migration rate between subpopulations, being a complex function of the rate at which microepidemics occur in the metapopulation. Moreover, it is shown that in a structured population markedly different rates of evolution may lead to indistinguishable patterns of relatedness among bacterial strains; caution is thus required when drawing evolution inference in these cases.
Estimating diversification rates from the fossil record
Authors: Didier Gilles , Fau Marine , Laurin Michel
Published: September 2015

Diversification rates are estimated from phylogenies, typically without fossils, except in paleontological studies. By nature, rate estimations depend heavily on the time data provided in phylogenies, which are divergence times and (when used) fossil ages. Among these temporal data, fossil ages are by far the most precisely known (divergence times are inferences calibrated with fossils). We propose a method to compute the likelihood of a phylogenetic tree with fossils in which the only known time information is the fossil ages.

Testing our approach on simulated data shows that the maximum likelihood rate estimates from the phylogenetic tree shape and the fossil dates are almost as accurate as the ones obtained by taking into account all the data, including the divergence times. Moreover they are substantially more accurate than the estimates obtained only from the exact divergence times (without taking into account the fossil record).
One Codex: A Sensitive and Accurate Data Platform for Genomic Microbial Identification
Authors: Minot Samuel S. , Krumm Niklas , Greenfield Nicholas B.
Published: September 2015

1

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) is increasingly being used for broad applications of microbial char-acterization, such as microbial ecology, clinical diagnosis, and outbreak epidemiology. However, the analytical task of comparing short sequence reads against the known diversity of microbial life has proved to be computationally challenging. The One Codex data platform was created with the dual goals of analyzing microbial data against the largest possible collection of microbial reference genomes, as well as presenting those results in a format that is consumable by applied end-users. One Codex identifies microbial sequences using a“k-mer based” taxonomic classification algorithm through a web-based data platform, using a reference database that currently includes approximately 40,000 bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoan genomes. In order to evaluate whether this classification method and associated database provided quantitatively different performance for microbial identification, we created a large and diverse evaluation dataset containing 50 million reads from 10,639 genomes, as well as sequences from six organisms novel species not be included in the reference databases of any of the tested classifiers. Quantitative evaluation of several published microbial detection methods shows that One Codex has the highest degree of sensitivity and specificity (AUC = 0.97, compared to 0.82-0.88 for other methods), both when detecting well-characterized species as well as newly sequenced, “taxonomically novel” organisms.
Tyrosination of α-Tubulin Controls The Initiation of Processive Dynein-Dynactin Motility
Authors: McKenney Richard J. , Huynh Walter , Vale Ronald D. , Sirajuddin Minhaj
Published: September 2015

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of α/β-tubulin are believed to regulate interactions with microtubule binding proteins. A well-characterized PTM involves the removal and re-ligation of the C-terminal tyrosine on α-tubulin, but the purpose of this tyrosination-detyrosination cycle remains elusive. Here, we examined the processive motility of mammalian dynein complexed with dynactin and BicD2 (DDB) on tyrosinated versus detyrosinated microtubules. Motility was decreased ~4-fold on detyrosinated microtubules, constituting the largest effect of a tubulin PTM on motor function observed to date. This preference is mediated by dynactin’s microtubule binding p150 subunit rather than dynein itself. Interestingly, on chimeric microtubules, DDB molecules that initiated movement on tyrosinated tubulin continued moving into a region of detyrosinated tubulin. This result indicates that the α-tubulin tyrosine facilitates initial motor-tubulin encounters, but is not needed for subsequent motility. Our results reveal a strong effect of the C-terminal α-tubulin tyrosine on dynein-dynactin motility and suggest that the tubulin tyrosination cycle could modulate the initiation of dynein-driven motility in cells.
Liverworts to the rescue: an investigation of their efficacy as mycorrhizal inoculum for vascular plants
Authors: Kowal Jill , Pressel Silvia , Duckett Jeffrey G. , Bidartondo Martin I.
Published: September 2015

Pezoloma ericae (D.J. Read) Baral, a widespread mycorrhizal fungus of plants in the Ericales, is known to form intracellular associations with several families of leafy liverworts (Schistochilaceae, Lepidoziaceae, Cephaloziaceae, Cephaloziellaceae) in vitro. The ecological significance of this link between vascular and non‐vascular plants is unknown.

Fungal symbionts were isolated from rhizoids of the leafy liverworts Cephalozia connivens (Dicks.) Lindb. and C. bicuspidata (L.) Dum. (Cephaloziaceae), as well as from the hair roots of two dominant ericoid mycorrhiza‐forming species of European heathlands, Erica tetralix (L.) and Calluna vulgaris (L.).

Using pure cultures of P. ericae, we resynthesized liverwort–fungus associations to use colonized liverworts as inoculum which was applied to substrates supporting the growth of heather seedlings and cuttings. Effects were quantified using germination, rooting, plant colonization, plant survival under waterlogging stress and growth in height in experimental systems with and without liverworts and/or fungi.

Fungal symbionts growing from liverwort rhizoids readily colonized the hair roots of ericaceous plants to form typical ericoid mycorrhizas.

The presence of inoculum‐bearing liverworts led to significant increases in plant growth. Erica tetralix was more responsive to inoculation than C. vulgaris.

Ericaceous cuttings rooted and survived more successfully when they were coplanted with previously colonized liverwort stems.

We demonstrate, under realistic ecological circumstances, that liverworts can deliver mycorrhizal inoculum and improve the establishment of vascular plants. We propose that by providing sources of mycorrhizal inoculum, symbiotic non‐vascular plants can contribute to the restoration of plant communities dominated by Ericales plants. This research leads to broader knowledge about the function of ericoid mycorrhizas in ecosystems.
Combination Inhibition Activity of Nisin and Ethanol on the Growth Inhibition of Pathogenic Gram Negative Bacteria and Their Application as Disinfectant Solution
Authors: Phongphakdee Komsan , Nitisinprasert Sunee
Published: September 2015

Nisin and ethanol have been used as antimicrobial agents in food industry. However, nisin alone could not inhibit the growth of gram‐negative bacteria, except in combination with a chelating agent, EDTA, or organic acid. This research aimed to study the survival of Escherichia coli O157: H7, Salmonella Typhimurium TISTR 292 and Salmonella Enteritidis DMST 17368 after treatment with nisin at 100, 200, 300, 500, 800, or 1000 IU/mL and ethanol at 70%, 50%, 30%, 20%, or 10% (v/v) alone and in combination. None of all nisin concentrations could reduce the growth of target strains. While 20% ethanol (v/v) having no negative effect on human health, could slightly reduce the growth of target strains. However, the combination of nisin at 500, 800 or 1000 IU/mL and 20% ethanol displayed significant growth reduction at 15 min were below 1 log CFU/mL. Thus, the minimum inhibitory concentration of nisin and ethanol was 500 IU/mL and 20% (v/v), respectively. The release of fatty acid, genetic materials and scanning electron microscope suggested that nisin‐ethanol treated cells have altered permeability causing bacterial growth inhibition. Comparison treatment of combined solution and commercial chloride based sanitizer were done for all target strains on stainless steel surface. Survivals of three target strains were below 1 log CFU/mL. The result suggested that combined solution of nisin and ethanol may be a beneficial sanitizer for food industry to inhibit the growth of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella sp.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Refined Olive Oil‐Based Structured Lipid Containing Omega ‐3 and ‐6 Fatty Acids for Potential Application in Infant Formula
Authors: Li Ruoyu , Sabir Jamal S. M. , Baeshen Nabih A. , Akoh Casimir C.
Published: September 2015

Structured lipids (SLs) containing palmitic, docosahexaenoic (DHA), and gamma‐linolenic (GLA) acids were produced using refined olive oil, tripalmitin, and ethyl esters of DHA single cell oil and GLA ethyl esters. Immobilized Lipozyme TL IM lipase was used as the biocatalyst. The SLs were characterized for fatty acid profile, triacylglycerol (TAG) molecular species, solid fat content, oxidative stability index, and melting and crystallization profiles and compared to physical blend of substrates, extracted fat from commercial infant formula (IFF), and milk fat. 49.28 mol% of palmitic acid was found at the sn‐2 position of SL TAG and total DHA and GLA composition were 0.73 and 5.00 mol%, respectively. The total oleic acid content was 36.13 mol% which was very close to the 30.49% present in commercial IFF. Comparable solid fat content profiles were also found between SLs and IFF. The SLs produced have potential for use in infant formulas.
Classification of semi‐automated flare readings using the Kowa FM 700 laser cell flare meter in patients with uveitis
Authors: Agrawal Rupesh , Keane Pearse A. , Singh Jasmin , Saihan Zubin , Kontos Andreas , Pavesio Carlos E.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To propose a classification system to grade semi‐automated flare readings and assess its correlation with clinical flare grading and also to explore the utility of an additional step in clinical flare assessment between grades 0 and 1.

Methods

Semi‐automated flare readings from 103 eyes with uveitis were taken using the Kowa FM 700 laser flare meter and classified into two models (LFCM and LFCM_1), and introduction of a 0.5 step in flare grading was explored.

Results

Good correlation was present between the conventional SUN clinical flare and the proposed clinical classification for flare (weighted kappa (WK) = 89.64%, p < 0.001). Semi‐automated flare grading (LFCM and LFCM_1) had WK agreement of 82.52% and 79.85% (p < 0.001) with conventional SUN clinical flare grading.

Conclusions

The proposed classification system for semi‐automated laser flare readings (LFCM) allows stratification of measurements into grades analogous to clinical flare grades and correlates well with conventional clinical flare grading.
The Danish version of the Radner Reading Chart: design and empirical testing of sentence optotypes in subjects of varying educational background
Authors: Munch Inger Christine , Jørgensen Astrid‐Helene Ravn , Radner Wolfgang
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To develop 28 short texts to be used as sentence optotypes in a Danish version of the Radner Reading Chart for the measurement of reading acuity and speed.

Method

Forty‐six short texts of comparable lexical and grammatical difficulty were constructed. The short texts were tested together with two longer reference texts in 100 persons with visual acuity 6/6, of which 50 were university students (age: 24.7 ± 3.1 years, 36% males) and 50 were blue‐collar workers (37.2 ± 13.4 years, 54% males). Study parameters were mean reading speed and error rate per participant, and mean reading time, variance and number of errors per short text.

Results

The students read the short texts faster than the blue‐collar workers (184 ± 21.4 words per minute (wpm) versus 163 ± 26.3 wpm, p < 0.0001). There was a high correlation between the reference texts and the short texts [Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.89 (95% CI 0.83–0.92)]. The mean reading time for each of the short texts ranged from 4.4 s to 5.8 s with a mean of 4.96 ± 0.35 s, and the median number of errors was eight. Twenty‐eight short texts were selected for sentence optotypes with mean reading times between 4.6 s and 5.2 s, a mean standard deviation of 1.2 s or less and a number of errors of 17 per 100 persons or less.

Conclusion

Reading time uniformity in the Danish version of the Radner Reading Chart was comparable to that of the original German version. Education had an influence on reading performance that may warrant stratification for this parameter when reading tests are used in clinical trials.
Extremely elevated C‐reactive protein levels are associated with unfavourable outcomes, including death, in paediatric patients
Authors: Pasternak Yehonatan , Livni Gilat , Ashkenazi Shai , Lowenthal Alexander , Yarden‐Bilavsky Havatzelet
Published: September 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of extremely elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels in hospitalised children.

Methods

We searched the electronic database of a tertiary paediatric medical centre for all patients admitted in 2010–2013 with a CRP of ≥30 mg/dL, and these comprised the study group. The controls were the other admissions. Data were collected on demographics, admission details, pre‐existing conditions, discharge diagnosis, laboratory results and clinical outcomes.

Results

Our study group comprised 435 (0.72%) of the 59 997 patients hospitalised during the study period. The mortality rate and mean hospital stays were significantly higher in the study group, and infectious diseases were the most common diagnoses, affecting 389 patients (89.4%), particularly pneumonia (47.1%). Higher CRP was correlated with low albumin levels (p < 0.01). Bacteraemia was the most prevalent diagnosis (38%) in the 84 oncology patients, with a crude mortality rate of 17.6%.

Conclusion

Infectious diseases, mainly bacterial, were the most common diagnoses in previously healthy children with CRP ≥30 mg/dL. Extremely elevated CRP levels were associated with an unfavourable clinical outcome, including high mortality, particularly in oncology patients. Paediatricians should be aware of the significance of extremely elevated CRP levels.
Changes in myonuclear domain size do not precede muscle hypertrophy during prolonged resistance‐type exercise training
Authors: Snijders T. , Smeets J. S. J. , van Kranenburg J. , Kies A. K. , van Loon L. J. C. , Verdijk L. B.
Published: September 2015

Aim

Muscle fibre hypertrophy is accompanied by an increase in myonuclear number, an increase in myonuclear domain size or both. It has been suggested that increases in myonuclear domain size precede myonuclear accretion and subsequent muscle fibre hypertrophy during prolonged exercise training. In this study, we assessed the changes in muscle fibre size, myonuclear and satellite cell content throughout 12 weeks of resistance‐type exercise training in young men.

Methods

Twenty‐two young men (23 ± 1 year) were assigned to a progressive, 12‐weeks resistance‐type exercise training programme (3 sessions per week). Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle were taken before and after 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of exercise training. Muscle fibre size, myonuclear content, myonuclear domain size and satellite cell content were assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Type I and type II muscle fibre size increased gradually throughout the 12 weeks of training (type I: 18 ± 5%, type II: 41 ± 6%, P < 0.01). Myonuclear content increased significantly over time in both the type I (P < 0.01) and type II (P < 0.001) muscle fibres. No changes in type I and type II myonuclear domain size were observed at any time point throughout the intervention. Satellite cell content increased significantly over time in both type I and type II muscle fibres (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Increases in myonuclear domain size do not appear to drive myonuclear accretion and muscle fibre hypertrophy during prolonged resistance‐type exercise training in vivo in humans.
Activated charcoal for acute overdose: a reappraisal
Authors: Juurlink David N.
Published: September 2015

Sometimes mistakenly characterized as a ‘universal antidote,’ activated charcoal (AC) is the most frequently employed method of gastrointestinal decontamination in the developed world. Typically administered as a single dose (SDAC), its tremendous surface area permits the binding of many drugs and toxins in the gastrointestinal lumen, reducing their systemic absorption. Like other decontamination procedures, the utility of SDAC attenuates with time, and, although generally safe, it is not free of risk. A large body of evidence demonstrates that SDAC can reduce the absorption of drugs and xenobiotics but most such studies involve volunteers and have little generalizability to clinical practice. Few rigorous clinical trials of SDAC have been conducted, and none validate or refute its utility in those patients who are intuitively most likely to benefit. Over the past decade, a growing body of observational data have demonstrated that SDAC can elicit substantial reductions in drug absorption in acutely poisoned patients. The challenge for clinicians rests in differentiating those patients most likely to benefit from SDAC from those in whom meaningful improvement is doubtful. This is often a difficult determination not well suited to an algorithmic approach. The present narrative review summarizes the data supporting the benefits and harms of SDAC, and offers pragmatic suggestions for clinical practice.
Adverse Drug Reactions for Medicines Newly Approved in Japan from 1999 to 2013: Hypertension and Hypotension
Authors: Nagayama Takashi , Nishida Minoru , Hizue Masanori , Ogino Yamato , Fujiyoshi Masato
Published: September 2015

In this survey, the correlation between adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in human and animal toxicities was investigated for 393 medicines which were approved in Japan from September 1999 to March 2013. ADRs were collected from each Japanese package insert. Comparable animal toxicities with ADRs were collected by thorough investigation of common technical documents. The results of this survey show that hypertension and/or hypotension were mainly observed in medicines affecting the central nervous system. Hypertension was also observed in antipyretics, analgesics, anti‐inflammatory agents, vasoconstrictors and agents using antibody. Concordance between human ADRs and animal toxicities was analysed. True‐positive rate for hypertension and hypotension is 0.29 and 0.52, respectively. Positive likelihood ratio and inverse negative likelihood ratio are 1.98 and 1.21, respectively, in hypertension and 1.67 and 1.44, respectively, in hypotension. Concordance between human ADRs and animal toxicities is not so high in hypertension and hypotension. Identified mechanisms as on‐target for hypertension and hypotension are 29.8% and 30.5%, respectively. More than half of the causative factors of hypertension and hypotension were unable to be elucidated. Our results show that the intake of medicines is often linked to blood pressure variations that are not predicted in animal toxicity studies. Improvement of drug development processes may be necessary to provide safer medicines because current animal toxicity studies are insufficient to predict all ADRs in human beings.
The closing of open minds: Need for closure moderates the impact of uncertainty salience on outgroup discrimination
Authors: Brizi Ambra , Mannetti Lucia , Kruglanski Arie W.
Published: September 2015

In three studies, we examined how dispositional need for cognitive closure (NCC) moderates the impact of various types of uncertainty salience (personal and supraliminal in studies 1 and 2; economic and subliminal in Study 3) on implicit attitudes (studies 1 and 3) and explicit discriminatory intentions (Study 2) towards outgroup members. Across all three studies, we found that uncertainty increased discrimination against outgroups among low‐NCC individuals but not among high‐NCC individuals. High‐NCC individuals tended to be more discriminatory irrespective of uncertainty salience. These results suggest that uncertainty salience leads individuals with a low dispositional need for closure to act like those with high need for closure. The implications of the findings for theories about how uncertainty influences social attitudes and intergroup behaviour are discussed.
A new multi‐stage recession model for Proglacial Lake Humber during the retreat of the last British–Irish Ice Sheet
Authors: Fairburn William A. , Bateman Mark D.
Published: September 2015

The single most prominent lake associated with the retreat phase of the last British–Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS) was Proglacial Lake Humber. The present research elucidates a revised regional history of Proglacial Lake Humber from its maximum elevation to its demise using a combination of landscape mapping and luminescence dating. The results of mapping multiple Lake Humber strandlines are now best described by an eight‐stage recessional model. Erosional highstands of the lake can be shown to post‐date the BIIS advance that deposited the Skipsea Till at around 17 ka whereas new OSL ages show that Lake Humber was nearing its demise by 15.5±0.8 ka, indicating a possible short‐lived lake. Multiple lake level stands are attributed to the switching of lake outlets from the Lincolnshire Gap to the Humber Gap and to oscillations of the BIIS blocking the latter on more than one occasion and subsequently at a lower elevation with till. The horizontal or near‐horizontal shorelines confirm that isostatic adjustment did not occur during the demise of Lake Humber, indicating that BIIS advances in the North Sea region and Vale of York were not only dynamic but of short duration.
The effect of cigarette smoking on early osseointegration of dental implants: a prospective controlled study
Authors: Bezerra Ferreira José Divino , Rodrigues Jose Augusto , Piattelli Adriano , Iezzi Giovanna , Gehrke Sergio Alexandre , Shibli Jamil Awad
Published: September 2015

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of cigarette smoking on the percentage of early bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC%), the bone density in the threaded area (BA%) as well as the bone density outside the threaded area (BD%) around micro‐implants with sandblasted acid‐etched surface retrieved from human jaws.

Material and methods

Twenty‐two subjects (mean age 55.4 ± 4.5 years) were divided in two groups: smokers (n = 11 subjects) and never‐smokers (n = 11 subjects). Each subject received one micro‐implant during conventional mandible or maxilla implant surgery. After 8 weeks, the micro‐implants and the surrounding tissue were removed and prepared for histomorphometric analysis.

Results

Two micro‐implants placed in smokers showed no osseointegration. Early stages of maturation of the newly formed bone were present, mainly in the never‐smokers. Marginal bone loss, gap, and fibrous tissue were present around some implants retrieved from smokers. Histometric evaluation indicated that the meanBIC% ranged between 25.9 ± 9.1 and 39.8 ± 14.2 for smokers and non‐smokers, respectively (P = 0.02). Smokers presented 28.6 ± 10.1 ofBA% while never‐smokers showed 46.4 ± 18.8 (P = 0.04). The mean ofBD% ranged between 19.1 ± 7.6 and 28.5 ± 18.8 for smokers and never‐smokers, respectively (P = 0.21).

Conclusion

Cigarette smoking has a detrimental effect on early bone tissue response around sandblasted acid‐etched implant surface topographies.
Intra‐operative neuromonitoring of the vagus nerve during thyroidectomy. A prospective study
Authors: Klopp‐Dutote N. , Biet‐Hornstein A. , Guillaume‐Souaid G. , Strunski V. , Page C.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To determine whether intra‐operative neuromonitoring (IONM) of the vagus nerve during thyroidectomy can predict postoperative vocal fold palsy.

Design

A single‐centre, prospective study.

Setting

University Hospital.

Participants

A total of 95 patients underwent thyroid surgery. A total of 160 vagus nerves were studied. The amplitude of the action potential of vocal muscles was recorded intra‐operatively by indirect supramaximal stimulation of the vagus nerve. All patients underwent flexible fibre‐optic laryngoscopy on postoperative day 1 to detect the presence of vocal fold palsy.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was the difference of the action potential amplitude of the vagus nerve before and after resection of the thyroid lobe. Statistical analysis determined the amplitude variation cut‐off able to accurately predict postoperative vocal fold palsy.

Results

Transient vocal fold palsy was observed in 4.375% of cases, and permanent fold palsy was observed in 1.25% of cases. A decrease of the action potential amplitude by more than 61% was statistically significantly associated with postoperative vocal fold palsy. A greater than 87% decrease of the amplitude of the action potential was correlated with permanent postoperative vocal fold palsy.

Conclusion

IONM of the vagus nerve during thyroidectomy may accurately predict postoperative vocal fold palsy.
Schmerzen und Schmerztherapie in der Dermatologie
Authors: Beiteke Ulrike , Bigge Stefan , Reichenberger Christina , Gralow Ingrid
Published: September 2015

Eine Prävalenzrate von 23 Millionen Deutschen mit chronischen Schmerzen ist anzunehmen. In einer aktuellen Erhebung waren 30 % der chronischen Schmerzpatienten mit ihrer Schmerztherapie nicht zufrieden. Des Weiteren leiden fünf Millionen Deutsche an neuropathischen Schmerzen, wovon 20 % nicht ausreichend therapiert sind. Schmerz ist auch ein Symptom vieler dermatologischer Krankheitsbilder. Die zumeist somatischen Schmerzen sind vielfach als milde Schmerzen einzustufen. Eine zunehmende Forschung zur Lebensqualität zeigt jedoch eine deutliche Beeinträchtigung der Lebensqualität durch moderate Schmerzen, u.a. bei Psoriasis vulgaris et arthropathica. Starke Schmerzen treten bei Herpes zoster, Ulcus cruris und Pyoderma gangraenosum auf.

Als Grundlagen werden Schmerzklassifikation und im kurzen Exzerpt Schmerzleitung und ‐modulation dargestellt. Der Einsatz standardisierter Skalen zur Erhebung und Verlaufsbeobachtung der Schmerzstärke wird empfohlen, um Therapieoptimierungen zu gewährleisten und interdisziplinär auf gleicher Basis zu kommunizieren. Die Weiterbildung in der Dermatologie sieht den Erwerb von Kenntnissen, Erfahrungen und Fertigkeiten in der allgemeinen Schmerztherapie vor. Bezogen darauf werden grundlegende Behandlungskonzepte in Anlehnung an das erweiterte WHO‐Schema, ein stufenweises Vorgehen sowie Kombinationstherapien dargestellt. Der Fokus dieser Arbeit liegt auf der Schmerztherapie o. g. konservativ zu behandelnder stark schmerzhafter Dermatosen. Neben gängigen Therapeutika und aktuellen Therapiestandards werden, soweit vorhanden, leitlinienbasiert spezifische Optionen erörtert. Der Wissensstand zum peri‐ und postoperativen Schmerzmanagement wird kurz umrissen. Dieser Artikel vermittelt:

▸ Grundlagen zur Klassifikation und Neurophysiologie von Schmerzen,

▸ Standards für die Schmerzdokumentation bei Kindern und Erwachsenen,

▸ allgemeine Standards für eine medikamentöse Schmerztherapie,

▸ aktuelle spezifische Therapieoptionen für Zosterneuralgie, Ulcus cruris, Pyoderma gangraenosum im Zusammenhang mit dem erweiterten WHO‐Schema.
DKG statement on the use of metal alloy discs for patch testing in suspected intolerance to metal implants
Authors: Thomas Peter , Geier Johannes , Dickel Heinrich , Diepgen Thomas , Hillen Uwe , Kreft Burkhard , Schnuch Axel , Szliska Christiane , Mahler Vera
Published: September 2015

Intolerance reactions to metal implants may be caused by metal allergy. However, prior to implantation, ‘prophetic’/prophylactic patch testing should not be performed. Pre‐implant patch testing should only be done to verify or exclude metal allergy in patients with a corresponding history. In case of implant‐related complications – in particular following replacement arthroplasty – such as pain, effusion, skin lesions, reduced range of motion or implant loosening, orthopedic causes should be ruled out first. Workup of suspected metal implant allergy should then be done using the DKG standard series, which includes nickel, cobalt, and chromium preparations. Various studies assessing the usefulness of metal alloy discs for patch testing have shown this particular approach to be ineffective with respect to providing reliable information on metal allergy. Any positive reaction in such tests cannot be assigned to a specific metal contained within the alloy. Furthermore, there is a risk of broad and indiscriminate use of these readily available discs. Accordingly, given the lack of additional benefit compared to patch testing with standardized metal salt preparations, we do not recommend patch testing with metal alloy discs.
Obsessive‐compulsive disorder in dermatology
Authors: Mavrogiorgou Paraskevi , Bader Armin , Stockfleth Eggert , Juckel Georg
Published: September 2015

Patients with obsessive‐compulsive (OCD) and related disorders – primarily trichotillomania, body dysmorphic disorder, and skin picking disorder – frequently present to dermatologists due to associated hair and skin symptoms. It is therefore crucial that dermatologists be familiar with these disorders. In this review article, we provide an update on clinical features, neurobiology factors, and treatment options for OCD spectrum disorders. Employing PubMed and Cochrane Library databases, a selective literature search was conducted using keywords related to dermatological disorders within the OCD spectrum. OCD and its related disorders share several phenomenological as well as pathophysiological similarities, thus warranting their classification within a separate nosological category of psychiatric disorders. Another similarity of OCD spectrum disorders is the frequent concurrence of hair and skin diseases. Besides symptomatic dermatological treatment, the combination of psychotherapy (behavioral therapy) and psychopharmacotherapy (SSRIs) may be helpful. Although recent insights into OCD have contributed to a better understanding and treatment thereof, more research is required, especially with respect to OCD spectrum disorders, for which large controlled treatment studies are still lacking.
Pain and pain management in dermatology
Authors: Beiteke Ulrike , Bigge Stefan , Reichenberger Christina , Gralow Ingrid
Published: September 2015

It is estimated that 23 million Germans suffer from chronic pain. A recent survey has revealed that 30 % of chronic pain patients are dissatisfied with their pain management. Furthermore, five million Germans suffer from neuropathic pain, 20 % of whom are inadequately treated. Pain is also a symptom of many dermatologic diseases, which is mostly somatic and may be classified as mild in the majority of cases. Nevertheless, research on the quality of life (QoL) has increasingly shown a marked impairment of QoL by moderate pain such as in psoriatic arthritis. ­Severe pain is associated with herpes zoster (shingles), leg ulcers, and pyoderma gangrenosum.

This article addresses the basics of pain classification and, in a short excerpt, pain transduction/transmission and modulation. The use of standardized diagnostic ­scales is recommended for the purpose of recording and monitoring pain intensity, which allows for the optimization of therapy and consistent interdisciplinary ­communication.

Any dermatology residency program includes the acquisition of knowledge and skills in pain management. This review therefore aims to present fundamental therapeutic concepts based on the expanded WHO analgesic ladder, and describes a step‐wise therapeutic approach and combination therapies. The article focuses on the pain management of the above‐mentioned severely painful, conservatively treated dermatoses. Besides well‐established therapeutic agents and current ­therapeutic standards, it discusses specific options based on guidelines (where available). Current knowledge on peri‐ and postoperative pain management is briefly outlined.

This article addresses:

▸ The fundamentals of the classification and neurophysiology of pain;

▸ Standards for pain documentation in children and adults;

▸ General standards for pharmaceutical pain management;

▸ Current specific treatment options for postherpetic neuralgia, leg ulcers, and ­pyoderma gangrenosum in conjunction with the expanded WHO analgesic ­ladder.
Zwangsstörungen in der Dermatologie
Authors: Mavrogiorgou Paraskevi , Bader Armin , Stockfleth Eggert , Juckel Georg
Published: September 2015

Patienten mit einer Zwangsstörung und verwandte Störungen, zu denen die Trichotillomanie, die körperdysmorphe Störung und die Dermatillomanie (skin picking) in erster Linie zählen, konsultieren aufgrund der dabei auftretenden Haar‐ und Hautsymptome häufig einen Dermatologen. Es ist somit wichtig, auch von dermatologischer Seite über diese Erkrankungen gut informiert zu sein. In dieser Übersichtarbeit werden aktuelle Aspekte zur Klinik, Neurobiologie und Therapie der Zwangsspektrumsstörungen dargestellt. Es wurde eine selektive Literaturrecherche (PubMed und Cochrane Library) mit Suchbegriffen bzgl. dermatologischer Störungen bei Zwangsspektrumsserkrankungen durchgeführt. Die Zwangsstörung und die ihr verwandten Störungen haben zahlreiche phänomenologische und pathophysiologische Gemeinsamkeiten, so dass ihre Einordnung in einer eigenen nosologischen Kategorie psychiatrischer Störungen begründet ist. Eine weitere Gemeinsamkeit der Zwangsspektrumsstörungen ist das häufig gleichzeitig bestehende Vorhandensein von Haut‐ und/oder Haarerkrankungen. Neben der symptomatischen, dermatologischen Behandlung kann eine Kombination von Psychotherapie (Verhaltenstherapie) und Psychopharmakotherapie (SSRIs) hilfreich sein. Obwohl das Wissen über die Zwangsstörung einiges zum Verständnis und zur deren besseren Behandlung beigetragen hat, besteht weiterhin Forschungsbedarf vor allem im Bereich der Zwangsspektrumsstörungen, für die große kontrollierte Behandlungsstudien fehlen.
DKG‐Stellungnahme zur Epikutantestung von Metalllegierungsplättchen bei Verdacht auf Metallimplantat‐Unverträglichkeit
Authors: Thomas Peter , Geier Johannes , Dickel Heinrich , Diepgen Thomas , Hillen Uwe , Kreft Burkhard , Schnuch Axel , Szliska Christiane , Mahler Vera
Published: September 2015

Eine Metallallergie kann zu Unverträglichkeit von Metallimplantaten führen. Vor Implantation sollte eine Epikutantestung aber nicht prophetisch‐prophylaktisch, sondern nur bei anamnestischen Hinweisen auf eine potenzielle Metallallergie erfolgen. Sofern nach Einsetzen von Metallimplantaten – speziell Endoprothesen – Komplikationen wie Schmerzen, Ergüsse, Hauterscheinungen, Bewegungseinschränkung oder Lockerung auftreten, empfiehlt sich bei Verdacht auf das Vorliegen einer Metallimplantatallergie nach orthopädisch‐chirurgischer Differenzialdiagnostik ein Epikutantest mit der Nickel‐, Cobalt‐, Chrom‐Präparationen enthaltenden DKG‐Standardreihe. Studien zum Einsatz von Metalllegierungsplättchen haben gezeigt, dass damit kein verlässlicher Nachweis einer Metallallergie möglich ist, und bei einer allergischen Epikutantestreaktion auf ein Metallplättchen diese auch keinem konkreten Legierungs‐Metall der Plättchen zugeordnet werden kann. Zudem besteht die Gefahr der unkritischen, breiten Testanwendung der leicht zugänglichen Metalllegierungsplättchen. Aufgrund fehlenden Zusatznutzens gegenüber der Epikutantestung mit standardisierten Metallsalzpräparationen empfehlen wir die Testung mit Legierungsplättchen nicht.
Plattenepithelkarzinome in chronischen venösen Ulcera crurum. Daten aus dem deutschen Marjolin‐Register und Übersichtsdarstellung
Authors: Reich‐Schupke Stefanie , Doerler Martin , Wollina Uwe , Dissemond Joachim , Horn Thomas , Strölin Anke , Erfurt‐Berge Cornelia , Stücker Markus
Published: September 2015

Hintergrund

Das sekundäre Plattenepithelkarzinom (engl. squamous cell carcinoma, SCC) ist eine seltene Komplikation bei chronischem Ulcus cruris venosum. Über seine Pathophysiologie und den klinischen Verlauf ist bislang wenig bekannt. Das aktuelle Marjolin‐Register geht aus einer Initiative der Arbeitsgruppe „Wundheilung“ (AGW) der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG) hervor und erfasst Fälle von aus venösen Ulcera hervorgehenden Plattenepithelkarzinomen mit dem Ziel der Beurteilung diagnostischer Merkmale.

Patienten und Methoden

Alle Mitglieder der AGW beantworteten Fragebögen über Patientenbasisdaten, Ulkusmerkmale und die durchgeführte Therapie.

Ergebnisse

Zwischen 2010 und 2013 wurden 30 Patienten (20 Frauen, 10 Männer) aus sechs tertiären Wundbehandlungseinrichtungen registriert. Das Durchschnittsalter betrug 76,17 Jahre. Die durchschnittliche Dauer der Ulcera crurum venosa vor Diagnose des Plattenepithelkarzinoms betrug 15,93 Jahre. Als auffällige Wundmerkmale wurden in erster Linie Schmerz (n = 3), Therapieresistenz (n = 27) und Fötor (n = 12) sowie ein klinisches Erscheinungsbild (n = 10) mit atypischer Morphologie, nodulärem Wundbett und Hypergranulation festgestellt.

Schlussfolgerungen

Atypische Morphologie oder verändertes Erscheinungsbild sowie Therapieresistenz trotz optimaler Versorgung (6–12 Wochen) sollten zum Anlass genommen werden, wenn nötig mehrere und serielle spindelförmige Biopsien zu entnehmen. Die Hauptrisikofaktoren für eine maligne Transformation sind das Patientenalter und die Ulkusdauer.
Risikofaktoren für eine MRSA‐Kolonisation bei dermatologischen Patienten in Deutschland
Authors: Daeschlein Georg , von Podewils Sebastian , Bloom Tina , Assadian Ojan , Napp Matthias , Haase Hermann , Jünger Michael
Published: September 2015

Hintergrund und Zielsetzung

Die Erkennung des methicillinresistenten Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) erfordert gut definierte Risikofaktoren (RFs). Abgesehen von „chronischen Wunden“ sind RFs meist in nationalen Empfehlungen spezifiziert. Zur Vermeidung von erfolglosem und teurem Screening haben wir die Einheit „Wunden“ in verschiedene Kategorien aufgeteilt und weitere RFs bei dermatologischen Patienten ermittelt.

Patienten und Methoden

Nach einem Untersuchungszeitraum mit allgemeinem MRSA‐Screening korrelierten wir die MRSA‐Ergebnisse mit den Wundkategorien und mit dermatologisch relevanten Diagnosen. Wir analysierten die Screening‐Wirksamkeit durch die Ergänzung von potentiellen neuen RFs.

Ergebnisse

Ulzera (Dekubitus, arterielle, kombinierte Dekubitus/arterielle Ulzera, nicht anderweitig spezifiziert), Typ II Diabetes mellitus (DM), und atopische Dermatitis (AD) waren signifikant mit dem Vorliegen von MRSA verbunden. Tumore (Subgruppe Basal‐ und Plattenepithelkarzinome) waren ebenfalls signifikant mit dem Vorliegen von MRSA verbunden, hatten jedoch eine schützende Odds‐Ratio. Die Unterscheidung von Wundtypen bot keinen zusätzlichen Nutzen. Bei allen MRSA‐­positiven Patienten mit chronischen Wunden wurden andere vom RKI gelistete RFs oder Typ II DM gefunden. Die Screening‐Empfindlichkeit wurde durch die Kombination von klassischen RFs (außer Wunden) mit Typ II DM und AD erhöht.

Schlussfolgerungen

Bei dermatologischen Patienten wurden AD und Typ II DM als neue RFs identifiziert. Verschiedene Wundtypen wurden ebenfalls als signifikante RFs festgestellt, aber ein differenziertes Screening bietet keinen Nutzen. Beim Screening von Patienten nach nationalen Empfehlungen gibt es, wenn Wunden ausgeschlossen, Typ II DM und AD aber eingeschlossen werden, keinen Sensibilitätsverlust.
Does the host plant affect the benefits from mutualisms?The invasive mealybug and ghost ant association
Authors: ZHOU AIMING , KUANG BEIQING , GAO YINGRUI
Published: September 2015

1. The benefits to trophobionte hemipterans are affected by the ant tending level, which is a widely accepted statement. The ant tending level is closely related to multiple factors. It is clear that the ant tending level can be affected by the temporal factor, age‐specific, the density of the hemipterans, and quantity and quality of honeydew produced by hemipterans.

2. Few studies of ant–hemipteran mutualisms have reported the patterns of host plants‐dependent effects, and whether host plants influence the ant tending level that is also unclear. As such, laboratory experiments were conducted to test whether the colony growth rate of an invasive mealybugPhenacoccus solenopsisTinsley, parasitism ofAenasius bambawaleiHayat, an dominant parasitoid ofP. solenopsis, are affected by tending by ghost ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum(Fabricius)], host plants (tomato and cotton), and interactions between the two factors. The difference in the ant tending level between the host plants was also determined.

3. The results showed that mealybug colony growth and parasitism were significantly affected by ant tending and host plant separately. There were significant interactions between the independent factors on the mealybug colony growth rate and percentage parasitism. These results suggest that benefits to mealybugs are host plant‐dependent.