bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thoracoscopic surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma located in the hepatic dome: Technical aspect and oncological results
Authors: Yamao Takanobu , Imai Katsunori , Yamashita Yo‐ichi , Umezaki Naoki , Tsukamoto Masayo , Kitano Yuki , Arima Kota , Miyata Tatsunori , Nakagawa Shigeki , Okabe Hirohisa , Nitta Hidetoshi , Chikamoto Akira , Ishiko Takatoshi , Baba Hideo
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The objective of this study was to describe the surgical techniques for a thoracoscopic approach to treat hepatocellular carcinoma in the hepatic dome. Also, safety, feasibility, and long‐term outcomes were evaluated.

Methods

Surgical procedures were selected based on liver function, the extent and location of the tumor, and each patient's general condition. Thoracoscopic hepatic resection was performed under direct vision through a diaphragmatic incision. Thoracoscopic radiofrequency ablation (TRFA) was performed either with a transdiaphragmatic puncture for deeply located tumors or under direct vision through a diaphragmatic incision for subcapsular tumors.

Results

Thoracoscopic surgery was indicated for 107 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in the hepatic dome. Among these patients, 5 underwent hepatectomy and 102 underwent radiofrequency ablation, which was more frequently employed in patients with impaired liver function. Of the patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation, 43 (42.2%) required a diaphragmatic incision. In the thoracoscopic hepatic resection group and TRFA group, the median operating time was 350 and 197 minutes, the median blood loss was 200 and 5 mL, and the complication rate was 12.7% and 20.0%, respectively. The 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates were 100% and 50.0% in the thoracoscopic hepatic resection group, respectively, and 60.7% and 18.1% in the TRFA group, respectively. Local recurrence after TRFA was observed in 10 patients (9.8%).

Conclusion

The thoracoscopic approach is safe and feasible, with promising short‐ and long‐term outcomes. It could serve as a treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma in the hepatic dome.
Probable neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder presenting with recurrent cranial neuropathy
Authors: Tateno Fuyuki , Sakakibara Ryuji , Aiba Yosuke , Oki Takeshi , Kawabe Kiyokazu , Ogata Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2019

Background

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis has been recognized in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). However, cranial nerve involvement as a result of pachymeningitis in NMOSD is not well known.

Case presentation

A 49‐year‐old woman, during an 8‐year period, suffered from recurrent, multiple cranial nerve palsies; that is, palsy of the right third (4 times) and right sixth (twice) cranial nerves, due most probably to a right cavernous sinus lesion from NMOSD. Sarcoidosis, Sjögren's syndrome or other collagen diseases were negative. Magnetic resonance imaging was negative for the first to fifth episode. Aquaporin‐4 immunoglobulin G was negative at the first episode; and not measured for the subsequent second to fifth episodes. Therefore, first to fifth episodes could be irrelevant to pachymeningitis or NMOSD. In contrast, at the sixth episode, gadolinium‐enhanced T1‐weighted coronal magnetic resonance imaging showed a pachymeningeal lesion adjacent to the right cavernous sinus. Parallel with this, aquaporin‐4 immunoglobulin G became positive. The patient was finally diagnosed with probable NMOSD and started on steroid pulse therapy, and her symptoms soon disappeared completely. After this, 5 mg/day oral prednisolone was started. In the subsequent 2 years, she has had no recurrence of diplopia.

Conclusions

This case report will help physicians suspect probable NMOSD in patients having recurrent, multiple cranial neuropathies, and provide them appropriate management and care.
Cardiac surgery in the heart transplant recipient: Outcome analysis and long‐term results
Authors: Farag Mina , Arif Rawa , Raake Philip , Kreusser Michael , Karck Matthias , Ruhparwar Arjang , Schmack Bastian
Published: September 2019

Background

Survival rates following cardiac transplantation continue to improve. Due to the scarcity of available organs, extended donor criteria have become more prevalent in clinical practice. In this context, the risk of developing cardiac pathology requiring surgical correction is increasing.

Methods

Between January 1991 and October 2010, a total of 479 patients received cardiac transplantations at the University Hospital Heidelberg. Of those, 18 (3.8%) patients required subsequent cardiac surgery until 2018. Short‐ and long‐term analyses were performed.

Results

Indications for cardiac surgery included valvular disease (n = 16) with the majority of cases affecting the tricuspid valve (n = 10), while 6 patients received mitral valve surgery, of whom 3 patients underwent concomitant valve surgery. Other indications included CABG (n = 1) and re‐transplantation (n = 1) for allograft dysfunction. Mean follow‐up time was 6.5 years, while mean interval to surgery was 6.0 years. Early mortality was 11.1% (n = 2), while overall survival at 1, 5, and 10 years were, 88.1%, 81.4%, and 52.2%, respectively. Compared to an overall survival of that transplant cohort at 1, 5, and 10 years of 76.7%, 66.7%, and 52.4% percent, respectively (P = .271).

Conclusion

According to our data, redo cardiac surgery can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity. Atrioventricular valve pathology plays a chief role in these patients.
Impact of therapeutic hypothermia on infantile spasms: an observational cohort study
Authors: Abu Dhais Farah , McNamara Brian , O'Mahony Olivia , McSweeney Niamh , Livingstone Vicki , Murray Deirdre M , Boylan Geraldine B
Published: September 2019

Aim

To establish the incidence of infantile spasms in children in the southern region of the Republic of Ireland and to compare the incidence of infantile spasms before and after the introduction of therapeutic hypothermia in infants with hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

Method

Children born between 2003 and 2015 and diagnosed with infantile spasms (epileptic spasms with or without hypsarrhythmia) in the first 2 years of life were identified through audits of electroencephalography reports and paediatric neurology patient lists. Data on live births were obtained from the regional hospital statistics databases. Medical charts of infantile spasm cases were reviewed for demographic information, diagnostic workup results, treatment response, disease course, and developmental outcome.

Results

Forty‐two infants with infantile spasms were identified. The cumulative incidence of infantile spasms up to the age of 2 years was 4.01 per 10 000 live births. Difference due to sex was minimal (22 males, 20 females) and most infants were delivered at or near term with gestational ages ranging between 30.0 and 41.8 weeks (median [interquartile range] 39.6wks [38.1–40.0wks]). The aetiology for infantile spasms was identified in almost two‐thirds of cases, with HIE being the single most common cause (n=7). Other causes included chromosomal and monogenetic abnormalities (n=8). Infantile spasms occurred in moderate and severe grades of HIE, with a significantly higher incidence in those with severe HIE (p=0.029). Infants with severe HIE who did not receive therapeutic hypothermia were six times more likely to develop infantile spasms compared to those who did, but the difference was not statistically significant (4 out of 16 vs 1 out of 24, p=0.138).

Interpretation

This study provides detailed information about infantile spasms before and after the introduction of therapeutic hypothermia. HIE severity is a risk factor for the development of infantile spasms. The introduction of therapeutic hypothermia may have had an impact, but the effect was hard to ascertain in this cohort due to the small number of infants.

What this paper adds

The incidence of infantile spasms and patient characteristics in the southern region of the Republic of Ireland is similar to internationally published data.

None of the infants with a history of mild hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) developed infantile spasms.

The risk of infantile spasms was higher in infants with severe HIE.

Infantile spasms were more frequent in infants with severe HIE not treated with therapeutic hypothermia.
Inadequate description of placebo and sham controls in a systematic review of recent trials
Authors: Webster Rebecca K. , Howick Jeremy , Hoffmann Tammy , Macdonald Helen , Collins Gary S. , Rees Jonathan L. , Napadow Vitaly , Madigan Claire , Price Amy , Lamb Sarah E. , Bishop Felicity L. , Bokelmann Klara , Papanikitas Andrew , Roberts Nia , Evers Andrea W.M.
Published: September 2019

Background

Poorly described placebo/sham controls make it difficult to appraise active intervention benefits and harms. The 12‐item Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was developed to improve the reporting of active interventions. The extent to which TIDieR has been used to improve description of placebo or sham control is not known.

Materials and methods

We systematically identified and examined all placebo/sham‐controlled randomised trials published in 2018 in the top six general medical journals. We reported how many of the TIDieR checklist items were used to describe the placebo/sham control(s). We supplemented this with a sample of 100 placebo/sham‐controlled trials from any journal and searched Google Scholar to identify placebo/sham‐controlled trials citing TIDieR.

Results

We identified 94 placebo/sham‐controlled trials published in the top journals in 2018. None reported using TIDieR, and none reported placebo or sham components completely. On average eight TIDieR items were addressed, with placebo/sham control name (100%) and when and how much was administered (97.9%) most commonly reported. Some items (rationale, 8.5%, whether there were modifications, 25.5%) were less often reported. In our sample of less well‐cited journals, reporting was poorer (average of six items) and followed a similar pattern. Since TIDieR’s first publication, six placebo‐controlled trials have cited it according to Google Scholar. Two of these used the checklist to describe placebo controls; neither one completely desribed the placebo intervention.

Conclusions

Placebo and sham controls are poorly described within randomised trials, and TIDieR is rarely used to guide these descriptions. We recommend developing guidelines to promote better descriptions of placebo/sham control components within clinical trials.
Contextualising the relevance of specialty‐specific electives in dental education: Perspectives of dental and oral hygiene graduates
Authors: Mothupi Kelebogile Annastacia , Adefuye Anthonio Oladele
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Electives have been shown to contribute to both the professional and personal development of students in specific areas of interest outside the standard curriculum. The School of Oral Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand introduced electives as a pedagogy in the Bachelor of Dental Sciences (BDS) and Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences (BOHSc) curricula in 2010 and 2014, respectively. However, since its introduction, the relevance of these electives in the BDS and BOHSc curricula has not been investigated.

Methods

This research was designed as an evaluation study that used a questionnaire survey administered to 76 dental and oral hygiene graduates (BDS and BOHSc).

Results

Of the initial 76 questionnaires that were distributed, 55 (BDS = 38, BOHSc = 17) were returned, giving a response rate of 72.4%. Almost all the participants (92.7%) agreed that the electives enabled them to develop better interpersonal skills; 80.0% and 82.7% agreed that their clinical skills, and knowledge of key concepts in dental practice, respectively, had improved upon completion of the elective. In appraising the elective programme, 87.0% of the graduates agreed that the content and outcome of the elective programme should be reviewed and changed.

Conclusion

Obtaining empirical data on the impact of electives on clinical knowledge, skill and behaviour of dental graduates will enhance the relevance of electives in dental education. Findings by this study reveal that the actual impact of the electives on dental graduates was desirable and corresponded with the intended impact. The problematic areas that were identified will inform future planning.
A study of cortical and brainstem mechanisms of diffuse noxious inhibitory controls in anaesthetised normal and neuropathic rats
Authors: Patel Ryan , Dickenson Anthony H.
Published: September 2019

Diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC) are a mechanism of endogenous descending pain modulation and are deficient in a large proportion of chronic pain patients. However, the pathways involved remain only partially determined with several cortical and brainstem structures implicated. This study examined the role of the dorsal reticular nucleus (DRt) and infralimbic (ILC) region of the medial prefrontal cortex in DNIC. In vivo electrophysiology was performed to record from dorsal horn lamina V/VI wide dynamic range neurones with left hind paw receptive fields in anaesthetised sham‐operated and L5/L6 spinal nerve‐ligated (SNL) rats. Evoked neuronal responses were quantified in the presence and absence of a conditioning stimulus (left ear clamp). In sham rats, DNIC were reproducibly recruited by a heterotopically applied conditioning stimulus, an effect that was absent in neuropathic rats. Intra‐DRt naloxone had no effect on spinal neuronal responses to dynamic brush, punctate mechanical, evaporative cooling and heat stimuli in sham and SNL rats. In addition, intra‐DRt naloxone blocked DNIC in sham rats, but had no effect in SNL rats. Intra‐ILC lidocaine had no effect on spinal neuronal responses to dynamic brush, punctate mechanical, evaporative cooling and heat stimuli in sham and SNL rats. However, differential effects were observed in relation to the expression of DNIC; intra‐ILC lidocaine blocked activation of DNIC in sham rats but restored DNIC in SNL rats. These data suggest that the ILC is not directly involved in mediating DNIC but can modulate its activation and that DRt involvement in DNIC requires opioidergic signalling.
Healing Intergenerational Wounds: An Integrative Relational–Neurobiological Approach
Authors: Fishbane Mona DeKoven
Published: September 2019

Old resentments and unfinished business from the family of origin can constrain adults in current relationships with parents or siblings and negatively affect relationships with partners or children. This article explores how old wounds get reactivated in current relationships and contribute to the intergenerational transmission of painful legacies and trauma. Building on intergenerational family theory and interpersonal neurobiology, the dynamics of reactivity and pathways for growth are explored. While much of the time the human brain is on autopilot, driven by habits and emotional reactivity, we are capable of bringing prefrontal thoughtfulness and choice to close relationships. Rather than being victims of parents or our past, we can become authors of our own relational life. Interventions are offered to help adult clients “wake from the spell of childhood,” heal intergenerational wounds, and “grow up” relationships with family of origin. The damage caused by parent‐blaming in therapy is explored and contrasted with Ivan Boszormenyi‐Nagy's emphasis on rejunctive action and cultivating resources of trustworthiness in intergenerational relationships. The family is considered both in its cultural context—including stressors and resources for resilience—and in its life cycle context. Aging in the intergenerational family is discussed, focusing on ways adult children and their parents can grow and flourish with the challenges at this time of life. Throughout, the theme of relational ethics—how we can live according to our values and “reach for our best self” in intergenerational relationships—informs the discussion.
Thickness effect on the mode III fracture resistance and fracture path of rock using ENDB specimens
Authors: Bidadi Jamal , Akbardoost Javad , Aliha Mohammad Reza Mohammad
Published: September 2019

Study of the thickness effect in predicting the crack growth behavior and load bearing capacity of rock‐type structures is an important issue for obtaining a relation between the experimental fracture toughness of laboratory subsized samples and the real rock structures with large thickness. The fracture of rock masses or underground rock structures at deep strata may be dominantly governed by the tensile or tear crack growth mechanism. Therefore, in this research, a number of mode I and mode III fracture toughness experiments are conducted on edge notch disc bend (ENDB) specimen made of a kind of marble rock to investigate the effect of specimen thickness on the corresponding KIc and KIIIc values. It is observed that the fracture toughness of both modes I and III are increased by increasing the height of the ENDB specimen. Also, the ratio of KIIIc/KIc obtained from each thickness of the ENDB specimens is compared with those predicted by some fracture criteria, and it was shown that the minimum plastic radius (MPR) criterion is the main suitable criterion for investigating the fracture toughness ratio KIIIc/KIc. Also, the effect of ENDB height on fracture trajectory of tested samples is assessed. It is shown that the crack grows curvilinearly in thicker ENDB samples and cannot extend along the crack front in small specimens.
Limited attention and portfolio choice: The impact of attention allocation on mutual fund performance
Authors: Gupta‐Mukherjee Swasti , Pareek Ankur
Published: September 2019

This study proposes that the performance of mutual fund managers is linked to how efficiently they allocate attention across assets in their investment set. Motivated by existing models of optimal portfolio choice and rational inattention, we posit that the efficiency of attention allocation increases when a manager chooses larger (smaller) active positions in assets that need more (less) information acquisition effort to resolve uncertainty about future payoffs. We show that the efficiency of attention allocation has a significantly positive impact on future fund performance. Efficient attention allocation has a lesser impact on performance as the total demands on a manager's limited attention increase.
Multiple trade‐offs regulate the effects of woody plant removal on biodiversity and ecosystem functions in global rangelands
Authors: Ding Jingyi , Travers Samantha K. , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Eldridge David J.
Published: September 2019

Woody plant encroachment is a major land management issue. Woody removal often aims to restore the original grassy ecosystem, but few studies have assessed the role of woody removal on ecosystem functions and biodiversity at global scales. We collected data from 140 global studies and evaluated how different woody plant removal methods affected biodiversity (plant and animal diversity) and ecosystem functions (plant production, hydrological function, soil carbon) across global rangelands. Our results indicate that the impact of removal is strongly context dependent, varying with the specific response variable, removal method, and traits of the target species. Over all treatments, woody plant removal increased grass biomass and total groundstorey diversity. Physical and chemical removal methods increased grass biomass and total groundstorey biomass (i.e., non‐woody plants, including grass biomass), but burning reduced animal diversity. The impact of different treatment methods declined with time since removal, particularly for total groundstorey biomass. Removing pyramid‐shaped woody plants increased total groundstorey biomass and hydrological function but reduced total groundstorey diversity. Environmental context (e.g., aridity and soil texture) indirectly controlled the effect of removal on biomass and biodiversity by influencing plant traits such as plant shape, allelopathic, or roots types. Our study demonstrates that a one‐size‐fits‐all approach to woody plant removal is not appropriate, and that consideration of woody plant identity, removal method, and environmental context is critical for optimizing removal outcomes. Applying this knowledge is fundamental for maintaining diverse and functional rangeland ecosystems as we move toward a drier and more variable climate.
TRAUMATIC VISION(S) OF THE WAR FROM THE AIR: THE USE AND FUNCTION OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN GERMAN AND BRITISH WORLD WAR II NARRATIVES
Authors: Wunderlich Kathrin
Published: September 2019

Comparisons between Germany and Britain during WWII remain rare and unusual as a result of the incontrovertible differences between British democracy and the National Socialist dictatorship. Recent historical studies, however, have documented significant parallels between the two countries with regard to the material and physical environment engendered by the aerial bombing campaigns that affected the civilian populations of both Germany and Britain. These studies prompt the question of whether these parallels can be traced in contemporaneous German and British literary representations of the war from the air. This article proposes to locate these parallels in the use and function of figurative language. The first part of the article argues that, in their representation of the war from the air, German and British authors tend to resort to figurative rather than literal descriptions of the sights of war, and in so doing draw predominantly on the same resource realms for their imagery. Rather than dismissing these figurations as mere hallucinations, as has been done in the past, the second part of this article reconsiders them as a precarious mode of seeing, a kind of traumatic vision, conditioned by the sensory impact of the war from the air.
Self‐efficacy of undergraduate dental students in Endodontics within Aarhus and Amsterdam
Authors: Baaij A. , Özok A. R. , Vӕth M. , Musaeus P. , Kirkevang L.‐L.
Published: September 2019

Aim

To understand whether the self‐efficacy of undergraduates is associated with the extent of the endodontic education they received.

Methodology

Data were obtained from three undergraduate endodontic programmes in two universities: Aarhus University (AU), Denmark and the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), the Netherlands. Just before their graduations in 2016 or 2017, students completed a questionnaire that contained the Endodontic General Self‐Efficacy Scale and questions on how they valued the education they received in Endodontics. The information on the number and type of root canal treatments participants had performed on patients was collected from dental clinic management systems. Data were ana‐lysed using non‐parametric tests and multiple regression analyses.

Results

The median number of treated root canals on patients per student was 5 in the standard programme at ACTA, 10 in AU, and 14.5 in the extended programme at ACTA. Students’ self‐efficacy increased with the number of treated root canals; however, retreatments and root canal treatments in molars were negatively associated with self‐efficacy. All students wanted more experience in performing root canal treatment on patients.

Conclusions

The endodontic self‐efficacy of students from the standard programmes of the two participating universities was comparable. Students’ self‐efficacy was influenced mostly by their clinical experience when performing root canal treatment. It seems that the more root canal treatments students perform on patients, the greater their self‐efficacy is at graduation. However, treating difficult cases (molars and retreatments) might reduce their self‐efficacy.
Coronal root canal morphology of permanent two‐rooted mandibular first molars with novel 3D measurements
Authors: Fu Y. , Deng Q. , Xie Z. , Sun J. , Song D. , Gao Y. , Huang D.
Published: September 2019

Aim

To measure the coronal root canal morphology of permanent mandibular first molars using 3D coordinates for more precise conservative endodontic cavity preparation.

Methodology

In total, 57 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of sound mandibular molars with fully formed apices without previous endodontic treatment were taken from 33 patients aged 16 to 75 years. The CBCT machine (MCT‐1[EX‐2F], J. Morita Manufacturing Corp, Kyoto, Japan) provided 14‐bit greyscale images with the voxel size of 0.125 mm. All images were taken at 80 kV and 5.0 mA, with a 17‐s exposure time, which were then reconstructed in 3D models and viewed by an endodontist. The gender of the patients and the tooth position, and number of root canals, were recorded. The landmarks of coronal root canals were determined, then the distribution of landmarks, maximum curvature in the axial direction and curvature directions in the horizontal direction of coronal root canals were measured. Distributions of landmarks were analysed using a spatial statistics method. Data about curvature were compared using a t test.

Results

Overall, the distribution of root canal orifices and the centre of the canal primary curve were more centralized than other landmarks. The landmarks were located more mesiobuccally to the centre of the occlusal plane of mandibular first molars. Specifically, the measurements of the maximum curvature of coronal root canals in the axial direction were as follows: in 3‐canal teeth, the average angles of curvatures were 22°,23°,15° for mesiobuccal (MB), mesiolingual (ML) and distobuccal (DB) canals, respectively; in 4‐canal teeth, the average angles of curvatures were 24°,26°,15°,22°for MB, ML, DB and distolingual (DL) canals, respectively. The degrees of coronal root canal curvatures in the horizontal direction were as follows: in 3‐canal teeth, the average angles of curvatures were −8°,47°,−2° for MB, ML and DB canals, respectively; in 4‐canals teeth, the average angles were −11°,50°,−28°,45° for MB, ML, DB and DL canals, respectively. Statistically, there was no reliable side or sex difference in any of the measurements (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

In permanent two‐rooted mandibular first molars, the coronal canals clustered in the direction of the mesiobuccal side of the occlusal surface of the teeth.
Origins of a pervasive, erroneous idea: The “green birefringence” of Congo red‐stained amyloid
Authors: Howie Alexander J.
Published: September 2019

Congo red was discovered to stain amyloid by accident in 1922, and Congo red‐stained amyloid was shown to be birefringent on polarization microscopy in 1927. Colours, namely green and yellow, were reported under these conditions in 1945, although these are only two of various anomalous colours that may be seen, depending on the optical set‐up. In 1953 there began a dogmatic insistence that in Congo red‐stained amyloid between crossed polarizer and analyser green alone should be seen, and the finding of any other colour was a mistake. The idea that green, and only green, is essential for the diagnosis of amyloid has persisted almost universally, and virtually all mentions of Congo red‐stained amyloid say that it just shows “green birefringence” or “apple‐green birefringence.” This idea is wrong and is contrary to everyday experience, because green is seldom seen on its own under these conditions of microscopy, and often, there is no green at all. How observers maintain this unscientific position is explained by a study of its historical origins. Most of the early literature was in German or French and was usually quoted in English at second hand, which meant that misquotations, misattributions and misunderstandings were common. Few workers reported their findings accurately, hardly any attempted to explain them, and until 2008, none gave a completely satisfactory account of the physical optics. The history of Congo red‐stained amyloid is an instructive example of how an erroneous belief can become widely established even when it is contradicted by simple experience.
Measuring the social impact of research in Paediatric Dentistry: An Altmetric study
Authors: Garcovich Daniele , Adobes Martin Milagros
Published: September 2019

Background

Traditional metrics have been extensively used to evaluate the scientific performance. Despite being widespread accepted, citation‐based metrics are not able to describe the social impact of research. A diverse metric, Altmetric, was proposed to overcome those limitations.

Aim

This study aims to analyse the social impact of research in the field of paediatric dentistry and to assess if a correlation exists between the JCR citations, the AAS score, and the recently released Dimensions citation count.

Design

A bibliometric study was conducted on the four journals related to Paediatric Dentistry listed in the JCR from 2014 to 2017. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the articles and the journals. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship among JCR citations, AAS, and Dimensions.

Results

The percentage of articles with an AAS presents a huge variability and was significantly higher in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. In our sample, the correlation between the JCR citation count and the AAS was poor in the years 2014, 2015, and 2016 and low in 2017. The correlation between JCR citation and Dimensions citation count was strong.

Conclusions

The social impact of research in paediatric dentistry can be increased. Dimensions could be an alternative to the JCR. Both the editors and the researcher should change their vision and facilitate the access to research information to scholar and non‐scholar audiences.
Neoteric Mn2+‐activated Cs3Cu2I5 dazzling yellow‐emitting phosphors for white‐LED
Authors: Du Peng , Luo Laihui , Cheng Wei
Published: September 2019

Neoteric Mn2+‐activated Cs3Cu2I5 yellow‐emitting halides were achieved by the simple solid‐state reaction route. The near‐ultraviolet light was the suitable excitation lighting source for the resultant halides. The resultant halides exhibited bright yellow emission under the excitation of 378 nm and the optimum dopant content was 11 mol%. The multipole‐multipole interaction contributed to the concentration quenching mechanism and the critical distance was 28.65 Å. The thermal resistance of the prepared compounds was identified by the temperature‐dependent emission spectra. Ultimately, the designed light‐emitting diode showed bright white light with satisfied color rendering index, proper color coordinate, and suitable correlated color temperature. These results indicated that the prepared yellow‐emitting halides were suitable for indoor illumination.
NUV light induced visible emission in Er3+‐activated NaSrLa(MoO4)O3 phosphors for green LEDs and thermometer
Authors: Xue Junpeng , Noh Hyeon Mi , Park Sung Heum , Lee Bo Ram , Kim Jung Hwan , Jeong Jung Hyun
Published: September 2019

Er3+‐activated NaSrLa(MoO4)O3 phosphors were synthesized by a traditional solid‐state reaction technique, which exhibited bright green emissions ascribing to the (2H11/2, 4S3/2) → 4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ ions under 377 nm excitation. The luminescence intensity increased with increasing the Er3+ ion concentration and achieved its maximum value when the doping concentration was 4 mol%. Moreover, the critical distance was estimated to be 25.32 Å, and the dipole‐dipole interaction played a significant role in NR energy transfer between Er3+ ions in NaSrLa(MoO4)O3 host lattices. At a forward bias current of 100 mA, the Light Emitting Diode (LED) device emitted a bright green emission with the color coordinate of (0.2547, 0.5996) that can be observed by the naked eye. Besides, based on the thermally coupled levels of 2H11/2 and 4S3/2, the temperature sensing performances of the prepared phosphors in the temperature range of 303‐483 K were studied using the fluorescence intensity ratio technique. The maximum sensor sensitivity was about 0.0150 K−1 when the temperature was 483 K, and the Er3+ ion concentration largely influenced the sensor sensitivity of studied samples. Furthermore, the prepared phosphors exhibited excellent water resistance and thermal stability behavior. These characteristics demonstrated that the Er3+ activated NaSrLa(MoO4)O3 phosphors were dual‐functional materials for solid‐state illumination and non‐contact temperature measurement.
Payout policy, financial flexibility, and agency costs of free cash flow
Authors: Oded Jacob
Published: September 2019

This paper explains how firms choose between dividends and open‐market repurchase programs, the prevailing method that firms use to disburse cash today. While earlier theories about payout policy are motivated by signaling, the motivation for payout in this paper is to prevent the waste of free cash by self‐interested insiders. In the model, dividends prevent free cash waste by forcing cash out, but result in underinvestment if the cash paid out is later needed for operations. Open‐market programs stimulate payout by providing personal gains to informed insiders that are associated with the firm's repurchase trade. Yet, they also avoid the underinvestment problem by leaving insiders the option to cancel the payout. Because their execution is optional, however, open‐market programs only partially prevent the waste of free cash. The model provides testable predictions that are generally consistent with the empirical evidence.
Physical, cognitive, and psychosocial conditions in relation to anticoagulation satisfaction among elderly adults with atrial fibrillation: The SAGE‐AF study
Authors: Wang Weijia , Saczynski Jane , Lessard Darleen , Mailhot Tanya , Barton Bruce , Waring Molly E. , Sogade Felix , Hayward Robert , Helm Robert , McManus David D.
Published: September 2019

Background

Successful anticoagulation is critical for stroke prevention in adults with atrial fibrillation (AF). Anticoagulation satisfaction is a key indicator of treatment success. While physical, cognitive, and psychosocial limitations are common in elderly AF patients, their associations with anticoagulation satisfaction are unknown.

Objective

Examine whether anticoagulation satisfaction differs among AF patients with and without physical, cognitive, and psychosocial conditions.

Methods

The study comprised AF patients greater than or equal to 65 years old who were prescribed an oral anticoagulant (warfarin 57%; direct oral anticoagulant [DOAC] 43%). Frailty, cognitive function, social support, depressive symptoms, vision, hearing, and anxiety were assessed using validated measures. Anticoagulation satisfaction was measured using the anticlot treatment scale.

Results

Participants (n = 1037, 50% female) were on average 76 years old. The following conditions were prevalent: frailty (14%), cognitive impairment (42%), social isolation (13%), vision impairment (35%), hearing impairment (36%), depression (29%), and anxiety (24%). Average anticlot treatment burden scale was 55 out of 60 (lower burden scales indicating higher perceived burden). Patients with high perceived burden were older, more likely to be female, and receive warfarin. After adjusting for confounders, visual impairment (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.7 [1.2‐2.4]), depressive symptoms (2.4 [1.6‐3.7]), and anxiety (1.8 [1.2‐2.7]) were significantly associated with high perceived burden. Different conditions were associated with high perceived burden in warfarin vs DOAC users.

Conclusion

Physical, cognitive, and psychosocial limitations are prevalent and associated with high perceived anticoagulation burden among elderly AF adults. These conditions merit consideration in anticoagulation prescribing.
Cardiac devices in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis: Impact on functional class, left ventricular function, mitral regurgitation, and mortality
Authors: Donnellan Eoin , Wazni Oussama M. , Saliba Walid I. , Baranowski Bryan , Hanna Mazen , Martyn Michael , Patel Divyang , Trulock Kevin , Menon Venu , Hussein Ayman , Aagaard Philip , Jaber Wael , Kanj Mohamed
Published: September 2019

Background

The aim of our study was to investigate outcomes of patients with ATTR (amyloidosis and transthyretin) CA (cardiac amyloidosis) and implantable devices with respect to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), mitral regurgitation (MR), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, and mortality.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational cohort study of 78 patients with ATTR CA and implantable devices. During a mean follow‐up of 42 months we investigated the impact of right ventricular (RV) pacing burden and biventricular (BiV) pacing on LVEF, MR severity, NYHA functional class, and mortality.

Results

Worsening MR occurred in 11% of patients with a RV pacing % <40% compared to 62% of those with a RV pacing burden >40% (P = .002). Similarly, worsening LVEF occurred in 26% of patients who were RV paced <40% and 89% of those who were RV paced >40% of the time (P < .0001) and worsening in NYHA functional class occurred in 22% and 89%, respectively (P < .0001). Improvement in LVEF, NYHA functional class, and MR severity occurred in 78%, 67%, and 67%, respectively, in those with BiV devices. Death occurred in 67% of patients in the cardiac resynchronization therapy group compared to 68% of those with a RV pacing burden <40% and 92% of those with a RV pacing burden >40%.

Conclusion

A higher RV pacing burden is associated with deleterious remodeling and congestive heart failure in patients with ATTR CA, whereas BiV pacing is associated with improvements in LVEF, NYHA class, and degree of MR. BiV pacing should be considered in patients with ATTR CA and an indication for pacing. However, further larger prospective studies will need to be performed.
Gingiva thickening with a porcine collagen matrix in a preclinical dog model: Histological outcomes
Authors: Schmitt Christian M. , Schlegel Karl Andreas , Gammel Lisa , Moest Tobias
Published: September 2019

Aim

To compare 10‐month histological and immunohistological outcomes after soft tissue thickening around teeth with a porcine collagen matrix (CM) versus a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG).

Material and Methods

In eight beagle dogs, soft tissue thickening of the buccal gingiva of upper canines was performed with the SCTG or the CM. Connective tissue thickness (CTT) was histomorphometrically measured in the augmented regions. The augmented connective tissues were also histologically characterized and the collagen I and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions immunohistologically quantified.

Results

CTT significantly differed between groups (SCTG: 1.32 mm ± 0.44 mm; CM: 1.06 mm ± 0.27 mm; p = .008). Descriptive histological analyses revealed mature connective tissue that did not differ between groups. Immunohistological quantification of collagen I and VEGF expressions in the connective tissue also revealed no significant inter‐group differences (collagen I: SCTG, 32.64% ± 7.09% vs. CM, 30.57% ± 7.83%; VEGF: SCTG, 39.06% ± 7.27% vs. CM, 37.15% ± 9.80%).

Conclusion

SCTG is superior to CM with regard to CTT in this experimental model. The CM and the SCTG lead to comparable connective tissue quality ten months after connective tissue thickening.
Exploring How to Model Formative Assessment Trajectories of Posing‐Pausing‐Probing Practices: Toward a Teacher Learning Progressions Framework for the Study of Novice Teachers
Authors: Duckor Brent , Holmberg Carrie
Published: September 2019

A robust body of evidence supports the finding that particular teaching and assessment strategies in the K‐12 classroom can improve student achievement. While experts have identified many effective teaching and learning practices in the assessment for learning literature, teachers’ knowledge and use of “high leverage” formative assessment (FA) practices are difficult to model in novice populations. By employing advances in construct modeling, the theoretical underpinnings of learning progressions research, and four principles of evidence‐centered design, teacher educators along with psychometricians can test hypotheses about teacher learning progressions. Utilizing an FA moves‐based framework, the article examines how beginning teachers’ posing, pausing, and probing practices align with five key strategies of FA. Examples of construct maps, instructional tasks, and turns of talk analysis using scoring guides are provided from an empirical study of novice science preservice teachers in a high‐needs school district.
Controlling sodium release using maltodextrin and octenyl‐succinic‐anhydride‐modified starch with two types of spray‐dryer nozzles
Authors: Cai Jingwen , Lee Youngsoo
Published: September 2019

Controlling sodium release is a promising way to achieve sodium reduction in foods. Microencapsulation can be effective technique to control sodium release. Maltodextrin and octenyl‐succinic‐anhydride (OSA)‐modified starch were evaluated as carriers to encapsulate NaCl using spray drying technique with two‐fluid and three‐fluid nozzles. The sodium release was measured using a conductivity probe. Increasing the concentration of maltodextrin and OSA‐modified starch decreased Rmax (maximum sodium release rate) and C20, C50, and C150 (sodium concentration at 20, 50, and 150 s, respectively). Generally, the samples spray dried with maltodextrin released sodium in faster rate than the samples with OSA‐modified starch, and samples with two‐fluid nozzle released faster than the ones with the three‐fluid nozzle. This study indicated that the release of sodium could be altered by the type and concentration of carriers and the types of spray‐dryer nozzles, which may provide strategies to reduce sodium content in foods, especially in salty snacks.

Practical Applications

This study aims to explore an innovative method to control sodium release and enhance saltiness perception during mastication of crispy salty snacks. It may provide a way to reduce sodium content without altering the flavor of foods. At the same time, the application of a three‐fluid nozzle as a novel spraying technique was examined for encapsulation of NaCl. The information obtained from this study can be used to modify the technique and to expand the application to various core–carrier combinations.
Spray drying of extract from Euterpe oleracea Mart.: Optimization of process and characterization of the açaí powder
Authors: Valente Maria da C. da Costa , do Nascimento Rafael A. , Santana Elza B. , Ribeiro Nielson F. da Paixão , Costa Cristiane M. L. , de Faria Lênio J. G.
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to optimize the conditions for spray drying açaí extract using both response surface methodology and desirability function. Drying was based on an experimental design, where air temperature and feed flow were the independent variable. A high yield of açaí powder was obtained, with low‐moisture content and high anthocyanin retention. The desirability function indicated that a temperature of 134°C and a feed flow of 9.00 ml/min constitute the optimal drying conditions (p < .05), under which the yield was 56.22% with high anthocyanin retention (80.99%) and low‐moisture content (2.71 g 100 g−1). Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of spherical particles with average size <10.00 μm, and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the nature of the organic dye. The açaí powder was highly soluble (94.38%) and nonhygroscopic (hygroscopicity of 7.87%), indicating its potential as an additive in instant products and beverage industries.

Practical applications

Spray drying is a viable technique for obtaining powdered products with their original characteristics preserved. This study proposes optimized conditions for producing açaí powder. The results indicate high yield, low degradation of anthocyanins, and low‐moisture content, which are fundamental characteristics for application as subsidy for the products of food and pharmaceutical industries. Herein, we suggest the potential use of açaí powder in many applications, including the development of dietary supplements, high‐energy drinks, milk‐based products, and instant and bakery products.
A brief period of sleep deprivation leads to subtle changes in mouse gut microbiota
Authors: El Aidy Sahar , Bolsius Youri G. , Raven Frank , Havekes Robbert
Published: September 2019

Not getting enough sleep is a common problem in our society and contributes to numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Related to these observations, a wealth of studies has underscored the negative impact of both acute and chronic sleep deprivation on cognitive function. More recently it has become apparent that the gut microbiota composition can be rapidly altered, modulates brain function and is affected by the aforementioned health problems. As such, changes in the microbiota composition may contribute to the behavioural and physiological phenotypes associated with sleep deprivation. It is unclear, however, whether a brief period of sleep deprivation can also negatively impact the gut microbiota. Here, we examined the impact of 5 hr of sleep deprivation on gut microbiota composition of male C57Bl6/J mice. Despite the fact that the overall microbial composition did not change between the control‐ and sleep‐deprived groups, the relative abundance of the Clostridiaceae and Lachnospiraceae were slightly altered in sleep‐deprived animals compared to controls. Together, these data suggest that depriving mice of sleep for 5 hr leads to subtle changes in the gut microbiota composition.
Diagnostic value of a nested polymerase chain reaction for diagnosing cutaneous sporotrichosis from paraffin‐embedded skin tissue
Authors: Hayashi Shujiro , Kaminaga Tomoko , Baba Akiko , Koike Saiko , Koike Masami , Kanno Miki , Ishikawa Satoko , Tsukada Kyoujyu , Suzuki Toshihiro , Hamasaki Yoichiro , Sairenchi Toshimi , Kobashi Gen , Igawa Ken
Published: September 2019

Background

The gold standard for diagnosis of cutaneous sporotrichosis involves the isolation of the fungus, Sporothrix, by a culture test. Generally, the sampling for the culture test is performed at the same time as skin biopsy under local anaesthesia. However, the culture test may occasionally return a false negative result.

Objective

The aim of our study was to investigate the diagnostic value of a molecular method for diagnosing cutaneous sporotrichosis from formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues.

Methods

Over a 30‐year period, we collected 52 cases of cutaneous sporotrichosis from biopsied specimens that had been positively diagnosed by a culture test. A nested PCR specific for Sporothrix detection was applied using FFPE tissue as template. The results were compared with control samples from 79 patients diagnosed with other cutaneous diseases according to histopathological, clinical findings and a cutler test.

Results

Of the 52 patients who were tested positive on the culture test, all cutaneous diseases were detected by PCR. Of the 59 patients in the control group, 58 tested negative by PCR. Under our conditions, the calculated sensitivity of this method was 100%, the specificity was 98.7% and the kappa coefficient was 0.984 (95% CI: 0.953‐1.000).

Conclusions

The specific PCR assay used appears to be a useful tool for the prompt and accurate diagnosis of sporotrichosis. Using this method, it would be possible to diagnose cutaneous sporotrichosis for patients who were suspected of cutaneous sporotrichosis but tested negative on culturing, and for pathologically suspected cutaneous sporotrichosis patients for whom the culture test was not undertaken.