bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field emission device driven by self-powered contact-electrification: Simulation and experimental analysis
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Jiang Tao , Sun Zhuo , Ou-Yang Wei
Published: September 2015

A self-powered field emission device (FED) driven by a single-electrode tribo-electric nanogenerator (TENG) is demonstrated. The mechanical motion works as both a power supply to drive the FED and a control unit to regulate the amount of emitted electrons. By using the Fowler-Nordheim equation and Kirchhoff laws, a theoretical model of this self-powered FED is proposed, and accordingly the real-time output characteristics of the device are systematically investigated. It is found that the motion distance of the TENG controls switch-on of the FED and determines the charge amount for emission, while the motion velocity regulates the amplitude of emission current. The minimum contact area for the TENG to generate field emission is about 9 cm2, which can be improved by optimizing FED structure and the tribo-materials of TENG. The demonstrated concept of this self-powered FED as well as the proposed physical analysis can serve as guidance for further applications of FED in such fields of self-powered electronics and soft electronics.
Contributions of mass and bond energy difference and interface defects on thermal boundary conductance
Authors: Choi ChangJin , Roberts Nicholas
Published: September 2015

The impact of mass and bond energy difference and interface defects on thermal boundary conductance (TBC) is investigated using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) with the Lennard-Jones (L-J) interatomic potential. Results show that the maximum TBC is achieved when the mass and bond energy of two dissimilar materials are matched, although the effective thermal conductivity is not necessarily a maximum due to the contributions of the thermal conductivity of the constituent materials. Mass and bond energy differences result in a mismatch between phonon dispersions, limiting high frequency phonon transport at the interface. This frequency mismatch is defined by a frequency ratio, which is a ratio of the characteristic frequencies of the two materials, presented in the discussion section, and is a reference of the level of phonon dispersion mismatch. Inelastic scattering may result at higher temperatures, especially when there exists a bond energy difference, resulting in strain in the lattice, which would allow phonons outside the allowable frequency range to contribute to transport. TBC decreases abruptly with small mass differences, but at which point larger differences in mass have no impact. In addition, interdiffusion across the interface further reduces the TBC between the frequency ratios of 0.79 and 1.26 while vacancies have negligible impact.
Local and global structural drivers for the photoactivation of the orange carotenoid protein
Authors: Gupta Sayan , Guttman Miklos , Leverenz Ryan L. , Zhumadilova Kulyash , Pawlowski Emily G. , Petzold Christopher J. , Lee Kelly K. , Ralston Corie Y. , Kerfeld Cheryl A.
Published: September 2015

Significance

The orange carotenoid protein (OCP) is critical for the antenna-associated energy-dissipation mechanism of cyanobacteria under high light conditions. We show that light activation causes a global conformation change, the complete separation of the two domains of the OCP. Such a conformational change has been postulated to be a prerequisite for interaction with the antenna. We also identify local structural changes in residue solvent accessibility and roles for structural water molecules in activation of the OCP. By combining small-angle scattering, hydrogen-deuterium exchange, and X-ray hydroxyl radical footprinting studies, we were able to construct a model of the structural changes during the activation of the OCP with an unprecedented level of detail.
Birth of a new gene on the Y chromosome ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Carvalho Antonio Bernardo , Vicoso Beatriz , Russo Claudia A. M. , Swenor Bonnielin , Clark Andrew G.
Published: September 2015

Significance

Mammalian Y chromosomes are believed to evolve mainly through gene inactivation and loss.DrosophilaY chromosomes seem to not obey this rule, as gene gains are the dominating force in their evolution. Here we describeflagrante delicto Y(FDY), a very young gene that shows how Y-linked genes were acquired.FDYoriginated 2 million years ago from a duplication of a contiguous autosomal segment of 11 kb containing five genes that inserted into the Y chromosome. Four of these autosome-to-Y gene copies became inactivated (“pseudogenes”), lost part of their sequences, and most likely will disappear in the next few million years.FDY, originally a female-biased gene, acquired testis expression and remained functional.
Enhancing burst activation and propagation in cultured neuronal networks by photo-stimulation
Authors: Afshar Ghazaleh , El Hady Ahmed , Geisel Theo , Stuehmer Walter , Wolf Fred
Published: September 2015

Spontaneous bursting activity in cultured neuronal networks is initiated by leader neurons, which constitute a small subset of first-to-fire neurons forming a sub-network that recruits follower neurons into the burst. While the existence and stability of leader neurons is well established, the influence of stimulation on the leader-follower dynamics is not sufficiently understood. By combining multi-electrode array recordings with whole field optical stimulation of cultured Channelrhodopsin-2 transduced hippocampal neurons, we show that fade-in photo-stimulation induces a significant shortening of intra-burst firing rate peak delay of follower electrodes after offset of the stimulation compared to unperturbed spontaneous activity. Our study shows that optogenetic stimulation can be used to change the dynamical fine structure of self-organized network bursts.
Optimum Conditions for the Efficacy and Safety of Cryofiltration Apheresis: An Analysis of Circuit Temperatures Depending on Plasma Flow Rate and Cooling Coil Lengths/Turns
Authors: Nakajima Hirofumi , Kaneko Shuzo , Sato Yukihiro , Takano Tomoo , Hosino Toshihisa
Published: September 2015

A system providing both appropriate cooling and warming are needed for the efficacy and safety of cryofiltration (CF) plasmapheresis. We measured some points of CF circuit temperatures with varying plasma flow rates (QP = 10–40 mL/min) and the numbers of connecting cooling coils (one or two) under the conditions of blood flow rate (QB) 100 mL/min with 7700‐mm coil length, 19 turns, and 50‐mL priming volume. We measured the respective temperatures of each point of starting/returning for an extracorporeal circuit (TA/TV), intracooling coil (TC), and post‐plasma fractionator (PF) (TPF). The subtraction of TV from TA (ΔT) was used as an indicator of safe return. There were no significant differences in TC, TPF, or ΔT in accordance with each QP between that of one and two coils. All of the Tc values under the condition QP ≤ 20 mL/min achieved <4°C. The TPF under the condition QP ≥ 20 mL/min was not significantly different compared to that of QP 30 mL/min (the lowest condition). Although the ΔT increased depending on the QP increase, the ΔT under the condition QP ≤ 15 mL/min was not significantly different from that of the control (one‐way double‐filtration plasmapheresis [DFPP]) group. We conclude that (i) one coil is enough for effective cooling in CF, and (ii) an ideal QP that fulfills the required conditions for both effective cooling and sufficient warming of returning fluid does not exist, but QP from 15 to 20 mL/min may be a relevant range.
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: from immunopathogenesis to new therapeutic targets
Authors: Haq Syed A. , Tournadre Anne
Published: September 2015

Pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) involves strong interactions between dendritic cells (DCs), activated Th1 and Th17 cells, B cells, muscle cells, genes and environment. Local maturation of DCs permit the activation and polarization of CD4+ T cells into TH1 and TH17 that play a key role in maintaining chronic muscle inflammation. T‐cell mediated myocytotoxicity promotes the liberation of specific muscle autoantigens from regenerating muscle cells with production of myositis‐specific autoantibodies. Type I interferon signature is a key characteristic of IIM. Type I IFN that can be induced by immune complexes containing myositis‐specific autoantibodies is produced by scattered plasmacytoid DCs but also by muscle cells particularly regenerating muscle cells. These immature muscle precursors appear to be critical in the pathogenesis of IIM as they up‐regulate muscle autoantigens, type I IFN, HLA class I antigens and TLR3‐7, all together involved in maintaining chronic muscle inflammation. In addition to the role of immune and muscle cells, genome‐wide association studies have confirmed the importance of several MHC and non‐MHC genes in IIM. Environmental factors can contribute to the pathogenesis of IIM. In sIBM, distinct features suggest both degenerative and inflammatory processes. In addition to our better understanding of the pathogenesis, identify molecular pathway leads to consider new targeted therapies including cytokine inhibition, B‐cell and T‐cell costimulation blockade, type I IFN neutralization or inhibition of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway.
The concept of virtual clinics in monitoring patients with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Tsaousis Konstantinos T. , Empeslidis Theodoros , Konidaris Vasileios E. , Kapoor Bharat , Deane James
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To present clinical results regarding the treatment of patients with age‐related macular degeneration (neovascular form) after the implementation of a ‘virtual’ type of follow‐up in a single retina service centre.

Methods

Retrospective study based on the clinical records of the Leicester Royal Infirmary Retina department. Two periods were compared, the 2‐year period of 2011–2012 and the following one of 2012–2013 when the ‘virtual’ clinics model applied in the department. Primary outcomes were as follows: the time between two appointments, follow‐up or treatment and the number of patients with significant (>15 letters) improvement of their best corrected distance visual acuity. Secondary parameters of interest were as follows: mean number of injections per patient/year and the average duration of a ‘virtual’ vs. a regular visit.

Results

The mean time interval between two appointments was 5.3 weeks following the implementation of the ‘virtual’ clinics compared to 6.9 weeks in the previous period of regular appointments. Mean visual acuity improvement >15 letters was achieved in 6.9% of the patients compared to 23.1% of the ‘virtual’ appointments period. The results regarding injections/patient/year were as follows: 5.6 before the model of ‘virtual’ appointments and 5.9 after the implementation. The average time a patient spent for a conventional visit was 71.4 ± 24.1 min, and the respective time needed in the virtual clinic was 47.3 ± 18.6 min.

Conclusion

The model of ‘virtual’ (without actual consultation) follow‐up appointments assisted our service to contend with the increased number of patient. In general, the specific pattern of patients' management could be widely considered obviously after comprehensive and all‐embracing assessment of its safety and efficiency.
Genotype–phenotype heterogeneity of ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer deficit in autosomal‐dominant optic atrophy
Authors: Rönnbäck Cecilia , Nissen Claus , Almind Gitte J. , Grønskov Karen , Milea Dan , Larsen Michael
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To describe the thickness of the combined ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers (GC‐IPL) and the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) in patients with OPA1 c.983A>G or c.2708_2711delTTAG autosomal‐dominant optic atrophy (ADOA).

Methods

The study included 20 individuals with c.983A>G and nine individuals with c.2708_2711delTTAG. Data for comparison were drawn from 49, previously published, individuals with OPA1 c.2826_2836delinsGGATGCTCCA and 51 individuals with no OPA1 mutation. Subjects underwent refraction, best‐corrected visual acuity assessment, axial length measurement and high‐definition optical coherence tomography.

Results

There was overlap in GC‐IPL thickness in subjects younger than 20–30 years between the two new groups of ADOA patients and controls. Numerical decreases in GC‐IPL thickness with age did not reach statistical significance in individuals with c.983A>G (p = 0.18) or in healthy controls (p = 0.22), but it did in individuals with c.2708_2711delTTAG (p = 0.02). Visual acuity decreased with decreasing GC‐IPL thickness (p = 0.0006 in c.983A>G and p = 0.0084 in c.2708_2711delTTAG). Unlike c.2826_2836delinsGGATGCTCCA, individuals with c.983A>G or c.2708_2711delTTAG did not show a pattern of maximum GC‐IPL deficit inferonasal of the fovea.

Conclusion

Genotype–phenotype heterogeneity in OPA1 ADOA is evident when inner retinal atrophy is examined as a function of age. Thus, a pronounced decline with age in GC‐IPL thickness is observed in c.2708_2711delTTAG ADOA, an intermediate decline with age is observed in c.983A>G ADOA, whereas little or no change with age is observed in c.2826_2836delinsGGATGCTCCA ADOA. This genotype–phenotype heterogeneity may explain why some patients have progressive visual loss while others have a relatively stable prognosis.
Hollow needle cataract aspiration in antiquity
Authors: Pérez‐Cambrodí Rafael J. , Ascaso Francisco J. , Diab Fathi , Alzamora‐Rodríguez Antonio , Grzybowski Andrzej
Published: September 2015

The dislocation of the crystalline lens or couching technique was the predominant procedure to surgically remove cataracts until the 18th century A.D. However, in the Middle Ages, some Arab physicians tried to aspirate the opaque lens by means of a glass tube following a paracentesis. Some literary sources attributed the origins of this technique to Antyllus of Alexandria, a Greek surgeon who lived in the 2nd century A.D. in the Roman Empire. Nevertheless, this statement remains unclear and is probably the consequence of posterior interpretations or incorrect translations of the manuscripts. In recent years, the discovery of the hollow needles from Montbellet (France) and Viladamat (Spain), in archaeological settlements dated between the 1st century and 3rd century A.D., has reopened the possibility of cataract extraction as an option in the surgical management of soft cataracts in the antiquity. In any case, these findings are exceptional, and thus, probably this technique was not widely practised and very likely disparaged by the medical community.
No Untoward Effect of Long‐Term Ketoconazole Administration on Electrocardiographic QT Interval in Patients with Cushing's Disease
Authors: De Martin Martina , Toja Paola Maria , Goulene Karine , Radaelli Piero , Cavagnini Francesco , Stramba‐Badiale Marco , Pecori Giraldi Francesca
Published: September 2015

Ketoconazole is listed among drugs that prolong QT interval and may increase the risk of torsade de pointes, a severe ventricular arrhythmia. This compound has recently been approved for treatment of Cushing's syndrome, a severe endocrine disorder. These patients harbour several risk factors for prolonged QT interval, for example hypokalaemia and left ventricular hypertrophy, but no study has evaluated whether administration of ketoconazole affects their QT interval. The aim of this study was to assess the QT interval in patients with Cushing's disease during long‐term administration of ketoconazole. Electrocardiograms from 15 patients with Cushing's disease (12 women, 3 men, age: 37.8 ± 2.66 years) on ketoconazole treatment (100 mg–800 mg qd) for 1 month to 12 years were reviewed retrospectively. QT interval was measured and corrected for heart rate (QTc). Measurements before and during ketoconazole treatment were compared and any abnormal QTc value recorded. Concurrent medical therapies were also documented. On average, QTc was superimposable before and during ketoconazole treatment (393.2 ± 7.17 versus 403.3 ± 6.05 msec. in women; 424.3 ± 23.54 versus 398.0 ± 14.93 msec. in men, N.S.). QTc normalized on ketoconazole in one man with prolonged QTc prior to treatment; no abnormal QTc was observed in any other patient during the entire observation period, even during concurrent treatment with other QT‐prolonging drugs. In conclusion, long‐term ketoconazole administration does not appear to be associated with significant prolongation of QT interval in patients with Cushing's disease. ECG monitoring can follow recommendations drawn for other low‐risk QT‐prolonging drugs with attention to specific risk factors, for example hypokalaemia and drug interactions.
A report on older‐age bipolar disorder from the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force
Authors: Sajatovic Martha , Strejilevich Sergio A , Gildengers Ariel G , Dols Annemiek , Al Jurdi Rayan K , Forester Brent P , Kessing Lars Vedel , Beyer John , Manes Facundo , Rej Soham , Rosa Adriane R , Schouws Sigfried NTM , Tsai Shang‐Ying , Young Robert C , Shulman Kenneth I
Published: September 2015

Objectives

In the coming generation, older adults with bipolar disorder (BD) will increase in absolute numbers as well as proportion of the general population. This is the first report of the International Society for Bipolar Disorder (ISBD) Task Force on Older‐Age Bipolar Disorder (OABD).

Methods

This task force report addresses the unique aspects of OABD including epidemiology and clinical features, neuropathology and biomarkers, physical health, cognition, and care approaches.

Results

The report describes an expert consensus summary on OABD that is intended to advance the care of patients, and shed light on issues of relevance to BD research across the lifespan. Although there is still a dearth of research and health efforts focused on older adults with BD, emerging data have brought some answers, innovative questions, and novel perspectives related to the notion of late onset, medical comorbidity, and the vexing issue of cognitive impairment and decline.

Conclusions

Improving our understanding of the biological, clinical, and social underpinnings relevant to OABD is an indispensable step in building a complete map of BD across the lifespan.
Prostate cancer detection on transrectal ultrasonography‐guided random biopsy despite negative real‐time magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasonography fusion‐guided targeted biopsy: reasons for targeted biopsy failure
Authors: Cash Hannes , Günzel Karsten , Maxeiner Andreas , Stephan Carsten , Fischer Thomas , Durmus Tahir , Miller Kurt , Asbach Patrick , Haas Matthias , Kempkensteffen Carsten
Published: September 2015

Objective

To examine the value of additional transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided random biopsy (RB) in patients with negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/ultrasonography (US) fusion‐guided targeted biopsy (TB) and to identify possible reasons for TB failure.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a subgroup analysis of 61 men with prostate cancer (PCa) detected by 10‐core RB but with a negative TB, from a cohort of 408 men with suspicious multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) between January 2012 and January 2015. A consensus re‐reading of mpMRI results (using Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System [PI‐RADS] versions 1 and 2) for each suspicious lesion was performed, with the image reader blinded to the biopsy results, followed by an unblinded anatomical correlation of the lesion on mpMRI to the biopsy result. The potential reasons for TB failure were estimated for each lesion. We defined clinically significant PCa according to the Epstein criteria and stratified patients into risk groups according to the European Association of Urology guidelines.

Results

Our analysis showed that RB detected significant PCa in 64% of patients (39/61) and intermediate‐/high‐risk PCa in 57% of patients (35/61). The initial mpMRI reading identified 90 suspicious lesions in the cohort. Blinded consensus re‐reading of the mpMRI led to PI‐RADS score downgrading of 45 lesions (50%) and upgrading of 13 lesions (14%); thus, negative TB could be explained by falsely high initial PI‐RADS scores for 32 lesions (34%) and sampling of the target lesion by RB in the corresponding anatomical site for 36 out of 90 lesions (40%) in 35 of 61 patients (57%). Sampling of the target lesion by RB was most likely for lesions with PI‐RADS scores of 4/5 and Gleason scores (GS) of ≥7. A total of 70 PCa lesions (67% with GS 6) in 44 patients (72%) were sampled from prostatic sites with no abnormalities on mpMRI.

Conclusion

In cases of TB failure, RB still detected a high rate of significant PCa. The main reason for a negative TB was a TB error, compensated for by positive sampling of the target lesion by the additional RB, and the second reason for TB failure was a falsely high initial PI‐RADS score. The challenges that arise for both MRI diagnostics and prostate lesion sampling are evident in our data and support the integration of RB into the TB workflow.
The comparative political economy of the location of industry
Authors: Wiberg Magnus
Published: September 2015

This paper studies location decisions of firms in an economic geography model with endogenous regional policy. Policy is determined by probabilistic voting under proportional and majoritarian elections. Different electoral competition give rise to different location incentives. Under plausible assumptions, the smaller region has a higher fraction of ideologically independent swing voters than the larger region. Majoritarian voting, by focusing electoral competition into swing districts containing the most policy‐responsive voters, therefore allocates more subsidies to firms in the smaller region. Compared to proportional voting, this leads to more firms in the region with fewer consumers. Proportional voting thus welfare‐dominates majoritarian election.
Real‐life experience of tolvaptan use in the treatment of severe hyponatraemia due to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion
Authors: Tzoulis Ploutarchos , Waung Julian A. , Bagkeris Emmanouil , Carr Helen , Khoo Bernard , Cohen Mark , Bouloux Pierre Marc
Published: September 2015

Objective

European guidelines do not recommend tolvaptan for treatment of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), principally owing to concerns about risk of overly rapid correction of hyponatraemia. This study evaluated the real‐life effectiveness and safety of tolvaptan.

Design

Consecutive case series.

Patients

Inpatients treated with tolvaptan for SIADH in 2 UK hospitals over a 3‐year period.

Measurements

The primary outcome measures were serum sodium (sNa) correction at 24 and 48 h after tolvaptan therapy.

Results

This case series included 61 patients aged 74·4 ± 15·3 years with (mean ± SD) sNa 119·9 ± 5·5 mmol/l. The mean sNa increase 24 h after tolvaptan initiation was 9 ± 3·9 mmol/l. Excessive correction of hyponatraemia was observed in 23% of patients with all these patients having baseline sNa <125 mmol/l, but no cases of osmotic demyelination syndrome were recorded. At the end of tolvaptan therapy, sNa increase was 13·5 ± 5·9 mmol/l with 96·7% of patients having sNa increase ≥5 mmol/l in 48 h. There was a negative significant correlation (P = 0·012) between baseline sNa and 24‐h change; for every 1 mmol/l reduction in baseline value, sNa increased by an additional 0·23 mmol/l (95% CI 0·05–0·41).

Conclusions

Tolvaptan is effective in correcting hyponatraemia. Without rigorous electrolyte monitoring, tolvaptan carries a significant risk of overly rapid sodium correction, especially in patients with starting sNa <125 mmol/l. Tolvaptan should be used with great caution under close electrolyte monitoring.
Diverse genetic aetiologies and clinical outcomes of paediatric hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Kim Ja Hye , Shin Young‐Lim , Yang Seung , Cheon Chong Kun , Cho Ja Hyang , Lee Beom Hee , Kim Gu‐Hwan , Lee Jin Ok , Seo Eul Joo , Choi Jin‐Ho , Yoo Han‐Wook
Published: September 2015

Context

Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia, and low or inappropriately normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Idiopathic or genetic drivers are the predominant causes of hypoparathyroidism in paediatric‐age patients.

Objective

This study investigated the aetiology and clinical course of primary hypoparathyroidism in infancy and childhood.

Subjects and measurements

This study included 37 patients (23 males, 14 females) with primary hypoparathyroidism diagnosed prior to 18 years of age. We analysed aetiologies, initial presentation, age at diagnosis, endocrine and radiological findings, and outcomes.

Results

The median age at presentation was 1·7 months (range 1 day–17 years), and the mean follow‐up duration was 7·0 ± 5·3 years (range 0·5–16·8 years). Our cohort included 22 cases (59·5%) of 22q11·2 microdeletion syndrome. Other aetiologies included hypoparathyroidism–deafness–renal dysplasia syndrome (5/37, 13·5%) and one patient each with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, Kearns–Sayre syndrome and Kenny–Caffey syndrome. The remaining 7 (18·9%) patients were classified as idiopathic hypoparathyroidism cases. Among the 15 patients who underwent brain imaging, 5 (33·3%) had basal ganglia calcification. Among the 26 patients examined by renal imaging, 5 (19·2%) had either nephrocalcinosis or a renal stone. After 11 months of calcium or calcitriol supplementation, 16 patients (43·2%) discontinued medication. The final PTH levels were significantly higher in patients with transient hypoparathyroidism than those with permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Conclusions

Identification of the genetic aetiologies of hypoparathyroidism makes it possible to predict patient outcomes and provide appropriate genetic counselling. Long‐term treatment with calcium and calcitriol necessitates monitoring for renal complications.
Assessing perioperative body weight changes in patients thyroidectomized for a benign nontoxic nodular goitre
Authors: Lang Brian H.‐H. , Zhi Helen , Cowling Benjamin J.
Published: September 2015

Background

Following thyroidectomy, patients often complain of weight gain. Our study aimed to evaluate the extent of weight change in patients thyroidectomized for a nontoxic benign goitre after adjusting for patient demographics and pre‐operative weight changes.

Methods

Three different patient groups were studied. The first comprised 898 patients who underwent thyroidectomy for benign nontoxic nodular goitre (group I). The second comprised 179 patients who had benign nontoxic goitre but did not undergo thyroidectomy (group II), and the third comprised 80 patients who underwent a simple excision of a parathyroid adenoma (group III). All patients were weighed 12 months preceding baseline, at baseline and 6 months after baseline.

Results

Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Patients in Group I who gained the least weight in the year leading to surgery gained the most weight 12 months after surgery (P = 0·030). After adjusting for demographics and pre‐operative weight changes, Group I gained significantly more weight at post 6 and 12 months (0·71 (95% CI=0·46–0·95) kg and 1·21 (95% CI = 0·96–1·46) kg, respectively). Weight gain at post 12 months appeared similar between hemithyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy (1·32 vs 1·16 kg, P = 0·197). Younger age (ß coefficient −0·100, 95% CI = −0·030 to 0·003, P = 0·015) and higher baseline thyroid stimulating hormone (ß coefficient −0·315, 95% CI = −1·468 to 0·134, P = 0·020) were significant factors for weight gain at post 12 months.

Conclusions

Compared to nonthyroidectomized patients, thyroidectomized patients experienced significant weight increases at post 6 and 12 months. The extent of thyroidectomy did not affect the extent of weight gain. Younger age and higher baseline thyroid stimulating hormone were significant factors of weight gain at post 12 months.
Association of low baseline free thyroxin levels with progression of coronary artery calcification over 4 years in euthyroid subjects: the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study
Authors: Park Hye‐Jeong , Kim Jihyun , Han Eun Jin , Park Se Eun , Park Cheol‐Young , Lee Won‐Young , Oh Ki‐Won , Park Sung‐Woo , Rhee Eun‐Jung
Published: September 2015

Objective

Overt and subclinical hypothyroidism are risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. It is unclear whether thyroid hormone levels within the normal range are also associated with atherosclerosis measured by coronary artery calcium (CAC).

Context

This study aimed to examine the relationship between normal variations in thyroid function and changes in CAC.

Measurements

We conducted a 4‐year retrospective study of 2173 apparently healthy men and women with normal thyroid hormone levels. Their free thyroxin (FT4), free triiodothyronin (FT3) and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured by electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. The CAC score (CACS) of each subject was measured by multidetector computed tomography in both 2010 and 2014. Progression of CAC was defined as a CACS change over 4 years > 0.

Results

The mean CACS changes over 4 years by quartiles of baseline FT4 level (lowest to highest) were 12·9, 8·43, 7·82 and 7·81 (P = 0·028). CAC progression was not significantly associated with either the baseline FT3 or TSH levels. The odds ratios (OR) for CAC progression over 4 years (highest vs lowest quartile for baseline FT4) were 0·647 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0·472–0·886) after adjustment for confounding factor, which were attenuated with further adjustment for lipid profiles, homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and hypertension [0·747 (95% CI 0·537–1·038)]. Quartiles of baseline FT3 or TSH level did not show any increased OR for CAC progression after adjustment for confounding factors.

Conclusions

In this cohort of euthyroid men and women, a low baseline FT4 level was associated with a high risk of CACS progression over 4 years.
Computer‐supported implant planning and guided surgery: a narrative review
Authors: Vercruyssen Marjolein , Laleman Isabelle , Jacobs Reinhilde , Quirynen Marc
Published: September 2015

Aim

To give an overview of the workflow from examination to planning and execution, including possible errors and pitfalls, in order to justify the indications for guided surgery.

Material and methods

An electronic literature search of the PubMed database was performed with the intention of collecting relevant information on computer‐supported implant planning and guided surgery.

Results

Currently, different computer‐supported systems are available to optimize and facilitate implant surgery. The transfer of the implant planning (in a software program) to the operative field remains however the most difficult part. Guided implant surgery clearly reduces the inaccuracy, defined as the deviation between the planned and the final position of the implant in the mouth. It might be recommended for the following clinical indications: need for minimal invasive surgery, optimization of implant planning and positioning (i.e. aesthetic cases), and immediate restoration.

Conclusions

The digital technology rapidly evolves and new developments have resulted in further improvement of the accuracy. Future developments include the reduction of the number of steps needed from the preoperative examination of the patient to the actual execution of the guided surgery. The latter will become easier with the implementation of optical scans and 3D‐printing.
Digital technologies to support planning, treatment, and fabrication processes and outcome assessments in implant dentistry. Summary and consensus statements. The 4th EAO consensus conference 2015
Authors: Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Cordaro Luca , van Assche Nele , Benic Goran I. , Bornstein Michael , Gamper Felix , Gotfredsen Klaus , Harris David , Hürzeler Marc , Jacobs Reinhilde , Kapos Theodoros , Kohal Ralf J. , Patzelt Sebastian B. M. , Sailer Irena , Tahmaseb Ali , Vercruyssen Marjolein , Wismeijer Daniel
Published: September 2015

Objective

The task of this working group was to assess the existing knowledge in computer‐assisted implant planning and placement, fabrication of reconstructions applying computers compared to traditional fabrication, and assessments of treatment outcomes using novel imaging techniques.

Material and methods

Three reviews were available for assessing the current literature and provided the basis for the discussions and the consensus report. One review dealt with the use of computers to plan implant therapy and to place implants in partially and fully edentulous patients. A second one focused on novel techniques and methods to assess treatment outcomes and the third compared CAD/CAM‐fabricated reconstructions to conventionally fabricated ones.

Results

The consensus statements, the clinical recommendations, and the implications for research, all of them after approval by the plenum of the consensus conference, are described in this article. The three articles by Vercruyssen et al., Patzelt & Kohal, and Benic et al. are presented separately as part of the supplement of this consensus conference.
Long‐term stability of peri‐implant tissues after bone or soft tissue augmentation. Effect of zirconia or titanium abutments on peri‐implant soft tissues. Summary and consensus statements. The 4th EAO Consensus Conference 2015
Authors: Sicilia Alberto , Quirynen Marc , Fontolliet Alain , Francisco Helena , Friedman Anton , Linkevicius Tomas , Lutz Rainer , Meijer Henny J. , Rompen Eric , Rotundo Roberto , Schwarz Frank , Simion Massimo , Teughels Wim , Wennerberg Ann , Zuhr Otto
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Several surgical techniques and prosthetic devices have been developed in the last decades, aiming to improve aesthetic, hygienic and functional outcomes that may affect the peri‐implant tissues, such as procedures of bone and soft tissue augmentation and the use of custom‐made abutments of titanium and zirconium.

Materials and methods

Three systematic reviews, based on randomized clinical trials and prospective studies covering the above reported topics were analysed, and the detected evidence was exposed to interactive experts’ discussion during the group's and general assembly's meetings of the 4th EAO Consensus Conference. The results are reported using the following abbreviations: S‐T: short‐term evidence, M‐T: medium‐term evidence; L‐T: long‐term evidence; LE: limited evidence.

Results

Soft tissue augmentation procedures may be indicated for the increase of soft tissue thickness and keratinized tissue, the reduction of interproximal peri‐implant bone loss, and the coverage of shallow peri‐implant soft tissue recessions (S‐T, LE), L‐T is lacking. Guided bone regeneration approaches (GBR) showed efficacy when used for ridge reconstruction after the complete healing of the soft tissues (S‐T & L‐T), and the stability of the augmented bone may play a role in the maintenance of the soft tissue position and dimensions (LE). No significant differences were observed between titanium and zirconia abutments when evaluating probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, marginal bone levels and mucosal recessions. Zirconia abutments were associated with more biological complications but demonstrated superiority in terms of achieving natural soft tissue colour (S‐T).
Remote Ischemic Preconditioning‐Mediated Neuroprotection against Stroke is Associated with Significant Alterations in Peripheral Immune Responses
Authors: Liu Zong‐Jian , Chen Chen , Li Xiao‐Rong , Ran Yuan‐Yuan , Xu Tao , Zhang Ying , Geng Xiao‐Kun , Zhang Yu , Du Hui‐Shan , Leak Rehana K. , Ji Xun‐Ming , Hu Xiao‐Ming
Published: September 2015

Aims

Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) of a limb is a clinically feasible strategy to protect against ischemia–reperfusion injury after stroke. However, the mechanism underlying RIPC remains elusive.

Methods

We generated a rat model of noninvasive RIPC by four repeated cycles of brief blood flow constriction (5 min) in the hindlimbs using a tourniquet. Blood was collected 1 h after preconditioning and 3 days after brain reperfusion. The impact of RIPC on immune cell and cytokine profiles prior to and after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was assessed.

Results

Remote ischemic preconditioning protects against focal ischemia and preserves neurological functions 3 days after stroke. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that RIPC ameliorates the post‐MCAO reduction of CD3+CD8+ T cells and abolishes the reduction of CD3+/CD161a+ NKT cells in the blood. In addition, RIPC robustly elevates the percentage of B cells in peripheral blood, thereby reversing the reduction in the B‐cell population after stroke. RIPC also markedly elevates the percentage of CD43+/CD172a+ noninflammatory resident monocytes, without any impact on the percentage of CD43−/CD172a+ inflammatory monocytes. Finally, RIPC induces IL‐6 expression and enhances the elevation of TNF‐α after stroke.

Conclusion

Our results reveal dramatic immune changes during RIPC‐afforded neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia.
Ventilation tube insertion simulation: a literature review and validity assessment of five training models
Authors: Mahalingam S. , Awad Z. , Tolley N.S. , Khemani S.
Published: September 2015

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify and investigate the face and content validity of ventilation tube insertion (VTI) training models described in the literature.

Design

A review of literature was carried out to identify articles describing VTI simulators. Feasible models were replicated and assessed by a group of experts.

Setting

Postgraduate simulation centre.

Participants

Experts were defined as surgeons who had performed at least 100 VTI on patients. Seventeen experts were participated ensuring sufficient statistical power for analysis.

Main outcome measures

A standardised 18‐item Likert‐scale questionnaire was used. This addressed face validity (realism), global and task‐specific content (suitability of the model for teaching) and curriculum recommendation.

Results

The search revealed eleven models, of which only five had associated validity data. Five models were found to be feasible to replicate. None of the tested models achieved face or global content validity. Only one model achieved task‐specific validity, and hence, there was no agreement on curriculum recommendation.

Conclusions

The quality of simulation models is moderate and there is room for improvement. There is a need for new models to be developed or existing ones to be refined in order to construct a more realistic training platform for VTI simulation.
Great Barrier Reef No‐Take Areas Include a Range of Disturbance Regimes
Authors: Maynard Jeffrey A. , Beeden Roger , Puotinen Marjetta , Johnson Johanna E. , Marshall Paul , van Hooidonk Ruben , Heron Scott F. , Devlin Michelle , Lawrey Eric , Dryden Jen , Ban Natalie , Wachenfeld David , Planes Serge
Published: September 2015

Exposure to disturbance is rarely considered in marine protected area planning. Typically, representing and replicating the habitat types present within protected areas is used to spread the risk of protecting frequently disturbed sites. This was the approach used during the 2004 re‐zoning of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) via the Representative Areas Program. Over 10 years later, we examine whether the risk was spread by mapping exposure of coral reefs in the GBRMP to four disturbances that cause coral mortality: bleaching, tropical cyclones, crown‐of‐thorns starfish outbreaks, and freshwater inundation. Our objectives were to: (1) assess whether no‐take areas include a range of disturbance regimes, and (2) identify coral reef areas with lower relative exposure. At least 13% and an average of 31% of reef locations in each of 11 exposure classes are included within no‐take areas. A greater proportion of low‐exposure areas are within no‐take areas than high‐exposure areas (34.2% vs. 28.3%). The results demonstrate the value of risk spreading when exposure data are not available while also showing that regularly assessing exposure increases capacity for adaptive, resilience‐based reef management.
Trust in Banks during Normal and Crisis Times—Evidence from Survey Data
Authors: Knell Markus , Stix Helmut
Published: September 2015

We study the evolution of people's trust in banks during the global financial crisis, and the factors that determine its level. Austrian survey data show that trust in banks declined sizeably during the financial crisis, but the lowest observed trust level (60%) is still higher than that of many other institutions. We establish that a trust decline is related to agents’ subjective view of the economic situation and the direct experience of bank failures. Deposit insurance stabilizes banking trust. Both the lack of bank collapses and the extension of deposit insurance coverage had a cushioning effect on trust in banks.
Does Threat of Dismissal Constrain Acquisition Premium in CEO Pay?
Authors: Homroy Swarnodeep
Published: September 2015

This paper shows that the likelihood of post‐acquisition CEO turnover can act as a constraint on risky acquisition decisions. The acquisition premium in pay decreases by over 50% once the dismissal risk is controlled for. Given a smaller pay premium for undertaking acquisitions and a non‐zero risk of dismissal, shareholders are shown to be able to exercise some control over managerial incentives to engage in risky acquisitions through the mechanism for dismissal.
Thyroid hormone is required for pruning, functioning and long‐term maintenance of afferent inner hair cell synapses
Authors: Sundaresan Srividya , Kong Jee‐Hyun , Fang Qing , Salles Felipe T. , Wangsawihardja Felix , Ricci Anthony J. , Mustapha Mirna
Published: September 2015

Functional maturation of afferent synaptic connections to inner hair cells (IHCs) involves pruning of excess synapses formed during development, as well as the strengthening and survival of the retained synapses. These events take place during the thyroid hormone (TH)‐critical period of cochlear development, which is in the perinatal period for mice and in the third trimester for humans. Here, we used the hypothyroid Snell dwarf mouse (Pit1dw) as a model to study the role of TH in afferent type I synaptic refinement and functional maturation. We observed defects in afferent synaptic pruning and delays in calcium channel clustering in the IHCs of Pit1dw mice. Nevertheless, calcium currents and capacitance reached near normal levels in Pit1dw IHCs by the age of onset of hearing, despite the excess number of retained synapses. We restored normal synaptic pruning in Pit1dw IHCs by supplementing with TH from postnatal day (P)3 to P8, establishing this window as being critical for TH action on this process. Afferent terminals of older Pit1dw IHCs showed evidence of excitotoxic damage accompanied by a concomitant reduction in the levels of the glial glutamate transporter, GLAST. Our results indicate that a lack of TH during a critical period of inner ear development causes defects in pruning and long‐term homeostatic maintenance of afferent synapses.
Differential neuropsychological outcomes following targeted responsive neurostimulation for partial‐onset epilepsy
Authors: Loring David W. , Kapur Ritu , Meador Kimford J. , Morrell Martha J.
Published: September 2015

Objective

Responsive neurostimulation decreases the frequency of disabling seizures when used as an adjunctive therapy in patients with medically refractory partial‐onset seizures. The effect of long‐term responsive neurostimulation on neuropsychological performance has not yet been established.

Methods

Neuropsychological data were collected from subjects participating in the open‐label arm of a randomized controlled trial of responsive neurostimulation with the RNS® System. Primary cognitive outcomes were the Boston Naming Test (BNT) and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning (AVLT) test. Neuropsychological performance was evaluated at baseline and again following 1 and 2 years of RNS System treatment. Follow‐up analyses were conducted in patients with seizure onset restricted to either the mesial temporal lobe or neocortex.

Results

No significant cognitive declines were observed for any neuropsychological measure through 2 years. When examined as a function of seizure onset region, a double dissociation was found, with significant improvement in naming across all patients (p < 0.0001), and for patients with neocortical seizure onsets (p < 0.0001) but not in patients with mesial temporal lobe (MTL) seizure onsets (p = 0.679). In contrast, a significant improvement in verbal learning was observed across all patients (p = 0.03), and for patients with MTL seizure onsets (p = 0.005) but not for patients with neocortical onsets (p = 0.403).

Significance

Treatment with the RNS System is not associated with cognitive decline when tested through 2 years. In fact, there were small but significant beneficial treatment effects on naming in patients with neocortical onsets and modest improvements in verbal learning for patients with seizure onsets in MTL structures. These results suggest that there are modest cognitive improvements in some domains that vary as a function of the region from which seizures arise.
Greenhouse gas emissions and global warming potential of traditional and diversified tropical rice rotation systems
Authors: Weller Sebastian , Janz Baldur , Jörg Lena , Kraus David , Racela Heathcliff S. U. , Wassmann Reiner , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus , Kiese Ralf
Published: September 2015

Global rice agriculture will be increasingly challenged by water scarcity, while at the same time changes in demand (e.g. changes in diets or increasing demand for biofuels) will feed back on agricultural practices. These factors are changing traditional cropping patterns from double‐rice cropping to the introduction of upland crops in the dry season. For a comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) balances, we measured methane (CH4)/nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and agronomic parameters over 2.5 years in double‐rice cropping (R‐R) and paddy rice rotations diversified with either maize (R‐M) or aerobic rice (R‐A) in upland cultivation. Introduction of upland crops in the dry season reduced irrigation water use and CH4 emissions by 66–81% and 95–99%, respectively. Moreover, for practices including upland crops, CH4 emissions in the subsequent wet season with paddy rice were reduced by 54–60%. Although annual N2O emissions increased two‐ to threefold in the diversified systems, the strong reduction in CH4 led to a significantly lower (P < 0.05) annual GWP (CH4 + N2O) as compared to the traditional double‐rice cropping system. Measurements of soil organic carbon (SOC) contents before and 3 years after the introduction of upland crop rotations indicated a SOC loss for the R‐M system, while for the other systems SOC stocks were unaffected. This trend for R‐M systems needs to be followed as it has significant consequences not only for the GWP balance but also with regard to soil fertility. Economic assessment showed a similar gross profit span for R‐M and R‐R, while gross profits for R‐A were reduced as a consequence of lower productivity. Nevertheless, regarding a future increase in water scarcity, it can be expected that mixed lowland–upland systems will expand in SE Asia as water requirements were cut by more than half in both rotation systems with upland crops.
Can ficolin‐2 (L‐ficolin) insufficiency be established by a single serum protein measurement?
Authors: Kilpatrick D. C. , Świerzko A. S. , Sobociński M. , Krajewski W. , Chojnacka K. , Szczapa J. , Cedzyński M.
Published: September 2015

Serum ficolin‐2 was measured in multiple (2‐27) samples from 68 paediatric sepsis patients. Fourteen individuals (21%) gave values that included a change in status from ‘normal’ to ‘insufficient’ or vice versa. Therefore, if possible, ficolin‐2 concentration should be determined in samples obtained when a disease is inactive.