bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic utility of intracranial EEG monitoring for epilepsy surgery in children
Authors: Brna Paula , Duchowny Michael , Resnick Trevor , Dunoyer Catalina , Bhatia Sanjiv , Jayakar Prasanna
Published: May 2015

Objective

There are limited data on the indications for the use of chronic invasive electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring (IEM) for pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 102 children who underwent intracranial monitoring to map critical cortex, localize the epileptogenic region, or resolve divergent findings. We assessed IEM utility based on changes to the resection plan following analysis of noninvasive data.

Results

IEM was judged useful in 87% of cases and had greatest utility for resolving discordant data and localizing extratemporal and multilobar epileptogenic zones. IEM data were least useful for seizure onset in the temporal lobe and had little utility for direct cortical stimulation mapping unless functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) revealed atypical language representation or the epileptogenic zone was in proximity to critical cortex.

Significance

IEM utility was demonstrated for a majority of cases with well‐defined indications. The method of assessing utility will facilitate multicentric studies toward developing future consensus and practice guidelines.
Clobazam: An effective add‐on therapy in refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Sivakumar Sanjeev , Ibrahim Mohammad , Parker Dennis , Norris Gregory , Shah Aashit , Mohamed Wazim
Published: May 2015

Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is a medical emergency, with significant morbidity and mortality. The use and effectiveness of clobazam, a unique 1,5‐benzodiazepine, in the management of RSE has not been reported before. Over the last 24 months, we identified 17 patients with RSE who were treated with clobazam in our hospital. Eleven of the 17 patients had prior epilepsy. Fifteen patients had focal status epilepticus. Use of clobazam was prompted by a favorable pharmacokinetic profile devoid of drug interactions. Clobazam was introduced after a median duration of 4 days and after a median of three failed antiepileptic drugs. A successful response, defined as termination of RSE within 24 h of administration, without addition or modification of concurrent AED and with successful wean of anesthetic infusions, was seen in 13 patients. Indeterminate response was seen in three patients, whereas clobazam was unsuccessful in one patient. Clobazam averted the need for anesthetic infusions in five patients. Clobazam was well tolerated, and appears to be an effective and promising option as add‐on therapy in RSE. Its efficacy, particularly early in the course of SE, should be further investigated in prospective, randomized trials.
Laminin L4 domain structure resembles adhesion modules in ephrin receptor and other transmembrane glycoproteins
Authors: Moran Toot , Gat Yair , Fass Deborah
Published: May 2015

The ~ 800 kDa laminin heterotrimer forms a distinctive cross‐shaped structure that further self‐assembles into networks within the extracellular matrix. The domains at the laminin chain termini, which engage in network formation and cell‐surface interaction, are well understood both structurally and functionally. By contrast, the structures and roles of additional domains embedded within the limbs of the laminin cross have remained obscure. Here, we report the X‐ray crystal structure, determined to 1.2 Å resolution, of the human laminin α2 subunit L4b domain, site of an inframe deletion mutation associated with mild congenital muscular dystrophy. The α2 L4b domain is an irregular β‐sandwich with many short and broken strands linked by extended loops. The most similar known structures are the carbohydrate‐binding domains of bacterial cellulases, the ephrin‐binding domain of ephrin receptors, and MAM adhesion domains in various other eukaryotic cell‐surface proteins. This similarity to mammalian adhesion modules, which was not predicted on the basis of amino acid sequence alone due to lack of detectable homology, suggests that laminin internal domains evolved from a progenitor adhesion molecule and may retain a role in cell adhesion in the context of the laminin trimer.

Database

The atomic coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank, Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA (http://www.rcsb.org/) under codes 4YEP and 4YEQ.
Optimizing Wellfield Operation in a Variable Power Price Regime
Authors: Bauer‐Gottwein Peter , Schneider Raphael , Davidsen Claus
Published: May 2015

Wellfield management is a multiobjective optimization problem. One important objective has been energy efficiency in terms of minimizing the energy footprint (EFP) of delivered water (MWh/m3). However, power systems in most countries are moving in the direction of deregulated markets and price variability is increasing in many markets because of increased penetration of intermittent renewable power sources. In this context the relevant management objective becomes minimizing the cost of electric energy used for pumping and distribution of groundwater from wells rather than minimizing energy use itself. We estimated EFP of pumped water as a function of wellfield pumping rate (EFP‐Q relationship) for a wellfield in Denmark using a coupled well and pipe network model. This EFP‐Q relationship was subsequently used in a Stochastic Dynamic Programming (SDP) framework to minimize total cost of operating the combined wellfield‐storage‐demand system over the course of a 2‐year planning period based on a time series of observed price on the Danish power market and a deterministic, time‐varying hourly water demand. In the SDP setup, hourly pumping rates are the decision variables. Constraints include storage capacity and hourly water demand fulfilment. The SDP was solved for a baseline situation and for five scenario runs representing different EFP‐Q relationships and different maximum wellfield pumping rates. Savings were quantified as differences in total cost between the scenario and a constant‐rate pumping benchmark. Minor savings up to 10% were found in the baseline scenario, while the scenario with constant EFP and unlimited pumping rate resulted in savings up to 40%. Key factors determining potential cost savings obtained by flexible wellfield operation under a variable power price regime are the shape of the EFP‐Q relationship, the maximum feasible pumping rate and the capacity of available storage facilities.
The Glycemic Indices in Dialysis Evaluation (GIDE) study: Comparative measures of glycemic control in diabetic dialysis patients
Authors: Williams Mark E. , Mittman Neal , Ma Lin , Brennan Julia I. , Mooney Ann , Johnson Curtis D. , Jani Chinu M. , Maddux Franklin W. , Lacson Eduardo
Published: May 2015

The validity of hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) is undergoing increasing scrutiny in the advanced CKD/ESRD (chronic kidney disease/end‐stage renal disease) population, where it appears to be discordant from other glycemic indices. In the Glycemic Indices in Dialysis Evaluation (GIDE) Study, we sought to assess correlation of HgbA1c with casual glucose, glycated albumin, and serum fructosamine in a large group of diabetic patients on dialysis. From 26 dialysis facilities in the United States, 1758 diabetic patients (hemodialysis = 1476, peritoneal dialysis = 282) were enrolled in the first quarter of 2013. The distributions of HgbA1c and the other glycemic indices were analyzed. Intra‐patient coefficients of variation and correlations among the four glycemic indices were determined. Patients with low HgbA1c values were both on higher erythropoietin (ESA) doses and more anemic. Serum glucose exhibited the highest intra‐patient variability over a 3‐month period; variability was modest among the other glycemic indices, and least with HgbA1c. Statistical analyses inclusive of all glycemic markers indicated modest to strong correlations. HgbA1c was more likely to be in the target range than glycated albumin or serum fructosamine, suggesting factors which may or may not be directly related to glycemic control, including anemia, ESA management, and iron administration, in interpreting HgbA1c values. These initial results from the GIDE Study clarify laboratory correlations among glycemic indices and add to concerns about reliance on HgbA1c in patients with diabetes and advanced kidney disease.
Resource Immobility and Sustained Performance: A Systematic Assessment of How Immobility Has Been Considered in Empirical Resource‐based Studies
Authors: Andersén Jim , Jansson Christian , Ljungkvist Torbjörn
Published: May 2015

The core notion of the resource‐based view (RBV) is that the possession of certain resources can result in superior performance and, in order for this performance to be sustained, these resources cannot be perfectly mobile. Whereas previous reviews have mainly focused on the relationship between resources and temporary performance, no studies have systematically analyzed the extent to which empirical RBV studies have specifically considered immobility of resources. By analyzing a sample of 218 empirical RBV studies, the authors found that 17% of the studies directly measured some dimension of immobility (by, for example, actually measuring the level of social complexity, unique history, tacitness or tradability). Fewer than 2% of the studies measured the outcome of resource immobility, i.e. sustained performance differences. Based on these results, this paper discusses the consequences of overlooking this key dimension of the RBV (i.e. immobility) and suggests that, and discusses how, future research should consider resource immobility to a greater extent.
Assessment of family history of substance abuse for preventive interventions with patients experiencing chronic pain: A quality improvement project
Authors: Pestka Elizabeth , Nash Virginia , Evans Michele , Cronin Joan , Bee Susan , King Susan , Osborn Kristine , Gehin Jessica , Weis Karen , Loukianova Larissa
Published: May 2015

This quality improvement project demonstrates that RN Care Managers, in a chronic pain programme, can assess for a family history of substance abuse in 5–10 min. Information informs treatment based on specific high risk criteria. Benefits include heightened awareness of the genetic and environmental risks associated with a family history of substance abuse, an opportunity to participate in motivational interventions to prevent or minimize consequences of substance use disorders, and likely substantial overall health‐care cost savings.
Leukotriene B4—leukotriene B4 receptor axis promotes oxazolone‐induced contact dermatitis by directing skin homing of neutrophils and CD8+ T cells
Authors: Lv Jiaoyan , Zou Linlin , Zhao Lina , Yang Wei , Xiong Yingluo , Li Bingji , He Rui
Published: May 2015

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a lipid mediator that is rapidly generated in inflammatory sites, and its functional receptor, BLT1, is mostly expressed on immune cells. Contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by skin oedema and abundant inflammatory infiltrates, primarily including neutrophils and CD8+ T cells. The role of the LTB4–BLT1 axis in contact dermatitis remains largely unknown. In this study, we found up‐regulated gene expression of 5‐lipoxygenase and leukotriene A4 hydrolase, two critical enzymes for LTB4 synthesis, BLT1 and elevated LTB4 levels in skin lesions of oxazolone (OXA)‐induced contact dermatitis. BLT1 deficiency or blockade of LTB4 and BLT1 by the antagonists, bestatin and U‐75302, respectively, in the elicitation phase caused significant decreases in ear swelling and skin‐infiltrating neutrophils and CD8+ T cells, which was accompanied by significantly reduced skin expression of CXCL1, CXCL2, interferon‐γ and interleukin‐1β. Furthermore, neutrophil depletion during the elicitation phase of OXA‐induced contact dermatitis also caused significant decreases in ear swelling and CD8+ T‐cell infiltration accompanied by significantly decreased LTB4 synthesis and gene expression of CXCL2, interferon‐γ and interleukin‐1β. Importantly, subcutaneous injection of exogenous LTB4 restored the skin infiltration of CD8+ T cells in neutrophil‐depleted mice following OXA challenge. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the LTB4–BLT1 axis contributes to OXA‐induced contact dermatitis by mediating skin recruitment of neutrophils, which are a major source of LTB4 that sequentially direct CD8+ T‐cell homing to OXA‐challenged skin. Hence, LTB4 and BLT1 could be potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of contact dermatitis.
Estimating the secondary attack rate and serial interval of influenza‐like illnesses using social media
Authors: Yom‐Tov Elad , Johansson‐Cox Ingemar , Lampos Vasileios , Hayward Andrew C.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Knowledge of the secondary attack rate (SAR) and serial interval (SI) of influenza is important for assessing the severity of seasonal epidemics of the virus. To date, such estimates have required extensive surveys of target populations. Here, we propose a method for estimating the intrafamily SAR and SI from postings on the Twitter social network. This estimate is derived from a large number of people reporting ILI symptoms in them and\or their immediate family members.

Design

We analyze data from the 2012–2013 and the 2013–2014 influenza seasons in England and find that increases in the estimated SAR precede increases in ILI rates reported by physicians.

Results

We hypothesize that observed variations in the peak value of SAR are related to the appearance of specific strains of the virus and demonstrate this by comparing the changes in SAR values over time in relation to known virology. In addition, we estimate SI (the average time between cases) as 2·41 days for 2012 and 2·48 days for 2013.

Conclusions

The proposed method can assist health authorities by providing near‐real‐time estimation of SAR and SI, and especially in alerting to sudden increases thereof.
Quantification of Metals and Semimetals in Carbon‐Rich Rocks: A New Sequential Protocol Including Extraction from Humic Substances
Authors: Henrique‐Pinto Renato , Barnes Sarah‐Jane , Savard Dany , Mehdi Sadia
Published: May 2015

We have developed a new sequential extraction technique that does not require complex procedures and is efficient in determining metal and semimetal contents of carbon‐rich rocks. Six geological reference materials (SBC‐1, SCHS‐1, SCo‐1, SDO‐1, SGR‐1b and SLg‐1) and an in‐house black shale (SH‐1) were selected to test the method, which consists of four main digestion steps involving: (a) dilute HCl acid; (b) NaOH; (c) aqua regia; and (d) hydrofluoric acid. Compared with traditional aqua regia + hydrofluoric acid attack, this new protocol recovers more of the moderately volatile elements during early extraction of humic substances. In addition when compared with reference values, those for most elements are in agreement within uncertainty. Furthermore, this new protocol reveals important information on the partitioning of elements; for instance, steps one and two indicate which elements are associated with carbonates and organic phases from fulvic and humic acid extractions, whereas step three provides results for which elements are associated with sulfide minerals and step four indicates which elements remained in the silicate and oxide phases.
Hierarchically Designed Bioactive Glassy Nanocoatings for the Growth of Faster and Uniformly Dense Apatite
Authors: Das Indranee , Medda Samar K. , De Goutam , Fagerlund Susanne , Hupa Leena , Puska Mervi A. , Vallittu Pekka K.
Published: May 2015

Crack‐free bioactive nanocoatings embedded with uniformly distributed silica‐rich bioactive spherical aggregates were successfully prepared in situ by controlling the micellization of a SiO2–CaO–P2O5 sol using the tri‐block copolymer P123 followed by dip‐coating onto a bio‐inert glass substrate and calcined. These hierarchically designed nanocoatings embedded with such bioactive glassy nanospheres (BGNS) enabled to induce the deposition of a densely populated, uniform, and well‐developed needlelike crystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite coating reminiscence of the mineral phase of natural bone within a short immersion time in simulated body fluid. The BGNS nanocoatings also supported the growth and attachment of human gingival fibroblasts. The results suggest that these newly designed composite nanocoatings are noncytotoxic, capable of supporting rapid and homogeneous calcium phosphate deposition as well as subsequent crystallization, and likely to be promising candidates for inert glass reinforced bone implants.
An evaluation of different methods for assessing eggshell pigmentation and pigment concentration using great tit eggs
Authors: Wegmann Michèle , Vallat‐Michel Armelle , Richner Heinz
Published: May 2015

The striking variation in colour and maculation of bird eggs has fascinated biologists since centuries, and many hypotheses based on mechanical, physiological or signalling functions have been proposed for its evolution by natural and sexual selection. Protoporphyrin is the main eggshell pigment found in brown maculated eggs, and is assumed to function as a mediator of these selection processes. It is a precursor of heme with pro‐oxidant properties, and hence a link between brown maculation and female condition has been proposed and tested in a number of studies, albeit with contrasting results. A variety of different visual methods have been used to quantify outer eggshell pigmentation, which has been assumed to correspond to overall quantity of protoporphyrin in the shell. Yet, this relationship has rarely been tested. The aim of this study was to apply four commonly used methods to assess pigmentation in great tit eggs with protoporphyrin as the predominant eggshell pigment, and to compare the results of these methods. Specifically, we 1) ranked eggshell pigmentation by human naked eye, 2) applied a granularity approach and 3) measured spectrophotometric reflectance of eggshell pigments. Second, we estimated the relationship between outer eggshell pigmentation (i.e. estimated by three different methods above) and true protoporphyrin concentration deposited in the entire shell measured by HPLC. Among‐method estimates were significantly correlated for the traits describing pigment ‘darkness’ only. While the model including scores based on human naked eyes explained 16% of the variance of pigment concentration in the entire shell, spectrometry explained 27%, and the granularity approach explained 40%. Thus, the estimation of true pigment concentration in the entire shell from the visible outer side of the shell is most reliable with the granularity approach. It is relevant for studies where the maintenance of the integrity of the eggs is essential.
Revealing unexpected uses of space by wintering Aquila pomarina: how does satellite telemetry identify behaviour at different scales?
Authors: Meyburg Bernd‐Ulrich , Mendelsohn Stephie , Mendelsohn John , de Klerk Helen Margaret
Published: May 2015

Little is understood about the dispersion and movements of Palaearctic migrant raptors while wintering in southern Africa. The high temporal and spatial resolution of GPS telemetry data provided the opportunity to describe how space is used by one such migratory raptor in its wintering range, the lesser spotted eagle Aquila pomarina. Kernel density estimation was used to map the distribution of three individuals at various spatial scales. In addition to their extremely large overall wintering range (up to 112 000 km2), three finer levels of spatial concentration were identified: favoured activity zones where the birds spent much of the winter, smaller core areas to which the birds returned each year, and tiny intensive foraging clusters. Philopatry was demonstrated by one bird which revisited core areas over eight wintering seasons. The same core areas, particularly the Waterberg, Grootfontein (Namibia) and the eastern and western sides of the Okavango Delta (Botswana), were visited by two other eagles in 2012/2013, although not simultaneously. Such results potentially provide important information on areas where conservation activities might be focused to mitigate human degradation of habitat.
Increased infection with key periodontal pathogens during gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gogeneni Himabindu , Buduneli Nurcan , Ceyhan‐Öztürk Banu , Gümüş Pınar , Akcali Aliye , Zeller Iris , Renaud Diane E. , Scott David A. , Özçaka Özgün
Published: May 2015

Aim

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gingivitis, infection with specific periodontal pathogens and systemic inflammation each increase the risk for poor pregnancy outcome. We set out to monitor the interactions of gingivitis and GDM with respect to oral infection and the systemic inflammatory burden.

Materials and Methods

Four case–control groups (n = 117) were recruited, (1) No gingivitis, No GDM (n = 27); (2) Gingivitis, No GDM (n = 31); (3) No gingivitis, GDM (n = 21); and (4) Gingivitis, GDM (n = 38). Oral infection with three key periodontal pathogens was determined by PCR. Systemic inflammation was determined by quantification of CRP by EIA.

Results

Gingivitis during pregnancy was associated with oral infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Filifactor alocis and Treponema denticola and combinations thereof (all p < 0.01). GDM was also associated with increased infection with individual and multiple oral pathogens (all p < 0.05). Gingivitis during pregnancy led to a 325% increase in systemic CRP (mean, 2495 versus 8116 ng/ml, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Diabetes and gingivitis act in concert to increase risk biomarkers for poor pregnancy outcome.
Contour Diagram‐Based Evaluation on Logistics Stability of Table Grapes under Variable Temperature
Authors: Ma Changyang , Xiao Xinqing , Zhu Zhiqiang , Vlad Liviu Bogdan , Zhang Xiaoshuan
Published: May 2015

Table grapes are inherently perishable and unstable, tending to deteriorate after harvest. The logistics stability of table grape that is closely related to product quality tends to decline. This paper proposed a contour diagram‐based graphical method in order to evaluate the logistics stability visually and easily under variable temperature. Firmness was selected as the indicator of table grape quality and shelf life prediction. Two kinds of experiments were designed to evaluate the proposed method by comparing with the kinetics method: one is isothermal experiment with five temperatures and the other is simulated variable temperature. The results suggest that both methods have the ability to evaluate the logistics stability at variable temperature, but the proposed method can provide a more accurate evaluation of logistics stability intuitively and conveniently. Furthermore, two prerequisite conditions are required for applying the proposed method, i.e., the time ratio for the equivalent logistics transformation at different temperatures must match in the kinetics theory and the primary state of the quality index should equal the initial state of the corresponding contour diagram.

Practical Applications

The proposed method could be applied to evaluate the logistics stability for any products and provide the cold chain management.
Flood forecasting on the Tocantins River using ensemble rainfall forecasts and real‐time satellite rainfall estimates
Authors: Fan F.M. , Collischonn W. , Quiroz K.J. , Sorribas M.V. , Buarque D.C. , Siqueira V.A.
Published: May 2015

The Tocantins River, located at the northern region of Brazil with over 300 000 km2 of drainage area, is an important water body in terms of hydropower production. The occurrence of floods along the Tocantins River is a relatively frequent event that affects hydropower plant operations and several cities and their inhabitants. Motivated by recent flooding issues, a hydrological forecasting system was developed in order to assist the decision making of dam operation for flood control. The model uses merged rainfall information from ground‐based telemetric gauges and real‐time TRMM satellite rainfall estimates. Streamflow forecasts are obtained based on quantitative precipitation forecasts from two different sources, CPTEC Eta 15 km regional deterministic model and the Global Ensemble Forecasting System‐VII, maintained by the National Center for Environmental Prediction‐National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. We present here the forecasting system analysis of the 2011/2012 rainy season flood predictions with the use of ensemble forecasts, and comparison results of deterministic and ensemble forecasts for the major flood of 2012/2013.
Development of an expert‐led GIS‐based approach for assessing the performance of river levees: the Digsure method and tool
Authors: Peyras L. , Tourment R. , Vuillet M. , Beullac B. , Delaunay C. , Bambara G.
Published: May 2015

France and other regions around the world frequently undergo devastating flood events. Any failure of a flood protection structure can lead to human casualties and material damage. Unfortunately, such long linear structures are often poorly maintained and have shown repeated signs of weakness. Therefore, river levee management raises a number of substantial issues for the decision‐makers responsible for ensuring maximum safety for the surrounding population at a reasonable management cost. The aim of the Digsure project is to provide levee managers with scientific methods and information technology (IT) tools for levee management. The Digsure method is a levee assessment method based on a probabilistic pattern. It produces levee performance indicators and integrates data and the uncertainty on results. Digsure is a geographic information system tool that implements the Digsure method. It estimates and displays levee performance and associated uncertainty intervals throughout levee assessments.
Decreased levels of alpha‐synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Antonelou Roubina Ch. , Emmanouilidou Evangelia , Gasparinatos Gerasimos , Velona Theodora , Voumvourakis Konstantinos I. , Stefanis Leonidas
Published: May 2015

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α‐synuclein (ASYN) levels are emerging as a possible biomarker in a number of neurodegenerative conditions; however, there has been little study of such levels in demyelinating conditions with neurodegeneration such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we aimed to assess CSF ASYN levels in MS spectrum [clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and MS] patients and compare them to those obtained in control subjects with benign neurological conditions (BNC). We used a recently developed, ultra‐sensitive sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to measure and compare CSF ASYN levels in three categories of subjects: BNC (n = 38), CIS (n = 36) and MS [Relapsing Remitting (RRMS, n = 22) and Primary Progressive (PPMS, n = 15)]. We also performed secondary analyses, including relationship of CSF ASYN levels to aging, gender, presence of CSF oligoclonal bands (OB) and gadolinium (Gd)‐enhancing demyelinating lesions on T1‐weighted MRIs. CSF ASYN levels were found to be significantly lower in the CIS (78.2 ± 7.5 pg/mL), RRMS (76.8 ± 5.1 pg/mL), and PPMS (76.3 ± 6.7 pg/mL) groups compared to the BNC (125.7 ± 13.6 pg/mL) group. Secondary analyses did not reveal additional correlations. Our results suggest that in a cohort of CIS and MS patients, CSF ASYN levels are decreased, thus providing another possible link between MS and neurodegeneration. Future studies will need to be performed to confirm and extend these findings, to lead to a fuller understanding of the possible biological link between ASYN and MS.

image

Alpha‐synuclein levels in the Cerebrosinal Fluid (CSF) may reflect neurodegenerative processes. Here we measure CSF alpha‐synuclein in demyelinating conditions ranging from Clinically Isolated Syndrome to Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We find a similar magnitude of decreased alpha‐synuclein compared to a control group in all such MS spectrum conditions; such a decrease may reflect an underlying early neurodegenerative disease process.
Design of a Competency Evaluation Model for Clinical Nursing Practicum, Based on Standardized Language Systems: Psychometric Validation Study
Authors: Iglesias‐Parra Maria Rosa , García‐Guerrero Alfonso , García‐Mayor Silvia , Kaknani‐Uttumchandani Shakira , León‐Campos Álvaro , Morales‐Asencio José Miguel
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To develop an evaluation system of clinical competencies for the practicum of nursing students based on the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC).

Design and Methods

Psychometric validation study: the first two phases addressed definition and content validation, and the third phase consisted of a cross‐sectional study for analyzing reliability. The study population was undergraduate nursing students and clinical tutors.

Findings

Through the Delphi technique, 26 competencies and 91 interventions were isolated. Cronbach's α was 0.96. Factor analysis yielded 18 factors that explained 68.82% of the variance. Overall inter‐item correlation was 0.26, and total–item correlation ranged between 0.66 and 0.19.

Conclusions

A competency system for the nursing practicum, structured on the NIC, is a reliable method for assessing and evaluating clinical competencies. Further evaluations in other contexts are needed.

Clinical Relevance

The availability of standardized language systems in the nursing discipline supposes an ideal framework to develop the nursing curricula.
Lessons Learned From Adolescent Mothers: Advice on Recruitment
Authors: Logsdon M. Cynthia , Martin Vicki Hines , Stikes Reetta , Davis Deborah , Ryan Lesa , Yang Iren , Edward Jean , Rushton Jeff
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Adolescent mothers have high rates of depressive symptoms and inadequate rates of depression evaluation and treatment. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify characteristics of effective recruitment ads for an Internet‐based depression intervention for pregnant and parenting adolescents.

Methods

Using focus group methods, participants (N = 35) were recruited and enrolled at a teen parent program, part of the public school system. Focus group sessions were analyzed for participant preferences, rationale for choices, key words, and the frequency of words within the videotapes and audiotapes.

Results

Findings indicated that adolescent mothers preferred pictures in which everyone looked happy, narrative that clearly indicated cost and eligibility, and words that they would use in conversation.

Clinical Relevance

The study filled an important gap in the literature by soliciting from pregnant and parenting adolescents their preferences regarding visual appeal, content adequacy, and message clarity of advertisements that would motivate them to visit an Internet intervention for depression. Results could be extrapolated to education of pregnant and parenting adolescents in clinical settings.
Early Modern Antwerp: The First “World City”?
Authors: Mielants Eric
Published: May 2015

It is problematic to think of globalization as a new phenomenon and to believe that the phenomenon of a world city, embedded in the global division of labor, is a 20th century novelty. World city literature in sociology often emphasizes, if not assumes, the relatively recent emergence of world cities in the “new” international division of labor. Sixteenth century Antwerp, however, was the first world city of an expanding capitalist world economy. Understanding this phenomenon and its decline can raise important questions about the modus operandi of subsequent world cities.
Alcohol intake may impair bone density and new cementum formation after enamel matrix derivative treatment: histometric study in rats
Authors: Corrêa M. G. , Gomes Campos M. L. , Marques M. R. , Ambrosano G. M. B. , Casati M. Z. , Nociti F. H. , Sallum E. A.
Published: May 2015

Background and Objective

Alcohol intake may interfere with bone metabolism; however, there is a lack of information about the outcomes of regenerative approaches in the presence of alcohol intake. Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been used in periodontal regenerative procedures resulting in improvement of clinical parameters. Thus, the aim of this histomorphometric study is to evaluate the healing of periodontal defects after treatment with EMD under the influence of alcohol intake.

Material and Methods

Twenty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two groups: G1 = alcohol intake (n = 10) and G2 = non‐exposed to alcohol intake (n = 10). Thirty days after initiation of alcohol intake, fenestration defects were created at the buccal aspect of the first mandibular molar of all animals from both groups. After the surgeries, the defects of each animal were randomly assigned to two subgroups: non‐treated control and treated with EMD. The animals were killed 21 d later.

Results

G1 showed less defect fill for non‐treated controls. Bone density (BD) and new cementum formation were lower for G1 when compared to G2, for EMD‐treated and non‐treated sites. EMD treatment resulted in greater BD and new cementum formation in both groups and defect fill was not significantly different between groups in the EMD‐treated sites. The number of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase–positive osteoclasts was significantly higher in G1 when compared to G2 and in EMD‐treated sites of both groups.

Conclusion

Alcohol intake may produce a significant detrimental effect on BD and new cementum formation, even in sites treated with EMD. A limited positive effect may be expected after EMD treatment under this condition.
Experimental gingivitis, bacteremia and systemic biomarkers: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kinane D. F. , Zhang P. , Benakanakere M. , Singleton J. , Biesbrock A. , Nonnenmacher C. , He T.
Published: May 2015

Background and Objective

Bacteremia and systemic inflammatory markers are associated with periodontal and systemic diseases and may be linking mechanisms between these conditions. We hypothesized that in the development of gingival inflammation, systemic markers of inflammation and bacteremia would increase.

Material and Methods

To study the effect of bacteremia on systemic inflammatory markers, we recruited 80 subjects to participate in an experimental gingivitis study. Subjects were stratified based on gender, smoking and the number of bleeding sites and then randomized to one of two groups: control group (n = 40) or experimental gingivitis group (n = 40). Subjects in the control group conducted an oral hygiene regimen: brushing twice daily with a regular sodium fluoride cavity protection dentifrice and a standard manual toothbrush, flossing twice daily, and mouth rinsing with an anti‐cavity fluoride rinse once daily. The experimental group stopped brushing and flossing, and used only the fluoride anti‐cavity mouth rinse for 21 d.

Results

Seventy‐nine of 80 subjects were evaluable. One subject in the control group was excluded from the results due to antibiotic use during the study. Our data showed the experimental gingivitis group exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increase in dental plaque level and gingival inflammatory indices relative to baseline and the control group but a decrease in bacteremia and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 levels vs. baseline. Bacteremia was negatively correlated with gingival inflammatory indices and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 levels in the experimental gingivitis group, thus negating our hypothesis.

Conclusion

We conclude that there are marked differences in systemic cytokine levels over the course of short‐term experimentally induced gingivitis and further conclude that a long‐term periodontitis study must be considered to address mechanisms whereby oral diseases may affect systemic diseases.
Prevalence and impact on survival of hepatopulmonary syndrome and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in a cohort of cirrhotic patients
Authors: Voiosu Andrei M. , Daha Ioana C. , Voiosu Theodor A. , Mateescu Bogdan R. , Dan Gheorghe A. , Băicuş Cristian R. , Voiosu Mihail R. , Diculescu Mircea M.
Published: May 2015

Background & Aims

Extrahepatic complications of cirrhosis increase the risk for decompensation of the liver disease and death. Previous studies show common pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the development of hepatopulmonary syndrome and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. We aimed to assess the link between these entities and their effect on disease‐related patient morbidity and mortality.

Methods

Seventy‐four consecutive cirrhotic patients without prior history of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease were included in a prospective observational study. Routine blood work, arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry measurements, N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide levels and contrast enhanced echocardiography examination with tissue Doppler imaging were performed in all patients. Patients were followed up for a median of 6 months and disease‐related adverse events and death were the main outcomes tested. Statistical analysis was conducted according to the presence of hepatopulmonary syndrome or cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.

Results

Hepatopulmonary syndrome was diagnosed in 17 patients (23%) and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in 30 patients (40.5%). There was no association between the presence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy and the existence of mild or moderate hepatopulmonary syndrome. No echocardiographic parameters were useful in predicting the presence of hepatopulmonary syndrome. N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide levels and length of QT interval did not aid in diagnosis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Neither entity had significant influence on disease‐related outcomes in the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Hepatopulmonary syndrome and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy are independent complications arising in cirrhosis and have a limited influence on morbidity and mortality on a pre‐liver transplantation population.
Loci under selection during multiple range expansions of an invasive plant are mostly population specific, but patterns are associated with climate
Authors: Zenni Rafael D. , Hoban Sean M.
Published: May 2015

Identifying the genes underlying rapid evolutionary changes, describing their function and ascertaining the environmental pressures that determine fitness are the central elements needed for understanding of evolutionary processes and phenotypic changes that improve the fitness of populations. It has been hypothesized that rapid adaptive changes in new environments may contribute to the rapid spread and success of invasive plants and animals. As yet, studies of adaptation during invasion are scarce, as is knowledge of the genes underlying adaptation, especially in multiple replicated invasions. Here, we quantified how genotype frequencies change during invasions, resulting in rapid evolution of naturalized populations. We used six fully replicated common garden experiments in Brazil where Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) was introduced at the same time, in the same numbers, from the same seed sources, and has formed naturalized populations expanding outward from the plantations. We used a combination of nonparametric, population genetics and multivariate statistics to detect changes in genotype frequencies along each of the six naturalization gradients and their association with climate as well as shifts in allele frequencies compared to the source populations. Results show 25 genes with significant shifts in genotype frequencies. Six genes had shifts in more than one population. Climate explained 25% of the variation in the groups of genes under selection across all locations, but specific genes under strong selection during invasions did not show climate‐related convergence. In conclusion, we detected rapid evolutionary changes during invasive range expansions, but the particular gene‐level patterns of evolution may be population specific.
Not all are free‐living: high‐throughput DNA metabarcoding reveals a diverse community of protists parasitizing soil metazoa
Authors: Geisen S. , Laros I. , Vizcaíno A. , Bonkowski M. , de Groot G. A.
Published: May 2015

Protists, the most diverse eukaryotes, are largely considered to be free‐living bacterivores, but vast numbers of taxa are known to parasitize plants or animals. High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) approaches now commonly replace cultivation‐based approaches in studying soil protists, but insights into common biases associated with this method are limited to aquatic taxa and samples. We created a mock community of common free‐living soil protists (amoebae, flagellates, ciliates), extracted DNA and amplified it in the presence of metazoan DNA using 454 HTS. We aimed at evaluating whether HTS quantitatively reveals true relative abundances of soil protists and at investigating whether the expected protist community structure is altered by the co‐amplification of metazoan‐associated protist taxa. Indeed, HTS revealed fundamentally different protist communities from those expected. Ciliate sequences were highly over‐represented, while those of most amoebae and flagellates were under‐represented or totally absent. These results underpin the biases introduced by HTS that prevent reliable quantitative estimations of free‐living protist communities. Furthermore, we detected a wide range of nonadded protist taxa probably introduced along with metazoan DNA, which altered the protist community structure. Among those, 20 taxa most closely resembled parasitic, often pathogenic taxa. Therewith, we provide the first HTS data in support of classical observational studies that showed that potential protist parasites are hosted by soil metazoa. Taken together, profound differences in amplification success between protist taxa and an inevitable co‐extraction of protist taxa parasitizing soil metazoa obscure the true diversity of free‐living soil protist communities.
Global Sensitivity‐Based Model Updating for Heritage Structures
Authors: Boscato Giosuè , Russo Salvatore , Ceravolo Rosario , Fragonara Luca Zanotti
Published: May 2015

Sensitivity‐based approaches to model updating have become widely used because of their capability to calibrate the model by taking into account the influence of updating parameters associated to different structural elements. Global sensitivity analysis (SA) allows model updating to be carried out even in the case of elevated uncertainty about the material characteristics. Architectural heritage structures deserve specific attention on account of their intrinsic geometrical complexity and heterogeneity. In this article, the concept of global SA is applied for the first time to complex monumental structures, and a comparative view is offered on more classical local sensitivity approaches. Different finite element (FE) calibration techniques—via global and local SA—were applied to the intriguing case of the church of S. Maria del Suffragio in L'Aquila (Italy), severely damaged by the 2009 earthquake. The FE updating was based on experimental data acquired by a dynamic monitoring system. Finally, calibration strategies were assessed through time history analyses by comparing the responses to the recorded seismic event.
Neuropathologic assessment of participants in two multi‐center longitudinal observational studies: The Alzheimer Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN)
Authors: Cairns Nigel J. , Perrin Richard J. , Franklin Erin E. , Carter Deborah , Vincent Benjamin , Xie Mingqiang , Bateman Randall J. , Benzinger Tammie , Friedrichsen Karl , Brooks William S. , Halliday Glenda M. , McLean Catriona , Ghetti Bernardino , Morris John C. ,   the Alzheimer Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network
Published: May 2015

It has been hypothesized that the relatively rare autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease (ADAD) may be a useful model of the more frequent, sporadic, late‐onset AD (LOAD). Individuals with ADAD have a predictable age at onset and the biomarker profile of ADAD participants in the preclinical stage may be used to predict disease progression and clinical onset. However, the extent to which the pathogenesis and neuropathology of ADAD overlaps with that of LOAD is equivocal. To address this uncertainty, two multicenter longitudinal observational studies, the Alzheimer Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN), leveraged the expertise and resources of the existing Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC) at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, to establish a Neuropathology Core (NPC). The ADNI/DIAN‐NPC is systematically examining the brains of all participants who come to autopsy at the 59 ADNI sites in the USA and Canada and the 14 DIAN sites in the USA (eight), Australia (three), UK (one) and Germany (two). By 2014, 41 ADNI and 24 DIAN autopsies (involving nine participants and 15 family members) had been performed. The autopsy rate in the ADNI cohort in the most recent year was 93% (total since NPC inception: 70%). In summary, the ADNI/DIAN NPC has implemented a standard protocol for all sites to solicit permission for brain autopsy and to send brain tissue to the NPC for a standardized, uniform and state‐of‐the‐art neuropathologic assessment. The benefit to ADNI and DIAN of the implementation of the NPC is very clear. The NPC provides final “gold standard” neuropathological diagnoses and data against which the antecedent observations and measurements of ADNI and DIAN can be compared.
Plasma ghrelin and liquid gastric emptying in children with functional dyspepsia consistent with post‐prandial distress syndrome
Authors: Hijaz N. M. , Friesen C. A. , Schurman J. V. , Pearce R. E. , Abdel‐Rahman S. M.
Published: May 2015

Background

Adult studies indicate a role for ghrelin in functional dyspepsia (FD) mediated through ghrelin's effect on gastric emptying (GE). This study examines the relationship between ghrelin, liquid GE, and pain in children with FD.

Methods

Thirteen FD patients reporting symptoms consistent with post‐prandial distress syndrome (PDS) and 17 healthy controls were enrolled. All participants received a liquid meal containing 13C‐sodium acetate. Pain severity, liquid GE utilizing exhaled 13CO2 from the sodium acetate breath tests (ABT), plasma acyl ghrelin (AG), and des‐acyl ghrelin concentrations were measured at specific intervals over 240 min following ingestion.

Key Results

FD‐PDS patients demonstrated lower mean baseline AG (14.8 ± 9.7 vs 27.2 ± 14.0 fmol/mL; p = 0.013), AG Cmax (24.6 ± 8.2 vs 40.5 ± 16.8 fmol/mL; p = 0.007), and AG flux (18.2 ± 7.8 vs 32.7 ± 17.3 fmol/mL; p = 0.015) than controls. The time to reach maximum exhaled 13CO2 concentration (T max) was longer in FD patients than controls (47.5 ± 18.5 vs 35.8 ± 11.8 min; p = 0.046). Significant relationships between ghrelin analyte ratios and ABT parameters were largely confined to control participants.

Conclusions & Inferences

FD‐PDS in children is associated with lower fasting and maximum AG concentrations, and dampened AG flux. These data suggest a possible role for altered ghrelin physiology in the pathogenesis of PDS.