bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative effectiveness of nucleos(t)ide analogues in chronic hepatitis B patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy
Authors: Tseng Chao‐Ming , Chen Tai‐Been , Hsu Yao‐Chun , Chang Chi‐Yang , Lin Jaw‐Town , Mo Lein‐Ray
Published: July 2016

Background

Comparative effectiveness of different nucleos(t)ide analogues for preventing hepatitis B virus reactivation induced by cytotoxic chemotherapy has not been elucidated. The prophylactic drug of choice remains controversial.

Aim

Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of tenofovir, telbivudine and entecavir with lamivudine in preventing the reactivation of hepatitis B virus caused by chemotherapy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study consecutively screened all patients who were positive for hepatitis B virus surface antigen and received chemotherapy for malignant diseases in a teaching hospital in Taiwan. Eligible patients were grouped according to whether they received nucleos(t)ide analogues before (prophylactic group) or during chemotherapy (historical control). Those who received antiviral prophylaxis were further classified by the medications that included lamivudine, telbivudine, entecavir and tenofovir. The incidence of hepatitis, liver decompensation and interruption of chemotherapy were audited.

Results

A total of 212 consecutive patients were enrolled into analysis. Those who prophylactically used nucleos(t)ide analogues (n = 177) had significantly lower rates of liver decompensation (0.6% vs 20%, P < 0.01), interruption of chemotherapy (0% vs 40%, P < 0.01) and incidence of hepatitis (4.5% vs 100%, P < 0.01), as compared with their historical control (n = 35). In the prophylactic group, there was no difference among tenofovir, telbivudine, entecavir and lamivudine users in the incidence of hepatitis, liver decompensation and interruption of chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Lamivudine, telbivudine, entecavir and tenofovir are all effective as the prophylactic antiviral therapy to prevent reactivation of hepatitis B induced by chemotherapy.
Very low‐dose isotretinoin in mild to moderate papulopustular rosacea; a retrospective review of 52 patients
Authors: Rademaker Marius
Published: July 2016

Background/Objectives

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects up to 10% of the population. Standard treatments include topical azelaic acid and metronidazole or systemic tetracyclines. Isotretinoin has generally been restricted to severe disease, often at a dose of 0.5–1.0 mg/kg/day.

Method

Retrospective review of open‐label isotretinoin (initial dose 20 mg/day, with dose adjustments according to response), in patients with mild to moderate papulopustular rosacea.

Results

Altogether 52 patients (33 women), mean age 48 years (range 18–86) were treated with isotretinoin over a 5‐year period. All patients were commenced on 20‐mg isotretinoin/day which was reduced to 10–20 mg once to five times a week (equivalent to 5 mg/day) in 67%, but increased in 15% (who all had additional acne) to 30–40 mg/day. In terms of dose/kg/day, 29% received ≤ 0.1 mg/kg/day, 46% received 0.11–0.25 mg/kg/day and 10% received > 0.5 mg/kg/day. Treatment was continued for 57 weeks (range 9–223). Six patients (12%) did not attend follow up. Of the remainder, in 91% (42/46) the rosacea had cleared or was excellent. One patient stopped isotretinoin because of its adverse effects. Two‐fifths (44%) suffered no adverse effect. The most common side‐effect was cheilitis in half (52%), which was mild in all but one patient.

Conclusion

Very low‐dose isotretinoin (e.g., 10–20 mg once to five times a week, equivalent to 5 mg/day) is an effective treatment for mild to moderate papulopustular rosacea and is well tolerated.
Monitoring recommendations for oral azathioprine, methotrexate and cyclosporin in a paediatric dermatology clinic and literature review
Authors: Yee Joy , Orchard David
Published: July 2016

Background/Objectives

Systemic oral immunomodulators azathioprine, methotrexate and cyclosporin are widely used in paediatric dermatology. Routine blood tests are performed to minimise drug‐related adverse events. However, the frequency of monitoring tests may lead to significant fearful experiences for patients. We reviewed haematological abnormalities and clinical side‐effects in a paediatric clinic population commencing immunomodulators for dermatological conditions, where haematological profiles are monitored less frequently than in current recommendations.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of children started on azathioprine, methotrexate or cyclosporin for a dermatological condition between 2001–2015 from a primarily paediatric, private dermatology practice was performed. Blood tests were done at baseline, 1 month, 2 months and then 3‐monthly for children on azathioprine. Children on methotrexate and cyclosporin had tests done at baseline, after 1 month and then 3‐monthly.

Results

In total, 242 children were included in this study. Azathioprine, methotrexate and cyclosporin cohorts had 95, 97 and 50 patients treated for a mean duration of 656, 758 and 313 days, respectively. Isolated abnormal blood tests indicated the cessation of azathioprine in 3/95 (3%), methotrexate in 5/97 (5%) and cyclosporin in 2/50 (4%) of patients. Abnormal blood test results were not associated with any reported clinical side‐effects in the azathioprine (P = 0.726), methotrexate (P = 0.06) or cyclosporin groups (P = 0.250).

Conclusion

In our experience, less frequent monitoring did not result in any significant adverse events over a 15‐year period. We suggest that haematological monitoring during immunosuppressants use can be safely reduced from current recommendations.
Expression of sex steroid hormone receptors in human skeletal muscle during the menstrual cycle
Authors: Ekenros L. , Papoutsi Z. , Fridén C. , Dahlman Wright K. , Lindén Hirschberg A.
Published: July 2016

Aim

Variations in sex hormone levels during the menstrual cycle may affect neuromuscular performance and the risk of sustaining musculoskeletal injury in women. The aim of this study was to investigate mRNA and protein levels for sex steroid hormone receptors in skeletal muscle in three distinct phases of the menstrual cycle.

Methods

Fifteen, healthy women with regular menstrual cycles participated in the study. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis were obtained in three hormonally verified phases of the menstrual cycle for each individual, that is the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase and the luteal phase. mRNA and protein levels of oestrogen (ERα and ERβ), progesterone (PR) and androgen (AR) receptors were analysed.

Results

There was an overall significant variation in mRNA and protein levels of ERα and PR across the menstrual cycle. mRNA and protein levels of ERα were highest in the follicular phase when oestradiol levels were low, whereas protein levels of PR were highest in the luteal phase when progesterone levels were high. mRNA levels of PR were highest in the ovulatory phase. No significant variation in AR levels was detected across the menstrual cycle. ERβ levels were very low in all three phases of the menstrual cycle.

Conclusion

Significant variations in mRNA and protein levels of ERα and PR were detected in skeletal muscle during three confirmed phases of the menstrual cycle. These results may have an impact on effects of muscular training and sports injuries in women.
Disparities in activity levels and learning ability between Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) and Roborovskii hamster (Phodopus roborovskii)
Authors: Ikeda Hiromi , Nagasawa Mao , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Minaminaka Kimie , Goda Ryosei , Chowdhury Vishwajit S. , Yasuo Shinobu , Furuse Mitsuhiro
Published: July 2016

The Djungarian hamster and the Roborovskii hamster belong to the same genus of Phodopus. However, the Djungarian hamster is tame and shows sedative behavior, while Roborovskii hamster is not tame and shows high levels of locomotor activity. Hyperactivity occurs in animals with tameless behavior. Tameness or tamelessness behavior is very important because tameness helps for breeding and controlling as well as it enables a strong human‐animal bond. In the present study, we examined the relationships between activity levels and cognitive function in Djungarian and Roborovskii hamsters. Three types of behavioral tests were performed to analyze their activity levels, memory and leaning ability. The levels of L‐ and D‐amino acids and monoamines in the brain were then determined. Roborovskii hamsters showed significantly higher locomotor activity than Djungarian hamsters. Memory ability was not significantly different between the two hamsters, but Roborovskii hamsters showed lower learning ability. Brain levels of D‐serine which is related to enhancement in memory and learning ability, were significantly higher in Djungarian hamsters, but the reverse was true for brain dopamine and serotonin levels. These results suggest that these differences in brain metabolism may be related to the behavioral differences between the two hamsters.
Influence of the duration of calving and obstetric assistance on the placental retention index in Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Vannucchi Camila I. , Silva Liege G. , Lúcio Cristina F. , Veiga Gisele A. L.
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of duration of calving and obstetric assistance on retained placenta incidence of high milk production Holstein cows. Experimental groups were determined according to the duration of the expulsive phase of calving: 2 h (n = 16), 2‐4 h (n = 16) and >4 h (n = 12), and additionally allocated in two sub‐groups: spontaneous calving (n = 22) and intervention calving (n = 22). Diagnosis of retained placenta was considered with a threshold of 8 h after the expulsive phase. Cows without obstetric intervention, with labor duration of 2 h, presented reduced time needed for placental release, in comparison to those with obstetric assistance. In the 2–4 h group and >4 h, there was no statistical difference. The 2 h and 2–4 h groups with intervention and the spontaneous >4 h group were considered retained placenta groups. On the other hand, performing obstetric intervention when calving period was superior to 4 h nulled the occurrence of retention of fetal membranes. As a conclusion, obstetric assistance predisposes placental retention to calving with <2 h of duration in dairy cows. Conversely, when calving is more than 4 h, performing fetal extraction has a beneficial influence on preventing retained placenta.
On initial item selection in cognitive diagnostic computerized adaptive testing
Authors: Xu Gongjun , Wang Chun , Shang Zhuoran
Published: July 2016

There has recently been much interest in computerized adaptive testing (CAT) for cognitive diagnosis. While there exist various item selection criteria and different asymptotically optimal designs, these are mostly constructed based on the asymptotic theory assuming the test length goes to infinity. In practice, with limited test lengths, the desired asymptotic optimality may not always apply, and there are few studies in the literature concerning the optimal design of finite items. Related questions, such as how many items we need in order to be able to identify the attribute pattern of an examinee and what types of initial items provide the optimal classification results, are still open. This paper aims to answer these questions by providing non‐asymptotic theory of the optimal selection of initial items in cognitive diagnostic CAT. In particular, for the optimal design, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the Q‐matrix structure of the initial items. The theoretical development is suitable for a general family of cognitive diagnostic models. The results not only provide a guideline for the design of optimal item selection procedures, but also may be applied to guide item bank construction.
Stuck between hard rocks and placelessness: A student perspective on the current state of physical geography
Authors: King Leonora
Published: July 2016

Key Messages

Physical geography is failing to produce students with either the breadth or depth of knowledge to contribute meaningfully to environmental research.

The need for interdisciplinary geographic research is greater than ever.

There are many opportunities in teaching geography to better handle the pervasive issue of breadth and depth.
Changes in metabolic hormones after bariatric surgery and their predictive impact on weight loss
Authors: Kruljac Ivan , Mirošević Gorana , Kirigin Lora S. , Nikolić Marko , Ljubičić Neven , Budimir Ivan , Bekavac Bešlin Miroslav , Vrkljan Milan
Published: July 2016

Background

Although various metabolic hormones have been implicated in bariatric‐related weight loss, their use as predictors of weight loss is unknown. Our study evaluates changes in metabolic hormones after bariatric surgery, and their role as predictors of weight loss.

Methods

This nonrandomized study included 51 patients, 21 underwent laporascopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), 15 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and 15 Roux‐en Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Serum ghrelin, leptin, insulin, growth hormone, HOMA‐IR and HOMA‐β was recorded at baseline and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, and correlated with weight loss. Successful weight loss was defined as excess weight loss >50% at 12 months for all groups.

Results

Weight loss pattern was similar in all groups. Ghrelin increased only in the LAGB group (P = 0·016). However, baseline ghrelin concentrations >664·6 pg/mL in the LSG group predicted successful weight loss with 81·8% sensitivity and 100·0% specificity, and ghrelin >969·8 pg/mL in the 1st postoperative month predicted success with 83·3% sensitivity and 83·3% specificity in the LAGB group. Insulin and HOMA‐IR decreased significantly in the LSG and RYGB group, HOMA‐β increased in the LAGB and LSG group. Serum leptin decreased and GH increased in all groups (P < 0·001 for all changes). Changes in insulin, leptin and growth hormone were not predictors, but a consequence of weight loss.

Conclusions

LSG is the most effective procedure for improvement of beta‐cell function. High baseline ghrelin in the LSG group and an adequate 1st month increase in the LAGB group are associated with greater weight loss. Validation studies are required to confirm the role of ghrelin in predicting weight loss after bariatric surgery, but also in selecting candidates for specific bariatric procedures.
Occupational skin disease among Australian healthcare workers: a retrospective analysis from an occupational dermatology clinic, 1993–2014
Authors: Higgins Claire L. , Palmer Amanda M. , Cahill Jennifer L. , Nixon Rosemary L.
Published: July 2016

Background

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of developing occupational skin disease (OSD).

Objectives

To ascertain the causes of OSD in Australian HCWs in a tertiary referral clinic.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of patients assessed at the Occupational Dermatology Clinic in Melbourne from 1993 to 2014.

Results

Of 685 HCWs assessed in the clinic over a period of 22 years, 555 (81.0%) were diagnosed with OSD. The most common diagnosis was irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) (79.1%), followed by allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) (49.7%). Natural rubber latex allergy was also relatively frequent (13.0%). The major substances causing ACD were rubber glove chemicals (thiuram mix and tetraethylthiuram disulfide), preservatives (formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasers, and isothiazolinones), excipients in hand cleansers, which are hard‐to‐avoid weak allergens, and antiseptics. ACD caused by commercial hand cleansers occurred more frequently than ACD caused by alcohol‐based hand rubs (ABHRs). Occupational ICD was mostly caused by water/wet work and hand cleansers, and environmental irritants such as heat and sweating.

Conclusions

Understanding the causes of OSD in HCWs is important in order to develop strategies for prevention. We suggest that skin care advice should be incorporated into hand hygiene education. The use of ABHRs should be encouraged, weak allergens in skin cleansers should be substituted, and accelerator‐free gloves should be recommended for HCWs with OSD.
Deconvoluting the complexity of microRNAs in autophagy to improve potential cancer therapy
Authors: Yao Dahong , Jiang Yingnan , Gao Suyu , Shang Lei , Zhao Yuqian , Huang Jian , Wang Jinhui , Yang Shilin , Chen Lixia
Published: July 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) (small, non‐coding RNAs ∼22 nucleotides [nt] in length), have been estimated to regulate in the region of 30% of human gene expression at the post‐transcriptional and translational levels. They are also involved in a series of important cellular processes, such as autophagy. Autophagy is well‐known to be an evolutionarily conserved lysosomal degradation process in which a cell degrades long‐lived proteins and damaged organelles. Recent evidence has shown that miRNAs can function as either oncogenes or tumour‐suppressive genes in human cancers. Also, they are well‐characterized to be crucial in tumourigenesis, as either oncogenes or tumour suppressors, by regulating autophagy. However, discovering the intricate mechanism of miRNA‐modulated autophagy remains in its infancy. Thus, in this review, we focus on summarizing the dual function of oncogenic or tumour‐suppressive miRNAs in regulation of autophagy and their roles in carcinogenesis, thereby revealing the regulatory mechanism of miRNA‐modulated autophagy in cancer, to shed light on more novel RNA therapeutic strategies in the future.
Informing evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines for children with cerebral palsy at risk of osteoporosis: an update
Authors: Ozel Sezgi , Switzer Lauren , Macintosh Alex , Fehlings Darcy
Published: July 2016

Aim

To investigate the impact of new evidence for weight‐bearing, bisphosphonates, and vitamin D and calcium interventions, towards updating the systematic review and clinical practice guidelines for osteoporosis in children with cerebral palsy (CP) published in 2011.

Method

Computer‐assisted literature searches were conducted for articles published from 2010 to 2016. Searches focused on children with CP functioning at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III to V and limited to weight‐bearing activities, bisphosphonates, and vitamin D and/or calcium supplementation. Articles were classified according to the American Academy of Neurology guidelines to update the grading of the evidence for improving bone mineral density (BMD) and decreasing fragility fractures.

Results

Six new articles underwent full‐text review and data abstraction. These included one weight‐bearing, three bisphosphonate, and two mixed intervention studies (bisphosphonate and vitamin D/calcium supplementation). Overall, there continues to be ‘probable’ evidence for bisphosphonates, ‘possible’ evidence for vitamin D/calcium, and ‘insufficient’ evidence for weight‐bearing activities as effective interventions to improve low BMD in children with CP. There is ‘possible’ evidence for bisphosphonates in reducing fragility fractures.

Interpretation

The grading of evidence to support the use of weight‐bearing activities, bisphosphonates, and vitamin D and calcium supplementation in pediatric CP osteoporosis clinical practice guidelines remained the same.
Infants dying suddenly and unexpectedly share demographic features with infants who die with retinal and dural bleeding: a review of neural mechanisms
Authors: Squier Waney , Mack Julie , Jansen Anna C
Published: July 2016

The cause of death in infants who die suddenly and unexpectedly (sudden unexpected death in infancy [SUDI]) remains a diagnostic challenge. Some infants have identified diseases (explained SUDI); those without explanation are called sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Demographic data indicate subgroups among SUDI and SIDS cases, such as unsafe sleeping and apparent life‐threatening events. Infants dying suddenly with retinal and dural bleeding are often classified as abused, but in many there is no evidence of trauma. Demographic features suggest that they may represent a further subgroup of SUDI. This review examines the neuropathological hypotheses to explain SIDS and highlights the interaction of infant oxygen‐conserving reflexes with the brainstem networks considered responsible for SIDS. We consider sex‐ and age‐specific vulnerabilities related to dural bleeding and how sensitization of the dural innervation by bleeding may influence these reflexes, potentially leading to collapse or even death after otherwise trivial insults.
PCSK9 in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Elewa Usama , Fernández‐Fernández Beatriz , Mahillo‐Fernández Ignacio , Martin‐Cleary Catalina , Sanz Ana Belen , Sanchez‐Niño Maria D , Ortiz Alberto
Published: July 2016

Background

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and, specifically, diabetic kidney disease (DKD)+, is among the fastest increasing causes of death worldwide. A better understanding of the factors contributing to the high mortality may help design novel monitoring and therapeutic approaches, since protection offered by statins in CKD patients is not satisfactory. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) promotes hypercholesterolemia and may be targeted therapeutically. Adding anti‐PCSK9 agents to standard lipid lowering therapy further reduces the incidence of cardiovascular events.

Design

We studied plasma PCSK9 in a cross‐sectional study of 134 diabetic kidney disease patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) categories G1‐G4 and albuminuria categories A1‐A3, in order to identify factors influencing plasma PCSK9 in this population.

Results

Mean±SD plasma PCSK9 levels were 309.8±113.9 ng/ml. Plasma PCSK9 was not influenced by eGFR or albuminuria, but was higher in patients on lipid lowering therapy. In univariate analysis, plasma PCSK9 showed a significant positive correlation with serum total iron binding capacity, vitamin E, plasma renin and phosphaturia, and there was a trend towards a positive correlation with total serum cholesterol. In multivariate models, only therapy with fibrate and statin, and renin remained independently correlated with plasma PCSK9. However, multivariate models explained very little of the PCSK9 variability.

Conclusions

In DKD, therapy with lipid lowering drugs and specially the fibrate/statin combination were independently associated with higher PCSK9 levels. The biomarker potential of PCSK9 levels to identify DKD patients that may benefit from anti‐PCSK9 strategies should be studied.
Description of a new genus and species of whitefly (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) infesting Rhynchosia minima (Fabaceae) in Karnataka, India
Authors: Dubey Anil Kumar , Singh Sudhir
Published: July 2016

A new whitefly genus and species, Aleurocryptus rhynchosiae Dubey, are described from Donimalai mining area of Karnataka, India. Habitus, line art and scanning electron microscopic images of the puparium and other immature stages are provided. The puparia of the new genus and species are found to be pit‐forming on their host leaf, Rhynchosia minima (Fabaceae). The cone‐shaped, apically pointed dorsal setae with a smooth surface and fixed in prominent setal alveoli are newly reported from whitefly puparia.
Effects of a rock‐ramp fishway on summer fish assemblage in a Lake Huron tributary
Authors: Stoller J. , Hayes D. , Murry B.
Published: July 2016

The use of nature‐like fishways to increase ecosystem connectivity has increased in recent years, but their effectiveness has rarely been evaluated. A rock ramp was constructed in the Shiawassee River in 2009, and post‐construction effects (2011–2012) were evaluated on the summer fish assemblage by comparing fish assemblage composition to a nearby free‐flowing river and a nearby river with a dam. Patterns of fish species richness, mean catch‐per‐unit‐effort and proportional abundance in reaches upstream and downstream of the rock ramp, dam and comparable sites in the free‐flowing river were evaluated. Overall, species richness by site and proportional abundance in the rock‐ramp river were more similar to the free‐flowing river, while species richness by reach was more similar to the dammed river. These findings suggest that the rock ramp has improved connectivity for the summer fish assemblage, but has not fully restored conditions to the level observed in a free‐flowing river.
Global‐change drivers of ecosystem functioning modulated by natural variability and saturating responses
Authors: Flombaum Pedro , Yahdjian Laura , Sala Osvaldo E.
Published: July 2016

Humans are altering global environment at an unprecedented rate through changes in biodiversity, climate, nitrogen cycle, and land use. To address their effects on ecosystem functioning, experiments most frequently explore one driver at a time and control as many confounding factors as possible. Yet, which driver exerts the largest influence on ecosystem functioning and whether their relative importance changes among systems remain unclear. We analyzed experiments in the Patagonian steppe that evaluated the aboveground net primary production (ANPP) response to manipulated gradients of species richness, precipitation, temperature, nitrogen fertilization (N), and grazing intensity. We compared the effect on ANPP relative to ambient conditions considering intensity and direction of manipulations for each driver. The ranking of responses to drivers with comparable manipulation intensity was as follows: biodiversity>grazing>precipitation>N. For a similar intensity of manipulation, the effect of biodiversity loss was 4.0, 3.6, and 1.5, times larger than N deposition, decreased precipitation, and increased grazing intensity. We interpreted our results considering two hypotheses. First, the response of ANPP to changes in precipitation and biodiversity is saturating, so we expected larger effects when the driver was reduced, relative to ambient conditions, than when it was increased. Experimental manipulations that reduced ambient levels had larger effects than those that increased them. Second, the sensitivity of ANPP to each driver is inversely related to the natural variability of the driver. In Patagonia, the ranking of natural variability of drivers is as follows: precipitation>grazing>temperature>biodiversity>N. So, in general, the ecosystem was most sensitive to drivers that varied the least. Comparable results from Cedar Creek (MN) support both hypotheses and suggest that sensitivity to drivers varies among ecosystem types. Given the importance of understanding ecosystem sensitivity to predict global‐change impacts, it is necessary to design new experiments located in regions with contrasting natural variability and that include the full range of drivers.
Estimating product and energy substitution benefits in national‐scale mitigation analyses for Canada
Authors: Smyth Carolyn , Rampley Greg , Lemprière Tony C. , Schwab Olaf , Kurz Werner A.
Published: July 2016

The potential of forests and the forest sector to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is widely recognized, but challenging to quantify at a national scale. Mitigation benefits through the use of forest products are affected by product life cycles, which determine the duration of carbon storage in wood products and substitution benefits where emissions are avoided using wood products instead of other emissions‐intensive building products and energy fuels. Here we determined displacement factors for wood substitution in the built environment and bioenergy at the national level in Canada. For solid wood products, we compiled a basket of end‐use products and determined the reduction in emissions for two functionally equivalent products: a more wood‐intensive product vs. a less wood‐intensive one. Avoided emissions for end‐use products basket were weighted by Canadian consumption statistics to reflect national wood uses, and avoided emissions were further partitioned into displacement factors for sawnwood and panels. We also examined two bioenergy feedstock scenarios (constant supplyandconstrained supply) to estimate displacement factors for bioenergy using an optimized selection of bioenergy facilities which maximized avoided emissions from fossil fuels. Results demonstrated that the average displacement factors were found to be similar: product displacement factors were 0.54 tCdisplaced pertCof used for sawnwood and 0.45 tC tC−1for panels; energy displacement factors for the two feedstock scenarios were 0.47 tC tC−1for theconstant supplyand 0.89 tC tC−1for theconstrained supply. However, there was a wide range of substitution impacts. The greatest avoided emissions occurred when wood was substituted for steel and concrete in buildings, and when bioenergy from heat facilities and/or combined heat and power facilities was substituted for energy from high‐emissions fossil fuels. We conclude that (1) national‐level substitution benefits need to be considered within a systems perspective on climate change mitigation to avoid the development of policies that deliver no net benefits to the atmosphere, (2) the use of long‐lived wood products in buildings to displace steel and concrete reducesGHGemissions, (3) the greatest bioenergy substitution benefits are achieved using a mix of facility types and capacities to displace emissions‐intensive fossil fuels.
Prognostic value of acute delirium recovery in older adults
Authors: Jorge‐Ripper Carlos , Alemán María‐Remedios , Ros Rosa , Aguilera Selena , González‐Reimers Emilio , Espelosín Elisa , Santolaria Francisco
Published: July 2016

Aim

To analyze the prognostic impact of short‐term changes in the intensity of delirium in association or not with sepsis. We also aimed to analyze if s100B, a serum protein derived from astrocytes related to cerebral damage, could be a marker of delirium or sepsis.

Methods

We included 47 patients with acute delirium and sepsis, 36 with delirium and no evidence of infection, and 36 patients with sepsis without delirium. The diagnosis of delirium was established by the Confusion Assessment Method. To evaluate delirium, we recorded the following characteristics on the first and third day after admission: level of consciousness, orientation, attention, hallucinations, psychomotor activity, language and disorganized thinking.

Results

In 53 patients, delirium improved during hospitalization with 3.8% of mortality, whereas in the 30 patients in which delirium did not improve or worsened, 50% died during hospitalization. The improvement on the third day of consciousness, orientation, attention and disorganized thinking was related to a better long‐term survival. s100B and inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐10 and interferon‐γ were increased in patients with sepsis and confusion when compared with control participants; furthermore, s100B, interleukin‐6 and interferon‐γ were increased in septic patients without confusion, but also in delirious patients without sepsis.

Conclusions

The main factor related to mortality was the recovery from delirium during hospitalization. We found increased s100B serum levels in patients with delirium, but also in septic patients without delirium. This increase was not related to mortality. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1161–1167.
The Demand for Voluntary Audit in Micro‐Companies: Evidence from Finland
Authors: Ojala Hannu , Collis Jill , Kinnunen Juha , Niemi Lasse , Troberg Pontus
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this study is to uncover additional determinants of the demand for voluntary audit in micro‐companies by investigating the internal management factors that have not yet been explored in prior literature. The hypotheses are developed from the literature and interviews with owner‐managers of such companies, bank lenders and the tax authority. The study is based on archival data relating to some 50,000 Finnish micro‐companies over the three‐year period following the introduction of audit exemption in 2008. Our results show that the drivers of voluntary audit are: (1) management needs to ensure security of supply from trade creditors, (2) the company is not in financial distress, (3) the company is growing, (4) management has a need for tax reporting credibility, and (5) ownership is dispersed. The results of this research will be of interest to the owners and managers of micro‐companies, as well as the accounting and auditing profession.
Validation of a panel of ADAMTS13 assays for diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: activity, functional inhibitor, and autoantibody test
Authors: Nakashima M. O. , Zhang X. , Rogers H. J. , Vengal L. , Gibson B. , Daly T. M. , Kottke‐Marchant K.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Quantitation of ADAMTS13 activity, functional inhibitors, and autoantibodies is crucial in diagnosis and management of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. We compared and optimized commercial assay kits and validated a testing panel.

Methods

Citrated plasma specimens from healthy volunteers and residual samples submitted for clinical testing were used in the study. Commercially available ADAMTS13 activity assays including ACTIFLUOR™ ADAMTS13 (Sekisui Diagnostics, Stamford, CT, USA), LIFECODES ATS‐13 (Gen‐Probe Inc., San Diego, CA, USA), and TECHNOZYM® ADAMTS‐13 (Technoclone, Vienna, Austria) were evaluated. Functional inhibitor assays were performed using internally developed mixing protocols. Two autoantibody assays were also evaluated: IMUBIND® (Sekisui Diagnostics) and TECHNOZYM® ADAMTS‐13 INH ELISA kits (Technoclone).

Results

A laboratory‐developed assay using ACTIFLUOR™ reagents showed best agreement with the reference method, and full validation showed a reportable range of 5% (LLOQ) to 114% with a reference interval of ≥68%. Both intra‐ and interassay coefficients of variation were <10%. Inhibitor assays performed with the kits showed 95% overall agreement with the reference method. A modification of the TECHNOZYM® autoantibody assay showed 85% overall agreement with the reference method with imprecision approximately 20%.

Conclusion

ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitor tests using ACTIFLUOR™ reagents and modified TECHNOZYM® autoantibody ELISA showed superior performance compared to the other kits for clinical use in this study.
Selective sweep of Wolbachia and parthenogenetic host genomes – the example of the weevil Eusomus ovulum
Authors: Mazur M. A. , Holecová M. , Lachowska‐Cierlik D. , Lis A. , Kubisz D. , Kajtoch Ł.
Published: July 2016

Most parthenogenetic weevil species are postulated to have originated via hybridization, but Wolbachia has also been speculated to play a role via the induction of parthenogenesis. Here, we examine the molecular diversity of Wolbachia and parthenogenetic host genomes. The host species studied here, Eusomus ovulum, is known to be exclusively parthenogenetic and triploid. The E. ovulum populations that we examined had a low genetic diversity of mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase I gene) and nuclear markers (internal transcribed spacer 2 and elongation factor 1‐α gene), and they all were infected by only single bacteria strains (genotyped for five genes according to the multilocus sequence typing system). We found significant signs of linkage disequilibrium and a lack of recombination amongst all of the examined genomes (bacteria and host), which strongly indicates a selective sweep. The lack of heterozygosity in host nuclear genes, missing bisexual populations and selective sweep between the parthenogenetic host and bacteria genomes suggest that parthenogenesis in this species could have originated as a result of infection rather than hybridization. However, the finding that highly similar Wolbachia strains are also present in other parthenogenetic weevils from the same habitat suggests the opposite scenario: bacteria may have infected the already parthenogenetic lineage and taken advantage of the host's unisexual reproduction.
Prevalence and pattern of early childhood caries in a rural South Indian population evaluated by ICDAS with suggestions for enhancement of ICDAS software tool
Authors: Henry Jean Aishwarya , Muthu Murugan Satta , Saikia Ankita , Asaithambi Balamurugan , Swaminathan Kavitha
Published: July 2016

Background

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) continues to be the most common public health issue in developing countries.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of ECC in 0‐ to 3‐year‐old children from rural areas of South India, using the ICDAS.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was carried out with 1486 children aged 0–3 years in South India. Two calibrated examiners performed the oral examinations using International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) criteria. Data analysis involved the use of the new ICDAS epidemiological software tool.

Results

Prevalence of ECC in studied child population was 40.6%. Among the 604 children with ECC, only non‐cavitated teeth were present in 314 children, and only cavitated teeth were present in 84 children. The remaining 206 children had both cavitated and non‐cavitated teeth. Interesting lesion behavior was observed in 27 children, who had enamel lesions in mandibular canines only, in an otherwise sound dentition. On examining the teeth surfaces affected (n = 102,274), 50.3% had non‐cavitated surfaces and 49.7% had cavitated surfaces.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate the high prevalence of ECC in this population and the need to consider early diagnosis and specific preventive interventions. The authors of this study have also addressed their views about the use of ICDAS software tool.
Treatment of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma – a systematic review
Authors: Miguel D. , Lukacs J. , Illing T. , Elsner P.
Published: July 2016

Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma (NXG) is an uncommon non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis involving skin and extracutaneous tissues. The lesions are usually asymptomatic and commonly appear in the periorbital area. Paraproteinemia is closely associated with NXG and its pathogenesis remains unclear. NXG prognosis is poor with several treatments showing variable results. Treatment of monoclonal gammopathy with alkylating agents does not necessarily influence the activity of the skin disease and vice versa. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize all reported treatments of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma of the skin, with or without underlying malignant condition and based on articles from the PubMed database using the query ‘necrobiotic xanthogranuloma treatment’, both in English and German, about ‘human’ subjects and published between 1980 and 2014, documenting adequate treatment for NXG. Mainly individual case reports, small case series and retrospective studies were found. Treatment options include topical and systemic corticosteroids, thalidomide, high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, rituximab, melphalan, infliximab, interferon alpha, cladribine, hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, methotrexate, laser therapy, radiotherapy, surgery, PUVA, plasmapheresis and extracorporeal photopheresis. Randomized controlled trials and studies on long‐term outcomes after treatment were not found and are necessary to focus on in the future.
Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and cystatin C in cirrhosis and portal hypertension: Relations to organ extraction and dysfunction
Authors: Hurry Preete Kapisha , Poulsen Jørgen Hjelm , Bendtsen Flemming , Møller Søren
Published: July 2016

Background and Aims

Early detection of renal dysfunction in cirrhosis is important, and several renal biomarkers have been put forward. Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C are markers of renal dysfunction, but relations to splanchnic and systemic hemodynamics and kinetics are sparsely studied in cirrhosis.

In patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, we studied plasma levels and renal, hepatic, and peripheral extraction of NGAL and cystatin C and relations to patients characteristics, liver dysfunction, and hemodynamics.

Methods

Forty‐five cirrhotic patients (Child class A/B/C:15/15/15) and 15 controls were evaluated with a full clinical, biochemical, and hemodynamic assessment. Urine and regional plasma concentrations of NGAL and cystatin C were measured.

Results

There was no significant difference in circulating or hepatic NGAL or cystatin C between all patients and controls but a trend towards increased levels with increasing Child class. In addition, there was a significant renal but no hepatic or systemic extraction of both NGAL and cystatin C (P < 0.001).

Plasma NGAL correlated with glomerular filtration rate (r = −0.56, P < 0.0001), and hepatic venous pressure gradient (r = 0.34,P = 0.02) and urinary NGAL correlated with heart rate (r = 0.58, P= 0.007), blood pressure (r = −0.46, P < 0.05), cardiac output (r = 0.45, P < 0.05), and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) (r = −0.48, p < 0.05). Plasma cystatin C correlated with hepatic venous pressure gradient (r = 0.45, P < 0.005), blood pressure (−0.40, P < 0.01), and glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.98, P < 0.000).

Conclusions

Extractions of NGAL and cystatin C levels seem largely unaffected by the severity of liver disease in cirrhosis with a renal extraction. These biomarkers therefore have the potential of being both valuable in diagnosing renal failure and reflecting the degree of portal hypertension and systemic haemodynamic changes.
High‐dose nifuratel for simple and mixed aerobic vaginitis: A single‐center prospective open‐label cohort study
Authors: Liang Qian , Li Nan , Song Shurong , Zhang Aihua , Li Ni , Duan Ying
Published: July 2016

Aim

The efficacy and safety of two nifuratel dosages for the treatment of aerobic vaginitis (AV) were compared.

Methods

This was a prospective open‐label cohort study of patients diagnosed and treated at the Tianjin Third Central Hospital between January 2012 and December 2013. The co‐presence of bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), or/and trichomonal vaginitis (TV; mixed AV) was determined. Patients were randomized to nifuratel‐500 (500 mg nifuratel, intravaginal, 10 days) or nifuratel‐250 (250 mg nifuratel, intravaginal, 10 days), and followed‐up for three to seven days after treatment completion. Primary and secondary outcomes were recovery rate and adverse events, respectively.

Results

The study included 142 patients with AV. Age was not significantly different between the groups (n = 71 each), and disease distribution was identical: 29 (40.85%) simple AV and 42 (59.15%) mixed AV (AV + BV, 42.86 %; AV + VVC, 30.95%; AV + TV, 26.19%). In patients with simple AV, the recovery rate did not differ significantly between the nifuratel‐500 (26/29, 89.66%) and nifuratel‐250 (22/29, 75.86%) groups. In patients with mixed AV, recovery rates were significantly higher in the nifuratel‐500 than in the nifuratel‐250 group (AV + BV, 88.89% vs 50.00 %; AV + VVC, 76.92 % vs 30.77 %; AV + TV, 90.91 % vs 36.36%; all P < 0.05). Only one patient (nifuratel‐500) reported an adverse event (mild anaphylactic reaction).

Conclusion

Nifuratel 500 mg showed good clinical efficacy for the treatment of AV, particularly mixed AV, and is superior to the 250 mg dosage in the treatment of mixed AV.
Effect of a probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum TN8 strain on trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid‐induced colitis in rats
Authors: Trabelsi I. , Ktari N. , Ben Slima S. , Hamden K. , Ben Salah R.
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of an oral treatment by a newly isolated probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum TN8 strain on trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)‐induced colitis in Wistar rats. Thus, 18 rats were divided into three groups (n = 6 per group): group 1 (control) – rats not receiving TNBS application; group 2 – rats receiving an intrarectal TNBS infusion (100 mg/kg TNBS dissolved in ethanol); and group 3 – rats treated with intragastrical TN8 strain once per day (for 5 days before TNBS induction). The performance and the effects of the probiotic treatment were evaluated using a series of histological, biophysical and biochemical analyses. The results have shown that the treatment with the L. plantarum TN8 strain improves the body weight and reduces the diarrhoea, colonic mucosal inflammation and colon shortening. TN8‐treated rats showed a significant decrease in the total cholesterol content from 1.86 (for group 2) to 1.32 mmol/l and in triglyceride (TG) content from 2.09 (for group 2) to 1.23 mmol/l. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol contents increased from 0.95 to 1.02 mmol/l. The histological studies have confirmed that the architecture of the liver and kidney tissues of the TN8‐treated rats were found to be improved. Overall, the results suggest that the L. plantarum TN8 presents promising perspectives for the development of safe and cost‐effective agents for the prevention or alleviation of several intestinal pathologies.
Effect of natural brood size variability on growth and survival of thornbird nestlings
Authors: Saravia‐Pietropaolo M. J. , Manzoli D. E. , Antoniazzi L. R. , Quiroga M. A. , Beldomenico P. M.
Published: July 2016

For many bird species, brood size is a highly variable trait. Several aspects of the development and survival of nestlings are affected by brood size. Most scientific evidence comes from brood manipulation experiments, and the complementary information offered by studies of natural variability has received little attention in tropical and subtropical species. Here, we provide data on the effect of brood size on the development and survival of two furnariid species under natural conditions. Weekly during two breeding seasons, two forest patches (40 ha. each) from central Argentina, were exhaustively examined for active nests. Nestlings were monitored repeatedly from hatching to fledging. Factors that were considered potential confounders or effect modifiers were also recorded and included in the statistical analysis. We found a positive effect of brood size on growth, and a negative effect on survival. The first effect was only observed when preceding weeks were not rainy, and the latter was present in only one breeding season, so both effects appeared to depend on environmental conditions. Our results suggest that the benefit of a large or small brood size is dependent on context. In the studied populations, plasticity in or within‐population genetic diversity in brood size may be advantageous in the light of the unpredictable circumstances that will prevail during the breeding season.
Impact of Living at the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition Base on Urinary Status
Authors: IKEDA Atsushi , KAWAI Koji , TSUTSUMI Masakazu , YOSHIMURA Koji , OHNO Giichiro , HASEGAWA Tatsuhisa , OOE Hirofumi , WATANABE Kentaro , MIYAZAKI Jun , NISHIYAMA Hiroyuki
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Urinary disorders are generally well understood, but there are few reports on the urinary status of people living in unusual climates such as the polar regions. We studied the impact of living conditions on the urinary status of members of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 12 consenting members of the wintering party stationed at the Syowa Station in Antarctica between November 2012 and March 2014. The subjects completed questionnaires (the International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS], Overactive Bladder Syndrome Score [OABSS] and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) and kept daily voiding dairies for 3 days consecutively every 2 months.

Results

Compared with baseline values, the mean scores on all the questionnaires decreased during the stay in Antarctica, from 3.42 to 2.31 for the IPSS, 1.25 to 0.986 for the OABSS, and 4.58 to 3.78 on the PSQI. A significant difference was noted in the scores of seven subjects with a 3 point or more decrease in IPSS score and five members with a decrease less than 3 points (−2.22 vs 0.448, P = 0.0416).

Conclusion

This is the first survey of the urinary status of people living in a polar environment. The findings obtained by questionnaires and voiding dairies indicated that urination and sleep status did not worsen during the stay in Antarctica.