bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Internet‐Based and Postal Survey Methods in a Survey among Gynecologists: Results of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Ernst Sinja Alexandra , Brand Tilman , Lhachimi Stefan K. , Zeeb Hajo
Published: February 2017

Objective

To assess whether a combination of Internet‐based and postal survey methods (mixed‐mode) compared to postal‐only survey methods (postal‐only) leads to improved response rates in a physician survey, and to compare the cost implications of the different recruitment strategies.

Data Sources/Study Setting

All primary care gynecologists in Bremen and Lower Saxony, Germany, were invited to participate in a cross‐sectional survey from January to July 2014.

Study Design

The sample was divided into two strata (A; B) depending on availability of an email address. Within each stratum, potential participants were randomly assigned to mixed‐mode or postal‐only group.

Principal Findings

In Stratum A, the mixed‐mode group had a lower response rate compared to the postal‐only group (12.5 vs. 20.2 percent; RR = 0.61, 95 percent CI: 0.44–0.87). In stratum B, no significant differences were found (15.6 vs. 16.2 percent; RR = 0.95, 95 percent CI: 0.62–1.44). Total costs (in €) per valid questionnaire returned (Stratum A: 399.72 vs. 248.85; Stratum B: 496.37 vs. 455.15) and per percentage point of response (Stratum A: 1,379.02 vs. 861.02; Stratum B 1,116.82 vs. 1,024.09) were higher, whereas variable costs were lower in mixed‐mode compared to the respective postal‐only groups (Stratum A cost ratio: 0.47, Stratum B cost ratio: 0.71).

Conclusions

In this study, primary care gynecologists were more likely to participate by traditional postal‐only than by mixed‐mode survey methods that first offered an Internet option. However, the lower response rate for the mixed‐mode method may be partly due to the older age structure of the responding gynecologists. Variable costs per returned questionnaire were substantially lower in mixed‐mode groups and indicate the potential for cost savings if the sample population is sufficiently large.
Payer Type and Low‐Value Care: Comparing Choosing Wisely Services across Commercial and Medicare Populations
Authors: Colla Carrie H. , Morden Nancy E. , Sequist Thomas D. , Mainor Alexander J. , Li Zhonghe , Rosenthal Meredith B.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To compare low‐value health service use among commercially insured and Medicare populations and explore the influence of payer type on the provision of low‐value care.

Data Sources

2009–2011 national Medicare and commercial insurance administrative data.

Design

We created claims‐based algorithms to measure seven Choosing Wisely‐identified low‐value services and examined the correlation between commercial and Medicare overuse overall and at the regional level. Regression models explored associations between overuse and regional characteristics.

Methods

We created measures of early imaging for back pain, vitamin D screening, cervical cancer screening over age 65, prescription opioid use for migraines, cardiac testing in asymptomatic patients, short‐interval repeat bone densitometry (DXA), preoperative cardiac testing for low‐risk surgery, and a composite of these.

Principal Findings

Prevalence of four services was similar across the insurance‐defined groups. Regional correlation between Medicare and commercial overuse was high (correlation coefficient = 0.540–0.905) for all measures. In both groups, similar region‐level factors were associated with low‐value care provision, especially total Medicare spending and ratio of specialists to primary care physicians.

Conclusions

Low‐value care appears driven by factors unrelated to payer type or anticipated reimbursement. These findings suggest the influence of local practice patterns on care without meaningful discrimination by payer type.
Impact of Provider Competition under Global Budgeting on the Use of Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Chen Bradley , Chen Chin‐Shyan , Liu Tsai‐Ching
Published: February 2017

Objective

To examine the impact of provider competition under global budgeting on the use of cesarean delivery in Taiwan.

Data Sources/Study Setting

(1) Quarterly inpatient claims data of all clinics and hospitals with birth‐related expenses from 2000 to 2008; (2) file of health facilities’ basic characteristics; and (3) regional quarterly point values (price conversion index) for clinics and hospitals, respectively, from the fourth quarter in 1999 to the third quarter in 2008, from the Statistics of the National Health Insurance Administration.

Study Design

Panel data of quarterly facility‐level cesarean delivery rates with provider characteristics, birth volumes, and regional point values are analyzed with the fractional response model to examine the effect of external price changes on provider behavior in birth delivery services.

Principal Findings

The decline in de facto prices of health services as a result of noncooperative competition under global budgeting is associated with an increase in cesarean delivery rates, with a high degree of response heterogeneity across different types of provider facilities.

Conclusions

While global budgeting is an effective cost containment tool, intensified financial pressures may lead to unintended consequences of compromised quality due to a shift in provider practice in pursuit of financial rewards.
Imperfect Accounting and Reporting Bias
Authors: FANG VIVIAN W. , HUANG ALLEN H. , WANG WENYU
Published: February 2017

Errors and bias are both inherent features of accounting. In theory, while errors discourage bias by lowering the value relevance of accounting, they can also facilitate bias by providing camouflage. Consistent with theory, we find a hump‐shaped relation between a firm's propensity to engage in intentional misstatement and the prevalence of unintentional misstatements in the firm's industry for the whole economy and a majority of the industries. The result is robust to using firms’ number of items in financial statements and exposure to complex accounting rules as alternative proxies for errors and to using the restatement amount in net income to quantify the magnitude of bias and errors. To directly test for the two effects of errors, we show that when errors are more prevalent, the market reacts less to firms’ earnings surprises and bias is more difficult to detect. Our results highlight the imperfectness of accounting, advance understanding of firms’ reporting incentives, and shed light on accounting standard setting.
Divergent methylation pattern in adult stage between two forms ofTetranychus urticae(Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Yang Si‐Xia , Guo Chao , Zhao Xiu‐Ting , Sun Jing‐Tao , Hong Xiao‐Yue
Published: February 2017

The two‐spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticaeKoch has two forms: green form and red form. Understanding the molecular basis of how these two forms established without divergent genetic background is an intriguing area. As a well‐known epigenetic process, DNA methylation has particularly important roles in gene regulation and developmental variation across diverse organisms that do not alter genetic background. Here, to investigate whether DNA methylation could be associated with different phenotypic consequences in the two forms ofT. urticae, we surveyed the genome‐wide cytosine methylation status and expression level of DNA methyltransferase 3 (Tudnmt3) throughout their entire life cycle. Methylation‐sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) analyses of 585 loci revealed variable methylation patterns in the different developmental stages. In particular, principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) indicates a significant epigenetic differentiation between female adults of the two forms. The gene expression ofTudnmt3was detected in all examined developmental stages, which was significantly different in the adult stage of the two forms. Together, our results reveal the epigenetic distance between the two forms ofT. urticae, suggesting that DNA methylation might be implicated in different developmental demands, and contribute to different phenotypes in the adult stage of these two forms.
Effects of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in the treatment of liver cirrhosis caused by autoimmune diseases
Authors: Liang Jun , Zhang Huayong , Zhao Cheng , Wang Dandan , Ma Xiaolei , Zhao Shengnan , Wang Shiying , Niu Lingying , Sun Lingyun
Published: February 2017

Aim

There has been great interest in recent years to take advantage of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat end‐stage liver disease. This study is aimed to evaluate clinical therapeutic effects of allogeneic MSC transplantation in liver cirrhosis caused by autoimmune diseases.

Methods

The enrolled patients with liver cirrhosis were assigned to receive allogeneic MSC infusions through a peripheral vein. The primary objective of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of MSCT in patients with autoimmune diseases‐induced cirrhosis. Secondary endpoints were to assess changes in the Models of End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores and liver functions after the transplantation.

Results

A total of 26 patients were enrolled. Of these, 23 patients received umbilical cord MSCT, two received cord blood MSCT and one received bone marrow MSCT. Three patents died of the complications caused by cirrhosis and two patients received liver transplantation after MSCT. Four patients were lost to follow‐up. The mean of alanine transaminase values decreased 6 months, 1 and 2 years after the transplantation, but there were no statistical significance. The mean value of total bilirubin decreased at 6 months and 1 year follow‐up. Average serum albumin levels improved at 6 months, 1 and 2 years follow‐up. The mean value at 2 years increased significantly compared with the baseline value. A lowering of prothrombin time was seen at 6 months after MSCT. MELD score improved at 6 months, 1 and 2 years of follow‐up. No serious adverse events were observed during or 24 h after infusions of MSCs in any of the 26 patients with liver cirrhosis.

Conclusion

Based on this clinical trial, allogeneic MSCT through the peripheral vein probably is safe and seemingly has beneficial effect in patients with liver cirrhosis. Therefore, allogeneic MSCT is a potential option for treatment of liver cirrhosis caused by autoimmune diseases. Further studies with higher numbers of patients are warranted to better clarify the impact and mechanisms of MSCT in liver cirrhosis.
Unravelling thyroid dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis: History matters
Authors: Anoop Joseph , Geetha Francis , Jyothi Idiculla , Rekha Pradeep , Shobha Vineeta
Published: February 2017

Aim

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) frequently coexists with other systemic autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Due to the overlapping and nonspecific nature of symptoms, it is difficult to clinically uncover thyroidal illnesses in RA patients. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction including the presence of anti‐thyroid peroxidase (antiTPO) autoantibodies in patients with RA and to analyze symptomatology of thyroid dysfunction in patients diagnosed with RA.

Methodology

This cross‐sectional, prospective study was conducted on 100 patients with RA, attending the Rheumatology Outpatient Department at St John's Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, India.

Results

Twenty‐two patients had biochemical evidence of thyroid dysfunction, hypothyroidism being the commonest (15/22 patients). Although fatigue and hair loss were the most common symptoms, only weight gain and cold intolerance were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05) predictors of hypothyroidism and 32 patients were antiTPO positive. It was observed that equal numbers of patients developed hypothyroidism after diagnosis of RA and vice versa.

Conclusion

History taking at the bedside to elicit symptoms, especially weight gain and cold intolerance, is quintessential to ensure timely diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
B7‐H4 deficiency in salivary gland of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome impairs the regulatory effect on T cells
Authors: Li Xiaomei , Yu Daliang , Yu Ning , Wang Ximei , Li Xiangpei , Harris David C. H. , Wang Yiping
Published: February 2017

Aim

Our previous study confirmed the defect of B7‐H4 expression in peripheral blood and salivary glands of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the deficit expression of B7‐H4 on CD4+ T cells.

Methods

CD4+ T cells were purified by magnetic‐activated cell sorting MACS. The proliferation and cytokine production of CD4+ T cells co‐cultured with purified salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) from pSS or non‐SS sicca syndrome were detected.

Results

By co‐culturing the gland cells with CD4+ T cells, we found the proliferation of CD4+ T cells was significantly suppressed. The effect was weaker when SGECs from pSS patients were used compared to that from non‐pSS sicca syndrome controls. Simultaneously, the productions of cytokines interleukin (IL)‐5, IL‐13, IL‐17A, IL‐6 in supernatant were reduced and also SGECs from pSS patients decreased them less than that from non‐SS controls.

Conclusions

The decrease of B7‐H4 expression in salivary glands of SS patients contributes to the defect of negatively regulating the inflammation caused by CD4+ T cells, thereby providing new insights into the role of B7‐H4 in the inflammatory process of salivary glands in SS.
Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a characteristic manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A retrospective study of anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis
Authors: Shimojima Yasuhiro , Kishida Dai , Hineno Akiyo , Yazaki Masahide , Sekijima Yoshiki , Ikeda Shu‐ichi
Published: February 2017

Aim

To elucidate the characteristics of patients with hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) in a population with anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV).

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the clinical records of 39 patients who were diagnosed with AAV. To determine the characteristics of HP in AAV, the epidemiological and clinical data from patients with HP were statistically compared with those from patients without HP.

Results

Of 39 patients with AAV, seven (17.9%) had associated HP. All patients with HP were classified as having granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), whereas only five of 32 patients without HP were diagnosed as having GPA (P < 0.0001). The frequencies of myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐ANCA and proteinase 3‐ANCA positivity in patients with HP were equivalent, while MPO‐ANCA positivity was obviously dominant in patients without HP. HP occurred as the initial clinical episode of AAV in three patients (7.7% of all AAV). Frequent significant characteristics of patients with HP were headache, cranial neuropathy and paranasal involvement (P < 0.05), and histopathological findings from paranasal involvement were useful for the diagnosis of GPA in some patients with HP. Combination therapy of corticosteroid and an immunosuppressant, such as methotrexate, cyclophosphamide or rituximab, was effective for achieving remission and improving radiographic findings of HP.

Conclusion

AAV is a common cause of HP; epidemiological features of AAV patients with HP are different from those of patients without HP. Additionally, HP impacts diagnosis because it may be an initial clinical sign of AAV.
Reduction‐oxidation cycles of organic matter increase bacterial activity in the pelagic oxycline
Authors: Lau Maximilian P. , Hupfer Michael , Grossart Hans‐Peter
Published: February 2017

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in aquatic ecosystems contains redox‐active moieties, which are prone to oxidation and reduction reactions. Oxidized moieties feature reduction potentials Eh, so that the moieties may be used as terminal electron acceptors (TEAs) in microbial respiration with a thermodynamic energy yield between nitrate and sulfate reduction. Here, we study the response of pelagic freshwater bacteria to exposure to native DOM with varying availabilities of oxidized moieties and hence redox state. Our results show that the prevalence of oxidized DOM favors microbial production and growth in anoxic waters. Reduced DOM in stratified lakes may be oxidized when fluctuations of the oxycline expose DOM in previously anoxic water to epilimnetic oxygen. The resulting oxidized DOM may be rapidly used as TEAs in microbial respiration during subsequent periods of anoxia. We further investigate if the prevalence of these organic electron sinks in anaerobic incubations can induce changes in the microbial community. Our results reveal that DOM traversing transient redox interfaces selects for species that profit from such spatially confined and cyclically restored TEA reservoirs.
The relationship between the second‐to‐fourth digit ratios and lifelong premature ejaculation: a prospective, comparative study
Authors: Bolat D. , Kocabas G. U. , Kose T. , Degirmenci T. , Aydin M. E. , Dincel C.
Published: February 2017

To investigate the relationship between the fetal androgen exposure and lifelong premature ejaculation by using the ratio of the second (index)‐to‐fourth (ring) digits (2D : 4D) which is the marker for higher prenatal androgen exposure. Totally 65 patients with lifelong premature ejaculation and 65 control cases without any ejaculatory complaints were enrolled in the study. A detailed medical history was obtained and self‐estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency times were recorded. Ejaculation function was evaluated by Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool. The lengths of the second and fourth digits of both hands were measured and 2D : 4Ds were calculated. The mean 2D : 4D values were 0.964 ± 0.024 vs. 0.978 ± 0.032 (p = 0.004) for the right hand and 0.966 ± 0.023 vs. 0.979 ± 0.032 (p = 0.006) for the left hand in lifelong premature ejaculation and control groups, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between the digit ratios and self‐estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (r = 0.258, p = 0.003 for right hand; r = 0.240, p = 0.06 for left hand), and between the digit ratios and total Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores (r = −0.263, p = 0.003 for right hand; r = −0.238, p = 0.06 for left hand). Individuals with lower digit ratios have higher risks of shorter intravaginal ejaculatory latency times. These results suggest that increased fetal androgen exposure may be a new risk factor for the development of lifelong premature ejaculation.
shRNA mediated ablation of prostate and testis expressed (Pate) messenger RNA results in impaired sperm function and fertility
Authors: Rajesh A. , Yenugu S.
Published: February 2017

Spermatogenesis and sperm maturation are complex processes mediated by a variety of proteins present in the testicular and epididymal mileu. In the recent years, functional characterization of these proteins is being studied by genetic manipulations that involve targeted over expression or knock down of specific genes. In this study, we adopted FuGENE 6‐based in vivo transfection of rat cauda epididymis with pGFP‐V‐RS plasmid that encodes shRNA to knock down Pate mRNA levels to implicate a possible role for this gene in sperm function. The mRNA levels of Pate gene were significantly decreased in HEK cells as well as in cauda of rats upon transfection with pGFP‐V‐RS plasmid that encodes shRNA targeting Pate gene. Spermatozoa obtained from the transfected cauda displayed impairment in capacitation and acrosome reaction. Furthermore, rats subjected to in vivo transfection to knock down Pate mRNA levels had compromised fertility. Results of our study indicate a role for Pate gene in sperm function and can be exploited as a potential male contraceptive target.
An anti‐nicotinic cognitive challenge model using mecamylamine in comparison with the anti‐muscarinic cognitive challenge using scopolamine
Authors: Baakman Anne Catrien , Alvarez‐Jimenez Ricardo , Rissmann Robert , Klaassen Erica S. , Stevens Jasper , Goulooze Sebastiaan C. , den Burger Jeroen C. G. , Swart Eleonora L. , van Gerven Joop M. A. , Groeneveld Geert Jan
Published: February 2017

Aims

The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist scopolamine is often used for proof‐of‐pharmacology studies with pro‐cognitive compounds. From a pharmacological point of view, it would seem more rational to use a nicotinic rather than a muscarinic anticholinergic challenge to prove pharmacology of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist. This study aims to characterize a nicotinic anticholinergic challenge model using mecamylamine and to compare it to the scopolamine model.

Methods

In this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, four‐way cross‐over trial, 12 healthy male subjects received oral mecamylamine 10 and 20 mg, intravenous scopolamine 0.5 mg and placebo. Pharmacokinetics were analysed using non‐compartmental analysis. Pharmacodynamic effects were measured with a multidimensional test battery that includes neurophysiological, subjective, (visuo)motor and cognitive measurements.

Results

All treatments were safe and well tolerated. Mecamylamine had a tmax of 2.5 h and a Cmax of 64.5 ng ml−1 for the 20 mg dose. Mecamylamine had a dose‐dependent effect decreasing the adaptive tracking performance and VAS alertness, and increasing the finger tapping and visual verbal learning task performance time and errors. Scopolamine significantly affected almost all pharmacodynamic tests.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that mecamylamine causes nicotinic receptor specific temporary decline in cognitive functioning. Compared with the scopolamine model, pharmacodynamic effects were less pronounced at the dose levels tested; however, mecamylamine caused less sedation. The cognitive effects of scopolamine might at least partly be caused by sedation. Whether the mecamylamine model can be used for proof‐of‐pharmacology of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists remains to be established.
Data extraction and statistical errors: A quantitative critique of Gumley, Braehler, and Macbeth (2014)
Authors: Williams Donald R. , Bürkner Paul‐Christian
Published: February 2017

Objective

While oxytocin has been identified as having therapeutic properties for schizophrenia, the emerging evidence has been mixed which has resulted in meta‐analytic reviews. We identified several errors in one such meta‐analysis. Here, we highlight these errors, demonstrate the conclusions were incorrect, and state the importance of this report.

Methods

We reproduced the methods of Gumley, Braehler, and Macbeth (), including: outcomes (positive, negative, and total symptoms, as well as general psychopathology) and meta‐analytic estimates for fixed and random effect models.

Results

Whereas Gumley, Braehler, and Macbeth () reported oxytocin had significant effects on three of four outcomes, we show that all effects were non‐significant.

Conclusions

Based on these null results, we hope this report encourages a re‐evaluation of intranasal oxytocin as a treatment for schizophrenia.
A systematic review of research on the flipped learning method in engineering education
Authors: Karabulut‐Ilgu Aliye , Jaramillo Cherrez Nadia , Jahren Charles T.
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this article is to describe the current state of knowledge and practice in the flipped learning approach in engineering education and to provide guidance for practitioners by critically appraising and summarizing existing research. This article is a qualitative synthesis of quantitative and qualitative research investigating the flipped learning approach in engineering education. Systematic review was adopted as the research methodology and article selection and screening process are described. Articles published between 2000 and May 2015 were reviewed, and 62 articles were included for a detailed analysis and synthesis. The results indicated that flipped learning gained popularity amongst engineering educators after 2012. The review revealed that research in engineering education focused on documenting the design and development process and sharing preliminary findings and student feedback. Future research examining different facets of a flipped learning implementation, framed around sound theoretical frameworks and evaluation methods, is still needed to establish the pedagogy of flipped learning in teaching engineering.
Variation in population structure and dynamics of montane forest tree species in Ethiopia guide priorities for conservation and research
Authors: Young Nicholas E. , Romme William H. , Evangelista Paul H. , Mengistu Tefera , Worede Asrat
Published: February 2017

The greatest extent of Afromontane environments in the world is found in Ethiopia. These areas support exceptional biodiversity, but forest cover and ecological integrity have declined sharply in recent decades. Conservation and management efforts are hampered in part by an inadequate understanding of the basic ecology of major tree species. We investigated population structure and inferred population dynamics from size frequency distributions of 22 forest tree species encountered in montane forests of Ethiopia. We collected new empirical data from four sites in the Bale Mountains, where some of the country's most extensive and least disturbed forests remain, and conducted a systematic review and analysis of all such studies that reported population structure for one or more of these species in Ethiopia. Thirteen widespread montane tree species showed a reverse‐J size distribution, indicating a relatively stable population structure. Six other species had size‐frequency distributions that indicate episodic recruitment and/or removal of certain size classes. Specific causes of these patterns are uncertain: they may involve timber harvesting, herbivory, fire, or natural disturbances, but patterns were inconsistent and locality dependent. For three other tree species, existing data are inadequate for any interpretation of population structure and dynamics. A species of particular conservation concern that emerged from this analysis was Hagenia abyssinica, which was found in all areas to consist only of larger individuals with no recent recruitment. For management and conservation purposes, the species in most urgent need of new research are those with inadequate or inconsistent data, and H. abyssinica.
The new neuromuscular disease related with defects in the ASC‐1 complex: report of a second case confirms ASCC1 involvement
Authors: Oliveira J. , Martins M. , Pinto Leite R. , Sousa M. , Santos R.
Published: February 2017

Next‐generation sequencing technology aided the identification of the underlying genetic cause in a female newborn with a severe neuromuscular disorder. The patient presented generalized hypotonia, congenital bone fractures, lack of spontaneous movements and poor respiratory effort. She died within the first days of life. Karyotyping and screening for several genes related with neuromuscular diseases all tested negative. A male sibling was subsequently born with the same clinical presentation. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed with variant filtering assuming a recessive disease model. Analysis focused on genes known to be related firstly with congenital myopathies, extended to muscle diseases and finally to other neuromuscular disorders. No disease‐causing variants were identified. A similar disorder was described in patients with recessive variants in two genes:
TRIP4
(three families) and
ASCC1
(one family), both encoding subunits of the nuclear activating signal cointegrator 1 (ASC‐1) complex. Our patient was also found to have a homozygous frameshift variant (c.157dupG, p.Glu53Glyfs*19) in
ASCC1
, thereby representing the second known case. This confirms
ASCC1
involvement in a severe neuromuscular disease lying within the spinal muscular atrophy or primary muscle disease spectra.
Defining personal utility in genomics: A Delphi study
Authors: Kohler J.N. , Turbitt E. , Lewis K.L. , Wilfond B.S. , Jamal L. , Peay H.L. , Biesecker L.G. , Biesecker B.B.
Published: February 2017

Background

Individual genome sequencing results are valued by patients in ways distinct from clinical utility. Such outcomes have been described as components of “personal utility,” a concept that broadly encompasses patient‐endorsed benefits, that is operationally defined as non‐clinical outcomes. No empirical delineation of these outcomes has been reported.

Aim

To address this gap, we administered a Delphi survey to adult participants in a National Institute of Health (NIH) clinical exome study to extract the most highly endorsed outcomes constituting personal utility.

Materials and Methods

Forty research participants responded to a Delphi survey to rate 35 items identified by a systematic literature review of personal utility.

Results

Two rounds of ranking resulted in 24 items that represented 14 distinct elements of personal utility. Elements most highly endorsed by participants were: increased self‐knowledge, knowledge of “the condition,” altruism, and anticipated coping.

Discussion

Our findings represent the first systematic effort to delineate elements of personal utility that may be used to anticipate participant expectation and inform genetic counseling prior to sequencing. The 24 items reported need to be studied further in additional clinical genome sequencing studies to assess generalizability in other populations. Further research will help to understand motivations and to predict the meaning and use of results.
Clinical and radiographic outcome following immediate loading and delayed loading of single‐tooth implants: Randomized clinical trial
Authors: Gjelvold Björn , Kisch Jenö , Chrcanovic Bruno Ramos , Albrektsson Tomas , Wennerberg Ann
Published: February 2017

Background

Immediate loading of single implants is generally considered a reliable procedure.

Purpose

The objective of the present prospective randomized clinical study was to compare the overall treatment outcome following immediate loading (IL) and delayed loading (DL) of single implants after 1 year of follow‐up.

Materials and Methods

Patients with a missing maxillary tooth (15‐25) were randomly assigned to IL or DL. The protocol included implant installation in healed sites, immediate loading, delayed loading, temporary screw‐retained restoration, and replacement with a permanent single implant crown. Outcome measures were implant survival, marginal bone level, soft tissue changes, papillae index, pink, and white esthetic score (PES and WES), patient judged aesthetics, and oral health impact profile (OHiP‐14).

Results

Implant survival rate was 100% and 96% for IL and DL, respectively. Implant success rate was 96% and 88% for IL and DL, respectively. Statistically significant lower papilla index scores were found in the IL group at temporary crown and definitive crown placement. An overall statistically significant improvement after 12 months for PES, WES and OHIP‐14 was found.

Conclusion

This prospective randomized study showed that single implants in the maxilla can present satisfactory results with respect to either immediate loading or delayed loading after 12 months.
Functional nonredundancy of elephants in a disturbed tropical forest
Authors: Sekar Nitin , Lee Chia‐Lo , Sukumar Raman
Published: February 2017

Conservation efforts are often motivated by the threat of global extinction. Yet if conservationists had more information suggesting that extirpation of individual species could lead to undesirable ecological effects, they might more frequently attempt to protect or restore such species across their ranges even if they were not globally endangered. Scientists have seldom measured or quantitatively predicted the functional consequences of species loss, even for large, extinction‐prone species that theory suggests should be functionally unique. We measured the contribution of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) to the dispersal of 3 large‐fruited species in a disturbed tropical moist forest and predicted the extent to which alternative dispersers could compensate for elephants in their absence. We created an empirical probability model with data on frugivory and seed dispersal from Buxa Tiger Reserve, India. These data were used to estimate the proportion of seeds consumed by elephants and other frugivores that survive handling and density‐dependent processes (Janzen‐Connell effects and conspecific intradung competition) and germinate. Without compensation, the number of seeds dispersed and surviving density‐dependent effects decreased 26% (Artocarpus chaplasha), 42% (Careya arborea), and 72% (Dillenia indica) when elephants were absent from the ecosystem. Compensatory fruit removal by other animals substantially ameliorated these losses. For instance, reductions in successful dispersal of D. indica were as low as 23% when gaur (Bos gaurus) persisted, but median dispersal distance still declined from 30% (C. arborea) to 90% (A. chaplasha) without elephants. Our results support the theory that the largest animal species in an ecosystem have nonredundant ecological functionality and that their extirpation is likely to lead to the deterioration of ecosystem processes such as seed dispersal. This effect is likely accentuated by the overall defaunation of many tropical systems.
Characterizing fish responses to a river restoration over 21 years based on species’ traits
Authors: Höckendorff Stefanie , Tonkin Jonathan D. , Haase Peter , Bunzel‐Drüke Margret , Zimball Olaf , Scharf Matthias , Stoll Stefan
Published: February 2017

Understanding restoration effectiveness is often impaired by a lack of high‐quality, long‐term monitoring data and, to date, few researchers have used species’ trait information to gain insight into the processes that drive the reaction of fish communities to restoration. We examined fish‐community responses with a highly resolved data set from 21 consecutive years of electrofishing (4 years prerestoration and 17 years postrestoration) at multiple restored and unrestored reaches from a river restoration project on the Lippe River, Germany. Fish abundance peaked in the third year after the restoration; abundance was 6 times higher than before the restoration. After 5–7 years, species richness and abundance stabilized at 2 and 3.5 times higher levels relative to the prerestoration level, respectively. However, interannual variability of species richness and abundance remained considerable, illustrating the challenge of reliably assessing restoration outcomes based on data from individual samplings, especially in the first years following restoration. Life‐history and reproduction‐related traits best explained differences in species’ responses to restoration. Opportunistic short‐lived species with early female maturity and multiple spawning runs per year exhibited the strongest increase in abundance, which reflected their ability to rapidly colonize new habitats. These often small‐bodied and fusiform fishes typically live in dynamic and ephemeral instream and floodplain areas that river‐habitat restorations often aim to create, and in this case their increases in abundance indicated successful restoration. Our results suggest that a greater consideration of species’ traits may enhance the causal understanding of community processes and the coupling of restoration to functional ecology. Trait‐based assessments of restoration outcomes would furthermore allow for easier transfer of knowledge across biogeographic borders than studies based on taxonomy.
Effectiveness of conservation easements in agricultural regions
Authors: Braza Mark
Published: February 2017

Conservation easements are a standard technique for preventing habitat loss, particularly in agricultural regions with extensive cropland cultivation, yet little is known about their effectiveness. I developed a spatial econometric approach to propensity‐score matching and used the approach to estimate the amount of habitat loss prevented by a grassland conservation easement program of the U.S. federal government. I used a spatial autoregressive probit model to predict tract enrollment in the easement program as of 2001 based on tract agricultural suitability, habitat quality, and spatial interactions among neighboring tracts. Using the predicted values from the model, I matched enrolled tracts with similar unenrolled tracts to form a treatment group and a control group. To measure the program's impact on subsequent grassland loss, I estimated cropland cultivation rates for both groups in 2014 with a second spatial probit model. Between 2001 and 2014, approximately 14.9% of control tracts were cultivated and 0.3% of treated tracts were cultivated. Therefore, approximately 14.6% of the protected land would have been cultivated in the absence of the program. My results demonstrate that conservation easements can significantly reduce habitat loss in agricultural regions; however, the enrollment of tracts with low cropland suitability may constrain the amount of habitat loss they prevent. My results also show that spatial econometric models can improve the validity of control groups and thereby strengthen causal inferences about program effectiveness in situations when spatial interactions influence conservation decisions.
miR‐506 enhances the sensitivity of human colorectal cancer cells to oxaliplatin by suppressing MDR1/P‐gp expression
Authors: Zhou Hui , Lin Changwei , Zhang Yi , Zhang Xiuzhong , Zhang Chong , Zhang Pengbo , Xie Xingwang , Ren Zeqiang
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Chemoresistance development represents a major obstacle to the successful treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism by which miR‐506 reverses oxaliplatin chemoresistance in CRC.

Methods

In this study, miR‐506 levels were measured in 74 patients with colon cancer via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH). We subsequently analysed the relationship between miR‐506 expression and CRC patient survival via the Kaplan‐Meier method. MTT assay demonstrated the fractional survival rates and cell viability of HCT116‐OxR, HCT116‐OxR‐miR‐Ctrl and HCT116‐OxR‐miR‐506 cells treated with oxaliplatin at different concentrations. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed via flow cytometry (FCM) analysis and apoptosis assay. MDR1 mRNA expression and P‐gp protein expression were assessed via qRT‐PCR and Western blotting (WB) respectively. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining demonstrated P‐gp expression in HCT116‐OxR and HCT116‐OxR‐miR‐506 cells. qRT‐PCR and WB were used to detect Wnt/β‐catenin pathway activity after miR‐506 overexpression.

Results

In the present study, in ISH and qRT‐PCR results demonstrated that miR‐506 is weakly expressed in chemoresistant CRC tissues. The low miR‐506 expression group exhibited lower 5‐year OS and lower 5‐year RFS than the high miR‐506 expression group. miR‐506 overexpression inhibited cell growth and increased oxaliplatin‐induced cell apoptosis in HCT116‐OxR cells, as shown via FCM and apoptosis assay. We subsequently noted low MDR1/P‐gp expression in HCT116‐OxR‐miR‐506 cells via qRT‐PCR, WB and IF. Lastly, we demonstrated low MDR1/P‐gp expression in HCT116‐OxR‐miR‐506 cells via inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin by WB, MTT and FCM analysis.

Conclusion

Taken together, the findings of our study demonstrate that miR‐506 overexpression in HCT116‐OxR cells enhances oxaliplatin sensitivity by inhibiting MDR1/P‐gp expression via down‐regulation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and thus provide a rationale for the development of miRNA‐based strategies to reverse oxaliplatin resistance in CRC cells.
Fine needle cytology pre‐surgical differentiation of parathyroid neoplasms: Is it reliable?
Authors: Caleo A. , Vitale M. , Valvano L. , Siano M. , Angrisani B. , Forlenza M. , Massari A. , Puzziello A. , Salzano F. , Zeppa P.
Published: February 2017

Background

Fine needle cytology (FNC) of a parathyroid neoplasia (PN) is reliable, but needs to be confirmed by Parathormone (PTH) and Thyroglobulin (TG) immunoassay on needle washing or by immunocytochemistry (ICC) evaluation. The differentiation between parathyroid adenoma (PA), atypical adenoma (PAA) and carcinoma (PC) is difficult on histology or even impossible on FNC. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible cytological criteria to classify FNC‐PN further.

Methods

Twenty‐three FNC samples of PN and parathyroid cysts were rather then have been reviewed. The series includes 18 PNs, 4 cysts and 1 Thyr3B (histologically diagnosed as PA). Cytological features were: cellularity, patterns (follicular, solid or papillary), clear, oncocytic, isolated cells, nuclear atypia, cytoplasmic inclusions, nucleoli and mitoses. Data were compared with the histological controls.

Results

Seventeen PNs, 2 cysts and 1 Thyr3B FNC samples were histologically diagnosed as PA (16), PAA (2) and PC (2). Two cysts and 1 PN were not confirmed histologically. Cytological features and incidences were: high cellularity (1 PA, 1 PAA, 2 PCs), follicular (8 PAs, 1 PAA), solid (5 PAs, 1 PC), papillary pattern (1PA, 1 PAA, 1 PC), clear cells (4 PAs, 1 PAA, 2 PCs), oncocytic cells (6 PAs, 1 PAA, 2 PCs), isolated cells (5 PAs, 2 PAAs, 2 PCs), nuclear atypia (2 PAs, 1 PAA, 2 PCs), cytoplasmic inclusions (4 PAs, 2 PCs), nucleoli (2 PCs) and mitoses (2 PCs).

Conclusion

Evident nucleoli and mitoses may suggest the differentiation between PA and PC. However, further investigations are required to confirm these preliminary observations.
Use of cytological samples of metastatic melanoma for ancillary studies
Authors: Ko H. M. , Saieg M. A. , da Cunha Santos G. , Kamel‐Reid S. , Boerner S. L. , Geddie W. R.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is widely used in the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma, both at initial presentation and in the setting of recurrent disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of confirmatory immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular analysis of the BRAF mutation in cytological preparations of metastatic melanoma.

Methods

A 2‐year retrospective review of pathology reports was performed on cytological samples of metastatic melanoma at the University Health Network (Toronto, Canada) and the Santa Casa Medical School (Sao Paulo, Brazil). IHC was performed on cell block sections prepared from formalin‐fixed, fresh samples or residuum of CytoLyt/PreservCyt post‐fixed in formalin. BRAF V600E/K mutations were assessed by amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) analysis.

Results

A total of 104 samples (94 FNAs and 10 fluids) from 83 patients (20 women, 63 men) were included. IHC was attempted in 43 cases (41.3%) and successful in 41 (95.3%). The panel number of antibodies ranged from 1 to 15 (median 3). The most frequently used melanoma markers included HMB‐45, melanoma cocktail and S100 protein, used in 25 (58.1%), 23 (53.5%) and 18 samples (41.9%). Thirty cases (69.8%) used three or fewer markers. The BRAF V600E/K mutation was tested in eight samples, being successful in seven (87.5%) and positive in three (37.5%).

Conclusions

Cytological samples are a reliable and sufficient source for IHC and subsequent molecular analysis, allowing a reduced diagnostic time and rapid, appropriate treatment options in patients with advanced melanoma.
Polymorphism in the neotropical termite Serritermes serrifer
Authors: Barbosa José Renato Chagas , Constantino Reginaldo
Published: February 2017

Serritermitidae (Isoptera) is a small and little known Neotropical termite family which includes only two genera: Glossotermes and Serritermes. Despite the lack of detailed studies, it has been assumed that these termites have a true worker caste. A recent study revealed that Glossotermes has a linear development pathway and lacks true workers. Here, we present a study of the polymorphism of Serritermes serrifer Hagen & Bates, a species endemic to the Cerrado ecoregion of central Brazil which lives as an inquiline inside nests of Cornitermes spp. A morphometric analysis was performed based on measurements taken of 11 body parts of 544 specimens of immatures, worker‐like individuals, soldiers, and alates. Sex of specimens was determined by dissection and examination of the seventh sternite. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate morphological changes during development. Contrary with previous information from the literature and similar to Glossotermes, Serritermes shows a linear development pathway with two larval instars, two sizes of pseudergates, and a single nymphal morph. Pseudergates apparently undergo stationary molts. Sex ratio among pseudergates is male‐biased, but not as strongly as in Glossotermes. Typical colonies have a single physogastric primary queen and a single primary king. Ergatoid reproductives are relatively rare and some female ergatoids may become strongly physogastric. Nymphoid reproductives were not found. All soldiers are male and bear well‐developed testes.
Do upstream migrating, juvenile amphidromous shrimps, provide a marine subsidy to river ecosystems?
Authors: Novak Peter A. , Bayliss Peter , Crook David A. , Garcia Erica A. , Pusey Bradley J. , Douglas Michael M.
Published: February 2017

The upstream migration of juvenile amphidromous shrimps has been proposed as a source of marine or estuarine‐derived nutrients into fresh water. Little is known about the size and ecological importance of any such subsidy as there have been few observational or empirical studies on the topic.

We investigated the upstream migration of the amphidromous shrimp, Macrobrachium spinipes (Palaemonidae) in the Daly River, of tropical northern Australia, to determine migration phenology, estimate migration biomass and determine whether migrating shrimps transport marine‐derived energy and nutrients upstream.

Field observations over 2 years revealed that juvenile M. spinipes migrate upstream en masse during extended periods of declining discharge over a period of 4–6 weeks during the wet season (March–May). In addition, juvenile atyid shrimps from the genus Caridina were also observed migrating upstream during the same period.

Fine‐scale sampling using fyke nets over 2 years (2013 and 2014) consistently found discharge to be the strongest predictor of M. spinipes and Caridina spp. biomass, while moon illumination and cloud cover were also important predictors. An estimated 10–20 million shrimps migrated upstream during each wet season, transporting c. 100 kg of carbon and c. 28 kg of nitrogen per year.

Muscle sulphur stable isotopes (δ34S) and exoskeleton strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) were used to establish if marine carbon was transported upstream by the juvenile M. spinipes. Isotope data from migratory M. spinipes were compared to the non‐migratory freshwater Macrobrachium bullatum. No evidence of a marine signature in body tissue or exoskeleton was found using either technique, suggesting very rapid turnover of body tissues

This study provides key insights into the migration phenology of amphidromous shrimps and, importantly, suggests that migrating M. spinipes do not transport significant amounts of marine‐derived energy and nutrients across the marine/freshwater ecotone.