bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional adaptation of the masticatory system to implant‐supported mandibular overdentures
Authors: Giannakopoulos Nikolaos Nikitas , Corteville Frédéric , Kappel Stefanie , Rammelsberg Peter , Schindler Hans Jürgen , Eberhard Lydia
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the adaptation behavior of the stomatognathic system after immediate loading (24 to 72 h after surgery) of two implants supporting mandibular overdentures, assessed on insertion and three months later. The study hypothesis was that insertion of the overdentures would significantly change masticatory performance and muscle activity at both times.

Material and methods

Thirty subjects (nine female, mean age 69.64 ± 11.81 years; 21 male, mean age 68.67 ± 7.41 years) who participated in a randomized clinical trial were included in the study. Each patient was examined three times: (i) at baseline, after already having worn new dentures for three months (T1); (ii) immediately after insertion of the overdentures on the implants (T2); and (iii) after an adaptation period of three months (T3). Examination comprised assessment of masticatory performance with artificial test food (Optocal), and simultaneous bilateral surface EMG recording of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles. Particle‐size distribution (representative value X50), maximum muscle contraction (MVC), and total muscle work (TMW; area under the curve) were compared by use of repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

At T3, all measured variables (i.e., masticatory performance and muscle activity) were significantly different from those at T1. At T2, no significant changes were observed. The study hypothesis had to be rejected for T2 but accepted for T3.

Conclusion

Functional rehabilitation (in terms of masticatory performance and masticatory muscle activity) does not occur immediately after immediate loading of two implants with mandibular overdentures, but requires a significant time for functional improvement.
Proceedings of the AST heart allocation meeting at the American Transplant Congress, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 4, 2015
Authors: Kobashigawa Jon , Teuteberg Jeffrey , Colvin Monica , Edwards Leah , Daun Tiffany , Luu Minh , Patel Jignesh , Vega John David , Meyer Dan ,   the forum participants
Published: March 2016

Ensuring fair and equitable allocation of donor hearts in the US is the charge of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). However, the recent increase of candidates waiting without a corresponding increase in available donors, higher waitlist mortality rates in higher status patients, the presence of disadvantaged subgroups, and the changing management of heart failure patients with increased VAD usage, has necessitated review of allocation policy. Therefore, the Heart Subcommittee of the OPTN/UNOS Thoracic Committee is exploring a further‐tiered allocation system, devising a “straw man” model as a starting point for modeling analyses and public discussion. On May 4, 2015, an American Society of Transplantation (AST)‐endorsed forum to discuss these potential proposed changes took place. Attendees included 41 people, mostly highly experienced transplant cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, representing 19 heart transplant centers across the US, UNOS, and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). There was unanimous agreement that the potential proposed policy will require careful wording to avoid ambiguity and “gaming” of the system, and strong support for abolishment of local organ sharing in favor of geographic sharing. However, contention existed concerning the appropriate prioritization levels of ECMO, temporary VAD/TAH patients as well as the 30‐day LVAD listing.
Completing China's Interest Rate Liberalization
Authors: Tan Yuyan , Ji Yang , Huang Yiping
Published: March 2016

China's recent removal of the last ceiling restriction on deposit rates in October 2015 is a milestone in interest rate liberalization, but not the end of it. International experience suggests that, without structural and quantitative reforms, simply freeing interest rates can result in major financial stress. Before China's central bank can completely relinquish implicit or explicit guidance for commercial banks' interest rate determination, it needs to accomplish two tasks: improvement of commercial banks' pricing capability as well as the monetary policy transmission mechanism. Both tasks require significant reform measures to be initiated, such as enforcing market discipline, forming a new monetary policy framework, developing money and capital markets, abandoning quantitative restrictions on credit and reforming the financial regulatory system.
Causes and Remedies of the Japan's Long‐lasting Recession: Lessons for China
Authors: Yoshino Naoyuki , Taghizadeh‐Hesary Farhad
Published: March 2016

Japan has suffered from sluggish economic growth and recession since the early 1990s. In this paper, we analyze the causes of the prolonged slowdown of the Japanese economy (the lost decade). Economics Nobel laureate Paul Krugman has argued that Japan's lost decade is an example of a liquidity trap. However, our empirical analysis shows that stagnation of the Japanese economy comes from its vertical IS curve rather than a horizontal LM curve, so the Japanese economy has been facing structural problems rather than a temporary downturn. The vertical IS curve is caused by an insensitivity of investment to a lower interest rate partly because of the decline of sales due to the aging population and firms not wanting to invest. The structural problems come from the aging demographic, which is often neglected by scholars and policy‐makers, and also from the allocation of transfers from the central government to local governments, and the unwillingness of Japanese banks to lend money to startup businesses and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), mainly because of Basel capital requirements. Many countries, like China, are expected to face similar issues, particularly given the aging population. The present paper will address why the Japanese economy has been trapped in a prolonged slowdown and provide some remedies for revitalizing the economy.
Vaginal colonisation by Mucor circinelloides. Case report with cytopathology, molecular sequencing and epidemiology
Authors: Barizzi J. , Merlo E. , Grassi P. , Togni B. , Bruderer V. , Müller F. , Fulciniti F.
Published: March 2016

This case report reviews fungal elements found in cervico‐vaginal samples and the use of molecular techniques in their identification and evaluation of potential pathogenicity.
Social anhedonia and gamma band abnormalities as a composite/multivariate endophenotype for schizophrenia: a dense array EEG study
Authors: Umesh Shreekantiah , Nizamie S Haque , Goyal Nishant , Tikka Saikrishna , Bose Swarnali
Published: March 2016

Aim

Social anhedonia and gamma band oscillations are proposed as a promising endophenotype for schizophrenia (SZ). The aim was to assess whether social anhedonia and spontaneous gamma band oscillations could be used as multivariate/composite endophenotypic measures for SZ.

Methods

Sixty consented subjects, of which 20 remitted SZ patients, 20 unaffected siblings of patients with schizophrenia (US) and 20 healthy controls (HC) were recruited for the study. The Revised Social Anhedonia Scale, Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire assessed social anhedonia, temporal experience of pleasure and schizotypal features. All participants underwent awake, resting state 192‐channel dense array electroencephalographic recording. Gamma spectral power and coherence were calculated. We performed chi‐square test, one‐way analysis of variance, Pearsons correlation coefficient and step‐by‐step linear discriminant functional analysis.

Results

Social anhedonia was significantly higher and anticipatory aspects of pleasure were significantly lower in both SZ and US compared with HC. US scored significantly higher than HC in the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. Spectral power of high gamma band (>70 Hz) was significantly lower over the right temporo‐parietal and midline regions in both SZ and US than HC. We accurately classified (85%) three groups when social anhedonia, high gamma band spectral power of midline, right frontal and right fronto‐temporal interhemispheric gamma coherence were considered as composite measures rather than each variable representing independently.

Conclusion

We propose region‐specific high gamma spectral ‘power and coherence’ and social anhedonia as composite/multivariate measures could be a useful measure in distinguishing schizophrenia patients and unaffected siblings from healthy controls.
Medication withdrawal in relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis: why not?
Authors: Modolo G. P. , do Olival G. S.
Published: March 2016

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
The Market Liquidity Timing Skills of Debt‐oriented Hedge Funds
Authors: Li Baibing , Luo Ji , Tee Kai‐Hong
Published: March 2016

We investigate the liquidity timing skills of debt‐oriented hedge funds following the 2008 credit crisis, which demonstrated the importance of understanding liquidity conditions to manage the market exposure of investments. We base the analysis on the estimated co‐movements of fixed income and equity market liquidity. Our findings, which are statistically robust, show evidence of liquidity timing ability in the fixed income market for all debt‐oriented hedge fund strategy categories. Joint market liquidity timing skill, however, is only found in some categories. Our findings suggest that debt‐oriented hedge fund managers use a sophisticated set of timing strategies in their investment managements.
Creation of a high spatio‐temporal resolution global database of continuous mangrove forest cover for the 21st century (CGMFC‐21)
Authors: Hamilton Stuart E. , Casey Daniel
Published: March 2016

Aim

To provide high‐resolution local, regional, national and global estimates of annual mangrove forest area from 2000 through to 2012 with the goal of driving mangrove research questions pertaining to biodiversity, carbon stocks, climate change, functionality, food security, livelihoods, fisheries support and conservation that have been impeded until now by a lack of suitable data.

Location

Global, covering 99% of all mangrove forests.

Methods

We synthesized the Global Forest Change database, the Terrestrial Ecosystems of the World database and the Mangrove Forests of the World database to extract mangrove forest cover at high spatial and temporal resolutions. We then used the new database to monitor mangrove cover at the global, national and protected area scales.

Results

Countries showing relatively high amounts of mangrove loss include Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia and Guatemala. Indonesia remains by far the largest mangrove‐holding nation, containing between 26% and 29% of the global mangrove inventory with a deforestation rate of between 0.26% and 0.66% per year. We have made our new database, CGMFC‐21, freely available.

Main conclusions

Global mangrove deforestation continues but at a much reduced rate of between 0.16% and 0.39% per year. Southeast Asia is a region of concern with mangrove deforestation rates between 3.58% and 8.08%, this in a region containing half of the entire global mangrove forest inventory. The global mangrove deforestation pattern from 2000 to 2012 is one of decreasing rates of deforestation, with many nations essentially stable, with the exception of the largest mangrove‐holding region of Southeast Asia. We provide a standardized spatial dataset that monitors mangrove deforestation globally at high spatio‐temporal resolutions. These data can be used to drive the mangrove research agenda, particularly as it pertains to monitoring of mangrove carbon stocks and the establishment of baseline local mangrove forest inventories required for payment for ecosystem service initiatives.
Simvastatin inhibits the expression of inflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules induced by LPS in human dental pulp cells
Authors: Jung J. Y. , Woo S. M. , Kim W. J. , Lee B. N. , Nör J. E. , Min K. S. , Choi C. H. , Koh J. T. , Lee K. J. , Hwang Y. C.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To investigate the effect of simvastatin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated inflammatory cytokines, cell adhesion molecules and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) transcription factors in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs).

Methodology

The effect of LPS and simvastatin on human dental pulp cell (HDPCs) viability was measured using a 3‐[4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules was evaluated by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis. NF‐κB transcription factors were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance (anova).

Results

The viability of cells exposed to different concentrations of E. coli LPS, P. gingivalis LPS and simvastatin was not significantly different compared with that of control cells (P > 0.05). LPS significantly increased interleukin (IL)‐1β (P < 0.05) and IL‐6 mRNA expression (P < 0.05) and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) (P < 0.05) and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) protein expression (P < 0.05) in HDPCs. Treatment with simvastatin significantly attenuated LPS‐stimulated production of IL‐1β, IL‐6, VCAM‐1 and ICAM‐1 (P < 0.05). Treatment with simvastatin decreased LPS‐induced expression of p65 and phosphorylation of IκB and also significantly decreased the phosphorylation of p65 and IκB in the cytoplasm and the level of p65 in the nucleus (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Simvastatin has a suppressing effect on LPS‐induced inflammatory cytokine, cell adhesion molecules and NF‐κB transcription factors in HDPCs. Therefore, simvastatin might be a useful candidate as a pulp‐capping agent in vital pulp therapy.
The Logic of Divine Blessedness and the Salvific Teleology of Christ
Authors: Wittman Tyler
Published: March 2016

This article recovers a fundamental part of the logic inherent in the traditional doctrine of divine blessedness for the sake of commending the efficacy of the incarnate Son's mission. This recovery begins with two theses derived from Thomas Aquinas’ account in the Summa theologiae, where divine blessedness includes an intrinsic connection between self‐sufficiency and aseity through the concept of self‐possession. It is then argued that revisionists and critics of the doctrine tend to soften this connection, and that something like the traditional logic is indispensable to the salvific teleology of the Word become flesh.
Reading Reinhold Niebuhr against Himself Again: On Theological Language and Divine Action
Authors: Carnahan Kevin
Published: March 2016

Since 1937, when Reinhold Niebuhr articulated his most developed understanding of the function of theological language, there has been debate about how his approach should be understood. Recent readings of Niebuhr have assumed that Niebuhr's account of theological language rests upon dualistic presuppositions. While acknowledging manifestations of post‐Cartesian dualism in Niebuhr's thought, this article argues that Niebuhr's thought also reflects a more compelling strain of Augustinian/Kierkegaardian anti‐dualism, and that reading Niebuhr through the lens of this anti‐dualism allows for a fruitful account of his treatment of theological language.
Characterizing ‐perfect line graphs
Authors: Escalante Mariana , Nasini Graciela , Wagler Annegret
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is to study the Lovász‐Schrijver PSD operator applied to the edge relaxation of the stable set polytope of a graph. We are particularly interested in the problem of characterizing graphs for which generates the stable set polytope in one step, called ‐perfect graphs. It is conjectured that the only ‐perfect graphs are those whose stable set polytope is described by inequalities with near‐bipartite support. So far, this conjecture has been proved for near‐perfect graphs, fs‐perfect graphs, and webs. Here, we verify it for line graphs, by proving that in an ‐perfect line graph the only facet‐defining subgraphs are cliques and odd holes.
Accessing Online Data: Web‐Crawling and Information‐Scraping Techniques to Automate the Assembly of Research Data
Authors: Massimino Brett
Published: March 2016

There is a growing interest in leveraging alternate sources of empirical data, with an increasing emphasis being placed on the Internet. This paper serves as a primer for supply chain management (SCM) researchers that may be interested in leveraging Internet‐based sources for their own research, but perhaps not familiar with how to begin. Here, definitions and concepts critical to successful implementation in practice are provided. In addition, concrete, discipline‐relevant examples accompany the discussion, and are aided by a fully detailed online code supplement. Performance enhancements are discussed, as well as associated caveats and limitations. Additionally, insights and guidance are offered on the unique responsibilities for researchers to uphold the ethical spirit of scientific research when continuing along these paths. Pragmatic issues related to the application of these techniques are presented for consideration of individual researchers and the SCM community as a whole.
Second‐Generation Cryoballoon Ablation in the Setting of Lone Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Single Procedural Outcome at 12 Months
Authors: DE REGIBUS VALENTINA , MUGNAI GIACOMO , MORAN DARRAGH , HÜNÜK BURAK , STRÖKER ERWIN , HACIOGLU EBRU , RUGGIERO DIEGO , COUTIÑO‐MORENO HUGO ENRIQUE , TAKARADA KEN , BRUGADA PEDRO , DE ASMUNDIS CARLO , CHIERCHIA GIAN‐BATTISTA
Published: March 2016

Second‐Generation Cryoballoon Ablation

Background

Lone atrial fibrillation (LAF) develops in younger individuals without cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. As pulmonary vein isolation has been recognized as an optimal treatment for drug‐resistant atrial fibrillation, cryoballoon ablation with second‐generation balloon (CB‐A) may be an ideal solution for LAF patients.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate acute success, periprocedural complications and outcome over a 12‐month follow‐up period in a cohort of patients having undergone PV isolation (PVI) for LAF using CB‐A technology.

Methods

A total of 75 consecutive patients (50 male, mean age 47 ± 12 years) with a diagnosis of lone paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by CB‐A from June 2012 were included. All patients underwent this procedure with the 28 mm CB‐A. A total of 299 PVs (100%) could be isolated with CB‐A alone.

Results

The freedom from AF recurrence after a single procedure was 92% of patients during the entire 13‐month follow‐up. When considering a blanking period (BP) of 3 months, success rate was 93.3%. Transient phrenic nerve palsy (PNP) was the most frequent complication, occurring in 5.3% of individuals (4 patients); complete recovery was documented for all of these patients prior to hospital discharge.

Conclusions

CB‐A is extremely effective in achieving PVI and affords freedom from AF at 13‐month follow‐up in 93% of young patients affected by drug‐resistant LPAF following a 3‐month BP. The most frequent complication observed was PNP, which reverted prior to discharge in all patients.
Oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelium cells increases exosome secretion and promotes angiogenesis in endothelial cells
Authors: Atienzar‐Aroca Sandra , Flores‐Bellver Miguel , Serrano‐Heras Gemma , Martinez‐Gil Natalia , Barcia Jorge M. , Aparicio Silvia , Perez‐Cremades Daniel , Garcia‐Verdugo Jose M. , Diaz‐Llopis Manuel , Romero Francisco J. , Sancho‐Pelluz Javier
Published: March 2016

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer located between the photoreceptors and the choroid, is constantly damaged by oxidative stress, particularly because of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As the RPE, because of its physiological functions, is essential for the survival of the retina, any sustained damage may consequently lead to loss of vision. Exosomes are small membranous vesicles released into the extracellular medium by numerous cell types, including RPE cells. Their cargo includes genetic material and proteins, making these vesicles essential for cell‐to‐cell communication. Exosomes may fuse with neighbouring cells influencing their fate. It has been observed that RPE cells release higher amounts of exosomes when they are under oxidative stress. Exosomes derived from cultured RPE cells were isolated by ultracentrifugation and quantified by flow cytometry. VEGF receptors (VEGFR) were analysed by both flow cytometry and Western blot. RT‐PCR and qPCR were conducted to assess mRNA content of VEGFRs in exosomes. Neovascularization assays were performed after applying RPE exosomes into endothelial cell cultures. Our results showed that stressed RPE cells released a higher amount of exosomes than controls, with a higher expression of VEGFR in the membrane, and enclosed an extra cargo of VEGFR mRNA. Angiogenesis assays confirmed that endothelial cells increased their tube formation capacity when exposed to stressed RPE exosomes.
Effect of Structured Physical Activity on Respiratory Outcomes in Sedentary Elderly Adults with Mobility Limitations
Authors: Vaz Fragoso Carlos A. , Beavers Daniel P. , Anton Stephen D. , Liu Christine K. , McDermott Mary M. , Newman Anne B. , Pahor Marco , Stafford Randall S. , Gill Thomas M. ,   the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence in Elders Investigators
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of structured physical activity on respiratory outcomes in community‐dwelling elderly adults with mobility limitations.

Design

Multicenter, randomized trial of physical activity vs health education, with respiratory variables prespecified as tertiary outcomes over an intervention period of 24–42 months. Physical activity included walking (goal of 150 min/week) and strength, flexibility, and balance training. Health education included workshops on topics relevant to older adults and upper extremity stretching exercises.

Setting

Lifestyle Interventions and Independence in Elders (LIFE) Study.

Participants

Community‐dwelling persons aged 70–89 with Short Physical Performance Battery scores less than 10 (N = 1,635).

Measurements

Dyspnea severity (defined as moderate to severe according to a Borg index >2 immediately after a 400‐m walk), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (<lower limit of normal (LLN) defined low breathing capacity), and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) (<LLN defined respiratory muscle weakness) were assessed at baseline and 6, 18, and 30 months. Hospitalization for exacerbation of obstructive airways disease (EOAD) and pneumonia was also ascertained over the 42‐month follow‐up period.

Results

The randomized groups were similar in baseline demographics, including mean age (79) and sex (67% female). The effect of physical activity on dyspnea severity, FEV1, and MIP was no different from that of health education but was associated with higher likelihood of respiratory hospitalization, significantly for EOAD (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19–4.61, P = .01) and marginally for pneumonia (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 0.98–2.42, P = .06).

Conclusion

In older persons with mobility limitations, physical activity was associated with higher likelihood of respiratory hospitalization than health education, but differences in dyspnea severity, FEV1, and MIP did not accompany this effect—indicating that higher hospital use could be attributable to greater participant contact.
Hospital Readmission Penalties: Coming Soon to a Nursing Home Near You!
Authors: Carnahan Jennifer L. , Unroe Kathleen T. , Torke Alexia M.
Published: March 2016

The Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 includes provisions for hospital readmission penalties for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) starting in 2018. This presents an opportunity for care improvement but also raises several concerns regarding quality of care. The readmission measure for SNFs is similar to the current readmission measure for hospitals mandated under the Affordable Care Act, with the exception of adjustments made for sex. Because these measures for hospitals are similar, lessons can be learned from implementation of the existing hospital readmission penalties. In addition, there are three specific concerns that the authors relate to implementing the proposed measure in SNFs. There is poor communication and care coordination between care settings, including posthospitalization and post‐SNF care in the current healthcare system. Adding readmission penalties to SNF regulations may create perverse incentives for prolonged SNF stays. The evidence base for the best means of caring for individuals after a brief stay in a SNF needs enrichment. These challenges need to be addressed as part of implementation of these new hospital readmission penalties for SNFs to improve care and prevent new unintended consequences.
Relationship Between Circulating Thyroid‐Stimulating Hormone, Free Thyroxine, and Free Triiodothyronine Concentrations and 9‐Year Mortality in Euthyroid Elderly Adults
Authors: Ceresini Graziano , Marina Michela , Lauretani Fulvio , Maggio Marcello , Bandinelli Stefania , Ceda Gian P. , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To determine the association between plasma thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels and all‐cause mortality in older adults who had levels of all three hormones in the normal range.

Design

Longitudinal.

Setting

Community‐based.

Participants

Euthyroid Invecchiare in Chianti study participants aged 65 and older (N = 815).

Measurements

Plasma TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels were predictors, and 9‐year all‐cause mortality was the outcome. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for confounders were used to examine the relationship between TSH, FT3, and FT4 quartiles and all‐cause mortality over 9 years of follow‐up.

Results

During follow‐up (mean person‐years 8,643.7, range 35.4–16,985.0), 181 deaths occurred (22.2%). Participants with TSH in the lowest quartile had higher mortality than the rest of the population. After adjusting for multiple confounders, participants with TSH in the lowest quartile (hazard ratio = 2.22, 95% confidence interval = 1.19–4.22) had significantly higher all‐cause mortality than those with TSH in the highest quartile. Neither FT3 nor FT4 was associated with mortality.

Conclusion

In elderly euthyroid subjects, normal‐low TSH is an independent risk factor for all‐cause mortality.
Diagnosis and Disruption: Population‐Level Analysis Identifying Points of Care at Which Transitions Are Highest for People with Dementia and Factors That Contribute to Them
Authors: Sivananthan Saskia N. , McGrail Kimberlyn M.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To examine transitions that individuals with dementia experience longitudinally and to identify points of care when transitions are highest and the factors that contribute to those transitions.

Design

Population‐based 10‐year retrospective cohort study from 2000 to 2011.

Setting

General community.

Participants

All individuals aged 65 and older newly diagnosed with dementia in British Columbia, Canada.

Measurements

The frequency and timing of transitions over 10 years, participant characteristics associated with greater number of transitions, and the influence of recommended dementia care and high‐quality primary care on number of transitions.

Results

Individuals experience a spike in transitions during the year of diagnosis, driven primarily by hospitalizations, despite accounting for end of life or newly moving to a long‐term care facility (LTCF). This occurs regardless of survival time or care location. Regardless of survival time, individuals not inLTCFs experience a marked increase in hospitalizations in the year before and the year of death, often exceeding hospitalizations in the year of diagnosis. Receipt of recommended dementia care and receipt of high‐quality primary care were independently associated with fewer transitions across care settings.

Conclusion

The spike in transitions in the year of diagnosis highlights a distressing period for individuals with dementia during which unwanted or unnecessary transitions might occur and suggests a useful target for interventions. There is an association between recommended dementia care and outcomes and evidence of the continued value of high‐quality primary care in a complex population at a critical point when gaps in continuity are especially likely.
Private Practice of Prosthodontists in the United States: Results from the 2008, 2011, and 2014 Surveys of Prosthodontists
Authors: Nash Kent D. , Benting Douglas G.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To review data and results from past surveys of prosthodontists sponsored and conducted by the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP). Specifically, most results are examined and presented from the surveys conducted in 2008, 2011, and 2014. Selected survey results are examined for prosthodontists in private practice.

Materials and Methods

Results from past surveys of prosthodontists were statistically examined and used to estimate several characteristics of the current population of practicing prosthodontists. The selected characteristics included age, gender, number of patient visits, hours in the practice, employment of staff, referral sources, and financial conditions (e.g., gross receipts, expenses in the practice, and net income of prosthodontists). While the most recent survey was conducted during the year 2014, the respondents reported survey data for the previous year of 2013.

Results

The average age of a private practice prosthodontist in 2013 reached 52 years; 26 years since graduation from dental school and 20 years since completion of residency; an average of 20 years since starting practice as a prosthodontist, with 52.2% in solo practice. The mean number of hours per week in the practice was 32.6 hours, and practicing prosthodontists treated an average of 33 patient visits per week. The single largest source of referrals is the prosthodontist's patients, while general practitioners are a close second source of referrals. The largest percentage of time spent treating patients is for fixed prosthodontics (21%), which has declined from a mean of 24.1% reported in 2007. The mean amount of nominal gross billings in 2013 was $654,270 per prosthodontist, which was lower than the mean gross billings in both 2007 and 2010; average total practice expenses were $577,480; and the mean nominal net earnings in 2013 of prosthodontists in private practice was $225,280.

Conclusion

Changes have continued to take place in the private practice of prosthodontics during most of the last decade. The prosthodontist private practice industry, not unlike dentistry as a whole, has undergone economic and practice challenges that have affected the conditions of the private practice of prosthodontists.
Digital Relief of the Mental Foramen for a CAD/CAM‐Fabricated Mandibular Denture
Authors: Ohkubo Chikahiro , Park Eun‐Jin , Kim Tae Hyung , Kurtz Kenneth S.
Published: March 2016

Relief of the intaglio surface of a denture base is conventionally performed using thin wax and soft metal foil attached to the master cast. The following report highlights a new relief procedure for the mental foramen using a CT double scan technique on the CAD/CAM dentures fabricated for the patient with paresthesia of the left lower lip and chin during mastication.
A new type of 3‐D peripheral ultrastructure in Glaucocystis (Glaucocystales, Glaucophyta) as revealed by ultra‐high voltage electron microscopy
Authors: Takahashi Toshiyuki , Nishida Tomoki , Saito Chieko , Yasuda Hidehiro , Nozaki Hisayoshi
Published: March 2016

The coccoid glaucophyte genus Glaucocystis is characterized by having a thick cell wall, which has to date prohibited examination of the native ultrastructural features of the protoplast periphery. Recently, however, the three‐dimensional (3‐D) ultrastructure of the protoplast periphery was revealed in two divergent Glaucocystis species, with the world's most powerful ultra‐high voltage electron microscope (UHVEM). The two species exhibit morphological diversity in terms of their 3‐D ultrastructural features. However, these two types do not seem to encompass actual ultrastructural diversity in the genetically diverse genus Glaucocystis. Here, we report a new type of peripheral 3‐D ultrastructure resolved in “G. incrassata” SAG 229‐2 cells by 3‐D modeling based on UHVEM tomography using high‐pressure freezing and freeze‐substitution fixation. The plasma membrane and underlying flattened vesicles in “G. incrassata” SAG 229‐2 exhibited grooves at intervals of 200–600 nm, and the flattened vesicles often overlapped one another at the protoplast periphery. This 3‐D ultrastructure differs from those of the two types previously reported in other species of Glaucocystis. The possibility of classification of Glaucocystis species based on the 3‐D ultrastructure of the protoplast periphery is discussed.
Embodiment and the Construction of Social Knowledge: Towards an Integration of Embodiment and Social Representations Theory
Authors: O'Connor Cliodhna
Published: March 2016

Recent developments in the psychological and social sciences have seen a surge of attention to concepts of embodiment. The burgeoning field of embodied cognition, as well as the long‐standing tradition of phenomenological philosophy, offer valuable insights for theorising how people come to understand the world around them. However, the implications of human embodiment have been largely neglected by one of the key frameworks for conceptualising the development of social knowledge: Social Representations Theory. This article seeks to spark a dialogue between Social Representations Theory and embodiment research. It outlines the position the body occupies in the existing theoretical and empirical social representations literature, and argues that incorporating concepts gleaned from embodiment research may facilitate a more comprehensive account of the aetiology of social representations. The value of analytic attention to embodiment is illustrated with reference to a recent study of social representations of neuroscience, which suggested that embodied experience can shape the extent to which people engage with certain topics, the conditions under which they do so, and the conceptual and affective content of the ensuing representations. The article argues that expanding Social Representations Theory's methodological and conceptual toolkit, in order to illuminate the interplay between embodied experience and social communication in the development of common‐sense knowledge, promises productive directions for empirical and theoretical advancement.
Experimental Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Inhibition in CNS Injury‐Induced Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Authors: Burkovskiy Ian , Zhou Juan , Lehmann Christian
Published: March 2016

Objective

Severe CNS injury, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury, is known to increase susceptibility to infections. The increased susceptibility to infection is due to an impaired immune response and is referred to as CIDS. The CB2 receptor on immune cells presents a potential therapeutic target in CIDS as activation of this receptor has been shown to be involved in immunosuppression. The main purpose of this study was to determine the impact of CB2 receptor inhibition on leukocyte activation within the microcirculation following endotoxin challenge in an experimental stroke model.

Methods

Five experimental groups (male C57BL/6 mice, age: 6‐8 weeks) were subjected to the following treatments: control; endotoxemia (LPS 5 mg/kg, i.v.); transient cerebral hypoxia‐ischemia (HI) + endotoxemia; HI + endotoxemia + CB2 receptor antagonist (AM630 2.5 mg/kg, i.v.). HI was induced by unilateral carotid artery occlusion, followed by 50 minute exposure to a low oxygen atmosphere (8% O2). The CB2 receptor antagonist was given 15 min prior to LPS administration. Intravital microscopy (IVM) was carried out 2h after LPS administration. Brains were extracted and stained with tetrazolium chloride (TTC) to measure infarct volume.

Results

Compared to endotoxemic animals without CNS injury, mice subjected to HI displayed reduced leukocyte activation in intestinal submucosal venules indicative of CIDS. Administration of the CB2 receptor antagonist in animals with CIDS challenged with endotoxin restored peripheral leukocyte recruitment without a detrimental impact on infarct size.

Conclusion

We conclude that the ECS is involved in the impaired immune response following CNS injury. Future studies should further explore the CB2 receptor pathway to develop novel therapies for CIDS.
Exercise and Repeated Testing Improves Accuracy of Laser Doppler Assessment of Microvascular Function Following Shortened (1‐minute) Blood Flow Occlusion
Authors: Tran Brian D. , Chiu Abraham , Tran Charlene , Rogacion Danica Rose , Tfaye Nicole , Ganesan Goutham , Galassetti Pietro R.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To determine whether stability/accuracy of post‐occlusive LDF following shortened, one‐minute blood flow occlusion, increases in the post‐exercise state or by averaging multiple measurements.

Methods

Six healthy adults (3F) underwent LDF eight times at rest and following exercise, assessing post‐occlusive (one‐minute occlusion) reactive hyperemia in the cutaneous microcirculation of the forefinger. Measured variables included: pre‐ and post‐occlusion steady‐state perfusion (Plat1, Plat2), maximum post‐occlusive perfusion (Max), PkT, and the ratio Max/Plat1.

Results

Stability/accuracy of all variables improved performing measurements after exercise (p < 0.05 Plat 1, Plat 2, Max and Max/Plat1). PkT and Max/Plat 1 displayed the greatest accuracy at rest (26.6 ± 5.1% and 26.6 ± 4.4% average difference, %Diff, of single measurements from individual “true” means, respectively); for these variables, %Diff improved to 19.5 ± 5.3 and 17.6 ± 2.1, respectively, following exercise. Overall, averaging multiple measurements performed at rest also improved stability/accuracy in all variables. This improvement was comparable to that obtained with a single measurement following exercise.

Conclusions

A standardized exercise stimulus prior to testing significantly improves stability/accuracy of LDF following shortened, one‐minute blood flow occlusion. Our results suggest the possibilities of broader applications of exercise to optimize measurements from a variety of skin perfusion methodologies.
User‐driven conversations about dialysis through Facebook: A qualitative thematic analysis
Authors: Ahmed Salim , Haines‐Saah Rebecca J , Afzal Arfan R , Tam‐Tham Helen , Al Mamun Mohammad , Hemmelgarn Brenda R , Turin Tanvir C
Published: March 2016

Aim

As one of the most popular social networking sites in the world, Facebook has strong potential to enable peer support and the user‐driven sharing of health information. We carried out a qualitative thematic analysis of the wall posts of a public Facebook group focused on dialysis to identify some of the major themes discussed.

Methods

We searched Facebook using the word ‘dialysis’. A Facebook group (Dialysis Discussion Uncensored) with the highest number of members was selected amongst publicly available forums related to dialysis and operated in English (http://www.facebook.com/groups/DialysisUncensored). Two researchers independently extracted information on features of the group including purpose, group members and the user‐generated posts on the group wall. Posts were further analysed to develop major themes.

Results

Characteristics of a Facebook group based on its participants and activities are presented. Three themes are described with representative quotations. In a period of 2 weeks, we found 1257 wall posts with total of 31 636 likes and 15 972 comments. All messages were in English, and the majority of the participants were dialysis patients. However, we observed the participation of family members and care providers as well. Posts were categorized into three major themes: sharing information, seeking and providing emotional and social support and sharing experience.

Conclusion

Findings of this study provide an example of how a social networking platform can enable patients and their families to share information and to encourage peer‐based support for managing dialysis‐related experiences.
Microstachys crassifolia sp. nov. (Euphorbiaceae) from Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil
Authors: da Silva Marcos José , Pscheidt Allan Carlos , Cordeiro Inês
Published: March 2016

Microstachys crassifolia, a new species from Chapada dos Veadeiros region in the State of Goias, central Brazil, is here described and illustrated. Its habit and general morphology resembles that of M. nana Silva & Esser, an endemic species from the State of Paraná, southern Brazil. Both species are hemicryptophytes from grasslands, with a well‐developed underground system, glabrous leaves and reddish inflorescences and fruits, but M. crassifolia has fleshy leaves without glands while M. nana has membranaceous leaves with pateliform, submarginal glands.
Who and where are the flexible workers? Exploring the current diffusion of telework in Sweden
Authors: Vilhelmson Bertil , Thulin Eva
Published: March 2016

This study investigates the increased adoption of telework in Sweden between 2005 and 2012. It uses microlevel data from national surveys in order to ask where telework is being adopted and by whom. Results indicate that telework has become routine for over 20 per cent of all gainfully employed. Expansion is explained by a working life in transition: besides enabling information and communication technologies, factors associate with managers’ trust and control; the character of jobs, work tasks and contracts in knowledge‐based industries; and with individual and household work–life balance issues. Telework is connected to permanent employment in the advanced services sector, slowly diffusing into other sectors. It is increasingly performed in the home and is becoming more frequent. Individuals with families and children are overrepresented and among the fastest growing groups. Broadband access at home is an enabler. Larger urban regions strengthen their position in favour of teleworking.
Performing projects with constant connectivity: interplay of consulting project work practices and smartphone affordances
Authors: Azad Bijan , Salamoun Randa , Greenhill Anita , Wood‐Harper Trevor
Published: March 2016

The broad view of projectification and the broader perspective on constant connectivity have produced insights that question the conventional wisdom. However, how project practices are mediated by constant connectivity is under‐explored and under‐theorized. We conduct a case study of the interplay between consulting project work practices and constant connectivity to address this gap. Our findings point to three potential insights. First, we highlight that consulting projects in the focal context are characterized by clockwork coordination logic. Second, we show there is affinity between front‐stage practices and synchronous smartphone affordances on the one hand as well as between backstage practices and asynchronous smartphone affordances on the other. Third, we describe how clockwork coordination and connectivity affordances give rise to decoupling of legacy timespace from backstage practices while reinforcing the legacy timespace of the front‐stage practices. Our work extends the literature via a highly nuanced and differentiated understanding of the focal phenomena.
Prevalence and cumulative incidence of food hyper‐sensitivity in the first 10 years of life
Authors: Venter Carina , Patil Veeresh , Grundy Jane , Glasbey Gillian , Twiselton Roger , Arshad Syed Hasan , Dean Taraneh
Published: March 2016

Background

Prevalence, incidence and natural history of food hypersensitivity (FHS) and its trends in an unselected cohort of older children are unclear.

Methods

A birth cohort born on the Isle of Wight (UK) between 2001 and 2002 was followed up prospectively. Children were clinically examined and skin prick tested at set times and invited for food challenges when indicated. At 10 years of age, children were also invited for a blood test.

Results

A total of 969 children were recruited at 12 weeks of pregnancy, and 92.9%, 88.5%, 91.6% and 85.3% were assessed at 1, 2, 3 and 10 years. Prevalence of sensitization to any allergen over 10 years was 186 of 969 (19.2%; 95% CI: 16.84–21.8) and 108 of 969 (11.2%; 95% CI: 9.31–13.29) children were sensitized to at least one predefined food allergen. Excluding wheat (due to cross‐reactivity with pollen), 40 of 969 (4.1%; 95% CI: 3.19–5.32) children were sensitized to a predefined food allergen. Using food challenges and/or a good clinical history, the cumulative incidence of food hypersensitivity (FHS) in the first decade of life was 64 of 947 (6.8%, 95% CI: 5.2–8.4), while the prevalence of FHS at 10 years was 30 of 827 (3.6%, 95% CI: 2.54–5.15). The vast majority, 25 of 827 (3.0%, 95% CI: 1.8–4.2), suffered from IgE‐mediated food allergy, while 5 of 827 (0.6%, 95% CI: 0.07–1.3) had non‐IgE‐mediated food allergy/food intolerance.

Conclusions

By the age of 10 years, 6.8% of children suffered from FHS based on food challenges and a good clinical history. There was a large discrepancy between reported and diagnosed FHS.
Non‐immediate hypersensitivity reactions to beta‐lactam antibiotics in children – our 10‐year experience in allergy work‐up
Authors: Atanaskovic‐Markovic Marina , Gaeta Francesco , Medjo Biljana , Gavrovic‐Jankulovic Marija , Cirkovic Velickovic Tanja , Tmusic Vladimir , Romano Antonino
Published: March 2016

Background

Non‐immediate reactions to beta‐lactam antibiotics (BL) occur more than one hour after drug administration, and the most common manifestations are maculopapular exanthemas and delayed‐appearing urticaria and/or angioedema. Infections can lead to skin eruptions and mimic drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHR), if a drug is taken at the same time. The most of children are labeled as ‘drug allergic’ after considering only the clinical history.

Objective

To diagnose/detect a hypersensitivity or an infection which mimicDHRin children with non‐immediate reactions toBL

Methods

A prospective survey was conducted in a group of 1026 children with histories of non‐immediate reactions toBLby performing patch tests, skin tests, and in case of negative results, drug provocation tests (DPTs). In 300 children, a study was performed to detect infections by viruses or Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Results

Urticaria and maculopapular exanthemas were the most reported non‐immediate reactions. Only 76 (7.4%) of 1026 children had confirmed non‐immediate hypersensitivity reactions toBL. Fifty‐seven children had positive delayed‐reading intradermal tests (18 of these with a positive patch test). Nineteen children had positiveDPT. Sixty‐six of 300 children had positive tests for viruses or Mycoplasma pneumoniae and 2 of them had a positive allergy work‐up.

Conclusions

A diagnostic work‐up should be performed in all children with non‐immediate reactions toBL, to remove a false label of hypersensitivity. Even though only 57 (5.5%) of 1026 children displayed positive responses to delayed‐reading intradermal tests toBL, such tests appear to be useful in order to reduce the risk for positiveDPTs.