bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-traditional international assignments, knowledge and innovation: an exploratory study of women’s experiences
Authors: Miralles-Vazquez Laia , McGaughey Sara L.
Published: January 2016

For many multinational corporations (MNCs), sustainable competitive advantage resides in an MNC’s ability to innovate; that is, to create new knowledge, integrate it with an existing knowledge base and exploit the resulting knowledge bundles across national borders. Traditionally, a key mechanism by which knowledge is transferred across borders and recombined works through expatriate assignments. There is, however, a growing trend towards alternative forms of international assignments, such as flexpatriates, commuters, frequent flyers and self-initiated expatriates. We ask how the use of such non-traditional international assignments affects knowledge creation and transfer in MNCs and hence innovation, which we construe as both idea generation and implementation. Our exploratory study draws on the experiences of five women living in Spain who undertook various forms of international assignment in MNCs with differing administrative heritages, working in consultancy and engineering fields. Our findings point to variations in the type and quality of knowledge generated across different forms of international assignments, and draw attention to the socially embedded, informal interactions underpinning much knowledge transfer and recombination. Our findings are also suggestive of a gendered element to knowledge creation and transfer, and how these activities may be perceived by the senior management of MNCs. Our concluding conjecture is that within each form of international assignment, women’s contributions to the innovative efforts of MNCs may have somewhat less to do with formal management practices, and may even, at times, be in spite of them.
Expression of recombinant organophosphorus hydrolase in the original producer of the enzyme, Sphingobium fuliginis ATCC 27551
Authors: Nakayama Kosuke , Ohmori Takeshi , Ishikawa Satoshi , Iwata Natsumi , Seto Yasuo , Kawahara Kazuyoshi
Published: January 2016

The plasmid encoding His-tagged organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) cloned from Sphingobium fuliginis was modified to be transferred back to this bacterium. The replication function of S. amiense plasmid was inserted at downstream of OPH gene, and S. fuliginis was transformed with this plasmid. The transformant produced larger amount of active OPH with His-tag than E. coli.
‘The Stubborn Light of Things’. Landscape, Relational Agency, and Linear Earthworks in Later Prehistoric Britain
Authors: Chadwick Adrian M.
Published: January 2016

Several regions in Britain saw the construction of large, linear earthworks of banks and ditches during the later Bronze Age and in the Iron Age, often extending for many kilometres. In the light of recent theoretical discussions of materiality and relational agency within archaeology and other social sciences, and through an avowedly discursive poetics of place, examples of these earthworks are re-assessed as actants, capable of affecting and directing the lives of people, animals, and plants. These linear earthworks were not static monuments, but were active assemblages or meshworks of materiality, movement, and memory.
Three‐dimensional kinematics of competitive and recreational cyclists across different workloads during cycling
Authors: Bini Rodrigo R. , Dagnese Frederico , Rocha Emmanuel , Silveira Mateus C. , Carpes Felipe P. , Mota Carlos B.
Published: January 2016

Although the link between sagittal plane motion and exercise intensity has been highlighted, no study assessed if different workloads lead to changes in three‐dimensional cycling kinematics. This study compared three‐dimensional joint and segment kinematics between competitive and recreational road cyclists across different workloads. Twenty‐four road male cyclists (12 competitive and 12 recreational) underwent an incremental workload test to determine aerobic peak power output. In a following session, cyclists performed four trials at sub‐maximal workloads (65, 75, 85 and 95% of their aerobic peak power output) at 90 rpm of pedalling cadence. Mean hip adduction, thigh rotation, shank rotation, pelvis inclination (latero‐lateral and anterior–posterior), spine inclination and rotation were computed at the power section of the crank cycle (12 o'clock to 6 o'clock crank positions) using three‐dimensional kinematics. Greater lateral spine inclination (p < .01, 5–16%, effect sizes = 0.09–0.25) and larger spine rotation (p < .01, 16–29%, effect sizes = 0.31–0.70) were observed for recreational cyclists than competitive cyclists across workload trials. No differences in segment and joint angles were observed from changes in workload with significant individual effects on spine inclination (p < .01). No workload effects were found in segment angles but differences, although small, existed when comparing competitive road to recreational cyclists. When conducting assessment of joint and segment motions, workload between 65 and 95% of individual cyclists’ peak power output could be used.
Understanding the consequences of victory amongst sport spectators: The mediating role of BIRGing
Authors: Bernache‐Assollant Iouri , Chantal Yves , Bouchet Patrick , Lacassagne Marie‐Françoise
Published: January 2016

Prior work on the relationships between team identification and spectators’ reactions to one's team victory has largely neglected the potential effects of mediating variables. In this research, we proposed that the process of Basking in Reflected Glory [BIRGing – the tendency to reduce the distance between oneself and one's team; Cialdini, R. B., Bordon, R. J., Thorne, A., Walker, M. R., Freeman, S., & Sloan, L. R. (1976). Basking in reflected glory: Three (football) field studies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 34, 366–375] would lead spectators to almost take ownership of victories and share its benefits, thereby impacting their sense of national belonging in a positive manner. To this end, participants (N = 73) were asked to watch an edited video clip showing a victory of the French national rugby team playing against South Africa. As expected, results revealed that BIRGing mediated the relationship between team identification and one's sense of national belonging. In closing, a number of implications are discussed along with future research avenues pertaining to the sport spectatorship literature.
When language comprehension goes wrong for the right reasons: Good-enough, underspecified, or shallow language processing
Authors: Christianson Kiel
Published: January 2016

This paper contains an overview of language processing that can be described as “good enough”, “underspecified”, or “shallow”. The central idea is that a nontrivial proportion of misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and miscommunication can be attributed not to random error, but instead to processing preferences of the human language processing system. In other words, the very architecture of the language processor favours certain types of processing errors because in a majority of instances, this “fast and frugal”, less effortful processing is good enough to support communication. By way of historical background, connections are made between this relatively recent facet of psycholinguistic study, other recent language processing models, and related concepts in other areas of cognitive science. Finally, the nine papers included in this special issue are introduced as representative of novel explorations of good-enough, or underspecified, language processing.
A novel human autoimmune syndrome caused by combined hypomorphic and activating mutations in ZAP-70
Authors: Chan Alice Y. , Punwani Divya , Kadlecek Theresa A. , Cowan Morton J. , Olson Jean L. , Mathes Erin F. , Sunderam Uma , Man Fu Shu , Srinivasan Rajgopal , Kuriyan John , Brenner Steven E. , Weiss Arthur , Puck Jennifer M.
Published: January 2016

A brother and sister developed a previously undescribed constellation of autoimmune manifestations within their first year of life, with uncontrollable bullous pemphigoid, colitis, and proteinuria. The boy had hemophilia due to a factor VIII autoantibody and nephrotic syndrome. Both children required allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), which resolved their autoimmunity. The early onset, severity, and distinctive findings suggested a single gene disorder underlying the phenotype. Whole-exome sequencing performed on five family members revealed the affected siblings to be compound heterozygous for two unique missense mutations in the 70-kD T cell receptor ζ-chain associated protein (ZAP-70). Healthy relatives were heterozygous mutation carriers. Although pre-HCT patient T cells were not available, mutation effects were determined using transfected cell lines and peripheral blood from carriers and controls. Mutation R192W in the C-SH2 domain exhibited reduced binding to phosphorylated ζ-chain, whereas mutation R360P in the N lobe of the catalytic domain disrupted an autoinhibitory mechanism, producing a weakly hyperactive ZAP-70 protein. Although human ZAP-70 deficiency can have dysregulated T cells, and autoreactive mouse thymocytes with weak Zap-70 signaling can escape tolerance, our patients’ combination of hypomorphic and activating mutations suggested a new disease mechanism and produced previously undescribed human ZAP-70–associated autoimmune disease.
The physical impact of towed demersal fishing gears on soft sediments
Authors: O'Neill F. G. , Ivanović A.
Published: January 2016

An improved understanding of the physical interaction of towed demersal fishing gears with the seabed has been developed in recent years, and there is a clearer view of the underpinning mechanical processes that lead to the modification and alteration of the benthic environment. The physical impact of these gears on soft sediments can be classified broadly as being either geotechnical or hydrodynamic in nature: penetration and piercing of the substrate, lateral displacement of sediment, and the influence of the pressure field transmitted through the sediment can be considered geotechnical, whereas the mobilization of sediment into the water column can be considered hydrodynamic. A number of experimental and numerical approaches have been used to gain better insights of these physical processes. These include small-scale modelling in towing tanks and sand channels; large-scale modelling in the field; measurements behind full-scale towed gears at sea; numerical/mathematical modelling of sediment mechanics; and numerical/mathematical modelling of hydrodynamics. Here, we will review this research, and that in associated fields, and show how it can form the basis of predictive models of the benthic impact of trawl gears.
A Novel 7-Single Nucleotide Polymorphism-Based Clonotyping Test Allows Rapid Prediction of Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Extraintestinal Escherichia coli Directly From Urine Specimens
Authors: Tchesnokova Veronika , Avagyan Hovhannes , Billig Mariya , Chattopadhyay Sujay , Aprikian Pavel , Chan Diana , Pseunova Julietta , Rechkina Elena , Riddell Kim , Scholes Delia , Fang Ferric C. , Johnson James R. , Sokurenko Evgeni V.
Published: January 2016

Background.  Escherichia coli is a highly clonal pathogen. Extraintestinal isolates belong to a limited number of genetically related groups, which often exhibit characteristic antimicrobial resistance profiles.

Methods.  We developed a rapid clonotyping method for extraintestinal E coli based on detection of the presence or absence of 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 2 genes (fumC and fimH). A reference set of 2559 E coli isolates, primarily of urinary origin, was used to predict the resolving power of the 7-SNP-based typing method, and 582 representative strains from this set were used to evaluate test robustness.

Results.  Fifty-four unique SNP combinations (“septatypes”) were identified in the reference strains. These septatypes yielded a clonal group resolution power on par with that of traditional multilocus sequence typing. In 72% of isolates, septatype identity predicted sequence type identity with at least 90% (mean, 97%) accuracy. Most septatypes exhibited highly distinctive antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. The 7-SNP-based test could be performed with high specificity and sensitivity using single or multiplex conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR. In the latter format, E coli presence and septatype identity were determined directly in urine specimens within 45 minutes with bacterial loads as low as 102 colony-forming units/mL and, at clinically significant bacterial loads, with 100% sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions.  7-SNP-based typing of E coli can be used for both epidemiological studies and clinical diagnostics, which could greatly improve the empirical selection of antimicrobial therapy.
Long-Term Sentinel Surveillance for Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli in Minnesota
Authors: Medus Carlota , Besser John M. , Juni Billie A. , Koziol Bonnie , Lappi Victoria , Smith Kirk E. , Hedberg Craig W.
Published: January 2016

Background.  Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are not detected by conventional culture methods. The prevalence of ETEC infections in the United States is unknown, and recognized cases are primarily associated with foreign travel. Gaps remain in our understanding of STEC epidemiology.

Methods.  Two sentinel surveillance sites were enrolled: an urban health maintenance organization laboratory (Laboratory A) and a rural hospital laboratory (Laboratory B). Residual sorbitol MacConkey (SMAC) plates from stool cultures performed at Laboratory A (1996–2006) and Laboratory B (2000–2008) were collected. Colony sweeps from SMAC plates were tested for genes encoding STEC toxins stx1 and stx2 (1996–2008) and ETEC heat-labile and heat-stable toxins eltB, estA 1, 2 and 3 (2000–2008) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays.

Results.  In Laboratory A, a bacterial pathogen was identified in 7.0% of 21 970 specimens. During 1996–2006, Campylobacter was the most common bacterial pathogen (2.7% of cultures), followed by Salmonella (1.2%), Shigella (1.0%), and STEC (0.9%). Among STEC (n = 196), O157 was the most common serogroup (31%). During 2000–2006, ETEC (1.9%) was the second most common bacterial pathogen after Campylobacter (2.6%). In Laboratory B, of 19 293 specimens tested, a bacterial pathogen was identified for 5.5%, including Campylobacter (2.1%), STEC (1.3%), Salmonella (1.0%), and ETEC (0.8%). Among STEC (n = 253), O157 was the leading serogroup (35%). Among ETEC cases, 61% traveled internationally.

Conclusions.  Enterotoxigenic E. coli and STEC infections were as common as most other enteric bacterial pathogens, and ETEC may be detected more frequently by culture-independent multiplex PCR diagnostic methods. A high proportion of ETEC cases were domestically acquired.
Defense Gene Expression Associated with Biotrophic Phase of Mycosphaerella fijiensis M. Morelet Infection in Banana
Authors: Rodriguez Hector A. , Rodriguez-Arango Esperanza , Morales Juan G. , Kema Gert , Arango Rafael E.
Published: January 2016

Banana black leaf streak, caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis M. Morelet, is a primary phytosanitary concern in export of this fruit around the world. To develop improved cultivars resistant to this disease, an understanding of host response to infection is necessary. In this study, we obtained expression data on 14,872 genes by microarray analysis in the resistant genotype Musa acuminata subsp. burmannicoides ‘Calcutta 4’ after inoculation with Mycosphaerella fijiensis. From these data, 16 genes were analyzed as potential reference genes and 12 genes were identified as potential early indicators of the onset of the host defense response. Subsequently, these genes were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction in susceptible ‘Williams’ and resistant Calcutta 4. The 18S and 26S ribosomal subunit genes in both cultivars showed the best characteristics as reference genes. In all, 5 of the 12 defense genes expressed shortly after infection (peroxidase, pathogenesis-related [PR]-4, PR-10, phenylalanine ammonia-liase, and disease resistance response 1) showed overexpression in Calcutta 4 between 6 and 24 h after inoculation as opposed to Williams, which did not show overexpression after 144 h. Early induction of defense-related genes could be a key component of the resistance of the Calcutta 4 genotype against M. fijiensis. In addition, these five genes could be used as indicators of the activation of defense responses in the interaction between banana and M. fijiensis.
Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of Laboratory and Field Mutants of Botrytis cinerea Resistant to Fludioxonil
Authors: Ren Weichao , Shao Wenyong , Han Xu , Zhou Mingguo , Chen Changjun
Published: January 2016

Botrytis cinerea is a filamentous phytopathogen with a high risk of developing resistance to fungicides. The phenylpyrrole fungicide fludioxonil has been reported to have excellent activity against B. cinerea and increasingly has been applied to control gray mold in China. In this study, molecular and biochemical characteristics of laboratory and field mutants of B. cinerea resistant to fludioxonil has been investigated. During 2012 to 2014, B. cinerea isolates collected from Jiangsu and Shandong Provinces in China were tested in vitro for sensitivity to fungicides commonly used to suppress gray mold of cucumber and tomato. Among the 75 isolates collected from cucumber in 2013, two were highly resistant (HR) to fludioxonil. Of the 308 isolates collected from tomato in 2014, four were fludioxonil-HR. This was the first time that B. cinerea isolates HR to fludioxonil had been detected in the field. Six fludioxonil-resistant mutants were obtained in the laboratory by selection on fungicide-amended media. These mutants exhibited stable resistance to fludioxonil, as indicated by resistance factor values that ranged from 34.38 to >10,000. In comparison with fludioxonil-sensitive isolates of B. cinerea, all field and laboratory mutants showed reduced fitness, as defined by mycelial growth, sporulation, virulence, and sensitivity to osmotic stress. When treated with fludioxonil at 1 μg/ml, sensitive isolates showed increased glycerol contents in mycelium and expression levels of Bchog1, while levels in field and laboratory HR mutants increased only slightly. Sequences of the Bos1 gene of field and laboratory fludioxonil-HR mutants showed that mutations in field mutants were located in the histidine kinase, adenylyl cyclase, methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein, and phosphatase (HAMP) domains of the N-terminal region, whereas mutations in the laboratory mutants were distributed in HAMP domains or in the HATPase_c domain of the C-terminal region. These results will enhance our understanding of the resistance mechanism of B. cinerea to fludioxonil.
Neonatal Invasive Procedures Predict Pain Intensity at School Age in Children Born Very Preterm
Authors: Valeri Beatriz O. , Ranger Manon , Chau Cecil M.Y. , Cepeda Ivan L. , Synnes Anne , Linhares Maria Beatriz M. , Grunau Ruth E.
Published: January 2016

Introduction:

Children born very preterm display altered pain thresholds. Little is known about the neonatal clinical and psychosocial factors associated with their later pain perception.

Objective:

We aimed to examine whether the number of neonatal invasive procedures, adjusted for other clinical and psychosocial factors, was associated with self-ratings of pain during a blood collection procedure at school age in children born very preterm.

Materials and Methods:

56 children born very preterm (24 to 32 weeks gestational age), followed longitudinally from birth, and free of major neurodevelopmental impairments underwent a blood collection by venipuncture at age 7.5 years. The children’s pain was self-reported using the Coloured Analog Scale and the Facial Affective Scale. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Pain exposure (the number of invasive procedures) and clinical factors from birth to term-equivalent age were obtained prospectively. Multiple linear regression was used to predict children’s pain self-ratings from neonatal pain exposure after adjusting for neonatal clinical and concurrent psychosocial factors.

Results:

A greater number of neonatal invasive procedures and higher parent trait-anxiety were associated with higher pain intensity ratings during venipuncture at age 7.5 years. Fewer surgeries and lower concurrent child externalizing behaviors were associated with a higher pain intensity.

Conclusions:

In very preterm children, exposure to neonatal pain was related to altered pain self-ratings at school age, independent of other neonatal factors. Neonatal surgeries and concurrent psychosocial factors were also associated with pain ratings.
Using the Human Activity Profile to Assess Functional Performance in Heart Failure
Authors: Ribeiro-Samora Giane Amorim , Pereira Danielle Aparecida Gomes , Vieira Otávia Alves , de Alencar Maria Clara Noman , Rodrigues Roseane Santo , Carvalho Maria Luiza Vieira , Montemezzo Dayane , Britto Raquel Rodrigues
Published: January 2016

PURPOSE:

To investigate (1) the validity of using the Human Activity Profile (HAP) in patients with heart failure (HF) to estimate functional capacity; (2) the association between the HAP and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance; and (3) the ability of the HAP to differentiate between New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classes.

METHODS:

In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated 62 clinically stable patients with HF (mean age, 47.98 years; NYHA class I-III). Variables included maximal functional capacity as measured by peak oxygen uptake (

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2) using a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), peak

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2 as estimated by the HAP, and exercise capacity as measured by the 6MWT.

RESULTS:

The difference between the measured (CPET) and estimated (HAP) peak

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2 against the average values showed a bias of 2.18 mL/kg/min (P = .007). No agreement was seen between these measures when applying the Bland-Altman method. Peak

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2 in the HAP showed a moderate association with the 6MWT distance (r = 0.62; P < .0001). Peak

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2 in the HAP was able to statistically differentiate NYHA functional classes I, II, and III (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The estimated peak

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2 using the HAP was not concordant with the gold standard CPET measure. On the contrary, the HAP was able to differentiate NYHA functional class associated with the 6MWT distance; therefore, the HAP is a useful tool for assessing functional performance in patients with HF.
The Relation of Ocular Surface Irregularity and Visual Disturbance in Early Stage Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Authors: Matsumoto Yukihiro , Kodama Asako , Goto Eiki , Kawakita Tetsuya , Dogru Murat , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate the relation between ocular surface irregularity and visual disturbance in early stage Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK).

Methods:

Fifteen patients with culture-proven AK underwent routine ophthalmic examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, slitlamp biomicroscope examination, and corneal fluorescein dye staining test, in both the eyes. We also evaluated the corneal sensitivity with Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer, tear functions by Schirmer's test, and ocular surface irregularity by corneal topography and compared the results with the contralateral healthy eyes in this study.

Results:

The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA (0.71±0.77) was significantly lower in the eyes with AK (P=0.002). Epithelial disorders were present in all eyes, and radial keratoneuritis in 14 eyes (93.3%). The mean corneal sensitivity (39.3±24.1 mm) was significantly lower in eyes with AK compared with the healthy eyes (P=0.005). The mean Schirmer's test value (22.5±12.0 mm) in eyes with AK was significantly higher compared with the healthy eyes (P=0.01). The ocular surface irregularity indices (the surface regularity index, 2.47±0.42; the surface asymmetry index, 3.24±1.31) were significantly higher in eyes with AK compared with contralateral healthy eyes (P<0.0001 and P<0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions:

The ocular surface disease in AK is associated with decrease in corneal sensitivity and increase in Schirmer's test value and ocular surface irregularity indices. The visual disturbance in AK may owe not only to corneal haze but also to ocular surface irregularity.
The Effect of Demodex Infestation on Blepharitis and the Ocular Symptoms
Authors: Kabataş Naciye , Doğan Aysun Şanal , Kabataş Emrah Utku , Acar Mutlu , Biçer Tolga , Gürdal Canan
Published: January 2016

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the frequency of Demodex infestation of eyelashes in patients with and without blepharitis and to determine the effects of Demodex infestation on blepharitis and the ocular symptoms.

Methods:

The study included patients with chronic mixed (anterior + posterior) blepharitis who presented to our clinic. Patients with refractive error and no ocular disease were enrolled as the control group. From each participant, a total of 4 eyelashes were removed and were then examined under a light microscope for Demodex infestation. Symptoms, fluorescein tear breakup time, and ocular surface staining pattern were recorded.

Results:

The prevalence of Demodex infection in the blepharitis group was 67.2%, versus 54.9% in the control group (P=0.18). The incidence of itching in the blepharitis group was significantly higher in the Demodex (+) patients than in the Demodex (−) patients (P<0.001). Fluorescein tear breakup time in the Demodex (+) patients was significantly shorter than in the Demodex (−) patients (P<0.001). There was not a significant difference in the fluorescein staining pattern between the 2 groups (P=0.57). The incidence of advanced stage blepharitis was significantly higher among the Demodex (+) patients (P=0.007). The incidence of cylindrical eyelash dandruff in the blepharitis group was significantly higher in the Demodex (+) patients (P<0.001). There was a significant difference in meibomian gland dysfunction between the 2 groups (P=0.039).

Conclusion:

Demodex infestation must be investigated in patients with advanced stage blepharitis, itching, and shorter than normal fluorescein tear breakup time.
Evaluation of Autograft Characteristics After Pterygium Excision Surgery: Autologous Blood Coagulum Versus Fibrin Glue
Authors: Mittal Kanhaiya , Gupta Shikha , Khokhar Sudarshan , Vanathi Murugesan , Sharma Namrata , Agarwal Tushar , Vajpayee Rasik Bihari
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

To compare graft outcomes following pterygium excision and conjunctival autograft fixation using patient's in situ autologous blood or standard fibrin glue-assisted conjunctival autograft adhesion.

Methods:

Outcomes of 23 consecutive eyes which underwent pterygium excision and conjunctival autograft with autologous in situ blood coagulum (group I) were compared with historical case controls (20 eyes) that had undergone fibrin glue-assisted conjunctival autograft (group II). Primary outcome measure was graft stability. Secondary outcome measure was severity of graft inflammation at day 1, day 7, 3 months, and 6 months.

Results:

The two groups were similar regarding age, gender, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive error, tear function tests, and pterygium size. Mean surgical time was similar for the two groups (14.2±2.74 min, group I; 12.25±1.88 min, group II; P=0.1); with the mean difference in operative time being 1.95 min (95% CI, 0.48–3.42 min). Postoperatively, there was a statistically significant reduction in astigmatism and improvement in UCVA, BCVA, and spherical equivalent in all eyes. No difference was found in mean epithelial defect healing time, UCVA, BCVA, astigmatism, tear film break-up time, and Schirmer I and II at 6 months between the two groups. Initial graft stability was better for group II at 1 month (P=0.001) but was similar for both groups at 6 months. Median score of graft inflammation was significantly more for group II during the first week (P<0.05; Wilcoxon rank-sum test).

Conclusion:

Autologous blood may be used as an effective alternative with lesser postoperative inflammation in comparison to glue-assisted autograft fixation.
Efficacy and Safety of 0.2% Hyaluronic Acid in the Management of Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Pinto-Fraga José , López-de la Rosa Alberto , Blázquez Arauzo Francisco , Urbano Rodríguez Rubén , González-García María J.
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new artificial tear containing 0.2% hyaluronic acid, as compared with 0.9% saline solution, in mild dry eye patients after 1-month use in a crossover study design with washout periods.

Methods:

Overall, 16 mild dry eye patients were included. After a week of washout, every patient used the experimental product (Visaid 0.2%) and the control product (0.9% saline solution), each for a month (3–8 drops daily). Both products were preservative free. The percentage change for the following variables were calculated and analyzed: Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, ophthalmoscopy evaluation, biomicroscopy findings, fluorescein corneal staining and lissamine green conjunctival staining, tear breakup time, contrast sensitivity, Schirmer's test, and subject satisfaction.

Results:

Patients reported an improvement (a significant decrease of −19.5%±27.5%) in OSDI scores after using Visaid 0.2% and a worsening (a significant increase of 19.2%±32.4%) after using 0.9% saline solution; the difference was significant (P=0.0087, Student's t test). Significant changes (P≤0.04, Wilcoxon's test) were found comparing Visaid 0.2% with saline solution for bulbar hyperemia (−39.1%±50.8% vs. 7.8%±12.0%, respectively), corneal staining (−26.0%±53.0% vs. 36.5%±73.3%), conjunctival staining (−54.7%±53.4% vs. −7.8%±47.2%), and subjective satisfaction (26.8%±28.5% vs. −13.3%±22.5%). There were no significant differences in the safety parameters for either solution.

Conclusion:

This clinical trial demonstrates the safety of Visaid 0.2% and its clear benefit over 0.9% saline solution.
Traumatic Canalicular Laceration Repair with a New Monocanalicular Silicone Tube
Authors: Tavakoli Mehdi , Karimi Sayeh , Behdad Bahareh , Dizani Setareh , Salour Hossein
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

This study evaluated the efficacy of a new pushed monocanalicular silicone tube in reconstructing traumatic canalicular laceration.

Methods:

This interventional case series enrolled 48 patients with a traumatic canalicular laceration. Patients with bicanalicular involvement were excluded. Canalicular repair was performed under an operating microscope and involved proximal end exploration of the canaliculus, stenting of the canaliculus with a 35-mm Masterka tube, and approximation of the lacerated canaliculi margins. After 6 months, anatomical and functional success rates were evaluated by diagnostic probing and by asking the patients (or their guardians) about tearing.

Results:

The mean age of patients was 32.2 ± 21.2 years (1.5–75 years). Of the 48 patients included, 38 were males. Lower canaliculus was involved in 35 patients. Other ocular injuries were observed in 38 patients. The average interval between the surgery and Masterka removal was 12.2 ± 1.4 weeks (10–16 weeks). Early tube extrusion was observed in 3 patients. No significant complication was observed in this series. Anatomical and functional success rates were 87% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrated that intubation of lacerated canaliculi with Masterka tube for canalicular repair was safe, effective, and simple with minimal complications.
Lower Eyelid Reconstruction with Combined Sliding Tarsal and Rhomboid Skin Flaps
Authors: Custer Philip L. , Neimkin Michael
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

To report results in patients undergoing lower eyelid reconstruction following Mohs surgery using a combination of surgical techniques, the rhomboid skin flap and a sliding tarsal flap.

Methods:

An IRB approved, retrospective case series of patients undergoing surgery between April 2007 and October 2014. Outcomes include establishment of a functional eyelid, quality of postoperative eyelid margin contour, and postoperative complications.

Results:

During the study period, sliding tarsal flaps were used to repair marginal lower eyelid defects in 32 patients. Coexisting anterior lamellar defects were repaired with a modified rhomboid skin flap in 24 patients, a full thickness skin graft in 4 patients, and combined skin graft and rhomboid flaps in 4 patients. The average width of the marginal defects was 11.3 mm (range: 7–19 mm). Reconstruction resulted in a functional lower eyelid in all patients, the majority having an excellent cosmetic result (n = 20). Minimal contour abnormalities were present in 9 patients, while 3 patients developed a noticeable notch following surgery. Patients repaired with a rhomboid flap were more likely to have isolated postoperative misdirected lashes (5/24) than those repaired using a skin graft with or without a flap (0/8).

Conclusion:

Combined sliding tarsal and modified rhomboid skin flaps are an effective method of repairing superficial defects of the lower eyelid margin. This tissue-preserving technique maintains the ability to perform subsequent upper eyelid tarsoconjunctival flaps and lateral canthal procedures should a future need arise. Isolated misdirected lashes and minor contour abnormalities are the most common complications of the procedure.
The Relationship Between Schizotypy and Reactive Aggression in Western Adults Is Mediated by Victimization
Authors: Yeung Shi Chung Valerie , McGuire Jonathan , Langdon Robyn
Published: January 2016

A large body of literature suggests that schizophrenia and nonclinical schizotypal personality traits, or “schizotypy,” are associated with increased aggression. However, recent studies focused on school-aged Asian samples have examined the relationship between schizotypal personality and 2 distinct forms of aggression: reactive and proactive aggression. This study aimed to investigate whether schizotypal personality traits would be associated more strongly with reactive, compared with proactive, aggression in an adult Western sample and whether victimization experiences mediated the schizotypy-reactive aggression relation. One hundred twenty-one Australian university undergraduates completed self-report inventories measuring levels of schizotypal personality, reactive and proactive aggression, and victimization. Results showed that, as hypothesized, schizotypal personality traits were more strongly associated with reactive than proactive aggression and that victimization experiences mediated the schizotypy-reactive aggression relationship. While acknowledging the limitations of nonclinical schizotypy research, the findings are discussed with regard to possible implications for the treatment of aggression in schizophrenia.
Pediatric Temporal Bone Fractures
Authors: Wexler Sonya , Poletto Erica , Chennupati Sri Kiran
Published: January 2016

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare the traditional and newer temporal bone fracture classification systems and their reliability in predicting serious outcomes of hearing loss and facial nerve (FN) injury.

Methods

We queried the medical record database for hospital visits from 2002 to 2013 related to the search term temporal. A total of 1144 records were identified, and of these, 46 records with documented temporal bone fractures were reviewed for patient age, etiology and classification of the temporal bone fracture, FN examination, and hearing status. Of these records, radiology images were available for 38 patients and 40 fractures.

Results

Thirty-eight patients with accessible radiologic studies, aged 10 months to 16 years, were identified as having 40 temporal bone fractures for which the otolaryngology service was consulted. Twenty fractures (50.0%) were classified as longitudinal, 5 (12.5%) as transverse, and 15 (37.5%) as mixed. Using the otic capsule sparing (OCS)/violating nomenclature, 32 (80.0%) of fractures were classified as OCS, 2 (5.0%) otic capsule violating (OCV), and 6 (15.0%) could not be classified using this system. The otic capsule was involved in 1 (5%) of the longitudinal fractures, none of the transverse fractures, and 1 (6.7%) of the mixed fractures. Sensorineural hearing loss was found in only 2 fractures (5.0%) and conductive hearing loss (CHL) in 6 fractures (15.0%). Two fractures (5.0%) had ipsilateral facial palsy but no visualized fracture through the course of the FN canal. Neither the longitudinal/transverse/mixed nor OCS/OCV classifications were predictors of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), CHL, or FN involvement by Fisher exact statistical analysis (for SNHL: P = 0.37 vs 0.16; for CHL: P = 0.71 vs 0.33; for FN: P = 0.62 vs 0.94, respectively).

Conclusions

In this large pediatric series, neither classification system of longitudinal/transverse/mixed nor OCS/OCV was predictive of SNHL, CHL, or FN palsy. A more robust database of audiologic results would be helpful in demonstrating this relationship.
Emergency Department Utilization Among Assault-Injured Youth
Authors: Turcotte Benedict Frances , Amanullah Siraj , Linakis James G. , Ranney Megan
Published: January 2016

Objective

Assault is a common cause of youth emergency department (ED) visits. Little is known about prior ED utilization patterns among assault-injured youth. This study's objectives were to determine whether, and how, prior ED visit history distinguishes assault-injured youth from unintentionally injured youth.

Methods

A 5-year retrospective, case-control study was conducted using a hospital billing database. Youth ages 13 to 24 years presenting to the ED of an urban level 1 trauma center in 2011 with an E-code of physical assault- or weapon-related injuries were compared 1:1 to randomly assigned, age- and sex-matched controls with an E-code corresponding to unintentional injury. Bivariate, t test, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and conditional logistic regression were performed to determine how previous ED visits distinguished assault-injured youth from unintentionally injured youth.

Results

In 2011, 964 patients presented with assault-related injuries. Over the previous 5 years, assault-injured youth had a median of 1 prior ED visit (interquartile range, 0–3); unintentionally injured youth had a median of zero prior ED visits (interquartile range, 0–2). Assault-injured youth had significantly higher median numbers of previous psychiatric and assault-related ED visits when compared to unintentionally injured youth. A youth with 1 previous psychiatric ED visit had a 4-fold increased odds (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.05; 95% confidence interval, 2.41–6.83) of having a 2011 assault-related ED visit compared to unintentionally injured youth.

Conclusions

Assault-injured youth are more likely to have had prior ED use particularly for psychiatric illnesses and assault-related injury. Targeted youth violence screening may be appropriate for such patients.
Crystal structures of (2,2′-bipyridyl-κ2N,N′)bis[N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dithiocarbamato-κ2S,S′]zinc dihydrate and (2,2′-bipyridyl-κ2N,N′)bis[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-isopropyldithiocarbamato-κ2S,S′]zinc
Authors: Safbri Siti Artikah M. , Halim Siti Nadiah Abdul , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: January 2016

The common feature of the title compounds, [Zn(C5H10NO2S2)2(C10H8N2)]·2H2O, (I), and [Zn(C6H12NOS2)2(C10H8N2)], (II), is the location of the ZnIIatoms on a twofold rotation axis. Further, each ZnIIatom is chelated by two symmetry-equivalent and symmetrically coordinating dithiocarbamate ligands and a 2,2′-bipyridine ligand. The resulting N2S4coordination geometry is based on a highly distorted octahedron in each case. In the molecular packing of (I), supramolecular ladders mediated by O—H...O hydrogen bonding are found whereby the uprights are defined by {...HO(water)...HO(hydroxy)...}nchains parallel to theaaxis and with the rungs defined by `Zn[S2CN(CH2CH2)2]2'. The water molecules connect the ladders into a supramolecular layer parallel to theabplaneviawater-O—H...S and pyridyl-C—H...O(water) interactions, with the connections between layers being of the type pyridyl-C—H...S. In (II), supramolecular layers parallel to theabplane are sustained by hydroxy-O—H...S hydrogen bonds with connections between layers being of the type pyridyl-C—H...S.
Crystal structure of apatite type Ca2.49Nd7.51(SiO4)6O1.75
Authors: Le Thu Hoai , Brooks Neil R. , Binnemans Koen , Blanpain Bart , Guo Muxing , Van Meervelt Luc
Published: January 2016

The title compound, Ca2+xNd8–x(SiO4)6O2–0.5x(x= 0.49), was synthesized at 1873 K and rapidly quenched to room temperature. Its structure has been determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and compared with results reported using neutron and X-ray powder diffraction from samples prepared by slow cooling. The single-crystal structure from room temperature data was found to belong to the space groupP63/mand has the composition Ca2.49Nd7.51(SiO4)6O1.75[dicalcium octaneodymium hexakis(orthosilicate) dioxide], being isotypic with natural apatite and the previously reported Ca2Nd8(SiO4)6O2and Ca2.2Nd7.8(SiO4)6O1.9. The solubility limit of calcium in the equilibrium state at 1873 K was found to occur at a composition of Ca2+xNd8–x(SiO4)6O2–0.5x, wherex= 0.49.
Bis(acetato-κO)bis{2-[4-(pyridin-2-yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline-κ2N,N′}cadmium(II)
Authors: Guo Lei-Qun , Jiang Yin-Hua
Published: January 2016

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Cd(CH3COO)(C24H15N5)], comprises one-half of the centrosymmetric molecule. The CdIIion, situated on a centre of inversion, is coordinated by two O atoms from two acetate ligands and four N atoms from two 2-[4-(pyridin-2-yl)phenyl]-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (L) ligands in a distorted octahedral geometry. In theLligand, the terminal phenyl and pyridine rings are turned away from the mean plane of the imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline fragment in opposite directions, at 11.1 (1) and 10.5 (1)°, respectively. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds link molecules related by translation along theaaxis into linear chains, and weak C—H...N interactions link these chains into layers parallel to the (011) plane.
syn-6,15-Dihydroxy-2,11-dithia[3.3]metacyclophane ethyl acetate monosolvate
Authors: Moriguchi Tetsuji , Miyamoto Daisuke , Jalli Ventakaprasad , Yoza Kenji , Tsuge Akihiko
Published: January 2016

The title compound, C16H16O2S2·C4H8O2, is a cyclophane derivative, which was crystallized from an ethylacetate/methanol solvent system. The metacyclophane moiety exists with the benzene rings in thesynorientation, and with a pseudo chair–chair conformation for the dithia 12-membered ring. Both hydroxy groups are positioned on same side of this ring. In the crystal, the cyclophane and the lattice solvent are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds.
(7, 8-Dimethyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)methyl morpholine-4-carbodithioate
Authors: Kumar Shamantha , Chandra  , Hosamani Amar A , Mahendra M. , Doreswamy B. H.
Published: January 2016

In the title compound, C17H19NO3S2, the chromene unit makes a dihedral angle of 88.48 (5)° with the best plane through the morpholine ring. The carbodithioate group is present in an antiperiplanar conformation with respect to the morpholine ring, as indicated by the S—C—N—C torsion angle of −171.64 (8)°. The morpholine moiety adopts the usual chair conformation. The crystal structure features C—H...O and C—H...S hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions.
Relationship between psychiatric disorders and adaptive functioning in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Bertelli Marco O. , Rossi Michele , Varrucciu Niccolò , Bianco Annamaria , Scuticchio Daniela , Del Furia Chiara , Buono Serafino , Tanzarella Margherita
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– Though the very high prevalence of psychiatric disorders (PD) in people with intellectual disability (PwID), the impact of these disorders on adaptive functioning has been minimally investigated. The few contributions present in the literature focussed on children, adolescents, and individual with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). There are no studies concerning the evaluation of any kind of impact on individual skills. Comparison studies between PD and organic disorders, including neurological disorders (ND), was also underexplored. The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of the presence of a PD on the adaptive functioning of adults with intellectual disability (ID).

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 107 adults with ID living in residential facilities or attending day care centers in Tuscany were consecutively assessed with the Psychiatric Instrument for the Intellectually Disabled Adult (SPAID-G), the Diagnostic Manual-Intellectual Disability (DM-ID) criteria, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). The scores were statistically compared and results were controlled for level of ID and other background variables.

Findings

– The presence of a PD resulted to have a significant negative impact on individual adaptive skills. Participants with PD scored significantly lower than those without PD in communication and socialization areas of VABS. Participants with ND scored significantly lower than people without ND in daily living and motor skills. The average scores of participants with only PD and those of participants with PD and ND showed no significant differences. Significant differences were found between participants with only ND and participants with ND and PD in the interpersonal relationship subscale.

Originality/value

– As far as the best knowledge, this is the first study on the evaluation of the impact of any kind of PD on the abilities of PwID. This paper suggests that the presence of a PD seems to have a relevant negative impact on functioning of PwID higher than that of ND, particularly in communication and socialization skills.