bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of thickness, color, and polishing process of ethylene‐vinyl‐acetate sheets on surface roughness and microorganism adhesion
Authors: Almeida Mariane Hemerly , Ceschim Geovana Ventorim , Iorio Natalia Lopes Pontes Póvoa , Póvoa Helvécio Cardoso Corrêa , Cajazeira Marlus Roberto Rodrigues , Guimarães Glaucio Serra , Antunes Leonardo Santos , Antunes Lívia Azeredo Alves
Published: September 2017

Background/Aim

The surface roughness of dental materials can make cleaning difficult, thus facilitating retention of food debris and accumulation of microorganisms. The aim of this study was to assess whether thickness, color, and the polishing process influence the surface roughness of ethylene‐vinyl‐acetate (EVA) sheets and the amount of microorganisms that adhere to them.

Materials and Methods

A total of 180 samples of EVA (5 × 5 mm) were divided into 9 groups according to thickness (G1 = 2 mm; G2 = 3 mm; and G3 = 4 mm), color (G4 = black and G5 = white), and type of polishing (G6 = Scheu™; G7 = Scheu™ associated with hot‐air burner; G8 = Erkodent™ and G9 = Erkodent™ associated with hot‐air burner). Mean value of 3 roughness parameters was assessed: Ra, Rq, and Rz (one‐way ANOVA test and Tukey's test, P < .05). Seven samples of each group (n = 63) were inoculated with saliva for 2 hours to promote microbial adhesion and count the number of colony‐forming units (CFUs) (one‐way ANOVA test, P < .05). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of microbial adhesion and the effects of the polishing process on the surface was assessed.

Results

Only the polishing parameter presented less roughness (G2, G7 and G9; P < .05) as also observed on SEM. SEM characterized microbial adhesion but the CFU count was not statistically significant, independent of the assessed parameters.

Conclusion

The polishing systems, Scheu™ and Erkodent™ in association with a hot‐air burner, were effective in decreasing the surface roughness without influencing the amount of adhered microorganisms.
Effect of atrial fibrillation duration on plasma von Willebrand factor level
Authors: Wysokinski Waldemar E. , Cohoon Kevin P. , Konik Ewa A. , Melduni Rowlens M. , Ammash Naser M. , Asirvatham Samuel J. , McBane Robert D.
Published: September 2017

Aims

von Willebrand factor (VWF) is an independent risk factor for adverse events in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, it is unclear if VWF level remains elevated and predictive of stroke during entire course of NVAF.

Methods and Results

In order to determine if VWF is a time‐dependent blood variable, VWF antigen measured by latex immunoassay in 425 NVAF patients and 100 controls with normal sinus rhythm (NSR) was analyzed according to NVAF duration (<1 month: n = 76, 1‐12 months: n = 98, and >12 months: n = 251). The mean VWF antigen level in NVAF patients with <1‐month duration (167 ± 59%) was not different compared to those with 1‐12 months (157 ± 50%, P = .24) and >12 months duration (156 ± 54%, P = .11) but higher compared to NSR controls (143 ± 48%, P = .003). Higher VWF level correlated with higher CHADS2 scores and with progressing intensity of blood stasis in the left atrium and thrombus formation in all three time periods of atrial fibrillation duration. Patients not treated with warfarin had VWF 30% higher in the first month compared to following months.

Conclusions

von Willebrand Factor is steadily elevated throughout the course of dysrhythmia in NVAF patients treated with warfarin and in those with higher intensity of left atrium blood stasis.
Eryptosis in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Bartolmäs Thilo , Mayer Beate , Balola Abdelwahab H. , Salama Abdulgabar
Published: September 2017

Objective

Haemolysis and anaemia related to autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) of warm type (wAIHA) and of cold type (cAIHA) are believed to be solely due to antibody and/or complement‐mediated destruction and clearance of red blood cells (RBCs). There is evidence that RBCs of affected patients may also undergo eryptosis, the suicidal death of RBCs.

Method

RBCs from 24 patients with wAIHA, 7 patients with chronic cAIHA and one patient with AIHA of mixed type were analysed for exposed phosphatidylserine (PS) by treatment with phycoerythrin‐labelled Annexin V, and cell‐associated fluorescence was measured using a MACSQuant flow cytometer.

Results

PS‐exposing RBCs were detected in 7 of 13 patients with clinically significant wAIHA. Haemolysis was mostly related to IgM or IgA autoantibodies (aab) in those patients. In contrast, PS exposure in 11 patients with wAIHA in complete remission was comparable to that in healthy blood donors. All patients with chronic cAIHA and the patient with AIHA of mixed type showed haemolytic activity and high numbers of PS‐exposing RBCs. Patients with decompensated AIHA appear to respond to treatment with erythropoietin, which is a known inhibitor of eryptosis.

Conclusion

Eryptosis may frequently occur in AIHA related to IgM or IgA aab. Inhibition of eryptosis with erythropoietin may represent a new therapeutic option in the treatment of AIHA.
Potential years lost and life expectancy in adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy
Authors: Granbichler Claudia A. , Zimmermann Georg , Oberaigner Willi , Kuchukhidze Giorgi , Ndayisaba Jean‐Pierre , Taylor Alexandra , Luef Gerhard , Bathke Arne C. , Trinka Eugen
Published: September 2017

Objective

Studies using relative measures, such as standardized mortality ratios, have shown that patients with epilepsy have an increased mortality. Reports on more direct and absolute measure such as life expectancy are sparse. We report potential years lost and how life expectancy has changed over 40 years in a cohort of patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy.

Methods

We analyzed life expectancy in a cohort of adult patients diagnosed with definite epilepsy between 1970 and 2010. Those with brain tumor as cause of epilepsy were excluded. By retrospective probabilistic record linkage, living or death status was derived from the national death registry. We estimated life expectancy by a Weibull regression model using gender, age at diagnosis, epilepsy etiology, and year of diagnosis as covariates at time of epilepsy diagnosis, and 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after diagnosis. Results were compared to the general population, and 95% confidence intervals are given.

Results

There were 249 deaths (105 women, age at death 19.0–104.0 years) in 1,112 patients (11,978.4 person‐years, 474 women, 638 men). A substantial decrease in life expectancy was observed for only a few subgroups, strongly depending on epilepsy etiology and time of diagnosis: time of life lost was highest in patients with symptomatic epilepsy diagnosed between 1970 and 1980; the impact declined with increasing time from diagnosis. Over half of the analyzed subgroups did not differ significantly from the general population. This effect was reversed in the later decades, and life expectancy was prolonged in some subgroups, reaching a maximum in those with newly diagnosed idiopathic and cryptogenic epilepsy between 2001 and 2010.

Significance

Life expectancy is reduced in symptomatic epilepsies. However, in other subgroups, a prolonged life expectancy was found, which has not been reported previously. Reasons may be manifold and call for further study.
Solar and lunar influences on the spawning activity of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) in the south‐western North Pacific spawning ground
Authors: Shimose Tamaki , Aonuma Yoshimasa , Tanabe Toshiyuki , Suzuki Nobuaki , Kanaiwa Minoru
Published: September 2017

Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) migrate to the south‐western North Pacific spawning grounds (area off Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands) from mid‐April to early July. Reproductive traits of the species in this area have been studied for some time; however, temporal changes in spawning activity during this season are not well understood. In this study, the spawning fraction (proportion of females with post‐ovulatory follicles to total mature females) in relation to solar calendar date and lunar day was investigated using a generalized linear model. Sampling was conducted almost every day throughout the fishing season at Ishigaki Fishing Port (24°21′N, 124°09′E), southern Japan between 2012 and 2014, and a total of 212 ovaries were histologically observed. Spawning fraction continued to increase from the beginning to the end of the season. This indicates that the peak season of occurrence in the area and the peak of spawning activity did not co‐occur. Spawning fraction also changed with the lunar day and significantly increased around the new moon. Eggs and early larvae hatched around the new moon may have reduced the predation risk during night‐time. These findings improve the current knowledge of reproductive biology and resource evaluation of Pacific bluefin tuna and indicate that spawning activity is not constant, and has two or three peaks in each season.
High incidence of FXI deficiency in a Spanish town caused by 11 different mutations and the first duplication of F11: Results from the Yecla study
Authors: Esteban J. , de la Morena‐Barrio M. E. , Salloum‐Asfar S. , Padilla J. , Miñano A. , Roldán V. , Soria J. M. , Vidal F. , Corral J. , Vicente V.
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Factor XI (FXI) deficiency is a rare disorder with molecular heterogeneity in Caucasians but relatively frequent and molecularly homogeneous in certain populations.

Aim

To characterize FXI deficiency in a Spanish town of 60 000 inhabitants.

Methods

A total of 324 764 APTT tests were screened during 20 years. FXI was evaluated by FXI:C and by Western blot. Genetic analysis of F11 was performed by sequencing, multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification and genotyping.

Results

Our study identified 46 unrelated cases and 170 relatives with FXI deficiency carrying 12 different genetic defects. p.Cys56Arg, described as founder mutation in the French‐Basque population, was identified in 109 subjects from 24 unrelated families. This mutation was also identified in 2% of the general population. p.Cys416Tyr, c.1693G>A and p.Pro538Leu were identified in 7, 6 and 2 unrelated families, respectively. NGS analysis of the whole F11 gene revealed a common haplotype for each of the four recurrent mutations, suggesting a founder effect. The analysis of plasma FXI of four p.Pro538Leu homozygous carriers revealed that this variant was not activated by FXIIa. We identified four mutations previously described in other Caucasian subjects with FXI deficiency (p.Lys536Asn; p.Thr322Ile, p.Arg268Cys and c.325G>A) and four new gene defects: p.(Cys599Tyr) potentially causing a functional deficiency, p.(Ile426Thr), p.(Ile592Thr) and the first worldwide duplication of 1653 bp involving exons 8 and 9. Bleeding was rare and mild.

Conclusions

Our population‐cohort study supplies new evidences that FXI deficiency in Caucasians is more common than previously thought and confirmed the wide underlying genetic heterogeneity, caused by both recurrent and sporadic mutations.
Temporal variation in constitutive and inducible heat shock proteins in the Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata
Authors: Finger J. W. , Hoffman A. J. , Wada H.
Published: September 2017

Cellular stressors initiate the heat shock response mediated by heat shock proteins (HSPs). There are two main types of HSPs, constitutive (always expressed) and inducible (upon stress), but as many in vivo studies fail to distinguish between them and because temporal expression patterns often differ among various types of HSPs, it is unclear when to measure HSPs. In this study, 26 (13 per treatment) adult female Zebra Finches Taeniopygia guttata were heat‐stressed (39 °C) or placed in a control brooder (room temperature) for 3 h and were bled 1 week prior to and at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 20 h post‐treatment. Treatment had no effect on levels of either constitutive HSP70 or inducible HSP90, but both HSPs decreased with time relative to baseline, suggesting a possible effect of handling stress and/or circadian variation.
Testing the use of infra‐red video cameras to census a nocturnal burrow‐nesting seabird, the European Storm PetrelHydrobates pelagicus
Authors: Perkins Allan J. , Bingham Chris J. , Bolton Mark
Published: September 2017

Accurate population estimates are important for monitoring the conservation status of species, but nocturnal burrow‐nesting seabirds are notoriously difficult to count. Storm petrel species (Hydrobatidae) are particularly challenging, as burrow entrances are indistinct and response rates to playback low and variable, leading to imprecise population estimates and poor ability to detect trends. Playback is also labour‐intensive, requiring several days of calibration trials to determine site‐ and year‐specific response rates. To test the viability of using infra‐red digital video technology to census storm petrels, we conducted a trial on European Storm PetrelsHydrobates pelagicusat their largestUKcolony, Mousa (Shetland). Hourly activity rates recorded from infra‐red filming accurately predicted the number of Apparently Occupied Sites (AOS), but this relationship was stronger in natural habitats (boulder‐beach, rocks and scree) than in walls, where between‐night variation was high due to poor and variable image quality, as well as the flight behaviour of Storm Petrels around vertical structures. Few filming attempts failed completely, but image quality was poor on dark nights with rain or fog, and deteriorated during the season as night‐length increased. Playback accurately predictedAOSdensity in natural habitats, but overestimated totalAOSin walls by 38%. Simulations suggest that for the same fieldwork sampling effort, infra‐red filming will generate slightly more preciseAOSestimates compared with playback. Better illumination using infra‐red floodlights would increase detection rates on dark nights, probably resulting in greater precision, but the large amount of expensive equipment and reviewing time required currently make infra‐red filming costly and inefficient relative to playback. However, we recommend its use at sites that cannot otherwise be surveyed safely, or where disturbance is a concern.
The influence of other comprehensive income on discretionary expenditures
Authors: Graham Roger C. , Lin K.C.
Published: September 2017

Other comprehensive income items (OCI) increase and decrease book value and therefore indicate more or less firm value. It follows that OCI items, albeit transitory, may contribute to a wealth effect that influences expenditure decisions. In support, our regression results indicate an association between current year OCI and future discretionary financing, investing, and operating expenditures. However, we also find that OCI‐influenced expenditures are not associated with future profitability, suggesting such expenditures are not value creating. In further tests, we find that future discretionary expenditures are associated with both positive OCI and negative OCI for higher leveraged firms but only associated with positive OCI for lower leveraged firms. These results suggest that, for highly leveraged firms, positive OCI loosens debt constraints on future expenditures while negative OCI tightens debt constraints on future expenditures. For firms without debt constraints the results are suggestive of possible wealth transfers from debtholders to shareholders.
Potential natural vegetation and pre‐anthropic pollen records on the Azores Islands in a Macaronesian context
Authors: Rull Valentí , Connor Simon E. , Elias Rui B.
Published: September 2017

This paper discusses the concept of potential natural vegetation (PNV) in the light of the pollen records available to date for the Macaronesian biogeographical region, with emphasis on the Azores Islands. The classical debate on the convenience or not of the PNV concept has been recently revived in the Canary Islands, where pollen records of pre‐anthropic vegetation seemed to strongly disagree with the existing PNV reconstructions. Contrastingly, more recent PNV model outputs from the Azores Islands show outstanding parallelisms with pre‐anthropic pollen records, at least in qualitative terms. We suggest the development of more detailed quantitative studies to compare these methodologies as an opportunity for improving the performance of both. PNV modelling may benefit by incorporating empirical data on past vegetation useful for calibration and validation purposes, whereas palynology may improve past reconstructions by minimizing interpretative biases linked to differential pollen production, dispersal and preservation.
Ice sheets and genetics: Insights into the phylogeography of Scottish Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Cauwelier Eef , Verspoor Eric , Coulson Mark W. , Armstrong Anja , Knox David , Stradmeyer Lee , Webster Lucy M.I. , Gilbey John
Published: September 2017

Aim

We constructed an independent phylogeographical hypothesis (IPH) for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in Scotland and adjacent northern England and tested if the distribution of contemporary microsatellite variation accorded with the IPH.

Location

NW Europe.

Methods

Knowledge of post‐Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) landscape development and salmon biology were used to define a temporal sequence of late Quaternary ecological niche models and, combined with the central‐marginal (CM) model of diversity evolution, to formulate an IPH. Observed microsatellite locus variation for salmon from 102 rivers in Scotland and northern England was tested for agreement with the IPH.

Results

The IPH postulated (1) initial colonization (c. 17 ka bp) of multiple isolated deglaciating coastal regions by long‐distance dispersal, predominantly from SW Europe via the Atlantic, (2) intra‐region colonization dominated by local range expansion, (3) differentiation by founder effects/genetic drift, in line with CM, until deglaciation complete and regions merged (c. 10 ka bp). IPH regions were weakly but significantly differentiated, showed broad agreement with genetically defined regions, and genetic diversity within them positively correlated with time post‐deglaciation, conforming to the CM model. The greatest differentiation was seen for the most recently diverged populations, with evidence that accumulating homoplastic mutations muted older regional phylogeographical signatures.

Main conclusions

Microsatellite differentiation in Scottish Atlantic salmon is significantly but weakly conditioned by post‐LGM deglaciation, with a mosaic of regional groups and a temporal cascade of within‐region CM effects caused by local range expansion as patches became deglaciated. Colonization was predominantly or exclusively from the south‐western European LGM refugium. Accumulating homoplastic mutations have increasingly reduced regional differentiation.
Contests with endogenous deadlines
Authors: Seel Christian
Published: September 2017

This paper analyzes the problem of a contest designer who chooses a starting time and a deadline of the contest to maximize discounted total effort by the contestants. Each contestant secretly decides how much effort to exert between the starting time and the deadline. At the deadline, the contestant who exerted most effort wins a prize, which consists of the endowment of the designer and collected interest. The contest has a unique Nash equilibrium. In the main model, the designer should announce the contest immediately with a short deadline to promote intense competition. I analyze how the optimal starting time and deadline change for a variable contest prize, different types of asymmetries, a Tullock lottery contest success function, and different goal functions of the designer.
Differences in salivary secretory function between patients with erosive esophagitis and those with nonerosive reflux disease
Authors: Manabe Noriaki , Haruma Ken , Kusunoki Hiroaki , Kamada Tomoari , Hata Jiro
Published: September 2017

Background and Aim

It has been speculated that impaired salivary flow contributes to abnormal acid clearance in patients with erosive esophagitis (EE). For easy and objective assessment of salivary function, we developed a salivary gland blood flow measurement technique using continuous‐wave Doppler sonography. In the present study, we evaluated the salivary secretory function in patients with EE and those with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) using this method.

Methods

Doppler waveform analysis was performed on the facial artery to assess blood inflow to the submandibular gland of 30 healthy subjects (HS). Blood flow was compared before and after secretory stimulation with 1 mL of lemon juice. Saliva was simultaneously collected and weighed before and after stimulation. Continuous‐wave Doppler sonography was also performed in patients with EE and NERD. The size of the submandibular gland was compared in 26 patients with EE, 41 patients with NERD, and 86 HS.

Results

The submandibular gland blood flow increased after stimulation in all HS. Both within‐day and day‐to‐day reproducibility were good. There was a significant correlation between the percent increase in the maximum velocity and the percent increase in salivary secretion. Although the size of the submandibular gland was not significantly different among the three groups, the percent increase in the maximum velocity in patients with EE was significantly smaller than that in HS.

Conclusions

We have established an easy method of assessing salivary function in daily practice. This study revealed that a decrease in salivary secretory function is involved in the pathology of EE.
National Structural Survey of Veterans Affairs Home‐Based Primary Care Programs
Authors: Karuza Jurgis , Gillespie Suzanne M. , Olsan Tobie , Cai Xeuya , Dang Stuti , Intrator Orna , Li Jiejin , Gao Shan , Kinosian Bruce , Edes Thomas
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To describe the current structural and practice characteristics of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home‐Based Primary Care (HBPC) program.

Design

We designed a national survey and surveyed HBPC program directors on‐line using REDCap.

Participants

We received 236 surveys from 394 identified HBPC sites (60% response rate).

Measurements

HBPC site characteristics were quantified using closed‐ended formats.

Results

HBPC program directors were most often registered nurses, and HBPC programs primarily served veterans with complex chronic illnesses that were at high risk of hospitalization and nursing home care. Primary care was delivered using interdisciplinary teams, with nurses, social workers, and registered dietitians as team members in more than 90% of the sites. Most often, nurse practitioners were the principal primary care providers (PCPs), typically working with nurse case managers. Nearly 60% of the sites reported dual PCPs involving VA and community‐based physicians. Nearly all sites provided access to a core set of comprehensive services and programs (e.g., case management, supportive home health care). At the same time, there were variations according to site (e.g., size, location (urban, rural), use of non‐VA hospitals, primary care models used).

Conclusion

HBPC sites reflected the rationale and mission of HBPC by focusing on complex chronic illness of home‐based veterans and providing comprehensive primary care using interdisciplinary teams. Our next series of studies will examine how HBPC site structural characteristics and care models are related to the processes and outcomes of care to determine whether there are best practice standards that define an optimal HBPC structure and care model or whether multiple approaches to HBPC better serve the needs of veterans.
Ethanol stimulates the in vivo axonal movement of neuropeptide dense‐core vesicles in Drosophila motor neurons
Authors: Iacobucci Gary J. , Gunawardena Shermali
Published: September 2017

Proper neuronal function requires essential biological cargoes to be packaged within membranous vesicles and transported, intracellularly, through the extensive outgrowth of axonal and dendritic fibers. The precise spatiotemporal movement of these cargoes is vital for neuronal survival and, thus, is highly regulated. In this study we test how the axonal movement of a neuropeptide‐containing dense‐core vesicle (DCV) responds to alcohol stressors. We found that ethanol induces a strong anterograde bias in vesicle movement. Low doses of ethanol stimulate the anterograde movement of neuropeptide‐DCV while high doses inhibit bi‐directional movement. This process required the presence of functional kinesin‐1 motors as reduction in kinesin prevented the ethanol‐induced stimulation of the anterograde movement of neuropeptide‐DCV. Furthermore, expression of inactive glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK‐3β) also prevented ethanol‐induced stimulation of neuropeptide‐DCV movement, similar to pharmacological inhibition of GSK‐3β with lithium. Conversely, inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling with wortmannin led to a partial prevention of ethanol‐stimulated transport of neuropeptide‐DCV. Taken together, we conclude that GSK‐3β signaling mediates the stimulatory effects of ethanol. Therefore, our study provides new insight into the physiological response of the axonal movement of neuropeptide‐DCV to exogenous stressors.

image

Cover Image for this Issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14165.
Radiological anatomy assessment of the fissura pterygomaxillaris for a surgical approach to ganglion pterygopalatinum
Authors: Puche‐Torres Miguel , Blasco‐Serra Arantxa , Campos‐Peláez Ana , Valverde‐Navarro Alfonso A.
Published: September 2017

The ganglion pterygopalatinum has become a therapeutic target to treat various pain syndromes in recent years. It is located in the fossa pterygopalatina, and the fissura pterygomaxillaris is the main access to surgically approach this structure. Recently, the neuromodulation of the ganglion pterygopalatinum by microstimulator implantation has become the first therapeutic line in refractory cluster headache treatment. This invasive technique is performed transorally through the fissura pterygomaxillaris, and is limited by the size of the implantation device, which requires an opening of at least 2 mm. Therefore, extensive knowledge about the anatomy of the fissura pterygomaxillaris prior to surgery is necessary to predict the success of both the approach and intervention. Likewise, establishing a morphological typology of the different fissura pterygomaxillaris variations would be a valuable predictive tool in the clinical practice. In this work, an anatomical analysis was performed of the morphological characteristics of the 242 fissurae pterygomaxillares, which corresponded to 121 adult patients, 58 males and 63 females, aged between 18 and 87 years. For each subject, right and left fissures were studied with radiological computed tomography images. Aperture fissura pterygomaxillaris measurements were taken in an upper (Measure A), middle (Measure B) and lower craneo‐caudal third (Measure C). Intra‐subject differences were studied between the measurements taken of each patient's right and left fissures, and the inter‐subject measures in which fissures were compared according to patients’ age and gender. The obtained results showed no significant differences between each patient's right and left fissures in any three measurements taken. Intra‐subject differences were not significant for gender or age. No statistically significant differences were found for the inter‐subject measures between the measures of fissures according to patients’ age. However, our data revealed that males’ fissurae pterygomaxillares were significantly larger than those of females in all three measures. Having analysed fissures, a typological classification was made according to the morphological patterns found. A 2‐mm limiting measure was considered, and Measures A, B and C of each fissure were classified depending on whether they had a value above or equal to 2 mm, or below 2 mm. With this classification criterion, four fissurae pterygomaxillares types were obtained. Type I and II fissure values (with a higher prevalence) were equal to or were greater than 2 mm in all three measures, or in two measures. Type III fissure values were only greater than or equal to 2 mm in Measure A, whereas all the Type IV fissure values were below 2 mm. Future studies are necessary to correlate the fissure types successfully proposed in the surgical ganglion pterygopalatinum approach.
Early recovery following lower limb arthroplasty: Qualitative interviews with patients undergoing elective hip and knee replacement surgery. Initial phase in the development of a patient‐reported outcome measure
Authors: Strickland Louise H , Kelly Laura , Hamilton Thomas W , Murray David W , Pandit Hemant G , Jenkinson Crispin
Published: September 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore the patients' perspective of surgery and early recovery when undergoing lower limb (hip or knee) arthroplasty.

Background

Lower limb arthroplasty is a commonly performed procedure for symptomatic arthritis, which has not responded to conservative medical treatment. Each patient's perspective of the surgical process and early recovery period impacts on their quality of life.

Design

Open, semistructured qualitative interviews were used to allow for a deeper understanding of the patient perspective when undergoing a hip or knee arthroplasty.

Methods

Following ethical approval, 30 patients were interviewed between August and November 2016 during the perioperative period while undergoing an elective hip or knee arthroplasty (n = 30). The interviews were performed between the day of surgery and a nine‐week postoperative clinic appointment. Data were analysed using an in‐depth narrative thematic analysis method.NVivo qualitative data analysis software was used.

Results

Seven main themes evolved from the interviews: “improving function and mobility”, “pain”, “experiences of health care”, “support from others”, “involvement and understanding of care decisions”, “behaviour and coping” and “fatigue and sleeping”.

Conclusions

The early postoperative recovery period is of vital importance to all surgical patients. This is no different for the orthopaedic patient. However, identifying key self‐reported areas of importance from patients can guide clinical focus for healthcare professionals.

Relevance to clinical practice

To have specific patient‐reported information regarding key areas of importance during the perioperative phase is invaluable when caring for the orthopaedic surgical patient. It gives insight and understanding in to this increasing population group. This study has also served as a starting point in the development of a questionnaire which could be used to assess interventions in the lower limb arthroplasty population. These results will influence both items and content of the questionnaire.
Inadequate environment, resources and values lead to missed nursing care: A focused ethnographic study on the surgical ward using the Fundamentals of Care framework
Authors: Jangland Eva , Teodorsson Therese , Molander Karin , Muntlin Athlin Åsa
Published: September 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore the delivery of care from the perspective of patients with acute abdominal pain focusing on the contextual factors at system level using the Fundamentals of Care framework.

Background

The Fundamentals of Care framework describes several contextual and systemic factors that can impact the delivery of care. To deliver high‐quality, person‐centred care, it is important to understand how these factors affect patients' experiences and care needs.

Design

A focused ethnographic approach.

Method

A total of 20 observations were performed on two surgical wards at a Swedish university hospital. Data were collected using participant observation and informal interviews and analysed using deductive content analysis.

Results

The findings, presented in four categories, reflect the value patients place on the caring relationship and a friendly atmosphere on the ward. Patients had concerns about the environment, particularly the high‐tempo culture on the ward and its impact on their integrity, rest and sleep, access to information and planning, and need for support in addressing their existential thoughts. The observers also noted that missed nursing care had serious consequences for patient safety.

Conclusion

Patients with acute abdominal pain were cared for in the high‐tempo culture of a surgical ward with limited resources, unclear leadership and challenges to patients' safety. The findings highlight the crucial importance of prioritising and valuing the patients' fundamental care needs for recovery.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Nursing leaders and nurses need to take the lead to reconceptualise the value of fundamental care in the acute care setting. To improve clinical practice, the value of fundamentals of care must be addressed regardless of patient's clinical condition. Providing a caring relationship is paramount to ensure a positive impact on patient's well‐being and recovery.
Cross‐cultural development of hibiscus tea sensory lexicons for trained and untrained panelists
Authors: P. Monteiro Maria João , A. Costa Ana Isabel , Franco Maria Isabel , Bechoff Aurelie , Cisse Mady , Geneviève Fliedel , Tomlins Keith , E. Pintado Maria Manuela
Published: September 2017

Given the growing interest in high quality hibiscus teas and the scarcity of information about their sensory profile, lexicons were developed in French, Portuguese, and English. Twenty‐two samples, including freshly prepared and ready‐to‐drink (RTD) infusions, syrups, concentrates, and an instant tea were evaluated by trained panelists, resulting in 21 defined and referenced descriptors, subsequently assembled in a sensory wheel. The vocabulary used by untrained panelists was investigated in Senegal, Portugal, France, and United Kingdom through professional meetings (n = 30), consumer focus groups (n = 75) and check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) studies (n = 490), resulting in graphical lexicons with 27 sensory and 15 overall impression terms. Training, food culture, and product familiarity influenced results. Trained panelists used precise terms to describe the aromatic profile of hibiscus teas (e.g., “reminiscent of dried hibiscus flowers,” with “berry,” “raisin,” “hay,” and “sweet” aromatic notes), whereas untrained ones were more prolific in general expressions (e.g., “strong in hibiscus” in Senegal; “floral” and “fruity” in Europe).

Practical applications

This work provides a foundation for sensory research on hibiscus teas and practical support for product optimization processes, whether through hibiscus cultivar selection and breeding, improvement of harvest and postharvest operations or tea processing methods. Moreover, new lexicons will facilitate communication between the actors involved in the development, production, and marketing of hibiscus extracts and products thereof across Africa, Europe, and North/South America. Finally, potential drivers of hibiscus tea acceptance in both traditional and new markets are also identified.
Full compensation of growth in salt‐tolerant tadpoles after release from salinity stress
Authors: Hsu W.‐T. , Wu C.‐S. , Hatch K. A. , Chang Y.‐M. , Kam Y.‐C.
Published: September 2017

The benefit of compensatory growth is to minimize the negative effects of stress experienced by organisms early in development once the conditions improve. Tadpoles of crab‐eating frog Fejervarya cancrivora are euryhaline, have the highest salt tolerance among reported anuran species and may exhibit a different pattern of compensatory growth after stress release. We examined how F. cancrivora tadpoles responded and possibly recovered from salinity stresses. Specifically, we tested whether tadpoles expressed compensatory growth, what degree of compensation they expressed after release from salinity stress and whether the stage at and duration during which they experienced salt stress influenced the size at and time to metamorphosis of tadpoles. We found that the effects of salinity stress on the growth and development of tadpoles are quite different between early and late exposure to high salinity (LHH vs. LLH). Exposure to high salinity late in development (LLH) reduced growth but not the rate of development, resulting in smaller metamorphs but a similar time to metamorphosis when compared to the control treatment (LLL). By contrast, exposure to high salinity early in development (LHH) retarded rates of growth and development of tadpoles, but the resulting prolonged larval period enabled tadpoles to catch up and reach similar metamorphic sizes to LLL treatment metamorphs. Most importantly, tadpoles released from salinity stress (LHL) exhibited similar time to and size at metamorphosis when compared to the LLL tadpoles, suggesting that they can exhibit full compensation of growth. Compensatory growth may be a useful mechanism for F. cancrivora tadpoles inhabiting brackish habitats, allowing them to overcome the effects of dramatically increased salt levels by expressing catch‐up growth when the salt stress ceases.
Do minimum wages increase job satisfaction? Micro‐data evidence from the new German minimum wage
Authors: Bossler Mario , Broszeit Sandra
Published: September 2017

On January 1, 2015, a new statutory minimum wage of € 8.50 per hour of work was introduced in Germany. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach, we estimate effects on worker‐level outcomes of continuing employees. The results reveal a meaningful absolute increase in the affected workers' pay satisfaction. The increase in job satisfaction is modest and predominantly driven by changes in pay satisfaction implying only a small effect on all other dimensions of job satisfaction. Moreover, effects from the minimum wage on work engagement and turnover intention are virtually zero.
Real‐world effect of ribavirin on quality of life in HCV‐infected patients receiving interferon‐free treatment
Authors: Höner zu Siederdissen Christoph , Schlevogt Bernhard , Solbach Philipp , Port Kerstin , Cornberg Markus , Manns Michael P. , Wedemeyer Heiner , Deterding Katja
Published: September 2017

Background & Aims

Ribavirin (RBV) is commonly used for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, RBV is associated with a reduced quality of life (QOL). We aim to assess the impact of RBV on QOL in a real‐world setting.

Methods

In a prospective study, QOL was measured by a SF‐36 questionnaire in 174 patients. In all, 85 patients were treated with RBV and 89 patients without RBV. QOL was assessed at baseline, week 12 of treatment and 24 weeks after treatment.

Results

Patients treated with RBV were more likely to have HCV genotype 2 and 3 infection and cirrhosis (all P < .05). RBV‐treated patients reported lower scores for several domains of QOL already at baseline. During HCV treatment, RBV‐free treatment led to an increase in all measured dimensions of quality of life, whereas RBV treatment led to a decrease in the emotional and physical functioning. After treatment, all dimensions for QOL showed improvement across the study cohort, regardless whether RBV was part of the treatment regimen. However, 28.8%‐45.2% of treated patients perceive a sustained reduction in their physical or mental capacity after treatment, not related to RBV usage or SVR, but related to older age (P = .03) and cirrhosis (P = .02).

Conclusions

During treatment, RBV leads to a reduced QOL, whereas RBV‐free treatment leads to an increased QOL. After treatment, QOL strongly increases in both, RBV and RBV‐free treated patients. Some patients perceive a sustained reduction in QOL, which seems unrelated to treatment.
Both temperature fluctuations and East Asian monsoons have driven plant diversification in the karst ecosystems from southern China
Authors: Kong Hanghui , Condamine Fabien L. , Harris AJ , Chen Junlin , Pan Bo , Möller Michael , Hoang Van Sam , Kang Ming
Published: September 2017

Karst ecosystems in southern China are species‐rich and have high levels of endemism, yet little is known regarding the evolutionary processes responsible for the origin and diversification of karst biodiversity. The genus Primulina (Gesneriaceae) comprises ca. 170 species endemic to southern China with high levels of ecological (edaphic) specialization, providing an exceptional model to study the plant diversification in karsts. We used molecular data from nine chloroplast and 11 nuclear regions and macroevolutionary analyses to assess the origin and cause of species diversification due to palaeoenvironmental changes and edaphic specialization in Primulina. We found that speciation was positively associated with changes in past temperatures and East Asian monsoons through the evolutionary history of Primulina. Climatic change around the mid‐Miocene triggered an early burst followed by a slowdown of diversification rate towards the present with the climate cooling. We detected different speciation rates among edaphic types, and transitions among soil types were infrequently and did not impact the overall speciation rate. Our findings suggest that both global temperature changes and East Asian monsoons have played crucial roles in floristic diversification within the karst ecosystems in southern China, such that speciation was higher when climate was warmer and wetter. This is the first study to directly demonstrate that past monsoon activity is positively correlated with speciation rate in East Asia. This case study could motivate further investigations to assess the impacts of past environmental changes on the origin and diversification of biodiversity in global karst ecosystems, most of which are under threat.
Possible concurrence of TDP‐43, tau and other proteins in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Takeda Takahiro
Published: September 2017

Transactivation response DNA‐binding protein 43 kDa (TDP‐43) has been regarded as a major component of ubiquitin‐positive/tau‐negative inclusions of motor neurons and the frontotemporal cortices in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), an example of tau‐positive inclusions, are biochemically and morphologically distinguished from TDP‐43‐positive inclusions, and are one of the pathological core features of Alzheimer disease (AD). Although ALS/FTLD and AD are distinct clinical entities, they can coexist in an individual patient. Whether concurrence of ALS/FTLD‐TDP‐43 and AD‐tau is incidental is still controversial, because aging is a common risk factor for ALS/FTLD and AD development. Indeed, it remains unclear whether the pathogenesis of ALS/FTLD is a direct causal link to tau accumulation. Recent studies suggested that AD pathogenesis could cause the accumulation of TDP‐43, while abnormal TDP‐43 accumulation could also lead to abnormal tau expression. Overlapping presence of TDP‐43 and tau, when observed in a brain during autopsy, should attract attention, and should initiate the search for the pathological substrate for this abnormal protein accumulation. In addition to tau, other proteins including α‐synuclein and amyloid β should be also taken into account as candidates for an interaction with TDP‐43. Awareness of a possible comorbidity between TDP‐43, tau and other proteins in patients with ALS/FTLD will be useful for our understanding of the influence of these proteins on the disease development and its clinical manifestation.
Gastric myoelectrical and neurohormonal changes associated with nausea during tilt‐induced syncope
Authors: Heyer G. L. , Boles L. H. , Harvey R. A. , Cismowski M. J.
Published: September 2017

Background

Nausea is a common prodromal symptom of neurally mediated syncope, but the biological factors linking nausea with syncope have not been studied. We aimed to characterize nausea during tilt‐induced syncope by exploring related changes in gastric myoelectrical activity and plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, and vasopressin concentrations across study phases of recumbency, tilt, syncope, and recovery.

Methods

Electrogastrographic and plasma hormone changes were compared between patients with tilt‐induced syncope and nausea (n = 18) and control subjects (n = 6) without symptoms or hemodynamic changes during tilt‐table testing.

Key Results

Over a 4‐minute period preceding syncope, sequential electrogastrography epochs demonstrated an increase over time in bradygastria (P = .003) and tachygastria (P = .014) power ratios, while the dominant frequency (P < .001) and the percent normogastria (P = .004) decreased. Syncope led to significant differences between cases and controls in electrogastrographic power ratios in each frequency range: bradygastria (P = .001), tachygastria (P = .005), and normogastria (P = .03). Nausea always followed electrogastrographic changes, and nausea resolution always preceded electrogastrographic normalization. Plasma vasopressin (676.5 ± 122.8 vs 91.2 ± 15.3 pg/mL, P = .012) and epinephrine (434 ± 91.3 vs 48.7 ± 2.5 pg/mL, P = .03), but not norepinephrine (P > .05), also differed with syncope between cases and controls.

Conclusions and Inferences

The nausea related to tilt‐induced syncope is temporally associated with changes in gastric myoelectrical activity and increases in plasma vasopressin and epinephrine. The biological mechanisms that induce syncope are physiologically distinct from other experimental models of nausea such as illusory self‐motion, yet nausea with syncope appears to have similarly associated electrogastrographic and hormone changes. Thus, tilt‐induced syncope could serve as an informative experimental model for nausea research.
Convergent adaptive evolution in marginal environments: unloading transposable elements as a common strategy among mangrove genomes
Authors: Lyu Haomin , He Ziwen , Wu Chung‐I , Shi Suhua
Published: September 2017

Several clades of mangrove trees independently invade the interface between land and sea at the margin of woody plant distribution. As phenotypic convergence among mangroves is common, the possibility of convergent adaptation in their genomes is quite intriguing.

To study this molecular convergence, we sequenced multiple mangrove genomes. In this study, we focused on the evolution of transposable elements (TEs) in relation to the genome size evolution. TEs, generally considered genomic parasites, are the most common components of woody plant genomes. Analyzing the long terminal repeat‐retrotransposon (LTR‐RT) type of TE, we estimated their death rates by counting solo‐LTRs and truncated elements.

We found that all lineages of mangroves massively and convergently reduce TE loads in comparison to their nonmangrove relatives; as a consequence, genome size reduction happens independently in all six mangrove lineages; TE load reduction in mangroves can be attributed to the paucity of young elements; the rarity of young LTR‐RTs is a consequence of fewer births rather than access death.

In conclusion, mangrove genomes employ a convergent strategy of TE load reduction by suppressing element origination in their independent adaptation to a new environment.
Will Our Volatile Times Change Public Administration?
Authors: Zeemering Eric S.
Published: September 2017

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AI and the future of the brain power society: When the descendants of Athena and Prometheus work together
Authors: Fujita Masahisa
Published: September 2017

Taking the great opportunity of visiting Crete, I have presented my freewheeling imagination about the future of the brain power society, bearing in mind the recent development of AI and robots. Based on Greek mythology, I consider that all brain‐power professionals in civil society are the descendants of Athena, whereas the rapidly developing AI and robots are the ultimate descendants of Prometheus. In this context, in order to foresee the possible future of economic research in the coming AI revolution, I introduced the recent attempt by Marcus Berliant and myself to develop a formal framework for modeling the operational process of economic research. Then, I have suggested that if real humans and AI work together through such a framework while amplifying mutual comparative advantages, creativity in economic research as a whole will be vastly enhanced.