bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A large set of 26 new reference transcriptomes dedicated to comparative population genomics in crops and wild relatives
Authors: Sarah Gautier , Homa Felix , Pointet Stéphanie , Contreras Sandy , Sabot François , Nabholz Benoit , Santoni Sylvain , Sauné Laure , Ardisson Morgane , Chantret Nathalie , Sauvage Christopher , Tregear James , Jourda Cyril , Pot David , Vigouroux Yves , Chair Hana , Scarcelli Nora , Billot Claire , Yahiaoui Nabila , Bacilieri Roberto , Khadari Bouchaib , Boccara Michel , Barnaud Adéline , Péros Jean‐Pierre , Labouisse Jean‐Pierre , Pham Jean‐Louis , David Jacques , Glémin Sylvain , Ruiz Manuel
Published: August 2016

We produced a unique large data set of reference transcriptomes to obtain new knowledge about the evolution of plant genomes and crop domestication. For this purpose, we validated a RNA‐Seq data assembly protocol to perform comparative population genomics. For the validation, we assessed and compared the quality of de novo Illumina short‐read assemblies using data from two crops for which an annotated reference genome was available, namely grapevine and sorghum. We used the same protocol for the release of 26 new transcriptomes of crop plants and wild relatives, including still understudied crops such as yam, pearl millet and fonio. The species list has a wide taxonomic representation with the inclusion of 15 monocots and 11 eudicots. All contigs were annotated using BLAST, prot4EST and Blast2GO. A strong originality of the data set is that each crop is associated with close relative species, which will permit whole‐genome comparative evolutionary studies between crops and their wild‐related species. This large resource will thus serve research communities working on both crops and model organisms. All the data are available at http://arcad-bioinformatics.southgreen.fr/.
A comparative assessment ofSNPand microsatellite markers for assigning parentage in a socially monogamous bird
Authors: Kaiser Sara A. , Taylor Scott A. , Chen Nancy , Sillett T. Scott , Bondra Eliana R. , Webster Michael S.
Published: August 2016

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are preferred over microsatellite markers in many evolutionary studies, but have only recently been applied to studies of parentage. Evaluations ofSNPs and microsatellites for assigning parentage have mostly focused on special cases that require a relatively large number of heterozygous loci, such as species with low genetic diversity or with complex social structures. We developed 120SNPmarkers from a transcriptome assembled usingRNA‐sequencing of a songbird with the most common avian mating system—social monogamy. We compared the effectiveness of 97 novelSNPs and six previously described microsatellites for assigning paternity in the black‐throated blue warbler,Setophaga caerulescens. We show that the full panel of 97SNPs (meanHo = 0.19) was as powerful for assigning paternity as the panel of multiallelic microsatellites (meanHo = 0.86). Paternity assignments using the two marker types were in agreement for 92% of the offspring. Filtering individual samples by a 50% call rate andSNPs by a 75% call rate maximized the number of offspring assigned with 95% confidence usingSNPs. We also found that the 40 most heterozygousSNPs (meanHo = 0.37) had similar power to assign paternity as the full panel of 97SNPs. These findings demonstrate that a relatively small number of variableSNPs can be effective for parentage analyses in a socially monogamous species. We suggest that the development ofSNPmarkers is advantageous for studies that require high‐throughput genotyping or that plan to address a range of ecological and evolutionary questions.
Secondary preventive medication use in a prevalent population‐based cohort of acute coronary syndrome survivors
Authors: Gunnell Anthony S. , Hung Joseph , Knuiman Matthew W. , Nedkoff Lee , Gillies Malcolm , Geelhoed Elizabeth , Hobbs Michael S. T. , Katzenellenbogen Judith M. , Rankin Jamie M. , Ortiz Michael , Briffa Tom G. , Sanfilippo Frank M.
Published: August 2016

Aim

Describe the dispensing patterns for guideline‐recommended medications during 2008 in people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and how dispensing varies by gender and time since last ACS hospitalization.

Method

A descriptive cohort spanning 20 years of people alive post‐ACS in 2008. We extracted all ACS hospitalizations and deaths in Western Australia (1989–2008), and all person‐linked Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme claims nationally for 2008. Participants were 23 642 men and women (36.8%), alive and aged 65–89 years in mid‐2008 who were hospitalized for ACS between 1989 and 2008. Main outcome was the proportion of the study cohort (in 2008) dispensed guideline‐recommended cardiovascular medications in that year. Adjusted odds ratios estimating the association between type (and number) of guideline‐recommended medications and time since last ACS hospitalization.

Results

Medications most commonly dispensed in 2008 were statins (79.6% of study cohort) and then angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin‐receptor blockers (ACEi/ARBs) (71.1%), aspirin or clopidogrel (59.4%), and β‐blockers (54.6%). Only 51.8% of the cohort was dispensed three or more of these drug types in 2008. Women with ACS were 18% less likely to be dispensed statins (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.82; 95% CI 0.76–0.88). Overall, for each incremental year since last ACS admission, there was an 8% increased odds (adjusted OR=1.08; 95% CI 1.07–1.08) of being dispensed fewer of the recommended drug regimen in 2008.

Conclusion

Longer time since last ACS admission was associated with dispensing fewer medications types and combinations in 2008. Interventions are warranted to improve dispensing long term and any apparent gender inequality in the drug class filled.
Randomized Trial of Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorders: Efficacy as a Virtual Stand‐Alone and Treatment Add‐On Compared with Standard Outpatient Treatment
Authors: Kiluk Brian D. , Devore Kathleen A. , Buck Matthew B. , Nich Charla , Frankforter Tami L. , LaPaglia Donna M. , Yates Brian T. , Gordon Melissa A. , Carroll Kathleen M.
Published: August 2016

Background

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence‐based treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUDs), yet is rarely implemented with high fidelity in clinical practice. Computer‐based delivery of CBT offers the potential to address dissemination challenges, but to date there have been no evaluations of a web‐based CBT program for alcohol use within a clinical sample.

Methods

This study randomized treatment‐seeking individuals with a current AUD to 1 of 3 treatments at a community outpatient facility: (i) standard treatment as usual (TAU); (ii) TAU plus on‐site access to a computerized CBT targeting alcohol use (TAU + CBT4CBT); or (iii) CBT4CBT plus brief weekly clinical monitoring (CBT4CBT + monitoring). Participant alcohol use was assessed weekly during an 8‐week treatment period, as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment.

Results

Sixty‐eight individuals (65% male; 54% African American) were randomized (TAU = 22; TAU + CBT4CBT = 22; CBT4CBT + monitoring = 24). There were significantly higher rates of treatment completion among participants assigned to 1 of the CBT4CBT conditions compared to TAU (Wald = 6.86, p < 0.01). Significant reductions in alcohol use were found across all conditions within treatment, with participants assigned to TAU + CBT4CBT demonstrating greater increases in percentage of days abstinent (PDA) compared to TAU, t(536.4) = 2.68, p < 0.01, d = 0.71, 95% CI (0.60, 3.91), for the full sample. Preliminary findings suggest the estimated costs of all self‐reported AUD‐related services utilized by participants were considerably lower for those assigned to CBT4CBT conditions compared to TAU, both within treatment and during follow‐up.

Conclusions

This trial demonstrated the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of web‐based CBT4CBT targeting alcohol use. CBT4CBT was superior to TAU at increasing PDA when delivered as an add‐on, and it was not significantly different from TAU or TAU + CBT4CBT when delivered with clinical monitoring only.
High‐Intensity Drinking Among Young Adults in the United States: Prevalence, Frequency, and Developmental Change
Authors: Patrick Megan E. , Terry‐McElrath Yvonne M. , Kloska Deborah D. , Schulenberg John E.
Published: August 2016

Background

This study is the first to examine the developmental course of high‐intensity drinking (i.e., consuming 10+ drinks in a row) across late adolescence and the transition to adulthood.

Methods

National longitudinal data (N = 3,718) from Monitoring the Future were used to examine trajectories of 10+ high‐intensity drinking from age 18 through 25/26 overall and across sociodemographic subgroups; results were compared with similar analysis of 5+ binge drinking trajectories.

Results

Results document that 10+ drinkers consume not just a greater quantity of alcohol on a given drinking occasion, but also engage in 5+ drinking more frequently than drinkers who do not report having 10 or more drinks. Developmental patterns for 10+ and 5+ drinking were similar, with peak frequencies reported at age 21/22. Greater peaks in both 10+ and 5+ drinking were documented among men and among college attenders, compared with women and nonattenders, respectively. However, there was a steeper decline in 10+ drinking after age 21/22, indicating that risk for consumption of 10 or more drinks in a row is more clearly focused on the early 20s. Patterns of developmental change in both behaviors were driven largely by college students: No significant age‐related change in 10+ drinking was observed among men and women who did not go to college, and no significant age‐related change in 5+ drinking was observed among female nonattenders.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the importance of recognizing high‐intensity drinkers as a unique high‐risk group, and that college attendance is associated with particularly strong peaks in the developmental course of high‐intensity drinking.
Protein feeding of Queensland fruit fly Bactrocera tryoni and cucumber fly Zeugodacus cucumis (Diptera: Tephritidae) on non‐host vegetation: effect of plant species and bait height
Authors: Senior Lara J , Wright Carole L , Missenden Brendan , DeFaveri Stefano
Published: August 2016

Perimeter‐baiting of non‐crop vegetation using toxic protein baits was developed overseas as a technique for control of melon fly, Zeugodacus (Zeugodacus) cucurbitae (Coquillett) (formerly Bactrocera (Zeugodacus) cucurbitae), and evidence suggests that this technique may also be effective in Australia for control of local fruit fly species in vegetable crops. Using field cage trials and laboratory reared flies, primary data were generated to support this approach by testing fruit flies' feeding response to protein when applied to eight plant species (forage sorghum, grain sorghum, sweet corn, sugarcane, eggplant, cassava, lilly pilly and orange jessamine) and applied at three heights (1, 1.5 and 2 m). When compared across the plants, Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), most commonly fed on protein bait applied to sugarcane and cassava, whereas more cucumber fly, Zeugodacus (Austrodacus) cucumis (French) (formerly Bactrocera (Austrodacus) cucumis), fed on bait applied to sweet corn and forage sorghum. When protein bait was applied at different heights, B. tryoni responded most to bait placed in the upper part of the plants (2 m), whereas Z. cucumis preferred bait placed lower on the plants (1 and 1.5 m). These results have implications for optimal placement of protein bait for best practice control of fruit flies in vegetable crops and suggest that the two species exhibit different foraging behaviours.
Scope or scalpel? A matched study of the treatment of large colorectal polyps
Authors: Church James , Erkan Arman
Published: August 2016

Background

Large colorectal polyps can be treated either endoscopically or by formal resection. The aim of this study was to clarify the relative advantages and disadvantages of surgical resection and colonoscopic snaring as means of treating large colorectal polyps.

Methods

This is a matched cohort study, comparing cases of surgical resection of benign colorectal polyps with endoscopic resection. Cases drawn from pathology and endoscopy databases were matched for the size and site of polyps, and the groups were compared for the end points of complications, length of hospital stay and completeness of the removal of the polyp.

Results

There were 78 patients in each group, with mean ages of 65.6 years (colonoscopy) and 66.8 years (surgery). A total of 39 of the surgery group and 47 of the colonoscopy group were men. Mean polyp size was 34.1 mm (colonoscopy) and 32.1 mm (surgery). There was an exact match for polyp location. Complications occurred in eight colonoscopy patients (10.3%) and 42 surgery patients (56.0%) (P < 0.001, chi‐square). Length of hospital stay was 0 days for colonoscopy patients and 7.3 ± 4.7 days for surgery (P < 0.001). The surgery group was separated into laparoscopic (n = 35) and open (n = 43) surgery. There was no difference in complication rates (42.4 versus 53.5%, respectively) but laparoscopic had shorter length of stay (5.8 days ± 4.9 SD versus 8.4 days ± 4.3 SD). Recurrence of surgically resected polyps was zero; at last follow‐up 13% of snared polyps persisted.

Conclusion

Although resection is a more certain and absolute way of treating benign polyps, endoscopic polypectomy is preferable.
Clinical outcomes and safety of distal biceps repair using a modified entry point
Authors: Baba Mohammed , Leon Johanna Viktoria , Symes Michael , Dorrestijn Oscar , Young Allan , Cass Benjamin
Published: August 2016

Background

The purpose of this study is to determine the safety of a one‐incision technique for distal biceps repair with modified repair entry point in regards to the distance from the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN). Secondly, we present the clinical results of patients having undergone this procedure.

Methods

Ten cadaveric specimens were dissected to reveal the radial tuberosity. Two 1.6‐mm guidewires were inserted into the radial tuberosity, one centrally, and one 5‐mm more proximal. Both guidewires penetrated the dorsal cortex, and posterior dissection revealed their exit points. The distance from the PIN and each wire was determined using a vernier calliper. The functional outcomes of 10 patients’ post repair were reviewed. Performance was determined using strength and range of motion (ROM) measurements. Functional impairment was assessed using the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand outcome measure (DASH score). The uninjured side was used as a control.

Results

The mean distance from the centre of the radial tuberosity to the PIN was 7.33 mm with a centrally placed wire, compared with 10.92 mm when measuring from the proximal guidewire (P < 0.05). Supination and flexion strengths were 83 and 90% of the uninjured side, respectively. There was a mean of 1.5° loss of flexion and 0° loss of extension. Loss of pronation and supination ROM were 0.5° and 4.5° on average, respectively. Average DASH score was 6.3.

Conclusion

We recommend a 5‐mm more proximal entry point for insertion of the guidewire during distal biceps repair. This poses less risk to the PIN without significant functional impairment. Our outcomes are comparable with those reported in the literature.
Outcomes from an orientation model to reduce attrition in paediatric weight management
Authors: Zenlea I. S. , Milliren C. , Herel S. , Thomaseo Burton E. , Askins N. , Ludwig D. S. , Rhodes E. T.
Published: August 2016

We aimed to reduce attrition of newly referred patients in a paediatric weight management programme by implementing an orientation to address families’ expectations and screen for and support behavioural and mental health problems and psychosocial stressors at programme outset. Orientation impact was monitored with run charts with percentages of scheduled encounters completed. Long‐term impact was assessed by comparing patients in the initial 6 months of the orientation to a baseline group of referred patients during the same 6‐month time interval in the prior year (Pre‐Orientation Group). The outcome measure was programme attrition within 15 months. Groups were compared using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression modelling. Patients in the Orientation Group had a 23% increased odds of attrition compared to patients in the Pre‐Orientation group (adjusted Hazard ratio, aHR 1.23; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.01, 1.51) and shorter median duration of follow‐up (2.0 vs. 2.9 months, P = 0.004). An increase in body mass index z‐score of 1 unit resulted in a nearly fivefold increased odds of attrition (aHR 5.24; 95% CI: 2.95, 9.3). An orientation for new patients did not reduce attrition within 15 months. We suggest that ongoing retention strategies should be embedded into the treatment phase of the programme.
Early dumping syndrome is not a complication but a desirable feature of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Laurenius A. , Engström M.
Published: August 2016

Early dumping syndrome after gastric bypass surgery due to rapid delivery of hyperosmolar nutrients into the bowel causing intense symptoms is often described as a complication. Twelve patients, mean age 47 years, were interviewed approximately 9 years post‐operation. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, followed by an inductive content analysis to reveal patients' experience of the dumping syndrome. The core category ‘Dumping syndrome is a positive consequence of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery and a tool to control food intake’ was identified based on the following four sub‐categories: (i) ‘The multidimensional emergence and effects of dumping syndrome’, (ii) ‘Dumping syndrome as something positive although unpleasant’, (iii) ‘Developing coping mechanisms and ingenious strategies’ and (iv) ‘My own fault if I expose myself to dumping syndrome’. From the patients' perspective, dumping syndrome gives control over food intake; although the symptoms were unpleasant, patients considered dumping syndrome as a positive protection against over‐consumption. Hence, healthcare professionals should not present dumping syndrome as a complication but rather as an aid to control eating behaviour and excessive food intake.
Trans‐oral fine needle aspiration cytology in cervical (C1 and C2) vertebral lesions: a novel diagnostic approach
Authors: Rajwanshi A. , Rohilla M. , Singh P.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is a relatively non‐invasive method for diagnosing both superficial and deep‐seated neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesions. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic utility of trans‐oral FNA in cervical (C1 and C2) vertebral and paravertebral lesions.

Material and methods

Eighteen FNA cases of cervical vertebral and paravertebral lesions performed by a trans‐oral route without any image‐guidance between 1995 and 2014 were retrieved from the archives of the cytology department at PGIMER, Chandigarh and reviewed.

Results

Out of 18 cases, a definite diagnosis was given in 15 cases (83.3%). The commonest diagnosis seen was granulomatous inflammation consistent with tuberculosis (33.3%).

Conclusion

Trans‐oral FNA is a quick, inexpensive and relatively safe outpatient procedure for sampling C1 and C2 vertebral and paravertebral lesions, which are clinically and radiologically difficult to approach. It helps in the early diagnosis and management of these patients.
Leptin deficiency in mice counteracts imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation while leptin stimulation induces inflammation in human keratinocytes
Authors: Stjernholm Theresa , Ommen Pernille , Langkilde Ane , Johansen Claus , Iversen Lars , Rosada Cecilia , Stenderup Karin
Published: August 2016

Leptin is an adipocyte‐derived cytokine secreted mostly by adipose tissue. Serum leptin levels are elevated in obese individuals and correlate positively with body mass index (BMI). Interestingly, serum leptin levels are also elevated in patients with psoriasis and correlate positively with disease severity. Psoriasis is associated with obesity; patients with psoriasis have a higher incidence of obesity, and obese individuals have a higher risk of developing psoriasis. Additionally, obese patients with psoriasis experience a more severe degree of psoriasis. In this study, we hypothesised that leptin may link psoriasis and obesity and plays an aggravating role in psoriasis. To investigate leptin's role in psoriasis, we applied the widely accepted imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation mouse model on leptin‐deficient (ob/ob) mice and evaluated psoriasis severity. Moreover, we stimulated human keratinocytes with leptin and investigated the effect on proliferation and expression of pro‐inflammatory proteins. In ob/ob mice, clinical signs of erythema, infiltration and scales in dorsal skin and inflammation in ear skin, as measured by ear thickness, were attenuated and compared with wt mice. Moreover, IL‐17A and IL‐22 mRNA expression levels, as well as increased epidermal thickness, were significantly less induced. In vitro, the effect of leptin stimulation on human keratinocytes demonstrated increased proliferation and induced secretion of several pro‐inflammatory proteins; two hallmarks of psoriasis. In conclusion, leptin deficiency attenuated IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in a mouse model, and leptin stimulation induced a pro‐inflammatory phenotype in human keratinocytes, thus, supporting an aggravating role of leptin in psoriasis.
Synthesis of Scandium Nitride Crystals from Indium–Scandium Melts
Authors: Zhang Guodong , Kawamura Fumio , Oshima Yuichi , Villora Encarnacion , Shimamura Kiyoshi
Published: August 2016

The synthesis of scandium nitride (ScN) nanoscale crystals by dissolving N2 into In‐Sc melts is demonstrated for the first time. The crystallization mechanism of ScN from In‐Sc melts is investigated. In the N2 pressure of 0.3 MPa, the ScN yield increases with the Sc concentration in flux and the growth temperature within the range 900–1100°C, achieving a maximum value of about 70% at temperatures above 1100°C. Scanning electron microscopy evidences the growth of round‐shaped ScN crystals with increasing average size from 48 to 860 nm in the temperature range of 900–1300°C. This study shows that Sc effectively promotes the dissolution of N2 in the In‐Sc melt, and In‐Sc is a promising flux for the synthesis of ScN nanocrystals.
A literature review of the training offered to qualified prescribers to use electronic prescribing systems: why is it so important?
Authors: Brown Clare L , Reygate Katie , Slee Ann , Coleman Jamie J , Pontefract Sarah K , Bates David W , Husband Andrew K , Watson Neil , Slight Sarah P
Published: August 2016

Objectives

A key element of the implementation and ongoing use of an electronic prescribing (ePrescribing) system is ensuring that users are, and remain, sufficiently trained to use the system. Studies have suggested that insufficient training is associated with suboptimal use. However, it is not clear from these studies how clinicians are trained to use ePrescribing systems or the effectiveness of different approaches. We sought to describe the various approaches used to train qualified prescribers on ePrescribing systems and to identify whether users were educated about the pitfalls and challenges of using these systems.

Methods

We performed a literature review, using a systematic approach across three large databases: Cumulative Index Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase and Medline were searched for relevant English language articles. Articles that explored the training of qualified prescribers on ePrescribing systems in a hospital setting were included.

Key findings

Our search of ‘all training’ approaches returned 1155 publications, of which seven were included. A separate search of ‘online’ training found three relevant publications. Training methods in the ‘all training’ category included clinical scenarios, demonstrations and assessments. Regarding ‘online’ training approaches; a team at the University of Victoria in Canada developed a portal containing simulated versions of electronic health records, where individuals could prescribe for fictitious patients. Educating prescribers about the challenges and pitfalls of electronic systems was rarely discussed.

Conclusions

A number of methods are used to train prescribers; however, the lack of papers retrieved suggests a need for additional studies to inform training methods.
A case series and a review of the literature on foreign modelling agent reaction: an emerging problem
Authors: Martínez‐Villarreal Ashley A , Asz‐Sigall Daniel , Gutiérrez‐Mendoza Daniela , Serena Thomas E , Lozano‐Platonoff Adriana , Sanchez‐Cruz Lourdes Y , Toussaint‐Caire Sonia , Domínguez‐Cherit Judith , López‐García Lirio A , Cárdenas‐Sánchez Andrea , Contreras‐Ruiz José
Published: August 2016

Foreign modelling agent reactions (FMAR) are the result of the injection of unapproved high‐viscosity fluids with the purpose of cosmetic body modelling. Its consequences lead to ulceration, disfigurement and even death, and it has reached epidemic proportions in several regions of the world. We describe a series of patients treated for FMARs in a specialised wound care centre and a thorough review of the literature. A retrospective chart review was performed from January 1999 to September 2015 of patients who had been injected with non‐medical foreign agents and who developed cutaneous ulceration needing treatment at the dermatology wound care centre. This study involved 23 patients whose ages ranged from 22 to 67 years with higher proportion of women and homosexual men. The most commonly injected sites were the buttocks (38·5%), legs (18%), thighs (15·4%) and breasts (11·8%). Mineral oil (39%) and other unknown substances (30·4%) were the most commonly injected. The latency period ranged from 1 week to 17 years. Complications included several skin changes such as sclerosis and ulceration as well as systemic complications. FMAR is a severe syndrome that may lead to deadly complications, and is still very common in Latin America.
The CelluTome epidermal graft‐harvesting system: a patient‐reported outcome measure and cost evaluation study
Authors: Smith Oliver J , Edmondson Sarah‐Jayne , Bystrzonowski Nicki , Hachach‐Haram Nadine , Kanapathy Muholan , Richards Toby , Mosahebi Ash
Published: August 2016

Conventional split skin grafts (SSG) require anaesthesia, specialist equipment and can have high donor site (DS) morbidity. The CelluTome epidermal graft‐harvesting device is a novel alternative, providing pain‐free epidermal skin grafts (ESG) in the outpatient setting, with projected minimal DS trauma and improved patient satisfaction. This study aimed to compare ESG with SSG by evaluating patient‐related outcome measures (PROMs) and the cost implications of both.

Twenty patients answered a graft satisfaction questionnaire that evaluated: donor/graft site noticeability, aesthetic concerns, adverse problems and patient satisfaction. Cost/patient was calculated based on total operative expenses and five clinic follow‐ups.

In 100% of the ESG cases, there were no DS noticeability or adverse problems compared to 25% in the SSG group. Complete satisfaction with DS appearance was observed in 100% of the ESG cases (50% SSG). Noticeability, adverse problems and overall satisfaction were significantly better in ESG cases (P < 0.05). Graft site parameters were comparable with similar healing outcomes.

The cost per patient for ESG was £431 and £1489 for SSG, with an annual saving of £126 960 based on 10 grafts/month.

For the right patient, CelluTome provides comparable wound healing, with reduced DS morbidity and higher patient satisfaction.
The impact of lower limb chronic oedema on patients' quality of life
Authors: Greene Adelene , Meskell Pauline
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to explore patients' perceptions regarding the impact that lower limb chronic oedema has on their quality of life (QoL). A quantitative descriptive design was used to collect data from patients with lower limb chronic oedema. A condition‐specific validated questionnaire was distributed to a purposive sample (n = 122) through manual lymphatic drainage/vascular/health clinics in Ireland. Results indicated that patients with lower limb chronic oedema experience a wide range of physical problems such as limb heaviness (74%, n = 66), weakness (44%, n = 40) and pain (38%, n = 34). Additionally, difficulties with walking (53%, n = 48), standing (51%, n = 46) and bending (45%, n = 40) were reported. Concerns regarding poor body image were strongly evident (76%, n = 68). Difficulties finding clothing/footwear to fit oedematous limb(s) were reported (59%, n = 53), in addition to finding clothes that participants would like to wear (64%, n = 58). Emotional symptoms of irritability (42%, n = 38), anxiety (41%, n = 37) and tension (40%, n = 36) were reported. Over half of the participants (55%, n = 49) stated that their chronic swelling affected their social functioning and their ability to engage in leisure activities. This study has identified that lower limb chronic oedema has significant psychological, social and physical implications for persons' QoL.
The SICAM‐trial: evaluating the effect of spouses' involvement through case management in older patients' fast‐track programmes during and after total hip replacement
Authors: Berthelsen Connie Bøttcher , Kristensson Jimmie
Published: August 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of spouses' involvement in older patients' care trajectories, using case management as intervention in total hip replacement through fast‐track programmes.

Background

Patients need their spouses to be involved in their fast‐track programmes and this involvement is often associated with improvements in patient outcomes. However, the effect of spouses' involvement in older patients' fast‐track programmes has not yet been investigated.

Design

A two‐group quasi‐experimental design with pre‐test and repeated post‐test measures was conducted in an orthopaedic ward of a Danish Regional Hospital from February 2014–June 2015. Spouse–patient dyads were initially recruited for the control group (n = 14), receiving usual care; dyads for the intervention group (n = 15) were recruited afterwards, receiving case management intervention elements before, during and after admission.

Methods

Face‐to‐face interviews on questionnaires were conducted with spouses and patients at baseline, 2 weeks and 3 months after discharge, measuring spouses' caregiver satisfaction, difficulties and level of anxiety and patients' functional and nutritional status, pain and level of depression.

Results

The results showed that there were no differences between the groups with regard to any of the outcome measures. However, statistically significant improvements were found in the patient groups on functional status, pain and depression and in the groups of spouses on caregiver satisfaction.

Conclusion

The case management intervention seemed to have an effect in patient and spousal groups; however, this improvement could also have been caused by the effect of fast‐track treatment.
Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram for acute‐on‐chronic hepatitis B liver failure
Authors: Shi Ke‐Qing , Cai Yi‐Jing , Lin Zhuo , Dong Jin‐Zhong , Wu Jian‐Min , Wang Xiao‐Dong , Song Mei , Wang Yu‐Qun , Chen Yong‐Ping
Published: August 2016

Background and Aim

Determining individual risk of short‐term mortality in patients with acute‐on‐chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF) is a difficult task. We aimed to develop and externally validate a prognostic nomogram for ACHBLF patients.

Methods

The nomogram was built to estimate the probability of 30‐day, 60‐day, 90‐day, and 60‐month survival based on an internal cohort of 246 patients with ACHBLF. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of nomogram were determined by a concordance index (C‐index), calibration curve, and time‐dependent receiver operating characteristics (tdROC), comparing with model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score. The results were validated using bootstrap resampling and an external cohort of 138 patients. Furthermore, we plotted decision curves to evaluate the clinical usefulness of nomogram.

Results

Independent factors derived from multivariable Cox analysis of training cohort to predict mortality were age, total bilirubin, serum sodium, and prothrombin activity, which were all assembled into nomogram. The calibration curves for probability of survival showed optimal agreement between nomogram prediction and actual observation. The C‐index of nomogram was higher than that of MELD score for predicting survival (30‐day, 0.809 vs 0.717, P < 0.001; 60‐day, 0.792 vs 0.685, P < 0.001; 90‐day, 0.779 vs 0.678, P < 0.001; 6‐month, 0.781 vs 0.677, P < 0.001). Additionally, tdROC and decision curves also showed that nomogram was superior to MELD score. The results were confirmed in validation cohort.

Conclusions

The prognostic nomogram provided an individualized risk estimate of short‐term survival in patients with ACHBLF, offering to clinicians to improve their abilities to assess patient prognosis.
Activation of σ1 and σ2 receptors by afobazole increases glial cell survival and prevents glial cell activation and nitrosative stress after ischemic stroke
Authors: Katnik Christopher , Garcia Angela , Behensky Adam A. , Yasny Ilya E. , Shuster Alex M. , Seredenin Sergei B. , Petrov Andrey V. , Cuevas Javier
Published: August 2016

Activation of sigma receptors at delayed time points has been shown to decrease injury following ischemic stroke. The mixed σ1/σ2 receptor agonist, 5‐ethoxy‐2‐[2‐(morpholino)‐ethylthio]benzimidazole (afobazole), provides superior long‐term outcomes compared to other σ ligands in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) stroke model. Experiments using the MCAO model were carried out to determine the molecular mechanism involved in the beneficial effects of afobazole. Administration of afobazole (3 mg/kg) at delayed time points post‐stroke significantly increased the number of microglia and astrocytes detected in the ipsilateral hemisphere at 96 h post‐surgery. Morphological analysis of the microglia indicated that a greater number of these cells were found in the ramified resting state in MCAO animals treated with afobazole relative to MCAO vehicle controls. Similarly, fewer reactive astrocytes were detected in the injured hemisphere of afobazole‐treated animals. Both the enhanced survival and reduced activation of glial cells were abolished by co‐application of either a σ1 (BD‐1063) or a σ2 (SM‐21) receptor antagonist with afobazole. To gain further insight into the mechanisms by which afobazole lessens stroke injury, we probed the brain sections for markers of neuroinflammation (tumor necrosis factor α) and nitrosative stress (S‐nitrosocysteine). Data show that afobazole significantly reduces S‐nitrosocysteine levels, but does not alter tumor necrosis factor α expression 96 h after an ischemic stroke. Taken together our data indicate that afobazole acting via both σ1 and σ2 receptors decreases stroke injury by enhancing glial cell survival, blocking ischemia‐induced glial cell activation, and decreasing nitrosative stress.

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Ethnobotanical Uses and Antimicrobial Properties of Plants in Small‐Scale Tropical Fish Farms: The Case of Indonesian Fish Farmers in Java (Indonesia)
Authors: Caruso Domenico , Lusiastuti Angela Maria , Taukhid Taukhid , Avarre Jean‐Christophe , Yuhana Munti , Sarter Samira
Published: August 2016

Among the most common plants used by fish farmers in Java, 18 were selected for deeper ethnobotanical and laboratory investigation into their antimicrobial activity. These plants are mainly used against fish diseases, but with no precise therapeutic indication, leading to low specificity of use. Leaves, which were the most commonly used part of plants, were generally placed directly in water or less frequently added to the feed. Disk diffusion tests showed that 15 plants of the 18 (83%) displayed varying degrees of antibacterial activity and that Streptococcus agalactiae was more sensitive than Aeromonas hydrophila. Crude ethanolic extracts (EE) were more active than water macerates (WM), and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 12.5 to 25 mg/mL. Only the EE of Piper betle had an inhibitory effect against A. hydrophila. No MIC was found for any of the WM studied here. Furthermore, both the EE and, to a lesser extent, the WM of active plants were able to reduce bacterial growth by more than 99%, even at doses below their MICs. These results suggest that these plant extracts have a potential for eco‐friendly prevention of bacterial fish diseases.
‘Marriage had bastilled me for life’: Propertied Women as Property in the Legal Fictions of Richardson, Wollstonecraft and Collins
Authors: Pullan Fern
Published: August 2016

When a woman married during the eighteenth century, according to Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England (1765–69), her autonomous identity was removed, and she was immediately classed as one with her husband. This consolidation into the husband's own identity means that she is automatically classed as his property, as to incorporate and consolidate implies a taking over of ownership of the item being transferred – and thus, of course, a complete lack of self‐governance over mind, body and actions on behalf of the woman. This leads to the perception that the woman has been transformed from a human into a mere thing, while still retaining human function. It is this mid‐existence of the eighteenth and nineteenth century woman and her entrapment somewhere between human and thing that raises a key question. Is it possible for such a legal phenomenon to own property (thus, another thing) itself without repercussions – essentially, if the propertied woman was herself property? This ‘work in progress’ paper examines the extent to which this may be true, and if so, how it affected her identity as an independent human being in a patriarchal legal system over a specific time period by studying several themes of what are arguably legal fictions. The gendered inheritance of Samuel Richardson's work and the obstacles this incurs due to the female's lack of legal recognition in the eighteenth century are referred to, and explorations are made into the questions about inheritance, identity and what constitutes as property raised by the French Revolution of the 1790s, and the representations of this in Gothic and revolutionary literature, specifically Wollstonecraft's Maria (). Moreover, I consider the effects of the Gothic upon the development of sensation fiction, positing the latter as a direct descendant rather than subscribing to the notion of them being related but rigidly disparate, with sensation fiction suddenly emerging in the mid‐nineteenth century (Hughes ; Thomas ; Herbert ). Within these two genres, the entity of the married woman is well‐established but, I argue, warrants further examination of its representations of the legal entity of woman in her occupation of the domestic sphere as a wife and the social sphere as a single, propertied, legally existing woman in Wilkie Collins's The Woman in White (1860‐61).
Calcium oxalate crystal production and density at different phenological stages of soybean plants (Glycine max L.) from the southeast of the Pampean Plain, Argentina
Authors: Borrelli N. , Benvenuto M. L. , Osterrieth M.
Published: August 2016

Glycine max L. (soybean) is one of the major crops of the world. Although the process of biomineralisation has been reported in some organs of soybean, we now report the description and quantification of calcium oxalate crystals in vegetative and reproductive organs of soybean during its life cycle, as they act as an important source of calcium to the soil, once the harvesting is finished.

Through diaphanisation, cross‐sectioning, optical and scanning electron microscopy analysis of the organs, morphology, size and location of the crystals were identified. In addition, crystal density (n° crystals·mm−2) and the input of crystals to soil (n° crystals·ha−1) were calculated.

Soybean produced prismatic calcium oxalate crystals in vegetative and reproductive organs, generally associated with vascular bundles, resulting in a potencial transfer to the soil of 81.4 x 107 crystals·ha−1 throughout its life cycle. Pods were the organs with higher calcium oxalate crystal production (1112.7 ± 384.6 crystals·mm−2), but with the smaller size (12.3 ± 2.1 μm long). However, cotyledons were the organs that produce the larger crystals (21.3 ± 3.5 μm long), but in lesser amounts (150.9 ± 64.4 crystals·mm−2). In leaves, although crystal size did not differ from vegetative to reproductive stage (14.5 ± 4.2 and 14.5 ± 4 μm in length, respectively), the crystal density increased (293.2 and 409 crystals·mm−2, respectively).

These results will contribute to knowledge of the amount of calcium oxalate crystals involved in the process of Ca recycling through cultivated vegetation in fields from humid plains at medium latitudes, which therefore have biological, botanical, biogeochemical and pedological relevance.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF TRACTION BRONCHIECTASIS SECONDARY TO PULMONARY FIBROSIS IN A PATTERDALE TERRIER
Authors: Fitzgerald Ella , Priestnall Simon L. , Lamb Christopher R.
Published: August 2016

An 8‐year‐old, Patterdale terrier was referred for evaluation of tachypnoea, exercise intolerance, and weight loss. Computed tomographic images showed pneumomediastinum, diffuse pulmonary ground glass opacity, and marked dilatation of peripheral bronchi, but no evidence of thickened bronchial walls. The histopathologic diagnosis was diffuse pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, and bronchiectasis. The lack of evidence of primary bronchitis supported a diagnosis of traction bronchiectasis. Traction bronchiectasis can occur as a sequela to pulmonary fibrosis in dogs.
Assessment of 3 Bowel Preparation Protocols for Computed Tomography Pneumocolonography in Normal Dogs
Authors: Steffey Michele A. , Zwingenberger Allison L. , Daniel Leticia , Taylor Sandra L.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To investigate the effects of 3 different bowel preparation protocols on interpretation of computed tomography (CT) pneumocolonography images.

Study Design

Experimental crossover design.

Animals

Intact male, hound‐cross, research colony dogs (n=4).

Methods

All dogs received the 3 different bowel preparation protocols for CT pneumocolonography in the same order, with a minimum of 2 weeks between protocols. For each segment of large bowel, the subjective adequacy of bowel cleansing was assessed, residual fecal and bowel volumes were calculated, and the density of fecal material in the bowel lumen was measured. Linear mixed effect models that included a random dog effect were used to evaluate mean differences in outcome measures across protocols.

Results

No dogs experienced any clinical problems associated with the protocols or CT pneumocolonography. Bowel cleansing was considered adequate for CT pneumocolonography interpretation for all 3 protocols. There was a significant effect of protocol on residual fecal volumes and the fecal:bowel volume ratio, with the 2 protocols that included an extended fast producing the lowest total residual fecal volumes. There was a significant effect of protocol on maximum measured density of residual fecal material with the 2 protocols including iodinated contrast having the highest density.

Conclusions

All protocols were sufficient for CT pneumocolonography interpretation and contrast‐tagging of residual fecal material was successful with oral iopamidol administration. An at‐home bowel cleansing protocol may provide adequate bowel cleansing for CT pneumocolonography image interpretation.
Clinical interventions for venous leg ulcers: Proposals to improve the quality of clinical leg ulcer research
Authors: Lazarus Gerald S. , Kirsner Robert S. , Zenilman Jonathan , Valle M. Frances , Margolis David J. , Cullum Nicky , Driver Vickie R. , Gould Lisa , Lindsay Ellie , Tunis Sean , Marston William , Bass Eric , Ennis William , Davidson Jeffrey , Bowden Jeremy
Published: August 2016

The present status of clinical leg ulcer healing research was reviewed by 25 experts over 2 days on September 28 and 29, 2015. Multiple clinical effectiveness reviews were presented suggesting that published clinical wound healing research often does not meet present (2015) evidence based standards. Specific areas requiring remediation were highlighted and approaches to overcoming existing challenges were proposed. Participants using anonymous voting technology developed an action plan to resolve perceived deficiencies. Statements were accepted if 75% of participants agreed. Older patients with a high frequency of comorbid conditions posed particular difficulties in designing clinical research protocols and better diagnostic categorization is necessary A standardized model template for collecting information about diagnosis and evaluation of the effect of interventions on healing of all types of leg ulcers was considered a high priority. Such a model template could be modified depending on the specific etiology of the leg ulcers. Generally agreed on quantifiable standards to establish degree of morbidity was considered a high priority. There was universal agreement that sources of funding and conflicts of interest needed to be disclosed in presentations and all publications. All clinical research studies should be registered with appropriate authorities. There was substantial enthusiasm for a clinical research network with quality standards for membership and an advisory research core available to investigators. Such a network should be funded and actively managed to insure long‐term viability. The governance of such an entity needs to be established by the wound care community. The present trend to integrate patients into the clinical research process was endorsed and there was enthusiasm to develop patient advocacy for wound healing research.
Phylogenomics of tubeworms (Siboglinidae, Annelida) and comparative performance of different reconstruction methods
Authors: Li Yuanning , Kocot Kevin M. , Whelan Nathan V. , Santos Scott R. , Waits Damien S. , Thornhill Daniel J. , Halanych Kenneth M.
Published: August 2016

Deep‐sea tubeworms (Annelida, Siboglinidae) represent dominant species in deep‐sea chemosynthetic communities (e.g. hydrothermal vents and cold methane seeps) and occur in muddy sediments and organic falls. Siboglinids lack a functional digestive tract as adults, and they rely on endosymbiotic bacteria for energy, making them of evolutionary and physiological interest. Despite their importance, inferred evolutionary history of this group has been inconsistent among studies based on different molecular markers. In particular, placement of bone‐eating Osedax worms has been unclear in part because of their distinctive biology, including harbouring heterotrophic bacteria as endosymbionts, displaying extreme sexual dimorphism and exhibiting a distinct body plan. Here, we reconstructed siboglinid evolutionary history using 12 newly sequenced transcriptomes. We parsed data into three data sets that accommodated varying levels of missing data, and we evaluate effects of missing data on phylogenomic inference. Additionally, several multispecies‐coalescent approaches and Bayesian concordance analysis (BCA) were employed to allow for a comparison of results to a supermatrix approach. Every analysis conducted herein strongly supported Osedax being most closely related to the Vestimentifera and Sclerolinum clade, rather than Frenulata, as previously reported. Importantly, unlike previous studies, the alternative hypothesis that frenulates and Osedax are sister groups to one another was explicitly rejected by an approximately unbiased (AU) test. Furthermore, although different methods showed largely congruent results, we found that a supermatrix method using data partitioning with site‐homogenous models potentially outperformed a supermatrix method using the CAT‐GTR model and multispecies‐coalescent approaches when the amount of missing data varies in a data set and when taxa susceptible to LBA are included in the analyses.