bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GESTRINONE IN THE TREATMENT OF MYOMAS
Authors: Coutinho E.M.
Published: November 2017

In a study involving over 300 women, gestrinone has been found to induce regression of uterine myomas. Gestrinone was given in doses of 2.5–5 mg (orally or by vaginal pessary), two or three times weekly. The treatment regimen depended upon tumor size and tumor age. Patients with small tumors, i.e. uterine volumes of less than 200 cm3, were treated for 6 months, whereas those with uterine volumes of 200–300 cm3 were treated for 1 year. In severe cases where uterine volumes were greater than 400 cm3, the patients were treated for 2 years. Large myomas of 300 cm3 or more required higher doses of steroid. During the first 6 months of treatment there was a marked reduction in uterine volume, but subsequently the rate of tumor regression was slower. Following discontinuation of treatment, reactivation of tumor growth was slow in most patients. Gestrinone caused amenorrhea in all patients and in most women it lasted throughout therapy. The abdominal discomfort, dyspareunia and dysuria which resulted from the myoma were progressively alleviated during treatment. Most patients experienced at least some side‐effects associated with the mild androgenicity of gestrinone. These included weight gain, seborrhea and acne (which developed in most patients). Hirsutism, hoarseness and increase in libido were less common, affecting 10–20% of patients, depending on the dose and duration of treatment. All side effects were reversible.
Applying Social Psychology to Prevent Careless Responding during Online Surveys
Authors: Ward M.K. , Meade Adam W.
Published: November 2017

A major threat to data quality in online surveys is careless responding (CR; Meade & Craig, ) or insufficient effort responding (e.g. Bowling, Huang, Bragg, Khazon, Liu, & Blackmore, ). In three studies, we use social psychological theories to develop and test three prevention strategies (Ward & Pond III, ) related to increasing respondent motivation to respond carefully. Study 1 presented control, scripted, or video‐recorded instructions designed to increase the social influence of survey administrators on survey participants. Participants in the control group were significantly more likely to admit to CR than the script and video groups. Compared with the control, scripted instructions decreased interest, and had no effect on objective indicators of CR. Study 2 found that instructions designed to induce cognitive dissonance increased logical consistency of responses and survey interest. Instructions to create a sense of hypocrisy increased accuracy on instructed‐response items. Study 3 showed that leveraging social exchange theory in survey instructions generally had no effect on CR. Similar results were found for both continuous and dichotomous scoring of indicators of CR across the three studies. Results demonstrate that facets of CR can be influenced via survey design. Future studies are needed to develop a more thorough understanding of best practices in survey design with respect to preventing CR.
The Impact of Insufficient Effort Responding Detection Methods on Substantive Responses: Results from an Experiment Testing Parameter Invariance
Authors: Breitsohl Heiko , Steidelmüller Corinna
Published: November 2017

Researchers using survey methods can choose among a variety of methods aimed at detecting insufficient effort responding among the participants in their studies. Some of these methods entail modifying the survey questionnaire by adding bogus items, instructed‐response items, or instructed manipulation checks. While these methods have been found effective in detecting insufficient effort responding, it remains unclear whether their presence in a questionnaire can affect responses to items of substantive research interest. We conducted an experiment investigating this potential impact in a sample (N = 1,092) of working adults. Adopting an invariance testing approach, we assessed whether employing bogus items, instructed‐response items, or instructed manipulation checks, with or without warning study participants, respectively, would lead to non‐invariant estimates of parameters for substantive variables. Results suggest that, while most parameter estimates were invariant to the use of insufficient effort responding detection methods, the reliability of measurements may be adversely impacted, posing a threat to construct validity and statistical conclusion validity. However, reliability might be maintained when participants are warned at the beginning of the questionnaire. Results also suggest that bogus items may have some advantages over other methods in terms of parameter invariance. We discuss the implications of our findings.
Early drug and anti‐infliximab antibody levels for prediction of primary nonresponse to infliximab therapy
Authors: Bar‐Yoseph H. , Levhar N. , Selinger L. , Manor U. , Yavzori M. , Picard O. , Fudim E. , Kopylov U. , Eliakim R. , Ben‐Horin S. , Chowers Y. , Ungar B.
Published: November 2017

Background

Primary nonresponse, defined as lack of clinical benefit during the induction phase, occurs in up to 30% of IBD patients treated with infliximab. The mechanisms underlying primary nonresponse have not yet been clearly defined.

Aim

To evaluate the association of early (week 2 and week 6) induction infliximab and anti‐infliximab antibody levels with primary nonresponse.

Methods

A retrospective observational case‐control study of inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with infliximab and followed at Sheba Medical Center between 2009 and 2016 was performed. Pre‐infusion infliximab and antibodies to infliximab (ATI) levels were measured by our previously described drug‐tolerant ELISA assay.

Results

Thirty‐five primary nonresponders have been identified and matched with 105 primary responders (1:3 ratios). Both week 2 and week 6 infliximab levels were significantly lower among primary nonresponders compared to responders (week 2, 6: median level 7.2, 2.2 μg/mL vs 13.5, 9.5 μg/mL, P = .0019, P < .0001 respectively). Antibodies to infliximab appeared more frequently (either week 2 or 6, 68% vs 28% prevalence, P = .0004) and at higher levels in nonresponders compared to responders (week 2, 6: median ATI 7.3, 10.8 μg/mL‐eq vs 3.8, 4.4 μg/mL‐eq, P = .005, P = .008 respectively). Moreover, week 2 infliximab levels <6.8 μg/mL (AUC = 0.68, P = .002, sensitivity 50%, specificity 86%) and antibodies to infliximab levels >4.3 μg/mL‐eq (AUC = 0.78, P = .0004, sensitivity 77%, specificity 71%) were predictive of primary nonresponse. Among the other clinical and demographic variables, higher baseline ulcerative colitis clinical score, infliximab monotherapy, prior adalimumab therapy and previous Crohn's disease‐related surgeries were also associated with an increased risk of primary nonresponse.

Conclusions

Infliximab levels below 6.8 μg/mL and antibodies to infliximab levels above 4.3 μg/mL‐eq before the second infusion are associated with primary nonresponse, especially among Crohn's disease patients.
Reconstructing pectoral appendicular muscle anatomy in fossil fish and tetrapods over the fins‐to‐limbs transition
Authors: Molnar Julia L. , Diogo Rui , Hutchinson John R. , Pierce Stephanie E.
Published: November 2017

The question of how tetrapod limbs evolved from fins is one of the great puzzles of evolutionary biology. While palaeontologists, developmental biologists, and geneticists have made great strides in explaining the origin and early evolution of limb skeletal structures, that of the muscles remains largely unknown. The main reason is the lack of consensus about appendicular muscle homology between the closest living relatives of early tetrapods: lobe‐finned fish and crown tetrapods. In the light of a recent study of these homologies, we re‐examined osteological correlates of muscle attachment in the pectoral girdle, humerus, radius, and ulna of early tetrapods and their close relatives. Twenty‐nine extinct and six extant sarcopterygians were included in a meta‐analysis using information from the literature and from original specimens, when possible. We analysed these osteological correlates using parsimony‐based character optimization in order to reconstruct muscle anatomy in ancestral lobe‐finned fish, tetrapodomorph fish, stem tetrapods, and crown tetrapods. Our synthesis revealed that many tetrapod shoulder muscles probably were already present in tetrapodomorph fish, while most of the more‐distal appendicular muscles either arose later from largely undifferentiated dorsal and ventral muscle masses or did not leave clear correlates of attachment in these taxa. Based on this review and meta‐analysis, we postulate a stepwise sequence of specific appendicular muscle acquisitions, splits, and fusions that led from the ancestral sarcopterygian pectoral fin to the ancestral tetrapod forelimb. This sequence largely agrees with previous hypotheses based on palaeontological and comparative work, but it is much more comprehensive in terms of both muscles and taxa. Combined with existing information about the skeletal system, our new synthesis helps to illuminate the genetic, developmental, morphological, functional, and ecological changes that were key components of the fins‐to‐limbs transition.
Peatland forests are the least diverse tree communities documented in Amazonia, but contribute to high regional beta‐diversity
Authors: Draper Frederick C. , Honorio Coronado Eurídice N. , Roucoux Katherine H. , Lawson Ian T. , A. Pitman Nigel C. , A. Fine Paul V. , Phillips Oliver L. , Torres Montenegro Luis A. , Valderrama Sandoval Elvis , Mesones Italo , García‐Villacorta Roosevelt , Arévalo Fredy R. Ramirez , Baker Timothy R.
Published: November 2017

Western Amazonia is known to harbour some of Earth's most diverse forests, but previous floristic analyses have excluded peatland forests which are extensive in northern Peru and are among the most environmentally extreme ecosystems in the lowland tropics. Understanding patterns of tree species diversity in these ecosystems is important both for quantifying beta‐diversity in this region, and for understanding determinants of diversity more generally in tropical forests. Here we explore patterns of tree diversity and composition in two peatland forest types – palm swamps and peatland pole forests – using 26 forest plots distributed over a large area of northern Peru. We place our results in a regional context by making comparisons with three other major forest types: terra firme forests (29 plots), white‐sand forests (23 plots) and seasonally‐flooded forests (11 plots).

Peatland forests had extremely low (within‐plot) alpha‐diversity compared with the other forest types that were sampled. In particular, peatland pole forests had the lowest levels of tree diversity yet recorded in Amazonia (20 species per 500 stems, Fisher's alpha 4.57). However, peatland pole forests and palm swamps were compositionally different from each other as well as from other forest types in the region. Few species appeared to be peatland endemics. Instead, peatland forests were largely characterised by a distinctive combination of generalist species and species previously thought to be specialists of other habitats, especially white‐sand forests.

We suggest that the transient nature and extreme environmental conditions of Amazonian peatland ecosystems have shaped their current patterns of tree composition and diversity. Despite their low alpha‐diversity, the unique combination of species found in tree communities in Amazonian peatlands augment regional beta‐diversity. This contribution, alongside their extremely high carbon storage capacity and lack of protection at national level, strengthens their status as a conservation priority.
Determinants of data deficiency in the impacts of alien bird species
Authors: Evans Thomas , Pigot Alex , Kumschick Sabrina , Şekercioğlu Çağan H. , Blackburn Tim M.
Published: November 2017

To identify the factors that influence the availability of data on the negative impacts of alien bird species, in order to understand why more than 70% are currently classified as Data Deficient (DD) by the Environmental Impact Classification of Alien Taxa (EICAT) protocol.

Information on factors hypothesised to influence the availability of impact data were collated for 344 alien bird species (107 with impact data and 237 DD). These data were analysed using mixed effects models accounting for phylogenetic non‐independence of species (MCMCglmm).

Data deficiency in the negative impacts of alien birds is not randomly distributed. Residence time, relative brain size and alien range size were found to be strongly related to the availability of data on impacts.

The availability of data on the negative impacts of alien birds is mainly influenced by the spatial and temporal extents of their alien ranges. The results of this study suggest that the impacts of some DD alien birds are likely to be minor (e.g. species with comparatively long residence times as aliens, such as the common waxbill Estrilda astrild and the Java sparrow Padda oryzivora). However, the results also suggest that some DD alien birds may have damaging impacts (e.g. species from orders of alien birds known for their impacts to biodiversity but with comparatively small alien ranges, such as the New Caledonian crow Corvus moneduloides). This implies that at least some DD alien birds may have impacts that are being overlooked. Studies examining the traits that influence the severity of alien bird impacts are needed to help to predict which DD species are more likely to impact upon biodiversity.
Computed tomographic diagnosis of incomplete palmar cortical (fatigue) fracture of the third metacarpal bone in two young adult endurance horses
Authors: Beccati F. , Cerocchi A. , Conte M. , Pilati N. , Pepe M.
Published: November 2017

Two young adult endurance horses were presented for investigation of sudden‐onset forelimb lameness during competition. Clinical examination revealed a severe forelimb lameness and pain on palpation of the proximal palmar metacarpal area. Initial radiographic survey of the affected forelimb was unremarkable in both cases. A week of box rest resulted in only a mild improvement in the lameness. A second radiographic examination did not reveal any significant abnormalities. In both cases, scintigraphic examination was suggested, but was declined by the owner, and the lameness had significantly improved after local infiltration of 3 mL of anaesthetic solution in the proximal suspensory region. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations of the carpus and proximal suspensory region were unremarkable in Case 2. Case 1 had increased thickness of the medial lobe of the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament. A computed tomographic examination was performed and an incomplete longitudinal (fatigue) fracture of the proximal third metacarpal bone was detected. After 8 months of box rest and rehabilitation, re‐examination revealed resolution of the lameness in both cases. Advanced diagnostic imaging should be considered in young endurance horses with severe lameness during competition or training, in which radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations are unremarkable or do not explain the severity of the lameness. Computed tomography imaging is considered a useful diagnostic imaging technique to detect incomplete longitudinal palmar metacarpal cortical (fatigue) fractures due to its ability to provide excellent bone detail.
Family Instability and Children's Health
Authors: Smith Chelsea , Crosnoe Robert , Cavanagh Shannon E.
Published: November 2017

Research on family instability is fertile ground for translation into policy and practice. This article describes how basic science in this area can more effectively support work in later stages of the translational research process. To begin, the scope of family instability is outlined with trends, causes, and effects. Next, a conceptual model of the effects of family instability on children's health identifies focal aspects that could be leveraged for translational research: developmental domain, developmental time, mechanisms, and points of variation. The guidelines presented are meant to be general and applicable to a variety of topics and fields in which family scholars aim to improve basic research that can contribute to and move forward a translational family science.
Quantifying the influence of geography and environment on the northeast Atlantic mackerel spawning distribution
Authors: Brunel Thomas , van Damme Cindy J. G. , Samson Melvin , Dickey‐Collas Mark
Published: November 2017

Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) in the northeast Atlantic have shown changes in distribution at certain times of the year, which have impacted their exploitation and management. In this study, mackerel spawning habitat over 21 recent years was characterised using generalised additive modelling, based on spatial egg density data collected every third year during targeted ichthyoplankton surveys. Mackerel spawning distribution was found to depend primarily on geographical variables (coordinates and bottom depth), with preferred spawning locations on the shelf‐edge from the north of the Iberian peninsula to the west of Scotland, with a maximum west of Ireland. Environmental drivers had a lesser influence on egg distribution. Dome shaped relationships were found with temperature and mixed layer depth, with respective optimum at 13°C and around –300 m. The model was used to reconstruct maps of the potential habitat (areas where conditions were suitable, but not necessarily used, for spawning). Little changes were observed over the years in the potential habitat, suggesting that the expansion of the egg distribution (realised habitat) was not triggered by changes in the environmental variables investigated. Little evidence was found for density‐dependent habitat selection. There was a tendency for mackerel to make more use of areas of lesser suitability in years with large stock size (1992 and 2010). This pattern, however, broke down in 2013, when stock size was the highest, as spawning occurred very south and concentrated in the most suitable habitat.
Why artificial light at night should be a focus for global change research in the 21st century
Authors: Davies Thomas W. , Smyth Tim
Published: November 2017

The environmental impacts of artificial light at night have been a rapidly growing field of global change science in recent years. Yet, light pollution has not achieved parity with other global change phenomena in the level of concern and interest it receives from the scientific community, government and nongovernmental organizations. This is despite the globally widespread, expanding and changing nature of night‐time lighting and the immediacy, severity and phylogenetic breath of its impacts. In this opinion piece, we evidence 10 reasons why artificial light at night should be a focus for global change research in the 21st century. Our reasons extend beyond those concerned principally with the environment, to also include impacts on human health, culture and biodiversity conservation more generally. We conclude that the growing use of night‐time lighting will continue to raise numerous ecological, human health and cultural issues, but that opportunities exist to mitigate its impacts by combining novel technologies with sound scientific evidence. The potential gains from appropriate management extend far beyond those for the environment, indeed it may play a key role in transitioning towards a more sustainable society.
Effects of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the physicochemical properties, erythrocyte haemolysis inhibitory ability and chemical antioxidant activity of mulberry leaf protein and its hydrolysates
Authors: Sun Chongzhen , Wu Wenjia , Yin Zhina , Fan Liuhui , Ma Yurong , Lai Furao , Wu Hui
Published: November 2017

Proteins and peptides must be degraded and modified in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract prior to absorption; this process changes their physicochemical and biological properties. Mulberry leaf protein (MP) and its hydrolysates (HMP) have favourable antioxidant activities. To investigate, in vitro and separately, the effects of GI digestion and intestinal digestion on the stability of MP and HMP, we monitored the changes in secondary structures, amino acids, molecular weights and antioxidant activities. We found that MP was more hydrolysed by pepsin than by pancreatin, unlike HMP. The final digests of MP and HMP were mainly composed of polypeptides (0.5–6.5 kDa) and oligopeptides (<0.5 kDa), respectively. The GI digestion influenced MP and HMP differently; GI digestion increased the antioxidant efficiency of MP and decreased that of HMP. For the intestinal digests, the antioxidant activities of MP and HMP also differed. The 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical quenching abilities of MP and HMP at 1 mg mL−1 were comparable to or exceeded that of L‐glutathione (GSH) and 6‐hydroxy‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethychroman‐2‐carboxylic acid (trolox). Meanwhile, the erythrocyte haemolysis rates of MP, HMP and their GI products at 0.05–1.0 mg mL−1 were significantly lower than that of the 2,2′‐azobis (isobutyramidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) control. Both MP and HMP can be used as natural antioxidants and may promote digestive health.
Film preparation with high protein defatted peanut flour: characterisation and potential use as food packaging
Authors: Riveros Cecilia G. , Martin M. Paula , Aguirre Alicia , Grosso Nelson R.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to prepare a defatted peanut flour‐based film (DPFF); to characterise their physicochemical, optical, barrier and mechanical properties; and to evaluate the defatted peanut flour package efficacy to preserve the chemical quality of sunflower oil during storage. The film presented high lightness values (L* = 86.83). The water vapour permeability was 5.44 × 10−11 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1. Tensile strength and percentage of elongation were 1.01 MPa and 84.01%, respectively. Sunflower oil samples packaged in defatted peanut flour packages (DPFP) were stored during 67 days at room temperature. Peroxide value and conjugated dienes increased less for sunflower oil conditioned in DPFP and high barrier plastic pouches (EVOH) during storage than sunflower oil conditioned in Petri dishes (C). The use of DPFP improved the chemical stability of sunflower oil during storage. The DPFF showed suitable film properties, and also, the capacity to be incorporated in food packaging applications.
Synchrony, Co‐Eating and Communication During Complementary Feeding in Early Infancy
Authors: Costantini Cristina , Akehurst Lucy , Reddy Vasudevi , Fasulo Alessandra
Published: November 2017

The transition from milk to complementary food is a crucial but difficult process, requiring considerable adult sensitivity. We know little about the relationship between maternal feeding behaviors and infant willingness to eat at the onset of complementary feeding (CF), and we know even less about how these patterns might vary across cultures. Thirty‐seven dyads (15 from the UK and 22 from Italy) took part in a longitudinal study, during which mealtimes were video‐recorded 1 week after the onset of CF (Time 1) and at 7 months of infant age (Time 2). The first five minutes of mealtimes were coded for maternal feeding behaviors, for infant willingness to eat, and for synchrony in feeding. Maternal vocal communications (MVCs) and attention‐directing acts (ADAs) during the whole mealtime were also coded. Infant willingness to eat was significantly related to synchrony and co‐eating, suggesting the importance of sensitivity and empathy during feeding as in other parent–infant interactions. The frequency of maternal ADAs varied between nationalities and, contrary to current advice, did not relate negatively to infant willingness to eat. These patterns and variations suggest the need to consider CF as a contextually variable and sensitive foundation for feeding relationships.
Enhancing emission intensity and thermal stability by charge compensation in Sr2Mg3P4O15:Eu3+
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Liang Yujun , Zhu Yingli , Li Haoran , Chen Jiahui , Wang Mengyuan , Li Wenjian
Published: November 2017

Charge compensation was the effective methods to enhance the luminescence properties of phosphors. In this paper, novel single‐phased orange light emitting Sr2Mg3P4O15:Eu3+ phosphors were prepared by solid state method. The phase purity and luminous characteristics were examined in detail. Meanwhile, three kinds of charge compensation methods (co‐doping the alkali metal R+ (R+ = Li, Na, and K), substituting Si4+ for P5+ and self‐compensation) were employed to solve the charge imbalance problem between Sr2+ and Eu3+. The results showed that emission intensity of Eu3+ was improved by 1.43 (Li+), 1.58 (Na+), 1.53 (K+), 1.61 (Si4+), and 1.30 (self) times than that of Sr1.6Mg3P4O15:0.40Eu3+, respectively, and there was no change in the emitting color simultaneously. Furthermore, as the temperature reached at 423 K, the emission intensity increased from 41.67% of Sr1.6Mg3P4O15:0.40Eu3+ to 55.69% (Li+), 61.62% (Na+), 58.98% (K+), 71.15% (Si4+), and 80.59% (self) of that at room temperature. The reasons of those phenomena were the reduction in ion vacancies caused by charge imbalance through the charge compensation process. The specific mechanisms were elaborated in detail. Overall, this research validated that the charge compensation strategies could be severed as the key method to improve the luminescence properties, especially the thermal stability of phosphor.
The role of shame in the development and maintenance of psychological distress in adults with intellectual disabilities: A narrative review and synthesis
Authors: Clapton Neil E. , Williams Jonathan , Jones Robert S. P.
Published: November 2017

Background

The role of shame in the development and maintenance of psychological distress in adults with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disabilities has been relatively under‐researched. This study provides a review of diverse current research that has implicitly or explicitly investigated shame processes in this population in some form.

Methods

A narrative review of the literature was undertaken. An electronic search of four databases identified 17 studies that met the eligibility criteria.

Results

Findings indicate that individuals with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disabilities may experience difficulties with both external and internal shame, which appear to be related to increased psychological distress. Experiences of being shamed may significantly negatively impact on self‐to‐self and other self‐relating, processes of social comparison, subsequent self‐worth and emotional well‐being.

Conclusion

Shame may be a contributory factor in the development and maintenance of psychological distress and subsequent mental health issues in some adults with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disabilities.
Designing a technology‐enhanced flipped learning system to facilitate students' self‐regulation and performance
Authors: Shyr Wen‐Jye , Chen Ching‐Huei
Published: November 2017

In recent years, the flipped classroom has become prevalent in many educational settings. Flipped classroom adopts a pedagogical model in which short video lectures are viewed by students at home before class so that the teacher can lead students to participate in activities, problem‐solving, and discussions. Yet the design or use of technology that employs planned instructional strategies with sustainable support of self‐regulation is scant. We propose a technology‐enhanced flipped language learning system (Flip2Learn) that provides facilitation and guidance for learning performance and self‐regulation. A quasi‐experimental study was carried out to examine whether Flip2Learn could enhance college students' self‐regulatory skills and later contribute to the learning performance in the flipped classrooms. The results showed that Flip2Learn not only better prepared students for flipped classrooms but also better promoted learning performance compared to the conventional flipped classrooms. The results of this research advanced our understanding of the dynamics of flipped classrooms and represented a revolutionary new approach to the technology‐enhanced learning for flipped classrooms.
Left atrial ejection force predicts the outcome after catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kishima Hideyuki , Mine Takanao , Takahashi Satoshi , Ashida Kenki , Ishihara Masaharu , Masuyama Tohru
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Left atrium (LA) systolic dysfunction is observed in the early stages of atrial fibrillation (AF) prior to LA anatomical change. We investigated whether LA systolic dysfunction predicts recurrent AF after catheter ablation (CA) in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Methods and results

We studied 106 patients who underwent CA for paroxysmal AF. LA systolic function was assessed with the LA emptying volume = Maximum LA volume (LAVmax) – Minimum LA volume (LAVmin), LA emptying fraction = [(LAVmax – LAVmin)/LAVmax] × 100, and LA ejection force calculated with Manning's method [LA ejection force = (0.5 × ρ × mitral valve area × A2)], where ρ is the blood density and A is the late‐diastolic mitral inflow velocity. Recurrent AF was detected in 35/106 (33%) during 14.6 ± 9.1 months. Univariate analysis revealed reduced LA ejection force, decreased LA emptying fraction, larger LA diameter, and elevated brain natriuretic peptide as significant variables. On multivariate analysis, reduced LA ejection force and larger LA diameter were independently associated with recurrent AF. Moreover, patients with reduced LA ejection force and larger LA diameter had a higher risk of recurrent AF than preserved LA ejection force (log‐rank P = 0.0004).

Conclusions

Reduced LA ejection force and larger LA diameter were associated with poor outcome after CA for paroxysmal AF, and could be a new index to predict recurrent AF.
Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in people clinically diagnosed with periodontitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of epidemiologic studies
Authors: Ziukaite Laura , Slot Dagmar E. , Van der Weijden Fridus A.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Diabetes mellitus and periodontitis are complex chronic diseases with an established bidirectional relationship. This systematic review evaluated in subjects with professionally diagnosed periodontitis the prevalence and odds of having diabetes.

Methods

The MEDLINE‐PubMed, CENTRAL and EMBASE databases were searched. Prevalence of diabetes mellitus among subjects with periodontitis was extracted or if possible calculated.

Results

From the 803 titles and abstracts that came out of the search, 27 papers met the initial criteria. Prevalence of diabetes was 13.1% among subjects with periodontitis and 9.6% among subjects without periodontitis. Based on subanalysis, for subjects with periodontitis, the prevalence of diabetes was 6.2% when diabetes was self‐reported, compared to 17.3% when diabetes was clinically assessed. The highest prevalence of diabetes among subjects with periodontitis was observed in studies originating from Asian countries (17.2%, n = 18,002) and the lowest in studies describing populations from Europe (4.3%, n = 7,858). The overall odds ratio for patients with diabetes to be among subjects with periodontitis as compared to those without periodontitis was 2.27 (95% CI [1.90;2.72]). A substantial variability in the definitions of periodontitis, combination of self‐reported and clinically assessed diabetes, lack of confounding for diabetes control in included studies introduces estimation bias.

Conclusions

The overall prevalence and odds of having diabetes are higher within periodontitis populations compared to people without periodontitis. Self‐reported diabetes underestimates the prevalence when compared to this condition assessed clinically. Geographical differences were observed: the highest diabetes prevalence among subjects with periodontitis was observed in studies conducted in Asia and the lowest in studies originating from Europe.
A cross‐sectional epidemiological study of hidradenitis suppurativa in an Irish population (SHIP)
Authors: Delany E. , Gormley G. , Hughes R. , McCarthy S. , Kirthi S. , Markham T. , Tobin A.‐M. , Murphy M. , Kirby B.
Published: November 2017

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory disease that affects apocrine gland–bearing skin, has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Estimates of the epidemiologic prevalence of HS are highly variable, and clinical data on disease characteristics and patient burden of disease remain limited.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to determine the number of patients with HS attending dermatology clinics in a hospital setting in Ireland (within a 6‐month time period). Secondary objectives included the assessment of disease characteristics and the collection of patient responses on disease burden and work productivity.

Methods

This was an epidemiologic, non‐interventional, cross‐sectional study across four dermatology clinics in Ireland over a 6‐month time period. The disease prevalence was estimated by calculating the percentage of total patients with a diagnosis of HS (the primary population) across the selected sites. Secondary analyses were performed using the full analysis set, which consisted of eligible adults (≥18 years of age) from the primary population who provided informed consent. Data from these analyses are presented as descriptive summary statistics, with the use of an analysis of covariance for continuous endpoints.

Results

The prevalence of HS across the four selected sites was estimated at 1.4% (95% CI, 1.24–1.62). One hundred and fifty eligible patients comprised the full analysis set. The majority of participants were white (95.3%), female (70.0%), cigarette smokers (56.0%) and overweight or obese (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, 81.8%). Most patients for whom data were available presented with Hurley stage II (50.4%), and more than a third of the full analysis set had a relative with HS (34.7%). Questionnaire responses revealed a profound impact on quality of life, including diminished work productivity and various psychological comorbidities.

Conclusion

This study offers insight into the clinical features and disease burden of hidradenitis suppurativa in an Irish population.
The inhibitory effect of lactic acid bacteria on aflatoxin production and expression of aflR gene in Aspergillus parasiticus
Authors: Ghanbari Rooholla , Molaee Aghaee Ebrahim , Rezaie Sassan , Jahed Khaniki Gholamreza , Alimohammadi Mahmoud , Soleimani Mina , Noorbakhsh Fatemeh
Published: November 2017

Recent studies indicated the inhibitory effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from different origins on both fungal growth and aflatoxin production. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus plantarum and L. delbrueckii subsp. Lactis on Aspergillus parasiticus ATCC15517 growth. Quantification of aflatoxin was performed using high‐performance liquid chromatography technique. Quantitative changes in the expression of the aflR gene were analyzed by measuring the cognate aflR mRNA level with quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Our results demonstrated the inhibitory effect of LAB on A. parasiticus growth at 2 × 103 cfu/ml of L. plantarum and L. delbrueckii subsp. Lactis. Aflatoxin G2 production was significantly inhibited to lower than level of detection. The level of aflR gene expression was considerably decreased after the exposure of fungal cells with used LABs. Assessment of the used LABs on A. parasiticus revealed antifungal properties and effective ability to decrease aflatoxin production.

Practical applications

Fungi spoilage is widespread among different types of food that may result in huge amounts of waste and economical lost. In addition, side effects raised by using chemical additives as preservative, are a serious source of health concern. Therefore, natural agents such as lactic acid bacteria which are also commonly used as probiotics in recent years, could play a good role as inhibitors of fungal growth as well as mycotoxin production both in food and feed. Different media like dairy foods and so on, can be formulated with Lactobacillus plantarum and L. delbrueckii subsp. Lactis, to prevent Aspergillus parasiticus growth and mycotoxin excretion. LAB can be added to processed food during inoculation step and even for protection, they can be capsulated with edible materials to improve their efficiency.
Natural and artificial casings as bacteriocin carriers for the biopreservation of meats products
Authors: Rivas Franco Paolo , Cayré María Elisa , Campos Carmen A. , Castro Marcela P.
Published: November 2017

The aim of the study was to determine if natural and artificial casings (ovine, porcine, bovine, collagen, and cellulose casings), serve as carriers for the application of the bacteriocin sakacin G produced by Lactobacillus curvatus ACU‐1. Mode of action of the cell‐free supernatant (CFS) containing the bacteriocin was also studied to determine whether Listeria monocytogenes inhibition could be tantamount to Listeria innocua one. Cylindrical vessels were filled with sterile meat emulsion and were wrapped with the different casings. Half the systems were treated with the CFS containing sakacin G, while the other half was taken as control systems. All systems were inoculated with L. innocua ATCC 33090. L. innocua was able to grow on all the studied casings. Collagen casing treated with CFS inhibited Listeria growth. A bacteriostatic effect was observed in the systems with porcine, ovine, bovine and cellulosic casings treated with CFS. The bacteriocin maintained its activity until the end of the trial. All casings were widely promising as antimicrobial application supports, being effective carriers to be used in a wide range of meat products.

Practical applications

Based on its advantageous characteristics, bacteriocins attracted considerable interest as natural food preservatives to extend shelf life and safety of meat and meat products. The application of sakacin G produced by Lactobacillus curvatus ACU‐1 on different natural and artificial casings would allow the preservation of a wide range of meat products that are stuffed into them, such as several types of sausages, wiener, salami, and mortadella, among others. The major advantage relies on its application, since it is not necessary to modify the production process or add extra wrappings to support the antimicrobial substance.
Medicare and Medication Access Basics for Providers and Patients
Authors: Saliba Debra
Published: November 2017

This editorial comments on the articles by Huffman et al and Upchurch et al.
The Health of Older Americans: A Primer on Medicare and a Local Perspective
Authors: Huffman Katie F. , Upchurch Gina
Published: November 2017

Our work with older adults, particularly those with limited incomes, has provided significant insight into the complexities of Medicare and the U.S. healthcare system. This article provides a brief history and overview of Medicare; describes the array of insurance choices Medicare beneficiaries face; and considers the effect of income, race, and health literacy on an individual's ability to navigate Medicare. We discuss how health is more than healthcare service delivery and that it takes community efforts to ensure that older adults not only understand their insurance, but also have access to other important resources that influence their health such as safe, affordable housing; food security; and transportation.
Environment learning from virtual exploration in individuals with down syndrome: the role of perspective and sketch maps
Authors: Toffalini E. , Meneghetti C. , Carretti B. , Lanfranchi S.
Published: November 2017

Background

Spatial knowledge about an environment is an important determinant of ability to move effectively within it and of personal autonomy. Individuals with Down's syndrome (DS) have difficulty managing configural visuospatial information.

Method

Twenty‐nine individuals with DS and 29 typically developing (TD) children, matched for mental age, learned about environments through virtual exploration using a route or survey view. A sketch map of the environment was or was not presented before exploration. Then the acquisition of configural knowledge (landmark locations) and route retracing were tested.

Results

Individuals with DS were able to acquire configural knowledge through virtual exploration in all presentation conditions, and generally performed no worse than matched TD children. However, they were not able to benefit from the conditions that facilitated acquisition of configural knowledge in TD children, that is, seeing a sketch map before exploring and exploring in survey (rather than route) view. As regards route retracing, individuals with DS paused more often than controls and tended to travel longer paths, which made them slower overall.

Conclusions

DS reduces children's ability to benefit from additional survey information and may be related to difficulty in elaborating configural/simultaneous information.
Independent trafficking of flavocytochrome b558 and myeloperoxidase to phagosomes during phagocytosis visualised by energy‐filtering and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy‐scanning transmission electron microscopy
Authors: MORIGUCHI KEIICHI
Published: November 2017

When polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) phagocytose opsonised zymosan particles (OPZ), free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed in the phagosomes. ROS production is mediated by NADPH oxidase (Nox), which transfers electrons in converting oxygen to superoxide (O2−). Nox‐generated O2− is rapidly converted to other ROS. Free radical‐forming secretory vesicles containing the Nox redox center flavocytochrome b558, a membrane protein, and azurophil granules with packaged myeloperoxidase (MPO) have been described. Presuming the probable fusion of these vesicular and granular organelles with phagosomes, the translation process of the enzymes was investigated using energy‐filtering and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy‐scanning transmission electron microscopy. In this work, the primary method for imaging cerium (Ce) ions demonstrated the localisation of H2O2 generated by phagocytosing PMNs. The MPO activity of the same PMNs was continuously monitored using 0.1% 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine‐tetrahydrochloride (DAB) and 0.01% H2O2. A detailed view of these vesicular and granular structures was created by overlaying each electron micrograph with pseudocolors: blue for Ce and green for nitrogen (N).
Phase retrieval based on coded splitting modulation
Authors: YAO Y. , HE X. , LIU C. , ZHU JIANQIANG
Published: November 2017

A new coded splitting imaging technique is proposed to reconstruct the complex amplitude of a light field iteratively using a single‐shot measurement. In this technique, a specially designed coded splitting plate is adopted to diffract the illuminating beam into multiple beams of different orders and code their wavefronts independently and differently. From the diffraction pattern array recorded on the detector plane, both the modulus and phase distributions of the illuminating beam can be reconstructed iteratively using known transmission functions of different orders of the coded splitting plate. The feasibility of the proposed technique is verified both numerically and experimentally.
Treating multiple body parts for skin laxity and fat deposits using a novel focused radiofrequency device with an ultrasound component: Safety and efficacy study
Authors: Chilukuri Suneel , Denjean Dominique , Fouque Linda
Published: November 2017

Background and objectives

Growing demand for noninvasive skin tightening and reduction in fat results in an increasing pressure for devices with good clinical efficacy, consistency of results, and high patient comfort. The objective was to validate clinical efficacy and versatility of a novel device, which combines radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasound for treating skin laxity and fat deposits.

Methods

We treated 34 subjects with facial skin laxity and/or abundant body or arm fat deposits. Subjects were divided based on their indications. Ten subjects received treatments to the face, 7 subjects to arms, 8 subjects to thighs, and 9 subjects on abdomen. All patients received 4 treatments on a weekly basis. Photographs of patients were assessed by blinded evaluators to recognize the baseline images from the 3‐month follow‐up images. Patient comfort and satisfaction were evaluated using a 5‐point Likert scale questionnaire. Any adverse events were recorded.

Results

Patient images were correctly recognized in >90% of cases in all study groups. Patient questionnaires showed overall satisfaction with the therapy course and results. On a scale of 1 to 5, the patients agreed (4.1) that they are satisfied with the results that the treatment is comfortable (4.1) and that they are satisfied with the treatment time (4.1). No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Consistent clinical efficacy was confirmed across all the treated areas, together with high patient comfort and satisfaction. We conclude the device is a highly versatile solution that can deliver results across body parts and different indications.
A PROGRESS REPORT ON MARXIAN ECONOMIC THEORY: ON THE CONTROVERSIES IN EXPLOITATION THEORY SINCE OKISHIO (1963)
Authors: Yoshihara Naoki
Published: November 2017

This report explores the development of exploitation theory in mathematical Marxian economics by reviewing the main controversies surrounding the proper definition of exploitation since the contribution of Okishio. The report first examines the debates on the Fundamental Marxian Theorem and Class‐Exploitation Correspondence Principle, developed mainly in the 1970s and 1980s, followed by the property relation theory of exploitation by Roemer. Then, the more recent exploitation theory proposed by Vrousalis and Wright is introduced. Finally, the report introduces and comments on recent axiomatic studies of exploitation by focusing on the work of Veneziani and Yoshihara.
Mini‐implants and narrow diameter implants as mandibular overdenture retainers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical and radiographic outcomes
Authors: Marcello‐Machado R. M. , Faot F. , Schuster A. J. , Nascimento G. G. , Del Bel Cury A. A.
Published: November 2017

This study reviews the clinical and radiographic outcomes of Mini‐implants (MI) and Narrow Diameter Implants (NDI) as mandibular overdenture (MO) retainers. Six databases were consulted for clinical studies that evaluated implants with diameter ≤3.5 mm. Data on the MI and NDI for survival and success rate and peri‐implant bone loss and were collected and submitted to meta‐analysis. Thirty‐six studies were included, 24 reporting MI performance and 12 describing NDI results. The MI group comprised data from 1 cross‐sectional clinical study, 3 retrospective longitudinal (RL) clinical studies, 13 prospective longitudinal (PL) clinical studies and 7 randomised clinical trials (RCT) with follow‐up periods ranging from 1 day to 7 years. Eight studies used conventional loading, thirteen used immediate loading, two studies used both loading types, and one study did not report. The NDI group comprised data from 3 RL clinical studies, 6 PL clinical studies and 3 RCT with follow‐up ranging from 6 months to 10 years. Ten studies used conventional loading, 1 study used immediate loading, and 1 study did not report. The average survival rates of MI and NDI studies were 98% and 98%, respectively, while the average success rates were 93% and 96%, respectively. The average peri‐implant bone loss after 12, 24 and 36 months was 0.89, 1.18 and 1.02 mm for MI and 0.18, 0.12 and ‐0.32 mm for NDI. Both MI and NDI showed adequate clinical behaviour as overdenture retainers. The NDI showed a better long‐term predictability to retain OM with most studies adopting conventional loading.