bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reptiles and frogs use most land cover types as habitat in a fine‐grained agricultural landscape
Authors: Pulsford Stephanie A. , Barton Philip S. , Driscoll Don A. , Kay Geoffrey M. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: March 2018

Agricultural landscapes comprise much of the earth's terrestrial surface. However, knowledge about how animals use and move through these landscapes is limited, especially for small and cryptic taxa, such as reptiles and amphibians. We aimed to understand the influence of land use on reptile and frog movement in a fine‐grained grazing landscape. We surveyed reptiles and frogs using pitfall and funnel traps in transects located in five land use types: 1) woodland remnants, 2) grazed pastures, 3) coarse woody debris added to grazed pastures, 4) fences in grazed pastures and 5) linear plantings within grazed pastures. We found that the different land cover types influenced the types and distances moved by different species and groups of species. Reptiles moved both within, and out of, grazed paddocks more than they did in woodland remnants. In contrast, frogs exhibited varying movement behaviours. The smooth toadlet (Uperoleia laevigata) moved more often and longer distances within remnants than within paddocks. The spotted marsh frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis) moved out of grazed pastures more than out of pastures with coarse woody debris added or fences and were never recaptured in plantings. We found that most recaptured reptiles and frogs (76.3%) did not move between trapping arrays, which added to evidence that they perceived most of the land cover types as habitat. We suggest that even simple fences may provide conduits for movement in the agricultural landscape for frogs. Otherwise, most reptile and frog species used all land cover types as habitat, though of varying quality. Reptiles appeared to perceive the woodland remnants as the highest quality habitat. This landscape is fine‐grained which may facilitate movement and persistence due to high heterogeneity in vegetation cover over short distances. Therefore, intensification and increasing the size of human land use may have negative impacts on these taxa.
A multicenter, observational study of metastatic breast cancer patients who were treated with eribulin mesylate or taxane‐based regimens
Authors: Kikuchi Yasuko , Uchida Yoshihiro , Shirakawa Kazuo , Kanauchi Hajime , Niwa Takayoshi , Nishioka Kotoe , Tada Keiichirou , Hashimoto Masanori , Yasuda Hidemitsu , Sugiura Ryoko , Kawabata Hidetaka , Seto Yasuyuki , Ogawa Toshihisa
Published: March 2018

Aim

This multicenter, observational study aimed to investigate the survival benefit of eribulin as well as that of taxane‐based regimens in Japanese patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in a real‐world setting.

Methods

This study enrolled women with MBC who received eribulin or taxane‐based regimens with or without bevacizumab in routine clinical practice from July 2011 to March 2014. Patients were followed until September 2015. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included progression‐free survival (PFS), post‐progression survival (PPS) and adverse events. Efficacy findings were adjusted according to demographics.

Results

In total, 216 patients receiving eribulin monotherapy (n = 101), taxane monotherapy (n = 73) or taxane plus bevacizumab (n = 42) were followed for a median time of 15.4 months. Median OS, PFS and PPS were 22.3, 8.1 and 14 months in the eribulin monotherapy group; 13.2, 3.6 and 7.6 months in the taxane monotherapy group; and 12.9, 5.7 and 6.3 months, in the taxane plus bevacizumab group, respectively. The incidence of neutropenia was 67.3, 41.1 and 16.7%, and the incidence of grade 4 neutropenia was 1.0, 8.2 and 7.1% in the eribulin monotherapy, taxane monotherapy and taxane plus bevacizumab groups, respectively. One patient (1.0%) discontinued eribulin and 18 patients (15.7%) discontinued taxane‐based regimens because of adverse events.

Conclusion

In Japanese MBC patients in a real‐world setting, eribulin showed a survival benefit and tolerability similar to that in previous reports.
Dose modifications in adjuvant chemotherapy for solid organ malignancies: A systematic review of clinical trials
Authors: Prasanna Thiru , Beith Jane , Kao Steven , Boyer Michael , McNeil Catriona M.
Published: March 2018

Toxicities of systemic cancer therapies are often less frequently observed in clinical trials than in clinical practice, due to the careful selection of patients with fewer comorbidities. Although guidelines exist for the estimation of chemotherapy dose, clinical factors like age, comorbid illness and extremes of body habitus are not considered in the method of dose calculation, which can result in significant toxicity. We reviewed the referenced clinical trials from which the evidence‐based curative‐intent cancer treatment protocols were developed for EVIQ, which is an Australian government, online resource. This review shows that a significant proportion of patients in curative‐intent clinical trials experience toxicities that result in dose modifications—dose reduction, dose delays or missed doses—despite strict selection criteria and intense monitoring. Thus, even in ideal, clinical‐trial settings chemotherapy dose calculation remains imprecise and subject to adjustment as clinically appropriate. In real‐world clinical practice, dose alterations or modifications in response to toxicities need to be thoroughly discussed and implemented with clear understanding of the patient with appropriate documentation. This review may be used as a reference in these situations to elaborate the extent of toxicities seen in clinical trials with optimal settings.
Activation of RhoA, Smad2, c‐Src, PKC‐βII/δ and JNK in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lu Jianyun , Yin Rong , Fu Zhibing , Lee Veronica M , Nelson John Stuart , Tan Wenbin
Published: March 2018

Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial skin disease characterised by chronic and relapsing inflammation whose pathogenesis is incompletely understood. We found that the expression of TGFβR1 and the activation of SMAD2, RhoA, JNK, PKC‐βII/δ and c‐Src were upregulated in the infiltrated inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and vasculatures in the dermis and epidermis. In addition, increases in the expression of TGFβR1 and phosphorylation levels of JNK and c‐Src were positively correlated with the inflammatory progression of atopic dermatitis severity.
Prenatal diagnosis of persistent right umbilical vein – Incidence and clinical impact. A prospective study
Authors: Krzyżanowski Arkadiusz , Swatowski Dariusz , Gęca Tomasz , Kwiatek Maciej , Stupak Aleksandra , Woźniak Sławomir , Kwaśniewska Anna
Published: March 2018

Background

Persistent right umbilical vein (PRUV) is usually an isolated finding but it may be accompanied by other fetal malformations.

Aims

We aimed to determine the incidence of prenatally diagnosed PRUV in a referral population, assess the neonatal outcome and discuss the findings together with those from previous publications.

Materials and methods

A total of 2360 women with low‐risk singleton pregnancies were examined in the second and third trimesters. A transabdominal convex volume transducer was used. B‐mode was applied in each patient. Scanning of the venous system included imaging of the target vessels with two‐dimensional colour Doppler mapping. The diagnosis of PRUV was made in a transverse section of the fetal abdomen. Three‐dimensional ultrasounds were performed as necessary, when anomalous cases were encountered.

Results

The incidence of PRUV in our population was 12/2360 = 0.5%, and it was higher than in other retrospective studies. In 75% (n = 9), PRUV was an isolated finding where delivery was uneventful and the postnatal outcome was favourable. In two cases PRUV was accompanied by omphalocele, and in one case by tetralogy of Fallot and single umbilical artery.

Conclusions

PRUV is an uncommon prenatal finding. Screening for this anomaly can be easily performed in all pregnant patients. A diagnosis of PRUV should be followed by a thorough fetal morphology scan in order to exclude any other malformations, especially those of the cardiovascular system.
Effects of media information on collective resilience in a disaster—A case study of the crisis of stranded commuters in Tokyo during the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake
Authors: Cheng John W. , Mitomo Hitoshi
Published: March 2018

This article examines the relations between media information and collective resilience—collective solidarity behaviours that emerge from a crowd—in a disaster. It uses the crisis of stranded commuters in Tokyo during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake as a case study with data collected from an original survey. Using a cluster analysis and a multinomial logistic regression, it is found that media information is positively related to the characteristics of collective resilience, such as shared identity and mutual help. Specifically, among those who felt threatened by the disaster, people who had received more information from media, particularly from social media and mobile telephones, were more likely to display higher levels of these characteristics. It is contended that this is because media information can help people to feel more empowered and, thus, more willing to interact with and help others.
The impact of histones linked to sperm chromatin on embryo development and ART outcome
Authors: Fournier C. , Labrune E. , Lornage J. , Soignon G. , Giscard d'Estaing S. , Guérin J.‐F. , Benchaib M.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the proportion of sperm chromatin linked to remaining histone and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome. A prospective cohort study was performed on couples undergoing ART process at the Department of Reproduction Medicine (HFME, Bron, France). The histone‐to‐protamine ratio (HPR) was measured using the method described by Wykes & Krawetz (2003) J Biol Chem 278, 29471. The correlations with sperm DFI, blastocyst formation, pregnancy rate, and delivery rate were investigated. A total of 291 ART cycles were included (42 c‐IVF and 249 ICSI procedures): 3870 oocytes were punctured and 2211 embryos were obtained, among which 507 were transferred and 336 frozen. The mean HPR was 18.9%. A significant negative correlation was found between HPR and DFI (r = −0.12, p < 0.05). Regarding the type of ART procedure (c‐IVF or ICSI), the same kind of relationship between HPR and ART parameters was observed. Regardless of the type of ART procedure used, when the HPR was within the range [6%; 26%], the blastocyst formation rate was higher: 87.8% vs. 71.2% (HPR<6%; p < 0.01) and 74.6% (HPR >26%; p < 0.01). The highest delivery rate (DR; 24.5%) was obtained for HPR within the range [6%; 26%]; DR was 21.9% for HPR<6% and 18.3% for HPR>26%; however, the differences were not statistically significant. The procedure described in this study seems to be a reliable evaluation of the HPR. The HPR parameter seems to be correlated to embryonic development up to the blastocyst stage, but its involvement in clinical pregnancy/delivery could not be confirmed. HPR should be further investigated for confirming the relationship with blastocyst formation. After this, the next step will be to investigate the etiologies of HPR alterations for improving the sperm nucleus quality for increasing the chance of pregnancy.
Retinal sensitivity following intraocular silicone oil and gas tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Scheerlinck Laura M. , Schellekens Peter A. , Liem Albert T. , Steijns Daan , van Leeuwen Redmer
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To investigate whether intraocular silicone oil (SO) tamponade is associated with functional changes in patients with both macula‐on and macula‐off rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs).

Methods

Prospective observational cohort study of patients with RRD treated by vitrectomy with gas or SO tamponade at the University Medical Center Utrecht. Outcome was best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and retinal sensitivity on microperimetry 2 months after surgery.

Results

In total, 40 eyes were included. There are 10 eyes in each of the following groups: macula‐on RRD and gas, macula‐on RRD and SO, macula‐off RRD and gas, and macula‐off RRD and SO. Median retinal sensitivity on microperimetry was decreased following SO tamponade compared to gas tamponade for both macula‐on and macula‐off RRD (p < 0.037).

Conclusion

Foveal sensitivity was decreased in eyes after SO tamponade compared to gas tamponade. These effects were observed in patients with macula‐on as well as macula‐off RRD. Although further investigation is warranted to validate our results and to study underlying mechanisms, retinal surgeons need to be aware of these findings after the use of SO tamponade.
Measuring Thriving across Nations: Examining the Measurement Equivalence of the Comprehensive Inventory of Thriving (CIT) and the Brief Inventory of Thriving (BIT)
Authors: Wiese Christopher W. , Tay Louis , Su Rong , Diener Ed
Published: March 2018

Background

Positive psychological health is a multifaceted construct and fundamental to individuals’ overall mental health. Yet, measures of positive psychological health tend to focus on only a few of these facets. Su, Tay, and Diener () sought to address this by creating the Comprehensive and Brief Inventories of Thriving (CIT/BIT), integrative measures of well‐being that assess positive psychological health broadly.

Method

Given growing interest in cross‐national comparisons in positive psychological health, the present study expands on this work by examining the measurement invariance of these two measures across 10 countries (N= 3,077). First, a series of single‐group confirmatory analyses were run to assess how well theCIT/BITfit data from each country. Next, multi‐group confirmatory analyses were run to assess measurement invariance.

Results

Single‐group confirmatory factor analysis supported the original 18‐factor structure of theCITwhen compared to alternative models (single factor, seven factor, bi‐factor model) in seven of the 10 countries and the single‐factor structure of theBITacross all countries. Results from the measurement invariance analysis indicated partial scalar invariance for the remaining seven countries on theCITas well as partial scalar invariance across all countries for theBIT.

Conclusion

The present study extends the initial work by Su et al. () by providing evidence of the measurement invariance of the comprehensive and brief inventories of thriving across cultures. Although the factor structure of theCITwas inadmissible in three countries, the results provide a crucial first step for those interested in comparing positive psychological health across nations. Research in both using these measures and cross‐cultural comparisons on positive psychological health is growing. We hope that the current efforts help facilitate this work towards furthering the understanding of positive psychological health.
Stopping nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment in Caucasian hepatitis B patients after HBeAg seroconversion is associated with high relapse rates and fatal outcomes
Authors: Van Hees S. , Bourgeois S. , Van Vlierberghe H. , Sersté T. , Francque S. , Michielsen P. , Sprengers D. , Reynaert H. , Henrion J. , Negrin Dastis S. , Delwaide J. , Lasser L. , Decaestecker J. , Orlent H. , Janssens F. , Robaeys G. , Colle I. , Stärkel P. , Moreno C. , Nevens F. , Vanwolleghem T. ,   Belgian NA Stop Study Group
Published: March 2018

Background

Stopping nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) after hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion is associated with high relapse rates in Asian patients, but data in Caucasian cohorts are scarce. Clinical course, outcomes and immunological aspects of chronic hepatitis B infections differ substantially between distinct ethnicities.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine relapse rates, factors predicting relapse and clinical outcomes after nucleos(t)ide analogue cessation in a large, predominantly Caucasian cohort of chronic hepatitis B patients with nucleos(t)ide analogue‐induced HBeAg seroconversion.

Methods

This is a nationwide observational cohort study including HBeAg positive, mono‐infected chronic hepatitis B patients with nucleos(t)ide analogue‐induced HBeAg seroconversion from 18 centres in Belgium.

Results

A total of 98 patients with nucleo(s)tide analogue‐induced HBeAg seroconversion were included in the study. Of the 62 patients who stopped treatment after a median consolidation treatment of 8 months, 30 relapsed. Higher gamma‐glutamyl transferase levels at both treatment initiation (HR 1.004; P = 0.001 per unit increment) and HBeAg seroconversion (HR 1.006; P = 0.013 per unit increment) were associated with an increased risk of clinically significant relapse in a multivariate Cox regression model. Treatment cessation led to liver‐related death in 2 patients, of whom one showed a severe flare. Of the patients who continued treatment after HBeAg seroconversion, none relapsed or developed severe hepatic outcomes.

Conclusion

Treatment withdrawal in Caucasian chronic hepatitis B patients after nucleos(t)ide analogue‐induced HBeAg seroconversion results in viral relapses in more than half of patients with potential fatal outcomes. These real‐world data further lend support to preferentially continue NA treatment after HBeAg seroconversion until HBsAg loss.
A review of the growing risk of vitamin D toxicity from inappropriate practice
Authors: Taylor Peter N. , Davies J. Stephen
Published: March 2018

Vitamin D is a particularly important sterol hormone, with evidence emerging of its beneficial effects well beyond bone. In consequence of this and increased global recognition of vitamin D deficiency in the general population, there has been a resurgence in treatment with vitamin D preparations. However, the increasing use of vitamin D treatments has also seen a substantial increase in the number of reports of vitamin D intoxication, with the majority (75%) of reports published since 2010. Many of these cases are a consequence of inappropriate prescribing, and the use of high‐dose over‐the‐counter preparations or unlicensed preparations. This review highlights that the majority of cases were preventable and discusses the inappropriate use of poorly formulated, and unlicensed vitamin D preparations.
The Effect of a Combination of Diclofenac and Methadone Applied as Gel in a Human Experimental Pain Model – A Randomized, Placebo‐controlled Trial
Authors: Larsen Isabelle M. , Drewes Asbjørn M. , Olesen Anne E.
Published: March 2018

Pain involves responses in which both peripheral and central mechanisms contribute to the generation of pain. Pre‐clinical laboratory data have supported that a topical formulation of combined diclofenac and methadone (Diclometh) may alleviate local pain, and potentially, the side effect profile should be low. We hypothesized that antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects of Diclometh could be demonstrated in a human experimental pain model and that Diclometh would be safe to administer. Thus, the aims were as follows: (i) to compare two doses of Diclometh versus placebo; and (ii) to assess the safety profile of Diclometh. The study was a crossover, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled comparison of two doses of Diclometh gel (0.1% and 0.2%) administered topically in healthy participants. Nerve growth factor (NGF) and capsaicin intradermal injections were used as human pain models. Pressure stimulation, contact heat stimulation, hyperalgesia (pinprick stimulation) and allodynia (brush stimulation) to mechanical stimulation were performed in the area where capsaicin and NGF were injected. Side effects were recorded on a four‐point Likert scale. Twenty‐one men completed the study (mean age 26.14 ± 5.3). Diclometh 0.2% reduced the capsaicin‐induced dynamic mechanical allodynia compared to placebo (primary end‐point, p = 0.03). No other primary or secondary end‐points were found significantly different (all p > 0.05). All side effects were reported as mild with no differences between treatments (p = 0.15). Indication of antiallodynic effect of Diclometh 0.2% was found. Additionally, it was demonstrated that Diclometh was safe to use.
Exclusive breastfeeding in hospital predicts longer breastfeeding duration in Canada: Implications for health equity
Authors: Vehling Lorena , Chan Deborah , McGavock Jon , Becker Allan B. , Subbarao Padmaja , Moraes Theo J. , Mandhane Piushkumar J. , Turvey Stuart E. , Lefebvre Diana L. , Sears Malcolm R. , Azad Meghan B.
Published: March 2018

Background

Breastfeeding has many established health benefits for women and children. We examined the association between maternal education, newborn feeding in hospital, and long‐term breastfeeding duration.

Methods

We studied 3195 Canadian mother‐infant dyads in the CHILD pregnancy cohort. Newborn feeding was documented from hospital records. Caregivers reported sociodemographic factors and infant feeding at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

Results

Overall, 97% of newborns initiated breastfeeding and 74% were exclusively breastfed in hospital. Exclusively breastfed newborns were ultimately breastfed longer compared with those who received formula supplementation during their hospital stay (median 11.0 vs 7.0 months, P < .001). After controlling for maternal age, ethnicity, birth mode, and gestational age, exclusively breastfed newborns had a 21% reduced risk of breastfeeding cessation (HR = 0.79, 0.71‐0.87). This effect was strongest among women without a postsecondary education (HR = 0.65, 0.53‐0.79).

Discussion

Exclusive breastfeeding in hospital is associated with longer breastfeeding duration, particularly among women of lower socioeconomic status. Initiatives that support exclusive breastfeeding of newborns in hospital could improve long‐term breastfeeding rates and help reduce health inequities arising in early life.
Novel long‐acting antagonists of muscarinic ACh receptors
Authors: Randáková Alena , Rudajev Vladimír , Doležal Vladimír , Boulos John , Jakubík Jan
Published: March 2018

Background and Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop potent and long‐acting antagonists of muscarinic ACh receptors. The 4‐hexyloxy and 4‐butyloxy derivatives of 1‐[2‐(4‐oxidobenzoyloxy)ethyl]‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridin‐1‐ium were synthesized and tested for biological activity. Antagonists with long‐residence time at receptors are therapeutic targets for the treatment of several neurological and psychiatric human diseases. Their long‐acting effects allow for reduced daily doses and adverse effects.

Experimental Approach

The binding and antagonism of functional responses to the agonist carbachol mediated by 4‐hexyloxy compounds were investigated in CHO cells expressing individual subtypes of muscarinic receptors and compared with 4‐butyloxy analogues.

Key Results

The 4‐hexyloxy derivatives were found to bind muscarinic receptors with micromolar affinity and antagonized the functional response to carbachol with a potency ranging from 30 nM at M1 to 4 μM at M3 receptors. Under washing conditions to reverse antagonism, the half‐life of their antagonistic action ranged from 1.7 h at M2 to 5 h at M5 receptors.

Conclusions and Implications

The 4‐hexyloxy derivatives were found to be potent long‐acting M1‐preferring antagonists. In view of current literature, M1‐selective antagonists may have therapeutic potential for striatal cholinergic dystonia, delaying epileptic seizure after organophosphate intoxication or relieving depression. These compounds may also serve as a tool for research into cognitive deficits.
Feasibility of carbon‐ion radiotherapy for re‐irradiation of locoregionally recurrent, metastatic, or secondary lung tumors
Authors: Hayashi Kazuhiko , Yamamoto Naoyoshi , Karube Masataka , Nakajima Mio , Tsuji Hiroshi , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Kamada Tadashi
Published: March 2018

Intrathoracic recurrence after carbon‐ion radiotherapy for primary or metastatic lung tumors remains a major cause of cancer‐related deaths. However, treatment options are limited. Herein, we report on the toxicity and efficacy of re‐irradiation with carbon‐ion radiotherapy for locoregionally recurrent, metastatic, or secondary lung tumors. Data of 95 patients with prior intrathoracic carbon‐ion radiotherapy who were treated with re‐irradiation with carbon‐ion radiotherapy at our institution between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Seventy‐three patients (76.8%) had primary lung tumors and 22 patients (23.2%) had metastatic lung tumors. The median dose of initial carbon‐ion radiotherapy was 52.8 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) and the median dose of re‐irradiation was 66.0 Gy (relative biological effectiveness). None of the patients received concurrent chemotherapy. The median follow‐up period after re‐irradiation was 18 months. In terms of grade ≥3 toxicities, one patient experienced each of the following: grade 5 bronchopleural fistula, grade 4 radiation pneumonitis, grade 3 chest pain, and grade 3 radiation pneumonitis. The 2‐year local control and overall survival rates were 54.0% and 61.9%, respectively. In conclusion, re‐irradiation with carbon‐ion radiotherapy was associated with relatively low toxicity and moderate efficacy. Re‐irradiation with carbon‐ion radiotherapy might be an effective treatment option for patients with locoregionally recurrent, metastatic, or secondary lung tumors.
Chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging could predict subclinical cortisol production from an incidentally discovered adrenal mass
Authors: Yener Serkan , Secil Mustafa , Demir Omer , Ozgen Saydam Basak , Yorukoglu Kutsal
Published: March 2018

Context

To investigate whether any association between chemical shift magnetic resonance (MRI) findings, cortisol secretion and pathological findings exists that could predict subclinical hypercortisolism (SCH) in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AI).

Design

Retrospective, cross‐sectional study in a tertiary centre.

Patients

Sixty‐eight subjects with AIs and 13 patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS). Patients with AIs were categorized according to cortisol levels post 1 mg dexamethasone (post‐DST).

Measurements

Visual inspection of the lipid content of the adrenal tumour and calculation of adrenal‐to‐spleen ratio (ASR), the signal intensity index (SII), volume and the assessment of the association between pathological, radiological and hormonal findings in surgically treated patients.

Results

Percentage of clear cells was correlated with ASR (r = −.525, P = .01), SII (r = .465, P = .025), post‐DST cortisol (r = −.711, P < .001) and ACTH (r = .475, P = .046). By ANOVA and post hoc analysis, patients with CS and five subjects with a post‐DST cortisol greater than 137 nmol/L differed significantly in ASR and SII from those with a post‐DST cortisol less than 50 nmol/L. An ASR level higher than 0.245 (OR 19.7, 95% CI 1.5‐257.5; P = .023) and a SII level lower than 78.37 (OR 15.6, 95% CI 1.2‐20; P = .034) remained as the independent predictors for SCH while age, presence of arterial hypertension or tumour volume did not make significant contribution to the models.

Conclusions

Cortisol hypersecretion by adrenal adenomas is associated with distinctive MRI characteristics. The quantitative assessment of intracellular lipid in an AI could help distinguish patients with a clear phenotype of SCH.
Prevalence and characteristics of choroidal nevi: the Australian National Eye Health Survey
Authors: Keel Stuart , Xie Jing , Foreman Joshua , Taylor Hugh R , Dirani Mohamed
Published: March 2018

Importance

Choroidal nevi are a common incidental finding on fundus examination. The National Eye Health Survey (NEHS, 2015–2016) provides an up‐to‐date estimate of the prevalence of choroidal nevi in non‐Indigenous and Indigenous Australian adults.

Background

To describe the prevalence and characteristics of choroidal nevi among non‐Indigenous and Indigenous Australian adults.

Design

Population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Participants

This study included 3098 non‐Indigenous Australians (aged 50–98 years) and 1738 Indigenous Australians (aged 40–92 years) living in 30 randomly selected sites, stratified by remoteness.

Methods

Choroidal nevi were graded from retinal photographs using standard protocols.

Main Outcome Measures

Prevalence of choroidal nevi.

Results

In the non‐Indigenous population aged 50 years and over, the weighted prevalence of choroidal nevi was 2.1% (95% CI: 1.4, 3.3). Among Indigenous Australians aged 40 years and over, the weighted prevalence of choroidal nevi was 0.68% (95% CI: 0.4, 1.3). The average maximum diameter, surface area and distance from the disc of the choroidal nevi was 1730 μm, 2 766 800 μm2 and 3400 μm, respectively. After multivariate adjustments, Indigenous participants (OR = 0.28, P = 0.01) and those of older age (OR = 0.79 per 10 years, P = 0.02) were less likely to have choroidal nevi. Choroidal nevus was not the primary cause of vision loss in any participant.

Conclusions and Relevance

Choroidal nevi were relatively infrequent among NEHS participants, however non‐Indigenous Australians had a significantly higher prevalence than Indigenous Australians. Choroidal nevi did not affect visual acuity and the majority were small.
A systematic review on the influence of the horizontal distance between two adjacent implants inserted in the anterior maxilla on the inter‐implant mucosa fill
Authors: Ramanauskaite Ausra , Roccuzzo Andrea , Schwarz Frank
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To address the following focused question: “Does the horizontal distance between two adjacent implants inserted in the anterior maxilla affect the inter‐implant mucosa fill?”.

Material and Methods

A comprehensive literature screening was performed in MEDLINE and Cochrane databases from January 1, 2000 until July 1, 2017. Clinical human studies including ≥10 patients treated with at least two adjacent implant‐supported crowns in the anterior maxilla with a minimum of 12 months of follow‐up were searched. Studies reporting on inter‐implant mucosa fill in relation to the radiographic horizontal distance between the two adjacent implants were included. The reporting of this systematic analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Review and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) statement.

Results

The initial search resulted in 208 publications. From 13 full‐text articles reviewed, 4 were included in the final analysis. Depending on the reference points used, the horizontal inter‐implant distance ranged between 2.01 and 4.0 mm. In 21 to 88.5% of the cases, inter‐implant‐mucosa filled more than half of the inter‐implant space. When interpreting results of inter‐implant mucosa fill, time of implant placement (immediate or delayed) and restoring (immediate or conventional) were taken into consideration. A tendency towards incomplete inter‐implant mucosa fill at a distance of <3 mm was noted in the 3 included papers. One of the studies found this trend to be statistically significant (p = .008).

Conclusions

Based on the available evidence, it is not possible to define a precise threshold for the optimal horizontal distance between two adjacent implants.
Evidence‐based knowledge on the aesthetics and maintenance of peri‐implant soft tissues: Osteology Foundation Consensus Report Part 1—Effects of soft tissue augmentation procedures on the maintenance of peri‐implant soft tissue health
Authors: Giannobile William V. , Jung Ronald E. , Schwarz Frank ,   the Groups of the 2nd Osteology Foundation Consensus Meeting
Published: March 2018

Objectives

The goal of Working Group 1 at the 2nd Consensus Meeting of the Osteology Foundation was to comprehensively assess the effects of soft tissue augmentation procedures on peri‐implant health or disease.

Materials and methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis on the effects of soft tissue augmentation procedures included a total of 10 studies (mucosal thickness: n = 6; keratinized tissue: n = 4). Consensus statements, clinical recommendations, and implications for future research were based on structured group discussions and a plenary session approval.

Results

Soft tissue grafting to increase the width of keratinized tissue around implants was associated with greater reductions in gingival and plaque indices when compared to non‐augmented sites. Statistically significant differences were noted for final marginal bone levels in favor of an apically positioned flap plus autogenous graft vs. all standard‐of‐care control treatments investigated. Soft tissue grafting (i.e., autogenous connective tissue) to increase the mucosal thickness around implants in the aesthetic zone was associated with significantly less marginal bone loss over time, but no significant changes in bleeding on probing, probing depths, or plaque scores when compared to sites without grafting.

Conclusions

The limited evidence available supports the use of soft tissue augmentation procedures to promote peri‐implant health.
Evidence‐based knowledge on the aesthetics and maintenance of peri‐implant soft tissues: Osteology Foundation Consensus Report Part 3—Aesthetics of peri‐implant soft tissues
Authors: Jung Ronald E. , Heitz‐Mayfield Lisa , Schwarz Frank ,   on behalf of the Groups of the 2 Osteology Foundation Consensus Meeting
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Working Group 2 at the 2nd Consensus Meeting of the Osteology Foundation had a focus on the influence of vertical implant placement on papilla height at single implants adjacent to teeth and on the inter‐implant mucosa fill at two adjacent implants in the anterior maxilla.

Materials and methods

Two systematic reviews were prepared in advance of the consensus meeting. Due to the heterogeneity among the studies with regard to study design, study population, method of assessment, meta‐analyses were not possible. Consensus statements, clinical recommendations, and implications for future research were based on structured group discussions until consensus was reached among the entire expert group.

Results

The systematic review about single‐tooth implants included a total of 12 studies demonstrating that the vertical distance from the crestal bone level to the base of the interproximal contact point varied considerably from 2 mm up to 11 mm, and a partial or complete papilla fill was reached in 56.5% to 100% of the cases. For the systematic review regarding two adjacent implants, only four studies reported on horizontal inter‐implant distances which ranged between 2.0 and 4.0 mm. More than half of the papilla presence was indicated in 21% to 88.5% of the cases.

Conclusions

It was concluded that for single‐tooth implants, the papilla height between an implant and a tooth is predominantly dependent on the clinical attachment level of the tooth. In cases with two adjacent implants, it was concluded that it is not possible to define the optimal horizontal distance between two adjacent implants restored with fixed dental prosthess.
Papilla height in relation to the distance between bone crest and interproximal contact point at single‐tooth implants: A systematic review
Authors: Roccuzzo Mario , Roccuzzo Andrea , Ramanuskaite Ausra
Published: March 2018

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the tooth–implant papilla formation in correlation with the distance between the interproximal bone level and the prosthetic contact point.

Material and Methods

A comprehensive search of the current literature (01/01/2000–01/01/2017) was performed to identify human trials that included 10 patients or more, with at least 12 months follow‐up, in need of the replacement of one single tooth in the anterior maxillary region with an implant‐supported single crown. To meet the inclusion criteria, studies had to provide both radiographic and clinical data regarding the distance between the interproximal bone level and the prosthetic contact point.

Results

The search yielded 136 records. After evaluation of abstracts and full texts, 12 papers were included in the final review, even though various reference points, for the comparison between the vertical distance and the papilla height, were used. The vertical distance between the interproximal bone level and prosthetic contact point ranged between 2 and 11 mm, and the partial or complete papilla fill (Jemt's score 2–3) ranged between 56.5% and 100% of cases.

Conclusion

There is limited evidence that the vertical distance from the base of the interproximal contact point to the crestal bone level seems to affect the interproximal papilla height; that is, the lower is the distance the higher is the percentage of papilla fill. Complete embrasure fill between an implant restoration and the adjacent tooth seems to be correlated with the integrity of the periodontal ligament of the tooth. To reduce the risk of aesthetic failures, interproximal probing on the adjacent teeth should be encouraged before implant placement.
Effects of lateral bone augmentation procedures on peri‐implant health or disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sanz‐Sánchez Ignacio , Carrillo de Albornoz Ana , Figuero Elena , Schwarz Frank , Jung Ronald , Sanz Mariano , Thoma Daniel
Published: March 2018

Objectives

This systematic review evaluated the evidence on the effect of the interventions aimed for lateral ridge augmentation (both simultaneously with implant placement or as a staged procedure) on peri‐implant health or disease.

Methods

A protocol was developed to answer the following PICO question: “In patients with horizontal alveolar ridge deficiencies (population), what is the effect of lateral bone augmentation procedures (intervention and comparison) on peri‐implant health (outcome)?” Included studies were randomised controlled trials or controlled clinical trials with a follow‐up of at least 12 months after implant loading. Meta‐analyses were performed whenever possible, including subgroup analysis based on follow‐up.

Results

Twelve final publications from eight investigations were included. The results from the meta‐analysis indicated that irrespective of the type of intervention, the inflammatory changes, based on bleeding on probing (%) were minimal, both at short‐ (n = 1; weighted mean difference [WMD] = −1.00; 95% CI [−14.04; 12.04]; p = .881) and long‐term (n = 5; WMD = −5.63; 95% CI [−18.42; 7.16]; p = .881). When comparing different treatment modalities, no significant differences were observed (n = 6; WMD = −3.36; 95% CI [−12.49; 5.77]; p < .471). Similarly, changes in probing pocket depth and marginal bone levels were not significantly different among groups. The incidence of peri‐implantitis was evaluated in three investigations and varied from 16% to 26% after a follow‐up period of 6–8 years.

Conclusions

The results from this systematic review and meta‐analysis have shown that lateral ridge augmentation procedures can maintain peri‐implant health over time with low mucosal inflammatory changes and a relatively small incidence of peri‐implant bone loss.
Effects of blood flow restriction exercises on bone metabolism: a systematic review
Authors: Bittar S. T. , Pfeiffer P. S. , Santos H. H. , Cirilo‐Sousa M. S.
Published: March 2018

This study analysed the effect of low‐intensity (LI) exercises with blood flow restriction (BFR) on bone metabolism compared with high‐intensity (HI) exercises without BFR. The following databases were searched using the keywords therapeutic occlusion training OR BFR training OR vascular occlusion training OR KAATSU training OR ischaemia training AND osteogenesis OR bone biomarkers OR bone metabolic marker OR bone mass OR bone turnover OR osteoporosis OR osteopenia: PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Science Direct, Cochrane and Google Scholar. Two researchers, independently and blindly, selected the studies based on established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Electronic and manual searches located 170 articles published in English; after screening, only four studies showed that BFR training increases the expression of bone formation markers (e.g. bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase) and decreases bone resorption markers (e.g. the amino‐terminal telopeptides of type I collagen) after both aerobic and anaerobic exercise across several populations. The results of this study show that few studies have confirmed the positive effect of exercise with BFR on bone metabolism, formation and resorption. Furthermore, no methodological standardization of the samples, exercise type, intervention frequency or duration was observed.
Test of simulator‐based assessment of psychomotor skill in transthoracic echo
Authors: Winter Reidar , Lindqvist Per , Sheehan Florence H.
Published: March 2018

Background

We developed a transthoracic echo simulator that measures technical skill in image acquisition in terms of the deviation angle between an acquired image and the anatomically correct plane for that view. We studied whether this metric reflects the clinical experience of providers.

Methods

Attendees at an echo course or at the annual meeting of the Swedish Heart Association were invited to test themselves on the simulator by scanning a mannequin and acquiring four views in 15 min: parasternal long axis (pLAX) in patient 1, apical four chamber and apical long axis (aLAX) in patient 2 and pLAX in patient 3. Their experience with echo was assessed from duration in years and procedure volume in the past year. Image acquisition error was assessed from the deviation angle.

Results

Of 61 participants, there were 37 physicians and 24 non‐physicians (22 sonographers and two nurses). Non‐physicians had higher procedure volume than physicians (850 ± 599 versus 312 ± 393 tests year−1, P<0·001); both had similar duration of experience (9 ± 8 versus 12 ± 11 years, P = NS). The deviation angle for aLAX (55 ± 37 degrees) was higher than for any other view (P<0·00001). aLAX was the only view whose deviation angle correlated significantly with experience and only with procedure volume (r = −0·357, P = 0·008).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that deviation angle, a novel metric of technical skill in image acquisition, reflects clinical experience. Simulator‐based testing provides objective and quantitative assessment that may be of value in the certification of trainees and for maintenance of certification.
Does the severity of interstitial lung disease affect the gains from pulmonary rehabilitation?
Authors: Deniz Sami , Şahin Hülya , Yalnız Enver
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Reduced exercise capacity is a main feature of Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs) and it is related to closely prognosis of these patients. Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) results to improve in peak exercise capacity, dyspnea and quality of life in ILDs.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the benefits of PR in patients with ILDs and to determine whether there are similar gains in patients with severe ILD.

Methods

We recruited ILD stable patients. All patients were evaluated with pulmonary function test, exercise capacity [6‐minute walking test (6MWD)], quality of life [Short Form‐36 (SF‐36), St. George's Respiratory Questionnare (SGRQ), Hospital anxiety and Depression (HAD)] before and after PR (8 week).

Results

Fifty‐seven patients who completed PR program, 30 women and 27 men, included in this study. It was determined a significant difference in terms of quality of life and exercise capacity (P < .05) before and after PR. When these patients were divided into 2 groups (DLCO <40% predicted, severe: group‐1, and group‐2: other ≥40], there was no difference between 2 groups except for forced expiratory volume in 1 second, pulse oxygen saturation and partial oxygen pressure (pO2). When compared the differences between pre and post values of all variables, there was no difference significantly except 4 variables (SF‐36; physical functioning, social functioning, role physical and pO2).

Conclusion

PR led to improvement in quality of life and exercise capacity in ILDs. In addition, PR, irrespective of the severity of the disease, is particularly beneficial in patients with severe ILDs.
The role of plasma D‐dimer levels for predicting lymph node and mediastinal lymph node involvement in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Gao Xin‐Liang , Wang Si‐Si , Cao Dian‐Bo , Liu Wei
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Elevated plasma D‐dimer levels have been suggested as a predictor of poor prognosis in NSCLC. But rare study showed the relationship between D‐dimer levels and lymph node involvement.

Objectives

To evaluate the role of plasma D‐dimer levels in predicting lymph node and mediastinal lymph node involvement in NSCLC.

Methods

Preoperative plasma D‐dimer levels were quantified in 253 NSCLC patients that underwent radical lung resection with systemic lymph node dissection. Patients were classified as lymph node negative (N0) versus lymph node positive (N1 + N2) and mediastinal lymph node negative (N0 + N1) versus mediastinal lymph node positive (N2).

Results

Median plasma D‐dimer level was significantly lower in Group N0 (94.0 μg/L) compared to Group N1 + N2 (177.0 μg/L) and in Group N0 + N1 (122.0 μg/L) compared to Group N2 (198.0 μg/L). Similar results were found in patients stratified by age, sex, smoking status and histological type, expect in patients with squamous carcinoma. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve for plasma D‐dimer levels of N0 versus N1 + N2 showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.757 and when a cutoff value was 124.0 μg/L DDU, the sensitivity and specificity was 0.80 and 0.68. The ROC curve for plasma D‐dimer levels of N0 + N1 versus N2 showed an AUC of 0.720 and when a cutoff value was 147.0 μg/L DDU, the sensitivity and specificity was 0.75 and 0.67.

Conclusions

Plasma D‐dimer level has utility for predicting lymph node and mediastinal lymph node status in patients with operable NSCLC.
Opportunities and Challenges in Implementation of Multiparameter Single Cell Analysis Platforms for Clinical Translation
Authors: Keating Susan M. , Taylor D. Lansing , Plant Anne L. , Litwack E. David , Kuhn Peter , Greenspan Emily J. , Hartshorn Christopher M. , Sigman Caroline C. , Kelloff Gary J. , Chang David D. , Friberg Gregory , Lee Jerry S. H. , Kuida Keisuke
Published: March 2018

The high‐content interrogation of single cells with platforms optimized for the multiparameter characterization of cells in liquid and solid biopsy samples can enable characterization of heterogeneous populations of cells ex vivo. Doing so will advance the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer and other diseases. However, it is important to understand the unique issues in resolving heterogeneity and variability at the single cell level before navigating the validation and regulatory requirements in order for these technologies to impact patient care. Since 2013, leading experts representing industry, academia, and government have been brought together as part of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) Biomarkers Consortium to foster the potential of high‐content data integration for clinical translation.
BOTANICAL COLLECTING IN 18TH‐CENTURY LONDON
Authors: Easterby‐Smith Sarah
Published: March 2018

The correspondence exchanged between Captain John Blake, John Bradby Blake, and their associates offers a valuable insight into the sociable world of Enlightenment botany. By considering these sources alongside the records of other contemporary scholars of botany, this paper examines the composition of the community of plant collectors and botanical scholars with whom father and son were interacting in the 1760s and 1770s. The documents also reveal the ways in which botanical knowledge circulated among the members of these communities. Amateur botany, it turns out, was deeply linked to gardening and to the emerging trade in horticultural plants, yet the contributions made by gardeners and nurserymen have been largely overlooked. In sum, the Blake collection at Oak Spring helps to answer larger questions about the nature of Enlightenment sociability, about diversity within botanical networks, and about the ways in which that social diversity affected botanical collecting.