bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebellar ataxia and severe muscle CoQ10 deficiency in a patient with a novel mutation in ADCK3
Authors: Barca E. , Musumeci O. , Montagnese F. , Marino S. , Granata F. , Nunnari D. , Peverelli L. , DiMauro S. , Quinzii C.M. , Toscano A.
Published: January 2016

Inherited ataxias are a group of heterogeneous disorders in children or adults but their genetic definition remains still undetermined in almost half of the patients. However, CoQ10 deficiency is a rare cause of cerebellar ataxia and ADCK3 is the most frequent gene associated with this defect. We herein report a 48 year old man, who presented with dysarthria and walking difficulties. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a marked cerebellar atrophy. Serum lactate was elevated. Tissues obtained by muscle and skin biopsies were studied for biochemical and genetic characterization. Skeletal muscle biochemistry revealed decreased activities of complexes I+III and II+III and a severe reduction of CoQ10, while skin fibroblasts showed normal CoQ10 levels. A mild loss of maximal respiration capacity was also found by high‐resolution respirometry. Molecular studies identified a novel homozygous deletion (c.504del_CT) in ADCK3, causing a premature stop codon. Western blot analysis revealed marked reduction of ADCK3 protein levels. Treatment with CoQ10 was started and, after 1 year follow‐up, patient neurological condition slightly improved. This report suggests the importance of investigating mitochondrial function and, in particular, muscle CoQ10 levels, in patients with adult‐onset cerebellar ataxia. Moreover, clinical stabilization by CoQ10 supplementation emphasizes the importance of an early diagnosis.
Visualization and Quantification for Interactive Analysis of Neural Connectivity in Drosophila
Authors: Swoboda N. , Moosburner J. , Bruckner S. , Yu J. Y. , Dickson B. J. , Bühler K.
Published: January 2016

Neurobiologists investigate the brain of the common fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to discover neural circuits and link them to complex behaviour. Formulating new hypotheses about connectivity requires potential connectivity information between individual neurons, indicated by overlaps of arborizations of two or more neurons. As the number of higher order overlaps (i.e. overlaps of three or more arborizations) increases exponentially with the number of neurons under investigation, visualization is impeded by clutter and quantification becomes a burden. Existing solutions are restricted to visual or quantitative analysis of pairwise overlaps, as they rely on precomputed overlap data. We present a novel tool that complements existing methods for potential connectivity exploration by providing for the first time the possibility to compute and visualize higher order arborization overlaps on the fly and to interactively explore this information in both its spatial anatomical context and on a quantitative level. Qualitative evaluation by neuroscientists and non‐experts demonstrated the utility and usability of the tool.
Environmentally friendly aspects in coloration
Authors: Kan Chi‐Wai , Lo Chris K. Y. , Man W. S.
Published: January 2016

People are paying increasing attention to environmental protection and prefer products to be manufactured and consumed in an environmentally friendly way. These are the main trends likely to persist in the near future. In the past two decades, academic research on environmentally friendly coloration has proliferated significantly. In this study, the current status of environmentally friendly coloration research and the future research trends are reviewed systematically, covering the literature from 1995 to 2014. The environmentally friendly coloration literature is classified by objectives into four categories: ingredient preparation; coloration process; wash‐off process; reuse. After reviewing the accumulated knowledge of coloration, future directions of ecological coloration development are discussed.
Targeted Museum Programs for Older Adults: A Research and Program Review
Authors: Smiraglia Christina
Published: January 2016

Older adults are a growing segment of the population in the United States and other countries, but museum professionals are generally not as familiar with designing and evaluating programs for the elderly as they are for younger audiences. This study reviews research about, and descriptions of, programs targeted at older adults that can provide models for program development, improvement, and evaluation for museum professionals. Information from the past thirty years was reviewed, and the sources, settings, audiences, methods, types, and outcomes of 142 programs were examined. Five main types of programs were found: reminiscence, object‐oriented, art, storytelling, and lectures—along with an array of benefits for participants. The most common outcomes of programs for older adults were increased socialization and improved mood. The review found that many models for museum programming and related research exist in the health sector, and implications for museum research and practice are discussed.
Wie das angeborene Immunsystem die Immunität trainiert: neue Erkenntnisse über die atopische Dermatitis und kutane Bakterien
Authors: Skabytska Yuliya , Kaesler Susanne , Volz Thomas , Biedermann Tilo
Published: January 2016

Die Haut ist das größte Organ an der Grenze zwischen Umwelt und Wirt. Sie spielt beim Schutz gegen Pathogene als physische Barriere, als erster Ort der Erkennung und als „Dirigent“ einer Reihe aufeinander folgender Immunreaktionen eine wichtige Rolle. Bei diesem Prozess ist eine Abstimmung zwischen ortsständigen Immunzellen in der Haut und zirkulierenden Immunzellen erforderlich. Früher wurde angenommen, dass die adaptive Immunantwort von B‐ und T‐Lymphozyten durch festgelegte angeborene Immunreaktionen gesteuert wird. Heute wissen wir, dass unterschiedliche Immunreaktionen auf verschiedene Mikroorganismen durch ebenfalls variierende Reaktionen gesteuert werden müssen. Dies geschieht auf der Ebene der Ersterkennung eines Mikroorganismus durch Rezeptoren des angeborenen Immunsystems. Nur eine Feinregulierung des angeborenen Immunsystems ermöglicht die Steuerung von Immunreaktionen auf Mikrobiota bei Abwesenheit einer Entzündung sowie auf Pathogene im Kontext von Schutzreaktionen wie zum Beispiel Entzündungen. Wie genau das angeborene Immunsystem sich adaptiert, ist auch von Bedeutung für Krankheiten wie die atopische Dermatitis (AD) mit chronischer Entzündung. In diesem Übersichtsartikel zeigen wir, wie das angeborene Immunsystem seine Reaktionen feinreguliert und legen dabei einen Schwerpunkt auf die immunologischen Konsequenzen der kutanen angeborenen Immunerkennung durch TLR2. Diese neuen Erkenntnisse sind höchst relevant für das Verständnis des Mikrobiota‐assoziierten Gesundheitszustands, der Immunabwehr und der Pathogenese chronisch kutaner Entzündungen, wie sie bei AD beobachtet werden.
Der Einsatz der Dermatoskopie in der Diagnose und Therapie von nichtmelanozytären Hautkrebsformen
Authors: Deinlein Teresa , Richtig Georg , Schwab Christoph , Scarfi Federica , Arzberger Edith , Wolf Ingrid , Hofmann‐Wellenhof Rainer , Zalaudek Iris
Published: January 2016

Die Dermatoskopie stellt heute einen integrativen Teil jeder klinischen Hautkrebsuntersuchung dar, da sie die Früherkennung von melanozytären und nichtmelanozytären Hautkrebsformen im Vergleich zur Untersuchung mit dem bloßen Auge deutlich verbessert. Neben ihrem diagnostischen Einsatz nimmt diese nichtinvasive Methode auch eine zunehmende Rolle in der Wahl und Bewertung unterschiedlicher Therapien von nichtmelanozytären Hauttumoren wie Basalzellkarzinomen, aktinischen Keratosen, Plattenepithelkarzinomen, aber auch seltenen Tumoren wie dem Merkelzellkarzinom, Angiosarkom oder dem Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans ein. So ist die Dermatoskopie ein valides Werkzeug zur präoperativen Tumorrandbestimmung von Basalzellkarzinomen, kann aber auch zur Verlaufskontrolle nach erfolgter topischer Therapie von aktinischen Keratosen eingesetzt werden. In diesem Artikel soll ein Überblick über den Einsatz der Dermatoskopie in der Diagnose und Therapie unterschiedlicher Formen des nichtmelanozytären Hautkrebses gegeben werden.
Deutsche Leitlinie zur Diagnostik und Therapie der zirkumskripten Sklerodermie
Authors: Kreuter Alexander , Krieg Thomas , Worm Margitta , Wenzel Jörg , Moinzadeh Pia , Kuhn Annegret , Aberer Elisabeth , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin , Horneff Gerd , Reil Emma , Weberschock Tobias , Hunzelmann Nicolas
Published: January 2016

Bei der zirkumskripten Sklerodermie handelt es sich um eine heterogene Gruppe von sklerotischen Erkrankungen der Haut mit je nach Subtyp, Schweregrad und Lokalisation möglicher Beteiligung von hautnahen Strukturen wie Fettgewebe, Muskulatur, Gelenke und Knochen. Dies ist eine Aktualisierung der bereits bestehenden deutschen Leitlinie der AWMF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Wissenschaften) mit dem Klassifizierungsgrad S2k. Die Leitlinie gibt einen Überblick zur Definition, Epidemiologie, Klassifikation, Pathogenese, Labordiagnostik, Histopathologie sowie klinischen Scores und apparativen Diagnostik der zirkumskripten Sklerodermie. Des Weiteren erfolgen konsensbasierte Empfehlungen zum Management der zirkumskripten Sklerodermie in Abhängigkeit vom klinischen Subtyp. Die Behandlungsempfehlungen sind in einem Therapiealgorithmus dargestellt. Eine finanzielle Unterstützung zur Erstellung der Leitlinie durch die pharmazeutische Industrie erfolgte nicht. Die Leitlinie ist bis Juli 2019 gültig.
Keratosis palmoplantaris: klinische und genetische Aspekte
Authors: Has Cristina , Technau‐Hafsi Kristin
Published: January 2016

Zu den Palmoplantarkeratosen (PPK) gehören verschiedene erworbene und angeborene Störungen, die durch übermäßige Verdickung der Epidermis an Handflächen und Fußsohlen gekennzeichnet sind. Ein früher Ausbruch und eine positive Familienanamnese weisen auf eine genetische Ursache der PPK hin. Eine angeborene PPK kann das einzige oder das dominante klinische Merkmal darstellen oder sie kann von anderen ektodermalen Dysplasien oder extrakutanen Symptomen begleitet sein. In der letzten Zeit wurden bei der Entschlüsselung der genetischen Grundlagen der PPK deutliche Fortschritte erzielt und neue Störungen und Syndrome sind bekannt geworden. Die Aufklärung der Krankheitsmechanismen öffnet neue Wege für spezifische Therapien und macht dieses Gebiet immer interessanter. Wegen der starken Heterogenität der klinischen Merkmale, genetischen Defekte und Krankheitsmechanismen können PPK auf der Grundlage unterschiedlicher Kriterien klassifiziert werden. Dazu gehören das Ausmaß der Krankheitsmanifestationen, die Morphologie der befallenen palmoplantaren Hautbereiche, das Vererbungsmuster oder die molekulare Pathogenese. Die klinische Differenzierung zwischen den PPK‐Entitäten stützt sich auf subtile Kriterien oder Anzeichen und ist nicht immer möglich. Interessanterweise haben sich scheinbar unterschiedliche Erkrankungen als allelisch erwiesen, werden also durch Mutationen im selben Gen ausgelöst. Andererseits können ähnliche Krankheitsbilder durch Mutationen in verschiedenen Genen verursacht sein. Aufgrund dieser Komplexität muss der genaue Typ der PPK durch Mutationsanalyse bestimmt werden. Die am besten definierten Entitäten werden in diesem Übersichtsartikel beschrieben.
Eignung und Probleme von Serum S100B als Biomarker zur Verlaufskontrolle bei Hochrisiko‐Melanompatienten
Authors: Gebhardt Christoffer , Lichtenberger Ramtin , Utikal Jochen
Published: January 2016

Hintergrund und Ziele

Die Bestimmung der S100B‐Serumkonzentration ist eine Standardmethode zur Überwachung von Patienten mit fortgeschrittenem malignem Melanom zur Unterscheidung zwischen progressiver und nicht progressiver Krankheit. Falsch‐positive Befunde verursachen unnötiges Leid bei den Patienten und führen zu einem Anstieg kostspieliger Diagnosen. Aus diesem Grund analysierten wir beschriebene Begleitkrankheiten als mögliche Quellen überschüssiger S100B‐Freisetzung.

Patientenund Methoden

In einer single‐center‐Studie wurde die Serumkonzentration von S100B in 2.664 Blutproben von 1.113 Melanompatienten (AJCC) in den Stadien IB bis IV gemessen, die während eines Zeitraums von 24 Monaten für Verlaufskontrollen in die Klinik kamen.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt fand bei 295 (11 %) der Patienten eine Krankheitsprogression statt. Bei Patienten mit stark ausgeprägten Tumoren waren 30/185 (16 %) Ergebnisse falsch‐negativ und 247/2369 (12 %) falsch‐positiv. 106 falsch‐positive Ergebnisse (69 %), im Vergleich zu 46 richtig‐positiven Ergebnissen (31 %), wurden bei Patienten mit Herz‐Kreislauf‐Krankheiten wie Arrhythmie (50/32) oder vorangegangenen Myokardinfarkten (22/14) gefunden. Auch Adipositas (85/14), Leberzirrhose (31/10), Migräne (18/2), chronisches Nierenversagen (13/2) und Schlaganfall (11/1) wurden mit falsch‐positiven S100B‐Konzentrationen in Verbindung gebracht.

Schlussfolgerungen

Serum S100B ist als quantitativer Biomarker zur routinemäßigen Nachverfolgung von Hochrisiko‐Melanompatienten geeignet. Während falsch‐negative Ergebnisse häufig bei Patienten mit geringer Tumorlast auftreten, sind falsch‐positive Ergebnisse mit verschiedenen Komorbiditäten assoziiert und bedürfen sorgfältiger Überprüfung.
Independent evolutionary histories in allopatric populations of a threatened Caribbean land mammal
Authors: Turvey Samuel T. , Peters Stuart , Brace Selina , Young Richard P. , Crumpton Nick , Hansford James , Nuñez‐Miño Jose M. , King Gemma , Tsalikidis Katrina , Ottenwalder José A. , Timpson Adrian , Funk Stephan M. , Brocca Jorge L. , Thomas Mark G. , Barnes Ian
Published: January 2016

Aim

To determine the evolutionary history, relationships and distinctiveness of allopatric populations of Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus), a highly threatened Caribbean ‘relict’ mammal, to understand spatio‐temporal patterns of gene flow and the distribution of diversity across complex large island landscapes and inform spatial conservation prioritization.

Location

Historical and modern‐day solenodon specimens were analysed from sampling localities across Hispaniola, representing this geotectonically complex island's distinct northern, south‐eastern and south‐western biogeographic provinces.

Methods

We successfully amplified mitochondrial cytochromeband control region sequences from 34 solenodon samples. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were applied to assess the relationship between these sequence data, and coalescent simulation and approximate Bayesian computation were used to identify which model of solenodon intra‐island demographic history best explains the observed patterns of variation. We also conducted morphometric analysis of 110 solenodon specimens to investigate whether allopatric Hispaniolan populations can be differentiated using craniodental characteristics.

Results

Unique haplotypes were identified in solenodon samples from each biogeographic region, with no haplotype sharing between regions. Higher marginal posterior probability values were found for a three‐population model comprising allopatric northern, south‐eastern and south‐western Hispaniolan populations, with exceptionally low migration rates inferred between all populations, indicating that they are genetically isolated. Modal estimates of long‐term effective female population size are extremely low for south‐western and south‐eastern populations. Morphometric differentiation is observed between all three populations.

Main conclusions

Evolutionary differentiation of Hispaniolan solenodons into three distinct populations is congruent with phylogenetic patterns observed in several other Hispaniolan species, with population isolation possibly associated with past marine transgression. We interpret these populations as distinct subspecies, with the two genetically impoverished southern subspecies particularly vulnerable to environmental change. Our improved understanding of Hispaniolan solenodon evolutionary history provides an important baseline for identifying wider patterns of intra‐island diversification and prioritizing conservation attention for evolutionarily significant populations.
Raising the Barriers to Access to Medicines in the Developing World – The Relentless Push for Data Exclusivity
Authors: Diependaele Lisa , Cockbain Julian , Sterckx Sigrid
Published: January 2016

Since the adoption of the WTO‐TRIPS Agreement in 1994, there has been significant controversy over the impact of pharmaceutical patent protection on the access to medicines in the developing world. In addition to the market exclusivity provided by patents, the pharmaceutical industry has also sought to further extend their monopolies by advocating the need for additional ‘regulatory’ protection for new medicines, known as data exclusivity.

Data exclusivity limits the use of clinical trial data that need to be submitted to the regulatory authorities before a new drug can enter the market. For a specified period, generic competitors cannot apply for regulatory approval for equivalent drugs relying on the originator's data. As a consequence, data exclusivity lengthens the monopoly for the original drug, impairing the availability of generic drugs.

This article illustrates how the pharmaceutical industry has convinced the US and the EU to impose data exclusivity on their trade partners, many of them developing countries. The key arguments formulated by the pharmaceutical industry in favor of adopting data exclusivity and their underlying ethical assumptions are described in this article, analyzed, and found to be unconvincing. Contrary to industry's arguments, it is unlikely that data exclusivity will promote innovation, especially in developing countries. Moreover, the industry's appeal to a property rights claim over clinical test data and the idea that data exclusivity can prevent the generic competitors from ‘free‐riding’ encounters some important problems: Neither legitimize excluding all others.
Geometry‐Related Right Ventricular Systolic Function Assessed by Longitudinal and Radial Right Ventricular Contractions
Authors: Hashimoto Ikuo , Watanabe Kazuhiro
Published: January 2016

The aim of our study was to evaluate the geometry‐related right ventricular (RV) systolic function under normal hemodynamics by assessing the longitudinal and the radial RV contractions in children. We examined 953 healthy children. We measured tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV anterior wall displacement from the interventricular septum (RVWD), and RV to left ventricular diameter ratio (RV/LV ratio) using M‐mode echocardiography. The z‐values were calculated as geometrical parameters of the TAPSE (z‐TAPSE), the RVWD (z‐RVWD), and the RV/LV ratio (z‐RV/LV). The RV stroke volume (RVSV) was measured using Doppler echocardiography and standardized using the z‐value (z‐RVSV). The z‐TAPSE was no or weakly negatively correlated with both the z‐RVWD (r = −0.18, P < 0.0001) and the z‐RV/LV (r = −0.12, P < 0.0001). In contrast, the z‐RV/LV correlated positively with the z‐RVWD (r = 0.61, P < 0.0001). The z‐RVSV correlated only with the z‐TAPSE (r = 0.30, P < 0.0001). Although the radial RV motion increases with the progression of RV dilatation, the RVSV is not associated with radial RV motion. In contrast, the RVSV relates to the longitudinal RV motion independently of the radial RV motion under the normal physiological condition. We presume that the RV contraction patterns change related to the RV geometry under various hemodynamic conditions.
Thrombus‐in‐Transit Following Watchman Device Implantation
Authors: Wallenborn Julia , Weidemann Frank , Lengenfelder Björn , Ritter Oliver , Voelker Wolfram
Published: January 2016

Thrombus‐in‐transit crossing an interatrial communication is a rare but potentially serious clinical condition, which has so far not been described after implantation of left atrial appendage (LAA) closure devices. Here, we describe the case of a 76‐year‐old woman with permanent atrial fibrillation and contraindication for oral anticoagulation therapy, who developed pericardial tamponade and acute pulmonary embolism with visible thrombus‐in‐transit formation following LAA closure. Most likely manipulation of the Watchman device in the LAA during two failed attempts in device positioning led to pericardial tamponade and venous puncture, manual compression after completion of the procedure and further immobilization resulted in deep vein thrombosis with consecutive pulmonary embolism and thrombus‐in‐transit formation. This case highlights the value of echocardiography after LAA closure.
Do fewer males present to clinical high‐risk services for psychosis relative to first‐episode services?
Authors: Wilson Robin P. , Patel Rashmi , Bhattacharyya Sagnik
Published: January 2016

Aim

A decline in the rate of transition to psychosis in patients presenting with clinical high‐risk has been reported in the literature. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain this decline. In this brief report, we aimed to explore whether the demographic group presenting to clinical high‐risk services differs from the ‘end‐point’ population who present with first‐episode psychosis (FEP), by focusing on gender.

Method

Gender distribution was compared between clinical high‐risk (CHR) and FEP using data extracted from published study samples and clinical data from corresponding cohorts within the same catchment area in South London.

Results

The proportion of males was significantly higher in FEP compared to CHR services in the literature describing Europe, Australia and North America and in the clinical cohort from South London.

Conclusion

Males are under‐represented in existing CHR services in Europe, Australia and North America. This could reflect less willingness in males to seek help if experiencing low‐level psychological distress and may be related to the declining transition.
Biomes and human distribution during the last ice age
Authors: Gavashelishvili Alexander , Tarkhnishvili David
Published: January 2016

Aim

Our research attempts to provide an explicit explanation of human–biome interactions during the last glacial period and how these have influenced current human population genetics at the global scale. Publications to date have not addressed this topic.

Location

World‐wide.

Methods

Using climate, terrain, hydrographic, fossil pollen and plant‐macrofossil data we developed a model of the distribution of biomes during climate deteriorations of the last glacial period. Subsequently, we analysed current human genetic diversity, the origins of genetic lineages and Palaeolithic human sites in relation to the inferred biomes.

Results

Our analyses indicated that: (1) current human Y‐DNA diversity, the places of origin of human Y‐DNA lineages and the distribution of Palaeolithic human settlements are best explained by distance from savanna and dry woodland during a series of glacial maxima, and (2) during periods of relatively benign climate conditions, humans dispersed through areas of high primary productivity while avoiding dense forest cover.

Main conclusions

In a metapopulation of Palaeolithic humans, the biome of savanna and dry woodland supported source populations and other biomes acted as sinks. Present‐day genetic, phenotypical and linguistic differences are largely related to discontinuity of and impeded migration between human source populations during glacial periods, rather than simply geographical distance, and in the post‐glacial period there has not been enough time for displacements and admixture of human populations to completely blur these differences.
‘Housing First’ and the Changing Terrains of Homeless Governance
Authors: Baker Tom , Evans Joshua
Published: January 2016

Over the last fifteen years, programs based on ‘housing first’ models have swept to prominence as solutions to homelessness. Such programs serve a small subset of the overall homeless population, namely the ‘chronically’ homeless, offering direct access to permanent housing with comprehensive and flexible support services attached. Hailed as socially progressive responses to homelessness—based on their opposition to traditional emphases on client passivity, sobriety and moralised deservingness—the popularity of housing first models has often depended on congruence with wider projects of welfare retrenchment and fiscal austerity. Despite the rapid globalisation and high public profile of housing first ideas, they have been largely overlooked in geographical accounts of homeless governance. In response, this article discusses the growing importance and influence of housing first ideas, before looking to contemporary debates on homeless governance for interpretive insights. Informed by these debates, we sketch conceptual areas to which future research on housing first models and programs might attend: first, to their ambivalent politics and, second, to the processes and practices of translation that are central to their implementation and political consequence. Moving beyond questions of operational efficacy, efficiency and fidelity, we call for critical but constructive accounts focused on the constitutive relations between housing first ideas and governance transformations at and across a range of scales and sites.
Health status, geriatric syndromes and prescription of oral anticoagulant therapy in elderly medical inpatients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bo Mario , Sciarrillo Irene , Maggiani Guido , Falcone Yolanda , Iacovino Marina , Grisoglio Enrica , Fonte Gianfranco , Grosjean Simon , Gaita Fiorenzo
Published: January 2016

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of geriatric syndromes among older medical inpatients with atrial fibrillation, and their association with use of vitamin K antagonists.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients aged ≥65 years discharged with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation from the Acute Geriatric Ward was carried out. Stroke and bleeding risk were evaluated according to the CHA2DS2‐VASC and HAS‐BLED scores. Comorbidity, cognitive status, functional autonomy and contraindications to vitamin K antagonists were also considered.

Results

Atrial fibrillation was documented in 1078 of 3650 patients (29.5%, mean age 83.4 ± 6.6 years, 60.3% women). Contraindications to vitamin K antagonists were documented in 24.9% of patients. Prescription of vitamin K antagonists at discharge was 37.8% and 47.9%, in the overall sample and in those without contraindications, respectively. In the overall sample, prescription of vitamin K antagonists was associated with younger age, permanent/persistent atrial fibrillation, home discharge, less comorbidity, higher hemoglobin levels, better functional independence, known atrial fibrillation at admission and lower HAS‐BLED score. Among patients without contraindications to vitamin K antagonists, their use at discharge was independently associated with younger age, permanent/persistent atrial fibrillation, home discharge, higher hemoglobin levels and CHA2DS2‐VASC score, better functional autonomy, and greater number of drugs.

Conclusions

We showed a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation among older medical inpatients, who have a poor health status and a high prevalence of geriatric syndromes. Vitamin K antagonists were prescribed in less than half of the patients; underuse was mainly accounted for by a high prevalence of comorbidities/contraindications, poor health status and limited functional autonomy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 416–423.
Syntactic complexity at multiple proficiency levels of L2 German speech
Authors: Neary‐Sundquist Colleen A.
Published: January 2016

Syntactic complexity, along with accuracy and fluency, has been proposed as an essential construct in the description of second language proficiency. This study examined three dimensions of complexity using oral data from learners of German at the intermediate, advanced, and superior proficiency levels. The data were examined for complexity by subordination, complexity by coordination, and phrasal complexity. The results showed that all three complexity measures showed different patterns of use as proficiency level rises, which supports the understanding of complexity as a multi‐dimensional construct. The results also showed that mean clause length was the most useful measure for distinguishing between adjacent proficiency levels.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a self‐management exercise intervention on wound healing, functional ability and health‐related quality of life outcomes in adults with venous leg ulcers: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: O'Brien Jane , Finlayson Kathleen , Kerr Graham , Edwards Helen
Published: January 2016

Exercise that targets ankle joint mobility may lead to improvement in calf muscle pump function and subsequent healing. The objectives of this research were to assess the impact of an exercise intervention in addition to routine evidence‐based care on the healing rates, functional ability and health‐related quality of life for adults with venous leg ulcers (VLUs). This study included 63 patients with VLUs. Patients were randomised to receive either a 12‐week exercise intervention with a telephone coaching component or usual care plus telephone calls at the same timepoints. The primary outcome evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention in relation to wound healing. The secondary outcomes evaluated physical activity, functional ability and health‐related quality of life measures between groups at the end of the 12 weeks. A per protocol analysis complemented the effectiveness (intention‐to‐treat) analysis to highlight the importance of adherence to an exercise intervention. Intention‐to‐treat analyses for the primary outcome showed 77% of those in the intervention group healed by 12 weeks compared to 53% of those in the usual care group. Although this difference was not statistically significant due to a smaller than expected sample size, a 24% difference in healing rates could be considered clinically significant. The per protocol analysis for wound healing, however, showed that those in the intervention group who adhered to the exercise protocol 75% or more of the time were significantly more likely to heal and showed higher rates for wound healing than the control group (P = 0·01), that is, 95% of those who adhered in the intervention group healed in 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes of physical activity, functional ability and health‐related quality of life were not significantly altered by the intervention. Among the secondary outcomes (physical activity, functional ability and health‐related quality of life), intention‐to‐treat analyses did not support the effectiveness of the intervention. However, per protocol analyses revealed encouraging results with those participants who adhered more than 75% of the time (n = 19) showing significantly improved Range of Ankle Motion from the self‐management exercise programme (P = 0·045). This study has shown that those participants who adhere to the exercise programme as an adjunctive treatment to standard care are more likely to heal and have better functional outcomes than those who do not adhere to the exercises in conjunction with usual care.
Hydroxyl Defect Effect on Reoxidation of Sc‐Doped (Ba,Ca)(Ti,Zr)O3 Fired in Reducing Atmospheres
Authors: Kao Yu‐Ju , Su Che‐Yi , Pithan Christian , Hennings Detlev F. , Huang Chi‐Yuen , Waser Rainer
Published: January 2016

The behavior of grain and grain‐boundary conductivity of acceptor (Sc)‐doped (Ba,Ca)(Ti,Zr)O3 ceramics sintered in moist reducing atmosphere and subsequently reoxidized in dry and moist atmosphere was investigated by means of impedance spectroscopy (IS). In moist firing atmosphere, water vapor was found to react with oxygen vacancies, forming positively charged hydroxyl defects on regular oxygen sites in the crystal lattice. Proton hopping is considered to raise the ionic conductivity significantly. Therefore, hydroxyl defects in turn influence the grain conduction. Hydroxyl defects are also considered to be responsible for alternations of the dielectric maximum at the Curie point.
Layer Effects on the Magnetic Behaviors of Aurivillius Compounds Bin+1Fen−3Ti3O3n+1 (n = 6, 7, 8, 9)
Authors: Wang Guopeng , Huang Yan , Sun Shujie , Wang Jianlin , Peng Ranran , Lu Yalin
Published: January 2016

Bin+1Fen−3Ti3O3n+1 (BFT‐n, n = 6, 7, 8, 9) ceramics were prepared using Pechini's method and their magnetic behaviors were investigated. XRD and HRTEM results suggested that BFT‐n have the pure Aurivillius structure. Magnetic properties of BFT‐n depend largely on their layer numbers. BFT‐6 exhibits a paramagnetic (PM)‐like characteristics with a small portion of weak antiferromagnetic (AFM) property; while spin glass (SG)‐like characteristics was observed for the BFT‐n (n ≥ 7) samples. An amazing exchange bias phenomenon was observed in BFT‐n (n ≥ 7) ceramics, of which shifts in both vertical and horizontal direction were found in the magnetic hysteresis loops as the functions of testing temperature and the layer number (n). For BFT‐8, the maximum HE is 3911 Oe when measured at 5 K. The AFM/SG interface should be the origin for the observed exchange bias effect, which was aggravated with the increased layer numbers for the enhanced coupling probability among Fe3+ ions. The fantastic exchange bias behavior of BFT‐n (n ≥ 7) makes them a good single‐phase candidate for future spintronic devices.
High Nonlinearity and High Voltage Gradient ZnO Varistor Ceramics Tailored by Combining Ga2O3, Al2O3, and Y2O3 Dopants
Authors: Zhao Hongfeng , Hu Jun , Chen Shuiming , Xie Qingyun , He Jinliang
Published: January 2016

This paper deals with the electrical characteristics of rare‐earth‐doped ZnO varistor ceramics. Multiple donor dopants (Al3+, Ga3+, and Y3+) were employed to improve the comprehensive performance of ZnO varistor ceramics. The leakage current of rare‐earth‐doped ZnO varistor ceramics decreased noticeably with Ga2O3 dopants. The Ga3+ dopant occupies the defect sites of grain boundaries and increases the barrier potential of ZnO varistor ceramics, so the leakage current is effectively inhibited. Y2O3 is primarily located around the grains, which restrains ZnO grain growth, increasing the voltage gradient. The Al3+ goes into the lattices of ZnO grains, decreasing the grain resistance; thus, the residual voltage ratio can be controlled at low levels under a high impulse current. With the combined incorporation of Al3+, Ga3+, and Y3, excellent electrical properties of ZnO varistor ceramics can be acquired with a nonlinearity coefficient of 87, voltage gradient of 517 V/mm, leakage current of 0.96 μA/cm2, and residual voltage ratio of 1.60. These rare multiple donor dopants can aid in engineering high‐quality ZnO varistors.
Control of Oxidation State of Eu Ions in Na2O–Al2O3–SiO2 Glasses
Authors: Nogami Masayuki , Koiwai Akihiko , Nonaka Takamasa
Published: January 2016

Glasses doped with well‐controlled Eu3+ and Eu2+ ions have attracted considerable interest due to the possibility of tuning the wavelength range of the emitted light from violet to red by using their 5D0→7Fj and 5d–4f electron transitions. Glasses were prepared to dope Eu3+ ions in a Na2O–Al2O3–SiO2 system, and the changes in the valence state of Eu3+ ions and the glass structure surrounding the Eu atoms during heating under H2 atmosphere were investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption fine‐structure spectroscopy, and 27Al magic‐angle spinning solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The reduction behavior of Eu3+ ions was dependent on the Al/Na molar ratio of the glass. For Al/Na < 1, the Al3+ ions formed the AlO4 network structure accompanied by the Na+ ions as charge compensators; the Eu3+ ions occupied the interstitial positions in the SiO4 network structure and were not reduced even under heating in H2 gas. On the other hand, in the glasses containing Al2O3 with the Al/Na ratio exceeding unity, the Eu3+ ions commenced to be coordinated by the AlO4 units in addition to the SiO4 network structure. When heated in H2 gas, H2 gas molecules reacted with the AlO4 units surrounding Eu3+ ions to form AlO6 units terminated with OH bonds, and reduced Eu3+ ions to Eu2+ via the extracted electrons.
Testing a post‐discharge nurse‐led transitional home visit in acute care pediatrics: the Hospital‐To‐Home Outcomes (H2O) study protocol
Authors: Tubbs‐Cooley Heather L. , Pickler Rita H. , Simmons Jeffrey M. , Auger Katherine A. , Beck Andrew F. , Sauers‐Ford Hadley S. , Sucharew Heidi , Solan Lauren G. , White Christine M. , Sherman Susan N. , Statile Angela M. , Shah Samir S. ,   the H2O Study Group
Published: January 2016

Aims

The aims of this study were: (1) to explore the family perspective on pediatric hospital‐to‐home transitions; (2) to modify an existing nurse‐delivered transitional home visit to better meet family needs; (3) to study the effectiveness of the modified visit for reducing healthcare re‐use and improving patient‐ and family‐centered outcomes in a randomized controlled trial.

Background

The transition from impatient hospitalization to outpatient care is a vulnerable time for children and their families; children are at risk for poor outcomes that may be mitigated by interventions to address transition difficulties. It is unknown if an effective adult transition intervention, a nurse home visit, improves postdischarge outcomes for children hospitalized with common conditions.

Design

(1) Descriptive qualitative; (2) Quality improvement; (3) Randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Aim 1 will use qualitative methods, through focus groups, to understand the family perspective of hospital‐to‐home transitions. Aim 2 will use quality improvement methods to modify the content and processes associated with nurse home visits. Modifications to visits will be made based on parent and stakeholder input obtained during Aims 1 & 2. The effectiveness of the modified visit will be evaluated in Aim 3 through a randomized controlled trial.

Discussion

We are undertaking the study to modify and evaluate a nurse home visit as an effective acute care pediatric transition intervention. We expect the results will be of interest to administrators, policy makers and clinicians interested in improving pediatric care transitions and associated postdischarge outcomes, in the light of impending bundled payment initiatives in pediatric care.
Role of long non‐coding RNA MIAT in proliferation, apoptosis and migration of lens epithelial cells: a clinical and in vitro study
Authors: Shen Yi , Dong Ling‐Feng , Zhou Rong‐Mei , Yao Jin , Song Yu‐Chen , Yang Hong , Jiang Qin , Yan Biao
Published: January 2016

Age‐related cataract is among the most common chronic disorders of ageing and is the world's leading blinding disorder. Long non‐coding RNAs play important roles in several biological processes and complicated diseases. However, the role of lncRNAs in the setting of cataract is still unknown. Here, we extracted total RNAs from the transparent and age‐matched cataractous human lenses, and determined lncRNA expression profiles using microarray analysis. We found that 38 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between transparent and cataractous lenses. 17 of 20 differentially expressed lncRNAs were further verified by quantitative RT‐PCRs. One top abundant lncRNA, MIAT, was specifically up‐regulated both in the plasma fraction of whole blood and aqueous humor of cataract patients. MIAT knockdown could affect the proliferation, apoptosis and migration of Human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) upon oxidative stress. Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a common complication of cataract surgery, which is associated with abnormal production of inflammatory factors. MIAT knockdown could repress tumour necrosis factor‐α‐induced abnormal proliferation and migration of HLECs, suggesting a potential role of MIAT in PCO‐related pathological process. Moreover, we found that MIAT acted as a ceRNA, and formed a feedback loop with Akt and miR‐150‐5p to regulate HLEC function. Collectively, this study provides a novel insight into the pathogenesis of age‐related cataract.
RETRACTED: miR‐655 suppresses epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition by targeting Prrx1 in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Lv Zhi‐Dong , Kong Bin , Liu Xiang‐Ping , Jin Li‐Ying , Dong Qian , Li Fu‐Nian , Wang Hai‐Bo
Published: January 2016

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype that lacks effective targeted therapies. The epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key contributor in the metastatic process. In this study, we found that miR‐655 was down‐regulated in TNBC, and its expression levels were associated with molecular‐based classification and lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. These findings led us to hypothesize that miR‐655 overexpression may inhibit EMT and its associated traits of TNBC. Ectopic expression of miR‐655 not only induced the up‐regulation of cytokeratin and decreased vimentin expression but also suppressed migration and invasion of mesenchymal‐like cancer cells accompanied by a morphological shift towards the epithelial phenotype. In addition, we found that miR‐655 was negatively correlated with Prrx1 in cell lines and clinical samples. Overexpression of miR‐655 significantly suppressed Prrx1, as demonstrated by Prrx1 3′‐untranslated region luciferase report assay. Our study demonstrated that miR‐655 inhibits the acquisition of the EMT phenotype in TNBC by down‐regulating Prrx1, thereby inhibiting cell migration and invasion during cancer progression.
Chronic administration of isocarbophos induces vascular cognitive impairment in rats
Authors: Li Peng , Yin Ya‐Ling , Zhu Mo‐Li , Pan Guo‐Pin , Zhao Fan‐Rong , Lu Jun‐Xiu , Liu Zhan , Wang Shuang‐Xi , Hu Chang‐Ping
Published: January 2016

Vascular dementia, being the most severe form of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), is caused by cerebrovascular disease. Whether organophosphorus causes VCI remains unknown. Isocarbophos (0.5 mg/kg per 2 days) was intragastrically administrated to rats for 16 weeks. The structure and function of cerebral arteries were assayed. The learning and memory were evaluated by serial tests of step‐down, step‐through and morris water maze. Long‐term administration of isocarbophos reduced the hippocampal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and acetylcholine (ACh) content but did not alter the plasma AChE activity, and significantly damaged the functions of learning and memory. Moreover, isocarbophos remarkably induced endothelial dysfunction in the middle cerebral artery and the expressions of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 in the posterior cerebral artery. Morphological analysis by light microscopy and electron microscopy indicated disruptions of the hippocampus and vascular wall in the cerebral arteries from isocarbophos‐treated rats. Treatment of isocarbophos injured primary neuronal and astroglial cells isolated from rats. Correlation analysis demonstrated that there was a high correlation between vascular function of cerebral artery and hippocampal AChE activity or ACh content in rats. In conclusion, chronic administration of isocarbophos induces impairments of memory and learning, which is possibly related to cerebral vascular dysfunction.
VIP and CRF reduce ADAMTS expression and function in osteoarthritis synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Pérez‐García Selene , Carrión Mar , Gutiérrez‐Cañas Irene , González‐Álvaro Isidoro , Gomariz Rosa P. , Juarranz Yasmina
Published: January 2016

ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) family is known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), working on aggrecan degradation or altering the integrity of extracellular matrix (ECM). Thus, the main purpose of our study was to define the role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF), as immunoregulatory neuropeptides, on ADAMTS production in synovial fibroblasts (SF) from OA patients and healthy donors (HD). OA‐ and HD‐SF were stimulated with pro‐inflammatory mediators and treated with VIP or CRF. Both neuropeptides decreased ADAMTS‐4, ‐5, ‐7 and ‐12 expressions, aggrecanase activity, glycosaminoglycans (GAG), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) degradation after stimulation with fibronectin fragments (Fn‐fs) in OA‐SF. After stimulation with interleukin‐1β, VIP reduced ADAMTS‐4 and ‐5, and both neuropeptides decreased ADAMTS‐7 production and COMP degradation. Moreover, VIP and CRF reduced Runx2 and β‐catenin activation in OA‐SF. Our data suggest that the role of VIP and CRF on ADAMTS expression and cartilage degradation could be related to the OA pathology since scarce effects were produced in HD‐SF. In addition, their effects might be greater when a degradation loop has been established, given that they were higher after stimulation with Fn‐fs. Our results point to novel OA therapies based on the use of neuropeptides, since VIP and CRF are able to stop the first critical step, the loss of cartilage aggrecan and the ECM destabilization during joint degradation.
Experimental investigation of craze morphology of isotactic polypropylene using computed tomography
Authors: SOKKAR T.Z.N. , EL‐FARAHATY K.A. , RASLAN M.I. , HAMZA A.A.
Published: January 2016

In this paper we investigated the morphology of crazes formed during the fracture process of polymeric fibres. Computed tomography technique was applied to reconstruct the image of fibrils‐voids structure of crazes. This allowed us to investigate the initial stages of crazes formation during the fracture process of mechanically stretched isotactic polypropylene fibres. The density and morphology of crazes were studied at different regions inside the stretched sample. Accordingly, we are able to visualize the internal structure of the stretched fibres in three dimensions. This revealed in‐depth information on the fracture process of polymeric fibres.
Efficacy and tolerability of different brands of intravenous immunoglobulin in the maintenance treatment of chronic immune‐mediated neuropathies
Authors: Gallia Francesca , Balducci Claudia , Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo
Published: January 2016

High‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is effective in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). Not all brands of IVIg are however licensed for these neuropathies. We reviewed six patients with CIDP and seven with MMN treated with maintenance therapy with IVIg from 2009 to 2013. In all patients, we measured the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Overall Neuropathy Limitation Scale (ONLS) scores before each infusion, registered the monthly dose and brand of IVIg, and recorded adverse events. Patients were treated for 25–60 months (mean 49 months) alternating different brands of IVIg including IgVena, Gammagard, Kiovig, and Flebogamma. Minor and transient side effects were equally observed with each brand. No difference in the MRC or ONLS scores was observed in relation to the brand of IVIg used. Chronic maintenance treatment with IVIg in patients with MMN and CIDP was not associated with a different tolerability or efficacy despite the use of different brands of IVIg.