bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantitative 14-3-3 interaction screen connects the nuclear exosome targeting complex to the DNA damage response
Authors: Blasius Melanie , Wagner Sebastian A. , Choudhary Chunaram , Bartek Jiri , Jackson Stephen P.
Published: September 2014

RNA metabolism is altered following DNA damage, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Through a 14-3-3 interaction screen for DNA damage-induced protein interactions in human cells, we identified protein complexes connected to RNA biology. These include the nuclear exosome targeting (NEXT) complex that regulates turnover of noncoding RNAs termed promoter upstream transcripts (PROMPTs). We show that the NEXT subunit RBM7 is phosphorylated upon DNA damage by the MAPKAPK2 kinase and establish that this mediates 14-3-3 binding and decreases PROMPT binding. These findings and our observation that cells lacking RBM7 display DNA damage hypersensitivity link PROMPT turnover to the DNA damage response.
Crystal structure of [2-({4-[2,6-bis(pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-4-yl]phenyl}(methyl)amino)ethanol-κ3N,N′,N′′]bis(thiocyanato-κN)zincN,N-dimethylformamide monosolvate
Authors: Wang Shi-Chao , Pan Rou-Chen , Song Wan-Ying , Li Sheng-Li
Published: September 2014

In the title compound, [Zn(NCS)2(C24H22N4O)]·C3H7NO, the ZnIIcation isN,N′,N′′-chelated by one 2-({4-[2,6-bis(pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-4-yl]phenyl}(methyl)amino)ethanol ligand and coordinated by two thiocyanate anions in a distorted N5trigonal–bipyramidal geometry. In the molecule, the three pyridine rings are approximately coplanar [maximum deviation = 0.026 (5) Å], and the mean plane of the three pyridine rings is twisted to the benzene ring with a small dihedral angle of 5.9 (2)°. In the crystal, complex molecules are linked by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds into supramolecular chains propagated along [110]; π–π stacking is observed between adjacent chains [centroid–centroid distance = 3.678 (4) Å]. The dimethylformamide solvent molecules are linked with the complex chainsviaweak C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Crystal structure of (pyridin-2-ylmethylidene)(triphenylmethyl)amine
Authors: Theppitak Chatphorn , Meesangkaew Manlika , Chanthee Songwuit , Sriprang Nimit , Chainok Kittipong
Published: September 2014

The title Schiff base compound, C25H20N2, crystallizes with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. In both molecules, the imine group is approximately coplanar with the pyridine ring, with N—C—C—N torsion angles of 170.1 (3) and −172.0 (3) Å. In the crystal,A and Bdimers are linked by pairs of C—H...π interactions and further C—H...π bonds link the dimers into a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of 1-benzyl-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-imino-1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10-octahydrocycloocta[b]pyridine-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Nagalakshmi R. A. , Suresh J. , Maharani S. , Kumar R. Ranjith , Lakshman P. L. Nilantha
Published: September 2014

The title compound, C25H24ClN3, comprises a 2-iminopyridine ring fused with a cyclooctane ring, which adopts a twist boat–chair conformation. In the crystal, C—H...N interactions formR22(14) ring motifs and molecules are further connected by weak C—H...π interactions. The resulting supramolecular structure is a two-dimensional framework parallel to theabplane.
Crystal structure of 5,10,15-triphenyl-20-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)porphyrin
Authors: Senge Mathias O. , Eckhardt Hans-Georg
Published: September 2014

In the title compound, C44H37BN4O2, the dihedral angle between the plane of the porphyrin macrocycle ring system [r.m.s. deviation = 0.159 (1) Å] and those of three phenyl rings are 66.11 (4), 74.75 (4) and 57.00 (4)°. The conformational distortion is characterized by a mixture of ruffled, saddle and in-plane distortion modes. In the crystal, the porphyrin molecules are linked by C—H...π interactions into supramolecular chains running along thea-axis direction. A pair of bifurcated N—H...(N,N) hydrogen bonds occur across the central region of the macrocycle.
Crystal structure of 1,8-dibenzoyl-2,7-diphenoxynaphthalene
Authors: Narushima Satsuki , Mohri Saki , Yonezawa Noriyuki , Okamoto Akiko
Published: September 2014

In the title compound, C36H24O4, the benzene rings of the benzoyl and phenoxy groups make dihedral angles of 75.01 (4), 75.78 (4), 83.17 (5) and 80.84 (5)° with the naphthalene ring system. In the crystal, two types of C—H...π interactions between the benzene rings of the benzoyl groups and the naphthalene unit, and two kinds of π–π interactions between the benzene rings, with centroid–centroid distances of 3.879 (1) and 3.696 (1) Å, are observed.
Crystal structure of 3-(3-oxo-2,3,4,4a,5,6-hexahydrobenzo[h]cinnolin-2-yl)propionic acid
Authors: Meneghetti Fiorella , Masciocchi Daniela , Gelain Arianna , Villa Stefania
Published: September 2014

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C15H16N2O3, contains two independent molecules, which present a different conformation of the carboxylic acid side chain [C—C—C—OH torsion angles = 65.3 (7) and −170.1 (5)°]. In both molecules, the dihydropyridazinone ring adopts a geometry intermediate between a twisted-boat and a half-chair conformation, while the central six-membered ring is almost in a half-boat conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H...Ok(k = ketone) hydrogen bonds, generating [01-1] chains. Aromatic π–π stacking contacts between the benzene and the dihydropyridazinone rings [centroid–centroid distance [3.879 (9) Å] are also observed.
Roles of trust on rapport and satisfaction in services
Authors: Kayeser Fatima Johra , Abdur Razzaque Mohammed
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report antecedent roles of competence, contractual and goodwill trust on rapport and satisfaction in banking services in a developing country context. The study also identifies the mediating influence of these three types of trust between rapport and customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data collected from a sample of 212 bank customers were analysed using AMOS-based structural equation modelling.

Findings

– While all three types of trust have significant impact on satisfaction, only competence and goodwill trust positively influenced rapport. Results also demonstrate that competence and goodwill trust had complementary mediation impacts in the rapport-satisfaction context; however, mediation influence of contractual trust was not significant. Finally, influence of rapport was found to be positive towards satisfaction.

Practical implications

– Management should focus on building goodwill and competence trust with bank customers. Bank managers should hire and train employees who are friendly in terms of customer care and are able to develop rapport with customers to increase the latter's satisfaction.

Originality/value

– The paper tested the influence of competence, contractual and goodwill trust on rapport and satisfaction and verified the mediation impact of trust between rapport and satisfaction.
The effects of customer satisfaction, perceived value, corporate image and service quality on behavioral intentions in gaming establishments
Authors: Wu Hung-Che
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the dimensions of service quality and examining the interrelationships among behavioral intentions, customer satisfaction, perceived value, corporate image and service quality in the gaming industry. A multi-level and hierarchical model is used as a framework to synthesize the effects of customer satisfaction, perceived value, corporate image and service quality on behavioral intentions of customers in the gaming industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data used in this study were based on a sample of 470 at a newly built casino in Macau. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis.

Findings

– The findings support using a multi-level model consisting of three primary dimensions and ten sub-dimensions to conceptualize and measure perceived service quality. Perceived service quality significantly influences perceived value and corporate image, respectively. In addition, perceived value and corporate image are main determinants of customer satisfaction. Also, customer satisfaction and corporate image significantly affect behavioral intentions.

Originality/value

– This is the first study synthesizing behavioral intentions, customer satisfaction, perceived value, corporate image and perceived service quality in a Macau casino setting.
Interactive effects of C, N and P fertilization on soil microbial community structure and function in an Amazonian rain forest
Authors: Fanin Nicolas , Hättenschwiler Stephan , Schimann Heidy , Fromin Nathalie
Published: September 2014

Resource control over abundance, structure and functional diversity of soil microbial communities is a key determinant of soil processes and related ecosystem functioning. Copiotrophic organisms tend to be found in environments which are rich in nutrients, particularly carbon, in contrast to oligotrophs, which survive in much lower carbon concentrations.

We hypothesized that microbial biomass, activity and community structure in nutrient‐poor soils of an Amazonian rain forest are limited by multiple elements in interaction. We tested this hypothesis with a fertilization experiment by adding C (as cellulose), N (as urea) and P (as phosphate) in all possible combinations to a total of 40 plots of an undisturbed tropical forest in French Guiana.

After 2 years of fertilization, we measured a 47% higher biomass, a 21% increase in substrate‐induced respiration rate and a 5‐fold higher rate of decomposition of cellulose paper discs of soil microbial communities that grew in P‐fertilized plots compared to plots without P fertilization. These responses were amplified with a simultaneous C fertilization suggesting P and C colimitation of soil micro‐organisms at our study site.

Moreover, P fertilization modified microbial community structure (PLFAs) to a more copiotrophic bacterial community indicated by a significant decrease in the Gram‐positive : Gram‐negative ratio. The Fungi : Bacteria ratio increased in N fertilized plots, suggesting that fungi are relatively more limited by N than bacteria. Changes in microbial community structure did not affect rates of general processes such as glucose mineralization and cellulose paper decomposition. In contrast, community level physiological profiles under P fertilization combined with either C or N fertilization or both differed strongly from all other treatments, indicating functionally different microbial communities.

While P appears to be the most critical from the three major elements we manipulated, the strongest effects were observed in combination with either supplementary C or N addition in support of multiple element control on soil microbial functioning and community structure.

We conclude that the soil microbial community in the studied tropical rain forest and the processes it drives is finely tuned by the relative availability in C, N and P. Any shifts in the relative abundance of these key elements may affect spatial and temporal heterogeneity in microbial community structure, their associated functions and the dynamics of C and nutrients in tropical ecosystems.
Cardiac Injury Is a Common Postmortem Finding in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Patients: Is Empiric Cardiac Monitoring and Protection Needed?
Authors: Nichols Larry , Berg Aaron , Rollins‐Raval Marian A , Raval Jay S
Published: September 2014

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and potentially fatal disease. Early implementation of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has decreased the mortality rate from >90% to <10%. However, fatalities still occur in these patients. The goal of this study was to characterize the causes of death and related postmortem findings in patients with TTP in the current era of emergent TPE to identify possible areas for improvement in the care of these patients. We analyzed clinical history, laboratory and histopathologic findings, and causes of death of patients with active TTP or TTP in clinical remission autopsied at our institution over 22 years. Of 18 patients, 15 had TTP judged to be a cause of death: it was an underlying cause of death in five cases, intermediate in three, and contributing in seven. The most common immediate causes of death were cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction. The most common TTP‐related findings at autopsy were thrombi/emboli in heart (9), lung (11), brain (3), kidney (7), followed by hemorrhages in heart (7), lung (8), brain (2), kidney (7), and infarcts in heart (5), lung (4), brain (6) and kidney (3). Analysis of the cases with TTP as a cause of death suggests that the mechanism of death is commonly cardiac in origin. Proactive measures to monitor and protect the heart may be beneficial in these patients.
Regional Citrate Anticoagulation for Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in the Perioperative Care of Liver Transplant Recipients: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Sponholz Christoph , Settmacher Utz , Bauer Michael , Kortgen Andreas
Published: September 2014

Kidney injury with concomitant hemodialysis is a common finding in perioperative care of liver transplant patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate disturbances in acid‐base status, electrolyte balance and citrate accumulation during hemodialysis with regional citrate anticoagulation in perioperative care of liver transplant recipients. A retrospective, single center evaluation was conducted of patients with severe liver dysfunction receiving renal replacement therapy in the perioperative care of liver transplantation in a multidisciplinary ICU of a university hospital. Within 5 days of ICU stay, 89 patients undergoing liver transplantation received regional citrate anticoagulation for hemodialysis. During the study period pH (7.39 [7.33/7.43] vs. 7.44 [7.39/7.47], P‐value = 0.014), base excess values (−0.9 [−5.08/2.35] vs. 4.3 [1.93/8.21], P‐value = 0.001) and standard bicarbonate (23.6 [20/26.9] vs. 28.2 [26.2/32.2], P‐value = 0.001) significantly increased, whereas lactate levels (2.6 [1.60/4.45] vs. 1.25 [0.98/1.9], P‐value = 0.071) and Catot/Caion‐ratio decreased or remained below the upper reference. Hypocalcemia appeared mostly within 48 h after dialysis initiation. Although sodium levels increased during the observation, rates of hypernatremia were comparable between hemodialysis days 1 and 5. Hemodialysis using regional citrate anticoagulation remains a challenge in the perioperative care of liver transplant recipients. Major attention must be paid to acid‐base disturbances and citrate accumulation within 48 h after dialysis initiation. Nevertheless, regional citrate anticoagulation in liver dysfunction is a feasible and valuable tool, when limitations and pitfalls are adequately considered.
Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Spironolactone for Hypokalemia in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Yongsiri Somchai , Thammakumpee Jiranuch , Prongnamchai Suriya , Tengpraettanakorn Pechngam , Chueansuwan Rachaneeporn , Tangjaturonrasme Siriporn , Dinchuthai Pakaphan
Published: September 2014

The incidence of hypokalemia in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients is about 15–60%, leading to significant complications. There is no standard treatment other than potassium supplement in this setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate effect of spironolactone 25 mg/day in CAPD patients who have a history of hypokalemia. This is a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study in CAPD patients who had a history of hypokalemia. Study intervention is 4 weeks of oral spironolactone 25 mg/day or placebo, cross‐over after a 2‐week wash‐out period. The primary outcome was the difference of serum potassium before and after 4 weeks of spironolactone treatment. Serum potassium was measured every 2 weeks, serum magnesium, urine and peritoneal fluid potassium measured before and after each treatment period. We enrolled 24 patients, and 20 completed the cross‐over study. Ten patients were anuric. The total doses of potassium supplement were the same during the study period. Serum potassium levels before and after study intervention were not significantly different in both groups (4.23 ± 0.64 vs. 3.90 ± 0.59 mEq/L for spironolactone P = 0.077 and 3.84 ± 0.62 vs. 3.91 ± 0.52 for placebo P = 0.551). Total 24‐h potassium, magnesium, sodium excretion, urine volume and ultrafiltration volume were not affected by spironolactone or placebo. There was one episode of hyperkalemia (5.6 mEq/L) during the spironolactone treatment period. Spironolactone 25 mg/day does not have a significant effect on serum potassium or urine and peritoneal excretion rate in CAPD patients who have a history of hypokalemia.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23, but not Parathyroid Hormone, Is Associated With Urinary Phosphate Regulation in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Yamada Shunsuke , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Tokumoto Masanori , Yoshida Hisako , Hasegawa Shoko , Tanaka Shigeru , Eriguchi Masahiro , Nakano Toshiaki , Masutani Kosuke , Ooboshi Hiroaki , Kitazono Takanari
Published: September 2014

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 plays an important role in regulation of renal phosphate excretion in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, it remains undetermined whether FGF23 is closely linked to renal phosphate handling in patients with low glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The present cross‐sectional study included 52 outpatients undergoing peritoneal dialysis with urine volume ≥ 100 mL/day. The primary outcome was level of urinary phosphate excretion, and the secondary outcomes were tubular maximal reabsorption of phosphate normalized to GFR (TmP/GFR), an index of the renal threshold for phosphate excretion, and level of peritoneal phosphate excretion. Variates of interest were serum FGF23 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The median and interquartile range of serum FGF23 level, TmP/GFR, and total urinary and peritoneal phosphate excretion were 5610 (1493–11 430) ng/mL, 1.30 (0.44–1.86) mg/dL, 117 (40–234) mg/day, and 208 (156–250) mg/day, respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that serum FGF23 level was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with TmP/GFR negatively and significantly (P < 0.05) associated with urinary phosphate excretion positively, even after adjusting for confounders. In contrast, none of the three outcome variates was associated with serum PTH level. Neither serum FGF23 nor PTH level was associated with peritoneal phosphate excretion. The present study indicates that FGF23, but not PTH, is involved in urinary phosphate regulation, even in patients on peritoneal dialysis with residual renal function.
Adherence to insulin treatment in diabetes: can it be improved?糖尿病患者使用胰岛素治疗的依从性：它能够得到改善吗？
Authors: Doggrell Sheila Anne , Chan Vincent
Published: September 2014

Insulin is used in all subjects with Type 1 diabetes, and when Type 2 diabetes is not controlled by oral anti‐diabetic medicines, insulin is also used in Type 2 diabetes. However, despite this use, there is still increased mortality and morbidity in subjects with diabetes, compared to subjects without diabetes. One of the factors, which may be involved in this increased mortality and morbidity in subjects with diabetes, is nonadherence to insulin. Nonadherence rates to insulin are in the range of 20–38%, and many factors contribute to the nonadherence. The major aim of the review was to determine whether interventions to improve adherence to insulin do actually improve adherence to insulin. Most studies have shown that adherence to insulin was improved by changing from the vial‐and‐syringe approach to prefilled insulin pens, but not all studies have shown that this translated into better glycemic control and clinical outcomes. The results of studies using automatic telephone messages to improve adherence to insulin to date are inconclusive. There is limited and variable evidence that an intervention by a nurse/educator, which discusses adherence to medicines, does improve adherence to insulin. In contrast, there is little or no evidence that an extra intervention by a doctor or an intervention by a pharmacist, which discusses adherence to insulin, does actually improve the measured adherence to insulin. In conclusion, rather than assuming that an intervention by a health professional discussing adherence to insulin actually improves adherence to insulin, long‐term studies investigating this are required.
Prevalence and characteristics of non‐obese diabetes in Japanese men and women: the Yuport Medical Checkup Center Study 日本男性与女性非肥胖者的糖尿病患病率与特征：Yuport医学体检中心研究
Authors: Kashima Saori , Inoue Kazuo , Matsumoto Masatoshi , Akimoto Kimihiko
Published: September 2014

Background

This study examined the prevalence and characteristics of type 2 diabetes in non‐obese subjects to compare their cardiometabolic markers to those without diabetes.

Methods

Data were used from 17 098 men and 17 199 women from a voluntary health checkup program between 1998 and 2006 conducted in Japan. The prevalence of diabetes (fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L, hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%, or known diabetes) was calculated in each subgroup of body mass index (group 1, <22; group 2, 22–25; group3, 25–27.5; and group 4, ≥27.5). The effect of diabetes and obesity on risk of an abnormal level of cardiometabolic marker was evaluated with a logistic regression model.

Results

In men, the prevalence of diabetes was 9.5% in total, 6.4%, 9.4%, 11.3% and 16.2% in group1 through 4, respectively. In women, it accounted for 4.3% in total, 2.4%, 4.5%, 8.7% and 12.3% per group, respectively. Non‐obese diabetic subjects (in group 1 and 2) accounted for 60.8% and 62.0% of all the diabetic subjects in men and women, respectively. Non‐obese population accounted for 71.2% and 83.6% of all men and women, respectively. Levels of cardiometabolic markers were higher in diabetic subjects than in non‐diabetic subjects in each subgroup. Diabetes was associated with each abnormal level of cardiometabolic marker independent of obesity.

Conclusion

Over 60% of the diabetic subjects in this Japanese population were not obese. Non‐obese diabetes is not widely addressed and should be considered for increased public attention. The elevated levels of cardiometabolic markers may contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in non‐obese diabetes.
Methadone is a Non‐Competitive Antagonist at the α4β2 and α3* Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and an Agonist at the α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
Authors: Talka Reeta , Salminen Outi , Tuominen Raimo K.
Published: September 2014

Nicotine–methadone interactions have been studied in human beings and in various experimental settings regarding addiction, reward and pain. Most methadone maintenance treatment patients are smokers, and methadone administration has been shown to increase cigarette smoking. Previous in vitro studies have shown that methadone is a non‐competitive antagonist at rat α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) and an agonist at human α7 nAChRs. In this study, we used cell lines expressing human α4β2, α7 and α3* nAChRs to compare the interactions of methadone at the various human nAChRs under the same experimental conditions. A [3H]epibatidine displacement assay was used to determine whether methadone binds to the nicotinic receptors, and 86Rb+ efflux and changes in intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i were used to assess changes in the functional activity of the receptors. Methadone displaced [3H]epibatidine from nicotinic agonist‐binding sites in SH‐EP1‐hα7 and SH‐SY5Y cells, but not in SH‐EP1‐hα4β2 cells. The Ki values for methadone were 6.3 μM in SH‐EP1‐hα7 cells and 19.4 μM and 1008 μM in SH‐SY5Y cells. Methadone increased [Ca2+]i in all cell lines in a concentration‐dependent manner, and in SH‐EP1‐hα7 cells, the effect was more pronounced than the effect of nicotine treatment. In SH‐EP1‐hα4β2 cells, the effect of methadone was negligible compared to that of nicotine. Methadone pre‐treatment abolished the nicotine‐induced response in [Ca2+]i in all cell lines expressing nAChRs. In SH‐EP1‐hα4β2 and SH‐SY5Y cells, methadone had no effect on the 86Rb+ efflux, but it antagonized the nicotine‐induced 86Rb+ ion efflux in a non‐competitive manner. These results suggest that methadone is an agonist at human α7 nAChRs and a non‐competitive antagonist at human α4β2 and α3* nAChRs. This study adds further support to the previous findings that opioids interact with nAChRs, which may underlie their frequent co‐administration in human beings and might be of interest to the field of drug discovery.
Meta‐analysis based variable selection for gene expression data
Authors: Li Quefeng , Wang Sijian , Huang Chiang‐Ching , Yu Menggang , Shao Jun
Published: September 2014

Recent advance in biotechnology and its wide applications have led to the generation of many high‐dimensional gene expression data sets that can be used to address similar biological questions. Meta‐analysis plays an important role in summarizing and synthesizing scientific evidence from multiple studies. When the dimensions of datasets are high, it is desirable to incorporate variable selection into meta‐analysis to improve model interpretation and prediction. According to our knowledge, all existing methods conduct variable selection with meta‐analyzed data in an “all‐in‐or‐all‐out” fashion, that is, a gene is either selected in all of studies or not selected in any study. However, due to data heterogeneity commonly exist in meta‐analyzed data, including choices of biospecimens, study population, and measurement sensitivity, it is possible that a gene is important in some studies while unimportant in others. In this article, we propose a novel method called meta‐lasso for variable selection with high‐dimensional meta‐analyzed data. Through a hierarchical decomposition on regression coefficients, our method not only borrows strength across multiple data sets to boost the power to identify important genes, but also keeps the selection flexibility among data sets to take into account data heterogeneity. We show that our method possesses the gene selection consistency, that is, when sample size of each data set is large, with high probability, our method can identify all important genes and remove all unimportant genes. Simulation studies demonstrate a good performance of our method. We applied our meta‐lasso method to a meta‐analysis of five cardiovascular studies. The analysis results are clinically meaningful.
Clinical audit examining the impact of benzalkonium chloride‐free anti‐glaucoma medications on patients with symptoms of ocular surface disease
Authors: Goldberg Ivan , Graham Stuart L , Crowston Jonathan G , d'Mellow Guy ,   Australian and New Zealand Glaucoma Interest Group
Published: September 2014

Background

Ocular surface disease (OSD) is relatively common in glaucoma patients. OSD symptoms could be linked to prolonged exposure to preservatives in anti‐glaucoma medications, especially benzalkonium chloride (BAK). The OBSERVE clinical audit was designed to track the impact of intraocular pressure lowering medications in patients with evidence of OSD to test the hypothesis that BAK‐free anti‐glaucoma preparations offer clinical advantages over BAK‐containing products.

Design

Prospective clinical audit from March 2012 to April 2013, open to ophthalmologists practising in Australia.

Participants

There were 375 patients enrolled, with a completion rate of 64%. The cohort was predominantly female (68%) with an average age of 71 years.

Methods

Patients were screened for inclusion during a routine consultation. If eligible, they were enrolled. At the ophthalmologist's discretion, some patients were switched to BAK‐free anti‐glaucoma products. Data were collected via an online survey completed by the ophthalmologist during three appointments over a 16‐ to 30‐week period for all patients.

Main Outcome Measures

Intraocular pressure, tear‐film breakup time, McMonnies Dry Eye Questionnaire score and reported lubricant use.

Results

Patients who switched to BAK‐free preparations reported a significant fall in the use of lubricants (P = <0.001). Patients in both groups experienced a significant improvement in McMonnies Dry Eye Questionnaire score (P = <0.0001). The percentage of patients with low tear‐film breakup time decreased significantly in both groups (P = 0.0001). There was no significant change in intraocular pressure from pre‐study levels for either group (P = 0.105).

Conclusions

BAK‐free anti‐glaucoma preparations were associated with a change in lubricant use, suggesting reduction in some OSD symptoms, but more research is needed.
The NobelGuide® All‐on‐4® Treatment Concept for Rehabilitation of Edentulous Jaws: A Prospective Report on Medium‐ and Long‐Term Outcomes
Authors: Lopes Armando , Maló Paulo , de Araújo Nobre Miguel , Sanchez‐Fernández Elena
Published: September 2014

Background

There is a need for long‐term studies on complete edentulous flapless rehabilitations.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term outcomes of the rehabilitation of completely edentulous jaws for immediate function with the All‐on‐4® treatment concept using a computer‐guided surgical protocol (NobelGuide®, Nobel Biocare, Göteborg, Sweden).

Materials and Methods

This prospective clinical study included 23 totally edentulous patients rehabilitated between February 2005 and May 2006 with 92 implants with the All‐on‐4 treatment concept using NobelGuide. Outcome measures were implant survival, marginal bone loss at 1, 3, and 5 years, and the incidence of mechanical and biological complications. Survival was calculated using life‐table analysis.

Results

Two dropouts occurred. The cumulative implant survival rate was 96.6% at 5 years of follow‐up. Prosthetic survival was 100%. The average marginal bone loss was 1.7 mm (standard deviation 1.4 mm) at 1 year, 1.7 mm (standard deviation 0.9 mm) at 3 years, and 1.9 mm (standard deviation 1.1 mm) at 5 years. Seven patients experienced fracture of the definitive prosthesis (6 patients were heavy bruxers), and abutment screw loosening occurred in 2 patients. Two implants in 2 patients showed peri‐implant pathology.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, it is possible to conclude that this treatment modality for completely edentulous jaws is safe and predictable with good long‐term outcomes.
Prosthetic Survival and Complication Rate of Single Implant Treatment in the Periodontally Healthy Patient after 16 to 22 Years of Follow‐Up
Authors: Dierens Melissa , De Bruyn Hugo , Kisch Jenö , Nilner Krister , Cosyn Jan , Vandeweghe Stefan
Published: September 2014

Background

Single implants were introduced in the 1980s, but long‐term follow‐up is scarce.

Purpose

The study aims to retrospectively investigate the prosthetic survival and complication rates of single implants in periodontally healthy patients after 16–22 years, and to evaluate the influence of different prosthetic procedures.

Materials and Methods

Patients with a single implant were recalled for clinical examination. Prosthetic procedures included single‐tooth (ST) and CeraOne (CO) abutments supporting a porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal (PFM), all‐ceramic (CER), or gold‐acrylic (ACR) crown. Prosthetic survival, success, and occurrence of biological, technical, and aesthetic complications were obtained. Procedures were compared by log‐rank tests.

Results

Fifty patients attended the examination. All implants were functional; however, 15% of abutments and 27% of crowns had been renewed. Replacements (1/4) were related to technical issues whereas the main cause was aesthetics. The abutment cumulative survival rate (CSR) differed significantly between ST‐PFM (74%), ST‐ACR (0%), and CO reconstructions (97%). The crown CSR was significantly lower for ST‐ACR crowns (0%) compared with ST‐PFM (68%) and CO (81%). Thirty‐nine percent of implants remained complication free throughout the mean 18.5 years. Complications (1/3) required component replacement, and 53% occurred within 5 years after surgery.

Conclusion

Prosthetic survival rates of single implants are encouraging after 16 to 22 years. However, 66% of the patients encountered at least one complication during follow‐up.
Bacterial Composition at the Implant‐Abutment Connection under Loading in vivo
Authors: Romanos Georgios E. , Biltucci Mary Therese , Kokaras Alexis , Paster Bruce J.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Platform‐switched implants have been demonstrated to prevent bone loss after loading. The present study evaluated bacterial composition of sites from implant‐abutment connections of immediately loaded implants, which were placed in the anterior mandible. Ten patients participated in this study.

Materials and Methods

A and B implant systems with two different prosthetic connections (Morse tapered vs internal polygonal butt‐joint connections, respectively) were placed and loaded for 2 years. The abutments were removed (AB sample) after careful decontamination. Bacterial sampling of the abutments, inner part of the implants (before/visit 1 and after rinsing with chlorhexidine [CHX]/visit 2), and after new abutment connection and loading for 1 additional month, a new sampling (visit 3) was taken to compare the bacteria composition in association with the two connections. Bacterial profiles of samples were determined by using the human oral microbe identification microarray.

Results

A total of 240 samples were analyzed taken at different time intervals. Nonparametric statistical analysis (Wilcoxon Rank sum) with uncorrected alpha (p < .05) and after corrections (Benjamini‐Hochberg) found no statistical significance between the two connections. No significant changes in the overall microbial profiles were detected at the different time intervals. However, there were trends toward presence of periodontitis‐associated species at the B implants in all samples (AB, visit 1, even after CHX irrigation) and after decontamination, abutment replacement, and 1‐month loading period.

Conclusions

CHX irrigation does not seem to have any effect on decontamination of connections. As shown previously, there is significantly more bone loss around B implants compared with A implants. Although there was no statistical difference in the microbial profiles, there was indeed a trend for the presence of typical periodontal pathogens associated with the internal polygonal butt‐joint connection. A possible scenario is that this connection tends to harbor the pathogens that may be involved in subsequent bone loss.
Single Restorations in the Resorbed Posterior Mandible Supported by 6‐mm Implants: A 1‐Year Prospective Case Series Study
Authors: Guljé Felix L , Raghoebar Gerry M , Vissink Arjan , Meijer Henny JA
Published: September 2014

Purpose

The aim of this prospective case series study was to assess the clinical performance of single restorations in the posterior mandible supported by 6‐mm implants.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐one consecutive patients with one or more missing premolars or molars in the posterior mandible and with an estimated bone height of 8 mm between the top of the ridge and alveolar nerve were included. Each patient was to receive one or more 6‐mm implants (OsseoSpeed 4.0 S, Astra Tech Implant System, Dentsply Implants, Mölndal, Sweden) without any grafting. After a 3‐month osseointegration period, the implants were restored with custom‐made titanium abutments (Atlantis abutment, Dentsply Implants) and cemented zirconia‐based porcelain crowns. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at placement of the restoration and 12 months thereafter. Next to this, patients' satisfaction was scored before treatment and after 12 months with the restoration in function.

Results

Implant survival was 100%. From loading to the 12‐month follow‐up, mean marginal bone loss was 0.14 mm (SD: 0.4). Mean scores for plaque, calculus, gingiva, bleeding, and pocket probing depth were low. Patients' satisfaction was high.

Conclusion

One‐year follow‐up data revealed that 6‐mm dental implants inserted in the resorbed posterior mandible provide a solid basis for single tooth restoration.
Soft tissues stability of cad‐cam and stock abutments in anterior regions: 2‐year prospective multicentric cohort study
Authors: Lops Diego , Bressan Eriberto , Parpaiola Andrea , Sbricoli Luca , Cecchinato Denis , Romeo Eugenio
Published: September 2014

Aim

Aim of this study was to verify if the type of implant abutment manufacturing, stock or cad‐cam, could influence the maintenance of stable gingival margins around single restorations in anterior areas.

Methods

After 16 weeks of healing, implants (Osseospeed, Astra Tech Dental Implant) were positioned. Depending on the different fixture inclination and the thickness of buccal peri‐implant soft tissue, abutment selection resulted in four groups: Group 1 (patients with zirconia ZirDesign® stock abutments), Group 2 (titanium stock TiDesign® abutments), Group 3 (zirconia cad‐cam abutments), and Group 4 (titanium cad‐cam abutments). The following parameters were assessed: buccal gingival margin modification (BGM). The modification of the implant gingival margin was followed at 1 and 2 years of follow‐up. A computerized analysis was performed for measurements. Differences between soft tissue margin at baseline and after 2 years measured the gingival margin recession. A general linear model was used to evaluate each group in relation to gingival recession after two years. Tukey's post hoc test was used to compare the mean REC indexes of each group of abutments.

Results

Seventy‐two healthy patients (39 males and 33 females; mean age of 46 years) scheduled for single gap rehabilitation in anterior areas were enrolled. A 100% of implant survival rate was observed after 24 months of function. One failure occurred due to fracture of a Zirconia cad‐cam abutment. Moreover, two abutment screw unscrewing were observed. Both for zirconia and titanium stock abutments (Group 1 and 2), the mean recession of implant buccal soft tissue was of 0.3 mm (SD of 0.3 and 0.4 mm, respectively). Soft tissue mean recession of zirconia and titanium cad‐cam abutments (Group 3 and 4) was of 0.1 and −0.3 mm, respectively (SD of 0.3 and 0.4 mm, respectively). REC values of cad‐cam titanium abutments (Group 4) were significantly lower than that of Group 1 (−0.57 mm), Group 2 (−0.61 mm), and Group 3 (−0.40 mm), respectively (Table ).

Conclusion

In the anterior area, the use of cad‐cam abutments is related to a better soft tissue stability. Such a relationship is significant if cad‐cam titanium abutments are compared to both titanium and zirconia stock abutments.
Assessing ecological correlates of marine bird declines to inform marine conservation
Authors: Vilchis L. Ignacio , Johnson Christine K. , Evenson Joseph R. , Pearson Scott F. , Barry Karen L. , Davidson Peter , Raphael Martin G. , Gaydos Joseph K.
Published: September 2014

Identifying drivers of ecosystem change in large marine ecosystems is central for their effective management and conservation. This is a sizable challenge, particularly in ecosystems transcending international borders, where monitoring and conservation of long‐range migratory species and their habitats are logistically and financially problematic. Here, using tools borrowed from epidemiology, we elucidated common drivers underlying species declines within a marine ecosystem, much in the way epidemiological analyses evaluate risk factors for negative health outcomes to better inform decisions. Thus, we identified ecological traits and dietary specializations associated with species declines in a community of marine predators that could be reflective of ecosystem change. To do so, we integrated count data from winter surveys collected in long‐term marine bird monitoring programs conducted throughout the Salish Sea—a transboundary large marine ecosystem in North America's Pacific Northwest. We found that decadal declines in winter counts were most prevalent among pursuit divers such as alcids (Alcidae) and grebes (Podicipedidae) that have specialized diets based on forage fish, and that wide‐ranging species without local breeding colonies were more prone to these declines. Although a combination of factors is most likely driving declines of diving forage fish specialists, we propose that changes in the availability of low‐trophic prey may be forcing wintering range shifts of diving birds in the Salish Sea. Such a synthesis of long‐term trends in a marine predator community not only provides unique insights into the types of species that are at risk of extirpation and why, but may also inform proactive conservation measures to counteract threats—information that is paramount for species‐specific and ecosystem‐wide conservation.

Evaluación de las Correlaciones Ecológicas de las Declinaciones de Aves Marinas para Informar a la Conservación Marina
Efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in immunocompromised children with H1N1 influenza: a clinical observation
Authors: Gokturk Bahar , Pekcan Sevgi , Guner Sukru Nail , Artac Hasibe , Keles Sevgi , Kirac Mine , Reisli Ismail
Published: September 2014

Background and Aims

The appropriate treatment of pandemic H1N1 influenza which was first identified in April 2009 in Mexico is insufficient especially for immunocompromised patients. We aimed to evaluate the features and prognostic factors of the children with H1N1, especially immunocompromised ones, and whether intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) replacement could aid for a better outcome.

Methods

Twenty‐one hospitalized children with laboratory‐confirmed H1N1 were evaluated retrospectively. Data were extracted from files and electronic medical records.

Results

The median age was 37 (1–216) months; 62% of them were under 5 years of age and 71.4% had one or more underlying disorders. Main symptoms were high fever, cough, fatigue and vomiting. Lower respiratory tract manifestations were seen in 66.6% of children. Mortality rate was 4.7%. The patient who died had the lowest lymphocyte (100/mm3), thrombocyte (21 000/mm3) and highest blood urea nitrogen (87 mg/dL) levels. Fifty‐eight percent of evaluated patients had one of the primary immunodeficiency disorders. Surprisingly, none of the six patients with primary immunodeficiency who are on regular IVIG replacement needed intensive care unit and died. Although median durations of cough, fever and hospitalization were lower, they did not change statistically according to get IVIG replacement regularly (P = 0.47, 0.97, 0.09, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study is important while it is the first one that shows the course of primary immunodeficient children with H1N1 infection who were on regular IVIG replacement. A trial of high‐dose IVIG may be a useful adjunctive therapy in severe H1N1 influenza, particularly in the immunocompromised patients.
Factors signifying gender differences in clinical presentation of sarcoidosis among Estonian population
Authors: Lill Hille , Kliiman Kai , Altraja Alan
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Sarcoidosis is endemically prevalent in Northern Europe, but gender differences among the sarcoidosis population have not yet been compositely addressed.

Objectives

To reveal independent factors that formulate gender differences in the presentation of sarcoidosis.

Methods

All Caucasian patients with confirmed sarcoidosis were recruited from the outpatient department of the Lung Clinic of the Tartu University Hospital, Estonia, between February 2009 and April 2011. Data on demographics, complaints, symptoms, clinical presentation, extrapulmonary manifestations, radiographic stage, lung function parameters and sarcoidosis‐related laboratory indices were all drawn from patients' clinical records at presentation. Factors characteristic of female gender were estimated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of 230 cases included, there were significantly more females (56.5%, P = 0.005). After adjustment for age, females appeared distinguishable from males by older age [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.07], less frequent smoking (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.13–0.49), higher probability of extrapulmonary complaints (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.16–3.65) and musculoskeletal sarcoidosis (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.65–6.29), and after adjustment for both age and smoking status lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s and lung carbon monoxide diffusing coefficient % predicted (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82–0.97 and OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–0.995, respectively), but by higher forced vital capacity % predicted (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03–1.22).

Conclusion

Women with sarcoidosis are independently characterized by greater airflow obstruction, lower lung diffusing coefficient, older age, less smoking, and more frequent extrapulmonary complaints and musculoskeletal involvement. This may urge special attention when addressing female patients in both differential diagnostic and management settings.
Moderating effects of empathic concern and personal distress on the emotional reactions of disaster volunteers
Authors: Cristea Ioana A. , Legge Emanuele , Prosperi Marta , Guazzelli Mario , David Daniel , Gentili Claudio
Published: September 2014

This study examines stress and mood outcomes in community volunteers who undertook one week's worth of post‐disaster relief work in L'Aquila, Italy, which had been hit by an earthquake four months earlier. The study team obtained pre‐ and post‐relief work data from 130 volunteers involved in activities such as preparing food for the displaced, cleaning the camps and distributing clean linen. The Perceived Stress Scale, the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Profile of Mood States were administered at the start and at the end of the aid activities. Psychopathological symptoms and empathy were assessed in the beginning, using the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, respectively. The results show that, following the assistance work, volunteers displayed decreases in perceived stress, general distress, anxiety and anger, as well as increases in positive emotions. The empathy facets empathic concern and personal distress showed different patterns in modulating the post‐disaster relief work adaptation for some of the mood outcomes.
The public health system response to the 2008 Sichuan province earthquake: a literature review and interviews
Authors: Lin Leesa , Ashkenazi Isaac , Dorn Barry C. , Savoia Elena
Published: September 2014

This paper describes and analyses the public health system response to the deadly earthquake in Sichuan province, China, in May 2008. Drawing on an experiential learning project consisting of a literature review and field research, including a series of interviews with medical and public health professionals, policy‐makers and first responders, a conceptual framework was developed to describe the response. This approach emphasises the pre‐existing preparedness level of the medical and public health systems, as well as social, economic and geo‐political factors that had an impact on mitigation efforts. This framework was used to conduct post‐disaster analyses addressing major response issues and examining methods employed during the public health response to the disaster. This framework could be used to describe and analyse the emergency response to other disasters.
Challenges in using hospital billing databases for epidemiology
Authors: Dan Bernard
Published: September 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Wagner et al.on pages 45–52 of this issue.