bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring uses of the UK Clinical Aptitude Test‐situational judgement test in a dental student selection process
Authors: Lambe P. , Kay E. , Bristow D. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimIn 2013 the UKCAT included a non‐cognitive situational judgement test in addition to the four cognitive subtests commonly used by UK dental schools to select students. However, little is known about the situational judgement test's psychometric properties and relationship to other selection tools. This study's aim was explore these issues to inform decisions about the inclusion of the UKCAT SJT in the dental student selection process.MethodThe sample comprised a cohort of applicants to a Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme, at a UK dental school, which does not use achievement in the UKCAT SJT in its selection process. The impact on applicant outcomes of two theoretical uses of the UKCAT SJT was examined. First, SJT Band was used as the criterion for offers of a place instead of the school's admission interview, and second, weighted UKCAT scores, including a weighted SJT Band score, were ranked to make interview invitation decisions. Associations between SJT Band, UKCAT cognitive scores, interview score and performance in first year assessments were examined.ResultsIf SJT Band 1 & 2 were used as the criterion for an offer of a place, some applicants rejected by this school's interview, including ‘red flagged’ applicants, would have received an offer of a place. Using a weighted UKCAT/SJT system for invitation for interview decisions increased the mean total UKCAT cognitive score of those invited for interview but included applicants rejected by this school's structured interview, including ‘red flagged’ applicants. Neither usage disadvantaged under‐represented groups. SJT Band correlated with UKCAT score (n = 228, rs = −0.38, P < 0.01) with interview score (n = 186, rs = −0.17, P < 0.05) but not with first year study assessments.ConclusionThis study has shown that the UKCAT SJT does not add value to the existing methods of this dental school to make valid, reliable and fair student selection decisions.
Epidemiology of bloodstream infections in patients with myeloma receiving current era therapy
Authors: Teh Benjamin W. , Harrison Simon J. , Slavin Monica A. , Worth Leon J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundBloodstream infections (BSIs) are a significant complication of treatment for multiple myeloma (MM). The objective of this study was to define the epidemiology of BSI with current era MM treatment regimens, including immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT).MethodsClinical and microbiology records of patients with MM diagnosed between 2008 and 2012 were reviewed using a standardised tool to capture patient demographics, myeloma characteristics and BSI characteristics (type, severity, outcomes). Conditional risk set modelling was used to determine clinical predictors of BSI.ResultsOf 199 studied patients, 71 (35.6%) had confirmed BSI (98 infection episodes). Peak incidence was 65.1 infections/100 patient‐years at 4–6 months following MM diagnosis with a late peak at 64–66 months. Gram‐positive pathogens were responsible for the majority (54.5%) of infections during induction, whilst gram‐negative pathogens were responsible for the majority (57.7%) of infections during disease progression. Overall, Escherichia coli was the most frequently identified pathogen. Streptococcus pneumoniae comprised 6.1% of all BSIs at a median of 7.5 months following MM diagnosis. Highest rates of ICU admission (23.1%) and mortality (11.5%) were seen with BSIs in patients with progressive disease. Recent ASCT was independently associated with increased BSI risk (HR 3.09, P = 0.05).ConclusionsTreatment of progressive disease is a high‐risk period for infection, evidenced by high proportions of BSI due to gram‐negative pathogens and S. pneumoniae. Targeted evaluation of preventative strategies (prophylaxis, vaccination) to reduce morbidity and mortality during this period is required.
Differential effects of oxytocin on mouse hippocampal oscillations in vitro
Authors: Maier Pia , Kaiser Martin E. , Grinevich Valery , Draguhn Andreas , Both Martin 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) controls childbirth and lactation, is involved in social behaviors, plays a role in various psychiatric disorders, and has effects on learning and memory. Although behavioral effects of OT have been extensively studied, much less is known about its effects on neuronal and network activity patterns. Here, we investigate the effect of OT on two major patterns of hippocampal network activity in mouse hippocampal slices. We studied different in vitro models of gamma‐frequency oscillations and sharp wave‐ripple complexes (SPW‐R), two patterns implicated in spatial memory formation and memory consolidation respectively. Strikingly, we found a profound difference of OT on these distinct, mutually exclusive activity patterns. While gamma oscillations where not affected by the activation of hippocampal OT receptors, SPW‐R were potently and rapidly suppressed. Interestingly, the temporal precision of oscillation‐coupled spikes was enhanced at the same time. Thus, OT exerts strongly different modulatory effects on different network patterns, most likely by inhibition of different sets of inhibitory interneurons. The observed dichotomy between gamma and SPW‐R oscillations may have profound effects on the behavioral and cognitive effects of OT which are relevant to cognitive processes and to psychiatric diseases.
Can we predict ectotherm responses to climate change using thermal performance curves and body temperatures?
Authors: Sinclair Brent J. , Marshall Katie E. , Sewell Mary A. , Levesque Danielle L. , Willett Christopher S. , Slotsbo Stine , Dong Yunwei , Harley Christopher D. G. , Marshall David J. , Helmuth Brian S. , Huey Raymond B. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThermal performance curves (TPCs), which quantify how an ectotherm's body temperature (Tb) affects its performance or fitness, are often used in an attempt to predict organismal responses to climate change. Here, we examine the key – but often biologically unreasonable – assumptions underlying this approach; for example, that physiology and thermal regimes are invariant over ontogeny, space and time, and also that TPCs are independent of previously experienced Tb. We show how a critical consideration of these assumptions can lead to biologically useful hypotheses and experimental designs. For example, rather than assuming that TPCs are fixed during ontogeny, one can measure TPCs for each major life stage and incorporate these into stage‐specific ecological models to reveal the life stage most likely to be vulnerable to climate change. Our overall goal is to explicitly examine the assumptions underlying the integration of TPCs with Tb, to develop a framework within which empiricists can place their work within these limitations, and to facilitate the application of thermal physiology to understanding the biological implications of climate change.
Cost‐effectiveness, in a randomized trial, of glass‐ionomer‐based and resin sealant materials after 4 yr
Authors: Goldman Ann S. , Chen Xi , Fan Mingwen , Frencken Jo E. 
Published: September 2016

This study, conducted from a government program perspective, compared the incremental cost‐effectiveness of oral health interventions, in particular their delivery to underserved populations in whom dental sealants constitute an important, high‐yielding complement to toothbrushing in dental‐caries prevention. The study data concern the relative cost‐effectiveness of three sealant materials in four approaches to prevent cavitated dentine carious lesions in permanent molars in a community intervention trial among school‐age children in Wuhan, China. The four approaches were high‐viscosity glass‐ionomer cement without heat application (HVGIC); high‐viscosity glass‐ionomer cement with heat application [light‐emitting diode (LED) thermocured HVGIC]; glass‐carbomer; and composite resin. The costs studied were: cost of sealing permanent molars; adverse event costs for restoring cavitated dentine carious lesions developing within 4 yr in study data; and projections of 1,000 sealants per group. Preventing one more cavitated dentine carious lesion cost US$105 for the study data when comparing HVGIC (n = 405) with composite resin (n = 396) and US$59 per 1,000 sealants in the projections; LED thermocured HVGIC compared with composite resin cost US$115 for one more cavitated lesion and US$52 per 1,000 sealants, respectively. Although more expensive than composite resin, LED thermocured HVGIC was identified as the most cost‐effective among the sealant materials studied. Ease of application, minimal technical and infrastructure requirements, and cost‐effectiveness make glass‐ionomers a practicable option for governments making decisions under economic constraints.
Genetic variation may explain why females are less susceptible to dental erosion
Authors: Uhlen Marte‐Mari , Stenhagen Kjersti R. , Dizak Piper M. , Holme Børge , Mulic Aida , Tveit Anne B. , Vieira Alexandre R. 
Published: September 2016

Not all individuals at risk for dental erosion (DE) display erosive lesions. The prevalence of DE is higher among male subjects. The occurrence of DE may depend on more than just acidic challenge, with genetics possibly playing a role. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of enamel‐formation genes with DE. One premolar and a saliva sample were collected from 90 individuals. Prepared teeth were immersed in 0.01 M HCl (pH 2.2), and enamel loss (μm) was measured using white light interferometry. DNA was extracted from saliva, and 15 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were analysed. Allele and genotype frequencies were related to the enamel loss of the specimens. Single‐marker and haplotype analyses were performed using sex as a covariate. Mean enamel loss was higher for male donors than for female donors (P = 0.047). Significant associations were found between enamel loss and amelogenin, X‐linked (AMELX), tuftelin 1 (TUFT1), and tuftelin‐interacting protein 11 (TFIP11). Analyses showed significant associations between variation in enamel‐formation genes and a lower susceptibility to DE in female subjects. The results indicate that susceptibility to DE is influenced by genetic variation, and may, in part, explain why some individuals are more susceptible than others to DE, including differences between female subjects and male subjects.
Temporal lobe epilepsy following maintenance electroconvulsive therapy—Electrical kindling in the human brain?
Authors: Bryson Alexander , Gardner Helen , Wilson Ian , Rolfe Tim , Archer John 
Published: September 2016

SummaryMaintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is sometimes prescribed for refractory psychiatric conditions. We describe five patients who received maintenance ECT and developed florid temporal epileptiform abnormalities on electroencephalography (EEG) despite no history of epilepsy and normal neuroimaging. All patients had received regular ECT for at least 8 months. Three patients had clinical events consistent with epileptic seizures, and video‐EEG monitoring captured electrographic seizures in two patients. After cessation of ECT the EEGs normalized in all patients, and no further clinical seizures occurred. Maintenance ECT may predispose to epilepsy with a seizure focus in the temporal lobe.
Environmental predictability of taxonomic and functional community composition in high‐latitude streams
Authors: Tolonen Katri E. , Leinonen Kirsti , Marttila Hannu , Erkinaro Jaakko , Heino Jani 
Published: September 2016

Summary

In stream ecology, it has traditionally been proposed that local habitat conditions pose a strong environmental filter resulting in predictable community types. However, recent studies have demonstrated continuous rather than discrete community variation along environmental gradients across streams.

Our aim was to examine the continuity of stream communities using functional traits of benthic macroinvertebrates. Using previous studies and the environmental filtering paradigm as a background, we hypothesised that the taxonomic composition of communities should vary continuously over environmental gradients, whereas the functional composition of communities should form discrete community types according to specific habitat conditions. As stream environmental characteristics vary between seasons, we also asked if this had an effect on the characteristics of community variation in time.

Our data were collected from 50 streams draining into the River Tenojoki (70°N, 27°E) in Finland and Norway. The first data set was collected during late spring 2013 and the second data set during early autumn of the same year. Using multivariate regression trees and constrained ordination methods, we analysed the relationships of taxonomic and functional composition of macroinvertebrate communities to various in‐stream environmental factors.

Our results suggest that the variation in the importance of environmental factors between seasons combined with the high heterogeneity of habitats precludes the formation of clear taxonomic and functional community types in northern streams.

Conservation efforts should hence focus on including variability in environmental conditions so as to encompass all components of biological communities. However, as there were some noticeable responses of individual traits to different environmental factors, discrete functional communities may be found if key traits of the organisms can be identified.
Social activities are associated with cognitive decline in older Koreans
Authors: Kim DaeHyun , Arai Hidenori , Kim SungHi 
Published: September 2016

AimSocial activity seems to be important for the prevention of cognitive impairment and frailty. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether social activities are associated with the development of cognitive impairment in Korean older people.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Korean National Longitudinal Study on Aging. A total of 2495 Korean community‐dwelling older adults (1163 men and 1332 women) aged between 65 and 79 years at the first wave of the Korean National Longitudinal Study on Aging were used for analysis. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini‐Mental State Examination in 2006 and 2012. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out by adjusting covariates, such as age, sex, education, employment, Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression and instrumental activities of daily living scores, and weight loss.ResultsAmong the participants, 951 participants (38.1%) showed cognitive decline. Compared with those who participated in a large number of group social activities, multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios of cognitive decline in those who participated in a moderate and small number of group activities were 1.18 (95% CI 0.93–1.48) and 1.80 (95% CI 1.16–1.90), respectively. Among six types of group social activities, two types (social club/café and alumni) showed a significant correlation with less cognitive decline; adjusted odds ratios of the group with a small number of activities were 1.31 (95% CI 1.09–1.56) and 1.46 (95% CI 1.10–1.93), respectively, compared with the group with a large number of activities. Personal social activities and the other four types of activities (religious, political, leisure and volunteer) did not affect the outcome.ConclusionsTwo social group activities (social club/café and alumni) were significantly associated with less cognitive decline in older Koreans. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1191–1196.
Reliability of delivered dialysate sodium concentration
Authors: Ekbal Nasirul J , Consalus Anne , Persaud Jahm , Davenport Andrew 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackground The results of studies investigating the effects of hyponatraemic dialysates have been mixed, with some reporting positive effects including reduction in blood pressure and inter‐dialytic weight gains, whereas others have not been able to demonstrate any effect. These studies assume that setting a lower dialysate sodium results in the delivery of a hyponatraemic dialysate. We therefore measured delivered sodium to determine reliability.Methods We measured dialysate sodium in 10 BBraun Dialog+® and 6 Fresenius 4008H dialysis machines, which had been set up to deliver a sodium of 136 mmol/L, using flame photometry and indirect ion selective electrode (ISE) methods.Results Dialysate conductivity was 13.85 ± 0.05 mS/cm, but dialysate sodium measured by flame photometry was 141.8 ± 2.9 mmol/L, and 142.5 ± 2.4 mmol/L by ISE. Both dialysis machines delivered a dialysate sodium in excess of the 136 mmol/L set, with a mean bias of 7.0 ±2.1 mmol/L for the Dialog+®, and 3.7 ± 2.6 for the 4008 with the flame photometer method, and a mean bias of 6.3 ± 1.3 mmol/L for the Dialog+®, and 6.8 ± 3.7 for the 4008 by ISE.Conclusion It is assumed when setting a dialysate sodium concentration that this sodium concentration is delivered. However we found that the dialysate sodium concentration delivered was greater than that set, despite the dialysis machines reporting a conductivity measurement in keeping with a lower sodium dialysate. Trials of lowered dialysate sodium therefore need to measure dialysate sodium concentrations to ensure what has been set is delivered.
Nestedness of habitat specialists within habitat generalists in a butterfly assemblage
Authors: Trivellini Guido , Polidori Carlo , Pasquaretta Cristian , Orsenigo Simone , Bogliani Giuseppe 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

The habitat requirements of a species are the resources, conditions and space required for survival and reproduction. The habitat requirements of butterflies have been well studied, but the extent to which individuals within a species and between species utilise and share the habitat is poorly known.

In a butterfly assemblage in northern Italy, we found that adults from 30 species avoid deciduous high‐density forests and their ecotones, and they were positively related to open areas and their ecotones. Besides these common features, five groups of species can be discriminated in relation to a gradient from open area to forest, and species within groups were not equally specialised, as observed from a bipartite network analysis. In particular, some species appeared to be specialised and others appeared to be generalist, suggesting a nested pattern of resource use, rather than a clustered pattern in which each species uses a different subset of habitat types.

The degree of variation in specialisation among species varied with the number of species falling in each group. Thus, an increased number of species, and thus possibly competition, is more likely to promote the co‐occurrence of generalist and specialised species (nested patterns) rather than an increased niche segregation among species.

Ascertaining how species overlap their habitat use at a local scale can be relevant for conservation purposes, because specialised populations are potentially more susceptible to network distortions.
Lichen myxedematosus: diagnostic criteria, classification, and severity grading
Authors: Nofal Ahmad , Amer Hala , Alakad Rania , Nofal Eman , Desouky Fatma El , Yosef Ayman , Albalat Waleed , Gharib Khaled , Mostafa Inass , Fathy Sahar , Waked Monira , Ragheb Eman , Gammaz Hanan 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundLichen myxedematosus (LM) is a rare, chronic idiopathic disorder characterized clinically by waxy, closely set papules and histopathologically by diffuse dermal mucin deposition and fibroblast proliferation. The most recent classification of LM was proposed in 2001; however, it seems to be complex, confusing, and imprecise. Herein, we present seven cases of LM to evaluate the validity of the current classification, to propose new diagnostic criteria and classification, and to suggest a clinically relevant severity grading system for this rare disorder.Materials and methodsThe study included seven patients with different presentations and severities of LM. All patients were subjected to thorough dermatological and systemic examination, routine laboratory tests, evaluation of thyroid function, protein electrophoresis, and detailed investigations to detect systemic involvement.ResultsThe current classification does not meet the requirements of proper diagnosis of different presentations of LM. Subtyping of the studied patients differs greatly according to the old classification and the newly proposed one. New diagnostic criteria, classification, and grading are consequently suggested.ConclusionsWe propose two sets of diagnostic criteria to define the disease more precisely and to avoid confusion associated with the other classification. The first set comprises constant clinical and histopathological features that are always present in every case, and the second set includes associated features that were variably reported in some patients. LM is then subclassified according to the presence or absence of systemic manifestations into a systemic severe form (scleromyxedema) and a non‐disabling, pure cutaneous form.
Continental‐scale analysis of feral cat diet in Australia, prey‐switching and the risk: benefit of rabbit control
Authors: Mutze Greg 
Published: September 2016

AbstractRecent analyses of geographical variation in cats’ diet across Australia have been used to highlight rabbit control as a conservation risk, on the basis that prey‐switching by cats following rabbit control is likely to threaten Australian fauna. There is no direct evidence to support that proposition. However, there is direct evidence of repeated prey‐switching due to seasonal fluctuations in uncontrolled rabbit populations, of long‐term suppression of rabbit numbers by effective rabbit control, and that reduced rabbit abundance leads to reduced cat abundance, reduced predation of native fauna and recovery of threatened prey populations. Furthermore, rabbits are a known threat to many Australian native plants and rabbit control has proven benefits for their recovery, thereby offering long‐term benefits for dependent fauna and broader ecosystem function. On the balance of evidence, rabbit control should be encouraged in Australia wherever possible, as a national conservation priority.
Root coverage with connective tissue graft associated with coronally advanced flap or tunnel technique: a randomized, double‐blind, mono‐centre clinical trial
Authors: Azaripour Adriano , Kissinger Maren , Farina Vittorio Siro Leone , Van Noorden Cornelis J.F. , Gerhold‐Ay Aslihan , Willershausen Brita , Cortellini Pierpaolo 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the coronally advanced flap (CAF) with the modified microsurgical tunnel technique (MMTT) for treatment of Miller class I and II recessions.Material and MethodsForty patients with 71 gingival recessions were recruited and randomly assigned to either CAF or to MMTT. In both groups, a connective tissue graft was applied. Clinical evaluations were performed after 3, 6, and 12 months. Impressions were taken and digitally scanned three‐dimensionally to evaluate the quantitative soft tissue changes in the operative region. Patient satisfaction was measured with the root coverage aesthetic score (RES).ResultsAfter a period of 12 months, significant differences were not found between the two groups. Root coverage was 98.3% for CAF and 97.2% for MMTT. The evaluation of the aesthetic outcome using RES showed good results in both groups. The RES score was in accordance with subjective patient satisfaction. There was no significant difference in the amount of volumetric changes.ConclusionsCAF and MMTT with the additional use of a graft are equally successful in covering gingival recessions of Miller class I and II, with high aesthetic results. All patients indicated their willingness for further periodontal surgery.