bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexually dimorphic effect of mating on the melanotic encapsulation response in the harem‐defending Wellington tree weta, Hemideina crassidens (Orthoptera: Tettigonioidea: Anostostomatidae)
Authors: Kelly Clint D.
Published: July 2017

Reproductive activities are generally costly to immune responsiveness because limited resources required by reproduction are diverted away from immunity (and vice versa). Reproduction, however, is not expected to affect the immune response in males and females similarly as mating is expected to negatively affect male immunity more so than female immunity. Here, I test the phenotypic plasticity hypothesis in the Wellington tree weta (Hemideina crassidens), a sexually dimorphic orthopteran insect that is endemic to New Zealand. My laboratory experiment showed that although males had higher rates of melanotic encapsulation than females, contrary to prediction, females were the only sex significantly affected by mating and the effect was positive. In addition to immunity differing between the sexes, immune function can differ intrasexually, particularly when males are polymorphic and different investment strategies are used to maximize fitness. Male H. crassidens exhibit alternative mating strategies that are represented by three different morphotypes. I therefore explored whether the morphs differed in their melanotic encapsulation response and whether mating affected the morphs differently. I found no difference among morphs or an effect of mating on male immune response.
Rate of warming affects temperature sensitivity of anaerobic peat decomposition and greenhouse gas production
Authors: Sihi Debjani , Inglett Patrick W. , Gerber Stefan , Inglett Kanika S.
Published: July 2017

Temperature sensitivity of anaerobic carbon mineralization in wetlands remains poorly represented in most climate models and is especially unconstrained for warmer subtropical and tropical systems which account for a large proportion of global methane emissions. Several studies of experimental warming have documented thermal acclimation of soil respiration involving adjustments in microbial physiology or carbon use efficiency (CUE), with an initial decline in CUE with warming followed by a partial recovery in CUE at a later stage. The variable CUE implies that the rate of warming may impact microbial acclimation and the rate of carbon‐dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) production. Here, we assessed the effects of warming rate on the decomposition of subtropical peats, by applying either a large single‐step (10°C within a day) or a slow ramping (0.1°C/day for 100 days) temperature increase. The extent of thermal acclimation was tested by monitoring CO2 and CH4 production, CUE, and microbial biomass. Total gaseous C loss, CUE, and MBC were greater in the slow (ramp) warming treatment. However, greater values of CH4–C:CO2–C ratios lead to a greater global warming potential in the fast (step) warming treatment. The effect of gradual warming on decomposition was more pronounced in recalcitrant and nutrient‐limited soils. Stable carbon isotopes of CH4 and CO2 further indicated the possibility of different carbon processing pathways under the contrasting warming rates. Different responses in fast vs. slow warming treatment combined with different endpoints may indicate alternate pathways with long‐term consequences. Incorporations of experimental results into organic matter decomposition models suggest that parameter uncertainties in CUE and CH4–C:CO2–C ratios have a larger impact on long‐term soil organic carbon and global warming potential than uncertainty in model structure, and shows that particular rates of warming are central to understand the response of wetland soils to global climate change.
Half the story: Thermal effects on within‐host infectious disease progression in a warming climate
Authors: Stewart Alexander , Hablützel Pascal I. , Brown Martha , Watson Hayley V. , Parker‐Norman Sophie , Tober Anya V. , Thomason Anna G. , Friberg Ida M. , Cable Joanne , Jackson Joseph A.
Published: July 2017

Immune defense is temperature dependent in cold‐blooded vertebrates (CBVs) and thus directly impacted by global warming. We examined whether immunity and within‐host infectious disease progression are altered in CBVs under realistic climate warming in a seasonal mid‐latitude setting. Going further, we also examined how large thermal effects are in relation to the effects of other environmental variation in such a setting (critical to our ability to project infectious disease dynamics from thermal relationships alone). We employed the three‐spined stickleback and three ecologically relevant parasite infections as a “wild” model. To generate a realistic climatic warming scenario we used naturalistic outdoors mesocosms with precise temperature control. We also conducted laboratory experiments to estimate thermal effects on immunity and within‐host infectious disease progression under controlled conditions. As experimental readouts we measured disease progression for the parasites and expression in 14 immune‐associated genes (providing insight into immunophenotypic responses). Our mesocosm experiment demonstrated significant perturbation due to modest warming (+2°C), altering the magnitude and phenology of disease. Our laboratory experiments demonstrated substantial thermal effects. Prevailing thermal effects were more important than lagged thermal effects and disease progression increased or decreased in severity with increasing temperature in an infection‐specific way. Combining laboratory‐determined thermal effects with our mesocosm data, we used inverse modeling to partition seasonal variation in Saprolegnia disease progression into a thermal effect and a latent immunocompetence effect (driven by nonthermal environmental variation and correlating with immune gene expression). The immunocompetence effect was large, accounting for at least as much variation in Saprolegnia disease as the thermal effect. This suggests that managers of CBV populations in variable environments may not be able to reliably project infectious disease risk from thermal data alone. Nevertheless, such projections would be improved by primarily considering prevailing thermal effects in the case of within‐host disease and by incorporating validated measures of immunocompetence.
SYCP3 regulates strand invasion activities of RAD51 and DMC1
Authors: Kobayashi Wataru , Hosoya Noriko , Machida Shinichi , Miyagawa Kiyoshi , Kurumizaka Hitoshi
Published: July 2017

The synaptonemal complex is a higher‐ordered proteinaceous architecture formed between homologous chromosomes. SYCP3 is a major component of the lateral/axial elements in the synaptonemal complex and is essential for meiotic recombination. Previous genetic studies showed that SYCP3 functions in meiotic homologous recombination biased to interhomologous chromosomes, by regulating the strand invasion activities of the RAD51 and DMC1 recombinases. However, the mechanism by which SYCP3 regulates RAD51‐ and DMC1‐mediated strand invasion remains elusive. In this study, we found that SYCP3 significantly suppresses the RAD51‐mediated, but not the DMC1‐mediated, strand invasion reaction by competing with HOP2‐MND1, which is an activator for both RAD51 and DMC1. A SYCP3 mutant with defective RAD51 binding does not inhibit the RAD51‐mediated homologous recombination in human cells. Therefore, SYCP3 may promote the DMC1‐driven homologous recombination by attenuating the RAD51 activity during meiosis.
The histopathological classification, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of mucinous appendiceal neoplasms, appendiceal adenocarcinomas and pseudomyxoma peritonei
Authors: Carr Norman J , Bibeau Frederic , Bradley Robert F , Dartigues Peggy , Feakins Roger M , Geisinger Kim R , Gui Xianyong , Isaac Sylvie , Milione Massimo , Misdraji Joseph , Pai Reetesh K , Rodriguez‐Justo Manuel , Sobin Leslie H , van Velthuysen Marie‐Louise F , Yantiss Rhonda K
Published: July 2017

The vermiform appendix is the primary site of several distinctive benign and malignant neoplasms. Some can produce the clinical syndrome of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). A consensus on their terminology was reached by an international panel of pathologists and clinicians working under the auspices of the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI), and this review discusses the application of the PSOGI classification to routine reporting. We discuss diagnosis and differential diagnosis together with implications for patient management, covering low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms, high‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms, serrated polyps, adenomas and adenocarcinomas. We do not cover goblet cell tumours or neuroendocrine neoplasms in this paper.
Short‐term and long‐term clinical outcomes of uncommon types of invasive breast cancer
Authors: Yang Mu , Bao Wei , Zhang Xinmin , Kang Yibin , Haffty Bruce , Zhang Lanjing
Published: July 2017

Aims

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) are predominant and well‐documented types of invasive breast cancer (IBC). We investigated the clinical outcomes of other types of IBC (i.e. uncommon IBC), which collectively account for Σ20% of all IBC cases, as these are largely unknown.

Methods and results

We identified all IBC cases diagnosed in 2004–2006 (n = 159 293) and 2010–2011 (n = 118 822) from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Uncommon IBCs included mixed IDC and ILC (MDLC), IDC mixed with other types of carcinoma, ILC mixed with other types of carcinoma, and other‐type breast cancers (OCs). We estimated overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival in multivariate regression models. As compared with IDC, MDLC was associated with an increased OS [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.92, P < 0.001 at Σ10 years of follow‐up; aHR = 0.88, P = 0.01 at Σ4 years of follow‐up], whereas OCs were associated with a decreased OS (aHR = 1.06, P = 0.005 at Σ10 years of follow‐up; aHR = 1.23, P < 0.001 at Σ4 years of follow‐up). Women with other uncommon IBCs had an OS similar to those with IDC. Heterogeneity in survival was observed for some subtypes of OC, with better OS for women with MDLC and tubular carcinoma. Radiotherapy extended OS for all types of IBC in older women (≥50 years). For younger women (<50 years), radiotherapy improved OS in women with IDC, but not in those with ILC or uncommon IBC. Radiotherapy did not change cancer‐specific survival of younger women with any IBC.

Conclusions

Uncommon IBCs have distinct patterns of prognosis and survival. The effectiveness of radiotherapy in women with uncommon IBC may differ by age. The underlying mechanisms warrant further studies.
Antibiotic prescription for endodontic infections: a survey of Brazilian Endodontists
Authors: Bolfoni M. R. , Pappen F. G. , Pereira‐Cenci T. , Jacinto R. C.
Published: July 2017

Aim

To investigate antibiotic prescribing habits reported by Brazilian endodontists in specific clinical situations.

Methodology

Brazilian endodontists (n = 13 853) were invited to answer an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: the first part contained personal data such as age, gender, years of experience and location of endodontic practice; the second part included questions regarding their behaviour when prescribing antibiotics in dental practice. The subjects provided their registration number in the Regional Council of Dentistry (RCD) to prevent duplication of data. Data were collected and analysed by SPSS 17.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests were used to test the significance of possible associations (P < 0.05).

Results

From the 13 853 questionnaires, a total of 615 were answered (4.44%). The first‐choice antibiotic was amoxicillin (81.5%), followed by amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (30.7%). For acute apical abscesses with intra‐ and extraoral diffuse swelling, fever and trismus, 90.1% reported they would prescribe antibiotics, whilst 88.1% reported they would prescribe antibiotics even without extraoral swelling, fever and trismus, and 20.5% would prescribe antibiotics in cases of chronic apical periodontitis, and sinus tract. The first‐choice antibiotics varied by age of dentist (P < 0.001) and time elapsed since their endodontic graduation (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Many endodontists reported prescribing antibiotics in situations where they would not be indicated. Likewise, the general administration of antibiotics was longer in duration than necessary, reinforcing the need of continuous education regarding the use of antibiotics.
External cervical resorption: a three‐dimensional classification
Authors: Patel S. , Foschi F. , Mannocci F. , Patel K.
Published: July 2017

This article describes a novel three‐dimensional classification for external cervical resorption (ECR). The European Society of Endodontology and American Association of Endodontists & American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology position statements advise that Cone beam computed tomography should be considered for the assessment and/or management of root resorption if it appears to be clinically amenable to treatment following clinical and conventional radiographic examination. The new classification takes into account the ECR lesion height (1: at CEJ level or coronal to the bone crest (supracrestal), 2: extends into the coronal third of the root and apical to the bone crest (subcrestal), 3: extends into the mid‐third of the root, 4: extends into the apical third of the root), circumferential spread (A: ≤90° B: ≤180° C: ≤270° D: >270°) and proximity to the root canal (d: lesion confined to dentine, p: probable pulpal involvement), thus classifying ECR in three dimensions. At present, there is no classification to accurately describe ECR. This novel and clinically relevant three‐dimensional classification should allow effective and accurate communication of ECR lesions between colleagues. It will also allow the effect of the nature of ECR on the outcome of treatment to be assessed objectively.
Apical stress distribution under vertical compaction of gutta‐percha and occlusal loads in canals with varying apical sizes: a three‐dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Yuan K. , Niu C. , Xie Q. , Jiang W. , Gao L. , Ma R. , Huang Z.
Published: July 2017

Aim

To investigate and compare the effects of two apical canal instrumentation protocols on apical stress distribution at the root apex under vertical compaction of gutta‐percha and occlusal loads using finite element analysis.

Methodology

Three finite element analysis models of a mandibular first premolar were reconstructed: an original canal model, a size 35, .04 taper apical canal enlargement model and a Lightspeed size 60 apical canal enlargement model. A 15 N compaction force was applied vertically to the gutta‐percha 5 mm from the apex. A 175 N occlusal load in two directions (vertical and 45° to the longitudinal axis of the tooth) was simulated. Stresses in the apical 2 mm of the root were calculated and compared among the three models.

Results

Under vertical compaction, stresses in the apical canal instrumented by Lightspeed size 60 (maximal 3.3 MPa) were higher than that of the size 35, .04 taper model (maximal 1.3 MPa). In the case of the two occlusal forces, the Lightspeed size 60 apical enlargement was associated with the greatest stress distribution in the apical region. The greatest stress and the most obvious stress difference between the models appeared at the tip of the root when occlusal and vertical compaction loads were applied.

Conclusions

Apical enlargement caused stress distribution changes in the apical region of roots. The larger apical size led to higher stress concentration at the root apex.
CD73 expression identifies a subset of IgM+ antigen‐experienced cells with memory attributes that is T cell and CD40 signalling dependent
Authors: D'Souza Lucas , Gupta Sneh Lata , Bal Vineeta , Rath Satyajit , George Anna
Published: July 2017

B‐cell memory was long characterized as isotype‐switched, somatically mutated and germinal centre (GC)‐derived. However, it is now clear that the memory pool is a complex mixture that includes unswitched and unmutated cells. Further, expression of CD73, CD80 and CD273 has allowed the categorization of B‐cell memory into multiple subsets, with combinatorial expression of the markers increasing with GC progression, isotype‐switching and acquisition of somatic mutations. We have extended these findings to determine whether these markers can be used to identify IgM memory phenotypically as arising from T‐dependent versus T‐independent responses. We report that CD73 expression identifies a subset of antigen‐experienced IgM+ cells that share attributes of functional B‐cell memory. This subset is reduced in the spleens of T‐cell‐deficient and CD40‐deficient mice and in mixed marrow chimeras made with mutant and wild‐type marrow, the proportion of CD73+ IgM memory is restored in the T‐cell‐deficient donor compartment but not in the CD40‐deficient donor compartment, indicating that CD40 ligation is involved in its generation. We also report that CD40 signalling supports optimal expression of CD73 on splenic T cells and age‐associated B cells (ABCs), but not on other immune cells such as neutrophils, marginal zone B cells, peritoneal cavity B‐1 B cells and regulatory T and B cells. Our data indicate that in addition to promoting GC‐associated memory generation during B‐cell differentiation, CD40‐signalling can influence the composition of the unswitched memory B‐cell pool. They also raise the possibility that a fraction of ABCs may represent T‐cell‐dependent IgM memory.
CCR6 promotes steady‐state mononuclear phagocyte association with the intestinal epithelium, imprinting and immune surveillance
Authors: McDonald Keely G. , Wheeler Leroy W. , McDole Jeremiah R. , Joerger Shannon , Gustafsson Jenny K. , Kulkarni Devesha H. , Knoop Kathryn A. , Williams Ifor R. , Miller Mark J. , Newberry Rodney D.
Published: July 2017

The intestinal lamina propria (LP) contains antigen‐presenting cells with features of dendritic cells and macrophages, collectively referred to as mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs). Association of MNPs with the epithelium is thought to play an important role in multiple facets of intestinal immunity including imprinting MNPs with the ability to induce IgA production, inducing the expression of gut homing molecules on T cells, facilitating the capture of luminal antigens and microbes, and subsequent immune responses in the mesenteric lymph node (MLN). However, the factors promoting this process in the steady state are largely unknown, and in vivo models to test and confirm the importance of LP‐MNP association with the epithelium for these outcomes are unexplored. Evaluation of epithelial expression of chemoattractants in mice where MNP–epithelial associations were impaired suggested CCL20 as a candidate promoting epithelial association. Expression of CCR6, the only known receptor for CCL20, was required for MNPs to associate with the epithelium. LP‐MNPs from CCR6−/− mice did not display defects in acquiring antigen and stimulating T‐cell responses in ex vivo assays or in responses to antigen administered systemically. However, LP‐MNPs from CCR6‐deficient mice were impaired at acquiring luminal and epithelial antigens, inducing IgA production in B cells, inducing immune responses in the MLN, and capturing and trafficking luminal commensal bacteria to the MLN. These findings identify a crucial role for CCR6 in promoting LP‐MNPs to associate with the intestinal epithelium in the steady state to perform multiple functions promoting gut immune homeostasis.
Evidence that Two‐Year‐Old Children are Sensitive to Information Presented in Arguments
Authors: Castelain Thomas , Bernard Stéphane , Mercier Hugo
Published: July 2017

Preschoolers are more likely to endorse testimony supported by strong arguments than by weak, circular ones. Two‐year‐olds exchange arguments with others, but no experiment has demonstrated that they are sensitive to information presented as argument. In the first phase of this study, 2‐year‐olds were shown ambiguous pictures—for instance a bird–fish hybrid—and asked what they thought the picture represented. An informant then contradicted them, providing either a strong argument, a circular argument, or no argument, and the children were asked what they now thought the hybrid was. The second phase was identical to the first, with new hybrids, except that the informant never provided any argument for her position. Finally, in the third phase, the informant left the room and the children were asked again to tell what the hybrids from the first two phases were. On the whole, there was an effect of the amount of information provided in the argument so that children were more likely to endorse labels provided by the informant who had supported her answer with a strong argument in the first phase. Moreover, they generalized the trust granted to informants who provided strong arguments. These results constitute the first experimental demonstration that 2‐year‐olds possess some argument evaluation skills.
Compression therapy – cross‐sectional observational survey about knowledge and practical treatment of specialised and non‐specialised nurses and therapists
Authors: Heyer Kristina , Protz Kerstin , Augustin Matthias
Published: July 2017

Knowledge about methods and materials and their correct usage is the basis for compression therapy. This study compares knowledge and practical skills of participants with further training with those who had no training. This comparison provides information on whether further qualifications have an impact on knowledge and practical skills.

In seminars for compression therapy, data on specific and non‐specific expertise were acquired. A practical test determined the participants' skills for creating a compression bandage in a pressure value range of 50–60 mmHg.

In total, 1338 participants with specific expertise and 138 participants with non‐specific expertise took part. Knowledge evaluation showed that 7·9% of the specific expertise group had knowledge regarding padding, 10% regarding multi‐component systems and 13·6% regarding ulcer stocking systems. In the practical test, 12·3% of all participants achieved the target range.

The majority of users in both groups is not familiar with the different compression materials or their appropriate usage. In the non‐specific expertise group, knowledge concerning up‐to‐date materials and methods is one‐third lower. The practical test showed major deficits on both sides. Appropriate exercises, for example, with pressure‐measuring devices, should be mandatory for all professional groups who perform compression bandaging.
The detrimental impact of extracellular bacterial proteases on wound healing
Authors: Lindsay Sharon , Oates Angela , Bourdillon Katie
Published: July 2017

In addition to clinical signs of infection (e.g. inflammation, purulence and pain), a microbial count of ≥105 colony‐forming units/g has historically been used to define wound infection. However, it is increasingly recognised that, rather than a high bioburden level alone being detrimental to wound healing, it is the virulence of the invading microorganism and the host's immune status that can affect clinical outcomes. Bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, have developed a range of virulence factors to help them overcome host defences and proliferate within the underlying soft tissue. More specifically, bacterial proteases are one such virulence factor that has been implicated in promoting the invasion and destruction of the host tissue. Because of the complexities of microorganisms, the proteases can negatively impact the wound environment, leading to delayed wound healing. The aim of the present paper is to describe various extracellular bacterial proteases; review the impact they have on the wound environment, the host immune response and biofilms; and discuss potential wound management strategies against them. The evidence discussed suggests that proteases may play a profound role in wound infections, contribute to the development of an inflammatory response and impede wound healing.
Effect of the morphology of solution‐grown ZnO nanostructures on gas‐sensing properties
Authors: Zhang Shaolin , Nguyen Son T. , Nguyen Thuy H. , Yang Woochul , Noh Jin‐Seo
Published: July 2017

Despite the great potential of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures as a sensing material for high‐performance gas sensors, the correlation between the morphology of ZnO nanostructure and its gas‐sensing performance has not been systematically investigated yet. In this work, ZnO nanostructures with controlled morphologies were synthesized by low‐temperature solution route and chemical bath deposition method. Thin film gas sensors were fabricated from the nanostructures and the sensor performance such as the response, recovery time, and stability was examined for several gases. It is demonstrated that the gas‐sensing performance of a ZnO nanostructure sensor is strongly influenced by its morphology. One dimensional ZnO nanocones are highly promising for practical application to gas sensors, due to their large surface area per unit mass and unique conical structure.
Knowledge, understanding and experiences of peritonitis amongst patients, and their families, undertaking peritoneal dialysis: A mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Baillie Jessica , Gill Paul , Courtenay Molly
Published: July 2017

Aim

This article is a report of a study protocol designed to examine patients’ and families’ knowledge and experiences of peritoneal dialysis‐associated peritonitis.

Background

Peritonitis is a considerable problem for people using peritoneal dialysis, leading to antibiotics, hospitalization and decreased quality of life. For some patients, peritonitis requires changing renal replacement therapy and can be fatal. Peritonitis is distressing and some patients are unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms. Patients with better knowledge of peritonitis and adherence to peritoneal dialysis procedures have lower rates of peritonitis. Little is known about patients’ and families’ knowledge and experience of peritoneal dialysis‐associated peritonitis in the United Kingdom.

Design

Ethical approval was gained in March 2017. To meet the study aim, a two‐phase sequential explanatory mixed methods study is proposed.

Methods

Phase One: An author‐developed questionnaire will be sent to patients using peritoneal dialysis at five sites in England and Wales. Patients will be asked to consider inviting a relative to participate. The questionnaire will assess peritonitis knowledge and experience. Data will be analysed statistically.

Phase Two: Semi‐structured interviews will be conducted with a purposive sample of Phase One participants (n = 30) to explore their experiences of peritonitis in further depth. The data will be analysed thematically using Wolcott's (1994) approach.

Discussion

Data from the two phases will be synthesized to identify patients’ and families’ peritonitis information needs, to ensure they are appropriately supported to prevent, monitor, identify and report peritonitis.
Supraventricular premature beats and risk of new‐onset atrial fibrillation in coronary artery disease
Authors: Nortamo Santeri , Kenttä Tuomas V. , Ukkola Olavi , Huikuri Heikki V. , Perkiömäki Juha S.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

The significance of premature atrial contraction (PAC) count and supraventricular runs (SVR) for the risk of development of new‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is not well established.

Methods

The Innovation to Reduce Cardiovascular Complications of Diabetes at the Intersection (ARTEMIS) study cohort consisted of 1,946 patients with CAD who underwent clinical and echocardiographic examinations, 24‐hour ambulatory ECG monitoring, and laboratory tests. After excluding patients who were not in sinus rhythm at baseline or were lost from the follow‐up, the present study included 1,710 patients. SVR was defined as at least four PACs in a row with a duration <30 seconds.

Results

During a follow‐up for an average 5.6 ± 1.5 years, new‐onset AF was identified in 143 (8.4%) patients. In the univariate analysis, both SVR and PAC count were associated with the development of new‐onset AF. When SVR and PAC count were adjusted with the established AF risk markers of the modified CHARGE‐AF model in the Cox multivariate regression analysis, both parameters remained significant predictors of the occurrence of new‐onset AF (HR = 2.529, 95 % CI = 1.763–3.628, P ˂ 0.001 and HR = 8.139 for ≥1,409 PACs [the fourth quartile] vs. ≤507 PACs [the first quartile], 95 % CI = 3.967–16.696, P ˂ 0.001, respectively). Together these parameters improved the C‐index of the established AF risk model from 0.649 to 0.718, P < 0.001.

Conclusion

Including SVR and PAC count to the established AF risk model improves the discrimination accuracy in predicting AF in patients with CAD.
Idiopathic male infertility related to periodontal and caries status
Authors: Práger Nándor , Pásztor Norbert , Várnagy Ákos , Kozinszky Zoltan , Baráth Zoltán , Gorzó István , Radnai Márta
Published: July 2017

Objectives

This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible correlation between the periodontal and dental status and sperm pathology in idiopathic male infertility.

Methods

The periodontal and caries status and semen quality of 199 men presented with unexplained male infertility were examined. Periodontal and dental factors were analysed by sperm pathology categories.

Results

A total of 106 men had normal sperm parameters, whereas 93 men had some type of spermpathology; 27.95% had oligozoospermia, 23.65% asthenozoospermia, 16.12% cryptozoospermia, 32.25% combined oligo‐asthenozoospermia. Poor periodontal status was found in about half of the study group (45.7%). The DMFT index was not a significantly higher in any of the spermpathology groups. The odds ratio of calculus, bleeding on probing (BOP) and BOP at ≥50% of the teeth were significantly higher in the combined group (AOR = 1.04, AOR = 1.13, AOR = 4.92, respectively) in multivariate analyses compared to those in the normozoospermia group. Gingival bleeding in the history and urban residency were the only predictors for pathospermia shown by the logistic regression model (AORs were 1.82 and 2.26, respectively).

Conclusions

Some features of poor periodontal status, as gingival bleeding in the history, presence of calculus and BOP, were associated with oligo+asthenozoospermia in men with idiopathic infertility.
A new diminutive genus and species of catfish from Lake Tanganyika (Siluriformes: Clariidae)
Authors: Wright J. J.
Published: July 2017

The examination of material representing one of Lake Tanganyika's six previously recognized endemic catfish lineages, has revealed the presence of an additional genus of clariid, described here asPseudotanganikallabesnew genus. This genus is represented by a single species,Pseudotanganikallabes prognathasp. nov., which is distinguished from all other clariids by its lack of an infraorbital series, the presence of multiple osseous connections between the swim bladder capsules and elements of the neurocranium, the absence of an ethmoid notch, the presence of a very large, egg‐shaped occipital fontanelle and the extension of the lower lip beyond the margin of the upper jaw. A combination of additional external and molecular characters serves to further distinguish this taxon from all currently recognized clariid species. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial (cytb) and nuclear (18S‐ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2‐28S) sequence data supports the creation of a new genus for this species, as it appears to represent an independent, monophyletic lineage within the family Clariidae.
Protracted volitional spawning of pinfish Lagodon rhomboides and changes in egg quality and fatty‐acid composition throughout the spawning season
Authors: Broach J. S. , Ohs C. L. , Breen N. E.
Published: July 2017

Spawning performance of pinfish Lagodon rhomboides without use of hormonal aids was monitored over an extended season. Nearly three million eggs were obtained from 75 spawns collected over a 90‐day consecutive period from a single population of four brood fish (1M:1F). A mean ± s.d. batch fecundity of 30·27 ± 22·64 eggs g−1 female was estimated with 98·0 ± 0·06% of the batch composed of floating eggs which were 1·04 ± 0·04 mm in diameter and 85·71 ± 27·59% fertile. Floating eggs successfully hatched 54·65 ± 29·13% of the time which yielded larvae that were 2·59 ± 0·24 mm in length. Fatty acids within floating eggs were largely represented by polyunsaturated fatty acids (45·30 ± 2·14% of total fatty acids) of which linoleic acid [(c18:2n‐6cis) 3·49 ± 1·69% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)] and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [(c22:6n‐3) 28·47 ± 1·48% TFA] represented the majority of fatty acids for n‐6 and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The strongest correlations between fatty acids and hatching success and larval survival to first feeding were observed for the DHA:EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid; c20:5n‐3) ratio and total n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty‐acids levels, respectively. These data demonstrate potential for producers to rely on natural spawns for extensive egg production and provide a baseline for future development of natural spawning protocols of captive L. rhomboides.
Rapid and sensitive detection of redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) infection by aptamer–coat protein–aptamer sandwich enzyme‐linked apta‐sorbent assay (ELASA)
Authors: Zhou L , Li P , Ni S , Yu Y , Yang M , Wei S , Qin Q
Published: July 2017

Redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) is one of the most devastating pathogens in the aquaculture of the grouper, Epinephlus sp., worldwide. The early and rapid diagnosis of RGNNV is important for the prevention of RGNNV infection. In this study, an aptamer (A10)‐based sandwich enzyme‐linked apta‐sorbent assay (ELASA) was developed for RGNNV diagnosis. This sandwich ELASA showed high specificity for the RGNNV coat protein (CP) and virions in virus‐infected cells and tissues. At the optimized working concentration of 200 nM of aptamer, the ELASA could detect RGNNV in the lysates of as few as 4 × 103 RGNNV‐infected GB cells. Incubation for 10 min was sufficient to produce accurate results. The sandwich ELASA was most stable at incubation temperatures of 4–25°C, but could still distinguish RGNNV‐infected samples from the controls at 37°C. It could detect RGNNV infection in brain lysates diluted 1/10, with results consistent with those of reverse transcription PCR, although with 10% less sensitivity. The main equipment required includes dissection tools, a water bath, Pierce™ Streptavidin Coated Plates and a microplate reader. The sandwich ELASA has great potential utility for the rapid and sensitive diagnosis of RGNNV in its early stages by fish farmers.
Using the method of triads in the validation of a food frequency questionnaire to assess the consumption of fatty acids in adults
Authors: da Silva D. C. G. , Segheto W. , de Lima M. F. C. , Pessoa M. C. , Pelúzio M. C. G. , Marchioni D. M. L. , Cunha D. B. , Longo G. Z.
Published: July 2017

Background

It is of great value to develop valid instruments to estimate food consumption; for this purpose, the triads method has been applied in validation studies of dietary intake to evaluate the correlation between three measurements [food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), reference method and biomarker]. The main aim of the present study was to validate a FFQ for Brazilian adults by means of the method of triads by estimating the ingestion of total fatty acids based on the level of saturation.

Methods

The present study enrolled 152 Brazilian adults of both sexes, who were residents in the city of Viçosa, Brazil. The ingestion of total saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, trans, linoleic and linolenic fatty acids was assessed by means of a FFQ, two food records, and biomarkers, which were detected by gas chromatography. The validation coefficients were calculated using the method of triads and concordance was determined by Kappa statistics.

Results

The FFQ was considered an adequate dietary method, because, based on the validation coefficients, it estimates the intake of total fat (0.84), as well as linolenic (0.90) and linoleic acids (0.31). A high concordance rate was confirmed for all nutrients assessed by the FFQ and food records. Regarding the biomarkers, linolenic acid and linoleic acid presented greater concordance.

Conclusions

According to the validation coefficients, the FFQ precisely estimated total fat, linolenic acid and linoleic acid contents.
Exploring the interior of cuticles and compressions of fossil plants by FIB‐SEM milling and image microscopy
Authors: SENDER L.M. , ESCAPA I. , BENEDETTI A. , CÚNEO R. , DIEZ J.B.
Published: July 2017

We present the first study of cuticles and compressions of fossil leaves by Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB‐SEM). Cavities preserved inside fossil leaf compressions corresponding to substomatal chambers have been observed for the first time and several new features were identified in the cross‐section cuts. These results open a new way in the investigation of the three‐dimensional structures of both micro‐ and nanostructural features of fossil plants. Moreover, the application of the FIB‐SEM technique to both fossils and extant plant remains represent a new source of taxonomical, palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic information.
TAKING STOCK: A RIGOROUS MODELLING OF ANIMAL SPIRITS IN MACROECONOMICS
Authors: Franke Reiner , Westerhoff Frank
Published: July 2017

This paper is a survey of the burgeoning literature that seeks to take the enigmatic concept of the animal spirits more seriously by building heterodox macro‐dynamic models that can capture some of its crucial aspects in a rigorous way. Two approaches are considered: the discrete choice and the transition probability approach, where individual agents face a binary decision and choose one of them with a certain probability. These assessments are adjusted upward or downward in response to what the agents observe, which leads to changes in the aggregate sentiment and the macroeconomic variables resulting from the corresponding decisions. Typical applications of the two approaches alternatively give rise to what will be called a weak and a strong form of animal spirits. On the whole, the literature included in this survey provides examples of applications of a modelling tool that demonstrates a considerable flexibility within a canonical framework.
Mothers' Time, the Parenting Package, and Links to Healthy Child Development
Authors: Fomby Paula , Musick Kelly
Published: July 2017

Studies show that mothers' time in particular activities with children is positively associated with child well‐being, but results are mixed regarding associations between child outcomes and the sheer amount of time that mothers spend with children. Using data from three waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics Child Development Supplement (N = 2,622), the authors assess whether gains from mothers' total time with children vary by the quality of mothers' other investments in children or the “parenting package.” Mother–child shared time was associated with children's broad reading scores and adolescents' externalizing behavior, but mothers' other parenting investments did not moderate these associations. Results were robust to alternative measures of mothers' time and to the incorporation of earlier assessments of child academic and behavior problems. Parenting investments may be indicative of the quality of children's home environments, but do not magnify gains from mother–child shared time.
Emergency department presentations in infants: Predictors from an Australian birth cohort
Authors: Crilly Julia , Cameron Cate M , Scuffham Paul A , Good Norm , Scott Rani , Mihala Gabor , Sweeny Amy , Keijzers Gerben
Published: July 2017

Aim

Infants under 12 months of age are disproportionately represented amongst emergency department (ED) presentations, and infants are more likely to be frequent ED users. This study aimed to describe and identify psychosocial predictors of ED presentation in infants.

Methods

A prospective birth cohort from Queensland and New South Wales (Environments for Healthy Living) was used to understand infant health service use. Baseline and 12‐month questionnaire data pertaining to children born between 2006 and 2011 were used to identify predictors of ED presentation, using multiple regression analysis.

Results

Of the 2184 children in the cohort with available baseline and 12‐month data, 579 (27%) presented at least once to an ED during their first 12 months of life. Statistically significant predictors of ED presentation in the multivariate analysis included the mother having asthma (odds ratio (OR) 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.39) and a higher Kessler‐6 score (a measure of psychological distress) of the primary carer at baseline (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.08). Maternal education level was not associated with ED presentations of infants.

Conclusions

This study describes maternal and child factors of children who present to the ED in the first year of life. Factors related to an infant's support system were found to be predictors for an ED presentation in the first year of life. This study emphasises the need to review the maternal medical history and psychosocial situation. There may be benefits for health‐care practitioners to take the opportunity (such as during routine childhood immunisation) to perform a brief screening tool (such as the Kessler‐6) to understand psychological distress experienced by mothers. This may influence the likelihood of a child presenting to an ED within the first 12 months of life.
Trait Emotional Intelligence, Self‐Reported Affect, and Salivary Alpha‐Amylase on Working Days and a Non‐Working Day
Authors: Toyama Hiroyuki , Mauno Saija
Published: July 2017

This study examined the relationship between trait emotional intelligence (EI) and variation in psychological (positive affect: PA, negative affect: NA) and psychophysiological (salivary alpha‐amylase: sAA) indicators among Japanese employees over 3 consecutive days (working day 1, non‐working day, working day 2). The analyses revealed that higher trait EI was associated across the days with higher PA, but not with NA. Moreover, diurnal sAA levels were lower in the high trait EI group than in the low trait EI group on the intervening non‐working day, and this difference between the EI groups continued to show a tendency to significance on working day 2. The results indicate that higher EI may be related to the preservation of higher levels of PA and lower levels of sympathetic activity in recovery in the naturalistic condition.
Analysis of Non‐Stationary Modulated Time Series with Applications to Oceanographic Surface Flow Measurements
Authors: Guillaumin Arthur P. , Sykulski Adam M. , Olhede Sofia C. , Early Jeffrey J. , Lilly Jonathan M.
Published: July 2017

We propose a new class of univariate non‐stationary time series models, using the framework of modulated time series, which is appropriate for the analysis of rapidly evolving time series as well as time series observations with missing data. We extend our techniques to a class of bivariate time series that are isotropic. Exact inference is often not computationally viable for time series analysis, and so we propose an estimation method based on the Whittle likelihood, a commonly adopted pseudo‐likelihood. Our inference procedure is shown to be consistent under standard assumptions, as well as having considerably lower computational cost than exact likelihood in general. We show the utility of this framework for the analysis of drifting instruments, an analysis that is key to characterizing global ocean circulation and therefore also for decadal to century‐scale climate understanding.
Extracting and Analyzing the Warming Trend in Global and Hemispheric Temperatures
Authors: Estrada Francisco , Perron Pierre
Published: July 2017

This article offers an updated and extended attribution analysis based on recently published versions of temperature and forcing datasets. It shows that both temperature and radiative forcing variables can be best represented as trend stationary processes with structural changes occurring in the slope of their trend functions and that they share a common secular trend and common breaks, largely determined by the anthropogenic radiative forcing. The common nonlinear trend is isolated, and further evidence on the possible causes of the current slowdown in warming is presented. Our analysis offers interesting results in relation to the recent literature. Changes in the anthropogenic forcings are directly responsible for the hiatus, while natural variability modes such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, as well as new temperature adjustments, contribute to weaken the signal. In other words, natural variability and data adjustments do not explain in any way the hiatus; they simply mask its presence.
Unexpected high genetic diversity in small populations suggests maintenance by associative overdominance
Authors: Schou Mads F. , Loeschcke Volker , Bechsgaard Jesper , Schlötterer Christian , Kristensen Torsten N.
Published: July 2017

The effective population size (Ne) is a central factor in determining maintenance of genetic variation. The neutral theory predicts that loss of variation depends on Ne, with less genetic drift in larger populations. We monitored genetic drift in 42 Drosophila melanogaster populations of different adult census population sizes (10, 50 or 500) using pooled RAD sequencing. In small populations, variation was lost at a substantially lower rate than expected. This observation was consistent across two ecological relevant thermal regimes, one stable and one with a stressful increase in temperature across generations. Estimated ratios between Ne and adult census size were consistently higher in small than in larger populations. The finding provides evidence for a slower than expected loss of genetic diversity and consequently a higher than expected long‐term evolutionary potential in small fragmented populations. More genetic diversity was retained in areas of low recombination, suggesting that associative overdominance, driven by disfavoured homozygosity of recessive deleterious alleles, is responsible for the maintenance of genetic diversity in smaller populations. Consistent with this hypothesis, the X‐chromosome, which is largely free of recessive deleterious alleles due to hemizygosity in males, fits neutral expectations even in small populations. Our experiments provide experimental answers to a range of unexpected patterns in natural populations, ranging from variable diversity on X‐chromosomes and autosomes to surprisingly high levels of nucleotide diversity in small populations.