bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of resin‐bonded fixed dental prostheses after a mean observation period of at least 5 years
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Sailer Irena , Ioannidis Alexis , Zwahlen Marcel , Makarov Nikolay , Pjetursson Bjarni E.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The objective of this systematic review was to assess the 5‐year and 10‐year survival of resin‐bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBBs) and to describe the incidence of technical and biological complications.

Materials and Methods

An electronic MEDLINE search complemented by manual searching was conducted to identify prospective and retrospective cohort studies and case series on RBBs with a mean follow‐up time of at least 5 years. Patients had to have been examined clinically at the follow‐up visit. Assessment of the identified studies and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. Failure and complication rates were analyzed using robust Poisson regression models to obtain summary estimates of 5‐ and 10‐year proportions.

Results

The search provided 367 titles and 87 abstracts. Full‐text analysis was performed for 22 articles resulting in seven studies that met the inclusion criteria. Five articles were found through manual search, and 17 studies were provided from (Pjetursson et al. 2008, Clinical Oral Implants Research, 19, 131), resulting in an overall number of included studies of 29. Meta‐analysis of these studies reporting on 2300 RBBs indicated an estimated survival of resin‐bonded bridges of 91.4% (95 percent confidence interval [95% CI]: 86.7–94.4%) after 5 years and 82.9% (95% CI: 73.2–89.3%) after 10 years. A significantly higher survival rate was reported for RBBs with zirconia framework compared with RBBs from other materials. RBBs with one retainer had a significantly higher survival rate (P < 0.0001) and a lower de‐bonding rate (P = 0.001) compared with RBBs retained by two or more retainers. Moreover, the survival rate was higher for RBBs inserted in the anterior area of the oral cavity compared with posterior RBBs. The most frequent complications were de‐bonding (loss of retention), which occurred in 15% (95% CI: 10.9–20.6%) and chipping of the veneering material that was reported for 4.1% (95% CI: 1.8–9.5%) of the RBBs over an observation period of 5 years.

Conclusion

Despite the high survival rate of RBBs after 5 and 10 years, technical complications like de‐bonding and minor chipping were frequent. RBBs with zirconia framework and RBBs with one retainer tooth showed the highest survival rate.
The role of neuroinflammation and amyloid in cognitive impairment in an APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhu Shenghua , Wang Junhui , Zhang Yanbo , He Jue , Kong Jiming , Wang Jun‐Feng , Li Xin‐Min
Published: February 2017

Aims

Both amyloid deposition and neuroinflammation appear in the early course of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the progression of neuroinflammation and its relationship with amyloid deposition and behavioral changes have not been fully elucidated. A better understanding the role of neuroinflammation in AD might extend our current knowledge to therapeutic intervention possibilities.

Methods

This study systematically characterized changes in behavioral abnormalities in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Brain pathology measures were performed in post‐mortem brain tissues of mice from 2 to 22 months.

Results

APP/PS1 mice exhibited significant memory deficits from 5 months old, which were aggravated at the later stage of life. However, the degree of memory impairments reached a plateau at 12 months. An early appearance of amyloid plaques was at 3 months with a linear increase throughout the disease course. CD11b‐positive microglia and glial fibrillary acidic protein‐(GFAP) positive astrocytes were first detected at 3 months with a close association with amyloid plaques. Yet, the rate of changes in glial activation slowed down from 12 months despite the steady increase in Aβ.

Conclusion

These findings provided evidence that neuroinflammation might be involved in the development and progression of cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice, suggesting novel intervention and prevention strategies for AD.
The phosphoinositide‐3 kinase signaling is involved in neuroinflammation in hypertensive rats
Authors: Tan Xing , Jiao Pei‐Lei , Wang Yang‐Kai , Wu Zhao‐Tang , Zeng Xiao‐Rong , Li Miao‐Ling , Wang Wei‐Zhong
Published: February 2017

Aims

It has been demonstrated that neuroinflammation is associated with cardiovascular dysfunction. The phosphoinositide‐3 kinase (PI3K) signaling in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), a key region for sympathetic outflow, is upregulated and contributes to increased blood pressure (BP) and sympathetic outflow in hypertension. This study was designed to determine the role of the PI3K signaling in neuroinflammation in the RVLM of hypertension.

Methods

The normotensive WKY rats were performed by intracisternal infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or angiotensin II (Ang II) for inducing neuroinflammation. Elisa was used to determine the level of proinflammatory cytokines. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression of PI3K signaling pathway. Gene silencing of PI3K p110δ subunit and overexpression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) were realized by injecting related lentivirus into the RVLM.

Results

In the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), the PI3K signaling in the RVLM was upregulated compared with WKY, gene silencing of PI3K in the RVLM significantly reduced BP and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), but also decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. In the WKY rats, central infusion of LPS and Ang II significantly elevated BP and RSNA, but also increased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and PI3K signaling activation in the RVLM. These changes in the Ang II‐induced hypertension were effectively prevented by gene silencing of PI3K in the RVLM. Furthermore, overexpression of ACE2 in the RVLM significantly attenuated high BP and neuroinflammation, as well as decreased the activation of PI3K signaling in hypertensive rats.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the PI3K signaling in the RVLM is involved in neuroinflammation in hypertension and plays an important role in the renin–angiotensin system‐mediated changes in neuroinflammation in the RVLM.
Deficiencies in postgraduate training for healthcare professionals who provide diabetes education and support: results from the Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) study
Authors: Byrne J. L. , Davies M. J. , Willaing I. , Holt R. I. G. , Carey M. E. , Daly H. , Skovlund S. , Peyrot M.
Published: February 2017

Aims

To consider the global provision of self‐management diabetes education and training for healthcare professionals using data from the second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) study.

Methods

A total of 4785 healthcare professionals caring for people with diabetes were surveyed in 17 countries to assess diabetes healthcare provision, self‐management support and training.

Results

Of the healthcare professionals surveyed, 33.5% received formal postgraduate training in self‐management (19.3–51.4% across countries) and 62.9% received training for medical management of diabetes (47.6–70.6% variation). Training in psychological management was low (19.1%), ranging from 3.6 to 36.5%, while 20.4% (a range of 3.6–36.4% across countries) had received no postgraduate training. Overall, the greatest training need was in the management of psychological aspects of diabetes (59.5%). For some, training in a domain was positively associated with a perceived need for further training. Communication skills, for example, listening (76.9%) and encouraging questions (76.1%), were the skills most widely used. Discussion of emotional issues was limited; 31–60% of healthcare professionals across the different countries reported that this only occurred if initiated by patients. Approximately two‐thirds of participants reported a need for major improvements in emotional/psychological support, but few had received training in this area, with consistent findings across professional affiliations.

Conclusions

The present study shows that healthcare professionals report being insufficiently equipped to provide diabetes self‐management education, including emotional and psychological aspects of diabetes, and many are not receiving postgraduate training in any part (including medical care) of the management of diabetes. It is paramount that those responsible for the continuing professional development of healthcare professionals address this skills gap.
In vivo bioluminescence imaging of neurogenesis – the role of the blood brain barrier in an experimental model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fricke Inga B. , Schelhaas Sonja , Zinnhardt Bastian , Viel Thomas , Hermann Sven , Couillard‐Després Sébastien , Jacobs Andreas H.
Published: February 2017

Bioluminescence imaging in transgenic mice expressing firefly luciferase in Doublecortin+ (Dcx) neuroblasts might serve as a powerful tool to study the role of neurogenesis in models of brain injury and neurodegeneration using non‐invasive, longitudinal in vivo imaging. Therefore, we aimed to use BLI in B6(Cg)‐Tyrc‐2J/J Dcx‐Luc (Doublecortin‐Luciferase, Dcx‐Luc) mice to investigate its suitability to assess neurogenesis in a unilateral injection model of Parkinson's disease. We further aimed to assess the blood brain barrier leakage associated with the intranigral 6‐OHDA injection to evaluate its impact on substrate delivery and bioluminescence signal intensity. Two weeks after lesion, we observed an increase in bioluminescence signal in the ipsilateral hippocampal region in both, 6‐OHDA and vehicle injected Dcx‐Luc mice. At the same time, no corresponding increase in Dcx+ neuroblast numbers could be observed in the dentate gyrus of C57Bl6 mice. Blood brain barrier leakage was observed in the hippocampal region and in the degenerating substantia nigra of C57Bl6 mice in vivo using T1 weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Gadovist® and ex vivo using Evans Blue Fluorescence Reflectance Imaging and mouse Immunoglobulin G staining. Our data suggests a BLI signal dependency on blood brain barrier permeability, underlining a major pitfall of substrate/tracer dependent imaging in invasive disease models.
Reduced local input to fast‐spiking interneurons in the somatosensory cortex in the GABAA γ2 R43Q mouse model of absence epilepsy
Authors: Currie Stephen P. , Luz Liliana L. , Booker Sam A. , Wyllie David J. A. , Kind Peter C. , Daw Michael I.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Absence seizures in childhood absence epilepsy are initiated in the thalamocortical (TC) system. We investigated if these seizures result from altered development of the TC system before the appearance of seizures in mice containing a point mutation in γ‐aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor γ2 subunits linked to childhood absence epilepsy (R43Q). Findings from conditional mutant mice indicate that expression of normal γ2 subunits during preseizure ages protect from later seizures. This indicates that altered development in the presence of the R43Q mutation is a key contributor to the R43Q phenotype. We sought to identify the cellular processes affected by the R43Q mutation during these preseizure ages.

Methods

We examined landmarks of synaptic development at the end of the critical period for somatosensory TC plasticity using electrophysiologic recordings in TC brain slices from wild‐type mice and R43Q mice.

Results

We found that the level of TC connectivity to layer 4 (L4) principal cells and the properties of TC synapses were unaltered in R43Q mice. Furthermore, we show that, although TC feedforward inhibition and the total level of GABAergic inhibition were normal, there was a reduction in the local connectivity to cortical interneurons. This reduction leads to altered inhibition during bursts of cortical activity.

Significance

This altered inhibition demonstrates that alterations in cortical circuitry precede the onset of seizures by more than a week.
Evolution and the duration of a doomed population
Authors: Gomulkiewicz Richard , Krone Stephen M. , Remien Christopher H.
Published: February 2017

Many populations are doomed to extinction, but little is known about how evolution contributes to their longevity. We address this by modeling an asexual population consisting of genotypes whose abundances change independently according to a system of continuous branching diffusions. Each genotype is characterized by its initial abundance, growth rate, and reproductive variance. The latter two components determine the genotype's “risk function” which describes its per capita probability of extinction at any time. We derive the probability distribution of extinction times for a polymorphic population, which can be expressed in terms of genotypic risk functions. We use this to explore how spontaneous mutation, abrupt environmental change, or population supplementation and removal affect the time to extinction. Results suggest that evolution based on new mutations does little to alter the time to extinction. Abrupt environmental changes that affect all genotypes can have more substantial impact, but, curiously, a beneficial change does more to extend the lifetime of thriving than threatened populations of the same initial abundance. Our results can be used to design policies that meet specific conservation goals or management strategies that speed the elimination of agricultural pests or human pathogens.
Friends or Foes? Host defense (antimicrobial) peptides and proteins in human skin diseases
Authors: Niyonsaba François , Kiatsurayanon Chanisa , Chieosilapatham Panjit , Ogawa Hideoki
Published: February 2017

Host defense peptides/proteins (HDPs), also known as antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs), are key molecules in the cutaneous innate immune system. AMPs/HDPs historically exhibit broad‐spectrum killing activity against bacteria, enveloped viruses, fungi and several parasites. Recently, AMPs/HDPs were shown to have important biological functions, including inducing cell proliferation, migration and differentiation; regulating inflammatory responses; controlling the production of various cytokines/chemokines; promoting wound healing; and improving skin barrier function. Despite the fact that AMPs/HDPs protect our body, several studies have hypothesized that these molecules actively contribute to the pathogenesis of various skin diseases. For example, AMPs/HDPs play crucial roles in the pathological processes of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, acne vulgaris, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Thus, AMPs/HDPs may be a double‐edged sword, promoting cutaneous immunity while simultaneously initiating the pathogenesis of some skin disorders. This review will describe the most common skin‐derived AMPs/HDPs (defensins, cathelicidins, S100 proteins, ribonucleases and dermcidin) and discuss the biology and both the positive and negative aspects of these AMPs/HDPs in skin inflammatory/infectious diseases. Understanding the regulation, functions and mechanisms of AMPs/HDPs may offer new therapeutic opportunities in the treatment of various skin disorders.
Functional expression of olfactory receptors in human primary melanoma and melanoma metastasis
Authors: Gelis Lian , Jovancevic Nikolina , Bechara Falk G. , Neuhaus Eva M. , Hatt Hanns
Published: February 2017

We identified the olfactory receptor 51E2 in human melanoma and have measured both OR51E2 mRNA and protein expression in melanoma tissue sections. qPCR analysis revealed that the receptor is upregulated in melanoma cells compared to normal melanocytes, indicating that OR51E2 may play a role in early melanoma development and progression. Activation of endogenous OR51E2 in cultured cells derived from metastatic and vertical‐growth phase (VGP) by its ligand β‐ionone results in an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. RNAi experiments showed that the β‐ionone‐induced Ca2+ signal depends on the activation of OR51E2. Furthermore, OR51E2 activation inhibits the growth of VGP melanoma cells via apoptotic processes. Cell motility assays revealed that treatment with β‐ionone decreases the migration of VGP melanoma cells. Overall, our data demonstrates that OR51E2 is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and migration, suggesting that it may serve as a novel target for melanoma therapy.
Polyphenol‐rich apple extract inhibits dexamethasone‐induced sebaceous lipids production by regulating SREBP1 expression
Authors: Lee Kyung‐Eun , Youm Jong‐Kyung , Lee Weon Ju , Kang Seunghyun , Kim Youn Joon
Published: February 2017

Sebum production and excretion is a primary function of the sebaceous glands, but abnormally increased sebum production is a major cause of acne vulgaris. To identify a new candidate that regulates sebum production, we investigated the possible inhibitory effects of apple polyphenols (APP) purified from unripe apples on primary cultured human sebocytes and in patients with acne vulgaris. Dexamethasone (Dex) increased lipid synthesis and expression of the sterol response element‐binding protein 1 (SREBP 1) and its target enzymes, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), in the sebocytes. However, APP inhibited Dex‐induced lipid production and expression of SREBP‐1, ACC and FAS. APP also inhibited the increase in the expression and activation of glucocorticoid receptor in the sebocytes. Taken together, these results suggest that APP may be useful to regulate sebum production and may alleviate sebum‐involved skin disease, such as acne vulgaris.
Discovery of skin lymphocytes was a game changer in experimental dermatology
Authors: Matos Tiago R. , de Rie Menno A.
Published: February 2017

A substantial part of ongoing research in experimental dermatology focuses on skin T cells—for that reason, we find important to highlight the pioneering work of Jan D. Bos et al. from 1987 (The skin immune system (SIS): Distribution and immunophenotype of lymphocyte subpopulations in normal skin) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3494791. This key article sets the record straight, once and for all, about the presence of lymphocytes in healthy skin, characterized the immunophenotypes of subpopulations, quantified these cells and studied their location. It was perhaps the critical discoveries made by Bos et al. that fuelled the scientific community's interest in skin lymphocytes, contributing to a new generation of cutaneous immunology research. We briefly describe additional scientific breakthroughs made since 1987. Nonetheless, the study of cutaneous lymphocytes remains essential to understand the relationship of these cells to human diseases and to develop therapies that can be leveraged to selectively mobilize, enhance or deplete these cells.
Mutational profiling of acral melanomas in Korean populations
Authors: Shim Joon Ho , Shin Hyun‐Tae , Park Jiho , Park Ji‐Hye , Lee Jong‐Hee , Yang Jun‐Mo , Kim Duk‐Hwan , Jang Kee‐Taek , Lee Dong‐Youn
Published: February 2017

The proportion of acral melanoma (AM) is much higher in Asian populations than in Caucasian populations. Although mutational profiles associated with AM have been discovered in Caucasian populations, knowledge of its genetic alterations in Asian populations is limited. To describe the molecular nature of AM in Korean patients, we performed mutational profiling of AM and matched normal tissues in patients. Fifty‐one formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded AM samples and 32 matched pairs from patients’ saliva DNA were analysed by next‐generation sequencing. Only mutations confirmed via digital droplet PCR or in BRAF, KIT and NRAS, the most frequently altered cancer genes in cutaneous melanoma, were considered as positive. The relationship between mutational status and clinicopathological features were examined. Of the 47 AM patients screened, alteration of BRAF, NRAS and KIT genes was observed in 6.4%, 4.3% and 8.5%, respectively. We also tested matched normal tissues of patients to identify tumor‐specific mutations. Examination of the mutational profile in a cohort of 28 primary melanomas and matched normal controls found BRAF mutations in two cases (7.1%), KIT mutations in three cases (10.7%) and CTNNB1 mutations in one case (3.6%). The BRAF, NRAS and KIT mutation status did not correlate with clinicopathological characteristics. Our results show that KIT, NRAS and BRAF hotspot mutations occur at a low frequency in Korean populations. We also observed a case with the CTNNB1 mutation, which raises the possibility that other pathways are associated with AM development.
Intra‐annual plasticity of growth mediates drought resilience over multiple years in tropical seedling communities
Authors: O'Brien Michael J. , Ong Robert , Reynolds Glen
Published: February 2017

Precipitation patterns are changing across the globe causing more severe and frequent drought for many forest ecosystems. Although research has focused on the resistance of tree populations and communities to these novel precipitation regimes, resilience of forests is also contingent on recovery following drought, which remains poorly understood, especially in aseasonal tropical forests. We used rainfall exclusion shelters to manipulate the interannual frequency of drought for diverse seedling communities in a tropical forest and assessed resistance, recovery and resilience of seedling growth and mortality relative to everwet conditions. We found seedlings exposed to recurrent periods of drought altered their growth rates throughout the year relative to seedlings in everwet conditions. During drought periods, seedlings grew slower than seedlings in everwet conditions (i.e., resistance phase) while compensating with faster growth after drought (i.e., recovery phase). However, the response to frequent drought was species dependent as some species grew significantly slower with frequent drought relative to everwet conditions while others grew faster with frequent drought due to overcompensating growth during the recovery phase. In contrast, mortality was unrelated to rainfall conditions and instead correlated with differences in light. Intra‐annual plasticity of growth and increased annual growth of some species led to an overall maintenance of growth rates of tropical seedling communities in response to more frequent drought. These results suggest these communities can potentially adapt to predicted climate change scenarios and that plasticity in the growth of species, and not solely changes in mortality rates among species, may contribute to shifts in community composition under drought.
Assistive technology for people with dementia: an overview and bibliometric study
Authors: Asghar Ikram , Cang Shuang , Yu Hongnian
Published: February 2017

Background

This study presents an overview of recent research activities in assistive technology (AT) for people with dementia. Bibliometric studies are used to explore breadth and depth of different research areas, yet this method has not yet been fully utilised in AT research for people with dementia.

Methods

The bibliometric method was used for collecting studies related to AT. Based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, the AT studies with a focus on people with dementia are considered.

Study Scope

The study is based on factors such as number of publications, citations per paper, collaborative research output, P‐Index, major research and application areas and national dementia strategies.

Data Collection

Data were collected from 2000 to 2014 in AT research. The top 10 countries are selected based on their research outputs.

Results

USA emerged as the leading contributor with 503 publications and an annual growth rate of 16%, followed by UK with 399 publications and growth rate of 22%. Germany with 101 publications is on the 6th place, but it has a higher citation rate 16.43% as compared to USA (13.34%). Although all 10 countries show good collaborative research output, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands emerge as top collaborative research contributors with high percentages (84%, 84% and 79%). All the top 10 countries, except Canada, Germany and Spain, have national dementia strategies in place.

Conclusion

The overall analysis shows that USA and UK are working extensively in AT research for people with dementia. Both these countries also have well established national dementia strategies.
Densification and characterization of rapid carbothermal synthesized boron carbide
Authors: Toksoy Muhammet Fatih , Rafaniello William , Xie Kelvin Yu , Ma Luoning , Hemker Kevin Jude , Haber Richard Alan
Published: February 2017

Submicrometer boron carbide powders were synthesized using rapid carbothermal reduction (RCR) method. Synthesized boron carbide powders had smaller particle size, lower free carbon, and high density of twins compared to commercial samples. Powders were sintered using spark plasma sintering at different temperatures and dwell times to compare sintering behavior. Synthesized boron carbide powders reached >99% TD at lower temperature and shorter dwell times compared to commercial powders. Improved microhardness observed in the densified RCR samples was likely caused by the combination of higher purity, better stoichiometry control, finer grain size, and a higher density of twin boundaries.
Safety, tolerability and efficacy of lixisenatide as monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An open‐label, multicenter study
Authors: Seino Yutaka , Terauchi Yasuo , Wang Xiangling , Watanabe Daisuke , Niemoeller Elisabeth ,   the study investigators
Published: February 2017

Aim/Introduction

To assess the overall safety of lixisenatide monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, previously treated with ≤1 oral antidiabetic drug, were enrolled in an uncontrolled, open‐label, single‐arm study over 24 and 52 weeks. Any oral antidiabetic drug treatment was stopped at the start of the 6‐week run‐in period. From baseline, patients received once‐daily lixisenatide monotherapy (10 μg for 1 week, 15 μg for 1 week, 20 μg thereafter) for 52 weeks (first 140 patients enrolled) or 24 weeks (subsequently enrolled patients). The primary end‐point was safety over 24 and 52 weeks. Secondary efficacy end‐points included absolute change in glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and bodyweight from baseline.

Results

Of 428 patients screened, 361 and 140 were treated for 24 and 52 weeks, respectively; 88.4 and 90.0% completed treatment. During the 24‐ and 52‐week treatment periods, 268/361 (74.2%) and 117/140 (83.6%) patients, respectively, had treatment‐emergent adverse events; the most frequently reported was nausea (33.2 and 31.4%, respectively). The risk of severe hypoglycemia was low; only one case was reported. Lixisenatide treatment resulted in a decrease in mean glycated hemoglobin A1c (−0.98 and −0.86%), fasting plasma glucose (−1.05 and −0.85 mmol/L), and bodyweight (−1.33 and −1.48 kg) for the 24‐ and 52‐week treatment periods, respectively.

Conclusions

Once‐daily lixisenatide monotherapy was associated with a safety profile in line with the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist class, and improved glycemic control in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
How do sex and sexual maturation influence the response of Monochamus galloprovincialis to host odours?
Authors: Giffard B. , David G. , Joubard B. , Piou D. , Jactel H.
Published: February 2017

Finding the right host plant for feeding and reproduction is crucial for herbivorous insects. Usually they need both visual and olfactory cues to locate and colonize their host plants, but the respective role of the two types of stimuli is difficult to disentangle. Model plants mimicking the shape and colour of natural hosts, combined with odours dispensers, are relevant tools for this purpose. We used dummy pines and cut branches of natural pines to investigate host attraction in Monochamus galloprovincialis, the insect vector of the pine wood nematode in Europe. We compared the behavioural response of males and females, sexually mature or immature, in a large climatic chamber and in an olfactometer. Immature females were significantly attracted by the sole odours released by pines. Immature males and mature males and females needed a combination of visual and olfactory cues to find the host tree. These findings suggest that beetles use both visual and chemical cues to locate pine trees but that relevant stimuli likely differ between beetles of different sex and sexual maturation status. Our results question the implementation of precautionary clear‐cuts around infested trees for limiting the spread of PWN.
Mutation in the ace‐1 gene of the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) associated with organophosphates resistance
Authors: Haddi K. , Berger M. , Bielza P. , Rapisarda C. , Williamson M. S. , Moores G. , Bass C.
Published: February 2017

The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a major invasive pest that has spread throughout many countries in the Mediterranean basin and parts of Asia over the last decade. The control of T. absoluta has relied heavily on the use of chemical insecticides, a strategy that has led to the evolution of resistance. In this study, biological and molecular methods were used to determine the susceptibility of five strains of T. absoluta to the organophosphate chlorpyrifos and to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to this class of insecticides. High levels of resistance to chlorpyrifos were observed in all five strains tested. Cloning and sequencing of the gene encoding the organophosphate target site, ace‐1, of T. absoluta revealed the presence of an alanine to serine substitution at a position that has been previously linked with organophosphate resistance across a range of different insect and mite species. The presence of this mutation at high frequency in T. absoluta populations originating from various countries further supports the suggestion that the rapid expansion of this species is, in part, mediated by the resistance of this pest to chemical insecticides.
The Corruption Footprints of Nations
Authors: Xiao Yanyan , Lenzen Manfred , Benoît‐Norris Catherine , Norris Gregory A. , Murray Joy , Malik Arunima
Published: February 2017

In this study, we innovatively apply multiregional input‐output analysis to calculate corruption footprints of nations and show the details of commodities that use the most employment affected by corruption (EAC), as they flow between countries. Every country's corruption footprint includes its domestic corruption and the corruption imported by global supply chains to meet final demand. Our results show that, generally, the net corruption exporters are developing countries, with the exception of Italy where corruption is likely to be more affected by political and cultural factors than economic factors. China is the largest gross corruption exporter, and India follows close behind, with clothing as one of the industries in which the most people are affected by corruption. This is because: (1) China and India are major clothing exporters, thus many workers are employed in the clothing industry within the country as well as in countries providing intermediate commodities by supply chains, and (2) corruption is high in China and India. Our results can be useful to identify where regulations to combat corruption can have the greatest impact. More important, the method we use can be applied to link corruption to other economic and social aspects of trade, such as working conditions, thus making it possible to find avenues for tackling the problem that are not usually considered in anticorruption strategies.
Does the Person‐of‐the‐Therapist Training (POTT) Promote Self‐Care? Personal Gains of MFT Trainees Following POTT: A Retrospective Thematic Analysis
Authors: Kissil Karni , Niño Alba
Published: February 2017

As we recognize how taxing our profession can be, therapist's self‐care has become a salient topic in mental health. However, we are still discerning how to promote self‐care in our practice and in training. In this paper, we present a study on the personal gains that MFT students experienced after participating in the Person‐of‐the‐Therapist Training (POTT). We propose that the reported changes (better understanding of self, change to self, relational changes, and change as a process) constitute improvements in the trainees’ well‐being, and can therefore be considered self‐caring behaviors and practices. We state that models like POTT, that focus on embracing our vulnerability, can help clinicians be more caring toward ourselves. We conclude this paper by presenting clinical and training recommendations.
Clinical efficacy and safety evaluation of a novel fractional unipolar radiofrequency device on facial tightening: A preliminary report
Authors: Suh Dong Hye , Byun Eun Jung , Lee Sang Jun , Song Kye Yong , Kim Hei Sung
Published: February 2017

Background

Previous studies have shown that radiofrequency (RF) energy is safe and effective for improving skin laxity. Unlike monopolar and bipolar devices, little has been studied with the unipolar hand piece.

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel fractional unipolar RF device on facial tightening.

Patients and Methods

This was a retrospective, single‐center study of 14 subjects with age‐related facial laxity who underwent five sessions of fractional unipolar RF at an interval of 2 weeks, and then followed‐up for 3 months. Standardized photos were taken at baseline and at 3‐months follow‐up, and were assessed by two independent dermatologists using a 4‐point scale (0=no improvement, 1=mild improvement, 2=moderate improvement, 3=significant improvement). Punch biopsies (2 mm) were performed and a questionnaire was used to evaluate the patient's satisfaction and the incidence of adverse reactions.

Results

Fourteen subjects with mild to moderate age‐related facial laxity were included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 49.7 years (range 32‐80). 35.7% of the subjects showed significant improvement, 50% moderate improvement, and 14.3% slight improvement of facial laxity in their follow‐up photos. About 85.7% of the patients replied that they were either greatly satisfied or satisfied with the results at 3‐months follow‐up. Skin biopsies revealed an increase in collagen in the dermis. None of the subjects experienced any serious adverse events during or after the procedure.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that fractional Unipolar RF can be safely performed on the face and is effective in skin tightening. It has a great advantage over other forms of RF by being entirely painless.
Amplitude of Low‐Frequency Fluctuations During Resting State Differentially Predicts Authentic and Hubristic Pride
Authors: Kong Feng , He Qiaolin , Liu Xiqin , Chen Xiayu , Wang Xu , Zhao Jingjing
Published: February 2017

Objective

Pride is an important, self‐conscious emotion composed of two distinct conceptual facets: arrogant, egotistic “hubristic pride,” and pro‐social, achievement‐oriented “authentic pride.” However, little is known about the neural basis of the two facets of pride. Here, we investigated the association between spontaneous brain activity and these two facets of pride in resting state.

Method

We measured 276 participants on authentic and hubristic pride. The fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (fALFF) was used to identify pride‐related regions.

Results

The results revealed individual differences in authentic pride were associated with the fALFF in the bilateral superior temporal gyrus (STG), which has been implicated in social processing. In contrast, individual differences in hubristic pride were associated with the fALFF in the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), which have been implicated in self‐referential and reward processing.

Conclusions

Together, our results provide initial evidence for the distinct neural substrates for authentic and hubristic pride.
Effective Disengagement: Insecure People Are More Likely to Disengage From an Ongoing Task and Take Effective Action When Facing Danger
Authors: Ein‐Dor Tsachi , Perry‐Paldi Adi , Merrin Jenna , Efrati Yaniv , Hirschberger Gilad
Published: February 2017

Objective

People believe that they can respond effectively to threats, but actually they experience difficulties in disengaging from ongoing tasks and shifting their attention to life‐threatening events. We contend that this tendency is especially true for secure people with respect to their worldview and perception of others and not for insecure individuals.

Method

In Study 1 (N = 290), we examined individuals' reactions to various threat scenarios. In Study 2 (N = 65), we examined these reactions using a behavioral design high in ecological validity. In Study 3 (N = 78), we examined group‐level benefits for the actions of insecure individuals by manipulating asocial behavior in response to an emergency.

Results

Study 1 indicated that anxiously attached individuals stayed away from threats and sought help; avoidant people tended to take action by either assessing the risk of the event and/or enacting an asocial action such as fight or flight. Study 2 added ecological validity to these findings, and Study 3 showed that priming asocial behavior responses promoted actions that increased group members' chances of survival.

Conclusion

Results validate the central tenets of social defense theory and indicate that actions that are deemed asocial may paradoxically promote the survival of individuals and groups.
A texture‐Based Video Processing Methodology Using Bayesian Data Fusion for Autonomous Crack Detection on Metallic Surfaces
Authors: Chen Fu‐Chen , Jahanshahi Mohammad R. , Wu Rih‐Teng , Joffe Chris
Published: February 2017

Regular inspection of the components of nuclear power plants is important to improve their resilience. However, current inspection practices are time consuming, tedious, and subjective: they involve an operator manually locating cracks in metallic surfaces in the plant by watching videos. At the same time, prevalent automatic crack detection algorithms may not detect cracks in metallic surfaces because these are typically very small and have low contrast. Moreover, the existences of scratches, welds, and grind marks lead to a large number of false positives when state‐of‐the‐art vision‐based crack detection algorithms are used. In this study, a novel crack detection approach is proposed based on local binary patterns (LBP), support vector machine (SVM), and Bayesian decision theory. The proposed method aggregates the information obtained from different video frames to enhance the robustness and reliability of detection. The performance of the proposed approach is assessed by using several inspection videos. The results indicate that it is accurate and robust in cases where state‐of‐the‐art crack detection approaches fail. The experiments show that Bayesian data fusion improves the hit rate by 20% and the hit rate achieves 85% with only one false positive per frame.
G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor and estrogen receptor ligands regulate colonic motility and visceral pain
Authors: Zielińska M. , Fichna J. , Bashashati M. , Habibi S. , Sibaev A. , Timmermans J.‐P. , Storr M.
Published: February 2017

Background

Diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐D) is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, which occurs more frequently in women than men. The aim of our study was to determine the role of activation of classical estrogen receptors (ER) and novel membrane receptor, G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in human and mouse tissue and to assess the possible cross talk between these receptors in the GI tract.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of GPER in human and mouse intestines. The effect of G‐1, a GPER selective agonist, and estradiol, a non‐selective ER agonist, on muscle contractility was characterized in isolated preparations of the human and mouse colon. To characterize the effect of G‐1 and estradiol in vivo, colonic bead expulsion test was performed. G‐1 and estradiol activity on the visceral pain signaling was assessed in the mustard oil‐induced abdominal pain model.

Key Results

GPER is expressed in the human colon and in the mouse colon and ileum. G‐1 and estradiol inhibited muscle contractility in vitro in human and mouse colon. G‐1 or estradiol administered intravenously at the dose of 20 mg/kg significantly prolonged the time to bead expulsion in females. Moreover, G‐1 prolonged the time to bead expulsion and inhibited GI hypermotility in both genders. The injection of G‐1 or estradiol resulted in a significant reduction in the number of pain‐induced behaviors in mice.

Conclusions and Inferences

GPER and ER receptors are involved in the regulation of GI motility and visceral pain. Both may thus constitute an important pharmacological target in the IBS‐D therapy.
Mechanisms underlying reflux symptoms and dysphagia in patients with joint hypermobility syndrome, with and without postural tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Fikree A. , Aziz Q. , Sifrim D.
Published: February 2017

Background

The joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) is a common non‐inflammatory connective tissue disorder which frequently co‐exists with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), a form of orthostatic intolerance. Gastrointestinal symptoms and dysmotility have been reported in PoTS. Dysphagia and reflux are common symptoms in JHS, yet no studies have examined the physiological mechanism for these, subdivided by PoTS status.

Methods

Thirty patients (28 female, ages: 18‐62) with JHS and symptoms of reflux (n=28) ± dysphagia (n=25), underwent high‐resolution manometry and 24 hour pH‐impedance monitoring after questionnaire‐based symptom assessment. Esophageal physiology parameters were examined in JHS, subdivided by PoTS status.

Results

Fifty‐three percent of JHS patients with reflux symptoms had pathological acid reflux, 21% had reflux hypersensitivity, and 25% had functional heartburn. Acid exposure was more likely to be increased in the recumbent than upright position (64% vs 43%). The prevalence of hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (33%) and hiatus hernia (33%) was low. Forty percent of patients with dysphagia had minor disorders of motility, 60% had functional dysphagia. Eighteen (60%) patients had coexistent PoTS—they had significantly higher dysphagia (21 vs 11.5, P=.04) and reflux scores (24.5 vs 16.5, P=.05), and double the prevalence of pathological acid reflux (64% vs 36%, P=.1) and esophageal dysmotility (50% vs 25%, P=.2) though this was not significant.

Conclusions and Inferences

A large proportion of JHS patients with esophageal symptoms have true reflux‐related symptoms or mild esophageal hypomotility, and this is more likely if they have PoTS.
The effect of pneumatic dilation in management of postfundoplication dysphagia
Authors: Sunjaya D. , Podboy A. , Blackmon S. H. , Katzka D. , Halland M.
Published: February 2017

Background

Fundoplication surgery is a commonly performed procedure for gastro‐esophageal reflux disease or hiatal hernia repair. Up to 10% of patients develop persistent postoperative dysphagia after surgery. Data on the effectiveness of pneumatic dilation for treatment are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and identify clinical factors associated with successful response to pneumatic dilation among patients with persistent postfundoplication dysphagia (PPFD).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated patients who had undergone pneumatic dilation for PPFD between 1999 and 2016. Patients with dysphagia or achalasia prior to fundoplication were excluded. Demographic information, surgical history, severity of dysphagia, and clinical outcomes were collected. Data pertaining to esophagram, manometry, endoscopy, and pneumatic dilation were also collected.

Results

We identified 38 patients (82% female, 95% Caucasian, and median age 59 years) with PPFD who completed pneumatic dilation. The median postfundoplication dysphagia score was 2. Eleven patients had abnormal peristalsis on manometry. Seventeen patients reported response (seven complete) with an average decrease of 1 in their dysphagia score. Fifteen patients underwent reoperation due to PPFD. Hiatal hernia repair was the only factor that predicts a higher response rate to pneumatic dilation. Only one patient in our study developed complication (pneumoperitoneum) from pneumatic dilation.

Conclusion & Inferences

We found that pneumatic dilation to be a safe treatment option for PPFD with moderate efficacy. Patients who developed PPFD after a hiatal hernia repair may gain the greatest benefit after pneumatic dilation. We were not able to identify additional clinical, radiological, endoscopic, or manometric parameters that were predictive of response.
Genetic variation and host–parasite specificity of Striga resistance and tolerance in rice: the need for predictive breeding
Authors: Rodenburg Jonne , Cissoko Mamadou , Kayongo Nicholas , Dieng Ibnou , Bisikwa Jenipher , Irakiza Runyambo , Masoka Isaac , Midega Charles A. O. , Scholes Julie D.
Published: February 2017

The parasitic weeds Striga asiatica and Striga hermonthica cause devastating yield losses to upland rice in Africa. Little is known about genetic variation in host resistance and tolerance across rice genotypes, in relation to virulence differences across Striga species and ecotypes.

Diverse rice genotypes were phenotyped for the above traits in S. asiatica‐ (Tanzania) and S. hermonthica‐infested fields (Kenya and Uganda) and under controlled conditions.

New rice genotypes with either ecotype‐specific or broad‐spectrum resistance were identified. Resistance identified in the field was confirmed under controlled conditions, providing evidence that resistance was largely genetically determined. Striga‐resistant genotypes contributed to yield security under Striga‐infested conditions, although grain yield was also determined by the genotype‐specific yield potential and tolerance. Tolerance, the physiological mechanism mitigating Striga effects on host growth and physiology, was unrelated to resistance, implying that any combination of high, medium or low levels of these traits can be found across rice genotypes.

Striga virulence varies across species and ecotypes. The extent of Striga‐induced host damage results from the interaction between parasite virulence and genetically determined levels of host–plant resistance and tolerance. These novel findings support the need for predictive breeding strategies based on knowledge of host resistance and parasite virulence.
Rapid integumental color changes due to novel iridophores in the chameleon sand tilefish Hoplolatilus chlupatyi
Authors: Goda Makoto
Published: February 2017

The wavelength of the light reflected from iridophores depends on the thickness and the spacing of intracellular reflecting platelets. Here, we show that the rapid color change from blue to red of the chameleon sand tilefish Hoplolatilus chlupatyi is mediated by adrenergic stimulation of a novel type of iridophore in which reflecting platelets are concentrated selectively in the periphery of the cell, near the plasma membrane. The color changes are not only observed in vivo but also in pigment cells of isolated scales which respond to increases in K+ ion concentrations in 0.5 s and to addition of norepinephrine within 1 s. The norepinephrine effect can be blocked by addition of the alpha‐adrenergic antagonist phentolamine. The results suggest that adrenergic stimulation leads to changes in reflecting platelet organization in Hoplolatilus chlupatyi iridophores and represents the major mediator of the rapid color change in this fish in vivo.