bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between periodontal health status and patient‐reported outcomes in patients managed in a non‐specialist, general dental practice
Authors: Sharma Praveen , Yonel Zehra , Busby Michael , Chapple Iain L. , Dietrich Thomas
Published: October 2018

Aims

To explore the associations between periodontal status and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in a large cohort of patients based in non‐specialist general dental practice.

Materials and methods

Analysis was conducted using data from 14,620 patients, in 233 non‐specialist dental practices across the UK. As part of routine clinical care, data on periodontal probing depths (PPD), alveolar bone loss (ABL), bleeding on probing (BoP) as well as PROs (oral pain/discomfort, dietary restrictions and dental appearance) were recorded using an online database. The associations between periodontal status and PROs were investigated using logistic regression analysis, adjusting for confounders.

Results

We found a positive association between worse periodontal health and the prevalence of PROs. After adjustment for confounders, 13.8% of patients in the healthiest category (PPD < 5 mm, ABL < 2 mm, no BoP) reported pain/discomfort, compared to 20.7% of patients in the worst category (PPD > 7 mm, ABL > 4 mm). A similar trend was seen with reporting a restricted diet and unhappiness with appearance.

Conclusion

This study provides novel insights into the associations between periodontal status and PROs in a non‐specialist, general dental practice, highlighting the benefits of prevention and management of periodontitis.
The severity of human peri‐implantitis lesions correlates with the level of submucosal microbial dysbiosis
Authors: Kröger Annika , Hülsmann Claudia , Fickl Stefan , Spinell Thomas , Hüttig Fabian , Kaufmann Frederic , Heimbach André , Hoffmann Per , Enkling Norbert , Renvert Stefan , Schwarz Frank , Demmer Ryan T. , Papapanou Panos N. , Jepsen Søren , Kebschull Moritz
Published: October 2018

Aim

To cross‐sectionally analyse the submucosal microbiome of peri‐implantitis (PI) lesions at different severity levels.

Materials and Methods

Microbial signatures of 45 submucosal plaque samples from untreated PI lesions obtained from 30 non‐smoking, systemically healthy subjects were assessed by 16s sequencing. Linear mixed models were used to identify taxa with differential abundance by probing depth, after correction for age, gender, and multiple samples per subject. Network analyses were performed to identify groups of taxa with mutual occurrence or exclusion. Subsequently, the effects of peri‐implant probing depth on submucosal microbial dysbiosis were calculated using the microbial dysbiosis index.

Results

In total, we identified 337 different taxa in the submucosal microbiome of PI. Total abundance of 12 taxa correlated significantly with increasing probing depth; a significant relationship with lower probing depth was found for 16 taxa. Network analysis identified two mutually exclusive complexes associated with shallow pockets and deeper pockets, respectively. Deeper peri‐implant pockets were associated with significantly increased dysbiosis.

Conclusion

Increases in peri‐implant pocket depth are associated with substantial changes in the submucosal microbiome and increasing levels of dysbiosis.
Molecular forms and fragments of salivary MMP‐8 in relation to periodontitis
Authors: Gürsoy Ulvi K. , Könönen Eija , Tervahartiala Taina , Gürsoy Mervi , Pitkänen Jari , Torvi Paula , Suominen Anna Liisa , Pussinen Pirkko , Sorsa Timo
Published: October 2018

Aim

To investigate the molecular forms of salivary matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 in relation to periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Molecular forms, degree of activation and fragmentation of neutrophilic and mesenchymal‐type MMP‐8 isoforms were analysed from salivary samples of 81 subjects with generalized periodontitis, 63 subjects with localized periodontitis and 79 subjects without pocket teeth, by using western‐immunoblots with computer quantitation. In addition, human recombinant proMMP‐8 was in vitro activated by Treponema denticola chymotrypsin‐like protease (Td‐CTLP), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl, 1 mM, oxidant) or amino phenyl mercuric acetate (APMA, 1 mM).

Results

In saliva of periodontitis‐affected individuals, MMP‐8 is found in multiple forms, that is, complexes, active and pro‐forms of neutrophilic and mesenchymal‐type MMP‐8, and especially 20–27 kDa fragments. The quantity of these fragments was elevated in both localized and generalized forms of periodontitis. Moreover, the tested activators (Td‐CTLP, NaOCl and APMA) activated inactive proMMP‐8, resulting in fragments of 20–27 kDa, in vitro, and salivary concentrations of T. denticola correlated significantly with salivary levels of fragmented MMP‐8.

Conclusion

The present results indicate that during the development and progression of periodontitis, MMP‐8 appears as activated and fragmented, and treponemal proteases most likely play role in this cascade.
Randomized controlled multicentre study comparing short dental implants (6 mm) versus longer dental implants (11–15 mm) in combination with sinus floor elevation procedures: 5‐Year data
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Haas Robert , Sporniak‐Tutak Katarzyna , Garcia Abel , Taylor Thomas D. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F.
Published: October 2018

Aim

To compare the implant survival rate between short dental implants and standard length implants placed in combination with bone grafting at 5 years of loading.

Methods

This multicentre study enrolled 101 patients (137 implants) with a posterior maxillary bone height of 5–7 mm. Patients randomly received either short implants (6 mm; GS) or long implants (11–15 mm) with sinus grafting (GG). Six months later, implants were loaded with single crowns and patients re‐examined at 1, 3 and 5 years of loading. Outcomes included: implant survival, marginal bone levels (MBLs), biological and technical parameters and patient‐reported outcome measures (OHIP‐49 = Oral Health Impact Profile). Statistical analysis was performed using a non‐parametric approach.

Results

At 5 years, 90 patients (124 implants; GS: 60; GG: 64) were re‐examined (drop‐out rate 10%). Patient‐level implant survival rates were 98.5% (GS; 1 implant failure) and 100% (GG; p = 0.49). Mean MBLs were 0.54 mm ± 0.87 (GS) and 0.46 mm ± 1.00 (GG; p = 0.34). Biological and technical parameters were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Median overall OHIP‐49 scores improved significantly up to 5 years in both groups (GS: p = 0.03; GG: p = 0.00; intergroup comparison p = 0.11).

Conclusions

Both treatment modalities were suitable for implant therapy in the atrophied posterior maxilla revealing no differences in terms of survival rates, marginal bone levels (changes), patient‐reported outcomes and technical/biological complications.
Swarming and Aggregation in the Parasitic Diplomonad Flagellate Spironucleus vortens
Authors: Poynton Sarah L. , Ostrenga Lauren , Witwer Kenneth W.
Published: October 2018

Pathogenicity, evolutionary history, and unusual cell organization of diplomonads are well known, particularly for Giardia and Spironucleus; however, behavior of these aerotolerant anaerobes is largely unknown. Addressing this deficit, we studied behavior of the piscine diplomonad Spironucleus vortens (ATCC 50386) in in vitro culture. Spironucleus vortens trophozoites from Angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare, were maintained axenically in modified liver digest, yeast extract, and iron (LYI) medium, at 22 °C in the dark, and subcultured weekly. Cultures were monitored every 1–2 d, by removing an aliquot, and loading cells into a hemocytometer chamber, or onto a regular microscope slide. We observed three distinct swimming behaviors: (i) spontaneous formation of swarms, reaching 200 μm in diameter, persisting for up to several min in situ, (ii) directional movement of the swarm, via collective motility, and (iii) independent swimming of trophozoites to form a band (aggregation), presumably at the location of optimal environmental conditions. These behaviors have not previously been reported in Spironucleus. The observation that flagellate motility can change, from individual self‐propulsion to complex collective swarming motility, prompts us to advocate S. vortens as a new model for study of group behavioral dynamics, complementing emerging studies of collective swimming in flagellated bacteria.
Significance of hypovascular lesions on dynamic computed tomography and/or gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gyoda Yu , Imamura Hiroshi , Ichida Hirofumi , Yoshimoto Jiro , Ishizaki Yoichi , Kuwatsuru Ryohei , Kawasaki Seiji
Published: October 2018

Background and Aim

The natural course and clinical implications of hypovascular lesions on dynamic computed tomography and/or gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging were investigated.

Methods

We followed the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent hepatectomy between April 2009 and August 2012 to determine whether new classical HCCs developed from these unresected borderline lesions or emerged in different areas.

Results

One hundred and eleven patients with HCC were identified to have undergone examinations using both imaging methods before hepatic resection. A total of 54 hypovascular lesions were detected. Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging detected 51 lesions, while dynamic computed tomography identified 21 lesions. Eleven lesions were resected at the time of the hepatectomy together with the main HCCs. Classical HCCs had developed from 52.5% of the 43 unresected lesions at 3 years after hepatic resection. Subsequently, we conducted a patient‐by‐patient analysis to compare the development of classical HCC from these hypovascular lesions and the emergence of de novo classical HCC in other areas. The 3‐year occurrence rate was 62.2% for the former group and 55.0% for the latter group (P = 0.83). Thus, although 52.2% of these hypovascular lesions had developed into classical HCCs at 3 years after the initial hepatectomy, de novo HCCs also occurred at other sites. Furthermore, new hypovascular lesions emerged after hepatectomy in 18–29% of patients irrespective of the presence or absence of hypovascular lesions at hepatectomy.

Conclusions

It remains uncertain whether these hypovascular lesions should be resected together with the main tumors at the time of hepatectomy.
Cellophane surface‐induced gene, VdCSIN1, regulates hyphopodium formation and pathogenesis via cAMP‐mediated signalling in Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Sun Lifan , Qin Jun , Rong Wei , Ni Hao , Guo Hui‐Shan , Zhang Jie
Published: October 2018

The soil‐borne vascular pathogen Verticillium dahliae infects many dicotyledonous plants to cause devastating wilt diseases. During colonization, V. dahliae spores develop hyphae surrounding the roots. Only a few hyphae that adhere tightly to the root surface form hyphopodia at the infection site, which further differentiate into penetration pegs to facilitate infection. The molecular mechanisms controlling hyphopodium formation in V. dahliae remain unclear. Here, we uncovered a cellophane surface‐induced gene (VdCSIN1) as a regulator of V. dahliae hyphopodium formation and pathogenesis. Deletion of VdCSIN1 compromises hyphopodium formation, hyphal development and pathogenesis. Exogenous application of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) degradation inhibitor or disruption of the cAMP phosphodiesterase gene (VdPDEH) partially restores hyphopodium formation in the VdΔcsin1 mutant. Moreover, deletion of VdPDEH partially restores the pathogenesis of the VdΔcsin1 mutant. These findings indicate that VdCSIN1 regulates hyphopodium formation via cAMP‐mediated signalling to promote host colonization by V. dahliae.
Water fluxes mediated by vegetation: emerging isotopic insights at the soil and atmosphere interfaces
Authors: Dubbert Maren , Werner Christiane
Published: October 2018

Plants mediate water fluxes within the soil–vegetation–atmosphere continuum. This water transfer in soils, through plants, into the atmosphere can be effectively traced by stable isotopologues of water. However, rapid dynamic processes have only recently gained attention, such as adaptations in root water uptake depths (within hours to days) or the imprint of transpirational fluxes on atmospheric moisture, particularly promoted by the development of real‐time in‐situ water vapour stable isotope observation techniques. We focus on open questions and emerging insights at the soil–plant and plant–atmosphere interfaces, as we believe that these are the controlling factors for ecosystem water cycling. At both interfaces, complex pictures of interacting ecophysiological and hydrological processes emerge: root water uptake dynamics depend on both spatiotemporal variations in water availability and species‐specific regulation of adaptive root conductivity within the rooting system by, for example, modulating soil–root conductivity in response to water and nutrient demands. Similarly, plant water transport and losses are a fine‐tuned interplay between species‐specific structural and functional strategies of water use and atmospheric processes. We propose that only by explicitly merging insights from distinct disciplines – for example, hydrology, plant physiology and atmospheric sciences – will we gain a holistic picture of the impact of vegetation on processes governing the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum.
The fixation tines of the Micra™ leadless pacemaker are atraumatic to the tricuspid valve
Authors: Mattson Alexander R. , Zhingre Sanchez Jorge D. , Iaizzo Paul A.
Published: October 2018

Background

Today, there is no manufacturer‐supplied retrieval tool for the Micra™ pacemaker (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA); therefore, off‐the‐shelf catheters have been employed for retrievals. The proximal retrieval feature of the Micra™ can be snared and the device is then retracted from the myocardium, pulling the device through the tricuspid valve. This study characterizes the potential risks of Micra™ nitinol tine engagement with the tricuspid sub‐valvular apparatus.

Methods

Fresh human hearts nonviable for transplant (n = 10) were obtained from our regional organ procurement agency (LifeSource, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Micra™ fixation tines were affixed to a linear force transducer. Tines were then engaged in tricuspid chordae tendineae to conduct a constant velocity tensile test. Each test was run until tines disengaged from the chordae tendineae or until they released from the valve apparatus. Subsequently, biomechanical failure properties of the valve apparatus and isolated chordae tendineae were determined using a series of uniaxial tensile tests.

Results

There were no chordal ruptures observed during our Micra™ tine extraction testing. Chordal failure required 15.0 times the force of extracting a single engaged tine, and 9.0 times the force of extracting two engaged tines. The uniaxial stresses required for isolated chordal failure averaged 17.4 N/mm2; failure strains exceeded 150% resting chordal length.

Conclusions

The forces required to rupture tricuspid chordae tendineae significantly exceeded the forces potentially imposed on the chordae during Micra™ device retrievals. We conclude that the fixation tines of the Micra™ device are unlikely to damage the tricuspid apparatus during either implant or retrieval.
Lectin AtGAL1 interacts with high‐mannose glycoform of the purple acid phosphatase AtPAP26 secreted by phosphate‐starved Arabidopsis
Authors: Ghahremani Mina , Park Joonho , Anderson Erin M. , Marty‐Howard Naomi J. , Mullen Robert T. , Plaxton William C.
Published: October 2018

Among 29 predicted Arabidopsis purple acid phosphatases (PAPs), AtPAP26 functions as the principle extracellular and intracellular PAP isozyme that is upregulated to recycle and scavenge Pi during Pi‐deprivation or leaf senescence. Our companion paper documented the copurification of a secreted, high‐mannose AtPAP26‐S2 glycoform with AtGAL1 (At1g78850), a Pi starvation‐inducible (PSI), and Galanthus nivalis agglutinin‐related (mannose‐binding) and apple domain lectin. This study tests the hypothesis that AtGAL1 binds AtPAP26‐S2 to modify its enzymatic properties. Far‐western immunodot blotting established that AtGAL1 readily associates with AtPAP26‐S2 but not the low mannose AtPAP26‐S1 glycoform nor other secreted PSI PAPs (i.e., AtPAP12 or AtPAP25). Analytical gel filtration indicated that 55‐kDa AtGAL1 and AtPAP26‐S2 polypeptides associate to form a 112‐kDa heterodimer. Microscopic imaging of transiently expressed, fluorescent protein‐tagged AtGAL1, and associated bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays demonstrated that (a) like AtPAP26, AtGAL1 also localizes to lytic vacuoles of Pi‐deprived Arabidopsis and (b) both proteins interact in vivo. AtGAL1 preincubation significantly enhanced the acid phosphatase activity and thermal stability of AtPAP26‐S2 but not AtPAP26‐S1. We hypothesize that AtGAL1 plays an important role during Pi deprivation through its interaction with mannose‐rich glycans of AtPAP26‐S2 and consequent positive impact on AtPAP26‐S2 activity and stability.
ABO‐incompatible liver transplantation for children under 2 years of age: A case report and a single‐center review
Authors: Narumoto Soichi , Sakamoto Seisuke , Sasaki Kengo , Hirata Yoshihiro , Fukuda Akinari , Uchiyama Toru , Irie Rie , Yoshioka Takako , Kasahara Mureo
Published: October 2018

Desensitization with RTX has been broadly introduced in adult LT across the ABO blood type barrier. For pediatric LT, the prophylactic use of RTX has not been standardized, especially for children under 2 years of age. A 20‐month‐old girl with BA underwent living donor LT from her ABO‐I mother. On POD 6, she developed combined T cell‐mediated and AMRs. Steroid bolus injection was immediately introduced, followed by antibody‐depleting therapy with PE and IVIG. Based on a peripheral blood lymphocyte analysis by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, ATG and RTX were introduced for refractory rejection. Although she recovered from the combined rejections, IHBCs were inevitable as a consequence. We recommend extending the desensitization protocol to cover children under 2 years of age in order to prevent life‐threatening complications.
PARADOXES AND STRUCTURAL RULES FROM A DIALOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Dutilh Novaes Catarina , French Rohan
Published: October 2018

In recent years, substructural approaches to paradoxes have become quite popular. But whatever restrictions on structural rules we may want to enforce, it is highly desirable that such restrictions be accompanied by independent philosophical motivation, not directly related to paradoxes. Indeed, while these recent developments have shed new light on a number of issues pertaining to paradoxes, it seems that we now have even more open questions than before, in particular two very pressing ones: what (independent) motivations do we have (if any) for restrictions on structural rules, and what to make of the plurality of new logics emerging from these restrictions, i.e. how to ‘choose’ among the different options. In this paper, we address these two questions from the perspective of a dialogical conception of logic that we've been advocating in recent years. We will argue that dialogical interpretations of structural rules, that is, as rules determining specific properties of the dialogues in question, provide a conveniently neutral framework to adjudicate between the different substructural proposals that have been made in the literature on paradoxes.
Responses of the weed Bidens pilosa L. to exogenous application of the steroidal saponin protodioscin and plant growth regulators 24‐epibrassinolide, indol‐3‐acetic acid and abscisic acid
Authors: Mito M. S. , Silva A. A. , Kagami F. L. , Almeida J. D. , Mantovanelli G. C. , Barbosa M. C. , Kern‐Cardoso K. A. , Ishii‐Iwamoto E. L.
Published: October 2018

The exogenous application of plant hormones and their analogues has been exploited to improve crop performance in the field. Protodioscin is a saponin whose steroidal moiety has some similarities to plant steroidal hormones, brassinosteroids. To test the possibility that protodioscin acts as an agonist or antagonist of brassinosteroids or other plant growth regulators, we compared responses of the weed species Bidens pilosa L. to treatment with protodioscin, brassinosteroids, auxins (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA).

Seeds were germinated and grown in agar containing protodioscin, dioscin, brassinolides, IAA and ABA. Root apex respiratory activity was measured with an oxygen electrode. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes activities were assessed.

Protodioscin at 48–240 μm inhibited growth of B. pilosa seedlings. The steroidal hormone 24‐epibrassinolide (0.1–5 μm) also inhibited growth of primary roots, but brassicasterol was inactive. IAA at higher concentrations (0.5–10.0 μm) strongly inhibited primary root length and fresh weight of stems. ABA inhibited all parameters of seedling growth and also seed germination. Respiratory activity of primary roots (KCN‐sensitive and KCN‐insensitive) was activated by protodioscin. IAA and ABA reduced KCN‐insensitive respiration. The content of MDA in primary roots increased only after protodioscin treatment. All assayed compounds increased APx and POD activity, with 24‐epibrassinolide being most active. The activity of CAT was stimulated by protodioscin and 24‐epibrassinolide.

The results revealed that protodioscin was toxic to B. pilosa through a mechanism not related to plant growth regulator signalling. Protodioscin caused a disturbance in mitochondrial respiratory activity, which could be related to overproduction of ROS and consequent cell membrane damage.
When Should Customers Control Service Delivery? Implications for Service Design
Authors: Bellos Ioannis , Kavadias Stylianos
Published: October 2018

What do a Mongolian stir‐fry restaurant and a medical lab providing home testing solutions have in common? They are both innovative services that base their success on customers controlling part of the service delivery. These providers allow service tasks to be performed by the customers as a means of shaping the overall experience and not strictly as a means of “outsourcing” the service. Motivated by such practices, we explore whether and how should providers allocate the control of different tasks of their service to the customers. We model services as multistep processes with each step affecting customers’ experience at other steps. At certain steps the provider may hold an “expert” role and be more capable of performing than the customers, whereas at other steps she may hold an “administrative” role and be less capable of performing than the customers. We distinguish between routine services, where the service outcome must conform to standardized specifications, and non‐routine services, where the value of the service outcome relies on subjective dimensions. We show that the optimal design is determined by an economically intuitive rule whereby the provider controls the steps based on the marginal benefit she can derive compared to self‐service. For routine services, this rule translates to managing “blocks” of steps because the provider benefits from containing the volatility of the experiences across the service even when this implies the provision of service steps with a negative marginal benefit, that is, steps which she is less capable of performing than the customers. Instead, in non‐routine services providers should focus on the value advantage they can ensure through a “core provision” even if this implies forgoing control of steps for which they are more capable of performing than the customers and from which they can derive positive marginal benefit. This implies that in non‐routine services the provider exercises more control up to a certain process length; beyond that she delegates more steps to the customers. When customers differ in their abilities to perform the different steps, the provider may offer a service line. Service lines facilitate better segmentation than a single service offering, but their economic benefit exhibits an inverted “U‐shaped” relationship with respect to the number of steps that a service comprises. Finally, we find that competition between two providers who differ in their capabilities to perform a service results in service design differentiation where the more capable provider offers a higher‐end “focused service” against a lower‐end “super‐service” offered from the less capable provider.
Socially Optimal Contracting between a Regional Blood Bank and Hospitals
Authors: Paul Anand , Rajapakshe Tharanga , Mallik Suman
Published: October 2018

Motivated by the operational challenges faced by a Regional Blood Bank (RBB) in distributing the blood (and related products) among the hospitals in its service area, we study socially optimal contracting decisions of an RBB serving multiple hospitals. The supply of blood can be uncertain and insufficient to satisfy the total orders from hospitals. In the face of supply uncertainty, hospitals tend to over‐order to compensate for a potential supply shortfall. When all hospitals inflate their order quantities, overall allocation of blood suffers and ultimately inflates the total cost of blood, which in turn lightens the wallets of patients. We model the blood bank as a social planner with the objective of minimizing the total cost of shortages and outdates throughout the supply chain. We assume hospitals need some economic incentive to report demand honestly when multiple hospitals compete for limited blood supply. We show that if the blood bank offers a suitable per unit subsidy for every unit of shortage experienced by a hospital, then hospitals would be induced to report demand to the blood bank without inflation. We also investigate whether or not a consignment contract can be consistent with uninflated ordering by hospitals. Finally, we perform a detailed numerical study based on real demand and supply data to investigate the impact of over‐ordering by hospitals on shortages and outdates in the supply chain, and the role of the appropriate contracts and allocation policies in obviating the concomitant social costs.
Redeposition of volcaniclastic sediments by a tsunami 4600 years ago at Kushima City, south‐eastern Kyushu, Japan
Authors: Yamada Masaki , Fujino Shigehiro , Chiba Takashi , Goto Kazuhisa , Goff James
Published: October 2018

The Hyuga‐nada Sea, south‐eastern Kyushu, Japan, is located between a strong (Nankai Trough) and a weak interplate coupling zone (Ryukyu Trench). Over the past 400 years this area has only experienced Magnitude 7·5 earthquakes or smaller and associated small‐scale tsunamis. However, this short historical record most likely does not include the full range of high magnitude, low frequency giant earthquakes that might have occurred in the region. Thus, it is still unclear whether giant earthquakes and their associated tsunamis have occurred in this region. This paper reports on a prehistoric tsunami deposit discovered in a coastal lowland in south‐eastern Kyushu facing the Hyuga‐nada Sea. There is a reddish‐brown pumiceous layer preserved in a non‐marine, organic‐rich mud sequence obtained from onshore sediment cores. This layer is recognized as the ca 4600 year old Kirishima‐Miike tephra (that is now placed around 4500 years ago) sourced from Mount Kirishima, southern Kyushu. Another whitish pumiceous layer is evident below the Kirishima‐Miike tephra in almost all of the sediment cores. A relatively high percentage of marine and brackish diatoms is recorded within this lower pumiceous layer (but not in the surrounding muds or in the overlying Kirishima‐Miike tephra), indicating a marine or beach sediment source. Plant material obtained from organic‐rich mud immediately below the event layer was dated to ca 4430 to 4710 cal yr bp, providing a limiting‐maximum age for this marine incursion event. The presence of marine diatoms below the event layer is probably explained by pre‐seismic subsidence. An absence of the resting spore of the planktonic brackish diatom Cheatoceros and the appearance of the freshwater diatom Eunotia serra immediately above the event layer probably represents a marked change to a relatively low‐salinity environment. Assuming that there were no significant local geomorphological changes, such as drainage obstruction caused by formation of a new barrier spit, it is considered that co‐seismic or immediate post‐seismic uplift are the most likely explanations for this notable environmental change. Based on the crustal movements noted before and after the marine incursion, this event is interpreted here as an earthquake‐generated tsunami. Moreover, because of these notable seismic crustal movements the tsunamigenic earthquake probably occurred immediately offshore of the study site.
The roles of SOCS3 and STAT3 in bacterial infection and inflammatory diseases
Authors: Gao Yu , Zhao Honglei , Wang Peng , Wang Jun , Zou Lili
Published: October 2018

The suppressor of cytokine signalling‐3 (SOCS3) is well known as a feedback inhibitor of the Janus kinases‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) signalling pathway, which mediates the signal transduction of many cytokines, growth factors and hormones during many cellular processes. The critical role of SOCS3 is manifested by its binding to both the JAK kinase and the cytokine receptor, which can result in the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. STAT3 triggers variety of genes expression in response to cytokine (IL‐6 family, IL‐10) and growth factor stimulation and thus plays a critical role in many cellular biological processes involved in anti/pro‐inflammatory responses, cell growth and cell death. SOCS3 might act directly either by hampering JAK activation or by mediating the ubiquitination and subsequent proteasome degradation of the cytokine/growth factor/hormone receptor. Generally, SOCS3 is a negative regulator for cytokine or hormone signalling. But in some cases, SOCS3 regulates the inflammatory responses positively through inhibiting STAT3. An increasing number of reports showed abnormal expression levels of SOCS3/STAT3 in different myeloid and lymphoid cells as well as in various non‐hematopoietic cells, which suggested its involvement in various infection and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we described the role of SOCS3 and STAT3 expression in different cell populations in regulating the outcomes of infection and inflammatory diseases.
Test‐retest variability of VO2max using total‐capture indirect calorimetry reveals linear relationship of VO2 and Power
Authors: Schoffelen Paul F. M. , den Hoed Marcel , van Breda Eric , Plasqui Guy
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to analyze the intra‐individual variation in VO2max of human subjects using total‐capture and free‐flow indirect calorimetry. Twenty‐seven men (27 ± 5 year; VO2max 49‐79 mL•kg−1•min−1) performed two maximal exertion tests (CPETs) on a cycle ergometer, separated by a 7 ± 2 day interval. VO2 and VCO2 were assessed using an indirect calorimeter (Omnical) with total capture of exhalation in a free‐flow airstream. Thirteen subjects performed a third maximal exertion test using a breath‐by‐breath calorimeter (Oxycon Pro). On‐site validation was deemed a requirement. For the Omnical, the mean within‐subject CV for VO2max was 1.2 ± 0.9% (0.0%‐4.4%) and for ergometer workload P max 1.3 ± 1.3% (0%‐4.6%). VO2max values with the Oxycon Pro were significantly lower in comparison with Omnical (P < 0.001; t test) with mean 3570 vs 4061 and difference SD 361 mL•min−1. Validation results for the Omnical with methanol combustion were −0.05 ± 0.70% (mean ± SD; n = 31) at the 225 mL•min−1 VO2 level and −0.23 ± 0.80% (n = 31) at the 150 mL•min−1 VCO2 level. Results using gas infusion were 0.04 ± 0.75% (n = 34) and −0.99 ± 1.05% (n = 24) over the respective 500‐6000 mL•min−1 VO2 and VCO2 ranges. Validation results for the Oxycon Pro in breath‐by‐breath mode were ‐ 2.2 ± 1.6% (n = 12) for VO2 and 5.7 ± 3.3% (n = 12) for VCO2 over the 1000‐4000 mL•min−1 range. On a Visual analog scale, participants reported improved breathing using the free‐flow indirect calorimetry (score 7.6 ± 1.2 vs 5.1 ± 2.7, P = 0.008). We conclude that total capturing free‐flow indirect calorimetry is suitable for measuring VO2 even with the highest range. VO2max was linear with the incline in P max over the full range.
Industrial Maize as a Commodity System: Spatial Scale and Relations of Production in Turkey's Agriculture After Economic Restructuring
Authors: Borlu Yetkin , Matthews Stephen A.
Published: October 2018

During the decade of 2000‐2010, industrial maize production in Turkey doubled to approximately four million tons and the area under maize cultivation increased by ten per cent. Concomitant with the increase in total output, private agri‐food industry came to control 90 per cent of total production by 2010. Using exploratory spatial analysis and spatial regression methods, we are able to have a more detailed and spatially explicit regional study of a commodity system across Turkey. We argue that maize production in Turkey developed in the 2000s along the tenets of a corporate food regime according to demands by agri‐food firms. However, small‐scale farmers are not fully excluded from corporate relations of production, and low‐yield traditional maize farming persists in some provinces as an important field crop for household consumption.
Detection of Tropheryma whipplei in stool samples by one commercial and two in‐house real‐time PCR assays
Authors: Frickmann Hagen , Hanke Miriam , Hahn Andreas , Schwarz Norbert G. , Landt Olfert , Moter Annette , Kikhney Judith , Hinz Rebecca , Rojak Sandra , Dekker Denise , Tannich Egbert , Podbielski Andreas
Published: October 2018

Objective

Tropheryma whipplei, the causative agent of Whipple's disease, can also be identified in stool samples of humans without systemic disease. It is much more frequently detected in human stool samples in tropical environments than in industrialized countries. PCR‐screening has been applied for point prevalence studies and environmental assessments in tropical settings, but results depend on the applied assay. We compared one commercial qPCR kit with two well‐described in‐house assays for detection of T. whipplei from stool.

Methods

Residual materials from nucleic acid extractions of stool samples from two groups with presumably different prevalences and increased likelihood of being colonized or infected by T. whipplei were tested. One group comprised 300 samples from study participants from western Africa (group 1); the second group was of 300 returnees from tropical deployments (group 2). Each sample was assessed with all three qPCR assays. Cycle threshold (Ct) values were descriptively compared.

Results

Based solely on mathematical modeling, the three PCR assays showed considerably different detection rates of T. whipplei DNA in stool samples (kappa 0.67 (95% confidence interval [0.60, 0.73])). Considering the calculated test characteristics, prevalence of 28.3% for group 1 and 5.0% for group 2 was estimated. Discordant test results were associated with later Ct values. The study did not validate the assays for the detection of T. whipplei in Whipple's disease and for diagnostic purposes since clinical specificity and sensitivity were not investigated.

Conclusions

In spite of the observed diagnostic uncertainty, PCR‐based screening approaches can be used for epidemiological purposes and environmental samples to define the source and reservoir in resource‐limited tropical settings if prevalence is calculated using diagnostic accuracy‐adjusted methods.
Multi‐omics data‐driven investigations of metabolic diversity of plant triterpenoids
Authors: Shang Yi , Huang Sanwen
Published: October 2018

The vast majority of structurally diverse metabolites play essential roles in mediating the interactions between plant and environment, and constitute a valuable resource for industrial applications. Recent breakthroughs in sequencing technology have greatly accelerated metabolic studies of natural plant products, providing opportunities to investigate the molecular basis underlying the diversity of specialized plant metabolites through large‐scale analysis. Here, we focus on the biosynthesis of plant triterpenoids, especially the three diversifying reactions (cyclization, oxidation and glycosylation) that largely contribute to the structural diversity of triterpenoids. Gene mining through large‐scale omics data and functional characterization of metabolic genes including enzymes, transcription factors and transporters could provide important insights into the evolution of specialized plant metabolism and pave the way for the production of high‐value metabolites or derivatives using synthetic biology approaches.
Toward the Development of a Verification, Validation, and Uncertainty Quantification Framework for Granular and Multiphase Flows—Part 1: Screening Study and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Gel Aytekin , Vaidheeswaran Avinash , Musser Jordan , Tong Charles H.
Published: October 2018

Establishing the credibility of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for multiphase flow applications is increasingly becoming a mainstream requirement. However, the established verification and validation (V&V) Standards have been primarily demonstrated for single phase flow applications. Studies to address their applicability for multiphase flows have been limited. Hence, their application may not be trivial and require a thorough investigation. We propose to adopt the ASME V&V 20 Standard and explore its applicability for multiphase flows through several extensions by introducing some of the best practices. In the current study, the proposed verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ) framework is presented and its preliminary application is demonstrated using the simulation of granular discharge through a conical hopper commonly employed in several industrial processes. As part of the proposed extensions to the V&V methodology, a detailed survey of subject matter experts including CFD modelers and experimentalists was conducted. The results from the survey highlighted the need for a more quantitative assessment of importance ranking in addition to a sensitivity study before embarking on simulation and experimental campaigns. Hence, a screening study followed by a global sensitivity was performed to identify the most influential parameters for the CFD simulation as the first phase of the process, which is presented in this paper. The results show that particle–particle coefficients of restitution and friction are the most important parameters for the granular discharge flow problem chosen for demonstration of the process. The identification of these parameters is important to determine their effect on the quantities of interest and improve the confidence level in numerical predictions.
Analysis of Turbulence Characteristics in Two Large Concentric Annular Ducts Through Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: Hernández-Cely Marlon M. , Baptistella Victor E. C. , Rodriguez Oscar M. H.
Published: October 2018

An experimental study is presented on water single-phase flow in two 10.5 m-long annular ducts, with external pipe's internal diameter (De) of 155 mm and two concentric internal pipes of external diameters (Di) of 60 mm and 125 mm, i.e., radius ratio (α = Ri/e) of 0.39 and 0.80, respectively, with the aim of improving the understanding of flows in annular ducts. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was applied to obtain instantaneous and averaged velocity measurements of the flow field. A charge-coupled device camera (2448 pixel × 2050 pixel, 5 Mpixel, 12-bit ) recorded pairs of images of the seeding particles and a double-pulsed PIV laser (Nd:YAG, frequency doubled to 532 nm), with a measured pulse intensity of 70 to 75 mJ/pulse, provided the illumination. Laminar flows were analyzed for validation purposes, experimental data on turbulent flows were compared with the classical law of the wall of the turbulent boundary-layer model, and the shear stresses derived from PIV data were compared with those calculated from the measured pressure drop. The effects of the Reynolds number and geometry on turbulent velocity profiles and Reynolds stresses are presented. The results suggest that the law of the wall for annular-duct flow is a function of radius ratio. The new experimental results are of great value for the development of computational fluid dynamics models and more refined pressure-drop prediction tools in annular-duct flow.
The Mechanical Role of the Radial Fiber Network Within the Annulus Fibrosus of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc: A Finite Elements Study
Authors: Sharabi Mirit , Levi-Sasson Aviad , Wolfson Roza , Wade Kelly R. , Galbusera Fabio , Benayahu Dafna , Wilke Hans-Joachim , Haj-Ali Rami
Published: October 2018

The annulus fibrosus (AF) of the intervertebral disc (IVD) consists of a set of concentric layers composed of a primary circumferential collagen fibers arranged in an alternating oblique orientation. Moreover, there exists an additional secondary set of radial translamellar collagen fibers which connects the concentric layers, creating an interconnected fiber network. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical role of the radial fiber network. Toward that goal, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of the L3–L4 spinal segment was generated and calibrated to axial compression and pure moment loading. The AF model explicitly recognizes the two heterogeneous networks of fibers. The presence of radial fibers demonstrated a pronounced effect on the local disc responses under lateral bending, flexion, and extension modes. In these modes, the radial fibers were in a tensile state in the disc region that subjected to compression. In addition, the circumferential fibers, on the opposite side of the IVD, were also under tension. The local stress in the matrix was decreased in up to 9% in the radial fibers presence. This implies an active fiber network acting collectively to reduce the stresses and strains in the AF lamellae. Moreover, a reduction of 26.6% in the matrix sideways expansion was seen in the presence of the radial fibers near the neutral bending axis of the disc. The proposed biomechanical model provided a new insight into the mechanical role of the radial collagen fibers in the AF structure. This model can assist in the design of future IVD substitutes.
Correlation of HBcrAg with Intrahepatic Hepatitis B Virus Total DNA and Covalently Closed Circular DNA in HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Authors: Wang Lin , Cao Xi , Wang Zhenzi , Gao Yuhua , Deng Juan , Liu Xueen , Zhuang Hui
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to explore the correlations of serum hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) with intrahepatic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and HBV total DNA in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Serum HBcrAg and other parameters, including HBV DNA, HBV RNA, HBeAg, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were quantitatively measured at baseline and follow-up time points.
Gut Microbiota in the First 2 Years of Life and the Association with Body Mass Index at Age 12 in a Norwegian Birth Cohort
Authors: Stanislawski Maggie A. , Dabelea Dana , Wagner Brandie D. , Iszatt Nina , Dahl Cecilie , Sontag Marci K. , Knight Rob , Lozupone Catherine A. , Eggesbø Merete
Published: October 2018

Understanding the role of the early-life gut microbiota in obesity is important because there may be opportunities for preventive strategies. We examined the relationships between infant gut microbiota at six times during the first two years of life and BMI at age 12 in a birth cohort of 165 children and their mothers. We found that the gut microbiota from early life to two years shows an increasingly strong association with childhood BMI. This study provides preliminary evidence that the gut microbiome at 2 years of age may offer useful information to help to identify youth who are at risk for obesity, which could facilitate more-targeted early prevention efforts.
BacCapSeq: a Platform for Diagnosis and Characterization of Bacterial Infections
Authors: Allicock Orchid M. , Guo Cheng , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin , Whittier Susan , Chauhan Lokendra V. , Garcia Joel , Price Adam , Morse Stephen S. , Mishra Nischay , Briese Thomas , Lipkin W. Ian
Published: October 2018

BacCapSeq is a method for differential diagnosis of bacterial infections and defining antimicrobial sensitivity profiles that has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality, health care costs, and the inappropriate use of antibiotics that contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Early discharge and rehabilitation in paediatric acquired brain and neurological injury: a transferable model
Authors: Keetley Rachel , Kelly Laura , Whitehouse William P , Thomas Sophie , Bennett Emily , Chow Gabriel , Fletcher Alison , Williams Jane
Published: October 2018

Children and young people who require rehabilitation following sustaining an acquired brain injury often experience long lengths of stay (LOS) and potentially poorer recovery outcomes due to limited access to therapy and little proactive discharge planning. After stakeholder enquiry we launched a new team and pathway with a primary aim to reduce LOS. The secondary aims were to pilot an outreach model, reduce cost and improve patient and family satisfaction. We achieved a significantly improved change in quality care with a financial gain and increased patient and family satisfaction.
Fifteen-minute consultation: History and examination in adolescent gynaecology
Authors: Gubbin Jessica , Malbon Katie
Published: October 2018

Disorders of reproductive and sexual health are commonly encountered in paediatric clinics and can present many challenges to the general paediatrician. In this article we aim to discuss general consultation skills relevant to adolescents, appropriate screening questions for reproductive health concerns and the comprehensive assessment of any gynaecological symptoms identified. Crucially a vast array of conditions can be diagnosed with history and examination alone, sometimes with the addition of simple and readily available investigations, without the need for specialist gynaecology referral. Often reassurance that a concern is simply part of normal reproductive development is all that is required.