bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substrate specificity of proteolytic activity in the testes fluid and seminal plasma of the common carp Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Cejko B. I. , Słowińska M. , Judycka S. , Kowalski R. K.
Published: March 2016

Substrate specificity in the seminal plasma and testes fluids of the common carp Cyprinus carpio was determined using gelatin, casein, albumin and haemoglobin. Proteolytic profiles of the testes and seminal plasma were compared. Different ranges of pH (5·5–9·5) and temperature (4–37° C) were used during incubations of seminal plasma proteinases. Differences in proteolytic activity between testes and seminal plasma may reflect specific functions of the testes and sperm ducts in semen production. Seminal plasma metalloproteinases were characterized by higher substrate specificity than were serine proteinases. Zymography optimization for seminal plasma indicated that pH 7·5 and 22° C were the optimal conditions for gel incubations.
A phase 3, open‐label study of daclatasvir plus asunaprevir in Asian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection who are ineligible for or intolerant to interferon alfa therapies with or without ribavirin
Authors: Wei Lai , Zhang Mingxiang , Xu Min , Chuang Wan‐Long , Lu Wei , Xie Wen , Jia Zhansheng , Gong Guozhong , Li Yueqi , Bae Si Hyun , Yang Yong‐Feng , Xie Qing , Lin Shumei , Chen Xinyue , Niu Junqi , Jia Jidong , Garimella Tushar , Torbeyns Anne , McPhee Fiona , Treitel Michelle , Yin Philip D. , Mo Ling
Published: March 2016

Background and Aim

Daclatasvir plus asunaprevir has demonstrated efficacy and safety in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection. This study focused on evaluating daclatasvir plus asunaprevir in interferon (±ribavirin)‐ineligible or ‐intolerant Asian patients with genotype 1b infection from mainland China, Korea, and Taiwan.

Methods

Interferon (±ribavirin)‐ineligible and ‐intolerant patients with genotype 1b infection received daclatasvir 60 mg tablets once daily plus asunaprevir 100 mg soft capsules twice daily for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response at post‐treatment week 24 (SVR24).

Results

Of the 159 patients treated, 89.3% were Chinese, 65.4% were female, and 73.6% were interferon‐intolerant. Cirrhosis was present in 32.7% of patients, and 40.3% had IL28B non‐CC genotypes. SVR24 was achieved by 145/159 (91.2%) patients (100% concordance with SVR12) and was similarly high in cirrhotic patients (47/52, 90.4%). SVR24 was higher in patients without baseline NS5A (L31M or Y93H) resistance‐associated variants (RAVs) (137/139, 98.6%), including those with cirrhosis (43/44, 97.7%). Prevalence of baseline NS5A RAVs was low (19/159, 11.9%), particularly in mainland China (10/127, 7.9%). One death (0.6%), five serious adverse events (3.1%), and three grade 4 laboratory abnormalities (1.9%) occurred on treatment; none were considered related to study drugs. Two patients (1.3%) discontinued because of adverse events. Treatment was generally well tolerated regardless of cirrhosis status.

Conclusions

Daclatasvir plus asunaprevir achieved a SVR24 rate of 91.2%, rising to 98.6% in patients without baseline NS5A RAVs, and was generally well tolerated in interferon (±ribavirin)‐ineligible or ‐intolerant patients with genotype 1b infection from mainland China, Korea, and Taiwan.
Association Between Small Decrease in Serum Sodium Concentration within the Normal Range and All‐Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Elderly Adults over 5 Years
Authors: Ahn Shin Y. , Park Yoon S. , Lee Seong W. , Baek Seon H. , Kim Sejoong , Na Ki Y. , Kim Ki W. , Chae Dong‐Wan , Chin Ho J.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To determine the importance of a decrease in serum sodium concentration within the normal range in elderly adults.

Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

The Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging.

Participants

Randomly selected, community‐based elderly population with a corrected serum sodium level between 135.0 and 145.0 mEq/L (N = 949).

Measurements

Survival status was determined during 63.3 ± 16.6 months of follow‐up.

Results

Participants were divided into corrected sodium groups as follows: 73 (7.7%) in Group 1 (sodium 135.0–138.0 mEq/L), 635 (66.9%) in Group 2 (sodium 138.1–142.0 mEq/L), and 241 (25.4%) in Group 3 (sodium 142.1.0–145.0 mEq/L). There were 34 (46.6%) deaths in Group 1, 124 (19.5%) in Group 2, and 52 (21.6%) in Group 3 (P < .001). In a Cox proportional hazards analysis, a 2‐mEq/L higher sodium level reduced the risk of death by 14.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.1–27.4%, P = .048). Group 1 had risk of mortality that was 2.7 times as high as that of Group 2 (95% CI = 1.76–4.11, P < .001). Participants with a measured sodium level of 138.0 mEq/L or less and a corrected sodium level greater than 138.0 mEq/L had a better survival rate than those with a measured sodium level of 138.0 mEq/L or less and a corrected sodium level of 138.0 mEq/L or less.

Conclusion

A slightly lower serum sodium concentration within the normal range was a major risk factor for mortality in elderly adults. Sodium level corrected according to serum glucose concentration was a more meaningful risk factor than measured sodium level.
Functional Status and Quality of Life in Elderly Intensive Care Unit Survivors
Authors: Villa Patricia , Pintado María‐Consuelo , Luján Jimena , González‐García Natalia , Trascasa María , Molina Rocío , Cambronero José‐Andrés , de Pablo Raúl
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To evaluate functional status and quality of life in elderly intensive care unit (ICU) survivors at 1‐year follow‐up.

Design

Prospective 18‐month observational study.

Setting

University medical–surgical ICU.

Participants

ICU survivors aged 75 and older.

Measurements

Functional status at baseline (Barthel Index (BI)) was compared with that at hospital discharge and 1‐year follow‐up. Health‐related quality of life (HRQL Spanish version of the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short‐From Survey) was measured at 1‐year follow‐up and compared with that of the Spanish population of same age.

Results

Of 176 individuals admitted to the ICU, 110 (62.1%) were discharged alive from the hospital, and 94 (53.1%) were alive at 1‐year follow‐up. ICU admission was associated with significant clinical deterioration (median BI 100 points (interquartile range (IQR) 85–100) at baseline vs 85 (IQR 60–100) at hospital discharge, P < .001). Three months after discharge, there was a significant although modest improvement in functional status (BI 95 (IQR 80–100) P = .03). Baseline functional status was not recovered at 1‐year follow‐up (BI 95 (IQR 80–100) P < .001). More ICU survivors had moderate to severe dependence at the end of follow‐up (20.3%) than at ICU admission (6.6%) (P < .001). Factors independently associated with poor functional recovery were low baseline BI and ICU stay longer than 4 days. At 1‐year follow‐up, 76.8% of participants who survived were living in their own homes. HRQL was similar to that of the Spanish population of the same age.

Conclusion

Elderly ICU survivors experienced significant deterioration in functional status, and although they recovered modestly during the following year, they never regained their baseline status. Good recovery was associated with short ICU stay and better baseline functional status.
Administration of low dose estrogen attenuates persistent inflammation, promotes angiogenesis, and improves locomotor function following chronic spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Samantaray Supriti , Das Arabinda , Matzelle Denise C. , Yu Shan P. , Wei Ling , Varma Abhay , Ray Swapan K. , Banik Naren L.
Published: March 2016

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes loss of neurological function and, depending upon the severity of injury, may lead to paralysis. Currently, no FDA‐approved pharmacotherapy is available for SCI. High‐dose methylprednisolone is widely used, but this treatment is controversial. We have previously shown that low doses of estrogen reduces inflammation, attenuates cell death, and protects axon and myelin in SCI rats, but its effectiveness in recovery of function is not known. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate whether low doses of estrogen in post‐SCI would reduce inflammation, protect cells and axons, and improve locomotor function during the chronic phase of injury. Injury (40 g.cm force) was induced at thoracic 10 in young adult male rats. Rats were treated with 10 or 100 μg 17β‐estradiol (estrogen) for 7 days following SCI and compared with vehicle‐treated injury and laminectomy (sham) controls. Histology (H&E staining), immunohistofluorescence, Doppler laser technique, and Western blotting were used to monitor tissue integrity, gliosis, blood flow, angiogenesis, the expression of angiogenic factors, axonal degeneration, and locomotor function (Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan rating) following injury. To assess the progression of recovery, rats were sacrificed at 7, 14, or 42 days post injury. A reduction in glial reactivity, attenuation of axonal and myelin damage, protection of cells, increased expression of angiogenic factors and microvessel growth, and improved locomotor function were found following estrogen treatment compared with vehicle‐treated SCI rats. These results suggest that treatment with a very low dose of estrogen has significant therapeutic implications for the improvement of locomotor function in chronic SCI.

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Experimental studies with low dose estrogen therapy in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) demonstrated the potential for multi‐active beneficial outcomes that could ameliorate the degenerative pathways in chronic SCI as shown in (a). Furthermore, the alterations in local spinal blood flow could be significantly alleviated with low dose estrogen therapy. This therapy led to the preservation of the structural integrity of the spinal cord (b), which in turn led to the improved functional recovery as shown (c).
Involvement of aberrant cyclin‐dependent kinase 5/p25 activity in experimental traumatic brain injury
Authors: Yousuf Mohammad A. , Tan Chunfeng , Torres‐Altoro Melissa I. , Lu Fang‐Min , Plautz Erik , Zhang Shanrong , Takahashi Masaya , Hernandez Adan , Kernie Steven G. , Plattner Florian , Bibb James A.
Published: March 2016

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with adverse effects on brain functions, including sensation, language, emotions and/or cognition. Therapies for improving outcomes following TBI are limited. A better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of TBI may suggest novel treatment strategies to facilitate recovery and improve treatment outcome. Aberrant activation of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) has been implicated in neuronal injury and neurodegeneration. Cdk5 is a neuronal protein kinase activated via interaction with its cofactor p35 that regulates numerous neuronal functions, including synaptic remodeling and cognition. However, conversion of p35 to p25 via Ca2+‐dependent activation of calpain results in an aberrantly active Cdk5/p25 complex that is associated with neuronal damage and cell death. Here, we show that mice subjected to controlled cortical impact (CCI), a well‐established experimental TBI model, exhibit increased p25 levels and consistently elevated Cdk5‐dependent phosphorylation of microtubule‐associated protein tau and retinoblastoma (Rb) protein in hippocampal lysates. Moreover, CCI‐induced neuroinflammation as indicated by increased astrocytic activation and number of reactive microglia. Brain‐wide conditional Cdk5 knockout mice (Cdk5 cKO) subjected to CCI exhibited significantly reduced edema, ventricular dilation, and injury area. Finally, neurophysiological recordings revealed that CCI attenuated excitatory post‐synaptic potential field responses in the hippocampal CA3‐CA1 pathway 24 h after injury. This neurophysiological deficit was attenuated in Cdk5 cKO mice. Thus, TBI induces increased levels of p25 generation and aberrant Cdk5 activity, which contributes to pathophysiological processes underlying TBI progression. Hence, selectively preventing aberrant Cdk5 activity may be an effective acute strategy to improve recovery from TBI.

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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases astrogliosis and microglial activation. Moreover, TBI deregulates Ca2+‐homeostasis triggering p25 production. The protein kinase Cdk5 is aberrantly activated by p25 leading to phosphorylation of substrates including tau and Rb protein. Loss of Cdk5 attenuates TBI lesion size, indicating that Cdk5 is a critical player in TBI pathogenesis and thus may be a suitable therapeutic target for TBI.
Complex regulation of the regulator of synaptic plasticity histone deacetylase 2 in the rodent dorsal horn after peripheral injury
Authors: Maiarù Maria , Morgan Oakley B. , Tochiki Keri K. , Hobbiger Eleanor J. , Rajani Kaveeta , Overington Dorothy W. U. , Géranton Sandrine M.
Published: March 2016

Histone deacetylases (HDACs), HDAC2 in particular, have been shown to regulate various forms of learning and memory. Since cognitive processes share mechanisms with spinal nociceptive signalling, we decided to investigate the HDAC2 expression in the dorsal horn after peripheral injury. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that spinal HDAC2 was mainly seen in neurons and astrocytes, with neuronal expression in naïve tissue 2.6 times greater than that in astrocytes. Cysteine (S)‐nitrosylation of HDAC2 releases HDAC2 gene silencing and is controlled by nitric oxide (NO). A duration of 48 h after intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant, there was an ipsilateral increase in the most important NO‐producing enzyme in pain states, nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), accompanied by an increase in HDAC2 S‐nitrosylation. Moreover, a subset of nNOS‐positive neurons expressed cFos, a known target of HDAC2, suggesting that derepression of cFos expression following HDAC2 S‐nitrosylation might occur after noxious stimulation. We saw no change in global HDAC2 expression in both short‐ and long‐term pain states. However, HDAC2 was increased in astrocytes 7 days after neuropathic injury suggesting that HDAC2 might inhibit astrocytic gene expression in neuropathic pain states. All together, our results indicate that the epigenetic regulation of transcriptional programmes in the dorsal horn after injury is cell specific. Moreover, the prominent role of NO in persistent pain states suggests that HDAC2 S‐nitrosylation could play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression leading to hypersensitivity.

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Our manuscript describes for the first time the regulation of the memory regulator histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in the superficial dorsal horn of adult rats following peripheral injury. Our cell‐specific approach has revealed a complex pattern of expression of spinal HDAC2 that depends on the injury and the cell type, suggesting a sophisticated regulation of gene expression by HDAC2.
Pre‐ and Post‐Natal Stress Programming: Developmental Exposure to Glucocorticoids Causes Long‐Term Brain‐Region Specific Changes to Transcriptome in the Precocial Japanese Quail
Authors: Marasco V. , Herzyk P. , Robinson J. , Spencer K. A.
Published: March 2016

Exposure to stress during early development can permanently influence an individual's physiology and behaviour, and affect its subsequent health. The extent to which elevated glucocorticoids cause such long‐term ‘programming’ remains largely untested. In the present study, using the Japanese quail as our study species, we independently manipulated exposure to corticosterone during pre‐ and/or post‐natal development and investigated the subsequent effects on global gene expression profiles within the hippocampus and hypothalamus upon achieving adulthood. Our results showed that the changes in transcriptome profiles in response to corticosterone exposure clearly differed between the hippocampus and the hypothalamus. We also showed that these effects depended on the developmental timing of exposure and identified brain‐region specific gene expression patterns that were either: (i) similarly altered by corticosterone regardless of the developmental stage in which hormonal exposure occurred or (ii) specifically and uniquely altered by either pre‐natal or post‐natal exposure to corticosterone. Corticosterone‐treated birds showed alterations in networks of genes that included known markers of the programming actions of early‐life adversity (e.g. brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and mineralocorticoid receptor within the hippocampus; corticotrophin‐releasing hormone and serotonin receptors in the hypothalamus). Altogether, for the first time, these findings provide experimental support for the hypothesis that exposure to elevated glucocorticoids during development may be a key hormonal signalling pathway through which the long‐term phenotypic effects associated with early‐life adversity emerge and potentially persist throughout the lifespan. These data also highlight that stressors might have different long‐lasting impacts on the brain transcriptome depending on the developmental stage in which they are experienced; more work is now required to relate these mechanisms to organismal phenotypic differences.
Changes in shape and cross‐sectional geometry in the tibia of mice selectively bred for increases in relative bone length
Authors: Cosman Miranda N. , Sparrow Leah M. , Rolian Campbell
Published: March 2016

Limb bone size and shape in terrestrial mammals scales predictably with body mass. Weight‐bearing limb bones in these species have geometries that enable them to withstand deformations due to loading, both within and between species. Departures from the expected scaling of bone size and shape to body mass occur in mammals that have become specialized for different types of locomotion. For example, mammals adapted for frequent running and jumping behaviors have hind limb bones that are long in relation to body mass, but with narrower cross‐sections than predicted for their length. The Longshanks mouse was recently established, a selectively bred line of mice with ~12–13% longer tibiae relative to body mass. This increased limb length resembles superficially the derived limb proportions of rodents adapted for hopping and jumping. Here, 3D geometric morphometrics and analyses of bone cross‐sectional geometry were combined to determine whether selection for increased relative tibia length in Longshanks mice has altered the scaling relationship of size and shape, and/or bone robusticity, relative to the tibiae of random‐bred control mice from the same genetic background. The results suggest that the Longshanks tibia is not a geometrically scaled version of the control tibiae. Instead, the Longshanks tibia has become narrower in cross‐section in relation to its increased length, leading to a decrease in overall bending strength when compared with control tibiae. These changes in bone shape and robusticity resemble the derived morphology of mammals adapted for running and jumping, with important implications for the material properties and strength of bone in these mammals.
Intermuscular force transmission along myofascial chains: a systematic review
Authors: Krause Frieder , Wilke Jan , Vogt Lutz , Banzer Winfried
Published: March 2016

The present review aims to provide a systematic overview on tensile transmission along myofascial chains based on anatomical dissection studies and in vivo experiments. Evidence for the existence of myofascial chains is growing, and the capability of force transmission via myofascial chains has been hypothesized. However, there is still a lack of evidence concerning the functional significance and capability for force transfer. A systematic literature research was conducted using MEDLINE (Pubmed), ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Studied myofascial chains encompassed the superficial backline (SBL), the back functional line (BFL) and the front functional line (FFL). Peer‐reviewed human dissection studies as well as in vivo experiments reporting intermuscular tension transfer between the constituents of a myofascial chain were included. To assess methodic quality, two independent investigators rated studies by means of validated assessment tools (QUACS and PEDro Scale). The literature research identified 1022 articles. Nine studies (moderate to excellent methodological quality) were included. Concerning the SBL and the BFL, there is moderate evidence for force transfer at all three transitions (based on six studies), and one of two transitions (three studies). One study yields moderate evidence for a slight, but not significant force transfer at one transition in the FFL. The findings of the present study indicate that tension can be transferred between some of the examined adjacent structures. Force transfer might have an impact in overuse conditions as well as on sports performance. However, different methods of force application and measurement hinder the comparability of results. Considering anatomical variations in the degree of continuity and histological differences of the linking structures is crucial for interpretation. Future studies should focus on the in vivo function of myofascial continuity during isolated active or passive tissue tensioning.
Effect of bed exercises and gum chewing on abdominal sounds, flatulence and early discharge in the early period after caesarean section
Authors: Çevik Semra Akköz , Başer Mürüvvet
Published: March 2016

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of bed exercises and gum chewing on abdominal sounds, flatulence and early discharge on women who have given birth at the Cengiz Gökçek Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital surgery services in Gaziantep city centre.

Background

Caesarean operation is the most significant surgical intervention that affects central nervous system and decelerates bowel movements in the postoperative period. Conducted studies show that practices such as gum chewing ensure that bowel functions start in a short time through early feeding and mobilisation and shorten the duration of hospital stay.

Design

A randomised controlled experimental was used.

Method

A total of 120 women participated in the study in three groups of 40 for gum, exercise and control groups. Gum was given to the groups in the gum section two hours after the ceasarean, the women chewed gum for the first eight hours until flatulence for 15 minutes every two hours. However, the women in the exercise group started moving two hours after the caesarean for the first eight hours until flatulence for five minutes every two hours. The control group consisted of women under routine treatment and care of the hospital. All women were hourly evaluated in terms of abdominal sounds, flatulence and defaecation.

Results

It was determined that following caesarean, bowel functions started in three groups at the same time, there was no significant difference between three groups. It was determined that the gum group, exercise group and the control group were discharged earlier, there was no significant difference between three groups

Conclusion

The study results show that spinal anaesthesia have positive effects on discharge time after caesarean section operation.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study provides useful information to clinician and researchers when determining practices such as postoperative standing up in early period, gum chewing and early liquid intake related to postoperative bowel functions after abdominal operations.
A tailored treatment strategy: a modern approach for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lip G. Y. H. , Potpara T. , Boriani G. , Blomström‐Lundqvist C.
Published: March 2016

The main priority in atrial fibrillation (AF) management is stroke prevention, following which decisions about rate or rhythm control are focused on the patient, being primarily for management of symptoms. Given that AF is commonly associated with various comorbidities, risk factors such as hypertension, heart failure, diabetes mellitus and sleep apnoea should be actively looked for and managed in a holistic approach to AF management. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of modern AF stroke prevention with a focus on tailored treatment strategies. Biomarkers and genetic factors have been proposed to help identify ‘high‐risk’ patients to be targeted for oral anticoagulation, but ultimately their use must be balanced against that of more simple and practical considerations for everyday use. Current guidelines have directed focus on initial identification of ‘truly low‐risk’ patients with AF, that is those patients with a CHA2DS2‐VASc [congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years (two points), diabetes mellitus, stroke (two points), vascular disease, age 65–74 years, sex category] score of 0 (male) or 1 (female), who do not need any antithrombotic therapy. Subsequently, patients with ≥1 stroke risk factors can be offered effective stroke prevention, that is oral anticoagulation. The SAMe‐TT2R2 [sex female, age <60 years, medical history (>2 comorbidities), treatment (interacting drugs), tobacco use (two points), race non‐Caucasian (two points)] score can help physicians make informed decisions on those patients likely to do well on warfarin (SAMe‐TT2R2 score 0–2) or those who are likely to have a poor time in therapeutic range (SAMe‐TT2R2 score >2). A clinically focused tailored approach to assessment and stroke prevention in AF with the use of the CHA2DS2VASc, HAS‐BLED [hypertension, abnormal renal/liver function (one or two points), stroke, bleeding history or predisposition, labile international normalized ratio, elderly (>65 years) drugs/alcohol concomitantly (one or two points)] and SAMeTT2R2 scores to evaluate stroke risk, bleeding risk and likelihood of successful warfarin therapy, respectively, is discussed.
Does Couples' Communication Predict Marital Satisfaction, or Does Marital Satisfaction Predict Communication?
Authors: Lavner Justin A. , Karney Benjamin R. , Bradbury Thomas N.
Published: March 2016

The quality of communication between spouses is widely assumed to affect their subsequent judgments of relationship satisfaction, yet this assumption is rarely tested against the alternative prediction that communication is merely a consequence of spouses' prior levels of satisfaction. To evaluate these perspectives, newlywed couples' positivity, negativity, and effectiveness were observed four times at 9‐month intervals, and these behaviors were examined in relation to corresponding self‐reports of relationship satisfaction. Cross‐sectionally, relatively satisfied couples engaged in more positive, less negative, and more effective communication. Longitudinally, reliable communication‐to‐satisfaction and satisfaction‐to‐communication associations were identified, yet neither pathway was particularly robust. These findings raise important doubts about theories and interventions that prioritize couple communication skills as the key predictor of relationship satisfaction, while raising new questions about other factors that might predict communication and satisfaction and that strengthen or moderate their association.
Modified Activation Technique for Nasal Stent of Nasoalveolar Molding Appliance for Columellar Lengthening in Bilateral Cleft Lip/Palate
Authors: Patil Pravinkumar G. , Nimbalkar‐Patil Smita P.
Published: March 2016

Bilateral cleft lip/cleft palate is associated with nasal deformities typified by a short columella. The presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy approach includes reduction of the size of the intraoral alveolar cleft as well as positioning of the surrounding deformed soft tissues and cartilages. In a bilateral cleft patient, NAM, along with columellar elongation, eliminates the need for columellar lengthening surgery. Thus the frequent surgical intervention to achieve the desired esthetic results can be avoided. This article proposes a modified activation technique of the nasal stent for a NAM appliance for columellar lengthening in bilateral cleft lip/palate patients. The design highlights relining of the columellar portion of the nasal stent and the wire‐bending of the nasal stent to achieve desirable results within the limited span of plasticity of the nasal cartilages. With this technique the vertical taping of the premaxilla to the oral plate can be avoided.
Measurements of Repeated Tightening and Loosening Torque of Seven Different Implant/Abutment Connection Designs and Their Modifications: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Butkevica Alena , Nathanson Dan , Pober Richard , Strating Herman
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Repeated tightening and loosening of the abutment screw may alter its mechanical and physical properties affecting the optimal torque and ultimate reliability of an implant/abutment connection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated tightening and loosening of implant/abutment screws on the loosening torque of implant/abutment connections of commercially available implant systems.

Materials and methods

Seven different implant/abutment connections and their modifications were tested. The screws of each system were tightened according to the manufacturer's specifications. After 20 minutes the screws were loosened. This procedure was repeated ten times, and the differences between the 1st and 10th cycle were expressed as a percentage change RTq(%) and correlated with initial torque, the number of threads, the length of shank, and thread surface area employing Spearman's analysis.

Results

All systems showed significant differences in residual torque (RTq) value (p < 0.05) between the 1st and 10th cycle except groups 6 and 11 (p > 0.05). All connections but group 3 (p = 1.000) showed a significant change from the initial torque (ITq) to the RTq values. The first successive RTq values increased in two connection groups 1 and 2. The remaining connections showed reduced RTq values ranging from –1.2 % (group 5) to –23.5% (group 6). The RTq values declined gradually with every repeated tightening in groups 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 11, 12. In group 2, after the tenth tightening the RTq was still above the ITq value. Only length of shank demonstrated a correlation with the RTq(%) change over the successive tightening loosening cycles (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Repeated tightening and loosening of implant/abutment screws caused varying torque level changes among the different systems. These observations can probably be attributed to connection design. Clinical Implications: Limiting the number of tightening/loosening cycles in clinical and laboratory procedures is advisable for most of the implant systems tested.
A Contemporary Framework and Suprastructure Ceramic Design for Posterior Implant Fixed Partial Denture
Authors: Dhima Matilda
Published: March 2016

Bone and soft tissue deformities in long‐standing partial edentulism are commonly treated with implant therapy. The various ceramic restorative systems available and digital technology allow for customization of design and material selection. A substructure design that mimics tooth preparation in a custom zirconia framework with a lithium disilicate suprastructure is presented as an effort to address the functional and esthetic challenges posed by long‐standing posterior partial edentulism. The aim is to present several contemporary elements of design to address the functional, esthetic, and maintenance needs.
Carotenogenesis diversification in phylogenetic lineages of Rhodophyta
Authors: Takaichi Shinichi , Yokoyama Akiko , Mochimaru Mari , Uchida Hiroko , Murakami Akio
Published: March 2016

Carotenoid composition is very diverse in Rhodophyta. In this study, we investigated whether this variation is related to the phylogeny of this group. Rhodophyta consists of seven classes, and they can be divided into two groups on the basis of their morphology. The unicellular group (Cyanidiophyceae, Porphyridiophyceae, Rhodellophyceae, and Stylonematophyceae) contained only β‐carotene and zeaxanthin, “ZEA‐type carotenoids.” In contrast, within the macrophytic group (Bangiophyceae, Compsopogonophyceae, and Florideophyceae), Compsopogonophyceae contained antheraxanthin in addition to ZEA‐type carotenoids, “ANT‐type carotenoids,” whereas Bangiophyceae contained α‐carotene and lutein along with ZEA‐type carotenoids, “LUT‐type carotenoids.” Florideophyceae is divided into five subclasses. Ahnfeltiophycidae, Hildenbrandiophycidae, and Nemaliophycidae contained LUT‐type carotenoids. In Corallinophycidae, Hapalidiales and Lithophylloideae in Corallinales contained LUT‐type carotenoids, whereas Corallinoideae in Corallinales contained ANT‐type carotenoids. In Rhodymeniophycidae, most orders contained LUT‐type carotenoids; however, only Gracilariales contained ANT‐type carotenoids. There is a clear relationship between carotenoid composition and phylogenetics in Rhodophyta. Furthermore, we searched open genome databases of several red algae for references to the synthetic enzymes of the carotenoid types detected in this study. β‐Carotene and zeaxanthin might be synthesized from lycopene, as in land plants. Antheraxanthin might require zeaxanthin epoxydase, whereas α‐carotene and lutein might require two additional enzymes, as in land plants. Furthermore, Glaucophyta contained ZEA‐type carotenoids, and Cryptophyta contained β‐carotene, α‐carotene, and alloxanthin, whose acetylenic group might be synthesized from zeaxanthin by an unknown enzyme. Therefore, we conclude that the presence or absence of the four enzymes is related to diversification of carotenoid composition in these three phyla.
An evaluation of a target‐controlled infusion of propofol or propofol–alfentanil admixture for sedation in dogs
Authors: Montefiori F. , Pawson P. , Auckburally A. , Scott M. , Flaherty D.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate sedation quality and cardiorespiratory variables in dogs sedated using a target‐controlled infusion of propofol or propofol–alfentanil admixture.

METHODS

A total of 60 dogs undergoing diagnostic imaging were randomly assigned to one of three sedation protocols: propofol alone; propofol with a low concentration of 12 µg of alfentanil per mL of propofol; or propofol with a higher concentration of 24 µg of alfentanil per mL of propofol. Target‐controlled infusion was initiated at a propofol target concentration of 1·5 µg/mL and increased until lateral recumbency was achieved. Times to adopt lateral recumbency and recover, pulse rate, respiratory rate, oscillometric mean arterial pressure and oxygen saturation were recorded. Quality of sedation onset and recovery were scored.

RESULTS

Propofol target at lateral recumbency differed significantly (P=0·01) between groups with median (range) values of 3·0 (1·5 to 5·5), 2·0 (2 to 4·5) and 2·25 (1·5 to 3·5) µg/mLfor propofol alone, propofol with the lower concentration of alfentanil and propofol with the higher concentration of alfentanil groups, respectively. Time to lateral recumbency was longer and quality of onset less smooth for the propofol group. Pulse rate change differed significantly (P<0·001) between groups (mean pulse rate change at onset of sedation: propofol group +2 ±24 bpm, low concentration alfentanil group −30 ±24 bpm, higher concentration alfentanil group −26 ±23 bpm). Hypoxaemia (SpO2<90%) occurred in 1, 3 and 13 dogs, in the propofol group, the low concentration alfentanil group and the higher concentration of alfentanil group, respectively (P<0·001).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Addition of alfentanil to propofol target‐controlled infusion did not confer cardiovascular benefits and, at the higher concentration, alfentanil increased the incidence of hypoxaemia.
Hepcidin resistance in dysmetabolic iron overload
Authors: Rametta Raffaela , Dongiovanni Paola , Pelusi Serena , Francione Paolo , Iuculano Federica , Borroni Vittorio , Fatta Erika , Castagna Annalisa , Girelli Domenico , Fargion Silvia , Valenti Luca
Published: March 2016

Background & Aims

Dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome (DIOS) is a frequent condition predisposing to metabolic, cardiovascular and hepatic damage, whose pathogenesis remains poorly defined. Aim of this study was to characterize iron metabolism in DIOS.

Methods

We evaluated 18 patients with DIOS, compared to 18 with nonalcoholic fatty liver and 23 healthy individuals with normal iron status, and 10 patients with hereditary haemochromatosis by a 24‐h oral iron tolerance test with hepcidin measurement and iron metabolism modelling under normal iron stores.

Results

Dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome patients had higher peak transferrin saturation and area under the‐curve of transferrin saturation than subjects with normal iron status, but lower values than haemochromatosis patients (P < 0.05 for all). Conversely, they had higher peak circulating hepcidin levels and area under the curve of hepcidin than the other groups (P < 0.05 for all). This was independent age, sex, haemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation levels (P = 0.0002). Hepcidin increase in response to the rise in transferrin saturation (hepcidin release index) was not impaired in DIOS patients. Viceversa, the ability of the hepcidin spike to control the rise in transferrin saturation at the beginning of the test (hepcidin resistance index) was impaired in DIOS (P = 0.0002). In DIOS patients, the hepcidin resistance index was correlated with ferritin levels at diagnosis (P = 0.016).

Conclusions

Dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome is associated with a subtle impairment in the ability of the iron hormone hepcidin to restrain iron absorption following an iron challenge, suggesting a hepcidin resistance state. Further studies are required to better characterize the molecular mechanism underpinning this new iron metabolism alteration.
Inspirational decoys: a new hunt for effector targets
Authors: Malik Shivani , Van der Hoorn Renier A. L.
Published: March 2016

This article is a Commentary on Kroj et al., 210: 618–626.
Old‐growth temperate forests harbor hidden nitrogen‐fixing bacteria
Authors: Wurzburger Nina
Published: March 2016

This article is a Commentary on Moyes et al., 210: 657–668.
Plasticity in leaf‐level water relations of tropical rainforest trees in response to experimental drought
Authors: Binks Oliver , Meir Patrick , Rowland Lucy , da Costa Antonio Carlos Lola , Vasconcelos Steel Silva , de Oliveira Alex Antonio Ribeiro , Ferreira Leandro , Christoffersen Bradley , Nardini Andrea , Mencuccini Maurizio
Published: March 2016

The tropics are predicted to become warmer and drier, and understanding the sensitivity of tree species to drought is important for characterizing the risk to forests of climate change. This study makes use of a long‐term drought experiment in the Amazon rainforest to evaluate the role of leaf‐level water relations, leaf anatomy and their plasticity in response to drought in six tree genera.

The variables (osmotic potential at full turgor, turgor loss point, capacitance, elastic modulus, relative water content and saturated water content) were compared between seasons and between plots (control and through‐fall exclusion) enabling a comparison between short‐ and long‐term plasticity in traits. Leaf anatomical traits were correlated with water relation parameters to determine whether water relations differed among tissues.

The key findings were: osmotic adjustment occurred in response to the long‐term drought treatment; species resistant to drought stress showed less osmotic adjustment than drought‐sensitive species; and water relation traits were correlated with tissue properties, especially the thickness of the abaxial epidermis and the spongy mesophyll.

These findings demonstrate that cell‐level water relation traits can acclimate to long‐term water stress, and highlight the limitations of extrapolating the results of short‐term studies to temporal scales associated with climate change.
The project (management) discourse and its consequences: on vulnerability and unsustainability in project‐based work
Authors: Cicmil Svetlana , Lindgren Monica , Packendorff Johann
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we examine how the discourses related to project‐based work and management are drawn upon in the organising of contemporary work, and the implications they have for project workers. We are interested in how project workers and projectified organisations become vulnerable to decline, decay and exhaustion and why they continue to participate in, and so sustain, projectification processes. The critical perspective taken here, in combination with our empirical material from the ICT sector, surfaces an irreversible decline of the coping capacity of project workers and draws attention to the addictive perception of resilience imposed on and internalised by them as a condition of success and longevity. Under those circumstances, resilience is made sense of and internalised as coping with vulnerability by letting some elements of life being destroyed; thus re‐emerging as existentially vulnerable rather than avoiding or resisting the structures and processes that perpetuate vulnerability.
DEFYING THE COMMISSION: CREATIVE COMPLIANCE AND RESPECT FOR THE RULE OF LAW IN THE EU
Authors: BATORY AGNES
Published: March 2016

This article investigates how and to what extent member states comply with EU obligations in terms of process and outcome. The aim is to demonstrate how norm‐conform behaviour unfolds, or fails to unfold, in an interaction between a member state and the European Commission. The empirical focus is on recent rule of law crises in France, Hungary and Romania. The argument is that member states engage in symbolic and/or creative compliance, designed to create the appearance of norm‐conform behaviour without giving up their original objectives. The cases illustrate that creative and symbolic compliance strategies may be successfully employed by member states because they enable the Commission to disengage from conflicts it judges too costly and yet maintain its credibility, and are conditioned by the visibility of failure to change facts on the ground. The implication is that, at times, not only is compliance symbolic, but also to some extent is enforcement.
Systems genetics reveals key genetic elements of drought induced gene regulation in diploid potato
Authors: van Muijen Dennis , Anithakumari A.M. , Maliepaard Chris , Visser Richard G. F. , van der Linden C. Gerard
Published: March 2016

In plants, tolerance to drought stress is a result of numerous minor effect loci in which transcriptional regulation contributes significantly to the observed phenotypes. Under severe drought conditions, a major expression quantitative trait loci hotspot was identified on chromosome five in potato. A putative Nuclear factor y subunit C4 was identified as key candidate in the regulatory cascade in response to drought. Further investigation of the eQTL hotspots suggests a role for a putative Homeobox leucine zipper protein 12 in relation to drought in potato. Genes strongly co‐expressed with Homeobox leucine zipper protein 12 were plant growth regulators responsive to water deficit stress in Arabidopsis thaliana, implying a possible conserved mechanism. Integrative analysis of genetic, genomic, phenotypic and transcriptomic data provided insights in the downstream functional components of the drought response. The abscisic acid‐ and environmental stress‐inducible protein TAS14 was highly induced by severe drought in potato and acts as a reliable biomarker for the level of stress perceived by the plant. The systems genetics approach supported a role for multiple genes responsive to severe drought stress of Solanum tuberosum. The combination of gene regulatory networks, expression quantitative trait loci mapping and phenotypic analysis proved useful for candidate gene selection.
Alternating temperature combined with darkness resets base temperature for germination (Tb) in photoblastic seeds of Lippia and Aloysia (Verbenaceae)
Authors: Galíndez G. , Seal C. E. , Daws M. I. , Lindow L. , Ortega‐Baes P. , Pritchard H. W.
Published: March 2016

Thermal time models for seed germination assume a continuum of rate responses in the sub‐optimal temperature range. Generally, the models describe germination performance in non‐dormant seeds at constant temperatures, yet alternating temperature (AT) is a feature of many natural environments. We studied the possible interacting effects of AT on germination progress in photoblastic seeds of three aromatic–medicinal Verbenaceae species in the genera Lippia and Aloysia. For Lippia turbinata f. turbinata and L. turbinata f. magnifolia seed, germination only occurred in light conditions, while for L. integrifolia and Aloysia citriodora it was significantly higher in the light than in darkness. Although relative light germination (RLG) was not different between constant and AT in the sub‐optimal range, AT raised the base temperature for germination progress (Tb) from ca. 3–6 °C in constant temperature to 7–12 °C in AT. Among the species, thermal time for 50% seed germination [θT(50)] was 55–100 °Cd at constant temperature. Although AT resulted in slight modifications to θT(50), the germination rate at comparable average temperatures in the sub‐optimal range was slower than under constant temperatures. For all species, the proportion of germinated seeds was similar for constant and AT. Our results suggest that an interaction between cool temperature and darkness during AT treatment limits the temperature range permissive for germination in these positively photoblastic seed, reflecting both close adaptation to the natural ecology and niche requirements of the species.
Role of the lens in controlling physical dormancy break and germination of Delonix regia (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae)
Authors: Jaganathan G. K. , Wu G.‐R. , Han Y.‐Y. , Liu B. L.
Published: March 2016

Physical dormancy occurs in all three subfamilies of Fabaceae, namely Mimosoideae, Papilionoideae and Caesalpinioideae, making it one of the largest plant families in terms of number of species with physical dormancy. However, little is known about the water gap structure and germination ecology of species in Caesalpinioideae. Freshly collected seeds of Delonix regia (Caesalpinioideae) did not imbibe water, thus they had physical dormancy. Both dry heat and wet heat were effective in breaking dormancy, however, longer duration was required at 80 °C and shorter duration at 90 °C. Seeds buried in the field for 2 years germinated to 21% and 42% after the first and second summer, respectively, compared with 3% germination in seeds at the time of maturity. Seeds incubated at 15/60 °C in the laboratory (mimicking summer conditions) for 3 months supported this conclusion, as dormancy was relieved in 18% and 24% of seeds stored dry and watered intermediately, respectively. All the dormancy breaking treatments resulted in lifting of palisade layers in the lens region to form a circular lid‐like opening, i.e. water gap (Type II simple). Blocking experiments confirmed that water entered only through the lens and no secondary water entry point was observed. No apparent changes in morphology/anatomy of the hilum region were noted in dormant and non‐dormant (water permeable) seeds. These results suggest that summer temperatures could open the lens in a proportion of seeds every year and that germination occurs during the subsequent wet season in the tropics.