bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical efficacy of immediate implant loading protocols compared to conventional loading depending on the type of the restoration: a systematic review
Authors: Sanz‐Sánchez Ignacio , Sanz‐Martín Ignacio , Figuero Elena , Sanz Mariano
Published: June 2014

Background and objectives

Immediate loading has become a predictable option to restore all clinical situations. The aim of this systematic review was to assess whether immediate loading protocols achieve comparable clinical outcomes when compared to conventional loading protocols depending on the type of prosthetic restoration.

Methods

A protocol was developed aimed to answer the following focused question: “What are the effects of immediate implant loading protocols compared to conventional implant loading, in terms of implant failure, marginal bone levels, and biological and mechanical complications based on the type of restoration?” The next subanalysis were performed as follows: the extent, type, and material of the restoration and the type of occlusal contact in function. This systematic review only included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a follow‐up of at least 6 months after implant loading.

Results

Thirty‐seven final papers were included. The results from the meta‐analyses have shown that the immediately loading implants demonstrated a statistically significant higher risk of implant failure [RR = 1.92; 95% CI (1.04; 3.54); P = 0.036], a statistically significant lower bone loss [WMD = 0.046; 95% CI (0.043; 0.049); P = 0.000] and a smaller increase in ISQ values [WMD = −1.096; 95% CI (−1.615; −0.577); P < 0.001, although both groups attained high survival rates (98.2% in the test and 99.6% in the control). Single teeth implants were greater risk of failure, when compared to immediately loaded full arch restorations (RR = 2 vs. 0.9), so as the occlusal pattern when compared to non‐occlusal (RR = 1.9 vs. 1.4).

Conclusions

Immediate loading may impose a greater risk for implant failure when compared to conventional loading, although the survival rates were high for both groups.
Species and environmental characteristics point to flow regulation and drought as drivers of riparian plant invasion
Authors: Catford Jane A. , Morris William K. , Vesk Peter A. , Gippel Christopher J. , Downes Barbara J.
Published: June 2014

Aim

Many factors facilitate biological invasions, making it difficult to determine their relative importance, especially when relying on survey data that include confounded variables. Incorporating information about species characteristics can improve inferences drawn from species–environment relationships, which can inform management. We seek to understand why the abundance of exotic, and not native, terrestrial plants is higher in riparian wetlands most impacted by flow regulation.

Location

River Murray, SE Australia.

Methods

We use variance components analysis and hierarchical generalised linear models to examine whether the positive relationship between flow regulation and proportional cover of exotic plants is driven by altered hydrological regimes, wetland drying and drought, superior colonisation ability of exotic species following disturbance or human‐increased propagule pressure.

Results

Of the four hypotheses, hydrological modification (indicated by flood magnitude) most likely drives invasion. Flow regulation may inhibit native species adapted to the historical hydrological regime, facilitating exotic species with different environmental ranges. A symptom of environmental change, invasion may have been exacerbated by drought, although it is unclear why. There was no indication that human‐increased propagule pressure or colonisation ability facilitated invasion. Exotic cover was unrelated to proximity to towns, recent flood frequency and cattle grazing intensity. Additionally, similar proportions of exotic and native species were used in cultivation and, despite a higher proportion of exotics being known weeds, weed status was unrelated to exotic species occupancy. Overall, colonisation ability was unrelated to species' origin or response to water depth and hydrological change. Although exotics had higher specific leaf area and shorter longevity (indicative of higher colonisation ability), they had heavier (not lighter) seeds and did not differ in height from natives.

Main conclusions

Using environmental flows to reinstate mid‐range floods and augmenting the propagule supply of native species with characteristics suitable for modified conditions may help limit invasion in these wetlands.
On the Relationship between Innovation and Wage Inequality: New Evidence fromCanadian Cities
Authors: Breau Sébastien , Kogler Dieter F. , Bolton Kenyon C.
Published: June 2014

In this article, we examine the link between innovation and earnings inequality acrossCanadian cities over the 1996–2006 period. We do so using a novel data set that combines information from theCanadian long‐form census and theUnitedStatesPatent andTrademarkOffice. The analysis reveals that there is a positive relationship between innovation and inequality: cities with higher levels of innovation have more unequal distributions of earnings. Other factors influencing differences in inequality include city size, manufacturing and government employment, the percentage of visible minority in an urban population, and educational inequality. These results are robust to the use of different measures of inequality, innovation, alternative specifications, and instrumental variables estimations. Questions are thus raised about how the benefits of innovation are distributed in society and the long‐term sustainability of such trends.
Visceral leishmaniasis is associated with marked changes in serum lipid profile
Authors: Liberopoulos Evangelos N. , Apostolou Fotini , Gazi Irene F. , Kostara Christina , Bairaktari Eleni T. , Tselepis Alexandros D. , Elisaf Moses
Published: June 2014

Background

Infection is often accompanied by lipid profile alterations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the lipid profile changes in patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL).

Materials and methods

We included 15 patients [10 men, aged 50 (24–82) years old] with VL and 15 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. The parameters estimated at diagnosis and 4 months after VL resolution were total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), triglycerides (TGs), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), apolipoproteins (apo) A‐Ι, B, E, C‐II, C‐III, lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], activities of lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2), HDL‐Lp‐PLA2, PON1 (paraoxonase 1) and cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP), cytokines (interleukins 1β and 6 and tumour necrosis factor α), as well as LDL subfraction profile.

Results

Patients with VL at diagnosis had lower levels of TC, LDL‐C, apoΒ and Lp(a), and higher TG and apoE concentrations compared with 4 months after VL resolution. The activities of Lp‐PLA2, HDL‐Lp‐PLA2 and ΡΟΝ1 were reduced at diagnosis compared with post‐treatment values. VL patients had decreased levels of both large and sdLDL‐C at diagnosis; no effect on mean LDL particle size was observed. Patients with VL at diagnosis had decreased HDL‐C and apoA‐I concentrations; these increased 4 months after VL resolution, but remained lower compared with controls. The activities of HDL‐Lp‐PLA2 and PON1 remained lower in patients after VL resolution compared with controls.

Conclusions

Patients with VL exhibit increased TG levels and decreased cholesterol subclasses at diagnosis. HDL‐C, apoA‐I and associated enzymes remain lower 4 months after VL resolution compared with controls.
The Stock Markets, Banks and Growth Nexus: Asian Islamic Countries
Authors: Rajabi Ehsan , Muhammad Junaina
Published: June 2014

This paper is primarily concerned with the empirical relationship between the stock market and banking developments and economic growth in a panel of 10 Asian Islamic countries over the period 1990–2009. In order to explore whether there is a positive relationship between the financial development and growth, this study employs the dynamic panel pooled mean‐group techniques. Having controlled the simultaneity bias, the obtained results prove that the development of both banks and stock markets exerts a significant effect on the economic growth. Furthermore, the results also indicated that in the long run, the bank credit, the turnover ratio, as well as the government consumption variables would be significant while positively contributing to the economic growth. Nonetheless, it was observed that not always the sign of the relationship was identical among diverse specifications and proxies. More specifically when controlling the Asian financial crisis, the stock market development exerts a negative effect on the growth, although it is negative for the banking development. It needs to be asserted that the findings obtained in this research are in accordance with the theories which lay emphasis on the significant and positive role of the financial development in the process of economic growth.
How Theories of Perception Deploy the Line: Reconfiguring Students' Bodies Through Topo‐Philosophy
Authors: de Freitas Elizabeth
Published: June 2014

In this essay Elizabeth de Freitas follows Tim Ingold's groundbreaking anthropological work on lines and their cultural and material significance to argue that the line is the engine of theory, be it the drawn line of inscription or mathematical measure, the exclusionary line of delineation, or the undulating generative line of flight. De Freitas focuses on contemporary theories of perception that deploy the line — and mobilize the force of theory — so as to encode and reconfigure the student's body. She draws on the work of Gilles Deleuze to develop a topological approach to the line, and argues that such an approach aligns with current philosophical approaches to social interaction that might be termed “topo‐philosophy.”
A comparative analysis of dispersal syndromes in terrestrial and semi‐terrestrial animals
Authors: Stevens Virginie M. , Whitmee Sarah , Le Galliard Jean‐François , Clobert Jean , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Bonte Dries , Brändle Martin , Matthias Dehling D. , Hof Christian , Trochet Audrey , Baguette Michel
Published: June 2014

Dispersal, the behaviour ensuring gene flow, tends to covary with a number of morphological, ecological and behavioural traits. While species‐specific dispersal behaviours are the product of each species’ unique evolutionary history, there may be distinct interspecific patterns of covariation between dispersal and other traits (‘dispersal syndromes’) due to their shared evolutionary history or shared environments. Using dispersal, phylogeny and trait data for 15 terrestrial and semi‐terrestrial animal Orders (> 700 species), we tested for the existence and consistency of dispersal syndromes across species. At this taxonomic scale, dispersal increased linearly with body size in omnivores, but decreased above a critical length in herbivores and carnivores. Species life history and ecology significantly influenced patterns of covariation, with higher phylogenetic signal of dispersal in aerial dispersers compared with ground dwellers and stronger evidence for dispersal syndromes in aerial dispersers and ectotherms, compared with ground dwellers and endotherms. Our results highlight the complex role of dispersal in the evolution of species life‐history strategies: good dispersal ability was consistently associated with high fecundity and survival, and in aerial dispersers it was associated with early maturation. We discuss the consequences of these findings for species evolution and range shifts in response to future climate change.
Usefulness of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography using Sonazoid for the assessment of therapeutic response to percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nishigaki Yoichi , Hayashi Hideki , Tomita Eiichi , Suzuki Yusuke , Watanabe Naoki , Watanabe Satoshi , Watanabe Chiaki , Takagi Yui , Kato Tomohiro , Naiki Takafumi
Published: June 2014

Aim

Accurate assessment of the coagulated area is imperative to achieve an excellent outcome from percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We evaluated the efficacy of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) with the contrast‐enhancing agent Sonazoid for precisely assessing the therapeutic effect of PRFA for HCC.

Methods

We enrolled 87 consecutive patients with solitary naïve HCC of less than 3 cm in diameter. PRFA treatment was performed with a 17‐G cool‐tip needle, and CEUS was performed to assess the ablative margin 3 h after the procedure, when the coagulated tumor outline was easiest to discern. The treatment was repeated until an ablative margin greater than 5 mm was confirmed. After CEUS assessment of the therapeutic response, the patients were followed to investigate local tumor recurrence.

Results

In 78 patients (89.7%), the outline of the coagulated tumors could be recognized by ultrasonography, and CEUS assessment of the ablative margin was successful. The remaining nine patients were assessed by computed tomography. The 5‐year cumulative survival rate after the assessment of the treatment response with CEUS was 58.4%, and the 4‐year cumulative total recurrence rate was 72.3%. The 5‐year cumulative local tumor recurrence rate was very low (2.3%).

Conclusion

The assessment with CEUS at 3 h after the PRFA procedure was successful in the majority of the patients, and it yielded a very low rate of local recurrence.
Basic evaluation of Pentra MS CRP, a new automated hematology analyzer for rapid 5‐part WBC differential and CRP using a small volume of whole blood
Authors: Inaba T. , Nomura N. , Ishizuka K. , Yoshioka K. , Takahashi M. , Yuasa S. , Saito K. , Fujitomo Y. , Nakanishi M. , Fujita N.
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Pentra MS CRP is a new automated hematology analyzer that can rapidly and reliably provide 5‐part differential of leukocytes (5‐Diff) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) within approximately 3.5 min using a small volume of whole blood (35 μL).

Methods

We evaluated the basic performance of Pentra MS CRP and correlations with Sysmex XN‐3000, manual microscopic count, and Hitachi LABOSPECT.

Results

Pentra MS CRP demonstrated good repeatability and linearity without any significant carryover for all parameters examined (WBC, RBC, HGB, Hct, PLT, 5‐Diff, and CRP). Complete blood cell count (CBC) data examined by Pentra MS CRP correlated well with those evaluated by Sysmex XN‐3000 (R ≥ 0.9880). Absolute number of NEU, LYM, and EOS also showed the good correlation (R ≥ 0.9866) between the two analyzers. The correlation with the manual microscopic count was within acceptable criteria. Furthermore, when CRP was examined in hemolyzed whole blood by Pentra MS CRP and converted to plasma concentrations according to Hct, it correlated well (R = 0.9964) with serum CRP examined by Hitachi LABOSPECT.

Conclusion

Pentra MS CRP is a convenient and reliable analyzer especially in the emergency unit of hospitals in which the prompt and simultaneous measurement of CBC including 5‐Diff and CRP is often necessary.
An investigation into dental anxiety amongst paediatric cardiology patients
Authors: Hollis Amy , Willcoxson Fiona , Smith Adam , Balmer Richard
Published: June 2014

Background

There is evidence that children with cardiac conditions have high levels of untreated dental disease. One possible explanation is that they are more dentally anxious as a result of increased exposure to medical interventions. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to compare the level of dental anxiety between paediatric cardiology patients and healthy children.

Methods

The study group comprised 54 children (mean age 12.2 years) who attended the outpatient paediatric cardiology clinic in tertiary care. The control group (n = 53, mean age 12.38 years) was recruited from consultant‐led new‐patient orthodontic clinics. Child dental anxiety was measured using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (faces version). The parents completed the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale along with a questionnaire regarding their child's medical and dental histories.

Results

The mean level of dental anxiety was significantly higher in the study group (P < 0.05). Analysis of covariance indicated that overnight hospital admission history may have influenced the strength of this relationship.

Conclusions

Paediatric cardiology patients had significantly increased levels of dental anxiety. It is likely that aspects of their medical history, notably overnight hospital admissions, are contributory factors.
On‐Site Identification of Early BÖTTGER Red Stoneware Made at Meissen Using Portable XRF: 1, Body Analysis
Authors: Simsek Gulsu , Casadio Francesca , Colomban Philippe , Bellot‐Gurlet Ludovic , Faber Katherine T. , Zelleke Ghenete , Milande V. , Moinet Eric
Published: June 2014

A selection of 50 red stoneware objects, polished, unpolished, partially polished or glazed, from different collections (Département du Patrimoine et des Collections de la Cité de la Céramique, Sèvres, France; Art Institute of Chicago; a private collection), attributed to 18th century Böttger, 20th century Meissen (Saxony) and Chinese productions have been analyzed with a portable X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer in museum/collector rooms. The comparison of major (Si, Al), minor (K,Ca,Fe), and trace (Ti, Mn, Zr, Rb, Sr) element ratios was made to assist with the classification of the different artifacts as a function of their production technology and raw materials. The results are discussed in light of historical reports on the characteristics of Böttger production and criteria of identification are proposed to distinguish between “classical” Böttger (early 18th century) and other productions.
Normal and Abnormal Grain Growths in BaTiO3 Fibers
Authors: Chen Zhaoxi , Peng Fei
Published: June 2014

The grain growth mechanisms along the BaTiO3 fibers were studied between 1150°C and 1250°C. The normal grain growth always reached a stagnant stage after certain heat‐treatment duration caused by the surface pinning effect. However, the abnormal grain growth (AGG) was not pinned by such surface effect, and can grow continuously. The confined normal grain (or matrix grain) size provides the driving force for AGG. The fiber diameter has an important influence on the grain growth behaviors. Submicrometer fibers have relative small stagnant grain sizes, resulting in large driving force for AGG. Abnormal grain growth occurred below 1200°C in the submicrometer diameter fibers, but was not observed at the same temperature in the fibers with diameter of above 1 μm. Due to the large AGG driving force, large number densities of abnormal grains were observed in submicrometer fibers, resulting in “bamboo‐like” microstructure. Fibers with diameters of 1–2 μm were able to be converted into single crystal fibers up to several tens of micrometers due to the relative small AGG driving forces.
CASH FLOWS, CURRENCY RISK, AND THE COST OF CAPITAL
Authors: Du Ding , Hu Ou
Published: June 2014

Currency fluctuations can affect firms' cash flows. There is evidence that cash flows are related to a covariance risk factor in global stock markets. Taken together, these two lines of research suggest that the underlying link between currency movements and stock returns may be the cash flow. We test this transmission mechanism with the mimicking portfolio approach. Empirically, we find that our test assets have significant exposure to the currency factor‐mimicking portfolio and this factor carries a significant and positive risk premium.
CONVEXITY, MAGNIFICATION, AND TRANSLATION: THE EFFECT OF MANAGERIAL OPTION‐BASED COMPENSATION ON CORPORATE CASH HOLDINGS
Authors: Belghitar Yacine , Clark Ephraim
Published: June 2014

Using the distinctions among the convexity, magnification, and translation effects, we identify the pertinent parameters and examine empirically the relation between cash holdings and option‐based managerial compensation. We show that changes in delta reduce the effects of magnification and convexity on managerial risk aversion. We also provide evidence that there is a negative relation between the option‐based incentives delta and vega and cash holdings. These results are robust when incentives are extended to include all executive board members and when the sample is broken down according to different risk characteristics.
The effect of Mn on mineral stability in metapelites revisited: new a–x relations for manganese‐bearing minerals
Authors: White R. W. , Powell R. , Johnson T. E.
Published: June 2014

The a–x relations recently presented in White et al. (, Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 32, 261–286) are extended to include MnO. This provides a set of internally consistent a–x relations for metapelitic rocks in the MnO–Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–O2 (MnNCKFMASHTO) system. The mixing parameters for the Mn‐bearing minerals were estimated using the micro‐ϕ approach of Powell et al. (, Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 32, 245–260). Then the Mn‐end‐member thermodynamic properties were calibrated using a database of co‐existing minerals involving literature data from rocks and from experiments on natural materials. Mn‐end‐members were calibrated for orthopyroxene, cordierite, staurolite, chloritoid, chlorite, biotite, ilmenite and hematite, assuming known properties for the garnet end‐member spessartine. The addition of MnO to phase diagram calculations results in a marked expansion of the stability of garnet‐bearing assemblages. At greenschist facies conditions garnet stability is extended down temperature. At amphibolite facies conditions, the garnet‐in boundary shifts to lower pressure. While the addition of MnO greatly influences the stability of garnet, it has relatively little effect on the stability of other common metapelitic minerals, with the resultant diagrams being topologically very similar to those calculated without MnO. Furthermore, the addition of MnO in the amounts measured in most metapelites has only a small effect on the mode of garnet, with calculated garnet modes remaining smaller than 1% in the P–T range outside its predicted Mn‐free P–T range.
Spatially varying regularization of deconvolution in 3D microscopy
Authors: SEO J. , HWANG S. , LEE J.‐M. , PARK H.
Published: June 2014

Confocal microscopy has become an essential tool to explore biospecimens in 3D. Confocal microcopy images are still degraded by out‐of‐focus blur and Poisson noise. Many deconvolution methods including the Richardson–Lucy (RL) method, Tikhonov method and split‐gradient (SG) method have been well received. The RL deconvolution method results in enhanced image quality, especially for Poisson noise. Tikhonov deconvolution method improves the RL method by imposing a prior model of spatial regularization, which encourages adjacent voxels to appear similar. The SG method also contains spatial regularization and is capable of incorporating many edge‐preserving priors resulting in improved image quality. The strength of spatial regularization is fixed regardless of spatial location for the Tikhonov and SG method. The Tikhonov and the SG deconvolution methods are improved upon in this study by allowing the strength of spatial regularization to differ for different spatial locations in a given image. The novel method shows improved image quality. The method was tested on phantom data for which ground truth and the point spread function are known. A Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence value of 0.097 is obtained with applying spatially variable regularization to the SG method, whereas KL value of 0.409 is obtained with the Tikhonov method. In tests on a real data, for which the ground truth is unknown, the reconstructed data show improved noise characteristics while maintaining the important image features such as edges.
Stressors, withdrawal, and sabotage in frontline employees: The moderating effects of caring and service climates
Authors: Kao Feng‐Hsia , Cheng Bor‐Shiuan , Kuo Chien‐Chih , Huang Min‐Ping
Published: June 2014

In this study, we examine frontline employees in a multifoci approach for clarifying relationships between social stressors caused by supervisors, colleagues and customers, and turnover intentions, sick leave and service sabotage. The study also considers caring climates and service climates for moderating effects. Data were collected from 420 frontline employees and 30 supervisors in 30 hotels in the hospitality industry. Hierarchical linear model analysis confirmed that supervisor‐caused stressors were more strongly related to turnover intention; colleague‐caused stressors were more strongly related to sick leave; and customer‐caused stressors were more strongly related to service sabotage. In addition, caring climates moderated the relationships between supervisor‐ and customer‐caused stressors and turnover intentions. Service climates moderated the relationships between supervisor‐ and customer‐caused stressors and service sabotage. The findings corroborate the target similarity model. The implications of this study for research and practice are discussed.

Practitioner points

The study should help managers understand why employees display withdrawal or sabotage behaviours. Managers should examine social stressors precisely and carefully to find the best ways to decrease employees' negative behaviours.

Establishing both caring climates and service climates in organizations will help prevent employees' turnover intention or service sabotage.
Ethnic‐Racial Stigma and Health Disparities: From Psychological Theory and Evidence to Public Policy Solutions
Authors: Rivera Luis M.
Published: June 2014

The presence of diverse ethnic‐racial groups in the United States today is a source of national pride. However, this cultural sentiment is overshadowed by the reality that stigmatized ethnic‐racial groups carry a disproportionate burden of negative physical health outcomes. These systematic differences are referred to as health disparities. Although this phenomenon is fairly well documented, relatively little is understood about the social contexts and the psychological processes they activate that contribute to poor health. Equally important, to demonstrate the processes underlying health disparities does not single‐handedly address the issue of social injustice in the health of disadvantaged people. Scientists must assume the burden of facilitating the translation of their laboratory and community‐based research to public policy recommendations. This volume of the Journal of Social Issues brings together social, developmental, cognitive, and clinical psychological research on the physical health of ethnic‐racial stigmatized individuals in the United States. Each contribution explicitly discusses the implications of research for public health policy.
Identity‐Based Motivation: Implications for Health and Health Disparities
Authors: Oyserman Daphna , Smith George C. , Elmore Kristen
Published: June 2014

People aspire to be healthy but often fall short of this goal. Poor health is associated with macro‐level factors—social stratification and low socioeconomic position, including low education, low income, and low status racial‐ethnic group membership. These social determinants differentially expose people to health‐promoting (or undermining) contexts and to having (not having) choice and control over their lives. But social determinants cannot cause individual action directly. Identity‐based motivation theory addresses this gap, articulating how social determinants operate at the micro‐level to influence whether or not a behavior or choice feels congruent with important identities and how such identity‐congruence, in turn, influences which strategies are chosen and how difficulty is interpreted. Lack of choice and control make an interpretation of difficulty as meaning that effort is pointless and “not for people like me” (rather than important) more likely, reducing belief that one's action and effort matter.
Conceptual and Methodological Challenges for Health Disparities Research and Their Policy Implications
Authors: Smedley Brian D. , Myers Hector F.
Published: June 2014

This special issue of the Journal of Social Issues contributes to a growing body of research that illuminates the mechanisms through which racism and discrimination influence the health status of people of color. Importantly, this special issue attempts to connect research examining how racism operates at the interpersonal, internalized, institutional, and structural levels, and points to a number of policy strategies to mitigate the racism–health relationship. Going forward, a comprehensive model of the lived experience of race is needed that considers the cumulative, interactive effects of the different forms of racism and related risk factors on health as they operate over the lifespan. Such a model must facilitate an intersectional analysis to better understand the interaction of race with gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, geography, and other factors, and should also consider the negative consequences of racism for Whites (e.g., poorer health of a growing share of their neighbors, coworkers, customers, and congregants).
The association between Helicobacter pylori gastritis and lymphoid aggregates, lymphoid follicles and intestinal metaplasia in gastric mucosa of children
Authors: Kara Nursu , Urganci Nafiye , Kalyoncu Derya , Yilmaz Banu
Published: June 2014

Aims

The aim of the study was to determine the topographic prevalence of lymphoid follicles, lymphoid aggregates, gastric glandular atrophy and intestinal metaplasia among children with chronic abdominal pain. The association between these lesions and age, type of gastritis and Helicobacter pylori density was also assessed.

Methods

A total of 358 patients (mean age: 10, 18 ± 3, 26 years; male : female ratio: 0.92) with chronic abdominal pain who had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were included in the study. The endoscopic and histopathological findings were documented. The prevalence of lymphoid follicles, lymphoid aggregates, atrophy and intestinal metaplasia according to the type of gastritis and their relation with H. pylori density were determined.

Results

H. pylori was detected in 214 (59.8%) patients. H. pylori‐ positive patients were found to be significantly older than H. pylori‐negative patients (P < 0.01). The endoscopy revealed that the most common finding observed was antral nodularity in H. pylori‐positive patients and normal mucosal appearance in H. pylori‐negative patients. Panmucosal gastritis both in the corpus and antrum and the prevalence of lymphoid follicles and lymphoid aggregates were more frequent in the H. pylori‐positive group (P < 0.01). None of the patients had atrophy, whereas 11 patients had intestinal metaplasia. Although positive correlation was obtained between lymphoid lesions and H. pylori density, no significant relation was established between intestinal metaplasia, lymphoid lesions and H. pylori density.

Conclusion

Lymphoid follicles and lymphoid aggregates in gastric mucosa involving both antrum and corpus significantly correlated with H. pylori infection, H. pylori density and type of gastritis in children.
A rice chloroplast transit peptide sequence does not alter the cytoplasmic localization of sheep serotonin N‐acetyltransferase expressed in transgenic rice plants
Authors: Byeon Yeong , Lee Hyoung Yool , Lee Kyungjin , Back Kyoungwhan
Published: June 2014

Ectopic overexpression of melatonin biosynthetic genes of animal origin has been used to generate melatonin‐rich transgenic plants to examine the functional roles of melatonin in plants. However, the subcellular localization of these proteins expressed in the transgenic plants remains unknown. We studied the localization of sheep (Ovis aries) serotonin N‐acetyltransferase (OaSNAT) and a translational fusion of a rice SNAT transit peptide to OaSNAT (TS:OaSNAT) in plants. Laser confocal microscopy analysis revealed that both OaSNAT and TS:OaSNAT proteins were localized to the cytoplasm even with the addition of the transit sequence to OaSNAT. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing the TS:OaSNAT fusion transgene exhibited high SNAT enzyme activity relative to untransformed wild‐type plants, but lower activity than transgenic rice plants expressing the wild‐type OaSNAT gene. Melatonin levels in both types of transgenic rice plant corresponded well with SNAT enzyme activity levels. The TS:OaSNAT transgenic lines exhibited increased seminal root growth relative to wild‐type plants, but less than in the OaSNAT transgenic lines, confirming that melatonin promotes root growth. Seed‐specific OaSNAT expression under the control of a rice prolamin promoter did not confer high levels of melatonin production in transgenic rice seeds compared with seeds from transgenic plants expressing OaSNAT under the control of the constitutive maize ubiquitin promoter.
Gratitude to God, Self‐Rated Health, and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Krause Neal , Bruce Deborah , Hayward R. David , Woolever Cynthia
Published: June 2014

This study has three goals. The first is to see whether the opportunity to engage in volunteer work at church fosters friendships with co‐religionists. The second goal is to see whether the support these friends provide bolsters feelings of gratitude to God. The third goal is to see whether feelings of gratitude to God are associated with health and depressive symptoms. The following linkages in our conceptual model elaborate and extend these objectives: (1) people who go to church more often will be more likely to participate in volunteer work through their congregations; (2) individuals who perform volunteer work at church will have more friends among their co‐religionists; (3) people who have more friends where they worship will report receiving more emotional support from fellow congregants; (4) those who receive more support from co‐religionists will feel more grateful to God; and (5) individuals who are more grateful to God will rate their health in a more favorable manner and experience fewer symptoms of depression. Data from the U.S. Congregational Life Survey provide support for each of these relationships.
Nonprotein Nitrogenous Compounds and Gelling Property of Whitecheek Shark (Carcharhinus Dussumieri) Mince as Affected by Washing and Microbial Transglutaminase
Authors: Chanarat Sochaya , Benjakul Soottawat , Xiong Youling
Published: June 2014

Changes in nonprotein nitrogenous compounds and gelling properties of whitecheek shark (Carcharhinus dussumieri) meat during iced storage for 12 days were monitored. Total volatile base (TVB), trimethylamine (TMA) and ammonia contents increased, whereas urea content decreased during the storage (P < 0.05). TVB, TMA, urea and ammonia contents were lower in washed mince, indicating the removal of those compounds by washing. The addition of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase, 0.6 unit/g sample) was able to increase breaking force, deformation and water‐holding capacity of both gels from mince and washed mince. Nevertheless, gel strengthening effect of MTGase was lowered when mince or washed mince were obtained from shark stored for an extended time. Polymerization of myosin heavy chain was enhanced when MTGase was incorporated but took place at a lower degree for mince and washed mince produced from unfresh shark. Washing process in combination with MTGase addition could therefore improve gel quality of shark meat.

Practical Applications

Shark meat is a good source of protein, which could be a suitable source for surimi production. However, the meat is considered to have a low market value because of undesirable odor, which is mainly from the decomposition of urea to ammonia during extended storage. Appropriate washing to remove those compounds, along with the use of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase), can be a promising means to improve the textural properties of gels from shark mince. Thus, shark meat can be better exploited, especially for the surimi industry.
Spatial and temporal patterns of larval dispersal in a coral‐reef fish metapopulation: evidence of variable reproductive success
Authors: Pusack Timothy J. , Christie Mark R. , Johnson Darren W. , Stallings Christopher D. , Hixon Mark A.
Published: June 2014

Many marine organisms can be transported hundreds of kilometres during their pelagic larval stage, yet little is known about spatial and temporal patterns of larval dispersal. Although traditional population‐genetic tools can be applied to infer movement of larvae on an evolutionary timescale, large effective population sizes and high rates of gene flow present serious challenges to documenting dispersal patterns over shorter, ecologically relevant, timescales. Here, we address these challenges by combining direct parentage analysis and indirect genetic analyses over a 4‐year period to document spatial and temporal patterns of larval dispersal in a common coral‐reef fish: the bicolour damselfish (Stegastes partitus). At four island locations surrounding Exuma Sound, Bahamas, including a long‐established marine reserve, we collected 3278 individuals and genotyped them at 10 microsatellite loci. Using Bayesian parentage analysis, we identified eight parent‐offspring pairs, thereby directly documenting dispersal distances ranging from 0 km (i.e., self‐recruitment) to 129 km (i.e., larval connectivity). Despite documenting substantial dispersal and gene flow between islands, we observed more self‐recruitment events than expected if the larvae were drawn from a common, well‐mixed pool (i.e., a completely open population). Additionally, we detected both spatial and temporal variation in signatures of sweepstakes and Wahlund effects. The high variance in reproductive success (i.e., ‘sweepstakes’) we observed may be influenced by seasonal mesoscale gyres present in the Exuma Sound, which play a prominent role in shaping local oceanographic patterns. This study documents the complex nature of larval dispersal in a coral‐reef fish, and highlights the importance of sampling multiple cohorts and coupling both direct and indirect genetic methods in order disentangle patterns of dispersal, gene flow and variable reproductive success.
Within‐season variation in sexual selection in a fish with dynamic sex roles
Authors: Wacker Sebastian , Amundsen Trond , Forsgren Elisabet , Mobley Kenyon B.
Published: June 2014

The strength of sexual selection may vary between species, among populations and within populations over time. While there is growing evidence that sexual selection may vary between years, less is known about variation in sexual selection within a season. Here, we investigate within‐season variation in sexual selection in male two‐spotted gobies (Gobiusculus flavescens). This marine fish experiences a seasonal change in the operational sex ratio from male‐ to female‐biased, resulting in a dramatic decrease in male mating competition over the breeding season. We therefore expected stronger sexual selection on males early in the season. We sampled nests and nest‐holding males early and late in the breeding season and used microsatellite markers to determine male mating and reproductive success. We first analysed sexual selection associated with the acquisition of nests by comparing nest‐holding males to population samples. Among nest‐holders, we calculated the potential strength of sexual selection and selection on phenotypic traits. We found remarkable within‐season variation in sexual selection. Selection on male body size related to nest acquisition changed from positive to negative over the season. The opportunity for sexual selection among nest‐holders was significantly greater early in the season rather than late in the season, partly due to more unmated males. Overall, our study documents a within‐season change in sexual selection that corresponds with a predictable change in the operational sex ratio. We suggest that many species may experience within‐season changes in sexual selection and that such dynamics are important for understanding how sexual selection operates in the wild.
Origins and functional diversification of salinity‐responsive Na+, K+ATPase α1 paralogs in salmonids
Authors: Dalziel Anne C. , Bittman Jesse , Mandic Milica , Ou Michelle , Schulte Patricia M.
Published: June 2014

The Salmoniform whole‐genome duplication is hypothesized to have facilitated the evolution of anadromy, but little is known about the contribution of paralogs from this event to the physiological performance traits required for anadromy, such as salinity tolerance. Here, we determined when two candidate, salinity‐responsive paralogs of the Na+, K+ ATPase α subunit (α1a and α1b) evolved and studied their evolutionary trajectories and tissue‐specific expression patterns. We found that these paralogs arose during a small‐scale duplication event prior to the Salmoniform, but after the teleost, whole‐genome duplication. The ‘freshwater paralog’ (α1a) is primarily expressed in the gills of Salmoniformes and an unduplicated freshwater sister species (Esox lucius) and experienced positive selection in the freshwater ancestor of Salmoniformes and Esociformes. Contrary to our predictions, the ‘saltwater paralog’ (α1b), which is more widely expressed than α1a, did not experience positive selection during the evolution of anadromy in the Coregoninae and Salmonine. To determine whether parallel mutations in Na+, K+ ATPase α1 may contribute to salinity tolerance in other fishes, we studied independently evolved salinity‐responsive Na+, K+ ATPase α1 paralogs in Anabas testudineus and Oreochromis mossambicus. We found that a quarter of the mutations occurring between salmonid α1a and α1b in functionally important sites also evolved in parallel in at least one of these species. Together, these data argue that paralogs contributing to salinity tolerance evolved prior to the Salmoniform whole‐genome duplication and that strong selection and/or functional constraints have led to parallel evolution in salinity‐responsive Na+, K+ ATPase α1 paralogs in fishes.
Deciphering the language of plant communication: volatile chemotypes of sagebrush
Authors: Karban Richard , Wetzel William C. , Shiojiri Kaori , Ishizaki Satomi , Ramirez Santiago R. , Blande James D.
Published: June 2014

Volatile communication between sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) individuals has been found previously to reduce herbivory and to be more effective between individuals that are genetically identical or related relative to between strangers. The chemical nature of the cues involved in volatile communication remains unknown for this and other systems.

We collected headspace volatiles from sagebrush plants in the field and analyzed these using GC‐MS.

Volatile profiles were highly variable among individuals, but most individuals could be characterized as belonging to one of two chemotypes, dominated by either thujone or camphor. Analyses of parents and offspring revealed that chemotypes were highly heritable.

The ecological significance of chemotypes and the genetic mechanisms that control them remain poorly understood. However, we found that individuals of the same chemotype communicated more effectively and experienced less herbivory than individuals of differing chemotypes. Plants may use chemotypes to distinguish relatives from strangers.
Tuberculosis drug discovery and emerging targets
Authors: Mdluli Khisimuzi , Kaneko Takushi , Upton Anna
Published: June 2014

Current tuberculosis (TB) therapies take too long and the regimens are complex and subject to adverse effects and drug–drug interactions with concomitant medications. The emergence of drug‐resistant TB strains exacerbates the situation. Drug discovery for TB has resurged in recent years, generating compounds (hits) with varying potential for progression into developable leads. In parallel, advances have been made in understanding TB pathogenesis. It is now possible to apply the lessons learned from recent TB hit generation efforts and newly validated TB drug targets to generate the next wave of TB drug leads. Use of currently underexploited sources of chemical matter and lead‐optimization strategies may also improve the efficiency of future TB drug discovery. Novel TB drug regimens with shorter treatment durations must target all subpopulations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis existing in an infection, including those responsible for the protracted TB treatment duration. This review proposes strategies for generating improved hits and leads that could help achieve this goal.
Sinus Sternoclavicularis: A Congenital Cervical Sinus
Authors: Kargl Simon , Silye Rene , Pumberger Wolfgang
Published: June 2014

We try to characterize a previously rather neglected congenital cervical sinus located in the sternoclavicular area in five children. This sinus showed extension to the left sternoclavicular joint in all patients, so we call this congenital lesion “sinus sternoclavicularis.” With knowledge of this congenital lesion, diagnosis can easily be established based on case history and clinical examination; no further radiological tests are required. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. The chance of recurrence seems to be high because of misinterpretation of the lesion.
Piggyback‐Acquired Hypertrichosis
Authors: Farsani Terry T. , Kane Michaela J. , Kane Kay S.
Published: June 2014

A 9‐month‐old girl exposed to 5% topical minoxidil for 2 months developed generalized hypertrichosis of the exposed and unexposed areas of her body. The infant's grandfather had been using minoxidil daily and then propping the baby on his shoulders for an hour or more a day. Minoxidil was eliminated from the child's environment and 4 months later her hair distribution returned to normal.
Childhood Mycosis Fungoides: Experience of 28 Patients and Response to Phototherapy
Authors: Laws Philip M. , Shear Neil H. , Pope Elena
Published: June 2014

Mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL), is rare in childhood. The prognosis and response to treatment are poorly described in children. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the response to phototherapy in a pediatric cohort. A retrospective cohort study of all patients diagnosed with MF before the age of 18 years and referred to the regional CTCL phototherapy service was performed between January 1990 and April 2012. Twenty‐eight patients were identified (13 boys, 15 girls). The mean age at presentation was 11.6 ± 3.9 years. The hypopigmented variant was noted in 79% of patients. All patients had stage I disease (IA = 10, IB = 17, unknown = 1). The median follow‐up after diagnosis was 43 months (range 6–274 mos). Narrowband ultraviolet B (NbUVB; 311 nm) was used as first‐line phototherapy in 18 patients and psoralen (bath) plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) was used in 8 patients. Complete or partial response was observed in 19 of 22 patients (86%). A further course of phototherapy was required in 7 of 12 patients (58%) treated with NbUVB after a median of 4 months (range 4–29 mos). A further course of phototherapy was required in four of eight patients (50%) successfully treated with PUVA after a median of 45.5 months (range 30–87 mos). No disease progression was noted over the follow‐up (median 43 mos). The majority of patients in our cohort had hypopigmented MF. Phototherapy offers an effective option for treatment of childhood MF, although the period of remission may be greater in patients treated with PUVA.
Postvaccinal, Corticosteroid‐resistant Bullous Pemphigoid in Infancy: Treatment with Intravenous Immunoglobulin
Authors: Ister Marielle , Pouessel Guillaume , Ythier Hubert , Catteau Benoit , Carpentier Olivier
Published: June 2014

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering disorder that typically affects elderly adults but can also occur in childhood. We report on a 3‐month‐old boy who developed bullous pemphigoid 1 week after the second routine administration of a hexavalent vaccine. The disease was resistant to standard therapies (including oral and topical corticosteroids) but was relieved by intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. There was no recurrence of bullous pemphigoid after the next vaccination (3 mos after discontinuation of steroids).