bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) strengthen the metabolic function of food waste biodegradation by gut microbiome
Authors: Jiang Cheng‐Liang , Jin Wei‐Zheng , Tao Xin‐Hua , Zhang Qian , Zhu Jun , Feng Shi‐Yun , Xu Xin‐Hua , Li Hong‐Yi , Wang Ze‐Hua , Zhang Zhi‐Jian
Published: March 2019

Vermicomposting using black soldier fly (BSF) larvae (Hermetia illucens) has gradually become a promising biotechnology for waste management, but knowledge about the larvae gut microbiome is sparse. In this study, 16S rRNA sequencing, SourceTracker, and network analysis were leveraged to decipher the influence of larvae gut microbiome on food waste (FW) biodegradation. The microbial community structure of BSF vermicompost (BC) changed greatly after larvae inoculation, with a peak colonization traceable to gut bacteria of 66.0%. The relative abundance of 11 out of 21 metabolic function groups in BC were significantly higher than that in natural composting (NC), such as carbohydrate‐active enzymes. In addition, 36.5% of the functional genes in BC were significantly higher than those in NC. The changes of metabolic functions and functional genes were significantly correlated with the microbial succession. Moreover, the bacteria that proliferated in vermicompost, including Corynebacterium, Vagococcus, and Providencia, had strong metabolic abilities. Systematic and complex interactions between the BSF gut and BC bacteria occurred over time through invasion, altered the microbial community structure, and thus evolved into a new intermediate niche favourable for FW biodegradation. The study highlights BSF gut microbiome as an engine for FW bioconversion, which is conducive to bioproducts regeneration from wastes.
“Adjusting internal organs and dredging channel” electroacupuncture treatment prevents the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy by downregulating glucose‐related protein 78 (GRP78) and caspase‐12 in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats
Authors: Pan Hong , Huang Haipeng , Zhang Liying , Ma Shiqi , Yang Hongmei , Wang Hongfeng
Published: March 2019

Background

The clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is significant, but the underlying mechanism of action is not clear. Considering that glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and caspase‐12 are major proteins participating in cell apoptosis, we investigated the effects of “adjusting internal organs and dredging channel” electroacupuncture therapy on GRP78 and caspase‐12 levels in streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic rats to elucidate the mechanism of action.

Methods

Rats were first divided into two groups: one group was rendered diabetic with a single injection of 50 mg/kg STZ, whereas the other normal control group was injected with an equivalent volume of citrate buffer. The STZ‐diabetic rats were randomly divided into three groups: model control and electroacupuncture‐ and mecobalamin‐treated groups. After 12 weeks treatment, the therapeutic efficacy of electroacupuncture was assessed using sciatic nerves isolated from rats. In the electroacupuncture group, rats were treated by electroacupuncture for 20 minutes once daily for 6 days each week, with 1 day off, for 12 consecutive weeks. The selected acupressure points include bilateral acupressure points of BL13 (Fehu), BL20 (Pishu), BL23 (Shenshu), LI4 (Hegu), LR3 (faichong), ST36 (Zusanli), and SP6 (Sanyiniiao). Acupressure points were stimulated using a HuaTuo SDZ‐V Electric Acupuncture Therapy Apparatus. The acupressure points of BL13 and BL23, as well as SP6 and LR3, were connected on the same side with a dilatational wave of 3 Hz (frequency ratio of 1 : 5) to stimulate the parts of the body to the extent that could be tolerated by the rat. As for the mecobalamin‐treated groups, mecobalamin was administrated to rats intragastrically at a dose of 20 mg/kg once daily for 12 consecutive weeks. Immunofluorescence and western blot analysis were used to determine GRP78 and caspase‐12 levels in sciatic nerves. In addition, cell apoptosis in sciatic nerves was determined using the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐digoxigenin nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) assay.

Results

Electroacupuncture markedly reduced the pathological injury to sciatic nerves in STZ‐diabetic rats. Moreover, electroacupuncture significantly downregulated GRP78 and caspase‐12 and reduced cell apoptosis of sciatic nerves in DPN rats.

Conclusions

Electroacupuncture improved DPN by downregulating GRP78 and caspase‐12 and reducing cell apoptosis of sciatic nerves in STZ‐diabetic rats, and further inhibited the occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum stress, thus preventing sciatic nerve injuries.
Handling Oxygenation Targets in the Intensive Care Unit (HOT‐ICU)—Protocol for a randomised clinical trial comparing a lower vs a higher oxygenation target in adults with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure
Authors: Schjørring Olav L. , Perner Anders , Wetterslev Jørn , Lange Theis , Keus Frederik , Laake Jon H. , Okkonen Marjatta , Siegemund Martin , Morgan Matthew , Thormar Katrin M. , Rasmussen Bodil S. ,   the HOT-ICU Investigators
Published: March 2019

Background

Acutely ill adults with hypoxaemic respiratory failure are at risk of life‐threatening hypoxia, and thus oxygen is often administered liberally. Excessive oxygen use may, however, increase the number of serious adverse events, including death. Establishing the optimal oxygenation level is important as existing evidence is of low quality. We hypothesise that targeting an arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) of 8 kPa is superior to targeting a PaO2 of 12 kPa in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure.

Methods

The Handling Oxygenation Targets in the ICU (HOT‐ICU) trial is an outcome assessment blinded, multicentre, randomised, parallel‐group trial targeting PaO2 in acutely ill adults with hypoxaemic respiratory failure within 12 hours after ICU admission. Patients are randomised 1:1 to one of the two PaO2 targets throughout ICU stay until a maximum of 90 days. The primary outcome is 90‐day mortality. Secondary outcomes are serious adverse events in the ICU, days alive without organ support and days alive out of hospital in the 90‐day period; mortality, health‐related quality‐of‐life at 1‐year follow‐up as well as 1‐year cognitive and pulmonary function in a subgroup; and an overall health economic analysis. To detect or reject a 20% relative risk reduction, we aim to include 2928 patients. An interim analysis is planned after 90‐day follow‐up of 1464 patients.

Conclusion

The HOT‐ICU trial will test the hypothesis that a lower oxygenation target reduces 90‐day mortality compared with a higher oxygenation target in adult ICU patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure.
Cerebellar GABAergic correlates of cognition‐mediated verbal fluency in physiology and schizophrenia
Authors: Piras F. , Piras F. , Banaj N. , Ciullo V. , Vecchio D. , Edden R. A. E. , Spalletta G.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Defective cerebellar GABAergic inhibitory control may participate to the cognitive impairments seen in SZ. We tested the prediction of a model for the relationship between cerebellar GABA concentration and the associative/executive processes required by verbal fluency in patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and matched healthy controls (HC).

Method

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of GABA was performed using a 3 Tesla scanner and verbal fluency assessed by the Controlled Word (WFT) and Semantic (SFT) Fluency tests. Cerebellar GABA measurements were obtained using the MEGA‐PRESS acquisition sequence. Linear correlations between cerebellar GABA levels and the WFT, SFT score were performed to test differences between correlation coefficients of SZ and HC. Quantile regressions between GABA levels and the WFT score were performed.

Results

Higher cerebellar GABA concentration was associated in SZ with lower phonemic fluency and reduced number of switches among subcategories as opposed to what observed in HC (with higher cerebellar GABA associated with higher number of words and phonemic switches). GABA levels explained phonemic fluency in SZ performing above the group mean.

Conclusion

Studying cerebellar GABA provides a valid heuristic to explore the molecular mechanisms of SZ. This is crucial for developing pharmacological treatments to improve cognition and functional recovery in SZ.
The influence of different cement spaces on the marginal gap of CAD/CAM all‐ceramic crowns
Authors: Zhang Y , Dudley J
Published: March 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to measure the marginal gaps of CAD/CAM all‐ceramic crowns constructed using different cement spaces on crown preparations created by undergraduate students.

Methods

Twenty‐four Columbia model lower left first molars with assessed tapers and reduction volumes (RV) were recruited to receive complete coverage E.max crowns. Three E.max crowns were digitally designed and milled for each crown preparation using three different cement spaces: 50 μm (CS‐50), 100 μm (CS‐100), 200 μm (CS‐200). Each crown was seated onto its original crown preparation and three vertical marginal gap measurements were taken at four locations (mid‐buccal, mid‐lingual, mid‐mesial, mid‐distal) using a stereomicroscope. The mean marginal gap (MMG) was calculated for each crown and each individual tooth surface.

Results

The MMG was statistically significantly different for each of the three cement spaces (126 μm for CS‐50, 89 μm for CS‐100, and 75 μm for CS‐200) (P < 0.0001). A taper of between 20 and 30° produced the smallest MMG. Insufficient RV caused significantly larger MMGs. The buccal margin had significantly smaller MMGs than all other measured surfaces.

Conclusions

The most accurate margins of digitally designed all‐ceramic crowns constructed on simulation teeth prepared by undergraduate students were observed when using a 200 μm cement space.
Population structure and genetic diversity of four Henan pig populations
Authors: Qiao R. , Li X. , Han X. , Wang K. , Lv G. , Ren G. , Li X.
Published: March 2019

To investigate the population structure and genetic diversity of Henan indigenous pig breeds, samples from a total of 78 pigs of 11 breeds were collected, including four pig populations from Henan Province, three Western commercial breeds, three Chinese native pig breeds from other provinces and one Asian wild boar. The genotyping datasets were obtained by genotyping‐by‐sequencing technology. We found a high degree of polymorphism and rapid linkage disequilibrium decay in Henan pigs. A neighbor‐joining tree, principal component analysis and structure analysis revealed that the Huainan and Erhualian pigs were clustered together and that the Queshan black pigs were clearly grouped together but that the Nanyang and Yuxi pigs were extensively admixed with Western pigs. In addition, heterozygosity values might indicate that Henan indigenous pigs, especially the Queshan black and Huainan pigs, were subjected to little selection during domestication. The results presented here indicate that Henan pig breeds were admixed from Western breeds, especially Nanyang and Yuxi pigs. Therefore, establishment of purification and rejuvenation systems to implement conservation strategies is urgent. In addition, it is also necessary to accelerate genetic resources improvement and utilization using modern breeding technologies, such as genomic selection and genome‐wide association studies.
The European sea bass: a key marine fish model in the wild and in aquaculture
Authors: Vandeputte M. , Gagnaire P.‐A. , Allal F.
Published: March 2019

The European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) is a marine fish of key economic and cultural importance in Europe. It is now more an aquaculture than a fisheries species (>96% of the production in 2016), although modern rearing techniques date back only from the late 1980s. It also has high interest for evolutionary studies, as it is composed of two semispecies (Atlantic and Mediterranean lineages) that have come into secondary contact following the last glaciation. Based on quantitative genetics studies of most traits of interest over the past 10–15 years, selective breeding programs are now applied to this species, which is at the beginning of its domestication process. The availability of a good quality reference genome has accelerated the development of new genomic resources, including SNP arrays that will enable genomic selection to improve genetic gain. There is a need to improve feed efficiency, both for economic and environmental reasons, but this will require novel phenotyping approaches. Further developments will likely focus on the understanding of genotype‐by‐environment interactions, which will be important both for efficient breeding of farmed stocks and for improving knowledge of the evolution of natural populations. At the interface between both, the domestication process must be better understood to improve production and also to fully evaluate the possible impact of aquaculture escapees on wild populations. The latter is an important question for all large‐scale aquaculture productions.
Transscleral sutureless intraocular lens versus retropupillary iris‐claw lens fixation for paediatric aphakia without capsular support: a randomized study
Authors: Shuaib Asmaa Mahmoud , El Sayed Yasmine , Kamal Ahmed , El Sanabary Zeinab , Elhilali Hala
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To compare results of sutureless transscleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation to retropupillary iris‐claw lens implantation in cases of paediatric aphakia without capsular support.

Methods

Thirty eyes of children with insufficient capsular support for IOL implantation were randomized to undergo sutureless transscleral IOL fixation or iris‐claw lens fixation. The primary outcome was best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Secondary outcomes included operative time, astigmatism, central corneal thickness, endothelial cell count (ECC), IOL decentration and tilt, central foveal thickness and complications.

Results

There was a significant improvement in BCVA at all follow‐up visits, with no significant difference between both groups. 53.3% in the transscleral‐fixated IOL group and 80% in the iris‐claw IOL group had a final BCVA ≥0.3. The operative time was significantly shorter in the iris‐claw IOL group (p = 0.001). IOL decentration and tilt were higher in the transscleral‐fixated IOL group, but the difference was not significant. The ECC was reduced by 14.6% in the transscleral‐fixated IOL group and 11% in the iris‐claw group at 6 months, with no significant difference between both groups (p = 0.5). In the transscleral‐fixated IOL group, two eyes developed ocular hypertension and two eyes had IOL decentration, while in the iris‐claw IOL group, 1 eye developed glaucoma, three eyes had haptic disenclavation, and one eye had retinal detachment.

Conclusion

Both techniques yielded a comparable visual outcome. Retropupillary iris‐claw lens fixation is a shorter procedure and technically easier than sutureless transscleral fixation, but the risk of disenclavation should be considered especially in younger age groups. Scleral fixation is the only option in case of severe iris damage, but may be associated with more endothelial cell loss.
Effects of cladribine tablets on heart rate, atrio‐ventricular conduction and cardiac repolarization in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hermann Robert , Litwin Jeffrey S. , Friberg Lena E. , Dangond Fernando , Munafo Alain
Published: March 2019

Aims

Cladribine tablets have shown significant efficacy for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis, a chronic and debilitating immune‐mediated disorder. This study was conducted to examine acute and/or cumulative effects of cladribine tablets 10 mg (3.5 or 5.25 mg/kg cumulative dose over 2 years) on heart rate, AV conduction and cardiac repolarization in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Methods

CLARITY was a 96‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicentre trial which evaluated the safety and efficacy of cladribine tablets 3.5 and 5.25 mg/kg body weight in patients with RRMS. A total of 135 patients were included in the ECG substudy, providing a total of 1534 post‐dose ECGs. ECG data were collected 15 minutes pre‐dose and between 0.5 and 3 hours post‐dose at pre‐study evaluation, study Day 1 and Weeks 5, 9, 13, 48 and 52.

Results

For cladribine tablets 3.5 mg/kg, the maximum change in placebo‐adjusted post‐dose QTcF vs. visit‐baseline (BL) was −0.42 ms (90% CI: −3.61–4.44) at Week 1 (acute effects), and 3.20 ms (90% CI: −0.08–6.33) for cladribine tablets 5.25 mg/kg. The greatest observed differences in post‐dose QTcF vs. study BL occurred at Week 48 for both the 3.5 and 5.25 mg/kg doses of cladribine tablets with 5.99 ms (90% CI: 0.53–11.44) and 8.74 ms (90% CI: 3.18–14.31), respectively. No significant changes were observed in T‐wave morphology in either treatment group.

Conclusions

Cladribine tablets 3.5 mg/kg (approved dose in Europe/other regions) did not confer clinically meaningful effects on heart rate, AV conduction and ventricular repolarization.
Pre‐natal brain development as a target for urban air pollution
Authors: Sunyer Jordi , Dadvand Payam
Published: March 2019

Air pollution is the main urban‐related environmental hazard and one of the major contributors to the global burden of disease based on its cardiovascular‐respiratory impacts. In children, exposure to urban air pollution is associated, among others, with decelerated neurodevelopment early in life and increased risk of neurodevelopmental problems such as attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, academic failure and the start of Alzheimer's pathogenesis. However, the evidence of the effects of air pollution on brain development is still inadequate, mainly due to the limitations in (a) characterizing brain development (most studies were based on subjective tools such as questionnaires or neuropsychological tests) and (b) air pollution exposure (most studies only used residential levels based on geographical modelling and also overlooking the variation in the mixture of air pollutants as well as the composition and hence toxicity of particulate pollutants in different settings), (c) the lack of studies during the most vulnerable stages of brain development (foetal and early life (first two years post‐natally)) and (d) the lack of structural and functional imaging data underlying these effects. In mice, in utero exposure to fine particles was linked to structural brain changes and there is a need to establish the generalizability of these findings in human beings. Though scarce, current evidence in children supports the importance of the pre‐natal period as a susceptible window of exposure. Two studies in schoolchildren found that pre‐natal air pollution exposure might damage brain structure while exposure during childhood was not linked to any structural alteration. Another study showed that children with higher traffic‐related air pollution at school had lower functional integration in key brain networks, but no changes in brain structure, possibly partly because of the time window of air pollution exposure (in utero versus childhood exposure). A key development is to discover the windows of greatest sensitivity of structural brain changes to air pollution exposure by incorporating the recent advances in non‐invasive imaging to characterize natal and post‐natal brain development and exploring whether and to what extend placental dysfunction could mediate such an association. Studying pre‐natal life is important because effects at this time are of a potentially irreversible nature and because the largest preventive opportunities occur during these periods.
Functional outcome assessment in bipolar disorder: A systematic literature review
Authors: Chen Maxine , Fitzgerald Heather M. , Madera Jessica J. , Tohen Mauricio
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Functional impairment is an important driver of disability in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and can persist even when symptomatic remission has been achieved. The objectives of this systematic literature review were to identify studies that assessed functioning in patients with BD and describe the functional scales used and their implementation.

Methods

A systematic literature review of English‐language articles published between 2000 and 2017 reporting peer‐reviewed, original research related to functional assessment in patients with BD was conducted.

Results

A total of 40 articles met inclusion criteria. Twenty‐four different functional scales were identified, including 13 clinician‐rated scales, 7 self‐reported scales, and 4 indices based on residential and vocational data. The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and the Functional Assessment Short Test (FAST) were the most commonly used global and domain‐specific scales, respectively. All other scales were used in ≤2 studies. Most studies used ≥1 domain‐specific scale. The most common applications of functional scales in these studies were evaluations of the relationships between global or domain‐specific psychosocial functioning and cognitive functioning (eg, executive function, attention, language, learning, memory) or clinical variables (eg, symptoms, duration of illness, number of hospitalizations, number of episodes).

Conclusions

The results of this review show growing interest in the assessment of functioning in patients with BD, with an emphasis on specific domains such as work/educational, social, family, and cognitive functioning and high utilization of the GAF and FAST scales in published literature.
Inhibition of phosphodiesterase‐4 attenuates murine ulcerative colitis through interference with mucosal immunity
Authors: Li Heng , Fan Chen , Feng Chunlan , Wu Yanwei , Lu Huimin , He Peilan , Yang Xiaoqian , Zhu Fenghua , Qi Qing , Gao Yuanzhuo , Zuo Jianping , Tang Wei
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an aetiologically refractory inflammatory disease, accompanied by dysfunction of the epithelial barrier and intestinal inflammation. Phosphodiesterase‐4 (PDE4) serves as an intracellular proinflammatory enzyme, hydrolyzing and inactivating cAMP. Though PDE4 inhibitors have been approved for pulmonary and dermatological diseases, the role of PDE4 inhibition in modulating mucosal immunity in the intestine remains ill‐defined. This study was designed to explore whether PDE4 inhibition by apremilast exerts protective effects in dextran sulfate sodium‐induced murine UC.

Experimental Approach

Intestinal inflammation and disease severity were evaluated by morphological, histopathological and biochemical assays, and in vivo imaging. Expression of inflammatory mediators, components of PDE4‐mediated pathways in colon and macrophages were determined using quantitative real‐time PCR, ELISA, Luminex assay, immunostaining, or western blotting, along with siRNA knockdown. Immune cells in mesenteric lymph nodes and colonic lamina propria were analysed by flow cytometry.

Key Results

Apremilast attenuated clinical features of UC, suppressing microscopic colon damage, production of inflammatory mediators, oxidative stresses, and fibrosis. Apremilast also promoted epithelial barrier function and inhibited infiltration of immune cells into inflamed tissues, through decreasing expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors. Furthermore, in UC, PDE4A, PDE4B, and PDE4D were highly expressed in colon. Apremilast not only inhibited PDE4 isoform expression but also activated PKA–CREB and Epac‐Rap1 pathways and subsequently suppressed MAPK, NF‐κB, PI3K–mTOR, and JAK–STAT–SOCS3 activation.

Conclusion and Implications

Inhibition of PDE4 by apremilast protected against UC, by interfering with mucosal immunity. These findings represent a promising strategy for regulating intestinal inflammation.
Food for naught: Using the theory of planned behaviour to better understand household food wasting behaviour
Authors: van der Werf Paul , Seabrook Jamie A. , Gilliland Jason A.
Published: March 2019

To better understand food wasting behaviour, the theory of planned behaviour was used to inform the development of a survey which was administered to households in London, Ontario, Canada. Respondent households (n = 1,263) threw out avoidable food waste 4.77 times/week (SD = 4.81, Mdn = 4.0) and 5.89 food portions/week (SD = 5.66, Mdn = 4.0). When asked to choose one of three possible motivators to reduce food wasting behaviour, 58.9% selected reducing monetary loss as their first choice and this was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than both reducing environmental impact (23.9%) and reducing social impacts (17.2%). A linear hierarchical regression analysis (R2 = 0.30, p < 0.001) on intention to avoid food waste demonstrated that perceived behavioural control (p < 0.001) and personal norms (p < 0.001) had the greatest positive impact on intention. A linear hierarchical regression analysis (R2 = 0.32, p < 0.001) on self‐reported food wasting behaviour showed that perceived behavioural control (p < 0.001) and personal attitudes (p < 0.01) resulted in less food wasting behaviour, while more children in a household (p < 0.01) resulted in more food wasting behaviour. Interventions that seek to strengthen perceived behavioural control and convey the monetary impact of food waste could help reduce its disposal.
The application of a newly designed L‐shaped titanium mesh for GBR with simultaneous implant placement in the esthetic zone: A retrospective case series study
Authors: Zhang Tianxu , Zhang Tao , Cai Xiaoxiao
Published: March 2019

Background

To our acknowledgment, there were limited clinical studies about the guided bone regeneration (GBR) for both vertical and horizontal augmentation at the same time using titanium mesh (Ti‐mesh) with simultaneous implant placement in the esthetic zone. Meanwhile, studies that specially evaluate resorption and long‐term stability of the augmented labial bone after loading were also rare. Therefore, this study introduced a newly designed L‐shaped Ti‐mesh used for GBR with simultaneous implant placement and evaluated the bone augmentation effectiveness, resorption, and long‐term stability of peri‐implant bone with this newly designed L‐shaped Ti‐mesh.

Materials and Methods

Twelve patients (16 implants) who had underwent a GBR procedure using L‐shaped Ti‐mesh with simultaneous implants placement were reviewed in this study. Complications, implant success, and survival rate were recorded and calculated. Furthermore, the bone gain values, labial bone resorption, and remaining labial bone volume were measured by cone beam CT (CBCT) during 13‐41 months follow‐up.

Results

After GBR using L‐shaped Ti‐mesh, the average bone gain values were 3.61 ± 1.50 mm vertically and 3.10 ± 2.06 mm horizontally. The implant success and surviving rate were 93.75% and 100%, respectively during the longest 41 months follow‐up. The vertical labial bone resorption was −0.81 ± 1.00 mm, horizontal labial bone resorption was −0.13 ± 1.19 mm at the top of the implants. The remaining labial bone thickness was 2.24 ± 1.29 mm at the top of the implants and 2.86 ± 1.08 mm at the 2 mm apically from the implant tops after loading. There was still 1.13 ± 1.18 mm vertical labial bone remaining above the top of implants for approximately 87.5% sites.

Conclusions

GBR using L‐shaped Ti‐mesh with simultaneous implant placement (one‐step surgery) in the esthetic zone could achieve predictable results for vertical and horizontal bone augmentation at the same time. Meanwhile, L‐shaped Ti‐mesh could preferably reconstruct and reduce the labial bone resorption to achieve long‐term esthetics. This newly designed L‐shaped Ti‐mesh may offer predictable and excellent outcomes for the implant restoration in the esthetic zone.
Passive uplift of plant and animal populations during mountain‐building
Authors: Heads Michael
Published: March 2019

If a community and its substrate are raised by tectonic uplift, the species present can either die out in the area, survive in situ unchanged, or survive in situ with adaptation and differentiation. The large‐scale passive uplift of plant and animal populations during mountain‐building is accepted in a growing number of studies, but the idea has seldom been examined critically. If passive uplift does occur, it has implications for interpreting community structure and speciation in some of the most biodiverse places on Earth, tropical mountains. It would also provide a simple explanation for many altitudinal anomalies, such as the occurrence of typical coastal elements at unusually high altitudes in certain localities. Examples include the coastal saltmarsh plant Salicornia at 4200 m altitude in the rapidly uplifted Andes, coastal frogs and ferns in African mountains, and inland mangroves in New Guinea. The first aim of this paper is to review previous work on passive uplift worldwide and the main ideas that have been discussed. A second goal is to discuss possible tests of passive uplift.
Peak nasal inspiratory flow measurement and visual analogue scale in a large adult population
Authors: Ottaviano Giancarlo , Pendolino Alfonso Luca , Nardello Ennio , Maculan Pietro , Martini Alessandro , Russo Massimiliano , Lund Valerie J.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Nasal obstruction is the most common symptom in nasal diseases. It can be evaluated objectively, that is by means of peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measures and/or subjectively by means of validated questionnaires. However, it has been reported that there is a lack of reliable correlation between subjective and objective measurements of nasal obstruction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between PNIF measurements and the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction measured by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS) in a large population of consecutive rhinologic patients.

Design

Prospective clinical study.

Setting

Tertiary rhinological referral centre.

Participant main outcome measures

A total of 641 consecutive subjects were enrolled. Visual analogue scale and PNIF were performed to assess nasal obstruction. Nasal septal deviation was classified according to Mladina classification, and its severity was assessed using three levels of severity.

Results

Although weak, there was a significant negative correlation (r = −0.13, P = 0.001) between PNIF and VAS. Dividing the population in those affected by nasal septal deviation (NSD) and those affected by chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a week negative correlation between PNIF and VAS was again confirmed in both groups (r = −0.208, P = 0.006 for NSD and r = −0.13, P = 0.04 for CRS). Peak nasal inspiratory flow and VAS were also evaluated according to the grade of polyps and the type and level of septal deviation.

Conclusions

Visual analogue scale and PNIF significantly correlated, although with a low degree, in a large population of rhinologic patients. Peak nasal inspiratory flow, being cheap and simple to use, could be a good candidate to assist clinicians dealing with “airway” diseases in their daily clinical practice in order to provide comprehensive information on nasal function. Peak nasal inspiratory flow can in fact give some important rough insights on VAS, but these measurements cannot be alternative to each other.
Regulatory Affairs 101: Introduction to Investigational New Drug Applications and Clinical Trial Applications
Authors: Chiodin Davy , Cox Erica M. , Edmund Anita V. , Kratz Erica , Lockwood Sarah H.
Published: March 2019

Testing novel drugs on fellow human beings is fraught with potential ethical concerns; however, developing drugs to treat the wide spectrum of human diseases and disorders is a moral imperative. How do we best navigate the balance between protecting the individual vs. the greater good? Global government regulatory bodies are accountable for ensuring that medical experiments on human subjects are appropriately justified and subject to close oversight. In this article, we focus on two major global health authorities, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the path to legally treating humans with new investigational products.
Health coaching for parents of children with developmental disabilities: a systematic review
Authors: Ogourtsova Tatiana , O'Donnell Maureen , De Souza Silva Wagner , Majnemer Annette
Published: March 2019

Aim

To determine the level of evidence on the effectiveness of health coaching for parents of children with disabilities.

Method

A systematic review approach, comprised of a comprehensive, librarian‐guided literature search; transparent study selection and data extraction; quality assessment; and synthesis of sufficiently similar data (per population, intervention nature, and overall level of evidence for each outcome using standard definitions) was undertaken.

Results

Twenty‐eight studies (13 randomized clinical trials) were included. Three health coaching approaches were identified: child‐targeted (most commonly applied), parent‐targeted, and a mixed approach. Overall, there is an insufficient‐to‐limited level of evidence regarding the effectiveness of these approaches.

Interpretation

High‐quality clinical trials using the parent‐targeted coaching approach are warranted.

What this paper adds

Health coaching parents of children with disabilities is an emergent practice.

Child‐targeted, parent‐targeted, or mixed health coaching approaches exist.

The child‐targeted health coaching approach is currently most applied.

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder are the most common recipients.
Cue hierarchy for host plant selection in Pieris rapae
Authors: Lund Margaret , Brainard Daniel C. , Szendrei Zsofia
Published: March 2019

During oviposition, female insects utilize a wide variety of cues to find an optimal host for their offspring. These cues may be encountered simultaneously or sequentially, and females must rely on a hierarchical categorization to rank cues for optimal ovipositional choice. During alighting, cues are often encountered at different distances, which may influence hierarchical order. Cues that are observed at longer distances and are experienced first may be more influential on oviposition choice than those experienced at shorter distances. We tested the effects of two long‐distance cues, plant size and habitat structure, and two short‐distance cues, plant nitrogen level and predator presence, on Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) oviposition choice through a series of two‐ and four‐choice tests in both greenhouse and field settings. We found that the long‐distance cues of plant size and habitat structure had the largest impact on P. rapae oviposition in laboratory and field settings, with females preferring large plants without habitat structure. Plant nitrogen level had a smaller impact on oviposition, and the presence of predators did not affect oviposition choice. However, plant size and plant nitrogen level had a synergistic relationship, with more eggs laid on large high‐nitrogen plants compared to large low‐nitrogen or small high‐nitrogen plants, suggesting that optimal cues throughout the entire searching process may be important for P. rapae in choosing a host plant.
Host plant and the predator Podisus nigrispinus: when the defense compounds of the plant affect the third trophic level
Authors: Holtz Anderson Mathias , Marinho‐Prado Jeanne Scardini , Pallini Angelo , Pires André Assis , Cofler Tatiane Pereira , Rocha Claudiane Martins , Pazianotto Ricardo Antônio Almeida
Published: March 2019

Many herbivorous insects can overcome chemical plant defenses, using the plant's defensive products for their own good, as a defense against predators. Eucalyptus spp. (Myrtaceae), recently introduced in Brazil, are rich in secondary compounds; however, there are reports that these plants have been suffering from population outbreaks of defoliating Lepidoptera in Brazil. The predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) has been used against herbivorous insects in eucalyptus plantations, but little is known about its establishment in the field. This study aims to investigate whether the effectiveness of this predator may be affected indirectly by compounds of eucalyptus plants, when compared to guava, Psidium guajava L., a Brazilian native species of Myrtaceae. Thus, we evaluated the performance of P. nigrispinus on larvae of Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) reared on eucalyptus (exotic species) or guava plants (native species). Podisus nigrispinus performance (reproduction and survival) was better on larvae fed on guava than on larvae fed on eucalyptus. It is possible that the negative effect on the predator's development occurred because of the plants’ secondary compounds appropriated by caterpillars, due to the short coevolutionary history between eucalyptus and the predator. The data suggest that the chemical compounds that could help the plant's defenses against herbivores may also affect their natural enemies, especially when the interaction between plant and natural enemy involves an exotic plant recently introduced into the insect's habitat.
Isoform‐selective as opposed to complete depletion of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) has no major impact on survival and gene expression in SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice
Authors: Kefalakes Ekaterini , Sarikidi Anastasia , Bursch Franziska , Ettcheto Miren , Schmuck Martin , Rumpel Regina , Grothe Claudia , Petri Susanne
Published: March 2019

We have previously shown that total knockout of fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) results in prolonged survival and improved motor performance in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1G93A) mutant mice, the most widely used animal model of the fatal adult onset motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Moreover, we found differential expression of growth factors in SOD1G93A mice, with distinct regulation patterns of FGF‐2 in spinal cord and muscle tissue. Within the present study we aimed to characterize FGF‐2‐isoform specific effects on survival, motor performance as well as gene expression patterns predominantly in muscle tissue by generating double mutant SOD1G93AFGF‐2 high molecular weight‐ and SOD1G93AFGF‐2 low molecular weight‐knockout mice. While isoform specific depletion was not beneficial regarding survival or motor performance of double mutant mice, we found isoform‐dependent differential gene expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the muscle of SOD1G93AFGF‐2 low molecular weight knockout mice compared to single mutant SOD1G93A mice. This significant downregulation of EGF in the muscle tissue of double mutant SOD1G93AFGF‐2 low molecular weight knockout mice implies that FGF‐2 low molecular weight knockout (or the presence of the FGF‐2 high molecular weight isoform) selectively impacts EGF gene expression in ALS muscle tissue.
Influence of functional variants Asp312Asn and Lys751Gln ofXeroderma Pigmentosum Group D(XPD) andGlutathione S‐transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1)andTheta 1 (GSTT1)genes on cutaneous melanoma susceptibility and prognosis
Authors: Rinck‐Junior José Augusto , Torricelli Caroline , Gomez Gabriela Vilas Bôas , Oliveira Cristiane , Moraes Aparecida Machado , Lourenço Gustavo Jacob , Lima Carmen Silvia Passos
Published: March 2019

We aimed to evaluate whether variants in repair (XPDAsp312Asn,XPDLys751Gln) and detoxification (GSTM1,GSTT1) genes alter risk, clinicopathological aspects and survival of cutaneous melanoma (CM). Genotyping was performed in 229CMpatients and 258 controls. Individuals withXPD312Asp/Asn or Asn/Asn plusGSTT1null genotype were under 2.00 (95%CI: 1.06‐3.79), andXPD312Asn/Gln haplotype was under 1.44‐fold (95%CI: 0.99‐2.08) increased risks toCMthan others. Individuals withGSTM1plusGSTT1null genotype had 9.61‐fold (95%CI: 2.28‐40.38) increased risk of metastaticCM. At 60 months of follow‐up, patients withXPD751Gln/Gln plusGSTT1null andGSTM1null plusGSTT1null genotype presented 7.36 and 3.05 more chances of evolving to death in multivariate Cox analysis, respectively. In conclusion, our data indicate, for the first time, that specific variant combinations ofXPD,GSTM1andGSTT1may increase susceptibility toCMand influence patients’ clinicopathological features and survival.
Investigation of the multiaxial fatigue behaviour of 316 stainless steel based on critical plane method
Authors: Cruces Alejandro S. , Lopez‐Crespo Pablo , Bressan Stefano , Itoh Takamoto
Published: March 2019

In this work, the multiaxial behaviour of 316 stainless steel is studied under the lens of critical plane approach. A series of experiments were developed on dog bone–shaped hollow cylindrical specimens made of type 316 stainless steel. Five different loading conditions were assessed with (a) only tensile axial stress, (b) only hoop stress, (c) combination of axial and hoop stresses with square shape, (d) combination of tensile axial and hoop stresses with L shape, and (e) combination of compressive axial and hoop stresses with L shape. The fatigue analysis is performed with four different critical plane theories, namely, Wang‐Brown, Fatemi‐Socie, Liu I, and Liu II. The efficiency of all four theories is studied in terms of the accuracy of their life predictions and crack failure plane angle. The best fatigue life predictions were obtained with Liu II model, and the best predictions of the failure plane were obtained with Liu I model.
Carbon budgets of wetland ecosystems in China
Authors: Xiao Derong , Deng Lei , Kim Dong‐Gill , Huang Chunbo , Tian Kun
Published: March 2019

Wetlands contain a large proportion of carbon (C) in the biosphere and partly affect climate by regulating C cycles of terrestrial ecosystems. China contains Asia's largest wetlands, accounting for about 10% of the global wetland area. Although previous studies attempted to estimate C budget in China's wetlands, uncertainties remain. We conducted a synthesis to estimate C uptake and emission of wetland ecosystems in China using a dataset compiled from published literature. The dataset comprised 193 studies, including 370 sites representing coastal, river, lake and marsh wetlands across China. In addition, C stocks of different wetlands in China were estimated using unbiased data from the China Second Wetlands Survey. The results showed that China's wetlands sequestered 16.87 Pg C (315.76 Mg C/ha), accounting for about 3.8% of C stocks in global wetlands. Net ecosystem productivity, jointly determined by gross primary productivity and ecosystem respiration, exhibited annual C sequestration of 120.23 Tg C. China's wetlands had a total gaseous C loss of 173.20 Tg C per year from soils, including 154.26 Tg CO2‐C and 18.94 Tg CH4‐C emissions. Moreover, C stocks, uptakes and gaseous losses varied with wetland types, and were affected by geographic location and climatic factors (precipitation and temperature). Our results provide better estimation of the C budget in China's wetlands and improve understanding of their contribution to the global C cycle in the context of global climate change.
Pre‐clinical endodontic education outcomes between artificial versus extracted natural teeth: a systematic review
Authors: Decurcio D. A. , Lim E. , Chaves G. S. , Nagendrababu V. , Estrela C. , Rossi‐Fedele G.
Published: March 2019

Aim

To compare the educational outcomes using artificial teeth versus extracted teeth for pre‐clinical endodontic training.

Data sources

Literature searches of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Trip Database, Web of Science and Open Grey databases were conducted from their inception until November 2018 with no language restriction. Hand searching of most likely relevant journals was performed. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines.

Study eligibility criteria, participants and interventions

Studies that compared pre‐clinical endodontic training using extracted teeth and artificial teeth were included.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

The quality of included studies was appraised by Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. The findings were tabulated and summarized according to their outcomes with distinct narrative syntheses.

Results

Five studies were included. The component studies included 359 operators in total, mainly consisting of undergraduate students (97%, n = 349) and 10 endodontists (3%). Forty‐seven per cent (n = 170) operated on artificial teeth only, whilst 19% (n = 67) worked primarily on extracted teeth, with the final treatment outcome being evaluated by independent observers using objective criteria. Operators in two studies (34%, n = 122) used both artificial teeth and ET and compared their experiences in surveys. Regarding technical outcomes, no significant differences between training with artificial teeth and extracted teeth were found, but the performance tended to be better in artificial teeth than extracted teeth. Operators trained solely on artificial teeth appeared to be adequately educated for subsequent root canal treatment (RCT) in the clinical setting.

Limitations

Due to the scarcity of research on the topic overall, and the methodological variation between the studies, it was not possible to perform a quantitative analysis (meta‐analysis).

Conclusions and implications of key findings

Based on the available evidence, the use of artificial teeth for pre‐clinical endodontic training achieved similar educational outcomes compared to extracted teeth. However, the experiences reported by the operators diverged. Further studies assessing other artificial teeth available in the market testing other RCT procedures are necessary.
Vitronectin deficiency attenuates hepatic fibrosis in a non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis‐induced mouse model
Authors: Hayashida Momoka , Hashimoto Kei , Ishikawa Tomoko , Miyamoto Yasunori
Published: March 2019

Vitronectin (VN), an extracellular matrix protein, is a promising immune biomarker of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); however, its precise function remains unclear. This study investigated how VN deficiency contributes to the development of NASH. Towards this aim, wild‐type (WT) and VN−/− mice were fed with a choline‐deficient, L‐amino acid‐defined, high‐fat diet (CDAHFD) for 6 and 10 weeks to induce NASH, and the livers were isolated. In WT mice fed with CDAHFD for 6 and 10 weeks, the expression of Vn mRNA and protein was up‐regulated compared with that in mice fed with the MF control diet, indicating that VN is regulated in NASH condition. VN−/− mice showed decreased picrosirius red staining in the liver area and Col1a2 mRNA expression levels, compared with WT mice, indicating that the severity of hepatic fibrosis is attenuated in the CDAHFD‐fed VN−/− mice. In addition, VN deficiency did not affect the area of lipid droplets in haematoxylin‐eosin staining and the mRNA expression levels of fatty acid synthases, Srebp, Acc and Fas in the CDAHFD‐fed mice. Moreover, VN deficiency decreased the inflammation score and the mRNA expression levels of Cd11b and F4/80, macrophage markers, as well as Tnf‐α and Il‐1β, inflammatory cytokines in the CDAHFD‐fed mice. Furthermore, VN deficiency decreased the protein and mRNA expression levels of α‐smooth muscle actin in the CDAHFD‐fed mice, suggesting that VN deficiency inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Our findings indicate that VN contributes to the development of fibrosis in the NASH model mice via modulation of the inflammatory reaction and activation of HSCs.