bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short Implants (5 to 8 mm) Versus Longer Implants (>8 mm) with Sinus Lifting in Atrophic Posterior Maxilla: A Meta‐Analysis of RCTs
Authors: Fan Tengfei , Li Yicun , Deng Wei‐Wei , Wu Tianfu , Zhang Wenfeng
Published: June 2016

Objective

The specific purposes of this study were (1) to undertake a thorough systematic review and meta‐analysis based only on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to compare the rates of survival and complications of short implants to those of long implants; (2) to compare the surgical time and cost of short implants to those of long implants.

Methods

RCTs were identified from the major electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library) using the keywords “dental implant,” “short implant” and “atrophic maxilla,” and a quantitative meta‐analysis was conducted. The survival rate of implants and complications were the primary outcome measures, and other parameters assessed included costs and surgical time.

Results

Seven RCTs that met the inclusion criteria included 554 implants (265 implants in the short implant group). There was no significant difference in survival rate between two groups (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: [0.97, 1.03]; p = .96; seven trials, 554 participants). Compared with long implant group, the short implant group had a lower complications and the effect measure was significant (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: [0.37, 0.90]; p = .02; seven trials, 554 participants).

Conclusion

This systematic review showed that no difference between the survival rates of short implants (5–8 mm) and long implants (>8 mm); complications in short implants are lower than that in long implants. However, further studies are required to substantiate our findings.
Short implants placed with or without grafting into atrophic sinuses: the 5‐year results of a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Nedir Rabah , Nurdin Nathalie , Abi Najm Semaan , El Hage Marc , Bischof Mark
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Over 5 years, (i) to evaluate the clinical efficiency of 8‐mm implants placed with osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) in extremely atrophic maxillae and (ii) to compare bone levels around implants placed with and without grafting.

Material and methods

TE® SLActive® implants (Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) were placed in sites with a residual bone height (RBH) of ≤4 mm. Before surgery, sinuses were randomized to receive anorganic bovine bone (control) or no graft (test). After 10 weeks of healing, implants were functionally loaded with single crowns. Bone levels were measured from standardized peri‐apical radiographs.

Results

Thirty‐seven (17 test, 20 control) implants were placed in 12 patients (RBH: 2.4 ± 0.9 mm). Two early and one late failures occurred. The success rate was 91.9% (94.1% test, 90.0% control). All implants gained endo‐sinus bone (3.8 ± 1.0 mm test, 4.8 ± 1.2 mm control; P = 0.004). Mean crestal bone loss (CBL) was 0.6 ± 1.1 mm, without a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.527). Mean bone gain and CBL did not change significantly between 1 and 5 years (P = 0.249 and P = 0.293, respectively).

Conclusions

Atrophic posterior maxillae can be predictably rehabilitated using OSFE with a simultaneous implant placement. The new bone formed around implants after 1 year was stable after 5 years, irrespective of the presence or the absence of graft. Grafting was unnecessary to achieve an average bone augmentation of 3.8 mm, but more bone was gained with grafting.
Comparison of cannabinoids in hair with self‐reported cannabis consumption in heavy, light and non‐cannabis users
Authors: Taylor Michelle , Lees Rosie , Henderson Graeme , Lingford‐Hughes Anne , Macleod John , Sullivan John , Hickman Matthew
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Biological tests of drug use can be used to inform clinical and legal decisions and hold potential to provide evidence for epidemiological studies where self‐reported behaviour may be unavailable or unreliable. We test whether hair can be considered as a reliable marker of cannabis exposure.

Methods

Hair samples were collected from 136 subjects who were self‐reported heavy, light or non‐users of cannabis and tested using GC‐MS/MS. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated for five cannabinoids (tetrahydrocannabinol [THC], THC‐OH, THC‐COOH, cannabinol and cannabidiol). Samples also were segmented in 1 cm sections representing 1 month exposure and the correlation between amount of cannabinoid detected and self‐reported cannabis consumption tested.

Results

All five cannabinoids were detected. Seventy‐seven percent of heavy users, 39% of light users and 0% of non‐users tested positive for THC. The sensitivity of detection of THC was 0.77 (0.56–0.91) comparing heavy cannabis smokers with light and non‐users, whereas the sensitivity of other cannabinoids generally was considerably lower. The positive and negative predictive value of detection of THC were 0.57 (0.39–0.74) and 0.91 (0.82–0.97), respectively. A correlation of 0.52 (P < 0.001) was observed between self‐reported monthly cannabis use and THC.

Discussion

Hair analysis can be used as a qualitative indicator of heavy (daily or near daily) cannabis consumption within the past 3 months. However, this approach is unable to reliably detect light cannabis consumption or determine the quantity of cannabis used by the individual. [Taylor M, Lees R, Henderson G, Lingford‐Hughes A, Macleod J, Sullivan J, Hickman M. Comparison of cannabinoids in hair with self‐reported cannabis consumption in heavy, light and non‐cannabis users. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:220‐226]
Association of MMP‐8 with obesity, smoking and insulin resistance
Authors: Lauhio Anneli , Färkkilä Esa , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Åström Pirjo , Winkelmann Alina , Tervahartiala Taina , Pirilä Emma , Rissanen Aila , Kaprio Jaakko , Sorsa Timo A. , Salo Tuula
Published: June 2016

Background

Obesity has been recognized as a state of subclinical inflammation resulting in a loss of insulin receptors and decreased insulin sensitivity. We here studied in vivo the role of circulating matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) among young healthy twin adults. Also, in vitro analysis of the cleavage of human insulin receptor (INSR) by MMP‐8 was investigated as well its inhibition by doxycycline and other MMP‐8 inhibitor, Ilomastat/GM6001, which are broad‐spectrum MMP inhibitors.

Materials and methods

We analysed serum MMP‐8 levels by a time‐resolved immunofluorometric assay in obese (n = 34), overweight (n = 76) and normal weight (n = 130) twin individuals. The effect of MMP‐8 on INSR and the effects of synthetic MMP‐8 inhibitors, doxycycline and Ilomastat/GM6001, were studied by SDS‐PAGE.

Results

We found that in obese individuals relative to normal weight individuals, the serum MMP‐8 levels and MMP‐8/TIMP‐1 ratio were significantly increased (P = 0·0031 and P = 0·031, respectively). Among normal weight and obese individuals, also smoking significantly increases serum MMP‐8 and MMP‐8/TIMP‐1 ratio. In vitro, we found that INSR was degraded by MMP‐8 and this was inhibited by doxycycline and Ilomastat/GM6001.

Conclusions

Obesity associated with elevated circulating MMP‐8 found among young adults may contribute to progression of insulin resistance by cleaving INSR. This INSR cleavage by MMP‐8 can be inhibited by synthetic MMP‐8 inhibitors such as doxycycline. In addition to obesity, also smoking independently explained increased MMP‐8 levels. Our results suggest that MMP‐8 is an essential mediator in systemic subclinical inflammatory response in obesity, and a potential drug target.
Phenological shifts in hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae): linking measurement and mechanism
Authors: Hassall Christopher , Owen Jennifer , Gilbert Francis
Published: June 2016

An understanding of ecological and evolutionary responses to global environmental change requires both a robust measurement of the change that is occurring and a mechanistic framework for understanding the drivers of that change. Such a requirement provides a challenge because biological monitoring is often ad hoc, and mechanistic experiments are often performed under highly simplified conditions. This study integrates multiple datasets to evaluate our current knowledge of the measurement and mechanism of phenological shifts in a key pollinator taxon: the hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae). First, two large, complementary and independent monitoring datasets are used to test for trends in phenology: an ad hoc national recording scheme containing > 620 000 records, and standardised monitoring with consistent methods over 30 yr. Results show that ad hoc and standardised recording data give quantitatively the same value for phenological advance in hoverflies (ca 12 d°C–1 on average at the beginning of the flight period), supporting the value of biological recording for the measurement of global ecological change. While the end of the flight period appears static in ad hoc recording, the standardised dataset suggests a similar advance as in the beginning of the flight period. Second, an extensive traits dataset and a novel database of laboratory‐derived developmental data on Syrphidae (153 published studies) are used to test for mechanistic patterns in phenological shifts. The only species trait that influenced phenology was voltinism, where species with more generations per year exhibit stronger phenological advances. We demonstrate considerable variation in the laboratory‐derived sensitivity to temperature but this does not match field‐derived measures of phenology. The results demonstrate that, as for many taxa, we have a strong understanding of the patterns of global ecological change but that we currently lack a detailed mechanistic understanding of those processes despite extensive research into the fundamental biology of some taxonomic groups.
Is high‐tech care in a middle‐income country worth it?
Authors: Nigmatulina Dzhamilya , Becker Charles
Published: June 2016

How much does a dramatic increase in technology improve healthcare quality in an upper middle‐income country? Using rich vital statistics on infant health outcomes, this study evaluates the effect of introducing technologically advanced perinatal hospitals in 24 regions of Russia on infant mortality during the period 2009–2013. A 7‐year aggregate panel dataset reveals that opening a perinatal centre corresponds to infant mortality reduction by 3.8 percent from the baseline rate, neonatal (0–28 day) mortality by 7 percent and early neonatal (0–6 day) mortality by 7.3 percent. We find that the perinatal centres help to save 263 additional infant lives annually, ranging from 3 to 25 lives in regions with different birth rates. However, we further find that an average cost per life saved is 52 million rb (or 2.6 million 2014 PPP USD), which is much higher than the cost of similar interventions in the United States.
Floral constraint resulting from intersexual mimicry in a gynodioecious fig tree
Authors: Raja Shazia , Suleman Nazia , Compton Stephen G.
Published: June 2016

Fig trees (Ficus: Moraceae) are pollinated by female fig wasps (Agaonidae) whose larvae develop inside galled flowers of unusual inflorescences (figs). Most fig trees also support communities of non‐pollinating fig wasps. Figs of different species display great size variation and contain tens to tens of thousands of flowers. Around one‐half the species of fig trees have the gynodioecious breeding system, where female trees have figs that produce seeds and male trees have figs that support development of pollinators. Mutual mimicry between receptive male and female figs ensures that pollinators enter female figs, even though the insects will die without reproducing, but the need to give no sex‐specific cues to the pollinators may constrain differences in size between receptive male and female figs. We compared relationships between inflorescence size and some measures of reproductive success in male and female figs of Ficus montana grown under controlled conditions in the presence of the pollinator Kradibia tentacularis and its main parasitoid Sycoscapter sp. indesc. Female figs that contained more flowers produced more seeds, but male figs did not increase the production of female pollinator K. tentacularis fig wasps in proportion of the flower number. Although more flowers were galled by the pollinators in male figs containing more female flowers, the high larval mortality caused by parasitism and nutritional limitation prevented the increase in the production of adult female offspring. Selection may favor the increase in flower numbers within figs in female plants of F. montana, but contrarily constrain this attribute in male plants.
Expression of TET2 enzyme indicates enhanced epigenetic modification of cells in periodontitis
Authors: Larsson Lena , Thorbert‐Mros Sara , Lopez‐Lago Aaron , Kalm Josephine , Shikhan Asal , Berglundh Tord
Published: June 2016

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism involved in the regulation of gene expression, and a reduction in DNA methylation influences cell‐cycle progression and cell differentiation in inflammatory cells. The aim of the present study was to analyze the DNA‐methylation pattern at local and global/systemic levels in patients with periodontitis and gingivitis. Twenty‐one subjects with generalized, severe periodontitis and 17 subjects with gingival inflammation but no attachment loss were recruited. Gingival biopsies and peripheral blood samples were collected and prepared for immunohistochemical analysis of 5‐methylcytosine (5mC), 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), ten‐eleven translocation 2 (TET2), and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). Whilst a similar pattern for 5mC and 5hmC DNA methylation was found in both types of lesions, a significantly larger proportion of TET2‐positive cells was found in periodontitis lesions than in gingivitis lesions. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis showed no differences between gingivitis and periodontitis lesions regarding expression of TET2 and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes, while the global level of 5hmC was significantly higher in blood than in tissue in patients with periodontitis. It is suggested that epigenetic changes are more common in periodontitis lesions than in gingivitis lesions and that such changes are tissue specific.
Highest drought sensitivity and lowest resistance to growth suppression are found in the range core of the treeFagus sylvaticaL. not the equatorial range edge
Authors: Cavin Liam , Jump Alistair S.
Published: June 2016

Biogeographical and ecological theory suggests that species distributions should be driven to higher altitudes and latitudes as global temperatures rise. Such changes occur as growth improves at the poleward edge of a species distribution and declines at the range edge in the opposite or equatorial direction, mirrored by changes in the establishment of new individuals. A substantial body of evidence demonstrates that such processes are underway for a wide variety of species. Case studies from populations at the equatorial range edge of a variety of woody species have led us to understand that widespread growth decline and distributional shifts are underway. However, in apparent contrast, other studies report high productivity and reproduction in some range edge populations. We sought to assess temporal trends in the growth of the widespread European beech tree (Fagus sylvatica) across its latitudinal range. We explored the stability of populations to major drought events and the implications for predicted widespread growth decline at its equatorial range edge. In contrast to expectations, we found greatest sensitivity and low resistance to drought in the core of the species range, whilst dry range edge populations showed particularly high resistance to drought and little evidence of drought‐linked growth decline. We hypothesize that this high range edge resistance to drought is driven primarily by local environmental factors that allow relict populations to persist despite regionally unfavourable climate. The persistence of such populations demonstrates that range‐edge decline is not ubiquitous and is likely to be driven by declining population density at the landscape scale rather than sudden and widespread range retraction.
Mapping ignorance: 300 years of collecting flowering plants in Africa
Authors: Stropp Juliana , Ladle Richard J. , M. Malhado Ana C. , Hortal Joaquín , Gaffuri Julien , H. Temperley William , Olav Skøien Jon , Mayaux Philippe
Published: June 2016

Aim

Spatial and temporal biases in species‐occurrence data can compromise broad‐scale biogeographical research and conservation planning. Although spatial biases have been frequently scrutinized, temporal biases and the overall quality of species‐occurrence data have received far less attention. This study aims to answer three questions: (1) How reliable are species‐occurrence data for flowering plants in Africa? (2) Where and when did botanical sampling occur in the past 300 years? (3) How complete are plant inventories for Africa?

Location

Africa.

Methods

By filtering a publicly available dataset containing 3.5 million records of flowering plants, we obtained 934,676 herbarium specimens with complete information regarding species name, date and location of collection. Based on these specimens, we estimated inventory completeness for sampling units (SUs) of 25 km × 25 km. We then tested whether the spatial distribution of well‐sampled SUs was correlated with temporal parameters of botanical sampling. Finally, we determined whether inventory completeness in individual countries was related to old or recently collected specimens.

Results

Thirty‐one per cent of SUs contained at least one specimen, whereas only 2.4% of SUs contained a sufficient number of specimens to reliably estimate inventory completeness. We found that the location of poorly sampled areas remained almost unchanged for half a century. Moreover, there was pronounced temporal bias towards old specimens in South Africa, the country that holds half of the available data for the continent. There, high inventory completeness stems from specimens collected several decades ago.

Main conclusions

Despite the increasing availability of species occurrence data for Africa, broad‐scale biogeographical research is still compromised by the uncertain quality and spatial and temporal biases of such data. To avoid erroneous inferences, the quality and biases in species‐occurrence data should be critically evaluated and quantified prior to use. To this end, we propose a quantification method based on inventory completeness using easily accessible species‐occurrence data.
Climate variability and livelihood diversification in northern Ethiopia: a case study of Lasta and Beyeda districts
Authors: Weldegebriel Zerihun Berhane , Prowse Martin
Published: June 2016

This article examines smallholders’ perceptions of climate variability in two districts in northern Ethiopia, and the diversification options pursued within and outside agriculture. Meteorological records corroborate smallholders’ belief that temperatures are increasing but do not support assertions that rainfall is decreasing. Farm‐level adaptation mainly involves soil and water conservation measures learnt from state‐led schemes as well as planting a broader crop mix. Diversification outside agriculture is mainly wage labour: international and national migration, construction work in local towns, participation in public works and piecework on nearby farms. The article concludes by arguing that policymakers could do more to support non‐farm diversification strategies by recognising the importance of rural–urban connections in fostering adaptation.
Treatment of calcified root canals in elderly people: a clinical study about the accessibility, the time needed and the outcome with a three‐year follow‐up
Authors: Kiefner Peter , Connert Thomas , ElAyouti Ashraf , Weiger Roland
Published: June 2016

Objective

Determination of accessibility, time needed and outcome of endodontic treatment of teeth with calcified root canals in a sample of elderly participants in a private practice limited to endodontics.

Background

Due to demographic changes, gerodontology is becoming more and more important, also in the field of endodontology. Elderly patients can show up with severe calcifications of root canals. Root canal treatment, when needed, can be very challenging in these cases. Only few data exist about the treatment of calcified root canals and its outcome, especially in an elderly population.

Materials and methods

Forty‐one participants (median age: 72 years) needing a root canal treatment were included. The total number of treated teeth was 41 with 114 negotiated root canals. A specialist limited to endodontics performed the treatment in a private practice. Outcome was assessed by applying the periapical index score on the basis of recall radiographs provided by the referring dentists. Likewise, time required to localise the root canals was measured.

Results

All root canals have been detected using the operating microscope, and full working length could be established in 90% of the cases. Success rate was 80% after an observation time of 3 years. In three of five teeth, root canals could be localised within 15 min.

Conclusion

Calcified root canals of older people treated in this study were all accessible within a maximum of 60 min. The success rate after a follow‐up of 3 years was 80%.
The role of nest‐site selection and cereal production in differential nest predation in Common Quail Coturnix coturnix and hybrid quail C. coturnix × C. japonica
Authors: Capdevila Júlia , Puigcerver Manel , López Sònia , Pérez‐Masdeu Elisabet , García‐Galea Eduardo , Rodríguez‐Teijeiro José Domingo
Published: June 2016

In Europe, farm‐reared quail used for restocking purposes are often hybrids between the Common Quail Coturnix coturnix and the Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica. These hybrids interbreed with wild Common Quail populations and suffer higher rates of nest predation, which would suggest that the two quail types have different nest‐site selection patterns. We monitored 103 radiotagged nesting females (77 wild Common Quail over 18 breeding seasons and 26 hybrid quail over six breeding seasons) and analysed their nest placement behaviour. Our results did not provide any evidence that the quail types showed different nest‐site selection trends, as they all preferred to nest near cereal field margins. The higher nest predation rate experienced by hybrids might therefore be explained by less effective anti‐predator behaviour among hybrid females during incubation. As no edge effect on nest predation was observed, the preference for nesting close to cereal margins could be due to the greater food resources of field margins. Moreover, Common Quail nest predation decreased with a rise in barley straw production, supporting evidence that nest cover plays an important role in the prevention of nest predation in this species. No such relationship was found for hybrid quail, but this result is not conclusive, as the data on barley straw production for hybrid quail covered a much smaller range of interannual variability. Barley straw production in Catalonia decreased significantly between 1992 and 2012, possibly as a result of a change in the barley varieties used. This practice could entail a conservation threat for ground‐nesting bird species.
Additive Manufacturing of Dense Ceramic Parts via Direct Ink Writing of Aqueous Alumina Suspensions
Authors: Rueschhoff Lisa , Costakis William , Michie Matthew , Youngblood Jeffrey , Trice Rodney
Published: June 2016

Additive manufacturing of near‐net‐shaped dense ceramic components has been established via room‐temperature direct writing of highly loaded aqueous alumina suspensions in a layer‐by‐layer fashion. The effect of alumina solid loading on rheology, specimen uniformity, density, microstructure, and mechanical properties was studied. All suspensions contained a polymer binder (~5 vol.%), dispersant, and 51–58 vol.% alumina powder. Rheological measurements indicated all suspensions to be yield‐pseuodoplastic, and both yield stress and viscosity were found to increase with increasing alumina solid loading. Shear rates ranging from 19.5 to 24.2/s, corresponding to viscosities of 9.8 to 17.2 Pa·s, for the 53–56 vol.% alumina suspensions were found to produce the best results for the 1.25‐mm tip employed during writing. All parts were sintered to >98% of true density, with grain sizes ranging from 3.2 to 3.7 μm. The average flexure strength, which ranged from 134 to 157 MPa, was not influenced by the alumina solid loading.
Effect of autochthonous starter cultures on the volatile flavour compounds of Chinese traditional fermented fish (Suan yu)
Authors: Gao Pei , Wang Weixin , Jiang Qixing , Xu Yanshun , Xia Wenshui
Published: June 2016

Effect of autochthonous starter cultures on the volatile flavour compounds of Chinese traditional fermented fish was studied. Lactobacillus plantarum 120, Staphylococcus xylosus 135 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 31, isolated from Suan yu, were selected as starter cultures. Volatiles were extracted by headspace solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry technology (GC‐MS). Esters and alcohols were the main components of volatiles, accounting for over 50 percentage points in all samples. The highest content of esters (3034.54 μg kg−1) was observed in S1 inoculated with L. plantarum 120, while the highest content of alcohols (2164.53 μg kg−1) and ketones (379.98 μg kg−1) was detected in S3 inoculated with S. cerevisiae 31. The content of acids and aldehydes was lower in inoculated samples. Principal component analysis revealed that the volatile composition was primarily influenced by the nature of the starter cultures. L. plantarum 120 and S. xylosus 135 could accelerate fermentation.
Quick response in fashion supply chains with retailers having boundedly rational managers
Authors: Choi Tsan‐Ming
Published: June 2016

In fashion retailing, inventory decisions are usually made by a human manager who is not necessarily perfectly rational. In this situation, the inventory decisions made may not always be optimal. At the same time, with advances in technology, fashion retailers have access to the latest market information and can implement the quick response (QR) system that is very helpful to systematically deal with market disruptions. In this paper, we explore the value of QR with the consideration of a boundedly rational human manager in the fashion retailing company. We show that for both cases, with and without QR, the human retail manager's level of bounded rationality significantly hurts the expected profits of the retailer and supply chain, but it does not hurt the manufacturer's expected profit. In addition, for both cases, with and without QR, we indicate how a minimum ordering quantity (MOQ) measure can be imposed by the manufacturer on the retailer, so that the manufacturer
can benefit (in terms of expected profit) from the retailer's bounded rationality behavior. We further prove that if the manufacturer sets the MOQ to be the same as the retailer's theoretical optimal ordering quantity, the manufacturer will enjoy a higher profit with 50% chance, if the retailer is boundedly rational.
Wheat farming system performance and irrigation efficiency in Pakistan: a bootstrapped metafrontier approach
Authors: Watto Muhammad , Mugera Amin
Published: June 2016

The depletion of groundwater aquifers has raised serious concerns about the sustainability of groundwater resources with serious repercussions to irrigated agriculture in Pakistan. Within the context of diminishing water resources, it is important to improve agricultural water productivity by making efficient use of the available water resources. This study uses bootstrapped metafrontier data envelopment analysis to investigate technical and irrigation water use efficiency (IWE) of wheat farming in Pakistan. The study uses a cross‐sectional dataset of 200 groundwater‐irrigated wheat farms comprising 100 tube‐well owners and 100 non‐owners (water buyers). The study results suggest considerable improvements in technical and IWE in wheat production among the surveyed farms. The tube‐well owners, on average, are 82% and the water buyers, on average, are 77% technically efficient under the metafrontier framework with slightly higher estimates under the group frontier estimations. The IWE estimates indicate, on average, 66% and 65% IWE among tube‐well owners and water buyers when assessed under the metafrontier specification. As technical efficiency, the group frontier estimates indicate slightly higher IWEs compared to the metafrontier estimates. The most influential factors affecting technical and IWE include farmers’ education, improved seed variety, and farmers’ perceptions about groundwater resource quality and availability.
Group decision making with incomplete information: a dominance and quasi‐optimality volume‐based approach using Monte‐Carlo simulation
Authors: Sarabando Paula , Dias Luis C. , Vetschera Rudolf
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we present a comprehensive framework for multiattribute group decision making considering that neither information about individual preferences nor the importance of individual decision makers for the group is available in exact form. We study several different forms of incomplete preference information, including a ranking of attribute weights, ranking of values of alternatives in each attribute, and ranking of value differences. Our approach is based on relative volumes in parameter space and allows for probabilistic statements about different results, including optimality or quasi‐optimality of alternatives, or relations between alternatives.
Analysis of the Power Density at the Onset of Flash Sintering
Authors: Raj Rishi
Published: June 2016

The large bank of data for ceramics from experiments in flash sintering reveal a surprising characteristic: that the transition to a highly nonlinear rise in electrical conductivity—a signature event for the onset of the flash—occurs within a narrow range of power density. This condition holds for ceramics that are semiconductors, ionic conductors, electronic conductors, and insulators.They flash at temperatures that range from 300°C to 1300°C, and at electric fields from 10 V/cm to over 1000 V/cm. Yet, the power expenditure at the transition for all of them still falls within this narrow range. This, rather uniform value of power dissipation suggests that Joule heating is a key factor in instigating the flash. A general formulation is developed to test if indeed Joule heating alone can lead to the progression of such nonlinear behavior. It is concluded that Joule heating is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for flash sintering.
Trichostatin A, a histone deacetylase inhibitor suppresses NADPH Oxidase 4‐Derived Redox Signalling and Angiogenesis
Authors: Hakami Nora Y. , Dusting Gregory J. , Peshavariya Hitesh M.
Published: June 2016

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are known to suppress abnormal development of blood vessels. Angiogenic activity in endothelial cells depends upon NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4)‐dependent redox signalling. We set out to study whether the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) affects Nox4 expression and angiogenesis. Nox4 expression was measured by real time PCR and Western blot analysis in endothelial cells. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was measured by amplex® red assay in endothelial cells. Nox4 was knocked down by Nox4 shRNA. In vitro angiogenic activities such migration and tubulogenesis were assessed using wound healing and Matrigel assays, respectively. In vivo angiogenic activity was assessed using subcutaneous sponge assay in C57Bl/6 and Nox4‐deficient mice. Trichostatin A reduced Nox4 expression in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Both TSA and Nox4 silencing decreased Nox4 protein and H2O2. Mechanistically, TSA reduced expression of Nox4 via ubiquitination of p300‐ histone acetyltransferase (p300‐HAT). Thus, blocking of the ubiquitination pathway using an inhibitor of ubiquitin‐activating enzyme E1 (PYR‐41) prevented TSA inhibition of Nox4 expression. Trichostatin A also reduced migration and tube formation, and these effects were not observed in Nox4‐deficient endothelial cells. Finally, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1) enhanced angiogenesis in sponge model in C57BL/6 mice. This response to TGFβ1 was substantially reduced in Nox4‐deficient mice. Similarly intraperitoneal infusion of TSA (1 mg/kg) also suppressed TGFβ1‐induced angiogenesis in C57BL/6 mice. Trichostatin A reduces Nox4 expression and angiogenesis via inhibition of the p300‐HAT‐dependent pathway. This mechanism might be exploited to prevent aberrant angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy, complicated vascular tumours and malformations.
TNF‐α augments CXCR2 and CXCR3 to promote progression of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Sun Kuang‐Hui , Sun Guang‐Huan , Wu Yi‐Ching , Ko Bai‐Jiun , Hsu Hui‐Tzu , Wu Sheng‐Tang
Published: June 2016

Within the tumour microenvironment, a complex network of chemokines and their receptors affects the initiation and progression of tumours. The higher levels of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) are associated with tumour progression and an anti‐TNF‐α monoclonal antibody has been used successfully to treat patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the role of chemokines and their receptors in the TNF‐α‐promoted progression of RCC remains unclear. In this study, TNF‐α was found to enhance the migration, invasion and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of RCC cells. To further investigate the molecular mechanism of TNF‐α on the progression of RCC, reverse transcription and quantitative PCR was used to screen chemokines and chemokine receptors that were associated with tumorigenesis. The results showed that TNF‐α significantly increased the expressions of CXCR2 and CXCR3 and their related ligands in RCC cells. Subsequently, we used a lentiviral shRNA system to knockdown the expression of CXCR2 and/or CXCR3 in RCC cells. CXCR2 and CXCR3 silencing inhibited the induction of Slug and ZEB‐1 with TNF‐α treatment of RCC cells. In addition, the knockdown of both CXCR2 and CXCR3 resulted in a greater decrease in cell migration, invasion and clonogenic ability compared with either CXCR2 or CXCR3 knockdown alone. Moreover, CXCR2 and CXCR3 silencing significantly reduced the sphere‐forming ability of RCC cells. High expression levels of CXCR2 and CXCR3 in cancer tissues correlated with tumour progression of renal cell carcinoma. These findings suggest that TNF‐α augments CXCR2 and CXCR3 to promote the progression of renal cell carcinoma leading to a poor prognosis.
Histopathology and reflectance confocal microscopy features of photodamaged skin and actinic keratosis
Authors: Tan J.M. , Lambie D. , Sinnya S. , Sahebian A. , Soyer H.P. , Prow T.W. , Ardigò M.
Published: June 2016

Background

Actinic keratosis (AK) usually co‐exists in areas of severe photodamage, but the clinical applicability of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in diagnosing AK currently depends on a set of parameters yet to be defined in comparison to photodamaged skin (PD).

Objective

To correlate the RCM features of PD and AK with histopathology.

Methods

Twenty participants with a mean age of 64 years and skin phototype I and II were studied. RCM was performed on two PD and one AK within a field of 25 cm2 on the left dorsal forearm, followed by shave biopsies. Blinded evaluation of the histopathological and RCM images using established parameters in AK were performed retrospectively in consensus with an expert confocalist, correlated with the histopathological diagnosis by a board‐certified dermatopathologist.

Results

A total of 57/60 areas were included. There were 43/57 (75%) and 14/57 (25%) histopathologically confirmed PD and AK respectively. Individual corneocytes, stratum corneum disruption, dermal inflammatory cells, increased vascularity/dilated vessels and solar elastosis were detected in PD and AK upon histopathology and RCM. The features in favour of AK were parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, more severe keratinocyte pleomorphism and architectural disruption, and the presence of epidermal inflammatory cells. PD also demonstrated keratinocyte pleomorphism and architectural disruption though this was generally less severe than AK. A small subset of PD exhibited a comparable degree of keratinocyte pleomorphism and architectural disruption to the AKs in the cohort.

Conclusions

The viable epidermis demonstrates PD and AK to be part of a disease continuum corresponding to field cancerization. Individual corneocytes, stratum corneum disruption, dermal inflammatory cells, increased vascularity/dilated vessels and solar elastosis may be present in PD; whereas, parakeratosis and hyperkeratosis may represent the key to distinguishing AK from PD using RCM. The significance of epidermal inflammatory cells in the RCM diagnosis of AK remains to be elucidated.
Dietary carbohydrate composition is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: a case–control study
Authors: Eslamian G. , Baghestani A.‐R. , Eghtesad S. , Hekmatdoost A.
Published: June 2016

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the association between dietary carbohydrate components and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Iran.

Methods

In this case–control study, the diagnosis of PCOS was made based on the Rotterdam criteria in hospital clinics. Dietary assessments were performed using a validated semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire. In total, 281 women with incident PCOS and 472 age‐matched controls were assessed. Participants were interviewed through the clinics in Tehran, Iran, from February 2012 until March 2014. Average dietary glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) were calculated using GI of Iranian Foods Table and international tables of GI and GL values. We also assessed total dietary carbohydrate, refined grains, whole grains and fibre intakes.

Results

Participation rates were 97.5% among cases and 96.3% among controls. Mean (SD) dietary GI values among the controls and cases were 51.8 (4.7) and 59.7 (5.9) (P = 0.02) and GL values were 155.34 (35.2) and 173.6 (39.1) (P < 0.001), respectively. The multivariate adjusted odds ratio (OR) comparing the highest tertile of dietary GI and GL with the lowest tertile were 2.18 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.29–3.81; P‐test for trend = 0.012] and 2.39 (95% CI = 1.23–3.01; P‐test for trend = 0.001), respectively, with a significant trend. Fibre intake was inversely associated with PCOS (OR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.49–0.91; P‐test for trend = 0.013).

Conclusions

The findings of the present study suggest that high dietary GI and GL and low fibre intake are significantly associated with PCOS.
Association between dietary fibre intake with cancer and all‐cause mortality among 15 740 adults: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III
Authors: Chan C. W. , Lee P. H.
Published: June 2016

Background

Few prospective studies have examined the longitudinal associations of total dietary fibre intake and water insoluble and soluble fibres with cancer and all‐cause mortality. The present study aimed to examine these associations.

Methods

We studied the effects of total dietary fibre intake and water insoluble and soluble fibres on cancer and all‐cause mortality, using data from 15 740 adult participants [mean (SD) age: 44.53 (19.22) years, 46.60% male] in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III, 1988–1994, who had completed a 24‐h dietary recall. Death certificate data were obtained up to 2006. Participants had been followed for 13.74 years on average. Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) of total dietary, insoluble and soluble fibres on cancer and all‐cause mortality, with the first quartile as the reference group, adjusted for demographics, lifestyle and dietary factors.

Results

Relative to those in the first quartile of total fibre intake, only the third quartile was associated with all‐cause mortality, with an adjusted HR of 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.79, 0.97, P = 0.021], and cancer mortality, with an adjusted HR of 0.77 (95% CI = 0.61, 0.99, P = 0.05). The third quartile of insoluble fibre intake was associated with cancer mortality, with an adjusted HR of 0.76 (95% CI = 0.60, 0.96, P = 0.023), and colorectal–anal cancer mortality (in grouped data as provided for public use), with an adjusted HR of 0.42 (95% CI = 0.19, 0.91, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Dietary fibre showed protective benefits in terms of mortality risk. Investigating the mechanisms and components of dietary fibres underlying the different protective benefits remains an important consideration for research on fibre‐mortality risk.
Forgiveness in Romantic Relationships: The Roles of Attachment, Empathy, and Attributions
Authors: Kimmes Jonathan G. , Durtschi Jared A.
Published: June 2016

Therapists can benefit from a more nuanced understanding of underlying processes associated with romantic partners forgiving one another. Greater understanding of the processes linked with forgiveness has the potential to improve therapists' facilitation of forgiveness between partners. Departing from the status quo, the purpose of this investigation was to explore benign attributions and empathy as mechanisms linking attachment with forgiveness. After conducting a longitudinal structural equation model with a sample of young adults in romantic relationships (N = 171), the results showed that benign attributions mediated the association between anxious attachment and forgiveness, and empathy mediated the association between avoidant attachment and forgiveness. Clinically, targeting working models of attachment that underlie benign attributions and empathy may facilitate forgiveness.
Presence of repeating hyperostotic bones in dorsal pterygiophores of the oarfish, Regalecus russellii
Authors: Paig‐Tran E. W. Misty , Barrios Andrew S. , Ferry Lara A.
Published: June 2016

Hyperostosis, excessive bone growth along bone that stems from bone, periosteum or articular or epiphyseal cartilage, occurs in at least 22 families of fishes most of which are tropical or subtropical marine species. While the presence of hyperostosis is well documented in fishes, the mechanism driving the development of the excessive bone growth is unclear. This study documented hyperostosis along the dorsal pterygiophores in both sexes of oarfish, Regalecus russellii; however, it was not present in all specimens examined. This is the second lampridiform fish with hyperostoses and the first case documented in a deeper‐water, epi‐mesopelagic fish. In oarfish, the majority of the dorsal pterygiophores tissues are poorly mineralized, anosteocytic bones with some fish displaying localized stiffened, hyperostotic growths near the distal edge. Oarfish lack a swim bladder so they must continuously beat their bi‐directional dorsal fin to maintain position within the water column while engaged in locomotory behavior. These fishes have areas of localized, hyperostotic skeletal elements along the dorsal pterygiophores that, presumably, function as a stiffened lever system to support fin undulation. It was noted that hyperossification was not present in all fish examined and was only documented in fish with total lengths greater than 3 m.
Utilization of Emergent Neuroimaging for Thrombolysis‐Eligible Stroke Patients
Authors: Sanossian Nerses , Fu Katherine A. , Liebeskind David S. , Starkman Sidney , Hamilton Scott , Villablanca J. Pablo , Burgos Adrian M. , Conwit Robin , Saver Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Advances in diagnostic imaging of stroke include multimodal techniques such as noninvasive angiography and perfusion imaging. We aimed to characterize trends in neuroimaging utilization among acute stroke patients. Utilization of multimodal imaging for acute stroke in the community has remained largely uncharacterized despite its increased adoption at academic medical centers.

METHODS

We quantified neuroimaging utilization in the emergency department (ED) for 1,700 hyperacute stroke patients presenting <2 hours after symptom onset who participated in the National Institutes of Health Field Administration of Stroke Therapy‐Magnesium (FAST‐MAG) study throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. FAST‐MAG provided no recommendation as to imaging utilization.

RESULTS

A total of 1,700 cases were imaged a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 92 (74‐120) minutes after last known well time and 28 (19‐41) minutes after ED arrival. The initial scanner used in the ED was computed tomography (CT) in a preponderance of cases (N = 1,612, 95%), with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 88 cases (5%). CT angiography (CTA) was obtained in 192 (11%) and perfusion CT (CTP) in 91 (5.4%) cases. MRI imaging was universally obtained using diffusion‐weighted images, 60% with MR angiography and 33% included perfusion imaging. Rates of concomitant CTA or CTP use increased in the later years of the study from 4% in 2005–2006, 2% in 2007–2008, 8% in 2009–2010, and 26% in 2011–2012 (P for trend < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among acute stroke patients, noncontrast CT was the most common initial imaging strategy in clinical practice in the 2005–2012 time period, though use of concomitant CTA grew to one‐quarter of cases, suggestive of an upward trend.
Comparison of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Volume Calculation Methods and Their Impact on Scoring Tools
Authors: Khan Muhib , Baird Grayson L. , Elias Roderick , Rodriguez‐Srednicki Joshua , Yaghi Shadi , Yan Sandra , Collins Scott , Thompson Bradford B. , Wendell Linda C. , Potter Nicholas S. , Fehnel Corey , Saad Ali , Silver Brian
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) volumes are frequently used for prognostication and inclusion of patients in clinical trials. We sought to compare the original ABC/2 method and sABC/2, a simplified version with the planimetric method.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed admission head CT scans of consecutive ICH patients admitted to a single academic center from July 2012 to April 2013. We assessed ICH volume on the admission. In ABC/2 method, A = greatest hemorrhage diameter by CT, B = diameter perpendicular to A, C = the approximate number of CT slices with hemorrhage multiplied by the slice thickness. C is weighted by area as < 25%, 25–50%, or > 75%. However, in the sABC/2 method, C is the total number of cuts with ICH without any weighting. Bland–Altman plots were generated for both the ABC/2 and sABC/2 methods in comparison to the planimetric method.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty‐five patients with spontaneous ICH were included in the final analysis. Bland–Altman analysis illustrated that both ABC/2 and sABC/2 were concordant with the planimetric method. ABC/2 had more bias than sABC/2 (47% vs. 5%, respectively) with no evidence of a linear trend. For differentiating a volume threshold of 30 mL, ABC/2 was less sensitive but more specific than sABC/2 (P < .0001). Concordance between planimetry, ABC/2, and sABC/2 was high, evidenced by most coefficients exceeding .90.

CONCLUSION

Simplified ABC/2 (sABC/2) method performs better than ABC/2 in calculating ICH volumes. Moreover, it is better in differentiating a volume threshold of 30 mL. These findings may have implications for outcomes prediction and clinical trials inclusion.