bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biallelic loss‐of‐function variants in DOCK3 cause muscle hypotonia, ataxia, and intellectual disability
Authors: Helbig K.L. , Mroske C. , Moorthy D. , Sajan S.A. , Velinov M.
Published: February 2017

DOCK3 encodes the dedicator of cytokinesis 3 protein, a member of the DOCK180 family of proteins that are characterized by guanine‐nucleotide exchange factor activity. DOCK3 is expressed exclusively in the central nervous system and plays an important role in axonal outgrowth and cytoskeleton reorganization. Dock3 knockout mice exhibit motor deficiencies with abnormal ataxic gait and impaired learning. We report 2 siblings with biallelic loss‐of‐function variants in DOCK3. Diagnostic whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and chromosomal microarray were performed on a proband with severe developmental disability, hypotonia, and ataxic gait. Testing was also performed on the proband's similarly affected brother. A paternally inherited 458 kb deletion in chromosomal region 3p21.2 disrupting the DOCK3 gene was identified in both affected siblings. WES identified a nonsense variant c.382C>G (p.Gln128*) in the DOCK3 gene (NM_004947) on the maternal allele in both siblings. Common features in both affected individuals include severe developmental disability, ataxic gait, and severe hypotonia, which recapitulates the Dock3 knockout mouse phenotype. We show that complete DOCK3 deficiency in humans leads to developmental disability with significant hypotonia and gait ataxia, probably due to abnormal axonal development.
Clinical and immunohistochemical performance of lyophilized platelet‐rich fibrin (Ly‐PRF) on tissue regeneration
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Qi Xingying , Luo Xiaoding , Li Dan , Wang Haorong , Li Ting
Published: February 2017

Background

Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) has been widely used in oral implantology and other fields, but benefits of the fresh PRF (FPRF (fresh platelet‐rich fibrin)) were consequently limited because of its short‐term application. Thus, a protocol for the combination of PRF and lyophilization comes up in the present study to address the issue of PRF storage and delayed clinical application, which has little been reported in this field at home and abroad by now.

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the applicability of lyophilized platelet‐rich fibrin (Ly‐PRF) used as the scaffold material for craniofacial tissue regeneration and to compare its biochemical properties with commonly used fresh PRF.

Materials and Methods

Two volunteers with both genders were selected as the source of PRF and Ly‐PRF samples. Macro‐ and micro‐scopic appearance evaluation as well as immunohistochemical comparison were performed on PRF samples before and after freeze‐drying at −196°C. The second experimental phase was to observe clinical performance when fresh and lyophilized PRF were applied in guided bone regeneration (GBR) operations in 39 patients losing teeth in the anterior maxillary region who required an oral implantation followed by labial bone grafting.

Results

The conventional histological and transmission electron microscopy images showed the microstructure of Ly‐PRF, which resembled a mesh containing apparently irregularly shaped platelets with less alpha‐granule than fresh PRF in micro and a translucent membrane with less elasticity than fresh PRF in macro. Simultaneous immunohistological staining results showed positive expression of PDGF‐BB, IL‐1, IL‐4, TNF, TGF‐β1 in both fresh and lyophilized PRF, while the expression of PDGF‐BB, IL‐1, TNF, TGF‐β1 has no statistical difference between them (P > .05) but that of IL‐4 in Ly‐PRF is statistically higher than in fresh PRF (P < .05). When applied in GBR operations, there were no significant differences between Ly‐PRF and FPRF in factors of histological and clinical evaluations (i.e., color, swelling, bleeding of the mucosa, pain leveland, and remodeling of hard tissue) performed 3 days, 7 days, and 4 months after the surgery (P > .05).

Conclusions

This study strongly supports that lyophilization at −196°C does not largely influence the expression of bioactive factors, the microstructure of fibrinogen or the clinical effects of PRF.
Allergenic sesquiterpene lactones from cushion bush (Leucophyta brownii Cass.): new and old sensitizers in a shrub‐turned‐a‐pot plant
Authors: Paulsen Evy , Hyldgaard Mette G. , Andersen Klaus E. , Andersen Flemming , Christensen Lars P.
Published: February 2017

Background

The Australian cushion bush (Leucophyta brownii) of the Compositae family of plants has become a popular pot and container plant. The plant produces the sesquiterpene lactone allergen calocephalin.

Objectives

To assess the sensitizing potential of sesquiterpene lactones from cushion bush.

Patients/Materials/Methods

Eleven Compositae‐sensitive patients were patch tested with seven sesquiterpene lactones isolated from cushion bush.

Results

Six of seven sesquiterpene lactones elicited positive reactions in 4 of 11 patients.

Conclusions

The well‐known sesquiterpene lactone pseudoivalin and its derivative pseudoivalin acetate, as well as calocephalin and tomentosin, were confirmed to be sensitizers, whereas leucophytalin A and 4α‐hydroxy‐5αH,10αH‐1,11(13)‐guaidien‐8β,12‐olide were shown to be allergenic for the first time. The patch test reaction patterns seem to follow the chemical patterns, which may eventually make it possible to trace primary sensitizers and advise patients more precisely.
Histopathology of bilateral lower extremity inflammatory lymphedema in military basic trainees: A leukocytoclastic vasculitis of the deep vascular plexus
Authors: McCann Shannan E. , Dalton Scott R. , Kobayashi Todd T.
Published: February 2017

Bilateral lower extremity inflammatory lymphedema (BLEIL) is a recently described condition that presents with exquisite tenderness, erythema and edema of the lower leg, ankle and dorsal foot resembling an acute cellulitis. It was first reported in healthy, young adult military basic trainees with a normal body mass index during the first 72 hours of arrival to basic training. It occurs while standing at attention for many hours, and shows rapid resolution with elevation and rest. We report an additional case of BLEIL and describe the histopathology of this case and 2 of the previously reported cases. All 3 biopsies showed a deep perivascular infiltrate of neutrophils with karyorrhectic debris and prominent red blood cell extravasation. One of the 3 cases was positive for complement by direct immunofluorescence. We postulate this condition represents a deep leukocytoclastic vascultis with secondary reactive lymphedematous changes.
Species invasions threaten the antiquity of China's freshwater fish fauna
Authors: Liu Chunlong , He Dekui , Chen Yifeng , Olden Julian D.
Published: February 2017

Aim

Human‐mediated species introductions and extirpations have resulted in the homogenization of biotas over time. However, there remains considerable uncertainty in our understanding of homogenization process for megadiverse regions of the world. Here, we investigate the consequences of widespread species invasions and extirpations for the biogeography of China's unique freshwater fish fauna.

Location

China.

Methods

By assembling a comprehensive dataset for distribution of Chinese freshwater fishes, we quantify how non‐native fish species, from both overseas introductions and domestic translocations, has led to taxonomic homogenization of fish faunas at watershed, basin, ecoregion and country scales. We explore how the observed patterns in homogenization vary geographically, and identify those species most responsible for the faunal changes. Lastly, we simulate how China's fish fauna may continue to homogenize according to different scenarios of anticipated species introductions and extirpations.

Results

We demonstrate that species introductions and extirpations have homogenized freshwater fish faunas across China. Overall compositional similarity of watersheds increased by 7.0% (from a historical 14.9% to 21.9% in the present day; Sørensen index). Compositional similarity of 96 of 103 (93.2%) watersheds increased, with western basins exhibiting the highest magnitude. Translocated non‐native species associated with aquaculture practices contributed the most to faunal homogenization when compared to alien species (7.3% and 0.4%, respectively). Furthermore, faunal homogenization is predicted to intensify an additional 0.5–4.2% with increasing numbers of new non‐native species introductions and the extirpation of native species.

Main conclusions

Species introductions and extirpations have resulted in the significant impoverishment, and thus the loss of antiquity, of China's freshwater fish fauna over the past century. In the light of the growing realization that species composition (not richness) defines the role that biodiversity plays in maintaining ecosystem function, our study highlights the need for conservation strategies in China that consider changing patterns of β diversity.
Baseline adiponectin concentration and clinical outcomes among patients with diabetes and recent acute coronary syndrome in the EXAMINE trial
Authors: Bergmark Brian A. , Cannon Christopher P. , White William B. , Jarolim Petr , Liu Yuyin , Bonaca Marc P. , Zannad Faiez , Morrow David A.
Published: February 2017

Aim

To investigate adiponectin levels and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with diabetes and recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Materials and methods

We analysed baseline adiponectin concentration and CV outcomes in 5213 patients with type 2 diabetes enrolled in the EXAMINE trial of alogliptin vs placebo 15 to 90 days (median 45 days) after ACS. Event rates at 18 months are reported.

Results

The median (interquartile range) baseline adiponectin concentration was 5.2 (3.5‐7.9) μg/mL. Patients with the highest baseline adiponectin concentration (quartile [Q]4) were at significantly higher risk of death from a CV event (8.4% vs 1.7%; P < .0001), hospitalization for heart failure (HF; 7.5% vs 1.7%; P < .0001), and all‐cause mortality (10.8% vs 2.4%; P < .0001) compared with those in Q1. After adjusting for age, sex, index event, HF, estimated glomerular filtration rate and hypertension, adiponectin concentration in Q4 remained associated with an increased risk of death from CV causes (hazard ratio [HR] 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52, 3.88), all‐cause mortality (HR 2.45, 95% CI 1.65, 3.64), and HF (HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.47, 4.05), without change after stratification by body mass index. There was no significant difference in the rate of myocardial infarction or stroke.

Conclusions

In this contemporary population of patients with diabetes and ACS, adiponectin concentration was independently associated with increased risk of death from CV causes, all‐cause mortality, and hospitalization for HF. The relationship between adiponectin and CV outcomes is complex and deserves further study.
No increased risk of cardiovascular events in older adults initiating dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors vs therapeutic alternatives
Authors: Gokhale Mugdha , Buse John B. , Jonsson Funk Michele , Lund Jennifer , Pate Virginia , Simpson Ross J. , Stürmer Til
Published: February 2017

Aim

To compare the cardiovascular (CV) risk associated with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors relative to sulphonylureas (SUs) and thiazolidinediones (TZDs).

Methods

During 2007 to 2013, using Medicare data for beneficiaries aged >65 years, we identified the following 2 cohorts of new‐users, who had not been exposed to the drugs being compared in the 6 months before initiation: (1) DPP‐4 inhibitor vs SU initiators and (2) DPP‐4 inhibitor vs TZD initiators. Using propensity‐score‐adjusted Cox models accounting for competing risk by death, we estimated the hazard ratios (HRs), risk differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, hospitalization for heart failure (HF), and a combined outcome (MI, stroke, all‐cause mortality).

Results

In the DPP‐4 inhibitor vs SU comparison, there were 30 130 DPP‐4 inhibitor initiators and 68 382 SU initiators. Their mean age was 75 years, 41% were men and 55% had a baseline CV condition. The HR for the composite outcome was 0.75 (95% CI 0.72‐0.79) over a median treatment duration of 1 year, but the 1‐year risks of MI were 1.00 (95% CI 0.89‐1.12) and 1.47 (95% CI 1.38‐1.56) per 100 patients for DPP‐4 inhibitors and SUs, respectively, and the corresponding stroke risks were 0.98 (95% CI 0.87‐1.10) and 1.09 (95% CI 1.01‐1.17). For the DPP‐4 inhibitor vs TZD comparison, there were 20 596 DPP‐4 inhibitor initiators and 13 526 TZD initiators without previous HF. Their mean age was 74 years, 42% were men and 30% had a baseline CV event. The composite outcome HR was 0.94 (95% CI 0.86‐1.02) over a median treatment duration of 1 year. The 1‐year risk for MI was ~0.90 and for stroke it was ~0.80 per 100 patients in both DPP‐4 inhibitor and TZD initiators.

Conclusion

Although limited by the short treatment period, the present study suggests there is no increased short‐term risk of MI, stroke or HF with DPP‐4 inhibitors vs SUs/TZDs.
How School Choice is Framed by Parental Preferences and Family Characteristics: A Study in Poor Areas of Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Dixon Pauline , Humble Steve , Tooley James
Published: February 2017

This research set out to investigate how, in a low‐income area of Nigeria, parental preferences and household characteristics affect school choice for their children. A household survey was undertaken in Lagos State, Nigeria, gathering data for 556 children attending government and low‐cost private primary schools. Descriptive data show that poor parents investigate a wide range of sources to inform the decision‐making process. These include school visits, networks of relatives, friends and neighbours, and school observations. Discrete choice theory is used to model how school choice is framed by parental preferences and family characteristics. The results show a large statistically significant preference for low‐cost private schools where quality of teaching, proximity to home and strong school leadership are important to parents. The child's birth order in the family and the older the child increased the likelihood of parents choosing a government school for that child. Children living in a family unit where the father has achieved a higher level of occupation or education are more likely to attend a private school. Family income and higher maternal educational attainment are not significant characteristics in this school choice model.
Competition and Innovation in Retail Electricity Markets: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Stagnaro Carlo
Published: February 2017

Italy's 2015 Annual Competition Law, if finally approved, provides for phasing out retail electricity price regulation, as well as the implementation of full retail liberalisation, from 1 July 2018. This is a significant reform, not just because it is consistent with the broader market design for electricity. Indeed, retail liberalisation is a qualifying element of the full integration of the European Union's electricity market. The full opening of retail markets provides a great opportunity for innovation, both on the demand side and on the supply side. This article investigates the theoretical background, and presents some empirical evidence, on the competition–innovation nexus in retail electricity markets.
Shifting from Undersupply to Oversupply: Does NHS Workforce Planning Need a Paradigm Shift?
Authors: Charlesworth Anita , Lafond Sarah
Published: February 2017

The National Health Service in England is currently halfway through the most austere decade in its history. Finding ways to improve health care efficiency is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the health system. While evidence of supply‐induced demand (SID) has often been used as an economic argument to restrict labour supply, in the UK the risks of SID may be much less than in health care systems with more deregulated entry into the market post‐qualification and with fee‐for‐service payment systems. This article focuses on the problem of staff shortages in nursing. We argue that, although an oversupply of some types of labour can add to cost pressures by increasing demand for health care services and that the cost of training staff is high, undersupply and poor labour planning lead to unintended consequences such as poor labour productivity. As a result there is a case for public policy to target an oversupply of nurses in the future. If government reforms to nurse funding help, they are to be welcomed.
PEER PRESSURE: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FROM RESTROOM BEHAVIOR
Authors: Cardinale Lagomarsino Bruno , Gutman Matías , Freira Lucía , Lanzalot María Laura , Lauletta Maximiliano , Malchik Leandro E. , Montaño Campos Felipe , Pacini Bianca , Rossi Martín A. , Valencia Christian
Published: February 2017

We provide experimental evidence on the effect of peer pressure on individual behavior. Specifically, we study the effect of being exposed to an observer in a public restroom on handwashing and urinal flushing behavior. Our estimates show that being exposed to an observer increases the probability of handwashing by 13 percentage points and the probability of urinal flushing by 15 percentage points. Given that handwashing and urinal flushing have social benefits that exceed individual benefits, our findings provide support for peer pressure as an additional way of addressing the social suboptimality arising from externalities. (JEL C91, C93)
‘MigrateR’: extending model‐driven methods for classifying and quantifying animal movement behavior
Authors: Spitz Derek B. , Hebblewhite Mark , Stephenson Thomas R.
Published: February 2017

To be useful, definitions of animal movement behavior (e.g. migration) should be quantitatively rigorous, flexible enough to accommodate variation in species biology (e.g. latitudinal vs elevational movement) and sufficiently general to allow comparison among different species. Recent studies have applied a model‐driven approach to classifying and quantifying animal movement from global positioning system (GPS) location data. We improve upon these methods by 1) revising model structure to provide a simple biologically‐defensible basis to reduce misclassification; 2) introducing a data‐efficient tool that can be used to quantify and circumvent model sensitivity to starting location; and 3) illustrating how existing models can be adapted to describe short‐distance migration, using elevational migration as an example. These improvements are included in ‘migrateR’, an open source R package that expands and automates model‐driven classification and quantification of animal movement behavior. We demonstrate the software and these improved methods using GPS‐collar location data from a long‐distance migrant, elk Cervus elaphus, and a short‐distance elevational migrant, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep Ovis canadensis sierrae. We provide in‐text example code and a supplementary script illustrating how default options can be revised to meet several common challenges in fitting movement models.
Taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic metacommunity ecology of cladoceran zooplankton along urbanization gradients
Authors: Gianuca Andros T. , Engelen Jessie , Brans Kristien I. , Hanashiro Fabio Toshiro T. , Vanhamel Matthias , van den Berg Edwin M. , Souffreau Caroline , Meester Luc De
Published: February 2017

As human population size increases and cities become denser, several urban‐related selection pressures increasingly affect species composition in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Yet, it is not well known whether and how urbanization influences other facets of biodiversity, such as the functional and evolutionary composition of communities, and at what spatial scale urbanization acts. Here we used a hierarchical sampling design in which urbanization levels were quantified at seven spatial scales (ranging from 50 to 3200 m radii). We found that urbanization gradients are associated with a strong shift in cladoceran zooplankton species traits, which in turn affected phylogenetic composition of the entire metacommunity, but only when considering urbanization at the smallest spatial scale (50 m radius). Specifically, small cladoceran species dominated in more urbanized ponds whereas large‐bodied, strong competitors prevailed in less urbanized systems. We also show that trait and phylogenetic metrics strongly increase the amount of variation in β‐diversity that can be explained by degree of urbanization, environmental and spatial factors. This suggests that the mechanisms shaping β‐diversity in our study system are mediated by traits and phylogenetic relatedness rather than species identities. Our study indicates that accounting for traits and phylogeny in metacommunity analyses helps to explain seemingly idiosyncratic patterns of variation in zooplankton species composition along urbanization gradients. The fact that urbanization acts only at the smallest spatial scale suggests that correctly managing environmental conditions locally has the power to counteract the effects of urbanization on biodiversity patterns. The multidimensional approach we applied here can be applied to other systems and organism groups and seems to be key in understanding how overall biodiversity changes in response to anthropogenic pressures and how this scales up to affect ecosystem functioning.
Effects of isoflurane anesthesia and intravenous morphine self‐administration on regional glucose metabolism ([18F]FDG‐PET) of male Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Park Thomas Y. , Nishida Kevin S. , Wilson Colin M. , Jaiswal Shalini , Scott Jessica , Hoy Andrew R. , Selwyn Reed G. , Dardzinski Bernard J. , Choi Kwang H.
Published: February 2017

Although certain drugs of abuse are known to disrupt brain glucose metabolism (BGluM), the effects of opiates on BGluM are not well characterized. Moreover, preclinical positron emission tomography (PET) studies anesthetize animals during the scan, which limits clinical applications. We investigated the effects of (i) isoflurane anesthesia and (ii) intravenous morphine self‐administration (MSA) on BGluM in rats. Jugular vein cannulated adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats self‐administered either saline (SSA) or morphine (0.5 mg/kg/infusion, 4 h/day for 12 days). All animals were scanned twice with [18F]‐fluoro‐deoxy‐glucose (FDG)‐PET/CT at a baseline and at 2‐day withdrawal from self‐administration. After the IV injection of FDG, one batch of animals (n = 14) was anesthetized with isoflurane and the other batch (n = 16) was kept awake during the FDG uptake (45 min). After FDG uptake, all animals were anesthetized in order to perform a PET/CT scan (30 min). Isoflurane anesthesia, as compared to the awake condition, reduced BGluM in the olfactory, cortex, thalamus, and basal ganglia, while increasing BGluM in the midbrain, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Morphine self‐administered animals exhibited withdrawal signs (piloerection and increased defecation), drug seeking, and locomotor stimulation to morphine (0.5 mg/kg) during the 2 day withdrawal. The BGluM in the striatum was increased in the MSA group as compared to the SSA group; this effect was observed only in the isoflurane anesthesia, not the awake condition. These findings suggest that the choice of the FDG uptake condition may be important in preclinical PET studies and increased BGluM in the striatum may be associated with opiate seeking in withdrawal.
Cultivation offers effective management of subterranean clover damping‐off and root disease
Authors: You M. P. , Guo K. , Nicol D. , Kidd D. , Ryan M. H. , Foster K. , Barbetti M. J.
Published: February 2017

Soil cultivation studies involving subterranean clover pastures were undertaken utilizing field cores from five farms and two in‐field trials. Tap and lateral root disease in cores was less (p < .001) severe and root and shoot weights greater (p < .001) following simulated cultivation. Germination and severity of root disease were both affected (p < .005) by three‐way interactions with cultivation, cultivar and field site. Cultivation in cores suppressed tap root disease for cultivars Meteora and Riverina across the five sites and Seaton Park for two sites. In‐field trials confirmed cultivation reduces root disease severity and increases germination and plant productivity. The best in‐field treatment was cultivation + fumigation that reduced (p < .05) tap and lateral root disease and increased nodulation and root and shoot weights for Riverina, Seaton Park and Woogenellup. Cultivation + fumigation also increased (p < .05) germination for Woogenellup and Seaton Park. There were negative correlations (all p < .001) between tap and lateral root disease with nodulation (R2 = .85, R2 = .58, respectively); tap root disease with root and shoot weight (R2 = .58, R2 = .854, respectively); and lateral root disease with root and shoot weight (R2 = .83, R2 = .64 respectively). This study highlights the close relationship between severe root disease and reduced nodulation, likely explaining much of the widespread poor nodulation in subterranean clover pastures. This study confirms that damping‐off and root disease can be mitigated by cultivation, offering producers flexibility in disease management, especially where autumn–winter feed shortages occur on a regular basis.
Stigmatization among people living with HIV in Hong Kong: A qualitative study
Authors: Mo Phoenix K. H. , Ng Charlson T. Y.
Published: February 2017

Background

HIV/AIDS is one of the most stigmatized medical conditions across the world. Self‐stigma is prevalent among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and a major obstacle to HIV prevention and care.

Objective

This study aimed to describe the experiences of stigmatization and explore the possible factors that might be associated with stigmatization among PLHIV in Hong Kong.

Design

Qualitative in‐depth interviews were conducted.

Setting and participants

15 PLHIV were recruited from two local non‐governmental organizations on HIV prevention.

Main variables studied

Participants were interviewed about their views and feelings towards oneself as a PLHIV and contributing factors, experiences of discriminations, stigmatizing behaviours, issues about disclosure, social relationships and potential impact of HIV.

Results and conclusions

Thematic analyses revealed three levels of factors which might be associated with stigmatization: (i) intrapersonal level (misconceptions about HIV, attribution of self‐responsibility, severe state of illness, side‐effects of medication), (ii) interpersonal level (discrimination, social rejection) and (iii) social level (mass media, public stereotypes). Findings provide important insights into which interventions to reduce stigmatization of PLHIV could be designed.
What happens to unprepared root canal walls: a correlative analysis using micro‐computed tomography and histology/scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Siqueira J. F. , Pérez A. R. , Marceliano‐Alves M. F. , Provenzano J. C. , Silva S. G. , Pires F. R. , Vieira G. C. S. , Rôças I. N. , Alves F. R. F.
Published: February 2017

Aim

To microscopically examine the cleanliness of root canal walls that remained unprepared as revealed by micro‐CT.

Methodology

The root canals of 10 freshly extracted mandibular premolars with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis along with the mesiobuccal canals of 11 mandibular molars with vital pulps were prepared using Reciproc instruments R40 and R25, respectively, and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite irrigation. Specimens were scanned in micro‐CT before and after preparation, and the unprepared areas were identified. The outer root surface corresponding to the untouched areas was marked on each root third to guide further analysis using histological (for teeth with vital pulps) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM; for necrotic teeth) examination. In the teeth with vital pulps, the root canal area occupied by tissue remnants was calculated. In SEM analysis of teeth with necrotic pulps, scores were attributed for the amount of debris on the untouched areas.

Results

The proportion of unprepared areas in the mesiobuccal molar canals was 18.1% and 9.6% over the full canal length and apical canal, respectively. In premolars, corresponding figures were 34.6% and 17.6%, respectively. Histological analysis of canals with vital pulps revealed tissue remnants over the untouched walls almost exclusively in the apical canal. SEM analysis of the canals with necrotic pulps revealed debris along the untouched walls in all root canal thirds.

Conclusion

The areas that remain untouched by Reciproc instruments used with 2.5% NaOCl irrigation as revealed by micro‐CT analysis were usually covered with debris, in the form of pulp tissue remnants, bacteria and dentine chips, especially in the apical root canal.
Familial Mediterranean fever patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Vural Secil , Gundogdu Mustafa , Kundakci Nihal , Ruzicka Thomas
Published: February 2017

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has recently been described as a component of two autoinflammatory syndromes: PASH (pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and HS) and PAPASH (pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, pyogenic arthritis, and HS). These associations together with others such as inflammatory bowel diseases suggest that defects in autoinflammatory pathways may play a role in the pathogenesis of HS.

Objectives

To describe clinical and genetic characteristics of two unrelated patients with HS and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Methods

Case study.

Results

Besides FMF and HS, the first patient had acne conglobata, and the second patient had pyoderma gangrenosum and ankylosing spondyloarthropathy. Both patients had M694V/V726A MEFV gene mutations.

Conclusion

PASH and PAPASH have recently been associated with genetic alterations of gene encoding proline‐serine‐threonine phosphatase‐interacting protein 1 (PSTPIP1), which interacts with the product of MEFV gene in the autoinflammatory pathway. This intriguing molecular interaction may explain shared phenotypic characteristics seen in genetic defects. Association of one more autoinflammatory disorders with HS adds another brick to the wall.
Partial purification of a polygalacturonase from a new Aspergillus sojae mutant and its application in grape mash maceration
Authors: Yıldız Semanur , Mata‐Gómez Marco A. , Tarı Canan , Rito‐Palomares Marco
Published: February 2017

The use of polygalacturonase (PG) preparations in winemaking promotes the release of phenolic compounds. A PG from a new source, Aspergillus sojae mutant, was semi‐purified and tested for grape mash maceration. Crude extract (CE), a commercial pectinase, and two high PG activity semi‐purified preparations, FI and FII, were applied for maceration at PG activity of 3.5 U g−1 of grape for 46 h. Enzyme‐assisted maceration significantly (P < 0.05) increased the total phenolic content from 255.8 to 916.3 ± 5.2, 5732.9 ± 9.9, 563.4 ± 6.7 and 620.6 ± 18.4 mg L−1 for CE, commercial pectinase, FI and FII, respectively. The content of individual phenolics such as gallic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic and p‐coumaric acids was improved. Principal component and hierarchical clustering analyses suggested that CE has a better performance upon the release of phenols. Semi‐purified preparations acted similar to commercial pectinase. These findings open an opportunity for the potential use of PG from the mutant strain as an alternative macerating enzyme.
Comparison of the antioxidant activities of roasted and explosive puffed coffees
Authors: Han Sung Hee , Ko Bong Soo , Ahn So Hyun , Noh Dong Ouk , Suh Hyung Joo
Published: February 2017

We investigated the explosive process effect on antioxidant activities of coffee bean. The total polyphenol contents of powdered extract of explosive puffing coffee bean at 0.75 MPa (PEP 7.5) and powdered extract of explosive puffing coffee bean at 0.9 MPa (PEP 9.0) were at a significantly higher than that of the powdered extract of roasting coffee bean (PER) (P < 0.05). PEP 7.5 showed the highest levels of 3‐CQA (86.23 μg mg−1), 4‐CQA (43.71 μg mg−1), and 5‐CQA (31.66 μg mg−1), and PEP 9.0 had also similar levels of chlorogenic acids, with 3‐CQA (77.99 μg mg−1), 4‐CQA (43.71 μg mg−1), and 5‐CQA (30.32 μg mg−1). PEP 7.5 and PEP 9.0 showed relatively higher antioxidant capacities in DPPH, ABTS, taurine, FRAP, and β‐carotene/linoleic acid assays. PEPs partly recovered the HepG2 cell damage induced by t‐BOOH. These results suggest that puffed coffee has beneficial health effects, and could be used for the development of novel processed coffee products.
Comprehensive Groundwater Balance Development to Characterize Selenium Loading to Surface Water Channels in Orange County, California
Authors: Schnaar Gregory , Dodge John J. , Cullen Stephen J.
Published: February 2017

Selenium concentrations are elevated above water quality criteria in several tributaries of Newport Bay. A watershed‐scale hydrogeologic study was performed to identify processes driving selenium transport in the former “Swamp of the Frogs” area (cities of Santa Ana, Irvine, and Tustin). The former Swamp of the Frogs area was a depositional environment that historically received regional surface water runoff and accumulated naturally occurring selenium‐bearing sediments from the larger watershed. Development beginning in the early 20th century included surface water channel installation that lowered the water table and drained the wetland, mobilizing selenium. A comprehensive groundwater/surface water balance was conducted in order to constrain hydrologic processes that continue to drive selenium mobilization into the surface water channels. The groundwater budget included precipitation and irrigation percolation modeling and groundwater flow mapping from thousands of publicly‐available groundwater level measurements. Groundwater balance results indicated that lateral groundwater flow from upgradient alluvial‐fan recharge areas accounts for most of the groundwater input to the former wetland area with additional input supplied by deep percolation of precipitation within the former wetland area itself, deep percolation of irrigation, and sewer/water line leakage. Overlaying selenium concentration data from groundwater wells and surface water sampling locations confirmed that selenium concentrations are similar in groundwater and nearby groundwater‐to‐surface water discharge points (e.g., weepholes). Results supported a Best Management Practice (BMP) Strategic Plan developed in compliance with a regulatory order prescribing numeric limitations on groundwater‐related discharges of selenium in the watershed.
Preparation of bulk‐nanostructured UO2 pellets using high‐pressure spark plasma sintering for LWR fuel safety assessment
Authors: Tyrpekl Vaclav , Cologna Marco , Vigier Jean‐Francois , Cambriani Andrea , De Weerd Wim , Somers Joseph
Published: February 2017

Nuclear fuel undergoes a significant restructuration during its lifetime in the nuclear reactor. Especially at the rim of the pellet, large UO2 grains disintegrate into a nanosized material. In this paper, we focus on the preparation of bulk UO2 with grain sizes below 100 nm to investigate the physico‐chemical properties of this so‐called “high burn up structure” (HBS). Preparation of bulk nanocrystalline materials is a challenge that can be overcome using the high‐pressure spark plasma sintering (HP SPS) technique. In‐house developed HP SPS with 500 MPa applied pressure was used for compaction of 11 nm UO2 powder obtained by oxalate conversion. The procedure yielded dense (>90%) compacts with grain size as low as 34 nm for samples sintered at 800°C.
Large recoverable energy storage density and low sintering temperature in potassium‐sodium niobate‐based ceramics for multilayer pulsed power capacitors
Authors: Qu Bingyue , Du Hongliang , Yang Zetian , Liu Qinghui
Published: February 2017

Multilayer pulsed power ceramic capacitors require that dielectric ceramics possess not only large recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) but also low sintering temperature (<950°C) for using the inexpensive metals as the electrodes. However, lead‐free bulk ceramics usually show low Wrec (<2 J/cm3) and high sintering temperature (>1150°C), limiting their applications in multilayer pulsed power ceramic capacitors. In this work, large Wrec (~4.02 J/cm3 at 400 kV/cm) and low sintering temperature (940°C) are simultaneously achieved in 0.9(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3–0.1Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3–1.0 mol% CuO ceramics prepared using transition liquid phase sintering. Wrec of 4.02 J/cm3 is 2‐3 times as large as the reported value of other (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 and BaTiO3‐based lead‐free bulk ceramics. The results reveal that 0.9(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3–0.1Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3–1.0 mol% CuO ceramics are promising candidates for fabricating multilayer pulsed power ceramic capacitors.
Origin of ferroelectric P‐E loop in cubic compositions and structure of poled (1‐x)Bi(Mg1/2Zr1/2)O3‐xPbTiO3 piezoceramics
Authors: Upadhyay Ashutosh , Pandey Rishikesh , Singh Akhilesh Kumar
Published: February 2017

Structural analysis of electrically poled samples of polycrystalline, (1‐x)Bi(Mg1/2Zr1/2)O3‐xPbTiO3 piezoceramics across morphotropic phase boundary reveals electric field‐induced cubic to tetragonal phase transition and significant domain reorientation in tetragonal and two‐phase compositions. The c‐axis domain elongation is observed for tetragonal compositions after poling. The morphotropic phase boundary composition, having coexisting cubic and tetragonal phases in the unpoled state, exhibits alteration in relative proportion of the two phases, in addition to domain extension and reorientation along c‐axis. For the morphotropic phase boundary composition, the tetragonality (c/a) is enhanced with significantly large c‐axis strain (~0.92%) in tetragonal phase after poling. Origin of ferroelectric P‐E loop in cubic compositions is linked with the electric field‐induced phase transition.
Heterogeneous domain configurations in ferroelectric crystals during thermal depolarization
Authors: Wang Yaojin , Ma He , Yuan Guoliang , Luo Haosu , Viehland Dwight
Published: February 2017

The phase transition and domain configurations in emerging ternary Mn‐doped Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 ferroelectric crystals have been investigated by high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction. Phase transition sequences of cubic→rhombohedral and monoclinic A→tetragonal→cubic were determined under zero‐field‐cooling and zero‐field‐heating after poling, respectively. Most importantly, a monoclinic‐like heterogeneous domain configuration was observed in the conventional high‐symmetry tetragonal phase field due to the coexistence of multiscale tetragonal variants. Our results provide further evidence that superlattices with low‐symmetry can be assisted by tetragonal nano‐twins.
High thermal conductivity of spark plasma sintered silicon carbide ceramics with yttria and scandia
Authors: Seo Yu‐Kwang , Kim Young‐Wook , Nishimura Toshiyuki , Seo Won‐Seon
Published: February 2017

A fully dense SiC ceramic with a room‐temperature thermal conductivity of 262 W·(m·K)−1 was obtained via spark plasma sintering β‐SiC powder containing 0.79 vol% Y2O3‐Sc2O3. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed two different SiC‐SiC boundaries, that is, amorphous and clean boundaries, in addition to a fully crystallized junction phase. A high thermal conductivity was attributed to a low lattice oxygen content and the presence of clean SiC‐SiC boundaries.
Polarization behavior of sol‐gel‐derived relaxor Ba(Zr, Ti)O3 films
Authors: Teranishi Takashi , Kajiyama Shin , Hayashi Hidetaka , Kishimoto Akira
Published: February 2017

Films of the relaxor ferroelectric BaZr0.25Ti0.75O3 (0.25‐BZT) were synthesized via a sol‐gel route to investigate the effect of film thickness on the dielectric properties and for comparison with normal ferroelectric BaTiO3 (BT). The as‐prepared films on Nb‐doped SrTiO3 (Nb–ST) displayed a (100) orientation; thinner films had stronger (100) orientations. Microwave dielectric measurements up to a few GHz quantified the polarizations, that is, the dipole contribution, εdipole, the combination of the ionic and electronic polarizations, εionic+el., and the total contribution, εtotal. The εdipole in the relaxors at a film thickness of t=630 nm was 360, which was double that for the normal ferroelectric BT (εdipole=180) at t=735 nm. The larger apparent permittivity of the BZT therefore originated from the larger εdipole of the polar nanoregions (PNRs), while the nanograins of BT with few domain walls led to a comparably smaller εdipole. The volume ratio of the surface and film‐substrate interface lacking the dipole interactions increased with the reduction in the film thickness, leading to the significant depression in the permittivity for both specimens. The difference in the thickness dependence of the dielectric properties of the sol‐gel derived relaxor BZT and the normal ferroelectric BT films was attributed to the different origins of their dipole contribution, that is, the PNRs and ferroelectric domains, respectively.
The evolution of feather coloration and song in Old World orioles (genus Oriolus)
Authors: Matysioková Beata , Friedman Nicholas , Turčoková Lucia , Remeš Vladimír
Published: February 2017

What is the tempo and mode of evolution – how fast and in what pattern do traits evolve – is a major question of evolutionary biology. Here we studied patterns of evolutionary change in visual and acoustic signals in Old World orioles. Since producing multiple signals may be costly, we also tested whether there was an evolutionary trade‐off between the elaboration of those two types of signals. We studied 30 Oriolus taxa using comparative methods and a recent molecular phylogeny. Morphology and plumage hue evolved comparatively slowly, whereas song evolved rapidly. Among individual feather patches, the evolutionary rate of color was slowest in primaries, which are critical for flapping flight, and fastest in patches exposed to observers (mantle and breast). Thus, primaries seem to be under functional constraint while the evolution of visually exposed patches is perhaps shaped by sexual selection. Song evolution was comparatively fast, but also attracted to a single optimum. This may be due to selection for signal efficacy, because all orioles inhabit similar forested habitats. Only color diversity was best fit by a speciational model: the biggest changes in coloration were concentrated at speciation events, thus perhaps linked to the evolution of species recognition. Our analysis did not reveal any evolutionary trade‐off between acoustic and visual signals, suggesting that the elaboration of visual and acoustic signals in the Old World orioles evolved independently. Our study shows that patterns of evolutionary change may be surprisingly complex even within a single clade of birds and thus further studies are needed to identify general patterns of signal macroevolution.
Cohabitation with farm animals rather than breeding effort increases the infection with feather‐associated bacteria in the barn swallow Hirundo rustica
Authors: Fülöp Attila , Vágási Csongor I. , Pap Péter L.
Published: February 2017

Feather‐associated bacteria are widespread inhabitants of avian plumage. However, the determinants of the between‐individual variation in plumage bacterial loads are less well understood. Infection intensities can be determined by ecological factors, such as breeding habitat, and can be actively regulated by hosts via preening. Preening, yet, is a resource intensive activity, and thus might be traded‐off against reproductive investment in breeding birds. Here, we studied barn swallows Hirundo rustica to assess the bacterial cost of reproduction in relation to nesting site micro‐habitats. Barn swallows prefer to breed in the company of large‐sized farm animals, although the presence of mammalian livestock in barns assures a warm and humid micro‐climate that favours bacterial proliferation. Thus, we experimentally manipulated brood sizes of birds breeding in barns with, or without, farm animals and measured total cultivable bacteria (TCB) and feather‐degrading bacteria (FDB) from the plumage. We found that the abundance of feather‐associated bacteria (i.e. both TCB and FDB) in females, but not males, breeding in barns with livestock were significantly higher than in conspecifics breeding in empty barns. Plumage bacterial loads, however, were not affected by brood size manipulations in either sex. In addition, we report a negative relationship between both TCB and FDB and hatching date in females, and several sex and seasonal differences in plumage bacterial abundances. Our study is the first to show that breeding micro‐habitat (i.e. livestock co‐tenancy) has consequences for the abundance of feather‐associated bacteria.
Commentary: Fundamental problems with candidate gene‐by‐environment interaction studies – reflections on Moore and Thoemmes (2016)
Authors: Border Richard , Keller Matthew C.
Published: February 2017

Moore and Thoemmes elaborate on one particular source of difficulty in the study of candidate gene‐by‐environment interactions (cG × E): how different biologically plausible configurations of gene‐environment covariation can bias estimates of cG × E when not explicitly modeled. However, even if cG × E investigators were able to account for the sources of bias Moore and Thoemmes elaborate, it is unlikely that conventional approaches would yield reliable results. Published cG × E findings to date have generally employed inadequate analytic procedures, have relied on samples orders of magnitude too small to detect plausible effects, and have relied on a particular candidate gene approach that has been unfruitful and largely jettisoned in mainstream genetic analyses of complex traits. Analytic procedures for the study of gene‐environment interplay must evolve to meet the challenges that the genetic architecture of complex traits presents, and investigators must collaborate on grander scales if we hope to begin to understand how specific genes and environments combine to affect behavior.
Commentary: What is the case for candidate gene approaches in the era of high‐throughput genomics? A response to Border and Keller (2017)
Authors: Moore Sarah R.
Published: February 2017

Border and Keller argue that candidate gene approaches are outdated and out‐of‐touch with the current understanding of the genetic architecture of complex behavioral traits and should be abandoned in favor of unbiased, genome‐wide approaches. Border and Keller further suggest that a candidate gene should not be selected for in‐depth investigation unless identified by a well‐powered genome‐wide association study (GWAS). An alternative perspective is offered that candidate approaches can be sensible for developmental and deep‐phenotyping studies aimed at elucidating particular biological pathways responsible for the emergence of psychological phenotypes, and that candidates should not necessarily be expected to be confirmed by, or solely selected based on, GWAS. Both candidate and whole genome strategies have limitations, and each approach is useful and valid in the quest to identify the elusive genetic architecture of complex behavioral phenotypes.