bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla) increase the whistle part of their song in response to simulated territorial intrusion
Authors: Leedale Amy E. , Collins Sarah A. , de Kort Selvino R.
Published: January 2015

Bird song is a sexually selected signal that serves two main functions, attracting a mate and deterring rivals. Different signal parameters may be important in advertising to females compared to advertising to rival males. Species solve the problem of this dual function in a variety of ways, one of which may be to have separate parts of song directed at male and female receivers. The blackcap song has two distinct parts, a complex warble, assumed to be directed at female receivers, followed by a louder and more stereotyped whistle putatively directed at males. We simulated territorial intrusions by broadcasting blackcap song in territories. Comparing songs sung prior, with those produced in response to playback, showed that the proportion of the whistle component of songs increased, but not the warble. This study thus provides empirical evidence that the whistle component of the blackcap song plays a prominent role in male–male competition. The warble component of the blackcap song may be directed at females, but this requires further testing.
Genomic conflicts and sexual antagonism in human health: insights from oxytocin and testosterone
Authors: Mokkonen Mikael , Crespi Bernard J.
Published: January 2015

We review the hypothesized and observed effects of two of the major forms of genomic conflicts, genomic imprinting and sexual antagonism, on human health. We focus on phenotypes mediated by peptide and steroid hormones (especially oxytocin and testosterone) because such hormones centrally mediate patterns of physical and behavioral resource allocation that underlie both forms of conflict. In early development, a suite of imprinted genes modulates the human oxytocinergic system as predicted from theory, with paternally inherited gene expression associated with higher oxytocin production, and increased solicitation to mothers by infants. This system is predicted to impact health through the incompatibility of paternal‐gene and maternal‐gene optima and increased vulnerability of imprinted gene systems to genetic and epigenetic changes. Early alterations to oxytocinergic systems have long‐term negative impacts on human psychological health, especially through their effects on attachment and social behavior. In contrast to genomic imprinting, which generates maladaptation along an axis of mother–infant attachment, sexual antagonism is predicted from theory to generate maladaptation along an axis of sexual dimorphism, modulated by steroid and peptide hormones. We describe evidence of sexual antagonism from studies of humans and other animals, demonstrating that sexually antagonistic effects on sex‐dimorphic phenotypes, including aspects of immunity, life history, psychology, and behavior, are commonly observed and lead to forms of maladaptation that are demonstrated, or expected, to impact human health. Recent epidemiological and psychiatric studies of schizophrenia in particular indicate that it is mediated, in part, by sexually antagonistic alleles. The primary implication of this review is that data collection focused on (i) effects of imprinted genes that modulate the oxytocin system, and (ii) effects of sexually antagonistic alleles on sex‐dimorphic, disease‐related phenotypes will lead to novel insights into both human health and the evolutionary dynamics of genomic conflicts.
Modelling interspecific hybridization with genome exclusion to identify conservation actions: the case of native and invasive Pelophylax waterfrogs
Authors: Quilodrán Claudio S. , Montoya‐Burgos Juan I. , Currat Mathias
Published: January 2015

Interspecific hybridization occurs in nature but can also be caused by human actions. It often leads to infertile or fertile hybrids that exclude one parental genome during gametogenesis, escaping genetic recombination and introgression. The threat that genome‐exclusion hybridization might represent on parental species is poorly understood, especially when invasive species are involved. Here, we show how to assess the effects of genome‐exclusion hybridization and how to elaborate conservation actions by simulating scenarios using a model of nonintrogressive hybridization. We examine the case of the frog Pelophylax ridibundus, introduced in Western Europe, which can hybridize with the native Pelophylax lessonae and the pre‐existing hybrid Pelophylax esculentus, maintained by hybridogenesis. If translocated from Southern Europe, P. ridibundus produces new sterile hybrids and we show that it mainly threatens P. esculentus. Translocation from Central Europe leads to new fertile hybrids, threatening all native waterfrogs. Local extinction is demographically mediated via wasted reproductive potential or via demographic flow through generations towards P. ridibundus. We reveal that enlarging the habitat size of the native P. lessonae relative to that of the invader is a promising conservation strategy, avoiding the difficulties of fighting the invader. We finally stress that nonintrogressive hybridization is to be considered in conservation programmes.
Determination of the effectiveness of the realization of enterprise business objectives and improvement strategies in an uncertain environment
Authors: Stefanović Miladin , Tadic Danijela , Arsovski Slavko , Pravdic Predrag , Abadić Nebojša , Stefanović Nikola
Published: January 2015

This study determines the effectiveness of business objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) of the identified business objectives for different types of enterprise. The evaluations of the relative importance of KPIs are called a fuzzy group‐decision‐making problem. The KPI weights are determined using the fuzzy analytic hierarchical process. The effectiveness of business objectives and KPIs is determined using the adopted Balanced Scorecard Designer Pro. Determination of the KPI rank with respect to each enterprise type is on the basis of Pareto analysis. The priority of management initiatives of the improvement strategy corresponds to the calculated rank, and it has a critical effect on the competitive advantage of any enterprise. The results discuss manufacturing, public and service enterprises, which exist in central Serbia. The proposed approach can also be adapted to different businesses.
Is my species distribution model fit for purpose? Matching data and models to applications
Authors: Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta , Lahoz‐Monfort José J. , Elith Jane , Gordon Ascelin , Kujala Heini , Lentini Pia E. , McCarthy Michael A. , Tingley Reid , Wintle Brendan A.
Published: January 2015

Species distribution models (SDMs) are used to inform a range of ecological, biogeographical and conservation applications. However, users often underestimate the strong links between data type, model output and suitability for end‐use. We synthesize current knowledge and provide a simple framework that summarizes how interactions between data type and the sampling process (i.e. imperfect detection and sampling bias) determine the quantity that is estimated by aSDM. We then draw upon the published literature and simulations to illustrate and evaluate the information needs of the most common ecological, biogeographical and conservation applications ofSDMoutputs. We find that, while predictions of models fitted to the most commonly available observational data (presence records) suffice for some applications, others require estimates of occurrence probabilities, which are unattainable without reliable absence records. Our literature review and simulations reveal that, while converting continuousSDMoutputs into categories of assumed presence or absence is common practice, it is seldom clearly justified by the application's objective and it usually degrades inference. MatchingSDMs to the needs of particular applications is critical to avoid poor scientific inference and management outcomes. This paper aims to help modellers and users assess whether their intendedSDMoutputs are indeed fit for purpose.
Global patterns of plant root colonization intensity by mycorrhizal fungi explained by climate and soil chemistry
Authors: Soudzilovskaia Nadejda A. , Douma Jacob C. , Akhmetzhanova Asem A. , van Bodegom Peter M. , Cornwell William K. , Moens Esther J. , Treseder Kathleen K. , Tibbett Mark , Wang Ying‐Ping , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: January 2015

Aim

Most vascular plants on Earth form mycorrhizae, a symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi. Despite the broad recognition of the importance of mycorrhizae for global carbon and nutrient cycling, we do not know how soil and climate variables relate to the intensity of colonization of plant roots by mycorrhizal fungi. Here we quantify the global patterns of these relationships.

Location

Global.

Methods

Data on plant root colonization intensities by the two dominant types of mycorrhizal fungi world‐wide, arbuscular (4887 plant species in 233 sites) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (125 plant species in 92 sites), were compiled from published studies. Data for climatic and soil factors were extracted from global datasets. For a given mycorrhizal type, we calculated at each site the mean root colonization intensity by mycorrhizal fungi across all potentially mycorrhizal plant species found at the site, and subjected these data to generalized additive model regression analysis with environmental factors as predictor variables.

Results

We show for the first time that at the global scale the intensity of plant root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi strongly relates to warm‐season temperature, frost periods and soil carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio, and is highest at sites featuring continental climates with mild summers and a high availability of soil nitrogen. In contrast, the intensity of ectomycorrhizal infection in plant roots is related to soil acidity, soil carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio and seasonality of precipitation, and is highest at sites with acidic soils and relatively constant precipitation levels.

Main conclusions

We provide the first quantitative global maps of intensity of mycorrhizal colonization based on environmental drivers, and suggest that environmental changes will affect distinct types of mycorrhizae differently. Future analyses of the potential effects of environmental change on global carbon and nutrient cycling via mycorrhizal pathways will need to take into account the relationships discovered in this study.
A latitudinal gradient in tree community assembly processes evidenced in Chinese forests
Authors: Qiao Xiujuan , Jabot Franck , Tang Zhiyao , Jiang Mingxi , Fang Jingyun
Published: January 2015

Aim

Most studies on latitudinal gradients of biodiversity have focused on gradients of species richness. Here we aim to test whether, on top of these strong diversity gradients, processes of community assembly vary along a latitudinal gradient of more than 33°.

Location

China, latitude 18.67–51.86° N.

Methods

We used species abundance distribution (SAD) data collected in 32 forest tree plots, and fitted a non‐neutral model of community assembly to these SADs. We then calculated the fitted deviation from neutrality, δ, and looked for correlations between δ and geographical and environmental data.

Results

The fitted parameter δ was positive in most plots, and was furthermore positively correlated with latitude and negatively with temperature, indicating a less even abundance distribution and a likely increase in the strength of environmental filtering in regions further from the tropics and with decreasing temperatures. These results imply that on top of reducing the species richness, cold temperature may impact community assembly processes by strengthening local environmental filtering.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest a latitudinal gradient in tree community assembly process in Chinese forests, in which deviations from neutrality increase with latitude, probably because of an increase in environmental harshness.
Experimental investigation of carbon dioxide trapping due to capillary retention in saline aquifers
Authors: Li X. , Akbarabadi M. , Karpyn Z. T. , Piri M. , Bazilevskaya E.
Published: January 2015

Capillary trapping is a physical mechanism by which carbon dioxide (CO2) is naturally immobilized in the pore spaces of aquifer rocks during geologic carbon sequestration operations, and thus a key aspect of estimating geologic storage potential. Here, we studied capillary trapping of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2), and the effect of initial scCO2 saturation and flow rate on the storage/trapping potential of Berea sandstone. We performed two‐phase, scCO2‐brine displacements in two samples, each subject to four sequential drainage–imbibition core‐flooding cycles to quantify end‐point saturations of scCO2 with the aid of micro‐ and macro‐computed tomography imaging. From these experiments, we found that between 51% and 75% of the initial CO2 injected can be left behind after the brine injection. We also observed that the initial scCO2 saturation influenced the residual scCO2 saturation to a greater extent than the rate of brine injection under the experimental conditions examined. In spite of differences in the experimental conditions tested, as well as those reported in the literature, initial and residual saturations were found to follow a consistent relationship.
‘No Thought of Gender’: Bodily Norms in Swedish Rescue Services Incident Reporting
Authors: Harrison Katherine
Published: January 2015

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) play an increasingly important role in the preventative and planning work carried out by rescue services, but to date there has been little research investigating how these technologies may be involved in the gendering of the organization. In this study, I seek to complement existing analyses of the gendered rescue service by focusing on a web portal used to collect, process and publish data about accidents in Sweden. Through the figuration of the ‘modest witness’ I suggest how an apparent absence of gender in the accident reporting process may actually be part of a wider organizational process of gendering in which only certain bodies are allowed to be visible and allowed to witness officially.
Groundwater Drift as a Tracer for Identifying Sources of Spring Discharge
Authors: Mori Nataša , Kanduč Tjaša , Opalički Slabe Maja , Brancelj Anton
Published: January 2015

Groundwater invertebrate drift, collected from the spring outlets at the interface of vadose and phreatic zones, has been examined for its potential for identifying sources of discharge from a karst aquifer. Concurrently, major ion geochemistry, dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC), particulate organic carbon (δ13CPOC), and naturally occurring stable isotopes of oxygen and tritium (δ18O, 3H) were investigated over a period of 1 year in two outlets, a temporary (TS) and a perennial (PS) spring. A few differences in major ion geochemistry and stable isotope composition were found between the two springs together with moderate seasonal variability. In contrast, invertebrate drift showed clear differences between TS and PS springs in density and composition. Canonical correspondence analysis showed the presence of two distinct groups of samples from TS and PS, with Ca2+ as the only significant explanatory variable for differences in drift composition. Finally, certain species from the drift were found to be useful tracers for distinguishing between the phreatic and the epikarst and vadose zones as the origin of spring water.
Groundwater Quality Modeling with a Small Data Set
Authors: Sakizadeh Mohamad , Malian Abbass , Ahmadpour Eisa
Published: January 2015

Seventeen groundwater quality variables collected during an 8‐year period (2006 to 2013) in Andimeshk, Iran, were used to implement an artificial neural network (NN) with the purpose of constructing a water quality index (WQI). The method leading to theWQIavoids instabilities and overparameterization, two problems common when working with relatively small data sets. The groundwater quality variables used to construct theWQIwere selected based on principal component analysis (PCA) by which the number of variables were decreased to six. To fulfill the goals of this study, the performance of three methods (1) bootstrap aggregation with early stopping; (2) noise injection; and (3) ensemble averaging with early stopping was compared. The criteria used for performance analysis was based on mean squared error (MSE) and coefficient of determination (R2) of the test data set and the correlation coefficients between WQI targets and NN predictions. This study confirmed the importance of PCA for variable selection and dimensionality reduction to reduce the risk of overfitting. Ensemble averaging with early stopping proved to be the best performed method. Owing to its high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.80) and correlation coefficient (r=0.91), we recommended ensemble averaging with early stopping as an accurate NN modeling procedure for water quality prediction in similar studies.
TLR8 gene polymorphism and association in bacterial load in southern Punjab of Pakistan: an association study with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Bukhari M. , Aslam M. A. , Khan A. , Iram Q. , Akbar A. , Naz A. G. , Ahmad S. , Ahmad M. M. , Ashfaq U. A. , Aziz H. , Ali M.
Published: January 2015

Only 5–10% of people infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis develop active tuberculosis which suggests a role of genetic variation in host immunity. Genetic variants in TLRs are potential indicator for host susceptibility and outcome of several diseases. We explored the association of nonsynonymous genetic variants (Met1Val) with Toll‐like receptor 8 in Pakistani population. Genotypic and allelic distribution of TLR8 polymorphism (rs3764880) in patients with TB and healthy donors from different areas of southern Punjab, Pakistan, was determined. Results provide that our population is highly influenced by TLR8 Met1Val SNP for TB, and G allele appeared to increase TB susceptibility. Mutant genotype GG or G/− and G allele was significantly higher among all the categories of cases than in controls. Among different levels of bacillary load and genotypes, GG or G/− and G allele significantly supports the incidence of 2 +  class for bacterial load.
Community pharmacy patient perceptions of a pharmacy-initiated mobile technology app to improve adherence
Authors: DiDonato Kristen L , Liu Yifei , Lindsey Cameron C , Hartwig David Matthew , Stoner Steven C
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To determine patient perceptions of using a demonstration application (app) of mobile technology to improve medication adherence and to identify desired features to assist in the management of medications.

Methods

A qualitative study using key informant interviews was conducted in a community pharmacy chain for patients aged 50 and older, on statin therapy and owning a smart device.

Key findings

Three main themes emerged from 24 interviews at four pharmacy locations, which included benefits, barriers and desired features of the app. Benefits such as accessibility, privacy, pros of appearance and beneficiaries were more likely to lead to usage of the app. Barriers that might prevent usage of the app were related to concerns of appearance, the burden it might cause for others, cost, privacy, motivation and reliability. Specific features patients desired were categorized under appearance, customization, communication, functionality, input and the app platform.

Conclusions

Patients provided opinions about using a mobile app to improve medication adherence and assist with managing medications. Patients envisioned the app within their lifestyle and expressed important considerations, identifying benefits to using this technology and voicing relevant concerns. App developers can use patient perceptions to guide development of a mobile app addressing patient medication-related needs.
Nausea, vomiting and quality of life of patients with cancer undergoing antineoplastic treatment: an evaluation by pharmacists
Authors: de Souza Cinthia Madeira , Visacri Marília Berlofa , Ferrari Graziele Baldan , Tuan Bruna Taliani , Costa Anna Paula Lourenço , Barbosa Cristina Rosa , Lima Carmen Silvia P , Mazzola Priscila Gava , Moriel Patrícia
Published: January 2015

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting using two different instruments and relate them to quality of life (QOL) in patients with cancer receiving antineoplastic treatment.

Methods

Severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) was measured by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and a numerical scale. QOL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General questionnaire.

Key findings

Of the 50 patients studied, 60.0% reported nausea (40.0% CTCAE grade 1; 66.7% moderate intensity on numerical scale) and 30.0% reported vomiting (46.7% CTCAE grades 1 and 2, each; 66.7% moderate intensity on numerical scale). CINV did not influence overall QOL.

Conclusion

The frequency of CINV was high. There was no association between nausea/vomiting and overall QOL.
Associations between the number of natural teeth and metabolic syndrome in adults
Authors: Zhu Yong , Hollis James H.
Published: January 2015

Aim

To explore associations between the number of natural teeth and metabolic syndrome in adults.

Material and Methods

Cross‐sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2008 were used. Eligible adults (n = 5511) were classified into four groups by their number of natural teeth (excluding third molars): full dentition, 21–27 teeth, 1–20 teeth, or edentulous. Metabolic syndrome was defined by diagnostic guidelines from the American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Associations were analysed by survey logistic regression. Biometric and metabolic parameters in different dentition groups were compared.

Results

Adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, ratio of family income to poverty, physical activity, smoking, and energy intake, tooth loss was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome (p = 0.002). Compared to participants with full dentition, the odds were 32% higher in those with 21–27 teeth, 55% higher in those with 1–20 teeth and 79% higher in edentulous participants. The number of natural teeth was inversely associated with body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations (p < 0.01 for all); it was positively associated with serum HDL cholesterol concentration (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The number of natural teeth is inversely associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome in adults.
Novel MesoPorous BioGlass/silk scaffold containing adPDGF‐B and adBMP7 for the repair of periodontal defects in beagle dogs
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Miron Richard J. , Li Sue , Shi Bin , Sculean Anton , Cheng Xiangrong
Published: January 2015

Aim

The local delivery of growth factors via gene therapy has gained tremendous awareness in recent years due to their sustained growth factor delivery to target tissues. The aim of this study was to fabricate and investigate a scaffold able to release growth factors via gene therapy for the repair of periodontal tissues.

Materials and Methods

Novel mesoporous bioglass (MBG)/silk fibrin scaffold combined with BMP7 and/or PDGF‐B adenovirus was fabricated and tested in vitro for cell migration, proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, acute‐type buccal dehiscence periodontal defects (mesiodistal width × depth: 5 × 5 mm) were created on the buccal portion of the maxillary premolars in five normal male beagle dogs (12 months old, 15.0 ± 2.0 kg) and histologically examined for periodontal regeneration following implantation of the following five groups: (1) no scaffold, (2) MBG/silk scaffold alone, (3) scaffold + adPDGF‐B, (4) scaffold + adBMP7, (5) scaffold + adPDGF‐b + adBMP7.

Results

In vitro findings demonstrated that adPDGF‐B was able to rapidly recruit periodontal ligament (PDL) cells over sixfold more effectively than adBMP7, whereas adBMP7 was more able to induce osteoblast differentiation of PDL cells. In vivo findings demonstrate that scaffolds loaded with adPDGF‐B were able to partially regenerate the periodontal ligament while adBMP7 scaffolds primarily improved new bone formation. The combination of both adPDGF‐B and adBMP7 synergistically promoted periodontal regeneration by allowing up to two times greater regeneration of the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and cementum when compared to each adenovirus used alone.

Conclusions

Although both PDGF‐B and BMP7 are individually capable of promoting periodontal regeneration to some degree, their combination synergistically promotes wound healing in acute‐type buccal dehiscence periodontal defects when delivered simultaneously. This study demonstrates the promise for successful delivery of low‐cost, effective growth factor delivery via gene therapy for the treatment of periodontal defects.
Clinical study of the caries‐preventive effect of resin‐modified glass ionomer restorations: aging versus the influence of fluoride dentifrice
Authors: de Moraes Maria Denise Rodrigues , de Melo Mary Anne Sampaio , Bezerra Daniela da Silva , Costa Luciana Scarlazzari , Saboía Vicente de Paula Aragão , Rodrigues Lidiany Karla Azevedo
Published: January 2015

Aim

The use of fluoride‐releasing materials could be compromised due to aging and might also be influenced by other ordinary sources of fluoride. The aim of the present study was to investigate the aging effect on caries development around resin‐modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) restorations and the influence of fluoride dentifrice use in this process under the oral environment.

Methods

A clinical study was performed in two phases of 14 days each. A total of 16 volunteers wore palatal devices containing dental slabs restored with either a composite resin or RMGIC, either aged or unaged by thermocycling. To simulate a clinical situation of high caries risk, the slabs were exposed to a 20% sucrose solution 10 times per day via the in situ model, where non‐fluoride or a fluoride dentifrice was used. Integrated demineralization was determined by cross‐sectional microhardness at both margins of the restoration: enamel and dentin.

Results

For enamel, higher demineralization around the composite restorations was observed, regardless of dentifrice or aging. For dentin, higher demineralization was observed around the aged composite restorations regardless of the dentifrice type used.

Conclusions

The RMGIC restorations provided more enhanced protection against secondary caries for dentin under aging, and the fluoride dentifrice used in this condition had either no clinically relevance or only a minimal effect.
Enterococcus faecalis with capsule polysaccharides type 2 and biofilm‐forming capacity in Indonesians requiring endodontic treatment
Authors: Bachtiar Endang W. , Bachtiar Boy M. , Dewiyani Sari , Surono Akbar Siti M.
Published: January 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) strains isolated from saliva and infected root canal samples from Indonesians requiring endodontic treatment.

Methods

A total of 50 isolates were genotyped using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus–polymerase chain reaction (ERIC–PCR) and analyzed for locus polymorphisms of their capsule polysaccharides (CPS) and for biofilm‐forming capabilities.

Results

It was shown that all E. faecalis isolates shared >60% similarity. A higher degree of diversity of E. faecalis was observed in cluster 1 (C1, 28%) and cluster 2 (C2, 22%) from samples isolated from infected root canals. CPS type 2 was the dominant form observed in five clusters (C1–C5), but there was no relationship between the origins of these isolates. In contrast, all isolates in cluster C5 were of root canal origin, and 50% were associated with a strong biofilm phenotype. Five unclustered strains were saliva isolates (<60% similarity). Most of these strains showed weak biofilm capability.

Conclusions

E. faecalis CPS type 2 is relatively common in Indonesians requiring endodontic treatment, and there are differences in the biofilm‐forming abilities produced by CPS type 2 strains in all isolates depending on the source. In addition, there is no relationship between the ERIC–PCR profile and biofilm formation.
Predictive model of oral cancer metastasis for different cancer sites and age groups
Authors: Siriwardena Bogahawatte Samarakoon Mudiyanselage Samadarani , Rasnayaka Rasnayaka Mudiynaselage Sumudu Geethika Kumari , Masood Yaghma , Masood Mohd , Kumarasiri Pallegoda Vithanage Ranjith , Tilakaratne Wanninayake Mudiyanselage
Published: January 2015

Aim

The high incidence rates for oral cancer (excluding lip) are especially found in the South and South–East Asia. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between sex, age, site, and metastasis of a large sample with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

A total of 989 OSCC treated with neck dissection were selected. All the relevant data were recorded from biopsy request forms. The patients were divided into seven groups, and there were nine different oral sites.

Results

The male‐to‐female ratio of the sample was 4:1. Most of the patients were aged between 30 and 60 years. Of the 989 patients, approximately 40% patients had metastasis. Age <30 years showed a higher probability of metastasis compared to higher age groups, but it was not statistically significant. Palate cancers had more than 14 times higher chance of metastasis, followed by maxilla (4.6 times) and tongue (2.8 times).

Conclusion

The present study provides important information on the metastatic potential of OSCC in different oral sites, and identifies high‐risk age groups for metastasis. This will be helpful in planning neck treatment for OSCC.
Dopamine transporter oligomerization: impact of combining protomers with differential cocaine analog binding affinities
Authors: Zhen Juan , Antonio Tamara , Cheng Shu‐Yuan , Ali Solav , Jones Kymry T. , Reith Maarten E. A.
Published: January 2015

Previous studies point to quaternary assembly of dopamine transporters (DATs) in oligomers. However, it is not clear whether the protomers function independently in the oligomer. Is each protomer an entirely separate unit that takes up dopamine and is inhibited by drugs known to block DAT function? In this work, human embryonic kidney 293 cells were co‐transfected with DAT constructs possessing differential binding affinities for the phenyltropane cocaine analog, [3H]WIN35,428. It was assessed whether the binding properties in co‐expressing cells capable of forming hetero‐oligomers differ from those in preparations obtained from mixed singly transfected cells where such oligomers cannot occur. A method is described that replaces laborious ‘mixing’ experiments with an in silico method predicting binding parameters from those observed for the singly expressed constructs. Among five pairs of constructs tested, statistically significant interactions were found between protomers of wild‐type (WT) and D313N, WT and D345N, and WT and D436N. Compared with predicted Kd values of [3H]WIN35,428 binding to the non‐interacting pairs, the observed affinity of the former pair was increased 1.7 fold while the latter two were reduced 2.2 and 4.1 fold, respectively. This is the first report of an influence of protomer composition on the properties of a DAT inhibitor, indicating cooperativity within the oligomer.

image

The dopamine transporter (DAT) can exist as an oligomer but it is unknown whether the protomers function independently. The present results indicate that protomers that are superpotent or deficient in cocaine analog binding can confer enhanced or reduced potency to the oligomer, respectively. In this respect, positive or negative cooperativity is revealed in the DAT oligomer.
The Legacy of Mexico's Agrarian Counter‐Reforms: Reinforcing Social Hierarchies in Calakmul, Campeche
Authors: Navarro‐Olmedo Santana , Haenn Nora , Schmook Birgit , Radel Claudia
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we examine how Mexico's 1992 counter‐reforms reinforced social hierarchies between two ‘classes’ of residents within three ejidos in an agricultural frontier in Campeche. We carried out qualitative research with 94 ejidatarios, 92 pobladores and 13 government officials. Our research shows that the reforms cemented the second‐class status of pobladores, as their access to land, natural resources such as firewood and governmental subsidies is now even more contested. Ejidal residents have responded to these tensions by invoking various conceptions of citizenship to press for different forms of justice. Ejidatarios seek to enforce their legal prerogatives by advocating a tiered citizenship, inflected with aspects of ‘market citizenship’, in which pobladores have less access to resources and voice. Pobladores seek inclusion in the ejido via a cultural model of citizenship built around a ‘civil sociality’. Despite this generalization, both groups also selectively move between and combine these citizenship frameworks to advance their claims.
Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women
Authors: Le Floc'h Caroline , Cheniti Ahsène , Connétable Sophie , Piccardi Nathalie , Vincenzi Colombina , Tosti Antonella
Published: January 2015

Background

Female pattern hair loss is a frequent and distressing condition.

Aim

To evaluate vs. control, the effects on hair loss of a 6‐month supplementation with specific omega 3&6 and antioxidants.

Methods

One hundred and twenty healthy female subjects participated in this 6‐month, randomized, comparative study. The primary endpoint was the change in hair density evaluated on standardized photographs. Secondary endpoints included changes in telogen hair percentage and diameter distribution of anagen hair (>40 µm vs. ≤40 µm) measured by trichogram. Overall changes in hair density and diameter were also measured by trichometer and by subjects’ self‐assessment.

Results

After 6 months of treatment, photograph assessment demonstrated a superior improvement in the supplemented group (P < 0.001). The telogen hair percentage was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced in the supplemented group. The proportion of nonvellus anagen hair (>40 µm) increased compared to the control group. The trichometer index increased in the supplemented group, while it decreased in the control group. A large majority of supplemented subjects reported a reduction in hair loss (89.9% of subjects at 6 months), as well as an improvement in hair diameter (86.1%) and hair density (87.3%).

Conclusion

A 6‐month supplementation with omega 3&6 and antioxidants acts efficiently against hair loss in improving hair density and reducing the telogen percentage and the proportion of miniaturized anagen hair. Objectively measured improvements were confirmed by the subjects’ perception of efficacy.
Comparison of skin color between two Asian populations: according to latitude and UV exposure
Authors: Cho Changhui , Ruan Peiyi , Lee Eunyoung , Ha Jaehyoun
Published: January 2015

Background

Skin color varies among ethnic groups on accounts of genetic background. Within an ethnic group, skin color may also vary according to geographical environments and sun exposure habits. While many reports address skin color differences between ethnic groups, few have compared skin color within as ethnic group.

Aims

To compare skin color characteristics according to differences in latitude including UV exposure between two Asian populations (Korean and Cantonese [Chinese]).

Method

We included 461 healthy female subjects: 317 Korean (age 42.3 ± 7.16) and 144 Cantonese (age 41.5 ± 11.2). Skin phototypes were classified according to the Fitzpatrick classification, and back skin color measured using the Minolta colorimeter. We evaluated the lightness (L*), yellowish (b*) value, individual typology angle (ITA°), and minimal erythema dose (MED).

Results

Fitzpatrick phototype ratios were similar in Korean (II: 19.9%, III: 78.9%) and Cantonese (II: 27.1%, III: 72.9%). However, the L* (68.47 ± 2.66 vs. 66.44 ± 2.47), ITA° (41.80 ± 5.51 vs. 40.20 ± 5.79), and b* (20.56 ± 1.71 vs. 19.28 ± 1.97) were significantly higher in Korean than in Cantonese. Korean had a significant lower MED than Cantonese (22.33 ± 2.89 vs. 23.38 ± 6.04).

Conclusions

Subjective phototype self‐assessment showed similar results in Korean and Cantonese. However, objective skin color parameters differed between the two populations. Koreans, who live at a higher latitude and get relatively little sun exposure, have lighter skin color than the Cantonese and burn easily upon UV exposure.
Potential for acceleration of bone formation after implant surgery by using a dietary supplement: an animal study
Authors: Watanabe T. , Nakada H. , Takahashi T. , Fujita K. , Tanimoto Y. , Sakae T. , Kimoto S. , Kawai Y.
Published: January 2015

Dental implant treatment is an effective modality to restore lost aesthetic and masticatory functions. However, healing after implant surgery takes at least 3–6 months. This prolonged healing period poses several difficulties for individuals with a large edentulous area and decreases their quality of life. Consequently, shortening the healing period and accelerating final prosthesis placement after surgery is very clinically important. Peri‐implant bone formation may be enhanced by systemic approaches, such as the use of osteoporosis supplements, to promote bone metabolism. To confirm whether intake of a supplement developed for osteoporosis, synthetic bone mineral (SBM), was effective in accelerating peri‐implant bone formation as part of the healing process after implantation. Twenty‐four 5‐week‐old female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive a standardised diet without (control group, n = 12) or with SBM (n = 12). The rats had implant surgery at 8 weeks of age under general anaesthesia. The main outcome measures were bone mineral density (BMD) and pull‐out strength in the implant and femur, which were compared between the groups at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation using the Mann–Whitney U test. BMD was significantly greater in the SBM group at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation compared to the control group. Pull‐out strength was significantly greater in the SBM groups at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation compared to the control group. This study demonstrated that SBM could be effective in accelerating peri‐implant bone formation during the healing period after implantation.
Friends First? The Peer Network Origins of Adolescent Dating
Authors: Kreager Derek A. , Molloy Lauren E. , Moody James , Feinberg Mark E.
Published: January 2015

The proximity of dating partners in peer friendship networks has important implications for the diffusion of health‐risk behaviors and adolescent social development. We derive two competing hypotheses for the friendship–romance association. The first predicts that daters are proximally positioned in friendship networks prior to dating and that opposite‐gender friends are likely to transition to dating. The second predicts that dating typically crosses group boundaries and opposite‐gender friends are unlikely to later date. We test these hypotheses with longitudinal friendship data for 626 ninth‐grade PROSPER heterosexual dating couples. Results primarily support the second hypothesis: Romantic partners are unlikely to be friends in the previous year or share the same cohesive subgroup, and opposite‐gender friends are unlikely to transition to dating.
Melatonin sensitizes human breast cancer cells to ionizing radiation by downregulating proteins involved in double‐strand DNA break repair
Authors: Alonso‐González Carolina , González Alicia , Martínez‐Campa Carlos , Gómez‐Arozamena José , Cos Samuel
Published: January 2015

Radiation and adjuvant endocrine therapy are nowadays considered a standard treatment option after surgery in breast cancer. Melatonin exerts oncostatic actions on human breast cancer cells. In the current study, we investigated the effects of a combination of radiotherapy and melatonin on human breast cancer cells. Melatonin (1 mm, 10 μm and 1 nm) significantly inhibited the proliferation of MCF‐7 cells. Radiation alone inhibited the MCF‐7 cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. Pretreatment of breast cancer cells with melatonin 1 wk before radiation led to a significantly greater decrease of MCF‐7 cell proliferation compared with radiation alone. Melatonin pretreatment before radiation also decreased G2‐M phase arrest compared with irradiation alone, with a higher percentage of cells in the G0‐G1 phase and a lower percentage of cells in S phase. Radiation alone diminished RAD51 and DNA‐protein kinase (PKcs) mRNA expression, two main proteins involved in double‐strand DNA break repair. Treatment with melatonin for 7 days before radiation led to a significantly greater decrease in RAD51 and DNA−PKcs mRNA expression compared with radiation alone. Our findings suggest that melatonin pretreatment before radiation sensitizes breast cancer cells to the ionizing effects of radiation by decreasing cell proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest and downregulating proteins involved in double‐strand DNA break repair. These findings may have implications for designing clinical trials using melatonin and radiotherapy.
Dyspareunia and Its Comorbidities among Taiwanese Women: Analysis of the 2004–2010 Nationwide Health Insurance Database
Authors: Liu Hsin-Li , Lee Horng-Mo , Chung Yueh-Chin
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Most of the existing studies on dyspareunia only focus on qualitative observations. These measurement tools may not reflect the actual situation of dyspareunia in Taiwan.

Aim

This study aimed to estimate the incidence of dyspareunia in Taiwan and investigate dyspareunia-associated comorbidities using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).

Methods

This study is a population-based retrospective cohort investigation.

Main Outcome Measures

We analyzed the 2004–2010 claims data on dyspareunia from the NHIRD. Dyspareunia was identified by outpatient visits using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (diagnosis code 6250). Patients who visited as outpatients with dyspareunia after the index date were considered to have comorbidities associated with dyspareunia medical conditions. The index events included vaginal disorders, vulvar disorders, uterine and ovarian factors, female genital organ and menstrual cycle disorders, menopause, and relative abdominopelvic organ disorders. The incidence of dyspareunia among different age groups was determined. The location and areas significantly related to the physical gynecology or relative pelvic organ causing the disease were also analyzed.

Results

A total of 978 females of different ages had experienced dyspareunia. The incidence of dyspareunia was higher among individuals aged 30–34 years. The findings of this study indicated that dyspareunia was comorbid with menopause, pelvic floor dysfunction, and most gynecological infections. In particular, the more common physical causes of dyspareunia were introitus and vaginal infections (19.95%), menopause (16.80%), female genital organ and menstrual cycle disorders (15.22%), and female pelvic organ infections (13.65%).

Conclusions

This study posits that women of all ages (20–70 years) experience painful sexual intercourse. This large-scale nationwide claims-based study showed that menopause and pelvic infection disorder were dyspareunia-related comorbidities. Moreover, gynecological infections and pelvic floor dysfunctions were associated with dyspareunia.
Role of complement component C4 in treatment response and disease progression in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Chowdhury S. J. , Karra V. K. , Bharali R. , Kar P.
Published: January 2015

The basis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) evasion of immune system and its response to treatment is still elusive. There have been studies where the level of C4 has been found to be associated with HCV persistence and disease progression. This study aims to find out relationship between levels of C4 in serum, and its functional SNPs with response to treatment. The study included 84 patients with CHC who received treatment and 75 healthy controls. C4 expression, both at mRNA and protein level, was estimated by Real time and ELISA respectively. Its functional SNP's genotyped by AS‐PCR. The mean ± SD baseline C4 levels between the disease and healthy cases was significantly different (1075.74 ± 65.25 vs 1593 ± 24.55 ng/mL, P < 0.001). The mean ± SD baseline C4 levels of CC, GC and GG genotype of rs2857009 in the healthy group were 1540.97 ± 7.87, 1599.53 ± 11.75 and 1604.86 ± 10.79 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.001), whereas the levels in the CHC group were 1022.81 ± 32.95, 1058.19 ± 55.02 and 1150.26 ± 14.64 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). CC genotype resulted in decreased C4 mRNA levels compared to GG genotype in healthy group (3.81‐fold) and CHC group (1.4‐fold). The CC genotype of rs2857009 is associated with reduced expression of C4, both at mRNA and protein level. The C4 serum level at baseline and total protein were found to be independent predictors for treatment response. New predictive score using the above factors, a value of ≥0.542 was found to predict positive response to treatment. Increased age, rs2857009 SNP and HCV genotype were associated with disease progression.
Thomas Piketty, the Future of Capitalism and the Theory of Distribution: A Review Essay
Authors: Aspromourgos Tony
Published: January 2015

This essay reviews Thomas Piketty's Capital in the Twenty‐First Century. The focus is upon the conceptual framework and theoretical interpretation of the empirical findings assembled in the book, rather than those empirical findings themselves (which are, in any case, broadly incontestable). The core theoretical logic of the distributional dynamics is explained and subjected to scrutiny with respect to the theory of distribution in particular, but also the theory of growth.
Luck as Risk and the Lack of Control Account of Luck
Authors: Broncano‐Berrocal Fernando
Published: January 2015

This essay explains the notion of luck in terms of risk. It starts by distinguishing two senses of risk, the risk that an event has of occurring and the risk at which an agent is with respect to an event. It cashes out the former in modal terms (rather than probabilistic) and the latter in terms of lack of control. It then argues that the presence or absence of event‐relative risk marks a distinction between two types of luck or fortune commonly overlooked in ordinary usage of the terms “luck” and “fortune.” After offering a detailed account of the notion of control, the essay advances a new version of the so‐called lack of control account of luck: lucky events are events with respect to which one is at risk and hence events over which one lacks control in the specified way. Finally, it argues that its account steers clear of counterexamples to the lack of control account of luck.
On Crafting Introductory Remarks: Developing a Synthetic Conception of Critical Thinking
Authors: Sorrell Brian
Published: January 2015

This article argues that philosophy instructors in general, and critical thinking instructors in particular, profit from developing concise preparatory remarks for introductory classes. To this end, it argues for two simple, but effective, introductory descriptions of philosophy: (1) talking about how we do what we do and why we do what we do, and (2) critical thinking applied to writing. Of particular interest with respect to the second formulation is an introductory treatment of the concept of thinking, emphasizing critical thinking as a synthetic as well as analytic activity. The article also includes a suggested application of its thesis, namely, “the index‐card exercise,” in which students engage in philosophical writing from day one of an introductory course, and use the results to structure and write philosophical papers.