bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fournier's gangrene in a man on empagliflozin for treatment of Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kumar S. , Costello A. J. , Colman P. G.
Published: September 2017

Background

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SLGT2) inhibitors has been associated with an increased risk of genital infections secondary to increased glycosuria.

Case Report

We report a case of a 41‐year‐old man with type 2 diabetes treated with empagliflozin and metformin who presented with scrotal swelling. He described multiple preceding episodes of genital thrush for which he self‐administered over‐the‐counter anti‐fungal treatment. On examination, he was afebrile and hemodynamically stable. Perineal examination revealed grossly swollen and indurated scrotum with bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy. Investigations showed elevated inflammatory markers and HbA1c of 99 mmol/mol (11.2%). Computed tomography revealed features consistent with Fournier's gangrene. He underwent emergency exploration and debridement under anaesthetic with a later return to theatre for further exploration, washout and application of a vacuum dressing. He then received a split skin graft to his perineum. He required a 2‐week course of intravenous antibiotics and was discharged home on oral antibiotics. Empagliflozin was ceased on admission and he was commenced on a basal bolus insulin regimen for glycaemic optimisation.

Conclusion

There is a wide clinical spectrum of genital infections associated with SGLT2 inhibitors with most being generally mild and easily treated. However, risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, immunosuppressed states, smoking, alcohol abuse and end‐stage renal or liver failure may increase the risk of potentially more severe infections such as Fournier's gangrene. Timely cessation of SGLT2 inhibitors in individuals with multiple risk factors may help prevent progression to more severe genital infections.
Dermatopathic lymphadenopathy with Langerhans cell chimerism in graft‐versus‐host disease of the skin
Authors: Kreft Andreas , Krümpelmann Kristina , Rosenwald Andreas , Hollemann David , Wagner‐Drouet Eva Maria
Published: September 2017

Dermatopathic lymphadenopathy (DL) is well‐known in inflammatory skin disease; however, it has not been reported in graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Here, we report 2 cases of DL in patients with acute GvHD of the skin and demonstrate complete donor chimerism of Langerhans cells within the lymph nodes.
The anterior insula bidirectionally modulates cost‐benefit decision‐making on a rodent gambling task
Authors: Daniel M. L. , Cocker P. J. , Lacoste J. , Mar A. C. , Houeto J. L. , Belin‐Rauscent A. , Belin D.
Published: September 2017

Deficits in cost‐benefit decision‐making, as assessed in the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), are commonly observed in neuropsychiatric disorders such as addiction. There is considerable variation in the maximization of rewards on such tasks, both in the general population and in rodent models, suggesting individual differences in decision‐making may represent a key endophenotype for vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders. Increasing evidence suggests that the insular cortex, which is involved in interoception and emotional processes in humans, may be a key neural locus in the control of decision‐making processes. However, the extent to which the insula contributes to individual differences in cost‐benefit decision‐making remains unknown. Using male Sprague Dawley rats, we first assessed individual differences in the performance over the course of a single session on a rodent analogue of the IGT (rGT). Rats were matched for their ability to maximize reward and received bilateral excitotoxic or sham lesions of the anterior insula cortex (AIC). Animals were subsequently challenged on a second rGT session with altered contingencies. Finally, animals were also assessed for instrumental conditioning and reversal learning. AIC lesions produced bidirectional alterations on rGT performance; rats that had performed optimally prior to surgery subsequently showed impairments, and animals that had performed poorly showed improvements in comparison with sham‐operated controls. These bidirectional effects were not attributable to alterations in behavioural flexibility or in motivation. These data suggest that the recruitment of the AIC during decision‐making may be state‐dependent and help guide response selection towards subjectively favourable options.
Atypical brain responses to auditory spatial cues in adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lodhia Veema , Hautus Michael J. , Johnson Blake W. , Brock Jon
Published: September 2017

The auditory processing atypicalities experienced by many individuals on the autism spectrum disorder might be understood in terms of difficulties parsing the sound energy arriving at the ears into discrete auditory ‘objects’. Here, we asked whether autistic adults are able to make use of two important spatial cues to auditory object formation – the relative timing and amplitude of sound energy at the left and right ears. Using electroencephalography, we measured the brain responses of 15 autistic adults and 15 age‐ and verbal‐IQ‐matched control participants as they listened to dichotic pitch stimuli – white noise stimuli in which interaural timing or amplitude differences applied to a narrow frequency band of noise typically lead to the perception of a pitch sound that is spatially segregated from the noise. Responses were contrasted with those to stimuli in which timing and amplitude cues were removed. Consistent with our previous studies, autistic adults failed to show a significant object‐related negativity (ORN) for timing‐based pitch, although their ORN was not significantly smaller than that of the control group. Autistic participants did show an ORN to amplitude cues, indicating that they do not experience a general impairment in auditory object formation. However, their P400 response – thought to indicate the later attention‐dependent aspects of auditory object formation – was missing. These findings provide further evidence of atypical auditory object processing in autism with potential implications for understanding the perceptual and communication difficulties associated with the condition.
Lesion evidence for a critical role of left posterior but not frontal areas in alpha–beta power decreases during context‐driven word production
Authors: Piai Vitória , Rommers Joost , Knight Robert T.
Published: September 2017

Different frequency bands in the electroencephalogram are postulated to support distinct language functions. Studies have suggested that alpha–beta power decreases may index word‐retrieval processes. In context‐driven word retrieval, participants hear lead‐in sentences that either constrain the final word (‘He locked the door with the’) or not (‘She walked in here with the’). The last word is shown as a picture to be named. Previous studies have consistently found alpha–beta power decreases prior to picture onset for constrained relative to unconstrained sentences, localised to the left lateral‐temporal and lateral‐frontal lobes. However, the relative contribution of temporal versus frontal areas to alpha–beta power decreases is unknown. We recorded the electroencephalogram from patients with stroke lesions encompassing the left lateral‐temporal and inferior‐parietal regions or left‐lateral frontal lobe and from matched controls. Individual participant analyses revealed a behavioural sentence context facilitation effect in all participants, except for in the two patients with extensive lesions to temporal and inferior parietal lobes. We replicated the alpha–beta power decreases prior to picture onset in all participants, except for in the two same patients with extensive posterior lesions. Thus, whereas posterior lesions eliminated the behavioural and oscillatory context effect, frontal lesions did not. Hierarchical clustering analyses of all patients’ lesion profiles, and behavioural and electrophysiological effects identified those two patients as having a unique combination of lesion distribution and context effects. These results indicate a critical role for the left lateral‐temporal and inferior parietal lobes, but not frontal cortex, in generating the alpha–beta power decreases underlying context‐driven word production.
Diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography inter‐eye percentage difference for optic neuritis in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Coric D. , Balk L. J. , Uitdehaag B. M. J. , Petzold A.
Published: September 2017

Background and purpose

Multiple sclerosis‐associated optic neuritis (MSON) causes atrophy of the inner retinal layers, which can be quantified by optical coherence tomography. It has been suggested that the inter‐eye percentage difference (IEPD) of atrophy may be of diagnostic value in MSON.

Methods

This was a prospective, cross‐sectional study in patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls (HCs). Spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography of both eyes was performed, followed by automated retinal layer segmentation of the peri‐papillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) and macular ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL). Receiver operator characteristics curves were plotted and the area under the curve was calculated for group comparisons of the IEPD of the pRNFL and mGCIPL.

Results

There were 39 patients with bilateral MSON, 62 patients with unilateral MSON, 106 patients without MSON and 63 HCs. Diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve) of the IEPD was 0.73–0.86 for the pRNFL and 0.75–0.94 for the mGCIPL. The diagnostic sensitivity of the mGCIPL IEPD was 70% with a specificity of 97% for distinguishing unilateral MSON from HCs. For the comparison of bilateral MSON with HCs, sensitivity was 86% with a specificity of 97%.

Conclusions

The IEPD of the pRNFL, and more particularly the IEPD of the mGCIPL, is a useful diagnostic measure for MSON. The IEPD is a dimensionless unit and may therefore contribute to overcome device and proprietary segmentation algorithm limitations.
Long‐term on‐farm participatory maize breeding by stratified mass selection retains molecular diversity while improving agronomic performance
Authors: Alves Mara Lisa , Belo Maria , Carbas Bruna , Brites Cláudia , Paulo Manuel , Mendes‐Moreira Pedro , Brites Carla , Bronze Maria do Rosário , Šatović Zlatko , Vaz Patto Maria Carlota
Published: September 2017

Modern maize breeding programs gave rise to genetically uniform varieties that can affect maize's capacity to cope with increasing climate unpredictability. Maize populations, genetically more heterogeneous, can evolve and better adapt to a broader range of edaphic–climatic conditions. These populations usually suffer from low yields; it is therefore desirable to improve their agronomic performance while maintaining their valuable diversity levels. With this objective, a long‐term participatory breeding/on‐farm conservation program was established in Portugal. In this program, maize populations were subject to stratified mass selection. This work aimed to estimate the effect of on‐farm stratified mass selection on the agronomic performance, quality, and molecular diversity of two historical maize populations. Multilocation field trials, comparing the initial populations with the derived selection cycles, showed that this selection methodology led to agronomic improvement for one of the populations. The molecular diversity analysis, using microsatellites, revealed that overall genetic diversity in both populations was maintained throughout selection. The comparison of quality parameters between the initial populations and the derived selection cycles was made using kernel from a common‐garden experiment. This analysis showed that the majority of the quality traits evaluated progressed erratically over time. In conclusion, this breeding approach, through simple and low‐cost methodologies, proved to be an alternative strategy for genetic resources’ on‐farm conservation.
Optimal management strategy of insecticide resistance under various insect life histories: Heterogeneous timing of selection and interpatch dispersal
Authors: Sudo Masaaki , Takahashi Daisuke , Andow David A. , Suzuki Yoshito , Yamanaka Takehiko
Published: September 2017

Although theoretical studies have shown that the mixture strategy, which uses multiple toxins simultaneously, can effectively delay the evolution of insecticide resistance, whether it is the optimal management strategy under different insect life histories and insecticide types remains unknown. To test the robustness of this management strategy over different life histories, we developed a series of simulation models that cover almost all the diploid insect types and have the same basic structure describing pest population dynamics and resistance evolution with discrete time steps. For each of two insecticidal toxins, independent one‐locus two‐allele autosomal inheritance of resistance was assumed. The simulations demonstrated the optimality of the mixture strategy either when insecticide efficacy was incomplete or when some part of the population disperses between patches before mating. The rotation strategy, which uses one insecticide on one pest generation and a different one on the next, did not differ from sequential usage in the time to resistance, except when dominance was low. It was the optimal strategy when insecticide efficacy was high and premating selection and dispersal occur.
Anti‐inflammatory effect of astaxanthin in phthalic anhydride‐induced atopic dermatitis animal model
Authors: Park Ju Ho , Yeo In Jun , Han Ji Hye , Suh Jeong Won , Lee Hee Pom , Hong Jin Tae
Published: September 2017

In this study, we investigated anti‐dermatitic effects of astaxanthin (AST) in phthalic anhydride (PA)‐induced atopic dermatitis (AD) animal model as well as in vitro model. AD‐like lesion was induced by the topical application of 5% PA to the dorsal skin or ear of Hos:HR‐1 mouse. After AD induction, 100 μL of 1 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL of AST (10 μg or 20 μg/cm2) was spread on the dorsum of ear or back skin three times a week for four weeks. We evaluated dermatitis severity, histopathological changes and changes in protein expression by Western blotting for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activity. We also measured tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration in the blood of AD mice by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AST treatment attenuated the development of PA‐induced AD. Histological analysis showed that AST inhibited hyperkeratosis, mast cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells. AST treatment inhibited expression of iNOS and COX‐2, and NF‐κB activity as well as release of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IgE. In addition, AST (5, 10 and 20 μM) potently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 μg/mL)‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production, expression of iNOS and COX‐2 and NF‐κB DNA binding activities in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Our data demonstrated that AST could be a promising agent for AD by inhibition of NF‐κB signalling.
Monitoring UV‐induced signalling pathways in an ex vivo skin organ culture model using phospho‐antibody array
Authors: Lenain Christelle , Gamboa Bastien , Perrin Agnes , Séraïdaris Alexia , Bertino Béatrice , Rival Yves , Bernardi Mathieu , Piwnica David , Méhul Bruno
Published: September 2017

We investigated UV‐induced signalling in an ex vivo skin organ culture model using phospho‐antibody array. Phosphorylation modulations were analysed in time‐course experiments following exposure to solar‐simulated UV and validated by Western blot analyses. We found that UV induced P‐p38 and its substrates, P‐ERK1/2 and P‐AKT, which were previously shown to be upregulated by UV in cultured keratinocytes and in vivo human skin. This indicates that phospho‐antibody array applied to ex vivo skin organ culture is a relevant experimental system to investigate signalling events following perturbations. As the identified proteins are components of pathways implicated in skin tumorigenesis, UV‐exposed skin organ culture model could be used to investigate the effect on these pathways of NMSC cancer drug candidates. In addition, we found that phospho‐HCK is induced upon UV exposure, producing a new candidate for future studies investigating its role in the skin response to UV and UV‐induced carcinogenesis.
Activation of NLRP3 signalling accelerates skin wound healing
Authors: Ito Hiroyasu , Kanbe Ayumu , Sakai Hiroyasu , Seishima Mitsuru
Published: September 2017

The process of skin wound healing involves the following three steps: inflammation, tissue formation and tissue remodelling. These optimal steps are required for the development of normal wound healing. Recent reports demonstrated that inflammasomes are involved in the innate immune response. In the present study, we examined whether the activation of inflammasomes affects the process of skin wound repair. The skin wound repair model was established using wild‐type (WT), NACHT, LRR and PYD domains‐containing protein 3 (NALP3) knockout (KO) and ASC‐KO mice. The wounds were observed every other day, and changes in wound size over time were calculated using photography. Wound repair in NALP3‐KO and ASC‐KO mice was significantly impaired compared with WT mice. Isoliquiritigenin, an inhibitor of NALP3, decreased the rate of wound repair in WT mice. mRNA expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the wound sites of NALP3‐KO mice was markedly decreased compared with WT mice. Treatment with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a ligand of NALP3, upregulated the mRNA expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines at the wound site and accelerated wound healing in the WT mice. Scratch assay revealed that ATP accelerated wound closure in mouse embryonic fibroblasts from WT mice but not from NALP3‐KO mice. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that NALP3 pathway activation is involved in wound repair, and the topical use of ATP may be useful as an effective treatment for accelerating wound healing.
Variation of the epidermal expression of glucocorticoid receptor‐beta as potential predictive marker of bullous pemphigoid outcome
Authors: Brulefert Adrien , Le Jan Sébastien , Plée Julie , Durlach Anne , Bernard Philippe , Antonicelli Frank , Trussardi‐Régnier Aurélie
Published: September 2017

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease in Western countries. Although topical and/or systemic glucocorticoids treatment efficacy is widely recognized, up to 30% of patients with BP may undergo a relapse during the first year of treatment. We investigated the protein expression of the total glucocorticoid receptor and GRβ isoform in the skin biopsy specimens from patients with BP and wondered whether such investigation at baseline provided a tool to predict disease outcome. Total GR and GRβ protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry at baseline on 12 patients who later relapse and 11 patients who remained on remission in comparison with 14 control patients. The expression of GRβ in the epidermis of patients with BP who later relapse was significantly higher than that in the epidermis of patients with BP controlled upon corticosteroid treatment, which was also higher than control patients. Thus, our results suggest that increased protein expression of GRβ in skin epithelial cells is predictive of reduced steroid treatment efficacy, and therefore of increased risk of disease relapse in patients with BP.
Structural proteins of the dermal‐epidermal junction targeted by autoantibodies in pemphigoid diseases
Authors: Goletz Stephanie , Zillikens Detlef , Schmidt Enno
Published: September 2017

The dermal‐epidermal junction consists of a network of several interacting structural proteins that strengthen adhesion and mediate signalling events. This structural network consists of hemidesmosomal‐anchoring filament complexes connecting the basal keratinocytes to the basement membrane. The anchoring filaments in turn interact with the anchoring fibrils to attach the basement membrane to the underlying dermis. Several of these structural proteins are recognized by autoantibodies in pemphigoid diseases, a heterogeneous group of clinically and immunopathologically diverse entities. Targeted proteins include the two intracellular plakins, plectin isoform 1a and BP230 (also called bullous pemphigoid antigen (BPAG) 1 isoform e (BPAG1e)). Plectin 1a and BP230 are connected to the intermediate filaments and to the cell surface receptor α6β4 integrin, which in turn is connected to laminin 332, a component of the anchoring filaments. Further essential adhesion proteins are BP180, a transmembrane protein, laminin γ1 and type VII collagen. Latter protein is the major constituent of the anchoring fibrils. Mutations in the corresponding genes of these adhesion molecules lead to inherited epidermolysis bullosa emphasizing the importance of these proteins for the integrity of the dermal‐epidermal junction. This review will provide an overview on the structure and function of the proteins situated in the dermal‐epidermal junction targeted by autoantibodies.
Recoupling in Mid‐Life and Beyond: From Love at Last to Not So Fast
Authors: Papernow Patricia L.
Published: September 2017

Divorce rates have dropped in the United States, except for couples over 50 where they are rising steeply, along with rates of late‐life recoupling. Both stepcouples and their young adult and adult children in new older stepfamilies are often surprised to find themselves facing many of the same challenges that younger stepfamilies do. Some challenges are even intensified by the decades‐long relationships and additional layers of extended family that come with recoupling after mid‐life. Stepfamilies formed in later life must also negotiate decisions about estate planning and elder care among stakeholders who often have sharply divergent agendas before there is time to establish trusting relationships. This article describes the “normal” challenges facing stepcouples who come together over age 50. It provides evidence‐informed guidance for therapists in meeting these challenges on three levels of clinical work: Psychoeducational, Interpersonal, and Intrapsychic/Intergenerational. As in younger stepfamilies, “family therapy” must usually begin in subsystems—often the adult stepcouple and parent–adult child. The article then describes a particularly fraught subgroup of recouplers: over‐50 fathers and their new partners, where the dad's young adult or adult daughter is very unhappy with his new relationship. In these latter stepfamilies, father–daughter repair must precede stepfamily bonding. Stepfamilies that are preceded by a partner's death and those that begin with affairs are also discussed. Finally, some “easy wrong turns” for therapists are described.
Neurocognitive Impairment: Addressing Couple and Family Challenges
Authors: Rolland John S.
Published: September 2017

Conditions involving neurocognitive impairment pose enormous challenges to couples and families. However, research and practice tend to focus narrowly on immediate issues for individual caregivers and their dyadic relationship with the affected member. A broad family systems approach with attention to family processes over time is needed in training, practice, and research. In this paper, Rolland's Family Systems Illness model provides a guiding framework to consider the interaction of different psychosocial types of neurocognitive conditions and their evolution over time with individual, couple, and family life‐course development. Discussion addresses key family and couple issues with mild‐to‐severe cognitive impairment and progressive dementias, including: communication, multigenerational legacies, threatened future neurocognitive disability, ambiguous loss, decisional capacity, reaching limits, placement decisions, issues for adult children and spousal caregivers, and the transformation of intimate bonds. Principles and guidelines are offered to help couples and families master complex challenges, deepen bonds, and forge positive pathways ahead.
Study of the sleep quality and psychological state of patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis
Authors: Xiao Guoqing , Ye Qing , Han Tao , Yan Junqing , Sun Lixia , Wang Fengmei
Published: September 2017

Aim

We aimed to investigate sleep quality, mild hepatic encephalopathy, anxiety, and depression in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis by using a variety of scales and questionnaires.

Method

A cohort of 341 patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis were categorized by Child–Pugh grading (A, B, and C) in this cross‐sectional study. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Number Connection Test‐A (NCT‐A), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) evaluated the questionnaires and statistically analyzed the intrinsic correlation. The control group included 50 healthy individuals. Of 341 patients, 213 had a PSQI index >5 points.

Results

The PSQI, NCT‐A, anxiety scale (HAD [a]), and depression scale (HAD [d]) of the patients were significantly different. The NCT‐A‐positive patients revealed 214 cases of possible minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) during a preliminary screening of patients. The PSQI score of NCT‐A‐positive patients was significantly elevated compared to NCT‐A‐negative patients (P < 0.001). HAD (a) and HAD (d) were significantly different between the NCT‐A‐positive and NCT‐A‐negative groups (P = 0.002 and P = 0.006, respectively). Univariate Pearson's correlation analysis found that NCT‐A and HAD (a) were positively correlated with PSQI (P < 0.001 and P = 0.045, respectively); however, Child–Pugh score and HAD (d) were not correlated with PSQI (P = 0.061 and P = 0.059, respectively).

Conclusion

These results indicated that patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis have a disturbed sleep, which might be an MHE symptom, further causing considerable anxiety. Thus, the evaluation of sleep quality and psychological state of patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis necessitates further investigation to guide positive intervention.
The epithelioid BAP1‐negative and p16‐positive phenotype predicts prolonged survival in pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Chou Angela , Toon Christopher W , Clarkson Adele , Sheen Amy , Sioson Loretta , Gill Anthony J
Published: September 2017

Aims

Mesothelioma is a relatively uncommon but highly malignant neoplasm. Most patients die of disease within 1 year of diagnosis, but some have prolonged survival. Prospective identification of these longer‐term survivors may help to guide treatment. We therefore sought to investigate the role of p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) both alone and in combination with other markers as a potential predictor of prolonged survival in mesothelioma.

Methods and results

P16 IHC was performed on unselected pleural mesotheliomas biopsied from 1991 to 2014; 153 of 208 (74%) cases were p16‐negative, which correlated significantly with poor overall survival in both univariate (median survival 7.6 versus 13.6 months; P = 0.001) and multivariate analysis [hazard ratio (HR): 1.632; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.103–2.415; P = 0.014]. Other independent factors associated with prolonged survival included loss of expression of BAP1 and epithelioid morphology. We therefore stratified patients further based on these three independent prognostic variables and demonstrated an unusually prolonged survival in mesotheliomas which were epithelioid, BAP1 IHC negative and p16 IHC positive (12% of cases, median survival 31.7 months, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In conclusion, p16 IHC is an independent prognostic biomarker in pleural mesothelioma. When used in combination with BAP1 IHC and morphological subtyping, patients with exceptionally prolonged survival can potentially be identified.
How Might We Address the Factors that Contribute to the Scarcity of Philosophers Who Are Women and/or of Color?
Authors: Wilson Yolonda Y.
Published: September 2017

Professional philosophy in the US remains relatively homogenous. I use four anecdotes to amplify some of the practices that may contribute to the dearth of underrepresented philosophers. Each anecdote highlights a different problem—lack of proper mentoring, stereotype threat, difficulties navigating sexism, and a sense of exclusion. Although I discuss each of these issues separately, it is certainly the case that these (and other issues) can and often do occur concurrently. I offer preliminary thoughts on how these problems could be addressed while keeping in mind that philosophy in the US is a microcosm of the larger US society.
Wear profile of canal wall surfaces and bond strength of endodontic sealers after in situ acid challenge
Authors: Silva‐Neto R. D. , Sousa‐Neto M. D. , Pécora J. D. , Palma‐Dibb R. G. , Souza‐Gabriel A. E.
Published: September 2017

Aim

To evaluate the wear of root wall surfaces, the bond strength of sealers to dentine and the demineralization around root filling materials after canals were exposed to acid challenge in situ.

Methodology

Eighty‐seven roots of mandibular incisors were selected. Thirty‐two were used in the laboratory bond strength study (n = 8), and 55 in the in situ study (n = 11). Root canals were prepared biomechanically and then filled with gutta‐percha and AH Plus, MTA Fillapex, Sealapex or Endofill. For 14 days, 11 participants used intra‐oral devices with five sterilized roots (four experimental and one control – only canal prepared). Drops of sucrose were dripped onto roots allowing the accumulation of biofilm on canal surfaces. Roots were removed, sectioned and analysed for the following: bond strength of filling material using a push‐out test and also wear profile and dentine demineralization using confocal microscopy. Bond strength (MPa) was evaluated by two‐way anova and Tukey test (α = 0.05), and wear profile was assessed by Kruskal–Wallis and t‐tests (α = 0.05).

Results

AH Plus had the highest bond strength values. Intermediate results were found in roots with MTA Fillapex and Endofill, whilst Sealapex had inferior results (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found amongst root thirds (P > 0.05). For wear profile, samples were associated with degradation of the filling materials after exposure to the oral environment (P < 0.05). Roots had signs of demineralization around the filling material when Sealapex and Endofill were used.

Conclusions

Sealers were not able to prevent degradation of the adhesive interface and dentine. AH Plus and MTA Fillapex had superior bond strength to dentine and less intense demineralization around the root filling.
Isomaltooligosaccharide synthesised from rice starch and its prebiotic properties in vitro
Authors: Plongbunjong Vijitra , Graidist Potchanapond , Knudsen Knud Erik Bach , Wichienchot Santad
Published: September 2017

The isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) were produced from rice starch with a maximum conversion yield of 84% and had a concentration of 372.5 mg mL−1. Compositions of IMO consisted of 26.7% isomaltohexaose (DP6), 16.2% isomaltotetraose (DP4), 19.6% d‐panose (DP3), 21.4% and isomaltose (DP2) and had a dietary fibre content of 1.1%. In vitro (consisted of three vessels) fermentation of instant Sang‐Yod rice porridge (ISYRP) mixed with IMO showed a slight increase in beneficial bacteria, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. On the other hand, the pathogenic bacteria, clostridia and bacteroides were decreased (P < 0.05). The highest prebiotic index (PI) was found in Vessel 1 (0.13). Butyric acid was found at the highest concentration on day 11 (75.1 mm), and it was decreased at day 21 (63.4 mm) in Vessel 1. In conclusion, the ISYRP mixture of IMO was showed a good preference in prebiotic properties.
Effects of breeds on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines in smoked lamb
Authors: Hou Chengli , Wang Zhenyu , Wu Liguo , Chai Jiali , Song Xuan , Wang Wenting , Zhang Dequan
Published: September 2017

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds, which are commonly detectable in cooked meat products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sheep breeds on the formation of HAAs in smoking cooked lamb. The results showed that HAAs in smoked lamb meat products were generally low (2.74–5.42 ng g−1), with most being Harman and Norharman. IQ, MeIQx, 4,8‐DiMeIQx, Trp‐p‐2, PhIP and MeAaC were not detected in smoked lamb meat products in the present study. The total content of HAAs differed between meat products of different sheep breeds, but no difference in the order of magnitude was determined. Smoking altered the content of protein, fat, moisture and free amino acids in lamb meat products, which was probably mostly contributed by the reduction in meat moisture. Free tryptophan decreased in all breeds after smoking, which was probably used to synthesise HAAs. In summary, HAAs were low in smoked lamb meat products of all sheep breeds; thus, consumption of smoked lamb meat products should contribute very limited intake of HAAs.
Gel‐like emulsions prepared with zein nanoparticles produced through phase separation from acetic acid solutions
Authors: Zou Yuan , Pan Runting , Wan Zhili , Guo Jian , Wang Jinmei , Yang Xiaoquan
Published: September 2017

In this article, we report the microstructure and rheological property of Pickering emulsions stabilised with zein nanoparticles prepared through phase separation from acetic acid solution. The fresh emulsions showed liquid‐like behaviour and reasonable small droplet size. Interestingly, after 3 days of storage at 25° C, the emulsions changed into solid‐like state. The viscosity remarkably increased, and the storage modulus was much larger than the loss modulus. These results indicate the formation of the gel‐like network in emulsions. The droplet size also showed an obvious increase, while the big droplets could be disrupted into small ones in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. The particle network in the continuous phase was seen in the confocal laser scanning microscopy. Therefore, it is suggested that the gel‐like network is formed by the flocculation of oil droplets and particle network in continuous, mainly through the hydrophobic interactions between the particles.
Enhancement effect on apparent viscosity of aqueous tragacanth gum dispersions promoted by sugars
Authors: Silva Claudia , Torres María D. , Moreira Ramon , Chenlo Francisco
Published: September 2017

Flow curves of aqueous dispersions of tragacanth gum (T) with sucrose and glucose at different temperatures were determined using a controlled‐stress rheometer. The effect of sodium chloride without or with sucrose (at the highest content) on the rheology of T dispersions was evaluated. The presence of sucrose and glucose promoted a noticeable enhancement impact on the apparent viscosity of aqueous T dispersions, which depended on sugar type/content, shear rate and temperature. In all cases, the glucose addition led to the largest enhanced viscosities at low shear rates (<10 s−1) and temperature. The joint action of sugar and salt exhibited a notable effect on apparent viscosity at low shear rates, softening the strong shear‐thinning behaviour of T samples. Flow curves of T in the presence of sugars were satisfactorily described by the Cross‐Williamson model, being semi‐empirical correlations of the model parameters with ingredients content and temperature stablished.
Changes in in vitro protein digestion of retort‐pouched pork belly during 120‐day storage
Authors: Zhou Yiting , Yang Wanjun , Zhou Guanghong , Xu Xinglian , Zhang Zhigang , Ahmad Muhammad Ijaz , Li Chunbao
Published: September 2017

To investigate the effect of long‐term storage on in vitro protein digestion of the retort‐pouched pork belly. The products were stored at 25 °C for 0, 30, 60 and 120 days and digested with pepsin and trypsin at each time point. SDS‐PAGE and LC‐MS‐MS were applied to separate and identify proteins and their digested products. In vitro protein digestibility decreased from 47.7% after 60‐day storage to 25.4% after 120‐day storage for the samples digested by pepsin, and from 63.9% to 45.7% for the samples digested by pepsin and trypsin at corresponding time points. LC‐MS‐MS demonstrated changes in peptide composition and abundance with storage time. Long‐term storage could deteriorate nutritive values of meat products by reducing digestible protein content.
Accumulating mechanism of γ‐aminobutyric acid in soybean (Glycine max L.) during germination
Authors: Luo Xu , Wang Yan , Li Qianqian , Wang Donghui , Xing Cencan , Zhang Lijing , Xu Teng , Fang Fang , Wang Fengzhong
Published: September 2017

γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been found accumulating significantly in soybean seeds during germination. However, the mechanism of the accumulating process is not clear. Therefore, gene expression, enzyme activity and metabolites associated with GABA shunt in ZH 13 soybean during germination were analysed in this paper. GABA content in 5‐day germinated soybean was 0.26 ± 0.016 mg g−1 DW, which was equivalent to six times concentration of original soybean. The GAD activity has a positive effect on the accumulation of GABA, as well as the GABA‐T activity was found to play a significant role in the degradation of GABA. The expression levels of GmGAD and GmGABA‐T may affect the GABA content by regulating the respective enzyme activities. In conclusion, upregulation of GAD and downregulation of GABA‐T may cause the accumulation of GABA.
Modulation of γδ T‐cell activation by neutrophil elastase
Authors: Towstyka Nadia Yasmín , Shiromizu Carolina Maiumi , Keitelman Irene , Sabbione Florencia , Salamone Gabriela Verónica , Geffner Jorge Raúl , Trevani Analía Silvina , Jancic Carolina Cristina
Published: September 2017

γδ T cells are non‐conventional, innate‐like T cells, characterized by a restricted T‐cell receptor repertoire. They participate in protective immunity responses against extracellular and intracellular pathogens, tumour surveillance, modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, tissue healing, epithelial cell maintenance and regulation of physiological organ function. In this study, we investigated the role of neutrophils during the activation of human blood γδ T cells through CD3 molecules. We found that the up‐regulation of CD69 expression, and the production of interferon‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α induced by anti‐CD3 antibodies was potentiated by neutrophils. We found that inhibition of caspase‐1 and neutralization of interleukin‐18 did not affect neutrophil‐mediated modulation. By contrast, the treatment with serine protease inhibitors prevented the potentiation of γδ T‐cell activation induced by neutrophils. Moreover, the addition of elastase to γδ T‐cell culture increased their stimulation, and the treatment of neutrophils with elastase inhibitor prevented the effect of neutrophils on γδ T‐cell activation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the effect of elastase on γδ T cells was mediated through the protease‐activated receptor, PAR1, because the inhibition of this receptor with a specific antagonist, RWJ56110, abrogated the effect of neutrophils on γδ T‐cell activation.
Historical biogeography of Goniothalamus and Annonaceae tribe Annoneae: dispersal–vicariance patterns in tropical Asia and intercontinental tropical disjunctions revisited
Authors: Thomas Daniel C. , Tang Chin Cheung , Saunders Richard M. K.
Published: September 2017

Aim

The historical biogeography of the species‐rich flowering plant genus Goniothalamus (c. 130 species) and the wider Annonaceae tribe Annoneae is investigated to evaluate hypotheses regarding the processes underlying tropical intercontinental disjunctions (‘long‐distance dispersal [LDD]’ versus ‘boreotropics’) and floristic exchange between biodiversity hotspots in tropical Asia.

Location

Tropics, tropical Asia.

Methods

Divergence time estimation was based on plastid DNA sequence data (c. 10 kb; 164 Annonaceae accessions, including 65 Goniothalamus species) using an uncorrelated lognormal relaxed clock model and two fossil calibrations. Likelihood ancestral range estimation was performed using dispersal‐extinction‐cladogenesis models with and without time‐stratified dispersal constraints.

Results

The boreotropics model incorporating high chances for intercontinental dispersal during 68–34 Ma fitted the data significantly better than LDD models enforcing low intercontinental dispersal rates. Multiple vicariance events were identified in Annoneae including at the Annoneae crown node (57–49 Ma, Africa/S+N America), and the Disepalum‐Asimina split (27–24 Ma, Asia/N America). A wide ancestral range in continental SE Asia, W and E Malesia was inferred at the Goniothalamus crown node (24–21 Ma). Several dispersal events from continental SE Asia/W Malesia were identified in the Miocene: two north‐eastwards to the Philippines, one eastwards to the Sahul Shelf and two westwards to India.

Main conclusions

The boreotropics hypothesis provides a well‐supported, plausible explanation for the disjunctions and dispersal–vicariance patterns in tribe Annoneae. The wide distribution inferred at the Goniothalamus crown node indicates that its ancestors already bridged the marine gap between the Sunda and Sahul Shelves by LDD or rafting on tectonic plate microfragments. Dispersal across long‐standing water bodies in Malesia occurred multiple times from the early Miocene as marine gaps decreased following tectonic plate convergence and land emergence. Substantially older crown group divergence estimates compared with previous studies indicate that hypotheses of rapid recent radiation in Goniothalamus must be rejected.
Rapid poleward distributional shifts in the European cave‐dwelling Meta spiders under the influence of competition dynamics
Authors: Mammola Stefano , Isaia Marco
Published: September 2017

Aim

To describe the distribution of two congeneric species of cave‐dwelling spiders under current climatic conditions and future warming scenarios, keeping into account their bioclimatic requirements, dispersal capacity and competition dynamics.

Location

Europe and North Africa.

Methods

We gathered detailed occurrence data for Meta menardi and M. bourneti (Araneae: Tetragnathidae) and modelled their distribution across their bioclimatic range. We evaluated the breadth of the bioclimatic niche of the two species and assessed the potential overlap between their multidimensional Hutchinsonian hypervolumes. We compared these results with their current distribution maps obtained by species distribution modelling (SDMs) keeping into account dispersal and competition dynamics, and we projected future trends of distribution according to different climatic scenarios.

Results

The overall size of the niche hypervolumes of the two species was very similar and highly overlapping. However, when accounting for competition in the model, the predicted ranges of the two species showed only minor areas of overlap. On the base of SDM analysis, we predicted a significant poleward shift in the distribution of both species, with the appearance of a new contact area especially in Central Europe, southern UK, France and northern Spain.

Main conclusions

Interspecific competition keeps the current ranges of the two European Meta species apart, although their fundamental bioclimatic niches are very similar. Rapid poleward shifts of the two species are likely due to the high dispersal capacity of the two spiders. The case of Meta spiders exemplifies rapid shift in range of distribution associated with global warming, which are unlikely to occur in the case of most cave‐dwelling arthropods.
Simultaneous vegetation classification and mapping at large spatial scales
Authors: Lyons Mitchell B. , Foster Scott D. , Keith David A.
Published: September 2017

Aim

Multivariate mixture models offer the ability to streamline the typically multi‐stage process of vegetation classification and mapping into a single, simultaneous analytical step. Our aim is to demonstrate the model's utility over large and diverse areas, with comparison to existing classification and mapping conventions.

Location

New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

We demonstrate a statistical model that uses both multivariate species data and environmental covariate data to simultaneously classify observations into groups and predict those groups out into environmental and geographical space. We used two large data sets to demonstrate the method: an ~810,000 km2 area with 4,715 sites and 488 species and a ~220,000 km2 area with 5,183 sites and 446 species. A range of topographic, terrain, climate and soil predictors were used as environmental variables, including future projected climate variables. Models can be fit with the R package “RCPmod.”

Results

The method results in probabilistic memberships to vegetation assemblages, for both the classification and map. There was general agreement between our approach and existing vegetation classification conventions, but we explore some notable differences. We were able to examine the environmental gradients that define the predicted vegetation distributions, as well as make predictions about how the distribution of species assemblages might shift as a result of climate change.

Main conclusions

Our approach tightens the link between description of biodiversity patterns and their depiction in space, by considering both biotic and spatially explicit abiotic information simultaneously. The method allows uncertainty to be quantified objectively across a consistent set of groups for both vegetation classification and mapping, which is rarely the case in traditional multi‐stage approaches. A simultaneous modelling approach increases capacity to make predictions into varying spatial, temporal and environmental dimensions, providing new ecological insights and increasing capacity for evidence‐based decision making.
Management of primary aldosteronism in patients with adrenal hemorrhage following adrenal vein sampling: A brief review with illustrative cases
Authors: Hannah‐Shmouni Fady , Demidowich Andrew , Alves Beatriz Rizkallah , Paluch Gabriela Dockhorn , Margarita Dionysiou , Lysikatos Charalampos , Belyavskaya Elena , Chang Richard , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: September 2017

The authors describe the clinical investigation of two cases of primary aldosteronism with adrenal hemorrhage (AH) following adrenal vein sampling. A literature review was conducted regarding the medical management of primary aldosteronism in patients with AH following adrenal vein sampling. Guidelines on the management of primary aldosteronism with AH following adrenal vein sampling are lacking. The two patients were followed with serial imaging to document resolution of AH and treated medically with excellent blood pressure response. Resolution of AH was achieved, but a repeat adrenal vein sampling was deferred given the increased morbidity risk associated with a repeat procedure.
A Contribution to the Morphology and Phylogeny of Chlamydodon, with Three New Species from China (Ciliophora, Cyrtophoria)
Authors: Qu Zhishuai , Pan Hongbo , Lin Xiaofeng , Li Lifang , Aleidan Abdullah Mohammad A. , Al‐Farraj Saleh A. , Stoeck Thorsten , Hu Xiaozhong
Published: September 2017

Three new cyrtophorian ciliates isolated from coastal areas of China were described based on morphological and genetic data. The Chlamydodon mnemosyne‐like species Chlamydodon similis sp. n. differs from its congeners mainly by its number of somatic kineties. Chlamydodon oligochaetus sp. n. is distinguished from its congeners mainly by having fewer somatic kineties, and/or an elongated body shape. Chlamydodon crassidens sp. n. is characterized mainly by an inverted triangular body shape, a posteriorly interrupted cross‐striated band (5–6 μm wide), and a large cytostome. Moreover, we provided small‐subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences of C. similis sp. n. and C. oligochaetus sp. n. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) consistently placed C. similis sp. n. as a sister to C. paramnemosyne, but showed different branching position of C. oligochaetus sp. n., which may be due to a low taxon sampling in the Chlamydodontidae and/or an insufficient resolution of the marker gene at species level.