bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire, fragmentation, and windstorms: A recipe for tropical forest degradation
Authors: Silvério Divino V. , Brando Paulo M. , Bustamante Mercedes M. C. , Putz Francis E. , Marra Daniel Magnabosco , Levick Shaun R. , Trumbore Susan E.
Published: September 2018

Widespread degradation of tropical forests is caused by a variety of disturbances that interact in ways that are not well understood.

To explore potential synergies between edge effects, fire and windstorm damage as causes of Amazonian forest degradation, we quantified vegetation responses to a 30‐min, high‐intensity windstorm that in 2012, swept through a large‐scale fire experiment that borders an agricultural field. Our pre‐ and postwindstorm measurements include tree mortality rates and modes of death, above‐ground biomass, and airborne LiDAR‐based estimates of tree heights and canopy disturbance (i.e., number and size of gaps). The experimental area in the southeastern Amazonia includes three 50‐ha plots established in 2004 that were unburned (Control), burned annually (B1yr), or burned at 3‐year intervals (B3yr).

The windstorm caused greater damage to trees (>10 cm DBH) in the burned plots (B1yr: 13 ± 9% of 785 trees; B3yr: 17 ± 13% of 433) than in the Control plot (8 ± 4% of 2,300; ± CI). It substantially reduced vegetation height by 14% in B1yr, 20% in B3yr and 12% in the Control plots, while it reduced above‐ground biomass by 18% of 77.7 Mg/ha (B1yr), 31% of 56.6 (B3yr), and 15% of 120 (Control). Tree damage was greatest near the agricultural field edge in all three plots, especially among large trees and in B3yr. Trunk snapping (70%) and uprooting (20%) were the most common modes of tree damage and mortality, with the height of trunk failure on the burned plots often corresponding with the height of historical fire scars. Of the windstorm‐damaged trees, 80% (B1yr), 90% (B3yr), and 57% (Control) were dead 4 years later. Trees that had crown damage experienced the least mortality (22%–60%), followed by those that were snapped (55%–94%) and uprooted (88%–94%).

Synthesis. We demonstrate the synergistic effects of three kinds of disturbances on a tropical forest. Our results show that the effects of windstorms are exacerbated by prior degradation by fire and fragmentation. We highlight that understorey fires can produce long‐lasting effects on tropical forests not only by directly killing trees but also by increasing tree vulnerability to wind damage due to fire scars and a more open canopy.
Neuropsychological and Criminological Features of Female Homicide Offenders
Authors: Fox Jaclyn M. , Brook Michael , Heilbronner Robert L. , Susmaras Teresa , Hanlon Robert E.
Published: September 2018

Few studies have examined life history and cognitive characteristics unique to female homicide offenders. Understanding these characteristics could aid in risk assessment for extreme violence in this group of offenders. The current study utilized t‐tests or chi‐square tests to compare 27 female and 81 male homicide offenders on psychiatric, neurologic, criminal, and cognitive characteristics. Additionally, we explored the role of abuse history in female offenders through Kruskal–Wallis or Fisher's exact tests. Results indicate that in comparison with male counterparts, females are more likely to have history of mood disorder, borderline personality disorder, and abuse. Cognitively, female homicide offenders exhibit circumscribed cognitive impairment in verbal abilities and perform similarly to male homicide offenders across most cognitive tasks. Within the female offender group, history of sexual abuse is associated with higher rates of impulsive homicide and poorer verbal abilities. These findings provide preliminary evidence for distinct factors associated with homicide in women.
Investigation of Different Ways in Which the CODIS 7.0 May be Used in Mass Disaster Identification
Authors: Issan Yossi , Avlas Orna , Daniel Orit
Published: September 2018

DNA analysis is a key method for the identification of human remains in mass disasters. Reference samples from relatives may be used to identify missing persons by kinship analysis. Different methods of applying the CODIS in disaster victim identification (DVI) were investigated. Two searches were evaluated: (i) relating family relatives to a pedigree tree (FPT) and (ii) relating unidentified human remains to a pedigree tree (UPT). A joint pedigree likelihood ratio (JPLR) and rank were calculated for each search. Both searches were similar in average JPLR and rank. In exceptional cases, namely the existence of a mutation different from the CODIS model, a nonbiological father, a mistake in STR, or incorrect profile association, the UPT search returned one true rank, whereas the FPT search returned no results. This paper suggests a novel strategy to overcome these limitations and increase efficiency in conducting identification of mass disaster victims.
Protease inhibitors: recent advancement in its usage as a potential biocontrol agent for insect pest management
Authors: Singh Sujata , Singh Archana , Kumar Sumit , Mittal Pooja , Singh Indrakant K.
Published: September 2018

Plant‐derived protease inhibitors (PIs) are a promising defensin for crop improvement and insect pest management. Although agronomist made significant efforts in utilizing PIs for managing insect pests, the potentials of PIs are still obscured. Insect ability to compensate nutrient starvation induced by dietary PI feeding using different strategies, that is, overexpression of PI‐sensitive protease, expression of PI‐insensitive proteases, degradation of PI, has made this innumerable collection of PIs worthless. A practical challenge for agronomist is to identify potent PI candidates, to limit insect compensatory responses and to elucidate insect compensatory and resistance mechanisms activated upon herbivory. This knowledge could be further efficiently utilized to identify potential targets for RNAi‐mediated pest control. These vital genes of insects could be functionally annotated using the advanced gene‐editing technique, CRISPR/Cas9. Contemporary research is exploiting different in silico and modern molecular biology techniques to utilize PIs in controlling insect pests efficiently. This review is structured to update recent advancements in this field, along with its chronological background.
Small change, big impact? Organisational membership rules and the exit of employers' associations from multiemployer bargaining in Germany
Authors: Behrens Martin , Helfen Markus
Published: September 2018

German employers' associations first introduced a so‐called “bargaining‐free” membership (BFM) category in 1990, giving companies the option to join and access services while avoiding the obligations arising to regular members from industry‐level collective agreements with unions. To explain how this phenomenon contributes to change in the German political economy, we investigate why some associations offer their members BFM status whereas others have refused to introduce this option. Controlling for influences such as size and industry, our multivariate analysis of survey data shows that four sets of influences are positively associated with BFM: the role of courts' judicial decisions as “door openers,” structural characteristics of diverging business environments, the evaluation of multiemployer bargaining by the leadership of the association, and the strategic choices of associations.
The Formation of Acrylamide from and Its Reduction by 3‐Aminopropanamide Occur Simultaneously During Thermal Treatment
Authors: Wu Haojie , Zheng Jie , Zhang Guangwen , Huang Caihuan , Ou Shiyi
Published: September 2018

3‐Aminopropanamide (3‐APA) is the direct precursor of acrylamide produced in the Maillard reaction between asparagine and reducing sugars. In this research, we found that 3‐APA could reduce acrylamide by the formation of adducts between acrylamide and 3‐APA via Michael addition. The effects of temperature, heating duration and 3‐APA/acrylamide ratio on the reduction of acrylamide were investigated. Addition of 3‐APA to acrylamide at a molar ratio of 5:3 at 160 °C for 20 min reduced acrylamide by up to 47.29%. The major adduct was identified as 3,3′,3′‐nitrilotris, and its cytotoxicity on Caco‐2 cells was evaluated to be much lower than acrylamide. The viability of Caco‐2 cells retained at 88.31% and 86.43% after incubation with 16 mM 3,3′,3′‐nitrilotris for 24 and 48 hr, respectively, while those incubated with the same concentration of acrylamide were 23.33% and 19.12%, respectively.

Practical Application

The current study reported 3‐APA could reduce acrylamide through the Micheal addition reaction between 3‐APA and acrylamide. The adduct showed significantly reduced cytotoxicity compared to acrylamide. The research is critical in evaluation and control of food contaminants. The results brought new insights in the area of food safety, especially in the mechanism researches on formation and mitigation of endogenous contaminants in thermal‐processed foods.
Carbon dioxide CT angiography during endovascular treatment of bilateral common iliac disease with angio‐CT utilisation
Authors: Heidrich Jason , Nguyen Julian , Florescu Cosmin , Steward Adam
Published: September 2018

This paper presents the application of carbon dioxide for CT imaging during an endovascular procedure to help characterise unexpected bilateral common iliac artery stenosis utilising an angio‐CT system, confirming its application in interventional radiology while maintaining sterility. A 78 year old male was referred to the Radiology Interventional Suite with left lower limb rest pain. On imaging via digital subtraction angiography and CT utilising both iodinated contrast and carbon‐dioxide (CO2), endovascular treatment of bilateral CIA stenosis was performed with good clinical result. The case presented demonstrates the advanced imaging techniques possible in suites that have ready access to angiography and conventional CT. CO2 CT angiography is optimally performed on combined Angio‐CT systems where CT and angiography system are integrated into a single room.
Prognostic value of metabolic tumour volume and total lesion glycolysis measured by 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nie Kai , Zhang Yu‐Xuan , Nie Wei , Zhu Lin , Chen Yi‐Nan , Xiao Yong‐Xin , Liu Shi‐Yuan , Yu Hong
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) was used to measure the influence of MTV and TLG on survival. The subgroup analysis according to VALSG stage and the measured extent of MTV was performed. Patients with high MTV values experienced a significantly poorer prognosis with a HR of 2.42 (95% CI 1.46–4.03) for overall survival (OS) and a HR of 2.78 (95% CI 1.39–5.53) for progression‐free survival (PFS) from the random effect model, and the pooled HR from the fixed effect model was 2.10 (95% CI 1.77–2.50) for OS and 2.27 (95% CI 1.83–2.81) for PFS. Patients with high TLG experienced a poorer prognosis with a HR of 1.61 (95% CI: 1.24–2.07) for OS from the random effect model, and the pooled HR from the fixed effect model was 1.64 (95% CI 1.37–1.96). Heterogeneity among studies was high for MTV in both OS and PFS meta‐analyses (I2 = 87% and 88% respectively). After removing one outlier study the heterogeneity was substantially reduced (I2 = 0%) and the pooled HR for the effect of MTV on OS was 1.80 (1.51–2.16, P < 0.00001), and on PFS it was 1.86 (1.49–2.33, P < 0.00001), using either the fixed or random effects model. High MTV is associated with a significantly poorer prognosis OS and PFS, and high TLG is associated with a significantly poorer prognosis regarding OS for SCLC.
Recovering cellular biomass from fluids using chemical flocculation
Authors: Kenward Paul A. , Simister Rachel L. , Morgan‐Lang Connor , Finke Niko , Sturm Arne , Hallam Steven J. , Crowe Sean A.
Published: September 2018

We developed an efficient, scalable and inexpensive method for recovering cellular biomass from complex fluid matrices that cannot be processed using conventional filtration methods. The method uses chemical flocculation with iron oxyhydroxides, is capable of recovering greater than 90% of cellular biomass from fluids with more than 103 cells ml−1, and was validated using both mock communities and field samples. High quality DNA can be readily extracted from iron flocs using standard soil extraction kits. We applied chemical flocculation to fracing fluids from British Columbia, Canada and recovered a diversity of microbial taxa including abundant members of the Epsilon‐ and Deltaproteobacteria previously recovered from shale gas operations in the United States. Application of chemical flocculation presents new opportunities for scalable time‐series monitoring and experimentation on complex fluid matrices including microbial community profiling and shotgun metagenomics over gas production well completion cycles.
Physician‐assisted Death: Ethical Implications for Emergency Physicians
Authors: Derse Arthur R. , Moskop John C. , McGrath Norine A. , Vearrier Laura E. , Clayborne Elizabeth P. , Goett Rebecca R. , Limehouse Walter E.
Published: September 2018

Physician‐assisted death (PAD) has long been a strongly debated moral and public policy issue in the United States, and an increasing number of jurisdictions have legalized this practice under certain circumstances. In light of changing terminology, laws, public and professional attitudes, and the availability of published data about the practice, we review key concepts and terms in the ongoing PAD debate, moral arguments for and against PAD, the current legal status of PAD in the United States and in other nations, and data on the reported experience with PAD in those U.S. jurisdictions where it is a legal practice. We then identify situations in which emergency physicians (EPs) may encounter patients who request PAD or have attempted to end their lives with physician assistance and consider EP responses in those situations. Based on our analysis, we offer recommendations for emergency medical practice and professional association policy.
Evaluation of root canal morphology of maxillary premolars: a cone‐beam computed tomography study
Authors: de Lima Carolina Oliveira , de Souza Laura Campos , Devito Karina Lopes , do Prado Maíra , Campos Celso Neiva
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the root canal configuration of maxillary premolars using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images of 999 maxillary premolars from a database were analysed to determine the frequency of the number of roots, root canals and Vertucci's classification. The associations among these variables were evaluated by Chi‐square test (P < 0.05). In the first premolars, 42.2% of single‐rooted teeth had a type II configuration, whereas 98.7% of 2‐rooted teeth showed type IV. In the second premolars, type I was the most prevalent (49.9%). The presence of two roots was more prevalent in first premolars, and the presence of one root was more prevalent in second premolars (P < 0.05). Male patients had a higher percentage of two roots compared with female patients (P < 0.05). Type IV and I was more prevalent in first and second premolars respectively (P < 0.05). There was a high frequency of 2‐rooted and single‐rooted teeth among maxillary first and second premolars respectively.
Influence of ultrasonic activation using different final irrigants on antimicrobial activity, smear layer removal and bond strength of filling material
Authors: Souza Matheus Albino , Hoffmann Igor Paim , Menchik Vitor Hugo Sanches , Zandoná Julia , Dias Caroline Tumelero , Palhano Huriel Scartazzini , Bertol Charise Dallazem , Rossato‐Grando Luciana Grazziotin
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ultrasonic activation (US) over final irrigants on antimicrobial activity, smear layer removal and bond strength. The root canals of 180 extracted human teeth were distributed into three experimental tests (n = 60). In each test, the samples were subdivided into six groups (n = 10) according to final irrigation protocols: G1:distilled water (DW); G2:DW + US; G3:17% EDTA; G4:QMix; G5:17% EDTA + US; and G6:QMix + US. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by counting of colony‐forming units (CFUs), the smear layer removal by scanning electron microscopy and the bond strength by push‐out test. Statistical analysis was performed for each evaluation (α = 5%). Groups 4 and 6 provided higher bacterial reduction, groups 5 and 6 provided higher smear layer removal, groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 provided the higher bond strength (P < 0.05). US activation did not improve the antimicrobial activity and the bond strength, whereas it improved the smear layer removal.
A New Template and Teleoperation System for Human‐Guided Spine Surgery
Authors: Azimifar Farhad , Hassani Kamran , Hossein Saveh Amir , Izadi Farhad
Published: September 2018

Fluoroscopy‐guided placement of pedicle screws is usually used to position pedicle screws, although it is highly risky due to lack of accuracy during operation and surgeon’s intensive labor requirement during surgery. In this study, a new method was introduced to consider the issues and we tried to reduce the risk of pedicle screw placement and drilling process. To put pedicle screws in the correct position and orientation, a specific drill guide is designed and fabricated by additive manufacturing technology. In addition, since the drilling process is remarkably important and it is usually dependent on surgeon skill, therefore a teleoperation system is proposed to perform this task. In order to let the surgeon to have better control on the patient, a control scheme including position and velocity signals along with surgeon force and reaction force of vertebra was proposed. This helped the surgeon for proper control on the patient during surgery. A force estimation algorithm was presented to eliminate measuring external force signal. Consequently, 10 vertebras were used to evaluate specific drill guide and teleoperation system simultaneously. Then, the computed tomography evaluation demonstrated that Kirschner wire trajectories followed the planned axes with an error between 1 and 2 mm in 20% of cases and less than 1 mm in 80% of cases. The results obtained by the teleoperation system showed that the surgeon, in the master side, has proper control over the patient body in the slave side because the slave robot followed the master position. Furthermore, the surgeon in the master side sensed the reaction force of vertebra in the slave side appropriately.
Four‐year outcome of randomly assigned lifestyle treatments in primary care of children with obesity
Authors: Forsell Christer , Gronowitz Eva , Larsson Yvonne , Kjellberg Britt‐Marie , Friberg Peter , Mårild Staffan
Published: September 2018

Aim

To assess the four‐year outcome in children with obesity randomised to one of two 12‐month lifestyle treatment programmes in primary care.

Methods

At baseline, 64 children with obesity aged 8.0–13.0 years were randomised to a treatment programme managed either by a nurse, dietician and physiotherapist (n = 32) or by a nurse and dietician (n = 32).

Results

From baseline to follow‐up, the mean body mass standard deviation score (BMISDS) had decreased by −0.50 [standard deviation (SD) 0.73], p = 0.002, in the nurse, dietician and physiotherapist group (n = 27), by −0.26 (SD 0.73), p = 0.057 in the other group (n = 29); adjusted mean difference was −0.22, 95% confidence interval −0.59; 0.16, p = 0.25. Changes in weight categories did not differ between the groups: both had a change from obesity to normal weight in 1 and to overweight in 6; in the physiotherapist group 1 case of severe obesity changed to obesity. The combined treatment groups (n = 56) had a mean reduction in BMISDS of −0.37 (SD 0.73) and an improved distribution in weight categories, p = 0.015.

Conclusion

After four years, there was no difference in outcome between the treatment options. In the treatment groups combined the number of children with obesity and their adiposity measures were significantly lower.
Modeling the Economic Impacts of Korean Unification
Authors: McKibbin Warwick J. , Lee Jong Wha , Liu Weifeng , Song Cheol Jong
Published: September 2018

This paper explores the economic impacts of Korean unification on North and South Korea. It presents a new consistent database on macroeconomic, sectoral and trade data, and an input–output table for the North Korean economy, and then incorporates it in a global intertemporal multi‐sector general equilibrium model. Assuming hypothetical scenarios such as North Korea's reform and gradual convergence, its sudden collapse and immediate unification, and chaos and crises in both Koreas, we quantify the consequences of Korean unification on economic activity, trade and capital flows in the two Koreas. The results highlight the importance of the unification processes and of alternative policy responses in both Koreas to the economic impacts of unification.
Long‐term effects of grazing intensity on strategies and spatial components of functional diversity in subtropical grassland
Authors: Fischer Felícia M. , Bonnet Olivier J. F. , Cezimbra Ian M. , Pillar Valério D.
Published: September 2018

Question

How does grazing intensity affect plant community functional traits and the spatial components of functional diversity in subtropical grasslands?

Location

Long‐term cattle grazing management experiment in subtropical Campos grassland, southern Brazil.

Methods

Fourteen experimental units (paddocks) maintained under seven grazing intensity treatments for 26 years. In each paddock, we recorded plant species cover and species functional traits in nine systematically located plots of 1 m2. Nineteen functional traits were used in the ordination of species to identify main axes of trait variation. Functional diversity measured by Rao entropy was partitioned into alpha, beta and gamma components. We tested, by linear models, for the effects of grazing intensity on community‐weighted mean traits and functional diversity components, using as traits the species scores on the PCA axes.

Results

The two main axes of trait variation suggest a separation in species by their functional strategies (acquisition–conservation and tolerance–avoidance trade‐offs). Acquisitive and tolerant species increased while conservative and avoidant species decreased with grazing intensity. Rao quadratic entropy, considering the three spatial components, decreased with grazing intensity, but this trend was more accentuated with beta‐diversity.

Conclusions

The long‐term, strictly‐managed grazing experiment allowed us to reveal the effect of not only grazing disturbance per se, but also of different grazing intensities. Under high grazing intensity, frequent and severe defoliation allows only the persistence of species similarly adapted to regrowth. Under low grazing intensity, the lack of frequent defoliation enables the development of species with high investment in strong and long‐lived leaves. The partitioning of functional diversity revealed that the increase in functional diversity in areas with low grazing intensity is mostly due to an increase in heterogeneity among patches (beta‐component). The double stratum vegetation structure: tussocks, which escape grazing control, and short‐grazed patches often overgrazed, is maintained by grazer selectivity.
Stable states in soil chemistry persist in eucalypt woodland restorations
Authors: Macdonald Stuart , Bailey Tanya , Hunt Mark , Davidson Neil , Jordan Greg
Published: September 2018

Aim

To assess whether restoration of dry eucalypt‐dominated plant communities on ex‐pasture sites is constrained by soil characteristics.

Location

Central Tasmania, Australia.

Methods

We use nutrient status to test recovery trajectories of soils within eucalypt woodland restorations established on ex‐pasture sites. Eucalyptus trees within these sites have been successfully established but understorey plant communities have had negligible recovery. Soils from restoration sites, aged from 3 to 22 years, were contrasted with those from two reference ecotypes: established pastures and native eucalypt woodlands presumed to be similar to that originally replaced by the pastures. We hypothesized that (a) total soil carbon to nitrogen ratios (C:N) would be substantially higher in forest soils than in pasture soils; (b) soil nutrient levels would be lower in forest sites than within pasture sites; and (c) if restoration soils were recovering they should fit between these continuums according to age of planting.

Results

Woodland and pasture reference soils were highly constrained in soil C:N and conformed to expectations. However, ex‐pasture restoration sites retained the characteristically low C:N and high nutrient levels of pasture soils, in particular total N. They also failed to demonstrate a transformational effect with age of planting.

Conclusions

The results suggest that both restoration interventions and natural processes had not sufficiently disrupted existing below‐ground systems within the given time frame. Such an intractable stable state within the soil system highlights the need within restoration practice for an increased emphasis on soil ecological transformation. Improving and implementing practices aimed at driving soil change may assist a timelier reassembly of complex native ecosystems. This study also shows that soil C:N ratios may provide a cheap and simple means of identifying soil constraints on restoration.
Design of multi‐drug combinations for poly‐pharmacological effects using composition‐activity relationship modeling and multi‐objective optimization approach: Application in traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Fan Bo , Li Yunfei , Bi Yong , Tong Ling , Li Dongxiang , Wang Yi
Published: September 2018

In recent years, multi‐component therapies are increasingly utilized to treat complex diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and other chronic complex diseases. Here, we proposed the protocol for rational design of drug combination with poly‐pharmacological effects by integration of design of experiments (DOE), computational modeling, and multiple‐objective optimization algorithm. Here, we introduce a common workflow for modeling quantitative relationship of chemical composition and multiple activities of drug combinations. As an example, anti‐oxidation, neuroprotective, and anti‐platelet activities of three different salvia polyphenols were measured, which were mathematically represented by multivariant regression models to evaluate the effect of combination. In validation, the optimized combination which obtained by weighed‐sum method showed good activities in all three models. Our results demonstrate that the multiple‐objective optimization strategy is suitable to optimize the ratio of the compounds so to induce the best therapeutic action.
Blocking of YY1 reduce neutrophil infiltration by inhibiting IL-8 production via the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lin J , He Y , Wang B , Xun Z , Chen S , Zeng Z , Ou Q
Published: September 2018

Our previous study revealed that Yin Yang 1(YY1) played an important part in promoting interleukin (IL)-6 production in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, whether YY1 has any role in regulation of IL-8 in RA remains unclear. YY1 and IL-8 expression in RA patients were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the signaling pathway involved in YY1-induced IL-8 production. The expression of YY1 and proteins involved in the pathway were detected by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Migration of neutrophils was performed by chemotaxis assay. In this study, we found that high expression of IL-8 was positively associated with YY1 expression in RA. Blocking YY1 expression by YY1-short hairpin (sh)RNA lentivirus reduced IL-8 production. Mechanistically, we showed YY1 activated IL-8 production via the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway. Further, using a co-culture system consisting of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and neutrophils, we found that migration of neutrophils would be inhibited by YY1 RNA interference. Finally, using the collagen-induced arthritis animal model, we showed that treatment with the YY1-shRNA lentivirus led to reduction of IL-8 levels and attenuation of inflammation and neutrophil infiltration in vivo. Our results reveal a role of YY1 involved in neutrophil infiltration in RA via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/IL-8 signaling pathway. YY1 may be a new therapeutic target for treatment of RA.
Factors associated with the efficacy of intravenous methylprednisolone in moderate‐to‐severe and active thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy: A single‐centre retrospective study
Authors: Hu Shiqian , Wang Yue , He Mingqian , Zhang Meng , Ding Xi , Shi Bingyin
Published: September 2018

Objective

Intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) is recommended as the first‐line treatment for moderate‐to‐severe and active thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). This study aimed to identify potential predictors and establish a multivariable prediction model for the efficacy of IVMP therapy.

Design

A single‐centre retrospective study.

Patients

A total of 302 consecutive patients diagnosed with moderate‐to‐severe and active TAO who underwent the full course of IVMP therapy were included.

Methods

Participants were sequentially divided into the training set (n = 200) and the validation set (n = 102). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors and establish the predictive model.

Results

In addition to the pretreatment clinical activity score (OR = 3.506, P < 0.001), elevated thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels during treatment (OR = 0.145, P = 0.005), pretreatment anti‐TSH receptor antibody levels (OR = 0.061, P < 0.001) and duration of eye symptoms (OR = 0.878, P = 0.017), a significant relationship was found between therapeutic efficacy and the pretreatment triglyceride levels (OR = 0.090, P = 0.001). The prediction model showed good calibration and excellent discrimination, with an area under curve of 0.915 (P < 0.001) and 0.885 (P < 0.001) in the training and validation sets, respectively.

Conclusions

This study provides some novel insights into the factors associated with the efficacy of IVMP therapy. A multivariable prediction model has been established and validated to help determine the indication and prognosis of IVMP therapy. Moreover, several suggestions have been made in the management of TAO patients: early diagnosis and treatment (within 15 months); prompt restoration and maintenance of euthyroidism, especially meticulous control of TSH levels (≤5 μIU/mL); and regular monitoring of triglyceride levels.
Skewed X chromosome inactivation in girls and female adolescents with autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Santiwatana Suttikarn , Mahachoklertwattana Pat , Limwongse Chanin , Khlairit Patcharin , Pongratanakul Sarunyu , Roothumnong Ekkapong , Prangphan Kanjana , Choubtum Lulin , Songdej Duantida , Poomthavorn Preamrudee
Published: September 2018

Objective

Skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) was associated with female predominance in adult autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD). In normal females, skewed XCI is increased with age. Whether early‐onset skewed XCI is associated with childhood ATD remains unknown. This study aimed to determine XCI skewing in paediatric ATD.

Design, Patients and Measurements

Ninety‐one female ATD patients, aged 3‐20 years and 57 age‐matched, female controls were enrolled. XCI was analysed by enzymatic digestion of DNA with methylation‐sensitive enzymes followed by PCR of the polymorphic CAG repeat in the androgen receptor gene. Skewed XCI was defined as having 80% or greater of the cells preferentially inactivated on the same X chromosome. XCI pattern of the enrolled patients and parental origin of the skewed XCI were determined.

Results

After exclusion of samples with homozygous CAG repeats, skewed XCI was analysed in 83 patients (57 Graves' disease and 26 Hashimoto thyroiditis) and 52 controls. There was an increased frequency of skewed XCI in ATD patients as compared with the controls (23% vs 8%, P = 0.022). Patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis had greater frequency of skewed XCI than patients with Graves' disease (38% vs 16%, P = 0.023). There were no differences in clinical parameters between patients with skewed and random XCI. Analysis of 7 patients with skewed XCI showed a preferential inactivation of paternal X chromosome in 6 patients (86%).

Conclusions

Frequency of skewed XCI was increased in childhood ATD. This observation suggests a possible association of skewed XCI in the development of paediatric ATD.
Autogenous DDM versus Bio‐Oss granules in GBR for immediate implantation in periodontal postextraction sites: A prospective clinical study
Authors: Li Peng , Zhu HuiCong , Huang DaHong
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) from the patient's own extracted healthy tooth can be recycled as an autogenous biomaterial for reconstructive dentistry. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of autogenous DDM versus Bio‐Oss granules in guided bone regeneration (GBR) for immediate implantation in periodontal postextraction sites.

Materials and methods

From November 2015 to March 2017, patients referred to the Foshan Stomatology Hospital, who had been diagnosed with severe periodontitis of the posterior mandibular tooth and agreed to dental implant treatment, were consecutively included. The patients were randomly allocated to the DDM group, treated with immediate implantation + GBR with autogenous DDM granules from the extracted tooth, or the BIO group, treated with immediate implantation + GBR with Bio‐Oss granules. The implant stability and marginal bone resorption were measured immediately, at 6 and 18 months after surgery.

Results

Forty patients (45 implants) were included. Except 2 cases with wound infection, 43 implants did not have postoperative complications and achieved a satisfactory outcome after 1‐year prosthetic loading. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in implant stability quotient values and marginal bone resorption.

Conclusion

The autogenous DDM granules prepared at the chairside after extractions could act as an excellent readily available alternative to bone graft material in GBR, even for implantation of severe periodontitis cases.
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by colophonium
Authors: Pesonen Maria , Suuronen Katri , Suomela Sari , Aalto‐Korte Kristiina
Published: September 2018

Background

Colophonium is a common contact allergen that is present not only in household products but also in occupational settings.

Objectives

To describe the sources of occupational exposure to colophonium and the occupations at risk of colophonium allergy.

Methods

We reviewed patch test files from the years 2002 to 2017 at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health for patients with allergic reactions to colophonium and abietic acid. We analysed the patch test, occupation and exposure data of 39 patients diagnosed with occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD) caused by colophonium.

Results

Of the patients examined for suspected occupational dermatitis, 4.6% (n = 118) reacted positively to colophonium. The majority of the OACD patients worked in the wood industry, as machinists, or were involved in soldering or agriculture. The most common occupational sources of exposure were coniferous wood and wood‐derived materials, followed by glues, metalworking fluids, and soldering materials. Colophonium is not always mentioned in safety data sheets (SDSs), and the sources of colophonium exposure are often materials for which there are no SDSs.

Conclusion

OACD caused by colophonium is quite common and occurs in a variety of occupations. SDSs provide poor information for exposure assessment. Patch testing with the patient's own materials was often useful in establishing the diagnosis.
Metastatic pattern and new primary tumours after neoadjuvant therapy and surgery in rectal cancer
Authors: Frambach P. , Pucciarelli S. , Perin A. , Zuin M. , Toppan P. , Maretto I. , Urso E. D. L. , Spolverato G.
Published: September 2018

Aim

Current follow‐up guidelines for distant tumour recurrence after rectal cancer surgery are not defined or agreed. The aim was to elucidate the pattern of recurrence over time and provide information that could help direct a strategy for surveillance.

Method

In all, 378 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy and surgery with curative intent. Patients were followed up with a standard protocol, and data were prospectively collected in a dedicated database. Disease‐free survival and overall survival were calculated.

Results

Within a median follow‐up time of 75 months, rates of local and distant recurrence were 2.6% and 21.7%, respectively. Risk factors for recurrence were a baseline carcinoembryonic antigen > 5.0 ng/ml, a distance from the anal verge ≤ 5 cm, R1 resection margins, G3 grading, ypT staging > 2, positive lymph node status and a tumour regression grade of 3–5. Disease‐free survival did not vary significantly between patients with lung and extra‐pulmonary metastases (P = 0.59). The only factor associated with increased risk of lung metastases was a distance of the tumour from the anal verge of ≤ 5 cm (P = 0.01). Most recurrences occurred within the first 3 years after surgery (74.4%). The first site of recurrence was most frequently the lung (52.0%). The most frequent new primary malignancy was lung cancer (22.5%).

Conclusions

Patients undergoing curative therapy for rectal cancer often experience distant recurrence; the majority of recurrences occur within the first 3 years after surgery and lung metastases are the most common. A predictive factor for pulmonary recurrence is a tumour in the lower rectum.
Endoscopic selective muscular dissection for gastric submucosal tumor
Authors: Esaki Mitsuru , Suzuki Sho , Gotoda Takuji
Published: September 2018

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Pancreatic islet of Langerhans' cytoarchitecture and ultrastructure in normal glucose tolerance and in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Folli Franco , La Rosa Stefano , Finzi Giovanna , Davalli Alberto M. , Galli Alessandra , Dick Edward J. , Perego Carla , Mendoza Rodolfo Guardado
Published: September 2018

While a number of structural and cellular abnormalities occur in the islet of Langerhans in diabetes, and in particular in type 2 diabetes, the focus has been mostly on the insulin producing β‐cells and only more recently on glucagon producing α‐ and δ‐cells. There is ample evidence that in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), in addition to a progressive decline in β‐cell function and associated insulin resistance in a number of insulin‐sensitive tissues, alterations in glucagon secretion are also present and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of hyperglycemia both in the fasting and in the postprandial state. Recently, a number of studies have showed that there are also functional and structural alterations in glucagon‐producing α‐cells and somatostatin‐producing δ‐cells. Thus, it is becoming increasingly clear that multiple cellular alterations of multiple cell types occur, which adds even more complexity to our understanding of the pathophysiology of this common and severe disease. We believe that persistent efforts to increase the understanding of the pathophysiology of hormone secretion in the islets of Langerhans will also improve our capability to better prevent and treat diabetes mellitus.
Islet prohormone processing in health and disease
Authors: Chen Yi‐Chun , Taylor Austin J. , Verchere C. Bruce
Published: September 2018

Biosynthesis of peptide hormones by pancreatic islet endocrine cells is a tightly orchestrated process that is critical for metabolic homeostasis. Like neuroendocrine peptides, insulin and other islet hormones are first synthesized as larger precursor molecules that are processed to their mature secreted products through a series of proteolytic cleavages, mediated by the prohormone convertases Pc1/3 and Pc2, and carboxypeptidase E. Additional posttranslational modifications including C‐terminal amidation of the β‐cell peptide islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) by peptidyl‐glycine α‐amidating monooxygenase (Pam) may also occur. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have showed genetic linkage of these processing enzymes to obesity, β‐cell dysfunction, and type 2 diabetes (T2D), pointing to their important roles in metabolism and blood glucose regulation. In both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and T2D, and in the face of metabolic or inflammatory stresses, islet prohormone processing may become impaired; indeed elevated proinsulin:insulin (PI:I) ratios are a hallmark of the β‐cell dysfunction in T2D. Recent studies suggest that genetic or acquired defects in proIAPP processing may lead to the production and secretion of incompletely processed forms of proIAPP that could contribute to T2D pathogenesis, and additionally that impaired processing of both PI and proIAPP may be characteristic of β‐cell dysfunction in T1D. In islet α‐cells, the prohormone proglucagon is normally processed to bioactive glucagon by Pc2 but may express Pc1/3 under certain conditions leading to production of GLP‐1(7‐36NH2). A better understanding of how β‐cell processing of PI and proIAPP, as well as α‐cell processing of proglucagon, are impacted by genetic susceptibility and in the face of diabetogenic stresses, may lead to new therapeutic approaches for improving islet function in diabetes.
Temporal scale of environmental correlations affects ecological synchrony
Authors: Desharnais Robert A. , Reuman Daniel C. , Costantino Robert F. , Cohen Joel E.
Published: September 2018

Population densities of a species measured in different locations are often correlated over time, a phenomenon referred to as synchrony. Synchrony results from dispersal of individuals among locations and spatially correlated environmental variation, among other causes. Synchrony is often measured by a correlation coefficient. However, synchrony can vary with timescale. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the timescale‐specificity of environmental correlation affects the overall magnitude and timescale‐specificity of synchrony, and that these effects are modified by population dispersal. Our laboratory experiments linked populations of flour beetles by changes in habitat size and dispersal. Linear filter theory, applied to a metapopulation model for the experimental system, predicted the observed timescale‐specific effects. The timescales at which environmental covariation occurs can affect the population dynamics of species in fragmented habitats.
How frequency‐dependent selection affects population fitness, maladaptation and evolutionary rescue
Authors: Svensson Erik I. , Connallon Tim
Published: September 2018

Frequency‐dependent (FD) selection is a central process maintaining genetic variation and mediating evolution of population fitness. FD selection has attracted interest from researchers in a wide range of biological subdisciplines, including evolutionary genetics, behavioural ecology and, more recently, community ecology. However, the implications of frequency dependence for applied biological problems, particularly maladaptation, biological conservation and evolutionary rescue remain underexplored. The neglect of FD selection in conservation is particularly unfortunate. Classical theory, dating back to the 1940s, demonstrated that frequency dependence can either increase or decrease population fitness. These evolutionary consequences of FD selection are relevant to modern concerns about population persistence and the capacity of evolution to alleviate extinction risks. But exactly when should we expect FD selection to increase versus decrease absolute fitness and population growth? And how much of an impact is FD selection expected to have on population persistence versus extinction in changing environments? The answers to these questions have implications for evolutionary rescue under climate change and may inform strategies for managing threatened populations. Here, we revisit the core theory of FD selection, reviewing classical single‐locus models of population genetic change and outlining short‐ and long‐run consequences of FD selection for the evolution of population fitness. We then develop a quantitative genetic model of evolutionary rescue in a deteriorating environment, with population persistence hinging upon the evolution of a quantitative trait subject to both frequency‐dependent and frequency‐independent natural selection. We discuss the empirical literature pertinent to this theory, which supports key assumptions of our model. We show that FD selection can promote population persistence when it aligns with the direction of frequency‐independent selection imposed by abiotic environmental conditions. However, under most scenarios of environmental change, FD selection limits a population's evolutionary responsiveness to changing conditions and narrows the rate of environmental change that is evolutionarily tolerable.
HIF‐1α‐mediated BMP6 down‐regulation leads to hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes in vitro
Authors: Kim Jin Hee , Bae Hyun Cheol , Kim Jaehyung , Lee Hana , Ryu Woo‐In , Son Eui Dong , Lee Tae Ryong , Jeong Sang Hoon , Son Sang Wook
Published: September 2018

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) has been reported to be up‐regulated in psoriatic epidermis, resulting in increased proliferation and abnormal differentiation of human keratinocytes (KCs). However, the role of HIF‐1α in psoriatic epidermis, which is mainly composed of KCs, is poorly understood. Here, we show that morphogenic protein 6 (BMP6) is down‐regulated when HIF‐1α is upregulated in patients with psoriasis skin lesions. HIF‐1α overexpression in primary human KCs promoted proliferation and inhibited terminal differentiation. Furthermore, HIF1‐α repressed the expression of BMP6 by binding directly to the hypoxia‐response element (HRE) in the BMP6 promotor region, which shows that BMP6 is a novel target gene of HIF‐1α. We also found that HIF‐1α‐mediated BMP6 suppression could alter the proliferation status by modulating the expression levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins and also affect the early differentiation of KCs. Therefore, we suggest that HIF‐1α‐dependent BMP6 suppression has a critical role in the induction of hyper‐proliferation and abnormal differentiation in psoriatic KCs.