bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajan's Forum (Hemicycle) and the Via Biberatica (Trajan's Markets): an HHpXRF Study of the Provenance of Lava Paving in Ancient Rome (Italy)
Authors: Worthing M. A. , Laurence R. , Bosworth L.
Published: June 2018

This paper reports on geochemical data collected using a He‐enabled handheld portable XRF (HHpXRF) from lava paving stones in Trajan's Forum (Hemicycle) and the Via Biberatica (Rome). Issues relating to HHpXRF field use and calibration are also addressed in detail. By means of this instrument, 355 analyses of the paving stones were collected and the data were processed using the standard techniques of igneous petrology and petrography. Provenancing was based on comparisons between the HHpXRF data and geological data from the abundant literature on Roman volcanic rocks. These comparisons placed the provenance of the paving stones in the Colli Albani, south‐east of Rome. Further analysis using Zr/Y versus Nb/Y discriminant diagrams suggests that the paving stones were quarried from two sources, both of which are represented in Trajan's Forum and the Via Biberatica. The diagrams suggest that the sources lie within the Faete and Vallerano lava complexes. The latter were probably transported to the construction site by barge on the River Tiber and the former were easily accessible by carts along the Via Appia. The study establishes the potential of HHpXRF equipment for non‐destructive analysis of paving stones both in Rome and at other sites in central Italy, and challenges a number of assumptions about the supply of building materials to Rome based on intuition alone.
CDK2 positively regulates aerobic glycolysis by suppressing SIRT5 in gastric cancer
Authors: Tang Zhenyong , Li Lei , Tang Yuntian , Xie Dongyi , Wu Kun , Wei Weiyuan , Xiao Qiang
Published: June 2018

Although significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer, the overall survival rate of the disease remains unchanged at approximately 20%‐25%. Thus, there is an urgent need for a better understanding of the molecular biology aspects of the disease in the hope of discovering novel diagnosis and treatment strategies. Recent years have witnessed decisive roles of aberrant cancer cell metabolism in the maintenance of malignant hallmarks of cancers, and cancer cell metabolism has been regarded as a novel target for the treatment of cancer. CDK2, a cell cycle‐dependent kinase that usually regulates cell cycle progression and the DNA damage response, is reported to be upregulated in many cancers. However, little is known about its role in cancer cell metabolism. In the present study, we showed that silencing CDK2 inhibited the aerobic glycolytic capacity of gastric cancer cell lines. Mechanism explorations showed that silencing CDK2 increased expression of the SIRT5 tumor suppressor. In addition, the physiological roles of SIRT5 in the regulation of proliferation and glycolysis were studied in gastric cancer cells. Taken together, the present study uncovered novel roles of the CDK2/SIRT5 axis in gastric cancer and suggests future studies concerning gastric cancer cell metabolism.
Role of exercise training in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Benham J. L. , Yamamoto J. M. , Friedenreich C. M. , Rabi D. M. , Sigal R. J.
Published: June 2018

Preliminary evidence suggests exercise in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may improve reproductive and cardiometabolic parameters. Our primary aim was to determine the impact of exercise training on reproductive health in women with PCOS. Our secondary aim was to determine the effect of exercise training on cardiometabolic indices. A systematic review of published literature was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE based on a pre‐published protocol (PROSPERO CRD42017065324). The search was not limited by year. Randomized controlled trials, non‐randomized controlled trials and uncontrolled trials that evaluated an exercise intervention in women with PCOS and reported reproductive outcomes were included. Reproductive outcomes were analysed semi‐quantitatively and a meta‐analysis was conducted for reported cardiometabolic outcomes. Of 517 screened abstracts, 14 studies involving 617 women with PCOS were included: seven randomized controlled trials, one non‐randomized controlled trial and six uncontrolled trials. There were insufficient published data to describe the effect of exercise interventions on ovulation quantitatively, but semi‐quantitative analysis suggested that exercise interventions may improve menstrual regularity, pregnancy and ovulation rates. Our meta‐analysis found that exercise improved lipid profiles and decreased waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and fasting insulin. The impact of exercise interventions on reproductive function remains unclear. However, our meta‐analysis suggests that exercise interventions may improve cardiometabolic profiles in women with PCOS.
Body mass index and complications following major gastrointestinal surgery: a prospective, international cohort study and meta‐analysis
Authors:   EuroSurg Collaborative
Published: June 2018

Aim

Previous studies reported conflicting evidence on the effects of obesity on outcomes after gastrointestinal surgery. The aims of this study were to explore the relationship of obesity with major postoperative complications in an international cohort and to present a meta‐analysis of all available prospective data.

Methods

This prospective, multicentre study included adults undergoing both elective and emergency gastrointestinal resection, reversal of stoma or formation of stoma. The primary end‐point was 30‐day major complications (Clavien–Dindo Grades III–V). A systematic search was undertaken for studies assessing the relationship between obesity and major complications after gastrointestinal surgery. Individual patient meta‐analysis was used to analyse pooled results.

Results

This study included 2519 patients across 127 centres, of whom 560 (22.2%) were obese. Unadjusted major complication rates were lower in obese vs normal weight patients (13.0% vs 16.2%, respectively), but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.863) on multivariate analysis for patients having surgery for either malignant or benign conditions. Individual patient meta‐analysis demonstrated that obese patients undergoing surgery for malignancy were at increased risk of major complications (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.49–2.96, P < 0.001), whereas obese patients undergoing surgery for benign indications were at decreased risk (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.46–0.75, P < 0.001) compared to normal weight patients.

Conclusions

In our international data, obesity was not found to be associated with major complications following gastrointestinal surgery. Meta‐analysis of available prospective data made a novel finding of obesity being associated with different outcomes depending on whether patients were undergoing surgery for benign or malignant disease.
Expression and correlation of MALAT1 and SOX9 in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhao Wei , Chen Sheng , Zhang Li , Guo Zhongying , Wang Lixin , Wang Jipeng , Wan Zongren , Hong Yongqing , Yu Liang
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common cause of cancer‐related deaths in the world. MALAT1 and SOX9 have important roles in tumour formation and development in several types of cancers. However, little is known about the function and co‐relationship of these 2 factors in NSCLC in vivo.

Objectives

To explore the role of MALAT1 and SOX9 expression relationship, their clinical pathological characteristics and OS on NSCLC patients.

Methods

Paired of primary lung cancer tissues and the matched tumour adjacent tissues were collected in 121 NSCLC patients. MALAT1 and SOX9 mRNA expression was measured by SYBR green q RT‐PCR assay. SOX‐9 protein expression was measured by streptavidin‐peroxidase (SP) staining method.

Results

MALAT1and SOX9 expression was higher in NSCLC tissues than the adjacent tissues, and they have positive correlation. Moreover, SOX9 protein expression was higher in NSCLC tissues, especially in MALAT1 mRNA higher expressed NSCLC tissues. MALAT1 and SOX9 mRNA expression were associated with age (x2=11.474, P = .009), tumour size (x2=26.839, P = .000), TNM stage (x2=8.010, P = .046) and LEL. (x2=53.908, P = .000). NSCLC patients with higher MALAT1 and SOX9 mRNA expression had poorer OS rates.

Conclusions

MALAT1 and SOX9 could be used as prognostic co‐biomarker in NSCLC.
Future vulnerability mapping based on response to extreme climate events: Dieback thresholds in an endemic California oak
Authors: Brown Brittni J. , McLaughlin Blair C. , Blakey Rachel V. , Morueta‐Holme Naia
Published: June 2018

Aim

This study presents a bioclimate modelling approach, using responses to extreme climate events, rather than historical distributional associations, to project future species vulnerability and refugia. We aim to illustrate the compounding effects of groundwater loss and climate on species vulnerability.

Location

California, USA.

Methods

As a case study, we used the 2012–2015 California drought and resulting extensive dieback of blue oak (Quercus douglasii). We used aerial dieback surveys, downscaled climate data and subsurface water change data to develop boosted regression tree models identifying key thresholds associated with dieback throughout the blue oak distribution. We (1) combined observed dieback–climatic threshold relationships with climate futures to anticipate future areas of vulnerability and (2) used satellite‐derived measurements of subsurface water loss in drought/dieback modelling to capture the mediating effect of groundwater on species response to climatic drought.

Results

A model including climate, climate anomalies and subsurface water change explained 46% of the variability in dieback. Precipitation in 2015 and subsurface water change accounted for 62.6% of the modelled probability of dieback. We found an interaction between precipitation and subsurface water in which dieback probability increased with low precipitation and subsurface water loss. The relationship between precipitation and dieback was nonlinear, with 99% of dieback occurring in areas that received <363 mm precipitation. Based on a MIROC_rcp85 future climate scenario, relative to historical conditions, 13% of the blue oak distribution is predicted to experience more frequent years below this precipitation threshold by mid‐century and 81% by end of century.

Main conclusions

As ongoing climate change and extreme events impact ecological processes, the identification of thresholds associated with observed dieback may be combined with climate futures to help identify vulnerable populations and refugia and prioritize climate change‐related conservation efforts.
Finding the right fit: Comparative cetacean distribution models using multiple data sources and statistical approaches
Authors: Derville Solene , Torres Leigh G. , Iovan Corina , Garrigue Claire
Published: June 2018

Aim

Accurate predictions of cetacean distributions are essential to their conservation but are limited by statistical challenges and a paucity of data. This study aimed at comparing the capacity of various statistical algorithms to deal with biases commonly found in nonsystematic cetacean surveys and to evaluate the potential for citizen science data to improve habitat modelling and predictions. An endangered population of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in their breeding ground was used as a case study.

Location

New Caledonia, Oceania.

Methods

Five statistical algorithms were used to model the habitat preferences of humpback whales from 1,360 sightings collected over 14 years of nonsystematic research surveys. Three different background sampling approaches were tested when developing models from 625 crowdsourced sightings to assess methods accounting for citizen science spatial sampling bias. Model evaluation was conducted through cross‐validation and prediction to an independent satellite tracking dataset.

Results

Algorithms differed in complexity of the environmental relationships modelled, ecological interpretability and transferability. While parameter tuning had a great effect on model performances, GLMs generally had low predictive performance, SVMs were particularly hard to interpret, and BRTs had high descriptive power but showed signs of overfitting. MAXENT and especially GAMs provided a valuable complexity trade‐off, accurate predictions and were ecologically intelligible. Models showed that humpback whales favoured cool (22–23°C) and shallow waters (0–100 m deep) in coastal as well as offshore areas. Citizen science models converged with research survey models, specifically when accounting for spatial sampling bias.

Main conclusions

Marine megafauna distribution models present specific challenges that may be addressed through integrative evaluation, independent testing and appropriately tuned statistical algorithms. Specifically, controlling overfitting is a priority when predicting cetacean distributions for large‐scale conservation perspectives. Citizen science data appear to be a powerful tool to describe cetacean habitat.
High‐fat‐diet‐induced remission of diabetes in a subset of KATP‐GOF insulin‐secretory‐deficient mice
Authors: Yan Zihan , Shyr Zeenat A. , Fortunato Manuela , Welscher Alecia , Alisio Mariana , Martino Michael , Finck Brian N. , Conway Hannah , Remedi Maria S.
Published: June 2018

Aims

To examine the effects of a high‐fat‐diet (HFD) on monogenic neonatal diabetes, without the confounding effects of compensatory hyperinsulinaemia.

Methods

Mice expressing KATPchannel gain‐of‐function (KATP‐GOF) mutations, which models human neonatal diabetes, were fed an HFD.

Results

Surprisingly, KATP‐GOF mice exhibited resistance to HFD‐induced obesity, accompanied by markedly divergent blood glucose control, with some KATP‐GOF mice showing persistent diabetes (KATP‐GOF‐non‐remitter [NR] mice) and others showing remission of diabetes (KATP‐GOF‐remitter [R] mice). Compared with the severely diabetic and insulin‐resistant KATP‐GOF‐NR mice, HFD‐fed KATP‐GOF‐R mice had lower blood glucose, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased circulating plasma insulin and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 concentrations. Strikingly, while HFD‐fed KATP‐GOF‐NR mice showed increased food intake and decreased physical activity, reduced whole body fat mass and increased plasma lipids, KATP‐GOF‐R mice showed similar features to those of control littermates. Importantly, KATP‐GOF‐R mice had restored insulin content and β‐cell mass compared with the marked loss observed in both HFD‐fed KATP‐GOF‐NR and chow‐fed KATP‐GOF mice.

Conclusion

Together, our results suggest that restriction of dietary carbohydrates and caloric replacement by fat can induce metabolic changes that are beneficial in reducing glucotoxicity and secondary consequences of diabetes in a mouse model of insulin‐secretory deficiency.
Understanding patients’ and dentists’ perspectives in dental trauma management: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Ode Wataru , Lopez Violeta , Wong Mun Loke , Schou Lone , Yu Victoria Soo Hoon
Published: June 2018

Background/Aim

Patients suffering dental trauma are unprepared for the disability challenge and necessary rehabilitation, while a traumatic event places an expanded demand on the dentist who is focused on treating disease. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) on patients and to compare patients’ and dentists’ perceptions of the event.

Material and methods

TDI patients (aged ≥ 21 years) attending a tertiary dental hospital from 2011 to 2013, and their dentists were recruited with informed consent. An exploratory sequential mixed‐methods design was adopted. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) quantitatively identified patients with “very often,” “fairly often” or “occasionally” in at least one of the OHIP‐14 questions (Phase 1) to participate in the qualitative phase of the study through focus group discussions (FGD) (Phase 2). FGD for dentists was conducted separately.

Results

Quantitative analysis showed 28%‐55% of TDI patients had “occasional” to “very often” discomfort during eating, increased self‐consciousness and embarrassment. Qualitative analysis showed patients were concerned with aesthetic disability, treatment cost and potential tooth loss but overcame their negative outlook and accepted prescribed protective measures. Dentists appreciated patients’ concerns about aesthetics and functional disruptions but were less attuned to patients’ sense of guilt and fear of judgement.

Conclusions

TDI exert functional, psychological and social impacts on patients. Patients’ and dentists’ perspectives were useful for understanding the need for continuity of care, and the findings could contribute to effective TDI management.
A guide to polarized airway epithelial models for studies of host–pathogen interactions
Authors: Hasan Shakir , Sebo Peter , Osicka Radim
Published: June 2018

Mammalian lungs are organs exhibiting the cellular and spatial complexity required for gas exchange to support life. The respiratory epithelium internally lining the airways is susceptible to infections due to constant exposure to inhaled microbes. Biomedical research into respiratory bacterial infections in humans has been mostly carried out using small mammalian animal models or two‐dimensional, submerged cultures of undifferentiated epithelial cells. These experimental model systems have considerable limitations due to host specificity of bacterial pathogens and lack of cellular and morphological complexity. This review describes the in vitro differentiated and polarized airway epithelial cells of human origin that are used as a model to study respiratory bacterial infections. Overall, these models recapitulate key aspects of the complexity observed in vivo and can help in elucidating the molecular details of disease processes observed during respiratory bacterial infections.
Social modulation of fear: Facilitation vs buffering
Authors: Morozov Alexei , Ito Wataru
Published: June 2018

Social behaviors largely constitute mutual exchanges of social cues and the responses to them. The adaptive response also requires proper interpretation of the current context. In fear behaviors, social signals have bidirectional effects—some cues elicit or enhance fear whereas other suppress or buffer it. Studies on the social facilitation and social buffering of fear provide evidence of competition between social cues of opposing meanings. Co‐expression of opposing cues by the same animal may explain the contradicting outcomes from the interaction between naive and frightened conspecifics, which reflect the fine balance between fear facilitation and buffering. The neuronal mechanisms that determine that balance provide an exciting target for future studies to probe the brain circuits underlying social modulation of emotional behaviors.
Pathological staging of renal cell carcinoma: a review of 300 consecutive cases with emphasis on retrograde venous invasion
Authors: Taneja Kanika , Arora Sohrab , Rogers Craig G , Gupta Nilesh S , Williamson Sean R
Published: June 2018

Aims

Pathological staging of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can be challenging compared to other cancer types, as invasion often manifests as finger‐like protrusions into vascular spaces or renal sinus tissue. Although prior studies have shown larger tumour size to be correlated highly with renal sinus invasion, prospective data on evaluating pathological stage are limited. We evaluated a large series reported by one urological pathologist.

Methods and results

Three hundred consecutive specimens were reviewed. Tumours larger than 5 cm were routinely sampled extensively or grossly re‐reviewed when no extrarenal extension was identified on initial examination. Apparent multifocal disease was assessed critically for intravascular spread. Retrograde venous invasion was reported in 15 of 300 (5%) cases, 13 of 15 of which were clear cell RCC. Of a total of 163 specimens with clear cell histology, only five of 34 (15%) tumours 7 cm or larger were reported as pT2, all of which had an explanatory comment indicating the absence of definitive extrarenal spread. In contrast, 15 of 20 (75%) pT2 tumours were non‐clear cell histology (papillary, chromophobe and translocation‐associated). Comparing pT3a or higher tumours, the median tumour size in cases with retrograde venous invasion was 8.0 cm, compared to 6.2 cm in cases without retrograde venous invasion (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Our findings support that retrograde venous invasion should be considered carefully before diagnosing multifocal clear cell RCC, which is rare in the sporadic setting. In the absence of vascular invasion, multifocal clear cell papillary RCC can be a mimic. pT2 occurs more frequently with non‐clear cell histology (particularly papillary or chromophobe RCC).
A cross‐sectional study of sweat‐induced dermatitis during a South Indian summer: a glimpse of sweat gland‐mediated cutaneous inflammation
Authors: Gopinath Hima , Karthiga Ramalingam , Karthikeyan Kaliaperumal
Published: June 2018

Background

The role of sweat gland in inflammation has not received sufficient attention. The thermal stress during the summer months in tropical areas provides an opportunity to study the morphological patterns of inflammation produced primarily by the sweat gland.

Aim

To collect clinical data on sweat‐induced dermatitis during the summer months.

Methods

A hospital‐based descriptive cross‐sectional study was done during the hot and humid summer months of April to June in a tertiary care institute in Puducherry. Patients clinically diagnosed with sweat‐induced dermatitis (dermatitis primarily due to retention or extravasation of sweat) were included in the study. A detailed history was taken, and clinical examination was done.

Results

One hundred and fifty patients were included in the study. Various typical and atypical manifestations of sweat‐induced dermatitis were seen. “Sweat dermatitis” presenting with dry, hyperpigmented, fissured “parchment”‐like skin, shiny “crinkled cellophane paper”‐like skin, or asymptomatic hyperpigmented macules was seen. Other atypical presentations included miliaria pustulosa with “hypopyon sign” and “linear and parallel ridge pattern” of dermatitis in patients with miliaria rubra affecting the lower neck and upper chest.

Conclusion

A wide spectrum of sweat‐induced dermatitis was seen during the summer months in a tropical region. It reflects the role of the sweat gland in cutaneous inflammation. An increased awareness of atypical manifestations is needed.
Medication monitoring attitudes and perceived determinants to offering medication adherence advice to older hypertensive adults: a factorial survey of community pharmacy interns
Authors: Dillon Paul , Smith Susan M , Gallagher Paul , Cousins Gráinne
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Community pharmacy is an ideal setting to monitor medication adherence, however, barriers to pharmacist-led interventions exist. Preparing future pharmacists for enhanced roles may overcome such barriers. Our objective was to identify medication monitoring attitudes and contextual factors that influence adherence monitoring by pharmacy interns to inform educational activities on medication adherence.

Methods

An online factorial survey of all pharmacy interns (N = 123) in the Republic of Ireland, completing advanced community pharmacy experiential learning in May 2016 was undertaken to evaluate attitudes to medication monitoring and to identify respondent characteristics and contextual factors which influence adherence monitoring of older hypertensive adults during repeat dispensing. The medication monitoring attitude measure (MMAM) was used to evaluate interns’ attitudes, and factorial vignette analysis was performed to identify factors influencing behavioural intention to offer adherence advice.

Results

There were 121 completed online surveys. Half of interns reported they felt uncomfortable and confrontational discussing adherence with patients. In factorial vignette analysis, higher medication monitoring attitudes resulted in higher likelihood to offer adherence advice; experiential-learning characteristics such as pharmacy ownership-type (nonchain store) and contextual factors including patients being treated for longer and time-pressures had a significant negative influence on pharmacy interns’ likelihood to offer adherence advice.

Discussion

Medication monitoring attitudes and contextual factors influenced responses to offer adherence advice in hypothetical scenarios. Ensuring pharmacy students are educated on patterns of adherence and appropriate skills to address nonadherence, and engage in structured programmes to facilitate patient interactions during experiential learning, may improve medication monitoring attitudes and adherence monitoring.
Rituximab treatment in primary angiitis of the central nervous system
Authors: Patel Shreeya , Ross Laura , Oon Shereen , Nikpour Mandana
Published: June 2018

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a rare autoimmune vasculitis affecting the brain and spinal cord. Treatment with biological agents has revolutionised the treatment of many rheumatic conditions but there is scant literature regarding the use of biological agents in PACNS. We present three cases of PACNS treated with rituximab, including two cases of relapsed disease, and a literature review suggesting a role for rituximab in this condition.
Semiparametric Regression Analysis of Panel Count Data: A Practical Review
Authors: Chiou Sy Han , Huang Chiung‐Yu , Xu Gongjun , Yan Jun
Published: June 2018

Panel count data arise in many applications when the event history of a recurrent event process is only examined at a sequence of discrete time points. In spite of the recent methodological developments, the availability of their software implementations has been rather limited. Focusing on a practical setting where the effects of some time‐independent covariates on the recurrent events are of primary interest, we review semiparametric regression modelling approaches for panel count data that have been implemented in R packagespef. The methods are grouped into two categories depending on whether the examination times are associated with the recurrent event process after conditioning on covariates. The reviewed methods are illustrated with a subset of the data from a skin cancer clinical trial.
Why Distinguish Between Statistics and Mathematical Statistics–The Case of Swedish Academia
Authors: Guttorp Peter , Lindgren Georg
Published: June 2018

A separation between the academic subjects statistics and mathematical statistics has existed in Sweden almost as long as there have been statistics professors. The same distinction has not been maintained in other countries. Why has it been kept for so long in Sweden, and what consequences may it have had?

In May 2015, it was 100 years since Mathematical Statistics was formally established as an academic discipline at a Swedish university where Statistics had existed since the turn of the century.

We give an account of the debate in Lund and elsewhere about this division during the first decades after 1900 and present two of its leading personalities. The Lund University astronomer (and mathematical statistician) C. V. L. Charlier was a leading proponent for a position in mathematical statistics at the university. Charlier's adversary in the debate was Pontus Fahlbeck, professor in political science and statistics, who reserved the word statistics for ‘statistics as a social science’. Charlier not only secured the first academic position in Sweden in mathematical statistics for his former PhD student Sven Wicksell but also demonstrated that a mathematical statistician can be influential in matters of state, finance as well as in different natural sciences. Fahlbeck saw mathematical statistics as a set of tools that sometimes could be useful in his brand of statistics.

After a summary of the organisational, educational and scientific growth of the statistical sciences in Sweden that has taken place during the last 50 years, we discuss what effects the Charlier–Fahlbeck divergence might have had on this development.
Pulp necrosis and crown discoloration: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Moccelini Bárbara Suelen , de Alencar Nashalie Andrade , Bolan Michele , Magno Marcela Baraúna , Maia Lucianne Cople , Cardoso Mariane
Published: June 2018

Background

The association between pulp necrosis and crown discoloration in traumatized primary teeth has not been clearly determined yet.

Aim

The study verified whether there is an association of pulp necrosis and crown discoloration in traumatized primary teeth through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Lilacs/BBO, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, and grey literature. A methodological quality assessment appraisal was independently conducted by two researchers. Random‐effects models were employed, and heterogeneity was tested (I2 index/P ≤ 0.05).

Results

Eight studies with low risk of bias were included in the analysis. A total of 1,494 traumatized primary teeth participated in the pooled meta‐analysis. Diagnosis of pulp necrosis was evaluated in 1,414 teeth through clinical and/or radiographic analyses, and the analysis demonstrated a positive association (P = 0.0005/OR 8.37 [2.51, 27.90], I2 = 87%). Eighty teeth were diagnosed with pulp necrosis through endodontic access, and there was no statistically significant association (P = 0.36/OR 2.46 [0.36, 16.94], I2 = 54%). The pooled meta‐analysis showed a positive association (P = 0.0003/OR 5.93 [2.24, 15.72], I2 = 83%).

Conclusion

The positive association between pulp necrosis and crown discoloration should be considered with caution once the diagnosis of pulp necrosis was performed by limited criteria.
Pressure ulcers’ incidence, preventive measures, and risk factors in neonatal intensive care and intermediate care units
Authors: García‐Molina Pablo , Balaguer‐López Evelin , García‐Fernández Francisco Pedro , Ferrera‐Fernández María de los Ángeles , Blasco José María , Verdú José
Published: June 2018

Epidemiological studies on pressure ulcers (PUs) in hospitalised infants are scarce. Spain lacks comprehensive research studies providing data on the prevalence or incidence in this population. This work was developed to determine the incidence of PUs in hospitalised infants admitted to intensive and intermediate care units, along with relevant risk factors and preventive measures. A prospective study appraising the incidence of PUs in infants was performed. The risk factors and preventive measures were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression model. A sample of 268 infants was included. The cumulative incidence of PUs was 12.70% (95% confidence interval, CI95% = [8.95%‐17.28%]). The cumulative incidence in the intermediate care units was 1.90% (CI95% = [0.39%‐5.45%]), while it was 28.18% (CI95% = [20.02%‐37.56%]) in the intensive care units. The PUs were categorised as stage I, 57.10%; stage II, 31.70%; and stage III, 11.10%. The multivariate analysis found the following to be risk factors: low scores in the Spanish version of the Neonatal Skin Risk Assessment Scale (e‐NSRAS) (Relative Risk (RR) 0.80; CI95% = [0.66‐0.97]), the use of non‐invasive mechanical ventilation (RR 12.24; CI95% = [4.02‐37.32]), and the length of stay (RR 1.08; CI95% = [1.02‐1.15]), suggesting a direct impact of these factors on PU development in infants. Kangaroo care influenced the prevention of PUs (RR 0.26; CI95% = [0.09‐0.71]). The infants admitted in intermediate care units suffered PUs. In the case of intensive care units, the incidence is even higher. The risk increases with the length of stay, while the presence of medical devices, particularly non‐invasive mechanical ventilation, is the main causal relationship. Kangaroo care has been shown to be an important preventive measure.
High calcium cementless fly ash binder with low environmental footprint: Optimum Taguchi design
Authors: Hwang Sung H. , Shahsavari Rouzbeh
Published: June 2018

Despite the myriad of research efforts on exploiting fly ash as an alternative binder, its current role in industry is largely restricted to the supplementary use, which enables only partial replacement of conventional portland cement. Herein, we propose an unprecedented binder composite with the promising early‐age strength, which is cost‐effective and reduces the CO2 footprint compared with portland cement. The major constituent is fly ash occupying 76.4%‐80.3% by the total mass of the constituents, while calcium oxide, nanosilica, and the minimum amounts of sodium‐based activators are added to induce the early‐age strength development. Optimization of the composition via the Taguchi design of experiments produced the early (7‐day) compressive strength of 16.18 MPa. This value is encouraging considering that it is comparable to that of conventional portland cement and that a cementless composition with the minimum amounts of sodium‐based activators was employed. The extensive materials analysis demonstrates that the starting Ca/Na molar ratio and the amount of nanosilica play instrumental roles in strength development by influencing the formation of key reaction products, which include the sodium‐substituted AFm phase (the U‐phase), katoite and portlandite. Overall, the promising early‐age strength coupled with the significantly decreased amount of sodium‐based chemicals and the reduced CO2 footprint will lay a foundation for development of low‐cost, environmentally friendly binder in diverse industries.
LncRNA BDNF‐AS inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in oesophageal cancer cells by targeting miR‐214
Authors: Zhao Huaying , Diao Changying , Wang Xiaohui , Xie Yilin , Liu Yaqing , Gao Xianzheng , Han Jing , Li Shenglei
Published: June 2018

This study was aimed at exploring the effect of lncRNA BDNF‐AS on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of oesophageal cancer (EC) cells. The expression of BDNF‐AS and miR‐214 in tissue samples and cells was measured by qRT‐PCR. The targeted relationship between BDNF‐AS and miR‐214 was analysed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. After cell transfection, the cell proliferation activity was assessed by MTS method, while the migrating and invading abilities were evaluated by transwell assay. LncRNA BDNF‐AS was remarkably down‐regulated, while miR‐214 was up‐regulated in EC tissues and cells in comparison with normal tissues and cells. Overexpression of BDNF‐AS significantly inhibited the abilities of cell proliferation, migration and invasion as well as the EMT processes of EC cells. The bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay indicated that BDNF‐AS could be directly bound by miR‐214. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐214 and BDNF‐AS exerted suppressive influence on EC cell multiplication, migration, invasion and EMT processes. LncRNA BDNF‐AS restrained cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT processes in EC cells by targeting miR‐214.
Europe's Triple Crisis and the Uneven Role of Institutions: the Euro, Refugees and Brexit
Authors: Caporaso James A.
Published: June 2018

Europe is currently embroiled in three ongoing and interacting crises concerning the eurozone, refugees and Brexit. After briefly describing each crisis, I turn to the ways in which they intersect and the role of institutions in solving the crises. There are two central themes in the paper. The first is that the three crises intersect and feed on one another. The second is that, while institutions can often help, they are not panaceas. Existing scholarship on the EU often implies that the EU operates far from its institutional frontier and that substantial improvements in welfare are just around the corner if only we ‘get our institutions right’. But institutional fixes do not exist for all problems. I argue that there is a large space for institutional improvement in the eurozone crisis, less regarding refugees, and still less for Brexit.
Unpacking the Disruption Process: New Technology, Business Models, and Incumbent Adaptation
Authors: Cozzolino Alessio , Verona Gianmario , Rothaermel Frank T.
Published: June 2018

Despite the growing importance of digital transformation and the notion of disruptive innovation, strategy literature still lacks a more complete picture of how incumbent organizations adapt their business models after disruptions. This research sheds light on this important process by analyzing a major Italian news media publisher reacting to the advent of the internet and the emergence of new business models by entrants into the industry (1995–2017). We specifically examine: (1) the drivers and impeding factors of business model adaptation; (2) how incumbents change strategies to cope with different components of the disruption process; and (3) how a closed business model can be renewed to develop an open, platform‐based business model to seize external opportunities, incur lower costs, and fend off disruptors. This study contributes to the burgeoning literature on disruption, business models, and platforms.
Private Practice of Prosthodontists in the United States: Results from the 2017 Survey of Prosthodontists and Trends Since 2001
Authors: Nash Kent D. , Benting Douglas G.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To review data and results from past surveys of prosthodontists sponsored and conducted by the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP). Specifically, results are examined and presented from the most recently conducted survey in 2017. Trends and changes in characteristics impacting the private practice of prosthodontists over time are discussed using results from six surveys completed in 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2017.

Materials and Methods

Results from the past surveys of prosthodontists are statistically examined and used to estimate several characteristics of the current population of practicing prosthodontists. The selected characteristics include age, gender, hours in the practice, employment of staff, referral sources, and financial conditions (e.g., gross receipts, expenses in the practice, and net income of prosthodontists). While the most recent survey was conducted during the year 2017, the respondents reported survey data for the previous year of 2016.

Results

The average age of private practice respondents in 2016 was 50 years; 23 years since graduation from dental school and 18 years since completion of residency; an average of 18 years since starting practice as a prosthodontist, with 52% in solo practice. The mean number of hours per week in the practice was 33.9 hours and the mean number of hours treating patients averaged 28.3 hours per week. The single largest source of referrals is the prosthodontist's patients (24.8%), while general practitioners are a close second source of referrals (21.8%). Salaries paid by prosthodontic practices reached 55% of total practice expenses. The mean nominal net income in 2016 of prosthodontists in private practice was $231,140 while the mean total net income from all prosthodontic sources was $263,850.

Conclusion

Changes have continued to take place in the private practice of prosthodontics during most of the last decade. The average age of prosthodontists has declined since 2010. Hours in practice and hours treating patients have declined at a rate of about 1% per year since 2001. Mean net earnings of prosthodontists have declined at a rate of 1.6% since 2001 and 3.1% per year since 2007. The prosthodontist private practice industry, not unlike dentistry as a whole, has undergone economic and practice challenges that have affected the conditions of private practice during the last decade.
Gelling properties of duck albumen powder as affected by desugarization and drying conditions
Authors: Quan Tran Hong , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: June 2018

The effects of desugarization using glucose oxidase/catalase and spray‐drying conditions on gelling properties of duck albumen powder were studied. Gelling temperatures increased as spray‐drying inlet temperatures (140–180C) were increased (p < .05). ΔE*, a*‐, and b*‐ values of gel increased but L* and whiteness decreased when higher spray‐drying temperatures were used (p < .05). However, whiteness and lightness of albumen gel were drastically increased after desugarization (p < .05). Texture profile analysis showed that hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness of gel decreased with increasing spray‐drying temperatures. Moreover, gel of freeze‐dried desugarized albumen powder had higher hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness than that of spray‐dried nondesugarized counterpart (p < .05). Albumen gel prepared from desugarized albumen powder showed the compact network with more connectivity and smaller voids than that from nondesugarized one as visualized by scanning electron microscopy, regardless of drying conditions. Prior desugarization could lower browning and increased gelling properties of duck albumen powder. Higher spray drying inlet temperature generally exhibited the adverse effect on properties of resulting albumen powder. Both desugarization and drying conditions had the profound influence on characteristics and textural property of duck egg albumen.
Application of freeze–thaw enzyme impregnation to produce softened root vegetable foods for elderly consumers
Authors: Eom Sung‐Hwan , Chun Yong‐Gi , Park Chan‐Eun , Kim Bum‐Keun , Lee Sang‐Hoon , Park Dong‐June
Published: June 2018

The aims of this study were to determine the viability of using freeze–thaw infusion (FI) technology to produce a range of root vegetables using enzyme treatments with improved texture characteristics for elderly consumers with swallowing difficulties. We applied enzyme impregnation as a technology to soften the textures of root vegetables commonly consumed in Korea; balloon flower root (Platycodon grandiflorus), burdock root (Arctium lappa L.), carrot (Daucus carota L.), and lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) through the use of a texture analyzer after the FI of a commercial enzyme. Out of 15 commercial enzymes that were analyzed, three enzymes exhibited a marked softening effect on the tested carrots, burdock roots, balloon flower roots, and lotus roots. The hardness of the enzymes‐treated food materials reached 1.4 × 104 N/m2 for carrots, 3.0 × 104 N/m2 for burdock roots, of 3.0 × 104 N/m2 for balloon flower roots, and 3.2 × 104 N/m2 for lotus roots without changing the original shapes of the samples. These findings confirmed the potential benefits of softening carrots, lotus roots burdock roots, and balloon flower roots and will contribute to the development of foods that can be easily eaten as part of a balanced diet by elderly adults with eating difficulties.
White seed color in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) results from convergent evolution in the P (pigment) gene
Authors: McClean Phillip E. , Bett Kirstin E. , Stonehouse Robert , Lee Rian , Pflieger Stephanie , Moghaddam Samira Mafi , Geffroy Valerie , Miklas Phil , Mamidi Sujan
Published: June 2018

The presence of seed color in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) requires the dominant‐acting P (pigment) gene, and white seed is a recessive phenotype in all domesticated races of the species. P was classically associated with seed size, thus describing it as the first genetic marker for a quantitative trait. The molecular structure of P was characterized to understand the selection of white seeds during bean diversification and the relationship of P to seed weight.

P was identified by homology searches, a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and gene remodeling, and confirmed by gene silencing. Allelic variation was assessed by a combination of resequencing and marker development, and the relationship between P and seed weight was assessed by a GWAS study.

P is a member of clade B of subclass IIIf of plant basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) proteins. Ten race‐specific P alleles conditioned the white seed phenotype, and each causative mutation affected at least one bHLH domain required for color expression. GWAS analysis confirmed the classic association of P with seed weight.

In common bean, white seeds are the result of convergent evolution and, among plant species, orthologous convergence on a single transcription factor gene was observed.
Virulence function of the Ustilago maydis sterol carrier protein 2
Authors: Krombach Sina , Reissmann Stefanie , Kreibich Saskia , Bochen Florian , Kahmann Regine
Published: June 2018

The peroxisomal sterol carrier protein 2 (Scp2) of the biotrophic maize pathogen Ustilago maydis was detected in apoplastic fluid, suggesting that it might function as a secreted effector protein. Here we analyze the role of the scp2 gene during plant colonization.

We used reverse genetics approaches to delete the scp2 gene, determined stress sensitivity and fatty acid utilization of mutants, demonstrated secretion of Scp2, used quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for expression analysis and expressed GFP‐Scp2 fusion proteins for protein localization.

scp2 mutants were strongly attenuated in virulence and this defect manifested itself during penetration. Scp2 localized to peroxisomes and peroxisomal targeting was necessary for its virulence function. Deletion of scp2 in U. maydis interfered neither with growth nor with peroxisomal β‐oxidation. Conventionally secreted Scp2 protein could not rescue the virulence defect. scp2 mutants displayed an altered localization of peroxisomes.

Our results show a virulence function for Scp2 during penetration that is probably carried out by Scp2 in peroxisomes. We speculate that Scp2 affects the lipid composition of membranes and in this way ensures the even cellular distribution of peroxisomes.
Live and let die: Hydrogen peroxide production by the commensal flora and its role in maintaining a symbiotic microbiome
Authors: Redanz Sylvio , Cheng Xingqun , Giacaman Rodrigo A. , Pfeifer Carmen S. , Merritt Justin , Kreth Jens
Published: June 2018

The majority of commensal oral streptococci are able to generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) during aerobic growth, which can diffuse through the cell membrane and inhibit competing species in close proximity. Competing H2O2 production is mainly dependent upon the pyruvate oxidase SpxB, and to a lesser extent the lactate oxidase LctO, both of which are important for energy generation in aerobic environments. Several studies point to a broad impact of H2O2 production in the oral environment, including a potential role in biofilm homeostasis, signaling, and interspecies interactions. Here, we summarize the current research regarding oral streptococcal H2O2 generation, resistance mechanisms, and the ecological impact of H2O2 production. We also discuss the potential therapeutic utility of H2O2 for the prevention/treatment of dysbiotic diseases as well as its potential role as a biomarker of oral health.
A Case Report of Combined Ultrasound and Fluoroscopic‐Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Lesioning of the Obturator and Femoral Articular Branches in the Treatment of Persistent Hip Pain in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Khan James S. , Krane Elliot J. , Higgs Maureen , Pritzlaff Scott , Hoffinger Scott , Ottestad Einar
Published: June 2018

Hip denervation comprising radiofrequency lesioning of the obturator and femoral articular branches is used in adults with refractory hip pain who are not surgical candidates. Persistent hip pain occurs infrequently in pediatric patients, and there are limited data on the safety and efficacy of this procedure in a pediatric population. We provide a case report of a successful ultrasound and fluoroscopic‐guided hip denervation procedure in an 11‐year‐old girl with persistent right hip pain after septic arthritis refractory to conservative and surgical management. At an 18‐week follow‐up, hip denervation provided improvement in pain, mobility, and reduced opioid consumption by 20%.