bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex interactions between hypoxia‐ischemia and inflammation in preterm brain injury
Authors: Galinsky Robert , Lear Christopher A , Dean Justin M , Wassink Guido , Dhillon Simerdeep K , Fraser Mhoyra , Davidson Joanne O , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J
Published: December 2017

Children surviving preterm birth have a high risk of disability, particularly cognitive and learning problems. There is extensive clinical and experimental evidence that disability is now primarily related to dysmaturation of white and gray matter, defined by failure of oligodendrocyte maturation and neuronal dendritic arborization, rather than cell death alone. The etiology of this dysmaturation is multifactorial, with contributions from hypoxia‐ischemia, infection/inflammation and barotrauma. Intriguingly, these factors can interact to both increase and decrease damage. In this review we summarize preclinical and clinical evidence that all of these factors trigger secondary or chronic inflammation and gliosis. Thus, we hypothesize that these shared pathological features play a key role in a final common pathway that leads to the impaired neural maturation and connectivity and cognitive/motor impairments that are commonly observed in infants born preterm. This raises the possibility that secondary or chronic inflammation may be a viable therapeutic target for delayed interventions to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes after preterm birth.

What this paper adds

Hypoxia‐ischemia, infection/inflammation, and barotrauma/volutrauma all contribute to preterm brain injury.

Multiple different triggers of preterm brain injury are associated with central nervous system dysmaturation.

Secondary brain inflammation may be a viable target to improve neurodevelopment after preterm birth.
Node self‐connections in network metrics
Authors: Saura Santiago
Published: December 2017

Zamborain‐Mason et al. (Ecol. Lett., 20, 2017, 815–831) state that they have newly proposed network metrics that account for node self‐connections. Network metrics incorporating node self‐connections, also referred to as intranode (intrapatch) connectivity, were however already proposed before and have been widely used in a variety of conservation planning applications.
Revisionism as a logic of institutional change
Authors: White Jonathan
Published: December 2017

How does a treaty‐based organisation account for its shifts in policy and procedure? With the European Union's history in focus, the paper observes a pattern of evolution by which departures from existing practice are justified as moves to better honour commitments already held. This logic of change‐as‐fidelity has long been the usual way of doing transnational politics in post‐war Europe. The concept of revisionism, borrowed from the study of innovation in purposive organisations more generally, elucidates its place in the early European Community. The paper goes on to examine how more recent developments, especially visible in the Euro crisis, challenge this logic of change and threaten to displace it. It concludes by discussing what this implies for the political nature of the EU, and whether the revival of the revisionist method is plausible or desirable.
European federalism: Pitfalls and possibilities
Authors: Fossum John Erik
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this article is to show that federalism provides a better understanding of what the EU is, the nature of the challenges facing it, and the realm of possible solutions than do alternative conceptions such as multilevel governance. First, some important distortions about the EU and federalism in the EU studies literature need to be cleared up, before developing a new federal conception of the EU, that of a ‘poly‐cephalous’ or multi‐headed federation. A poly‐cephalous federation is not only deeply contested; it is a highly unstable system, in particular when facing the types of challenges that the EU has faced since the global economic crisis of 2008. In the final section, the article looks at a full‐fledged pluralistic federation with poly‐cephalous traits, namely Canada that, since the 1980s, has greatly modified its poly‐cephalous features with democratic effects. The article identifies a set of lessons for the EU from Canada's experience.
Avulsion of the proximal digital annular ligament in five hindlimbs
Authors: O'Brien E. J. O. , McAlpine J. M. , Schramme M. C. , Clegg P. D. , Archer R. M. , De Guio C. , Smith R. K. W.
Published: December 2017

Avulsion of the proximal attachment of the proximal digital annular ligament (PDAL) was identified in five horses based on characteristic radiographic findings and supported by ultrasonographic examination in four horses. In two cases,PDALavulsion was associated with acute onset lameness based on physical examination (both animals) and diagnostic analgesia (one animal), and was the only lesion identified. Both horses became sound after a period of rest. Radiographs repeated 11 years later in one animal showed minimal change in the appearance of the lesion.PDALavulsion was associated with a substantial tear of the deep digital flexor tendon in another horse and in the remaining two casesPDALavulsion was not associated with lameness. A dissection study found that the proximodistal extent of the proximalPDALattachment, expressed as a proportion of the length of the proximal phalanx, was significantly (P = 0.011) greater in hindlimbs (11.48 ± 1.01%) compared with forelimbs (8.55 ± 1.06%). This finding may explain why hindlimbs appear at greater risk ofPDALavulsion. In conclusion, whilePDALavulsion can be a cause of acute lameness which, in uncomplicated cases, responds to rest, it can also be an incidental radiographic finding.
Using Demographic Variables to Understand Body Size Perception and Implications for Retailers
Authors: Alexander Marina , Pisut Gina , Ivanescu Andrada E.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of the study was to identify demographic variables associated with women's body mass index (BMI) and body size perceptions and to determine if BMI affects body size perception. SizeUSA data (n = 6,811) were used for the data analysis. A multinomial regression between demographic variables, BMI, and body size perception showed that each demographic variable was a significant predictor of a women's BMI and body size perception. Results can be used to understand the BMI and body size perceptions of female consumers. Retailers can use the results to customize merchandise assortments for each store based on their target market's demographics.
Linking species diversification to palaeo‐environmental changes: A process‐based modelling approach
Authors: Descombes Patrice , Gaboriau Théo , Albouy Camille , Heine Christian , Leprieur Fabien , Pellissier Loïc
Published: December 2017

Aim

The importance of quantifying the contribution of historical processes in shaping current biodiversity patterns is now recognized, but quantitative approaches that explicitly link speciation, extinction and dispersal processes to palaeo‐environmental changes are currently lacking. Here, we propose a spatial diversification model of lineages through time (SPLIT) based on the reconstruction of palaeo‐environments. We illustrate our approach using mangroves as a case study and evaluate whether habitat changes caused by plate tectonics explain the current biodiversity patterns of this group.

Innovations

The SPLIT model allows one to simulate the evolutionary dynamics of species ranges by spatially linking speciation, extinction and dispersal processes to habitat changes over geological time periods. The SPLIT model provides a mechanistic expectation of speciation and extinction assuming that species are ecologically identical and not interacting. The likelihood of speciation and extinction is equivalent across species and depends on two dispersal parameters interacting with habitat dynamics (d a maximum dispersal distance and ds a distance threshold beyond which gene flow is absent). Beyond classical correlative approaches, this model tracks biodiversity dynamics under palaeo‐environmental changes and provides multiple expectations (i.e., α‐, β‐diversity, phylogenies) that can be compared to empirical patterns.

Main conclusions

The SPLIT model allows a better understanding of the origin of biodiversity by explicitly accounting for habitat changes over geological times. The simulations applied to the mangrove case study reproduced the observed longitudinal gradient in species richness, the empirical pattern of β‐diversity and also provided inference on diversification rates. Future developments may include niche evolution and species interactions to evaluate the importance of non‐neutral mechanisms. The method is fully implemented in the InsideDNA platform for bioinformatics analyses, and all modelling results can be accessed via interactive web links.
Break‐through bleeding in relation to pharmacokinetics of Factor VIII in paediatric patients with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Cheng X. , Li P. , Chen Z. , Zhang N. , Zhen Y. , Zhao L. , Wang X. , Wu R.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

As the pharmacokinetics (PK) of factor VIII (FVIII) is individualized in children with haemophilia A (HA), PK parameters may be indicators of patients' bleeding phenotype and instruction for their personalized replacement program.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between PK/FVIII level and bleeding frequency in Chinese paediatric patients with severe (HA).

Methods

A total of 24 patients were enrolled in Beijing Children's Hospital from February to October 2015, all of whom were given 50 IU/kg of FVIII concentrates after a 72‐hours washout period. Samples' activities (FVIII:C) were tested at 5 time points, using WinNonlin software for PK testing, and then the individual half‐life(t1/2) and the time (h) of FVIII concentrations <1 IU/dL within a week during prophylaxis were calculated. Baseline and the annual bleeding rate (ABR), annual joint bleeding rate (AJBR) were recorded and analyzed.

Results

The mean t1/2 of FVIII was 10.20 ± 2.72 hours and the mean time of FVIII <1 IU/dL in 1 week was 44.7 hours (−38.56 to 102.33 hours). A significant relationship between t1/2 of FVIII and ABR0/AJBR0 (baseline bleeding) was found (R2 = 0.75 and 0.62, P < .001). Besides, baseline and the annual bleeding rate during prophylactic treatment of haemophilia had a positive correlation with the time (hours) of FVIII <1 IU/dL in 1 week (R2 = 0.67 and 0.52, P < .001).

Conclusion

t1/2 was an important indicator to prevent bleeding in severe HA; the frequency of bleeding will be reduced with the increased of t1/2 of FVIII. The data also demonstrates that increasing the time with a FVIII<1 IU/dL is associated with an increased rate of bleeding during prophylaxis.
Low‐grade spindle cell proliferation in clear cell renal cell carcinoma is unlikely to be an initial step in sarcomatoid differentiation
Authors: Tanas Isikci Ozlem , He Huying , Grossmann Petr , Alaghehbandan Reza , Ulamec Monika , Michalova Kvetoslava , Pivovarcikova Kristyna , Montiel Delia Perez , Ondic Ondrej , Daum Ondrej , Prochazkova Kristyna , Hora Milan , Michal Michal , Hes Ondrej
Published: December 2017

Aims

Spindle cell proliferation within clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is usually considered as a sarcomatoid differentiation. Low‐grade spindle cell proliferation (LG‐SCP) in ccRCC was first described in 2001. This phenomenon is not common and can pose diagnostic challenges, particularly in core biopsies. The aim of this study was to describe morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular characteristics of ccRCCs with LG‐SCP.

Methods and results

Eleven cases of ccRCC with LG‐SCP were retrieved from approximately 21 000 renal tumours in our registry. Ten cases of conventional ccRCC and 10 cases of typical sarcomatoid ccRCC were included as control groups. Morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) were analysed. Von Hippel–Lindau syndrome gene abnormalities were also analysed using molecular genetics. Among ccRCC with LG‐SCP cases, there were five males and five females (clinical information was not available in one case) with a median age of 67 years (mean: 68.5, range: 60–81 years). Average tumour size was 7.1 cm (median:7.5, range:1.7–12 cm). Follow‐up data were available in nine cases (mean: 44.78 months), with no aggressive behaviour seen. On average, LG‐SCP areas constituted 5–80% of tumour volume (mean: 32.3%). Necrotic/regressed areas were seen in all cases ranging from 5% to 30%. LG‐SCP was clearly epithelial, with no mitoses or any evidence of mesenchymal differentiation. Immunohistochemical profile of LG‐SCP was consistent with ‘conventional’ ccRCC. Compared with sarcomatoid ccRCC, some EMT markers showed alteration in LG‐SCP, including lower expression of N‐cadherin and Zeb1 as well as higher expression of E‐cadherin. However, there were no significant differences in EMT markers between LG‐SCP and conventional ccRCC. Abnormalities in VHL (mutations, LOH3p) were found in six of 11 cases.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that LG‐SCP in ccRCC have comparable immunohistochemical and molecular characteristics to those seen in ‘conventional’ ccRCC. Further, immunohistochemical analysis of EMT markers showed that LG‐SCP did not differ from ‘conventional’ ccRCC. We believe that LG‐SCP is a part of morphological heterogeneity in ccRCCs and that they may not represent an initial stage of sarcomatoid differentiation. This is supported further by the fact that ccRCC with LG‐SCP did not display more aggressive behaviour than ‘conventional’ ccRCC.
Predictors of CD4 cell recovery following initiation of antiretroviral therapy among HIV‐1 positive patients with well‐estimated dates of seroconversion
Authors: Stirrup OT , Copas AJ , Phillips AN , Gill MJ , Geskus RB , Touloumi G , Young J , Bucher HC , Babiker AG ,   CASCADE Collaboration in EuroCoord
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To investigate factors that predict speed of recovery and long‐term CD4 cell count in HIV‐1 seroconverters initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), and to quantify the influence of very early treatment initiation. We make use of all pre‐treatment CD4 counts, because analyses using only a single observation at initiation may be subject to biases.

Methods

We used data from the CASCADE (Concerted Action on SeroConversion to AIDS and Death in Europe) multinational cohort collaboration of HIV‐1 seroconverters. We analysed pre‐ and post‐treatment data of patients with seroconversion dates estimated January 2003–March 2014 (n = 7600 for primary analysis) using a statistical model in which the characteristics of recovery in CD4 counts are determined by multiple predictive factors. Secondary analyses were performed incorporating uncertainty in the exact timing of seroconversion to allow more precise estimation of the benefit of very early treatment initiation.

Results

‘True’ CD4 count at cART initiation was the strongest predictor of CD4 count beyond 3 years on cART. Allowing for lack of complete certainty in the date of seroconversion, CD4 recovery was more rapid for patients in whom treatment was initiated within 4 months. For a given CD4 count, higher viral load (VL) at initiation was strongly associated with higher post‐treatment CD4 recovery. For other patient and drug characteristics, associations with recovery were statistically significant but small in magnitude.

Conclusions

CD4 count at cART initiation is the most important factor in predicting post‐treatment recovery, but VL provides substantial additional information. If cART is initiated in the first 4 months following seroconversion, recovery of CD4 counts appears to be more rapid.
COMPETITION IN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS: CHARTER SCHOOL ENTRY, STUDENT SORTING, AND SCHOOL INPUT DETERMINATION
Authors: Mehta Nirav
Published: December 2017

This article develops and estimates an equilibrium model of charter school entry, school input choices, and student school choices. The structural model renders a comprehensive and internally consistent picture of treatment effects when there may be general equilibrium effects of school competition. Simulations indicate that the mean effect of charter schools on attendant students is positive and varies widely across locations. The mean spillover effect on public school students is small but positive. Lifting caps on charter schools would more than double entry but reduce gains for attendant students.
GENUINE SAVING AND POSITIONAL EXTERNALITIES
Authors: Aronsson Thomas , Johansson‐Stenman Olof
Published: December 2017

Much evidence suggests that people are concerned with their relative consumption. Yet, positional externalities have so far been ignored in savings‐based indicators of sustainable development. This article examines the implications of relative consumption concerns for measures of sustainable development by deriving analogues to genuine saving when people are concerned with their relative consumption. Unless the positional externalities have been internalized, an indicator of such externalities must be added to genuine saving to arrive at the proper measure of welfare change. We also show how relative consumption concerns affect the way public investment ought to be reflected in genuine saving.
NOMINAL SOVEREIGN DEBT
Authors: Phan Toan
Published: December 2017

I show that reputation alone can sustain nominal sovereign debt, which is subject to both the risks of default and opportunistic devaluations. Nominal debt combined with a countercyclical exchange rate policy allows more hedging against shocks than real savings if markets are incomplete. Thus, the loss of either repayment or monetary reputation severely affects the government's ability to smooth consumption. The model offers a simple explanation for the Bulow and Rogoff critique, while simultaneously helping explain the issuance of nominal sovereign bonds by emerging economies. The model also helps explain why many governments borrow and save at the same time.
Electromagnetic shielding properties of carbon‐rich chemical vapor infiltration‐prone silicon carbide matrix composites
Authors: Han Daoyang , Mei Hui , Xiao Shanshan , Cheng Laifei
Published: December 2017

This study focuses on the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of SiC nanowire/SiC ceramic composites (SiCnw/SiC) manufactured by chemical vapor infiltration of SiCnw aerogels with carbon‐rich SiC. The total EMI SE of a 1.0 mm thick ceramic composite specimen with density of only 2.68 g/cm3, was found to be 43‐44 dB, which indicates an excellent EM shielding capability of the ceramic composite corresponding to blocking of 99.99% of the incident EM signal. It was found that the carbon‐rich CVI‐SiC matrix possess excellent EM shielding properties, therefore, the CVI‐SiC CMCs themselves possess an excellent EM shielding property as a result of the carbon‐rich SiC matrix.
Local use of landfills by a yellow‐legged gull population suggests distance‐dependent resource exploitation
Authors: Egunez Alexandra , Zorrozua Nere , Aldalur Asier , Herrero Alfredo , Arizaga Juan
Published: December 2017

Understanding the use of feeding sources at the local scale is crucial in comprehending the factors driving population dynamics, dispersal and territory use. Many gull (Larus spp.) populations have increased sharply, which is partly promoted by their use of landfills as a food resource. Although at the large scale it is known that birds from mainland colonies feed more on landfills than those from offshore colonies, at the local scale, this distance‐dependent exploitation has been little studied. Here, then, we study whether the extent of gulls’ use of landfill is distance‐dependent through the study of 3 different gull colonies and five separate landfill sites within a relatively small geographical area. After controlling for bird numbers by both age cohort and colony, we observed that the number of gulls found at each landfill was colony dependent and that it decreased non‐linearly with increased distance to place of birth.
Endosymbiosis and its significance in dermatology
Authors: Kubiak K. , Sielawa H. , Chen W. , Dzika E.
Published: December 2017

Proposed at the beginning of the twentieth century to explain the origin of eukaryotic organelles from prokaryotes, endosymbiosis is now medically defined by various interaction patterns between microorganisms and their residing hosts, best exemplified by the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia identified in arthropods and filarial nematodes, which can influence normal development, reproduction, survival and transmission of the hosts. Based on the transmission modes, vertical or horizontal, and the function of the endosymbionts, the host–symbiont dependence can be divided into primary or secondary. In dermatology, the role of endosymbionts in skin ectoparasitosis has aroused great interests in the past years. Riesia pediculicola is a primary bacterial endosymbiont in body lice Pediculus humanus, and supplement their hosts with vitamin B, especially pantothenic acid. In cimicosis, the Gram‐negative Wolbachia can synthesize biotin and riboflavin, which are crucial for the growth and reproduction of the bedbug Cimex lectularius. In human demodicosis and rosacea, further study is required to prove the pathogenic role of the Gram‐negative bacteria Bacillus oleronius or the Gram‐positive bacteria Bacillus cereus demonstrated in the Demodex mites. The high infection rate of adult female ticks Ixodes ricinus with the Gram‐negative bacteria Midichloria mitochondrii present in the mitochondria in diverse ovarian cells, with the high seroprevalence rate in tick‐exposed subjects, raises the possibility that this non‐pathogenic endosymbiont may play a role in immune response and successful transmission of the tick‐borne pathogen. The anaerobic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis and bacteria Mycoplasma hominis are two obligate parasites in the urogenital epithelium, with partially overlapping symptoms. Intracellular localization of Mycoplasma hominis can avoid host immune response and penetration of antibiotics, while Trichomonas vaginalis infected with Mycoplasma hominis seems to have a higher cytopathic activity and amoeboid transformation rate. Further study on the biology and pathogenesis of different endosymbionts in dermatological parasitosis will help for the development of new treatment modalities.
Detection of Differential Item Functioning with Nonlinear Regression: A Non‐IRT Approach Accounting for Guessing
Authors: Drabinová Adéla , Martinková Patrícia
Published: December 2017

In this article we present a general approach not relying on item response theory models (non‐IRT) to detect differential item functioning (DIF) in dichotomous items with presence of guessing. The proposed nonlinear regression (NLR) procedure for DIF detection is an extension of method based on logistic regression. As a non‐IRT approach, NLR can be seen as a proxy of detection based on the three‐parameter IRT model which is a standard tool in the study field. Hence, NLR fills a logical gap in DIF detection methodology and as such is important for educational purposes. Moreover, the advantages of the NLR procedure as well as comparison to other commonly used methods are demonstrated in a simulation study. A real data analysis is offered to demonstrate practical use of the method.
Parameter Estimation in Rasch Models for Examinee‐Selected Items
Authors: Liu Chen‐Wei , Wang Wen‐Chung
Published: December 2017

The examinee‐selected‐item (ESI) design, in which examinees are required to respond to a fixed number of items in a given set of items (e.g., choose one item to respond from a pair of items), always yields incomplete data (i.e., only the selected items are answered and the others have missing data) that are likely nonignorable. Therefore, using standard item response theory models, which assume ignorable missing data, can yield biased parameter estimates so that examinees taking different sets of items to answer cannot be compared. To solve this fundamental problem, in this study the researchers utilized the specific objectivity of Rasch models by adopting the conditional maximum likelihood estimation (CMLE) and pairwise estimation (PE) methods to analyze ESI data, and conducted a series of simulations to demonstrate the advantages of the CMLE and PE methods over traditional estimation methods in recovering item parameters in ESI data. An empirical data set obtained from an experiment on the ESI design was analyzed to illustrate the implications and applications of the proposed approach to ESI data.
Effects ofTomato chlorosis viruson the performance of its key vector,Bemisia tabaci, in China
Authors: Li J. , Ding T. B. , Chi H. , Chu D.
Published: December 2017

Tomato chlorosis virus(ToCV), which is a newly emerged and rapidly spreading plant virus in China, has seriously reduced tomato production and quality over the past several years. In this study, the effect of ToCVon the demography of the whitefly,Bemisia tabacibiotype Q (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), fed on infected and healthy tomato plants was evaluated using the age‐stage, two‐sex life table. When reared on ToCV‐infected tomato plants, the fecundity, length of oviposition period and female adult longevity ofB. tabacibiotype Q decreased significantly, while the pre‐adult duration significantly increased compared to controls reared on healthy tomatoes. Consequently, the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite of increase (λ) ofB. tabacibiotype Q on ToCV‐infected tomato plants significantly decreased compared to those on healthy tomatoes. Population projection predicted that a population ofB. tabacibiotype Q fed on ToCV‐infected tomatoes increases slower than on healthy plants. These findings demonstrated that ToCVinfection decreased the performance ofB. tabacibiotype Q on tomato plants.
Improving screening and brief intervention activities in primary health care: Secondary analysis of professional accuracy based on the AUDIT‐C
Authors: Palacio‐Vieira J. , Segura L. , Anderson P. , Wolstenholme A. , Drummond C. , Bendtsen P. , Wojnar M. , Kaner E. , Keurhorst M.N. , van Steenkiste B. , Kłoda K. , Mierzecki A. , Parkinson K. , Newbury‐Birch D. , Okulicz‐Kozaryn K. , Deluca P. , Colom J. , Gual A.
Published: December 2017

Introduction and objective

The ODHIN trial found that training and support and financial reimbursement increased the proportion of patients that were screened and given advice for their heavy drinking in primary health care. However, the impact of these strategies on professional accuracy in delivering screening and brief advice is underresearched and is the focus of this paper.

Method

From 120 primary health care units (24 in each jurisdiction: Catalonia, England, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden), 746 providers participated in the baseline and the 12‐week implementation periods. Accuracy was measured in 2 ways: correctness in completing and scoring the screening instrument, AUDIT‐C; the proportion of screen‐negative patients given advice, and the proportion of screen‐positive patients not given advice. Odds ratios of accuracy were calculated for type of profession and for intervention group: training and support, financial reimbursement, and internet‐based counselling.

Results

Thirty‐two of 36 711 questionnaires were incorrectly completed, and 65 of 29 641 screen‐negative patients were falsely classified. At baseline, 27% of screen‐negative patients were given advice, and 22.5% screen‐positive patients were not given advice. These proportions halved during the 12‐week implementation period, unaffected by training. Financial reimbursement reduced the proportion of screen‐positive patients not given advice (OR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.31‐0.99; P < .05).

Conclusion

Although the use of AUDIT‐C as a screening tool was accurate, a considerable proportion of risky drinkers did not receive advice, which was reduced with financial incentives.
Microleakage around zirconia crown margins after ultrasonic scaling with self‐adhesive resin or resin modified glass ionomer cement
Authors: Chang Bright , Goldstein Ronald , Lin Chee Paul , Byreddy Sudha , Lawson Nathaniel C.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To measure microleakage around zirconia crown margins cemented with self‐adhesive resin or resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) cement after ultrasonic scaling.

Methods

16 molars were prepared for crowns (margin 0.5 mm coronal of cementum‐enamel junction). Preparations were digitally scanned and zirconia crowns milled. Specimens were divided into two groups (n = 8): self‐adhesive resin (RelyX Unicem 2) or resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) (RelyX Luting Plus) cements. After cementation, specimens were ultrasonic scaled with a piezoelectric device (60 s, hand pressure). After thermocycling (20,000 cycles/5‐55°C), specimens were immersed in 5 wt% fuchsine dye before sectioning bucco‐lingually. Microleakage was examined under 40× light magnification. Statistical comparisons were made using a paired t test and a two‐sample t test (α = .05).

Results

Ultrasonic scaling did not alter microleakage at the margins of crowns (P = .31). There was no significant difference in microleakage of scaled and untreated margins with the use of different cements (P = .21). The amount of microleakage around margins that were scaled was not significantly different between cements (P = .14). Untreated margins of crowns cemented with RelyX Luting Plus showed a significantly higher microleakage than those cemented with RelyX Unicem 2 (P = .005).

Conclusions

Piezoelectric ultrasonic scaling did not increase microleakage at the margin of zirconia crowns cemented with self‐adhesive resin or RMGI cements.

Clinical significance

Piezoelectric ultrasonic scaling around zirconia crowns did not impact marginal microleakage cemented with self‐adhesive resin or RMGI cements.
Involvement of shared mucosal‐associated microbiota in the duodenum and rectum in diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Li Gangping , Yang Min , Jin Yu , Li Ying , Qian Wei , Xiong Hanhua , Song Jun , Hou Xiaohua
Published: December 2017

Background and Aim

Most studies of diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐D) focused on microbiota dysbiosis in a single segment of the intestine such as the colon. However, the intestine as a whole is involved in IBS‐D and knowledge about the role of microbiota shared by the duodenum and rectum in IBS‐D is limited. Here, we investigated the characteristics of mucosal microbiota shared by the duodenum and rectum in IBS‐D patients.

Methods

We collected duodenal and rectal mucosal samples from 33 adult IBS‐D patients and 15 healthy control (HC) subjects. The 454 pyrosequencing method and multiple bioinformatics analyses were used to examine bacterial 16S rRNA. Clinical data including symptoms and Bristol Stool Form were analyzed.

Results

Mucosal microbiota in duodenal samples differed from rectal samples in HC, while less difference was shown in IBS‐D. More numbers in terms of shared operational taxonomic units and genera found in IBS‐D compared with HC. The frequency of genera in the duodenum and rectum of HC differed from that of IBS‐D. We identified 24 genera shared in the duodenum and rectum, which both changed dramatically in IBS‐D. Among these 24 genera, half had similar trends in frequency differences, and the other half had opposite trends. The frequency of Faecalibacterium and Hyphomicrobium were associated with clinical data of IBS‐D patients.

Conclusions

Shared mucosal‐associated microbiota in the duodenum and rectum appear to contribute to the etiology and pathophysiology of whole intestine of IBS‐D and to be potential therapeutic targets.
The Development and Implementation of a Multi‐Couple Therapy Model with Torture Survivors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Morgan Erin , Wieling Elizabeth , Hubbard John , Kraus Elsa
Published: December 2017

In this article, we present development and feasibility of implementation of a multi‐couple group for use with torture‐surviving couples. The model was developed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a community that experienced widespread torture during the wars from 1998 to 2004. The Torture‐Surviving Couple Group model is a short‐term intervention designed to use few human resources to address relational difficulties resulting from exposure to traumatic stressors. The model was guided by critical and feminist epistemologies and employed an ecological lens to incorporate neurobiology and attachment processes along with narrative therapy techniques. An existing multi‐couple group model for addressing violence (Stith, Rosen, McCollum, & Thomsen, ), and a stage model for healing trauma (Herman, ) also informed the structural development of the Torture‐Surviving Couple Group model. Couple groups were conducted using a 10‐session program with 13 couples who met weekly. Session themes were incorporated into four phases emphasizing: (a) preparation; (b) safety and stabilization; (c) processing the relationship effects of trauma and grief; and (d) reintegration and rebuilding couple and family life. Couples reported and showed remarkable progress in their relationships after participating in the groups. Clinical and research implications and discussed along with the feasibility of developing and testing the model in a post‐conflict low income setting.
Plasma IL‐8 signature correlates with pain and depressive symptomatology in patients with burning mouth syndrome: Results from a pilot study
Authors: Barry Alison , O'Halloran Ken D. , McKenna Joseph P. , McCreary Christine , Downer Eric J.
Published: December 2017

Background

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a neuropathic orofacial pain condition of unknown aetiology that encompasses intra‐oral burning pain without abnormal clinical findings. Psychological, neural and inflammatory processes are associated with BMS pathogenesis. Currently, studies characterising plasma cytokine/chemokine profiles with pain and depression in patients with BMS are lacking. Considering that inflammation is associated with the pathophysiology of BMS, and that inflammation is closely associated with pain and depression, we aimed to correlate depressive symptomatology and oral cavity pain with plasma cytokine/chemokine signatures in a cohort of patients with BMS.

Methods

In this study, plasma protein levels of Th1 cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐12p70, TNF‐α), Th2 cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐6, IL‐13) and the chemokine IL‐8 were assessed in patients with BMS (n = 10) and healthy volunteers (n = 10), using pro‐inflammatory‐10‐plex assays. Clinical histories, alongside self‐rated oral cavity pain intensities and depressive symptomatology were assessed using a visual analogue scale and the 16‐item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology questionnaires, respectively.

Results

We present evidence that BMS is associated with increased depressive symptomatology and enhanced oral cavity pain. Plasma isolated from BMS patients display enhanced expression of the pro‐inflammatory chemokine IL‐8, when compared to plasma from healthy individuals. Plasma IL‐8 signature correlates with pain and depressive symptomatology in the study cohort.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings indicate that plasma IL‐8 profiles are dysregulated in BMS and that modulation of IL‐8 production in the disorder may be a tool in the management of BMS symptomatology.
Quantification of Tetradesmus obliquus (Chlorophyceae) cell size and lipid content heterogeneity at single‐cell level
Authors: Di Caprio Fabrizio , Pagnanelli Francesca , Wijffels Rene H. , Van der Veen Douwe
Published: December 2017

Much of our current knowledge of microbial growth is obtained from studies at a population level. Driven by the realization that processes that operate within a population might influence a population's behavior, we sought to better understand Tetradesmus obliquus (formerly Scenedesmus obliquus) physiology at the cellular level. In this work, an accurate pretreatment method to quantitatively obtain single cells of T. obliquus, a coenobia‐forming alga, is described. These single cells were examined by flow cytometry for triacylglycerol (TAG), chlorophyll, and protein content, and their cell sizes were recorded by coulter counter. We quantified heterogeneity of size and TAG content at single‐cell level for a population of T. obliquus during a controlled standard batch cultivation. Unexpectedly, variability of TAG content per cell within the population increased throughout the batch run, up to 400 times in the final stage of the batch run, with values ranging from 0.25 to 99 pg · cell−1. Two subpopulations, classified as having low or high TAG content per cell, were identified. Cell size also increased during batch growth with average values from 36 to 70 μm3 · cell−1; yet cell size variability increased only up to 16 times. Cell size and cellular TAG content were not correlated at the single‐cell level. Our data show clearly that TAG production is affected by cell‐to‐cell variation, which suggests that its control and better understanding of the underlying processes may improve the productivity of T. obliquus for industrial processes such as biodiesel production.
Dietary exposure assessment of cyadox based on tissue depletion of cyadox and its major metabolites in pigs, chickens, and carp
Authors: Huang L. L. , Qiu Y. M. , Sun L. L. , Li J. , Pan Y. H. , Wang Y. L. , Yuan Z. H.
Published: December 2017

The tissue kinetics of cyadox, an antibacterial agent used in food animals, and its major metabolites in pigs, chickens, and carp were investigated followed by a complete dietary exposure assessment to evaluate the food safety of cyadox. Cyadox and its major metabolites, bisdeoxycyadox (Cy1), 4‐desoxycyadox (Cy2), N‐(quinoxaline‐2‐methyl)‐cyanide acetyl hydrazine (Cy4), quinoxaline‐2‐carboxylic acid (Cy6), and 2‐hydromethyl‐3‐hydroxy‐quinoxaline (Cy12), were simultaneously quantitated with a high‐performance liquid chromatography−ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV) method. Pigs, chickens, and carp were fed with 150 mg/kg cyadox in feed for consecutive 60, 40, and 30 days, respectively. The residue amount of cyadox and its major metabolites in liver, kidney, muscle, and fat (skin) tissues was determined. Cy2 was below the limit of quantitation even at the withdrawal time of 6 hr, cyadox, Cy4, Cy6, and Cy12 could be detected at 6–24 hr with low level less than 50 μg/kg. By contrast, Cy1 persisted for 3 days in the kidney of pigs and chickens, and in the liver of carp. Based on these residue depletion data and previous toxicology results, the global estimated chronic dietary exposure assessment of cyadox for general population was conducted, indicating a zero withdrawal time (WDT) may be appropriate for cyadox in food animals when used in feed for prolonged administration. These results provide analytical techniques and safety standards suitable for residue monitoring of cyadox in food animals.
Seed dispersal by rivers in tropical dry forests: An overlooked process in tropical central Mexico
Authors: Esper‐Reyes Karen A. , Mariano Néstor A. , Alcalá Raúl E. , Bonilla‐Barbosa Jaime R. , Flores‐Franco Gabriel , Wehncke Elisabet V.
Published: December 2017

Aims

Rivers are important corridors for the movement, migration and dispersal of aquatic organisms, including seeds from riparian plants. Although tropical dry forests (TDF) are among the most extensive and floristically rich ecosystems of tropical habitats, and the most globally endangered ecosystem, less attention has been given to riparian corridors within this ecosystem. Although mostTDFs manifest peak seed dispersal during dry seasons, we hypothesized that riparian corridors may show a dispersal peak during the rainy season, due to an anticipated ‘sweep or drag effect’, resulting from river overflow and bank erosion. Our main aims were to investigate whether there were any differences in the seed communities transported by the river to sites in rainy as opposed to dry seasons, and to evaluate any possible relationship between the riparian seed community and river flow.

Location

Amacuzac River, drainage of the Balsas basin, State of Morelos, Mexico.

Methods

To evaluate the above assumption, we associated Amacuzac River flow with the number of species and seeds dispersed by water. We also characterized and evaluated differences between seed communities transported by the river during the rainy and dry seasons, and between four different sites located along the river. We used univariate and ordinationNMDStechniques to evaluate patterns between seasons at the community level.

Results

Forty‐five plant species were identified from 909 seeds collected from the river. The composition of riparian seed communities was markedly different between seasons but not between sites. Seed abundances were significantly higher in the rainy than in the dry season and varied between sites. Seed species diversity in the river (H’ = 1.6–1.9) showed no significant differences between seasons or sites, but species assemblages and dominance varied according to season. Ordination techniques and subsequent fitting analyses showed that seed species composition was positively associated with river flow.

Conclusions

Seed dispersal patterns generated by rivers are significant mechanisms for structuring the composition and distribution of the riparian plant community in MexicanTDF. Varying species assemblages and seed abundance dispersed by the river throughout the year is a relevant and until now unknown consequence that may affect the dynamics and composition of riparian plant communities in this region. This study initiative will promote new avenues of research regarding plant establishment and succession.
The origin of alteration “orangettes” in Dhofar 019: Implications for the age and aqueous history of the shergottites
Authors: Hallis L. J. , Kemppinen L. , Lee M. R. , Taylor L. A.
Published: December 2017

The shergottites are the largest group of Martian meteorites, and the only group that has not been found to contain definitive evidence of Martian aqueous alteration. Given recent reports of current liquid water at the surface of Mars, this study aimed to investigate in detail the possibility of Martian phyllosilicate within shergottite Dhofar 019. Optical and scanning electron microscopy, followed by transmission electron microscopy, confirmed the presence of alteration orangettes, with a layered structure consisting of poorly ordered Mg‐phyllosilicate and calcite. These investigations identified maskelynite dissolution, followed by Mg‐phyllosilicate and calcite deposition within the dissolution pits, as the method of orangette production. The presence of celestine within the orangette layers, the absence of shock dislocation features within calcite, and the Mg‐rich nature of the phyllosilicate, all indicate a terrestrial origin for these features on Dhofar 019.
Renal function up to the 5th decade of life after nephrectomy in childhood: A literature review
Authors: Cozzi Denis A , Ceccanti Silvia , Cozzi Francesco
Published: December 2017

The aim of the present study was to find out if in children ablation of 50% of renal mass may be associated with a progressive renal damage (Brenner’s hypothesis). We collected 1035 adult or adolescent survivors who underwent nephrectomy for unilateral oncological or non‐oncological causes during childhood. Stratification of all survivors for age revealed that the number of subjects with blood hypertension and/or renal dysfunction (glomerular filtration rate < 90 mL/min per 1.73 m2) to be significantly higher in survivors ≥30 years old in comparison with younger patients. Available data on long‐term renal function after nephrectomy during childhood support the Brenner’s hypothesis.
Antibiotic‐loaded Bone Cement as Prophylaxis in Total Joint Replacement
Authors: Martínez‐Moreno Javier , Merino Virginia , Nácher Amparo , Rodrigo José Luis , Climente Mónica , Merino‐Sanjuán Matilde
Published: December 2017

One of its most serious complications associated with arthroplasty is the development of infections. Although its prevalence is only between 0.5% and 3%, in some cases it can lead to death. Therefore, an important challenge in joint surgery is the prevention of infections when an arthroplasty is performed. The use of antibiotic‐loaded cements could be a suitable tool due to numerous advantages. The main advantage of the use of antibiotic loading into bone cement derives directly from antibiotic release in the effect site, allowing achievement of high concentrations at the site of action, and minimal or no systemic toxicity. This route of administration was first described by Buchholz and Engelbrecht. In the case of infection treatment, this is an established method and its good results have been confirmed. However, its role in infection prevention, and, therefore, the use of these systems in clinical practice, has proved controversial because of the uncertainty about the development of possible antibiotic resistance after prolonged exposure time, their effectiveness, the cost of the systems, toxicity and loosening of mechanical properties. This review discusses all these topics, focusing on effectiveness and safety, antibiotic decisions, cement type, mixing method, release kinetics and future perspectives. The final objective is to provide the orthopaedic surgeons the right information in their clinical practice based on current evidence.
En Bloc Resection with the Assistance of Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopy for Left Lower Lung Cancer Invading Thoracic Vertebrae and Rib: A Case Report
Authors: Liang Yun , Liu Peng , Zhou Xiao‐gang , Li Xi‐lei , Lin Hong , Chen Nong , Ge Di , Dong Jian
Published: December 2017

Lung cancer invading the spine was previously considered unresectable and fatal and, consequently, there are few reports focusing on tumors located in the lower lung lobe and invading the spine. With the development of spinal instrumentation and surgical techniques, and wider acceptance of spondylectomy by surgeons, radical surgical resection has become feasible. Here, we present a case of a male patient with a left lower lung cancer invading thoracic vertebrae who underwent complete resection with sagittal en bloc hemivertebrectomy with video‐assisted thoracoscopy. A 60‐year‐old man complained of left chest pain for 3 months. Chest computed tomography and thoracic vertebrae magnetic resonance image revealed that a tumor in the left lower lung lobe had invaded the seventh and eighth thoracic vertebrae and the eighth rib. As no lymph node or distant metastasis was detected by positron emission tomography‐computed tomography, the patient was diagnosed with left lower lung cancer directly invading the seventh and eighth thoracic vertebrae and the eighth rib (T4N0M0, stage IIIA) instead of metastasizing to the thoracic vertebrae. An en bloc resection of the lung tumor and the involved vertebrae was performed by a thoracic surgeon and orthopaedic surgeon with video‐assisted thoracoscopy. Six months after the operation, there was no evidence of local recurrence, and the patient had recovered well. En Bloc resection with video‐assisted thoracoscopy for lung cancer invading thoracic vertebrae is a safe and feasible surgical method. This method can significantly improve the safety and convenience of this type of surgery.