bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terrorism, Dynamic Commitment Problems, and Military Conflict
Authors: Bapat Navin A. , Zeigler Sean
Published: October 2015

Since 9/11, several states have initiated military conflicts in the name of fighting terrorism. However, studies indicate that the costs of terrorism are insignificant compared to the damage created by war. This raises the question: Why do states initiate costly wars when the risk posed by terrorism appears marginal? This study presents two explanations. First, we argue that while terrorists frequently fail to achieve their strategic objectives, terrorists can accomplish tactical objectives and may transition to insurgencies by seizing control of pockets of territory. States may respond by initiating preventive wars to stop terrorists from consolidating control over their strategically valuable territories (e.g., resource‐rich areas). Second, rival states may opportunistically exploit terrorist violence by declaring that the government is a “weak state.” This allows rivals to seize portions of the government's territory under the cover of fighting terror. We test these hypotheses using post–Cold War African dyads from 1990 to 2006.
Effects of Aspergillus niger fermented rapeseed meal on nutrient digestibility, growth performance and serum parameters in growing pigs
Authors: Shi Changyou , He Jun , Wang Jianping , Yu Jie , Yu Bing , Mao Xiangbing , Zheng Ping , Huang Zhiqing , Chen Daiwen
Published: October 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influences of Aspergillus niger fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of growing pigs. A total of 72 growing pigs (body weight = 40.8 ± 2.1 kg) were used in feeding trials, lasting for up to 42 days, and were randomly allotted to one of three diets, including a corn‐soybean meal control diet as well as two experimental diets containing 10% unfermented rapeseed meal (RSM) or 10% FRSM. The results showed that average daily gain and feed conversion ratio of pigs fed FRSM were superior (P < 0.05) to that of pigs fed unfermented RSM and did not differ from the control. Pigs fed control diet had higher (P < 0.05) total tract apparent digestibility for dry matter, protein, calcium and phosphorus than pigs fed unfermented RSM diet and did not differ from the FRSM diet. Pigs fed FRSM had lower levels (P < 0.05) of serum aspartate transaminase compared to unfermented RSM. In conclusion, solid state fermentation using Aspergillus niger may improve the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of RSM for pigs and FRSM is a promising alternative protein for pig production.
Polysaccharides from Acanthopanax senticosus enhances intestinal integrity through inhibiting TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide‐challenged mice
Authors: Han Jie , Liu Lixia , Yu Ning , Chen Jing , Liu Baoshan , Yang Di , Shen Guoshun
Published: October 2015

To investigate the role of polysaccharide from Acanthopanax senticosus (ASPS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced intestinal injury, mice in three treatments were administrated orally with or without ASPS (300 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days, followed by challenge with LPS or saline. At 4 h post‐injection, blood and intestinal samples of six mice / treatment were collected. The results showed ASPS ameliorated LPS‐induced intestinal morphological deterioration, proven by improved villus height (P < 0.05) and villus height : crypt depth ratio (P < 0.05). ASPS also elevated the mucosal barrier of LPS‐challenged mice, supported by reduced plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) activity (P < 0.05) and L‐lactate (P < 0.05), increased mucosal DAO activity (P < 0.05) as well as enhanced intestinal tight junction proteins expression involving occludin‐1 (P < 0.05) and zonula occludens‐1 (P < 0.05). In addition, ASPS decreased LPS‐induced secretion of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α (P < 0.05) and prostaglandin E2 (P < 0.05). Also, ASPS down‐regulated messenger RNA expression of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its downstream signals, including myeloid differentiation factor 88 (P < 0.05), TNF‐α receptor‐associated factor 6 (P < 0.05), as well as nuclear factor (NF)‐κB p65 (P < 0.05) and its protein expression. These findings suggest that ASPS improves intestinal integrity under inflammation conditions connected with inhibiting TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathways.
Open‐label study evaluating outpatient urethral sphincter injections of onabotulinumtoxinA to treat women with urinary retention due to a primary disorder of sphincter relaxation (Fowler's syndrome)
Authors: Panicker Jalesh N. , Seth Jai H. , Khan Shahid , Gonzales Gwen , Haslam Collette , Kessler Thomas M. , Fowler Clare J.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To assess the efficacy (defined as improvements in maximum urinary flow rate [Qmax] of ≥50%, post‐void residual urine volume [PVR] and scores on the International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] questionnaire) and safety of urethral sphincter injections of onabotulinumtoxinA in women with a primary disorder of urethral sphincter relaxation, characterised by an elevated urethral pressure profile (UPP) and specific findings at urethral sphincter electromyography (EMG), i.e. Fowler's syndrome.

Patients and Methods

In this open‐label pilot Institutional Review Board‐approved study, 10 women with a primary disorder of urethral sphincter relaxation (elevated UPP, sphincter volume, and abnormal EMG) presenting with obstructed voiding (five) or in complete urinary retention (five) were recruited from a single tertiary referral centre. Baseline symptoms were assessed using the IPSS, and Qmax and PVR were measured. After 2% lidocaine injection, 100 U of onabotulinumtoxinA was injected into the striated urethral sphincter, divided on either side, under EMG guidance. Patients were reviewed at 1, 4 and 10 weeks after injection, and assessed using the IPSS, Qmax and PVR measurements. The UPP was repeated at week 4.

Results

The mean (range) patient age was 40 (25–65) years, and the mean symptom scores on the IPSS improved from 25.6 to 14.1, and the mean ‘bother’ score reduced from 6.1 to 3.5 at week 10. As compared with a baseline mean Qmax of 8.12 mL/s in the women who could void, the Qmax improved to 15.8 mL/s at week 10. Four of the five women in complete retention could void spontaneously, with a mean Qmax of 14.3 mL/s at week 10. The mean PVR decreased from 260 to 89 mL and the mean static UPP improved from 113 cmH2O at baseline to 90 cmH2O. No serious side‐effects were reported. Three women with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections developed a urinary tract infection. There were no reports of stress urinary incontinence. Seven of the 10 women opted to return for repeat injections.

Conclusions

This pilot study shows an improvement in patient‐reported lower urinary tract symptoms, and the objective parameters of Qmax, PVR and UPP, at 10 weeks after urethral sphincter injections of onabotulinumtoxinA. No serious side‐effects were reported. This treatment could represent a safe outpatient treatment for young women in retention due to a primary disorder of urethral sphincter relaxation. However, a larger study is required to confirm the findings of this pilot study.
Implicit Racial Biases in Preschool Children and Adults From Asia and Africa
Authors: Qian Miao K. , Heyman Gail D. , Quinn Paul C. , Messi Francoise A. , Fu Genyue , Lee Kang
Published: October 2015

This research used an Implicit Racial Bias Test to investigate implicit racial biases among 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds and adult participants in China (N = 213) and Cameroon (N = 257). In both cultures, participants displayed high levels of racial biases that remained stable between 3 and 5 years of age. Unlike adults, young children's implicit racial biases were unaffected by the social status of the other‐race groups. Also, unlike adults, young children displayed overt explicit racial biases, and these biases were dissociated from their implicit biases. The results provide strong evidence for the early emergence of implicit racial biases and point to the need to reduce them in early childhood.
Retracted: Bone response to collagenized xenografts of porcine origin (mp3®) and a bovine bone mineral grafting (4BONE™ XBM) grafts in tibia defects: experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado José Luis , Aguilar‐Salvatierra Antonio , Ramírez‐Fernández Maria P. , Maté Sánchez de Val José E. , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael Arcesio , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo
Published: October 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to carry out the evaluation of bone response of new bone formation to two different xenografts (bovine and porcine) biomaterials inserted in rabbit tibiae.

Materials and methods

The study used a total of 20 male New Zealand albino rabbits. They received a total of 40 grafts in the proximal metaphyseal areas of both tibiae. Two biomaterials were evaluated: 20 porcine xenografts, as a bone granulate (OsteoBiol® MP3®; Tecnoss srl, Giaveno, Italy), were placed in the proximal metaphyseal area of the right tibia, 20 anorganic bovine bone mineral grafting (4BONE™ XBM, MIS Implants Inc., BARLEV, Israel) were placed in the left tibia. Following graft insertion, the animals were sacrificed in two groups of 10 animals, after 1 and 4 months, respectively. For each group, biomaterials were analyzed: newly formed bone, residual graft materials and the connective tissue. Histomorphometric, EDX analysis and element mapping were performed at 1 and 4 months after graft insertion.

Results

At 4 months after treatment, the bone defects displayed radiological images that showed complete repair of osseous defects. Histomorphometric evaluation showed that for the porcine xenograft, the study averages for newly formed bone represented 84.23 ± 2.9%, while bovine matrix was 79.34 ± 2.1%. For residual graft material, the porcine biomaterial had 11.23 ± 1.7% and the bovine graft 31.56 ± 2.3%. Finally, the connective tissue for MP3 was 10.33 ± 1.8%, while for the 4BONE™ XBM we obtained 14.34 ± 2.9%. Element analysis revealed higher percentages of Ca (54 ± 9%) and P (35 ± 6%) in the group B than group A and control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Defects of a critical size in a rabbit tibia model can be sealed using a bovine porous biphasic calcium phosphate and MP3 material; this supports new bone formation, creates a bridge between borders, and facilitates bone ingrowth in both biomaterials. Furthermore, this study observed partial dissolution of the mineral phase of four bone graft and complete resorption of porcine MP3 biomaterial and its incorporation into the surrounding bone. Depending on clinical needs, each biomaterial could be useful in daily clinical practice.
Retrospective volume analysis of bone remodeling after tooth extraction with and without deproteinized bovine bone mineral insertion
Authors: Sbordone Carolina , Toti Paolo , Martuscelli Ranieri , Guidetti Franco , Ramaglia Luca , Sbordone Ludovico
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to analyze volume changes of post‐extractive sockets grafted with or without deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) and a resorbable barrier.

Materials and methods

This retrospective analysis utilized patients who had undergone tooth extraction. Sites, one per patient, were allocated to two groups: post‐extractive non‐grafted sockets (NG) and post‐extractive grafted sockets with DBBM and resorbable barrier insertion (G). Maximal primary soft tissue closure was sought for both procedures. Before extraction and 6 months later, three‐dimensional features of the sockets (linear indexes, areas, and volumes) and outcome variables at 6 months (volume‐ and surface changes) were acquired through computer tomography scans. Intra‐ and inter‐group comparisons of the outcome variables were performed. Nonparametric tests were applied with a level of significance set at P < 0.01.

Results

Twenty‐four sites, 9 grafted and 15 ungrafted, were enrolled. Between baseline and the 6‐month evaluation, significant bone volume loss, superior surface shrinkage, and height reduction were registered for the G (72 mm3, 76 mm2, and 0.5 mm, respectively) and the NG group (274 mm3, 87 mm2, and 1.8 mm, respectively) with all P‐values ≤ 0.0039. A significant difference, regarding the percentage of the volume change, was registered between the two procedures with a volume loss of 9.9% for the grafted sockets and 34.8% for the ungrafted ones (P‐value = 0.0073).

Conclusion

Grafting of the sockets with DBBM and a resorbable barrier insertion seemed to reduce negative osseous remodeling in the short term when compared to that of the ungrafted sockets.
Retroactive application of the new kidney allocation system to renal transplants performed in the ECD/SCD era
Authors: Ramanathan Rajesh , Gupta Gaurav , Kim Joohyun , Quinn Keri , Behnke Martha , Kang Le , Sharma Amit
Published: October 2015

The kidney allocation system (KAS) aims to improve deceased donor kidney transplant outcomes by matching of donor allografts and kidney recipients using the kidney donor risk index (KDRI) and recipient estimated post‐transplant survival (EPTS) indices. In this single‐center study, KAS was retroactively applied to 573 adult deceased donor kidney transplants (2004–2012) performed in the extended criteria/standard criteria donor (ECD/SCD) era. Donor KDRI and recipient EPTS were calculated, and transplants were analyzed to identify KAS fits. These were defined as allocation of top 20% allografts to top 20% recipients and bottom 80% allografts to bottom 80% recipients. On retroactive calculation, 70.2% of all transplants fit the KAS. Transplants that fit the KAS had inferior 1‐ and 5‐yr patient survival (95.5% vs. 98.8%, p = 0.048, and 83.4% vs. 91.7%, p = 0.018) and similar 1‐ and 5‐yr graft survival compared to transplants that did not fit the KAS (91.3% vs. 94.1%, p = 0.276, and 72.7% vs. 73.9%, p = 0.561). While EPTS correlated with recipient survival (HR = 2.96, p < 0.001), KDRI correlated with both recipient (HR = 3.56, p < 0.001) and graft survival (HR = 3.23, p < 0.001). Overall, retroactive application of the KAS to transplants performed in the ECD/SCD era did not identify superior patient survival for kidneys allocated in accordance with the KAS.
Diffuse cutaneous bullous mastocytosis with IgM deposits at dermo–epidermal junction
Authors: Slavescu Kinga Cristina , Chiorean Roxana , Danescu Sorina , Bota Madalina , Rogojan Liliana , Baican Adrian
Published: October 2015

Cutaneous mastocytosis is a disease characterized by the infiltration and proliferation of mast cells in the skin. In children, the most common form of presentation is urticaria pigmentosa, while the diffuse cutaneous bullous mastocytosis is one of the rarest subtypes seen. The aim of this paper is to present a case of diffuse bullous mastocytosis with detection of IgM deposits at dermo–epidermal junction using direct immunofluorescence (DIF) microscopy. The diagnosis of diffuse bullous mastocytosis is a challenge, and DIF microscopy is necessary in order to exclude an autoimmune bullous disorder. However, IgM deposits at dermo–epidermal junction can be nonspecific, being found in a variety of skin disorders. A 6‐month‐old girl presented with bullous lesions and erosions on the scalp and the trunk. During hospitalization, further bullous lesions appeared, along with generalized erythrodermia. Skin biopsy revealed aspects of urticaria pigmentosa. Taking into account the clinical findings, the case was enclosed as bullous mastocytosis. Treatment included the avoidance of trigger factors, and administration of antihistamines along with a short‐term course of systemic steroids. The evolution was favorable, with remission of the existing lesions and without occurrence of new ones.
Reimagining South American coasts: unveiling the hidden invasion history of an iconic ecological engineer
Authors: Bortolus Alejandro , Carlton James T. , Schwindt Evangelina
Published: October 2015

Aim

The smooth cordgrassSpartina alterniflorais an iconic ecological engineer that has inspired some of the more insightful concepts and perspectives in modern theoretical ecology and environmental management, from population to community and ecosystem scales. Although it is currently considered native over more than 100 degrees of latitude along the Atlantic coast of the Americas, we challenge the default assumption that this cordgrass is native to South America, and propose an alternative hypothesis that it was introduced in the 18th or early 19th century by human activity.

Location

World‐wide.

Methods

We applied nine criteria that have been proposed for the recognition of non‐native species. These criteria consider the historical, biological, geographic, dispersal, ecological and evolutionary evidence that classically underpin the distinctions between native and non‐native species.

Results

Our results strongly support the hypothesis thatS. alterniflorais not native to South America. Herbarium collections, historical floristic descriptions and extensive literature reports clearly indicate thatS. alterniflorawas absent prior to the early 1800s in South America.S. alterniflorashows a reduced morphological, ecological and physiological variability along the South American coast and demonstrably increased in both regional extent and abundance over the 20th century.

Main conclusions

We conclude that what are now extensiveS. alternifloramarshes in this region were probably bare mudflats and that there have been vast unrecorded and thus overlooked shifts in bird, fish and invertebrate biodiversity, and immense shifts in algal vs. detritus production, with the concomitant trophic cascades that these changes imply. Our results change the way we perceive “natural” coastal ecosystems on the Atlantic coast of South America as a whole. Indeed, most South American coastal marshes currently are what we term “ecological mirages”– illusions that have seriously hampered our ability to recognize the nature of pre‐existing native ecosystems.
Development of the pancreas in medaka, Oryzias latipes, from embryo to adult
Authors: Otsuka Takayoshi , Tsukahara Tatsuya , Takeda Hiroyuki
Published: October 2015

To address conserved and unique features of fish pancreas development, we performed extensive analyses of pancreatic development in medaka embryos and adults using pdx1‐ and ptf1a‐transgenic medaka, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. The markers used in these analyses included pdx1, nkx6.1, nkx6.2, nkx2.2, Islet1, insulin, Somatostatin, glucagon, ptf1a, ela3l, trypsin, and amylase. The double transgenic (Tg) fish produced in the present study visualizes the development of endocrine (pdx1+) and exocrine (ptf1a+) parts simultaneously in living fishes. Like other vertebrates, the medaka pancreas develops as two (dorsal and ventral) buds in the anterior gut tube, which soon fuse into a single anlagen. The double Tg fish demonstrates that the differential property between the two buds is already established at the initial phase of bud development as indicated by strong pdx1 expression in the dorsal one. This Tg fish also allowed us to examine the gross morphology and the structure of adult pancreas and revealed unique characters of medaka pancreas such as broad and multiple connections with the gut tube along the anterior–posterior axis.
Twice‐daily insulin degludec/insulin aspart provides superior fasting plasma glucose control and a reduced rate of hypoglycaemia compared with biphasic insulin aspart 30 in insulin‐naïve adults with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Franek E. , Haluzík M. , Canecki Varžić S. , Sargin M. , Macura S. , Zacho J. , Christiansen J. S.
Published: October 2015

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of twice‐daily insulin degludec/insulin aspart vs. twice‐daily biphasic insulin aspart 30 in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus who were naïve to insulin.

Methods

In this 26‐week, multinational, open‐label, controlled, two‐arm, parallel‐group, treat‐to‐target trial, participants [mean (± sd) age 58.9 (±8.9) years, duration of diabetes 9.5 (±5.9) years, HbA1c 68 (±8.7) mmol/mol or 8.4 (±0.8)% and BMI 31.2 (±4.2) kg/m2) were randomized (1:1) to insulin degludec/insulin aspart (n = 197) or biphasic insulin aspart 30 (n = 197), administered with breakfast and the main evening meal, titrated to a self‐monitored plasma glucose target > 3.9 and ≤ 5.0 mmol/l.

Results

The mean HbA1c was reduced to 49 mmol/mol (6.6%) with insulin degludec/insulin aspart and 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) with biphasic insulin aspart 30. Insulin degludec/insulin aspart achieved the prespecified non‐inferiority margin (estimated treatment difference 0.02%; 95% CI −0.12, 0.17). Insulin degludec/insulin aspart was superior in lowering fasting plasma glucose (estimated treatment difference −1.00 mmol/l; 95% CI −1.4, −0.6; P < 0.001) and reducing overall and nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia at a similar overall insulin dose compared with biphasic insulin aspart 30. Similar proportions of participants in each arm experienced severe hypoglycaemia. Adverse events were equally distributed.

Conclusions

Consistent with previous findings, insulin degludec/insulin aspart twice daily effectively improved long‐term glycaemic control, with superior reductions in FPG, and significantly less overall and nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia compared with biphasic insulin aspart 30 in people with Type 2 diabetes who were insulin‐naïve.
Evaluation of immunogenicity of LY2963016 insulin glargine compared with Lantus® insulin glargine in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ilag L. L. , Deeg M. A. , Costigan T. , Hollander P. , Blevins T. C. , Edelman S. V. , Konrad R. J. , Ortmann R. A. , Pollom R. K. , Huster W. J. , Zielonka J. S. , Prince M. J.
Published: October 2015

Aims

To compare the immunogenicity profiles and the potential effects on clinical outcomes of LY2963016 insulin glargine (LY IGlar) and Lantus® insulin glargine (IGlar), products with identical primary amino acid sequences, in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM or T2DM).

Methods

To assess immunogenicity, anti‐insulin glargine antibodies (measured as percent binding) were compared between treatments in 52‐week (open‐label) and 24‐week (double‐blind) randomized studies in total study populations of patients with T1DM (N = 535) and T2DM (N = 756), respectively, and two subgroups of patients with T2DM: insulin‐naïve patients and those reporting prestudy IGlar treatment (prior IGlar). Relationships between insulin antibody levels and clinical outcomes were assessed using analysis of covariance and partial correlations. Insulin antibody levels were assessed using Wilcoxon rank sum. Treatment comparisons for treatment‐emergent antibody response (TEAR) and incidence of detectable antibodies were analysed using Fisher's exact test.

Results

No significant treatment differences were observed for insulin antibody levels, incidence of detectable anti‐insulin glargine antibodies, or incidence of TEAR [overall and endpoint, by last‐observation‐carried‐forward (LOCF)] in patients with T1DM or patients with T2DM, including the insulin‐naïve subgroup. A statistically significant difference was noted in the overall incidence of detectable antibodies but not at endpoint (LOCF) nor in TEAR for the prior IGlar subgroup of patients with T2DM. Insulin antibody levels were low (<5%) in both treatment groups. Insulin antibody levels or developing TEAR was not associated with clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

LY IGlar and IGlar have similar immunogenicity profiles; anti‐insulin glargine antibody levels were low for both treatments, with no observed effect on efficacy and safety outcomes.
Donor Requirements and Pockets of Effectiveness in Senegal's Bureaucracy
Authors: Johnson Martha C.
Published: October 2015

Donors increasingly value the work of statistics, project assessment and related offices in developing countries, but can they ensure these offices are able to do their work? This article assesses donors’ efforts to do so in Senegal's ministries of finance, health and agriculture in the mid‐2000s. It contends that donors' impact is greatest if they generate political incentives for governments to create ‘pockets of effectiveness’ in these areas. The health and agriculture case studies indicate that direct donor involvement, particularly if incompatible with domestic political forces, produces disappointing results, while the finance case studies suggest donors can induce political support for the work of specific offices if donor incentives coincide with domestic political imperatives.
Cross‐Cultural Management Learning Through Innovative Pedagogy: An Exploratory Study of Globally Distributed Student Teams
Authors: Bartel‐Radic Anne , Moos J. Chris , Long Suzanna K.
Published: October 2015

This article presents an innovative pedagogy based on student participation in globally distributed project teams. The study questions the link between student learning of intercultural competence and the global teaming experience. Data was collected from 115 students participating in 22 virtual intercultural teams. Results revealed that students learned from the teaming experience, especially those with more prior international experience. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on innovative and collaborative pedagogy on global student teams, provides an analysis of the impact of the teaming experience on student learning, and provides insights on international and collaborative course design.
Required Collaborative Work in Online Courses: A Predictive Modeling Approach
Authors: Smith Marlene A. , Kellogg Deborah L.
Published: October 2015

This article describes a predictive model that assesses whether a student will have greater perceived learning in group assignments or in individual work. The model produces correct classifications 87.5% of the time. The research is notable in that it is the first in the education literature to adopt a predictive modeling methodology using data collected via a designed experiment. All subjects experienced both a collaborative and an individual assignment, thus mitigating uncontrolled external factors in the measurement of differences in perceived learning. The exploratory nature of the work prompted the use of Partial Least Squares Regression for estimation. The work serves as an illustration of how predictive modeling might enlighten those in educational and academic settings.
Childhood‐onset epilepsy five decades later. A prospective population‐based cohort study
Authors: Sillanpää Matti , Anttinen Anu , Rinne Juha O. , Joutsa Juho , Sonninen Pirkko , Erkinjuntti Matti , Hermann Bruce , Karrasch Mira , Saarinen Maiju , Tiitta Petri , Shinnar Shlomo
Published: October 2015

Objective

To study the impact of childhood‐onset epilepsy on a variety of outcomes across the life span.

Methods

A population‐based cohort of 245 subjects with childhood‐onset epilepsy was assessed for outcomes at 45 years. In addition, 51 of 78 surviving subjects with uncomplicated epilepsy and 52 of 99 originally matched controls participated in a detailed evaluation including electroencephalography (EEG), imaging, and laboratory studies at 50 years.

Results

Of 179 surviving subjects, 61% were in terminal 10‐year remission and 43% in remission off medications. At 45 years, 95% of the idiopathic group, 72% of the cryptogenic group, and 47% of the remote symptomatic group were in terminal remission (p < 0.001). Abnormal neurologic signs were significantly more common in subjects with uncomplicated epilepsy than in controls. Mortality during period 1992–2012 was higher in subjects than in controls (9% vs. 1%, p = 0.02). The rate of 3T MRI abnormalities was higher in subjects than in controls (risk ratio [RR] 2.0; 1.3–3.1) specifically including findings considered markers of cerebrovascular disease (RR 2.5; 1.04–5.9). Even subjects with idiopathic epilepsy had higher rates of imaging abnormalities than controls (73% vs. 34%, p = 0.002).

Significance

Long‐term seizure outcomes are excellent and a function of etiology. The presence of imaging abnormalities suggestive of vascular disease may put these subjects at higher risk for clinically evident stroke and cognitive changes as they age.
Diagnostic methods and treatment options for focal cortical dysplasia
Authors: Guerrini Renzo , Duchowny Michael , Jayakar Prasanna , Krsek Pavel , Kahane Philippe , Tassi Laura , Melani Federico , Polster Tilman , Andre Véronique M. , Cepeda Carlos , Krueger Darcy A. , Cross J. Helen , Spreafico Roberto , Cosottini Mirco , Gotman Jean , Chassoux Francine , Ryvlin Philippe , Bartolomei Fabrice , Bernasconi Andrea , Stefan Hermann , Miller Ian , Devaux Bertrand , Najm Imad , Giordano Flavio , Vonck Kristl , Barba Carmen , Blumcke Ingmar
Published: October 2015

Our inability to adequately treat many patients with refractory epilepsy caused by focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), surgical inaccessibility and failures are significant clinical drawbacks. The targeting of physiologic features of epileptogenesis in FCD and colocalizing functionality has enhanced completeness of surgical resection, the main determinant of outcome. Electroencephalography (EEG)–functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography are helpful in guiding electrode implantation and surgical treatment, and high‐frequency oscillations help defining the extent of the epileptogenic dysplasia. Ultra high‐field MRI has a role in understanding the laminar organization of the cortex, and fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) is highly sensitive for detecting FCD in MRI‐negative cases. Multimodal imaging is clinically valuable, either by improving the rate of postoperative seizure freedom or by reducing postoperative deficits. However, there is no level 1 evidence that it improves outcomes. Proof for a specific effect of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in FCD is lacking. Pathogenic mutations recently described in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) genes in FCD have yielded important insights into novel treatment options with mTOR inhibitors, which might represent an example of personalized treatment of epilepsy based on the known mechanisms of disease. The ketogenic diet (KD) has been demonstrated to be particularly effective in children with epilepsy caused by structural abnormalities, especially FCD. It attenuates epigenetic chromatin modifications, a master regulator for gene expression and functional adaptation of the cell, thereby modifying disease progression. This could imply lasting benefit of dietary manipulation. Neurostimulation techniques have produced variable clinical outcomes in FCD. In widespread dysplasias, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has achieved responder rates >50%; however, the efficacy of noninvasive cranial nerve stimulation modalities such as transcutaneous VNS (tVNS) and noninvasive (nVNS) requires further study. Although review of current strategies underscores the serious shortcomings of treatment‐resistant cases, initial evidence from novel approaches suggests that future success is possible.
Terminal hepatic venule injury in liver biopsies of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell recipients—a study of 63 cases
Authors: Ma Changqing , Brunt Elizabeth M
Published: October 2015

Aims

Subtle lesions of terminal hepatic venules (THVs) may be overlooked in liver biopsies from haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) receipients when graft‐versus‐host disease is the clinical concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of THV injury resembling sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS).

Methods and results

Sixty‐three consecutive biopsies from allogeneic HSCT recipients were scored for injured THVs. Forty‐nine (78%) biopsies had injured THVs, and 10 (16%) were diagnosed with SOS (mean ± standard deviation of injured THVs/biopsy: 90 ± 9%). Biopsies diagnosed with other diseases also had injured THVs (36 ± 33%). Biopsies from patients with cyclophosphamide plus fractionated total body irradiation conditioning and biopsies taken within 100 days post‐HSCT had significantly more occluded THVs (respectively: 40 ± 38%, P = 0.0188; and 35 ± 35%, P = 0.0076) than those with other conditioning regimens or in biopsies taken >100 days post‐HSCT. All biopsies taken at any time in the 6‐year post‐HSCT period had similar amounts of THV phlebosclerosis (23 ± 25%).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate a high incidence of THV injuries resembling SOS in post‐HSCT liver biopsies. THV injuries were detectable for several years post‐HSCT, and were concurrent with other diagnoses. Our results also suggest that SOS may be underdiagnosed.
Influence of Applied Pressure Load and Holding Time on Microstructure and Thermoelectric Properties of p‐Type Bi2Te3 Alloys
Authors: Madavali Babu , Kim Hyo‐Seob , Lee Kap‐Ho , Son Hyeon‐Taek , Hong Soon‐Jik
Published: October 2015

In this research, the effects of applied pressure load and holding time on microstructure and thermoelectric properties of p‐type Bi2Te3 + 75%Sb2Te3 alloys were studied. Besides this, the microstructural changes during the heat treatment of gas‐atomized (GA) powders were examined. The grain growth (12.5–25 μm) was observed with increasing of the holding time of the heat‐treated GA powders. The hot‐pressed bulks showed grain refinement behavior with increasing pressure load, whereas grain size was found to slightly increase with increasing holding time. The peak power factor value, 3.48 W/mK2, was obtained for the hot‐pressed sample at 420°C with pressure load of 530 MPa.
Waterlogging Affects Leaf and Tillering Dynamics in Wheat and Barley
Authors: de San Celedonio R. P. , Abeledo L. G. , Brihet J. M. , Miralles D. J.
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to analyse (i) the crop attributes that determine flowering time (i.e. final leaf number, FLN; and phyllochron, Phy), (ii) the dynamics of tiller appearance and (iii) the synchrony between leaf and tiller appearance in wheat and barley plants exposed to waterlogging. Two experiments were carried out in pots, in which wheat and barley cultivars were exposed to five waterlogging treatments, during different periods throughout the crop cycle, from emergence to maturity. The appearance of leaves and tillers on the main stem was measured twice a week in labelled plants. Waterlogging from emergence to flag leaf appearance significantly delayed time to flowering. The delay was greater when waterlogging occurred at the beginning of tillering, lengthening the period from emergence to flowering 24 % (13–15 days) in barley and 10–15 % (6–10 days) in wheat, as compared to control. Phy was the main attribute explaining the delay in flowering, as FLN was not altered. Waterlogging during the early stages of development reduced tiller appearance rate (TAR) in both species, but this effect was partially counterbalanced by a lengthening of the tillering phase, so the effect on final tiller number at maturity was limited. In conclusion, the exposure of wheat and barley to waterlogging during early stages of development delayed time to flowering and reduce TAR in both species. Waterlogging during more advanced crop stages produced slight effects on tillering dynamics, which would indicate that waterlogging affected structure generation more than mortality.
Childhood‐Onset Essential Hypertension and the Family Structure
Authors: Gupta‐Malhotra Monesha , Hashmi Syed Shahrukh , Barratt Michelle S. , Milewicz Dianna M. , Shete Sanjay
Published: October 2015

The prevalence and effect of single‐parent families in childhood‐onset essential hypertension (EH) is unknown. Children with EH and age‐, sex‐, and ethnicity‐matched controls were enrolled. Family structure data were obtained by in‐person interview. A total of 148 families (76 hypertension probands, 72 control probands; median 14 years) were prospective‐ly enrolled in the study. Single‐parent status was seen in 42% of the families––with and without EH (38% vs 46%, P=.41; odds ratio, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.4–1.4). After multivariable analysis, a statistically significant sociofamilial contributor to the development of childhood‐onset EH was not identified. A significant number of single‐parent families (42%), the majority with single mothers, were found in our pedigree study. Sociofamilial factors are known to contribute to the expression of adult‐onset EH, but findings in our study suggest that they appear to contribute less in the expression of childhood‐onset EH.
Macroecological analysis of the fish fauna inhabiting Cymodocea nodosa seagrass meadows
Authors: Espino F. , Brito A. , Haroun R. , Tuya F.
Published: October 2015

In this study, patterns in the taxonomic richness and composition of the fish fauna inhabiting Cymodocea nodosa seagrass meadows were described across their entire distribution range in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic Ocean. Specifically, the study tested whether there are differences in the composition of fish assemblages between those ecoregions encompassed by the distribution range of C. nodosa, and whether these differences in composition are connected with differences in bioclimatic affinities of the fish faunas. A literature review resulted in a total of 19 studies, containing 22 fish assemblages at 18 locations. The ichthyofauna associated with C. nodosa seagrass meadows comprises 59 families and 188 species. The western Mediterranean (WM) Sea has the highest species richness (87 species). Fish assemblages from the Macaronesia–Canary Islands, the Sahelian Upwelling, South European Atlantic Shelf and the WM differ, in terms of assemblage composition, relative to other ecoregions. In contrast, the composition of the fish fauna from the central and eastern Mediterranean overlaps. There is a significant serial correlation in fish assemblage composition between adjacent ecoregions along the distribution range of C. nodosa. Dissimilarities in assemblage composition are connected with the geographical separation between locations, and the mean minimum annual seawater temperature is the environmental factor that explains most variation in fish assemblage composition.
Effect of Splinting on Dimensional Accuracy of Impressions Made of Implants with Different Subgingival Alignments
Authors: Beyabanaki Elaheh , Shamshiri Ahmed Reza , Alikhasi Marzieh , Monzavi Abbas
Published: October 2015

Purpose

Placement of implants at deeper levels of gingiva is sometimes inevitable because of issues like esthetics or bone availability. The accuracy of impressions may be affected in these situations. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of splinting and length of impression copings on the accuracy of impressions made of deeply placed implants.

Materials and Methods

A metal model with two parallel implants (Implantium; Dentium) was fabricated. One hundred and twenty impressions were made using the direct impression technique with and without splinting the impression copings (using short and long impression copings). Impressions were made of implants at three subgingival levels (1, 3, and 6 mm) using regular viscosity poly(vinyl siloxane). The impressions were poured with type IV dental stone. Displacements in the x, y, and z axes, as well as rotational discrepancies and interimplant distances were measured with a coordinate measuring machine. Data were analyzed with Kruskal‐Wallis, Mann‐Whitney, and nonparametric adjusted rank transform tests.

Results

There was less rotational displacement using longer impression copings at different subgingival positions of the implants, either with splinted or nonsplinted direct technique (p < 0.05). Also, the nonsplinted technique produced more accurate impressions at different apico‐coronal levels of implants than the splinted technique using short impression copings (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

According to the findings of this study, longer impression copings yielded better results than shorter ones in both splinted and nonsplinted techniques. Also, nonsplinted short impression copings produced more accurate impressions than splinted short impression copings.
Effect of Jig Design and Assessment of Stress Distribution in Testing Metal‐Ceramic Adhesion
Authors: Özcan Mutlu , Kojima Alberto Noriyuki , Nishioka Renato Sussumu , Mesquita Alfredo Mikail Melo , Bottino Marco Antonio , Filho Gilberto Duarte
Published: October 2015

Purpose

In testing adhesion using shear bond test, a combination of shear and tensile forces occur at the interface, resulting in complex stresses. The jig designs used for this kind of test show variations in published studies, complicating direct comparison between studies. This study evaluated the effect of different jig designs on metal‐ceramic bond strength and assessed the stress distribution at the interface using finite element analysis (FEA).

Materials and Methods

Metal‐ceramic (Metal: Ni‐Cr, Wiron 99, Bego; Ceramic: Vita Omega 900, Vita) specimens (N = 36) (diameter: 4 mm, veneer thickness: 4 mm; base diameter: 5 mm, thickness: 1 mm) were fabricated and randomly divided into three groups (n = 12 per group) to be tested using one of the following jig designs: (a) chisel (CH) (ISO 11405), (b) steel strip (SS), (c) piston (PI). Metal‐ceramic interfaces were loaded under shear until debonding in a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). Failure types were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FEA was used to study the stress distribution using different jigs. Metal‐ceramic bond strength data (MPa) were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The jig type significantly affected the bond results (p = 0.0001). PI type of jig presented the highest results (MPa) (p < 0.05) (58.2 ± 14.8), followed by CH (38.7 ± 7.6) and SS jig type (23.3 ± 4.2) (p < 0.05). Failure types were exclusively a combination of cohesive failure in the opaque ceramic and adhesive interface failure. FEA analysis indicated that the SS jig presented slightly more stress formation than with the CH jig. The PI jig presented small stress concentration with more homogeneous force distribution compared to the CH jig where the stress concentrated in the area where the force was applied.

Conclusion

Metal‐ceramic bond strength was affected by the jig design. Accordingly, the results of in vitro studies on metal‐ceramic adhesion should be evaluated with caution. Clinical significance: When adhesion of ceramic materials to metals is evaluated in in vitro studies, it should be noted that the loading jig type affects the results. Clinical observations should report on the location and type of ceramic fractures in metal‐ceramic reconstructions so that the most relevant test method can be identified.
Toll‐IL1 receptor‐mediated innate immune responses vary across HBV genotype and predict treatment response to pegylated‐IFN in HBeAg‐positive CHB patients
Authors: Visvanathan K. , Lang T. , Ryan K. , Wilson R. , Skinner N. A. , Thompson A. J. V. , Ahn S. H. , Weilert F. , Abbott W. , Gane E. , Colledge D. , Li K. , Locarnini S. , Mansell A. , Revill P. A.
Published: October 2015

Patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) have suppressed TLR2 expression, function and cytokine production. The aim of this study was to explore the importance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype in innate immune responses and investigate whether Toll‐like receptor (TLR) expression/function has potential roles as predictive biomarkers of successful therapy with pegylated interferon (Peg‐IFN) therapy of HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg‐positive patients. We showed that as early as 4 weeks after initiation of Peg‐IFN, future HBeAg seroconverters had significantly elevated levels of TLR2 expression on monocytes. TLR2‐associated IL‐6 production at baseline and week 4 of therapy and TLR4 IL‐6 production at week 4 were also markedly elevated in HBeAg seroconverters. HBV genotype also influenced treatment response, with genotypes A and B more likely to seroconvert than D. We were able to demonstrate that these differences were due in part to the interaction of the specific HBeAg proteins with TLR pathway adaptor molecules, and these interactions were genotype dependent. HBeAg‐mediated modulation of TLR signalling was also observed in Huh7 cells, following stimulation with Pam3Cys. Importantly, the addition of IFN‐α to TLR2‐stimulated cells cotransfected with an HBeAg expression plasmid reversed HBeAg‐mediated suppression of hepatocytes. These findings demonstrate that patients with an activated inflammatory response are much more likely to respond to IFN therapy, with TLR responses showing promise as potential biomarkers of HBeAg seroconversion in this setting. Furthermore, our findings suggest there is differential genotype‐specific HBeAg suppression of innate signalling pathways which may account for some of the clinical differences observed across the CHB spectrum.
BGA66 and BGA71 facilitate complement resistance of Borrelia bavariensis by inhibiting assembly of the membrane attack complex
Authors: Hammerschmidt Claudia , Klevenhaus Yvonne , Koenigs Arno , Hallström Teresia , Fingerle Volker , Skerka Christine , Pos Klaas Martinus , Zipfel Peter F. , Wallich Reinhard , Kraiczy Peter
Published: October 2015

Borrelia (B.) bavariensis exhibits a marked tropism for nervous tissues and frequently causes neurological manifestations in humans. The molecular mechanism by which B. bavariensis overcomes innate immunity, in particular, complement remains elusive. In contrast to other serum‐resistant spirochetes, none of the B. bavariensis isolates investigated bound complement regulators of the alternative (AP) and classical pathway (CP) or proteolytically inactivated complement components. Focusing on outer surface proteins BGA66 and BGA71, we demonstrated that both molecules either inhibit AP, CP and terminal pathway (TP) activation, or block activation of the CP and TP respectively. Both molecules bind complement components C7, C8 and C9, and thereby prevent assembly of the terminal complement complex. This inhibitory activity was confirmed by the introduction of the BGA66 and BGA71 encoding genes into a serum‐sensitive B. garinii strain. Transformed spirochetes producing either BGA66 or BGA71 overcome complement‐mediated killing, thus indicating that both proteins independently facilitate serum resistance of B. bavariensis. The generation of C‐terminally truncated proteins as well as a chimeric BGA71 protein lead to the localization of the complement‐interacting binding site within the N‐terminus. Collectively, our data reveal a novel immune evasion strategy of B. bavariensis that is directed against the activation of the TP.
Rooting depth, water relations and non‐structural carbohydrate dynamics in three woody angiosperms differentially affected by an extreme summer drought
Authors: Nardini Andrea , Casolo Valentino , Dal Borgo Anna , Savi Tadeja , Stenni Barbara , Bertoncin Paolo , Zini Luca , McDowell Nathan G.
Published: October 2015

In 2012, an extreme summer drought induced species‐specific die‐back in woody species in Northeastern Italy. Quercus pubescens and Ostrya carpinifolia were heavily impacted, while Prunus mahaleb was largely unaffected. By comparing seasonal changes in isotopic composition of xylem sap, rainfall and deep soil samples, we show that P. mahaleb has a deeper root system than the other two species. This morphological trait allowed P  mahaleb to maintain higher water potential (Ψ), gas exchange rates and non‐structural carbohydrates content (NSC) throughout the summer, when compared with the other species. More favourable water and carbon states allowed relatively stable maintenance of stem hydraulic conductivity (k) throughout the growing season. In contrast, in Quercus pubescens and Ostrya carpinifolia, decreasing Ψ and NSC were associated with significant hydraulic failure, with spring‐to‐summer k loss averaging 60%. Our data support the hypothesis that drought‐induced tree decline is a complex phenomenon that cannot be modelled on the basis of single predictors of tree status like hydraulic efficiency, vulnerability and carbohydrate content. Our data highlight the role of rooting depth in seasonal progression of water status, gas exchange and NSC, with possible consequences for energy‐demanding mechanisms involved in the maintenance of vascular integrity.