bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Have there been forest transitions? Forest transition theory revisited in the context of the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem
Authors: Kozak Jacek , Szwagrzyk Marcin
Published: March 2016

Forest transition, a concept introduced in the early 1990s by Alexander Mather, proposes a reversal of forest cover change trends: from long‐term deforestation to stable or increasing forest cover. Several well‐documented examples of forest transition have been described since its proposal, typically at the national level. Initially, forest transition was explained by endogenous drivers, yet recently researchers have linked forest transition to spatial interactions taking place over increasingly larger distances and land use displacements occurring beyond national boundaries. Therefore, in the telecoupled global land use system, country‐level analysis of forest cover changes includes several pitfalls highlighted by the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP) and it may therefore not be appropriate to draw conclusions about the occurrence of forest transitions. In this study, we attempt to explain this problem with a simple land use change simulation that extends the model introduced by Mather and Needle in 1998, and case study data from the Carpathian Mountains in Poland. Our results suggest that an abrupt increase of interaction distance is sufficient to cause land use displacements beyond the boundaries of areal units, resulting in reversals of previous land use trends and forest transitions. With interaction distance exceeding the dimensions of areal units considered in the analysis, these areal units may be considered arbitrary, and forest transitions occurring within their boundaries spurious in the sense of MAUP. We conclude that this finding may apply to other contemporary country‐level analyses of forest cover change, and argue that at present, only the global‐level forest transition is MAUP‐insensitive, possessing properties relevant to its early theoretical meaning.
Habitual instigation and habitual execution: Definition, measurement, and effects on behaviour frequency
Authors: Gardner Benjamin , Phillips L. Alison , Judah Gaby
Published: March 2016

Objectives

‘Habit’ is a process whereby situational cues generate behaviour automatically, via activation of learned cue–behaviour associations. This article presents a conceptual and empirical rationale for distinguishing between two manifestations of habit in health behaviour, triggering selection and initiation of an action (‘habitual instigation’), or automating progression through subactions required to complete action (‘habitual execution’). We propose that habitual instigation accounts for habit–action relationships, and is the manifestation captured by the Self‐Report Habit Index (SRHI), the dominant measure in health psychology.

Design

Conceptual analysis and prospective survey.

Methods

Student participants (N = 229) completed measures of intentions, the original, non‐specific SRHI, an instigation‐specific SRHI variant, an execution‐specific variant, and, 1 week later, behaviour, in three health domains (flossing, snacking, and breakfast consumption). Effects of habitual instigation and execution on behaviour were modelled using regression analyses, with simple slope analysis to test habit–intention interactions. Relationships between instigation, execution, and non‐specific SRHI variants were assessed via correlations and factor analyses.

Results

The instigation‐SRHI was uniformly more predictive of behaviour frequency than the execution‐SRHI and corresponded more closely with the original SRHI in correlation and factor analyses.

Conclusions

Further, experimental work is needed to separate the impact of the two habit manifestations more rigorously. Nonetheless, findings qualify calls for habit‐based interventions by suggesting that behaviour maintenance may be better served by habitual instigation and that disrupting habitual behaviour may depend on overriding habits of instigation. Greater precision of measurement may help to minimize confusion between habitual instigation and execution.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Habit is often used to understand, explain, and change health behaviour.

Making behaviour habitual has been proposed as a means of maintaining behaviour change.

Concerns have been raised about the extent to which health behaviour can be habitual.

What does this study add?

A conceptual and empirical rationale for discerning habitually instigated and habitually executed behaviour.

Results show habit–behaviour effects are mostly attributable to habitual instigation, not execution.

The most common habit measure, the Self‐Report Habit Index, measures habitual instigation, not execution.
Esthetic Outcome of Implant Supported Crowns With and Without Peri‐Implant Conditioning Using Provisional Fixed Prosthesis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Furze David , Byrne Ashley , Alam Sonia , Wittneben Julia‐Gabriela
Published: March 2016

Background

Achieving an optimal esthetic result using dental implants is challenging. Fixed implant‐supported provisional crowns are often used to customize the emergence profile and to individualize the surrounding peri‐implant soft tissue.

Purpose

The objective of this study is to evaluate whether the use of a provisional implant‐supported crown leads to an esthetic benefit on implants that are placed in the esthetic zone. The null hypothesis is that there is no‐difference between the two study groups.

Material and methods

Twenty single implants (Bone Level, Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) were inserted in consecutive patients. After reopening, a randomization process assigned them to either cohort group 1: a provisional phase with soft tissue conditioning using the “dynamic compression technique” or cohort group 2: without a provisional. Implants were finally restored with an all‐ceramic crown. Follow‐up examinations were performed at 3 and 12 months including implant success and survival, clinical, and radiographic parameters.

Results

After 1 year all implants successfully integrated, mean values of combined modPES and WES were 16.7 for group 1 and 10.5 for Group 2. This was statistically significant. Mean bone loss after 1 year was −0.09 and −0.08 for groups 1 and 2, respectively, without being statistically significant.

Conclusion

A provisional phase with soft tissue conditioning does improve the final esthetic result.
Geography of conservation spending, biodiversity, and culture
Authors: McClanahan T.R. , Rankin P.S.
Published: March 2016

We used linear and multivariate models to examine the associations between geography, biodiversity, per capita economic output, national spending on conservation, governance, and cultural traits in 55 countries. Cultural traits and social metrics of modernization correlated positively with national spending on conservation. The global distribution of this spending culture was poorly aligned with the distribution of biodiversity. Specifically, biodiversity was greater in the tropics where cultures tended to spend relatively less on conservation and tended to have higher collectivism, formalized and hierarchical leadership, and weaker governance. Consequently, nations lacking social traits frequently associated with modernization, environmentalism, and conservation spending have the largest component of Earth's biodiversity. This has significant implications for setting policies and priorities for resource management given that biological diversity is rapidly disappearing and cultural traits change slowly. Therefore, we suggest natural resource management adapt to and use characteristics of existing social organization rather than wait for or promote social values associated with conservation spending. Supporting biocultural traditions, engaging leaders to increase conservation commitments, cross‐national efforts that complement attributes of cultures, and avoiding interference with nature may work best to conserve nature in collective and hierarchical societies. Spending in modernized nations may be a symbolic response to a symptom of economic development and environmental degradation, and here conservation actions need to ensure that biodiversity is not being lost.
Epithelial sheath neuroma: evidence supporting a hyperplastic etiology and epidermal origin
Authors: Hirano‐Ali Stefanie A. , Bryant Elizabeth A. , Warren Simon J.
Published: March 2016

An epithelial sheath neuroma (ESN) is a rare benign process of unknown pathogenesis, which is characterized histologically by multiple enlarged peripheral nerve fibers ensheathed by mature squamous epithelium. The histologic features can elicit concern for carcinomatous perineural invasion. The process is limited to the superficial dermis and is surrounded by a loose myxoid stroma, lymphocytic infiltrate and sometimes prominent infundibular cysts. The etiology of this peculiar entity has been debated and theories include a benign neoplasm, a hamartoma or an unusual reactive hyperplasia. There are only seven prior cases reported of ESN in the literature. Our case presented here is the first report to show connection of the ESN to the overlying epidermis and reactive epidermal hyperplasia. This suggests that ESN is indeed an unusual form of benign reactive hyperplasia. In addition, the clinical setting in this case was of pruritus and scratching in a background of papular urticaria, supporting the previous notion that ESN is probably a response to an external stimulus such as rubbing.
Langerhans cell collections, but not eosinophils, are clues to a diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis in appropriate skin biopsies
Authors: Rosa Gabriela , Fernandez Anthony P. , Vij Alok , Sood Apra , Plesec Thomas , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Billings Steven D.
Published: March 2016

Background

Langerhans cell collections (LCCs) and eosinophils are traditionally considered histologic clues to allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), but rigorous histologic analyses are limited. We correlated the presence of LCCs and eosinophils in skin biopsies with patch test results in patients evaluated for ACD.

Methods

Charts of all patients patch tested and biopsied at one institution from 2011 to 2013 were reviewed. Biopsies had to have a diagnosis of either spongiotic dermatitis, psoriasiform dermatitis or mixed psoriasiform/spongiotic dermatitis. Various histologic parameters were assessed, including the presence of LCCs and number of eosinophils.

Design

A total of 68 biopsies met study criteria. Of these, 27 (40%) had ≥1 LCC. Twenty‐one out of 27 (78%) with ≥1 LCC were patch test positive; 6 were patch test negative (22%). Of 41 cases with no LCCs, 23 were patch test positive (23/41, 56%) and 18 were patch test negative (18/41, 44%). LCCs were significantly more common in patch test positive patients (p = 0.046). Eosinophil count did not significantly differ in patch test positive and negative cases (p = 0.216).

Conclusion

LCCs are significantly more common in patch test positive cases. There were no differences with regards to presence of eosinophils between patch test positive and negative groups.
Phylogenetic community structure metrics and null models: a review with new methods and software
Authors: Miller Eliot T. , Farine Damien R. , Trisos Christopher H.
Published: March 2016

Competitive exclusion and habitat filtering influence community assembly, but ecologists and evolutionary biologists have not reached consensus on how to quantify patterns that would reveal the action of these processes. Currently, at least 22 α‐diversity and 10 β‐diversity metrics of community phylogenetic structure can be combined with nine null models (eight for β‐diversity metrics), providing 278 potentially distinct approaches to test for phylogenetic clustering and overdispersion. Selecting the appropriate approach for a study is daunting. First, we describe similarities among metrics and null models across variance in phylogeny size and shape, species abundance, and species richness. Second, we develop spatially explicit, individual‐based simulations of neutral, competitive exclusion, or habitat filtering community assembly, and quantify the performance (type I and II error rates) of all 278 metric and null model combinations against each assembly process. Many α‐diversity metrics and null models are at least functionally equivalent, reducing the number of truly unique metrics to 12 and the number of unique metric + null model combinations to 72. An even smaller subset of metric and null model combinations showed robust statistical performance. For α‐diversity metrics, phylogenetic diversity and mean nearest taxon distance were best able to detect habitat filtering, while mean pairwise phylogenetic distance‐based metrics were best able to detect competitive exclusion. Overall, β‐diversity metrics tended to have greater power to detect habitat filtering and competitive exclusion than α‐diversity metrics, but had higher type 1 error in some cases. Across both α‐ and β‐diversity metrics, null model selection affected type I error rates more than metric selection. A null model that maintained species richness, and approximately maintained species occurrence frequency and abundance across sites, exhibited low type I and II error rates. This regional null model simulates neutral dispersal of individuals into local communities by sampling from a regional species pool. We introduce a flexible new R package, metricTester, to facilitate robust analyses of method performance.
Regional and global elevational patterns of microbial species richness and evenness
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Meier Sandra , Soininen Janne , Casamayor Emilio O. , Pan Feiyan , Tang Xiangming , Yang Xiangdong , Zhang Yunlin , Wu Qinglong , Zhou Jizhong , Shen Ji
Published: March 2016

Although elevational gradients in microbial biodiversity have attracted increasing attention recently, the generality in the patterns and underlying mechanisms are still poorly resolved. Further, previous studies focused mostly on species richness, while left understudied evenness, another important aspect of biodiversity. Here, we studied the elevational patterns in species richness and evenness of stream biofilm bacteria and diatoms in six mountains in Asia and Europe. We also reviewed published results for elevational richness patterns for soil and stream microbes in a literature analysis. Our results revealed that even within the same ecosystem type (that is, stream) or geographical region, bacteria and diatoms showed contrasting patterns in diversity. Stream microbes, including present stream data, tend to show significantly increasing or decreasing elevational patterns in richness, contrasting the findings for soil microbes that typically showed nonsignificant or significantly decreasing patterns. In all six mountains for bacteria and in four mountains for diatoms, species richness and evenness were positively correlated. The variation in bacteria and diatom richness and evenness were substantially explained by anthropogenic driven factors, such as total phosphorus (TP). However, diatom richness and evenness were also related to different main drivers as richness was mostly related to pH, while evenness was most explained by TP. Our results highlight the lack of consistent elevational biodiversity patterns of microbes and further indicate that the two facets of biodiversity may respond differently to environmental gradients.
Four decades of parasitoid science
Authors: Godfray H. Charles J.
Published: March 2016

Mark Jervis made important contributions to our understanding of parasitoid biology over a career of around 40 years. This article explores major themes in the evolution of the subject over this period. It looks at the subfields of taxonomy, physiology and cell biology, behavioural and chemical ecology, population ecology, community ecology, and finally biological control, and asks what have been the major drivers of change in these fields. It also asks the degree to which parasitoid biology in these areas has been successful in advancing fundamental knowledge and in applying these insights, especially in agriculture.
Feeding behavior and performance of Nasonovia ribisnigri on grafts, detached leaves, and leaf disks of resistant and susceptible lettuce
Authors: ten Broeke Cindy J.M. , Dicke Marcel , van Loon Joop J.A.
Published: March 2016

Aphids are dependent on the phloem sap of plants as their only source of nutrients. Host‐plant resistance in lettuce, Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae), mediated by the Nr gene is used to control the lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosely) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The resistance is located in the phloem; however, the exact mechanism of resistance is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether the resistance factor (or factors) is synthesized in the root or in the shoot. The feeding behavior and performance of avirulent N. ribisnigri were studied on grafts of resistant and susceptible lettuce. In addition, the persistence of resistance in excised lettuce tissue was measured, by studying the feeding behavior and performance of N. ribisnigri on detached leaves and leaf disks of resistant lettuce. It appears that the resistance factor encoded by the Nr gene is produced in the shoots: aphid feeding was reduced on resistant shoots grafted on susceptible roots, whereas aphids were able to feed on grafts of susceptible shoots on resistant roots. Partial loss of resistance was observed after detachment of leaves and excision of leaf disks from resistant plants. Aphids fed longer on excised resistant plant tissue compared with intact resistant plants; however, compared with excised plant tissue of the susceptible cultivar, the time spent on feeding was shorter, indicating resistance was not completely lost. Our findings caution against the use of excised leaf material for aphid resistance bioassays.
The involvement of protein kinase G inhibitor in regulation of apoptosis and autophagy markers in spatial memory deficit induced by Aβ
Authors: Shariatpanahi Marjan , Khodagholi Fariba , Ashabi Ghorbangol , Bonakdar Yazdi Behnoosh , Hassani Shokoufeh , Azami Kian , Abdollahi Mohammad , Noorbakhsh Farshid , Taghizadeh Ghorban , Sharifzadeh Mohammad
Published: March 2016

The role of nitric oxide/protein kinase G (NO/PKG) in neurodegenerative disorders is controversial in different circumstances. PKG affects neurons both by itself and as a result of increased NO concentration. In this study, we examined the influence of PKG on spatial memory by intrahippocampal administration of three different concentrations of KT5823 as a PKG inhibitor. Morris water maze (MWM) was used for evaluation of behavioral alterations. We also measured the apoptosis and autophagy markers as two probable interfering pathways with PKG signaling by Western blot method. We found that in Aβ‐pretreated rats, intrahippocampus infusions of 2.5, 5, and 10 μm/side of KT5823 led to a significant reduction in escape latency and traveled distance comparing to Aβ‐treatment group. Our molecular findings indicated that KT5823 could induce autophagy and attenuate apoptotic markers at distinct doses. Here, we can conclude that in addition to other parameters, apoptosis, and autophagy in part have damaging and protective roles, respectively, in PKG signaling mechanisms. As autophagy‐related proteins lose their functions in neurodegenerative diseases, we can suggest that autophagy can be one of the therapeutic aims for remedy of Alzheimer's disease.
Comparative study of fatigue and fracture in friction stir and electron beam welds of 24 mm thick titanium alloy Ti‐6Al‐4 V
Authors: Edwards Paul D. , Ramulu M.
Published: March 2016

In this study, friction stir welding of Ti‐6Al‐4 V was demonstrated in 24 mm thickness material. The microstructure and mechanical properties, fatigue, fracture toughness and crack growth of these thick section friction stir welds were evaluated and compared with electron beam welds produced in the same thickness material. It was found that the friction stir welds possessed a relatively coarse lamellar alpha transformed beta microstructure because of slow cooling from above the transus temperature of the material. The electron beam welds had a fine acicular alpha structure as a result of rapid solidification. The friction stir welds possessed better ductility, fatigue life, fracture toughness and crack growth resistance than the base meal or electron beam welds. Thus, even though friction stir welding is a relatively new process, the performance benefits it offers for the fabrication of heavy gage primary structure make it a more attractive option than the more well‐established electron beam welding method.
Strong land‐use effects on the dispersal patterns of adult stream insects: implications for transfers of aquatic subsidies to terrestrial consumers
Authors: Carlson Peter E. , McKie Brendan G. , Sandin Leonard , Johnson Richard K.
Published: March 2016

The dispersal of terrestrial adults of freshwater insects is a key process regulating the transfer resources from aquatic habitats to terrestrial consumers, including high‐quality lipids synthesised in the aquatic environment. However, the efficiency of these transfers depends strongly on both subsidy production in the aquatic source habitat and permeability of the aquatic–terrestrial boundary.

We assessed how land use (agriculture versus forest) affects stream riparian habitats and the dispersal of adult aquatic insects. Flying insects were sampled alongside eight streams (four agricultural, four forested) in central Sweden using sticky traps, placed from 1 up to 100 m from the stream edge. Environmental variables including temperature, wind, vegetation structure and canopy cover were also quantified.

Abundances of adult aquatic insects were greater at agricultural than at forested sites, but most (64%) were caught close to the stream edge. In contrast, catches of adult aquatic insects declined relatively little with increasing distance from the forest streams.

Overall, dispersal of the dominant aquatic insect order (Diptera) was positively associated with greater tree density and canopy shading and negatively associated with higher wind speeds and soil temperatures, more open habitats and steeper topographies. Taxonomic differences among assemblages, reflecting differing dispersal capacities, were also important, but less so than environmental factors.

Our results indicate that adult aquatic insects in our forested landscapes are more likely to subsidise near‐ground food webs at a greater distance from stream channels, whereas the abundant subsidy emerging from the agricultural sites is likely to be most influential near the stream channel. A key question for future research is whether the deposition of large quantities of aquatic subsidy in agricultural riparian habitats exceeds the resource requirements and processing capacities of terrestrial consumers.
Integrated landscape approaches to managing social and environmental issues in the tropics: learning from the past to guide the future
Authors: Reed James , Van Vianen Josh , Deakin Elizabeth L. , Barlow Jos , Sunderland Terry
Published: March 2016

Poverty, food insecurity, climate change and biodiversity loss continue to persist as the primary environmental and social challenges faced by the global community. As such, there is a growing acknowledgement that conventional sectorial approaches to addressing often inter‐connected social, environmental, economic and political challenges are proving insufficient. An alternative is to focus on integrated solutions at landscape scales or ‘landscape approaches’. The appeal of landscape approaches has resulted in the production of a significant body of literature in recent decades, yet confusion over terminology, application and utility persists. Focusing on the tropics, we systematically reviewed the literature to: (i) disentangle the historical development and theory behind the framework of the landscape approach and how it has progressed into its current iteration, (ii) establish lessons learned from previous land management strategies, (iii) determine the barriers that currently restrict implementation of the landscape approach and (iv) provide recommendations for how the landscape approach can contribute towards the fulfilment of the goals of international policy processes. This review suggests that, despite some barriers to implementation, a landscape approach has considerable potential to meet social and environmental objectives at local scales while aiding national commitments to addressing ongoing global challenges.
A randomized study of very low‐dose factor VIII prophylaxis in severe haemophilia – A success story from a resource limited country
Authors: Verma S. P. , Dutta T. K. , Mahadevan S. , Nalini P. , Basu D. , Biswal N. , Ramesh A. , Charles D. , Vinod K. V. , Harichandra Kumar K. T.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Current factor prophylaxis strategy practised in developed countries is not feasible in resource constraint developing countries like India.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of very low‐dose factor prophylaxis in India.

Methods

Children of 1–10 years of age with severe haemophilia were randomized to Prophylaxis group and Episodic (On demand) group. Children in prophylaxis group received very low‐dose factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate, i.e. 10 units kg−1 body weights on 2 days a week. Episodic group received factor concentrate in standard recommended doses. The study period was 11.5 months.

Results

In total 21 children were enrolled in this study, 11 assigned to prophylaxis and 10 to episodic group. Children on prophylaxis had 11 joint bleeds in comparison to 57 joint bleeds in episodic group. Mean number of haemarthrosis per patient per month were 0.08 (0.08 ± 0.13) in prophylaxis group compared to 0.48 (0.48 ± 0.34) in episodic group (P < 0.05). Total FVIII consumption was 87.51 and 56.32 units kg−1 month−1 in prophylaxis and episodic group respectively (P = ns). Overall median hospital emergency visits were 1 day in prophylaxis group and 9 days in episodic group (P ≤ 0.05). Median days of absenteeism from school were 25 days in episodic group and 3 days in prophylaxis group (P < 0.05). No significant complications were noted in prophylaxis group and compliance was 98%.

Conclusion

To conclude, low‐dose FVIII prophylaxis is cost effective, efficacious and a safe method of preventing joint bleeds and consequent joint damages.
Effects of moderate‐intensity physical exercise on pharmacokinetics of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor in young adults with severe haemophilia A: a pilot study
Authors: Zourikian N. , Merlen C. , Bonnefoy A. , St‐Louis J. , Rivard G. E.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

In persons with severe haemophilia A (pwshA), infused factor VIII (FVIII) half‐life can vary according to such determinants as blood group, von Willebrand factor (VWF) level or age; however, FVIII pharmacokinetics (PK) has not been well studied in pwshA during exercise.

Aim

To investigate FVIII PK in pwshA performing moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise.

Methods

Twelve young‐adult pwshA with the intron‐22 inversion mutation, on relatively low‐dose FVIII prophylaxis regimens, and relatively good musculoskeletal status were recruited. Abbreviated PK of FVIII activity and von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag) level were compared – during rest, and with 60‐min exercise (2 × 15 min each of moderate‐intensity stationary cycling and treadmill walking). During rest and exercise visits, a baseline blood specimen was drawn, routine prophylaxis FVIII infused; then six blood specimens were taken over the following 24 h.

Results

For all subjects, mean half‐life of infused FVIII did not change significantly with exercise vs. at rest (577 ± 190 vs. 614 ± 163 min; P = 0.4131). VWF:Ag rose transiently by 40–50% for 6–8 h with exercise (P < 0.01), particularly in non‐O blood group subjects. No musculoskeletal bleeds occurred during the study.

Conclusion

Four × 15 min of moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise increased VWF:Ag levels for 6–8 h, and showed no evidence of accelerated FVIII clearance or of musculoskeletal bleeding in these young‐adult pwshA with relatively good musculoskeletal status, on relatively low‐dose FVIII prophylaxis regimens. However, O blood group impact would merit larger studies, with longer durations of similar or more vigorous exercise intensities.
A successful case of deceased donor liver transplantation for a patient with intrahepatic arterioportal fistula
Authors: Takagi Kosei , Yagi Takahito , Yoshida Ryuichi , Shinoura Susumu , Umeda Yuzo , Nobuoka Daisuke , Watanabe Nobuyuki , Kuise Takashi , Sui Kenta , Hirose Akira , Tsuboi Makiko , Ogasawara Mitsunari , Iwasaki Shinji , Saibara Toshiji , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: March 2016

Intrahepatic arterioportal fistula (IAPF) is a rare cause of portal hypertension that is often difficult to treat with interventional radiology or surgery. Liver transplantation for IAPF is extremely rare. We report a case of bilateral diffuse IAPF with severe portal hypertension requiring deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). A 51‐year‐old woman with no past medical history was admitted to another hospital complaining of abdominal distension and marasmus. A computed tomography scan and digital subtraction angiography indicated a massive pleural effusion, ascites, and a very large IAPF. Several attempts of interventional embolization of the feeding artery failed to ameliorate arterioportal shunt flow. As ruptures of the esophageal varices became more frequent, hepatic encephalopathy worsened. After repeated, uncontrollable attacks of hepatic coma, the patient was referred to our facility for further treatment. Surgical approaches to IAPF other than liver transplantation were challenging because of diffuse collateralization; therefore, we placed the patient on the national waiting list for DDLT. Although her Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score was relatively low, she received a DDLT 2 months after the waiting period. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 44 days after her transplant. Liver transplantation may be a valid treatment option for uncontrollable IAPF with severe portal hypertension.
Prevalence of apical periodontitis and root filled teeth in a Belgian subpopulation found on CBCT images
Authors: Van der Veken D. , Curvers F. , Fieuws S. , Lambrechts P.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and root filled teeth found on cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in a Belgian subpopulation in a retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Methodology

At the university hospital of Leuven, 804 patients received a CBCT scan between 01/01/2013 and 01/01/2014. The investigated sample included 631 scans with a permanent dentition and a total of 11 117 teeth. Prevalences and their confidence intervals are reported and the association between treatment, position of a tooth, gender and age with AP was determined using logistic regressions.

Results

A total of 656 teeth (5.9%) had signs of AP and 1357 teeth (12.2%) had been root filled. AP was present in 212 of the 9760 nonroot filled teeth (2.2%) and in 444 of the 1357 root filled teeth (32.7%). Adequate root fillings were detected in approximately half (49.3%) of the root filled teeth. The prevalence of AP was 22.8% when the root filling was adequate, when scored inadequate the prevalence increased to 41%. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed a significant relation of tooth position and treatment with AP. No difference in the prevalence of AP between male and female patients was detected.

Conclusion

The prevalence of AP was comparable with findings in other epidemiological studies. Root filled teeth had significantly more AP than nonroot filled teeth. The technical quality of the root fillings had a significant impact on the presence of AP. Therefore, emphasis on the quality of work and continuing education in the field of Endodontology must be provided in Belgium.
Diffusion of antimicrobials in multispecies biofilms evaluated in a new biofilm model
Authors: van der Waal S. V. , de Almeida J. , Krom B. P. , de Soet J. J. , Crielaard W.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To describe the application of a newly‐developed in vitro model in which the diffusion of antimicrobials in oral biofilms can be studied.

Methodology

In a flow chamber consisting of three parallel feeding channels connected with each other by eight perpendicular side channels, multispecies biofilms were grown from saliva of a single donor for 48 h. The dimensions of the side channels were 100 μm × 100 μm × 5130 μm (H × W × L). When one or more side channels were filled with biofilm, the biofilms were stained with fluorescent stains. Then, one side‐channel biofilm was selected and treated with phosphate buffered saline, 2% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 17% ethylenediaminetetra‐acetic acid (EDTA) or modified salt solution (MSS). Diffusion of the irrigants was observed by acquiring fluorescence images at 10× objective every 15 s for 30 min.

Results

It was possible to culture biofilms in the narrow (100 μm) channels. The biofilms varied in phenotype. In this model, no diffusion of NaOCl into the biofilms was seen after its application. Seventeen‐percentage EDTA only diffused into the biofilm up to 200 μm in 30 min. MSS did diffuse in the biofilm over a distance of 450 μm within 2 min after a single application.

Conclusions

This new model enables the investigation of the diffusion of antimicrobials in biofilms. Other applications to improve our understanding of the characteristics of biofilms are now possible.
Comparing the differences of characteristic flavour between natural maturation and starter culture for Mucor‐type Douchi
Authors: He Guiqiang , Huang Jun , Liang Ru , Wu Chongde , Zhou Rongqing
Published: March 2016

In this research, effects of maturation times on volatiles of Mucor‐type Douchi were investigated. Results showed that 2‐year matured sample exhibited higher concentrations of characteristic flavours including alcohols, esters, phenols, ketones and pyrazines. Additionally, effects of starter cultures addition on volatiles were investigated, and results demonstrated that inoculated fermented samples presented higher amounts of aldehydes, ketones, phenols and pyrazines compared with that of naturally fermented sample. Analysis of odour activity value (OAV) suggested that increased OAVs of eight compounds that mainly contributed to the flavour of Douchi ranged from onefold to 6.5‐fold in the Tetragenococcus halophilus, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Candida versatilis co‐cultured sample. Furtherly, by comparing the characteristic flavour of co‐cultured and 2‐year matured samples, no significant difference was observed in the OAV of flavour except rose‐like and soapy flavour, which indicated that co‐culture of the three strains during Douchi fermentation may facilitate the formation of flavours and shorten the fermentation process.
Comparative studies of quality changes in white and dark muscles from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) during refrigerated (4 °C) storage
Authors: Li Qian , Li Dongping , Qin Na , Hong Hui , Luo Yongkang
Published: March 2016

Differences between white and dark muscles from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in sensory assessment, total viable counts (TVC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), biogenic amines (BAs), nucleotide degradation products and colours were investigated under air and vacuum conditions during refrigerated (4 °C) storage. Compared with white muscle, dark muscle had a higher lipid content, but lower crude protein and moisture content. TVC, TVB‐N, pH, and L* value were higher in white muscle, while K value and a* value were higher in dark muscle. Under both conditions, white and dark muscles had significant (P < 0.05) differences in tyramine and cadaverine content. Although dark muscle was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in ATP content, it had higher rate of IMP degradation and K value increase. Taking sensory and microbial indexes into consideration, dark muscle appeared to have a longer shelf life than white muscle under both conditions.
Interactions between maternal killer cell immunoglobulin receptor genes and foetal HLA ligand genes contribute to type 1 diabetes susceptibility in Han Chinese
Authors: Sun C. , Sanjeevi S. , Luo F. , Zhi D. , Sanjeevi C. B.
Published: March 2016

In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that KIR haplotypes (that interact with HLA class I molecules) are associated with susceptibility in patients with T1DM in utero through maternal–foetal interaction of KIR and their HLA class I ligands in Han Chinese population. We determined the KIR genes and KIR/ligand gene combination frequencies in 59 Han Chinese children with T1D and their mothers and compared it with 159 healthy control children and their mothers. The absence of KIR‐2DS1 in the mother and the presence of HLA‐C2 ligand in the child were negatively associated with type 1 diabetes in the child. Our results indicate that maternal KIR genes and their interaction with foetal HLA‐C2 may contribute to the risk of type 1 diabetes among Han Chinese children.
Incisional negative pressure wound therapy in reconstructive surgery of poststernotomy mediastinitis
Authors: Rashed Aref , Frenyo Magdolna , Gombocz Karoly , Szabados Sandor , Alotti Nasri
Published: March 2016

The efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy in the treatment of poststernotomy mediastinitis has been revealed in many reports. The present retrospective observational study examined the efficacy of incisional negative pressure wound therapy in the reconstructive surgery of poststernotomy mediastinitis. We retrospectively examined 1034 consecutive patients, who underwent median sternotomy in the period between October 2013 and September 2015. Mediastinitis developed in 21 patients (2%), who subsequently underwent surgical reconstruction. We applied incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) after primary closure of the wound over redon drains in ten patients (iNPWT + redon group). In 11 patients, only redons were used (redons only group). We observed the time between the introduction and removal of redon drains, hospital stay until final wound closure and the rate of failure of treatment. Failure of treatment is defined as the need for further surgical reconstruction. In the iNPWT + redon group, the duration of redon drainage therapy was 6·9 ± 5·2 days versus 13·36 ± 11·58 in the redons only group. Hospital stay was 11·4 ± 8·6 versus 101·64 ± 89·2, and failure of treatment was 10% versus 45·5%, respectively. The primary results of this study appear to support the beneficial effect of iNPWT after radical wound reconstruction.
Disperse Equiaxed α‐Al2O3 Nanoparticles Without Vermicular Microstructure
Authors: Cao Wenbin , Guo Ruiyun , Pu Sanxu , Zhang Wei , Li Lu , Guo Qian , Li Jiangong
Published: March 2016

Nanocrystalline microstructure is regarded as a strategic approach to overcome the brittleness of alumina ceramics, and the preparation of disperse equiaxed α‐Al2O3 nanoparticles is an essential step for the preparation of nanocrystalline alumina ceramics. In this work, disperse equiaxed α‐Al2O3 nanoparticles were prepared using α‐Fe2O3 as seed and isolation phase. At first, the composite of α‐Al2O3 nanoparticles embedded in α‐Fe2O3 matrix was obtained by calcining the precursor powder containing γ‐AlOOH and Fe(OH)3 (Fe3+/Al3+ mole ratio of 5) at 770°C for 2 h. Then disperse equiaxed α‐Al2O3 nanoparticles with a mean size of 12 nm and a size distribution from 2 to 40 nm without vermicular microstructure were obtained by removal of α‐Fe2O3 and other impurities in the composite through acid corrosion.
Triaxial Crystalline Orientation of MgTi2O5 Achieved Using a Strong Magnetic Field and Geometric Effect
Authors: Suzuki Tohru S. , Suzuki Yoshikazu , Uchikoshi Tetsuo , Sakka Yoshio
Published: March 2016

Tailoring the crystallographic orientation in ceramics is very useful for improving their properties. We reported that the colloidal processing in a strong magnetic field was able to control the crystallographic orientation even in diamagnetic ceramics. In this process, a strong magnetic field is applied to the particles in a stable suspension. The orientation of the crystal depends on the axis having easy magnetization and one‐dimensional orientation can be controlled. In this study, our concept is that control of multiaxial crystalline orientation in ceramics by using both anisometric particles and a magnetic field. The control of the triaxial orientation was achieved by tape casting of rod‐like MgTi2O5 particle in a magnetic field. The b‐axis was aligned by the magnetic field, and the a‐axis was aligned by the geometric effect and shear stress during tape casting.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Mesoporous SiC Hollow Spheres by Magnesiothermic Reduction
Authors: An Weili , Su Jianjun , Chen Zhendong , Gao Biao , Zhang Xuming , Peng Xiang , Peng Shunjin , Fu Jijiang , Chu Paul K
Published: March 2016

Mesoporous silicon carbide hollow spheres (SiC‐HS) with a large specific surface area (690.2 m2 g−1) are synthesized at a relatively low temperature of 650°C by magnesiothermic reduction using the template of carbon‐coated mesoporous silica hollow spheres and molten salt as the heat absorbent and solvent. The mesoporous SiC‐HS comprising many small primary crystals (2–4 nm) with a well‐maintained microstructure have good thermal stability and adsorption ability, and are promising as adsorbents to remove organic pollution from water. The synthesis technique can be extended to other nanostructured carbide ceramic materials.
Quantitative analysis of short‐ and long‐distance racing performance in young and adult horses and association analysis with functional candidate genes in Spanish Trotter horses
Authors: Negro Rama S. , Valera M. , Membrillo A. , Gómez M.D. , Solé M. , Menendez‐Buxadera A. , Anaya G. , Molina A.
Published: March 2016

The association of five candidate genes with sporting performance in young and adult Spanish Trotter horses (STHs) was performed according to a previous selection based on quantitative analysis of the trait time per kilometre (TPK). A total of 334 516 records of TPK from 5958 STHs were used to estimate the estimated breeding values (EBVs) at different age groups (young and adults horses) throughout the range of distances (1600–2700 m) using a bicharacter random regression model. The heritability estimated by distance ranged from 0.16 to 0.40, with a different range for the two age groups. Considering the animals with the best and the worst deregressed EBV, 321 STHs were selected for SNP genotyping in MSTN, COX4I2, PDK4, DMRT3 and CKM genes. An association analysis based on ridge and logistic regression revealed that the young trotters with genotype GG in PDK4 (p < 0.05) and AA of DMRT3 (p < 0.001) SNPs show the best potential in short‐distance races, while those carrying the genotype AA in DMRT3 (p < 0.001) and CC in CKM (p < 0.05) genes seem to be the best in long‐distance races. Adult trotters with genotype AA in DMRT3 also display greater speed (p < 0.05) and endurance (p < 0.001).
The Differential Impact of Tourette's Syndrome and Comorbid Diagnosis on the Quality of Life and Functioning of Diagnosed Children and Adolescents
Authors: O'Hare Deirdre , Helmes Edward , Reece John , Eapen Valsamma , McBain Kerry
Published: March 2016

PROBLEM

Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with adverse outcomes. High rates of comorbidity (80–90%) complicate presentation, yet the relationship among TS, common comorbid diagnoses, and adversity is not well understood. This research investigated the impact of comorbidity, and the discrete effects of common comorbid diagnoses, on quality of life (QoL) and functioning of youth with TS.

METHODS

A community sample of parents of youth with TS (n = 86) participated in this survey‐based study. Differences in QoL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) and rates of psychological, behavioral, and social difficulties (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire) reported for youth with or without comorbid disorder were determined, in addition to outcomes associated with individual disorders.

FINDINGS

Parametric and nonparametric analyses revealed strong associations between comorbidity and decreased global QoL, impaired emotional and school functioning, and increased emotional symptomatology (p < .001). The impact of individual comorbid disorders was restricted and disorder specific, and TS was uniquely associated with impaired social functioning and peer relationship problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the risks associated with TS, particularly to psychosocial well‐being, and the specific risks accompanying individual comorbid disorders, may improve assessment, prioritization of treatment goals, and interventions targeting the individual, multidimensional needs of youth with TS.
Focus on Teen Men: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Wise Guys Program
Authors: Herrman Judith W. , Moore Christopher , Rahmer Brian
Published: March 2016

PROBLEM

Many interventions designed to promote safe sexual behaviors in teens focus on young women. Wise Guys is one curricular intervention designed to foster safe sexual practices in young men. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and behavioral changes as the result of Wise Guys.

METHODS

This pre/posttest descriptive study measured changes in knowledge, attitudes, and sexual behaviors in 159 young men.

FINDINGS

This study detected limited knowledge and attitude changes but yielded statistically significant differences in safe sexual behaviors and likelihood to talk with parents or guardians about sexuality and dating.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed important benefits of Wise Guys and proposed future mixed methods research to ensure that authentic teen voices inform programing. Nurses working with adolescents may find this information valuable as they address sexual health issues in their work.
Twenty years of enamel matrix derivative: the past, the present and the future
Authors: Miron Richard J. , Sculean Anton , Cochran David L. , Froum Stuart , Zucchelli Giovanni , Nemcovsky Carlos , Donos Nikos , Lyngstadaas Staale Petter , Deschner James , Dard Michel , Stavropoulos Andreas , Zhang Yufeng , Trombelli Leonardo , Kasaj Adrian , Shirakata Yoshinori , Cortellini Pierpaolo , Tonetti Maurizio , Rasperini Giulio , Jepsen Søren , Bosshardt Dieter D.
Published: March 2016

Bacground

On June 5th, 2015 at Europerio 8, a group of leading experts were gathered to discuss what has now been 20 years of documented evidence supporting the clinical use of enamel matrix derivative (EMD). Original experiments led by Lars Hammarström demonstrated that enamel matrix proteins could serve as key regenerative proteins capable of promoting periodontal regeneration including new cementum, with functionally oriented inserting new periodontal ligament fibres, and new alveolar bone formation. This pioneering work and vision by Lars Hammarström has paved the way to an enormous amount of publications related to its biological basis and clinical use. Twenty years later, it is clear that all these studies have greatly contributed to our understanding of how biologics can act as mediators for periodontal regeneration and have provided additional clinical means to support tissue regeneration of the periodontium.

Aims

This review article aims to: (1) provide the biological background necessary to understand the rational for the use of EMD for periodontal regeneration, (2) present animal and human histological evidence of periodontal regeneration following EMD application, (3) provide clinically relevant indications for the use of EMD and (4) discuss future avenues of research including key early findings leading to the development of Osteogain, a new carrier system for EMD specifically developed with better protein adsorption to bone grafting materials.