bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early loading of titanium dental implants with an intra‐operatively conditioned hydrophilic implant surface after 21 days of healing
Authors: Hicklin Stefan Paul , Schneebeli Esther , Chappuis Vivianne , Janner Simone Francesco Marco , Buser Daniel , Brägger Urs
Published: December 2015

Objectives

The aim of the present observational medical device performance study was to test whether implants with an intra‐operatively conditioned hydrophilic surface can be safely reconstructed when applying an early loading protocol after 21 days in partially edentulous posterior mandibles.

Material and methods

Partially edentulous patients with missing teeth in the posterior mandible were recruited. Immediately after implant placement, the implant position was indexed using a pickup impression technique. ISQ values were measured after 21 days of healing. When ISQ values were ≥70, the implants were directly restored with provisional reconstructions in occlusal contact allowing an early loading protocol. ISQ values were repeated again at 1, 3, and 6 months postloading. Clinical parameters (mPLI, mSBI, PPD, DIM, and CAL) were assessed. Standardized periapical radiographs were obtained after surgery, at implant loading and 3 and 6 months later. Changes over time were analyzed for statistical significance using the nonparametric method by Brunner & Langer (SAS Proc Mixed).

Results

Fifteen partially edentulous patients with healed sites in the posterior mandible received 20 implants. All implants healed uneventfully. At 21 days, all implants achieved an ISQ value of ≥70 (mean of 3 measurements) and were reconstructed at this time point with provisionals. ISQ values showed a gradual increase from baseline to 3 and 6 months postloading. The assessment of clinical parameters revealed stable tissue integration. The evaluation of the radiographs showed that 3 and 6 months after loading the median mesial and distal marginal bone levels had stabilized at the border between the rough surface and the 1‐mm machined implant collar.

Conclusion

Functional occlusal loading of implants with a hydrophilic, moderately rough endosseal surface 3 weeks after placement appears to be a safe and predictable treatment option in healed sites in the posterior mandible without need of bone augmentation procedures.
Tissue elasticity of in vivo skeletal muscles measured in the transverse and longitudinal planes using shear wave elastography
Authors: Chino Kentaro , Kawakami Yasuo , Takahashi Hideyuki
Published: December 2015

The aim of the present study was to measure in vivo skeletal muscle elasticity in the transverse and longitudinal planes using shear wave elastography and then to compare the image stability, measurement values and measurement repeatability between these imaging planes. Thirty‐one healthy males participated in this study. Tissue elasticity (shear wave velocity) of the medial gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, biceps brachii and rectus abdominis was measured in both the transverse and longitudinal planes using shear wave elastography. Image stability was evaluated by the standard deviation of the colour distribution in the shear wave elastography image. Measurement repeatability was assessed by the coefficient of variance obtained from three measurement values. Image stability of all tested muscles was significantly higher in the longitudinal plane (P<0·001), but measurement repeatability did not differ significantly between the imaging planes (P>0·05), except in the biceps brachii (P = 0·001). Measurement values of the medial gastrocnemius, rectus femoris and biceps brachii were significantly different between the imaging planes (P<0·001). Image stability and measurement values of shear wave elastography images varied with imaging plane, which indicates that imaging plane should be considered when measuring skeletal muscle tissue elasticity by shear wave elastography.
Fractographic analysis of austempered ductile iron
Authors: Fernandino D. O. , Boeri R. E.
Published: December 2015

This investigation involves a systematic study of the fracture surfaces of two grades of austempered ductile iron (ADI) broken under quasi‐static, dynamic and cyclic loading conditions. The study used electron microscopy, optical microscopy and image post‐processing. The results show that the predominating fracture mechanism in ADI upon impact loading changes from quasi‐cleavage to ductile (with little areas of cleavage facets) as the testing temperature increases. Noticeably, even at the lower temperatures tested, the fracture surface of ADI shows clear signs of ductile fracture mechanisms. In particular, graphite nodule cavities suffer marked plastic deformation. Fracture after bending tests at room temperature was characterized by a mix of quasi‐cleavage facets, deformation of the contour of nodular cavities and microvoid coalescence. In the case of fatigue fracture at room temperature, the fracture surfaces show a flat appearance which has notorious differences with those reported for other loading conditions, but the typical fatigue striations were not found. The particular features identified on the fatigue fracture surfaces can be used to identify fatigue failures.

It was also shown that the determination of the direction of main crack propagation by using the experimental methodology proposed earlier by the authors is applicable to ADI fractured by impact and quasi‐static loads.

The results provide information potentially useful to fractographic analyses of ADI, particularly in samples that fail in service under unknown conditions.
Limited influence of Si on the preservation of Fe mineral‐encrusted microbial cells during experimental diagenesis
Authors: Picard A. , Obst M. , Schmid G. , Zeitvogel F. , Kappler A.
Published: December 2015

The reconstruction of the history of microbial life since its emergence on early Earth is impaired by the difficulty to prove the biogenicity of putative microfossils in the rock record. While most of the oldest rocks on Earth have been exposed to different grades of diagenetic alterations, little is known about how the remains of micro‐organisms evolve when exposed to pressure (P) and temperature (T) conditions typical of diagenesis. Using spectroscopy and microscopy, we compared morphological, mineralogical, and chemical biosignatures exhibited by Fe mineral‐encrusted cells of the bacterium Acidovorax sp. BoFeN1 after long‐term incubation under ambient conditions and after experimental diagenesis. We also evaluated the effects of Si on the preservation of microbial cells during the whole process. At ambient conditions, Si affected the morphology but not the identity (goethite) of Fe minerals that formed around cells. Fe‐encrusted cells were morphologically well preserved after 1 week at 250 °C‐140 MPa and after 16 weeks at 170 °C‐120 MPa in the presence or in the absence of Si. Some goethite transformed to hematite and magnetite at 250 °C‐140 MPa, but in the presence of Si more goethite was preserved. Proteins—the most abundant cellular components—were preserved over several months at ambient conditions but disappeared after incubations at high temperature and pressure conditions, both in the presence and in the absence of Si. Other organic compounds, such as lipids and extracellular polysaccharides seemed well preserved after exposure to diagenetic conditions. This study provides insights about the composition and potential preservation of microfossils that could have formed in Fe‐ and Si‐rich Precambrian oceans.
On the Availability of High‐Resolution Data for Near‐Surface Climate Analysis in the Continental U.S.
Authors: Oswald Evan M. , Dupigny‐Giroux Lesley‐Ann
Published: December 2015

Increased recognition of potential future climate changes has sparked an urgency in understanding the various linkages among weather, climate and sectors of society. Furthermore, the need for improving climate models is also paramount. Meteorological observations are critical for accomplishing both. A deeper knowledge of the origin, nuances and availability of observation‐based climate data can lead to better analyses and validations. In this article, we review the suite of current meteorological observing networks across the continental U.S. In addition, we discuss both the statistical procedures that are used to construct climate data products from observing records, and the climate data products themselves. The focus here is on datasets with daily to hourly time steps, with an emphasis on gridded climate data products of spatial resolutions under 15 km. Ultimately, this paper is geared towards climatologists as well as those outside of the climate field, who need data to empower near‐surface atmospheric science research at the local scale. Presently, new observing networks supported by massive volunteer communities are potential game changers, yet the public still lacks both daily precipitation data suitable for high‐resolution and/or long‐term analyses and rigorous validation of high‐resolution gridded climate data products.
Lung cancer screening: what do long‐term smokers know and believe?
Authors: Carter‐Harris Lisa , Ceppa DuyKhanh Pham , Hanna Nasser , Rawl Susan M.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To explore knowledge and beliefs of long‐term smokers about lung cancer, associated risk factors and lung cancer screening.

Design

Qualitative study theoretically framed by the expanded Health Belief Model based on four focus group discussions. Content analysis was performed to identify themes of knowledge and beliefs about lung cancer, associated risk factors and lung cancer screening among long‐term smokers' who had and had not been screened for lung cancer.

Methods

Twenty‐six long‐term smokers were recruited; two groups (n = 9; n = 3) had recently been screened and two groups (n = 7; n = 7) had never been screened.

Results

While most agreed lung cancer is deadly, confusion or inaccurate information exists regarding the causes and associated risk factors. Knowledge related to lung cancer screening and how it is performed was low; awareness of long‐term smoking's association with lung cancer risk remains suboptimal. Perceived benefits of screening identified include: (i) finding lung cancer early; (ii) giving peace of mind; and (iii) motivation to quit smoking. Perceived barriers to screening identified include: (i) inconvenience; (ii) distrust; and (iii) stigma.

Conclusions

Perceived barriers to lung cancer screening, such as distrust and stigma, must be addressed as lung cancer screening becomes more widely implemented. Heightened levels of health‐care system distrust may impact successful implementation of screening programmes. Perceived smoking‐related stigma may lead to low levels of patient engagement with medical care and decreased cancer screening participation. It is also important to determine modifiable targets for intervention to enhance the shared decision‐making process between health‐care providers and their high‐risk patients.
Role of supportive maintenance therapy on implant survival: a university‐based 17 years retrospective analysis
Authors: Gay IC , Tran DT , Weltman R , Parthasarathy K , Diaz‐Rodriguez J , Walji M , Fu Y , Friedman L
Published: December 2015

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine whether professional maintenance appointments were related to a decrease on dental implant loss.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review (1995–2012) of 1020 patient dental charts to collect data including a cadre of different variables such as age, gender, race, diabetes, osteoporosis, jaw location, implant dimensions and professional maintenance therapy. As a patient may have multiple implants which are correlated, we selected one random implant per patient to assure independence of observations assumption of the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Data analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

Our results demonstrate that subjects with no maintenance had the lowest cumulative survival rate as compared to subjects with regular maintenance. In a multivariate Cox regression model, regular maintenance patients had the dental implant failure rate reduced by 90% as compared to no maintenance (P = 0.001). If patients had less than one maintenance visit per year, the failure rate was reduced by 60% as compared to no maintenance, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.08).

Conclusion

From this research, we conclude that a professional administered periodontal maintenance at least on an annual basis is a critical factor for implant survival.
Observer variation in the assessment of root canal curvature
Authors: Faraj S. , Boutsioukis C.
Published: December 2015

Aim

To evaluate the inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement between training/trained endodontists regarding the ex vivo classification of root canal curvature into three categories and its measurement using three quantitative methods.

Methodology

Periapical radiographs of seven extracted human posterior teeth with varying degrees of curvature were exposed ex vivo. Twenty training/trained endodontists were asked to classify the root canal curvature into three categories (<10°, 10–30°, >30°), to measure the curvature using three quantitative methods (Schneider, Weine, Pruett) and to draw angles of 10° or 30°, as a control experiment. The procedure was repeated after six weeks. Inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement was evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient and weighted kappa.

Results

The inter‐observer agreement on the visual classification of root canal curvature was substantial (ICC = 0.65, P < 0.018), but a trend towards underestimation of the angle was evident. Participants modified their classifications both within and between the two sessions. Median angles drawn as a control experiment were not significantly different from the target values (P > 0.10), but the results of individual participants varied. When quantitative methods were used, the inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement on the angle measurements was considerably better (ICC = 0.76–0.82, P < 0.001) than on the radius measurements (ICC = 0.16–0.19, P > 0.895).

Conclusions

Visual estimation of root canal curvature was not reliable. The use of computer‐based quantitative methods is recommended. The measurement of radius of curvature was more subjective than angle measurement. Endodontic Associations need to provide specific guidelines on how to estimate root canal curvature in case difficulty assessment forms.
Analysis of self‐citation and impact factor in dermatology journals
Authors: Reiter Ofer , Mimouni Michael , Mimouni Daniel
Published: December 2015

Background

Concerns have been raised regarding the impact factor's (IF) accuracy and credibility, which may be affected by different factors, including self‐citations.

Objective

To investigate the self‐citation rate (SCR) of dermatology journals and its relationship to the IF.

Methods

Data on all dermatology journals listed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) were retrieved, and the following parameters were analyzed: IF, total publications used to calculate the IF, total citations used to calculate the IF, self‐citations used to calculate the IF, SCR, and IF without self‐citations (corrected IF).

Results

The median SCR was 10.53% (0–50%), and the median IF and corrected IF, 1.54 (0.05–6.37) and 1.35 (0.03–5.84), respectively. There was an inverse correlation between the IF and the SCR. A statistically significant difference was noted in the SCR between general and subspecialty journals and between journals that offered a full English text and those that did not.

Conclusions

In general, the IF of dermatology journals is not influenced by the SCR. However, journals with a lower IF tend to have a higher SCR. Subspecialty journals and foreign language journals have a higher SCR than general dermatology and English language journals, respectively, probably owing to their limited distribution and the difficulty experienced by international authors in accessing references in specific languages.
Febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha–Habermann disease: proposed diagnostic criteria and therapeutic evaluation
Authors: Nofal Ahmad , Assaf Magda , Alakad Rania , Amer Hala , Nofal Eman , Yosef Ayman
Published: December 2015

Febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha–Habermann disease (FUMHD) is a rare severe variant of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta characterized clinically by aggressive ulceronecrotic skin lesions associated with high fever and histologically by features typical of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta. Despite the continuous addition of new case reports, no definite diagnostic criteria have been established, and an optimum treatment is still waiting. Herein, we review the different aspects of this rare entity, including pathogenesis, clinical and histopathological features, differential diagnosis, course, prognosis, and outcome. Different diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with FUMHD are also evaluated and discussed. We propose two sets of diagnostic criteria to define the disease more precisely and to avoid missing cases. The first comprises constant clinical and histopathological features that are always present in every case, the combination of which is necessary for diagnosis. The second set includes variable features that may be present in some cases and to which any emerging finding could be added. Although different therapeutic options have been used, there is no optimum therapy for FUMHD, and the disease still represents a therapeutic challenge.
A peptide tetramer Tk‐tPN induces tolerance of cardiac allografting by conversion of type 1 to type 2 immune responses via the Toll‐like receptor 2 signal‐promoted activation of the MCP1 gene
Authors: Li Zuoqing , Yang Neng , Zhou Ling , Gu Peng , Wang Hui , Zhou Yun , Zhou Peijun , Lu Liming , Chou Kuang‐Yen
Published: December 2015

The plant protein trichosanthin (Tk) and its derived peptide tetramer Tk‐tPN have been shown to stimulate the type 2 immune responses for treating autoimmune disease. This work explores the possibility of using Tk‐tPN as a non‐toxic immunosuppressant to induce transplantation tolerance using the mechanisms by which T‐cell‐mediated immune responses are transferred from type 1 to type 2 through innate immunity‐related pathways. Immunocytes and cytokine secretions involved in the mouse cardiac allografting model with Tk‐tPN treatment were characterized. Identification of critical genes and analysis of their functions through Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ‐initiated signalling and the possible epigenetic changes were performed. Mean survival times of the cardiac allografts were delayed from 7·7 ± 0·3 days (control) to 22·7 ± 3·9 days (P < 0·01) or 79·1 ± 19·2 days (P < 0·0001) when Tk‐tPN was introduced into the recipients alone or together with rapamycin, respectively. The grafting tolerance was donor‐specific. The secretion pattern of the type 1 cytokine/transcription factor (IL‐2+ IFN‐γ+ T‐bet+), which is responsible for the acute graft rejection, was shifted to the type 2 factor (IL‐4+ IL‐10+ Gata3+), together with a selective expansion of the IL‐4/IL‐10‐producing CD8+ CD28− regulatory T‐cell subset. A TLR2‐initiated high expression of chemokine gene MCP1 was detectable simultaneously. Epigenetically Tk/Tk‐tPN could also acetylate the histone H3K9 of MCP1 promoter to skew the immunity towards T helper type 2 responses. Tk/Tk‐tPN is therefore capable of down‐regulating the type 1 response‐dominant rejection of cardiac allografts by evoking type 2 immunity through the activation of a TLR2‐initiated signalling pathway and MCP1 gene to expand the IL‐4/IL‐10‐secreting CD8+ CD28− regulatory T cells. Tk‐tPN could be a promising novel immunosuppressant to induce tolerance in allotransplantation.
Capital Flight and Bitcoin Regulation
Authors: Ju Lan , Lu Timothy (Jun) , Tu Zhiyong
Published: December 2015

This paper studies the risk of Bitcoin being used for the purpose of capital flight. We propose a new indicator, the bitcoin‐implied exchange rate discount, to identify empirically capital flight via Bitcoin. Using data from the two largest bitcoin exchanges in the world during our sample period, BTC China and Bitstamp, we find strong evidence of capital flight from the Chinese Renminbi to the US Dollar via Bitcoin before the People's Bank of China, China's central bank, announced its regulatory policy on December 5, 2013, while the evidence displays no trace of capital flight after the announcement. The People's Bank of China's Bitcoin restriction policy successfully halts the illicit capital outflow via Bitcoin, thereby providing valuable policy implications for government regulation on Bitcoin, as well as on other virtual currencies.
High inspired oxygen versus low inspired oxygen for reducing surgical site infection: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Hongye , Hong Shukun , Liu Yuanyuan , Duan Yan , Yin Hongmei
Published: December 2015

To perform a meta‐analysis of published literature to assess the role of high‐concentration inspired oxygen in reducing the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) following all types of surgery, a comprehensive search for published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing high‐ with low‐concentration inspired oxygen for SSIs was performed. The related data were extracted by two independent authors. The fixed and random effects methods were used to combine data. Twelve RCTs involving 6750 patients were included. Our pooled result found that no significant difference in the incidence of SSIs was observed between the two groups, but there was high statistic heterogeneity across the studies [risk ratio (RR): 0·91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·72–1·14; P = 0·40; I2 = 54%]. The sensitivity analysis revealed the superiority of high‐concentration oxygen in decreasing the SSI rate (RR: 0·86; 95% CI: 0·75–0·98; P = 0·02). Moreover, a subgroup analysis of studies with intestinal tract surgery showed that patients experienced less SSI when high‐concentration inspired oxygen was administrated (RR: 0·53; 95% CI: 0·37–0·74; P = 0·0003). Our study provided no direct support for high‐concentration inspired oxygen in reducing the incidence of SSIs in patients undergoing all types of surgery.
Treatment of chronic diabetic lower extremity ulcers with advanced therapies: a prospective, randomised, controlled, multi‐centre comparative study examining clinical efficacy and cost
Authors: Zelen Charles M , Serena Thomas E , Gould Lisa , Le Lam , Carter Marissa J , Keller Jennifer , Li William W
Published: December 2015

Advanced therapies such as bioengineered skin substitutes (BSS) and dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (dHACM) have been shown to promote healing of chronic diabetic ulcers. An interim analysis of data from 60 patients enrolled in a prospective, randomised, controlled, parallel group, multi‐centre clinical trial showed that dHACM (EpiFix®, MiMedx Group Inc., Marietta, GA) is superior to standard wound care (SWC) and BSS (Apligraf®, Organogenesis, Inc., Canton, MA) in achieving complete wound closure within 4–6 weeks. Rates and time to closure at a longer time interval and factors influencing outcomes remained unassessed; therefore, the study was continued in order to achieve at least 100 patients. With the larger cohort, we compare clinical outcomes at 12 weeks in 100 patients with chronic lower extremity diabetic ulcers treated with weekly applications of Apligraf (n = 33), EpiFix (n = 32) or SWC (n = 35) with collagen‐alginate dressing as controls. A Cox regression was performed to analyse the time to heal within 12 weeks, adjusting for all significant covariates. A Kaplan–Meier analysis was conducted to compare time‐to‐heal within 12 weeks for the three treatment groups. Clinical characteristics were well matched across study groups. The proportion of wounds achieving complete closure within the 12‐week study period were 73% (24/33), 97% (31/32), and 51% (18/35) for Apligraf, EpiFix and SWC, respectively (adjusted P = 0·00019). Subjects treated with EpiFix had a very significant higher probability of their wounds healing [hazard ratio (HR: 5·66; adjusted P: 1·3 x 10−7] compared to SWC alone. No difference in probability of healing was observed for the Apligraf and SWC groups. Patients treated with Apligraf were less likely to heal than those treated with EpiFix [HR: 0·30; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·17–0·54; unadjusted P: 5·8 x 10−5]. Increased wound size and presence of hypertension were significant factors that influenced healing. Mean time‐to‐heal within 12 weeks was 47·9 days (95% CI: 38·2–57·7) with Apligraf, 23·6 days (95% CI: 17·0–30·2) with EpiFix group and 57·4 days (95%CI: 48·2–66·6) with the SWC alone group (adjusted P = 3·2 x 10−7). Median number of grafts used per healed wound were six (range 1–13) and 2·5 (range 1–12) for the Apligraf and EpiFix groups, respectively. Median graft cost was $8918 (range $1,486–19,323) per healed wound for the Apligraf group and $1,517 (range $434–25,710) per healed wound in the EpiFix group (P < 0·0001). These results provide further evidence of the clinical and resource utilisation superiority of EpiFix compared to Apligraf for the treatment of lower extremity diabetic wounds.
A One‐Off Wealth Levy? Assessing the Pros and Cons and the Importance of Credibility*
Authors: Kempkes Gerhard , Stähler Nikolai
Published: December 2015

From an economic perspective, imposing a credibly one‐off net wealth levy in times of crisis as a tool to ward off a national emergency appears to be advantageous as, in an ideal world, this would not distort market players’ allocation decisions. However, in practice, charging such a levy may give rise to distortions and unwanted effects on the real economy. Credibility that the levy will be imposed as a once‐only measure is key to ensuring that harmful distortions in the allocation of resources are kept to a minimum. This paper confirms this using an analysis based on a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model. In practice, while a government cannot guarantee that such a measure will be taken once only, it can contribute to the credibility of this in a number of ways. First, the country's future ‘business model’ must become apparent; second, there has to be a basic level of confidence in the government and a firm belief that the budgetary imbalances were not actively caused by the state – at least not by the government currently in power; third, a verifiable outlook of sustainable public finances must be in place; and fourth, the political costs of a repeat levy must be high. This paper also discusses the potential impact of alternative model set‐ups as well as some practical implementation problems.
Helper effects in the azure‐winged magpie Cyanopica cyana in relation to highly‐clumped nesting pattern and high frequency of conspecific nest‐raiding
Authors: Ren Qing‐Miao , Luo Shuang , Du Xue‐Jing , Chen Guo‐Liang , Song Sen , Du Bo
Published: December 2015

In avian cooperative breeding systems, many benefits obtained by social pairs from the presence of helpers have been uncovered. However, until now, the factors that determine the type of assistance helpers provide and the responses of social pairs have not been well illustrated. We examined the contribution of helpers to cooperative groups and the relevant responses of dominant pairs in the azure‐winged magpie Cyanapica cyana which breeds on the Tibetan Plateau. We used the capture–mark–recapture method to identify helpers. Results showed that helpers were mostly the yearling sons of dominant pairs. They mainly contributed to the cooperative group in three ways, courtship‐feeding the incubation female, provisioning the brood, and defending the nest. For responses of dominant pairs, we unexpectedly found that clutch size was not influenced by the presence of helpers at the nest. However, cooperative groups had higher brood feeding rates than biparental nests and their feeding pattern also differed to that of the latter. Consequently, nestlings in cooperative groups had larger fledging body mass than that in biparental nests. By examining reasons for nest failure, we revealed that conspecific nest‐raiding contributed to more nest failure than any other natural predators. Because of the contribution of helpers in defending against both predators and conspecific nest‐raiders, cooperative groups had higher survival rate than biparental nests. Thus, our findings suggest that in a highly‐clumped nesting pattern, factors concerning the risk of nest predation, rather than that influencing food supply, play an important role in determining helper effects and responses of aided dominant pairs.
Effects of avian malaria on male behaviour and female visitation in lekking blue‐crowned manakins
Authors: Bosholn Mariane , Fecchio Alan , Silveira Patricia , Braga Érika M. , Anciães Marina
Published: December 2015

Avian malaria, the infection by blood parasites of the genusPlasmodium, can reduce host fitness not only through mortality, but also by impairing the expression of sexual selection traits. Although different studies highlight the association of parasitism with a decrease in host reproductive success, few studies have addressed the role of parasites in honest signalling by lekking species. Hence, it is still uncertain which fitness components are affected by parasites in these species. We investigated whether avian malaria is associated with a decrease in mating behaviour of male blue‐crowned manakinsLepidothrix coronataand whether it affects female visitation in leks of a population in the central Amazon. Through behavioural observations, we estimated the rates of total male activity and social interaction, as well as the frequency of female visits at individual perches. We then examined if individuals were infected withPlasmodiumspp. using molecular techniques. Avian malaria was associated with a decrease in male mating behaviour in each lek, and mating behaviour correlated with female visitation. Although rates of social interaction were not correlated with avian malaria among males, we observed that interacting with several individuals within a lek may be advantageous for males, as they also vocalized and displayed more, thus increasing their chances of being visited by females. Although female visitation was not associated with avian malaria in individuals or leks, it is still possible that female visitation is indirectly affected by avian malaria through the latter's effects on male activity. We suggest a role for male activity as an honest sexual signal for females. Thus, male display rate could be used by females as cue for the probability of a male being infected.
Biotic interactions and habitat drive positive co‐occurrence between facilitating and beneficiary stream fishes
Authors: Peoples Brandon K. , Frimpong Emmanuel A.
Published: December 2015

Aim

The role of biotic interactions in determining species distributions is difficult to decouple from abiotic factors. Most research to date has focused on negative biotic interactions, but the importance of positive interactions such as mutualism and facilitation at large scales is less understood. We used a two‐species occupancy modelling approach to decouple the relative effects of abiotic factors and biotic interactions between a habitat‐modifying North American stream fish (Nocomis leptocephalus) and two of its nearly‐obligate beneficiary species (Chrosomus oreas and Clinostomus funduloides).

Location

Sixty‐one sites on tributaries to the New River basin in the Appalachian mountains of the eastern United States.

Methods

We sampled fishes using backpack electrofishing in the summers of 2012–2014. We gathered 10 habitat covariates from the National Hydrography Dataset and from instream measurements. We reduced dimensionality in habitat variables, corrected them for spatial autocorrelation and selected two eigenvectors as habitat covariates. We then used an information‐theoretic approach to compare two‐species occupancy models representing hypotheses specifying the importance of only habitat, only biotic interactions, or combinations of both.

Results

The best model for each species combination specified the importance of biotic interactions. For both associate species, probabilities that associates would occur in the absence of their host were considerably lower than probabilities of co‐occurrence. Species interaction factors indicated positive patterns of co‐occurrence between hosts and associates. Models suggested that habitat variables mediated host‐associate interactions for C. oreas but not for C. funduloides.

Main conclusions

This study provides some of the first large‐scale quantitative evidence of positive co‐occurrence among vertebrates, and demonstrates the importance of abiotic context for mediating interspecific interactions. Two‐species occupancy modelling may be superior to traditional co‐occurrence analyses for parsing out the relative importance of biotic interactions and habitat variables for determining species distributions. However, experiments and small‐scale behavioural observations will also be necessary to confirm mechanisms.
Study of the relationship between aggression and chronic diseases (diabetes and hypertension)
Authors: Tilov Boris , Semerdzhieva Maria , Bakova Desislava , Tornyova Biyanka , Stoyanov Drozdstoi
Published: December 2015

Introduction

This study focused on the widely examined psychosomatic diseases – diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension as chronic conditions. The Buss–Perry validated questionnaire was used in it to measure aggression in Bulgarian conditions.

Aim

To study aggression as a predictor and a connection of the chronic diseases diabetes and hypertension.

Material and methods

The number of the studied people was 142: 54 (38%) men and 88 (62%) women. Thirty‐six of them had musculoskeletal disorders (77.8% women and 22.2% men), 54 had diabetes mellitus (29% women and 25% men) and 52 had hypertension (31% women and 21% men).

Results

During the statistical analysis of the data, the results from the Buss–Perry questionnaire were compared in the group of patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus with chronic diseases, related to musculoskeletal disorders.

Conclusion

The study revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in 95% of the cases between anger, hostility in patients with diabetes, hypertension and musculoskeletal disorders. The highest levels of physical aggression were observed in patients with arterial hypertension, M = 17.32 ± 0.86. The highest average levels of verbal aggression were observed in patients with diabetes, M = 15.24 ± 0.64. The highest levels of anger were observed with patients with hypertension, M = 17.96 ± 0.90, and hostility – in patients with hypertension, M = 19.15 ± 0.86. The comparison between the four Aggression Questionnaire scales showed statistically significant differences between the patients with musculoskeletal disorders and the ones with hypertension and diabetes.
Physiological preparedness and performance of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts in relation to behavioural salinity preferences and thresholds
Authors: Stich D. S. , Zydlewski G. B. , Zydlewski J. D.
Published: December 2015

This study investigated the relationships between behavioural responses of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts to saltwater (SW) exposure and physiological characteristics of smolts in laboratory experiments. It concurrently described the behaviour of acoustically tagged smolts with respect to SW and tidal cycles during estuary migration. Salmo salar smolts increased their use of SW relative to fresh water (FW) from April to June in laboratory experiments. Mean preference for SW never exceeded 50% of time in any group. Preference for SW increased throughout the course of smolt development. Maximum continuous time spent in SW was positively related to gill Na+, K+‐ATPase (NKA) activity and osmoregulatory performance in full‐strength SW (measured as change in gill NKA activity and plasma osmolality). Smolts decreased depth upon reaching areas of the Penobscot Estuary where SW was present, and all fish became more surface oriented during passage from head of tide to the ocean. Acoustically tagged, migrating smolts with low gill NKA activity moved faster in FW reaches of the estuary than those with higher gill NKA activity. There was no difference in movement rate through SW reaches of the estuary based on gill NKA activity. Migrating fish moved with tidal flow during the passage of the lower estuary based on the observed patterns in both vertical and horizontal movements. The results indicate that smolts select low‐salinity water during estuary migration and use tidal currents to minimize energetic investment in seaward migration. Seasonal changes in osmoregulatory ability highlight the importance of the timing of stocking and estuary arrival.
Tool use by a temperate wrasse, California sheephead Semicossyphus pulcher
Authors: Dunn R. P.
Published: December 2015

Multiple individuals of a temperate reef fish species (California sheephead Semicossyphus pulcher) were observed using an anvil to crush hard‐bodied invertebrate prey. Potential implications for this behaviour extend from individuals, which may experience reduced likelihood of injury and increased reproduction, to communities, which could see changes in prey abundance and size‐distribution, with particularly important consequences for communities regulated by top‐down processes. Until relatively recently, the use of simple tools by fishes was overlooked compared with observations of tool use by primates and birds; however, observations of tool use, and interesting foraging behaviours in general, by aquatic organisms should increase with improved underwater monitoring technology.
Real‐space observation of strong metal‐support interaction: state‐of‐the‐art and what's the next
Authors: SHI X.Y. , ZHANG W. , ZHANG C. , ZHENG W.T. , CHEN H. , Qi J.G.
Published: December 2015

The real‐space resolving of the encapsulated overlayer in the well‐known model and industry catalysts, ascribed to the advent of dedicated transmission electron microscopy, enables us to probe novel nano/micro architecture chemistry for better application, revisiting our understanding of this key issue in heterogeneous catalysis. In this review, we summarize the latest progress of real‐space observation of SMSI in several well‐known systems mainly covered from the metal catalysts (mostly Pt) supported by the TiO2, CeO2 and Fe3O4. As a comparison with the model catalyst Pt/Fe3O4, the industrial catalyst Cu/ZnO is also listed, followed with the suggested ongoing directions in the field.
The effect of platelet‐rich plasma on the outcome of short‐term narrowband–ultraviolet B phototherapy in the treatment of vitiligo: a pilot study
Authors: Ibrahim Zeinab A , El‐Ashmawy Amal A , El‐Tatawy Rania A , Sallam Fersan A
Published: December 2015

Background

Narrowband – ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) is an emerging, effective, and safe therapy for vitiligo, but the treatment course often requires a long duration of time which may carry a potential risk for various side effects and patients' noncompliance.

Objective

To explore the effect of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) injection on the outcome of short‐term NB‐UVB therapy for the patients with stable vitiligo.

Patients and methods

The study included 60 stable vitiligo patients with overall symmetrical lesions. For each patient, the left side of the body was treated with NB‐UVB alone (control side) while the right side was treated with NB‐UVB therapy in addition to intradermal injection of PRP, every 2 weeks for 4 months.

Results

There was statistically highly significant improvement in the repigmentation in the combination group(PRP plus NB‐UVB) compared with NB‐UVB group.

Conclusion

Intradermal PRP injection in combination with NB‐UVB could be considered as a simple, safe, tolerable, and cheap technique for treatment of vitiligo. It shortens the duration of NB‐UVB therapy and is expected to increase patient compliance. Longer follow‐up is needed.
Differential diagnosis between uterine sarcoma and leiomyoma using preoperative clinical characteristics
Authors: Cho Hye‐yon , Kim Kidong , Kim Yong‐Beom , No Jae Hong
Published: December 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify the preoperative diagnostic findings suggestive of uterine sarcoma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 31 patients with pathologically confirmed uterine sarcoma including leiomyosarcoma, endometrial stromal sarcoma, and undifferentiated sarcoma, between 2003 and 2011. The cases were matched by age, year of procedure (plus or minus 1 year), and surgeon, to controls (1:3 ratio) selected from all the patients who underwent hysterectomy for uterine myoma during the same period.

Results

Uterine sarcomas had larger tumor size compared with leiomyoma on sonography (P = 0.006). There was no significant difference in the total number of masses found on ultrasonography (P = 0.066). On multivariate analysis increased neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR > 2.1), large tumor size (> 8.0 cm), and lower body mass index (BMI ≤ 20) were independent risk factors for uterine sarcoma (P = 0.014, 0.048, and 0.048, respectively). Sarcoma index was calculated by summing the number of risk factors. Higher sarcoma index was associated with increased risk of uterine sarcoma (0, 13.6%; 1, 21.7%; 2, 62.5%; 3, 100%).

Conclusion

Preoperative NLR, tumor size, and BMI could be useful for the discrimination of sarcoma from leiomyoma of uterus.
Immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinases in ameloblastomas and pericoronal follicles
Authors: Dutra Kamile Leonardi , Cordeiro Mabel Mariela Rodríguez , Vieira Daniella Serafin Couto , Rivero Elena Riet Correa
Published: December 2015

Background

Ameloblastoma (AM) is a benign odontogenic neoplasm characterized by local invasiveness and recurrence. We compared the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinases in different clinical types of AM as well as in normal odontogenic tissue.

Methods

Thirteen cases of solid AMs, five cases of unicystic AM and eight pericoronal follicles (PF) were selected and subjected to immunohistochemical investigation for matrix metalloproteinase‐1, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expressions.

Results

The expressions of MMP‐1 and MMP‐2 were very high in the cytoplasm of cells throughout the entire epithelium and in fibroblasts from the adjacent connective tissue. MMP‐9 expression was observed in the same location although with weaker staining. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed statistically significant differences in the epithelial expressions of MMP‐1 and MMP‐2; there was lower expression among solid AMs when compared with unicystic AM and PF. Compared to both types of AM, higher stromal expression of MMP‐9 was found in PF.

Conclusion

MMP‐1, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 seem to be associated with AM tumour behaviour as well as physiological tissue remodelling within PF.
Effect of a 2% topical chamomile application for treating burning mouth syndrome: a controlled clinical trial
Authors: Valenzuela Sara , Pons‐Fuster Alvaro , López‐Jornet Pia
Published: December 2015

Background

The treatments for burning mouth syndrome (BMS) proposed to date have been varied but have only achieved limited efficacy. Chamomile has analgesic and anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical applications of 2% chamomile gel in comparison with a placebo for the treatment of BMS.

Materials and methods

The study was designed as a prospective randomized placebo‐controlled double‐blind monocentric study. A total of 62 patients with idiopathic BMS were divided into two groups: Group A received applications of a 2% chamomile gel, and Group B (placebo) were administered a placebo; both treatments were applied twice daily for 1 month. Three variables were evaluated at base line, 15 and 30 days: pain (assessed using a visual analogue scale [VAS]), xerostomia severity (Xerostomia Inventory), and oral quality of life (assessed by means of the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14).

Results

A total of 57 patients completed the study. Pain, xerostomia, and quality of life underwent improvements with statistical significance at 15 and 30 days in both groups (P < 0.001). But when the two groups were compared, differences in VAS pain were not significant (P = 0.847), nor were xerostomia severity (P = 0.536), or oral quality of life (P = 0.076).

Conclusion

The chamomile gel product was well tolerated. As treatment with chamomile and the placebo produced similar outcomes, the efficacy of 2% chamomile gel for treating BMS appears questionable. However, further studies with larger patient samples are needed to confirm this.
Chronobesity: role of the circadian system in the obesity epidemic
Authors: Laermans J. , Depoortere I.
Published: December 2015

Although obesity is considered to result from an imbalance between energy uptake and energy expenditure, the strategy of dietary changes and physical exercise has failed to tackle the global obesity epidemic. In search of alternative and more adequate treatment options, research has aimed at further unravelling the mechanisms underlying this excessive weight gain. While numerous studies are focusing on the neuroendocrine alterations that occur after bariatric Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery, an increasing amount of chronobiological studies have started to raise awareness concerning the pivotal role of the circadian system in the development and exacerbation of obesity. This internal timekeeping mechanism rhythmically regulates metabolic and physiological processes in order to meet the fluctuating demands in energy use and supply throughout the 24‐h day. This review elaborates on the extensive bidirectional interaction between the circadian system and metabolism and explains how disruption of body clocks by means of shift work, frequent time zone travelling or non‐stop consumption of calorie‐dense foods can evoke detrimental metabolic alterations that contribute to obesity. Altering the body's circadian rhythms by means of time‐related dietary approaches (chrononutrition) or pharmacological substances (chronobiotics) may therefore represent a novel and interesting way to prevent or treat obesity and associated comorbidities.
Satisfying transportation needs in fast‐growing metropolitan areas: mobility solutions for mega‐cities in developing countries
Authors: Detter Helmut
Published: December 2015

Within the first decade of the 21st century, the world's demographic patterns witnessed a fundamental change. For the first time in history, the number of people living in cities exceeded the number of those living in rural areas. This general trend towards urbanisation has forced policy‐makers around the world to quickly find solutions to satisfy the growing demand for transportation services in fast‐growing metropolitan areas—and, in particular, in mega‐cities. Given the fact that many of these fast‐growing metropolitan areas are located in developing countries with very limited financial resources for infrastructure development, economic approaches as well as flexible solutions are required. However, to forecast urban development over a time horizon of 10 years or more is difficult. Nevertheless, the gap between near future, which is considered 3–5 years, and the distant future, a time horizon that covers 15–20 years, requires special attention. Using the so called PRAVOKE method—a method for the analysis of complex networked systems—the author analyses various options for satisfying current and future transportation needs in fast‐growing metropolitan areas. By taking the complex problem of satisfying urban transportation demand and breaking it into several sub‐problems, this paper derives possible development paths, and describes the interlinkages between the expectations and needs of inhabitants in fast‐growing metropolitan areas regarding transportation systems. Furthermore, it links some of the results with technological concepts that are already being applied, assessing their suitability for meeting transportation needs in fast‐growing urban areas.