bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dental caries, but not malocclusion or developmental defects, negatively impacts preschoolers’ quality of life
Authors: Corrêa‐Faria Patrícia , Paixão‐Gonçalves Suzane , Paiva Saul Martins , Martins‐Júnior Paulo Antonio , Vieira‐Andrade Raquel Gonçalves , Marques Leandro Silva , Ramos‐Jorge Maria Leticia
Published: July 2015

Background

Oral diseases can negatively influence the quality of life causing harm in the development of routine activities, child development and their well‐being.

Aim

To investigate the impact of dental caries, malocclusion and developmental defects of enamel (DDE) on the oral health‐related quality of life of preschool children and their parents.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was carried out with 646 children aged 2–6 years in Diamantina, Brazil. Calibrated dental examiners performed the oral examinations. Parents answered the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B‐ECOHIS) and a questionnaire on socio‐economic indicators. Statistical analyses involved the chi‐square test and Poisson regression.

Results

Malocclusion and DDE did not cause a negative impact on the children's quality of life. Children with dental caries (PR: 1.92; 95%CI: 1.56–2.35) and those aged 5 (PR: 1.51; 95%CI: 1.13–2.02) and 6 years (PR: 1.51; 95%CI: 1.02–2.23) were more likely to have a negative quality of life impact on the total B‐ECOHIS.

Conclusions

Dental caries was associated with a negative impact on the quality of life of children. Malocclusion and DDE did not cause a negative impact on the children's quality of life. Older children had higher frequency of negative impact on OHRQoL.
The therapeutic effects of sodium cromoglycate against influenza A virus H5N1 in mice
Authors: Han Deping , Wei Tangting , Zhang Siyi , Wang Ming , Tian Haiyan , Cheng Jinlong , Xiao Jin , Hu Yanxin , Chen Mingyong
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To identify the protective role of sodium cromoglycate in mice during influenza virus infection.

Design

H5N1 virus‐infected mice were treated with the mast cell stabilizer sodium cromoglycate (SCG) to investigate its therapeutic effect.

Sample

The nose, trachea and lungs from mice were collected.

Main outcome measures

Virus replication and host responses were determined by plaque assay, quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, and histology.

Results

SCG‐treated mice survived better than did PBS‐treated mice after H5N1 virus infection. Mild pathological changes with fewer inflammatory cell infiltration and fewer virus antigens were observed in the nose, trachea, and lungs of SCG‐treated mice on days 3 and 5 post‐infection. However, no significant changes in viral load in the lungs were detected between SCG‐ and PBS‐treated mice. Furthermore, significantly decreased expression of interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐a, Toll‐like receptor 3, and TIR‐domain‐containing adapter‐inducing interferon‐b was detected in the lungs of SCG‐treated mice, and no higher expression of interferon‐c was detected.

Conclusion

These results suggest that SCG has therapeutic roles in H5N1 virus‐infected mice by alleviating the inflammatory response rather than inhibition of viral replication in the lungs.
Effects of Surface Diffusion and Heating Rate on First‐Stage Sintering That Densifies by Grain‐Boundary Diffusion
Authors: Luo Wendong , Pan Jingzhe
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a computational study of the role played by surface diffusion on first‐stage sintering of powders that densify by grain‐boundary diffusion. Coupled grain‐boundary and surface diffusion is considered as the mechanism for matter redistribution. By using several novel approaches of presentation of the numerical data, it is shown that the assumption of fast surface diffusion is invalid for typical sintering conditions and materials in first stage of sintering. The study reveals a simple explanation for the role played by surface diffusion in matter redistribution of combined grain‐boundary and surface diffusion—surface diffusion changes direction from moving atoms away from a contact neck to depositing atoms onto it as the rate of surface diffusion increases. The reverse surface diffusion blunts the neck and retards densification. It is shown that this mechanism is significant not only for free sintering but also for pressure assisted sintering. It is further confirmed that the widely observed beneficial effect of spark plasma sintering on densification can be, at least partially, attributed to its fast heating rate, which quickly passes through sintering at low temperatures where surface diffusion dominates.
Particle Size and Crystal Phase Dependent Photoluminescence of La2Zr2O7:Eu3+ Nanoparticles
Authors: Pokhrel Madhab , Brik Mikhail G. , Mao Yuanbing
Published: July 2015

Herein, La2Zr2O7:5% Eu3+ nanoparticles (NPs) with different sizes have been synthesized for the first time through a modified facile molten salt process using a single‐source complex precursor of La(OH)3·ZrO(OH)2:Eu(OH)3·nH2O. It was found that the concentration of the added ammonia to co‐precipitate the corresponding metallic ions to form the precursor can influence the final particle size of the fluorite La2Zr2O7:5%Eu3+ NPs. Furthermore, the crystal phase of the La2Zr2O7:5%Eu3+ NPs was transferred from fluorite to pyrochlore after thermal treatment at 1000°C. The relationship between photoluminescence (PL), quantum yield (QY), particles size and crystal phase has been further investigated through fluorescence decay, site symmetry, and Judd–Ofelt (J–O) analysis. Specifically, PLQY and lifetime increase with increasing particle size of the fluorite La2Zr2O7:5%Eu3+ NPs. Additionally, crystal phase transfer from fluorite to pyrochlore resulted in large PLQY decrease and moderate lifetime increase in the La2Zr2O7:5%Eu3+ NPs.
Radiation Stability of Spark‐Plasma‐Sintered Lead Vanadate Iodoapatite
Authors: Lu Fengyuan , Yao Tiankai , Danon Yaron , Zhou Jianren , Ewing Rodney C. , Lian Jie
Published: July 2015

Spark‐plasma‐sintered lead vanadate iodoapatite Pb9.85(VO4)6I1.7, a promising nuclear waste form for the immobilization of I‐129, was irradiated with energetic ions, electrons, and gamma rays, to investigate its radiation stability. In situ TEM observation of the 1 MeV Kr2+ irradiation shows that lead vanadate iodoapatite generally exhibits higher tolerance against ion irradiation‐induced amorphization than lead vanadate fluorapatite, and the spark plasma sintering can further enhance its radiation stability attributed to the enhanced crystallinity, reduced defect concentration, and denser microstructure. The critical amorphization dose and critical temperature for the SPS‐densified iodoapatite at 700°C are determined to be 0.25 dpa at room temperature and 230°C, respectively. No significant phase transformation or microstructural damage occurred under energetic electron and gamma irradiations. Raman spectra of gamma‐ray‐irradiated iodoapatite indicate improved V–O bond order at 500 kGy dose. Generally, the spark‐plasma‐sintered iodoapatite exhibits excellent radiation stability for nuclear waste form applications. The significantly enhanced radiation stability of the SPS‐densified iodoapatite suggests that SPS holds great promise for fabricating iodoapatite waste form with minimum iodine loss and optimized radiation tolerance for effective management of highly volatile I‐129.
Flow Cytometry Analysis of Cytotoxicity In Vitro and Long‐Term Toxicity of HA‐40 wt% BaTiO3 Nanoparticles In Vivo
Authors: Kumar Alok , Bhaskar Nitu , Basu Bikramjit
Published: July 2015

The development of new implantable biomaterials requires bone‐mimicking physical properties together with desired biocompatible property. In continuation to our earlier published research to establish compositional dependent multifunctional bone‐like properties and cytocompatibility response of hydroxyapatite (HA)‐BaTiO3 composites, the toxicological property evaluation, both in vitro and in vivo, were conducted on HA‐40 wt% BaTiO3 and reported in this work. In particular, this work reports in vitro cytotoxicity of mouse myoblast cells as well as in vivo long‐term tissue and nanoparticles interaction of intra‐articularly injected HA‐40 wt% BaTiO3 and BaTiO3 up to the concentration of 25 mg/mL in physiological saline over 12 weeks in mouse model. The careful analysis of flow cytometry results could not reveal any statistically significant difference in terms of early/late apoptotic cells or necrotic cells over 8 d in culture. Extensive histological analysis could not record any signature of cellular level toxicity or pronounced inflammatory response in vital organs as well as at knee joints of Balb/c mice after 12 weeks. Taken together, this study establishes nontoxic nature of HA‐40 wt% BaTiO3 and therefore, HA‐40 wt% BaTiO3 can be used safely for various biomedical applications.
Improved Energy Storage Properties Accompanied by Enhanced Interface Polarization in Annealed Microwave‐Sintered BST
Authors: Song Zhe , Zhang Shujun , Liu Hanxing , Hao Hua , Cao Minghe , Li Qi , Wang Qing , Yao Zhonghua , Wang Zhijian , Lanagan Michael T
Published: July 2015

Microwave‐sintering (MWS) technique was employed to fabricate dense (Ba0.4Sr0.6)TiO3 (BST) ceramics. With respect to the high dielectric loss at room temperature, induced by the formation of oxygen defects during the MWS under vacuum atmosphere (−60 kPa), the as‐sintered samples were thermally annealed in air to reduce tanδ and recover the insulating performance. Accompanied by the decreased tanδ, the energy storage properties for annealed MWS BST were optimized, with increasing energy density (γ) from 0.77 to 1.15 J/cm3 and energy efficiency (η) from 60% to 82%. The lower oxygen vacancy concentrations were believed to account for the enhanced insulating characteristics of grain boundaries and contribute to the improved properties after annealing. Electrical characterization of grain and grain boundary by impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that the annealing preferentially modified the grain boundary. In addition, resistances extracted from the high temperature impedance analysis were found to be inadequate for evaluating the electrical characteristics of materials affected by extrinsic mechanisms, such as the interfacial polarization. For comparison, annealing effect on energy storage properties were also discussed for conventionally sintered BST.
Reproducibility in Rehydroxylation of Ceramic Artifacts
Authors: Zhao Shan , Bowen Patrick K. , Drelich Jaroslaw W. , Scarlett Timothy J.
Published: July 2015

Since its introduction in 2009, application of the rehydroxylation (RHX) technique for dating fired‐clay ceramics has been controversial, with very few satisfactory dating results collected in the interim. The stability and efficiency of this technique has been called into question by several investigators in the last few years, who have struggled to reproduce and validate this new dating method. Based on our new mass gain measurements for ca. 2000–7000 yrs old ceramic artifacts, the reproducibility in the RHX process rate is analyzed and discussed. Timespan analysis was performed, and age uncertainty related to RHX dating technique was evaluated by considering the error propagation. The results show poor reproducibility of the RHX process in the samples of the same origins, which give new evidence for a revision of the RHX protocols.
Dy3+/Ce3+ Codoped YAG Transparent Ceramics for Single‐Composition Tunable White‐Light Phosphor
Authors: Zheng Ruilin , Luo Dewei , Yuan Ye , Wang Zhongyue , Zhang Ying , Wei Wei , Kong Ling Bing , Tang Dingyuan
Published: July 2015

Superior optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of transparent ceramics are very important in the applications of solid lasers, solid‐state lighting, and transparent armors. Herein, a series of (Dy0.03CexY0.97−x)3Al5O12 transparent ceramics were fabricated using vacuum reactive sintering method. Importantly, these Dy3+/Ce3+ codoped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) transparent ceramics served as single‐composition tunable white‐light phosphors for UV‐LEDs is developed for the first time. By combining with commercially available UV‐LEDs directly, the optimal chromaticity coordinates and correlated color temperature (CCT) are (x = 0.33, y = 0.35) and 5609 K, respectively. Notably, the codoping of Ce3+ enhances the luminescent intensity of Dy3+ ions while excited at 327 nm. The emission color of YAG transparent ceramics can be tuned from white to yellow through energy transfer between Dy3+ and Ce3+. These new phosphors, possessing of pure CIE chromaticity and environmentally friendly nature, are promising for applications in white UV‐LEDs.
Exploitation in International Paid Surrogacy Arrangements
Authors: Wilkinson Stephen
Published: July 2015

Many critics have suggested that international paid surrogacy is exploitative. Taking such concerns as its starting point, this article asks: (1) how defensible is the claim that international paid surrogacy is exploitative and what could be done to make it less exploitative? (2) In the light of the answer to (1), how strong is the case for prohibiting it? Exploitation could in principle be dealt with by improving surrogates' pay and conditions. However, doing so may exacerbate problems with consent. Foremost amongst these is the argument that surrogates from economically disadvantaged countries cannot validly consent because their background circumstances are coercive. Several versions of this argument are examined and I conclude that at least one has some merit. The article's overall conclusion is that while ethically there is something to be concerned about, paid surrogacy is in no worse a position than many other exploitative commercial transactions which take place against a backdrop of global inequality and constrained options, such as poorly‐paid and dangerous construction work. Hence, there is little reason to single surrogacy out for special condemnation. On a policy level, the case for prohibiting international commercial surrogacy is weak, despite legitimate concerns about consent and background poverty.
Including Youth with Intellectual Disabilities in Health Promotion Research: Development and Reliability of a Structured Interview to Assess the Correlates of Physical Activity among Youth
Authors: Curtin Carol , Bandini Linda G. , Must Aviva , Phillips Sarah , Maslin Melissa C. T. , Lo Charmaine , Gleason James M. , Fleming Richard K. , Stanish Heidi I.
Published: July 2015

Background

The input of youth with intellectual disabilities in health promotion and health disparities research is essential for understanding their needs and preferences. Regular physical activity (PA) is vital for health and well‐being, but levels are low in youth generally, including those with intellectual disabilities. Understanding the perceptions of and barriers to PA as reported by youth with intellectual disabilities themselves is important for designing effective interventions.

Materials and methods

We developed a structured interview that queried youth with intellectual disabilities and typically developing youth (ages 13–21 years) about their enjoyment, preferences and perceived barriers to PA. We describe the development of this interview and present its test–retest reliability on 15 youth with intellectual disabilities and 20 typically developing youth.

Results

Twenty‐three of 33 questions were reliable in both groups. The results suggest that youth with intellectual disabilities can reliably report activities that they do or do not enjoy, as well as their beliefs and perceived benefits of PA.

Conclusions

Self‐reported information on the experiences, preferences, beliefs and perceptions about among youth with intellectual disabilities is key for research efforts in health promotion and health disparities.
Cardiogenic Stroke Despite Low CHA2DS2‐VASc Score: Assessing Stroke risk by Left Atrial Appendage Anatomy (ASK LAA)
Authors: NEDIOS SOTIRIOS , KOUTALAS EMMANUEL , KORNEJ JELENA , ROLF SASCHA , ARYA ARASH , SOMMER PHILIPP , HUSSER DANIELA , HINDRICKS GERHARD , BOLLMANN ANDREAS
Published: July 2015

Assessing Stroke risK by LAA Anatomy (ASK LAA)

Introduction

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), LAA morphology has been suggested to modify thromboembolic event (TE) risk. We tested the hypothesis that TE in low‐risk patients is associated with LAA characteristics.

Methods

Of 2,069 patients who underwent AF ablation, 25 (1.2%) had a prior TE and a low CHA2DS2‐VASc score (≤1). Those patients were matched for the CHA2DS2‐VASc criteria with 75 event­free patients and CT data were compared. LAA measurements, morphology (Cactus, Chicken‐Wing, Windsock, Cauliflower), and takeoff of the superior and inferior edge in relation (higher or lower) to the respective takeoff of the adjacent pulmonary vein (PV) were determined. LAA flow in relation to heart rate was also compared.

Results

Univariate analysis showed that TE patients had a higher incidence of superior LAA takeoff (i.e., higher than the left superior PV; 28% vs. 4%, P = 0.002) and a higher incidence of hyperlipidemia (40% vs. 17%, P = 0.028), while LAA morphologies, inferior takeoff, and other LAA characteristics were similar between groups. Logistic regression revealed that a superior LAA takeoff (OR: 9.1, 95% CI: 2.1–38.6, P = 0.003) was the only independent predictor of TE. There was a negative correlation between heart rate and LAA flow (r = –0.2 cm/s pro bpm, P = 0.048), that was even more pronounced for the superior LAA takeoff (r = –0.67 cm/s pro bpm, P = 0.035).

Conclusion

A higher LAA takeoff is associated with a tachycardia‐mediated thrombogenic flow and an increased thromboembolic risk. These findings may have implications for anticoagulation management of AF patients with low CHA2DS2‐VASc scores and higher LAA takeoff.
The Biophysics of Passive Convective Cooling During Catheter Ablation with Gold versus Platinum Electrodes and Multielectrode Phased Radiofrequency Energy Delivery
Authors: HAINES DAVID E. , STRUNK AARON R. , NOVICHENOK ALEX , KIRCHHOF NICOLE , STEWART MARK
Published: July 2015

Gold versus Platinum Ablation Electrodes

Introduction

During radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation, convective cooling of the ablated tissue by circulating blood allows higher power delivery and deeper penetration of volume heating without excess surface heating. The study aim was to characterize ablation lesions using electrode materials with differing thermal conductivities and magnitudes of passive convective cooling utilizing duty‐cycled RF energy.

Methods and Results

RF ablations using a linear array of 4 3‐mm platinum electrodes (n = 228) were compared to an array with gold electrodes (n = 244). RF was delivered using temperature feedback power control, in a blended bipolar:unipolar mode (2:1 and 4:1), to exposed porcine thigh muscle superfused with heparinized blood. For gold electrodes, lesion depths were 4.1 ± 0.8 mm in the 2:1 ablation mode and 3.7 ± 0.9 mm in the 4:1 ablation mode, versus 3.7 ± 1.0 mm and 3.3 ± 1.0 mm with platinum (P < 0.001 vs. gold, P = 0.004 platinum 2:1 vs. 4:1). More efficient passive cooling at all flow rates with gold versus platinum resulted in a lower mean electrode temperature and a higher proportion of ablations reaching maximum power before achieving target temperature. Therefore, the mean ablation power was higher with gold (6.5+2.1 vs. 5.5+2.3 W, P < 0.001), and lesion depth was greater (3.9+0.8 mm vs. 3.5+1.0 mm, P < 0.001) compared to platinum.

Conclusions

Passive convective cooling during RF ablation is more efficient with gold compared to platinum electrodes, particularly when ablations are temperature limited. Using temperature feedback power control, deeper lesions can be reliably achieved with gold electrodes.
Adding Hydrochlorothiazide to Olmesartan/Amlodipine Increases Efficacy in Patients With Inadequate Blood Pressure Control on Dual‐Combination Therapy
Authors: Rump Lars C. , Ammentorp Bettina , Laeis Petra , Scholze Jürgen
Published: July 2015

This randomized, parallel‐group study in patients inadequately controlled on olmesartan medoxomil/amlodipine (OLM/AML) 40/10 mg assessed the effects of adding hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 12.5 mg and 25 mg, using seated blood pressure (SeBP) measurements and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring. Enrolled patients were screened and tapered off of therapy if required. All patients received OLM/AML 40/10 mg and those with mean seated BP (SeBP) ≥140/90 mm Hg after 8 weeks (n=808) were randomized (1:1:1) to continue with OLM/AML 40/10 mg or receive OLM/AML/HCTZ 40/10/12.5 or 40/10/25 mg for a further 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in seated diastolic BP (SeDBP) from the start to the end of the randomized treatment period. The addition of HCTZ 25 mg significantly reduced SeDBP (−2.8 mm Hg; P<.0001), lowered seated systolic BP (SeSBP) and ambulatory DBP and SBP, and improved BP goal rates. In patients uncontrolled on OLM/AML 40/10 mg, adding HCTZ led to further BP reductions, particularly in ambulatory BP.
Role of PECAM‐1 in radiation‐induced liver inflammation
Authors: Malik Ihtzaz Ahmed , Stange Ina , Martius Gesa , Cameron Silke , Rave‐Fränk Margret , Hess Clemens Friedrich , Ellenrieder Volker , Wolff Hendrik Andreas
Published: July 2015

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1, CD31) is known to play an important role in hepatic inflammation. Therefore, we investigated the role of PECAM‐1 in wild‐type (WT) and knock‐out (KO)‐mice after single‐dose liver irradiation (25 Gy). Both, at mRNA and protein level, a time‐dependent decrease in hepatic PECAM‐1, corresponding to an increase in intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) (6 hrs) was detected in WT‐mice after irradiation. Immunohistologically, an increased number of neutrophil granulocytes (NG) (but not of mononuclear phagocytes) was observed in the liver of WT and PECAM‐1‐KO mice at 6 hrs after irradiation. The number of recruited NG was higher and prolonged until 24 hrs in KO compared to WT‐mice. Correspondingly, a significant induction of hepatic tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and CXC‐chemokines (KC/CXCL1 interleukin‐8/CXCL8) was detected together with an elevation of serum liver transaminases (6–24 hrs) in WT and KO‐mice. Likewise, phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT‐3) was observed in both animal groups after irradiation. The level of all investigated proteins as well as of the liver transaminases was significantly higher in KO than WT‐mice. In the cell‐line U937, irradiation led to a reduction in PECAM‐1 in parallel to an increased ICAM‐1 expression. TNF‐α‐blockage by anti‐TNF‐α prevented this change in both proteins in cell culture. Radiation‐induced stress conditions induce a transient accumulation of granulocytes within the liver by down‐regulation/absence of PECAM‐1. It suggests that reduction/lack in PECAM‐1 may lead to greater and prolonged inflammation which can be prevented by anti‐TNFα.
Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells enhance autophagy via PI3K/AKT signalling to reduce the severity of ischaemia/reperfusion‐induced lung injury
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Jian , Zhang Dan , Song Yuanlin , She Jun , Bai Chunxue
Published: July 2015

Autophagy, a type II programmed cell death, is essential for cell survival under stress, e.g. lung injury, and bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) have great potential for cell therapy. However, the mechanisms underlying the BM‐MSC activation of autophagy to provide a therapeutic effect in ischaemia/reperfusion‐induced lung injury (IRI) remain unclear. Thus, we investigate the activation of autophagy in IRI following transplantation with BM‐MSCs. Seventy mice were pre‐treated with BM‐MSCs before they underwent lung IRI surgery in vivo. Human pulmonary micro‐vascular endothelial cells (HPMVECs) were pre‐conditioned with BM‐MSCs by oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD) in vitro. Expression markers for autophagy and the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signalling pathway were analysed. In IRI‐treated mice, administration of BM‐MSCs significantly attenuated lung injury and inflammation, and increased the level of autophagy. In OGD‐treated HPMVECs, co‐culture with BM‐MSCs attenuated endothelial permeability by decreasing the level of cell death and enhanced autophagic activation. Moreover, administration of BM‐MSCs decreased the level of PI3K class I and p‐Akt while the expression of PI3K class III was increased. Finally, BM‐MSCs‐induced autophagic activity was prevented using the inhibitor LY294002. Administration of BM‐MSCs attenuated lung injury by improving the autophagy level via the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. These findings provide further understanding of the mechanisms related to BM‐MSCs and will help to develop new cell‐based therapeutic strategies in lung injury.
Association of chemokine ligand 5/chemokine receptor 5 gene promoter polymorphisms with diabetic microvascular complications: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhongwen , Zhang Xiaoqian , Dong Jianjun , Gao Weiyi , Liu Fupeng , Zhao Junyu , Wu Xiaoyun , Guan Xiaoling , Liu Ju , Liao Lin
Published: July 2015

Aims/Introduction

Chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) is a member of the CC‐chemokine family expressed in various organs. It contributes to the migration of monocytes/macrophages into injured vascular walls by binding with its receptor chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5). Many studies have accessed the association between CCL5/CCR5 gene promoter polymorphisms and diabetic microvascular complications (DMI). However, the results are conflicting and inconclusive. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association more precisely.

Materials and Methods

Trials were retrieved through PubMed, Embase, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Web of Science and Cochrane database without restrictions on language. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to describe the strength of association with DMI.

Results

Data were obtained from 11 case–control studies that included 2,737 DMI patients and 2,435 diabetic control subjects. In the overall analysis, the CCL5‐403 G/A and CCL5‐28 C/G gene polymorphisms were not significantly associated with the risk of DMI. However, CCR5‐59029 G/A was an independent risk factor of DMI in a dominant model (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.06–2.97). Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of the CCR5 59029A‐positive genotype was significant in Asians (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.68–2.57). In addition, the CCR5 59029A‐positive genotype was associated with increased risk of albuminuria.

Conclusions

There were no associations of CCL5 gene promoter polymorphism with the risk of DMI. However, the 59029A polymorphism in CCR5 might affect individual susceptibility for DMI.
Phenotyping of type 2 diabetes mellitus at onset on the basis of fasting incretin tone: Results of a two‐step cluster analysis
Authors: Amato Marco Calogero , Pizzolanti Giuseppe , Torregrossa Vittoria , Pantò Felicia , Giordano Carla
Published: July 2015

Aims/Introduction

According to some authors, in type 2 diabetes there is a reduced postprandial action of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). However, little is known about the role of fasting incretins in glucose homeostasis. Our aim was to evaluate, through a two‐step cluster analysis, the possibility of phenotyping patients with type 2 diabetes at onset on the basis of fasting GLP‐1, GIP and ghrelin.

Materials and Methods

A total of 96 patients with type 2 diabetes within 6 months of onset (mean age 62.40 ± 6.36 years) were cross‐sectionally studied. Clinical, anthropometric and metabolic parameters were evaluated. At fasting the following were carried out: assay of GLP‐1, GIP, ghrelin, insulin, C‐peptide, glucagon and a panel of adipocytokines (visfatin, resistin, leptin, soluble leptin receptor and adiponectin).

Results

The analysis resulted in two clusters: cluster 1 (63 patients) had significantly lower levels of GLP‐1 (4.93 ± 0.98 vs 7.81 ± 1.98 pmol/L; P < 0.001), GIP (12.73 ± 9.44 vs 23.88 ± 28.56 pmol/L; P < 0.001) and ghrelin (26.54 ± 2.94 vs 39.47 ± 9.84 pmol/L; P < 0.001) compared with cluster 2 (33 patients). Between the two clusters, no differences in age, duration of disease, sex, clinical‐anthropometric parameters, insulin sensitivity and adipocytokines were highlighted. However, cluster 1 was associated with significantly higher levels of glycated hemoglobin (7.4 ± 0.61 vs 6.68 ± 0.57%, P = 0.007), glucagon (232.02 ± 37.27 vs 183.33 ± 97.29 ng/L; P = 0.001), fasting glucose (7.85 ± 1.60 vs 6.93 ± 1.01 mmol/L; P = 0.003) and significantly lower levels of C‐peptide (0.12 ± 0.11 vs 0.20 ± 0.20 nmol/L; P = 0.017).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that fasting incretins play an important role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, which requires to further investigation.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of insulin degludec in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus reflect similarities with Caucasian patients
Authors: Ikushima Ippei , Kaku Kohei , Hirao Koichi , Bardtrum Lars , Haahr Hanne
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The present study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of insulin degludec (IDeg) in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This was a randomized, single‐center, double‐blind, two‐period, crossover, multiple‐dose trial. Patients were randomized into two treatment sequences, and received IDeg or insulin detemir for 6 days and a washout period (7–21 days) before switching treatment. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic measurements were obtained before each dose and up to 120 h after the last dose of each treatment period. Pharmacodynamic measurements were obtained using a 26‐h euglycemic clamp procedure after the last dose of each treatment period.

Results

A total of 22 patients were randomized (14 men, 8 women; mean glycosylated hemoglobin at baseline of 7.5% [based on Japanese Diabetes Society value]). At steady state, total glucose‐lowering effect (area under the glucose infusion rate [GIR] curve during one dosing interval [τ, 0–24 h] at steady state [AUCGIR,τ,SS]) was 1,446 mg/kg and total exposure (geometric mean) of IDeg (AUCIDeg,τ,SS) was 81,270 pmol h/L. Both the glucose‐lowering effect and the exposure of IDeg were evenly distributed over the dosing interval, with AUC for the first 12‐h intervals being approximately 50% of the total (geometric mean; AUCGIR,0–12h,SS/AUCGIR,τ,SS = 48%; AUCIDeg,0–12h,SS/AUCIDeg,τ,SS = 53%).

Conclusions

IDeg has a flat, consistent and ultra‐long glucose‐lowering effect that is evenly distributed across a 24‐h interval and an ultra‐long duration of action in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes. These data support once‐daily dosing of IDeg in all patients. Overall, the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic end‐points and safety observations are consistent with those previously reported in Caucasian patients.
Does multiple paternity affect seed mass in angiosperms? An experimental test inDalechampia scandens
Authors: Pélabon C. , Albertsen E. , Falahati‐Anbaran M. , Wright J. , Armbruster W.S.
Published: July 2015

Flowers fertilized by multiple fathers may be expected to produce heavier seeds than those fertilized by a single father. However, the adaptive mechanisms leading to such differences remain unclear, and the evidence inconsistent. Here, we first review the different hypotheses predicting an increase in seed mass when multiple paternity occurs. We show that distinguishing between these hypotheses requires information about average seed mass, but also about within‐fruit variance in seed mass, bias in siring success among pollen donors, and whether siring success and seed mass are correlated. We then report the results of an experiment onDalechampia scandens(Euphorbiaceae), assessing these critical variables in conjunction with a comparison of seed mass resulting from crosses with single vs. multiple pollen donors. Siring success differed among males when competing for fertilization, but average seed mass was not affected by the number of fathers. Furthermore, paternal identity explained only 3.8% of the variance in seed mass, and siring success was not correlated with the mass of the seeds produced. Finally, within‐infructescence variance in seed mass was not affected by the number of fathers. These results suggest that neither differential allocation nor sibling rivalry has any effect on the average mass of seeds in multiply sired fruits inD. scandens. Overall, the limited paternal effects observed in most studies and the possibility of diversification bet hedging among flowers (but not within flowers), suggest that multiple paternity within fruits or infructescence is unlikely to affect seed mass in a large number of angiosperm species.
Effect of Finishing Techniques on the Marginal Integrity of Resin‐Based Composite and Resin‐Modified Glass Ionomer Restoration
Authors: Delgado Alex J. , Ritter Andre V. , Donovan Terence E. , Ziemiecki Thomas , Heymann Harald O.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the marginal integrity of resin‐based composite (RBC and resin‐modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) restorations as a function of finishing technique and location of the tooth. Forty extracted third molars were assigned to four groups (N = 10) according to finishing instruments (aluminum oxide discs, fluted carbides, fine diamonds, and coarse diamond). Each specimen received standardized Class V preparations on the facial and lingual surfaces with occlusal margins on enamel and gingival margins on dentin. Each preparation was randomly assigned to be restored with either RBC or RMGIC. Specimens were finished with standardized pressure at approximately 0.16 N and evaluated at a magnification of 600× using an environmental scanning electron microscope. Occlusal and gingival margins were analyzed using an imaging software, and means for all measured gaps were calculated. Data were analyzed with a factorial analysis of variance. All possible two‐way interactions were included, and the level of significance was set at 0.05. There were no statistically significant differences among the four types of finishing instruments used in the study. RBC‐restored specimens exhibited significantly smaller mean marginal gaps (1.70–7.56 μm) than RMGI‐restored specimens (5.24–14.24 μm) in enamel and dentin margins, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between enamel and dentin with regard to marginal gap formation. Under the conditions of this study, marginal gap formation was not affected by finishing technique. RBC margins exhibited significantly less marginal gap than RMGI margins, whereas enamel margins resulted in significantly less marginal gap than did dentin margins.

Clinical Significance

Multiple factors can affect the marginal integrity and the longevity of direct restorations. From these, the finishing and polishing techniques are critical steps that are under the clinician's control, and proper finishing and polishing techniques should be applied for avoiding introduction of stress to the margin of the restoration. It seems that instrumentation do not play a significant role, as much as the restorative material and the substrate to bond.
2015 Update: Approaches to Caries Removal
Authors: Browning William D.
Published: July 2015

Every day in the United States and around the world, complete caries removal in vital, asymptomatic teeth with deep caries lesions ends in unavoidable exposure of the pulp. As a result, the complexity and cost of treatment increase dramatically, and many patients are left with extraction as their only viable option. This Critical Appraisal updates a previous appraisal (2013). Since that review three, systematic reviews of the literature and one large, randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) have been published. Thus, newer, higher quality evidence is available that supports alternative treatments designed to preserve the vitality of the tooth and thus avoid extraction.
Effect of Curing Light Barriers and Light Types on Radiant Exposure and Composite Conversion
Authors: Sword Rhoda Joyner , Do Uyen Ngoc , Chang Jonathan Hu , Rueggeberg Frederick Allen
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Previous research investigated the effects of curing tip barriers on light output and composite properties, but no study has measured the effect of a wide variety of barriers and curing light types on delivered radiant exposure and the resulting composite cure 2 mm below the radiated surface.

Materials and Methods

Six barrier materials and six curing light types were tested. Spectroradiometry was used to measure irradiance with and without barriers for each light type, and radiant exposure values were determined for a commercial camphorquinone‐based dental composite material. Composite monomer conversion was measured at 10 minutes following exposure for each light type/barrier condition (N = 5) using infrared spectroscopy. Results were subjected to one‐way analyses of variance for radiant exposure and conversion among barrier types within a given curing light: preset alpha 0.05.

Results

All barriers significantly reduced radiant exposure compared with the uncovered tip, but the use of the two polywave LEDs covered with a latex‐based barrier demonstrated significantly lower conversion values.

Conclusions

Although light‐curing barriers reduce radiant exposure to a restorative material over a recommended exposure, this reduction is not sufficient to cause significant reduction in composite cure, except when using a latex‐based barrier and a polywave LED curing light.

Clinical Significance

Clinicians need to be aware of the possible interaction between curing light barriers and curing light type in order to optimally photocure restorative materials.
Restricted movements and mangrove dependency of the nervous shark Carcharhinus cautus in nearshore coastal waters
Authors: Escalle L. , Speed C. W. , Meekan M. G. , White W. T. , Babcock R. C. , Pillans R. D. , Huveneers C.
Published: July 2015

This study used a network of acoustic receivers deployed around a no‐take zone in Mangrove Bay, within the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park in Western Australia, to study residency and habitat preference of a small coastal shark, the nervous shark Carcharhinus cautus. Twelve C. cautus were tagged with acoustic tags and monitored for up to 579 days. Based on individuals detected within the receiver array for at least 2 months, C. cautus had small core (50% kernel utilization distribution, KUD) and home ranges (95% KUD) of 0·66 and 3·64 km2, respectively, and showed a strong habitat preference for mangroves, which are only found in the no‐take zone. This resulted in C. cautus spending most of their detected time within the no‐take zone boundaries (mean = 81·5%), showing that such a protected area could be beneficial to protect this species from extensive fishing pressure and local depletion, where required. Not all C. cautus remained within the acoustic array, however, suggesting that individual variations occur and that not all individuals would benefit from such protection. This study provides important information about the habitat, residency and movements of C. cautus that can be used for management and conservation. The strong affinity and residency of C. cautus within a mangrove‐fringing coastline, emphasizes the importance of mangrove habitat to the species and suggests that such preferences can be used to design appropriate no‐take zones for this species or others with similar habitat preferences.
First detection of Cyprinid Herpesvirus 2 (CyHV‐2) in goldfish (Carassius auratus) in France
Authors: Boitard P‐M , Baud M , Labrut S , de Boisséson C , Jamin M , Bigarré L
Published: July 2015

Massive mortalities of Carassius auratus (L.) occurred in a farm in France during summer 2014. Fish presented anorexia, loss of scales and large amounts of mucus on the gills. Necrosis of the distal tip of the filament and the lamellae, combined with fusion of the lamellae, was observed, as well as necrosis in the hematopoietic organs and in the digestive tract. The histological examination led to hypothesize the implication of a virus in the mortality. The presence of cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV‐2) in dead fish was demonstrated by amplification and sequencing of portions of the DNA polymerase and helicase genes, both sequences exhibiting 100% identity with CyHV‐2 from Japan. In an attempt to find genetic markers of variation, two regions containing tandem repeats in the Japanese genome were amplified from a virus‐positive sample from the present outbreak. A first region (mB) was fully identical to the Japanese isolate. However, the second region (mA) exhibited a range of deletions and substitutions compared to CyHV‐2 from Japan. This is the first report of CyHV‐2 in France in association with mortality of goldfish and the first identification of a molecular marker for its tracing.
Failing to Focus on Healthy Aging: A Frailty of Our Discipline?
Authors: Friedman Susan M. , Shah Krupa , Hall William J.
Published: July 2015

The academic geriatrics community has provided outstanding leadership in addressing frailty and complexity in older adults, but a minority of older adults are frail. Although resources to treat older adults are limited, and it is appropriate to focus clinical efforts on those with frailty and multimorbidity, there is also important expertise that can be brought to bear on the health of ALL older adults. A review of the literature suggests that attention to healthy or successful aging has failed to keep pace with the focus on frailty. By providing leadership to promote successful aging, the quality of life of older adults across the spectrum can be improved and transitions to frailty reduced. The template that leaders have established in understanding frailty—defining and operationalizing it, understanding outcomes, identifying pathophysiology—can be used as an approach to successful aging. Several community‐based programs have been successful in promoting successful aging. These are potentially highly scalable and could have a substantial effect on the aging population, but their essential components need to be better understood. The geriatrics community is uniquely positioned to take on this role. This is a critical time to work together to make the lives of all older adults as healthy and fulfilling as possible.
Effect of two fluoride varnishes on the color stability of three resin‐based restorative materials: an in vitro study
Authors: Tafaroji Raha , Biria Mina , Ameri Farhad , Torabzadeh Hassan , Qahari Pasha , Akbarzadeh Baghban Alireza
Published: July 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two fluoride varnishes on color stability of three resin‐based restorative materials.

Methods

Fifty‐four discs (14.5 × 1.7 mm) were fabricated from A2 and A3 shades of a compomer (F2000), a flowable composite (Z350), and a hybrid composite (Z250), and incubated at 37°C for 48 h. Dura Shield (colored) and Fluor Protector (colorless) fluoride varnishes were applied onto the discs. The coating was cleaned using a low‐speed handpiece and nylon bristle brush after 24 h of storage in distilled water. A second coating was then applied. A control group with no coating was immersed in distilled water and used. The CIE L*a*b* color scale was measured before the treatments and following each cleaning utilizing a spectrophotometer.

Results

The colored fluoride varnish exhibited the highest overall color change (∆E) after the first and the second cleaning procedures in all the materials. Among these, the greatest color change was observed in the A3 shade of F2000, followed by the A3 shade of Z‐250. The ∆E was less than 3.3 in all groups, and was therefore clinically acceptable.

Conclusion

Color changes following the application of fluoride varnishes were found to be clinically acceptable in all groups.
Cone‐beam computed tomography and the dentist
Authors: MacDonald David
Published: July 2015

Although cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) is just 15 years old, it has revolutionized the practice of dentistry, so much so, there is hardly a dental specialty which has not been affected by this technology. Nevertheless, it presents the dentist with a number of important challenges. An initial steep learning curve must be addressed without unnecessary exposure to the patient. This is particularly important when the patient is a child.
Floral nectary, nectar production dynamics, and floral reproductive isolation among closely related species of Pedicularis
Authors: Liu Ya‐Nan , Li Yan , Yang Fu‐Sheng , Wang Xiao‐Quan
Published: July 2015

Floral nectar is thought to be one of the most important rewards that attract pollinators in Pedicularis; however, few studies have examined variation of nectary structure and/or nectar secretion in the genus, particularly among closely related species. Here we investigated nectary morphology, nectar quality, and nectar production dynamics in flowers of Pedicularis section Cyathophora. We found a conical floral nectary at the base of the ovary in species of the rex‐thamnophila clade. Stomata were found on the surface of the nectary, and copious starch grains were detected in the nectary tissues. In contrast, a semi‐annular nectary was found in flowers of the species of the superba clade. Only a few starch grains were observed in tissues of the semi‐annular nectary, and the nectar sugar concentration in these flowers was much lower than that in the flowers of the rex‐thamnophila clade. Our results indicate that the floral nectary has experienced considerable morphological, structural, and functional differentiation among closely related species of Pedicularis. This could have affected nectar production, leading to a shift of the pollination mode. Our results also imply that variation of the nectary morphology and nectar production may have played an important role in the speciation of sect. Cyathophora.
Evaluation of high yielding soybean germplasm under water limitation
Authors: Prince Silvas J. , Murphy Mackensie , Mutava Raymond N. , Zhang Zhengzhi , Nguyen Na , Kim Yoon Ha , Pathan Safiullah M. , Shannon Grover J. , Valliyodan Babu , Nguyen Henry T.
Published: July 2015

Limited information is available for soybean root traits and their plasticity under drought stress. To date, no studies have focused on examining diverse soybean germplasm for regulation of shoot and root response under water limited conditions across varying soil types. In this study, 17 genetically diverse soybean germplasm lines were selected to study root response to water limited conditions in clay (trial 1) and sandy soil (trial 2) in two target environments. Physiological data on shoot traits was measured at multiple crop stages ranging from early vegetative to pod filling. The phenotypic root traits, and biomass accumulation data are collected at pod filling stage. In trial 1, the number of lateral roots and forks were positively correlated with plot yield under water limitation and in trial 2, lateral root thickness was positively correlated with the hill plot yield. Plant Introduction (PI) 578477A and 088444 were found to have higher later root number and forks in clay soil with higher yield under water limitation. In sandy soil, PI458020 was found to have a thicker lateral root system and higher yield under water limitation. The genotypes identified in this study could be used to enhance drought tolerance of elite soybean cultivars through improved root traits specific to target environments.