bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound combined with SDF‐1α chemotactic microbubbles promotes stem cell homing in an osteoarthritis model
Authors: Xiang Xi , Liu Hui , Wang Liyun , Zhu Bihui , Ma Lang , Du Fangxue , Li Ling , Qiu Li
Published: August 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease in the middle and old age group with obvious cartilage damage, and the regeneration of cartilage is the key to alleviating or treating OA. In stem cell therapy, bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) has been confirmed to have cartilage regeneration ability. However, the role of stem cells in promoting articular cartilage regeneration is severely limited by their low homing rate. Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) plays a vital role in MSC migration and involves activation, mobilization, homing and retention. So, we aim to develop SDF‐1α‐loaded microbubbles MB(SDF‐1α), and to verify the migration of BMSCs with the effect of ultrasound combined with MB(SDF‐1α) in vitro and in vivo. The characteristics of microbubbles and the content of SDF‐1α were examined in vitro. To evaluate the effect of ultrasound combined with chemotactic microbubbles on stem cell migration, BMSCs were injected locally and intravenously into the knee joint of the OA model, and the markers of BMSCs in the cartilage were detected. We successfully prepared MB(SDF‐1α) through covalent bonding with impressive SDF‐1α loading efficacy loading content. In vitro study, ultrasound combined with MB(SDF‐1α) group can promote more stem cell migration with highest migrating cell counts, good cell viability and highest CXCR4 expression. In vivo experiment, more BMSCs surface markers presented in the ultrasound combined with MB(SDF‐1α) group with or without exogenous BMSCs administration. Hence, ultrasound combined with MB(SDF‐1α) could promote the homing of BMSCs to cartilage and provide a novel promising therapeutic approach for OA.
Type 1 diabetes management and outcomes: A multicenter study in Thailand
Authors: Dejkhamron Prapai , Santiprabhob Jeerunda , Likitmaskul Supawadee , Deerochanawong Chaicharn , Rawdaree Petch , Tharavanij Thipaporn , Reutrakul Sirimon , Kongkanka Chawkaew , Suprasongsin Chittiwat , Numbenjapon Nawaporn , Sahakitrungruang Taninee , Lertwattanarak Raweewan , Engkakul Pontipa , Sriwijitkamol Apiradee , Korwutthikulrangsri Manassawee , Leelawattana Rattana , Phimphilai Mattabhorn , Potisat Somkiat , Khananuraksa Panthep , Nopmaneejumruslers Cherdchai , Nitiyanant Wannee ,   the Thai Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetes Diagnosed Before Age 30 Years Registry, Care, and Network (T1DDAR CN)
Published: August 2020

Aims/Introduction

The Thai Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetes Diagnosed Before Age 30 Years Registry, Care and Network was established in 2014 and involved 31 hospitals. The objective of the registry was to evaluate glycemic control and complications of patients with type 1 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Patients’ demographics, clinical data, frequencies of daily self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), glycemic control and complications were collected.

Results

Among the 1,907 type 1 diabetes patients, the mean age was 21.2 ± 11.3 years. The mean glycated hemoglobin level was 9.35 ± 2.41%, with significant variations among age groups (P < 0.001). Conventional insulin treatment and intensive insulin treatment were used in 43 and 57% of patients, respectively. Mean glycated hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in patients treated with conventional insulin treatment compared to those treated with intensive insulin treatment (9.63 ± 2.34 vs 9.17 ± 2.46%, P = 0.002). Compared to the conventional insulin treatment group, significantly more patients in the intensive insulin treatment group achieved good glycemic control (P < 0.001), and fewer had diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.031). The prevalence of microvascular complications increased significantly with age (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed good glycemic control to be associated with age 25 to <45 years, intensive insulin treatment with SMBG three or more times daily and diabetes duration of 1 to <5 years.

Conclusions

Most Thai type 1 diabetes patients were not meeting the recommended glycemic target. As a result of this study, the national program to improve the quality of diabetes treatment and education has been implemented, and the results are ongoing.
Daily life activities simulation: Improving nursing students' attitudes toward older patients
Authors: Demirtas Ayla , Basak Tulay
Published: August 2020

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the effects of daily life activities simulation on the attitudes of first‐year nursing students toward older adults within the scope of geriatric nursing.

Methods

The study was carried out using a pretest‐posttest, quasi‐experimental design. First‐year undergraduate students (N = 119) of a nursing faculty constituted the study sample. The students were divided into two groups as intervention and control groups. The intervention group performed the daily life activities simulation. Data were collected by using Kogan's Attitudes Towards old People Scale (KAOP) and Positive and Negative Ageism Scale (PNAS). SPSS Ver. 22.00 software was used for statistical analysis. Chi‐square test, and t test were used for comparative statistics.

Results

Most of the participants were female, and mean age was 20.96 ± 3.24. Intergroup comparison of the KAOP and PNAS scores reveals a statistically significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores for the simulation group (p ˂ .05). The posttest KOAP and PNAS scores of the simulation and control groups were statistically significantly different (p ˂ .05).

Conclusion

Daily life activities simulation is an effective method to improve nursing students' positive attitudes toward older adults. Participant feedback from our study shows that the simulation increased empathy and awareness of geriatric nursing.
Extracranial Carotid Artery Stenosis: The Effects on Brain and Cognition with a Focus on Resting‐State Functional Connectivity
Authors: Porcu Michele , Cocco Luigi , Saloner David , Suri Jasjit S. , Montisci Roberto , Carriero Alessandro , Saba Luca
Published: August 2020

Extracranial carotid artery stenosis (ECAS) due to the presence of atherosclerotic plaque is a well‐known risk factor for stroke. Several structural imaging studies have investigated the effect of ECAS on the brain, focusing on structural damage (in particular cerebral small vessel disease) and on the rearrangement of the cerebral circulation. For example, it is known from the literature an association between carotid stenosis and cerebral small vessel disease, and it is also noted that a series of compensatory mechanisms are activated by the cerebrovascular system in order to overcome the cerebral hypoperfusion that is induced by the ECAS. Several neurocognitive studies have also investigated the association of ECAS with cognitive deficits. While the evidence tends to favor a direct association between ECAS and cognition, the actual relationship remains controversial. In the last decade, various resting‐state functional connectivity (rs‐fc) magnetic resonance (MR) studies have tried to elucidate the “in vivo” mechanisms underlying the cognitive impairment observed in these patients. Although these studies have been performed on small cohorts of patients without standardized protocols, it is plausible that in the future, such studies will help find early stage markers of cognitive impairment. This could permit an extension of indications for revascularization for the treatment of cognitive impairment in selected patients. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the current knowledge on the effects of ECAS on brain and cognition by analyzing the main evidence from animal and clinical studies, with a special focus on rs‐fc MR studies.
In Vitro Evaluation of Translucency and Color Stability of CAD/CAM Polymer‐Infiltrated Ceramic Materials after Accelerated Aging
Authors: Al Amri Mohammad D. , Labban Nawaf , Alhijji Saleh , Alamri Hassan , Iskandar Mounir , Platt Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To investigate and compare the translucency and color stability of a newly introduced polymer‐infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) material (Crystal Ultra) to those of clinically well‐established restorative materials.

Materials and Methods

A total of 80 specimens measuring (12 × 14 × 1 mm ± 0.05 mm) were prepared from five CAD/CAM (IPS e.max (IPS), Lava Ultimate (LU), Cerasmart (CS), Vita Enamic (VE), Crystal Ultra (CU)) high translucency (HT) blocks in A2 or equivalent shades. Specimens were randomly allocated into two groups (A and B) (n = 8), and were subjected to 5,000 thermal‐cycles (TC). This was followed by one‐week immersion of group A specimens in coffee (staining) solution and group B specimens in distilled water. Following immersion, the specimens from both groups were further subjected to 5,000 TC. A spectrophotometer was used to measure the translucency parameter (TP) and color change (ΔE00) of the samples using CIELAB color coordinates at baseline, after 5,000 TC, following immersion, and after further 5,000 TC. Color stability was evaluated using the CIEDE2000 formula. Data were analyzed by non‐parametric tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The TP values of the CAD/CAM materials ranged from 18.0‐22.0. Following the initial TC, the changes in TP values were significant for VE (p = 0.012). Coffee immersion and further TC significantly impacted the TP values of PICN (VE and CU) materials compared to glass‐ ceramics (IPS), and resin nanoceramic (CS and LU) materials (p = 0.012). The comparison between CAD/CAM materials at different intervals showed a significant difference in the TP values (p < 0.01). The materials showed perceptible color changes following the initial TC except for PICN materials which demonstrated acceptable color changes. The major color difference was noticed for the resin nanoceramic specimens immersed in coffee; LU and CS showed higher color changes (ΔE00 = 2.45 and 2.09, respectively) than VE and CU (ΔE00 < 1.8).

Conclusions

The translucency of the newly introduced Crystal Ultra PICN material was low compared to the resin nanoceramics and lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic. The Crystal Ultra material exhibited better color stability compared to resin nanoceramics, but higher color change when compared with Vita Enamic PICN and lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic CAD/CAM materials.
CAD/CAM Complete Denture Resins: An In Vitro Evaluation of Color Stability
Authors: Gruber Simon , Kamnoedboon Porawit , Özcan Mutlu , Srinivasan Murali
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the color stability of CAD/CAM complete denture resins.

Materials and Methods

A total of 176 resin specimens were manufactured from conventional heat‐polymerizing (pink: CONHCP: n = 16; tooth‐shade: CONHCT: n = 16), CAD/CAM subtractively manufactured (pink: WIMP: n = 16, AVMP: n = 16, MEMP: n = 16, POMP: n = 16; tooth‐shade: AVMT: n = 16, MEMT: n = 16, POMT: n = 16), and additively manufactured (pink: NDRPP: n = 16; tooth‐shade: NDRPT: n = 16) denture resins; four different aging processes (thermal cycling, distilled water, red‐wine, and coffee) were used. A spectrophotometer evaluated the color change (ΔE) using two modes of measurements (specular component included (ΔESCI) and specular component excluded (ΔESCE)) recorded at baseline (T0) and at day#30 (T30). ANOVA and post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis (alpha = 0.05).

Results

Additively manufactured resins (NDRPP and NDRPT) demonstrated significant ΔE in comparison to the other groups in all aging media (p < 0.001). WIMP demonstrated higher ΔESCI in comparison to the other subtractively manufactured groups in distilled water (p < 0.001). In red‐wine, AVMT revealed significantly more ΔESCE than POMT (p = 0.039). In coffee, the ΔESCE was higher for CONHCT than MEMT (p = 0.026) and POMT (p = 0.011). Similarly, in coffee the ΔESCE for AVMT was higher than POMT (p = 0.030).

Conclusion

Additively manufactured denture resins demonstrated the maximum color change compared to conventional heat‐polymerized and CAD/CAM subtractively manufactured denture resins. Furthermore, CAD/CAM subtractively manufactured denture resins were not inferior to conventional resins in terms of color stability.
Indirect Digital Workflow for Virtual Cross‐Mounting of Fixed Implant‐Supported Prostheses to Create a 3D Virtual Patient
Authors: Lepidi Luca , Galli Matthew , Grammatica Aldo , Joda Tim , Wang Hom‐Lay , Li Junying
Published: August 2020

Mounting dental casts in an articulator is an important prerequisite for prosthodontic rehabilitation cases where the design of an accurate static and dynamic occlusion is needed. Virtual mounting can be achieved through the superimposition of various 3D images acquired from the hard and soft tissues of the patient. The purpose of this technical report is to describe a digital cross‐mounting technique for patients undergoing implant‐supported fixed prosthetic treatment. Through the use of face scanning, intraoral scanning, and cone beam computed tomography, this technique enables creation of a 3D virtual patient with occlusal registration in centric relation. Ultimately, the described methodology allows for the fabrication of definitive full‐mouth implant‐supported fixed prostheses.
Corruption, tax evasion, and seigniorage in a monetary endogenous growth model
Authors: Marakbi Réda , Villieu Patrick
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we reassess the link between corruption, economic growth, and inflation. To this end, we build an endogenous growth model with transaction costs in which a corruption sector allows households evading from taxation. Several results emerge. First, seigniorage acts as a tax on corruption and therefore allows reducing the aggregate level of corruption in equilibrium. Second, corruption increases both the growth‐maximizing and the welfare‐maximizing seigniorage rate. Third, corruption can be identified as an autonomous channel of nonsuperneutrality of money. Fourth, our model exhibits a U‐shaped relation between corruption and inflation, contrasting with previous literature. On this last point, an empirical investigation based on a structural threshold regression framework confirms the predictions of the theoretical model.
Shapley and Scarf housing markets with consumption externalities
Authors: Graziano Maria Gabriella , Meo Claudia , Yannelis Nicholas C.
Published: August 2020

We introduce externalities into the classical model by Shapley and Scarf; that is, agents care about others and their preferences are defined over allocations rather than over single indivisible goods. After collecting some results about the nonexistence of several cooperative solutions, we focus on stable allocations and propose domains of preferences that can guarantee that they both exist and form a stable set à la von Neumann and Morgenstern.
Post‐Failure Success: Sensemaking in Problem Representation Reformulation
Authors: Morais‐Storz Marta , Nguyen Nhien , Sætre Alf Steinar
Published: August 2020

Failure is an inevitable feature of innovation, and management research promulgates the importance of learning from it. Key to excelling at an innovation‐based strategy is understanding the processes that can turn failures into successes. However, post‐failure success remains elusive. Although failure signals that the innovation journey is off course, shifting trajectory is difficult, because it may require revising assumptions and reformulating the project’s problem representation. Using comparative case studies, this study set out to understand how problem representations are reformulated. Employing case method and comparing data versus theory iteratively, the important role of sensemaking and of leadership behaviors in driving post‐failure success became salient. Findings show that problem representations post‐failure require a process of problem formulation characterized by sensemaking and that innovative solutions are enabled by the reformulation of problem representations that spring from prospective sensemaking. Furthermore, this article identifies leadership change behavior as the linchpin driving a problem formulation process characterized by prospective sensemaking that catalyzes innovative solutions and explains why some projects thrive post‐failure and others do not. This article provides empirical support to the theoretical work of the literature on problem formulation, while extending the learning‐from‐failure literature by emphasizing and demonstrating the process driving post‐failure success. The major implication of our study is that different leadership behaviors may foster different types of sensemaking (retrospective or prospective), and that, in turn, the type of sensemaking matters for how a problem is reformulated. Ultimately, this article concludes that in the context of project failure, problem reformulation that springs from prospective sensemaking enables innovative solutions post‐failure.
Disruption of neocortical synchronisation during slow‐wave sleep in the rotenone model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: dos Santos Lima Gustavo Zampier , Targa Adriano D. S. , de Freitas Cavalcante Samantha , Rodrigues Lais S. , Fontenele‐Araújo John , Torterolo Pablo , Andersen Monica L. , Lima Marcelo M. S.
Published: August 2020

Parkinson’s disease motor dysfunctions are associated with improperly organised neural oscillatory activity. The presence of such disruption at the early stages of the disease in which altered sleep is one of the main features could be a relevant predictive feature. Based on this, we aimed to investigate the neocortical synchronisation dynamics during slow‐wave sleep (SWS) in the rotenone model of Parkinson’s disease. After rotenone administration within the substantia nigra pars compacta, one group of male Wistar rats underwent sleep–wake recording. Considering the association between SWS oscillatory activity and memory consolidation, another group of rats underwent a memory test. The fine temporal structure of synchronisation dynamics was evaluated by a recently developed technique called first return map. We observed that rotenone administration decreased the time spent in SWS and altered the power spectrum within different frequency bands, whilst it increased the transition rate from a synchronised to desynchronised state. This neurotoxin also increased the probability of longer and decreased the probability of shorter desynchronisation events. At the same time, we observed impairment in object recognition memory. These findings depict an electrophysiological fingerprint represented by a disruption in the typical oscillatory activity within the neocortex at the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, concomitant with a decrease in the time spent in SWS and impairment in recognition memory.
Fungal heavy metal adaptation through single nucleotide polymorphisms and copy‐number variation
Authors: Bazzicalupo Anna L. , Ruytinx Joske , Ke Yi‐Hong , Coninx Laura , Colpaert Jan V. , Nguyen Nhu H. , Vilgalys Rytas , Branco Sara
Published: August 2020

Human‐altered environments can shape the evolution of organisms. Fungi are no exception, although little is known about how they withstand anthropogenic pollution. Here, we document adaptation in the mycorrhizal fungus Suillus luteus driven by soil heavy metal contamination. Genome scans across individuals from recently polluted and nearby unpolluted soils in Belgium revealed low divergence across isolates and no evidence of population structure based on soil type. However, we detected single nucleotide polymorphism divergence and gene copy‐number variation, with different genetic combinations potentially conferring the ability to persist in contaminated soils. Variants were shared across the population but found to be under selection in isolates exposed to pollution and located across the genome, including in genes involved in metal exclusion, storage, immobilization and reactive oxygen species detoxification. Together, our results point to S. luteus undergoing the initial steps of adaptive divergence and contribute to understanding the processes underlying local adaptation under strong environmental selection.
5‐Aminolevulinic acid‐mediated photodynamic therapy has effective antifungal activity againstSporothrix globosain vitro
Authors: Chen Ruili , Song Yang , Zhen Yu , Yao Lei , Shi Ying , Cui Yan , Li Shanshan
Published: August 2020

Background

An alternative therapy for sporotrichosis is necessary to reduce the treatment time and raise clinical efficacy. The 5‐Aminolevulinic acid‐mediated photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT) is a promising platform with which to treat mycoses. However, despite the worldwide prevalence ofSporothrix globosa, a causative agent of sporotrichosis, the effect of ALA‐PDT on this pathogen has not been validated.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ALA‐PDT onS globosaand the protection of melanin through an in vitro study. The mechanisms involved were also investigated.

Methods

To estimate the survival rate ofS globosatreated with ALA‐PDT and the protection offered by melanin, the conidia and yeast cells of wild‐typeS globosa(Mel+), other clinical strains, tricyclazole‐treated Mel+ and an albino mutant strain (Mel−) were incubated with and without ALA or irradiation. Reactive oxygen species generation by Mel+ conidia induced by ALA‐PDT was assayed. SEM and TEM were conducted to obverse ultrastructural changes in the conidia. A comet assay was performed to evaluate DNA damage.

Results

The survival rate ofS globosaconidia and yeast cells significantly decreased following incubation with 1.19M ALA and 162 J/cm2irradiation in vitro. Melanin was not only capable of protecting the conidia against ALA‐PDT, but also against ALA or irradiation alone. After induction by ALA‐PDT, alterations in reactive oxygen species generation, DNA damage and ultrastructural changes were observed.

Conclusions

ALA‐PDT inhibits the survival ofS globosaconidia in vitro and therefore has potential for the treatment of sporotrichosis.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders are increased in joint hypermobility‐related disorders with concomitant postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Tai Foong Way David , Palsson Olafur S. , Lam Ching Y. , Whitehead William E. , Sperber Ami D. , Tornblom Hans , Simren Magnus , Aziz Imran
Published: August 2020

Background

Individuals with hypermobility spectrum disorders/hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (HSD/hEDS) frequently fulfill criteria for Rome IV functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is also commonly reported in HSD/hEDS and may impact on co‐morbidity with and severity of FGIDs, although this remains to be studied. We determined the impact of concomitant POTS and HSD/hEDS on their association with Rome IV FGIDs.

Methods

With the help of the charity organization Ehlers‐Danlos Support UK, an online cross‐sectional health survey was completed by individuals with HSD/hEDS. The survey enquired for (a) self‐reported doctor diagnosis of POTS, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia, (b) the presence and symptom frequency of Rome IV FGIDs, and (c) anxiety and depression scores.

Key Results

Of 616 subjects with HSD/hEDS, 37.5% reported a doctor diagnosis of POTS. POTS‐positive individuals were significantly younger than POTS‐negative subjects (37 vs 40 years, P = 0.002), more likely to report chronic fatigue syndrome (44% vs 31%, P < 0.0001), and showed a trend toward increased prevalence of fibromyalgia (44% vs 37%, P = 0.06) and higher depression score (P = 0.07). POTS‐positive subjects were also more likely to fulfill criteria for Rome IV FGIDs across various organ domains and experienced both upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms significantly more frequently. The increased associations for FGIDs and GI symptom frequency remained unchanged in HSD/hEDS subjects with POTS following adjustments for age, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and depression scores.

Conclusions and Inferences

The high FGID burden in HSD/hEDS is further amplified in the presence of POTS. Future studies should elucidate the mechanism by which POTS arises in HSD/hEDS and is associated with increased GI symptoms.
Obesity in young children and its relationship with diagnosis of asthma, vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency, specific allergies and flat‐footedness: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Malden Stephen , Gillespie Jenny , Hughes Adrienne , Gibson Ann‐Marie , Farooq Abdulaziz , Martin Anne , Summerbell Carolyn , Reilly John J.
Published: August 2020

There is evidence that a number of medical conditions and co‐morbidities are associated with obesity in young children. This review explored whether there is evidence of associations with other conditions or co‐morbidities. Observational studies of young children (mean age < 10 years) were identified using electronic searches of five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED and SPORTDiscus). Of 27 028 studies screened, 41 (comprising 44 comparisons) met the inclusion criteria. These studies provided data on five distinct diseases/conditions: asthma (n = 16), vitamin D deficiency (n = 10), iron deficiency (n = 10), allergies (n = 4) and flat‐footedness (n = 4). Thirty‐two studies were appropriate for meta‐analysis using random‐effects models, and revealed obesity was significantly associated with having asthma (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3–1.7), vitamin D deficiency (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4–2.5) and iron deficiency (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.2). Heterogeneity (I2) ranged from 57% to 61%. Narrative synthesis was conducted for all studies. There was no evidence of a consistent association between obesity in young children and eczema, dermatitis or rhinitis due to the low number of studies. However, there was an association with flat‐footedness. These results have implications for health policy and practice and families. Further research leading to a greater understanding of the associations identified in this review is suggested.
Comparing the effects of CAD/CAM nickel‐titanium lingual retainers on teeth stability and periodontal health with conventional fixed and removable retainers: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Alrawas Mohamad Basel , Kashoura Yaman , Tosun Özgür , Öz Ulaş
Published: August 2020

Objective

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of a CAD/CAM nickel‐titanium retainer on the stability of mandibular anterior teeth and periodontal health and to compare it with other retainers.

Setting/Sample Population

Sixty participants from both genders who had irregularities prior to orthodontic therapy and who had been treated with full‐fixed appliance mechanotherapy were included in the study and randomly allocated into four groups: CAD/CAM NiTi, multi‐stranded stainless steel, single‐stranded nickel‐free titanium and vacuum‐formed removable retainer groups. The mean age of the participants at the end of the treatment was approximately 20 years.

Materials and Methods

Digital impressions were taken for all participants at three different times: immediately (T0), three months (T1) and six months (T2) after treatment. Irregularity index, inter‐canine and inter‐molar width, and arch length were recorded using software. Additionally, a full periodontal assessment was carried out at T2.

Results

During the follow‐ups, all groups showed some relapse in the lower anterior teeth. No statistical significance was found intergroup in terms of all measured values. Within the multi‐stranded group, inter‐canine width had decreased by 0.10 mm with a statistical significance (P = .048). An additional statistical significance withP = .045 was found within the single‐stranded group regarding the increased arch length. The periodontal assessment results of the mandibular anterior teeth between groups did not show clinically significant differences.

Conclusion

No statistical significance was found between the CAD/CAM retainer and other retainers regarding the clinical failure rate. Less plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation were observed in the CAD/CAM NiTi retainer group.
Colletotrichum siamense is the main aetiological agent of anthracnose of avocado in south‐eastern Brazil
Authors: Soares Maria G. O. , Alves Eduardo , Silveira Amanda L. , Pereira Fernanda D. , Guimarães Sarah S. C.
Published: August 2020

Anthracnose caused by species of Colletotrichum is considered one of the main postharvest diseases for avocado. In this study, Colletotrichum isolates associated with avocado anthracnose, collected in different states of Brazil, were evaluated through phylogenetic analysis, morphological characterization, and pathogenicity assays. Moreover, the events during pathogen infection of avocados were examined by scanning electron microscopy. To assess the genetic diversity of 54 Colletotrichum isolates, partial sequence analysis of the gene gapdh was performed. According to the generated groupings and the geographical origins of isolates, a subset of 14 strains was selected for performing multilocus phylogeny analysis (using sequences of gapdh, act, tub2, and ApMat). Two species previously described were identified: C. siamense belonging to the C. gloeosporioides species complex and Colletotrichum karstii belonging to the C. boninense species complex. All Colletotrichum strains evaluated caused typical symptoms of anthracnose in avocado fruits. Conidia of the most virulent strain germinated between 6 and 12 hr after inoculation (hai). Penetration through wounds occurred 48 hai, tissue colonization occurred between 144 and 240 hai, and sporulation took place at 240 hai via the production of an acervulus, conidiophores, and conidia. The findings shed light on the aetiology of avocado anthracnose in Brazil and provide a better understanding of the infection process of this pathogen, which may assist in the development of disease management strategies.
Identification of polymorphisms in the oocyte‐derived growth differentiation growth factor 9 (GDF9) gene associated with litter size in New Zealand sheep (Ovis aries) breeds
Authors: Amirpour Najafabadi Hamed , Khansefid Majid , Mahmoud Ghassan Ghaith , Zhou Huitong , Hickford Jon G. H.
Published: August 2020

Having the ability to control litter size is important for sheep farmers and breeders worldwide. However, making genetic gain in key livestock traits like reproductive performance needs typically a lot of time, and both the fecundity and fertility traits have a great economic importance. Attention has therefore turned to better understanding the genes that control reproductive performance. Of these genes, research has focussed on the growth differentiation growth factor 9 (GDF9) gene (GDF9). In this study, a PCR‐single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) approach was used to investigate variation in this gene in separate groups of purebred Finnish Landrace sheep, Finnish Landrace × Texel‐cross sheep and composite sheep of undefined breed background, but based on New Zealand Romney‐type genetics. Three GDF9 variants (named A, B and C) were found, and upon DNA sequencing, the nucleotide substitutions c.978A>G, c.994G>A and c.1111G>A were revealed. The frequency of variant A (containing nucleotides c.978A, c.994G and c.1111G) in the Finnish Landrace, Finnish Landrace × Texel‐cross and composite sheep was 0.86, 0.78 and 0.76, respectively. In these three sheep groups, the frequency of B (defined by the presence of nucleotides c.978G and c.994A) was 0.01, 0.03 and 0.23 and for C (containing c.1111A) was 0.13, 0.18 and 0.01, respectively. An animal model was used to estimate the additive effect of fertility data for Finnish Landrace × Texel‐cross sheep and revealed an association between litter size and the c.1111G>A variation (p = .036), but this was not observed for the Finnish Landrace sheep (p = .27) or the composite sheep (p = .17). When all the sheep were analysed together, the presence of c.1111A was associated (p < .05) with increased litter size, when compared to ewes that had c.1111G. Litter size did not differ between sheep with and without c.994A in all three groups of sheep investigated. This study suggests that c.1111A could be a useful genetic marker for improving fecundity in New Zealand sheep breeds and that it could be introgressed into other breeds, but analysis of more sheep will be required to confirm the associations that have been observed here.
Problems of ‘Religion’ in Japan: Part 1
Authors: Horii Mitsutoshi
Published: August 2020

This article problematises the utilisation of the category ‘religion’ as an analytical concept in the Japanese context. For some decades, in religious studies, the idea of religion has been interrogated and the ideological function of the category ‘religion’ has become a subject of critical investigation. This kind of critical approach to ‘religion’ has been applied to many different contexts including Japan. Although there has been a significant development in the critical study of ‘religion’ in Japan, this article argues that the discourse of sui generis religion is still dominant in the academic subject area currently called ‘Japanese religion(s)’. This article critically examines the category of religion in recent works of scholars who claim to study ‘Japanese religion(s)’ and suggests abandoning the term as a category of analysis. This will help scholars to re‐imagine what they use to call ‘religion’, by enabling them to see what the idea of ‘religion’ has formerly prevented them from seeing.
Mars or Mercury redux: The geopolitics of bilateral trade agreements
Authors: Eichengreen Barry , Mehl Arnaud , Chițu Livia
Published: August 2020

We analyse the role of economic and security considerations in bilateral trade agreements. We use the pre‐World War I period to test whether trade agreements are governed by standard gravity variables, or by instead—or in addition—geopolitical factors. While we like others find support for standard gravity variables, we also find that defence pacts boost the probability of trade agreements by as much as 20 percentage points. Our estimates imply that were the U.S. to alienate its geopolitical allies, the likelihood and benefits of successful bilateral agreements would fall significantly. Trade creation from an agreement between the U.S. and E.U. countries would decline by about 0.6 per cent of total U.S. exports.
Cutaneous metastases of prostatic adenocarcinoma in two dogs
Authors: Di Maria Francesca M. , Annoni Maurizio , Roccabianca Paola , Antoniazzi Elisa , Bertazzolo Walter
Published: August 2020

Canine prostatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy characterized by rapid growth, local invasiveness, and early metastatic spread. Metastases of prostatic cancer are generally diffuse at the time of diagnosis due to hematogenous or lymphatic spread and by direct exfoliation of neoplastic cells into the peritoneal cavity. Here we describe two dogs with prostatic adenocarcinoma and skin metastases. The first was a 12‐year‐old intact male German Shepherd dog that was presented with a history of chronic prostatic disease and multiple skin nodules that recently appeared on the ventral abdomen. The second was an 8‐year‐old intact male mixed breed dog that was referred for a neurologic examination because of a 1‐month history of back pain and kyphosis of undefined origin. Cutaneous cytology of the first case was suggestive of carcinoma, and at necropsy, prostatic adenocarcinoma with metastases to the skin, spleen, liver, pancreas, kidneys, and lungs were found. In the second case, a computed tomographic examination revealed a prostatic neoplasm with inguinal, subcutaneous, and cutaneous nodular metastases. Cytology and histopathology were suggestive of primary prostatic adenocarcinoma with cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first reported cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma skin metastases in dogs with cytologic descriptions.
A novel insertion technique for urinary catheters in female dogs with the use of a guidewire
Authors: Robben Joris H.
Published: August 2020

Background

Complicated transurethral urinary bladder catheterization in female dogs is a commonly encountered urologic problem, often causing inadvertent trauma to the lower urinary tract and breach in aseptic technique.

Key Concepts

A novel method for transurethral insertion of urinary catheters in female dogs is described. The main variation from current procedures involves the application of the Seldinger technique with the use of an introduction catheter that is specifically designed to feed into the urethra, and the use of a guidewire to replace the introducer with an indwelling balloon catheter.

Significance

The technique presented offers a step‑by‑step approach that could improve success in urinary catheter placement. This modification may facilitate catheter insertion, be less traumatic, and offer better control of asepsis, especially with challenging urethral catheterization. The technique also offers an easy method to replace the catheter. Application of the technique may reduce catheter‐associated urinary tract infections as it addresses certain infection‐related risk factors. Prospective validation studies are needed to support its advantages over current urinary catheter placement techniques.
The effect of intra‐articular mepivacaine administration prior to carpal arthroscopy on anesthesia management and recovery characteristics in horses
Authors: Gaesser Angela M. , Varner Kelley M. , Douglas Hope F. , Barr Ciara A. , Hopster Klaus , Levine David G.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effects of intra‐articular (IA) mepivacaine administration prior to carpal arthroscopy on anesthetic drug requirements, blood pressure support, hemodynamic variables, and quality of recovery in horses.

Study design

Experimental, analytical, cohort study.

Sample population

Twenty‐two horses (n = 11 horses/group).

Methods

Horses were anesthetized by using the same protocol, but an IA injection of mepivacaine or saline was performed before carpal arthroscopy. End‐tidal isoflurane concentration, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were recorded at specific time points.

Quality of recovery was scored by the anesthetist, who was unaware of group assignment. Data were analyzed by using two‐way repeated‐measures analysis of variance.

Results

Mean arterial pressure was higher during joint distension in the control group compared with baseline (7% higher, P = .02) and with the treatment group (10% higher, P = .04). Heart rate was higher in the control group compared with the treatment group during joint distension (8% higher, P = .04) and chip removal (11% higher, P = .03). Heart rate was higher in the control group compared with baseline during chip removal (5.5% higher, P = .04). Two horses in the control group required additional ketamine vs none in the treatment group. Quality of recovery was not different between groups.

Conclusion

Intra‐articular mepivacaine resulted in fewer detectable reactions to surgical stimulation, with similar recovery scores and blood pressure support requirements.

Clinical significance

Intra‐articular anesthesia prior to arthroscopy can be used safely in the horse and should be considered as a part of balanced anesthetic protocols.
Association of Pressure injury with body care activities in nursing homes
Authors: Sethuraman Kinjal N. , Leekha Surbhi , Adediran Timileyin , Roghmann Mary Claire
Published: August 2020

Frequent repositioning and skin examinations are the cornerstone of many pressure injury prevention programs. This study explores the hypothesis that frequent skin‐exposing body care activities are protective against pressure injuries in residents of long‐term care facilities. We designed a cross‐sectional observational cohort study of 381 residents from 13 such facilities. Data were collected on resident characteristics and nursing care activities for each resident. We analyzed those data, looking for an association between skin‐exposing body care and the presence of a pressure injury of stage 1 or greater. Body‐exposing care activities were divided into high‐ and low‐frequency groups. A logistic regression model was developed to include confounding variables. The odds ratio associated with body care and pressure injury was calculated. Fifteen percent of the residents in our study had pressure injuries. Confounders were activities of daily living score, heart failure, recent hospitalization, and stool incontinence. The adjusted odds ratio for body care as a risk factor was 4.9 (95% CI, 2.4, 10.4), indicating that residents with more than five body care needs are approximately five times more likely to have a pressure injury. Our results fail to support our hypothesis that frequent skin‐exposing body care activities protect against pressure injury. Further exploration is needed to understand the resident characteristics and co‐morbid conditions associated with the persistent risk for pressure injury despite frequent skin examinations.
Diversity, phylogeny and biogeography of Systomus (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sudasinghe Hiranya , Pethiyagoda Rohan , Raghavan Rajeev , Dahanukar Neelesh , Rüber Lukas , Meegaskumbura Madhava
Published: August 2020

The South and South‐East Asian freshwater fish genus Systomus (Cyprinidae) comprises 17 valid species. Six nominal species, including three endemics, have been reported from Sri Lanka, a continental island separated from India by a shallow‐shelf sea. The species diversity of Systomus on the island has until now not been assessed; neither has an evaluation been made of their phylogenetic history. Here, based on an analysis of the nuclear recombination activating protein 1 (rag1), and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and cytochrome b (cytb) gene markers, and a morphological examination of 143 specimens from 49 locations in Sri Lanka, we reassess the diversity of Systomus on the island and analyse patterns of their evolution and biogeography. Divergence‐time estimates, based on a substitution rate calibration, date the basal split between Systomus and its sister group, the Afrotropical small barbs, to 30.0 Ma (95% highest posterior density: 25.4–35.2 Ma). The species of Systomus belong to two distinct clades. The first includes the Sri Lankan endemics S. asoka, S. martenstyni and S. pleurotaenia, which comprise an insular diversification following the immigration of a common ancestor during the Oligocene. The second, which includes the remaining species of Indian, Sri Lankan and South‐East Asian Systomus, has a crown age dating to the Late Miocene. Morphological and molecular species delimitation analyses failed to validate the two nominal species, S. spilurus and S. timbiri, previously reported from Sri Lanka: both are considered synonyms of S. sarana, as are the nomina S. chryseus, S. chrysopoma, S. laticeps, S. rufus, S. pinnauratus and S. subnasutus. Four genetically and geographically discrete lineages of S. sarana occur in the island, and three in India. Molecular species delimitation analysis suggests these all belong to a single species, S. sarana. The genetically distinct Sri Lankan populations of S. sarana result from Plio‐Pleistocene dispersal or vicariance events between India and Sri Lanka—as a result of emergence and inundation of the now submerged isthmus connecting the two landmasses—as well as autochthonous insular diversification.
Finite Volume-Based Asymptotic Homogenization of Periodic Materials Under In-Plane Loading
Authors: He Zhelong , Pindera Marek-Jerzy
Published: August 2020

The previously developed finite volume-based asymptotic homogenization theory (FVBAHT) for anti-plane shear loading (He, Z., and Pindera, M.-J., “Finite-Volume Based Asymptotic Homogenization Theory for Periodic Materials Under Anti-Plane Shear,” Eur. J. Mech. A Solids (in revision)) is further extended to in-plane loading of unidirectional fiber reinforced periodic structures. Like the anti-plane FVBAHT, the present extension builds upon the previously developed finite volume direct averaging micromechanics theory applicable under uniform strain fields and further accounts for strain gradients and non-vanishing microstructural scale relative to structural dimensions, albeit with multidimensional in-plane loadings incorporated. The unit cell problems at different orders of the asymptotic field expansion are solved by satisfying local equilibrium equations and displacement and traction continuity in a surface-averaged sense which is unique among the existing asymptotic homogenization schemes, leading to microfluctuation functions that yield homogenized stiffness tensors at each order for use in macroscale problems. The newly extended multiscale theory is employed in the analysis of a structural boundary-value problem under in-plane loading, illustrating pronounced boundary effects. A combination approach proposed in the literature is subsequently employed to mitigate the boundary layer effects by explicitly accounting for the microstructural details in the boundary region. This combination approach produces accurate recovery of the local fields in both regions. The extension to in-plane problem marks FVBAHT as an alternative, self-contained asymptotic homogenization tool, with documented advantages relative to current numerical techniques, for the analysis of periodic materials in the presence of strain gradients produced by three-dimensional loading regardless of microstructural scale.
Rule Model for Selecting Dimensional Measurement Equipment in Inspection Planning
Authors: Feng Shaw C. , Horst John A. , Feeney Allison Barnard , Jones Albert T. , Kramer Thomas R. , Hedberg Thomas D.
Published: August 2020

Process uncertainty can have negative effects on part quality and is, therefore, critical to the safety and performance of products. Those effects are manifested in the dimensional measurement uncertainty associated with those parts and products. To minimize the effects of process uncertainties, the sources of dimensional uncertainty must be identified and clearly communicated to collaborators and suppliers. A principal source of dimensional uncertainty is the measurement equipment itself. This article presents an activity model, rule types, and sample rules for selecting dimensional metrology equipment. The activity model represents key operations and information flows associated with the dimensional measurement. Analysis of the included activity model facilitates the development of rule types for measurement equipment selection as described in the Quality Information Framework (QIF) standard. Rule types are based on design information and measurement requirements. Standard rule types enable industrial metrologists to capture, exchange, and share equipment selection rules with their collaborators. Example QIF rules are defined for successful and cost-saving use in planning a measurement process with functionally complex and appropriate dimensional measurement equipment.
On Debris-Fretting Impact—The Study of Oxide and Chromium Layer Application
Authors: Kopeć Marcin , Pašta Ondřej , Malá Martina , Halodová Patricie , Cvrček Ladislav , Krejčí Jakub
Published: August 2020

The fretting phenomenon was responsible for over 50% of fuel failure cases in the years 2010–2015 according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It shows the scale of the problem for the nuclear power generation sector. A big share of this issue is related to debris fretting. Although debris fretting has been studied for decades, the available R&D information is scarce. The presented paper summarizes the work performed in the Research Center Řež (CVŘ) on Zr–1%Nb alloy tube specimens covered with protective coatings—passivation oxide layer and pure chromium layer. The tests included the simulation of debris-fretting conditions and detailed analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and focused ion beam (FIB). Those experiments are a part of a wider project devoted to the research in the specification of the fretting wear increase after applying the protective layer. The first outputs show the positive impact even in the case of an oxide layer's presence on the cladding surface.