bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discrimination, gender and self‐reported aesthetic problems among Brazilian Adults
Authors: Baumgarten Alexandre , Bastos João Luiz , Toassi Ramona Fernanda Ceriotti , Hilgert Juliana Balbinot , Hugo Fernando Neves , Celeste Roger Keller
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To explore factors associated with discrimination in healthcare services and to assess whether discrimination based on dental aesthetics differs by sex.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis based on a household survey carried out in a city in Southern Brazil. Fifteen primary health care (PHC) units with a dental team were randomly selected, and individuals who used the public services in the catchment areas of the PHC units were interviewed. The survey questionnaire included experiences with discrimination related to health services, sociodemographic and dental characteristics. Multiple logistic regressions were estimated with dental appearance as outcome.

Results

The final sample was composed of 433 individuals, with 15.2% reporting being discriminated in health services. Participants with ≥20 teeth were significantly more likely to report discrimination than those with <20 teeth (16.6% vs 9.1%, respectively), and people with twisted and stained teeth reported more discrimination than those with white and aligned teeth (23.2% vs 9.9%, respectively). Overall, individuals with twisted and stained teeth were more likely to report discrimination (OR=3.13; 95% CI: 1.46‐6.71). When the analyses were stratified by sex, women with twisted and stained teeth showed an OR=3.62 (95% CI: 1.55‐8.46) and men OR=0.54 (95% CI: 0.05‐6.18).

Conclusion

Dental appearance may lead to discrimination in healthcare services, but this seems to be more important for women than men.
Unilateral vestibular schwannoma and meningiomas in a patient with PIK3CA‐related segmental overgrowth: Co‐occurrence of mosaicism for 2 rare disorders
Authors: Mills J.R. , Moyer A.M. , Kipp B.R. , Poplawski A.B. , Messiaen L.M. , Babovic‐Vuksanovic D.
Published: July 2017

A 28‐year‐old female with PIK3CA‐related segmental overgrowth presented with headaches. She also had a unilateral vestibular schwannoma (VS), as well as 3 small (<2 cm) meningiomas, which according to the Manchester consensus diagnostic criteria for neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is sufficient for a clinical diagnosis. Analysis of blood revealed a mosaic PIK3CA c.2740G>A (p.Gly914Arg) mutation, confirming the diagnosis of PIK3CA‐related overgrowth, but no mutations in NF2 were detected. Although VS has not previously been reported in PIK3CA‐related segmental overgrowth, meningiomas have, raising the question of whether this patient's VS and meningiomas represent coincidental NF2 or phenotypic extension of her overgrowth syndrome. Genetic analysis of the VS revealed a heterozygous NF2 mutation c.784C>T (p.Arg262Ter) and loss of a portion of 22q, including NF2, SMARCB1, and LZTR1 genes. These results suggest that the patient has 2 different mosaic disorders, NF2 and PIK3CA‐related overgrowth. The PIK3CA mutation was also present in the VS. Confirmation of the clinical diagnosis of mosaic NF2 in this patient has implications for monitoring and highlights the possibility of co‐occurrence of mosaicism for multiple rare disorders in a single patient.
Effect of implantoplasty on fracture resistance and surface roughness of standard diameter dental implants
Authors: Costa‐Berenguer Xavier , García‐García Marta , Sánchez‐Torres Alba , Sanz‐Alonso Mariano , Figueiredo Rui , Valmaseda‐Castellón Eduard
Published: July 2017

Objective

To assess the effect of implantoplasty on the fracture resistance, surface roughness, and macroscopic morphology of standard diameter (4.1 mm) external connection dental implants.

Materials and methods

An in vitro study was conducted in 20 screw‐shaped titanium dental implants with an external connection. In 10 implants, the threads and surface were removed and polished with high‐speed burs (implantoplasty), while the remaining 10 implants were used as controls. The final implant dimensions were recorded. The newly polished surface quality was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by 3D surface roughness analysis using a confocal laser microscope. Finally, all the implants were subjected to a mechanical pressure resistance test. A descriptive analysis of the data was made. Also, Student's t tests were employed to detect differences regarding the compression tests.

Results

Implantoplasty was carried out for a mean time of 10 min and 48 s (standard deviation (SD) of 1 min 22 s). Macroscopically, the resulting surface had a smooth appearance, although small titanium shavings and silicon debris were present. The final surface roughness (Sa values 0.1 ± 0.02 μm) was significantly lower than that of the original (0.75 ± 0.08 μm Sa) (p = .005). There was minimal reduction in the implant's inner body diameter (0.19 ± 0.03 mm), and no statistically significant differences were found between the test and control implants regarding the maximum resistance force (896 vs 880 N, respectively).

Conclusions

Implantoplasty, although technically demanding and time‐consuming, does not seem to significantly alter fracture resistance of standard diameter external connection implants. A smooth surface with Sa values below 0.1 μm can be obtained through the use of silicon polishers. A larger sample is required to confirm that implantoplasty does not significantly affect the maximum resistance force of standard diameter external connection implants.
Current practice of continence advisors in managing faecal incontinence in the United Kingdom: results of an online survey
Authors: Leo C. A. , Maeda Y. , Collins B. , Thomas G. P. , Hodgkinson J. D. , Murphy J. , Vaizey C. J.
Published: July 2017

Aim

To investigate the current practice of continence advisors in the United Kingdom.

Method

Continence advisors were contacted by email or letter to participate in a survey. The survey contained 27 questions which addressed the practice of each continence advisor, their knowledge of continence management and the adequacy of their training.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐six out of a total of 448 continence advisors (50.4%), responded. One hundred and seventy (76.9%) advisors treated both faecal and urinary incontinence, 51 (23.1%) treated urinary incontinence. Thirty‐six advisors (16.1%) were lone workers and 130 (58.6%) had more than 10 years’ experience. The majority of the advisors (75.6%) performed a digital rectal examination as part of their assessment. Regarding the management of faecal incontinence, 148 prescribed suppositories, 127 offered enemas and 147 advised on rectal irrigation. Most of the advisors taught pelvic floor exercises (n = 207) and urge resistance techniques (n = 188). One hundred and fifty‐nine (87.4%) prescribed the Peristeen Coloplast® anal plug and 78 (47.6%) prescribed the Renew® anal insert. Eighty‐nine advisors (42.6%) felt they had not been adequately trained to provide a bowel continence service.

Conclusion

The majority of continence advisors in the UK manage faecal incontinence. They are able to initiate a broad range of conservative treatment options; however, almost half of the advisors who answered the survey felt inadequately trained and may be better supported by further training.
Age‐related differences in the motor unit action potential size in relation to recruitment threshold
Authors: Sterczala Adam J. , Herda Trent J. , Miller Jonathan D. , Ciccone Anthony B. , Trevino Michael A.
Published: July 2017

Motor unit action potential size (MUAPsize) versus recruitment threshold (RT) relationship analysis provides a non‐invasive measure of motor unit (MU) hypertrophy; however, this method's ability to identify MU atrophy is unknown. This investigation sought to determine if MUAPsize versus RT relationship slope (APslope) comparison could identify evidence of MU atrophy in older individuals. Surface electromyography signals were recorded from the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) of fourteen young (YG, age = 22·29 ± 2·79 years) and ten older (OG, 61·0 ± 2·0 years) subjects during a 50% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) isometric trapezoidal muscle action. The signals were decomposed to yield a MUAPsize and RT for each MU. For each subject, the MUs recruited between 10% and 50% MVC were linearly regressed as a function of RT to calculate an individual APslope. FDI cross‐sectional area (CSA) and echo intensity (EI) were quantified via ultrasonography. The mean APslope was lower for OG (0·033 ± 0·010 mV %MVC−1) than YG (0·056 ± 0·019 mV %MVC−1). OG and YG possessed similar CSAs (OG: 2·09 ± 0·31 cm2; YG: 2·08 ± 0·41 cm2); however, OG (53·25 ± 7·56 AU) had greater EI than YG (43·87 ± 7·59 AU). The lower OG mean APslope was due to smaller MUAPsizes of higher‐threshold MUs, likely due to atrophy of muscle fibres that comprise those MUs. In support, similar CSA with greater EI indicated increased adipose and fibrous tissue and reduced contractile tissue in OG. Thus, MUAPsize versus RT relationship may provide a non‐invasive measure of MU atrophy.
Neutropenia in kidney and liver transplant recipients: Risk factors and outcomes
Authors: Mavrakanas Thomas A. , Fournier Marie‐Andrée , Clairoux Sarah , Amiel Jacques‐Alexandre , Tremblay Marie‐Eve , Vinh Donald C. , Coursol Christian , Thirion Daniel J. G. , Cantarovich Marcelo
Published: July 2017

No studies have directly compared the key characteristics and outcomes of kidney (KTx) and liver transplantation (LTx) recipients with neutropenia. In this single‐center, retrospective, cohort study, we enrolled all adult patients who received a KTx or LTx between 2000 and 2011. Neutropenia was defined as 2 consecutive absolute neutrophil count (ANC) values <1500/mm3 in patients without preexisting neutropenia. The first neutropenia episode occurring during the first year post‐transplantation was analyzed. A total of 663 patients with KTx and 354 patients with LTx met the inclusion criteria. Incidence of neutropenia was 20% in KTx and 38% in LTx, respectively. High‐risk CMV status and valganciclovir (VGCV) use were significant predictors of neutropenia for KTx recipients, but only VGCV use vs nonuse in LTx recipients. Neutropenia was associated with worse survival in KTx recipients (adjusted HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.18‐3.22, P<.01), but not in LTx recipients (adjusted HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.52‐1.10, P=.15). Sixteen acute rejection episodes were associated with preceding neutropenia in KTx recipients (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.16‐2.68, P=.007) and 24 acute rejection episodes in LTx recipients (HR 1.41, 95% CI 0.97‐2.04, P=.07). Incidence of infection was similar in patients with and without neutropenia among KTx and LTx recipients.
Prematurity, white matter, and cognition: support for leukocentrism
Authors: Filley Christopher M
Published: July 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Keunen et al. on pages 939–946 of this issue.
PCSK9 in context: A contemporary review of an important biological target for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Page Michael M. , Watts Gerald F.
Published: July 2017

The identification of the critical role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has rapidly led to the development of PCSK9 inhibition with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). PCSK9 mAbs are already in limited clinical use and are the subject of major cardiovascular outcomes trials, which, if universally positive, could see much wider clinical application of these agents. Patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia are the most obvious candidates for these drugs, but other patients with elevated cardiovascular risk, statin intolerance or hyperlipoproteinaemia(a) may also benefit. PCSK9 mAbs, administered once or twice monthly, reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 50% to 70%, and appear to be safe and acceptable to patients over at least 2 years of treatment; however, treatment‐emergent adverse effects are not always identified in clinical trials, as well‐evidenced by statin myopathy. Inclisiran is a promising RNA‐based therapy that promotes the degradation of PCSK9 mRNA transcripts and has similar efficacy to mAbs, but with a much longer duration of action. The cost‐effectiveness and long‐term safety of therapies targeted at inhibiting PCSK9 remain to be demonstrated if they are to be used widely in coronary prevention.
Glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia in people with type 2 diabetes switching from twice‐daily basal insulin to once‐daily insulin glargine 300 U/mL or insulin glargine 100 U/mL (EDITION 1 and EDITION 2 subgroup analysis)
Authors: Roussel Ronan , d'Emden Michael C. , Fisher Miles , Ampudia‐Blasco F. Javier , Stella Peter , Bizet Florence , Cali Anna M. G. , Wysham Carol H.
Published: July 2017

In this post hoc analysis we compared glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia between insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla‐300) and glargine 100 U/mL (Gla‐100) administered once daily in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) from the EDITION 1 (basal plus mealtime insulin) and EDITION 2 (basal insulin plus oral antihyperglycaemic drugs) trials who were previously receiving twice‐daily insulin. At randomization, 16.9% and 20.0% of people in EDITION 1 and 2, respectively, were receiving twice‐daily basal insulin. Glycated haemoglobin change from baseline to Month 6 was similar over 6 months with Gla‐300 or Gla‐100 (least squares mean difference −0.01%; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.27 to 0.24] in EDITION 1 and 0.16%; 95% CI −0.25 to 0.57, in EDITION 2). Participants previously receiving twice‐daily insulin in EDITION 1 had a lower risk of confirmed (≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycaemia with Gla‐300 vs Gla‐100 at night (00:00–05:59 hours), but not at any time (24 hours); in EDITION 2 the risk was reduced at night and any time (24 hours). In conclusion, Gla‐300 provided similar glycaemic control with less hypoglycaemia compared with Gla‐100 in people with T2DM switching from twice‐daily to once‐daily basal insulin.
Incidental finding of a membranous interventricular septum aneurysm
Authors: Theodoropoulos Konstantinos C. , Masoero Giovanni , Denman Emily , Papachristidis Alexandros , Monaghan Mark J.
Published: July 2017

We present the case of a 34‐year‐old female who was admitted to our hospital due to community‐acquired pneumonia and had a transthoracic echocardiogram which revealed an aneurysm of the membranous interventricular septum. This was further investigated with a transesophageal echocardiogram which showed in detail the anatomical features of this very rare condition.
Nested sampling and spatial analysis for reconnaissance investigations of soil: an example from agricultural land near mine tailings in Zambia
Authors: Lark R. M. , Hamilton E. M. , Kaninga B. , Maseka K. K. , Mutondo M. , Sakala G. M. , Watts M. J.
Published: July 2017

A reconnaissance survey was undertaken on soil near mine tailings to investigate variation in the content of copper, chromium and uranium. A nested sampling design was used. The data showed significant relations between the content of copper and uranium in the soil and its organic matter content, and a significant spatial trend in uranium content with distance from the tailings. Soil pH was not significantly related to any of the metals. The variance components associated with different scales of the sample design had large confidence intervals, but it was possible to show that the random variation was spatially dependent for all spatial models, whether for variation around a constant mean, or with a mean given by a linear effect of organic matter or distance to the tailings. For copper, we showed that a fractal or multifractal random model, with equal variance components for scales in a logarithmic progression, could be rejected for the model of variation around the fixed mean. The inclusion of organic matter as an explanatory factor meant that the fractal model could no longer be rejected, suggesting that the effect of organic matter results in spatial variation that is not scale invariant. It was shown, taking uranium as a case study, that further spatially nested sampling to estimate scale‐dependent variance components, or to test a non‐fractal model with adequate power, would require in the order of 200–250 samples in total.

Highlights

Sampling was undertaken to investigate spatial variation of metal content in soil near mine tailings.

Chromium and uranium were related to soil organic matter content; uranium showed a spatial trend.

Spatial variation was scale dependent, variation of copper was not scale‐invariant.

Characterizing random spatial variation requires substantial sample effort.
Effect of cell cycle duration on somatic evolutionary dynamics
Authors: Wodarz Dominik , Goel Ajay , Komarova Natalia L.
Published: July 2017

Cellular checkpoints prevent damage and mutation accumulation in tissue cells. DNA repair is one mechanism that can be triggered by checkpoints and involves temporary cell cycle arrest and thus delayed reproduction. Repair‐deficient cells avoid this delay, which has been argued to lead to a selective advantage in the presence of frequent damage. We investigate this hypothesis with stochastic modeling, using mathematical analysis and agent‐based computations. We first model competition between two cell types: a cell population that enters temporary cell cycle arrest, corresponding to repair (referred to as arresting cells), and one that does not enter arrest (referred to as nonarresting cells). Although nonarresting cells are predicted to grow with a faster rate than arresting cells in isolation, this does not translate into a selective advantage in the model. Interestingly, the evolutionary properties of the nonarresting cells depend on the measure (or observable) of interest. When examining the average populations sizes in competition simulations, nonarresting and arresting cells display neutral dynamics. The fixation probability of nonarresting mutants, however, is lower than predicted for a neutral scenario, suggesting a selective disadvantage in this setting. For nonarresting cells to gain a selective advantage, additional mechanisms must be invoked in the model, such as small, repeated phases of tissue damage, each resulting in a brief period of regenerative growth. The same properties are observed in a more complex model where it is explicitly assumed that repair and temporary cell cycle arrest are dependent on the cell having sustained DNA damage, the rate of which can be varied. We conclude that repair‐deficient cells are not automatically advantageous in the presence of frequent DNA damage and that mechanisms beyond avoidance of cell cycle delay must be invoked to explain their emergence.
Studying Stepfamilies: Four Eras of Family Scholarship
Authors: Ganong Lawrence , Coleman Marilyn
Published: July 2017

Historically, there have always been stepfamilies, but until the early 1970s, they remained largely unnoticed by social scientists. Research interest in stepfamilies followed shortly after divorce became the primary precursor to stepfamily formation. Because stepfamilies are structurally diverse and much more complex than nuclear families, they have created considerable challenges for both researchers and clinicians. This article examines four eras of stepfamily scholarship, tracing the development of research questions, study designs and methods, and conceptual frameworks from the mid‐1970s to the present and drawing implications for the current state of the field.
Anger Can Help: A Transactional Model and Three Pathways of the Experience and Expression of Anger
Authors: Butler Mark H. , Meloy‐Miller Kierea C. , Seedall Ryan B. , Dicus J. Logan
Published: July 2017

Anger is a significant human emotion with far‐reaching implications for individuals and relationships. We propose a transactional model of anger that highlights its relational relevance and potentially positive function, in addition to problematic malformations. By evolutionary design, physical, self‐concept, or attachment threats all similarly trigger diffuse physiological arousal, psychologically experienced as anger‐emotion. Anger is first a signaling and motivational system. Anger is then formed to affirming, productive use or malformed to destructive ends. A functional, prosocial approach to anger organizes it for protective and corrective personal and relational adaptation. In our model, threat perception interacts with a person's view of self in relation to other to produce helpful or harmful anger. Inflated or collapsed views of self in relation to other produce distinct manifestations of destructive anger that are harmful to self, other, and relationship. Conversely, a balanced view of self in relation to other promotes constructive anger and catalyzes self, other, and relationship healing. Clinical use of the model to shape healing personal and relational contact with anger is explored.
Heat‐induced native dimerization prevents amyloid formation by variable domain from immunoglobulin light‐chain REI
Authors: Nawata Marina , Tsutsumi Hirotaka , Kobayashi Yuta , Unzai Satoru , Mine Shouhei , Nakamura Tsutomu , Uegaki Koichi , Kamikubo Hironari , Kataoka Mikio , Hamada Daizo
Published: July 2017

Amyloid light‐chain (AL) amyloidosis is a protein‐misfolding disease characterized by accumulation of immunoglobulin light chains (LCs) into amyloid fibrils. Dimerization of a full length or variable domain (VL) of LC serves to stabilize the native state and prevent the formation of amyloid fibrils. We here analyzed the thermodynamic properties of dimerization and unfolding reactions by nonamyloidogenic VL from REI LC or its monomeric Y96K mutant using sedimentation velocity and circular dichroism. The data indicate that the equilibrium shifts to native dimerization for wild‐type REI VL by elevating temperature due to the negative enthalpy change for dimer dissociation (−81.2 kJ·mol−1). The Y96K mutation did not affect the stability of the monomeric native state but increased amyloidogenicity. These results suggest that the heat‐induced native homodimerization is the major factor preventing amyloid formation by wild‐type REI VL. Heat‐induced native oligomerization may be an efficient strategy to avoid the formation of misfolded aggregates particularly for thermostable proteins that are used at elevated temperatures under conditions where other proteins tend to misfold.

Database

Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession numbers 5XP1 and 5XQY.
Vertical movements through subsurface stream sediments by benthic macroinvertebrates during experimental drying are influenced by sediment characteristics and species traits
Authors: Vadher Atish N. , Leigh Catherine , Millett Jonathan , Stubbington Rachel , Wood Paul J.
Published: July 2017

Streambed drying is becoming more common due to climate change and increasing anthropogenic water resource pressures. Subsurface sediments are a potential refuge for benthic macroinvertebrates during drying events in temporary streams.

Sediment characteristics are important controls on the distribution of macroinvertebrates in subsurface habitats, but difficulties making observations impedes quantification of vertical movements. Species traits (e.g. subsurface habitat affinity) also influence vertical movements of macroinvertebrates into the subsurface sediments, but most species‐specific responses remain uncharacterised.

Transparent artificial mesocosms were used to directly observe the vertical movements of individuals of three aquatic insect nymphs and two crustaceans. Mixtures of three types of transparent sediment of varying particle size were combined to produce six treatments with differing interstitial pore volumes and, hence, differing subsurface porosity. Macroinvertebrate vertical movements were measured during incremental reductions in water level from 5 cm above to 20 cm below the sediment surface. These species comprised a variety of trait categories including feeding group, species affinity to temporary streams and subsurface habitats. Active and passive vertical movements were determined by conducting experiments with both live individuals and their cadavers.

Sediment treatment influenced the vertical movements of individuals as reducing subsurface porosity decreased vertical movements for most species. Vertical movement into subsurface sediments in response to water level reduction was the result of active, not passive, movements for all species.

Species identity influenced the vertical movements made by individuals. Nemoura cambrica had the highest affinity for temporary streams and subsurface habitats and its vertical movements were unaffected by sediment treatment, generally reaching depths between 20 and 25 cm. Most individuals of species with a weaker subsurface affinity (i.e. the benthic grazer Heptagenia sulphurea and the filter‐feeder Hydropsyche siltalai) became stranded as water levels were reduced in all sediment treatments. Vertical movements of Gammarus pulex and Asellus aquaticus were restricted primarily by pore volume, these taxa becoming stranded most commonly in sediments with smaller interstitial volumes.

Our results highlight the need for the development and implementation of river management strategies that increase streambed porosity, allowing macroinvertebrates to access to the saturated subsurface habitat during stream drying.
Carbonate ooids of the Mesoarchaean Pongola Supergroup, South Africa
Authors: Siahi M. , Hofmann A. , Master S. , Mueller C.W. , Gerdes A.
Published: July 2017

Ooids from the Mesoarchaean Chobeni Formation, Pongola Supergroup, KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa are older than any ooids reported to date. They are made of dolomite and ankerite and show concentric, radial‐concentric, micritic, and radial fabrics. Radial ooids are interpreted to have originated from high‐Mg‐calcite and probably formed by microbial activity in a low‐energy regime, while concentric ooids had an aragonite precursor and formed biotically under agitated/high‐energy environmental conditions. Micritic ooids formed via the recrystallization of concentric ooids. Ooids and other allochems, such as intraclasts and peloids, contain carbonaceous matter. The close association of carbonaceous matter within ooid cortices with metabolically important elements, such as N, S and P, as identified by nano‐scale secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis, allows us to propose a biologically induced origin for some ooids. By analogy with modern examples, a variety of microbial communities probably played a role in carbonate precipitation and ooid formation. Shale‐normalized rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns of ooids and other allochems show positive LaSN, GdSN and YSN anomalies, superchondritic Y/Ho ratios and depleted light rare earth elements (LREEs) relative to the heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), which resemble those of seawater. These anomalies are less pronounced than expected for an open marine setting, which is interpreted as evidence for deposition in restricted shallow marine environments. Non‐seawater REE patterns in recrystallized matrix and pore‐ and vein‐filling carbonate likely reflect redistribution of rare earth elements during post‐depositional alteration and/or reflect differences in the elemental and REE compositions of diagenetic fluids.
Metabolic partitioning across individuals in ecological communities
Authors: Harte John , Newman Erica A. , Rominger Andrew J.
Published: July 2017

The mechanistic origin and shape of body‐size distributions within communities are of considerable interest in ecology. A recently proposed light‐limitation model provides a good fit to the distribution of tree sizes in a tropical forest plot. The maximum entropy theory of ecology (METE) also predicts size distributions, but without explicit mechanistic assumptions, and thus its predictions should hold in ecosystems generally, regardless of whether they are light limited. A comparison of the form and success of the predictions of the model and the theory can provide insight into the role that mechanisms play in shaping patterns in macroecology. The prediction by the METE of the size distribution of organisms is remarkably similar in form to that of the model: power‐law behaviour in the size range where the light‐limitation model predicts a power law, and exponential behaviour in the size range where the model predicts an exponential tail. The METE prediction matches data widely, including data in ecosystems where light is not limiting. We show examples for three disparate communities: trees in a tropical forest plot; herbaceous plants in a treeless subalpine meadow; and island arthropods. We conclude that the success of METE's predicted form across systems, including those that are clearly not light limited, enriches our capacity to predict patterns in macroecology without making explicit mechanistic assumptions and provides a unified framework that can capture ubiquitous features of those patterns across diverse ecosystems governed by a variety of mechanisms.
Antibody reactivity against Helicobacter pylori proteins in a sample of the Spanish adult population in 2008‐2013
Authors: Fernández‐de‐Larrea Nerea , Michel Angelika , Romero Beatriz , Butt Julia , Pawlita Michael , Pérez‐Gómez Beatriz , Castaño‐Vinyals Gemma , Moreno Victor , Martín Vicente , Amiano Pilar , Castilla Jesús , Fernández‐Tardón Guillermo , Dierssen‐Sotos Trinidad , Clofent Juan , Alguacil Juan , Huerta José María , Jiménez‐Moleón José Juan , Barricarte Aurelio , Molinuevo Amaia , Fernández‐Villa Tania , Casabonne Delphine , Sierra Ángeles , Kogevinas Manolis , de Sanjosé Silvia , Pollán Marina , del Campo Rosa , Waterboer Tim , Aragonés Nuria
Published: July 2017

Background

Differences in Helicobacter pylori protein expression have been related to the risk of severe gastric diseases. In Spain, a marked geographic pattern in gastric cancer mortality has long been reported. Objective: To characterize antibody reactivity patterns against 16 H. pylori proteins, by age, sex, and region of birth, in a large sample of the Spanish adult population.

Materials and Methods

Antibody reactivity was quantified by H. pylori multiplex serology in a sample from the control group of the multicase‐control study MCC‐Spain. For this analysis, 2555 population‐based controls were included. Each participant was classified as seropositive or seronegative for each protein according to specific cutoffs. Overall H. pylori seroprevalence was defined as positivity against ≥4 proteins. Descriptive analyses by age, sex, and region of birth were performed for both seroprevalence and seroreactivity (continuous measure). Differences among groups were tested by logistic and linear regression models.

Results

Overall H. pylori seroprevalence increased with age in both sexes. For ages 55‐74, seroprevalence was lower in women than in men (84% vs 92%, P<.001). Region of birth explained 7% of the variability in seroprevalence. Among H. pylori seropositive subjects, proteins with the highest seroprevalence were GroEL, NapA, HP231, and Omp. Seropositivity for most of the proteins increased or remained stable with age, rising mainly for CagA, GroEL, and HyuA in women. A clear cohort effect was not observed.

Conclusions

This is the first study to describe the antibody patterns against 16 H. pylori proteins in the Spanish population. We found variability in the H. pylori antibody profiles according to both individual factors such as age and sex, and environmental factors such as the region of birth. The slightness of the reduction in seropositivity with decreasing age highlights the ongoing importance of this infection.
Two‐step synthesis of zirconolite‐rich ceramic waste matrice and its physicochemical properties
Authors: Zhang Kuibao , Yin Dan , Han Peiwen , Zhang Haibin
Published: July 2017

In this study, the synthesis of single‐phase zirconolite powder was explored using two‐step route of combustion synthesis (CS) plus acid treatment. Zirconolite/Cu composite was firstly produced from the combustion reaction using CuO and Ti as the oxidant and reductant. After pickling and desiccation, refined zirconolite‐rich ceramic powder was obtained with bimodal particle size distribution. The ceramic powder was finally preformed and calcined at 1050‐1300°C for 6‐48 hours, which resulted in bulk density and Vickers hardness of 4.02 g/cm3 and 11.54 GPa after sintering at 1100°C for 18 hours. Aqueous durability of the calcined waste matrice was evaluated according to MCC‐1 standard. The 42 days normalized leaching rates of Ca, Ti and Zr were measured to be 3.96 × 10−3, 4.52 × 10−6 and 1.54 × 10−6 g·m−2·d−1.
Development of paradoxical inflammatory disorders during treatment of psoriasis with TNF inhibitors: a review of published cases
Authors: Havmose Martin , Thomsen Simon Francis
Published: July 2017

Background

TNF inhibitors have proven to be effective and relatively safe in the management of psoriasis. While infections and certain malignancies are established as acknowledged side effects, paradoxical inflammatory, non‐neoplastic, noninfectious adverse events are being recognized less frequently. We aimed to identify published, peer‐reviewed cases of paradoxical inflammatory, non‐neoplastic, noninfectious adverse events in psoriasis patients during TNF inhibitor therapy.

Methods

A literature search in MEDLINE was performed for articles published from inception through the 8th of June 2016 that reported suspected incidents fulfilling a predefined search strategy. In addition, articles identified by reference lists were added.

Results

A total of 295 cases from various organ systems among 13 269 patients were identified: 91 cases were related to infliximab, 101 cases were related to etanercept, and 102 cases were related to adalimumab. One case report was related to both etanercept and adalimumab.

Conclusion

Induction of paradoxical non‐neoplastic noninflammatory adverse events in psoriasis patients treated with a TNF inhibitor is worth recognizing. The amount of cases identified by this study suggests that continuous surveillance and research into these adverse effects is relevant. Nondermatologic paradoxical inflammatory reactions may be underreported.
Topical sevoflurane for chronic venous ulcers infected by multi‐drug‐resistant organisms
Authors: Imbernón‐Moya Adrián , Ortiz‐de Frutos Francisco Javier , Sanjuan‐Alvarez Mónica , Portero‐Sanchez Isabel , Merinero‐Palomares Raúl , Alcazar Victoria
Published: July 2017

Several anaesthetic drugs have demonstrated antibacterial properties in vitro. Anaesthetics can primarily affect the cell wall of both susceptible and multi‐resistant bacteria. They may also have a synergistic effect with conventional antibiotics through an unknown mechanism. We present three cases of a chronic venous ulcer infected by multi‐resistant bacteria refractory to conventional systemic antibiotics, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Treatment with topical sevoflurane was performed for 1 month without systemic antibiotics. Patients with an MRSA infection showed progressive improvement with negative culture at the end of the treatment. Multi‐drug‐resistant P. aeruginosa infection persisted at the end of treatment with positive culture. The local adverse events were mild and transient, including heat, pruritus and erythema. Topical sevoflurane may have an antibacterial effect on sensitive and multi‐resistant strains. It can allow more complete surgical cleaning, leaving a cleaner wound with less fibrin and necrotic tissue. This decreases the bacterial colonisation and therefore the infectious risk, the bad smell and the exudation. The simultaneous use of conventional antibiotics and topical sevoflurane can have a synergistic antimicrobial effect.
Internet and cell phone usage patterns among young adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Jenaro Cristina , Flores Noelia , Cruz Maribel , Pérez Ma Carmen , Vega Vanessa , Torres Víctor A
Published: July 2017

Background

The risks and opportunities associated with the use of technologies are of growing research interest. Patterns of technology usage illuminate these opportunities and risks. However, no studies have assessed the usage patterns (frequency, duration, and intensity) and related factors in young people with intellectual disabilities.

Methods

Questionnaires on Internet and cell phone usage patterns, the Internet Over‐Use Scale and the Cell‐Phone Over‐Use Scale, as well as the Beck Depression Inventory were filled out in one‐on‐one interviews of 216 youth with intellectual disabilities.

Results

Young people with disabilities make more social and recreational rather than educational use of these tools, and show higher rates of excessive use of both technologies than a comparison group of 410 young people without disabilities. Also, their overuse is associated with other unhealthy behaviors.

Conclusion

The framework of support needs of people with disabilities should be considered to promote healthy Internet and cell phone use.
Diagnosis and management of white‐coat hypertension in children and adolescents: A Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium study
Authors: Miyashita Yosuke , Flynn Joseph T. , Hanevold Coral D.
Published: July 2017

Although the definition of white‐coat hypertension (WCH) in children and adolescents is clearly defined, little is known about how this condition is actually approached clinically. To better understand the contemporary approach to the diagnosis and management of WCH in pediatric patients, the authors surveyed the membership of the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium. Seventy‐four faculty pediatric nephrologists responded to the survey. The survey results demonstrated uniformity in diagnosing WCH, including ambulatory blood pressure monitoring use in 93% of the respondents and a 75% adherence rate according to the 2014 American Heart Association scientific statement on pediatric ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. A total of 85% of respondents would not embark on further diagnostic evaluation once the WCH diagnosis was established, and none would initiate antihypertensive medications. There was a wide variety of practice habits in follow‐up of WCH including frequency of office and out‐of‐office follow‐up blood pressure measurements, the setting and timing of physician follow‐up, and the role of repeat ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The results of this survey highlight the need for prospective studies aimed at establishing the optimal approach to pediatric patients with WCH.
Anxiety symptoms and children's eye gaze during fear learning
Authors: Michalska Kalina J. , Machlin Laura , Moroney Elizabeth , Lowet Daniel S. , Hettema John M. , Roberson‐Nay Roxann , Averbeck Bruno B. , Brotman Melissa A. , Nelson Eric E. , Leibenluft Ellen , Pine Daniel S.
Published: July 2017

Background

The eye region of the face is particularly relevant for decoding threat‐related signals, such as fear. However, it is unclear if gaze patterns to the eyes can be influenced by fear learning. Previous studies examining gaze patterns in adults find an association between anxiety and eye gaze avoidance, although no studies to date examine how associations between anxiety symptoms and eye‐viewing patterns manifest in children. The current study examined the effects of learning and trait anxiety on eye gaze using a face‐based fear conditioning task developed for use in children.

Methods

Participants were 82 youth from a general population sample of twins (aged 9–13 years), exhibiting a range of anxiety symptoms. Participants underwent a fear conditioning paradigm where the conditioned stimuli (CS+) were two neutral faces, one of which was randomly selected to be paired with an aversive scream. Eye tracking, physiological, and subjective data were acquired. Children and parents reported their child's anxiety using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders.

Results

Conditioning influenced eye gaze patterns in that children looked longer and more frequently to the eye region of the CS+ than CS− face; this effect was present only during fear acquisition, not at baseline or extinction. Furthermore, consistent with past work in adults, anxiety symptoms were associated with eye gaze avoidance. Finally, gaze duration to the eye region mediated the effect of anxious traits on self‐reported fear during acquisition.

Conclusions

Anxiety symptoms in children relate to face‐viewing strategies deployed in the context of a fear learning experiment. This relationship may inform attempts to understand the relationship between pediatric anxiety symptoms and learning.
Interactions between empathy and resting heart rate in early adolescence predict violent behavior in late adolescence and early adulthood
Authors: Galán Chardée A. , Choe Daniel Ewon , Forbes Erika E. , Shaw Daniel S.
Published: July 2017

Background

Although resting heart rate (RHR) and empathy are independently and negatively associated with violent behavior, relatively little is known about the interplay between these psychophysiological and temperament‐related risk factors.

Methods

Using a sample of 160 low‐income, racially diverse men followed prospectively from infancy through early adulthood, this study examined whetherRHRand empathy during early adolescence independently and interactively predict violent behavior and related correlates in late adolescence and early adulthood.

Results

Controlling for child ethnicity, family income, and child antisocial behavior at age 12, empathy inversely predicted moral disengagement and juvenile petitions for violent crimes, whileRHRwas unrelated to all measures of violent behavior. Interactive effects were also evident such that among men withlowerbut not higher levels ofRHR, lower empathy predicted increased violent behavior, as indexed by juvenile arrests for violent offenses, peer‐reported violent behavior at age 17, self‐reported moral disengagement at age 17, and self‐reported violent behavior at age 20.

Conclusions

Implications for prevention and intervention are considered. Specifically, targeting empathic skills among individuals at risk for violent behavior because of specific psychophysiological profiles may lead to more impactful interventions.
Ten years of MON 810 resistance monitoring of field populations of Ostrinia nubilalis in Europe
Authors: Thieme T. G. M. , Buuk C. , Gloyna K. , Ortego F. , Farinós G. P.
Published: July 2017

From 2005 to 2015, Ostrinia nubilalis were collected in the most important maize‐growing areas in Europe where MON 810 was cultivated. The susceptibility of these O. nubilalis collections to the Cry1Ab protein was determined using overlay bioassays and compared to that of reference (control) strains. Larvae that died or did not moult after 7 days were used to calculate a moulting inhibition concentration (MIC). Two different batches of Cry1Ab protein were used over the course of this study. Between 2005 and 2015, 145 collections of O. nubilalis from 14 areas were analysed. The Cry1Ab susceptibility of populations from different geographic regions differed only slightly across years. The greatest variability in the MIC50 for field samples collected from 2005 to 2011 and tested with batch 1 was 6.6‐fold in 2006. For field‐collected O. nubilalis, the difference between MIC50 values of the most susceptible and most tolerant samples was 13.1‐fold for this period. For samples collected in 2012–2015 and tested with batch 2, the greatest variability was 4.1‐fold in 2014. A diagnostic concentration (MIC99) was calculated for batch 1 (48 ng/cm2) using the results from all the collections in 2005–2012. Bridging experiments indicated that the diagnostic concentration for batch 2 was 28 ng/cm2. From 2006 onwards, no O. nubilalis reached the 2nd larval stage when the diagnostic concentration of either batch of Cry1Ab was used. Only one insect collected from Romania in 2012 and two insects collected as reference strain from Spain in 2015 survived exposure to a dosage of 20 ng/cm2, and none of these larvae survived on MON 810 maize. Our results indicate that there has been no significant change in susceptibility to Cry1Ab in European populations of O. nubilalis over the period 2005–2015.
In situ evaluation of color stability and hardness' decrease of resin‐based composites
Authors: Ribeiro Juliana Silva , Peralta Sonia Luque , Salgado Vinícius Esteves , Lund Rafael Guerra
Published: July 2017

Objective

To determine the color stability (CS) and hardness' decrease (HD) of two commercial resin‐based composites (RBCs), after in situ staining conditions (SC).

Methods

Six disc‐shaped specimens (6 × 2 mm) of two RBCs—Filtek Z350 XT (FZX) and IPS Empress Direct (IED)—were randomly distributed into palatal devices. Eight volunteers (aged 20‐30 years) participated in this study. The in situ SC consisted of 400 mL consumption (2 × 200 mL/day) of water, orange juice, cola soda, and coffee and 140 mL consumption of red wine, 10 days each. CS was obtained by CIELAB color difference (ΔE*) and HD (in %) by the Knoop method (50 g for 15 s), after curing (baseline) and after the in situ SC. Data were statistically analyzed at α = 0.05 significance level.

Results

For both RBCs, the coffee (5.7 ± 0.5 for FZX; 5.9 ± 1.3 for IED) and red wine (6.1 ± 1.1 for FZX; 6.2 ± 1.6 for IED) groups showed the highest ΔE* while water the lowest (1.6 ± 0.6 for FZX; 1.8 ± 0.2 for IED). The highest HD was induced by red wine group for FZX (40.7 ± 5.4) and by cola soda for IED (40.6 ± 3.2) while the water groups (8.3 ± 1.7 for FZX; 7.8 ± 2.1 for IED) presented the lowest values for both RBCs.

Conclusion

Both RBCs were affected by the in situ SC, but no significant differences for CS and HD were observed between them. Red wine and coffee showed higher discoloration potential.

Clinical significance

This in situ study suggests that color stability and hardness' decrease of resin‐based composites were dependent on the type of consumed beverage and materials' composition. Patients with esthetic direct restorations should be aware of the degradative potential of them.
The risk of colorectal neoplasia can be different according to the types of family members affected by colorectal cancer
Authors: Kim Nam Hee , Yang Hyo‐Joon , Park Soo‐Kyung , Park Jung Ho , Park Dong Il , Sohn Chong Il , Jung Yoon Suk
Published: July 2017

Background and Aim

A family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important risk factor for CRC, but more detailed data are needed to prepare effective screening guidelines. We aimed to evaluate the risk of colorectal neoplasia (CRN) among individuals with different relatives affected by CRC (the first‐degree relatives [FDRs] or the second‐degree relatives or the first cousins) and to assess the effects of family histories according to age groups (30–39, 40–49, and ≥ 50 years).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed on 98 562 asymptomatic examinees aged ≥ 30 years who underwent colonoscopy as part of a health checkup.

Results

Mean age of the study population was 41.4 years, and the prevalence of CRN was 15.7%. Participants with ≥ 1 FDRs and ≥ 2 FDRs affected by CRC had a higher risk of CRN than those with no family history of CRC, while those with ≥ 1 second‐degree relatives or first cousins affected did not. In the 30–39 and 40–49 years age groups, a family history of CRC in parents was a risk factor for CRN and advanced CRN, but not in siblings. By contrast, in the ≥ 50 age group, participants with affected siblings (reference group) had a significantly higher risk for advanced CRN than those with affected parents (adjusted odds ratio; 95% confidence interval: 0.39; 0.16–0.94 in father and 0.43; 0.18–0.995 in mother).

Conclusions

The risk of CRN can be different according to the types of family members affected, and the impact of such family histories can be different according to age.