bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodium hypochlorite solution penetration into human dentine: a histochemical evaluation
Authors: Giardino L. , Cavani F. , Generali L.
Published: March 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate ex vivo the penetration depth of sodium hypochlorite solutions, with and without surfactants, into human dentine using a histochemical stain and the bleaching ability of NaOCl.

Methodology

Extracted maxillary central incisors were decoronated and their root canals were shaped to a size 30, .07 taper. Dentinal tubules were stained with 10% copper sulphate solution followed by a 1% rubeanic acid alcohol solution under vacuum. Specimens were irrigated with 5 mL of Niclor 5 (5.25% NaOCl solution) or 5 mL of Hypoclean (5.25% NaOCl solution + surfactants) according to the corresponding treatment group, for 2 min. A transverse section was obtained in the middle portion of the apical, middle and coronal thirds of each tooth. Under microscopic examination, irrigant penetration was evaluated by measuring the following: the bleached circumference of the root canal with respect to the stained circumference; bleached areas, mean and maximum penetration depth. For statistical analysis, Pearson's chi‐squared test and one‐way anova were used.

Results

Only 30% of dentine tubules in the apical portions were stained; therefore, these were excluded from further comparisons. In the middle and coronal thirds, the average bleached circumference of the root canal was 80–99% of the stained circumference and the bleached area was 73757–135107 μm2. The average penetration depth ranged from 39 to 62 μm and maximum penetration from 74 to 131 μm. For all reported results, no differences within and between groups were observed (P = 1).

Conclusion

No differences in penetration of irrigants with and without surfactants into dentinal tubules were observed in the middle and coronal thirds of incisor teeth.
Validation of obesity susceptibility loci identified by genome‐wide association studies in early childhood in South Brazilian children
Authors: Zandoná M. R. , Sangalli C. N. , Campagnolo P. d. B. , Vitolo M. R. , Almeida S. , Mattevi V. S.
Published: March 2016

Background

The prevalence of childhood obesity has been dramatically increasing in developing countries as it has been reported for developed nations. Identifying susceptibility genes in early life could provide the foundations for interventions in lifestyle to prevent obese children to become obese adults.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of genetic variants related to obesity identified by genome‐wide association studies (MC4R, TMEM18, KCTD15, SH2B1, SEC16B, BDNF, NEGR1, OLFM4 and HOXB5 genes) on anthropometric and dietary phenotypes in two Brazilian cohorts followed‐up since birth.

Methods

There were 745 children examined at birth, after 1 year and after 3.5 years of follow‐up. Ten single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped. Anthropometric and dietary parameters were compared among genotypes. Children were classified as overweight when body mass index Z‐score was >+1.

Results

Overweight prevalence was 30.7% at 3.5 years old. Significant associations were identified at 3.5 years old for TMEM18 rs6548238, NEGR1 rs2815752, BDNF rs10767664 and rs6265 (1 year old and 3.5 years old) with anthropometric phenotypes and at 3.5 years old for SEC16B rs10913469 with dietary parameters.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that genetic variants in/near these genes contribute to obesity susceptibility in childhood and highlight the age at which they begin to affect obesity‐related phenotypes.
Vertical skill mismatch and wage consequences in low‐skilled jobs: Evidence from Iran
Authors: HADDAD GholamReza Keshavarz , HABIBI Nader
Published: March 2016

Using microdata from Iran's Household Income and Expenditure Survey, the authors investigate the incidence of over‐education over the period 2001–12 and show that the ratio of workers with post‐secondary education increased steadily in many low‐skilled jobs that required lower educational attainment. Their econometric analysis shows that the odds of over‐education were higher for women than for men and that the likelihood of over‐education also had a strong negative association with a worker's experience. Additional econometric tests reveal that over‐education had a negative impact on workers' wages in the private sector but that the opposite was true for public sector jobs.
Cytochrome P450 CYP6DA2 regulated by cap ‘n’collar isoform C (CncC) is associated with gossypol tolerance in Aphis gossypii Glover
Authors: Peng T. , Pan Y. , Gao X. , Xi J. , Zhang L. , Yang C. , Bi R. , Yang S. , Xin X. , Shang Q.
Published: March 2016

Cotton plants accumulate phytotoxins, such as gossypol and related sesquiterpene aldehydes, to resist insect herbivores. The survival of insects exposed to toxic secondary metabolites depends on the detoxification metabolism mediated by limited groups of cytochrome P450. Gossypol has an antibiotic effect on Aphis gossypii, and as the concentrations of gossypol were increased in the present study, the mortality of cotton aphids increased from 4 to 28%. The fecundity of the cotton aphids exposed to gossypol was also significantly reduced compared with the control. The transcriptional levels of CYP6DA2 in cotton aphids were significantly induced when exposed to gossypol, and knockdown of the CYP6DA2 transcripts by RNA interference (RNAi) significantly increased the toxicity of gossypol to cotton aphids. To further understand the gossypol regulatory cascade, the 5'‐flanking promoter sequences of CYP6DA2 were isolated with a genome walker, and the promoter was very active and was inducible by gossypol. Co‐transfection of the cap ‘n’ collar isoform C (CncC) and CYP6DA2 promoters dramatically increased the expression of CYP6DA2, and suppression of the CncC transcripts by RNAi significantly decreased the expression levels of CYP6DA2, and significantly increased the toxicity of gossypol to cotton aphids. Thus, the transcriptional regulation of CYP6DA2 involved the transcriptional factor CncC.
Effect of Chloride‐Based Accelerator in the Presence of Water‐Reducing and Retarding Admixture on Autogenous Shrinkage
Authors: Shanahan Natallia , Buidens Daniel , Riding Kyle , Zayed A.
Published: March 2016

Rapid repair concrete mixtures commonly used for full‐depth concrete pavement repair sections can use large dosages of accelerating admixtures to increase strength gain rates and decrease the time to traffic opening. Most often, these mixtures also contain water‐reducing and retarding admixtures (WRRAs) to allow for the use of a low water–cementitious material ratio in order to meet strength requirements. The use of large dosages of accelerating admixtures in combination with retarding admixtures could have significant side effects on concrete. Autogenous shrinkage of low water–cementitious concrete can contribute to high tensile stresses and cracking problems. The effect of calcium chloride‐based accelerating admixture dosage, when used with WRRAs, on autogenous shrinkage was measured. It was found that the inclusion of calcium chloride‐containing accelerating admixtures has a nonlinear effect on the pore size distribution and consequently a nonlinear increase on the autogenous shrinkage.
Variation of Band Gap and Lattice Parameters of β−(AlxGa1−x)2O3 Powder Produced by Solution Combustion Synthesis
Authors: Krueger Benjamin W. , Dandeneau Christopher S. , Nelson Evan M. , Dunham Scott T. , Ohuchi Fumio S. , Olmstead Marjorie A.
Published: March 2016

Single‐phase monoclinic aluminum–gallium oxide powders, β−(AlxGa1−x)2O3, have been produced by solution combustion synthesis for Al fraction 0 ≤ x < 0.8. α−(AlxGa1−x)2O3 is observed for x = 1, with mixed α + β for x = 0.8. The contraction in lattice parameters and increase in band gap with increasing Al concentration were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively, and are compared with a first‐principles density‐functional theory calculation. A novel filtering procedure is described to reduce the uncertainty involved in measuring band gap using photoemission, and to remove asymmetry in XPS line shapes caused by differential charging of loose powder. The lattice parameters vary linearly with Al fraction, but exhibit a change in slope at x = 0.5 that is attributed to the difference between aluminum occupying tetrahedral and octahedral sites in the monoclinic lattice. The band gap changes linearly with local stoichiometry, including increasing when aluminum content at the surface is enriched relative to the interior, with a range of over 1.8 eV.
Effect of BaF2 Content on Luminescence of Rare‐Earth Ions in Borate and Germanate Glasses
Authors: Żur Lidia , Janek Joanna , Sołtys Marta , Pisarska Joanna , Pisarski Wojciech A.
Published: March 2016

Rare‐earth‐doped oxyfluoride germanate and borate glasses were synthesized and next studied using spectroscopic methods. Influence of fluoride modifier on luminescence properties of rare earths in different glass hosts was examined. The excitation and emission spectra of Pr3+ and Er3+ ions in the studied glasses were registered. The emission spectra of Pr3+ ions in germanate and borate glasses are quite different and depend strongly on the glass host. In samples doped with Er3+ ions emission bands located around 1530 nm corresponding to the main 4I13/2→4I15/2 laser transition were registered, independently of the glass host. Quite long‐lived near‐infrared luminescence of Er3+ ions was observed for germanate glasses with low BaF2 content, while in borate glass systems influence of barium fluoride on luminescence lifetimes is not so evident. The Judd–Ofelt calculations were used in order to determine quantum efficiencies of excited states of rare‐earth ions in germanate and borate glasses.
Electrical and Magnetic Properties of NiZn Ferrite Prepared by Conventional and Solar Sintering
Authors: Gutiérrez‐López Jesús , Masó Nahum , Levenfeld Belen , Várez Alejandro , West Anthony R.
Published: March 2016

The electrical properties of polycrystalline NiZn ferrite, Zn0.44Ni0.38Fe2.18O4, were investigated by impedance spectroscopy over the frequency and temperature ranges, 5 Hz to 2 MHz and 10–600 K and by magnetic permeability measurements at room temperature. Samples were sintered in either conventional or solar furnaces followed by quenching or slow cooling to ambient temperature. Depending on processing conditions, the room‐temperature electrical resistivity of conventionally sintered samples varied by seven orders of magnitude, from 5 ohm cm for a sample quenched from 1250°C to 10 Mohm cm for a sample quenched from 400°C. These differences were attributed to variations in oxygen content of the ferrite which decreased with increasing quench temperature. Oxygen deficiency led to mixed valence of Fe in the octahedral B sites of the spinel structure and was responsible for high electronic conductivity with low activation energy at low temperatures in oxygen‐deficient samples. By contrast, in oxygen‐stoichiometric samples, Fe on the tetrahedral A sites was believed to be divalent and Fe on the octahedral B sites to be entirely trivalent. Electron hopping between A and B sites had much higher activation energy and dominated the conductivity at high temperature for all samples. Samples sintered in the solar furnace were much more conductive than ones that were slow‐cooled after conventional sintering and this is attributed to the relatively rapid cooling rate after exposure in the solar furnace, which preserved some of the oxygen deficiency present at high temperature. For the same reason, samples that were slow cooled in N2 were also much more conductive. Solar‐sintered samples with higher density (96%) had higher real permeability than slow‐cooled, conventionally sintered ones (86%) mainly due to a combination of their lower resistivity and higher density. Resistivity seems to have a greater correlation with the imaginary permeability than density has.
Exploring resilience in nursing and midwifery students: a literature review
Authors: McGowan Jennifer E. , Murray Karen
Published: March 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the concepts of ‘resilience’ and ‘hardiness’ in nursing and midwifery students in educational settings and to identify educational interventions to promote resilience.

Background

Resilience in healthcare professionals has gained increasing attention globally, yet to date resilience and resilience education in nursing and midwifery students remain largely under‐researched.

Design

An integrative literature review was planned, however, only quantitative evidence was identified therefore, a review of quantitative studies was undertaken using a systematic approach.

Data sources

A comprehensive search was undertaken using Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO and Maternity and Infant Care databases January 1980–February 2015.

Review methods

Data were extracted using a specifically designed form and quality assessed using an appropriate checklist. A narrative summary of findings and statistical outcomes was undertaken.

Results

Eight quantitative studies were included. Research relating to resilience and resilience education in nursing and midwifery students is sparse. There is a weak evidence that resilience and hardiness is associated with slightly improved academic performance and decreased burnout. However, studies were heterogeneous in design and limited by poor methodological quality. No study specifically considered student midwives.

Conclusion

A greater understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of resilience in nursing and midwifery students is essential for the development of educational resources. It is imperative that future research considers both nursing and midwifery training cohorts and should be of strong methodological quality.
Evaluating the impact of a quality care‐metric on public health nursing practice: protocol for a mixed methods study
Authors: Giltenane Martina , Frazer Kate , Sheridan Ann
Published: March 2016

Aim

To establish, implement and evaluate the impact of a quality care‐metric developed to measure public health nursing practice.

Background

Measurement of care practices plays an integral role in quality improvement and promotes positive change in healthcare delivery. Quality care‐metrics has been identified as a means of effectively measuring public health nursing practice. Public health nurses in Ireland are ‘all‐purpose’ generalist community‐based nurses caring for people across the lifespan, in defined geographical areas, employed by the Health Service Executive. In the public health nurse's child and maternal health role, the ‘primary visit’ (postnatal visit) has been identified as the most important contact a public health nurse has with a mother and her new baby.

Design

Mixed methods using a sequential multiphase design.

Methods

This study involves three phases. The first phase will include focus group and individual interviews with key healthcare professionals and new mothers, using purposively chosen sampling. Thematic analysis of data will identify key components for the development of a quality care‐metric. Phase two will be a RAND appropriateness survey with a panel of experts, to develop and validate the quality care‐metric. The third phase will involve implementation and evaluation of the quality care‐metric. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be completed using SPSS version 21. Funding for this research study was approved in December 2013.

Conclusion

This study will evaluate the impact of introducing a quality care‐metric into public health nursing practice. Results will illuminate the quality of public health nursing practice in relation to the primary visit.
ETFAD/EADV Eczema task force 2015 position paper on diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis in adult and paediatric patients
Authors: Wollenberg A. , Oranje A. , Deleuran M. , Simon D. , Szalai Z. , Kunz B. , Svensson A. , Barbarot S. , von Kobyletzki L. , Taieb A. , de Bruin‐Weller M. , Werfel T. , Trzeciak M. , Vestergard C. , Ring J. , Darsow U. ,   the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis/EADV Eczema Task Force
Published: March 2016

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a clinically defined, highly pruritic, chronic inflammatory skin disease of children and adults. The diagnosis is made using evaluated clinical criteria. Disease activity is best measured with a composite score assessing both objective signs and subjective symptoms, such as SCORAD. The management of AD must consider the clinical and pathogenic variabilities of the disease and also target flare prevention. Basic therapy includes hydrating topical treatment, as well as avoidance of specific and unspecific provocation factors. Anti‐inflammatory treatment of visible skin lesions is based on topical glucocorticosteroids and the topical calcineurin inhibitors tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are preferred in sensitive locations. Tacrolimus and mid‐potent steroids are proven for proactive therapy, which is long‐term intermittent anti‐inflammatory therapy of the frequently relapsing skin areas. Systemic anti‐inflammatory or immunosuppressive treatment is indicated for severe refractory cases. Biologicals targeting key mechanisms of the atopic immune response are promising emerging treatment options. Microbial colonization and superinfection may induce disease exacerbation and can justify additional antimicrobial treatment. Systemic antihistamines (H1R‐blockers) may diminish pruritus, but do not have sufficient effect on lesions. Adjuvant therapy includes UV irradiation, preferably UVA1 or narrow‐band UVB 311 nm. Dietary recommendations should be patient specific and elimination diets should only be advised in case of proven food allergy. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy to aeroallergens may be useful in selected cases. Psychosomatic counselling is recommended to address stress‐induced exacerbations. ‘Eczema school’ educational programmes have been proven to be helpful for children and adults.
Pharmacokinetic profile of methotrexate in psoriatic skin via the oral or subcutaneous route using dermal microdialysis showing higher methotrexate bioavailability in psoriasis plaques than in non‐lesional skin
Authors: Quist S.R. , Quist J. , Birkenmaier J. , Stauch T. , Gollnick H.P.
Published: March 2016

Aims

The aim of this pilot study was to use microdialysis to evaluate levels of Methotrexate (MTX) directly in psoriatic skin following oral or subcutaneous administration of MTX to elaborate a complete pharmacokinetic profile within the dermal skin.

Methods

Six patients with chronic plaque psoriasis on the arm undergoing treatment with MTX were included in a mono‐centre clinical trial. Patients were under treatment with p.o. or s.c. MTX (7.5 and 15 mg) for at least 3 months. Interstitial fluid was collected ex vivo via dermal microdialysis from lesional or non‐lesional skin and via intravenous microdialysis as well as blood serum every hour up to 10 h after methotrexate administration every hour. MTX was analysed via liquid chromatography.

Results

The area under the curve (AUC) of methotrexate from peripheral blood was up to four times higher than from microdiaylsis, which detection of free unbound MTX. The AUC from dialysates in psoriatic lesional skin was higher than in non‐lesional psoriatic skin, and the AUC levels from i.v. microdialysis were non‐significantly higher than those from lesional psoriatic skin. Pharmacokinetic profiles were individually quite different and did not primarily depend on the dose or the means (p.o. vs. s.c.) in which it was administered.

Conclusion

Dermal microdialysis is a valid tool to evaluate levels of methotrexate in the skin of psoriasis patients. Drug levels and bioavailability of methotrexate were higher in lesional than non‐lesional psoriatic skin. The individual AUC of MTX was not primarily dependent on the route or dose of administration.
Comparative Metabolism of Free‐living Bodo saltans and Parasitic Trypanosomatids
Authors: Opperdoes Fred R. , Butenko Anzhelika , Flegontov Pavel , Yurchenko Vyacheslav , Lukeš Julius
Published: March 2016

Comparison of the genomes of free‐living Bodo saltans and those of parasitic trypanosomatids reveals that the transition from a free‐living to a parasitic life style has resulted in the loss of approximately 50% of protein‐coding genes. Despite this dramatic reduction in genome size, B. saltans and trypanosomatids still share a significant number of common metabolic traits: glycosomes; a unique set of the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway genes; an ATP‐PFK which is homologous to the bacterial PPi‐PFKs rather than to the canonical eukaryotic ATP‐PFKs; an alternative oxidase; three phosphoglycerate kinases and two GAPDH isoenzymes; a pyruvate kinase regulated by fructose‐2,6‐bisphosphate; trypanothione as a substitute for glutathione; synthesis of fatty acids via a unique set of elongase enzymes; and a mitochondrial acetate:succinate coenzyme A transferase. B. saltans has lost the capacity to synthesize ubiquinone. Among genes that are present in B. saltans and lost in all trypanosomatids are those involved in the degradation of mureine, tryptophan and lysine. Novel acquisitions of trypanosomatids are components of pentose sugar metabolism, pteridine reductase and bromodomain‐factor proteins. In addition, only the subfamily Leishmaniinae has acquired a gene for catalase and the capacity to convert diaminopimelic acid to lysine.
Reproductive biology of Urotrygon microphthalmum (Batoidea: Urotrygonidae) from north‐eastern Brazil, tropical west Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Santander‐Neto J. , Araújo M. L. G. , Lessa R. P.
Published: March 2016

The reproductive biology of Urotrygon microphthalmum was studied based on specimens caught as by‐catch in shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, Farfantepenaeus subtilis and Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis) fishing operations between March 2010 and March 2012 on the coast of Pernambuco, Brazil. Females reached a larger total length (LT) and total body mass (MT) (298 mm and 148 g) than males (250 mm and 90 g). Length at maturity was estimated to be 188 and 199 mm LT for males and females. Uterine fecundity ranged from one to four embryos (mean ± s.d.: 1·85 ± 0·45). Size at birth was estimated to be 105 mm LT. Gestation lasted between 4 and 5 months. The reproductive cycle of U. microphthalmum is hypothesized to be asynchronous and biannual.
Antipsychotic Medication for Prevention and Treatment of Delirium in Hospitalized Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Neufeld Karin J. , Yue Jirong , Robinson Thomas N. , Inouye Sharon K. , Needham Dale M.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of antipsychotic medications in preventing and treating delirium.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Setting

PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from January 1, 1988, to November 26, 2013.

Participants

Adult surgical and medical inpatients.

Intervention

Antipsychotic administration for delirium prevention or treatment in randomized controlled trials or cohort studies.

Measurements

Two authors independently reviewed all citations, extracted relevant data, and assessed studies for potential bias. Heterogeneity was considered as chi‐square P < .1 or I2 > 50%. Using a random‐effects model (I2 > 50%) or a fixed‐effects model (I2 < 50%), odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for dichotomous outcomes (delirium incidence and mortality), and mean or standardized mean difference for continuous outcomes (delirium duration, severity, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS)). Sensitivity analyses included postoperative prevention studies only, exclusion of studies with high risk of bias, and typical versus atypical antipsychotics.

Results

Screening of 10,877 eligible records identified 19 studies. In seven studies comparing antipsychotics with placebo or no treatment for delirium prevention after surgery, there was no significant effect on delirium incidence (OR = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.23–1.34, I2 = 93%). Using data reported from all 19 studies, antipsychotic use was not associated with change in delirium duration, severity, or hospital or ICU LOS, with high heterogeneity among studies. No association with mortality was detected (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.62–1.29, I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

Current evidence does not support the use of antipsychotics for prevention or treatment of delirium. Additional methodologically rigorous studies using standardized outcome measures are needed.
Like the Chameleon Who Takes on the Colors of the Hills: Indigeneity as Patrimony and Performance in Coastal Ecuador
Authors: Smith Kimbra
Published: March 2016

Dentro de los discursos ecuatorianos sobre la etnicidad, la indigeneidad puede representar una forma valiosa de patrimonio cultural. Sin embargo, no todas las indigeneidades son igualmente visibles. Los discursos coloniales, estatales, y turísticos representan la costa central del Ecuador como una región constituida por zonas urbanas de mestizaje, y paisajes rurales habitadas por cholos pescadores o montubios. El acceso a, y la visibilidad dentro de, la jerarquía étnica nacional se niegan a ambos grupos rurales; su identidad étnico se percibe como inscrito en sus cuerpos laborantes y no heredado a través de una cultura milenaria ‘auténtica’. Es decir, su patrimonio cultural no se imagina—no es simbólicamente disponible—para permitirlos ser percibidos como incorporaciones apropiadas de una práctica [praxis] indígena. Dadas estas limitaciones discursivas, propongo que la comunidad de Agua Blanca ha desarrollado estrategias prácticas que a la vez involucran y desafían ideas externas de lo que constituye el patrimonio cultural, permitiéndoles de esa manera una mayor fluidez al autoidentificarse. [autenticidad, deriva interpretativa, Ecuador, espectáculo, indigeneidad, patrimonio, teoría de la práctica]
Effects of Long‐Term Flutamide Treatment During Development on Sexual Behaviour and Hormone Responsiveness in Rams
Authors: Roselli C. E. , Meaker M. , Stormshak F. , Estill C. T.
Published: March 2016

Testosterone exposure during midgestation differentiates neural circuits controlling sex‐specific behaviours and patterns of gonadotrophin secretion in male sheep. Testosterone acts through androgen receptors (AR) and/or after aromatisation to oestradiol and binding to oestrogen receptors. The present study assessed the role of AR activation in male sexual differentiation. We compared rams that were exposed to the AR antagonist flutamide (Flu) throughout the critical period (i.e. days 30–90 of gestation) to control rams and ewes that received no prenatal treatments. The external genitalia of all Flu rams were phenotypically female. Testes were positioned s.c. in the inguinal region of the abdomen, exhibited seasonally impaired androgen secretion and were azospermic. Flu rams displayed male‐typical precopulatory and mounting behaviours but could not intromit or ejaculate because they lacked a penis. Flu rams exhibited greater mounting behaviour than control rams and, similar to controls, showed sexual partner preferences for oestrous ewes. Neither control, nor Flu rams responded to oestradiol treatments with displays of female‐typical receptive behaviour or LH surge responses, whereas all control ewes responded as expected. The ovine sexually dimorphic nucleus in Flu rams was intermediate in volume between control rams and ewes and significantly different from both. These results indicate that prenatal anti‐androgen exposure is not able to block male sexual differentiation in sheep and suggest that compensatory mechanisms intervene to maintain sufficient androgen stimulation during development.
Uterine cervical adenocarcinoma metastasizing concurrently to eutopic and ectopic ovaries: A case report
Authors: Kiuchi Kaori , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Nagai Tatsuko , Watanabe Mariko , Kosaka Nobuaki , Machida Hiromi , Imai Yasuo , Fukasawa Ichio
Published: March 2016

Ectopic ovary, a designation that includes supernumerary ovaries and accessory ovaries, is a rare gonadal anomaly. We encountered a patient with a metastasis to such an anomaly and herein provide a review of the published work. A 43‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with stage IIb cervical adenocarcinoma with suspicion for a right ovarian malignancy. She underwent laparotomy after completing three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Intraoperative inspection revealed two normal ovaries, but an ovary‐like structure was identified attached to the fimbriae of the left fallopian tube. A cystic tumor, 12 cm in diameter, developed from this structure, which was not connected to the infundibulopelvic ligament. The mass was pulled and elevated into the right pelvis by omental adhesions. Pathological examination revealed uterine cervical endometrioid adenocarcinoma with deep stromal invasion, vaginal invasion, and pelvic lymph‐node metastases. Both the left eutopic ovary and the ovary‐like structure contained endometrioid adenocarcinoma metastases. The ovary‐like structure contained spindle‐shaped theca cells, which were positive for inhibin α; therefore, this structure was defined as ovarian tissue. The final diagnosis was well‐differentiated uterine cervical endometrioid adenocarcinoma with metastases to the pelvic lymph nodes and to the left eutopic and ectopic ovaries (pT2a2N1M0). To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous descriptions in the English‐language published work of uterine cervical adenocarcinoma metastasizing concurrently to unilateral eutopic and ectopic ovaries. © 2016 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Maternal and placental risk factors for light‐for‐gestational‐age births
Authors: Aoyama Keiko , Endo Toshiaki , Saito Tsuyoshi , Izumi Hisako , Asakura Sumiyo , Mori Mitsuru
Published: March 2016

Aim

We conducted a cross‐sectional study to investigate risk factors for births of light‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) infants.

Methods

A survey was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sapporo Medical University Hospital in Sapporo, Japan from 2013 to 2014. LGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) are defined as having a birthweight below the 10th percentile and between the 10th percentile and 90th percentile for gestational age at birth in the population standard of gestational age, sex, and parity, respectively. An odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for LGA were calculated by analysis using the logistic regression model.

Results

In total, 307 inpatients (94.2%) participated in the study out of 326 consecutive post‐partum inpatients. Among them, 37 infants and 237 infants were classified into the LGA and AGA groups, respectively. As a result of multivariable analysis, prevalence of gestational hypertension (OR = 8.96, 95%CI 1.81–44.35) and the presence of placental infarction (OR = 9.65, 95%CI 1.76–53.01) were significantly associated with an increased risk of LGA. Placentas weighing 510–603 g and ≥604 g were significantly associated with reduced risk of LGA (OR = 0.04, 95%CI 0.01–0.29 and OR = 0.03, 95%CI 0.01–0.32, respectively), and higher placental weights were significantly observed in the trend for reduced LGA risk (P for trend < 0.001).

Conclusion

We found that the prevalence of gestational hypertension, lower placental weight, and the presence of placental infarctions were all independently associated with the risk of LGA. Placental abnormalities may be etiologically important for LGA risk, though further research is necessary.
Dental and skeletal effects of palatal expansion techniques: a systematic review of the current evidence from systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Bucci R. , D'Antò V. , Rongo R. , Valletta R. , Martina R. , Michelotti A.
Published: March 2016

The aim was to assess the quality and to summarise the findings of the Systematic Reviews (SRs) and Meta‐Analyses (MAs) on the dental and skeletal effects of maxillary expansion. Electronic and manual searches have been independently conducted by two investigators, up to February 2015. SRs and MAs on the dentoalveolar and skeletal effects of fixed expanders were included. The methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews). The design of the primary studies included in each SR/MA was assessed with the LRD (Level of Research Design scoring). The evidence for each outcome was rated applying a pre‐determined scale. Twelve SRs/MAs were included. The AMSTAR scores ranged from 4 to 10. Two SRs/MAs included only RCTs. The current findings from SRs/MAs support with high evidence a significant increase in the short‐term of maxillary dentoalveolar transversal dimensions after Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME). The same effect is reported with moderate evidence after Slow Maxillary Expansion (SME). However, there is moderate evidence of a non‐significant difference between the two expansion modalities concerning the short‐term dentoalveolar effects. With both RME and SME, significant increase of skeletal transversal dimension in the short‐term is reported, and the skeletal expansion is always smaller than the dentoalveolar. Even though dental relapse to some extent is present, long‐term results of the dentoalveolar effects show an increase of the transversal dimension, supported by moderate evidence for RME and low evidence for SME. Skeletal long‐term effects are reported only with RME, supported by very low evidence.
Comparative study of indirect immunofluorescence, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the Tzanck smear test for the diagnosis of pemphigus
Authors: Zhou Tingting , Fang Siyue , Li Chunlei , Hua Hong
Published: March 2016

Background

Pemphigus is one of the potentially fatal autoimmune blistering diseases. An early and accurate diagnosis is important for prognosis and therapy. It may be difficult to diagnosis based on clinical grounds alone. Direct and indirect immunofluorescence, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, the Tzanck smear test, or histopathology are all available for the diagnosis of pemphigus. However, there are no generally accepted diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of this condition at present.

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic value of indirect immunofluorescence, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the Tzanck smear test for the diagnosis of pemphigus in dental clinics.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective study was conducted, and the clinical data of 33 patients with pemphigus and 61 controls were collected and analyzed from the Department of Oral Medicine, Peking University School of Stomatology, during 2010–2014. The sensitivities and specificities of indirect immunofluorescence, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the Tzanck smear test were calculated and compared in two groups.

Results

Sensitivities for the Tzanck smear test, indirect immunofluorescence, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were 96.7%, 84.8%, and 84.8%, respectively, whereas the specificities of these tests were 60%, 91.8%, and 96.7%, respectively. The serial tests for the Tzanck smear test and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay showed 82% sensitivity and 98.7% specificity.

Conclusions

The serial test for the Tzanck smear test and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay may represent a simple, rapid, and reliable way to definitive diagnosis of pemphigus. It is recommended as a common test for the diagnosis of pemphigus in dental clinics.
Business Intelligence and Multimarket Competition
Authors: BILLAND PASCAL , BRAVARD CHRISTOPHE , CHAKRABARTI SUBHADIP , SARANGI SUDIPTA
Published: March 2016

We consider a multimarket framework where a set of firms compete on two oligopolistic markets. The cost of production of each firm allows for spillovers across markets, ensuring that output decisions for both markets have to be made jointly. Prior to competing in these markets, firms can establish business intelligence gathering links with other firms. A link formed by a firm generates two types of externalities for competitors and consumers. We characterize the business intelligence equilibrium networks and networks that maximize social welfare. By contrast with single‐market competition, we show that in multimarket competition there exist situations where intelligence‐gathering activities are underdeveloped with regard to social welfare and should be tolerated, if not encouraged, by public authorities.
Effects of dietary Tenebrio molitor meal inclusion in free‐range chickens
Authors: Biasato I. , De Marco M. , Rotolo L. , Renna M. , Lussiana C. , Dabbou S. , Capucchio M. T. , Biasibetti E. , Costa P. , Gai F. , Pozzo L. , Dezzutto D. , Bergagna S. , Martínez S. , Tarantola M. , Gasco L. , Schiavone A.
Published: March 2016

Insects are currently being considered as a novel protein source for animal feeds, because they contain a large amount of protein. The larvae of Tenebrio molitor (TM) have been shown to be an acceptable protein source for broiler chickens in terms of growth performance, but till now, no data on histological or intestinal morphometric features have been reported. This study has had the aim of evaluating the effects of dietary TM inclusion on the performance, welfare, intestinal morphology and histological features of free‐range chickens. A total of 140 medium‐growing hybrid female chickens were free‐range reared and randomly allotted to two dietary treatments: (i) a control group and (ii) a TM group, in which TM meal was included at 75 g/kg. Each group consisted of five pens as replicates, with 14 chicks per pen. Growth performance, haematological and serum parameters and welfare indicators were evaluated, and the animals were slaughtered at the age of 97 days. Two birds per pen (10 birds/treatment) were submitted to histological (liver, spleen, thymus, bursa of Fabricius, kidney, heart, glandular stomach and gut) and morphometric (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) investigations. The inclusion of TM did not affect the growth performance, haematological or serum parameters. The morphometric and histological features were not significantly affected either, thus suggesting no influence on nutrient metabolization, performance or animal health. Glandular stomach alterations (chronic flogosis with epithelial squamous metaplasia) were considered paraphysiological in relation to free‐range farming. The observed chronic intestinal flogosis, with concomitant activation of the lymphoid tissue, was probably due to previous parasitic infections, which are very frequently detected in free‐range chickens. In conclusion, the findings of this study show that yellow mealworm inclusion does not affect the welfare, productive performances or morphological features of free‐range chickens, thus confirming that TM can be used safely in poultry diets.
Corrigendum to ‘Subsampling Inference for the Mean of Heavy‐Tailed Long‐Memory Time Series’ by A. Jach, T. S. McElroy and D. N. Politis
Authors: Jach Agnieszka , McElroy Tucker S. , Politis Dimitris N.
Published: March 2016

A corrected statement and proof of Theorem 4 of Jach, McElroy, and Politis (2012) is provided.
HCV‐induced miR146a controls SOCS1/STAT3 and cytokine expression in monocytes to promote regulatory T‐cell development
Authors: Ren J. P. , Ying R. S. , Cheng Y. Q. , Wang L. , El Gazzar M. , Li G. Y. , Ning S. B. , Moorman J. P. , Yao Z. Q.
Published: March 2016

Host innate and adaptive immune responses must be tightly regulated by an intricate balance between positive and negative signals to ensure their appropriate onset and termination while fighting pathogens and avoiding autoimmunity; persistent pathogens may usurp these regulatory machineries to dampen host immune responses for their persistence in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that miR146a is up‐regulated in monocytes from hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected individuals compared to control subjects. Interestingly, miR146a expression in monocytes without HCV infection increased, whereas its level in monocytes with HCV infection decreased, following Toll‐like receptor (TLR) stimulation. This miR146a induction by HCV infection and differential response to TLR stimulation were recapitulated in vitro in monocytes co‐cultured with hepatocytes with or without HCV infection. Importantly, inhibition of miR146a in monocytes from HCV‐infected patients led to a decrease in IL‐23, IL‐10 and TGF‐β expressions through the induction of suppressor of cytokine signalling 1 (SOCS1) and the inhibition of signal transducer and activator transcription 3 (STAT3), and this subsequently resulted in a decrease in regulatory T cells (Tregs) accumulated during HCV infection. These results suggest that miR146a may regulate SOCS1/STAT3 and cytokine signalling in monocytes, directing T‐cell differentiation and balancing immune clearance and immune injury during chronic viral infection.
Transfusion strategies in patients with cirrhosis: less is more
Authors: Fatourou Evangelia M. , Tsochatzis Emmanuel A.
Published: March 2016

See Article on Page 522
The Red Edge Problem in asteroid band parameter analysis
Authors: Lindsay Sean S. , Dunn Tasha L. , Emery Joshua P. , Bowles Neil E.
Published: March 2016

Near‐infrared reflectance spectra of S‐type asteroids contain two absorptions at 1 and 2 μm (band I and II) that are diagnostic of mineralogy. A parameterization of these two bands is frequently employed to determine the mineralogy of S(IV) asteroids through the use of ordinary chondrite calibration equations that link the mineralogy to band parameters. The most widely used calibration study uses a Band II terminal wavelength point (red edge) at 2.50 μm. However, due to the limitations of the NIR detectors on prominent telescopes used in asteroid research, spectral data for asteroids are typically only reliable out to 2.45 μm. We refer to this discrepancy as “The Red Edge Problem.” In this report, we evaluate the associated errors for measured band area ratios (BAR = Area BII/BI) and calculated relative abundance measurements. We find that the Red Edge Problem is often not the dominant source of error for the observationally limited red edge set at 2.45 μm, but it frequently is for a red edge set at 2.40 μm. The error, however, is one sided and therefore systematic. As such, we provide equations to adjust measured BARs to values with a different red edge definition. We also provide new ol/(ol+px) calibration equations for red edges set at 2.40 and 2.45 μm.
Multiple precursors of secondary mineralogical assemblages in CM chondrites
Authors: Pignatelli Isabella , Marrocchi Yves , Vacher Lionel. G. , Delon Rémi , Gounelle Matthieu
Published: March 2016

We report a petrographic and mineralogical survey of tochilinite/cronstedtite intergrowths (TCIs) in Paris, a new CM chondrite considered to be the least altered CM identified to date. Our results indicate that type‐I TCIs consist of compact tochilinite/cronstedtite rims surrounding Fe‐Ni metal beads, thus confirming kamacite as the precursor of type‐I TCIs. In contrast, type‐II TCIs are characterized by complex compositional zoning composed of three different Fe‐bearing secondary minerals: from the outside inwards, tochilinite, cronstedtite, and amakinite. Type‐II TCIs present well‐developed faces that allow a detailed morphological analysis to be performed in order to identify the precursors. The results demonstrate that type‐II TCIs formed by pseudomorphism of the anhydrous silicates, olivine, and pyroxene. Hence, there is no apparent genetic relationship between type‐I and type‐II TCIs. In addition, the complex chemical zoning observed within type‐II TCIs suggests that the alteration conditions evolved dramatically over time. At least three stages of alteration can be proposed, characterized by alteration fluids with varying compositions (1) Fe‐ and S‐rich fluids; (2) S‐poor and Fe‐ and Si‐rich fluids; and (3) S‐ and Si‐poor, Fe‐rich fluids. The presence of unaltered silicates in close association with euhedral type‐II TCIs suggests the existence of microenvironments during the first alteration stages of CM chondrites. In addition, the absence of Mg‐bearing secondary minerals in Paris TCIs suggests that the Mg content increases during the course of alteration.
Formation of the Treysa quintet and the main‐group pallasites by impact‐generated processes in the IIIAB asteroid
Authors: Wasson John T.
Published: March 2016

Treysa and Delegate have compositions closely similar to those of IIIAB irons but plot above the IIIAB field on Ir‐Au diagrams; for this reason they are designated anomalous members of IIIAB. All refractory siderophiles share this anomaly. Wasson () interpreted the large spread on IIIAB Ir‐Au diagrams to result from melt‐trapping and generated solid and liquid fractional crystallization tracks; almost all IIIAB irons fall between the tracks. In contrast, Treysa, Delegate, and three other irons (the Treysa quintet) plot beyond the liquid track. Ideal fractional crystallization cannot account for compositions that plot outside the region between the tracks. Possible explanations for the anomalous compositions of the Treysa quintet are that (1) these meteorites did not form in the IIIAB magma or (2) they formed by the mixing of early crystallized solids with a late liquid. The weight of the evidence including cosmic‐ray ages favor the second explanation. Although this explanation can account for positions plotting above the liquid track, it requires special circumstances. The infalling blocks must be assimilated and the resulting melt must crystallize quickly into pockets small enough (<1 m) to allow igneous gradients to be leveled by subsequent diffusion. The Treysa quintet shares the region beyond the liquid track with most main‐group pallasites (PMG), which may have also originated in the IIIAB body. It appears that Treysa, its relatives, and the PMG were formed in one or more impact events that mixed olivine and solid metal formed near the core‐mantle boundary with nearby magma. It is then necessary to cool the melt rapidly; the best way to achieve rapid cooling is by heat exchange with cooler solids. That the Treysa quintet and the PMG can be explained by the same processes operating on late IIIAB magma supports the conclusion that PMG formed on the IIIAB parent asteroid.
Distributional Effects of Public Investment when Wealth and Classes are Back
Authors: Mattauch Linus , Edenhofer Ottmar , Klenert David , Bénard Sophie
Published: March 2016

In developed economies, wealth inequality is high, while public capital is underprovided. Here, we study the impact of heterogeneity in saving behavior and income sources on the distributional effects of public investment. A capital tax is levied to finance productive public capital in an economy with two types of households: high income households who save dynastically and middle income households who save for retirement. We find that inequality is reduced the higher the capital tax rate is and that low tax rates are Pareto‐improving. There is no clear‐cut trade‐off between efficiency and equality: middle income households’ consumption is maximal at a capital tax rate that is higher than the rate which maximizes high income households’ consumption.