bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of guselkumab in a subpopulation with pustulotic arthro‐osteitis through week 52: an exploratory analysis of a phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in Japanese patients with palmoplantar pustulosis
Authors: Yamamoto T. , Fukuda K. , Morita A. , Kimura T. , Morishima H. , Goto R. , Zheng R. , Terui T.
Published: March 2020

Background

Previous studies of guselkumab have demonstrated clinical benefits in patients with plaque‐type psoriasis, generalized pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP).

Objective

The aim of this exploratory analysis of a double‐blind, multicenter, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 study in Japanese patients with PPP was to evaluate the efficacy of guselkumab in the subset of patients with pustulotic arthro‐osteitis (PAO).

Methods

Patients were randomized to receive guselkumab 100 or 200 mg at weeks 0, 4, 12 and every 8 weeks, or placebo with cross‐over to guselkumab 100 or 200 mg at week 16 (placebo group). Efficacy endpoints were changes from baseline in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) score, EuroQOL‐5 dimensions (EQ‐5D) index score, EQ‐5D pain/discomfort dimension score and C‐reactive protein (CRP, mg/L) level in all PAO patients through week 52. Data from both guselkumab groups were combined and presented as results for a single overall guselkumab group.

Results

Among 159 patients with PPP, 66 with PAO were randomized across treatment groups. For patients with MRI data for all regions assessed, the proportion of patients in the guselkumab group with PAO characterized as severe decreased from 23.8% (10/42) at baseline to 5.4% (2/42) at week 52. The mean (SD) change from baseline at week 52 in EQ‐5D index score was 0.20 (0.17) among PPP patients with PAO and 0.15 (0.17) among those without PAO in the guselkumab group. Among all PAO patients, the proportions with an EQ‐5D pain/discomfort dimension score of no or slight pain/discomfort in the guselkumab group increased from baseline to week 52 [33.3% (7/21) vs. 87.5% (35/40)]. The mean (SD) CRP levels decreased in all PAO patients in the guselkumab group at week 52 compared to baseline [−1.71 (8.16) mg/L].

Conclusion

Guselkumab treatment showed beneficial outcomes for PAO signs and symptoms in Japanese patients with PPP.
Response to Marasca et al.’s letter about place of ultrasound in the evaluation of HS lesions
Authors: Fertitta L. , Hotz C. , Sbidian E.
Published: March 2020

Linked article: C. Marasca et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020;34: e413–e414. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16361.
Can governance help in making an IPO “successful”? New evidence from Europe
Authors: Brogi Marina , Lagasio Valentina , Pesic Valerio
Published: March 2020

This paper investigates the determinants of a “successful” IPO from a corporate governance perspective upon a representative sample of European listings from 2000 to 2015. We use an extensive dataset of market performance, financial data, and corporate governance characteristics to run the investigation. Differently from previous studies, our analysis embraces both a short‐term perspective and a medium–long‐term perspective, where the board of directors seems to perform different tasks, moving from a value creation to a value protection strategy. Among the others, we find that board size, board independence, and their qualifications, together with their experience in other boards, are associated with a positive performance of the IPO in a short‐term horizon and in the medium–long‐term period, although significant differences emerge among those time perspectives.
RFRP3 increases food intake in a sex‐dependent manner in the seasonal hamster Phodopus sungorus
Authors: Cázarez‐Márquez Fernando , Laran‐Chich Marie‐Pierre , Klosen Paul , Kalsbeek Andries , Simonneaux Valérie
Published: March 2020

In addition to its regulatory role in luteinising hormone secretion, Rfamide‐related peptide 3 (RFRP3) has also been reported to modulate food intake in several mammalian species. Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus), similar to other seasonal mammals, display a remarkable inhibition of RFRP3 expression in winter short‐day conditions, associated with decreased food intake and bodyweight. This species is therefore a valuable model for assessing whether RFRP3 might be involved in the seasonal control of feeding behaviour and investigating its possible brain targets. We found that, although both male and female animals exhibit the same robust reduction in Rfrp expression in short‐ (SD) compared to long‐day (LD) conditions, acute central administration of RFRP3 displays sex‐dependent effects on food intake. RFRP3 increased food intake in female hamsters in SD or in LD dioestrus, but not in LD pro‐oestrus, indicating that the orexigenic effect of RFRP3 is observed in conditions of low circulating oestradiol levels. In male hamsters, food intake was not changed by acute injections of RFRP3, regardless of whether animals were in SD or LD conditions. Analysing the gene expression of various metabolic neuropeptides in the brain of RFRP3‐injected Djungarian hamsters revealed that Npy expression was increased in female but not in male animals. The present study suggests that, in Djungarian hamsters, RFRP3 exhibits a sex‐dependent orexigenic effect possibly by inducing increased Npy expression.
A morphometric analysis of the lungs of high‐altitude ducks and geese
Authors: Bakkeren Ciska , Smith Emily , York Julia M. , Chua Beverly , McCracken Kevin G. , Milsom William K.
Published: March 2020

We examined the morphology of the lungs of five species of high‐altitude resident ducks from Lake Titicaca in the Peruvian Andes (yellow‐billed pintail [Anas georgica], cinnamon teal [Anas cyanoptera orinomus], puna teal [Anas puna], speckled teal [Anas flavirostris oxyptera], and ruddy duck [Oxyura jamaicensis ferruginea]) and compared them with those of the high‐altitude migratory bar‐headed goose (Anser indicus) and the low‐altitude migratory barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis). We then determined the relationship between mass‐specific lung volume, the volume densities of the component parts of the lung, and previously reported hypoxia‐induced increases in pulmonary O2 extraction. We found that the mass‐specific lung volumes and the mass‐specific volume of the exchange tissue were larger in the lungs of high‐altitude resident birds. The bar‐headed goose had a mass‐specific lung volume that fell between those of the low‐altitude species and the high‐altitude residents, but a mass‐specific volume of exchange tissue that was not significantly different than that of the high‐altitude residents. The data suggest that the mass‐specific volume of the lung may increase with evolutionary time spent at altitude. We found an inverse relationship between the percentage increase in pulmonary O2 extraction and the percentage increase in ventilation across species that was independent of the volume density of the exchange tissue, at least for the resident Andean birds.
Clinical and serum lipid profiles and LDLR genetic analysis of xanthelasma palpebrarum with nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Zhimin Wang , Hui Wang , Fengtao Ji , Wenjuan Sun , Yongrong Li
Published: March 2020

Background

XP is a flat xanthoma that usually presents as bilateral, symmetrical, soft, yellowish papules over the eyelids. The etiology of XP is unknown, but it may be related to complex heterozygous mutations.

Aims

To investigate the lipid profiles, important clinical characteristics, and low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene mutation in the patients suffering from xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) with nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia.

Patients/Methods

The prospective study included 25 individuals of XP with nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia, and 30 controls neither with XP nor familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Each one underwent detailed clinical examination, serum lipid profile, and LDLR gene detection at the 400th exon and the 1246th exon.

Results

In our study, patients with XP were often not present with FH and family history. The mean serum cholesterol (CHOL) (5.20 ± 1.82) and the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis (4.34 ± 0.78) were significantly higher in study group, while there was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of triglyceride (TG) (P = .38) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = .23). Unusually, the mean levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (1.59 ± 0.31) in the study group were much higher than the controls (1.31 ± 0.30), and the LDLR gene mutation was not found.

Conclusion

Clinical and serum lipid profiles indicated that XP was sporadic and underlying lipid abnormalities especially higher HDL. XP did not occur with mutations in the LDLR gene at the two exons. We suggested too high HDL level may be contributed to pathogenesis of XP and XP is often not associated with FH.
Leukocyte subsets and abdominal aortic aneurysms detected by screening in men
Authors: Langenskiöld M. , Smidfelt K. , Nordanstig J. , Bergström G. , Tivesten Å.
Published: March 2020

Objective

In the present case–control study, we describe the associations between leukocyte subsets in blood and early, screening‐detected AAA in men. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) may result in a life‐threatening rupture of the aortic wall. The trigger for AAA formation remains unknown, but the vascular adventitia of advanced AAAs is infiltrated by various leukocytes, indicating that the pathogenesis may involve inflammation.

Methods

In Sweden, all 65‐year‐old men are invited to an ultrasound examination for detection of AAA. At the Gothenburg screening site, 16 256 men were examined in 2013–2017, 1.2% of whom had an AAA (diameter of the infrarenal aorta ≥30 mm). All men with AAA at screening as well as a randomized selection of AAA‐free screened men were invited to participate in a case–control study.

Results

The median diameter of AAAs was 33 mm. Men with an AAA (n = 151) had a higher frequency of smoking, hypertension and statin use than controls (n = 224). Blood levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils were higher in individuals with an AAA, but eosinophil count did not differ from controls. Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for AAA were 8.6 (4.2–17.4), 3.5 (1.9–6.6) and 3.3 (1.8–6.3) for the highest versus lowest quartile of neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes, respectively. For neutrophils and lymphocytes, the association with AAA remained significant after adjustment for smoking and other known risk factors/markers.

Conclusion

Several, but not all, subsets of circulating leukocytes are associated with screening‐detected AAA in men, which is insufficiently explained by associations with smoking and other confounders.
Mothers' and Fathers' Mental State Talk: Ethnicity, Partner Talk, and Sensitivity
Authors: Reynolds Elizabeth , Garrett‐Peters Patricia , Bratsch‐Hines Mary , Vernon‐Feagans Lynne ,   The Family Life Project Key Investigators
Published: March 2020

Objective

The current study examined the contributions of cultural and economic contexts and family, child, and parent characteristics to explain variation within and between mothers' and fathers' mental state talk (i.e., cognition, desire, modulation of assertion, and other mental state talk) to their 6‐month‐old infants.

Background

Growing evidence supports the importance of mental state talk for children, yet few studies have examined factors that might contribute to this type of verbal input.

Method

In a sample of 582 African American and European American mothers and 582 African American and European American fathers living in low‐wealth rural areas, we explored the extent to which cultural context (ethnicity), economic context (income), family characteristics (partners' use of mental state talk), child characteristics (gender, attention, distress to novelty), and parent characteristics (parental sensitivity) contribute to mothers' and fathers' use of mental state talk in a series of multilevel models.

Results

Results suggest that parental sensitivity was positively associated with mental state talk for both mothers and fathers, and child attention was positively associated with mental state talk for mothers with significant but small effect sizes. Fathers' mental state talk contributed positively to mothers' mental state talk, but this was true only for African American families.

Conclusion

Our identified main effects and significant interaction enhance our understanding of factors that contribute to mothers' and fathers' mental state talk with their preverbal infants.
Regulatory effect of 17β‐estradiol on the expression of β‐defensin‐2 and proinflammatory cytokines in human oral epithelial cells
Authors: Wu Tiantian , Tang Caijin , Chen Yi , Yong Xiangzhi , Liu Zhenmin , Jiang Lanlan , Zeng Qixin , Tao Renchuan
Published: March 2020

Background

Although estrogen deficiency has been proposed as a risk factor for oral mucosal inflammatory diseases in post‐menopausal women, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 17β‐estradiol (E2) on the inflammatory response stimulated by interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) in human oral mucosal epithelial cells (hOMECs) and its possible mechanism.

Methods

Primary hOMECs were obtained from female infants and cultured in keratinocyte growth medium. The hOMECs at second passage were collected and stimulated by 10−7 mol/L ICI182,780 or 10−7 mol/L G1 for 1 hour, E2 (10−7 mol/L, 10−8 mol/L, 10−9 mol/L) for 36 hour, 100 ng/mL IL‐1β for 12 hours, respectively. Human beta‐2 defensin (hBD‐2), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF)‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, estrogen receptor‐alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor‐beta (ERβ), and G protein‐coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) mRNA levels and protein levels were measured by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western Blot (WB), respectively.

Results

Expression of hBD‐2 and inflammatory cytokines increased after IL‐1β stimulation, which was down‐regulated by E2 pre‐treatment. With ICI182,780, the suppression of E2 on hBD‐2 mRNA was attenuated. With G1, the mRNA expression and protein expression of hBD‐2 were reduced.

Conclusion

Pre‐treatment of hOMECs with E2 at physiological concentrations inhibited the IL‐1β‐induced expression of hBD‐2 and inflammatory cytokines. The protective effects of E2 suggest its potential use treating oral inflammatory diseases in clinical practice.
Reducing unnecessary neonatal testing in infants of mothers with thyroid disease
Authors: Churcher Louisa M , Wood Julia A , Ramjan Kim A , Gill Anna C
Published: March 2020

Aim

To examine the numbers of asymptomatic infants <8 weeks who had appropriate thyroid function tests (TFTs) in addition to the newborn screening test, because of maternal thyroid disease, before and after the implementation of an updated institutional guideline and staff education.

Methods

A medical record audit of infants <8 weeks born at a metropolitan teaching hospital, who had TFTs between 1 July 2017 and 31 October 2017 was performed as part of a quality improvement project. Records were reviewed to determine the indication for testing and whether this complied with the current 2011 institutional guideline. A multidisciplinary staff education package was developed to coincide with the publication of an updated guideline in August 2018. Staff education and resources were provided throughout July 2018. A post‐intervention audit was repeated between 1 August 2018 and 1 December 2018, assessing compliance with the 2018 guideline.

Results

In the baseline period, 40 of 457 infants born had TFTs performed, of which 26 of 40 (65%) were for maternal thyroid disease. Of these 10 of 26 (38%) met the 2011 criteria for testing; 1 of 26 (4%) met the updated 2018 criteria. In the post‐intervention period, 14 of 412 infants born had TFTs of which 5 of 14 (36%) were tested due to maternal thyroid disease and all were compliant with the new guideline.

Conclusions

Baseline audit revealed unnecessary neonatal thyroid function testing of healthy babies. Implementation of an updated guideline and a brief, targeted education package successfully increased awareness of the updated recommendations, reduced unnecessary testing and led to improved practice.
Root morphology, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence of coffee cultivars and progenies are altered by Meloidogyne paranaensis infestation and water deficit
Authors: Pasqualotto Alan Teixeira , Salgado Sônia Maria de Lima , Terra Willian César , Fatobene Bárbhara Joana dos Reis , Silveira Helbert Rezende de Oliveira , Santos Meline Oliveira , Campos Vicente Paulo , Silva Vânia Aparecida
Published: March 2020

Climate change greatly influences coffee production, especially in areas infested with plant‐parasitic nematodes. In this study, coffee genotypes showed differences in their morphological and physiological characteristics when subjected to a water deficit and parasitism by Meloidogyne paranaensis. The cultivar IPR 100 had the largest superficial and volumetric root system area, even when parasitized. The two progenies (MG 0179‐1 and MG 0179‐3) and the cultivar Catuaí IAC 62 had a similar surface area (p < .05) when parasitized. However, the root surface area and volume of MG 0179‐3 increased by 96% and 400%, respectively, when parasitized by M. paranaensis. On the other hand, Catuaí IAC 62 had a 31% reduction in root surface area. Catuai 62 and IPR 100 showed higher sensitivity to drought when parasitized because of the increased photochemical sensitivity and reduction in photochemical quenching. In MG 0179‐1 and MG 0179‐3, an increase in non‐photochemical quenching occurred in response to stress, indicating that these progenies use a photochemical response to protect photosystem II. In this work, MG 0179‐3, which is resistant to M. paranaensis, was remarkable because, interestingly, the infestation caused an increase in its root surface area. In addition, MG 0179‐3 had relatively good photochemical performance under water deficit and M. paranaensis parasitism.
Evaluation of fungicides to control potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in the plains of Nepal
Authors: Khadka Ram Bahadur , Chaulagain Bhim , Subedi Surendra , Marasini Madan , Rawal Ranjana , Pathak Narayan , Gautam Ishwori Prasad , Chapagain Tika Ram , Khatri Bhim Bahadur , Sharma‐Poudyal Dipak
Published: March 2020

Fungicide application is an effective management option to control late blight of potato (caused by Phytophthora infestans). Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of recently introduced and previously used fungicides on late blight management and potato yields in the western plains of Nepal in 2015 and 2016 crop seasons. Fungicides and a non‐treated control (NTC) were replicated three times in a randomized block design planted with late blight susceptible cultivar Cardinal. Chlorothalonil, copper oxychloride, dimethomorph, fenamidone + mancozeb, mancozeb and metalaxyl were sprayed in 2015. In 2016, carbendazim was used instead of chlorothalonil. The area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) was consistently reduced in years by dimethomorph (90% and 65% in 2015 and 2016, respectively), fenamidone + mancozeb (68% and 62%) and mancozeb (40% and 47%) compared with the NTC. Similarly, tuber yield was increased with the application of dimethomorph (266% and 146% in 2015 and 2016, respectively), fenamidone + mancozeb (211% and 155%) and mancozeb (136% and 116%) compared with the NTC. Chlorothalonil reduced AUDPC by 43% and increased tuber yield by 170% in 2015. Other fungicides either had inconsistent results or did not reduce late blight severity and consequent effects on potato yield. The overall benefit–cost ratio was highest for dimethomorph in both years. These results show efficacy of dimethomorph, fenamidone + mancozeb and mancozeb in reducing late blight severity and increasing potato tuber yield in the plains of Nepal.
Elevated Interleukin‐17A expression in amlodipine‐induced gingival overgrowth
Authors: Sume Siddika Selva , Berker Ezel , Ilarslan Yagmur , Ozer Yucel Ozlem , Tan Cagman , Goyushov Samir , Gultekin Sibel E. , Tezcan Ilhan
Published: March 2020

Background and objectives

Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker derivative, is frequently used by patients with high blood pressure. Studies reported that it can induce gingival overgrowth. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully described yet. Interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) is known as a proinflammatory cytokine, but current studies indicate that it has a role in fibrotic disorders and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). The aim of this study was to figure out the possible role of IL‐17A in amlodipine‐induced gingival overgrowth.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐nine (29) individuals participated in the study, and they were assigned into 3 groups based on medical status and clinical periodontal examination; 9 patients with amlodipine‐induced gingival overgrowth, 11 patients with inflammatory gingival overgrowth, and 9 healthy individuals as a control group. Clinical periodontal parameters including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and gingival overgrowth index (GOI) were recorded. Blood and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were obtained. Gingival tissues were taken by appropriate periodontal surgery following initial periodontal therapy. To detect IL‐17A on tissue samples, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed. Quantitative analysis was done, and the expression level of IL‐17A was given as the percent positively stained cells. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to analyze IL‐17A in serum and GCF samples.

Results

All recorded clinical parameters were significantly higher in gingival overgrowth groups compared with control. Evaluation of inflammation on tissue sections did not show any significant change within the groups. Immunohistochemistry findings showed that IL‐17A expression was increased in amlodipine samples (81.90%) compared with control samples (42.35%) (P < .001). There was an increase in the inflammatory group (66.08%) which is significantly less than the amlodipine group (P < .05). IL‐17A levels in serum and GCF samples were not different within the study groups.

Conclusion

In this study, elevated IL‐17A expression regardless of inflammation shows that amlodipine might cause an increase of IL‐17A in gingival tissues. This increase might induce fibrotic changes and EMT in gingival overgrowth tissues. The association of IL‐17A with fibrosis and EMT in gingival tissues requires further investigation.
Staff attitudes to and compliance with the use of a surgical safety checklist
Authors: Kilbane H. , Oxtoby C. , Tivers M. S.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To investigate staff attitudes to the use of a surgical safety checklist in a small animal operating room and to gain insight into barriers to use.

Materials and Methods

A questionnaire was designed and used to assess attitudes of 36 operating room personnel to the checklist. The checklist was retrospectively audited on 984 patients over an 8‐month period to investigate compliance.

Results

Responses were obtained from 100% of operating room personnel. Attitudes to the checklist were positive, with 83.4% agreeing that it improved teamwork and 100% agreed that the checklist improved patient safety, reduced error and was best practice. Most personnel (94%) believed that a completed checklist was used for every procedure. Several barriers were highlighted, including issues of hierarchy and team‐working and lack of training. 984 checklists were used during the study period with 83 (8.4%) being fully completed.

Clinical Significance

Surgical safety checklists have potential to improve patient safety in veterinary operating rooms. However, appropriate design and implementation are critical and surgeons should endeavour to support checklist use.
Adaptive genetic variation to drought in a widely distributed conifer suggests a potential for increasing forest resilience in a drying climate
Authors: Depardieu Claire , Girardin Martin P. , Nadeau Simon , Lenz Patrick , Bousquet Jean , Isabel Nathalie
Published: March 2020

Drought intensity and frequency are increasing under global warming, with soil water availability now being a major factor limiting tree growth in circumboreal forests. Still, the adaptive capacity of trees in the face of future climatic regimes remains poorly documented.

Using 1481 annually resolved tree‐ring series from 29‐yr‐old trees, we evaluated the drought sensitivity of 43 white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) populations established in a common garden experiment.

We show that genetic variation among populations in response to drought plays a significant role in growth resilience. Local genetic adaptation allowed populations from drier geographical origins to grow better, as indicated by higher resilience to extreme drought events, compared with populations from more humid geographical origins. The substantial genetic variation found for growth resilience highlights the possibility of selecting for drought resilience in boreal conifers.

As a major research outcome, we showed that adaptive genetic variation in response to changing local conditions can shape drought vulnerability at the intraspecific level. Our findings have wide implications for forest ecosystem management and conservation.
Assessment of trends of land surface vegetation distribution, snow cover and temperature over entire Himachal Pradesh using MODIS datasets
Authors: Haq Mohd Anul , Baral Prashant , Yaragal Shivaprakash , Rahaman Gazi
Published: March 2020

We examine spatial and temporal variability in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), snow cover and land surface temperature (LST) in Himachal Pradesh between 2001 and 2017 using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) datasets. Mann–Kendall trend tests and Sen's slope estimates indicate increasing NDVI trends during the postmonsoon period. Increasing snow cover trend is observed during winter and premonsoon whereas decreasing annual LST trends are observed for Himachal Pradesh. Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC) indicate a strong positive correlation between NDVI and LST (PCC = .808) and strong negative correlation between LST and snow cover (PCC = −.809) and NDVI and snow cover (PCC = −.838). Coefficient of determination greater than .90, between MODIS LST and snow cover observations and weather station records, indicate fair representation of ground conditions using the MODIS dataset. Low (2.4°C/1,000 m) and steep (7.1°C/1,000 m) temperature lapse rate is observed during monsoon and winter, respectively.
Novel finite element‐based plate design for bridging mandibular defects: Reducing mechanical failure
Authors: Merema Bram B. J. , Kraeima Joep , de Visscher Sebastiaan A. H. J. , van Minnen Baucke , Spijkervet Fred K. L. , Schepman Kees‐Pieter , Witjes Max J. H.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

When the application of a free vascularised flap is not possible, a segmental mandibular defect is often reconstructed using a conventional reconstruction plate. Mechanical failure of such reconstructions is mostly caused by plate fracture and screw pull‐out. This study aims to develop a reliable, mechanically superior, yet slender patient‐specific reconstruction plate that reduces failure due to these causes.

Patients and Methods

Eight patients were included in the study. Indications were as follows: fractured reconstruction plate (2), loosened screws (1) and primary reconstruction of a mandibular continuity defect (5). Failed conventional reconstructions were studied using finite element analysis (FEA). A 3D virtual surgical plan (3D‐VSP) with a novel patient‐specific (PS) titanium plate was developed for each patient. Postoperative CBCT scanning was performed to validate reconstruction accuracy.

Results

All PS plates were placed accurately according to the 3D‐VSP. Mean 3D screw entry point deviation was 1.54 mm (SD: 0.85, R: 0.10–3.19), and mean screw angular deviation was 5.76° (SD: 3.27, R: 1.26–16.62). FEA indicated decreased stress and screw pull‐out inducing forces. No mechanical failures appeared (mean follow‐up: 16 months, R: 7–29).

Conclusion

Reconstructing mandibular continuity defects with bookshelf‐reconstruction plates with FEA underpinning the design seems to reduce the risk of screw pull‐out and plate fractures.
Enhanced exudation of malate in the rhizosphere due to AtALMT1 overexpression in blackgram (Vignamungo L.) confers increased aluminium tolerance
Authors: Saha B. , Swain D. , Borgohain P. , Rout G. R. , Koyama H. , Panda S. K.
Published: March 2020

Worldwide, 50% of soil is acidic, which induces aluminium (Al) toxicity in plants, as the phyto‐availability of Al3+ increases in acidic soil. Plants responds to Al3+ toxicity by exuding organic acids into the rhizosphere. The organic acid responsible for Al3+ stress response varies from species to species, which in the case of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) is citrate.

In blackgram, an Arabidopsis malate transporter, AtALMT1, was overexpressed with the motive of inducing enhanced exudation of malate. Transgenics were generated using cotyledon node explants through Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation. The putative transgenics were initially screened by AtALMT1‐specific genomic DNA PCR, followed by quantitative PCR. Two independent transgenic events were identified and functionally characterized in the T3 generation.

The transgenic lines, Line 1 and 2, showed better root growth, relative water content and chlorophyll content under Al3+ stress. Both lines also accounted for less oxidative damage, due to reduced accumulation of ROS molecules. Photosynthetic efficiency, as measured in terms of Fv/Fm, NPQ and Y(II), increased when compared to the wild type (WT). Relative expression of genes (VmSTOP1, VmALS3, VmMATE) responsible for Al3+ stress response in blackgram showed that overexpression of a malate transporter did not have any effect on their expression. Malate exudation increased whereas citrate exudation did not show any divergence from the WT. A pot stress assay found that the transgenics showed better adaptation to acidic soil.

This report demonstrates that the overexpression of a malate transporter in a non‐malate exuding species improves adaptation to Al3+ toxicity in acidic soil without effecting its stress response mechanism.
Genome‐wide association studies and QTL mapping uncover the genetic architecture of ear tip‐barrenness in maize
Authors: Li Zhaoling , Liu Peng , Zhang Xiaoxiang , Zhang Yinchao , Ma Langlang , Liu Min , Guan Zhongrong , Zhang Yanling , Li Peng , Zou Chaoying , He Yongcong , Gao Shibin , Pan Guangtang , Shen Yaou
Published: March 2020

Ear tip‐barrenness (ETB) phenotype threatens crop yield, because it reduces the kernel number per ear. The genetic basis of ETB in maize remains largely unknown. Herein, a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping were jointly applied to identify the significant genetic loci interrelated with ETB. Six significant SNPs were detected at a stringent P‐value threshold (1.95 × 10−6). Additionally, four environment‐stable SNPs were co‐detected across a single environment and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) model at a less stringent P‐value threshold (1 × 10−4). The above 10 SNPs were closely linked to 6 candidate genes, which mainly involved seed development, photosynthesis and ethylene response. Moreover, the ratio of superior allele at each significant SNP ranged from 0 to 83.33% in 30 investigated maize elite lines. QTL mapping identified 14 QTL with phenotypic variation explained (PVE) ranging from 3.64 to 7.09%, of which one QTL (qETB2‐1) was repeatedly identified in two environments. Combined analysis of GWAS and QTL mapping showed that one SNP (PZE‐102175229, chromosome 2: 217 66 Mb) was located in the QTL (qETB2‐2, chromosome 2: 215 90–217 82 Mb). Eighteen gene models situated in the linkage disequilibrium (LD) region of the co‐localized SNP were further used to evaluate their correlation with ETB by candidate gene association analysis. Two superior haplotypes and two superior alleles were detected among 74 lines for Zm00001d007195, Zm00001d007197 and Zm00001d007201. These results provide more information for clarifying the molecular mechanism of ETB and for speeding up the genetic improvement of maize varieties.
Finding our way: Issues and challenges in interreligious teaching and learning
Authors: Berling Judith
Published: March 2020

This article discusses the major findings of the Interreligious Education an Pedagogy Project report and the primary pedagogical issues raised in the subsequent book Experiments in Empathy for our Time. It lifts up up the trends, opportunities, issues, and challenges in interreligious education. Schools developing initiatives in interreligious education may consult the full report on the Graduate Theological Union website (www.gtu.edu) to consider the full range of models, or to the book to explore various pedagogical issues. The website will also eventually house examples of course syllabi and information about interreligious learning events and resources.
Leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinase II phylogenetics reveals five main clades throughout the plant kingdom
Authors: Hosseini Samin , Schmidt Ed D. L. , Bakker Freek T.
Published: March 2020

Receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) represent the largest group of cell surface receptors in plants. The monophyletic leucine‐rich repeat (LRR)‐RLK subfamily II is considered to contain the somatic embryogenesis receptor kinases (SERKs) and NSP‐interacting kinases known to be involved in developmental processes and cellular immunity in plants. There are only a few published studies on the phylogenetics of LRR‐RLKII; unfortunately these suffer from poor taxon/gene sampling. Hence, it is not clear how many and what main clades this family contains, let alone what structure–function relationships exist. We used 1342 protein sequences annotated as ‘SERK’ and ‘SERK‐like’ plus related sequences in order to estimate phylogeny within the LRR‐RLKII clade, using the nematode protein kinase Pelle as an outgroup. We reconstruct five main clades (LRR‐RLKII 1–5), in each of which the main pattern of land plant relationships re‐occurs, confirming previous hypotheses that duplication events happened in this gene subfamily prior to divergence among land plant lineages. We show that domain structures and intron–exon boundaries within the five clades are well conserved in evolution. Furthermore, phylogenetic patterns based on the separate LRR and kinase parts of LRR‐RLKs are incongruent: whereas the LRR part supports a LRR‐RLKII 2/3 sister group relationship, the kinase part supports clades 1/2. We infer that the kinase part includes few ‘radical’ amino acid changes compared with the LRR part. Finally, our results confirm that amino acids involved in each LRR‐RLKII–receptor complex interaction are located at N‐capping residues, and that the short amino acid motifs of this interaction domain are highly conserved throughout evolution within the five LRR‐RLKII clades.
The prevalence and demographic determinants of blood donors receiving testosterone replacement therapy at a large USA blood service organization
Authors: Hazegh Kelsey , Bravo Marjorie D. , Kamel Hany , Dumont Larry , Kanias Tamir
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Blood donors receiving testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) often require therapeutic phlebotomy due to erythrocytosis. Red blood cells (RBCs) donated by eligible TRT donors are approved for collection and transfusion. This study was aimed at defining the prevalence and demographic determinants of TRT donors at a large USA blood service organization.

STUDY DESIGN

Donation data from TRT donors and matched controls was collected from a de‐identified electronic donor database across 16 blood centers in 2017‐2018. Demographic determinants included race, sex, age, hemoglobin (Hb), body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and the frequency of donations in the 2‐year period.

RESULTS

TRT donors comprised 1.6% of the donor population and produced 2.2% of RBC units during 2018. TRT donors were likely to be middle‐aged white or Hispanic men, with high prevalence of obesity (50.8% of TRT donors had BMI ≥30 kg/m2 compared with 36.2% in controls) and intensive donation frequency (1 to 29 donations in 2 years vs. 1 to 12 in controls). TRT donors had significantly (p < 0.0001) higher MAP and Hb compared with controls (MAP 99.9 ± 9.81 vs. 96.5 ± 10.1 mmHg; Hb 17.8 ± 1.44 vs. 15.6 ± 1.37 g/dL). One year of donations was associated with significant decreases in MAP and Hb for TRT donors.

CONCLUSIONS

TRT is associated with high prevalence of erythrocytosis and obesity that may explain the intensive donation frequency, high MAP, and Hb. Frequent phlebotomies had a moderately positive effect on blood pressure and Hb levels. Potential implications of TRT on the quality of the RBC products require further evaluation.
Translanguaging, language ontology, and civil rights
Authors: MacSwan Jeff
Published: March 2020

The author presents a critique of the deconstructivist perspective on translanguaging, which doubts the ontology of discrete speech communities. This paper argues that such a position is inconsistent with a civil rights orientation on language education policy. The paper identifies three aspects of translanguaging –conceptual, pedagogical, andtheoretical. It argues that one approach to translanguaging theory, which accepts the deconstructivist perspective on language ontology, is at odds with a civil rights orientation, the backbone of language education policy in the US. The author argues instead for a linguistically and sociolinguistically robust theory of translanguaging. [Correction added on 20 March 2020, after first online publication: Second and fourth sentences in this abstract section have been edited for consistency.]
Media Literacy Education and Curriculum Integration: A Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Hui , Wang Kai
Published: March 2020

Researchers have explored the benefits and significance of media literacy education (MLE) in school education. Media literacy possesses much potential and its application in education has seen much research interest lately. However, little systematic work currently exists on how researchers have applied MLE for education purposes that considers the integration of media literacy and curriculum. To this aim, we systematically reviewed the literature of the last three decades and found 222 articles, of which only a sample of 98 were considered. We performed a narrative analysis of the relevant studies concerning the integration of MLE in school curriculum based on European countries and non-European countries, namely, objectives of MLE, learning experiences of MLE and assessment of MLE. Our review emphasizes three key dimensions of MLE objectives: the knowledge of media, create media product and develop the understanding of mass media. Furthermore, our analysis has uncovered several differences in the stage of MLE integration in the school education sphere—for instance, MLE was approached in a cross-curricular or a subject-specific way in different countries. Finally, MLE assessment should take into account students as well as teachers in training.
Modal and Forced Response Analysis of Vehicle Systems With Latent Vibration Modes Due to Hydraulic Mounts
Authors: Sakong Hyeon Gyu , Hur Gyunchul , Kim Kwang-Joon , Jeon Wonju
Published: March 2020

Hydraulic mounts used in vehicles for better isolation of vibrations were often approximated by lumped or mechanical mass-damper-spring (m-c-k) models, although deficiency in such modeling was pointed out and “hydraulic” modeling was proposed as an alternative. In this paper, a brief review on the mechanical m-c-k modeling and “hydraulic” modeling of the hydraulic mounts is presented. A simplest system consisting of a single mass and a hydraulic mount is used to illustrate both equivalence and difference in a closed form between the two modeling approaches. Then, modal analyses are done on an apparently three degrees-of-freedom (DOF) quarter car with a hydraulic mount, where the key idea is to use an internal variable for the movement of fluid mass which is responsible for a “latent” vibration mode. Equations of motion for the apparently 3DOF system, 4DOF system in fact, by the two modeling are formulated. Modal parameters by the proposed “hydraulic” modeling of the hydraulic mount are compared with those by the m-c-k modeling. Forced responses to transient base excitations are also compared between the two modeling approaches to illustrate how much errors can arise in the frequency and time domain analysis. To be more realistic, the modal and forced response analysis on a full car of an apparently 10DOF (3DOF for powertrain, 3DOF for car body, and 4DOF for knuckles and tires) with two more DOF internally for two hydraulic mounts between the powertrain and car body is presented.
Orifice Diameter Effects on Diesel Fuel Jet Flame Structure
Authors: Pickett Lyle M. , Siebers Dennis L.
Published: March 2020

The effects of orifice diameter on several aspects of diesel fuel jet flame structure were investigated in a constant-volume combustion vessel under heavy-duty, direct-injection (DI) diesel engine conditions using Phillips research grade #2 diesel fuel and orifice diameters ranging from 45 μm to 180 μm. The overall flame structure was visualized with time-averaged OH chemiluminescence and soot luminosity images acquired during the quasi-steady portion of the diesel combustion event that occurs after the transient premixed burn is completed and the flame length is established. The lift-off length, defined as the farthest upstream location of high-temperature combustion, and the flame length were determined from the OH chemiluminescence images. In addition, relative changes in the amount of soot formed for various conditions were determined from the soot incandescence images.

Combined with previous investigations of liquid-phase fuel penetration and spray development, the results show that air entrainment upstream of the lift-off length (relative to the amount of fuel injected) is very sensitive to orifice diameter. As orifice diameter decreases, the relative air entrainment upstream of the lift-off length increases significantly. The increased relative air entrainment results in a reduced overall average equivalence ratio in the fuel jet at the lift-off length and reduced soot luminosity downstream of the lift-off length. The reduced soot luminosity indicates that the amount of soot formed relative to the amount of fuel injected decreases with orifice diameter. The flame lengths determined from the images agree well with gas jet theory for momentum-driven, non-premixed turbulent flames.
Simultaneous Reduction of NOx and Particulate Emissions by Using Oxygen-Enriched Combustion Air
Authors: Poola Ramesh , Sekar Raj
Published: March 2020

This paper discusses the results obtained from experiments conducted on a large-bore diesel engine when oxygen-enriched combustion air is used. An operating regime was identified in which particulates and NOx could be reduced simultaneously when the concentration of intake air oxygen, fueling rate, and injection timing were optimized. Additional benefits such as higher gross power, lower peak cylinder pressures, and lower brake-specific fuel consumption were also observed under these optimized operating parameters. With an optimal operating strategy (oxygen concentration, fueling rate, and timing), particulates were reduced by approximately 60% and NOx emissions were reduced by 15–20%. Gross power was increased by about 15–20% at base peak combustion pressure, and brake-specific fuel consumption was decreased by 2–10% with load. These results were obtained on a two-cylinder (EMD 567B) locomotive research diesel engine using oxygen from an external source. To utilize this technique in practice, an air separation membrane and associated auxiliary equipment could be connected to the engine’s intake air system (after the air filter) to supply the desired oxygen-enriched combustion air; this additional evaluation is beyond the scope of current study. Although operating the membrane causes a parasitic power drain, the increase in gross power could compensate for these losses, resulting in a potential net gain in power and lower emissions for diesel engines.
Response Surface Method Optimization of a HSDI Diesel Engine Equipped With a Common Rail Injection System
Authors: Lee Taewon , Reitz Rolf D.
Published: March 2020

To overcome the trade-off between NOx and particulate emissions for future diesel vehicles and engines it is necessary to seek methods to lower pollutant emissions. The desired simultaneous improvement in fuel efficiency for future DI diesels is also a difficult challenge due to the combustion modifications that will be required to meet the exhaust emission mandates.

This study demonstrates the emission reduction capability of EGR and other parameters on a High Speed Direct Injection (HSDI) diesel engine equipped with a common rail injection system using an RSM optimization method. Engine testing was done at 1757 rev/min, 45% load. The variables used in the optimization process included injection pressure, boost pressure, injection timing, and EGR rate. RSM optimization led engine operating parameters to reach a low-temperature and premixed combustion regime called the MK combustion region, and resulted in simultaneous reductions in NOx and particulate emissions without sacrificing fuel efficiency. It was shown that RSM optimization is an effective and powerful tool for realizing the full advantages of the combined effects of combustion control techniques by optimizing their parameters. It was also shown that through a close observation of optimization processes, a more thorough understanding of HSDI diesel combustion can be provided.
Working Toward Homogeneous Diesel Combustion: A Fresh Look at the Work of Max Fiedler
Authors: Baxter John M. , Hiltner Joel
Published: March 2020

Max Fiedler developed a lightweight automotive diesel engine with a novel combustion system, presenting initial results in 1939. A unique injection concept incorporated in the engine created a pre-mixed, semi-homogeneous charge using uniformly low injection pressures and advanced injection timing. His evidence showed: extremely smooth combustion and controlled energy release in the early stages of burning; complete elimination of diesel knock; appropriate timing of the onset of combustion; and a combustion event that remained robust through to its conclusion, likely forming a minimum of particulate. Fiedler’s work was largely ignored by other engineers of the day, but there is significant evidence in later work that both explains and confirms his basic claims. The available knowledge relating to Fiedler’s combustion system provides important information about the conditions required to produce smooth heat release in well mixed compression ignition systems.