bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol, pattern of drinking and all‐cause mortality in Russia, Belarus and Hungary: a retrospective indirect cohort study based on mortality of relatives
Authors: Horvat Pia , Stefler Denes , Murphy Michael , King Lawrence , McKee Martin , Bobak Martin
Published: February 2018

Aims

To assess the relationship between alcohol intake frequency and mortality among males and females in three Eastern European populations, and to estimate the additional mortality risk posed by a combination of frequent drinking, binge drinking and other hazardous drinking habits.

Design

Retrospective cohort study; the cohort consisted of close relatives of survey participants.

Setting

Middle‐sized settlements in Russia, Belarus and Hungary.

Participants

A total of 124 150 subjects aged 35–69 years in 1998 and followed‐up until 2013.

Measurements

Survey respondents provided information on their mothers, fathers, siblings and partners of female respondents. This information, including current vital status and dates of birth and death, was used to construct the cohort of relatives. Alcohol consumption indices, reported by survey participants, included drinking frequency, binge drinking and hazardous drinking [consuming non‐beverage and/or illicitly‐produced alcohol and/or heavy drinking over several days (zapoi in Russian)].

Findings

Drinking frequency was associated positively with mortality in all three countries and both genders. At each drinking frequency level, mortality risk increased among those who also engaged in binge and/or hazardous drinking. Regular male drinkers who were also binge drinkers and hazardous drinkers had the highest risk of death; their hazard ratios (HR), compared with non‐binge‐non‐hazardous occasional drinkers, were 2.56 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.27–2.88], 2.14 (95% CI = 1.84–2.48) and 2.11 (95% CI = 1.90–2.35) in Russia, Belarus and Hungary, respectively. In women, the corresponding HRs (using a lower frequency cut‐off) were 2.86 (95% CI = 1.99–4.12) in Russia, 3.44 (95% CI = 2.17–5.44) in Belarus and 3.01 (95% CI = 2.26–4.01) in Hungary.

Conclusions

Drinking frequency is associated positively with mortality among men and women in Russia, Belarus and Hungary. The mortality risk is higher among frequent drinkers who exhibit binge and hazardous drinking patterns.
Time‐since‐fire and climate interact to affect the structural recovery of an Australian semi‐arid plant community
Authors: Kenny Sally A. , Bennett Andrew F. , Clarke Michael F. , Morgan John W.
Published: February 2018

How does time‐since‐fire influence the structural recovery of semi‐arid, eucalypt‐dominated Murray‐Mallee shrublands after fire, and is recovery affected by spatial variation in climate? We assessed the structure and dynamics of a hummock grass, Triodia scariosa N.T. Burb, and mallee eucalypts – two key structural components of mallee shrublands – using a >100 year time‐since‐fire chronosequence. The relative influence of climatic variables, both individually and combined with time‐since‐fire, was modelled to account for spatial variation in the recovery of vegetation structural components. Time‐since‐fire was the primary determinant of the structural recovery of T. scariosa and eucalypts. However, climate, notably mean annual rainfall and rainfall variability, also influenced the recovery of the eucalypt overstorey, T. scariosa cover and mean hummock height. We observed that (i) the mean number of live eucalypt stems per individual decreased while mean individual basal area increased, (ii) cover of T. scariosa peaked at ~30 years post‐fire and gradually decreased thereafter, and (iii) the ‘hummock’ form of T. scariosa occurred throughout the chronosequence, whereas the ‘ring’ form tended not to occur until ~30 years post‐fire. Time‐since‐fire was the key determinant of the structural recovery of eucalypt‐dominated mallee shrublands, but there is geographical variation in recovery related to rainfall and its variability. Fire regimes are likely to have different effects across the geographic range of mallee shrublands.
Clinical trials in allergen immunotherapy: current concepts and future needs
Authors: Pfaar O. , Alvaro M. , Cardona V. , Hamelmann E. , Mösges R. , Kleine‐Tebbe J.
Published: February 2018

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a safe, effective treatment for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic asthma. However, AIT's clinical effect is still contested—primarily due to heterogeneity in clinical trial designs, study populations, therapeutic formulations, and efficacy criteria. After discussing current concepts and unmet needs, an international panel of experts made several recommendations: (i) explore and validate definitions for (clinical) responders in AIT trials; (ii) use of well‐documented, standardized provocation tests prior to inclusion of subjects with relevant diseases in AIT trials; (iii) monitoring neo‐sensitizations and occurrence of new allergy in extended AIT trials, and exclusion of polyallergic participants; (iv) validation of allergen exposure chambers with regard to natural exposure; (v) in studies of seasonal allergies, focus on peak exposure but also consider organizing two parallel, geographically distinct but otherwise identical trials; (vi) discuss adaptive trial designs with the regulatory authorities; (vii) use e‐health and m‐health technologies to capture more information on individual exposure to allergens; (viii) initiate research on potential psychological, biochemical, immune, neural, and even genomic markers of the placebo response; (ix) identify trial designs and primary endpoints that will give children with allergies easier, faster access to AIT formulations; and (x) promote and apply standardized methods for reporting systemic and local adverse events. The latest technologies and trial designs may provide novel, ethical ways of reducing bias and heterogeneity in AIT clinical trials. There is scope for physicians, patient organizations, companies, and regulators to improve clinical trials in AIT and, ultimately, to provide patients with better treatments.
Guidance on the use of probiotics in clinical practice in children with selected clinical conditions and in specific vulnerable groups
Authors: Hojsak Iva , Fabiano Valentina , Pop Tudor Lucian , Goulet Olivier , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Çokuğraş Fugen Cullu , Pettoello‐Mantovani Massimo , Kolaček Sanja
Published: February 2018

Aim

The use of probiotics has been covered by many guidelines, position papers and evidence‐based recommendations, but few have referred to specific patient groups or clinical indications. This review summarises recommendations and scientifically credited guidelines on the use of probiotics for children with selected clinical conditions and provides practice points.

Methods

An expert panel was convened by the European Paediatric Association in June 2017 to define the relevant clinical questions for using probiotics in paediatric health care and review and summarise the guidelines, recommendations, position papers and high‐quality evidence.

Results

The panel found that specific probiotic strains were effective in preventing antibiotic‐associated and nosocomial diarrhoea, treating acute gastroenteritis and treating infantile colic in breastfed infants. However, special caution is indicated for premature infants, immunocompromised and critically ill patients and those with central venous catheters, cardiac valvular disease and short‐gut syndrome. This review discusses the safety of using probiotics in selected groups of paediatric patients and the quality of the available products providing practice points based on proved findings.

Conclusion

Efficacy of probiotics is strain specific. Their benefits are currently scientifically proven for their use in selected clinical conditions in children and not recommended for certain patient groups.
Group‐Based Diet and Physical Activity Weight‐Loss Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Borek Aleksandra J. , Abraham Charles , Greaves Colin J. , Tarrant Mark
Published: February 2018

Background

Many weight‐loss interventions are delivered in groups but evidence on their effectiveness, and characteristics associated with effectiveness, is limited. We synthesised evidence on (1) design and delivery of group‐based weight‐loss interventions; (2) effectiveness; and (3) associations between intervention characteristics, change techniques, and effectiveness.

Methods

Five online databases were searched to May 2017 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of group‐based diet and/or physical activity interventions for overweight/obese adults (BMI ≥ 25). Intervention characteristics were synthesised narratively. Mean differences (MD) in weight loss were calculated using a random‐effects meta‐analysis, and sub‐group analyses were conducted to identify moderators of effectiveness.

Results

Forty‐seven RCTs reporting 60 evaluations of group‐based interventions were included. MD in weight loss between intervention and control groups was −3.49 [95% CI −4.15, −2.84], −3.44 [−4.23, −2.85], and −2.56 kg [−3.79, −1.33] at follow‐ups closest to 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Explicitly targeting weight loss, men‐only groups providing feedback and dietary goals were significantly associated with greater effectiveness (p < .05).

Conclusions

Diet and physical activity interventions delivered in groups are effective in promoting clinically meaningful weight loss at 12 months. Intervention design and effectiveness vary considerably between studies, and evidence on what optimises the effectiveness of group‐based weight‐loss interventions remains limited.
Clinical staging model in offspring of parents with bipolar disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Raouna Aigli , Osam Cemre Su , MacBeth Angus
Published: February 2018

abstract

Objective

We sought to systematically review the literature on the psychiatric risk of offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (OPBD) using a developmental psychopathology framework. The review also sought to establish the utility of clinical stage modelling as a framework for identifying precursor disorders to later onset of bipolar disorder (BD) in OPBD.

Methods

A systematic search was performed using EMBASE, PsychINFO and Medline. Reference lists of included studies and previous reviews were also searched. Studies were included if they reported diagnostic outcomes for child, adolescent and young adult offspring of parents diagnosed with BD.

Results

Twenty‐six studies were identified representing 21 individual cohorts. The review identified that OBPD present as a high‐risk group for a range of mood and non‐mood disorders in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. The trajectory of risk was from non‐mood disorders in childhood via non‐bipolar mood disorders in early adolescence towards mania/hypomania in late adolescence and early adulthood. From a clinical staging perspective, childhood anxiety disorders were associated with later onset of BD. Recurrent substance use disorder was identified as a risk in OPBD during late adolescence and early adulthood. Quality ratings indicated that studies were methodologically robust.

Conclusions

Our review provides evidence for a developmental psychopathology trajectory of precursor risks to BD in OPBD. There is support for clinical stage modelling as a conceptual framework for understanding developmental risk in OPBD and as a tool for developing early and individualized intervention strategies.
Replacing the Canadianization Generation: An Examination of Faculty Composition from 1977 through 2017
Authors: Lachapelle François , Burnett Patrick John
Published: February 2018

Amid growing numbers of doctoral graduates entering an increasingly competitive global academic job market, concerns about equity in the hiring process and the value of the Canadian Ph.D. are mounting. Grounded within the historical context of the Canadianization Movement, we examine the doctoral credentials of 4,934 U15 social science faculty between 1977 and 2017 to understand the ebb and flow of incoming and outgoing faculty across the country's academic field. Our trend analyses reveal an overall increase in the proportion of Canadian‐trained faculty hires with the noted exceptions of Canada's top three universities who display a strong presence of high‐status American‐trained faculty throughout. Results from the contemporary period, between 1997 and 2017, reveal a time of retirement during which outgoing Canadian‐trained faculty are replaced with increasing proportions of American‐trained academics.
Islamophobia in Canada: Measuring the Realities of Negative Attitudes Toward Muslims and Religious Discrimination
Authors: Wilkins‐Laflamme Sarah
Published: February 2018

There has been growing discussion surrounding the phenomenon of Islamophobia in Western societies over the last few years. However, in‐depth empirical research of the prevalence and patterns of prejudice toward Muslims remains scarce, especially in the Canadian context. With data from the 2011 Canadian Election Study and the 2014 General Social Survey, this study measures the extent to which negative feelings toward Muslims are present among the general adult population, and the extent to which Muslim Canadians themselves say they have experienced discrimination in recent years due to their religion, ethnicity, and culture.
Does integrated academic and health education prevent substance use? Systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: Melendez‐Torres G. J. , Tancred T. , Fletcher A. , Thomas J. , Campbell R. , Bonell C.
Published: February 2018

Background

Prevention of substance (alcohol, tobacco, illegal/legal drug) use in adolescents is a public health priority. As the scope for school‐based health education is constrained in school timetables, interventions integrating academic and health education have gained traction in the UK and elsewhere, though evidence for their effectiveness remains unclear. We sought to synthesize the effectiveness of interventions integrating academic and health education for the prevention of substance use.

Methods

We searched 19 databases between November and December 2015, among other methods. We included randomized trials of interventions integrating academic and health education targeting school students aged 4–18 and reporting substance use outcomes. We excluded interventions for specific health‐related subpopulations (e.g., children with behavioural difficulties). Data were extracted independently in duplicate. Outcomes were synthesized by school key stage (KS) using multilevel meta‐analyses, for substance use, overall and by type.

Results

We identified 7 trials reporting substance use. Interventions reduced substance use generally in years 7–9 (KS3) based on 5 evaluations (d = −0.09, 95% CI [−0.17, −0.01], I2 = 35%), as well as in years 10–11 (KS4) based on 3 evaluations (−0.06, [−0.09, −0.02]; I2 = 0%). Interventions were broadly effective for reducing specific alcohol, tobacco, and drug use in both KS groups.

Conclusions

Evidence quality was highly variable. Findings for years 3–6 and 12–13 could not be meta‐analysed, and we could not assess publication bias. Interventions appear to have a small but significant effect reducing substance use. Specific methods of integrating academic and health education remain poorly understood.
Anxiety and anger of homeless people coping with dental care
Authors: Mago Anjali , MacEntee Michael I. , Brondani Mario , Frankish James
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To reveal and describe from open‐ended interviews how homeless people in Vancouver interpret, appraise and cope with dental care.

Methods

Audio‐recorded interviews with 25 homeless people (18 men and 7 women; age range: 25‐64 years), purposefully selected for a range of experiences, were transcribed and analysed inductively. The process of interpretive description drawing from the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations and Lazarus's Theory of Emotions identified how participants appraised and coped with dental care.

Results

Four dominant themes emerged: barriers to care; service use; opinions on dental health; and improving dental services. Participants were anxious about the cost of dentistry and fearful of dentists. They got emergency dental care with difficulty, usually in hospital emergency departments although mostly they preferred self‐treatment. They acknowledged the importance of dental health but felt stigmatized by their homelessness and visibly unhealthy mouths. They wanted accessible dental services with financial assistance from government, more widespread information about community dental clinics, and, notably among the Indigenous participants, less humiliating discrimination from dentists.

Conclusions

Homeless people have difficulty coping with dental care. They believe that dentistry is frightening, humiliating and expensive, and governments are neither sympathetic to their disability nor willing to provide helpful information about community dental clinics or sufficient dental benefits for their needs.
Methodological issues in assessing the association between periodontitis and caries among adolescents
Authors: Nascimento Gustavo G. , Baelum Vibeke , Dahlen Gunnar , Lopez Rodrigo
Published: February 2018

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the association between dental caries and periodontitis among adolescents participating in a case‐control study of periodontitis. In addition, we compared 2 analytical approaches to estimate the association: conventional regression and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Methods

Along with periodontal recordings, data were obtained on caries, just as subgingival plaque samples were collected. Sociodemographic information was collected with a questionnaire. We used factor analyses to express the many correlated clinical periodontal dimensions in a smaller number of factors. The association between caries (counts of enamel and dentin lesions, or dentin lesions only) and periodontitis was tested using negative binomial regression with robust variance (conventional regression) and weighted least squares (SEM) estimation.

Results

Factor analysis revealed 2 different latent periodontal variables: “extent” and “severity” of periodontitis. Using conventional regression, the “extent” of periodontitis was positively associated with higher counts of dentin caries lesions, even after adjustments for maternal education and subgingival microbial composition (rate ratio 1.34; 95% CI 1.07‐1.68). The “severity” of periodontitis was associated with lower counts of enamel and dentin caries lesions (rate ratio 0.85 95% CI 0.77‐0.92). The SEM revealed a positive association between periodontitis “extent” and number of dentin caries lesions (coefficient 0.29; P < .0001). The “severity” of periodontitis was negatively associated with enamel and dentin caries (coefficient −0.44; P < .0001).

Conclusions

We found an association between caries and periodontitis among adolescents. The “severity” of periodontitis was negatively associated with enamel/dentin caries, whereas the “extent” of periodontitis was positively associated with dentin caries irrespective of the analytical approach employed.
Body fat content, fat distribution and adipocytokine production and their correlation with fertility markers in young adult men and women conceived by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
Authors: Belva F. , De Schepper J. , Roelants M. , Tournaye H. , Bonduelle M. , Provyn S.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Differences in body fat content during childhood and adolescence have been described in offspring conceived by in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). However, data on body fat and its distribution as well as on adipocytokine production in young adults conceived by ICSI are nonexistent. We investigated if young adult men and women conceived by ICSI have a normal body fat patterning and adipocytokine production.

Design

Cohort study.

Patients

One hundred twenty‐seven young adults conceived by ICSI and 138 peers born after spontaneous conception.

Measurements

Anthropometric parameters (skinfold thickness, hip and waist circumferences), dual X‐ray absorptiometry (whole body and regional) measurements and adipocytokine levels (leptin and adiponectin) were analysed in relation to fertility markers (serum anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B).

Results

While at age 18 years, a normal body fat distribution and normal leptin and adiponectin production was found in both male and female ICSI offspring, young men conceived by ICSI had a higher peripheral fat deposition in comparison with spontaneously conceived peers. No correlation between AMH and inhibin B with leptin or adiponectin was observed.

Conclusion

While men conceived by ICSI, but not women, had a higher peripheral fat deposition, body fat distribution as well as mean levels of adipocytokines were not affected by the mode of conception.
Novel insights on testicular volume and testosterone replacement therapy in Klinefelter patients undergoing testicular sperm extraction. A retrospective clinical study
Authors: Garolla Andrea , Selice Riccardo , Menegazzo Massimo , Valente Umberto , Zattoni Filiberto , Iafrate Massimo , Prayer‐Galetti Tommaso , Gardiman Marina P. , Ferlin Alberto , Di Nisio Andrea , Foresta Carlo
Published: February 2018

Study question

To investigate whether sperm recovery is related to clinical features, hormone parameters and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS).

Summary answer

This study provides three interesting insights: (i) the probability to retrieve sperm is not related to testicular volume; (ii) TRT does not affect sperm retrieval rate (SRR); and (iii) reduced levels of LH and FSH represent a negative predictor of sperm retrieval in patients with TRT.

What is known already

Classical KS shows a karyotype with one extra X chromosome in all of somatic cells and clinical manifestations characterized by hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and infertility.

Study design, size and duration

We performed a retrospective cohort study. Data from 111 consecutive KS azoospermic patients undergoing testicular sperm extraction (TESE) were collected from 2005 to 2016.

Participants/materials, setting and methods

Data on anthropometric parameters, reproductive hormones and testicular volumes were collected. SRR was related to clinical characteristics and compared between TRT and untreated patients.

Main results and the role of chance

A total of 38 patients (34.2%) had successful sperm recovery. The comparison of clinical characteristics did not differ between patients with and without sperm recovery. Sperm retrieval was successful also in subjects with smaller testes. The comparison of SRR in patients with or without TRT was not different (33.3% vs 34.6%). In TRT group, LH and FSH levels were significantly lower in subjects with no sperm retrieval (P values, respectively, <.05 and <.001).

Limitations and reasons for caution

Well‐designed controlled studies are necessary to confirm these data aimed to set the best therapeutic approach for fertility management in hypogonadal patients with nonmosaic KS.

Wider implications of the findings

Age at TESE, anthropometric measures, testis volume, sex hormones levels and semen parameters are not predictive parameters of SRR. Among TRT patients, reduced gonadotropin is related to failure in sperm retrieval.
An assessment of 18F‐FDG PET/CT for thoracic screening and risk stratification of pulmonary nodules in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Authors: So Alvin , Pointon Owen , Hodgson Richard , Burgess John
Published: February 2018

Context

Bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumours (bpNETs) and thymic carcinoid (ThC) are features of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1), and surveillance guidelines recommend periodic thoracic imaging. The optimal thoracic imaging modality and screening frequency remain uncertain as does the prognosis of small lung nodules when identified.

Objectives

To evaluate fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) for identification and prognostic assessment of thoracic lesions in MEN 1.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting and participants

Fifty consecutive MEN 1 patients undergoing screening with 18F‐FDG PET/CT at a tertiary referral hospital between July 2011 and December 2016.

Interventions

18F‐FDG PET/CT.

Outcome measures

Pulmonary and thymic lesion prevalence, size, functional characteristics and behaviour.

Results

Thirteen patients (26.0%) exhibited pulmonary nodules with multiple nodules identified in nine (18.0%). An asymptomatic 31 mm FDG‐avid ThC was identified in one patient (2%). Of the 13 patients with pulmonary nodules, four (8.0%) exhibited 13 FDG‐avid nodules (mean size 10.1 ± 9.1 mm), and nine (18.0%) demonstrated 26 FDG nonavid nodules (mean size 6.9 ± 5.8 mm). All FDG‐avid lesions increased in size vs 11 (42.3%) FDG nonavid lesions (P = .0004). For FDG‐avid and nonavid nodules, the median doubling time was 24.2 months (IQR 11.4‐40.7) and 48.6 months (IQR 37.0‐72.2), respectively. Nodule resection was undertaken in two patients, typical bronchial carcinoid diagnosed in one (FDG nonavid) and metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the second (FDG avid).

Conclusion

Thoracic imaging with 18F‐FDG PET/CT effectively identifies pulmonary nodules and ThC. FDG‐avid pulmonary lesions are significantly more likely to progress than nonavid lesions.
The Determinants of Adolescent Neighborhood Satisfaction: Assessing the Importance of School Satisfaction
Authors: Brazil Noli
Published: February 2018

As traditional neighborhood institutions, public schools can have significant influence on adolescent neighborhood satisfaction. Scholars have argued, however, that various phenomena have detached schools from their local communities, likely lessening their influence on satisfaction levels. Using data on a nationally representative sample of U.S. adolescents, the present study identifies the determinants of adolescent neighborhood satisfaction with a particular focus on the influence of schools. The study finds that school satisfaction influences neighborhood satisfaction above and beyond neighborhood characteristics, individual well–being, and parental influences. The results also indicate that distance between the school and residence, the percent of married families in the local neighborhood, and perceptions of school safety moderate the relationship between school and neighborhood satisfaction. The study also finds that the effects of the neighborhood environment vary by geographic scale, suggesting the need to account for varying definitions of neighborhood rather than relying on a single measure.
Overcoming Spatial Mismatch: The Opportunities and Limits of Transit Mode in Addressing the Black–White Unemployment Gap
Authors: Covington Kenya L.
Published: February 2018

Spatial inequality is a central characteristic of U.S. metropolitan areas. Overcoming related employment disadvantages requires a broad set of responses: relocation, economic development, or an increase in mobility. Given the difficulty of widespread relocation or urban rebuilding programs, increasing mobility through transportation options may be a core solution in the short term. This article explains the racial gap in unemployment under spatial mismatch in the largest metropolitan areas by examining racial gaps in automobile access and public transit use. Research questions focus on which transit options are important to negotiate spatial mismatch and whether there are racial differences in the transit effect. Presented are descriptive and multivariate analyses using 2000 data from the U.S. Census, the Economic Census, and the Zip Code Business Pattern files. Findings show that comparatively, automobile access dominates the public transit effect on Black and White male unemployment in the 100 largest MSAs. First–difference analyses show that Black/White gaps in automobile access correlate with greater racial unemployment disparities, while racial gaps in public transit access seem to be associated with lower racial disparities in unemployment.
Bacterial microleakage at the abutment‐implant interface, in vitro study
Authors: Larrucea Carlos , Conrado Aparicio , Olivares Denise , Padilla Carlos , Barrera Andrea , Lobos Olga
Published: February 2018

Introduction

In implant rehabilitation, a microspace is created at the abutment‐implant interface (AII). Previous research has shown that oral microbiome can proliferate in this microspace and affect periimplant tissues, causing inflammation in peri‐implant tissues. Preventing microbial leakages through the AII is therefore an important goal in implantology.

Objective

To determine the presence of marginal bacterial microleakage at the AII according to the torque applied to the prosthetic implant in vitro.

Material and Methods

Twenty‐five Ticare Inhex internal conical implants (MG Mozo‐Grau, Valladolid, España) were connected to a prosthetic abutment using torques of <10, 10, 20, 30, and 30 N and then sealed. The samples were submitted to cycles of occlusal loads and thermocycling, then one sample of each group was observed by micro TC, while the rest were mounted on devices according to the bacterial leakage model with Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Results

Bacterial leakage was observed only in the <10 and 10 N torque samples, and the same groups presented poor abutment/implant adjustment as determined by micro‐CT.

Conclusion

The different torques applied to the abutment‐implant system condition the bacterial leakage at the implant interface. No microleakage was observed at 20 and 30 N.
An up to 17‐year follow‐up retrospective analysis of a minimally invasive, flapless approach: 18 945 implants in 7783 patients
Authors: Jesch Philip , Jesch Wolfgang , Bruckmoser Emanuel , Krebs Mischa , Kladek Tibor , Seemann Rudolf
Published: February 2018

Background

This study investigates gender, age, jaw, implant position, loading protocol (immediate vs delayed), smoking, and type of surgery (punch vs flap) as influential factors of implant survival in a large patient collective.

Purpose

To evaluate the survival rates of implants in patients using a mucoperiosteal punch for flapless implantation in the majority of cases in order to evaluate its medical efficacy and safety.

Materials and Methods

Between 1994 and 2015 all patients with complete data treated at the Wienerberg Dental Clinic, Vienna, Austria, were included and statistically analyzed in Cox proportional hazard (PH) models. As patients with multiple implants were included, a clustering term was added to the Cox PH model to respect pooled failures in patients.

Results

Of the initial 24 282 ANKYLOS/Dentsply implants placed in 8137 patients a total of 7783 patients with 18 945 implants were finally included. The mean follow‐up was 2.8 ± 3.2 up to 17.9 years. Cumulative survival rates (CSRs) after 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 98.5%, 97.7%, 96.7%, and 93.0%, respectively. Of these, 17 517 (92.5%) implants were placed minimally invasive via a flapless approach by use of the ATP‐Punch with comparable survival rates as observed for flap surgery. The Cox PH models proved smoking (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.2) and implant position as significant factors of implant survival. In the maxilla, canines and third molars were identified as low risk sites in comparison to the most frequently implanted first premolar site. In the mandible, the central incisor and second premolar were identified as high‐risk sites, the canine as low risk site in comparison to the most frequently placed first molar site.

Conclusion

The analyzed data concludes the safety and medical efficacy of the ATP‐Punch. The CSRs using this flapless technique are comparable to the classic surgical flap approach.
Misconception and mismanagement of invasive species: The paradoxical case of an alien ungulate in Spain
Authors: Cassinello Jorge
Published: February 2018

Scientific evidence should dominate in any management decision dealing with alien species. It is also essential for all stakeholders to agree on the terminology used to avoid undesirable misinterpretations. A well‐known example is the use of the term “invasive,” which has two basic meanings, one as a biogeographic criterion and the other as an impact criterion. The aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) is a North African ungulate introduced in Spain, which was labeled “invasive” by Spanish authorities due to misreading of the term used by early studies. Indeed, to date, there are no conclusive empirical data showing negative effects of the aoudad on native flora and fauna. Recent studies have shown that its closest native ungulate, the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica), has expanded throughout territories already occupied by the aoudad, without any apparent conflict. Aoudad diet selection studies also show them to be markedly grazers, so its role in the Mediterranean trophic network might be similar to that of extinct wild ungulates that fed in natural meadows, maintaining landscapes heterogeneous. New opportunities for its study are opening, particularly in Iberian semiarid lands. Unfortunately though, its current simplistic definition as an invasive species keeps in suspense its eventual eradication throughout the country.
Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided transenteric pancreatic duct drainage without cautery for obstructive pancreatitis as a result of ampullary carcinoma
Authors: Miyata Takeshi , Kamata Ken , Takenaka Mamoru
Published: February 2018

Watch a video of this article
Revisitation analysis uncovers spatio‐temporal patterns in animal movement data
Authors: Bracis Chloe , Bildstein Keith L. , Mueller Thomas
Published: February 2018

Animals regularly return to locations such as foraging patches, nests, dens, watering holes, or movement corridors, and these revisited locations are often sites of ecological significance. Analyzing the temporal and spatial pattern of revisitation can lead to important insights into the life history and ecology of populations. We introduce the R package ‘recurse’ to calculate revisitations to locations in the movement trajectory or other locations for one or multiple individuals. The package also calculates metrics such as residence time and time between visits. It can be used to quantitatively identify frequently used sites (e.g. dens, nests, foraging locations), to examine patterns of revisitation and link them with covariates such as habitat features or climatic data, and to address conservation questions of interest about specific locations. We present an example application with movement trajectory data from a turkey vulture Cathartes aura during the breeding season and demonstrate analyzing recursions, specific locations, seasonal and daily temporal patterns, and visit timing. The ‘recurse’ package should be of interest both to ecologists looking to analyze their movement data and to conservationists needing site‐specific information for management and conservation actions.
The hosts and geographic range of Dothistroma needle blight in Slovakia
Authors: Jánošíková ‐ Hečková Z. , Ondrušková E. , Barta M. , Ostrovský R. , Kádasi‐Horáková M. , Pastirčáková K. , Kobza M. , Adamčíková K.
Published: February 2018

The occurrence and distribution of Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) were studied in 2014–2017 around Slovakia. A total of 84 localities, both native and planted, were investigated, and the presence of DNB was confirmed in 73 of them. In all positive locations, symptoms typical of DNB were observed and the Dothistroma species was confirmed using species‐specific primers either from fungal cultures or directly from needles. Both Dothistroma species—D. septosporum and D. pini—were identified. Both species occurred together in 29 locations, only D. septosporum in 42 and only D. pini in two locations. The host range of D. septosporum included 10 pine species and two spruce species. The host range of D. pini comprised the same number of pine hosts but only one spruce species. Five pine hosts, P. aristata, P. coulteri, P. densiflora, P. jeffreyi, P. × schwerinii, and one spruce host P. abies are new hosts species of D. pini. P. densiflora and Picea pungens have earlier been reported to be susceptible for DNB. In this study, D. septosporum was found from both tree species.
Arginine vasopressin differentially modulates GABAergic synaptic transmission onto temperature‐sensitive and temperature‐insensitive neurons in the rat preoptic area
Authors: Tang Yu , Sun Yan‐Ni , Xu Run , Huang Xiao , Gu Shuang , Hong Cheng‐Cheng , Liu Mi‐Jia , Jiang Heng , Yang Yong‐Lu , Shi Jing
Published: February 2018

The preoptic area (POA) of the hypothalamus, containing temperature‐sensitive and temperature‐insensitive neurons, plays a key role in specific thermoregulatory responses. Although arginine vasopressin (AVP) has been shown to induce hypothermia by increasing the firing activities of warm‐sensitive neurons and decreasing those of cold‐sensitive and temperature‐insensitive neurons, the effects of AVP on POA GABAergic transmission remain unknown. Herein, inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) of temperature‐sensitive and temperature‐insensitive neurons in POA slices were recorded using whole‐cell patch clamp. By monitoring changes in GABAergic transmission during AVP treatment, we showed that AVP decreased the amplitudes and frequencies of spontaneous IPSCs in mostly warm‐sensitive neurons and in some temperature‐insensitive neurons but increased these parameters in other temperature‐insensitive neurons. The IPSC amplitude was reduced for only cold‐sensitive neurons. RT‐PCR and Western blot analyses further confirmed the POA expression of V1a receptors and GABAA receptors, including the subunits α1, α2, α3, β2, β3 and γ2. The effects of AVP on IPSCs in temperature‐sensitive and temperature‐insensitive neurons were dependent on G proteins and intracellular Ca2+. AVP‐mediated modulation was associated with changes in the kinetic parameters (decay time, 10–90% rise time, half‐width). Together, these results suggest that AVP, acting via V1a receptors but not V1b receptors, differentially modulates GABAergic synaptic transmission and fine‐tunes the firing activities of temperature‐sensitive and temperature‐insensitive neurons in the rat POA.
A neuroscience perspective of the gut theory of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Smith Lisa M. , Parr‐Brownlie Louise C.
Published: February 2018

Parkinson's disease is caused by complex interactions between environmental factors and a genetic predisposition. Environmental factors include exposure to pesticides and toxins, heavy metals and accumulation of iron and/or manganese in the brain. However, accumulating evidence indicates that gut–brain health and function are impaired in Parkinson's disease, often a decade before motor symptoms are diagnosed. We present the gut–brain theory of Parkinson's disease and summarise the peripheral and central nervous system pathology, gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by many Parkinson's patients, the route by which gut–brain dysfunction may occur and changes in gut microbiota that are associated with disease expression. Finally, we consider future gut‐based treatments to prevent or slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease and explore whether this knowledge may highlight biomarkers to be included in complex algorithms in the future to assess a person's risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
Density‐dependent survival varies with species life‐history strategy in a tropical forest
Authors: Zhu Y. , Queenborough S. A. , Condit R. , Hubbell S. P. , Ma K. P. , Comita L. S.
Published: February 2018

Species coexistence in diverse communities likely results from multiple interacting factors. Mechanisms such as conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD) and varying life‐history strategies related to resource partitioning are known to influence plant fitness, and thereby community composition and diversity. However, we have little understanding of how these mechanisms interact and how they vary across life stages. Here, we document the interaction between CNDD and life‐history strategy, based on growth‐mortality trade‐offs, from seedling to adult tree for 47 species in a tropical forest. Species’ life‐history strategies remained consistent across stages: fast‐growing species had higher mortality than slow‐growing species at all stages. In contrast, mean CNDD was strongest at early life stages (i.e. seedling, sapling). Fast‐growing species tended to suffer greater CNDD than slow‐growing species at several, but not all life stages. Overall, our results demonstrate that coexistence mechanisms interact across multiple life stages to shape diverse tree communities.
Elevated success of multispecies bacterial invasions impacts community composition during ecological succession
Authors: Rivett Damian W. , Jones Matt L. , Ramoneda Josep , Mombrikotb Shorok B. , Ransome Emma , Bell Thomas
Published: February 2018

Successful microbial invasions are determined by a species’ ability to occupy a niche in the new habitat whilst resisting competitive exclusion by the resident community. Despite the recognised importance of biotic factors in determining the invasiveness of microbial communities, the success and impact of multiple concurrent invaders on the resident community has not been examined. Simultaneous invasions might have synergistic effects, for example if resident species need to exhibit divergent phenotypes to compete with the invasive populations. We used three phylogenetically diverse bacterial species to invade two compositionally distinct communities in a controlled, naturalised in vitro system. By initiating the invader introductions at different stages of succession, we could disentangle the relative importance of resident community structure, invader diversity and time pre‐invasion. Our results indicate that multiple invaders increase overall invasion success, but do not alter the successional trajectory of the whole community.
On combination of the equivalent material concept and J‐integral criterion for ductile failure prediction of U‐notches subjected to tension
Authors: Majidi H.R. , Golmakani M.E. , Torabi A.R.
Published: February 2018

The aim of the present research is to check the capability of the equivalent material concept (EMC) combined with the J‐integral failure criterion, called EMC‐J criterion, in predicting the load‐carrying capacity (LCC) of U‐notched ductile aluminium plates subjected to tension by considering the 2 moderate and large‐scale yielding regimes. For this purpose, first, a set of experimental results on LCC of 2 groups of thin U‐notched rectangular plates made of Al 7075‐T6 and Al 6061‐T6 are gathered from the recent literature. Then, because the Al 7075‐T6 and Al 6061‐T6 plates have ductile behaviour, EMC is employed to avoid performing elastic‐plastic failure analysis for LCC predictions. Up to now, different failure models in the context of the linear‐elastic notch fracture mechanics have been successfully utilized in combination with EMC for ductile failure prediction of notched members. However, this is the first time in this research that J‐integral, as a well‐known brittle failure criterion, is linked to EMC for predicting LCC of the U‐notched rectangular aluminium plates. Finally, it is shown that EMC‐J criterion can predict well the experimental results of tensile LCC.
Use of acoustic refuges by freshwater fish: Theoretical framework and empirical data in a three‐species trophic system
Authors: Roca Irene T. , Magnan Pierre , Proulx Raphaël
Published: February 2018

Sounds are more easily transmitted underwater than through air and many freshwater fish species can hear them, particularly over the low frequencies. Recent studies on freshwater fish evidenced that hearing sensitivities can be limited by the level of ambient noise, a phenomenon also known as acoustic masking. However, it is still unclear whether variations in ambient noises, such as those produced by human activities, may alter fish trophic interactions.

The general objective of this study was to propose and evaluate a theoretical framework explicitly linking fish attack rates to species hearing sensitivities and ambient noise levels in freshwater ecosystems. The proposed model shows that the feeding activity of fish at an intermediate position in the food web is conditional on the probability of being acoustically detected by their predators, or of encountering an acoustically distressed resource.

Model simulations and preliminary field results suggest that yellow perch (Perca flavescens) could feed more actively in the presence of augmented ambient noise levels. Yellow perch captures per unit effort were higher by a factor of 2.7 in noisy versus quiet days. We argue that fish exposed to intermediate levels of noise could maximise the probability of detecting food patches while minimising their predation risk.

Acoustic monitoring programmes for freshwater ecosystems require a fundamental knowledge of underwater noise levels, species hearing sensitivities and features affecting sound propagation. The approach proposed in this paper is seminal in linking the above descriptors in a coherent mathematical framework to understand the effect of underwater sounds on trophic interactions. Such framework is needed to make testable predictions and generalise to other taxa and ecological contexts.
Wide variation in a tiny space: The microdistribution of meiobenthos in an artificial pond
Authors: Gansfort Birgit , Traunspurger Walter , Threis Ilka , Majdi Nabil
Published: February 2018

Meiofauna play an important ecological role in benthic ecosystems. However, little is known about their small‐scale (<1 m2) distribution. Yet, this knowledge has both theoretical implications, by improving our understanding of how processes generate patterns; and practical outcomes by improving sampling designs.

The goal of this study was to obtain insights into the small‐scale distribution of meiofaunal invertebrates dwelling in the sediment of a lentic ecosystem (in this study, an artificial pond). We addressed this aim at coarse and fine taxonomical levels using meiofaunal groups and nematode species assemblages, respectively.

For this purpose, 225 sediment samples were collected over a surface of 729 cm2 using a straw corer. Spatial patterns (dispersion index) and the typical patch sizes of the dominant meiofaunal groups were estimated using spatial autocorrelation analysis (Moran's I).

We hypothesized that (1) we would find a patchy distribution of organisms with patch radii of a few centimetres, (2) the distribution of microbivorous meiofauna would follow that of OM, and (3) distribution would be patchier at the species level.

The densities of the dominant meiobenthic groups (nematodes, gastrotrichs and rotifers) decreased with sediment depth. In all sediment layers, nematodes contributed 61%–82% to total invertebrate densities. Eleven nematode species were identified, with Eumonhystera filiformis (Bastian 1865) and Monhystera cf. paludicola de Man 1881 dominating the assemblage.

All meiofaunal groups showed an aggregated distribution pattern (dispersion index >1). Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed aggregations of nematodes in a patch radius of 3–8 cm according to the different sediment layers. Rotifers were also patchy distributed but with smaller patch radius (3 cm), whereas the respective distributions of gastrotrichs were less patchy. Therefore, our results mainly confirmed hypothesis (1). Our results provide the first insights into rotifer patch sizes. Also, these findings highlight the need for sampling designs better able to capture small‐scale heterogeneities during larger‐scale investigations.

We ruled out the organic matter (OM) supply as an important driver of meiofaunal community structure as OM content did not correlate with the density of either meiofaunal groups or nematode species, and therefore arguing against hypothesis (2). Instead, the different distributions suggested responses to qualitative differences in resource availability, oxygen availability, biotic interactions and specific population‐level processes, such as behaviour, dispersal and locomotion.

Patchiness did not increase from coarse to fine taxonomic levels, thus contradicting hypothesis (3). Our results instead suggest that the patchiness of the spatial distribution was more closely linked to functional traits.