bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shorter specialist time intervals are associated with advanced stage on symptomatic oral cancer
Authors: Seoane J , Otero‐Rico A , López‐Cedrún JL , Varela‐Centelles P
Published: February 2018

Objectives

As longer times from the first symptom to diagnosis and treatment of oral cancers have been linked to poorer outcomes, this study investigates the contribution of the specialist to this time (STI).

Subjects and Methods

A series of 228 oral/oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients were retrospectively studied to determine the STI and its related factors.

Results

Patients were mostly males (n = 170; 74.5%), (50.7% stages I‐II), mean age = 61.4 ± 12.5 years. The STI median was 6 days (X±SD:6.8 ± 5.6 days). Time first symptom to diagnosis was 64 days (X±SD:91.0 ± 84.6 days). Univariate regression unveiled a significant association between STI and TNM stage, which was confirmed by multivariate regression.

Conclusions

Specialist time interval is a short time interval in oral cancer diagnosis, imposing a limited time burden in the context of the whole interval until diagnosis. However, there seems to be room for improvement and a possible target for future interventions to shorten STI particularly for patients at early stages after their disease has been disclosed.
Management of dental patients taking direct oral anticoagulants: Dabigatran
Authors: Hassona Y , Malamos D , Shaqman M , Baqain Z , Scully C
Published: February 2018

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used as alternatives to warfarin because of the superior pharmacokinetic properties. Clinical guidelines on the influences of DOACs for dental procedures have emerged, but all of necessity based on low‐quality available evidence. Herein, we share our experience with a case series, and propose a protocol regarding the management of dental patients taking DOACs.
Role of Matrix Gla protein in midface development: Recent advances
Authors: Marulanda J , Murshed M
Published: February 2018

Craniofacial development is a delicate process that involves complex interactions among cells of multiple developmental origins, their migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Tissue morphogenesis of the craniofacial skeleton depends on genetic and environmental factors, and on specific signaling pathways, which are still not well understood. Developmental defects of the midface caused by the absence, delays, or premature fusion of nasal and maxillary prominences vary in severity; leading to clefts, hypoplasias, and midline expansion. In the current review, we focus on the importance of the chondrocranium in craniofacial growth and how its impaired development leads to midface hypoplasia. More importantly, we reported how Matrix Gla protein (MGP), a potent inhibitor of extracellular matrix mineralization, facilitates midface development by preventing ectopic calcification of the nasal septum. In fact, MGP may act as a common link in multiple developmental pathologies all showing midface hypoplasia caused by abnormal cartilage calcification. This brief review discusses the gap in knowledge in the field, raises pertinent questions, which remain unanswered, and sheds light on the future research directions.
Immunomodulatory effect of vitamin K2: Implications for bone health
Authors: Myneni VD , Mezey E
Published: February 2018

Objective

In women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, vitamin K2 appears to decrease the incidence of hip, vertebral, and non‐vertebral fractures. Women with postmenopausal osteoporosis have more circulating activated T cells compared with healthy postmenopausal and premenopausal women, but the effects of vitamin K2 on T cells have not been studied. In this study, we have looked at T‐cell suppression by vitamin K2.

Materials and methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from three healthy donors were used. The PBMCs were stimulated with the mitogens phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A, and T‐cell proliferation was analyzed using flow cytometry based on carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CSFE) dye dilution.

Results

Vitamin K2 (60 and 100 μM) inhibited T‐cell proliferation. Vitamin K1 at the same concentrations did not inhibit T‐cell proliferation.

Conclusion

Vitamin K2 has immunomodulatory activities.
Oral lichenoid lesions of the upper lip and gingiva: What we know so far
Authors: Georgakopoulou EA , Malamos D , Achtari MD
Published: February 2018

The clinical presentation of oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions is diverse. A special category of patients presents with lichenoid lesions affecting only the mucosa of their upper lip and the anterior upper gingiva. This is a concise review summarizing the specific characteristics of these patients.
Role of tissue‐specific steroid metabolism in oral disease: Is there any clinical implication?
Authors: Cirillo N
Published: February 2018

The discovery of an oral glucocorticoid system has provided novel conceptual frameworks for understanding the effects of endogenous and exogenous corticosteroids in the oral cavity. For example, liquorice derivatives have long been used in the treatment of oral inflammatory conditions and it is now known that a chief constituent of liquorice root, glycyrrhetinic acid, inhibits 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β‐HSD) type 2 thus increasing local cortisol levels. Hence, targeting the local interconversion between inactive cortisone and active cortisol by 11β‐HSD inhibitors/activators offers potentially advantageous strategies for the treatment of oral inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The recent characterisation of a cancer‐associated glucocorticoid system has further extended the implications of cortisol metabolism in oral disease. New evidence now questions the use of synthetic corticosteroids in patients with cancer and, possibly, in oral potentially malignant disorders. For example, cortisol production by cancer cells has been shown to inhibit tumour‐specific CD8+ T cells, to promote migration and invasion and to induce chemoresistance in vitro. This viewpoint briefly summarises the recent evidence for a role of the local steroid metabolism in oral oncology and immunology and its potential clinical implications.
Breast cancer patients have increased risk of developing mTOR inhibitor‐associated stomatitis
Authors: de Lima MHA , Hajj GNM , de Lima VCC , Alves FA
Published: February 2018

A total of 115 patients who used everolimus were evaluated. The mean age was 57 (±13.3) years old, and 87 patients were women (75.6%). mTOR inhibitor‐associated stomatitis (mIAS) was observed in 36 patients (31.3%). The lesions ranged from 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm, and the tongue was the main site affected. In addition, 21 patients (58.3%) required a dose reduction of everolimus due to mIAS. Patients who had breast cancer presented 2.29‐fold higher risk for developing mIAS when compared to patients with kidney or neuroendocrine tumors. This study emphasizes the high prevalence of mIAS in patients using everolimus, in particular, in patients with breast cancer.
Comparative analysis of the 2016 ACR‐EULAR and the 2002 AECG classification criteria for Sjögren's syndrome: Findings from the NIH cohort
Authors: Billings M , Amin Hadavand M , Alevizos I
Published: February 2018

Introduction

The introduction of new classification criteria for Sjögren's syndrome, known as the 2016 American College of Rheumatology/European League against Rheumatism Classification Criteria (ACR‐EULAR), created a need for the evaluation of its performance in an external cohort. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of the 2016 ACR‐EULAR classification set with the widely used American‐European Consensus Group Classification criteria (AECG) in the cohort at the National Institutes of Health, USA, and to compare the performance of the sets in classifying both primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS and sSS).

Methods

The study cohort at the NIH (N = 1,303) was enrolled for clinical suspicion of SS. Participants were classified as SS, pSS, and sSS according to both classification sets. Performance of 2016 ACR‐EULAR and AECG sets was compared holding each as gold standard to the other. Statistical analysis of test diagnostics and agreement between the two sets were undertaken.

Results

By the AECG set, 701 were classified as having SS (627 pSS, 74 sSS) and 714 were classified with SS (647 pSS, 67 sSS) by the 2016 ACR‐EULAR set. Sensitivity and specificity of the two sets were comparable in classifying SS, pSS, and sSS. There was high agreement between the two sets for classifying SS (κ = 0.79), pSS (κ = 0.81), and sSS (κ = 0.87). The specificity of the 2016 ACR‐EULAR set was significantly higher for classifying sSS than pSS, while the sensitivity was similar for the two disease groups. However, this pattern was also exhibited by the AECG set.

Conclusion

There was high agreement between the two classification sets with comparable performance diagnostics. There was no evidence of superior performance value by the new 2016 ACR‐EULAR set over the AECG set, and the two sets were found to be equivalent. Findings from our cohort indicate that 2016 ACR‐EULAR classification could be extended to classification of sSS.
Role of myofibroblasts in normal and pathological periodontal wound healing
Authors: Smith PC
Published: February 2018

Myofibroblasts represent specific subpopulations of cells with important roles in tissue remodeling in both health and disease. They are not usually found in resting healthy tissues. However, they increase in number during the proliferative phase of wound healing. In these conditions, myofibroblasts secrete and organize different molecular components of the extracellular matrix that with time will reconstitute and hopefully regenerate the damaged tissue. Importantly, these cell populations must be eliminated after wound healing has been completed. However, deficiencies in their differentiation or the persistence of this cell population has been associated with the development of delayed wound healing and fibrosis, respectively. In the present review, we analyze the involvement of myofibroblasts in periodontal wound healing and their potential contribution to tissue homeostasis and disease.
Radioactive iodine: An unappreciated threat to salivary gland function
Authors: Sunavala‐Dossabhoy G
Published: February 2018

Thyroid cancer is an endocrine malignancy whose prevalence is increasing in the United States. Nearly 57,000 new cases of thyroid cancer are estimated to be diagnosed in 2017. The standard of care for differentiated thyroid cancer is thyroidectomy followed by ablation of thyroid remnants with high‐dose radioactive iodine (131I). Apart from thyroid glands, 131I accumulates in cells of salivary glands and compromises its function. Xerostomia is, therefore, a frequent and often persistent complaint of patients. Despite adoption of standard preventive measures, parenchymal damage and chronic salivary dysfunction are observed in a substantial number of patients. Saliva is important for oral homeostasis, and its reduction increases the risk of oral morbidity. As differentiated thyroid cancer patients have an excellent survival rate, preservation of salivary gland function carries added significance. A focus on treatments that preserve or restore long‐term salivary flow can significantly improve the quality of life of thyroid cancer survivors.
Mobile oral heath technologies based on saliva
Authors: Meagher RJ , Kousvelari E
Published: February 2018

In this review we have highlighted a few innovative microfluidic analytical technologies with mobile phone image processing tools for various bio‐chemical tests performed using salivary biomarkers. Saliva‐based assays for mobile monitoring with a smartphone sensor provide an excellent analytical technique which can be simple to perform. We describe several examples from the literature, utilizing different modalities of analysis, applied to several different applications of mobile health monitoring: cortisol monitoring, infectious disease testing, and drugs of abuse.
Chikungunya fever: General and oral healthcare implications
Authors: Leao JC , Marques CDL , Duarte ALBP , de Almeida OP , Porter S , Gueiros LA
Published: February 2018

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was first isolated in humans in 1952, following an epidemic in Tanzania. The origin of the name means “to bend forward or become contorted,” in reference to the posture adopted by patients due to the joint pain that occurs during the infection. Epidemiology data suggest that by the end of 2015, about 1.6 million people had been infected with CHIKV. The acute period of the disease is characterized by high fever, myalgia, joint pain, and severe and disabling polyarthritis, sometimes accompanied by headache, backache, and maculopapular rash, predominantly on the thorax. Around half of the patients will progress to the subacute and chronic phases, that is manifested by persistent polyarthritis/polyarthralgia, accompanied by morning stiffness and fatigue, which could remain for years. Oral features may include gingivitis possibly as a consequence of arthralgia of the hands leading to limited oral health measures as well as burning sensation and oral mucosal ulceration. Treatment in the acute phase includes acetaminophen, and weak opioids (tramadol or codeine) should be used in cases of severe or refractory pain. For patients who have progressed to the subacute stage and who have not had notable benefit from common analgesics or opioids, NSAIDs, or adjunctive pain medications (anticonvulsants or antidepressants) may be of benefit. In patients with moderate‐to‐severe musculoskeletal pain or in those who cannot be given or tolerate NSIADs or opiates, prednisolone should be prescribed.
Oral stomatitis and mTOR inhibitors: A review of current evidence in 20,915 patients
Authors: Lo Muzio L , Arena C , Troiano G , Villa A
Published: February 2018

Background

Traditional treatment of malignancies with chemotherapeutic agents is often affected by the damage inflicted on non‐cancerous cells. Toxicities of the oral cavity, such as mucositis and stomatitis, are some of the most significant and unavoidable toxicities associated with anti‐cancer therapies. For such reason, in the last decades, newer targeted agents have been developed aiming to decrease the rates of side effects on healthy cells. Unfortunately, targeted anti‐cancer therapies also showed significant rate of toxicity on healthy tissues. mTOR inhibitors showed some adverse events, such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypophosphatemia, hematologic toxicities, and mucocutaneous eruption, but the most important are still stomatitis and skin rash, often reported as dose‐limiting side effects.

Patients and Methods

A search of the literature was performed by authors on the PubMed online database using the following key words: “sirolimus” OR “everolimus” OR “temsirolimus” OR “deforolimus” OR “ridaforolimus” combined with the Boolean operator AND with the terms: “stomatitis” OR “mucositis” OR “oral pain.” Titles and abstracts of 382 potentially relevant studies were screened; of these, 114 studies were excluded because they did not report the inclusion criteria. In the second round, 268 studies were read full‐text, but only 135 reported the inclusion criteria and were included for data extraction. Of the included studies, 95 referred to everolimus use, 16 to ridaforolimus, and 26 to temsirolimus (two studies referred to both everolimus and temsirolimus).

Results

The incidence rate of stomatitis according to the agent used was 25.07% (3,959/15,787) for everolimus, 27.02% (724/2,679) for temsirolimus, and 54.76% (598/1,092) for ridaforolimus. All the three agents analyzed showed high rates of low‐grade stomatitis (G1–G2), while the onset of severe stomatitis (G3–G4) was rare.

Conclusions

Analysis of the reports with patients treated with everolimus, temsirolimus, and ridaforolimus showed a clear prevalence of stomatitis grade 1 or 2. These data differ from that of patients treated with conventional chemotherapy in which mucositis is predominantly of grade 3 or 4.
Learning from clinical phenotypes: Low‐dose biophotonics therapies in oral diseases
Authors: Rahman SU , Mosca RC , Govindool Reddy S , Nunez SC , Andreana S , Mang TS , Arany PR
Published: February 2018

This narrative review on the use of biophotonics therapies for management of oral diseases is written as a tribute to Prof. Crispian Scully. His seminal contributions to the field are highlighted by the detailed, comprehensive description of clinical presentations of oral diseases. This has enabled a more thorough, fundamental understanding of many of these pathologies by research from his group as well as inspired mechanistic investigations in many groups globally. In the same vein, a major emphasis of this narrative review is to focus on the evidence from human case reports rather than in vitro or in vivo animal studies that showcases the growing and broad impact of biophotonics therapies. The similarities and differences between two distinct forms of low‐dose biophotonics treatments namely photodynamic therapy and photobiomodulation therapy are discussed. As evident in this review, a majority of these reports provide promising evidence for their clinical efficacy. However, a lack of adequate technical details, precise biological rationale, and limited outcome measures limits the current utility of these treatments. Future investigations should attempt to address these shortcomings and develop better designed, rigorous, controlled studies to fully harness the tremendous potential of low‐dose biophotonics therapies.
Clastic cells are absent around the root surface in pulp‐exposed periapical periodontitis lesions in mice
Authors: Shah A , Lee D , Song M , Kim S , Kang MK , Kim RH
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Clastic cells, originating from the monocyte–macrophage lineage, resorb mineralized tissues. In periapical periodontitis, alveolar bone around the tooth apex becomes resorbed; however, the roots of the teeth are often left intact by yet unknown mechanisms. Here, we examined the status of clastic cells in a periapical periodontitis model in mice.

Methods

Periapical periodontitis was induced by performing pulp exposure on the maxillary first molar. The contralateral maxillary first molar was used as a control. The maxillae were harvested, fixed, and subjected to μCT scanning and three‐dimensional volumetric analysis. TRAP staining was performed, and osteoclasts were quantified. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for RANKL, OPG, and F4/80, a marker for macrophages.

Results

At the apex of the tooth, pulp exposure resulted in periapical radiolucency with mineralized tissues at the surrounding bone surfaces but not on the root surfaces. Histologically, clastic cells were present on the bone surfaces but absent around the root surfaces. Expression of F4/80 and RANKL was not found at close proximity to the root surfaces, but OPG was globally expressed.

Conclusion

The absence of clastic cells around the root surface of pulp‐exposed teeth, in part, is associated with the lack of macrophages and RANKL expression.
Ellagic acid inhibits HIV‐1 infection in vitro: Potential role as a novel microbicide
Authors: Promsong A , Chuenchitra T , Saipin K , Tewtrakul S , Panichayupakaranant P , Satthakarn S , Nittayananta W
Published: February 2018

Objective

To investigate the in vitro effects of ellagic acid on HIV‐1 replication.

Methods

Anti‐HIV‐1 activity of ellagic acid was determined in vitro using X4‐tropic HIV‐1NPO3 and R5‐tropic pBaL Env‐recombinant virus. Anti‐HIV‐1NPO3 activity of ellagic acid was investigated at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.01. Anti‐HIV‐1 integrase and protease activities of ellagic acid were tested using in vitro integration and proteolytic cleavage assays.

Results

Ellagic acid, added either before or after HIV‐1NPO3 exposure, suppressed replication of the virus in C8166 cells up to 34%. Ellagic acid showed an anti‐integrase IC50 of 8.7 μM. No cytotoxicity of ellagic acid at concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 100 μM was observed.

Conclusion

We conclude that ellagic acid can inhibit HIV‐1 infection without cytotoxicity. Thus, it may be a new effective agent that has potential to be developed as a novel microbicide against HIV‐1.
Sildenafil citrate on experimental periodontitis in rats: Microtomographic and histological analyses
Authors: Soares DM , Ramos‐Perez FMM , Araújo SS , Correia Leite de Marcelos PG , Pontual AA , Perez DEC
Published: February 2018

Objective

To investigate the effect of sildenafil citrate on the prevention and progression of experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐six male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 (preventive) and Group 2 (progression). In Group 1, the animals received daily doses of sildenafil (10 mg/kg) or vehicle for 30 days, and EP was induced on the 15th day. In Group 2, the EP was induced on the first day, and the animals received daily doses of sildenafil (10 mg/kg) or vehicle from the 15th day. For EP, ligatures were placed around the right first mandibular molars. Microtomographic, histomorphometric and histological analyses were carried out to evaluate the alveolar bone loss and inflammatory degree. For statistical analyses, t test and the Mann–Whitney test were used, considering a level of significance of 95%.

Results

In Group 2, the animals treated with sildenafil showed a significantly lower bone resorption (p = .05). Similarly, the subgroup treated with sildenafil displayed a significantly lesser degree of inflammation (p = .01). No significant differences were observed between the subgroups of the Group 1.

Conclusions

Sildenafil decreased the inflammatory process, as well as the alveolar bone loss when used to modulate the progression of experimental periodontitis.
Unique Intradural Inflammatory Mass Containing Precipitated Morphine: Confirmatory Analysis by LESA‐MS and MALDI‐MS
Authors: Kim Alexander J. , Basu Sankha , Glass Carolyn , Ross Edgar L. , Agar Nathalie , He Qing , Calligaris David
Published: February 2018

Opioids are often used for analgesia via continuous intrathecal delivery by implantable devices. A higher concentration and daily dose of opioid have been postulated as risk factors for intrathecal granuloma formation. We present a 42‐year‐old female patient with chronic abdominal pain from refractory pancreatitis, with an intrathecal drug delivery device implanted 21 years prior, delivering continuous intrathecal morphine. After many years without concerning physical signs or complaints, with gradual increases in daily morphine dose, she presented with rapidly progressive neurologic deficits, including lower extremity, bladder, and bowel symptoms. These symptoms were determined to be secondary to mass effect and local inflammation related to an intrathecal catheter tip granuloma, detected on magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. The mass was urgently resected. On histopathologic examination, this granuloma was found to be unique, in that in addition to the expected inflammatory components, it appeared to contain precipitated nonpolarizable crystals. These were identified as precipitated morphine using liquid extraction surface analysis–tandem mass spectrometry (LESA‐MS/MS) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization–Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance–mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐FTICR‐MSI). In addition to the unique finding of precipitated morphine crystals, the long‐term follow‐up of both morphine concentration and daily dose increases provides insight into the formation of intrathecal granulomas.
Ultrasound‐Guided Intercostal Nerve Block Following Esophagectomy for Acute Postoperative Pain Relief in the Postanesthesia Care Unit
Authors: Zhu Mengqi , Gu Yuechao , Sun Xia , Liu Xi , Chen Wankun , Miao Changhong
Published: February 2018

Objective

To explore the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of ultrasound‐guided intercostal nerve block (ICNB) for immediate relief of moderate and severe pain following esophagectomy in a postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

Methods

Eighty‐one patients who complained of moderate to severe pain on arrival to the PACU after an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy were randomly assigned to 2 groups: a sufentanil treatment group (Group A, n = 41) and an intercostal nerve block treatment group (Group B, n = 40). The visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at rest and on cough at 1, 2, 4, 12, 24, and 48 hours after treatment were monitored. The heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) 2 hours after treatment and the patients’ length of stay in the PACU after treatment were recorded. Patient‐controlled intravenous analgesia consumption and the incidence of nausea, vomiting, and other adverse reactions were also recorded.

Results

Ultrasound‐guided ICNB was performed successfully in all patients in Group B without puncture‐related complications. The VAS pain scores at rest and on cough at 1, 2, and 4 hours after treatment in Group B were significantly lower than those in Group A (P < 0.05). The consumption of sufentanil and the incidence of nausea and vomiting were significantly decreased in Group B compared with those in Group A.

Conclusion

Ultrasound‐guided ICNB could provide effective and safe pain relief for patients who suffer from moderate to severe pain (VAS score ≥ 5) after esophagectomy in the PACU.
Synthetic biology approach for plant protection using dsRNA
Authors: Niehl Annette , Soininen Marjukka , Poranen Minna M. , Heinlein Manfred
Published: February 2018

Pathogens induce severe damages on cultivated plants and represent a serious threat to global food security. Emerging strategies for crop protection involve the external treatment of plants with double‐stranded (ds)RNA to trigger RNA interference. However, applying this technology in greenhouses and fields depends on dsRNA quality, stability and efficient large‐scale production. Using components of the bacteriophage phi6, we engineered a stable and accurate in vivo dsRNA production system in Pseudomonas syringae bacteria. Unlike other in vitro or in vivo dsRNA production systems that rely on DNA transcription and postsynthetic alignment of single‐stranded RNA molecules, the phi6 system is based on the replication of dsRNA by an RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase, thus allowing production of high‐quality, long dsRNA molecules. The phi6 replication complex was reprogrammed to multiply dsRNA sequences homologous to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) by replacing the coding regions within two of the three phi6 genome segments with TMV sequences and introduction of these constructs into P. syringae together with the third phi6 segment, which encodes the components of the phi6 replication complex. The stable production of TMV dsRNA was achieved by combining all the three phi6 genome segments and by maintaining the natural dsRNA sizes and sequence elements required for efficient replication and packaging of the segments. The produced TMV‐derived dsRNAs inhibited TMV propagation when applied to infected Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The established dsRNA production system enables the broad application of dsRNA molecules as an efficient, highly flexible, nontransgenic and environmentally friendly approach for protecting crops against viruses and other pathogens.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for leaf‐related traits in an IBM Syn10 DH maize population across three environments
Authors: Ma Langlang , Guan Zhongrong , Zhang Zhiteng , Zhang Xiaoxiang , Zhang Yanling , Zou Chaoying , Peng Huanwei , Pan Guangtang , Lee Michael , Shen Yaou , Lübberstedt Thomas
Published: February 2018

Leaf‐related traits (leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and leaf angle) are very important for the yield of maize (Zea mays L) due to their influence on plant type. Therefore, it is necessary to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for leaf‐related traits. In this report, 221 doubled haploid lines (DHLs) of an IBM Syn10 DH population were provided for QTL mapping. In total, 54 QTLs were detected for leaf‐related traits in single environments using a high‐density genetic linkage map. Among them, only eight common QTLs were identified across two or three environments, and the common QTLs for the four traits explained 4.38%–19.99% of the phenotypic variation. qLL‐2‐1 (bin 2.09), qLW‐2‐2 (bin 2.09), qLW‐6‐3 (bin 6.07) and qLA‐5‐2 (bin 2.09) were detected in previous studies, and qLL‐1‐1, qLAr‐1‐1, qLAr‐2‐1 and qLA‐7‐1 may be new QTLs. Notably, qLW‐6‐3 and qLA‐5‐2 were found to be major QTLs explaining 19.99% and 10.96% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Interestingly, we found three pairs of QTLs (qLW‐2‐2 and qLAr‐2‐1, qLW‐8‐1 and qLL‐8‐2, qLL‐3‐3 and qLAr‐3‐3) that control different traits and that were located on the same chromosome or in a nearby location. Moreover, nine pairs of loci with epistatic effects were identified for the four traits. These results may provide the foundation for QTL fine mapping and for an understanding of the genetic basis of variation in leaf‐related traits.
A three‐component system incorporating Ppd‐D1, copy number variation at Ppd‐B1, and numerous small‐effect quantitative trait loci facilitates adaptation of heading time in winter wheat cultivars of worldwide origin
Authors: Würschum Tobias , Langer Simon M. , Longin C. Friedrich H. , Tucker Matthew R. , Leiser Willmar L.
Published: February 2018

The broad adaptability of heading time has contributed to the global success of wheat in a diverse array of climatic conditions. Here, we investigated the genetic architecture underlying heading time in a large panel of 1,110 winter wheat cultivars of worldwide origin. Genome‐wide association mapping, in combination with the analysis of major phenology loci, revealed a three‐component system that facilitates the adaptation of heading time in winter wheat. The photoperiod sensitivity locus Ppd‐D1 was found to account for almost half of the genotypic variance in this panel and can advance or delay heading by many days. In addition, copy number variation at Ppd‐B1 was the second most important source of variation in heading, explaining 8.3% of the genotypic variance. Results from association mapping and genomic prediction indicated that the remaining variation is attributed to numerous small‐effect quantitative trait loci that facilitate fine‐tuning of heading to the local climatic conditions. Collectively, our results underpin the importance of the two Ppd‐1 loci for the adaptation of heading time in winter wheat and illustrate how the three components have been exploited for wheat breeding globally.
Nipple adenoma in a 2‐year‐old boy
Authors: Fujisawa Kou , Kato Motoi , Kono Tatsuki , Utsunomiya Hiroki , Watanabe Azusa , Watanabe Shoji
Published: February 2018

Nipple adenoma is an uncommon proliferative process of the breast and predominantly occurs in women aged 40‐50. Its incidence is extremely low in men, and it has not been reported in a boy. Although nipple adenoma is rare and benign, being familiar with it is important because it clinically resembles Paget disease and histologically adenocarcinoma. We report a case of nipple adenoma in a boy.
Reflections on artisan metaphors in theLaozi: Who cuts the “uncarved wood” (pu樸)? (Part 2)
Authors: Fech Andrej
Published: February 2018

In this article, I argue that theLaozioffers a variety of cosmogenic accounts, including the one expressed by means of the artisan metaphors of “uncarved wood,” “vessels,” and “cutting.” These metaphors and the images related to them often appeared in the given context in ancient Chinese literature depicting the physical emergence of the world as a process of progressive differentiation out of the original state of “chaos.” Thus, this account ultimately served as a cosmic justification for the establishment of distinctions and hierarchy within human society. However, as used in theLaozi, the artisan metaphors promulgate a type of social hierarchy that is characteristically informed by the values ofziranandwuwei.My argumentation goes against the common tendency of Western scholars to regard the notions of craft appearing in theLaozias relating exclusively to human activities, connoting “artifice,” that is, as detrimental to the “natural” run of the Way. By referring to the most prominent traditional commentaries of the work, I argue that this view was supported only marginally, if at all, in early China and that its emergence appears to be a reaction to and a rejection of the initial Western interpretation of the same terms, one that was heavily influenced by the Christian worldview.
Reflections on artisan metaphors in theLaozi老子: Who cuts the “uncarved wood” (pu樸)? (Part 1)
Authors: Fech Andrej
Published: February 2018

In this article, I argue that theLaozi老子 offers a variety of cosmogenic accounts, including the one expressed by means of the artisan metaphors of “uncarved wood” (pu樸), “vessels” (qi器), and “cutting” (zhi制). These metaphors and the images related to them often appeared in the given context in ancient Chinese literature depicting the physical emergence of the world as a process of progressive differentiation out of the original state of “chaos.” Thus, this account ultimately served as a cosmic justification for the establishment of distinctions and hierarchy within human society. However, as used in theLaozi, the artisan metaphors promulgate a type of social hierarchy that is characteristically informed by the values ofziran自然 andwuwei無為. My argumentation goes against the common tendency of Western scholars to regard the notions of craft appearing in theLaozias relating exclusively to human activities, connoting “artifice,” that is, as detrimental to the “natural” run of the Way. By referring to the most prominent traditional commentaries of the work, I argue that this view was supported only marginally, if at all, in early China and that its emergence appears to be a reaction to and a rejection of the initial Western interpretation of the same terms, one that was heavily influenced by the Christian worldview.
Germination profiling of lentil genotypes subjected to salinity stress
Authors: Foti C. , Khah E. M. , Pavli O. I.
Published: February 2018

Salinity is one of the most severe environmental stresses, negatively affecting productivity of salt‐sensitive crop species. Given that germination is the most critical phase in the plant life cycle, the present study aimed to determine seed germination potential and associated traits under salt stress conditions as a simple approach to identify salt‐tolerant lentil genotypes.

The genetic material consisted of six lentil genotypes whose adaptation to various agroclimatic conditions is not well elucidated. Salinity stress was applied by addition of NaCl at three different levels of stress, while non‐stressed plants were included as controls. Evaluation of tolerance was performed on the basis of germination percentage, seed water absorbance, root and shoot length, seedling water content, seedling vigour index and number of seedlings with an abnormal phenotype.

Overall, our findings revealed that salinity stress substantially affects all traits associated with germination and early seedling growth, with the effect of salinity being dependent on the level of stress applied. It is noteworthy, however, that genotypes responded differently to the varying salinity levels. In this context, Samos proved the most salt‐tolerant genotype, indicating its possible use for cultivation under stress conditions.

In conclusion, the determination of seed germination and early growth potential may be exploited as an efficient strategy to reveal genetic variation in lentil germplasm of unknown tolerance to salinity stress. This approach allows selection of desirable genotypes at early growth stages, thus enabling more efficient application of various breeding methods to achieve stress‐tolerant lentil genotypes.
Encouraging Action in the Private Sphere: Demand‐Side Practices in the Depoliticization of Economic Policy in Israel
Authors: Avigur‐Eshel Amit
Published: February 2018

The neoliberal depoliticization of economic policy is commonly seen as consisting of “supply‐side” practices of removing, denying, and closing avenues for public action of politicians and societal actors. I argue that this view overlooks “demand‐side” practices that actively encourage action in the private sphere through constructing and legitimating private action channels for societal actors to attend to their economic needs and wants. These channels are crucial for the depoliticization of economic policy since their declining effectiveness can stimulate processes of repoliticization. This article focuses on higher education in Israel as a case study of such a channel. Higher education has been constructed institutionally and legitimated discursively by politicians and bureaucrats as a channel for action in the private sphere, by employing the logic of education as human capital. The declining effectiveness of this private action channel contributed to the eruption of mass protest in 2011 which repoliticized economic policy.

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Syllabus:
Nichanian, Daniel. 2015. “Antipolitics.” University of Chicago. https://www.danielnichanian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/AntipoliticsSyllabus_Nichanian.pdf

Wood, Matt. 2017. “Depoliticization: What Is It and Why Should It Matter?” SPERI: Sheffield Political Economy Research Institute. http://speri.dept.shef.ac.uk/2017/09/07/depoliticisation-what-is-it-and-why-does-it-matter/
Access, phenomenology and sorites
Authors: Sebastián Miguel Ángel
Published: February 2018

The non‐transitivity of the relation looks the same as has been used to argue that the relation has the same phenomenal character as is non‐transitive—a result that jeopardizes certain theories of consciousness. In this paper, I argue against this conclusion while granting the premise by dissociating lookings and phenomenology; an idea that some might find counter‐intuitive. However, such an intuition is left unsupported once phenomenology and cognitive access are distinguished from each other; a distinction that is conceptually and empirically grounded.
Risk Assessment and Risk Governance of Liquefied Natural Gas Development in Gladstone, Australia
Authors: van der Vegt R. G.
Published: February 2018

This article is a retrospective analysis of liquefied natural gas development (LNG) in Gladstone, Australia by using the structure of the risk governance framework developed by the International Risk Governance Council (IRGC). Since 2010 the port of Gladstone has undergone extensive expansion to facilitate the increasing coal export as well as the new development of three recently completed LNG facilities. Significant environmental and socio‐economic impacts and concerns have occurred as a result of these developments. The overall aim of the article, therefore, is to identify the risk governance deficits that arose and to formulate processes capable of improving similar decision‐making problems in the future. The structure of the IRGC framework is followed because it represents a broad analytical approach for considering risk assessment and risk governance in Gladstone in ways that include, but also go beyond, the risk approach of the ISO 31000:2009 standard that was employed at the time. The IRGC risk framework is argued to be a consistent and comprehensive risk governance framework that integrates scientific, economic, social, and cultural aspects and advocates the notion of inclusive risk governance through stakeholder communication and involvement. Key aspects related to risk preassessment, risk appraisal, risk tolerability and acceptability, risk management, and stakeholder communication and involvement are considered. The results indicate that the risk governance deficits include aspects related to (i) the risk matrix methodology, (ii) reflecting uncertainties, (iii) cumulative risks, (iv) the regulatory process, and (v) stakeholder communication and involvement.
Generalizing Evidence from Randomized Trials Using Inverse Probability of Sampling Weights
Authors: Buchanan Ashley L. , Hudgens Michael G. , Cole Stephen R. , Mollan Katie R. , Sax Paul E. , Daar Eric S. , Adimora Adaora A. , Eron Joseph J. , Mugavero Michael J.
Published: February 2018

Results obtained in randomized trials may not easily generalize to target populations. Whereas in randomized trials the treatment assignment mechanism is known, the sampling mechanism by which individuals are selected to participate in the trial is typically not known and assuming random sampling from the target population is often dubious. We consider an inverse probability of sampling weighted (IPSW) estimator for generalizing trial results to a target population. The IPSW estimator is shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. A consistent sandwich-type variance estimator is derived and simulation results are presented comparing the IPSW estimator with a previously proposed stratified estimator. The methods are then utilized to generalize results from two randomized trials of human immunodeficiency virus treatment to all people living with the disease in the USA.
Immune activation by nucleic acids: A role in pregnancy complications
Authors: Konečná B. , Lauková L. , Vlková B.
Published: February 2018

Cell‐free self‐DNA or RNA may induce an immune response by activating specific sensing receptors. During pregnancy, placental nucleic acids present in the maternal circulation further activate these receptors due to the presence of unmethylated CpG islands. A higher concentration of cell‐free foetal DNA is associated with pregnancy complications and a higher risk for foetal rejection. Cell‐free foetal DNA originates from placental trophoblasts. It appears in different forms: free, bound to histones in nucleosomes, in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and in extracellular vesicles (EVs). In several pregnancy complications, cell‐free foetal DNA triggers the production of proinflammatory cytokines, and this production results in a cellular and humoral immune response. This review discusses preeclampsia, systemic lupus erythematosus, foetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and obesity in pregnancy from an immunological point of view and closely examines the different pathways that result in maternal inflammation. Understanding the role of cell‐free nucleic acids, as well as the biogenesis of NETs and EVs, will help us to specify their functions or targets, which seem to be important in pregnancy complications. It is still not clear whether higher concentrations of cell‐free nucleic acids in the maternal circulation are the cause or consequence of various complications. Therefore, further clinical studies and, even more importantly, animal experiments that focus on the involved immunological pathways are needed.
Performance management that works? Improving public services by making use of intrinsic motivation
Authors: Greener Ian
Published: February 2018

One of the central features of public governance in the 2000s was an extension in the use of performance management (PM), but research has suggested that the “gaming” of PM systems became commonplace and that measured performance data was often unreliable. However, PM is necessary in some form, and has fared better in some settings than others. This article presents a systematic comparison based on two case studies where success has been claimed, from English local government and the Quality and Outcomes Framework in the National Health Service, as a means to generating insights into how PM systems can be made to work better. It links its analysis to Frey's and Deci's work on intrinsic motivation in order to theoretically explain its findings before exploring how the insights generated can be applied to other service settings.
Effects of pregnancy on skin properties: A biomechanical approach
Authors: Boyer G. , Lachmann N. , Bellemère G. , De Belilovsky C. , Baudouin C.
Published: February 2018

Background

A woman's skin is dramatically affected by pregnancy. Its biomechanical properties are critical for resisting highly stressed areas. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of pregnancy on the mechanical properties of skin, as well as to evaluate the imprint that pregnancy leaves on the skin after delivery.

Materials and Methods

Suction tests using a cutometer were performed on 15 non‐pregnant women and 26 pregnant women at 8 months of pregnancy and 4 months after delivery. Areas of abdomen and thighs were studied.

Results

Significant differences between the non‐pregnant and 8‐month pregnant groups were observed. Our data demonstrate that skin becomes less elastic and less deformable on the abdomen during pregnancy. On the thighs, a loss of elasticity and firmness was also observed. At 4 months after delivery, the skin did not return to its initial state.

Conclusion

This study showed that the mechanical properties of skin changed drastically during pregnancy compared to the non‐pregnant condition and that these properties remain altered 4 months after delivery. In addition to alterations in abdominal skin during pregnancy, we also observed mechanical changes on the thighs, which are less subject to stretching.
Gender, High School Romantic Involvement, and College Enrollment*
Authors: Burge Stephanie W. , Beutel Ann M.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

We investigate how different types of high school romantic involvement are associated with women's and men's patterns of college enrollment (four‐year college, two‐year college, and no enrollment).

Methods

We analyze restricted‐access longitudinal data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) using multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Controlling for baseline educational, romantic, sociodemographic, and family context variables, results show gender‐specific associations between romantic involvement and college enrollment. For women, negative associations between romantic involvement and four‐year enrollment dissipate after accounting for changes in grade point average and educational and marital expectations. However, a negative association between women's casual dating with sex and two‐year enrollment persists, after controlling for these factors. In contrast, casual dating with and without sex is associated with higher likelihood of men's four‐year enrollment accounting for these covariates.

Conclusions

Our findings provide directions for future research on associations between gender, adolescent romance, and educational transitions.
Polyorogenic reworking of ore‐controlling shear zones at the South Range of the Sudbury impact structure: A telltale story from in situ U–Pb titanite geochronology
Authors: Papapavlou Konstantinos , Darling James R. , Lightfoot Peter C. , Lasalle Stephanie , Gibson Lisa , Storey Craig D. , Moser Desmond
Published: February 2018

The post‐impact orogenic evolution of the world class Ni–Cu–PGE Sudbury mining camp in Ontario remains poorly understood. New temporal constraints from ore‐controlling, epidote–amphibolite facies shear zones in the heavily mineralised Creighton Mine (Sudbury, South Range) illuminate the complex orogenic history of the Sudbury structure. In situ U–Pb dating of shear‐hosted titanite grains by LA‐ICP‐MS reveals new evidence for shear zone reworking during the Yavapai (ca. 1.77–1.7 Ga), Mazatzalian–Labradorian (1.7–1.6 Ga) and Chieflakian–Pinwarian (1.5–1.4 Ga) accretionary events. The new age data show that the effects of the Penokean orogeny (1.9–1.8 Ga) on the structural architecture of the Sudbury structure have been overestimated. At a regional scale, the new titanite age populations corroborate that the Southern Province of the Canadian Shield documents the same tectonothermal episodes that are recorded along orogenic strike within the accretionary provinces of the Southwestern United States.