bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of moisture and temperature on the mechanical properties of additive manufacturing components: fused deposition modeling
Authors: Kim Eunseob , Shin Yong-Jun , Ahn Sung-Hoon
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the water absorption behaviors and mechanical properties, according to water absorption and temperature, of components fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM) and injection molding. The mechanical properties of FDM and injection molded parts were studied under several environmental conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

FDM components can be used as load-carrying elements under a range of moisture and temperature conditions. FDM parts show anisotropic mechanical properties according to build orientation. Components were fabricated from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene in three different orientations. The mechanical properties of parts fabricated by FDM were compared to injection molded components made from the same material. Water absorption tests were conducted in distilled water between 20 and 60°C to identify the maximum water absorption rate. Both moisture and temperature were considered as environmental variables in the tensile tests, which were conducted under various conditions to measure the effects on mechanical properties.

Findings

The water absorption behavior of FDM components obeyed Fickian diffusion theory, irrespective of the temperature. High temperatures accelerated the diffusion rate, although the maximum water absorption rate was not affected. The tensile strength of FDM parts under dry, room temperature conditions, was approximately 26-56 per cent that of injection molded parts, depending on build orientation. Increased temperature and water absorption had a more significant effect on FDM parts than injection molded components. The tensile strength was decreased by 67-71 per cent in hot, wet environments compared with dry, room temperature conditions.

Originality/value

The water absorption behavior of FDM components was investigated. The quantitative effects of temperature and moisture on tensile strength, modulus and strain were also measured. These results will contribute to the design of FDM parts for use under various environmental conditions.
The auto industry: adapt to disruptive innovations or risk extinction
Authors: Butler Frank C. , Martin John A.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the automotive industry and how it ripe for disruption. By examining the current state of the industry and how technology will shape the future of the car, this paper outlines why the automotive industry is ready to be disrupted and provides insights as to whom the major players may be in the future and why.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses examples from companies and the media to identify how the automotive industry is ready to be disrupted.

Findings

This paper identifies that the automotive industry is ready to be disrupted. With Tesla having secured over 400,000 pre-orders for its new Model 3 sedan, there is a movement that will pave the way to a new era of the automobile.

Practical implications

This paper demonstrates that a new way of thinking is needed for top managers at traditional automakers. In this paper, a new way of thinking about the future of the car is presented.

Originality/value

This paper takes a new perspective on what the future of the automobile may resemble and the companies that will likely be involved as a result of the disruption in the industry.
Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of recombinant iron superoxide dismutase protein from Bordetella pertussis in mice models
Authors: Yılmaz Çiğdem , Apak Aycan , Özcengiz Erkan , Özcengiz Gülay
Published: October 2016

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Although availability of effective pertussis vaccines reportedly decreases the incidence of the disease, B. pertussis circulation in populations has not been eliminated. Thus, it is necessary to find new protein candidates with greater immune protective capacities than the currently available acellular pertussis vaccines. In this study, iron superoxide dismutase (FeSOD) gene (sodB) was cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli and recombinant FeSOD protein thence purified. The recombinant protein (rFeSOD) was formulated with aluminum hydroxide (Alum) or monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) and injected intraperitoneally to immunize mice, after which IgG1, IgG2a and IFN‐γ titers were measured to assess humoral and cellular responses, respectively, to these immunizations. The extent of bacterial colonization in lungs of intranasally challenged mice was determined 5, 8 and 14 days post‐challenge. IgG1 and IgG2a responses were significantly stronger in mice that had been immunized with rFeSOD–MPLA than in those that had received rFeSOD‐Alum (P < 0.05). Additionally, IgG2a titers were higher in mice vaccinated with recombinant protein FeSOD (rFeSOD) formulated with MPLA, especially after the second immunization. Immunization with rFeSOD–MPLA also provided a modest, but significant decrease in bacterial counts in lungs of mice (P < 0.05). Antigen specific‐IFN‐γ responses were significantly stronger in the group vaccinated with rFeSOD–MPLA, which could account for the lower bacterial counts. These findings suggest that rFeSOD protein formulated with MPLA has potential as an acellular pertussis vaccine candidate component.
Biome‐scale signatures of land‐use change on raptor abundance: insights from single‐visit detection‐based models
Authors: Dénes Francisco Voeroes , Sólymos Péter , Lele Subhash , Silveira Luís Fábio , Beissinger Steven R.
Published: October 2016

Declines in raptor populations often result from the transformation of natural habitats to anthropogenic land uses, but the rate of population change can vary greatly among species. Declines associated with land transformation have been linked to loss of foraging habitat, prey resources and nest sites due to expanding cultivation, overgrazing and disturbance of nests and persecution by humans.

We combined extensive road‐survey counts of raptors, large‐scaleGISdata sets and a single‐visit conditional likelihoodN‐mixture model to generate biome‐scale projections of abundance as a function of environmental covariates while correcting for detection error and other forms of zero inflation. This approach was employed to investigate how land‐use transformations in the threatened Cerrado savannas and Pantanal wetlands in Brazil have affected the populations of raptors on a large scale (>300 000 km2). We predicted that predominance of land uses with fewer or less accessible prey and scarcer nesting sites would sustain smaller raptor populations.

Twelve species were encountered sufficiently to estimate abundance, while 20 others were encountered too infrequently to permit abundance estimation. Detection of all 12 species was influenced by time of day, with variable species‐specific effects that followed expectations based on foraging and flight behaviour.

Abundance of most species was negatively influenced by conversion of natural habitats to pastures, an effect that held even for generalist species considered poor indicators of habitat quality, but was not universally impacted by urbanization and soya beans, sugarcane and Eucalyptus plantations, confirming the expectation that some species may tolerate these habitats. Spatial projections of abundance appeared realistic for most species.

Synthesis and applications. Protection of the remaining natural habitats is essential to prevent further decline of raptor populations in the Brazilian Cerrado and Pantanal, and restoration of unproductive pastures into natural habitat could prove an efficient strategy to recover diminished raptor populations. The conditional likelihood single‐visit approach is a valid and useful tool for measuring population size and for making detection‐corrected inferences of abundance over large geographical scales with sensible research budgets. Incorporating the approach into a multispecies framework would allow future studies to make important inferences for entire communities.
Increased root herbivory under elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations is reversed by silicon‐based plant defences
Authors: Frew Adam , Allsopp Peter G. , Gherlenda Andrew N. , Johnson Scott N.
Published: October 2016

Predicted increases in atmospheric concentrations of CO2 may alter the susceptibility of many plants to insect herbivores due to changes in plant nutrition and defences. Silicon plays a critical role in plant defence against herbivores, so increasing such silicon‐based defences in plants may help remediate situations where plants become more susceptible to herbivores.

Sugar cane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) was subjected to fully factorial treatment combinations of ambient (aCO2) or elevated (eCO2) atmospheric CO2 concentrations; ambient silicon or silicon supplementation; insect‐free or subject to root herbivory by greyback canegrub (Dermolepida albohirtum). A glasshouse study was used to determine how these factors affected rates of photosynthesis, growth, chemistry (concentrations of silicon, carbon, nitrogen and non‐structural carbohydrates). Changes in canegrub mass were determined in the glasshouse pot study, together with more detailed assessment of how eCO2 and silicon supplementation affected performance and feeding behaviour (relative growth rate and relative consumption) in a 24‐h feeding efficiency assay.

Elevated CO2 and silicon supplementation increased rates of photosynthesis (+32% and 14%, respectively) and sugar cane biomass (+45% and 69%, respectively). Silicon supplementation increased silicon concentrations in both leaves and roots by 54% and 75%, respectively. eCO2 caused root C : N to increase by 12%.

Canegrub performance and consumption increased under eCO2; relative growth rate (RGR) increased by 116% and consumed 57% more root material (suggestive of compensatory feeding). Silicon application reversed these effects, with large decreases in mass change, RGR and root consumption (65% less root mass consumed).

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest future atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations could lead to increased crop damage by a below‐ground herbivore. Increasing bioavailable silicon in soil stimulated silicon‐based defences which dramatically decreased herbivory and herbivore performance. Our findings suggest future pest management strategies could benefit from characterising deficiencies in bioavailable silicon in agricultural soils and targeted application of silicon fertilisers. Moreover, future breeding programmes should exploit variation in silicon uptake between cultivars to enhance silicon uptake in new crop varieties. Silicon‐based plant defence proved to be highly beneficial for remediating the negative effects of atmospheric change on sugar cane susceptibility to herbivory and could be applicable in other crops.
Assessment of the link between endothelin K198n Snp, endothelin concentration and acute myocardial infarction in Egyptians
Authors: Abdel Rahman Mohamed F , Hashad Ingy M , Abou‐Aisha Khaled , Abdel Maksoud Sahar M , Gad Mohamed Z
Published: October 2016

The aim of the current study was to assess the link between EDN K198N SNP, ET‐1 serum concentration and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Egyptians. The study cohort consisted of 84 patients at AMI onset and 84 age‐matched healthy controls. Endothelin genotypes and concentrations were determined by sequencing and ELISA, respectively. Genotype distribution was not significantly different between AMI patients and controls (P=.8341). The mean serum ET‐1 concentration of patients (13.83±0.7 pg/mL) was significantly higher than controls (7.26±0.2 pg/mL) (P<.0001). ET‐1 serum concentrations did not vary significantly among various EDN genotypes in patients (P=.378) and controls (P=.6164). Hence, we conclude that EDN K198N genotypes were not related to either ET‐1 concentration or incidence of early‐onset AMI in Egyptians. But, AMI patients had higher ET‐1 concentrations than controls.
Democratic Representation and the Property Franchise in Australian Local Government
Authors: Ng Yee‐Fui , Coghill Ken , Thornton‐Smith Paul , Poblet Marta
Published: October 2016

Australia remains one of the last liberal democracies to retain a property franchise at the local government level. This particular feature is both the result of historical particularities and contemporary political arrangements. This article analyses the property franchise in the City of Melbourne, the capital of the Australian State of Victoria, based on democratic theory and an empirical study. It illustrates the tensions between the democratic principles of representation and political equality in defining structures for representation at the local government level. The authors suggest that a more nuanced interpretation of representation can be adopted at a local level based on territorial residency rather than legal citizenship. Despite this, based on analysis of both electoral and non‐electoral mechanisms, the property franchises are found to be anachronistic and indefensible from a democratic perspective and unrelated to the status of capital city. The article concludes that, at a local level, deliberative democracy holds the promise to better represent various interests, including property interests.
Does Religious Diversity in Health Team Composition Affect Efficiency? Evidence from Dubai
Authors: Ancarani Alessandro , Ayach Ali , Di Mauro Carmela , Gitto Simone , Mancuso Paolo
Published: October 2016

Team cultural diversity, the degree to which working team members differ in culture‐related factors, may affect healthcare teams’ outcomes. This paper focuses on one particular source of cultural diversity, namely religion, and examines its relation to the production efficiency of hospital wards. Building on the categorization‐elaboration model of organizational diversity, the authors test an empirical model positing that team religious diversity has non‐linear effects on efficiency, and considering the role of moderating variables of the relation diversity–efficiency. Empirically, the authors adopt a two‐step approach, whereby the first step applies data envelopment analysis to estimate efficiency scores for each team, and the second investigates the effect of diversity and of moderating variables. The model is tested on a sample of hospital wards from three large hospitals in Dubai. The results suggest an inverse U‐shaped relation between religious diversity and the wards’ efficiency. Evidence is provided that the relation is moderated by task complexity, task conflict, team leader tenure and diversity in nationality. This study advances research on the management of hospital team diversity by emphasizing the complexity of diversity effects and the importance of contextual factors.
Age Work in Organizations: Maintaining and Disrupting Institutionalized Understandings of Higher Age
Authors: Collien Isabel , Sieben Barbara , Müller‐Camen Michael
Published: October 2016

Age diversity research calls for new approaches in explaining the persistence of age inequalities, which integrate different levels of analysis and display greater context sensitivity. Concurrently, neoinstitutionalist research interested in social inequalities calls for merging institutional theory with critical perspectives and to account for issues of power. In this study, we address the calls of both research streams through developing the concept of ‘age work’: the institutional work actors undertake on age as a social institution. Applying our novel concept to a multi‐actor study of four German organizations known for their age management, we come across a counterintuitive insight regarding actors’ age work: maintaining stereotypical age images can serve to counter age inequalities, whereas deconstructing age images can reinforce age inequalities. The multi‐actor perspective of our study allows us to categorize different forms of power‐laden and interest‐driven age work and to portray the reproduction of age inequalities as a result of actors’ age work, embedded in different contexts and complex power relations. Comparing employees’ forms of age work across sectors and organizations, we detail how notions of masculinity as well as income and job security shaped the categorized forms of age work.
Comparison of formula‐fed infants with and without colic revealed significant differences in total bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and faecal ammonia
Authors: Savino Francesco , Quartieri Andrea , De Marco Angela , Garro Maria , Amaretti Alberto , Raimondi Stefano , Simone Marta , Rossi Maddalena
Published: October 2016

Aim

This study compared the faecal microbial composition of formula‐fed infants who did and did not have colic.

Methods

Faecal samples from formula‐fed infants under 16 weeks of age with (n = 38) and without (n = 39) colic were collected at Department of Pediatrics in Turin, Italy, between February 2014 and October 2015. The pH and faecal ammonia were determined and total bacteria, bifidobacteria, lactic acid bacteria and coliforms were quantified by fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH).

Results

Faecal ammonia was significantly higher in the colicky infants than in the controls (483 vs. 216 μg/g, p < 0.05). The FISH counts of total bacteria were lower in colicky infants (1.8E10 ± 1.5E10) than in the controls (3.4E10 ± 3.0E10) (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of coliform bacteria was significantly higher in colicky infants (p < 0.05). No differences were observed for the bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria counts between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our comparison of formula‐fed infants with and without colic revealed significant differences in total bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and faecal ammonia. This study provides the stimulus for further studies of the gut microbiome, using new methods of analysis such as 16S metagenomics sequencing in order to lead to more tailored dietary approaches.
Large climate change, large effect? Vegetation changes over the past century in the European High Arctic
Authors: Kapfer Jutta , Grytnes John‐Arvid
Published: October 2016

Questions

Terrestrial vegetation is assumed to be highly vulnerable to climate change in the Arctic, which has experienced the highest rates of temperature increase globally over the past decades. However, long‐term studies at the community scale are rare, particularly for the European High Arctic. We ask: (1) has Arctic vegetation changed over the past century; (2) can observed changes be related to recent climate change; and (3) do observed changes in vegetation prevail for specific species or species functional groups?

Location

The Svalbard Archipelago, High Arctic Norway.

Methods

In 2009 we resurveyed three plant sociological studies up to 85 yrs after the first surveys. Vegetation data were recorded from 1‐m2 non‐permanently marked plots, and soil pH was measured. We applied restricted permutation tests to evaluate whether observed changes in vegetation (species richness, occurrence frequency, coverage) and in soil pH were significant and independent of plant community type. We compared species co‐occurrences over time to study changes in species composition and to identify the species most likely causing these changes.

Results

Total number of species and average number of species per plot has not changed, and are 75 and nine, respectively. Occurrence frequency changed significantly for 34% of the 64 species tested (11 species increased, 11 decreased). Species cover decreased significantly for 27% of the species and increased for one species. Observed changes in frequency and cover are not significantly related to species’ functional groups or species affiliated to moist or dry habitats. Polygonum viviparum, Saxifraga cernua and Alopecurus borealis have changed most in co‐occurring with other species. Soil pH increased significantly from 6.4 to 6.8.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the strong climatic warming in the High Arctic over the past decades has contributed to significant changes in the vegetation studied on Svalbard over the past 85 yrs. Internal community restructuring and the overall stability in species richness may be explained by time‐delayed responses of well‐established communities, and/or by a limited size of the species pool in the area.
Predictors of dyadic planning: Perspectives of prostate cancer survivors and their partners
Authors: Keller Jan , Wiedemann Amelie U. , Hohl Diana Hilda , Scholz Urte , Burkert Silke , Schrader Mark , Knoll Nina
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Extending individual planning of health behaviour change to the level of the dyad, dyadic planning refers to a target person and a planning partner jointly planning the target person's health behaviour change. To date, predictors of dyadic planning have not been systematically investigated. Integrating cognitive predictors of individual planning with four established predictor domains of social support provision, we propose a framework of predictors of dyadic planning. Including target persons’ and partners’ perspectives, we examine these predictor domains in the context of prostate cancer patients’ rehabilitative pelvic floor exercise (PFE) following radical prostatectomy.

Design

Longitudinal data from 175 patients and their partners were analysed in a study with four post‐surgery assessments across 6 months.

Methods

PFE‐related dyadic planning was assessed from both partners together with indicators from four predictor domains: context, target person, partner, and relationship factors. Individual planning and social support served as covariates.

Results

Findings from two‐level models nesting repeated assessments in individuals showed that context (patients’ incontinence), target person (i.e., positive affect and self‐efficacy), and relationship factors (i.e., relationship satisfaction) were uniquely associated with dyadic planning, whereas partner factors (i.e., positive and negative affects) were not. Factors predicting patients’ and partners’ accounts of dyadic planning differed.

Conclusions

Resembling prior findings on antecedents of support provision in this context, partner factors did not prevail as unique predictors of dyadic planning, whereas indicators from all other predictor domains did. To establish predictive direction, future work should use lagged predictions with shorter intermeasurement intervals.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Dyadic planning has been shown to be linked to health behaviour change. However, its role in behaviour regulation frameworks is not well investigated, especially regarding factors that might be predictive of dyadic planning.

What does this study add?

A framework of predictors of dyadic planning in the health behaviour change process is presented.

The framework is investigated accounting for both planning partners’ perspectives.

Context, target person, and relationship factors were related to dyadic planning.
Management of non‐visualization following dynamic sentinel lymph node biopsy for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis
Authors: Sahdev Varun , Albersen Maarten , Christodoulidou Michelle , Parnham Arie , Malone Peter , Nigam Raj , Bomanji Jamshed , Muneer Asif
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To review the management and clinical outcomes of uni‐ or bilateral non‐visualization of inguinal lymph nodes during dynamic sentinel lymph node biopsy (DSNB) in patients diagnosed with penile cancer and clinically impalpable inguinal lymph nodes (cN0), and to develop an algorithm for the management of patients in which non‐visualization occurs.

Patients and Methods

This is a retrospective observational study over a period of 4 years, comprising 166 patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma undergoing DSNB and followed up for a minimum of 6 months. All cases diagnosed with uni‐ or bilateral non‐visualization of sentinel nodes in this cohort were identified from a penile cancer database. The management of the inguinal lymph nodes after non‐visualization and the oncological outcomes including local and regional recurrence rates were documented.

Results

Out of 166 consecutive patients undergoing DSNB, 20 patients (12%) had unilateral non‐visualization after injection of intradermal 99mTc. Of these 20 patients, seven underwent repeat DSNB at a later date, with six having successful visualization. One patient had persistent non‐visualization and proceeded to a superficial modified inguinal lymphadenectomy (SML). None of these patients experienced recurrence at follow‐up. A further seven patients underwent modified SML with on‐table frozen‐section analysis of the lymph node packet; none of these patients were found to have micrometastatic disease in the inguinal lymph nodes, although one patient developed metastatic inguinal node disease at a later date. Six patients elected to undergo clinical surveillance and have remained disease‐free.

Conclusion

Patients with impalpable inguinal lymph nodes undergoing DSNB with ≥G2 T1 disease should ideally have bilateral visualization of the sentinel lymph nodes, reflecting the drainage pattern from the primary tumour. In the present series, 12% of patients were found to have unilateral non‐visualization after DSNB. Among patients offered a repeat DSNB at a later date, localizing the sentinel node was successful in 86% of cases. Patients with favourable histological characteristics can be placed on clinical surveillance. Those with high‐risk disease can be offered a repeat DSNB procedure on the proviso that SML may be carried out if there is repeated non‐visualization. Larger cohorts are required to validate this proposed algorithm.
Additive effects of the Rho kinase inhibitor Y‐27632 and vardenafil on relaxation of the corpus cavernosum tissue of patients with erectile dysfunction and clinical phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor failure
Authors: Uvin Pieter , Albersen Maarten , Bollen Ine , Falter Maarten , Weyne Emmanuel , Linsen Loes , Tinel Hanna , Sandner Peter , Bivalacqua Trinity J. , De Ridder Dirk J. M. K. , Van der Aa Frank , Brône Bert , Van Renterghem Koenraad
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the expression of the Rho/Rho‐associated protein kinase (ROCK) pathway in the corpus cavernosum of patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) compared with healthy human corpus cavernosum, and to test the functional effects of two Rho kinase inhibitors (RKIs) on erectile tissue of patients with severe ED, which did not respond to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is).

Patients and Methods

Human corpus cavernosum samples were obtained after consent from men undergoing penile prosthesis implantation (n = 7 for organ bath experiments, n = 17 for quantitative PCR [qPCR]). Potent control subjects (n = 5) underwent penile needle biopsy. qPCR was performed for the expression of RhoA and ROCK subtypes 1 and 2. Immunohistochemistry staining against ROCK and α smooth muscle actin (αSMA) was performed on the corpus cavernosum of patients with ED. Tissue strips were precontracted with phenylephrine and incubated with 1 μm of the PDE5I vardenafil or with DMSO (control). Subsequently, increasing concentrations of the RKIs azaindole or Y‐27632 were added, and relaxation of tissue was quantified.

Results

The expression of ROCK1 was unchanged (P > 0.05), while ROCK2 (P < 0.05) was significantly upregulated in patients with ED compared with controls. ROCK1 and ROCK2 protein colocalized with αSMA, confirming the presence of this kinase in cavernous smooth muscle cells and/or myofibroblasts. After incubation with DMSO, 10 μm azaindole and 10 μm Y‐27632 relaxed precontracted tissues with 49.5 ± 7.42% (P = 0.1470 when compared with vehicle) and 85.9 ± 10.3% (P = 0.0016 when compared with vehicle), respectively. Additive effects on relaxation of human corpus cavernosum were seen after preincubation with 1 μm vardenafil.

Conclusion

The RKI Y‐27632 causes a significant relaxation of corpus cavernosum in tissue strips of patients with severe ED. The additive effect of vardenafil and Y‐27632 shows that a combined inhibition of Rho‐kinase and phosphodiesterase type 5 could be a promising orally administered treatment for severe ED.
The role of perivascular adipose tissue in obesity‐induced vascular dysfunction
Authors: Xia Ning , Li Huige
Published: October 2016

Under physiological conditions, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) attenuates agonist‐induced vasoconstriction by releasing vasoactive molecules including hydrogen peroxide, angiotensin 1–7, adiponectin, methyl palmitate, hydrogen sulfide, NO and leptin. This anticontractile effect of PVAT is lost under conditions of obesity. The central mechanism underlying this PVAT dysfunction in obesity is likely to be an ‘obesity triad’ (consisting of PVAT hypoxia, inflammation and oxidative stress) that leads to the impairment of PVAT‐derived vasoregulators. The production of hydrogen sulfide, NO and adiponectin by PVAT is reduced in obesity, whereas the vasodilator response to leptin is impaired (vascular leptin resistance). Strikingly, the vasodilator response to acetylcholine is reduced only in PVAT‐containing, but not in PVAT‐free thoracic aorta isolated from diet‐induced obese mice, indicating a unique role for PVAT in obesity‐induced vascular dysfunction. Furthermore, PVAT dysfunction has also been observed in small arteries isolated from the gluteal/visceral fat biopsy samples of obese individuals. Therefore, PVAT may represent a new therapeutic target for vascular complications in obesity. A number of approaches are currently being tested under experimental conditions. Potential therapeutic strategies improving PVAT function include body weight reduction, enhancing PVAT hydrogen sulfide release (e.g. rosiglitazone, atorvastatin and cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists) and NO production (e.g. arginase inhibitors), inhibition of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, inhibition of inflammation with melatonin or cytokine antagonists, activators of AMP‐activated kinase (e.g. metformin, resveratrol and diosgenin) and adiponectin releasers or expression enhancers.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Perivascular Adipose Tissue – Potential Pharmacological Targets? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.20/issuetoc
Celecoxib and 2,5‐dimethylcelecoxib inhibit intestinal cancer growth by suppressing the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Egashira Issei , Takahashi‐Yanaga Fumi , Nishida Risa , Arioka Masaki , Igawa Kazunobu , Tomooka Katsuhiko , Nakatsu Yoshimichi , Tsuzuki Teruhisa , Nakabeppu Yusaku , Kitazono Takanari , Sasaguri Toshiyuki
Published: October 2016

We previously reported that celecoxib, a selective COX‐2 inhibitor, strongly inhibited human colon cancer cell proliferation by suppressing the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. 2,5‐Dimethylcelecoxib (DM‐celecoxib), a celecoxib analog that does not inhibit COX‐2, has also been reported to have an antitumor effect. In the present study, we elucidated whether DM‐celecoxib inhibits intestinal cancer growth, and its underlying mechanism of action. First, we compared the effect of DM‐celecoxib with that of celecoxib on the human colon cancer cell lines HCT‐116 and DLD‐1. 2,5‐Dimethylcelecoxib suppressed cell proliferation and inhibited T‐cell factor 7‐like 2 expression with almost the same strength as celecoxib. 2,5‐Dimethylcelecoxib also inhibited the T‐cell factor‐dependent transcription activity and suppressed the expression of Wnt/β‐catenin target gene products cyclin D1 and survivin. Subsequently, we compared the in vivo effects of celecoxib and DM‐celecoxib using the Mutyh−/− mouse model, in which oxidative stress induces multiple intestinal carcinomas. Serum concentrations of orally administered celecoxib and DM‐celecoxib elevated to the levels enough to suppress cancer cell proliferation. Repeated treatment with celecoxib and DM‐celecoxib markedly reduced the number and size of the carcinomas without showing toxicity. These results suggest that the central mechanism for the anticancer effect of celecoxib derivatives is the suppression of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway but not the inhibition of COX‐2, and that DM‐celecoxib might be a better lead compound candidate than celecoxib for the development of novel anticancer drugs.
Survival of dental implants placed in sites of previously failed implants
Authors: Chrcanovic Bruno R. , Kisch Jenö , Albrektsson Tomas , Wennerberg Ann
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To assess the survival of dental implants placed in sites of previously failed implants and to explore the possible factors that might affect the outcome of this reimplantation procedure.

Materials and methods

Patients that had failed dental implants, which were replaced with the same implant type at the same site, were included. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the patients and implants; survival analysis was also performed. The effect of systemic, environmental, and local factors on the survival of the reoperated implants was evaluated.

Results

175 of 10,096 implants in 98 patients were replaced by another implant at the same location (159, 14, and 2 implants at second, third, and fourth surgeries, respectively). Newly replaced implants were generally of similar diameter but of shorter length compared to the previously placed fixtures. A statistically significant greater percentage of lost implants were placed in sites with low bone quantity. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.032) in the survival rates between implants that were inserted for the first time (94%) and implants that replaced the ones lost (73%). There was a statistically higher failure rate of the reoperated implants for patients taking antidepressants and antithrombotic agents.

Conclusions

Dental implants replacing failed implants had lower survival rates than the rates reported for the previous attempts of implant placement. It is suggested that a site‐specific negative effect may possibly be associated with this phenomenon, as well as the intake of antidepressants and antithrombotic agents.
Methamphetamine Induces Anhedonic‐Like Behavior and Impairs Frontal Cortical Energetics in Mice
Authors: Fonseca Raquel , Carvalho Rui A. , Lemos Cristina , Sequeira Ana C. , Pita Inês R. , Carvalho Fábio , Silva Carlos D. , Prediger Rui D. S. , Jarak Ivana , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Fontes Ribeiro Carlos A. , Köfalvi Attila , Pereira Frederico C.
Published: October 2016

Introduction

We recently showed that a single high dose of methamphetamine (METH) induces a persistent frontal cortical monoamine depletion that is accompanied by helpless‐like behavior in mice. However, brain metabolic alterations underlying both neurochemical and mood alterations remain unknown.

Aims

Herein, we aimed at characterizing frontal cortical metabolic alterations associated with early negative mood behavior triggered by METH. Adult C57BL/6 mice were injected with METH (30 mg/kg, i.p.), and their frontal cortical metabolic status was characterized after probing their mood and anxiety‐related phenotypes 3 days postinjection.

Results

Methamphetamine induced depressive‐like behavior, as indicated by the decreased grooming time in the splash test and by a transient decrease in sucrose preference. At this time, METH did not alter anxiety‐like behavior or motor functions. Depolarization‐induced glucose uptake was reduced in frontocortical slices from METH‐treated mice compared to controls. Consistently, astrocytic glucose transporter (GluT1) density was lower in the METH group. A proton high rotation magic angle spinning (HRMAS) spectroscopic approach revealed that METH induced a significant decrease in N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA) and glutamate levels, suggesting that METH decreased neuronal glutamatergic function in frontal cortex.

Conclusions

We report, for the first time, that a single METH injection triggers early self‐care and hedonic deficits and impairs frontal cortical energetics in mice.
Immunohistochemical studies and fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission tomography in pharyngeal cancer for predicting radiotherapy‐based treatment outcomes
Authors: Lin Y.‐C. , Chen R.‐Y. , Chen S.‐W. , Hsieh T.‐C. , Yen K.‐Y. , Liang J.‐A. , Yang S.‐N. , Wang Y.‐C. , Chen Y.‐H. , Chow N.‐H. , Kao C.‐H.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

This study correlated immunohistochemical studies with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET–CT) and identified prognostic factors for radiotherapy (RT)‐based treatment outcomes in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and hypopharynx.

Methods

Genomic data from pre‐treatment biopsy specimens (Glut1, CAIX, VEGF, HIF‐1α, EGFR, Ki‐67, Bcl‐2, CLAUDIN‐4, YAP‐1, c‐Met and p16) of 76 patients were analysed using tissue microarrays. FDG uptake was evaluated using the maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG).

Results

The overexpression of Glut1 positively associated with increased values of the SUVmax, MTV and TLG, whereas VEGF and HIF‐1α expression with the MTV and TLG, respectively. A VEGF immunoreactive score (IRS) >2 (P = 0.001, hazard ratio [HR] = 3.94) and an MTV defined by an SUV of 2.5 (MTV2.5) >14.5 mL (P = 0.004, HR = 3.31) were prognostic factors for low cause‐specific survival, whereas a VEGF IRS >2 (P = 0.02, HR = 2.83) for low primary relapse‐free survival.

Conclusion

The overexpression of Glut1, VEGF and HIF‐1α associated with increased FDG uptake. For patients with pharyngeal cancer requiring RT, the treatment outcome can be stratified by VEGF and MTV2.5.
Acute resistance exercise using free weights on aortic wave reflection characteristics
Authors: Tai Yu Lun , Gerhart Hayden , Mayo Xián , Kingsley J. Derek
Published: October 2016

Aortic wave reflection characteristics such as the augmentation index (AIx), wasted left ventricular pressure energy (ΔEw) and aortic haemodynamics, such as aortic systolic blood pressure (ASBP), strongly predict cardiovascular events. The effects of acute resistance exercise (ARE) using free‐weight exercises on these characteristics are unknown. Therefore, we sought to determine the effects of acute free‐weight resistance exercise on aortic wave reflection characteristics and aortic haemodynamics in resistance‐trained individuals. Fifteen young, healthy resistance‐trained (9 ± 3 years) individuals performed two randomized sessions consisting of an acute bout of free‐weight resistance exercise (ARE) or a quiet control (CON). The ARE consisted of three sets of 10 repetitions at 75% one repetition maximum for squat, bench press and deadlift. In CON, the participants rested in the supine position for 30 min. Measurements were made at baseline before sessions and 10 min after sessions. A two‐way ANOVA was used to compare the effects of condition across time. There were no significant interactions for aortic or brachial blood pressures. Compared to rest, there were significant increases in augmentation pressure (rest: 5·7 ± 3·0 mmHg; recovery: 10·4 ± 5·7 mmHg, P = 0·002), AIx (rest: 116·8 ± 4·2%; recovery: 123·2 ± 8·4%, P = 0·002), AIx normalized at 75 bpm (rest: 5·2 ± 7·6%; recovery: 27·3 ± 13·2%, P<0·0001), ΔEw (rest: 1215 ± 674 dynes s cm−2; recovery: 2096 ± 1182 dynes s cm−2, P = 0·008), and there was a significant decrease in transit time of the reflected wave (rest: 150·7 ± 5·8 ms; recovery 145·5 ± 5·6 ms, P<0·001) during recovery from ARE compared to CON. These data suggest that ARE using free‐weight exercises may have no effect on aortic and brachial blood pressure but may significantly alter aortic wave reflection characteristics.
Beneficial effect of lixisenatide after 76 weeks of treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta‐analysis from the GetGoal programme
Authors: Broglio Fabio , Mannucci Edoardo , Napoli Raffaele , Nicolucci Antonio , Purrello Francesco , Nikonova Elena , Stager William , Trevisan Roberto
Published: October 2016

Aims

To evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of lixisenatide, a short‐acting, prandial glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RA) as add‐on therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

A meta‐analysis of 76‐week results of 5 placebo‐controlled clinical trials from the GetGoal programme was performed, including 3000 inadequately controlled adult diabetic patients where lixisenatide 20 µg once‐daily was administered in combination with metformin (GetGoal‐M and GetGoal‐F1), sulphonylurea ± metformin (GetGoal‐S), basal insulin ± metformin (GetGoal‐L) or pioglitazone ± metformin (GetGoal‐P).

Results

A significant reduction in HbA1c at 76 weeks was observed in the intervention arm compared to placebo (LSM difference: −0.41%, 95%CI: −0.51, −0.32,
P
< .00001). Compared to placebo, lixisenatide induced a larger decrease in fasting plasma glucose (LSM difference −0.49 mmol/L, 95% CI −0.71, −0.27,
P
< .0001) and postprandial glucose excursion after a standard test meal (LSM difference −3.29 mmol/L, 95% CI −4.17, −2.42,
P
< .00001). A bodyweight reduction was observed in the lixisenatide arm (LSM difference −0.40 kg, 95%CI: −0.8, −0.01,
P
= .05). The risk of hypoglycaemia was slightly higher with lixisenatide vs placebo (risk difference +0.02, 95% CI: 0, 0.04,
P
= .04). The most commonly observed non‐severe adverse events were nausea and vomiting, which after week 16 and week 8, were steadily <4% and <1% in the lixisenatide arm, respectively.

Conclusions

Lixisenatide, a once‐daily prandial GLP‐1 RA, provides long‐term glycaemic control, a sustained beneficial effect on weight and with a good safety profile.
Melanoma risk alleles are associated with downregulation of the MTAP gene and hypermethylation of a CpG island upstream of the gene in dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Sangalli Antonella , Malerba Giovanni , Tessari Gianpaolo , Rodolfo Monica , Gomez‐Lira Macarena
Published: October 2016

Several association studies and GWAS on melanoma skin cancer risk have reported statistically significant signals on 9p21.3 region, where MTAP gene maps. None of the associated SNPs identified in these studies lie in the coding region of the gene and the causative relation of risk alleles with melanoma predisposition has not been elucidated. MTAP has a tumor suppressor activity and epigenetic silencing has been described in melanoma cell lines. In the present study, we show that melanoma risk alleles correlate with a MTAP allele‐specific hyper‐methylation and down‐regulation of gene expression.
“I didn't Know You were Fighting So Hard for me”: Attorneys' Perceptions of Youth Participation in Child Dependency Proceedings
Authors: Augsberger Astraea , Lens Vicki , Hughes Andrea
Published: October 2016

This study examined attorneys' perceptions of youth participation in child dependency proceedings. Surveys and semi‐structured interviews were conducted with attorneys who represent adolescents in child dependency proceedings. Three dimensions of participation were identified: receiving information, providing information, and self‐advocacy. Barriers to youth participation included individual‐level factors, such as the youth or the attorney not wanting the youth to attend, and system‐level factors, such as the scheduling of court hearings, large caseloads, long waits, and cases being adjourned multiple times. Recommendations for enhancing youth participation in child dependency proceedings are presented.
Variants in the CNR1 gene predispose to headache with nausea in the presence of life stress
Authors: Juhasz G. , Csepany E. , Magyar M. , Edes A. E. , Eszlari N. , Hullam G. , Antal P. , Kokonyei G. , Anderson I. M. , Deakin J. F. W. , Bagdy G.
Published: October 2016

One of the main effects of the endocannabinoid system in the brain is stress adaptation with presynaptic endocannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1 receptors) playing a major role. In the present study, we investigated whether the effect of the CB1 receptor coding CNR1 gene on migraine and its symptoms is conditional on life stress. In a cross‐sectional European population (n = 2426), recruited from Manchester and Budapest, we used the ID‐Migraine questionnaire for migraine screening, the Life Threatening Experiences questionnaire to measure recent negative life events (RLE), and covered the CNR1 gene with 11 SNPs. The main genetic effects and the CNR1 × RLE interaction with age and sex as covariates were tested. None of the SNPs showed main genetic effects on possible migraine or its symptoms, but 5 SNPs showed nominally significant interaction with RLE on headache with nausea using logistic regression models. The effect of rs806366 remained significant after correction for multiple testing and replicated in the subpopulations. This effect was independent from depression‐ and anxiety‐related phenotypes. In addition, a Bayesian systems‐based analysis demonstrated that in the development of headache with nausea all SNPs were more relevant with higher a posteriori probability in those who experienced recent life stress. In summary, the CNR1 gene in interaction with life stress increased the risk of headache with nausea suggesting a specific pathological mechanism to develop migraine, and indicating that a subgroup of migraine patients, who suffer from life stress triggered migraine with frequent nausea, may benefit from therapies that increase the endocannabinoid tone.
Classification of Headache Disorders: Extending to a Multiaxial System
Authors: Martin Paul R.
Published: October 2016

This article argues for extending the International Classification of Headache Disorders to include information that goes beyond diagnosis. The obvious model is a multiaxial system as has been developed for other taxonomies. An axis for recording disability and impact on functioning, and an axis for recording the triggers of headache/migraine, are perhaps the strongest contenders for adding to the system, but there are other possibilities such as lifestyle factors relevant to headache. Extensions such as these would contribute to headache management, provide clear targets for change, and encourage adoption of a biopsychosocial perspective.