bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration and noise studies on wind turbine generator for reduction of vibrations and noise
Authors: Shinagam Ramakrishna , Ajay Guntaka , Patta Lokanadham , Gandam Anand Siva
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Wind power is the one of best natural resources to meet the demands of electricity in India. In this regard, one of engineering college in Visakhapatnam has procured wind turbine generators of 200 kWp and got these installed on the rooftop of the college buildings for research and power generation. After starting the mills, huge vibrations were experienced by the staff and students in the laboratories and classrooms. So, the purpose of this paper is to carry out vibration and noise studies on wind turbine generator to identify the problem for high vibrations and suggest a novel method for vibration reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental vibration and natural frequency investigations are carried when wind velocity around 6.0 m/s using frequency analyzer, impact hammer, condenser microphone and accelerometer. An attempt is made to reduce the vibration and noise level of wind turbine generator by inserting a steel coil spring of 300 mm length having 20 turns in series with turnbuckle D shackle assembly, which is used to connect the wind turbine generator to the hook mounted on slab.

Findings

A high vibration velocity of 9.9 mm/s was observed on at base frame of wind turbine generator. The natural frequencies of hook and slab are observed in between 15 to 20 Hz from the natural frequency test. A high noise of 94.67 dBA is observed at a distance of 1 m from the base of wind turbine generator along the rotational axis of rotor. After modification to the baseline, WTG the vibration and noise levels are reduced to 4.8 mm/sec and 77.76 dBA, respectively.

Originality/value

This is the first time to study the huge vibrations generated in wind turbine generators installed on the rooftop of the college. Developed a novel methodology to reduce the vibrations by inserting a steel coil springs in turnbuckle D shackle assembly of wind turbine generators. After modification, wind turbine generator are running successfully without any high vibrations.
Palliative and end-of-life care’s barriers for older adults
Authors: Indarwati Retno , Fauziningtyas Rista , Kuncahyo Gilang Dwi , Tristiana Rr Dian , Chan Chong Mei , Smith Graeme D.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

A nursing home is a place that is familiar with death, since many older adults will spend the latter part of their lives in such a setting. However, research on this topic is still limited, especially in Indonesia. The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers to successful palliative and, more generally, end-of-life care (EOLC) for older adults in nursing homes and to explore nurses’ views on the subject.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is of a qualitative nature and it employs a phenomenological approach. In-depth interviews with 15 nurses who taken care of older adults in a nursing home were conducted. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Findings

Barriers to effective EOLC include lack of knowledge, ineffectual communication and insufficient resources.

Research limitations/implications

Better policies are needed, especially in training related to palliative/EOLC subjects and equitable distribution of professional health workers to overcome the barriers. The government should also encourage collaboration involving hospitals, Puskesmas (Health Centre Services), community and resident care settings in sharing knowledge and skills, especially for nurses.

Originality/value

The barriers identified in palliative and EOLC have been found to be almost identical to those encountered in other health services.
What explains vast differences in jumping power within a clade? Diversity, ecology and evolution of anuran jumping power
Authors: Mendoza Elizabeth , Azizi Emanuel , Moen Daniel S.
Published: February 2020

Anuran (frog and toad) jumping power varies greatly across species, yet muscle power does not. Given that the jumping power of some species is up to five times higher than typical muscle power, power amplification by elastic elements is suggested to explain this discrepancy. However, the ecological reasons for this variation in jumping power remain unclear. One hypothesis is that small jumpers are limited by the time available to accelerate their body during take‐off, leading to small species needing greater power production than larger species to achieve similar jumping performance. Another (non‐mutually exclusive) hypothesis is that the microhabitat species inhabit may drive variation through trade‐offs with performance in microhabitat‐specific, non‐jumping behaviours.

We compared jumping power across 68 anuran species that were diverse in evolutionary relationships, microhabitat use and body mass. We used phylogenetic comparative methods to compare the role of microhabitat and body mass in explaining variation in jumping power across species.

We found the strongest support for a model that included two factors and their interaction. First, as body mass increased, jumping power decreased. Second, species that burrowed showed lower jumping power than species that did not burrow. Third, the interaction between body mass and burrowing behaviour showed that jumping power declines more rapidly with body mass in burrowing species than non‐burrowing species.

The effect of body mass suggests that interspecific variation in jumping power might be partly explained by scaling relationships. Anurans with small body mass may be able to achieve similar locomotor performance (e.g. takeoff velocity) as those with larger body mass, by more effectively amplifying muscle power. Additionally, the effect of burrowing behaviour suggests that species that use hindlimbs to burrow may experience a reduction in their ability to generate jumping power. This may indicate a functional trade‐off between jumping and burrowing performance.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Association between heart rate variability indices and features of spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmias in mice
Authors: He Mi , Zhao Wei‐Bo , Nguyen My‐Nhan , Kiriazis Helen , Li Yong‐Qin , Hu Houyuan , Du Xiao‐Jun
Published: February 2020

Direct evidence is limited for the association between heart rate variability (HRV) indices and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs). While galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) is regarded as a causal factor for cardiac remodelling and a biomarker for arrhythmias, its regulation on VTAs and HVR is unknown. Using aged transgenic (TG) mice with cardiac overexpression of β2‐adrenoceptors and spontaneous VTAs, we studied whether changes in HRV indices correlated with the severity of VTAs, and whether Gal‐3 gene knockout (KO) in TG mice might limit VTA. Body‐surface ECG was recorded (10‐minute period) in 9‐ to 10‐month‐old mice of non‐transgenic (nTG), TG and TG × Gal‐3 knockout (TG/KO). Time‐domain, frequency‐domain and nonlinear‐domain HRV indices were calculated using the R‐R intervals extracted from ECG signals and compared with frequency of VTAs. TG and TG/KO mice developed frequent VTAs and showed significant changes in certain time‐domain and nonlinear‐domain HRV indices relative to nTG mice. The severity of VTAs in TG and TG/KO mice in combination, estimated by VTA counts and arrhythmia score, was significantly correlated with certain time‐domain and nonlinear‐domain HRV indices. In conclusion, significant changes in HRV indices were evident and correlated with the severity of spontaneous VTAs in TG mice. The frequency of VTA and HRV indices were largely comparable between TG and TG/KO mice. Deletion of Gal‐3 in TG mice altered certain HRV indices implying influence by neuronally localized Gal‐3 on autonomic nervous activity.
Polygenic liability for schizophrenia and childhood adversity influences daily‐life emotion dysregulation and psychosis proneness
Authors: Pries L.‐K. , Klingenberg B. , Menne‐Lothmann C. , Decoster J. , van Winkel R. , Collip D. , Delespaul P. , De Hert M. , Derom C. , Thiery E. , Jacobs N. , Wichers M. , Cinar O. , Lin B. D. , Luykx J. J. , Rutten B. P. F. , van Os J. , Guloksuz S.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To test whether polygenic risk score for schizophrenia (PRS‐S) interacts with childhood adversity and daily‐life stressors to influence momentary mental state domains (negative affect, positive affect, and subtle psychosis expression) and stress‐sensitivity measures.

Methods

The data were retrieved from a general population twin cohort including 593 adolescents and young adults. Childhood adversity was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Daily‐life stressors and momentary mental state domains were measured using ecological momentary assessment. PRS‐S was trained on the latest Psychiatric Genetics Consortium schizophrenia meta‐analysis. The analyses were conducted using multilevel mixed‐effects tobit regression models.

Results

Both childhood adversity and daily‐life stressors were associated with increased negative affect, decreased positive affect, and increased subtle psychosis expression, while PRS‐S was only associated with increased positive affect. No gene–environment correlation was detected. There is novel evidence for interaction effects between PRS‐S and childhood adversity to influence momentary mental states [negative affect (b = 0.07, P = 0.013), positive affect (b = −0.05, P = 0.043), and subtle psychosis expression (b = 0.11, P = 0.007)] and stress‐sensitivity measures.

Conclusion

Exposure to childhood adversities, particularly in individuals with high PRS‐S, is pleiotropically associated with emotion dysregulation and psychosis proneness.
Relationships between US state alcohol policies and alcohol outcomes: differences by gender and race/ethnicity
Authors: Subbaraman Meenakshi S. , Mulia Nina , Kerr William C. , Patterson Deidre , Karriker‐Jaffe Katherine J. , Greenfield Thomas K.
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

Alcohol taxation and availability restrictions are among the most effective methods for reducing alcohol use and problems, yet may affect demographic subgroups differently. Understanding who responds to specific policies can inform approaches for reducing disparities. We examined how state‐level beverage‐specific taxes and availability restrictions in the United States are associated with consumption and alcohol‐related problems across subgroups defined by gender and race/ethnicity.

Design, Setting and Participants

Data came from the 2000–15 National Alcohol Surveys (n = 28 251), computer‐assisted telephone cross‐sectional surveys of United States residents aged 18+. African Americans and Hispanics were oversampled.

Measurements

Primary outcomes were beverage‐specific (beer, wine, spirits and total) volume, DSM‐IV alcohol dependence and alcohol‐related consequences. Analyses entailed survey‐weighted log–log and logistic regressions adjusting for state‐level beer tax, spirits tax, government‐controlled spirits sales and sales tax; respondent ZIP‐code‐level density of off‐premise beer outlets, off‐premise spirits outlets and on‐premise bars; respondent individual‐level age, marital status, education, employment and income; and fixed effects for wet/moderate/dry US region and year.

Findings

Higher beer tax was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with lower odds of any drinking among white women [odds ratio (OR) = 0.98] and lower beer volume (price‐elasticity = −0.40), total volume (price‐elasticity = −0.50) and odds of alcohol‐related consequences (OR = 0.84) among African American women. Higher spirits tax was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with both lower beer and total volume among Hispanic women (price‐elasticities = −0.73 and − 1.04, respectively) and men (price‐elasticities = −1.19 and − 0.92, respectively) and decreased wine volume among Hispanic women (price‐elasticity = −0.62). Apparent protective effects of living in a state with government‐controlled spirits sales or a neighborhood with lower bar density was greater among white men than other groups.

Conclusions

The effects of beverage‐specific taxes and alcohol availability policies may vary across subgroups, highlighting the importance of considering differential policy impacts in future research and intervention.
Maternal ω3 docosapentaenoic acid inhibits infant allergic dermatitis through TRAIL‐expressing plasmacytoid dendritic cells in mice
Authors: Hirata So‐ichiro , Nagatake Takahiro , Sawane Kento , Hosomi Koji , Honda Tetsuya , Ono Sachiko , Shibuya Noriko , Saito Emiko , Adachi Jun , Abe Yuichi , Isoyama Junko , Suzuki Hidehiko , Matsunaga Ayu , Tomonaga Takeshi , Kiyono Hiroshi , Kabashima Kenji , Arita Makoto , Kunisawa Jun
Published: February 2020

Background

Maternal dietary exposures are considered to influence the development of infant allergies through changes in the composition of breast milk. Cohort studies have shown that ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in breast milk may have a beneficial effect on the preventing of allergies in infants; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be investigated. We investigated how the maternal intake of dietary ω3 PUFAs affects fatty acid profiles in the breast milk and their pups and reduced the incidence of allergic diseases in the pups.

Methods

Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) induced by 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and fluorescein isothiocyanate was applied to the skin in pups reared by mother maintained with diets mainly containing ω3 or ω6 PUFAs. Skin inflammation, immune cell populations, and expression levels of immunomodulatory molecules in pups and/or human cell line were investigated by using flow cytometric, immunohistologic, and quantitative RT‐PCR analyses. ω3 PUFA metabolites in breast milk and infant's serum were evaluated by lipidomics analysis using LC‐MS/MS.

Results

We show that maternal intake of linseed oil, containing abundant ω3 α‐linolenic acid, resulted in the increased levels of ω3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and its 14‐lipoxygenation products in the breast milk of mouse dams; these metabolites increased the expression of TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in their pups and thus inhibited infant CHS. Indeed, the administration of DPA‐derived 14‐lipoxygenation products to mouse pups ameliorated their DNFB CHS.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that an inhibitory mechanism in infant skin allergy is induced through maternal metabolism of dietary ω3 PUFAs in mice.
The role of testosterone in menopausal hormone treatment. What is the evidence?
Authors: Johansen Nora , Lindén Hirschberg Angelica , Moen Mette H.
Published: February 2020

About 40% of postmenopausal women have decreased sexual desire, causing distress. Estrogen therapy attenuates vaginal complaints but has no effect on sexual desire. Although sexual function has been linked to testosterone, there is no clear relation between sexual desire and circulating levels of testosterone. Nevertheless, treatment with transdermal (patch) testosterone improved sexual function in several randomized controlled trials. Women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder who were treated with testosterone reported more satisfying sexual episodes and sexual desire compared with the placebo group. Adverse effects were mild. However, there is no testosterone drug designed for women available on the European market. Consequently, women who opt for testosterone treatment have to use preparations made for men with a high drug concentration. Adequate dosage for women is therefore challenging. A trial of 5 mg transdermal testosterone (gel or cream) daily or less has been suggested, followed by close monitoring of side effects and hormone level.
Strategies discussed at the XIIth international conference on Kangaroo mother care for implementation on a countrywide scale
Authors: Charpak Nathalie , Angel María I. , Banker Deepa , Bergh Anne‐Marie , María Bertolotto Ana , De Leon‐Mendoza Socorro , Godoy Natalia , Lincetto Ornella , Lozano Juan M. , Ludington‐Hoe Susan , Mazia Goldy , Mokhachane Mantoa , Montealegre Adriana , Ramirez Erika , Sirivansanti Nicole , Solano Jose Maria , Day Louise-Tina , Uy Maria Esterlita
Published: February 2020

Aim

Building strategies for the country‐level dissemination of Kangaroo mother care (KMC) to reduce the mortality rate in preterm and low birth weight babies and improve quality of life. KMC is an evidence‐based healthcare method for these infants. However, KMC implementation at the global level remains low.

Methods

The international network in Kangaroo mother brought 172 KMC professionals from 33 countries together for a 2‐day workshop held in conjunction with the XIIth International KMC Conference in Bogota, Colombia, in November 2018. Participants worked in clusters to formulate strategies for country‐level dissemination and scale‐up according to seven pre‐established objectives.

Results

The minimum set of indicators for KMC scale‐up proposed by the internationally diverse groups is presented. The strategies for KMC integration and implementation at the country level, as well as the approaches for convincing healthcare providers of the safety of KMC transportation, are also described. Finally, the main aspects concerning KMC follow‐up and KMC for term infants are presented.

Conclusion

In this collaborative meeting, participants from low‐, middle‐ and high‐income countries combined their knowledge and experience to identify the best strategies to implement KMC at a countrywide scale.
Building Resources in Caregivers: Feasibility of a Brief Writing Intervention to Increase Benefit Finding in Caregivers
Authors: Gallagher Stephen , O’Sullivan Liam , Hughes Zoe , O’Connell Brenda H.
Published: February 2020

The Building Resources in Caregivers (BRiC) is a pilot feasibility trial that compared the effects of a 2‐week benefit finding writing expressive intervention to a control intervention, who wrote about the weather. Caregivers completed primary (benefit finding) and secondary (quality of life, depression and anxiety) outcome measures at pre (t1), immediately post‐test (t2) and 1 month later (t3). They also completed measures relating to trial feasibility, difficulty, and acceptance. Using complete case analysis only, analysis revealed no effect of the intervention for primary or secondary outcomes. Despite this, there were no differences between the intervention and control groups on key feasibility measures. Caregivers in the control condition were less likely to recommend this to other caregivers. Moreover, qualitative commentary provided by caregivers suggested that not everyone enjoyed the writing, some found it stressful, offering up some explanation for our findings. Our pilot trial suggests that any future benefit‐finding writing intervention would require several procedure modifications including tailoring to a specific cohort of caregivers, in particular those who like writing, before it has some utility as a psychosocial intervention.
Comparison of MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry analysis of peripheral blood and bone marrow‐based flow cytometry for tracking measurable residual disease in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Eveillard Marion , Rustad Even , Roshal Mikhail , Zhang Yanming , Ciardiello Amanda , Korde Neha , Hultcrantz Malin , Lu Sydney , Shah Urvi , Hassoun Hani , Smith Eric , Lesokhin Alexander , Mailankody Sham , Landgren Ola , Thoren Katie
Published: February 2020

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) may soon replace routine electrophoretic methods for monitoring monoclonal proteins in patients with multiple myeloma. To further evaluate the clinical utility of this assay, we compared the performance of MALDI‐TOF‐MS head‐to‐head with an established bone marrow‐based measurable residual disease assay by flow cytometry (Flow‐BM‐MRD), using Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s 10‐color, single‐tube method. Our results suggest that MALDI‐TOF‐MS adds value to bone marrow‐based MRD testing and may be most useful for early detection of relapse in peripheral blood compared to current electrophoretic methods.
Geological mapping reveals the role of Early Jurassic rift architecture in the dispersal of calciturbidites: New insights from the Central and Northern Apennines
Authors: Cipriani Angelo , Caratelli Martina , Santantonio Massimo
Published: February 2020

The role of sea‐bottom topography in the dispersal of shallow water‐derived calciturbidites across a submarine rift, as determined by the local extensional architecture, is under‐investigated, namely with pelagic settings along ancient passive continental margins. A comparison with modern carbonate platform/basin analogues, or with siliciclastic systems, is not always feasible, as ancient carbonate systems were commonly home to anachronistic environments (e.g. the Western Tethyan Mesozoic). Our study focuses on: (a) a reconstruction of the palaeotectonic architecture of the Umbria‐Marche Basin in the Jurassic and on (b) how this architecture produced a submarine topography which governed the dispersal of sediment, shed by the neighbouring Lazio‐Abruzzo Carbonate Platform, for >40 million years. A geological mapping project was performed in the Apennines of Central Italy, a region which in the Jurassic displayed a pattern of intrabasinal highs (pelagic carbonate platforms) and intervening basins which was exceedingly complex due to the high density, and oddly variable trends, of faults rooted in a shallow detachment layer corresponding to thick Triassic salt. A map pairing the occurrences of these resedimented beds with an updated palaeogeography becomes the natural descriptor of the itineraries followed by sediment gravity flows. This qualitative method represents a companion, or even alternative, approach to the one strictly based on physical stratigraphy, and it greatly improves our knowledge of regional geology and rift‐basin analysis. Our case history potentially represents the analogue of hydrocarbon fields both inland and in the offshore. Geological mapping shows that the marginal palaeoescarpments of pelagic carbonate platforms formed obstacles to the gravity flows as sediment load was discharged at their toes. While turbidity flows were locally vigorous enough to climb the escarpments, leaving overbank deposits on the pelagic carbonate platform‐tops, a ‘shelter’ effect is evidenced by the resediment‐free nature of those basins lying downflow, which were shielded by the highs.
Cellular calcium and redox regulation: the mediator of vertebrate environmental sex determination?
Authors: Castelli Meghan A. , Whiteley Sarah L. , Georges Arthur , Holleley Clare E.
Published: February 2020

Many reptiles and some fish determine offspring sex by environmental cues such as incubation temperature. The mechanism by which environmental signals are captured and transduced into specific sexual phenotypes has remained unexplained for over 50 years. Indeed, environmental sex determination (ESD) has been viewed as an intractable problem because sex determination is influenced by a myriad of genes that may be subject to environmental influence. Recent demonstrations of ancient, conserved epigenetic processes in the regulatory response to environmental cues suggest that the mechanisms of ESD have a previously unsuspected level of commonality, but the proximal sensor of temperature that ultimately gives rise to one sexual phenotype or the other remains unidentified. Here, we propose that in ESD species, environmental cues are sensed by the cell through highly conserved ancestral elements of calcium and redox (CaRe) status, then transduced to activate ubiquitous signal transduction pathways, or influence epigenetic processes, ultimately to drive the differential expression of sex genes. The early evolutionary origins of CaRe regulation, and its essential role in eukaryotic cell function, gives CaRe a propensity to be independently recruited for diverse roles as a ‘cellular sensor’ of environmental conditions. Our synthesis provides the first cohesive mechanistic model connecting environmental signals and sex determination pathways in vertebrates, providing direction and a framework for developing targeted experimentation.
Effects of affordances in the home environment on children's personal‐social, problem‐solving, and communication skills
Authors: Valadi Saeed , Gabbard Carl , Hooshyari Faramarz
Published: February 2020

Background

Among the various factors forming the environment, most developmentalists are in agreement that the home is the primary agent for change in child growth and development. The present study investigated the effect of affordances in the home on personal‐social, problem‐solving, and communication skills of children between 18 and 42 months of age. This investigation extends work focusing on “motor” affordances as an environmental feature.

Methods

Using cross‐sectional design, 251 families (124 boys and 127 girls) were evaluated using the Persian translation of Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development and the Ages and Stages Inventories to determine the three skill competencies.

Results

Results showed that the level of home affordances significantly impacted all three skill areas. And the total variance of predictive values in the final model had a moderate and significant ratio. Other factors such as attendance and non‐attendance of children in kindergarten, family income, and education of parents were also contributing factors.

Conclusions

In general, these findings indicate that the home environment plays an important role in the development of personal‐social, problem‐solving, and communication skills.
IgG antibody response against Plasmodium falciparum aminopeptidase 1 antigen in Gabonese children living in Makokou and Franceville
Authors: Oyegue-Liabagui S L , Imboumy-Limoukou R-K , Kouna C L , Bangueboussa F , Schmitt M , Florent I , Lekana-Douki J B
Published: February 2020

The search for novel chemical classes of anti-malarial compounds to cope with the current state of chemoresistance of malaria parasites has led to the identification of Plasmodium falciparum aminopeptidase 1 (PfA-M1) as a new therapeutic target. PfA-M1, known to be involved in the hemoglobin digestion cascade which helps to provide most of the amino acids necessary to the parasite's metabolism, is currently considered as a promising target for anti-malarial chemotherapy. However, its immunogenic properties have not yet been tested in the Gabonese population. In Gabon, the prevalence of malaria remains three times higher in semi-urban areas (60·12%) than in urban areas (17·06%). We show that malaria-specific PfA-M1 antibodies are present in children and increase with the level of infection. Children living in semi-urban areas have higher anti-PfA-M1 antibody titers (0·14 ± 0·02 AU) than those living in urban areas (0·08 ± 0·02 AU, P = 0·03), and their antibody titers increase with age (P < 0·0001). Moreover, anti-PfA-M1 antibody titers decrease in children with hyperparasitemia (0·027 ± 0·055 AU) but they remain high in children with low parasite density (0·21 ± 0·034 AU, P= 0·034). In conclusion, our results suggest that malaria-specific PfA-M1 antibodies may play an important role in the immune response of the host against P. falciparum in Gabonese children. Further studies on the role of PfA-M1 during anemia are needed.
A 3‐year longitudinal prospective study assessing microbial profile and clinical outcomes of single‐unit cement‐retained implant restorations: Zirconia versus titanium abutments
Authors: de Oliveira Silva Thalisson S. , de Freitas Alice R. , de Albuquerque Rubens F. , Pedrazzi Vinícius , Ribeiro Ricardo F. , do Nascimento Cássio
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological and clinical outcomes of implant‐supported restorations on zirconia or titanium abutments after 3 years in function.

Materials and methods

Twenty two‐part dental implants were placed in 20 healthy individuals in need of single‐tooth replacement. Ceramic‐based reconstructions were cemented in either zirconia or titanium abutments. Clinical, radiographic, and microbiological outcomes were examined at implant loading and then yearly up to 3 years post‐loading.

Results

Cumulative survival/success implant rates were 95% after 3 years. Mean total marginal bone loss was 0.76 ± 0.21 mm for zirconia and 0.99 ± 0.41 mm for titanium, with no significant differences (P > .05). Overall, titanium and zirconia abutments presented similar values of probing depth, gingival recession, and bleeding on probing over time (P < .05). Microbial profile of implants restored with titanium or zirconia is quite similar to that found in the remaining teeth.

Conclusions

Zirconia and titanium presented different microbial profile and genome counts. Clinical findings for both zirconia and titanium abutments were similar and consistent with a healthy condition, reflecting a high survival rate and low bone loss. Microbiota did not impact the clinical outcomes after 3 years of function.
Prognostic factors influencing survival in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for isolated colorectal peritoneal metastases: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Narasimhan V. , Tan S. , Kong J. , Pham T. , Michael M. , Ramsay R. , Warrier S. , Heriot A.
Published: February 2020

Aim

Peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer confer the worst survival among all metastatic sites. The adoption of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can offer selected patients with isolated colorectal peritoneal metastases (CRPM) a favourable long‐term survival. There are numerous factors postulated to influence survival in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC. The aim of this study was to identify the key perioperative prognostic factors that influence survival in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for isolated CRPM.

Method

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to evaluate prognostic factors influencing survival in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for isolated CRPM.

Results

Thirty‐three studies fitted the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, with 25 studies included in the meta‐analysis. On pooled analysis, incomplete cytoreduction, increasing peritoneal carcinoma index (PCI) and lymph node involvement were significantly associated with a worse survival. Additionally, a rectal primary [hazard ratio (HR) 1.93, 95% CI 1.10–3.37], adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54–0.93) and perioperative grade III/IV morbidity (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.17–2.16) were also found to significantly influence survival. Notably, tumour differentiation and signet ring cell histology did not influence survival on pooled analysis.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis confirms that in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for isolated CRPM, incomplete cytoreduction, high PCI and lymph node involvement have a negative influence on survival. In addition, a rectal primary, adjuvant chemotherapy use and grade III/IV morbidity are important factors that also significantly influence survival.
A20 inhibits osteoclastogenesis via TRAF6‐dependent autophagy in human periodontal ligament cells under hypoxia
Authors: Yan Ke , Wu Chengyu , Ye Yu , Li Lu , Wang Xiaoqian , He Wei , Ren Shuangshuang , Xu Yan
Published: February 2020

Objectives

A20 exerts an anti‐osteoclastogenic effect through the inhibition of NF‐κB signalling in periodontitis. It also regulates autophagy via ubiquitin modification. This study was aimed at exploring the relationship between A20 and autophagy in anti‐osteoclastogenesis in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) under hypoxia.

Materials and Methods

Real‐time PCR and Western blot were used to detect relative mRNA and protein levels. The formation of autophagosomes was measured by TEM. Osteoclastic differentiation was assessed by TRAP staining and hydroxyapatite resorption assay. The interactions between different proteins were observed by co‐IP.

Results

Cells cultured under 2% O₂ exhibited decreased A20 expression and increased RANKL/OPG (R/O) ratio. There was a negative correlation between A20 and TRAF6, and similar results were found with autophagic flux. A20 delayed the increase in R/O ratio under hypoxia. Autophagy in hPDLCs and osteoclast differentiation and hydroxyapatite resorption areas in mouse bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) were inhibited by A20. Moreover, inhibition of autophagy using 3‐MA resulted in increased expression of A20 and decreased number and function of osteoclasts. In addition, A20 inhibited polyubiquitination at K63 and enhanced that at K48 in TRAF6 to suppress autophagy under hypoxic conditions.

Conclusions

A20 inhibits osteoclastogenesis via inhibition of TRAF6‐dependent autophagy in hPDLCs under hypoxia. These findings suggest that A20 may be a key gene target during bone loss in periodontitis via TRAF6‐mediated inhibition of autophagy.
Treatment outcomes in oligometastatic non‐small‐cell lung cancer: A single‐centre experience
Authors: Akın Kabalak Pınar , Kızılgöz Derya , Yılmaz Ülkü , İnal Cengiz Tuba , Tunç Evrim , Yaman Şebnem , Gülhan Erkmen
Published: February 2020

Background

Even in oligometastatic stage 4 disease, survival rates are higher when curative approaches focus on both the primary tumour and metastasis. So, we aim to analyse our results of oligometastatic disease retrospectively.

Methods

In total, data on 52 non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with limited metastasis (one to three synchronous/metachronous) were retrospectively analysed. All treatment modalities associated with various treatment modalities [surgery, chemoradiotherapy (CRT), supportive care and palliative chemotherapy] were compared in terms of survival. Curative treatment consisted of surgery or CRT (concurrent or sequential).

Results

The median overall survival (OS) time was 35.2 ± 4.1 months. Surgery was superior to CRT in terms of OS (36.7 months vs 27.4 months, P > 0.05). Progression‐free survival was 29.4 ± 3.9 months, and survival after first progression (SAFP) was 15.6 ± 2.8 months. Patients in whom a metastasectomy was performed had significantly higher rate of SAFP as compared with those who did not have a metastasectomy (20.07 ± 3.8 months vs 7.9 ± 1.7 months P = 0.046). According to pathological type, an adenocarcinoma was associated with better SAFP than a non‐adenocarcinoma (23 ± 4.1 vs 6.4 ± 1.5, P = 0.002). The 1‐ and 2‐years OS rates were 67% and 50.4%, respectively. Among the curative treatment group, the OS of patients younger than 65 years (n = 25) was 31 months, whereas that of patients older than 65 years (n = 13) was 22 months (P = 0.88).

Conclusion

In well‐selected NSCLC patients with limited metastasis, survival rates can reach up to 3 years, even in a geriatric population. Clinical N staging and co‐morbidity are important prognostic factors.
Anticonvulsant Activity of Essential Oil From Leaves of Zhumeria majdae (Rech.) in Mice: The Role of GABAA Neurotransmission and the Nitric Oxide Pathway
Authors: Aghamiri Helia , Shafaroodi Hamed , Asgarpanah Jinous
Published: February 2020

The essential oil from the leaves of Zhumeria majdae Rech. (ZMEO) has been shown to have several beneficial effects in the clinic. In this work we examined the anticonvulsant activities of ZMEO in an experimental mouse model of seizure and aimed to identify any possible underlying mechanisms. ZMEO (5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)) or diazepam, as the reference anticonvulsant drug (25, 50 and 100 µg/kg i.p.), were administered 60 minutes prior to pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) injection (intravenously (i.v.) or i.p.) and changes in threshold, latency, and frequency of clonic seizure were examined. The PTZ i.p.‐induced model of seizure was also applied for examining the protective effects of ZMEO pretreatment against PTZ‐induced mortality. In some studies, the anticonvulsant effect of the combination of diazepam and ZMEO was also studied. The protective effects of ZMEO against hindlimb tonic extensions (HLTEs) were also examined by maximal electroshock (MES) seizure testing. The γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic mechanism and nitric oxide (NO) pathway involvement in anticonvulsant activity of ZMEO were assessed by pretreating animals with flumazenil, Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), aminoguanidine, and L‐arginine in a PTZ‐induced model of seizure. Administration of 20 mg/kg ZMEO significantly increased chronic seizure threshold and latency while reducing frequency of convulsions and mortality in the PTZ‐induced model. In the doses studied, ZMEO could not protect mice from HLTE and mortality induced by MES. Pretreatment with L‐arginine and diazepam potentiated the anticonvulsant effects of ZMEO, whereas pretreatment with L‐NAME, aminoguanidine, and flumazenil reversed anticonvulsant activity. The anticonvulsant activity of ZMEO may be mediated in part through a GABAergic mechanism and the NO signaling pathway.
S1‐Leitlinie Tinea capitis
Authors: Mayser Peter , Nenoff Pietro , Reinel Dieter , Abeck Dietrich , Brasch Jochen , Daeschlein Georg , Effendy Isaak , Ginter‐Hanselmayer Gabriele , Gräser Yvonne , Hipler Uta‐Christina , Höger Peter , Kolb‐Mäurer Annette , Ott Hagen , Schaller Martin , Zidane Miriam
Published: February 2020

Die Tinea capitis ist eine durch Dermatophyten hervorgerufene, vor allem im Kindesalter auftretende Mykose der behaarten Kopfhaut. Die Diagnostik erfolgt mittels mikroskopischer, kultureller und/oder molekularer Methoden. Die Therapie sollte systemisch und begleitend topisch erfolgen und ist abhängig von dem jeweiligen Erreger. Das Ziel des Updates dieser interdisziplinären deutschen S1‐Leitlinie ist es, vor allem Dermatologen, Kinderärzten und Allgemeinmedizinern eine Entscheidungshilfe für die Auswahl sowie Durchführung einer geeigneten und suffizienten Diagnostik und Therapie für Patienten mit Tinea capitis zur Verfügung zu stellen. Die Leitlinie wurde unter Berücksichtigung aktueller internationaler Leitlinien, insbesondere der Leitlinien der European Society for Pediatric Dermatology 2010 sowie der British Association of Dermatologists 2014 und den Ergebnissen einer Literaturrecherche durch die Leitlinienkommission erstellt. Diese Kommission ist multidisziplinär und besteht aus Vertretern der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), der Deutschsprachigen Mykologischen Gesellschaft (DMykG), der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie (DGHM), der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinder‐ und Jugendmedizin e.V. (DGKJ) und der deutschen Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Infektiologie (DGPI). Methodisch wurde die Leitliniengruppe durch die Division of Evidence‐based Medicine (dEBM) begleitet. Die Leitlinie wurde nach einem umfangreichen internen und externen Review durch die beteiligten Fachgesellschaften freigegeben.
Trends in pregnancy outcomes for women with gestational diabetes mellitus in Sweden 1998–2012: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Hildén K. , Magnuson A. , Hanson U. , Simmons D. , Fadl H.
Published: February 2020

Aim

To assess whether incidence of maternal and neonatal outcomes for women with or without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have changed over time.

Methods

Population‐based cohort study in Sweden including all singleton pregnancies over the period 1998–2012. GDM was diagnosed following Diabetic Pregnancy Study Group 1991 criteria. Poisson regression or negative binomial regression was used to model yearly relative change in numbers of cases and incidence of the outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and yearly absolute change in birthweight z‐score.

Results

The study included 1 455 667 pregnancies. The number of pregnancies increased over time and the overall prevalence of GDM was 1%. For women with GDM there was a significantly decreasing trend in incidence per year for large for gestational age (LGA) (0.986, 95% CI 0.975 to 0.996), birthweight z‐score (−0.012, 95% CI −0.017 to −0.007) and birth trauma (0.937, 95% CI 0.907 to 0.968). The trend for small for gestational age (SGA) among women with GDM increased by an odds ratio per year (1.016, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.029). No significant interaction tests for maternal characteristics were found. Trends in outcomes for women without diabetes were similar to those for women with GDM.

Conclusions

This study shows that there were improvements in pregnancy outcomes for women with GDM between 1998 and 2012, although the incidence of SGA increased. Improvements followed similar trends in the background population. Inequalities in obstetric outcomes between women with GDM and those without have continued unchanged over 15 years, suggesting that new management strategies are required to reduce this gap.
To impute or not to impute, and how? A review of poverty‐estimation methods in the absence of consumption data
Authors: Dang Hai‐Anh H.
Published: February 2020

Motivation

A major challenge with poverty measurement is that household consumption (or income) data are often unavailable or not comparable across survey rounds. Furthermore, panel data are even rarer, thus making it difficult—if not impossible—to track the dynamics of these households’ movements into or out of poverty in different periods.

Purpose

We review imputation methods that have been employed to provide poverty estimates in such data‐scarce contexts. We provide a concise and introductory synthesis, which focuses on intuition and nuanced practical insights rather than technical details.

Approach and methods

We start first with each method’s motivation, a brief description, some recent application examples, and the remaining challenges. This format offers a self‐contained treatment and facilitates comparison between the various methods and highlight their nuanced differences.

Findings

The growing demand for more frequent and accurate poverty estimates is not satisfied by current data availability, at least in the short run. Imputation methods offer a promising solution and have received increasing attention. This review helps remedy the dearth of research analysing how to bridge the gap between typical development practitioners and the latest advances in the field.

Policy Implications

Poverty‐imputation methods offer several policy‐relevant advantages, including

In the immediate term (when micro‐survey data are unavailable for all countries).

Survey costs or implementation pose challenges.

Back‐casting consumption from a more recent survey for better comparison with older surveys.

Bypassing thorny issues of obtaining appropriate intertemporal/intraregional price deflators.

Furthermore, poverty‐imputation methods can also be used in other fields.
Biotic homogenization of oceanic islands depends on taxon, spatial scale and the quantification approach
Authors: Otto Rüdiger , Fernández‐Lugo Silvia , Blandino Cristina , Manganelli Giuseppe , Chiarucci Alessandro , Fernández‐Palacios José María
Published: February 2020

Biotic homogenization reduces the regional distinctiveness of biotas with signiﬁcant ecological and evolutionary consequences. The outcome of this process may depend on the spatial scale of inquiry (both resolution and extent), the selected taxon and dissimilarity index as well as on the contribution of species extinctions and introductions. In the present research, we try to disentangle the effects of these factors on homogenization patterns comparing six taxonomic groups (pteridophytes, spermatophytes, breeding birds, mammals, reptiles and non‐marine molluscs) within and between five Atlantic archipelagos of the Macaronesian Region. Taxonomic homogenization was analyzed by partitioning β‐diversity into spatial turnover of species composition and nestedness. Total compositional change was divided into changes related to extinctions/extirpations of native and to introductions of alien species. Analyses were carried out at two different spatial resolutions (island versus archipelago unit) and geographic extents (within each archipelago and across the whole Macaronesian Region). Pteridophytes and reptiles tended to taxonomic differentiation, while mammals and molluscs showed homogenization regardless of scale and resolution. For spermatophytes, the most species‐rich group, taxonomic heterogenization traded off with homogenization from the local to regional extent. Birds revealed heterogenization at the island, but not at the archipelago resolution. Extirpations of native species generally led to homogenization at the local extent, whereas the effect of alien introductions varied according to taxon and spatial scale. Furthermore, overall changes in species pool similarities were driven both by spatial turnover and nestedness. We demonstrate that biotic homogenization after human colonization within Macaronesia clearly depended on taxon, spatial scale and the dissimilarity measure. We suggest that homogenization of island biotas is first conditioned by initial dissimilarity related to taxon characteristics, such as dispersal capacity or endemicity, evolutionary processes, archipelago configurations and environmental variation along spatial scales. Thus, similarity change is the outcome of the impacts of number, proportion and distribution type of lost and gained species. Rare extirpated and common introduced species homogenize, while common extirpated and rare introduced species differentiate island biotas. Partitioning of beta diversity helps to improve our understanding of the homogenization process.
Phylogenetic measures reveal eco‐evolutionary drivers of biodiversity along a depth gradient
Authors: Eme D. , Anderson M. J. , Myers E. M. V. , Roberts C. D. , Liggins L.
Published: February 2020

Energy and environmental stability are positively correlated with species richness along broad‐scale spatial gradients in terrestrial ecosystems, so their relative importance in generating and preserving diversity cannot be readily disentangled. This study seeks to exploit the negative correlation between energy and stability along the oceanic depth gradient to better understand their relative contribution in shaping broadscale biodiversity patterns. We develop a conceptual framework by simulating speciation and extinction along energy and stability gradients to generate expected patterns of biodiversity for a suite of complementary phylogenetic diversity metrics. Using a time‐calibrated molecular phylogeny for New Zealand marine ray‐finned fishes and a replicated community ecological sampling design, we then modelled these metrics along large‐scale depth and latitude gradients. Our results indicate that energy‐rich shallow waters may be an engine of diversity for percomorphs, but also suggest that recent speciation occurs in ancient fish lineages in the deep sea, hence questioning the role of energy as a key driver of speciation. Despite potentially facing high extinction early in their evolution, ancient phylogenetic lineages specialized for the deep‐sea were likely preserved by environmental stability during the Cenozoic. Furthermore, intermediate depths might be a ‘museum’ (or zone of overlap) for distinct lineages that occur predominantly in either shallow or deep‐sea waters. These intermediate depths (500–900 m) may form a ‘phylogenetic diversity bank’, perhaps providing a refuge during ancient (Mesozoic) extreme anoxic events affecting the deep sea and more recent (Pliocene–Pleistocene) climatic events occurring in shallow ecosystems. Finally, the phylogenetic structures observed in fish communities at intermediate depths suggest other processes might restrict the co‐occurrence of closely related species. Overall, by combining a conceptual framework with models of empirical phylogenetic diversity patterns, our study paves the way for understanding the determinants of biodiversity across the largest habitat on earth.