bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecology and mode-of-life explain lifespan variation in birds and mammals
Authors: Healy Kevin , Guillerme Thomas , Finlay Sive , Kane Adam , Kelly Seán B. A. , McClean Deirdre , Kelly David J. , Donohue Ian , Jackson Andrew L. , Cooper Natalie
Published: April 2014

Maximum lifespan in birds and mammals varies strongly with body mass such that large species tend to live longer than smaller species. However, many species live far longer than expected given their body mass. This may reflect interspecific variation in extrinsic mortality, as life-history theory predicts investment in long-term survival is under positive selection when extrinsic mortality is reduced. Here, we investigate how multiple ecological and mode-of-life traits that should reduce extrinsic mortality (including volancy (flight capability), activity period, foraging environment and fossoriality), simultaneously influence lifespan across endotherms. Using novel phylogenetic comparative analyses and to our knowledge, the most species analysed to date (n= 1368), we show that, over and above the effect of body mass, the most important factor enabling longer lifespan is the ability to fly. Within volant species, lifespan depended upon when (day, night, dusk or dawn), but not where (in the air, in trees or on the ground), species are active. However, the opposite was true for non-volant species, where lifespan correlated positively with both arboreality and fossoriality. Our results highlight that when studying the molecular basis behind cellular processes such as those underlying lifespan, it is important to consider the ecological selection pressures that shaped them over evolutionary time.
Tomitella cavernea sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from soil
Authors: Cheng Juan , Wang Hong-Fei , Li Li , Chen Wei , Duan Yan-Qing , Duan Bao-Ling , Lu Xin-Hua , Ding Yan-Bo , Li Wen-Jun
Published: April 2014

A Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, non-spore-forming, irregular rod-shaped actinobacterium, designated YIM C00895T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Jiuxiang Scenic Region, Yunnan province, south-west China. The strain was able to grow at 10–28 °C, pH 6.0–10.0 and 0–11 % NaCl (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA (95.3 %) gene sequences revealed the highest similarity to

Tomitella biformata

AHU1821T. The whole-cell hydrolysates of strain YIM C00895T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose and galactose, indicating chemotype IV. The muramic acids in the peptidoglycan were glycolated. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides and an unidentified glycolipid. MK-9(H2) was the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids were C14 : 0, C16 : 0, C16 : 1 and C18 : 1ω9c and tuberculostearic acid (10-methyl C18 : 0) was present in relatively small amounts (4.5 %). TLC analysis of its cellular mycolic acids showed a similar profile to

Tomitella biformata

DSM 45403T. The DNA G+C content of the strain was 67.5 mol%. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed strain YIM C00895T to be differentiated phenotypically from

Tomitella biformata

DSM 45403T. On the basis of evidence from this polyphasic study, the novel species Tomitella cavernea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Tomitella cavernea is YIM C00895T ( = DSM 45788T = JCM 18542T).
Acquisition of conditioned responding in a multiple schedule depends on the reinforcement's temporal contingency with each stimulus
Authors: Morè Lorenzo , Jensen Greg
Published: April 2014

Forty mice acquired conditioned responses to stimuli presented in a multiple schedule with variable inter-trial intervals (ITIs). In some trials, reinforcement was preceded by a variable conditioned stimulus (CS), while other trials were reinforced following distinctive fixed-duration CS. A third stimulus was presented but never paired with reinforcement. Subjects in five groups experienced ITIs of different durations. Acquisition of responding to each stimulus depended only on the cycle-to-trial ratio (C/T), and thus on the temporal contingency of each stimulus. Acquisition was unaffected by whether CSs were of fixed or variable duration.
Structure determination of a sugar-binding protein from the phytopathogenic bacteriumXanthomonas citri
Authors: Medrano Francisco Javier , de Souza Cristiane Santos , Romero Antonio , Balan Andrea
Published: April 2014

The uptake of maltose and related sugars in Gram-negative bacteria is mediated by an ABC transporter encompassing a periplasmic component (the maltose-binding protein or MalE), a pore-forming membrane protein (MalF and MalG) and a membrane-associated ATPase (MalK). In the present study, the structure determination of the apo form of the putative maltose/trehalose-binding protein (Xac-MalE) from the citrus pathogenXanthomonas citriin space groupP6522 is described. The crystals contained two protein molecules in the asymmetric unit and diffracted to 2.8 Å resolution. Xac-MalE conserves the structural and functional features of sugar-binding proteins and a ligand-binding pocket with similar characteristics to eight different orthologues, including the residues for maltose and trehalose interaction. This is the first structure of a sugar-binding protein from a phytopathogenic bacterium, which is highly conserved in all species from theXanthomonasgenus.
Mate finding, Allee effects and selection for sex‐biased dispersal
Authors: Shaw Allison K. , Kokko Hanna
Published: April 2014

Although dispersal requires context‐dependent decision‐making in three distinct stages (emigration, transit, immigration), these decisions are commonly ignored in simple models of dispersal. For sexually reproducing organisms, mate availability is an important factor in dispersal decisions. Difficulty finding mates can lead to an Allee effect where population growth decreases at low densities.

Surprisingly, theoretical studies on mate finding and on sex‐biased dispersal produce opposing predictions: in the former, one sex is predicted to move less if the other sex evolves to search more, whereas in the latter, mate‐finding difficulties can select for less sex bias in dispersal when mate finding occurs after dispersal.

Here, we develop a pair of models to examine the joint evolution of dispersal and settlement behaviour.

Our first model resolves the apparent contradiction from the mate search and dispersal literatures. Our second model demonstrates that the relationship between mating system and sex‐biased dispersal is more complex than a simple contrast between resource defence monogamy and female defence polygyny.

Our results highlight that a key factor is the timing of mating relative to dispersal (before, during, or after). We also show that although movement has the potential to alleviate a mate‐finding Allee effect, in some cases, it can actually exacerbate the effect.
Dual fuels: intra‐annual variation in the relative importance of benthic and pelagic resources to maintenance, growth and reproduction in a generalist salmonid fish
Authors: Hayden Brian , Harrod Chris , Kahilainen Kimmo K.
Published: April 2014

Ecological systems are often characterized as stable entities. However, basal productivity in most ecosystems varies between seasons, particularly in subarctic and polar areas. How this variability affects higher trophic levels or entire food webs remains largely unknown, especially in these high‐latitude regions.

We undertook a year‐long study of benthic (macroinvertebrate) and pelagic (zooplankton) resource availability, along with short (day/days: stomach content)‐, medium (month: liver δ13C and δ15N isotopes)‐ and long‐term (season: muscle δ13C and δ15N isotopes) assessments of resource use by a generalist fish, the European whitefish, in a deep, oligotrophic, subarctic lake in northern Europe. Due to the long ice‐covered winter period, we expected to find general benthic reliance throughout the year, but also a seasonal importance of zooplankton to the diet, somatic growth and gonadal development of whitefish.

Benthic and pelagic resource availability varied between seasons: peak littoral benthic macroinvertebrate density occurred in mid‐winter, whereas maximum zooplankton density was observed in summer. Whitefish stomach content revealed a reliance on benthic prey items during winter and pelagic prey in summer. A seasonal shift from benthic to pelagic prey was evident in liver isotope ratios, but muscle isotope ratios indicated a year‐round reliance on benthic macroinvertebrates. Whitefish activity levels as well as somatic and gonadal growth all peaked during the summer, coinciding with the zooplankton peak and the warmest water temperature.

Stable isotopes of muscle consistently depicted the most important resource, benthic macroinvertebrates, whereas short‐term indicators, that is, diet and stable isotopes of liver, revealed the seasonal significance of pelagic zooplankton for somatic growth and gonad development. Seasonal variability in resource availability strongly influences consumer growth and reproduction and may also be important in other ecosystems facing pronounced annual weather fluctuations.
Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for the Chemical Analysis of Food
Authors: Zheng Jinkai , He Lili
Published: April 2014

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an emerging and promising technique for the chemical analysis of food. The use of metallic nanosubstrates improves the sensitivity and capacity of conventional Raman spectroscopy greatly. This paper comprehensively reviews the development and applications of SERS in the chemical analysis of food, mainly focusing on food additives and chemical contaminants. The progress of SERS development and their applications in chemical analysis of food, from detection and characterization of target analytes in simple solvents to complex food matrices, is summarized. The advantages and limitations of different SERS substrates and methodologies are discussed. As most of the current SERS research on chemical analysis of food is still in an early stage, there are still several hurdles for further advancing SERS techniques into real‐world applications for complex food products. This review includes our perspectives on the future trends of the SERS technique in the field of food analysis.
Perceptions of food risk and trust in non‐English speaking Greek and Vietnamese immigrants in South Australia
Authors: House Elizabeth , Coveney John , Pulvirenti Mariastella , Tsourtos George , Aylward Paul , Henderson Julie , Ward Paul
Published: April 2014

Aim

Trust in the food supply is important when making food choices. However for non‐English speakers in an English‐speaking country, food choice may be problematic. Specifically, familiar foods may be limited and food safety information is often only communicated in English. This study aimed to identify factors that determine the nature and dimensions of consumer mis/trust in food in selected non‐English‐speaking populations.

Methods

Semistructured, in‐depth interviews with 17 non‐English‐speaking participants.

Results

Qualitative analysis revealed that participants felt that they had no choice but to trust a food system that they did not understand well. However some participants undertook activities to mitigate risk and bolster their trust in the foods they bought and prepared.

Conclusions

This study highlights a gap in culturally appropriate information for non‐English speakers which can affect trust in the food supply.
Development and application of ELISA assays for the detection of two members of the family Luteoviridae infecting legumes: Pea enation mosaic virus (genus Enamovirus) and Bean leafroll virus (genus Luteovirus)
Authors: Vemulapati B. , Druffel K.L. , Husebye D. , Eigenbrode S.D. , Pappu H.R.
Published: April 2014

An antigen‐coated plate enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ACP‐ELISA) method was developed and validated for the detection of Bean leafroll virus (BLRV) and Pea enation mosaic virus (PEMV), two of the important viral pathogens of several legume crops. The coat protein (CP) gene of each of the viruses was bacterially expressed as a fusion protein containing an N‐terminal hexa‐histidine tag and used as an antigen to produce antisera in rabbits. The antiserum to BLRV could detect the virus in leaf samples in up to 1:1000 dilution, and the PEMV antiserum detected the homologous virus in leaf samples of dilutions up to 1:6400. No serological cross‐reactivity was observed between anti‐BLRV and anti‐PEMV sera. The ACP‐ELISA assays were then used for estimating the prevalence of these two viruses in alfalfa, pea and vetch over a three‐state area in the US Pacific Northwest over a 2‐year period and virus incidence was mapped. Availability of rapid and sensitive ELISA assays facilitate virus disease mapping efforts and screening germplasm for virus resistance.
Regulation of Mucosal Immunity in the Female Reproductive Tract: The Role of Sex Hormones in Immune Protection Against Sexually Transmitted Pathogens
Authors: Wira Charles R. , Fahey John V. , Rodriguez‐Garcia Marta , Shen Zheng , Patel Mickey V.
Published: April 2014

The immune system in the female reproductive tract (FRT) does not mount an attack against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or other sexually transmitted infections (STI) with a single endogenously produced microbicide or with a single arm of the immune system. Instead, the body deploys dozens of innate antimicrobials to the secretions of the FRT. Working together, these antimicrobials along with mucosal antibodies attack viral, bacterial, and fungal targets. Within the FRT, the unique challenges of protection against sexually transmitted pathogens coupled with the need to sustain the development of an allogeneic fetus, has evolved in such a way that sex hormones precisely regulate immune function to accomplish both tasks. The studies presented in this review demonstrate that estradiol (E2) and progesterone secreted during the menstrual cycle act both directly and indirectly on epithelial cells, fibroblasts and immune cells in the reproductive tract to modify immune function in a way that is unique to specific sites throughout the FRT. As presented in this review, studies from our laboratory and others demonstrate that the innate and adaptive immune systems are under hormonal control, that protection varies with the stage of the menstrual cycle and as such, is dampened during the secretory stage of the cycle to optimize conditions for fertilization and pregnancy. In doing so, a window of STI vulnerability is created during which potential pathogens including HIV enter the reproductive tract to infect host targets.
Epicutaneously applied Der p 2 induces a strong TH2‐biased antibody response in C57BL/6 mice, independent of functional TLR4
Authors: Stremnitzer C. , Manzano‐Szalai K. , Starkl P. , Willensdorfer A. , Schrom S. , Singer J. , Reichart U. , Akira S. , Jensen‐Jarolim E.
Published: April 2014

Background

The major house dust mite allergen Der p 2 is a structural and functional homologue of MD‐2 within the TLR4–CD14–MD‐2 complex. An asthma mouse model in TLR4‐deficient mice recently suggested that the allergic immune response against Der p 2 is solely dependent on TLR4 signaling. We investigated whether similar mechanisms are important for Der p 2 sensitization via the skin.

Methods

In an epicutaneous sensitization model, the response to recombinant Der p 2 in combination with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was compared between C57BL/6 WT and TLR4‐deficient mice. We further analyzed possible adjuvant function of exogenous cysteine proteases.

Results

Sensitization with rDer p 2 induced similar levels of allergen‐specific IgG1 and IgE antibodies in both mouse strains. LPS increased the systemic (antibody levels, cytokine release by restimulated splenocytes) and local (infiltration of immune cells into the skin) Th2 immune responses, which against our expectations were stronger in the absence of functional TLR4 expression. Barrier disruption by papain, a protease with structural homology to Der p 1, did not enhance the sensitization capacity of rDer p 2. However, the presence of LPS increased the stability of rDer p 2 against the protease.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that rDer p 2 alone can cause a strong TH2‐biased response via the skin being enhanced in the presence of LPS. This response is not reliant on functional TLR4, but vice versa TLR4 expression rather protects against epicutaneous sensitization to house dust mite allergen Der p 2.
Cognitive conflicts in major depression: Between desired change and personal coherence
Authors: Feixas Guillem , Montesano Adrián , Compañ Victoria , Salla Marta , Dada Gloria , Pucurull Olga , Trujillo Adriana , Paz Clara , Muñoz Dámaris , Gasol Miquel , Saúl Luis Ángel , Lana Fernando , Bros Ignasi , Ribeiro Eugenia , Winter David , Carrera‐Fernández María Jesús , Guàrdia Joan
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The notion of intrapsychic conflict has been present in psychopathology for more than a century within different theoretical orientations. However, internal conflicts have not received enough empirical attention, nor has their importance in depression been fully elaborated. This study is based on the notion of cognitive conflict, understood as implicative dilemma (ID), and on a new way of identifying these conflicts by means of the Repertory Grid Technique. Our aim was to explore the relevance of cognitive conflicts among depressive patients.

Design

Comparison between persons with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and community controls.

Methods

A total of 161 patients with major depression and 110 non‐depressed participants were assessed for presence of IDs and level of symptom severity. The content of these cognitive conflicts was also analysed.

Results

Repertory grid analysis indicated conflict (presence of ID/s) in a greater proportion of depressive patients than in controls. Taking only those grids with conflict, the average number of IDs per person was higher in the depression group.

In addition, participants with cognitive conflicts displayed higher symptom severity. Within the clinical sample, patients with IDs presented lower levels of global functioning and a more frequent history of suicide attempts.

Conclusions

Cognitive conflicts were more prevalent in depressive patients and were associated with clinical severity. Conflict assessment at pre‐therapy could aid in treatment planning to fit patient characteristics.

Practitioner points

Internal conflicts have been postulated in clinical psychology for a long time but there is little evidence about its relevance due to the lack of methods to measure them.

We developed a method for identifying conflicts using the Repertory Grid Technique.

Depressive patients have higher presence and number of conflicts than controls.

Conflicts (implicative dilemmas) can be a new target for intervention in depression.

Cautions/Limitations

A cross‐sectional design precluded causal conclusions.

The role of implicative dilemmas in the causation or maintenance of depression cannot be ascertained from this study.
Childhood psychosocial development and fatal injuries in Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Pretorius K. , Van Niekerk A.
Published: April 2014

Background

In South Africa, injuries are the third leading cause of death and disability. Children are especially susceptible to unintentional injuries, especially pedestrian injuries, burns and drowning. Injury risk is informed by children's exposure to adverse environmental circumstances, and individual capacities dependent on developmental maturity. Boys are at greater risk than girls. This study investigates the incidence of fatal childhood injuries as well as sex differences across psychosocial development stages.

Methods

Data on fatal injuries in Gauteng, South Africa's most populous province, were obtained from the National Injury Mortality Surveillance System. The analysis drew on Erikson's psychosocial theory of development which was used to create meaningful age groups. Age‐specific population data from the 2011 Census were used to calculate rates, and significant differences were determined through the generation of risk ratios and confidence intervals.

Results

There were 5404 fatal injuries among children in Gauteng from 2008 to 2011. The average age of victims was 8.9 years, and the majority male (65.6%). In infancy, the mortality rates for all injuries and non‐traffic unintentional injuries were significantly higher than for the other age groups. Burns were the most common cause of death in infancy and early childhood. Pedestrian injuries accounted for a third of mortality in preschool and school age, and homicide rates were significantly higher in adolescence than in the other developmental stages. For injuries in general, boys had significantly higher mortality rates than girls in all age groups except preschool. The only instance where the mortality rate for girls was significantly higher than for boys was for adolescent ingestion poisoning suicides.

Conclusions

The exposure to environmental and social risks is differentially moderated with maturing age and levels of autonomy. The sex of the child also informs risk. The nature of these risks is important when considering child injury prevention strategies.
Prevalence of hypocalcaemia and its associated features in 22q11·2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Cheung Evelyn Ning Man , George Susan R. , Costain Gary A. , Andrade Danielle M. , Chow Eva W. C. , Silversides Candice K. , Bassett Anne S.
Published: April 2014

Background

22q11·2 deletion syndrome (22q11·2DS) is a relatively common yet under‐recognized genetic syndrome that may present with endocrine features. We aimed to address the factors that contribute to the high prevalence of hypocalcaemia.

Methods

We investigated hypocalcaemia in a well‐characterized sample of 138 adults with 22q11·2DS (65 m, 73 F; mean age 34·2, SD 11·8, years) using laboratory studies and lifelong medical records. Logistic regression modelling was used to identify features associated with lifetime prevalence of hypocalcaemia.

Results

Of the total sample, 111 (80·4%) had a lifetime history of hypocalcaemia. Eleven (84·6%) of 13 subjects with neonatal hypocalcaemia had documented recurrence of hypocalcaemia. Lifetime history of hypocalcaemia was associated with lifetime prevalence of hypoparathyroidism (P < 0·0001) and hypothyroidism (P = 0·04), as statistically independent factors. Hypomagnesaemia was associated with concurrent hypocalcaemic measurements, especially in the presence of concurrent hypoparathyroidism (P = 0·02).

Conclusions

The results suggest that, in addition to the major effect of hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism may play a role in hypocalcaemia in 22q11·2DS and that there is a high recurrence rate of neonatal hypocalcaemia. Hypomagnesaemia may contribute to hypocalcaemia by further suppressing parathyroid hormone (PTH). Although further studies are needed, the findings support regular lifelong follow‐up of calcium, magnesium, PTH and TSH levels in patients with 22q11·2DS. At any age, hypocalcaemia with hypoparathyroidism and/or hypothyroidism may suggest a diagnosis of 22q11·2DS.
Risk factors for open‐angle glaucoma with normal baseline intraocular pressure in a young population: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Moon Jung , Kim Mi Jeung , Kim Ho Sung , Jeoung Jin Wook , Park Ki Ho
Published: April 2014

Background

To identify risk factors associated with open‐angle glaucoma with normal baseline intraocular pressure in a young Korean population.

Design

Retrospective, population‐based, case‐control study.

Participants

Between 2009 and 2010, among participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 17 901), subjects between 19 and 39 years of age were included.

Methods

Participants had structured interviews systemic and ophthalmic examination. Glaucoma was diagnosed using the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology criteria.

Main Outcome Measures

The risk factors for open‐angle glaucoma with normal baseline intraocular pressure were analyzed using univariate and multivariate comparisons.

Results

Eighty open‐angle glaucoma with normal baseline intraocular pressure patients and 4015 controls were included. In the univariate analysis, the patient group was more likely to have higher fasting plasma glucose (98.04 ± 33.16 vs. 89.74 ± 12.65, P < 0.001) and higher proportion of fasting capillary glucose ≥200 mg/dL (P < 0.001) than the control. Multivariate analysis found that high myopia (odds ratio, 3.54 [95% confidence interval, 1.34–9.39], P = 0.011), fasting capillary glucose ≥200 mg/dL (odds ratio, 12.65 [95% confidence interval, 2.63–60.94], P = 0.002) and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (odds ratio, 0.96 [95% confidence interval, 0.94–0.99], P = 0.015) were associated with an increased risk of having open‐angle glaucoma with normal baseline intraocular pressure.

Conclusions

High myopia, fasting capillary glucose level ≥200 mmol/L and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level were significant risk factors for open‐angle glaucoma with normal baseline intraocular pressure in a young Korean population.
Pre‐test genetic counseling services for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer delivered by non‐genetics professionals in the state of Florida
Authors: Vadaparampil S.T. , Scherr C.L. , Cragun D. , Malo T.L. , Pal T.
Published: April 2014

Genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer now includes practitioners from multiple healthcare professions, specialties, and settings. This study examined whether non‐genetics professionals (NGPs) perform guideline‐based patient intake and informed consent before genetic testing. NGPs offering BRCA testing services in Florida (n = 386) were surveyed about clinical practices. Among 81 respondents (response rate = 22%), approximately half reported: sometimes scheduling a separate session for pre‐test counseling lasting 11–30 min prior to testing, discussing familial implications of testing, benefits and limitations of risk management options, and discussing the potential psychological impact and insurance‐related issues. Few constructed a three‐generation pedigree, discussed alternative hereditary cancer syndromes, or the meaning of a variant result. This lack of adherence to guideline‐based practice may result in direct harm to patients and their family members. NGPs who are unable to deliver guideline adherent cancer genetics services should focus on identification and referral of at‐risk patients to in person or telephone services provided by genetics professionals.
Maxillary sinus grafting with autograft vs. fresh frozen allograft: a split‐mouth histomorphometric study
Authors: Xavier Samuel P. , Dias Rafael R. , Sehn Felipe P. , Kahn Adrian , Chaushu Liat , Chaushu Gavriel
Published: April 2014

Background

Surgical techniques as sinus floor augmentation have made it possible to increase the bone volume of the posterior maxilla so that implant placement may be feasible. A large variety of bone grafting materials have been utilized for sinus floor augmentation. A good alternative is allograft. Fresh frozen bone is harvested from live or cadaveric donors and then immediately frozen and stored at −80°C. To date, studies about the effect of fresh frozen bone are scarce.

Objective

Evaluation of new bone formation, following maxillary sinus grafting with autograft vs. fresh frozen allograft.

Materials and methods

A split‐mouth edentulous design including 15 patients was used. Sinus floor augmentation was carried out using either autogenous bone harvested from the ramus area or fresh frozen bone from allogeneic femoral heads. The choice was determined randomly, using a randomized table. The grafted sinus was left to heal for 6 months. Biopsies were harvested from the lateral wall. The biopsies were used for bone histology and histomorphometric analysis. After collection of the biopsy, dental implants were placed. After a healing period of 6 months, the implants were loaded.

Results

Implant survival, histology, and histomorphometry of sinuses grafted with autogenous or fresh frozen bone were similar. The new bone formation took place predominantly around and in‐between particles.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study support the use of fresh frozen bone allografts for sinus floor augmentation.
Unsplinted implants and teeth supporting maxillary removable partial dentures retained by telescopic crowns: a retrospective study with >6 years of follow‐up
Authors: Frisch Eberhard , Ratka‐Krüger Petra , Wenz Hans‐Jürgen
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Data regarding tooth‐ and implant‐supported maxillary removable partial dentures (TIRPDs) are scarce. The objective of this research was to perform a retrospective evaluation of the clinical long‐term outcome of maxillary TIRPDs rigidly retained via telescopic crowns in patients undergoing supportive post‐implant therapy (SIT).

Material and Methods

The inclusion criteria were met by 26 patients restored with maxillary TIRPDs between 1997 and 2011 in a private practice. Primary crowns (Marburg double crowns, MDCs) on teeth were cemented, whereas those on implants were screw‐retained. Using patient records and data from a cross‐sectional clinical examination in 2013, the survival rates of the teeth, implants and prostheses, together with the biological and technical complications, were analyzed.

Results

After 6.12 ± 3.80 (range: 2−16) years of loading, 23 non‐smoking patients with 23 dentures supported by 60 implants and 66 teeth were available for assessment. Nine teeth (survival rate: 86.36%) were lost, whereas 1 implant (survival rate: 98.36%) failed because of peri‐implantitis. Although 30 implants (50%) in 16 patients (69.57%) showed bleeding on probing (BOP+), no further peri‐implantitis was observed. The mean peri‐implant probing depth (PPD) was 3.68 ± 0.71 mm. All dentures were functional and required technical maintenance efforts amounting to 0.128 treatments per patient per year (T/P/Y).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, we conclude that TIRPDs retained via MDCs may represent a viable treatment option for patients with residual maxillary teeth.
Robust Support Vector Machines with Low Test Time
Authors: Forghani Yahya , Sadoghi Yazdi Hadi
Published: April 2014

The robust support vector machines (RoSVM) for ellipsoidal data is difficult to solve. To overcome this difficulty, its primal form has been approximated with a second‐order cone programming (SOCP) called approximate primal RoSVM.

In this article, we show that the primal RoSVM is equivalent to an SOCP and name it accurate primal RoSVM. The optimal weight vector of this model is not sparse necessarily. The sparser the weight vector, the less time the test phase takes. Hence, to reduce the test time, first, we obtain its dual form and then prove the sparsity of its optimal solution. Second, we show that some parts of the optimal decision function can be computed in the training phase instead of the test phase. This can decrease the test time further. However, training time of the dual model is more than that of the primal model, but the test time is often more critical than the training time because the training is often an off‐line procedure while the test procedure is performed online.

Experimental results on benchmark data sets show the superiority of the proposed models.
Surface characterization and osteoblast response to a functionally graded hydroxyapatite/fluoro‐hydroxyapatite/titanium oxide coating on titanium surface by sol–gel method
Authors: He G. , Guo B. , Wang H. , Liang C. , Ye L. , Lin Y. , Cai X.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To improve efficacy of current titanium and its alloys, in bioactivity and speed of osseointegration, of orthopaedic implants.

Materials and methods

A novel triple‐layered functional graded coating, consisting of a porous hydroxyapatite (HA) outermost layer, fluoro‐HA (FHA) intermediate layer and titanium oxide (TiO2) innermost layer, was created on a titanium substrate by a multistep sol–gel method. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed TiO2 anatase and apatite crystallization in the coating.

Results

Morphological analysis performed by scanning electron microscopy showed excellent bonding between coating and substrate, with a thickness of ~2 μm. Scratch testing found favourable adhesion strength of the composite coating. In addition, optical microscope images suggested good biocompatibility. Considering thet in vitro cell response, osteoblasts on the coating exhibited higher cell proliferation and ALP activity compared to pure titanium and HA coating, and demonstrated excellent coating bioactivity.

Conclusions

Current results indicated that the novel TiO2/FHA/HA coating has promising clinical applications in orthopaedic and dental implantation.
Opioid‐related mortality and filled prescriptions for buprenorphine and methadone
Authors: Wikner Birgitta N. , Öhman Inger , Seldén Tor , Druid Henrik , Brandt Lena , Kieler Helle
Published: April 2014

Introduction and Aims

To assess opioid‐related mortality and correlation with filled prescriptions for buprenorphine and methadone.

Design and Methods

A register study, including data from the Swedish Forensic Pathology and Forensic Toxicology databases 2003–2010, the Prescribed Drug Register and the National Patient Register.

Results

A total of 1301 deaths, assessed as related to buprenorphine, methadone or heroin, or a combination of them, were studied. The largest number of fatalities was related to intake of heroin (n = 776), followed by methadone (n = 342) and buprenorphine (n = 168). The total annual number of fatal cases related to the studied drugs more than doubled (116 to 255) during the study period. There were increases in mortality related to both buprenorphine and methadone: from 1 to 49 cases for buprenorphine, and from 19 to 81 cases for methadone. Only one‐fifth of the fatal cases had a filled prescription for the maintenance drug assessed as the cause of death.

Discussion and Conclusion

This study showed that most fatalities were not related to filled prescriptions of maintenance drugs, and a substantial illicit use of buprenorphine and methadone resulting in deaths was revealed. To prevent opioid toxicity deaths it is important to make efforts not only to reduce drug diversion from maintenance programs, but also to improve the control of drug trafficking and other illegal sources. [Wikner BN, Öhman I, Seldén T, Druid H, Brandt L, Kieler H. Opioid‐related mortality and filled prescriptions for buprenorphine and methadone. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:491–498]
Delayed vasodilation is associated with cardiovascular risk
Authors: Irace Concetta , Padilla Jaume , Carallo Claudio , Scavelli Faustina , Gnasso Agostino
Published: April 2014

Background

Flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery is widely used to assess cardiovascular risk. In recent years, much attention has been paid to the kinetics of vasodilation in an attempt to better characterize the endothelial function. Here, we investigated whether FMD magnitude and/or latency are most related to individual cardiovascular risk.

Materials and methods

Four hundred subjects were recruited. Individual risk prediction was estimated by Framingham cardiovascular risk score and CUORE project calculator. Subjects were divided into Early dilators (peak FMD at 50 s), Late dilators (peak FMD over 50 s) and No dilators.

Results

Cardiovascular risk was highest in No dilators and significantly higher in Late than Early dilators despite comparable peak FMD. When divided according to peak FMD quintiles, Early and Late dilators showed decreased cardiovascular risk with increasing magnitude of vasodilation. However, subjects in the first three quintiles of Late dilators had a markedly higher risk score despite a peak vasodilation similar to that of Early dilators.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the magnitude of the FMD and its latency are both important for identifying patients at risk of cardiovascular disease. Subjects with a delayed though significant vasodilation associated with a blunted early response exhibit the highest cardiovascular risk.
Intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of succession: effects of habitat age and season on an aquatic insect community
Authors: MURRELL EBONY G. , IVES ANTHONY R. , JULIANO STEVEN A.
Published: April 2014

1. Classic studies of succession, largely dominated by plant community studies, focus on intrinsic drivers of change in community composition, such as inter‐specific competition and changes to the abiotic environment. They often do not consider extrinsic drivers of colonisation, such as seasonal phenology, that can affect community change.

2. Both intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of succession for dipteran communities that occupy ephemeral pools, such as those in artificial containers were investigated. By initiating communities at different times in the season and following them over time, the relative importance of intrinsic (i.e. habitat age) versus extrinsic (i.e. seasonal phenology) drivers of succession were compared.

3. Water‐filled artificial containers were placed in a deciduous forest with 20 containers initiated in each of 3 months. Containers were sampled weekly to assess community composition. Repeated‐measures mixed‐effects analysis of community correspondence analysis (CA) scores enabled us to partition intrinsic and extrinsic effects on succession. Covariates of temperature and precipitation were also tested.

4. Community trajectories (as defined byCA) differed significantly with habitat age and season, indicating that both intrinsic and extrinsic effects influence succession patterns. Comparisons of Akaike Information Criteria corrected for sample sizes (AICcs) showed that habitat age was more important than season for species composition. Temperature and precipitation did not explain composition changes beyond those explained by habitat age and season.

5. Quantification of relative strengths of intrinsic and extrinsic effects on succession in dipteran and other ephemeral communities enables us to disentangle processes that must be understood for predicting changes in community composition.
Developmental mortality increases sex‐ratio bias of a size‐dimorphic bark beetle
Authors: LACHOWSKY LEANNA E. , REID MARY L.
Published: April 2014

1. Given sexual size dimorphism, differential mortality owing to body size can lead to sex‐biased mortality, proximately biasing sex ratios. This mechanism may apply to mountain pine beetles, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, which typically have female‐biased adult populations (2 : 1) with females larger than males. Smaller males could be more susceptible to stresses than larger females as developing beetles overwinter and populations experience high mortality.

2. Survival of naturally‐established mountain pine beetles during the juvenile stage and the resulting adult sex ratios and body sizes (volume) were studied. Three treatments were applied to vary survival in logs cut from trees containing broods of mountain pine beetles. Logs were removed from the forest either in early winter, or in spring after overwintering below snow or after overwintering above snow. Upon removal, logs were placed at room temperature to allow beetles to complete development under similar conditions.

3. Compared with beetles from logs removed in early winter, mortality was higher and the sex ratio was more female‐biased in overwintering logs. The bias increased with overwinter mortality. However, sex ratios were female‐biased even in early winter, so additional mechanisms, other than overwintering mortality, contributed to the sex‐ratio bias. Body volume varied little relative to sex‐biased mortality, suggesting other size‐independent causes of male‐biased mortality.

4. Overwintering mortality is considered a major determinant of mountain pine beetle population dynamics. The disproportionate survival of females, who initiate colonisation of live pine trees, may affect population dynamics in ways that have not been previously considered.
Bumble bee workers drift to conspecific nests at field scales
Authors: ZANETTE LORENZO R. S. , MILLER SOPHIE D. L. , FARIA CHRISTIANA M. A. , LOPEZ‐VAAMONDE CARLOS , BOURKE ANDREW F. G.
Published: April 2014

1. Workers in several bee species travel to conspecific nests (‘drifting’), enter them, and produce male offspring inside them, so acting as intra‐specific social parasites. This adds a new dimension to bees' reproductive behaviour and spatial ecology, but the extent to which drifting occurs over field scales, i.e. at natural nest densities in field conditions, has been unclear.

2. Using the bumble bee Bombus terrestris (Linnaeus) as a model system, we sought to determine rates of worker drifting at field scales and the frequency of potential drifter workers in wild nests.

3. A field experiment with 27 colonies showed that workers travelled to, and became accepted in, conspecific nests that were up to 60 m away, although the number of accepted drifter workers within nests fell significantly with distance. The rate at which nests were entered by drifters was relatively high and significantly exceeded the rate at which drifters became accepted.

4. Microsatellite genotyping of eight field‐collected nests from Greater London, U.K., showed that a low frequency (3%) of workers were not full sisters of nestmate workers and hence were likely to have been drifter workers.

5. It is therefore concluded that workers can drift to conspecific nests over field scales and confirmed that successful drifting occurs in natural populations. Drifting appears to be a natural but low‐frequency behaviour permitting B. terrestris workers to gain direct fitness.
How to Pay Envious Managers – a Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Crummenerl Marc , Doll Tilmann , Koziol Christian
Published: April 2014

This paper analyses how envy affects the decisions of competing managers and their optimal stock‐based compensation from the perspective of shareholder value. We consider a typical framework in which managers can induce effort to reduce production costs and make decisions regarding production volume. At first glance, envy between managers from competing firms appears to be an unfavorable characteristic because it does not align the interests of managers with those of shareholders. However, our model finds that envy is a powerful incentive mechanism. The model yields three key findings: (i) envious managers outperform self‐interested managers, (ii) firms optimally hire envious managers, and (iii) shareholders do not grant any stock‐based compensation to envious managers.
The Legitimacy of New Risk Governance—A Critical View in Light of the EU's Approach to Nanotechnologies in Food
Authors: Ehnert Tanja
Published: April 2014

The objective of this article is to draw attention to legitimacy concerns raised by tendencies in EU risk regulation to supplement legislation with alternative regulatory options that are commonly captured under the umbrella term of ‘new governance’. To this end, the risk regulation of nanotechnologies in food serves as an empirical test case. The rise of nanotechnologies affects various societal actors and constitutes a highly controversial development due to the persistence of scientific uncertainties. To reach a compromise in the legislative process is, given the contradicting knowledge claims, a contentious and time‐consuming undertaking. This article, hence, shows that controversial decisions are not necessarily taken through the legislature—the European Parliament and the Council—but are settled, outside the political arena, in guidance documents or via non‐legislative acts. This article argues, relying on an understanding of legitimacy borrowed from Habermas and Scharpf, that despite ‘new governance’ ambitions in this direction the legitimacy of these measures is at best controversial.
Sedative and mechanical hypoalgesic effects of butorphanol in xylazine‐premedicated donkeys
Authors: Lizarraga I. , Castillo‐Alcala F.
Published: April 2014

Reasons for performing study

Combinations of α2‐adrenoceptor and opioid agonists are commonly used in equids, but little scientific information is available on donkeys.

Objectives

To compare the sedative and hypoalgesic effects of xylazine alone or in combination with different dosages of butorphanol in donkeys.

Study design

Placebo‐controlled, operator‐blinded, randomised, crossover, Latin square study.

Methods

Six donkeys received intravenous normal saline and normal saline (NS‐NS); xylazine (0.5 mg/kg bwt) and normal saline (X‐NS); xylazine and 10 μg/kg bwt butorphanol (X‐B10); xylazine and 20 μg/kg bwt butorphanol (X‐B20); xylazine and 30 μg/kg bwt butorphanol (X‐B30); and xylazine and 40 μg/kg bwt butorphanol (X‐B40). Sedation scores (SS), head height above ground (HHAG) and mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) were assessed before and for 120 min after treatment. Areas under the curve (AUC) values for 0–30, 30–60 and 60–120 min were computed forSS,HHAGandMNT. As appropriate, differences between treatments were analysed using the Friedman test followed byDunn's test and a repeated measures one‐way analysis of variance followed byTukey's test; significance was set at P<0.05.

Results

All treatments apart fromNS‐NSinduced sedation. Butorphanol treatments induced significantly largerSS‐AUC0–30values than those forNS‐NS(P<0.05). Compared to correspondingNS‐NSvalues,HHAG‐AUC0–30values were significantly smaller for all other treatments (P<0.001) andHHAG‐AUC30–60values were significantly smaller forX‐B40(P<0.05). Compared toNS‐NS, all treatments induced mechanical hypoalgesia and yielded significantly largerMNT‐AUC0–30values (P<0.001). TreatmentX‐NSyielded significantly smallerMNT‐AUC0–30values than those forX‐B30andX‐B40(P<0.05). OnlyMNT‐AUC30–60values forX‐B30andX‐B40were significantly larger than those forNS‐NSandX‐NS(P<0.05).

Conclusions

Sedation and mechanical hypoalgesia induced by xylazine were enhanced by butorphanol at 40 μg/kg bwt. This drug combination may be suitable for chemical restraint of donkeys undergoing certain clinical procedures.
Single‐ and multiple‐dose tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the CRTH2 antagonist setipiprant in healthy male subjects
Authors: Sidharta Patricia N. , Diamant Zuzana , Dingemanse Jasper
Published: April 2014

Chemoattractant receptor‐homologous molecule expressed on T helper (Th) 2 cells (CRTH2) is a G‐protein‐coupled receptor for prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), a key mediator in inflammatory disorders such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. In this study, we investigated the single‐ and multiple‐dose tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of setipiprant, an orally active, potent, and selective CRTH2 antagonist. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was performed in two parts in healthy male subjects. In study Part A, single oral doses of up to 2000 mg setipiprant or placebo were given to sequential groups of eight subjects each. Additionally, the impact of food on the PKs was investigated in one‐dose group. In study Part B, two groups of subjects received 500 or 1000 mg setipiprant or placebo b.i.d. during 5.5 days. At regular intervals, tolerability variables and plasma and urine levels of setipiprant were determined. Setipiprant was well tolerated after single‐ and multiple‐dose administration. Headache was the most frequently reported adverse event. No treatment effect on tolerability variables was observed. After single‐ and multiple‐dose administration, setipiprant was rapidly absorbed and followed a biphasic elimination pattern with an elimination half‐life between 10 and 18 h. Steady‐state conditions were reached after 2–3 days and setipiprant did not accumulate. Exposure to setipiprant was lower in the presence of food. Urinary excretion of unchanged setipiprant did not exceed 7% of the administered dose. In this entry‐into‐human study, setipiprant showed good tolerability and a favorable PK profile, thus warranting its development in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.