bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro‐ and macroparasite species richness in birds: The role of host life history and ecology
Authors: Gutiérrez Jorge S. , Piersma Theunis , Thieltges David W.
Published: April 2019

Identifying the factors shaping variation in parasite diversity among host species is crucial to understand wildlife diseases. Although micro‐ and macroparasites may exert different selective pressures on their hosts, studies investigating the determinants of parasite species richness in animals have rarely considered this divide.

Here, we investigated the role of host life history and ecology in explaining the species richness of helminths (macroparasites) and haemosporidians (microparasites) in birds world‐wide. We collated data from multiple global datasets on diverse bird traits (longevity, body mass, coloniality, migration distance/tendency, geographic range size and dietary and habitat breadths) and the species richness of their helminth and haemosporidian parasites. We tested predictors of helminth and haemosporidian parasite richness using phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models in a Bayesian framework.

We found that, after controlling for research effort and host phylogeny, the richness of helminths, but not of haemosporidians, increased with host longevity, range size, migration distance and dietary breadth. Overall, these correlates were also important across different helminth groups (acanthocephalans, cestodes, nematodes and trematodes), and two additional ones (body mass, coloniality) emerged as important for cestodes and acanthocephalans.

We propose that long life spans may promote the diversity of helminth parasite assemblages over evolutionary time, thus resulting in richer helminth faunas. Similarly, longer‐distance migrations, larger ranges and broader dietary breadths are likely to lead to greater encounter rates and the accumulation of trophically transmitted helminths. In contrast, vector‐borne haemosporidians may be influenced more by factors related to vector ecology than by the host traits included in the analyses. The lack of strong associations between haemosporidian species richness and host characteristics emphasizes the need to find appropriate traits to model the distribution and diversity of parasites with different environmental preferences in order to anticipate disease emergence risks associated with global change.
Does topsoil removal in grassland restoration benefit both soil nematode and plant communities?
Authors: Resch Monika Carol , Schütz Martin , Graf Ulrich , Wagenaar Roel , van der Putten Wim H. , Risch Anita C.
Published: April 2019

Successful restoration of semi‐natural grasslands on grasslands previously subject to intensive management needs to overcome manifold barriers. These include high soil fertility, the dominance of a few fast‐growing plant species, degraded soil faunal communities and missing propagules of the targeted above‐ and below‐ground flora and fauna. A combination of removing the topsoil and introducing propagules of target plants has become one of the major tools for nature conservation agencies and practitioners to reduce soil fertility and restore former species‐rich grasslands in various European countries.

Using topsoil removal as a restoration measure has provoked an ongoing debate between supporting nature conservation and rejecting soil protection agencies. Although it favours species‐rich plant communities, it strongly disturbs soil communities and affects physical and chemical soil properties and processes. Currently, there is a lack of long‐term data to assess how restored grassland ecosystems develop and recover after topsoil removal. Here, we used two well‐established bioindicators, soil nematodes and plants, to quantify restoration success of topsoil removal in comparison with alternative restoration measures and target communities 22 years after intervention.

The nematode community composition indicated reduced nutrient availability in the restored systems, as was aimed at by topsoil removal. Nevertheless, after this 22‐year period following topsoil removal, nematode composition and structure revealed successful recovery.

Plant communities benefitted from the reduction of soil nutrients after topsoil removal as indicated by higher numbers of plant species and higher Shannon diversity. Furthermore, topsoil removal strongly promoted the re‐establishment of plant species of the target plant community.

Synthesis and applications. Overall, our study demonstrates how a massive intervention by topsoil removal proved successful in converting intensively managed into species‐rich grasslands. This contrasts with the mild intervention of repeated mowing and removing of the harvested plant material. We show that, in the long run, potential negative effects of topsoil removal on the soil fauna can be successfully overcome and plant communities can develop into targeted species‐rich grassland.
Monitoring a Norwegian freshwater crayfish tragedy: eDNA snapshots of invasion, infection and extinction
Authors: Strand David A. , Johnsen Stein Ivar , Rusch Johannes C. , Agersnap Sune , Larsen William Brenner , Knudsen Steen Wilhelm , Møller Peter Rask , Vrålstad Trude
Published: April 2019

The European noble crayfish Astacus astacus is threatened by crayfish plague caused by the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci, which is spread by the invasive North American crayfish (e.g. signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus). Surveillance of crayfish plague status in Norway has traditionally relied on the monitoring survival of cage‐held noble crayfish, a method of ethical concern. Additionally, trapping is used in crayfish population surveillance. Here, we test whether environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring could provide a suitable alternative to the cage method, and a supplement to trapping.

We took advantage of an emerging crayfish plague outbreak in a Norwegian watercourse following illegal introduction of disease‐carrying signal crayfish, and initiated simultaneous eDNA monitoring and cage‐based surveillance, supplemented with trapping. A total of 304 water samples were filtered from several sampling stations over a 4‐year period. eDNA data (species‐specific quantitative real‐time PCR [qPCR]) for the presence of A. astaci, noble and signal crayfish within the water samples were compared to cage mortality and trapping.

This is the first study comparing eDNA monitoring and cage surveillance during a natural crayfish plague outbreak. We show that eDNA monitoring corresponds well with the biological status measured in terms of crayfish mortality and trapping results. eDNA analysis also reveals the presence of A. astaci in the water up to 2.5 weeks in advance of the cage method. Estimates of A. astaci and noble crayfish eDNA concentrations increased markedly during mortality and vanished quickly thereafter. eDNA provides a snapshot of the presence, absence or disappearance of crayfish regardless of season, and constitutes a valuable supplement to the trapping method that relies on season and legislation.

Synthesis and applications. Simultaneous eDNA monitoring of Aphanomyces astaci (crayfish plague) and relevant native and invasive freshwater crayfish species is well‐suited for early warning of invasion or infection, risk assessments, habitat evaluation and surveillance regarding pathogen and invasive/native crayfish status. This non‐invasive, animal welfare friendly method excludes the need for cage‐held susceptible crayfish in disease monitoring. Furthermore, eDNA monitoring is less likely to spread A. astaci than traditional methods. This study resulted in the implementation of eDNA monitoring for Norwegian crayfish plague and crayfish surveillance programmes, and we believe other countries could improve management strategies for freshwater crayfish using a similar approach.
Phenological mismatch between season advancement and migration timing alters Arctic plant traits
Authors: Choi Ryan T. , Beard Karen H. , Leffler A. Joshua , Kelsey Katharine C. , Schmutz Joel A. , Welker Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2019

Climate change is creating phenological mismatches between herbivores and their plant resources throughout the Arctic. While advancing growing seasons and changing arrival times of migratory herbivores can have consequences for herbivores and forage quality, developing mismatches could also influence other traits of plants, such as above‐ and below‐ground biomass and the type of reproduction, that are often not investigated.

In coastal western Alaska, we conducted a 3‐year factorial experiment that simulated scenarios of phenological mismatch by manipulating the start of the growing season (3 weeks early and ambient) and grazing times (3 weeks early, typical, 3 weeks late, or no‐grazing) of Pacific black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans), to examine how the timing of these events influence a primary goose forage species, Carex subspathacea.

After 3 years, an advanced growing season compared to a typical growing season increased stem heights, standing dead biomass, and the number of inflorescences. Early season grazing compared to typical season grazing reduced above‐ and below‐ground biomass, stem height, and the number of tillers; while late season grazing increased the number of inflorescences and standing dead biomass. Therefore, an advanced growing season and late grazing had similar directional effects on most plant traits, but a 3‐week delay in grazing had an impact on traits 3–5 times greater than a similarly timed shift in the advancement of spring. In addition, changes in response to treatments for some variables, such as the number of inflorescences, were not measurable until the second year of the experiment, while other variables, such as root productivity and number of tillers, changed the direction of their responses to treatments over time.

Synthesis. Factors affecting the timing of migration have a larger influence than earlier springs on an important forage species in the breeding and rearing habitats of Pacific black brant. The phenological mismatch prediction for this site of earlier springs and later goose arrival will likely increase above‐ and below‐ground biomass and sexual reproduction of the often‐clonally reproducing C. subspathacea. Finally, the implications of mismatch may be difficult to predict because some variables required successive years of mismatch to respond.
Could hepatitis B vaccine act as an adjuvant to lower risk and relapses of cancer?
Authors: Altinoz Meric A. , Ozpinar Aysel , Ozpinar Alp , Hacker Emily , Elmaci İlhan
Published: April 2019

In this review article, we hypothesize that Hepatitis B Virus Vaccine (HBV‐V) and certain antigens of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) could act as anticancer immunoadjuvants in addition to their role of preventing HBV‐associated liver cancer. Evidence suggests that in animal breast cancer and melanoma models, combining hepatitis B‐surface antigen (HBsAg) with other cancer antigens resulted in enhanced antitumour activity. HBsAg shares antigenic mimicry with healthy and malignant cells including squamous epithelia, thymic epithelia, bladder‐ and colon cancer cells. There exist anecdotal reports and small case series about spontaneous remission of leukaemias and neuroblastoma following acute HBV‐infection. Recent studies also exist showing HBV‐carrier state is a good prognostic factor for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Further epidemiological studies and animal experiments are necessary whether HBV‐Vs exert additional immunoadjuvant benefits besides lowering the risk of liver cancer.
Double quantile regression accurately assesses distance to boundary trade‐offs
Authors: Cardoso Gonçalo C.
Published: April 2019

Boundary trade‐offs are common among ecological, life‐history, behavioural and other traits. Depending on the traits studied, distances of data points to boundary trade‐offs can indicate ecological or life‐history strategies, or behavioural performance. Quantile regression tests the statistical significance of boundary trade‐offs, but it is unknown whether it provides meaningful benchmarks for evaluating distances to the true trade‐offs shaping the data. This is especially relevant when traits limit each other mutually, rather than one independent trait limiting another dependent trait.

I used empirical and simulated data to evaluate how quantile regression assesses distance to boundary trade‐offs. First, I reanalysed empirical datasets showing upper‐bound trade‐offs between acoustic traits, which is a field where distances to trade‐offs are often used to infer behavioural performance. Second, I simulated data under different assumptions of how boundaries influence density distributions, to test the accuracy of assessing distance to the true trade‐offs generating the data.

Quantile regression assessed distance to upper‐bound trade‐offs incongruently in most empirical datasets, strongly influenced by arbitrary decisions on which trait to use as dependent. Simulated data showed that a double quantile regression approach — the consensus of two reciprocal quantile regressions — accurately and robustly assesses distance to the true trade‐offs generating the data. The method was robust to low sample sizes and to different assumptions on how boundary trade‐offs influence the density distribution of data.

Double quantile regression can assess distances to the boundary trade‐offs observed in various branches of ecology, from functional and behavioural ecology, to population and macro‐ecology.
Monitoring large and complex wildlife aggregations with drones
Authors: Lyons Mitchell B. , Brandis Kate J. , Murray Nicholas J. , Wilshire John H. , McCann Justin A. , Kingsford Richard T. , Callaghan Corey T.
Published: April 2019

Recent advances in drone technology have rapidly led to their use for monitoring and managing wildlife populations but a broad and generalised framework for their application to complex wildlife aggregations is still lacking.

We present a generalised semi‐automated approach where machine learning can map targets of interest in drone imagery, supported by predictive modelling for estimating wildlife aggregation populations. We demonstrated this application on four large spatially complex breeding waterbird colonies on floodplains, ranging from c. 20,000 to c. 250,000 birds, providing estimates of bird nests.

Our mapping and modelling approach was applicable to all four colonies, without any modification, effectively dealing with variation in nest size, shape, colour and density and considerable background variation (vegetation, water, sand, soil, etc.). Our semi‐automated approach was between three and eight times faster than manually counting nests from imagery at the same level of accuracy.

This approach is a significant improvement for monitoring large and complex aggregations of wildlife, offering an innovative solution where ground counts are costly, difficult or not possible. Our framework requires minimal technical ability, is open‐source (Google Earth Engine and R), and easy to apply to other surveys.
Epigaeic ant diversity and distribution in the Sandstone Sourveld in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: Hlongwane Zabentungwa Thakasile , Mwabvu Tarombera , Munyai Thinandavha Caswell , Tsvuura Zivanai
Published: April 2019

Ants are sensitive to habitat change and may be affected by disturbances, such as alien plant invasion. Alien plant invasion is associated with negative effects on the functioning of ecosystems and may have adverse impacts on biodiversity. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of ground‐dwelling ants in Tanglewood and Giba Gorge Reserves in KwaZulu‐Natal Province, South Africa. Ants were sampled in the wet and dry seasons. Pitfall trap sampling was carried out in an intact grassland, forest and a disturbed grassland. We collected 360 samples resulting in a total of 2,577 occurrences comprising of 54 species. We found that diversity of ants in the two sites was influenced by vegetation type. The intact grassland in the two reserves had greater diversity (40 ± 4.45) of ants compared with forest (22 ± 4.86) and disturbed grassland (27 ± 1.15); however, the disturbed grassland supported higher ant occurrences (50.03 ± 31.6). Opportunists represented the most diverse functional group with 17 species followed by specialist predators with 13 species and generalised Myrmicinae with 10 species. These results suggest that grassland disturbance by alien plant invasion provides suitable environmental conditions that may increase ant occurrences but decrease ant diversity.
Hepcidin is not essential for mediating testosterone's effects on erythropoiesis
Authors: Guo W. , Schmidt P. J. , Fleming M. D. , Bhasin S.
Published: April 2019

Background

We have shown that testosterone administration suppresses hepcidin, stimulates iron‐dependent erythropoiesis, and increases hemoglobin and hematocrit.

Objective

We investigated whether testosterone‐mediated suppression of hepcidin plays an essential role in mediating testosterone's stimulatory effects on erythropoiesis.

Methods

We utilized two mouse models to elucidate the role of hepcidin as a mediator of testosterone's effects on erythropoiesis: First, we used a whole‐body hepcidin knockout (HepKO) mouse. Because testosterone's effects on hepcidin expression are mediated through androgen receptor, we also utilized a liver‐specific androgen receptor knockout mouse (L‐ArKO). Effects of 6 weeks of testosterone (50 mg/kg weekly) administration relative to vehicle on hemoglobin and hematocrit, red blood cell indices, and markers of iron stores and availability were compared between wild‐type (WT) and the two genetically modified mouse models.

Results

HepKO mice had significantly higher baseline levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum and liver iron, and ferritin than WT mice. Compared to vehicle group, testosterone administration was associated with significant increases in hematocrit, hemoglobin, red cell counts, reticulocyte count, reticulocyte hemoglobin, and serum iron levels in both HepKO and WT mice. Baseline hematocrit levels did not differ between WT and L‐ArKO mice. Compared to vehicle, testosterone treatment was associated with significantly greater increase in hematocrit, hemoglobin, red cell count, reticulocyte count, reticulocyte hemoglobin, and serum iron in WT and L‐ArKO mice.

Conclusion

Although hepcidin suppression by testosterone increases iron availability and erythropoiesis, hepcidin suppression is not essential for mediating testosterone's effects on erythropoiesis in healthy mice.
Proteomic characterization of human sperm plasma membrane‐associated proteins and their role in capacitation
Authors: Hernández‐Silva Gabriela , Fabián López‐Araiza Jorge Elías , López‐Torres Aideé Saray , Larrea Fernando , Torres‐Flores Víctor , Chirinos Mayel
Published: April 2019

Background

Plasma membranes of ejaculated sperm are covered by epididymal and accessory glands secreted proteins that must be released from sperm surface during the female reproductive tract passage in order to capacitate and fertilize the oocyte.

Objectives

As human sperm plasma membrane‐associated proteins (SMAP) have not yet been investigated, the aim of this study was to characterize the SMAP released during in vitro human capacitation and to study their possible role as decapacitation factors.

Materials and Methods

SMAP were characterized by 2‐dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analysis. Besides, we explored SMAP effects on motility, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and calcium ionophore‐induced acrosome reaction of spermatozoa either incubated for 6 h in capacitating medium ± SMAP or for 5 h in capacitating medium alone followed by incubation for 1 h ± SMAP.

Results

Mass spectrometry analysis allowed the identification of 29 proteins, all of which have previously been identified in the human seminal fluid. Spermatozoa incubated for 6 h under capacitating conditions in the presence of the SMAP showed a significant decrease in the incidence of non‐progressive motility, hyperactivation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and calcium ionophore‐induced acrosome reaction. However, spermatozoa incubated for 5 h in capacitating medium and further incubated for 1 h with the SMAP showed a lower percentage of spermatozoa with non‐progressive motility and hyperactivated cells but no effects on protein tyrosine phosphorylation were detected.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our results indicate that SMAP inhibit the progress of human sperm capacitation, but only motility changes related to capacitation may be reversed by these proteins. The study of the identified proteins on sperm function and their mechanisms of action on this cell may contribute to the understanding of their role during capacitation.
Neural and neuronal discoordination in schizophrenia: From ensembles through networks to symptoms
Authors: Krajcovic Branislav , Fajnerova Iveta , Horacek Jiri , Kelemen Eduard , Kubik Stepan , Svoboda Jan , Stuchlik Ales
Published: April 2019

Despite the substantial knowledge accumulated by past research, the exact mechanisms of the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and causal treatments still remain unclear. Deficits of cognition and information processing in schizophrenia are today often viewed as the primary and core symptoms of this devastating disorder. These deficits likely result from disruptions in the coordination of neuronal and neural activity. The aim of this review is to bring together convergent evidence of discoordinated brain circuits in schizophrenia at multiple levels of resolution, ranging from principal cells and interneurons, neuronal ensembles and local circuits, to large‐scale brain networks. We show how these aberrations could underlie deficits in cognitive control and other higher order cognitive‐behavioural functions. Converging evidence from both animal models and patients with schizophrenia is presented in an effort to gain insight into common features of deficits in the brain information processing in this disorder, marked by disruption of several neurotransmitter and signalling systems and severe behavioural outcomes.
When stereotype threat makes me more or less intelligent: The informative role of emotions in effort mobilization and task performance
Authors: Drace Sasa , Korlat Selma , Đokić Ratko
Published: April 2019

Studies have shown that affective states could be used as diagnostic information for the assessment of situational demands and that, as such, they can regulate resource mobilization. Accordingly, it was found that negative feelings cause overestimation of situational demands, which then leads to effort mobilization during performance on easy tasks but disengagement on difficult tasks. The present research investigated whether this emotion–motivation link could explain the usual differences in achievement on easy and difficult tasks under stereotype threat (ST). In Study 1, participants in ST, no‐ST, and no‐ST with fear induction conditions had to resolve a series of easy logical problems. As expected, ST and no‐ST‐fear groups reported higher effort investment and achieved better performance than the no‐ST group. In the following two studies, the no‐ST‐fear condition was replaced by an ST condition in which the informative potential of threat‐related feelings was prevented before the task performance. Although participants under ST reported similar elevation in anxiety, the expected increase in easy task performance (Study 2) and decrease in difficult task performance (Study 3) were observed only in the standard ST groups. Taken together, our findings suggest that threat‐related feelings could govern motivational processes and account for the effect of ST.
A protease‐responsive fluorescent probe for sensitive imaging of legumain activity in living tumor cells
Authors: Li Xi , Liu Qingzhu , Ye Siqin , Wang Shijie , Li Ke , Lv Gaochao , Peng Ying , Qiu Ling , Lin Jianguo
Published: April 2019

Legumain, a lysosomal cysteine protease, is critical for pathological progression and has been found to play an important role in the occurrence and development of several cancers. However, its biological functions remain few recognized. To further understand the role of legumain activity in tumor progression, a legumain protease‐responsive fluorescent probe was developed in the present study. The probe 1 was synthesized by conjugating an aminoluciferin fluorophore with an alanine–alanine–asparagine (AAN) peptide sequence. The successful synthesis of probe 1 was validated by NMR and MS spectra as well as HPLC analysis. The probe 1 was non‐toxic and exhibited great stability in the physiological solutions. More importantly, compared with the aminoluciferin fluorophore, the peptide conjugation may dramatically increase the targeting specificity. Probe 1 was able to effectively detect the legumain activity in living HCT116 cells through fluorescence imaging. All these results implied that probe 1 could act as a promising fluorescent probe specialized for the monitoring of legumain activity in living cells.
Pathways Linking Childhood Personality to Later Life Outcomes
Authors: Hill Patrick L. , Edmonds Grant W. , Jackson Joshua J.
Published: April 2019

Dispositional characteristics are associated with important life outcomes across the lifespan, often predicting those outcomes decades in advance. Evidence demonstrates that personality characteristics measured during childhood and adolescence uniquely affect later life outcomes above and beyond adult personality. Currently, it is unclear why personality produces unique effects at different life stages, given the modest consistency of personality across the lifespan. In this article, we offer possible explanations for why these unique predictive effects may occur, charting pathways that link childhood personality to later outcomes that differ from how adult personality influences the same products. We conclude by suggesting directions for longitudinal investigations into when, why, and how assessments of childhood personality can help advance our understanding of lifespan development.
Why Are Spatial Skill and Mathematics Related?
Authors: Mix Kelly S.
Published: April 2019

Research has demonstrated strong relations between spatial skill and mathematics across ages and in both typical and atypical populations, suggesting that a significant proportion of variance in mathematics performance can be explained by variance in spatial skill. Why do these relations exist and how do they develop? Studies of dimensionality in the two domains suggest the relation holds across tasks and is not limited to specific spatial or mathematics subskills. Spatial skills might perform several functions in real‐time problem solving, but these have not been differentiated empirically. The relation appears to be based on automatic shared processing, as well as strategic recruitment of spatial processes. Developmentally, the relation is consistent in its strength, but may change qualitatively, particularly in response to novel mathematics content.
Relationship between systolic hypertension assessed by 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and aortic diameters in young women with Turner syndrome
Authors: Lee Yun Jeong , Kim Shin Mi , Lee Young Ah , Kim Gi Beom , Shin Choong Ho , Yang Sei Won
Published: April 2019

Objective

Patients with Turner syndrome (TS) are at high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to aortic dilation. We evaluated the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors and investigated the relationship between systolic hypertension and aortic diameter in young patients with TS.

Design

Observational, cross‐sectional study.

Patients and measurements

Forty‐two patients with TS (15‐35 years) who had achieved final adult heights underwent 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Fasting glucose, insulin and lipid profiles were measured. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was calculated. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate aortic diameters (aortic annulus, aortic root at the sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and ascending aorta), which were converted into Turner‐specific z‐scores.

Results

Systolic and/or diastolic hypertension was identified in 71.4% (n = 30) of patients, as assessed by 24‐hour ABPM. Twenty‐eight patients (66.7%) were nondippers. Patients with systolic hypertension (n = 8, 19.0%) had a higher weight, waist circumference and HOMA‐IR levels than those without hypertension (P < 0.05 for all). After adjusting for covariates, HOMA‐IR was independently associated with systolic hypertension (odds ratio 10.1, P = 0.043). After adjusting for age and bicuspid aortic valve, systolic hypertension was independently related to increased aortic diameter at the aortic annulus (β = 1.064, P = 0.009) and sinotubular junction (β = 1.124, P = 0.016).

Conclusions

Hypertension is highly prevalent and independently associated with IR in young patients with TS. The significant relationship between systolic hypertension and aortic diameters underscores the importance of BP and IR control.
Comparison of postoperative intraoral scan versus cone beam computerised tomography to measure accuracy of guided implant placement—A prospective clinical study
Authors: Skjerven Henrik , Olsen‐Bergem Heming , Rønold Hans Jacob , Riis Ulf H. , Ellingsen Jan Eirik
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of implant placement with a digitally planned guided implant procedure. Two methods for identifying the actual postoperative positioning of the implants were compared: CBCT and IO scanning.

Material and methods

Twenty‐eight implants with a sandblasted and acid‐etched surface were placed in thirteen patients using tooth‐supported surgical guides following a digital planning procedure. The implants were submerged for 12–15 weeks. New CBCT images were taken for identification of the implant position. After second stage surgery, scan bodies were mounted on the implants and scanned with an IO digital scanner. The recordings from the CBCT images and the IO scans were compared with respect to the identified positions of the implants.

Results

The study did not resolve any significant differences of the identified positioning of the implants as measured by CBCT or IO, except for the apical deviations at the coronal and apical points.

The angular difference between CBCT and IO scanning at the coronal point was −0.011 (±0.6) degrees, whereas the 3D deviation was 0.03(±0.17) mm. The distal deviation between CBCT and IO scanning was 0.01(± 0.16) mm, and the vestibular deviation 0.033(± 0.16) mm and the apical deviation difference was 0.09(± 0.16) mm.

The 3D deviation at the apical point was 0.04(± 0.22) mm. The distal deviation between CBCT and IO scanning was 0.06(± 0.19) mm, and the vestibular deviation 0.032(± 0.23) mm and the apical deviation difference was 0.09(± 0. 16) mm.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that accuracy measurements using IO scanning yields comparable results to those obtained by CBCT.
Efficacy of three proton‐pump inhibitor therapeutic strategies on laryngopharyngeal reflux disease; a prospective randomized double‐blind study
Authors: Yoon Young Hoon , Park Ki Wan , Lee Seung Hun , Park Hee Sung , Chang Jae Won , Koo Bon Seok
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribing practices in laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) differ among physicians. We assessed the improvement in reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) after treating LPR with three different regimens.

Design

A prospective, double‐blind, randomized clinical trial.

Setting

Chungnam national university hospital in Korea.

Participants

From July 2015 to July 2017, 100 patients with LPR included in the study. The patients were prescribed one of the following regimens for 3 months: group A, ilaprazole 10 mg, once a day (QD), n = 29; group B, ilaprazole 10 mg, twice a day (BID), n = 27; and group C, ilaprazole 10 mg BID plus mosapride citrate 5 mg three times a day (TID), n = 44.

Main outcome measures

The total RSI and RFS scores and each subitems in RSI and FRS of the patients were evaluated.

Results

Total RFS and RSI scores improved significantly at the 3‐month follow‐up in all groups, and the improvements were of similar magnitudes. Regarding the RFS, the degrees of improvement in vocal cord oedema (P = 0.002) and diffuse laryngeal oedema (P = 0.003) scores differed significantly among the three groups. Moreover, overweight or obese patients in group C showed the greatest improvement in RFS. However, age had no effect on treatment efficacy.

Conclusion

Three PPI therapeutic strategies showed similar efficacies against LPR according to total RFS and RSI scores. The addition of a prokinetic resulted in improvements in specific endoscopic findings, such as vocal cord oedema and diffuse laryngeal oedema. Furthermore, the addition of a prokinetic to PPI therapy was particularly beneficial for overweight or obese patients.
Deceased organ donor factors influencing pancreatic graft transplantation and survival
Authors: Sally Mitchell B. , Ellis Margaret Katherine , Hutchens Michael , Groat Tahnee , Swanson Elizabeth , Patel Madhukar S. , Niemann Claus U. , Malinoski Darren J.
Published: April 2019

Criteria for organ acceptance in brain‐dead organ donors remain inconsistent, especially when concerning pancreatic transplants. We sought to examine donor‐specific predictors of pancreatic graft use and survival to better guide the selection and management of potential donors. A prospective observational study of all donors from ten organ procurement organizations was conducted from March 2012 to January 2015. Critical care endpoints were collected at 4 standardized time points. Data associated with pancreatic transplantation and graft survival rates were first determined using univariate analyses, and then logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of these two outcomes. From 1819 donors, 238 (13.1%) pancreata were transplanted, and at a mean follow‐up of 192 days, 218 (91.6%) grafts had survived. After regression analysis, donor age (OR = 0.89), HgbA1C (OR = 0.07), and achieving the donor management goal (DMG) for ejection fraction at allocation of ≥50% (OR = 3.29) remained as independent predictors of pancreatic utilization. On regression analysis, graft survival was independently predicted by lower donor age (OR = 0.93) and achieving the DMGs for mean arterial pressure (60‐110 mm Hg) and glucose (≤180 mg/dL) at separate time points. These results may help guide the management and selection of potential pancreatic donors after brain death.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials examining the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in people with diabetes‐related lower limb ulcers
Authors: Golledge J. , Singh T. P.
Published: April 2019

Aim

To examine the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in healing diabetes‐related lower limb ulcers through a meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Methods

A literature search was conducted to identify appropriate clinical trials. Inclusion required randomized study design and reporting of the proportion of diabetes‐related lower limb ulcers that healed. A meta‐analysis was performed to examine the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on ulcer healing. The secondary outcomes were minor and major amputations.

Results

Nine randomized trials involving 585 participants were included. People allocated to hyperbaric oxygen therapy were more likely to have complete ulcer healing (relative risk 1.95, 95% CI 1.51–2.52; P<0.001), and less likely to require major (relative risk 0.54, 95% CI 0.36–0.81; P=0.003) or minor (relative risk 0.68, 95% CI 0.48–0.98; P=0.040) amputations than control groups. Sensitivity analyses suggested the findings were dependent on the inclusion of one trial. Adverse events included ear barotrauma and a seizure. Many of the trials were noted to have methodological weaknesses including absence of blinding of outcome assessors, lack of a justifiable sample size calculation and limited follow‐up.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis suggests hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the healing of diabetes‐related lower limb ulcers and reduces the requirement for amputation. Confidence in these results is limited by significant design weaknesses of previous trials and inconsistent findings. A more rigorous assessment of the efficacy of hyperbaric the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is needed.
Clinical benefits of switching to insulin degludec irrespective of previous basal insulin therapy in people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes: evidence from a European, multicentre, retrospective, non‐interventional study (EU‐TREAT)
Authors: Knudsen S. T. , Lapolla A. , Schultes B. , Tentolouris N. , Catarig A.‐M. , Wolden M. L. , Siegmund T.
Published: April 2019

Aims

To investigate whether the benefits of switching to insulin degludec observed in the European retrospective chart review study EU‐TREAT were dependent on the previous basal insulin used.

Methods

People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes were switched to insulin degludec from other basal insulins ≥6 months before data collection. Participants were stratified into three groups based on their previous basal insulin: insulin glargine 100 units/ml (Type 1: n=888; Type 2: n=259); insulin detemir (Type 1: n=726; Type 2: n=415); and neutral protamine Hagedorn (Type 1: n=53; Type 2: n=95). Their glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia incidence at 6 and 12 months post‐switch vs pre‐switch was then evaluated.

Results

Significant HbA1c reductions were achieved in all previous basal insulin groups for participants with Type 1 diabetes [insulin glargine 100 units/ml: −2.08 mmol/mol (−0.19%); insulin detemir: −2.40 mmol/mol (−0.22%)] and those with Type 2 diabetes [insulin glargine 100 units/ml: −5.90 mmol/mol (–0.54%); insulin detemir: −6.01 mmol/mol (−0.55%); neutral protamine Hagedorn: −2.73 mmol/mol (−0.25%)] at 6 months, except for the relatively small neutral protamine Hagedorn group in those with Type 1 diabetes [−1.75 mmol/mol (−0.16%)], where statistical significance was not reached. At 6 months in the Type 1 diabetes group, switching to insulin degludec from insulin glargine 100 units/ml resulted in significantly lower hypoglycaemia rates across all hypoglycaemia categories; for the insulin detemir group, this significance was also observed for severe and nocturnal non‐severe hypoglycaemia, while the low number of people in the neutral protamine Hagedorn group resulted in nonsignificant reductions in hypoglycaemia rates. At 6 months in the people with Type 2 diabetes, switching to insulin degludec resulted in significantly lower rates of hypoglycaemia across all categories for all groups. Similar outcomes were observed at 12 months.

Conclusions

Switching to insulin degludec from other basal insulins can improve glycaemic control and/or reduce hypoglycaemia risk in people with diabetes (although there was a nonsignificant reduction in HbA1c and hypoglycaemia rates for the neutral protamine Hagedorn group in Type 1 diabetes) under routine care.
Efficacy and safety of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 inhibitors in people with diabetes and dyslipidaemia
Authors: Dijk Wieneke , Cariou Bertrand
Published: April 2019

Diabetic dyslipidaemia, characterized by quantitative, qualitative and kinetic changes in all major circulating lipids, contributes to the increased cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A promising therapeutic avenue is the inhibition of the proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) with human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that potently reduce plasma low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels on top of statin treatment. The aim of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors to lower the residual cardiovascular risk of T2DM patients and to discuss the safety of PCSK9 inhibition in these patients. PCSK9 inhibitors potently lower plasma LDL‐C levels in T2DM patients and reduce risk for the development of cardiovascular disease. Anti‐PCSK9 mAbs are generally not more or less effective in T2DM patients compared to a general high‐risk population. Nevertheless, due to their higher cardiovascular risk, the absolute risk reduction of major cardiovascular events is more significant in T2DM patients. This suggests that treatment of T2DM patients with anti‐PCSK9 mAbs could be attractive from a cost‐effectiveness perspective. Treatment with anti‐PCSK9 mAbs did not result in significant treatment‐emergent adverse effects. While genetic studies suggest a potential link between PCSK9 inhibition and glucose homeostasis, anti‐PCSK9 mAbs did not worsen glycaemic control in T2DM patients, but their safety should be verified after a longer‐term follow‐up.
The importance of dyslipidaemia in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes
Authors: Gonna Hanney , Ray Kausik K.
Published: April 2019

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular events are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in those with diabetes. A key contributor to the development of atherosclerosis in this population is the presence of a particularly atherogenic lipid profile often referred to as ‘Diabetic Dyslipidemia’. This profile is characterized by elevated triglycerides, triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins, small dense LDL particles, and reduced HDL levels. This article reviews the underlying aetiology and pathophysiology of this dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis in those with diabetes, provides insights from epidemiological and genetic studies, and current cardiovascular risk reducing interventions including novel therapies such as PCSK‐9 inhibitors.
Feasibility of pulmonary valve imaging using transesophageal echocardiography upper esophageal view
Authors: Taskesen Tuncay , Prabhu Somnath J. , Steinberg Zachary L. , Oxorn Donald , Gill Edward A.
Published: April 2019

Background

The present study designed to evaluate feasibility of transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) imaging of the pulmonary valve (PV) at the transaortic upper esophageal (TAUE) window. We hypothesized that patients with larger aorta would be more likely to have visualization of the PV from this TAUE window.

Methods

2D TEE images of the PV were prospectively acquired by one operator at the TAUE window looking through the aortic arch. Patients were divided into four groups based on image quality of PV (group 1, not visualized; group 2, barely visualized; group 3, sufficient visualization; group 4, excellent visualization). Clinical, echocardiographic, and radiologic parameters were collected.

Results

A total of 212 consecutive patients (54 ± 14 years, 63.7% male) were enrolled. Group distribution was as follows: group 1, n = 60 (28.3%); group 2 n = 39 (18.4%); group 3, n = 27 (12.7%); group 4, n = 86 (40.6%). There were no differences between groups’ baseline clinical characteristics. There was a weak although statistically negative correlation between PV image quality and aortic arch dimension (r = −0.17 P = 0.01). There was a stronger positive correlation between PV thickness (r = 0.38 P < 0.001) and PV image quality. Retrospective subgroup analysis of 76 patients with recent chest CT showed similar, but not significant trends as by TEE.

Conclusion

The use of 2D TEE TAUE results in diagnostic image quality of the PV in the majority of patients and outstanding image quality in a subset of patients. PV image quality is negatively affected by increasing aorta diameter and positively affected by PV thickness.
Correlation and agreement between 2D and 3D speckle‐tracking echocardiography for left ventricular volumetric, strain, and rotational parameters in healthy volunteers and in patients with mild mitral stenosis
Authors: Poyraz Esra , Kemaloglu Oz Tugba , Çetin Güvenç Rengin , Guvenc Tolga Sinan
Published: April 2019

Background

Recent advances had allowed measurement of myocardial deformation parameters using 3D speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE). Agreement between these two modalities and interchangeability of findings remain as an issue since 2DSTE is more widely available than 3DSTE. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation and agreement between 2DSTE and 3DSTE in healthy volunteers and in patients with mild mitral stenosis (MS).

Methods

Data from 31 patients with mild MS and 27 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Data were analyzed for the correlation and agreement between 2DSTE and 3DSTE for volumetric, strain, and rotational parameters.

Results

There were no significant differences between 2DSTE and 3DSTE in both control and MS groups for left ventricular volumetric and rotational parameters. 3D global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) were significantly higher in healthy volunteers (P < 0.001 for both), while only 3DGCS was significantly higher than 2DGCS in MS group (P < 0.001). The correlation between 3DSTE and 2DSTE was weak‐to‐moderate in both groups for strain and rotational parameters, and overall, correlation coefficients were higher in MS group. An exception was GLS in MS group, where coefficient of correlation was excellent (r = 0.907). Agreement between two modalities was poor for strain and rotational parameters, and the average bias was high.

Conclusions

Overall, the agreement between 2DSTE and 3DSTE for strain and rotational measures was poor with a high average bias. The agreement between 2DSTE and 3DSTE is affected by the presence of underlying MS and the direction of strain.
Coronary flow reserve is related to the extension and transmurality of myocardial necrosis and predicts functional recovery after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Montisci Roberta , Ruscazio Massimo , Tona Francesco , Corbetti Francesco , Sarais Cristiano , Marchetti Maria Francesca , Cacciavillani Luisa , Iliceto Sabino , Perazzolo Marra Martina , Meloni Luigi
Published: April 2019

Background

Few studies have examined the effect of transmurality of myocardial necrosis on coronary microcirculation. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of cardiac magnetic resonance‐derived (GE‐MRI) structural determinants of coronary flow reserve (CFR) after anterior myocardial infarction (STEMI), and their predictive value on regional functional recovery.

Methods

Noninvasive CFR and GE‐MRI were studied in 37 anterior STEMI patients after primary coronary angioplasty. The wall motion score index in the left descending anterior coronary artery territory (A‐WMSI) was calculated at admission and follow‐up (FU). Recovery of regional left ventricular (LV) function was defined as the difference in A‐WMSI at admission and FU. The necrosis score index (NSI) and transmurality score index (TSI) by GE‐MRI were calculated in the risk area. Baseline (BMR) and hyperemic (HMR) microvascular resistance, arteriolar resistance index (ARI), and coronary resistance reserve (CRR) were calculated at the Doppler echocardiography.

Results

Bivariate analysis indicated that the CPK and troponin I peak, heart rate, NSI, TSI, BMR, the ARI, and CRR were related to CFR. Multivariable analysis revealed that TSI was the only independent determinant of CFR. The CFR value of >2.27, identified as optimal by ROC analysis, was 77% specific and 73% sensitive with accuracy of 76% in identifying patients with functional recovery.

Conclusions

Preservation of microvascular function after AMI is related to the extent of transmurality of myocardial necrosis, is an important factor influencing regional LV recovery, and can be monitored by noninvasive CFR.