bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain dopamine neurone ‘damage’: methamphetamine users vs. Parkinson's disease – a critical assessment of the evidence
Authors: Kish Stephen J. , Boileau Isabelle , Callaghan Russell C. , Tong Junchao
Published: August 2016

The objective of this review is to evaluate the evidence that recreational methamphetamine exposure might damage dopamine neurones in human brain, as predicted by experimental animal findings. Brain dopamine marker data in methamphetamine users can now be compared with those in Parkinson's disease, for which the Oleh Hornykiewicz discovery in Vienna of a brain dopamine deficiency is established. Whereas all examined striatal (caudate and putamen) dopamine neuronal markers are decreased in Parkinson's disease, levels of only some (dopamine, dopamine transporter) but not others (dopamine metabolites, synthetic enzymes, vesicular monoamine transporter 2) are below normal in methamphetamine users. This suggests that loss of dopamine neurones might not be characteristic of methamphetamine exposure in at least some human drug users. In methamphetamine users, dopamine loss was more marked in caudate than in putamen, whereas in Parkinson's disease, the putamen is distinctly more affected. Substantia nigra loss of dopamine‐containing cell bodies is characteristic of Parkinson's disease, but similar neuropathological studies have yet to be conducted in methamphetamine users. Similarly, it is uncertain whether brain gliosis, a common feature of brain damage, occurs after methamphetamine exposure in humans. Preliminary epidemiological findings suggest that methamphetamine use might increase risk of subsequent development of Parkinson's disease. We conclude that the available literature is insufficient to indicate that recreational methamphetamine exposure likely causes loss of dopamine neurones in humans but does suggest presence of a striatal dopamine deficiency that, in principle, could be corrected by dopamine substitution medication if safety and subject selection considerations can be resolved.
On the properties of identified dopaminergic neurons in the mouse substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area
Authors: Krashia Paraskevi , Martini Alessandro , Nobili Annalisa , Aversa Daniela , D'Amelio Marcello , Berretta Nicola , Guatteo Ezia , Mercuri Nicola Biagio
Published: August 2016

We studied the properties of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) in mice expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter (TH‐GFP). By using a practical map of cell positioning in distinct SNpc and VTA subregions in horizontal midbrain slices we saw that the spontaneous firing, membrane properties, cell body size and magnitude of the hyperpolarization‐activated current (Ih) in TH‐GFP‐positive neurons (TH‐GFP+) vary significantly among subregions, following a mediolateral gradient. Block of Ih with Zd7288 inhibited firing in the most lateral subregions, but had little effect in the intermediate/medial VTA. In addition, TH‐GFP+ cells were excited by Met5‐Enkephalin. Extracellular recordings from a large neuron number showed that all TH‐GFP+ cells were inhibited by dopamine, suggesting that this is a reliable approach for identifying dopaminergic neurons in vitro. Simultaneous recordings from dopamine‐sensitive and dopamine‐insensitive neurons showed that dopamine‐insensitive cells (putative non‐dopaminergic neurons) are unaffected by Zd7288 but inhibited by Met5‐Enkephalin. Under patch‐clamp, dopamine generated a quantitatively similar outward current in most TH‐GFP+ neurons, although medial VTA cells showed reduced dopamine sensitivity. Pargyline prolonged the dopamine current, whereas cocaine enhanced dopamine‐mediated responses in both the SNpc and the VTA. Our work provides new insights into the variability in mouse midbrain dopaminergic neurons along the medial–lateral axis and points to the necessity of a combination of different electrophysiological and pharmacological approaches for reliably identifying these cells to distinguish them from non‐dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain.
Geniposide reduces development of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic nephropathy via regulating nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling pathways
Authors: Hu Xiaolei , Zhang Xiaomei , Jin Guoxi , Shi Zhaoming , Sun Weihua , Chen Fengling
Published: August 2016

Renal pathology was a commonly seen complication in patients with diabetes. Geniposide (GPO) was previously demonstrated to modulate glucose metabolism in diabetes. This study was to investigate effects of GPO in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats and its underlying mechanism. Renal function in diabetic rats was evaluated by levels of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and urinary albumin. Renal inflammation was appraised by inflammatory cells infiltration and pro‐inflammatory cytokines production. Renal monocytes, T lymphocytes infiltration, and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) expression were quantitated by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, renal nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) was assayed by Western blotting. Diabetic rats showed renal dysfunction as evidenced by increased levels of Scr, BUN, urinary albumin, and elevator renal index. Histological examination revealed significant glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickening. However, GPO notably improved renal function and diabetes‐induced GBM changes. Additionally, diabetic rats showed noteworthy renal inflammation,as reflected by enhancement of monocytes and T lymphocytes infiltration, increased expression of ICAM‐1, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), and IL‐6. Interestingly, the level of monocytes infiltration positively correlated with the severity of GBM. Further study indicated diabetic rats displayed increased activation of NF‐κB, indicated by increased expression of NF‐κB p65, IKKα, and p‐IκBα in renal tissue. However, all the changes in renal inflammation and NF‐κB pathway were obviously reversed in GPO‐treated diabetic rats. Our works indicate GPO ameliorates structural and functional abnormalities of kidney in diabetic rats, which is associated with its suppression of NF‐κB‐mediated inflammatory response.
Alda‐1 modulates the kinetic properties of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2)
Authors: Belmont‐Díaz Javier A. , Yoval‐Sánchez Belem , Calleja‐Castañeda Luis F. , Pardo Vázquez Juan P. , Rodríguez‐Zavala José S.
Published: August 2016

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) has been proposed as a key enzyme in cardioprotection during ischemia–reperfusion processes. This proposal led to the search for activators of ALDH2 with the aim to develop cardioprotective drugs. Alda‐1 was the first activator of ALDH2 identified and its cardioprotective effect has been extensively proven in vivo; however, the mechanism of activation is not fully understood. A crystallographic study showed that Alda‐1 binds to the entrance of the aldehyde‐binding site; therefore, Alda‐1 should in essence be an inhibitor. In the present study, kinetic experiments were performed to characterize the effect of Alda‐1 on the properties of ALDH2 (kinetic parameters, determination of the rate‐limiting step, reactivity of the catalytic cysteine) and on the kinetic mechanism (type of kinetics, sequence of substrates entering, and products release). The results showed that Alda‐1 dramatically modifies the properties of ALDH2, the Km for NAD+ decreased by 2.4‐fold, and the catalytic efficiency increased 4.4‐fold; however, the Km for the aldehyde increased 8.6‐fold, thus, diminishing the catalytic efficiency. The alterations in these parameters resulted in a complex behavior, where Alda‐1 acts as inhibitor at low concentrations of aldehyde and as an activator at high concentrations. Additionally, the binding of Alda‐1 to ALDH2 made the deacylation less limiting and diminished the pKa of the catalytic cysteine. Finally, NADH inhibition patterns indicated that Alda‐1 induced a change in the sequence of substrates entry and products release, in agreement with the proposal of both substrates entering ALDH2 by the NAD+ entrance site.
High l‐Trp affinity of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 is attributed to two residues located in the distal heme pocket
Authors: Yuasa Hajime J.
Published: August 2016

Indoleamine 2, 3‐dioxygenase (IDO) catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of the pyrrole ring of l‐Trp to generate N‐formyl‐kynurenine. Two IDO genes, IDO1 and IDO2, are found in vertebrates. Mammalian IDO1s are high‐affinity, l‐Trp‐degrading enzymes, whereas IDO2s generally have a relatively low affinity. It has been suggested that the distal‐Ser (corresponding to Ser167 of human IDO1) was crucial for improvement in the affinity for l‐Trp but this idea was insufficient to explain the high affinity shown by mammalian IDO1. In this study, the amino acid sequences of vertebrate ancestral IDO1 and ancestral IDO2 were inferred, and bacterially expressed ancestral IDOs were characterized. Although the amino acid sequences of the enzymes shared high identity (86%) with each other, they showed distinct enzymatic properties. In analyses of a series of ancestral IDO1/IDO2 chimeric enzymes and their variants, the distal‐Tyr (corresponding to Tyr126 of human IDO1) was detected as another and was probably the most crucial residue for high l‐Trp affinity. The two amino acid substitutions (distal‐Ser to Thr and distal‐Tyr to His) drastically decreased the l‐Trp affinity and catalytic efficiency of IDO1s. Conversely, two substitutions (distal‐Thr to Ser and distal‐His to Tyr) were sufficient to bestow IDO1‐like high affinity on ancestral and chicken IDO2.
A regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A, PPP2R5E, regulates the abundance of microtubule crosslinking factor 1
Authors: Hyodo Toshinori , Ito Satoko , Asano‐Inami Eri , Chen Dan , Senga Takeshi
Published: August 2016

Dynamic changes in microtubule organization are regulated by numerous microtubule‐associating proteins and their post‐translational modification. Microtubule crosslinking factor 1 (MTCL1) is a recently identified protein that regulates microtubule organization. To obtain further insight into its functions, we searched for proteins that associate with it using mass spectrometry analysis. We found that PPP2R5E, a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A, interacted with MTCL1. Depletion of PPP2R5E reduced the abundance of MTCL1 abundance, whereas exogenous expression of PPP2R5E increased endogenous MTCL1. Furthermore, inhibition of phosphatase activity by okadaic acid reduced MTCL1, which was restored by the addition of the protease inhibitor MG132. Finally, we show that cells depleted of PPP2R5E and MTCL1 exhibited defects in microtubule organization. Our results suggest that the PPP2R5E phosphatase may contribute to microtubule organization by stabilizing MTCL1.
Thermoelastic Phase Analysis (TPA): a new method for fatigue behaviour analysis of steels
Authors: Palumbo D. , Galietti U.
Published: August 2016

In literature, there are already well‐established thermal methods which allow for the estimation of fatigue limit, in particular for metallic materials such as austenitic steels. These methods are based on heat source generation analysis or on surface temperature evaluation of material subjected to different types of cyclic loading.

General application of methodology found limitation in those cases in which temperature changes on material related to fatigue damage were very low and, furthermore, thermal methods require high‐performance equipment and a difficult setup. This is the case, for instance, with brittle materials (such as martensitic steels), welded joints and aluminium alloys.

In this work, a new thermal method named Thermoelastic Phase Analysis is used to evaluate the fatigue limit of martensitic steels. This thermal method is based on an empirical approach. The main idea is that phase of thermoelastic response of the material subjected to fatigue loading is influenced by the presence of a heat source due to dissipative phenomena related to damage. Monitoring of the phase parameter provides a more stable setup and an independent means of identifying the fatigue limit of material. The method has also proven to be potentially one order of magnitude faster than traditional thermal methods.
Similar recent selection criteria associated with different behavioural effects in two dog breeds
Authors: Sundman A‐S. , Johnsson M. , Wright D. , Jensen P.
Published: August 2016

Selection during the last decades has split some established dog breeds into morphologically and behaviourally divergent types. These breed splits are interesting models for behaviour genetics since selection has often been for few and well‐defined behavioural traits. The aim of this study was to explore behavioural differences between selection lines in golden and Labrador retriever, in both of which a split between a common type (pet and conformation) and a field type (hunting) has occurred. We hypothesized that the behavioural profiles of the types would be similar in both breeds. Pedigree data and results from a standardized behavioural test from 902 goldens (698 common and 204 field) and 1672 Labradors (1023 and 649) were analysed. Principal component analysis revealed six behavioural components: curiosity, play interest, chase proneness, social curiosity, social greeting and threat display. Breed and type affected all components, but interestingly there was an interaction between breed and type for most components. For example, in Labradors the common type had higher curiosity than the field type (F1,1668 = 18.359; P < 0.001), while the opposite was found in goldens (F1,897 = 65.201; P < 0.001). Heritability estimates showed considerable genetic contributions to the behavioural variations in both breeds, but different heritabilities between the types within breeds was also found, suggesting different selection pressures. In conclusion, in spite of similar genetic origin and similar recent selection criteria, types behave differently in the breeds. This suggests that the genetic architecture related to behaviour differs between the breeds.
Biotic degradation at night, abiotic degradation at day: positive feedbacks on litter decomposition in drylands
Authors: Gliksman Daniel , Rey Ana , Seligmann Ron , Dumbur Rita , Sperling Or , Navon Yael , Haenel Sabine , De Angelis Paolo , Arnone John A. , Grünzweig José M.
Published: August 2016

The arid and semi‐arid drylands of the world are increasingly recognized for their role in the terrestrial net carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake, which depends largely on plant litter decomposition and the subsequent release of CO2 back to the atmosphere. Observed decomposition rates in drylands are higher than predictions by biogeochemical models, which are traditionally based on microbial (biotic) degradation enabled by precipitation as the main mechanism of litter decomposition. Consequently, recent research in drylands has focused on abiotic mechanisms, mainly photochemical and thermal degradation, but they only partly explain litter decomposition under dry conditions, suggesting the operation of an additional mechanism. Here we show that in the absence of precipitation, absorption of dew and water vapor by litter in the field enables microbial degradation at night. By experimentally manipulating solar irradiance and nighttime air humidity, we estimated that most of the litter CO2 efflux and decay occurring in the dry season was due to nighttime microbial degradation, with considerable additional contributions from photochemical and thermal degradation during the daytime. In a complementary study, at three sites across the Mediterranean Basin, litter CO2 efflux was largely explained by litter moisture driving microbial degradation and ultraviolet radiation driving photodegradation. We further observed mutual enhancement of microbial activity and photodegradation at a daily scale. Identifying the interplay of decay mechanisms enhances our understanding of carbon turnover in drylands, which should improve the predictions of the long‐term trend of global carbon sequestration.
Evidence of a dual histogenetic pathway of sacrococcygeal teratomas
Authors: Emerson Robert E , Kao Chia‐Sui , Eble John N , Grignon David J , Wang Mingsheng , Zhang Shaobo , Wang Xiaoyan , Fan Rong , Masterson Timothy A , Roth Lawrence M , Cheng Liang
Published: August 2016

Aims

Sacrococcygeal teratomas are rare tumours that occur most frequently in neonates, although adult cases also occur. The molecular pathogenesis of these tumours and their long‐term prognosis is uncertain. We investigated the i(12p) status of a large number of primary sacrococcygeal teratomas in both children and adults, including cases with malignant germ cell tumour elements.

Methods and results

Fifty‐four sacrococcygeal teratoma specimens from 52 patients were identified, and available follow‐up information was obtained. Fluorescence in‐situ hybridization analysis was performed to identify isochromosome 12p [i(12p)] abnormalities on paraffin blocks of the tumours. Among the 48 paediatric patients, there were 44 teratomas and four tumours with combined teratoma and yolk sac tumour (one of whom also had primitive neuroectodermal tumour). The teratomas included 37 mature teratomas and 11 immature teratomas (four grade 1, two grade 2, and five grade 3). The 44 teratomas lacking a yolk sac tumour component were all negative for i(12p). The four tumours with a yolk sac tumour component were all positive for i(12p). The four adult cases all lacked non‐teratomatous germ cell tumour components, immature elements, and i(12p). Follow‐up information was available for 32 patients. Two patients with teratoma had recurrence, but were alive with no evidence of disease after long‐term follow‐up. One patient with combined teratoma and yolk sac tumour had recurrence 7 months after resection. The other patients were alive with no evidence of disease at last follow‐up.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that paediatric sacrococcygeal teratomas should be considered as two distinct groups with divergent histogenetic pathways. The prognosis of these tumours is excellent, despite rare recurrence.
Judith Butler's Critique of Violence and the Legacy of Monique Wittig
Authors: Karhu Sanna
Published: August 2016

Although Judith Butler's theorization of violence has begun to receive growing scholarly attention, the feminist theoretical background of her notion of violence remains unexplored. In order to fill this lacuna, this article explicates the feminist genealogy of Butler's notion of violence. I argue that Butler's theorization of violence can be traced back toGender Trouble, to her discussion of Monique Wittig's argument that the binary categorization of sex can be conceived as a form of discursive violence. I contend, first, that Butler starts to develop her notion of “gender violence” on the basis of her reading of Wittig, and second, that Butler's more recent writings on military violence and the ethics of nonviolence build on her early interpretation of Wittig. On the basis of my reading, I suggest, in contrast to recent criticism, that Butler's later critique of violence is not at odds with but rather expands upon her prior work on violence.
An integrative taxonomy approach unveils unknown and threatened moth species in Amazonian rainforest fragments
Authors: Lamarre Greg P. A. , Decaëns Thibaud , Rougerie Rodolphe , Barbut Jérôme , Dewaard Jeremy R. , Hebert Paul D. N. , Herbin Daniel , Laguerre Michel , Thiaucourt Paul , Bonifacio Martins Marlucia
Published: August 2016

This study focuses on the importance in hyperdiverse regions, such as the Amazonian forest, of accelerating and optimising the census of invertebrate communities.

We carried out low‐intensity sampling of tropical moth (Lepidoptera) assemblages in disturbed forest fragments in Brazil.

We combined DNA barcoding and taxonomists’ expertise to produce fast and accurate surveys of local diversity, including the recognition and census of undescribed and endemic species.

Integrating expert knowledge of species distributions, we show that despite limited sampling effort, our approach revealed an unexpectedly high number of new and endemic species in severely threatened tropical forest fragments.

These results highlight the risk of silent centinelan extinctions and emphasise the urgent need for accelerated invertebrate surveys in high‐endemism and human‐impacted tropical forests.
Range, genetic diversity and future of the threatened butterfly, Pieris virginiensis
Authors: Davis Sam L. , Cipollini Don
Published: August 2016

Pieris virginiensis, the West Virginia White butterfly, faces severe potential habitat loss and degradation of existing suitable habitat in the near future from climate change and plant invasion. Increasing isolation and local extinction events resulting from deforestation and climate change have a chance to significantly impact the future of this butterfly.

We used genetic analysis and spatial modelling techniques to estimate the current spatial and genetic scope of P. virginiensis.

We used linear modelling and machine learning to predict the occurrence of P. virginiensis through space and time using occurrence records between 1879 and 2014 and environmental predictors from a world climate dataset.

We predicted the future occurrence of P. virginiensis with climate projections for the year 2070.

We sequenced the cytochrome oxidase I, and the internal transcribed spacer region I, in the mitrochondrial and nuclear genomes, respectively, then used a combination of genetic diversity measures and phylogeny construction to evaluate the genetic diversity of P. virginiensis.

We found that latitude accounts for nearly one‐fifth of the variation in emergence date.

Spatial models predicted that P. virginiensis may lose up to 60% of available habitat in the next 50 years.

Genetic data indicated some isolation in an Ohio population's COI gene, and low genetic diversity across the range of P. virginiensis in ITS. These may be indicative of either the last glacial expansion or a more recent disturbance.

A large effective population size indicates that P. virginiensis are not yet nearing extinction.
Osteogenic cell response to calcium aluminate‐based cement
Authors: Castro‐Raucci L. M. S. , Teixeira L. N. , Oliveira I. R. , Raucci‐Neto W. , Jacobovitz M. , Rosa A. L. , de Oliveira P. T.
Published: August 2016

Aim

To evaluate the effect of a calcium aluminate‐based cement (CAC+) on the development of the osteogenic phenotype in vitro.

Methodology

Rat calvaria‐derived cells were grown on Thermanox® coverslips for 24 h and then exposed to either samples (4‐h set) of CAC+ or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) placed on Transwell® inserts for periods of up to 14 days. Nonexposed cultures were used as the controls. The comparisons were made using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by the Student–Newman–Keuls post hoc test when appropriate.

Results

The results showed that proximity to MTA or CAC+ samples inhibited cell growth, whereas at a distance, viable and proliferative cells adhered to and spread on the Thermanox®, expressing osteoblast differentiation markers prior to mineralization of the extracellular matrix. Compared with MTA, the osteogenic cell cultures exposed to CAC+ exhibited significantly greater cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and expression of runt‐related transcription factor 2, osterix, ALP, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin (P < 0.05 for all). For the osteogenic cell cultures exposed to CAC+, the quantification of matrix mineralization was not altered (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

CAC+ supported the acquisition of the osteogenic cell phenotype in vitro, rendering this novel material a potential alternative to MTA in endodontic procedures. Further in vivo studies are needed to verify if the beneficial in vitro effects of CAC+ on osteoblastic cells correspond to an increase and/or acceleration of bone repair in the periapical region.
Human dental pulp cells response to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and MTA Plus: cytotoxicity and gene expression analysis
Authors: Rodrigues E. M. , Cornélio A. L. G. , Mestieri L. B. , Fuentes A. S. C. , Salles L. P. , Rossa‐Junior C. , Faria G. , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru J. M. , Tanomaru‐Filho M.
Published: August 2016

Aim

To investigate the cytotoxicity, osteogenic bioactivity and mRNA expression of osteogenic markers of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2), osteocalcin (OC) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) induced by the extracts of set MTA Plus (MTA P) (Avalon Biomed Inc. Bradenton, FL, USA) in comparison with MTA (Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil) on human dental pulp cells (hDPCs).

Methodology

Cell viability was assessed by mitochondrial dehydrogenase enzymatic (MTT) assay, and the mechanism of cell death was evaluated by flow cytometry. Bioactivity was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and detection of calcium deposits with alizarin red staining (ARS). The gene expression of BMP‐2, OC and ALP was quantified with real‐time PCR. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance and Bonferroni or Tukey post‐test (α = 0.05).

Results

MTA and MTA P were not cytotoxic and did not induce apoptosis. MTA P had significant higher ALP activity in relation to MTA and the control (P < 0.05). MTA had a significantly higher percentage of mineralized area than MTA P (P < 0.05). The expression of BMP2 and OC mRNA was significantly higher in cells exposed to MTA than MTA P after 1 day (P < 0.05). At day 3, the mRNA expression of ALP was significantly higher in MTA P compared with MTA (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

MTA and MTA Plus were noncytotoxic, increased mineralization processes in vitro and induced the expression of osteogenic markers.
Predicting pre‐ and postoperative pain of endodontic origin in a southern Brazilian subpopulation: an electronic database study
Authors: Gomes M. S. , Böttcher D. E. , Scarparo R. K. , Morgental R. D. , Waltrick S. B. G. , Ghisi A. C. , Rahde N. M. , Borba M. G. , Blomberg L. C. , Figueiredo J. A. P.
Published: August 2016

Aim

To determine the prevalence of preoperative endodontic pain (PREP) and the incidence of postoperative endodontic pain (POEP), identifying the predictors of PREP and POEP in a southern Brazilian subpopulation, using clinical data from an electronic chart database (ECD).

Methodology

This retrospective observational study included 563 consecutive individuals presenting for root canal treatment (RCT). Patients were treated by undergraduate and graduate students, following standard RCT protocols. Demographic, medical and dental variables were extracted from a pre‐structured and standardized ECD. The main outcomes PREP and incident POEP were collected through a 0–10 numeric rating scale, dichotomized as none/mild (<4) or moderate/severe (≥4) pain. Predictive models calculating the prevalence ratios (PR) of PREP and the relative risks (RR) of incident POEP were carried out with Poisson regression analysis, estimating the relationship between clinical factors, PREP and incident POEP.

Results

Mean age at baseline was 49.2 ± 17.1 years, with 68.4% women. The prevalence and incidence of moderate/severe PREP and POEP were 44.4% and 3.8%, respectively. RCT intervention significantly reduced PREP (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that group of teeth, location (mandibular teeth), pulpitis, necrotic pulp, preoperative swelling and periapical radiolucency were independently associated with moderate/severe PREP, whilst age ≥60 years and root canal retreatments were independent protective factors to PREP (P < 0.05). No demographic, medical or dental variables were associated with POEP, although molar teeth (RR = 4.23, 95%CI = 0.93–19.2, P = 0.056) had a borderline nonsignificant association.

Conclusions

Moderate/severe PREP was independently associated with age, group of teeth, location, preoperative swelling, retreatments and pulp and periapical status. No demographic, medical or dental variable predicted moderate/severe POEP following RCT amongst this subpopulation.
Natural history of hematospermia in 189 Japanese men
Authors: Furuya Seiji , Masumori Naoya , Takayanagi Akio
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To prospectively investigate the natural history of hematospermia.

Methods

This study included 189 patients with hematospermia. All the patients underwent watchful waiting without any empirical treatment.

Results

The median observation period was 52 months. Hematospermia resolved spontaneously in 168 (88.9%) of the 189 patients, and the median disease duration was 1.5 months. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the persistence rates of hematospermia were 57.7% at 1 month, 34.2% at 3 months, 23.3% at 6 months, 12.5% at 1 year and 7.6% at 2 years. Hematospermia reoccurred in 20 (13.5%) of the 148 patients who had adequate follow up. The recurrence‐free rates were 96.6% at 3 months, 89.0% at 1 year, 84.8% at 5 years and 78.2% at 10 years. Multivariate analysis showed that seminal vesicle hemorrhage and a midline cyst of the prostate were significant factors to predict the duration of hematospermia until spontaneous resolution. The nine patients with persisting hematospermia for more than 1 year were treated with transurethral endoscopic surgery (unroofing of the midline cyst in six, and transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct in three), and hematospermia resolved postoperatively in all these patients.

Conclusions

In patients with hematospermia without inflammation, infection or malignancy, it is important to provide information on the possibility that symptoms will resolve spontaneously and to implement measures to relieve their anxiety. Detection of seminal vesicle hemorrhage and a midline cyst of the prostate is important for prediction of the duration of hematospermia.
Changes of sexual function and perception in Japanese men: A 15‐year cross‐sectional community‐based study
Authors: Takayanagi Akio , Kobayashi Ko , Fukuta Fumimasa , Matsuki Masahiro , Matsuda Yohei , Mori Mitsuru , Masumori Naoya
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To investigate the longitudinal changes of sexual function of Japanese men.

Methods

From 1992 to 1993, we carried out a cross‐sectional community‐based study on sexual function in Japanese men aged 40–79 years. After 15 years, a follow‐up study was carried out to determine longitudinal changes of their sexual function. Of the 319 participants in the initial study, 135 participated again in the follow‐up study. Sexual function was assessed using the same validated questionnaire in the two studies.

Results

Erectile rigidity declined in men of each age decade at baseline (40s, 50s, 60s and 70s) of the initial study (P < 0.01, <0.01, <0.01 and <0.05). The frequency of sexual drive was significantly decreased in men aged in their 40s, 50s and 60s (P < 0.05, <0.01 and <0.01). Men aged in their 40s were dissatisfied with their decreased sexual function (P < 0.05). In contrast, men aged in their 70s were satisfied with their sexual life (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Over a 15‐year period, the sexual function of Japanese men declined in each age decade. However, the perception of this decline differed among different age group. Most elderly Japanese men did not worry about their impaired sexual function.
Rapid mobilization of abdominal fat in migrating eared grebes
Authors: Straker Lorian Cobra , Jehl Joseph R.
Published: August 2016

Eared grebesPodiceps nigricollis, like shorebirds and other long‐distance migrants, lay down large amounts of fat to power their journeys. To investigate the pattern of how fat and soft tissue might be mobilized, we used grebes killed in migration and applied computed tomography to reconstruct how stores in the chest, thorax, and abdomen were reduced as body weight decreased. Fat and soft tissue were each mobilized at a constant rate through the entire migration. Fat stores in birds embarking on migration were greater in the abdomen than thorax than chest. In contrast to previous studies indicating that abdominal fat was mobilized first, we found that fat from all areas was mobilized concurrently, but that abdominal fat was catabolized at a greater rate. We suggest why this pattern might be advantageous, consider whether inter‐depot differences in fat composition might be involved, and note possible energetic consequences. Whether our findings pertain to other obese or long distance migrants remains to be determined.
A complete molecular phylogeny of Claravis confirms its paraphyly within small New World ground‐doves (Aves: Peristerinae) and implies multiple plumage state transitions
Authors: Sweet Andrew D. , Maddox J. Dylan , Johnson Kevin P.
Published: August 2016

The three species in the genus Claravis (Aves: Peristerinae) are unique among members of the small New World ground‐dove clade. All three species inhabit forested areas rather than open scrubby habitat, and exhibit obvious sexual dichromatism. However, the phylogenetic relationships within Claravis remain unknown. The only molecular phylogenetic study to include more than one species of Claravis indicated the genus is paraphyletic. Here we include molecular data from all three Claravis species, including sequences from a museum skin of the previously unsampled Claravis geoffroyi (purple‐winged ground‐dove). Using both mitochondrial and nuclear loci, we estimate phylogenies and divergence times for the small New World ground‐dove clade. We also use ancestral state reconstruction methods to infer the evolution of male blue plumage (and thus sexual dimorphism) in the clade. As in the previous study we recover Claravis as a paraphyletic group, but with Claravis geoffroyi as the sister species to Claravis mondetoura (maroon‐chested ground‐dove). This result has important implications for the evolutionary history of the small New World ground‐dove clade. In particular, we recover multiple independent transitions between the monomorphic and dimorphic plumage states, which perhaps indicates sexual dimorphism arose twice in the group.
Northern flickers only work when they have to: how individual traits, population size and landscape disturbances affect excavation rates of an ecosystem engineer
Authors: Wiebe Karen L.
Published: August 2016

Woodpeckers are considered ecosystem engineers because they excavate tree cavities which are used subsequently by many species of secondary cavity nesters for breeding. Woodpeckers have the choice of excavating a new hole or reusing an existing one, and this propensity to excavate (e) may affect community dynamics but has rarely been investigated. Using 18 years of data on a population of northern flickers Colaptes auratus, I tested six hypotheses to explain the propensity to excavate (e) in a landscape which experienced two types of disturbance: pine beetles and wildfires. Woodpecker age, breeding experience and mate retention had little influence on e which varied between 13–39% annually and averaged 23% for 1843 first nests over the 18 yr. Body size and body condition of males and females were not associated with e but rates of excavation declined seasonally, suggesting time rather than energy costs limited excavation effort. Reduced cavity availability mediated through high conspecific density coupled with wildfires triggered relatively high excavation rates, up to 39% but e decreased to baseline levels three years after the landscape disturbances. Nearly 2/3 of males did not excavate in their lifetime but apparently, e is great enough to balance the average rate of cavity tree loss in this forest which is 11% annually. Excavation propensity in flickers is flexible, but the birds reduce their work levels if there is a surplus of holes available.
Arionslugs as nest predators of small passerine species – a review
Authors: Turzańska Katarzyna , Chachulska Justyna
Published: August 2016

Arionid slugs have been reported to attack nestlings of some ground‐ or shrub‐nesting passerine birds, mainly in Europe. We review these reported cases and consider their effects. The slugs can cause grave or even fatal injuries to the nestlings. Surprisingly, no brood defence by the parents has been described. The information on the frequency of slug predation in bird populations is scanty, and the scale of the phenomenon is unknown. The expansion of the invasiveArion vulgarisMoquin‐Tandon, 1855 (synonymouslyA. lusitanicusorA. lusitanicusauct. non Mabille, 1868) in Europe may result in an increase of the negative influence of slugs on the breeding success of some passerines in the near future.
Lack of detectable fetal microchimerism in psoriasis vulgaris lesions and in non‐affected skin in spite of its presence in peripheral bloodCD34‐positive andCD34‐negative cells
Authors: Niepiekło‐Miniewska W. , Baran W. , Szepietowski J.C. , Nowakowska B. , Kuśnierczyk P.
Published: August 2016

Background

Microchimerism is defined as a stable presence of low numbers of cells derived from a different individual due to cell transfer between twins or between mother and fetus during pregnancy.

Objective

Fetal cells in the organism of the mother (FMc) are postulated to play a role in autoimmune diseases. Psoriasis is a disease which has an autoimmune component, but no study on microchimerism in this disease has been reported.

Methods

The easiest way to detect microchimerism is to look for male cells in blood or other tissues of a woman who previously delivered a son. Here, we looked for the presence of male cells in mononuclear cell subpopulations from peripheral blood and in skin samples of women with psoriasis and of healthy women.

Results

We detectedFMc in similar proportions of patients and controls inCD4+,CD8+ andCD34+ cells, whereas inCD34‐ cells they were present in higher fraction of controls, and similar but non‐significant difference was observed inCD19+ cells. No microchimeric cells were detected in patients' skin samples, both from affected and non‐affected skin, or in skin tissue from healthy control individuals.

Conclusion

Our result does not prove the involvement of microchimerism in the aetiology of psoriasis.
Treating onychomycosis with the short‐pulsed 1064‐nm‐Nd:YAG laser: results of a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Karsai S. , Jäger M. , Oesterhelt A. , Weiss C. , Schneider S.W. , Jünger M. , Raulin C.
Published: August 2016

Background

The role of the short‐pulsed 1064‐nm‐Nd:YAG laser in treating onychomycosis has been the subject of controversial discussion ever since it received FDA approval in 2010. Research to date provides no valid conclusions supporting its use from an evidence‐based perspective.

Objective

In this prospective randomized controlled pilot study, we analysed the effect of the short‐pulsed 1064‐nm‐Nd:YAG laser on the rate of mycological remission and clinical improvement after excluding relevant confounders with regard to our previous studies.

Patients and methods

Twenty patients with a total of 82 mycotic toenails were randomized to the treatment group (short‐pulsed 1064‐nm‐Nd:YAG laser) or control group (no laser treatment). We conducted four laser treatments at 4‐ to 6‐week intervals. In both groups, a local antimycotic agent was applied to the sole of the foot, the area between the toes and the skin directly surrounding the nails. The primary endpoint was complete remission of the onychomycosis after 12 months (fungal culture and histology); secondary endpoints included clinical improvement (Onychomycosis Severity Index, OSI) and the occurrence of pain or other adverse events.

Results

Mycological remission was not achieved in either study group. A comparison of both groups yielded no difference in the OSI score, both at the beginning of the trial (P = 0.9873) and after 12 months (P = 0.4317). In the treatment group, the OSI score worsened by a mean 2.0 points, and in the control group, by a mean 3.5 points. On a visual analogue scale (0 = ‘no pain’ to 10 = ‘most intense pain’), pain in the treatment group was indicated at a mean score of five. Other adverse events were not reported.

Conclusions

The short‐pulsed 1064‐nm‐Nd:YAG laser shows no long‐term efficacy as a monotherapy. Its role as an adjuvant therapy should be investigated in upcoming trials.
The total opportunity for sexual selection and the integration of pre‐ and post‐mating episodes of sexual selection in a complex world
Authors: Evans J. P. , Garcia‐Gonzalez F.
Published: August 2016

It is well known that sexual selection can target reproductive traits during successive pre‐ and post‐mating episodes of selection. A key focus of recent studies has been to understand and quantify how these episodes of sexual selection interact to determine overall variance in reproductive success. In this article, we review empirical developments in this field but also highlight the considerable variability in patterns of pre‐ and post‐mating sexual selection, attributable to variation in patterns of resource acquisition and allocation, ecological and social factors, genotype‐by‐environment interaction and possible methodological factors that might obscure such patterns. Our aim is to highlight how (co)variances in pre‐ and post‐mating sexually selected traits can be sensitive to changes in a range of ecological and environmental variables. We argue that failure to capture this variation when quantifying the opportunity for sexual selection may lead to erroneous conclusions about the strength, direction or form of sexual selection operating on pre‐ and post‐mating traits. Overall, we advocate for approaches that combine measures of pre‐ and post‐mating selection across contrasting environmental or ecological gradients to better understand the dynamics of sexual selection in polyandrous species. We also discuss some directions for future research in this area.
The impact of digging on craniodental morphology and integration
Authors: McIntosh A. F. , Cox P. G.
Published: August 2016

The relationship between the form and function of the skull has been the subject of a great deal of research, much of which has concentrated on the impact of feeding on skull shape. However, there are a number of other behaviours that can influence craniodental morphology. Previous work has shown that subterranean rodents that use their incisors to dig (chisel‐tooth digging) have a constrained cranial shape, which is probably driven by a necessity to create high bite forces at wide gapes. Chisel‐tooth‐digging rodents also have an upper incisor root that is displaced further back into the cranium compared with other rodents. This study quantified cranial shape and upper incisors of a phylogenetically diverse sample of rodents to determine if chisel‐tooth‐digging rodents differ in craniodental morphology. The study showed that the crania of chisel‐tooth‐digging rodents shared a similar place in morphospace, but a strong phylogenetic signal within the sample meant that this grouping was nonsignificant. It was also found that the curvature of the upper incisor in chisel‐tooth diggers was significantly larger than in other rodents. Interestingly, most subterranean rodents in the sample (both chisel‐tooth and scratch diggers) had upper incisors that were better able to resist bending than those of terrestrial rodents, presumably due to their similar diets of tough plant materials. Finally, the incisor variables and cranial shape were not found to covary consistently in this sample, highlighting the complex relationship between a species’ evolutionary history and functional morphology.
Determinants for clinical events in gallstone carriers unaware of their gallstones
Authors: Shabanzadeh Daniel Mønsted , Sørensen Lars Tue , Jørgensen Torben
Published: August 2016

Background and Aim

Knowledge about determinants for clinical events in gallstone carriers is missing. The aim of this cohort study was to identify determinants of clinical gallstone events during long‐term follow‐up of a population unaware of their gallstones.

Methods

Three randomly selected groups from the general population of Copenhagen (n = 6 037) underwent ultrasound examinations to detect gallstones in the period 1982–1994. Participants unaware of gallstone (n = 595) were followed up for clinical gallstone events through central registers until December 31, 2011. Follow‐up length was median 17.5 years and 99.8% complete. Cox regression analyses were performed.

Results

Gallstone events occurred in 16.6% participants of whom 7.2% were complicated and 9.4% were uncomplicated. Total events were associated with body mass index. Complicated events were associated with coffee consumption, vocational training, and inversely association to a higher physical activity level when compared with being sedentary. Multiple adjusted models confirmed association for total events and body mass index and for complicated events and physical activity. No significant associations were identified for alcohol, coffee, diet, smoking, or visits to general practitioner and clinical events.

Conclusions

Body mass index, vocational training, and physical activity level were associated with clinical events in long‐term follow‐up of unaware gallstone carriers. Future trials should investigate clinical effects of lifestyle and medical interventions in gallstone carriers.
A model predicting survival of patients with recurrent or progressive hepatocellular carcinoma: the MORE score
Authors: Choi Sang Il , Yu Ami , Kim Bo Hyun , Ko Eun Jeong , Park Soon Seob , Nam Byung‐Ho , Park Joong‐Won
Published: August 2016

Background and Aim

Most prognostic models for hepatocellular carcinoma are based on data at the time of diagnosis. However, the disease frequently recurs or progresses after initial treatment, with changes in tumor burden and clinical status. Therefore, we developed a risk score model to predict survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients at the time of disease recurrence or progression.

Methods

Of 1972 patients newly diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma at the National Cancer Center, Korea, between January 2004 and December 2009, 1301 with recurrent or progressive disease were enrolled. They were randomly classified into a development (75%, n = 976) and a validation cohort (25%, n = 325). A survival prediction method was established in the development cohort using the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, and its performance was evaluated on the validation cohort.

Results

A model predicting survival of patients with recurrent or progressive hepatocellular carcinoma was developed using some known independent prognostic factors for overall survival: age, albumin, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, tumor burden, serum alpha‐fetoprotein level, and presence of ascites. In addition, initial treatment modality and best response after initial treatment were also independent prognostic factors and were incorporated in the model. The C‐statistics and χ2 statistics of this novel score for the validation cohort were 0.808 (95% CI: 0.781–0.834) and 4.408 for 3‐year survival.

Conclusions

A new model to predict survival of patients with recurrent or progressive hepatocellular carcinoma was developed and validated. This model may be useful for planning subsequent treatments.