bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contingent interactions among biofilm‐forming bacteria determine preservation or decay in the first steps toward fossilization of marine embryos
Authors: Raff Elizabeth C. , Andrews Mary E. , Turner F. Rudolf , Toh Evelyn , Nelson David E. , Raff Rudolf A.
Published: May 2013

Fossils of soft tissues provide important records of early animals and embryos, and there is substantial evidence for a role for microbes in soft tissue fossilization. We are investigating the initial events in interactions of bacteria with freshly dead tissue, using marine embryos as a model system. We previously found that microbial invasion can stabilize embryo tissue that would otherwise disintegrate in hours or days by generating a bacterial pseudomorph, a three‐dimensional biofilm that both replaces the tissue and replicates its morphology. In this study, we sampled seawater at different times and places near Sydney, Australia, and determined the range and frequency of different taphonomic outcomes. Although destruction was most common, bacteria in 35% of seawater samples yielded morphology‐preserving biofilms. We could replicate the taphonomic pathways seen with seawater bacterial communities using single cultured strains of marine gammaproteobacteria. Each given species reproducibly generated a consistent taphonomic outcome and we identified species that yielded each of the distinct pathways produced by seawater bacterial communities. Once formed, bacterial pseudomorphs are stable for over a year and resist attack by other bacteria and destruction by proteases and other lytic enzymes. Competition studies showed that the initial action of a pseudomorphing strain can be blocked by a strain that destroys tissues. Thus embryo preservation in nature may depend on contingent interactions among bacterial species that determine if pseudomorphing occurs. We used Artemia nauplius larvae to show that bacterial biofilm replacement of tissue is not restricted to embryos, but is relevant for preservation of small multicellular organisms. We present a model for bacterial self‐assembly of large‐scale three‐dimensional tissue pseudomorphs, based on small‐scale interactions among individual bacterial cells to form local biofilms at structural boundaries within the tissue. Local biofilms then conjoin to generate the pseudomorph.
Defense against Pieris rapae in cabbage plants induced by Bemisia tabaci biotype B
Authors: Zhang Shi‐Ze , Huang Hong , Shan Hong‐Wei , Zhang Fan , Wan Fang‐Hao , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: May 2013

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) are serious pests of vegetables, that can occur simultaneously on a single cabbage plant [Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. (Brassicaceae)]. We determined whether pre‐feeding or infestation by B. tabaci on cabbage could induce physiological and biochemical responses of the plant against P. rapae. Developmental time, length, and weight of immature P. rapae, and defense‐related plant compounds (SOD, superoxide dismutase; POD, peroxidase; CAT, catalase; APX, ascorbate peroxidase) were measured. Development of P. rapae larvae was 21% slower on B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants than on plants without B. tabaci infestation. When feeding on B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants, 22% of P. rapae larvae pupated as compared with 83% on B. tabaci‐free plants. Weights of P. rapae from first to fourth instars that fed on B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants were also reduced, whereas those of fifth instars and pupae were not. Similarly, body length of P. rapae from first to fourth instars was affected by B. tabaci pre‐infestation, whereas that of the fifth instars was not. Peroxidase and APX activities of the B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants increased more than SOD and CAT. Peroxidase and SOD activities of B. tabaci and P. rapae co‐infested plants increased as compared with those of P. rapae‐infested plants; however, CAT and APX activities were not different between B. tabaci‐ and P. rapae‐infested plants. These results showed that B. tabaci infestation had a negative effect on P. rapae when they occurred simultaneously on the same host plant. The implications of the induced plant changes on the herbivore are discussed.
Questioning the mutual benefits of myrmecochory: a stable isotope‐based experimental approach
Authors: CAUT STEPHANE , JOWERS MICHAEL J. , CERDA XIM , BOULAY RAPHAËL R.
Published: May 2013

Mutualisms play a key part in ecological systems and drive the evolution of much of the world's biological diversity. Among them, myrmecochory, seed dispersal by ants, is a worldwide mechanism throughout many ecosystems. However, the classic representation of myrmechocory as a mutualism could be put into question if one of the two players did not garner a real advantage.

A controlled diet experiment was conducted in which ants were given five diets (supplemented or not with elaiosomes). First, using an ant‐seed mutualism system, the aim was to understand if elaiosome consumption could modify reproductive output and sex allocation. Second, nitrogen isotopic values were used as a nutrient tracer in the brood to estimate the consumption and selection of elaiosome in comparison to other diets.

A significant difference was found in the production of pupae between some diets, but pupae production was not linked to the elaiosome supplementation. Repartitions between pupa type and the effect of the diets were also not significantly different. Moreover, the nitrogen isotopic values of pupae differed among diets but not pupa types.

The mutualistic aspects of myrmechory remain unclear, especially when it comes to estimating the benefits to ants. It is clear that ants assimilate the elaiosome nutrients, but the effect of this assimilation on the reproductive output or sex allocation appears limited. Elaiosomes could provide a nutritional advantage under certain conditions when resources are scarce (qualitative or quantitative), but they are not nutritionally required, and thus represent a food source with no specific advantage to the ant.
NMDA receptors in the lateral hypothalamus have an inhibitory influence on the tachycardiac response to acute restraint stress in rats
Authors: Deolindo Milena V. , Reis Daniel G. , Crestani Carlos C. , Tavares Rodrigo F. , Resstel Leonardo B. M. , Corrêa Fernando M. A.
Published: May 2013

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and its local glutamatergic neurotransmission in the cardiovascular adjustments observed when rats are submitted to acute restraint stress. Bilateral microinjection of the nonspecific synaptic inhibitor CoCl2 (0.1 nmol in 100 nL) into the LH enhanced the heart rate (HR) increase evoked by restraint stress without affecting the blood pressure increase. Local microinjection of the selective N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor antagonist LY235959 (2 nmol in 100 nL) into the LH caused effects that were similar to those of CoCl2. No changes were observed in the restraint‐related cardiovascular response after a local microinjection of the selective non‐NMDA glutamatergic receptor antagonist NBQX (2 nmol in 100 nL) into the LH. Intravenous administration of the muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist homatropine methyl bromide (0.2 mg/kg), a quaternary ammonium drug that does not cross the blood–brain barrier, abolished the changes in cardiovascular responses to restraint stress following LH treatment with LY235959. In summary, our findings show that the LH plays an inhibitory role on the HR increase evoked by restraint stress. Present results also indicate that local NMDA glutamate receptors, through facilitation of cardiac parasympathetic activity, mediate the LH inhibitory influence on the cardiac response to acute restraint stress.
Effect of park age, size, shape and isolation on ant assemblages in two cities of Southern Spain
Authors: Carpintero Soledad , Reyes‐López Joaquín
Published: May 2013

In the context of conservation biology, we have searched for the most influential characteristics of urban parks on ecological diversity. In this study, therefore, we studied the ant community of 24 parks in two cities of Southern Spain (Cordoba and Seville). In total, 46 species were found. Abundant and widely distributed species were synanthropic ones, such as Lasius grandis, Pheidole pallidula or Tapinoma nigerrimum, and exotic species such as Cardiocondyla mauritanica. However some parks also harbored natural habitat‐preferring species. Park size, shape and distance to city outskirts were the most important predictors of species richness and diversity. Likewise, park age influenced the composition of the ant fauna.
Enhancement of fruit quality in Capsicum annum through pollination by Hypotrigona gribodoi in Kakamega, Western Kenya
Authors: Kiatoko Nkoba , Raina Suresh Kumar , Muli Elliud , Mueke Jone
Published: May 2013

A study was carried out in Kakamega forest, in the western region of Kenya, to evaluate the effectiveness of the stingless bee Hypotrigona gribodoi (Magretti, 1884) on the pollination of green pepper. Three treatments were applied and consisted of self‐pollination, pollination by feral pollinators in the open field and pollination by H. gribodoi in a net cage. The differences in fruit yield and seed quality were compared among treatments. Flowers pollinated by H. gribodoi produced the heaviest fruits with the highest seed numbers followed by feral pollinators and lastly self‐pollinated flowers. Moreover, seeds were significantly bigger in size in fruits resulting from flowers pollinated by H. gribodoi compared to fruits obtained from self‐pollinated flowers or flowers pollinated by feral insects. We, therefore, conclude that H. gribodoi is an efficient pollinator of green pepper in the tropical region of East Africa.
Linguistic Indicators of Wives' Attachment Security and Communal Orientation During Military Deployment
Authors: Borelli Jessica L. , Sbarra David A. , Randall Ashley K. , Snavely Jonathan E. , St. John Heather K. , Ruiz Sarah K.
Published: May 2013

Military deployment affects thousands of families each year, yet little is known about its impact on nondeployed spouses (NDSs) and romantic relationships. This report examines two factors—attachment security and a communal orientation with respect to the deployment—that may be crucial to successful dyadic adjustment by the NDS. Thirty‐seven female NDSs reported on their relationship satisfaction before and during their partner's deployment, and 20 also did so 2 weeks following their partner's return. Participants provided a stream‐of‐consciousness speech sample regarding their relationship during the deployment; linguistic coding of sample transcripts provided measures of each participant's (a) narrative coherence, hypothesized to reflect attachment security with respect to their deployed spouse; and (b) frequency of first person plural pronoun use (we‐talk), hypothesized to reflect a communal orientation to coping. More frequent first person plural pronounuse—we‐talk—was uniquely associated with higher relationship satisfaction during the deployment, and greater narrative coherence was uniquely associated with higher relationship satisfaction during postdeployment. Discussion centers on the value of relationship security and communal orientations in predicting how couples cope with deployment and other types of relationship stressors.
Lifting the Veil on Reverse Leveraged Buyouts: What Happens During the Private Period?
Authors: Datta Sudip , Gruskin Mark , Iskandar‐Datta Mai
Published: May 2013

We document the different types of restructuring activities undertaken during the private period after the reverse leveraged buyout (RLBO) of previously public firms. Preceding the LBO, firm leverage significantly exceeds that of their peers, while their profitability is better than the industry. However, despite their superior performance, these firms are undervalued before going private. While private firms undertake value‐enhancement measures by increasing employee productivity, asset restructuring, decreasing cost of goods sold, and increasing ownership concentration. Enhanced valuation at the RLBO is a result of value capture, as well as efficiencies obtained from restructuring activities. We also identify factors determining the private period duration.
Identification of the maternal source of young‐of‐the‐year Arctic charr in Lake Hazen, Canada
Authors: Sinnatamby R. Niloshini , Reist James D. , Power Michael
Published: May 2013

A discriminant function analysis model based on carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values was used to identify offspring of piscivorous large‐form and non‐piscivorous small‐form Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, morphotypes from Lake Hazen, Nunavut, Canada.

The ability to distinguish between morphotypes in Lake Hazen was based mainly on the separation of δ15N signatures because of adult occupation of significantly different trophic levels. A smaller difference between adult morphotype δ13C values, most likely combined with a potential increase in variation among individuals at the egg stage, a faster turnover rate in carbon relative to nitrogen and the size at which fish can be sampled in the open‐water season in Lake Hazen, probably contributes to the limited use of δ13C in distinguishing between morphotype offspring.

Based on young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) origin estimates, the adult morphotypes were estimated to contribute approximately equally to the YOY population; however, the morphotype offspring were differentially distributed among sampled nursery sites.

Unequal distribution corresponds with prerequisites suggested for the evolution of trophic specialists within a single population that experiences assortative mating based on trophic specialisation. Differential use of spawning areas and the more or less equal importance of both Lake Hazen forms found in this study, taken alongside previously noted morphological variation and available genetic evidence, suggest that Lake Hazen may be an example of early divergence relative to other Arctic charr populations described in the literature.
Efficacy of sorafenib as adjuvant therapy to prevent early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative surgery: A pilot study
Authors: Wang Shen‐Nien , Chuang Shih‐Cheng , Lee King‐Teh
Published: May 2013

Aim

Until now, no effective adjuvant therapy to prevent early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative treatment has been reported. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical benefit of sorafenib as adjuvant treatment in subjects with HCC after hepatic resection.

Methods

The pilot study was undertaken involving HCC patients who had undergone curative liver surgery with high recurrence risk factors. Time to recurrence and disease recurrence rate were assessed. Sorafenib 400 mg q.d. was administrated continuously for 4 months after hepatic resection.

Results

A total of 31 patients were enrolled and eligible for final data analysis. The median follow‐up time was 19 months (range, 9.5–30.2). Time to recurrence in the sorafenib arm was 21.45 ± 1.98 months (mean ± standard deviation), compared to 13.44 ± 2.66 months in the control arm (P = 0.006). The median recurrence‐free survival in the sorafenib arm did not reach the data cut‐off date compared to 8 months in the control arm (P = 0.006). The recurrence rate between the two groups was significantly different (29.4% vs 70.7%, P = 0.032). Cox regression analysis showed that taking study medicine was the only prognostic variable associated with HCC recurrence (hazard ratio = 0.24, 95% confidence interval = 0.08–0.75, P = 0.014).

Conclusion

This study showed that setting sorafenib as adjuvant therapy for HCC to prevent early recurrence after hepatic resection could be a potential indication. The cumulative recurrence‐free survival rate also demonstrated the preventive effectiveness of sorafenib.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 as a therapeutic target for the progression of fulminant liver failure with hepatic encephalopathy: A pilot study in mice
Authors: Hori Tomohide , Uemoto Shinji , Walden Lindsay B. , Chen Feng , Baine Ann‐Marie T. , Hata Toshiyuki , Kogure Takayuki , Nguyen Justin H.
Published: May 2013

Aim

If progressive liver injury and subsequent hepatic encephalopathy can be prohibited in fulminant liver failure (FLF), it would be ideal for intensive care of FLF and provide an expanded opportunity for liver transplantation (LT). We hypothesized that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 plays an important role in FLF progression, and investigated MMP‐9 behaviors in a murine FLF model, especially at the coma stage.

Methods

The murine FLF model with azoxymethane recapitulates FLF in humans. The detailed coma status was evaluated, on the assumption that LT is indicated at early, but not late, stage 3. To investigate whether MMP‐9 deletion or reduction has beneficial effects, an MMP‐9 inhibitor (GM6001) and transfection of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)‐1 cDNA were used. Mice were divided into five groups: control; FLF; FLF with GM6001 pretreatment; FLF with TIMP‐1 plasmid transfection 24 h before disease onset; and FLF with TIMP‐1 plasmid transfection 48 h before disease onset. Neurological findings, including survival, were followed. Samples were obtained at early and late stage 3. Biochemical examinations and histopathological assessments were performed. The expression and function of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 were evaluated by western blotting and zymography. A brain permeability study was also performed.

Results

MMP‐9 was strongly increased in FLF. The MMP‐9 inhibitions worked well, and prolonged the survival, interval to stage 3 and duration of early stage 3. MMP‐9 inhibition improved the liver and subsequent brain injuries at early stage 3, with no remarkable improvements at late stage 3.

Conclusion

MMP‐9 has therapeutic potential for FLF progression.
Regional variation in mortality impact of the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza pandemic in China
Authors: Yu Hongjie , Feng Luzhao , Viboud Cecile G. , Shay David K. , Jiang Yong , Zhou Hong , Zhou Maigeng , Xu Zhen , Hu Nan , Yang Weizhong , Nie Shaofa
Published: May 2013

Background

Laboratory‐confirmed deaths grossly underestimate influenza mortality burden, so that reliable burden estimates are derived from indirect statistical studies, which are scarce in low‐ and middle‐income settings.

Objectives

Here, we used statistical excess mortality models to estimate the burden of seasonal and pandemic influenza in China.

Methods

We modeled data from a nationally representative population‐based death registration system, combined with influenza virological surveillance data, to estimate influenza‐associated excess mortality for the 2004–2005 through 2009–2010 seasons, by age and region.

Results

The A(H1N1) pandemic was associated with 11·4–12·1 excess respiratory and circulatory (R&C) deaths per 100 000 population in rural sites of northern and southern China during 2009–2010; these rates were 2·2–2·8 times higher than those of urban sites (P < 0·01). Influenza B accounted for a larger proportion of deaths than pandemic A(H1N1) in 2009–2010 in some regions. Nationally, we attribute 126 200 (95% CI, 61 000–248 400) excess R&C deaths (rate of 9·4/100 000) and 2 323 000 (1 166 000–4 533 000) years of life lost (YLL) to the first year of A(H1N1)pdm circulation.

Conclusions

The A(H1N1) pandemic posed a mortality and YLL burden comparable to that of interpandemic influenza in China. Our high burden estimates in rural areas highlight the need to enhance epidemiological surveillance and healthcare services, in underdeveloped and remote areas.
The Common Law Clean Up of the ‘Workshop of the World’: More Realism About Nuisance Law's Historic Environmental Achievements
Authors: Pontin Ben
Published: May 2013

This article examines the environmental benefits arising from compliance with common law nuisance injunctions during the British industrial revolution. It argues, based on the outcomes of industrial nuisance actions involving allegations of serious air and river pollution, that many millions of pounds were invested by corporate polluters in designing and implementing clean technologies within the framework of the common law. Nuisance law was not an unqualified success in the field of environmental protection at this time, but overall the findings contribute to the on‐going critique of the nuisance law histories of Brenner and McLaren, which argue that various limitations of the common law are at the root of modern environmental problems. The discovery of historic practical measures of environmental protection through common law enforcement raises important conceptual, policy, and legal questions for today, and disciplinary questions regarding the rigour of realist legal scholarship concerning the historic performance of the law.
THE LEADERSHIP MAESTRO
Authors: Kerres Bernhard
Published: May 2013

Valery Gergiev is the Artistic and General Director of the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. He is one of the most sought–after conductors and has worked with all of the world's major orchestras and opera companies. Bernhard Kerres talked leadership with the Maestro in St Petersburg.
READING CHINA
Authors: Yueh Linda
Published: May 2013

Linda Yueh selects essential reading for all those who want to understand the Chinese economic miracle.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: INVESTMENT STRATEGY
Authors: Belo Frederico , Li Jun , Gala Vito
Published: May 2013

Frederico Belo, Jun Li and Vito Gala. Government Spending, Political Cycles and the Cross Section of Stock Returns. Journal of Financial Economics (forthcoming).
MY DAY
Authors: Dunnett Andrew
Published: May 2013

Andrew Dunnett, Director of the Vodafone Foundation and the company's Director of Sustainability, takes us through his working day.
Pilot Study of the Suitability of Dorsal Vulval Skin as a Transposition Flap: Vascular Anatomic Study and Clinical Application
Authors: Hunt Geraldine B. , Winson Olivia , Fuller Mark C. , Kim James Y.
Published: May 2013

Objective

To identify the blood supply to the vulval fold and adjacent skin, and evaluate it as a transposition flap for closing perineal wounds in dogs.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Animals or Sample Population

Five female canine cadavers and 2 cases referred for excision of mast cell tumors adjacent to the vulva.

Methods

Dissection was performed to identify the vascular supply to the vulval fold in two cadavers following arterial injection of red latex and methylene blue, respectively. In three cadavers, barium sulfate mixed 1:1 with water was injected into the terminal aorta. The vulval fold and surrounding perineal skin was excised and radiographed. Transposition flaps using the vulval fold and adjacent skin were used to close skin defects in two dogs presented for wide excision of mast cell tumors situated ventro‐lateral and dorso‐lateral to the vulva, respectively.

Results

The vulval fold and adjacent skin was perfused bilaterally by branches of the ventral perineal and external pudendal arteries, which entered dorsally and ventrally, respectively. As incisions used to create a transposition flaps from the skin surrounding the vulval fold transect these vessels, the flap is dependent on the sub‐dermal plexus for survival. There was 100% survival of transposition flaps in the 2 clinical cases and healing proceeded uneventfully with acceptable cosmetic and functional results.

Conclusions

The vulval fold and surrounding skin can be used as a subdermal plexus flap to close large perineal defects in dogs.

Clinical Relevance

Availability of a defined local skin flap will improve treatment of diseases resulting in large perineal skin defects in female dogs.
Eighty‐three lineages that took over the world: a first review of terrestrial cosmopolitan tetrapods
Authors: Procheş Şerban , Ramdhani Syd
Published: May 2013

Aim

While there is a huge macroecological and biogeographical literature addressing endemism, very little has been done to systematically study lineages that are widely distributed across the globe. Our aim here was to list and analyse those lineages of terrestrial tetrapod vertebrates found in 60–90% of the world, loosely termed here as cosmopolitan.

Location

Global.

Methods

Two sets of geographical units and three occupancy criteria were used to list, analyse and map cosmopolitan lineages and their sister lineages.

Results

Among the 83 lineages identified, 2 were represented by amphibians, 9 by reptiles, 13 by mammals, and the remainder by birds, of which 12 were passerines and 47 were non‐passerines. All these lineages are present in parts of Southeast Asia, most of them throughout much of Eurasia and Africa, but fewer in South America and very few in Australia. Only three of the lineages (all reptiles) are likely to exemplify vicariance or early dispersal‐driven cosmopolitanism, the rest having attained world‐wide distribution via extensive, geologically recent dispersal. The distribution of sister lineages indicates that many cosmopolitan lineages probably originated in the savanna regions of Africa, some in Southeast Asia, and fewer in tropical America.

Main conclusions

Cosmopolitan distributions in tetrapods are primarily the result of dispersal, with large body size and the ability to fly being two key correlates of rapid global colonization. We argue that a cosmopolitan lineage framework in biogeographical and ecological studies could add great depth to the understanding of evolutionary success, and would be highly relevant to the field of invasion biology.
Occurrence of Steam Pops During Irrigated RF Ablation: Novel Insights from Microwave Radiometry
Authors: KORUTH JACOB S. , DUKKIPATI SRINIVAS , GANGIREDDY SANDEEP , McCARTHY JOHN , SPENCER DARREN , WEINBERG ALAN D. , MILLER MARC A. , D’AVILA ANDRE , REDDY VIVEK Y.
Published: May 2013

Predicting Steam Pops with Microwave Radiometry

Background

The disparity between catheter and tissue temperatures during irrigated RF ablation frustrates one's ability to predict steam pops. Microwave radiometry allows for “volumetric” temperature assessment—i.e., within a circumscribed volume around the catheter tip‐permitting, direct assessment of temperature during ablation. The aim of this study was to examine (i) the ability of microwave radiometry to predict steam pops, and (ii) compare this to traditional parameters such as power, catheter temperature, and impedance.

Methods and Results

Irrigated RF ablation was performed in 8 sheep using the Tempasure ablation catheter in all chambers. Power, impedance, catheter tip, and volumetric temperature were continually monitored. Ablation was terminated after a pop or at 60 seconds. A pop was defined as an audible or visualized pop (intracardiac echocardiography). Predictors of pops were determined by univariate and multivariate GEE logistic regression modeling. A total of 48 pops occurred during 143 lesions applied at 20–50 W. There was no association between the chamber of the heart and the occurrence of pops. The rate of rise of volumetric temperature (greater than 1.5 °C/s) was the single best predictor of pops (OR: 88.8 [95% CI: 12–604], P < 0.0007). Pops only occurred above a maximum volumetric temperature threshold of 89 °C.

Conclusions

During irrigated RF ablation, steam pop occurrence can be predicted by both, the rate of rise and the maximum volumetric temperature measured by microwave radiometry.
Gender differences in the association between metabolic syndrome and periodontal disease: the Hisayama Study
Authors: Furuta Michiko , Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Takeshita Toru , Shibata Yukie , Akifusa Sumio , Eshima Nobuoki , Kiyohara Yutaka , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Mukai Naoko , Nagata Masaharu , Yamashita Yoshihisa
Published: May 2013

Aims

Periodontal disease and metabolic syndrome (MS) are more prevalent in males than in females. However, whether there is a gender difference in the association between these health conditions has not yet been investigated. This study examined the gender difference in this association, considering the definition of periodontal disease.

Materials and Methods

We recruited 1040 males and 1330 females, aged ≥40 years, with at least ten teeth from subjects of the 2007 Hisayama health examination. We performed a logistic regression analysis with various definitions of periodontal disease the dependent variable and MS as the independent variable. Following the analysis, the data were reanalysed with the structural equations model.

Results

The logistic regression analysis suggested a stronger association between periodontal disease and MS in females than that in males when periodontal disease was more severely defined. When we constructed the structural equations model in each gender, the model showed a good fit to the data of females, suggesting the association between periodontal disease and MS in females, but not in males.

Conclusions

Gender differences seem to exist in the association between periodontal disease and MS; MS might show a stronger association with periodontal disease in females than in males.
Diversity and Distributional Patterns of Ciliates in Guaymas Basin Hydrothermal Vent Sediments
Authors: Coyne Kathryn J. , Countway Peter D. , Pilditch Conrad A. , Lee Charles K. , Caron David A. , Cary Stephen C.
Published: May 2013

Little is known about protists at deep‐sea hydrothermal vents. The vent sites at Guaymas Basin in the Gulf of California are characterized by dense mats of filamentous pigmented or nonpigmented Beggiatoa that serve as markers of subsurface thermochemical gradients. We constructed 18S rRNA libraries to investigate ciliate assemblages in Beggiatoa mats and from bare sediments at the Guaymas vent site. Results indicated a high diversity of ciliates, with 156 operational taxonomic units identified in 548 sequences. Comparison between mat environments demonstrated that ciliate and bacterial assemblages from pigmented mats, nonpigmented mats, and bare sediments were significantly different and highly correlated with bacterial assemblages. Neither bacterial nor ciliate assemblages were correlated with environmental factors. The most abundant ciliates at Guaymas were more likely to be represented in clone libraries from other hydrothermal, deep‐sea, and/or anoxic or microaerophilic environments, supporting the hypothesis that these ciliate species are broadly distributed. The orange mat environment included a higher proportion of ciliate sequences that were more similar to those from other environmental studies than to cultured ciliate species, whereas clone libraries from bare sediments included sequences that were the most highly divergent from all other sequences and may represent species that are endemic to Guaymas.
Life Cycle Assessment of Advanced Industrial Wastewater Treatment Within an Urban Environment
Authors: O'Connor Matthew , Garnier Gil , Batchelor Warren
Published: May 2013

A dissolved air flotation (DAF) system upgrade was proposed for an urban paper mill to recycle effluent. To understand the influence of operating variables on the environmental impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and water consumption, a dynamic supply chain model was linked with life cycle assessment (LCA) to produce an environmental inventory. Water is a critical natural resource, and understanding the environmental impacts of recycling water is paramount in continued development of sustainable supply chains involving water. The methodology used in this study bridged the gap between detailed process models and static LCA modeling so that operating variables beyond discrete scenario analysis could be investigated without creating unnecessarily complex models. The model performed well in evaluating environmental impacts. It was found that there was no single optimum operating regime for all environmental impacts. For a mill discharging 80 cubic meters of effluent per hour (m3/hour), GHGs could be minimized with a DAF capacity of 17.5 m3/hour, while water consumption could be minimized with a DAF capacity of 25 m3/hour, which allowed insight into where environmental trade‐offs would occur. The study shows that more complexity can be achieved in supply chain modeling without requiring a full technical model. It also illustrates the need to consider multiple environmental impacts and highlights the trade‐off of GHG emissions with water consumption in water recycling. The supply chain model used in this water treatment case study was able to identify the environmental trade‐offs from the operating variables selected.
Repigmentation of cutaneous scars depends on original wound type
Authors: Chadwick Sarah L. , Yip Christina , Ferguson Mark W. J. , Shah Mamta
Published: May 2013

Cutaneous scarring is currently an inevitable outcome following skin injury. Abnormal pigmentation within scars makes them more noticeable, causing distress for patients, particularly as there is no reliable and effective treatment available to date. The Duroc pig, known to scar badly, was used to investigate repigmentation of scars resulting from three different wound types: incisional, partial thickness excisional and full thickness excisional. Wounds were created on the backs of Duroc pigs and the resulting scars harvested at days 35, 56, 70 and 90 days post‐injury. Scars were processed for histology and immunohistochemistry, quantitatively analysed using image analysis software and subjected to statistical analysis. Photographs of the macroscopic appearance of scars were scored for pigmentation using a visual analogue scale. Results demonstrated temporal and spatial differences in melanocyte repopulation and function within scars from different wound types. The microscopic pigment deposition did not correlate with macroscopic appearances in mature scars. Pigmentation of scars is dependent on the width and depth of wounds. This study has provided important information on which we can base future studies to investigate factors controlling the repigmentation of scars.
Oral cancer examinations among smokers and moderate‐heavy drinkers,UnitedStates, 2008
Authors: Macek Mark D. , Yellowitz Janet A.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Smoking and moderate‐heavy alcohol consumption are primary risk factors for oral cancer. This report uses national data to test whether adults with these risk factors received oral cancer examinations (OCEs) at a rate consistent with their risk.

Methods

Data from the 2008NationalHealthInterviewSurvey (NHIS) were used for this analysis. The main outcome variables described lifetime receipt of extraoral or intraoralOCEs. Other variables described health‐care visits, as well as the timing of, reasons for, and type of practitioner providing the most recentOCE. Descriptor variables were smoking and drinking status. Covariates included several sociodemographic factors. Weighted bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted usingSUDAANsoftware.

Results

According to the 2008NHIS, about 34 percent of adults aged 40 years or older reported receiving either an extraoral or intraoral examination during their lifetime. Current smokers were no more likely to have received anOCEthan were never smokers, controlling for relevant covariates. Moderate‐heavy drinkers and light drinkers were significantly more likely to have received anOCEthan were lifetime abstainers.

Conclusions

Current smokers did not receiveOCEsat a rate consistent with their increased risk, whereas moderate‐heavy drinkers did. One explanation for this finding is that medical and dental visit behaviors indirectly influencedOCErates. Dentition status played an important role, as having teeth is strongly associated with dental visit behaviors. Health‐care practitioners are encouraged to consider the smoking and drinking statuses of their patients when they conduct routine physical examinations of the head and neck.
Influence of minor children and contribution to household income on work hours of female dentists
Authors: Kuthy Raymond A. , Jennings Adrienne D. , McQuistan Michelle R. , Marshall Teresa A. , Qian Fang
Published: May 2013

Objective

To study the association of having minor children and contribution to household income on weekly work hours of Iowa female dentists.

Methods

A 28‐question survey was mailed to all active Iowa dentists. This study represents female dentists who responded to the survey (n = 192; response rate = 63 percent). The dependent variable was whether dentists currently worked full‐ or part‐time (≥32 versus <32 hours/week). The associations of having minor children and the percent women contributed toward their household income were then analyzed using stepwise logistic regression, controlling for covariates (alpha = 0.05).

Results

Of the respondents, 14.6 percent worked part‐time. Females who had no minor children (40.1 percent) were 3.1 times as likely to work full‐time (P = 0.0353), and those who contributed >60 percent to household income (57.8 percent) were 3.0 times as likely to work full‐time (P = 0.0129). The final regression model indicated that those who contributed >60 percent to household income (P = 0.0096) and had no leave of absence longer than 45 consecutive days within the prior 2 years (P = 0.0483) were more likely to work full‐time compared with their counterparts.

Conclusion

Iowa female dentists who provided more than 60 percent to household income and had not taken a leave of absence during the past 2 years were more likely to work full‐time. The inclusion of leave of absence as a predictor variable negates any additional influence of the presence or absence of minor children in the regression model, indicating that these variables are highly correlated for this population.
Melatonin synthesis in human colostrum mononuclear cells enhances dectin‐1‐mediated phagocytosis by mononuclear cells
Authors: Pires‐Lapa Marco A. , Tamura Eduardo K. , Salustiano Eugenia M. A. , Markus Regina P.
Published: May 2013

Many cells in the organism besides pinealocytes, synthesize melatonin. Here, we evaluate both the mechanism of zymosan‐induced melatonin synthesis and its autocrine effect in human colostral mononuclear cells. The synthesis of melatonin was induced by activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), as either the blockade of the proteasome or the binding of NF‐κB to DNA inhibits zymosan‐induced melatonin synthesis. As observed in RAW 264.7 lineage cells, the dimer involved is RelA/c‐Rel. Melatonin plays a direct role in mononuclear cell activity, increasing zymosan‐induced phagocytosis by stimulating MT2 melatonin receptors and increasing the expression of dectin‐1. This role was confirmed by the blockade of melatonin receptors using the competitive antagonist luzindole and the MT2‐selective partial agonist 4P‐PDOT. In summary, we show that melatonin produced by immune‐competent cells acts in an autocrine manner, enhancing the clearance of pathogens by increasing phagocyte efficiency. Given that these cells are present in human colostrum for 4 or 5 days after birth, this mechanism may be relevant for the protection of infant health.
Effectiveness of metronidazole as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sgolastra F. , Severino M. , Petrucci A. , Gatto R. , Monaco A.
Published: May 2013

Background

Metronidazole (MET) has been suggested as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. However, its clinical effectiveness and effects on periodontal pathogens remain to be defined. The present meta‐analysis assessed the scientific evidence concerning the effect of MET adjunctive to SRP as compared to SRP alone.

Methods

A literature search of electronic databases was performed for articles published through December 16, 2012, followed by a manual search of several dental journals. A meta‐analysis was conducted according to recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration and PRISMA. Weighted mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for probing depth reduction, clinical attachment level gain, bleeding on probing index and suppuration. All outcomes were evaluated as changes from baseline to the end of follow‐up. Heterogeneity was assessed with the chi‐squared‐based Cochran Q test and I2 statistic. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

After the study selection process, six randomized clinical trials were included in the meta‐analysis. The results of the meta‐analysis indicated that SRP + MET provided additional benefits when compared to SRP alone in terms of probing depth reduction (MD, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09–0.28; p < 0.05) and clinical attachment level gain (MD, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.08–0.12; p < 0.05). No evidence of heterogeneity was detected.

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis results seem to support the effectiveness of adjunctive MET with SRP compared to SRP alone. However, given the low number of included studies and limitations of meta‐analysis, future studies are needed to confirm these results.
No evidence of triclosan‐resistant bacteria following long‐term use of triclosan‐containing toothpaste
Authors: Cullinan M. P. , Bird P. S. , Heng N. C. K. , West M. J. , Seymour G. J.
Published: May 2013

Background and Objective

There is a paucity of data in relation to the possible emergence of triclosan (TCS)‐resistant bacteria following long‐term exposure to TCS toothpaste. Therefore, this study investigated whether long‐term continuous exposure to TCS in toothpaste selects for TCS‐resistant bacteria within the oral biofilm.

Material and Methods

Dental plaque samples were collected from 40 individuals during year 5 of a randomised controlled trial. Participants had been randomly assigned to use TCS (3000 μg/mL TCS) (n = 18) or placebo toothpaste (n = 22). Diluted plaque samples were plated on to Wilkins–Chalgren agar plates containing 5% (v/v) laked sheep red blood cells and TCS (concentrations ranging from 25 to 150 μg/mL) and incubated at 37°C under microaerophilic and anaerobic conditions for 2–10 d. Selected bacterial isolates were identified by partial 16S rDNA sequencing and TCS minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determined for each isolate.

Results

At 3000 μg/mL TCS no growth was observed under microaerophilic or anaerobic conditions in either group. The MICs of TCS for all isolates ranged from 125 to 1000 μg/mL in both groups. Species common to both groups had similar MICs. Veillonella parvula and Campylobacter gracilis were the most frequent isolates from both groups, with similar MICs in both groups.

Conclusion

The use of TCS‐containing toothpaste did not appear to lead to an increase in MIC of TCS of oral bacterial isolates.
Men's Narratives of Vasectomy
Authors: Pomales Tony O.
Published: May 2013

This article interrogates the modes by which cultural constructions of male contraceptive use emerge in Costa Rica by analyzing men's narratives of vasectomy. Drawing on ethnographic research data, I examine men's contraceptive decision making and perspectives on vasectomy and specify the ways they work through their vasectomy to rearticulate the relationship between masculinity and contraceptive responsibility and tensions in an emerging Costa Rican social modernity. Following Oudshoorn's (2003) analysis on male contraceptive research, this article highlights contraceptive technologies and men's narratives of these technologies as key sites for examining gender politics in contemporary societies and the materialization of new social orders. In the discussion, I argue that the men's narratives examined here potentiate creation of an “alternative technosociality” (Oudshoorn 2003) in Costa Rica, in which men taking contraceptive responsibility does not constitute performing a subordinate masculinity, but simply another way of acting as men.
Fiat Money, Individual Rationality and Production
Authors: Weir Diarmid
Published: May 2013

Wallace's ‘Monetary Dictum’ insists that monetary models must specify why the monetary object is so used. Another important specification is that the use of this object as money should always be individually rational. We construct a model of ‘team production’ under uncertainty with a contract where a ‘hostage’ in the form of future purchasing power is handed over. The model is extended to show the rational development of banks as hierarchical enforcement mechanisms and government backing of the monetary system. The link thus established between money issue and production may be useful for the analysis of monetary policy.
Onychomycosis in close quarter living review of the literature
Authors: Gazes Michael I. , Zeichner Joshua
Published: May 2013

Onychomycosis is defined as a fungal infection of the nail bed and/or nail plate. The prevalence of onychomycosis has increased dramatically as a worldwide condition in the twentieth century due to occlusive footwear, global wars and natural migration. Risk factors generally leading to onychomycosis development include bodily spread of dermatophyte and non‐dermatophyte tinea pedis, peripheral vascular disease, damaged nails via sports and trauma, older age, genetics, immunodeficiency and diabetes. Many publications discuss prevalence, symptoms and treatment of the disease in individual cases, hospitals or specific locations, but few strongly link the cause of onychomycosis to living environments. This is a review of the current literature on the prevalence of onychomycosis and its relationship to surrounding living environments of those infected. A Pubmed search was performed with ‘onychomycosis’. Articles were selected based on the relevance to close quarter living environments. All ages can be affected with onychomycosis, ranging from children in boarding schools to elderly in nursing homes. Although not directly linking living environments to transmission and infection in all articles reviewed, onychomycosis was very prevalent in many different close quarter living settings, including within families, boarding schools, military quarters and nursing homes. This review demonstrates that various close quarter living environments are highly associated with increased transmission and infection with onychomycosis.
Environmental study of azole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus with TR34/L98H mutations in the cyp51A gene in Iran
Authors: Badali Hamid , Vaezi Afsane , Haghani Iman , Yazdanparast Seyed A. , Hedayati Mohammad T. , Mousavi Bita , Ansari Saham , Hagen Ferry , Meis Jacques F. , Chowdhary Anuradha
Published: May 2013

Azole resistance in Aspergillus is emerging in European and Asian countries. As azoles are mainstay of therapy in the management of aspergillosis, azole resistance has serious implications in patient management. We report the emergence of resistance to triazoles in environmental Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in Iran. The TR34/L98H mutation was the only resistance mechanism. Overall 3.3% of the A. fumigatus isolates from hospital surroundings in Sari and Tehran had the same TR34/L98H STRAf genotype and were related to some resistant clinical and environmental TR34/L98H isolates from the Netherlands and India. It is emphasised that routine resistance surveillance studies focusing on environmental and clinical samples are warranted to yield the true prevalence of azole resistance in A. fumigatus in Iran.