bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dental pulp stem cell niche based on aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 expression
Authors: Machado C. V. , Passos S. T. , Campos T. M. C. , Bernardi L. , Vilas‐Bôas D. S. , Nör J. E. , Telles P. D. S. , Nascimento I. L.
Published: July 2015

Aim

To detect cells expressing the stem cell marker ALDH1 (aldehyde dehydrogenase1) in the pulp of human permanent teeth and to investigate the expression of ALDH1 in isolated dental pulp cells.

Methodology

Pulp tissue was collected and processed for immunohistochemistry to detect ALDH1‐, STRO‐1‐ and CD90‐positive cells. In addition, cells were isolated and analysed by flow cytometry for ALDH1 activity and for the cell surface markers CD44, CD73, CD90, STRO‐1 and CD45. Cells were also examined for multidifferentiation capacity. Within these cells, an ALDH1+ cell subpopulation was selected and evaluated for multidifferentiation capacity.

Results

The immunohistochemistry analyses showed that ALDH1‐, CD90‐ and STRO‐1‐positive cells were located mainly in the perivascular areas and nerve fibres of dental pulps. Cells on the fifth passage had high expression for CD44, CD73 and CD90, whereas moderate labelling was observed for STRO‐1 and ALDH1 in flow cytometry analysis. On the same passages, cells were able to differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages. The ALDH1+ cell subpopulation also demonstrated multilineage differentiation ability.

Conclusions

Dental pulp stem cells reside in the vicinity of blood vessels and nerve fibres, indicating the possible existence of more than one stem cell niche in dental pulps. Furthermore, ALDH1 was expressed by isolated dental pulp cells, which had mesenchymal stem cell characteristics. Thus, it can be suggested that ALDH1 may be used as a DPSC marker.
Porosity and sealing ability of root fillings with gutta‐percha and BioRoot RCS or AH Plus sealers. Evaluation by three ex vivo methods
Authors: Viapiana R. , Moinzadeh A. T. , Camilleri L. , Wesselink P. R. , Tanomaru Filho M. , Camilleri J.
Published: July 2015

Aim

To investigate the ability of BioRoot RCS, a tricalcium silicate‐based root canal sealer and AH Plus to effectively fill the root canals of contralateral teeth using three evaluation methods, and to investigate also the correlation between the methods.

Methodology

The prepared root canals of ten pairs of contralateral mandibular premolar teeth were filled with gutta‐percha and sealer using lateral compaction. The percentage of voids within the root canal was assessed by micro‐computed tomography, whilst sealing ability was investigated by fluid transport and leakage of fluorescent microspheres. The interaction of sealer with dentine, and sealer penetration were assessed by confocal microscopy. The void volume, fluid flow, microsphere leakage and sealer interaction with dentine for both materials were compared. Nonparametric (Mann–Whitney) tests were used to compare the % void and fluid transport of the two sealers. Spearman correlation was used to assess the pairwise relationships between the techniques. The level of significance was set to 0.05.

Results

BioRoot RCS exhibited significantly more percentage of voids than AH Plus. There was no difference in fluid flow and microsphere penetration. BioRoot RCS exhibited a different pattern of sealer penetration and interaction with the dentine walls compared to AH Plus. For both materials, the pairwise correlations between the three techniques were close to zero, indicating weak relationships.

Conclusions

MicroCT analysis revealed a higher void volume for BioRoot RCS. The other techniques did not show a difference between the sealing ability of the sealers. The correlation between the three ex vivo methods of assessment was weak demonstrating their complementarity rather than their concordance.
Effects of pathogen exposure on life‐history variation in the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar)
Authors: Páez D. J. , Fleming‐Davies A. E. , Dwyer G.
Published: July 2015

Investment in host defences against pathogens may lead to trade‐offs with host fecundity. When such trade‐offs arise from genetic correlations, rates of phenotypic change by natural selection may be affected. However, genetic correlations between host survival and fecundity are rarely quantified. To understand trade‐offs between immune responses to baculovirus exposure and fecundity in the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), we estimated genetic correlations between survival probability and traits related to fecundity, such as pupal weight. In addition, we tested whether different virus isolates have different effects on male and female pupal weight. To estimate genetic correlations, we exposed individuals of known relatedness to a single baculovirus isolate. To then evaluate the effect of virus isolate on pupal weight, we exposed a single gypsy moth strain to 16 baculovirus isolates. We found a negative genetic correlation between survival and pupal weight. In addition, virus exposure caused late‐pupating females to be identical in weight to males, whereas unexposed females were 2–3 times as large as unexposed males. Finally, we found that female pupal weight is a quadratic function of host mortality across virus isolates, which is likely due to trade‐offs and compensatory growth processes acting at high and low mortality levels, respectively. Overall, our results suggest that fecundity costs may strongly affect the response to selection for disease resistance. In nature, baculoviruses contribute to the regulation of gypsy moth outbreaks, as pathogens often do in forest‐defoliating insects. We therefore argue that trade‐offs between host life‐history traits may help explain outbreak dynamics.
Context‐dependent effects of Y chromosome and mitochondrial haplotype on male locomotive activity in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Dean R. , Lemos B. , Dowling D. K.
Published: July 2015

Some regions of the genome exhibit sexual asymmetries in inheritance and are thus subjected to sex‐biased evolutionary forces. Maternal inheritance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) enables mtDNA mutations harmful to males, but not females, to accumulate. In the face of male‐harmful mtDNA mutation accumulation, selection will favour the evolution of compensatory modifiers in the nuclear genome that offset fitness losses to males. The Y chromosome is a candidate to host these modifiers, because it is paternally inherited, known to harbour an abundance of genetic variation for male fertility, and therefore likely to be under strong selection to uphold male viability. Here, we test for intergenomic interactions involving mtDNA and Y chromosomes in male Drosophila melanogaster. Specifically, we examine effects of each of these genomic regions, and their interaction, on locomotive activity, across different environmental contexts – both dietary and social. We found that both the mtDNA haplotype and Y chromosome haplotype affected activity in males assayed in an environment perceived as social. These effects, however, were not evident in males assayed in perceived solitary environments, and neither social nor solitary treatments revealed evidence for intergenomic interactions. Finally, the magnitude and direction of these genetic effects was further contingent on the diet treatment of the males. Thus, genes within the mtDNA and Y chromosome are involved in genotype‐by‐environment interactions. These interactions might contribute to the maintenance of genetic variation within these asymmetrically inherited gene regions and complicate the dynamics of genetic interactions between the mtDNA and the Y chromosome.
Terminal investment in the gustatory appeal of nuptial food gifts in crickets
Authors: Duffield K. R. , Hunt J. , Rapkin J. , Sadd B. M. , Sakaluk S. K.
Published: July 2015

Investment in current versus future reproduction represents a prominent trade‐off in life‐history theory and is likely dependent on an individual's life expectancy. The terminal investment hypothesis posits that a reduction in residual reproductive value (i.e. potential for future offspring) will result in increased investment in current reproduction. We tested the hypothesis that male decorated crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus), when cued to their impending mortality, should increase their reproductive effort by altering the composition of their nuptial food gifts (i.e. spermatophylaxes) to increase their gustatory appeal to females. Using a repeated‐measures design, we analysed the amino acid composition of spermatophylaxes derived from males both before and after injection of either a saline control or a solution of heat‐killed bacteria. The latter, although nonpathogenic, represents an immune challenge that may signal an impending survival threat. One principal component explaining amino acid variation in spermatophylaxes, characterized by a high loading to histidine, was significantly lower in immune‐challenged versus control males. The relevance of this difference for the gustatory appeal of gifts to females was assessed by mapping spermatophylax composition onto a fitness surface derived in an earlier study identifying the amino acid composition of spermatophylaxes preferred by females. We found that immune‐challenged males maintained the level of attractiveness of their gifts post‐treatment, whereas control males produced significantly less attractive gifts post‐injection. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that cues of a survival‐threatening infection stimulate terminal investment in male decorated crickets with respect to the gustatory appeal of their nuptial food gifts.
Loss of adaptation following reversion suggests trade‐offs in host use by a seed beetle
Authors: Messina F. J. , Durham S. L.
Published: July 2015

Experimental evolution has provided little support for the hypothesis that the narrow diets of herbivorous insects reflect trade‐offs in performance across hosts; selection lines can sometimes adapt to an inferior novel host without a decline in performance on the ancestral host. An alternative approach for detecting trade‐offs would be to measure adaptation decay after selection is relaxed, that is, when populations newly adapted to a novel host are reverted to the ancestral one. Lines of the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus rapidly adapted to a poor host (lentil); survival in lentil seeds increased from 2% to > 90% in < 30 generations. After the lines had reached a plateau with respect to survival in lentil, sublines were reverted to the ancestral host, mung bean. Twelve generations of reversion had little effect on performance in lentil, but after 25–35 generations, the reverted lines exhibited lower survival, slower development and smaller size. The most divergent pair of lines was then assayed on both lentil and mung bean. Performance on lentil was again much poorer in the reverted line than in the nonreverted one, but the lines performed equally well on mung bean. Moreover, the performance of the nonreverted line on mung bean remained comparable to that of the original mung‐bean population. Our results thus present a paradox: loss of adaptation to lentil following reversion implies a trade‐off, but the continued strong performance of lentil‐adapted lines on mung bean does not. Genomic comparisons of the reverted, nonreverted and ancestral lines may resolve this paradox and determine the importance of selection vs. drift in causing a loss of adaptation following reversion.
Comparative Effectiveness of Chemotherapy Regimens in Prolonging Survival for Two Large Population‐Based Cohorts of Elderly Adults with Breast and Colon Cancer in 1992–2009
Authors: Du Xianglin L. , Zhang Yefei , Parikh Rohan C. , Lairson David R. , Cai Yi
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To compare the effectiveness of chemotherapy in prolonging survival according to age in breast and colon cancer.

Design

Retrospective cohort study with a matched cohort analysis based on the conditional probability of receiving chemotherapy.

Setting

The 16 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) areas from the SEER‐Medicare linked database.

Participants

Women diagnosed with Stage I to IIIa hormone receptor–negative breast cancer (n = 14,440) and 26,893 men and women with Stage III colon cancer (n = 26,893) aged 65 and older in 1992 to 2009.

Measurements

The main exposure was the receipt of chemotherapy, and the main outcome was mortality.

Results

In women with breast cancer aged 65 to 69, the risk of all‐cause mortality was statistically significantly lower in those who received chemotherapy than in those who did not in the entire cohort (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.57–0.88) and in a propensity‐matched cohort (HR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.70–0.96) after adjusting for measured confounders. These patterns were similar in participants aged 70 to 74 and 75 to 79, but in women aged 80 to 84 and 85 to 89, risk of all‐cause mortality was no longer significantly lower in those receiving chemotherapy in the entire and matched cohorts, except that, in a small number of women who received doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), risk of mortality was significantly lower for those aged 80 to 84. Chemotherapy appeared to be effective in all ages from 65 through 84 in participants with Stage III colon cancer. For example, in those aged 85 to 89, chemotherapy was significantly associated with lower risk of mortality in the entire cohort (HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.67–0.92) and the matched cohort (HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.66–0.95).

Conclusion

The effectiveness of chemotherapy decreased with age in participants with breast cancer, in whom chemotherapy appears to be effective until age 79 except for the doxorubicin‐cyclophosphamide combination, which was effective in participants aged 80 to 84. In individuals with Stage III colon cancer, chemotherapy appears to be effective to age 89. These findings were consistent with those of randomized clinical trials.
Current Practices and Opportunities in a Resident Clinic Regarding the Care of Older Adults with Multimorbidity
Authors: Schoenborn Nancy L. , Boyd Cynthia M. , McNabney Matthew , Ray Anushree , Cayea Danelle
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) affects more than half of all older adults. The American Geriatrics Society developed and published guiding principles for the care of older adults with multimorbidity in 2012. Improved clinician training in caring for older adults with multimorbidity is needed, but it is not clear what opportunities arise within clinical encounters to apply the guiding principles or how clinicians at all stages of training currently practice in this area. This project aimed to characterize current practice and opportunities for improvement in an internal medicine residency clinic regarding the care of older adults with multimorbidity.

Design

Qualitative content analysis of audio‐recorded clinic visits.

Setting and Participants

Thirty clinic visits between 21 internal medicine residents and 30 of their primary care patients aged 65 and older with two or more chronic conditions were audio‐recorded. Patients' mean age was 73.6, and they had on average 3.7 chronic conditions and took 12.6 medications.

Measurements

Transcripts of the audio‐recorded visit discussions were analyzed using standard techniques of qualitative content analysis to describe the content and frequency of discussions in the clinic visits related to the five guiding principles: patient preferences, interpreting the evidence, prognosis, clinical feasibility, and optimizing therapies.

Results and Conclusions

All visits except one included discussions that were thematically related to at least one guiding principle, suggesting regular opportunities to apply the guiding principles in primary care encounters with internal medicine residents. Discussions related to some guiding principles occurred much more frequently than others. Patients presented a number of opportunities to incorporate the guiding principles that the residents missed, suggesting target areas for future educational interventions.
Association Between Sleep and Physical Function in Older Veterans in an Adult Day Healthcare Program
Authors: Song Yeonsu , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Fung Constance H. , Rodriguez Juan C. , Jouldjian Stella , Mitchell Michael N. , Josephson Karen R. , Alessi Cathy A. , Martin Jennifer L.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To examine whether sleep disturbance is associated with poor physical function in older veterans in an adult day healthcare (ADHC) program.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

One ADHC program in a Veterans Affairs Ambulatory Care Center.

Participants

Older veterans (N = 50) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a sleep intervention program who had complete baseline data.

Measurements

Information on participant characteristics (e.g., age, depression, relationship to caregiver, pain, comorbidity) was collected using appropriate questionnaires. Physical function was measured using activity of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) total scores from the Older Americans Resources and Services Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Sleep was assessed subjectively (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index) and objectively (wrist actigraphy).

Results

Participants required substantial assistance with ADLs and IADLs. A regression model showed that participant characteristics (marital status, use of sleep medication, comorbidity, posttraumatic stress disorder) and living arrangement (living with a spouse or others) were significantly associated with poor physical function. Poorer objective sleep (total sleep time, total numbers of awakenings, total wake time) was significantly associated with poor physical function, accounting for a significant proportion of the variance other than participant characteristics.

Conclusion

Objective measures of nighttime sleep disturbance were associated with poor physical function in older veterans in an ADHC program. Further research is needed to determine whether interventions to improve sleep will delay functional decline in this vulnerable population.
When Frail Individuals or Their Families Request Nonindicated Interventions: Usefulness of the Four‐Box Ethical Approach
Authors: Ho Anita , Spencer Martha , McGuire Marlee
Published: July 2015

In the age of person‐centered care, there is an emphasis on promoting patient autonomy and surrogate decision maker authority in making treatment decisions that are aligned with the patient's priorities and values. As technological advances offer multiple clinical options with various levels and types of risks and benefits, person‐centered clinical practice encourages the incorporation of patients' and families' heterogeneous experiences into decisions regarding illness management. In caring for frail elderly adults, clinicians are sometimes faced with situations in which individuals and their surrogate decision‐makers request a treatment that the clinicians feel is clinically inappropriate. This article provides a case example of a frail older adult with advanced chronic kidney disease who requests dialysis despite the advice of his nephrologist to pursue conservative management. The four‐box approach, which provides clinicians with a structured ethical framework to facilitate informed and ethically justified treatment decisions, is then introduced. By considering the patient's medical indications, preferences, quality of life, and contextual factors, how each consideration plays a unique yet equally important role in informing clinically responsible and person‐centered care is illustrated.
Recovery of Walking Ability and Return to Community Living within 60 Days of Hip Fracture Does Not Differ Between Male and Female Survivors
Authors: Beaupre Lauren A. , Carson Jeffrey L. , Noveck Helaine , Magaziner Jay
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To compare risk‐adjusted differences between men and women 30 and 60 days after hip fracture surgery in not walking, ability to return home in a community‐dwelling subset, not walking in a nursing home resident subset, and mortality within 60 days.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Data were from a randomized clinical trial that compared two blood transfusion protocols after hip fracture.

Participants

Individuals with hip fracture (N = 2,016; 489 (24%) male).

Measurements

Walking, dwelling, and mortality were determined in telephone follow‐up 30 and 60 days after randomization, which occurred within 3 days of surgery. Sex differences for each outcome were compared using univariate and multivariate regression adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Men were younger (P < .001) and more likely to have comorbidity (P = .003) than women at the time of hip fracture and to die within 60 days, even after risk adjustment (odds ratio (OR) = 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15–2.69). After risk adjustment, male survivors were as likely as female survivors not to walk (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.78–1.34) and no less likely to return home (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.69–1.17) 60 days after hip fracture. No differences were noted between male and female nursing home residents in not walking within 60 days (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.32–2.86).

Conclusion

Although men experience higher mortality, male survivors can expect recovery of walking ability similar to that of female survivors and are as likely to return to community living.
Transitions in Care in a Nationally Representative Sample of Older Americans with Dementia
Authors: Callahan Christopher M. , Tu Wanzhu , Unroe Kathleen T. , LaMantia Michael A. , Stump Timothy E. , Clark Daniel O.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To describe transitions in care for older adults with dementia identified from a nationally representative cohort and to describe transition rates in those with more‐severe levels of cognitive and functional impairment.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Health and Retirement Study (HRS).

Participants

HRS respondents aged 65 and older whose survey data were linked with Medicare claims from 1999 to 2008 (N = 16,186).

Measurements

Transitions in care between home, home with formal services, hospital, and nursing facility care; cognitive function; activities of daily living; and mortality.

Results

The 3,447 (21.3%) HRS subjects who were ever diagnosed with dementia experienced frequent transitions. Of subjects transitioning from a hospital stay, 52.2% returned home without home care services, and 33.8% transitioned to a nursing facility. Of subjects transitioning from a nursing facility, 59.2% transitioned to the hospital, and 25.3% returned home without services. There were 2,139 transitions to death, and 58.7% of HRS subjects with dementia died at home. Even in persons with moderate to severe dementia, multiple transitions in care were documented, including transitions from the hospital to home and back to the hospital.

Conclusion

In this nationally representative sample of older adults, subjects diagnosed with dementia experience frequent transitions. Persons with dementia who are cared for at home and who transition back to home often have moderate to severe impairments in function and cognition.
Regional Pattern of Dementia and Prevalence of Hearing Impairment in Germany
Authors: Teipel Stefan , Fritze Thomas , Ovari Attila , Buhr Anne , Kilimann Ingo , Witt Gabriele , Pau Hans‐Wilhelm , Doblhammer Gabriele
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To determine the association between hearing impairment and dementia.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Claims data of the Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse, the largest public health insurance company in Germany.

Participants

Age‐stratified sample of all insured persons aged 65 and above in the first quarter of 2007 (N = 1,338,462).

Measurements

Metaregression analysis on the association between regional prevalence of dementia and hearing impairment controlled for major vascular risk factors, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and cerebrovascular disease. Dementia and hearing impairment diagnoses were defined according to International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, codes. Ninety‐five regions were distinguished according to the two‐digit postal code of the place of residence.

Results

A significant association was found between regional prevalences of dementia and hearing impairment that was preserved when controlling for major vascular risk factors (P = .003). Regional dementia prevalence increased by approximately 0.23% when the prevalence of hearing impairment increased by 1 standard deviation.

Conclusion

The relationship between hearing impairment and dementia has been repeatedly demonstrated on the individual level. The results of the current study confirm that this relationship also exists on a regional level. These findings underscore the potential role of hearing impairment as a risk factor for dementia that will be relevant for the management of elderly patients in general practice.
Life Cycle–based Assessment of Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Almond Production, Part I: Analytical Framework and Baseline Results
Authors: Kendall Alissa , Marvinney Elias , Brodt Sonja , Zhu Weiyuan
Published: July 2015

This first article of a two‐article series describes a framework and life cycle–based model for typical almond orchard production systems for California, where more than 80% of commercial almonds on the world market are produced. The comprehensive, multiyear, life cycle–based model includes orchard establishment and removal; field operations and inputs; emissions from orchard soils; and transport and utilization of co‐products. These processes are analyzed to yield a life cycle inventory of energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, criteria air pollutants, and direct water use from field to factory gate. Results show that 1 kilogram (kg) of raw almonds and associated co‐products of hulls, shells, and woody biomass require 35 megajoules (MJ) of energy and result in 1.6 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2‐eq) of GHG emissions. Nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation water are the dominant causes of both energy use and GHG emissions. Co‐product credits play an important role in estimating the life cycle environmental impacts attributable to almonds alone; using displacement methods results in net energy and emissions of 29 MJ and 0.9 kg CO2‐eq/kg. The largest sources of credits are from orchard biomass and shells used in electricity generation, which are modeled as displacing average California electricity. Using economic allocation methods produces significantly different results; 1 kg of almonds is responsible for 33 MJ of energy and 1.5 kg CO2‐eq emissions. Uncertainty analysis of important parameters and assumptions, as well as temporary carbon storage in orchard trees and soils, are explored in the second article of this two‐part article series.
Perspectives on next steps in classification of oro‐facial pain – Part 3: biomarkers of chronic oro‐facial pain – from research to clinic
Authors: Ceusters W. , Nasri‐Heir C. , Alnaas D. , Cairns B. E. , Michelotti A. , Ohrbach R.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to review the current status of biomarkers used in oro‐facial pain conditions. Specifically, we critically appraise their relative strengths and weaknesses for assessing mechanisms associated with the oro‐facial pain conditions and interpret that information in the light of their current value for use in diagnosis. In the third section, we explore biomarkers through the perspective of ontological realism. We discuss ontological problems of biomarkers as currently widely conceptualised and implemented. This leads to recommendations for research practice aimed to a better understanding of the potential contribution that biomarkers might make to oro‐facial pain diagnosis and thereby fulfil our goal for an expanded multidimensional framework for oro‐facial pain conditions that would include a third axis.
Semaphorins and neuropilins expression in salivary gland tumors
Authors: Fonseca Felipe P. , Bingle Lynne , Santos‐Silva Alan R. , Lopes Márcio A. , de Almeida Oslei P. , de Andrade Bruno A. B. , Mariano Fernanda V. , Kowalski Luiz P. , Rangel Ana L. C. A. , Martins Manoela D. , Meurer Luise , Speight Paul M. , Vargas Pablo A.
Published: July 2015

Background

Salivary gland tumors (SGT) account for 3–10% of all head and neck neoplasms, and little is known about their angiogenic properties. Despite semaphorins and neuropilins have been demonstrated to be prognostic determinants in many human cancers, they remain to be investigated in SGT. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the clinical significance of the expression of class 3 semaphorins A (Sema3A) and B (Sema3B) and neuropilins‐1 (Np‐1) and neuropilins‐2 (Np‐2), in SGT.

Methods

Two hundred and forty‐eight SGT were organized in tissue microarray paraffin blocks and expression of CD34, Sema3A, Sema3B, Np‐1, and Np‐2 was determined through immunohistochemistry. The immunoreactions were quantified using digital algorithms and the results correlated with clinicopathological parameters.

Results

Malignant tumors had an increased vascular density than their benign counterparts and their increased vascular area significantly correlated with recurrences (P < 0.05). Patients older than 40 years and the presence of recurrences determined an inferior survival rate (P = 0.0057 and P = 0.0303, respectively). In normal salivary glands, Np‐1 and Np‐2 expression was restricted to ductal cells, whereas Sema3A and Sema3B were positive in the serous acinar compartment. Tumors were positive for all markers and the co‐expression of Np‐1/Np‐2 significantly correlated with the presence of paresthesia and advanced stages of the tumors (P = 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

Sema3A, Sema3B, Np‐1, and Np‐2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of SGT, but their expression did not present a statistically significant prognostic potential in this study.
Reliability of Polarized Projective Mapping with Consumers
Authors: De Saldamando Luis , Antúnez Lucía , Torres‐moreno Miriam , Giménez Ana , Ares Gastón
Published: July 2015

Polarized projective mapping (PPM) combines the main features of projective mapping and polarized sensory positioning. The main advantage of this methodology is that it allows comparing results obtained in different sessions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of PPM, focusing on individual and global repeatability, global reproducibility and data aggregation from different sessions. A consumer study with two sample sets of powdered drinks was carried out. Consumers were randomly divided into four groups: two of the groups evaluated the same sample set in two different sessions, while the other two evaluated the samples in three sessions (in one of the sessions, they evaluated the whole sample set, whereas in the other two sessions they evaluated the sample set split into two sets). Results showed that PPM can be regarded as a repeatable and reproducible methodology. Preliminary evidence of the validity of aggregating data from different sessions was gathered.

Practical Applications

Projective mapping is a holistic methodology for sensory characterization with both trained assessors and consumers. It requires all samples to be simultaneously evaluated in the same session, which restricts the number of products that can be evaluated and makes it difficult to compare results from samples evaluated at different moments in time. In this context, PPM relies on the use of fixed references to enable data aggregation. Results from this work provided evidence of the reliability of the methodology for the evaluation of simple products with moderate differences among them.
Melatonin as a preventive and curative therapy against pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Maarman Gerald , Blackhurst Dee , Thienemann Friedrich , Blauwet Lori , Butrous Ghazwan , Davies Neil , Sliwa Karen , Lecour Sandrine
Published: July 2015

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, which leads to right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy and failure. The pathophysiological mechanisms of PH remain unclear but oxidative stress is believed to contribute to RV dysfunction. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant and is cardioprotective against ischemia–reperfusion injury and hypertension. Therefore, we hypothesized that a chronic treatment with melatonin, given as a curative or preventive therapy, may confer cardiovascular benefits in PH. PH was induced in Long Evans rats (n ≥ 6 per group), with a single subcutaneous injection of monocrotaline (MCT, 80 mg/kg). Melatonin was given daily in the drinking water, with the treatment starting either on the day of the injection of MCT (dose testing: melatonin 75 ng/L and 6 mg/kg), 14 days after the injection of MCT (curative treatment: 6 mg/kg), or 5 days before the injection (preventive treatment: 6 mg/kg). The development of PH was assessed by measuring RV hypertrophy, RV function, cardiac interstitial fibrosis, and plasma oxidative stress. Compared with controls, MCT‐treated rats displayed RV hypertrophy and dysfunction, increased interstitial fibrosis, and elevated plasma oxidative stress. A chronic melatonin treatment (75 ng/L or 6 mg/kg) reduced RV hypertrophy, improved RV function and reduced plasma oxidative stress. Curative and preventive treatment improved RV functional and plasma oxidative stress parameters and reduced cardiac interstitial fibrosis. Our data demonstrate that melatonin confers cardioprotection in this model of PH. As melatonin is an inexpensive and safe drug, we propose that clinical investigation of the effects of melatonin on RV function in patients with PH should be considered.
Ureteral implantation using a three‐stitch ureteroneocystostomy: description of technique and outcome in nine dogs
Authors: Pratschke K. M.
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVE

To report the procedure, postoperative outcome and complications of a new technique for ureteral implantation by means of a three‐stitch ureteroneocystostomy in dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical records of dogs requiring ureteral implantation between April 2007 and June 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Data retrieved included signalment, preoperative biochemistry results, details of the surgical procedure, perioperative and postoperative complications, postoperative biochemistry results and outcome.

RESULTS

Nine dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Follow‐up times ranged from 10 to 79 months (median 30 months), with 8 of 9 dogs having an excellent long‐term outcome and no major postoperative complications. One dog with follicular cystitis as a comorbidity developed obstruction from inflammatory granuloma and required revision surgery.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The three‐stitch technique for ureteral implantation compares favourably to previously documented techniques in terms of outcome and complication rates. Reduced tissue handling and a decreased volume of suture material may be beneficial for healing. The technique is also faster than previously described options, which may be of benefit in unstable patients requiring ureteral implantation due to traumatic injury or rupture.
Authenticity, Innovation, and the Geographical Indication in an Artisanal Industry: The Case of the Banarasi Sari
Authors: Basole Amit
Published: July 2015

Scholars and policy‐makers have proposed Geographical Indications (GIs) as the preferred IPR to integrate traditional knowledge‐based industries into the global market. In this paper I ask under what conditions GIs can address problems of poor but skilled artisans in developing countries and what are their limitations in doing so. Based on a case study of the weaving industry in the city of Banaras, that was granted a GI in 2009 for the Banarasi Sari, I argue that GIs, in order to be effective, must be designed through a participatory process in which ordinary artisans, who are the producers of knowledge, are closely involved. Further the GI must be sensitive to the dynamic nature of artisanal knowledge and allow room for market‐induced changes in production methods. I show that the Banaras GI freezes current production methods in the name of craft preservation while artisans take a dynamic approach to their knowledge even as they demand protection against imitation. I also argue that a GI cannot address problems that arise out of the political economy of artisanal industries. The lessons from this case study may be applicable to other artisanal industries and to livelihoods of millions of artisans in India and elsewhere.
Reading in Multiple Orthographies: Differences and Similarities in Reading in Spanish and English for English Learners
Authors: Goodwin Amanda P. , August Diane , Calderon Margarita
Published: July 2015

The current study unites multiple theories (i.e., the orthographic depth hypothesis and linguistic grain size theory, the simple view of reading, and the common underlying proficiency model) to explore differences in how 113 fourth‐grade Spanish‐speaking English learners (ELs) approached reading in their native language of Spanish, which is transparent, compared to their second language of English, which is more opaque. Contributions of different linguistic grain sizes (i.e., small grains assessed via phonological decoding and large grains assessed via morphological awareness), mediators (i.e., word reading, listening comprehension, and oral vocabulary), and transfer were explored. The results suggest that morphological awareness and phonological decoding contributed to reading comprehension in Spanish whereas only morphological awareness contributed to reading comprehension in English. For mediators, listening comprehension played a larger role than word reading in supporting reading comprehension in Spanish and English, but oral vocabulary only contributed in Spanish. No significant role of cross‐language transfer was found. Theoretical and educational implications are discussed.
Early life predictive markers of liver disease outcome in an International, Multicentre Cohort of children with Alagille syndrome
Authors: Mouzaki Marialena , Bass Lee M. , Sokol Ronald J. , Piccoli David A. , Quammie Claudia , Loomes Kathleen M. , Heubi James E. , Hertel Paula M. , Scheenstra Rene , Furuya Katryn , Kutsch Erika , Spinner Nancy B. , Robbins Kristen N. , Venkat Veena , Rosenthal Philip , Beyene Joseph , Baker Alastair , Kamath Binita M.
Published: July 2015

Background & Aims

Liver disease in Alagille syndrome is highly variable. Many of the patients presenting with severe cholestasis early in life improve spontaneously; 10–20%, however, have progressive disease. It is currently not possible to predict long‐term hepatic outcomes in Alagille syndrome. This international, multicentre study was aimed at identifying early life predictors of liver disease outcome.

Methods

Retrospective clinical, laboratory and radiographic data from a cohort of 144 Alagille syndrome patients, whose long‐term hepatic outcomes had been determined a priori based on previously published criteria, were collected.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients had mild and 77 had severe hepatic outcome. Univariate analysis demonstrated that cholestasis and fibrosis on biopsy, as well as the presence of xanthomata were significantly different between the groups (P < 0.05 for all). Mixed model analysis revealed that total serum bilirubin and serum cholesterol were also associated with outcome (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Graphical representation of the data revealed a change in total bilirubin levels between 12 and 24 months of age in the mild group. Recursive partitioning identified a threshold for total bilirubin of 3.8 mg/dl (65 mmol/L) in that age‐frame that differentiated between outcomes. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed using fibrosis, xanthomata and the total bilirubin cut‐off of 3.8 mg/dl (65 mmol/L), which generated an area under the ROC curve of 0.792.

Conclusions

The long‐term hepatic outcomes of patients with Alagille syndrome can be predicted based on serum total bilirubin between the ages of 12–24 months combined with fibrosis on liver biopsy and the presence of xanthomata on physical examination.
Thou Shalt Not Flip Flop: Senators’ Religious Affiliations and Issue Position Consistency
Authors: Mctague John , Pearson‐Merkowitz Shanna
Published: July 2015

Is there a relationship between legislators’ religious affiliations and the consistency of their voting records? Building on the theory of “the personal roots of representation,” we argue that a legislator's likelihood of switching positions depends on whether the issue is central to their personal values. We evaluate this claim using a data set including senators’ religious affiliations and “culture war” votes from 1976 to 2004 and find that different religious groups vary in their voting consistency on issues such as abortion, public prayer, and gay and lesbian rights.
Staggered Terms for the US Senate: Origins and Irony
Authors: Wirls Daniel
Published: July 2015

This article provides the first detailed study of the origins of staggered Senate terms, which typically have been interpreted as part of the framers’ intent to create an insulated, stable, and conservative Senate. I draw upon three sources of evidence—the meaning and application of “rotation” in revolutionary America, the deliberations and decisions at the Constitutional Convention, and the arguments during Ratification—to show that the origins of and intentions behind staggered terms offer little support for the dominant interpretation. Instead, staggered terms, a mechanism to promote “rotation” or turnover of membership, were added to the Constitution as a compromise to offset, not augment, the Senate's longer terms by exposing a legislative chamber with long individual tenure to more frequent electoral influence and change.
The Puzzling Fall of the Wage Skill Premium in Spain
Authors: Felgueroso Florentino , Hidalgo‐Pérez Manuel , Jiménez‐Martín Sergi
Published: July 2015

In contrast to most EU countries and other developed economies, the wage skill premium has been steadily falling between 1988–2008 in Spain. Using Spanish Social Security data we extend Dustman and Meghir work and find that the fall in the wage skill premium can be explained in part by an increase in the share of college graduates that are mismatched. However, this phenomenon only partially explains the fall in the WSP: differences between high and low‐educated workers in the returns to general experience and firm tenure have been substantially reduced since the end of the 90s.
Opportunities and challenges of next‐generation sequencing applications in ecological epigenetics
Authors: Robertson Marta , Richards Christina
Published: July 2015

Evolutionary theory posits that adaptation can result when populations harbour heritable phenotypic variation for traits that increase tolerance to local conditions. However, the actual mechanisms that underlie heritable phenotypic variation are not completely understood (Keller ). Recently, the potential role of epigenetic mechanisms in the process of adaptive evolution has been the subject of much debate (Pigliucci & Finkelman ). Studies of variation in DNA methylation in particular have shown that natural populations harbour high amounts of epigenetic variation, which can be inherited across generations and can cause heritable trait variation independently of genetic variation (Kilvitis et al. ). While we have made some progress addressing the importance of epigenetics in ecology and evolution using methylation‐sensitive AFLP (MS‐AFLP), this approach provides relatively few anonymous and dominant markers per individual. MS‐AFLP are difficult to link to functional genomic elements or phenotype and are difficult to compare directly to genetic variation, which has limited the insights drawn from studies of epigenetic variation in natural nonmodel populations (Schrey et al. ). In this issue, Platt et al. provide an example of a promising approach to address this problem by applying a reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS) approach based on next‐generation sequencing methods in an ecological context.
Sex Difference in Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mouse: Role of NO and A2A Adenosine Receptor
Authors: Zhou Xueping , Teng Bunyen , Mustafa S. J.
Published: July 2015

Objective

Sex plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate how sex impacts on the coronary flow regulation during atherosclerosis.

Methods

ApoE KO mouse fed with western diet were used for atherosclerosis model. Coronary RH and flow response were measured using Langendorff‐perfused isolated hearts.

Results

Coronary RH and A23187‐induced NO‐dependent flow increases were significantly reduced in female (by ~28% and 48%, respectively), but not in male atherosclerotic mice. However, SNP‐induced coronary vasodilation remains intact in both sexes of ApoE KO mice. L‐NAME (NOS inhibitor) reduced baseline flow and RH to a lesser extent in ApoE KO (by ~19% and 31%) vs. WT (~30% and 59%, respectively), and abolished the sex difference in RH. In contrast, SCH58261 (a selective A2A AR antagonist) reduced the baseline flow and RH to a greater extent in atherosclerotic mice, but did not affect the sex difference. Immunofluorescent staining of coronary arteries showed a similar A2A AR upregulation in both sexes of ApoE KO mice.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that during atherosclerosis, female mice are more susceptible to NO‐dependent endothelial dysfunction and the upregulation of A2A AR may serve as a compensatory mechanism to counteract the compromised endothelial function.
In vitro postantifungal effect, adhesion traits and haemolysin production of Candida dubliniensis isolates following exposure to 5‐fluorocytosine
Authors: Ellepola Arjuna N. B. , Chandy Rachel , Khan Zia U.
Published: July 2015

The phenomenon of postantifungal effect (PAFE), which is the suppression of candidal growth following brief exposure to antifungal agents, is linked with candidal pathogenicity. Adhesion to buccal epithelial cells (BEC), germ tube (GT) formation and relative cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) are all adhesion traits of candidal pathogenicity. Ability to produce haemolysin by Candida species is also a determinant of its pathogenicity. There is no information on either the PAFE or its impact on adhesion traits and haemolysin production of oral Candida dubliniensis isolates following exposure to 5‐fluorocytosine (5‐FC). Hence, the focus of this investigation was to research the in vitro PAFE, adhesion to BEC, GT formation, relative CSH and haemolysin production on 20 C. dubliniensis isolates following exposure to 5‐FC. Following obtaining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 5‐FC, isolates of C. dubliniensis were exposed to sub‐lethal concentrations (×3 MIC) of 5‐FC for 1 h. After this brief exposure, the antimycotic was removed and PAFE, adhesion to BEC, GT formation, relative CSH and haemolysin production was determined by formerly described in vitro methods. MIC (μg/ml) of C. dubliniensis isolates to 5‐FC ranged from 0.002 to 0.125. The mean PAFE (hours) elicited by 5‐FC on C. dubliniensis isolates was approximately 1 h. Exposure to 5‐FC suppressed the ability of C. dubliniensis isolates to adhere BEC, GT formation, relative CSH and haemolysin activity by a mean percentage reduction in 50.98%, 29.51%, 36.79% and 12.75% (P < 0.001 for all) respectively. Therefore, brief exposure of C. dubliniensis isolates to 5‐FC appears to exert an antifungal effect by subduing its growth, adhesion traits as well as haemolysin production.
Central nervous system granulomastous phlebitis with limited extracranial involvement of the heart and lungs: An autopsy case
Authors: Mlakar Jernej , Zorman Jerneja Videčnik , Matičič Mojca , Vrabec Matej , Alibegović Armin , Popović Mara
Published: July 2015

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system is a rare condition, usually with an insidious onset. There is a wide variety of histological types (granulomatous, lymphocytic or necrotizing vasculitis) and types of vessel involved (arteries, veins or both). Most cases are idiopathic. We describe a first case of idiopathic granulomatous central nervous system phlebitis with additional limited involvement of the heart and lung, exclusively affecting small and medium sized veins in a 22‐year‐old woman, presenting as a sub acute headache. The reasons for this peculiar limitation of inflammation to the veins and the involvement of the heart and lungs are unknown.