bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of cigarette smoking on the relationship between body mass index and insulin: Longitudinal observation from the Bogalusa Heart Study
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Tao , Han Tianshu , Li Shengxu , Bazzano Lydia , He Jiang , Chen Wei
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Despite the inverse association between cigarette smoking and body mass index (BMI), it is unknown whether the effect of smoking on insulin is mediated through decreased BMI. This study aims to examine the temporal relationship between BMI and insulin, the impact of smoking on this relationship and the mediation effect of BMI on the association between smoking and insulin levels.

Methods

The longitudinal cohort consisted of 1121 adults (807 white and 314 black participants, mean age, 42.0 years at follow‐up) for whom BMI and fasting insulin were measured twice, with an average follow‐up period of 17.1 years. Cross‐lagged panel and mediation analysis models were used to examine the temporal relationship between BMI and insulin, and the mediation effect of BMI on the smoking‐insulin association.

Results

Smoking was inversely associated with insulin (regression coefficient, −0.073; P = .015 at baseline and −0.121; P < .001 at follow‐up), adjusting for age, race and gender. After additional adjustment for follow‐up periods, the cross‐lagged path coefficient from BMI to insulin (β, 0.226; P < .001) was significantly greater than that from insulin to BMI (β, −0.029; P = .208), with P < .001 for the difference. The path coefficient from BMI to insulin was significantly greater in non‐smokers (β, 0.273; P < .001) than in smokers (β, 0.122; P = .046), with P = .013 for the difference. The mediation effect of BMI on the smoking‐insulin association was estimated at 53.4% (P = .030) at baseline and 58.7% (P < .001) at follow‐up.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that cigarette smoking has a significant impact on the one‐directional relationship from BMI to insulin. The insulin‐lowering effect of smoking is predominantly mediated through decreased BMI as the result of smoking.
Longitudinal Analysis of Early Mathematics Learning
Authors: Camilli Gregory , Kim Sunhee
Published: February 2018

The trend in mathematics achievement from preschool to kindergarten is studied with a longitudinal growth item response theory model. The three measurement occasions included the spring of preschool and the spring and fall of kindergarten. The growth trend was nonlinear, with a steep drop between spring of preschool and fall of kindergarten. The modeling results provide validation for the argument that a classroom assessment in mathematics can be used to assess developmental skill levels that are consistent with a theory of early mathematics acquisition. The statistical model employed enables an effective illustration of overall gains and individual variability. Implications of the summer loss are discussed as well as model limitations.
Individualized prediction of seizure relapse and outcomes following antiepileptic drug withdrawal after pediatric epilepsy surgery
Authors: Lamberink Herm J. , Boshuisen Kim , Otte Willem M. , Geleijns Karin , Braun Kees P. J. ,   the TimeToStop Study Group
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study was to create a clinically useful tool for individualized prediction of seizure outcomes following antiepileptic drug withdrawal after pediatric epilepsy surgery. We used data from the European retrospective TimeToStop study, which included 766 children from 15 centers, to perform a proportional hazard regression analysis. The 2 outcome measures were seizure recurrence and seizure freedom in the last year of follow‐up. Prognostic factors were identified through systematic review of the literature. The strongest predictors for each outcome were selected through backward selection, after which nomograms were created. The final models included 3 to 5 factors per model. Discrimination in terms of adjusted concordance statistic was 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67‐0.69) for predicting seizure recurrence and 0.73 (95% CI 0.72‐0.75) for predicting eventual seizure freedom. An online prediction tool is provided on www.epilepsypredictiontools.info/ttswithdrawal. The presented models can improve counseling of patients and parents regarding postoperative antiepileptic drug policies, by estimating individualized risks of seizure recurrence and eventual outcome.
Multifocal discrete osteolysis in a horse with silicate associated osteoporosis
Authors: Zavodovskaya R. , Eckert M. , Murphy B. G. , Stover S. M. , Kol A. , Diab S.
Published: February 2018

Silicate associated osteoporosis (SAO) was diagnosed post‐mortem in an adult horse with the shortest documented exposure to cytotoxic silicates of 2 years. The horse was evaluated for a 6‐month history of progressive back tenderness and acute onset of lameness. The horse had a marked (4/5) (American Association of Equine Practitioners scale) left forelimb lameness, moderate (2/5) hindlimb ataxia and weakness, and cervical pain upon palpation. Physical examination did not reveal clinical skeletal deformities or respiratory compromise. Radiographs revealed widespread, discrete, sharply delineated, osteolytic lesions in the skull, vertebral column, ribs, scapulae and middle phalanx (P2) of the left forelimb and a diffuse bronchointerstitial lung pattern. The presumptive clinical diagnosis was widespread, metastatic osteolytic neoplasia. Due to the poor quality of life and grave prognosis, the horse was humanely euthanised. Post‐mortem examination revealed pulmonary silicosis in the lungs and hilar lymph nodes and osteolytic lesions with numerous, large osteoclasts and disorganised bone remodelling both consistent with SAO. SAO should be included as a differential diagnosis for horses with widespread, multifocal, discrete osteolysis and history of exposure to endemic regions with possible cytotoxic silicate inhalation. Exposure time of 2 years is potentially sufficient to develop SAO.
Infectious risk of biological drugs vs. traditional systemic treatments in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis: a cohort analysis in the French insurance database
Authors: Couderc Sylvain , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Bourrel Robert , Paul Carle , Montastruc Jean‐Louis , Sommet Agnès
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to compare the infectious risk between a group of psoriasis patients treated by biological drugs (BD) and a group treated by traditional systemic treatments (TST). We built a retrospective observational cohort study from the French health insurance database in the Midi‐Pyrénées area (2.9 million inhabitants, southwest of France) using data from 01/01/2010 to 12/31/2013. We compared the infectious risk between ‘exposed’ patients treated with BD (adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, or ustekinumab) and ‘unexposed’ patients treated by TST (phototherapy, acitretin, methotrexate, or cyclosporine). We realized a survival analysis on the first infectious event, defined as an anti‐infective drug delivery or a hospital diagnosis of infection. We selected 101 ‘exposed’ and 788 ‘unexposed’ patients. In our multivariate Cox model, ‘exposure’ did not seem to decrease the time frame of the first infectious event compared with ‘nonexposure’ (HR = 0.94, P = 0.62). Among all treatment, the safest seemed to be ustekinumab while the least safe was etanercept. We found factors statistically associated with the risk of infection: gender (female vs. male), economic deprivation, chronic hepatitis B or C, history of cancer, at least one infectious event, and the number of different drugs during the 6‐month period before the study. We did not find any difference of infective risk between the BD and the TST. This result enhances the recent PSONET registries conclusions.
A multi‐axial low‐cycle fatigue life prediction model considering effects of additional hardening
Authors: Zhao B. F. , Xie L. Y. , Bai X. , Ren J. G. , Li H. Y. , Zhang S. J.
Published: February 2018

It is generally accepted that the additional hardening of materials could largely shorten multi‐axis fatigue life of engineering components. To consider the effects of additional hardening under multi‐axial loading, this paper summarizes a new multi‐axial low‐cycle fatigue life prediction model based on the critical plane approach. In the new model, while critical plane is adopted to calculate principal equivalent strain, a new plane, subcritical plane, is also defined to calculate a correction parameter due to the effects of additional hardening. The proposed fatigue damage parameter of the new model combines the material properties and the angle of the loading orientation with respect to the principal axis and can be established with Coffin‐Manson equation directly. According to experimental verification and comparison with other traditional models, it is clear that the new model has satisfactory reliability and accuracy in multi‐axial fatigue life prediction.
Conditional deletion of Cadherin 13 perturbs Golgi cells and disrupts social and cognitive behaviors
Authors: Tantra M. , Guo L. , Kim J. , Zainolabidin N. , Eulenburg V. , Augustine G. J. , Chen A. I.
Published: February 2018

Inhibitory interneurons mediate the gating of synaptic transmission and modulate the activities of neural circuits. Disruption of the function of inhibitory networks in the forebrain is linked to impairment of social and cognitive behaviors, but the involvement of inhibitory interneurons in the cerebellum has not been assessed. We found that Cadherin 13 (Cdh13), a gene implicated in autism spectrum disorder and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, is specifically expressed in Golgi cells within the cerebellar cortex. To assess the function of Cdh13 and utilize the manipulation of Cdh13 expression in Golgi cells as an entry point to examine cerebellar‐mediated function, we generated mice carrying Cdh13‐floxed alleles and conditionally deleted Cdh13 with GlyT2::Cre mice. Loss of Cdh13 results in a decrease in the expression/localization of GAD67 and reduces spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) in cerebellar Golgi cells without disrupting spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC). At the behavioral level, loss of Cdh13 in the cerebellum, piriform cortex and endopiriform claustrum have no impact on gross motor coordination or general locomotor behaviors, but leads to deficits in cognitive and social abilities. Mice lacking Cdh13 exhibit reduced cognitive flexibility and loss of preference for contact region concomitant with increased reciprocal social interactions. Together, our findings show that Cdh13 is critical for inhibitory function of Golgi cells, and that GlyT2::Cre‐mediated deletion of Cdh13 in non‐executive centers of the brain, such as the cerebellum, may contribute to cognitive and social behavioral deficits linked to neurological disorders.
Impact of Pediococcus pentosaceus and Pichia anomala in combination with chitinase on the preservation of high‐moisture alfalfa hay
Authors: Jin L. , Chevaux E. , McAllister T. , Baah J. , Drouin P. , Wang Y.
Published: February 2018

This study assessed the effects of applying Pediococcus pentosaceus (PED) or Pichia anomala (PIC) in combination with chitinase (CH) on the conservation characteristics and rumen digestibility of large round‐bale high‐moisture alfalfa hay (HMH). Alfalfa was wilted in the field to 23%–27% moisture and baled without (Control) or with PED + CH, PIC + CH and propionic acid (PA). The study was repeated yearly from 2012 to 2014. The PED + CH‐treated HMH had the numerically lowest high degree day (bale internal temperature >30°C) in all 3 years, which was less (p < .05) than Control HMH and PA in 2012. Treatments had no effect on pH, but mixed effects on chemical and microbial compositions across 3 years. The PED + CH treatment had the highest water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content (p < .05) in 2012 and 2014, whereas PA treatment had the lowest (p < .05) WSC in these years. Total bacteria were decreased (p < .001) by PIC + CH and PED + CH in 2012 only. The PED + CH treatment had greater (p < .01) soluble fraction of dry matter (DM) than Control HMH and PA in both 2012 and 2014, but treatments did not affect the potential degradable fraction of DM. The PED + CH and PIC + CH treatments increased (p < .01) in situ neutral detergent fibre digestibility after 6, 24 and 96 hr of ruminal incubation in 2012 but not in 2014. Combinations of P. pentosaceus or P. anomala with chitinase have potential as high‐moisture hay inoculants to reduce microbial spoilage and to increase fibre digestibility.
Determination of Trace Elements in Bauxite Using Laser Ablation‐Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry on Lithium Borate Glass Beads
Authors: Monsels Dewany A. , Van Bergen Manfred J. , Mason Paul R. D.
Published: February 2018

Quantification of trace element contents in bauxite by solution ICP‐MS and other analytical methods that rely on conventional dissolution techniques can be challenging, because the refractory nature of common host minerals complicates complete digestion. Fusion with lithium borate, frequently used as a sample preparation method for XRF analysis of solid materials, avoids these problems. This manuscript documents that subsequent analysis of the low‐dilution glass beads by laser ablation ICP‐MS is a fast, accurate and precise method for determining trace element mass fractions in samples of bauxite and similar natural materials. The method was validated by determining thirty trace elements, including thirteen rare earth elements, in international reference materials for bauxite (ANRT BX‐N, NIST SRM 69b, NIST SRM 696, NIST SRM 698) and iron formations (CCRMP FeR‐2). Trace elements were typically measured to within 20% of reference values with an ‘external’ precision of < 20% RSD. Measurement results from various deposits in Suriname illustrate the procedure's effectiveness for studies concerning chemical properties and origin of bauxite.
Transposable elements shape the human proteome landscape via formation of cis‐acting upstream open reading frames
Authors: Kitano Shohei , Kurasawa Hikaru , Aizawa Yasunori
Published: February 2018

Transposons are major drivers of mammalian genome evolution. To obtain new insights into the contribution of transposons to the regulation of protein translation, we here examined how transposons affected the genesis and function of upstream open reading frames (uORFs), which serve as cis‐acting elements to regulate translation from annotated ORFs (anORFs) located downstream of the uORFs in eukaryotic mRNAs. Among 39,786 human uORFs, 3,992 had ATG trinucleotides of a transposon origin, termed “transposon‐derived upstream ATGs” or TuATGs. Luciferase reporter assays suggested that many TuATGs modulate translation from anORFs. Comparisons with transposon consensus sequences revealed that most TuATGs were generated by nucleotide substitutions in non‐ATG trinucleotides of integrated transposons. Among these non‐ATG trinucleotides, GTG and ACG were converted into TuATGs more frequently, indicating a CpG methylation‐mediated process of TuATG formation. Interestingly, it is likely that this process accelerated human‐specific upstream ATG formation within transposon sequences in 5′ untranslated regions after divergence between human and nonhuman primates. Methylation‐mediated TuATG formation seems to be ongoing in the modern human population and could alter the expression of disease‐related proteins. This study shows that transposons have potentially been shaping the human proteome landscape via cis‐acting uORF creation.
“Are You Really Sad?” Infants Show Selectivity in Their Behaviors Toward an Unconventional Emoter
Authors: Chiarella Sabrina S. , Poulin‐Dubois Diane
Published: February 2018

We examined whether 18‐month‐olds understand how the emotional valence of people's experiences predicts their subsequent emotional reactions, as well as how their behaviors are influenced by the reliability of the emoter. Infants watched a person express sadness after receiving an object that was either inappropriate (conventional emoter) or appropriate (unconventional emoter) to perform an action. Then, infants’ imitation, social referencing, and prosocial behaviors (helping) were examined when interacting with the person. Results showed that during the exposure phase, the unconventional group showed visual search patterns suggesting hypothesis testing and expressed less concern toward the person than the conventional group. In the social referencing task, the conventional group preferred to search for the target of a positive expression as opposed to the disgust object. In contrast, the unconventional group was more likely to trust the person's negative expression. As expected, no differences were found between the groups on the instrumental helping tasks. However, during the empathic helping tasks, the conventional group needed fewer prompts to help than the unconventional group. These findings provide the first evidence that the congruence between a person's emotional responses and her experiences impacts 18‐month‐olds’ subsequent behaviors toward that person.
Environmental Influences on Infants’ Native Vowel Discrimination: The Case of Talker Number in Daily Life
Authors: Bergmann Christina , Cristia Alejandrina
Published: February 2018

Both quality and quantity of speech from the primary caregiver have been found to impact language development. A third aspect of the input has been largely ignored: the number of talkers who provide input. Some infants spend most of their waking time with only one person; others hear many different talkers. Even if the very same words are spoken the same number of times, the pronunciations can be more variable when several talkers pronounce them. Is language acquisition affected by the number of people who provide input? To shed light on the possible link between how many people provide input in daily life and infants’ native vowel discrimination, three age groups were tested: 4‐month‐olds (before attunement to native vowels), 6‐month‐olds (at the cusp of native vowel attunement) and 12‐month‐olds (well attuned to the native vowel system). No relationship was found between talker number and native vowel discrimination skills in 4‐ and 6‐month‐olds, who are overall able to discriminate the vowel contrast. At 12 months, we observe a small positive relationship, but further analyses reveal that the data are also compatible with the null hypothesis of no relationship. Implications in the context of infant language acquisition and cognitive development are discussed.
Nursing staff‐led behavioural group intervention in psychiatric in‐patient care: Patient and staff experiences
Authors: Salberg Johanna , Folke Fredrik , Ekselius Lisa , Öster Caisa
Published: February 2018

A promising intervention in mental health in‐patient care is behavioural activation (BA). Interventions based on BA can be used by mental health nurses and other staff members. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients’ and staff members’ experiences of a nursing staff‐led behavioural group intervention in mental health in‐patient care. The intervention was implemented at three adult acute general mental health in‐patient wards in a public hospital setting in Sweden. A self‐administrated questionnaire, completed by 84 patients and 34 nurses and nurse assistants, was administered, and nonparametric data analysed using descriptive statistics. Our findings revealed that both patients and nursing staff ranked nursing care and care environment as important aspects in the recovery process. Patients and staff members reported overall positive experiences of the group sessions. Patients with higher frequencies of attendance and patients satisfied with overall care had a more positive attitude towards the intervention. A more positive experience of being a group leader was reported by staff members who had been leading groups more than ten times. The most common impeding factor during implementation, reported by staff members, was a negative attitude to change. Conducive factors were having support from a psychologist and the perception that patients were showing interest. These positive experiences reported by patients and nursing staff, combined with previous research in this field, are taking us one step further in evaluating group sessions based on BA as a meaningful nursing intervention in mental health in‐patient care.
Children's moral experiences of crisis management in a child mental health setting
Authors: Montreuil Marjorie , Thibeault Catherine , McHarg Linda , Carnevale Franco A.
Published: February 2018

The experiences of children related to conflict and crisis management in child mental health settings, especially those aged 12 and below, have been rarely studied. This study examined the moral experiences of children related to conflict and crisis management and the related use of restraint and seclusion in a child mental health setting. A 5‐month focused ethnography using a participatory hermeneutic framework was conducted in a day hospital programme for children with severe disruptive disorders within a mental health institute. Children considered restraints and seclusion could help them feel safe in certain instances, for example if another child was being aggressive towards them or in exceptional cases to prevent self‐injury. However, their own experiences of being restrained were predominantly negative, especially if not knowing the reason for their use, which they then found unfair. Some of the children emphasized the punitive nature of the use of restraints and seclusion, and most children disagreed with these practices when used as a punishment. Children's perspectives also highlighted the limits of the use of a uniform de‐escalation approach by the staff to manage crises. Children considered discussing with the staff and developing a relationship with them as more helpful in case of a crisis then the use of a de‐escalation approach or coercive strategies.
Theoretical investigation of anisotropic mechanical and thermal properties of ABO3 (A=Sr, Ba; B=Ti, Zr, Hf) perovskites
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Liu Bin , Xiang Huimin , Zhou Yanchun , Nian Hongqiang , Chen Hongfei , Yang Guang , Gao Yanfeng
Published: February 2018

As promising TBC (thermal barrier coating) candidates, perovskite oxides own designable properties for their various options of cations and structural diversity, but limited comprehensions of structure‐property relationship delay their engineering applications. In this work, mechanical/thermal properties of ABO3 (A=Sr, Ba; B=Ti, Zr, Hf) perovskites and their anisotropic nature are predicted employing density functional theory. Their theoretical minimum thermal conductivities range from 1.09 to 1.74 W·m−1·K−1, being lower than Y2O3 partially stabilized ZrO2. Reduced thermal conductivities up to 16% along particular directions are reached after considering thermal conductivity anisotropy. All compounds own high hardness while SrZrO3, SrHfO3, and BaHfO3 possess well damage tolerance. We found that small electronegativity discrepancy leads to big anisotropy of chemical bond, Young's/shear moduli and thermal conductivities, together with good damage tolerance. These results suggest that the next generation TBCs with extra low thermal conductivity should be achieved through combining material design and orientation‐growth tailoring.
Dielectric and ferroelectric properties of lanthanum‐modified lead zirconate stannate titanate (42/40/18) ceramics
Authors: Chen Xuefeng , Dong Xianlin , Wang Genshui , Cao Fei , Hu Fanting , Zhang Hongling
Published: February 2018

The effect of lanthanum (La) content on the phase transformation of Pb1−3x/2Lax(Zr0.42Sn0.40Ti0.18)O3 (PLZST 100x/42/40/18, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) ceramics was investigated by the dielectric and ferroelectric properties. The base composition PLZST 0/42/40/18 located in the ferroelectric (FE) rhombohedral phase region. As x increased, the compositions showed successively FE and antiferroelectric (AFE) state at room temperature, and their peak temperatures (Tmax) decreased gradually in line as Tmax = 162.21‐1507x. Evidence was presented that there were two dielectric anomalies in PLZST 2/42/40/18, which were corresponding to the FE‐AFE and AFE‐paraelectric (PE) phase transformations, respectively. With increasing the dc bias fields, the two phases merged into one. PLZST 3/42/40/18 showed AFE characteristics with the first loop outside of the second loop and there was only one dielectric inflection. The critical lanthanum content occurred at x = 0.03 from the dielectric temperature spectra and hysteresis loops. Furthermore increase in La above 0.03, these compositions showed typical antiferroelectric behaviors with double hysteresis loops. The stored energy properties of the three compositions (PLZST 4/42/40/18, 5/42/40/18 and 6/42/40/18) displayed different temperature dependencies from room temperature to 140°C (over their respective Tmax). Comparing the above results with previous investigations on PLZSTs, some questions were discussed.
Grass diversification in Madagascar: In situ radiation of two large C3 shade clades and support for a Miocene to Pliocene origin of C4 grassy biomes
Authors: Hackel Jan , Vorontsova Maria S. , Nanjarisoa Olinirina P. , Hall Russell C. , Razanatsoa Jacqueline , Malakasi Panagiota , Besnard Guillaume
Published: February 2018

Aim

Grasses (Poaceae) are found in all major habitats of Madagascar and have a particular importance in C4 grasslands, whose origins are controversial. We aimed to estimate the number, age and origins of endemic grass lineages in the Madagascar region, and to compare the diversification of C3 and C4 taxa.

Location

Madagascar and the surrounding Indian Ocean islands, integrated within a global dataset.

Methods

We estimated 11 time‐calibrated molecular phylogenies including 73% of Madagascar's known grass flora (65% of endemics), using two calibration scenarios. Integrating the available sequences from worldwide grass species, a total of 1928 accessions were analysed. We tested range evolution models, estimated ancestral ranges, and compared the patterns of lineage accumulation between endemic C3 and C4 grasses.

Results

We recovered 69 lineages endemic to or with an estimated origin in the Madagascar region, 25 of them C3 and 44 C4. Range evolution analysis suggests widespread distance‐scaling of dispersal and strongest historical links to Africa. Extant grass diversity largely accumulated since the Miocene, with parallel increases in C3 and C4 taxa. Two large C3 groups in the “Forest shade clade” (Paniceae: Boivinellinae) and the bamboos (subtribe Hickeliinae) have an estimated origin in the Madagascar region. Divergences and crown ages of endemic C4 lineages largely coincide with the Miocene grassland expansion.

Main conclusions

Madagascar's extant grass flora is the result of multiple overseas dispersals, predominantly from Africa, and diversified from the Miocene onwards. C3 grasses are characterized by two large presumed in situ radiations of shade grasses in the Paniceae and bamboos. Endemic C4 lineages result from twice as many immigration events, resulting in smaller clades. Ages of C4 lineages are consistent with a Pliocene or Late Miocene origin of grasslands in Madagascar, but estimating the nature and expanse of such early grasslands will require further research.
Hypertension in a resource‐limited setting: Is it associated with end organ damage in older adults in rural Tanzania?
Authors: Putnam Harry W. I. , Jones Rebecca , Rogathi Jane , Gray William K. , Swai Bernadetha , Dewhurst Matthew , Dewhurst Felicity , Walker Richard W.
Published: February 2018

Few data from sub‐Saharan Africa exist on the effects of hypertension on the organs of the human body. We aimed to establish the prevalence of hypertensive end organ damage (EOD) in an elderly cohort of Tanzanians. The population aged 70 years and over of 2 villages in northern Tanzania (n = 246), had blood pressure (BP) data available from 2010 and 2013, and underwent in‐depth follow‐up for markers of hypertensive EOD in 2016. Assessment included ankle‐brachial pressure index, lying‐standing BP, electrocardiogram, and mid‐stream urine dip. Sustained hypertension (those with hypertension at all 3 assessments) was found in 129 (52.4% subjects). Of the entire cohort, 13.9% had left ventricular hypertrophy and 26.4% had peripheral arterial disease, both of which were associated with sustained hypertension, although orthostatic hypotension, stroke, proteinuria, and arterial stiffening were not. Further investigation, particularly in younger age groups, is merited if hypertension‐associated morbidity is to be controlled.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels are associated with augmentation index across naïve untreated patients with different hypertension phenotypes
Authors: Gkaliagkousi Eugenia , Gavriilaki Eleni , Triantafyllou Areti , Nikolaidou Barbara , Anyfanti Panagiota , Koletsos Nikolaos , Vamvakis Anastasios , Dipla Konstantina , Lazaridis Antonios , Douma Stella
Published: February 2018

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a robust marker of endothelial dysfunction in patients with essential hypertension. We investigated ADMA levels and their association with vascular damage in untreated hypertension. We enrolled consecutive patients with untreated, recently diagnosed hypertension and age‐matched normotensive individuals. 24‐hour blood pressure, central hemodynamics, and arterial stiffness were recorded. A total of 311 individuals were studied: 165 with essential hypertension, 50 with masked hypertension, 25 with white‐coat hypertension, and 71 normotensive individuals. ADMA levels significantly correlated with aortic augmentation index (AIx75) (r = .156, P = .006), aortic pulse pressure (r = .153, P = .007) and marginally with carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (r = .110, P = .051), as well as with diastolic office BP. In the multivariate model, aortic AIx75 and age were the only statistically significant predictors of ADMA. This is the largest study to document an independent association between ADMA and aortic AIx75 but not with other indices of arterial stiffness.
Let them eat termites—prey‐baiting provides effective control of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, in a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Buczkowski G. , Mothapo N. P. , Wossler T. C.
Published: February 2018

Invasive ants threaten biodiversity, ecosystem services and agricultural systems. This study evaluated a prey‐baiting approach for managing Argentine ants in natural habitat invaded by Argentine ants. Blackmound termites (Amitermes hastatus) were topically exposed to fipronil and presented to Argentine ants (Linepithema humile). In laboratory assays, L. humile colonies were offered fipronil‐treated termites within experimental arenas. The termites were readily consumed, and results demonstrate that a single termite topically treated with 590 ng fipronil is capable of killing at least 500 L. humile workers in 4 days. Field studies were conducted in natural areas invaded by L. humile. Fipronil‐treated termites scattered within experimental plots provided rapid control of L. humile and ant densities throughout the treated plots declined by 98 ± 5% within 21 days. Results demonstrate that the prey‐baiting approach is highly effective against L. humile and may offer an effective alternative to traditional bait treatments. Furthermore, prey‐baiting offers environmental benefits by delivering substantially less toxicant to the environment relative to current control methods which rely on commercial bait formulations and may offer greater target specificity.
Impact of nonintrusive clinical decision support systems on laboratory test utilization in a large academic centre
Authors: Eaton Kevin P. , Chida Natasha , Apfel Ariella , Feldman Leonard , Greenbaum Adena , Tuddenham Susan , Kendall Emily A. , Pahwa Amit
Published: February 2018

Background

The near‐universal prevalence of electronic health records (EHRs) has made the utilization of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) an integral strategy for improving the value of laboratory ordering. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of nonintrusive CDSS on inpatient laboratory utilization in large academic centres.

Methods

Red blood cell folate, hepatitis C virus viral loads and genotypes, and type and screens were selected for study. We incorporated the appropriate indications for these labs into text that accompanied the laboratory orders in our hospital's EHR. Providers could proceed with the order without additional clicks. An interrupted time‐series analysis was performed, and the primary outcome was the rate of tests ordered on all inpatient medicine floors.

Results

The rate of folate tests ordered per monthly admissions showed no significant level change at the time of the intervention with only a slight decrease in rate of 0.0109 (P = .07). There was a 43% decrease in the rate of hepatitis C virus tests per monthly admissions immediately after the intervention with a decrease of 0.0135 tests per monthly admissions (P = .02). The rate of type and screens orders per patient days each month had a significant downward trend by 0.114 before the intervention (P = .04) but no significant level change at the time of the intervention or significant change in rate after the intervention.

Discussion

Our study suggests that nonintrusive CDSS should be evaluated for individual laboratory tests to ensure only effective alerts continue to be used so as to avoid increasing EHR fatigue.
Contamination sources, biofilm‐forming ability and biocide resistance of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and non‐O157 isolated from tilapia‐processing facilities
Authors: Vázquez‐Sánchez Daniel , Antunes Galvão Juliana , Oetterer Marília
Published: February 2018

Contamination sources, biofilm‐forming ability and biocide resistance of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and non‐O157 from two tilapia‐processing plants were assessed. The application of unsuitable handling and sanitizing procedures caused a wide contamination by thermotolerant coliforms in Factories A (51.2% of points) and B (66.7%), exceeding the legal limits for frozen tilapia fillets. E. coli was also detected in both factories, but at low concentrations. RAPD‐PCR using primers DAF4, GEN15001, and M13 characterized seven E. coli strains. Biofilm‐forming ability of stx2d‐carriers and E. coli O157:H7 strains (E3, E4, E5, E6, E7) was higher than nonvirulent strains (E2, E8). Biofilm formation was correlated with the type of origin surface (abiotic or biotic) and with the presence of fliC H7. Biofilms resisted doses of peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite higher than those recommended by manufacturers. E. coli was more susceptible to peracetic acid than sodium hypochlorite, but their similar mechanisms of action could increase the risk of crossresistance.

Practical applications

Case‐by‐case approaches are recommended to determine the sources and degree of contamination present in food‐processing facilities, which would allow applying precise responses that avoid, or at least reduce, the persistence of bacterial pathogens and the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Data obtained in this study showed that current strategies to control thermotolerant coliforms and E. coli in tilapia‐processing facilities are ineffective and the application of sublethal doses have allowed the emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains. Therefore, novel working‐safe, environmentally friendly and cost‐effective biocides, and the development of innovative sanitizing procedures are required to control biofilms formed by bacterial pathogens in food‐processing environments.
Survival of male‐specific coliphage (MS2) as a surrogate for enteric viruses in the production process of traditional ice cream
Authors: Ghadirzad Sheila , Yavarmanesh Masoud , Habibi Najafi Mohammad B.
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate the survival of coliphage MS2 as a surrogate for enteric viruses under different process conditions in the production of traditional ice cream. The results showed that heat treatment (73 °C, 10 min) decreased the recovery of coliphage MS2 to 1.33, 1.11, and 0.97 log10 (pfu/ml) in nonfrozen ice cream samples with 15%, 10%, and 5% fat, respectively. Also the homogenization process (22,000 rpm in 1 min) decreased the recovery of coliphage MS2 in nonfrozen ice cream samples with 15%, 10%, and 5% fat, to 2.33, 2.20, and 2.10 log10 (pfu/ml), respectively. All data in frozen ice cream samples was less than that of nonfrozen. Pasteurization along with homogenization decreased the recovery of MS2 coliphage to 0.85 and 0.66 (pfu/ml) in nonfrozen and frozen ice cream samples, respectively. However, these processes cannot totally eliminate all of the MS2 coliphages. During the storage time (6 weeks), ice cream samples showed the lowest recovery of coliphage MS2 in the sixth week, and highest recovery of coliphage MS2 on the first day. It was then concluded that pasteurization along with homogenization has the most marked effect on the elimination of coliphage MS2 in frozen ice cream.

Practical applications

Enteric viruses have been reported among outbreaks in which a pasteurized dairy product, such as pasteurized milk, yogurt, and cheese, was involved. Since enteric viruses cause acute diseases and are of major public health concern, together with the fact that overall global dairy production and consumption have increased, a more comprehensive analysis of dairy products with a risk of contamination with enteric viruses seems essential. Ice cream is a dairy product for which there is considerable demand in the dairy market. However, there has been a paucity of research on the survival of enteric viruses in ice cream. Therefore, we performed the current study to understand the effects of different treatments on the survival of enteric viruses in traditional ice‐cream.
Randomised clinical trial of patient satisfaction with traditional and simplified complete dentures
Authors: Lira‐Oetiker M. , Seguel‐Galdames F. , Quero‐Vallejos I. , Uribe S. E.
Published: February 2018

To clinically evaluate the patient satisfaction and associated costs of dentures made using a simplified procedure that eliminates assembly on the articulator and dentures made with the conventional technique. Single‐blind randomised clinical trial. Forty edentulous patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group received dentures made using the conventional method (CG), and the other using a simplified technique (SG) that omits the use of functional impressions (with modelling compound andZOEimpression paste) and an articulator to assemble the models. Overall patient satisfaction was assessed at 3 and 6 months by means of a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The comparisons were made using a repeated measuresANOVA(P = .05). No significant differences were found in terms of the satisfaction stated by the patients or the quality of the prosthesis evaluated by a professional among the dentures made using the traditional (n = 17) and simplified (n = 21) techniques. The rehabilitation of an edentulous patient with a simplified technique for the preparation of a total prosthesis is a feasible, more economical alternative and accepted by most patients.
Topical application of glycyrrhetinic acid in the gingival sulcus inhibits attachment loss in lipopolysaccharide‐induced experimental periodontitis in rats
Authors: Takamori A. , Yoshinaga Y. , Ukai T. , Nakamura H. , Takamori Y. , Izumi S. , Shiraishi C. , Hara Y.
Published: February 2018

Background and Objective

Attachment loss of the junctional epithelium and alveolar bone destruction are signs of periodontitis, which is mainly caused by an inflammatory response to dental plaque. Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a component of the licorice herb, has been shown to have important anti‐inflammatory activities; however, there are no previous reports on the ability of its inhibitory effects to prevent periodontal diseases. Hence, in this study, using our experimental periodontitis model, we attempted to evaluate whether GA had an effect on the prevention of attachment loss and alveolar bone loss.

Material and Methods

Rats were intraperitoneally immunized with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The LPS group (n = 5) received 3 topical applications of 50 μg/μL of LPS followed by one application of the vehicle (propylene glycol:ethyl alcohol:phosphate‐buffered saline [PBS] = 8:1:1) into the gingival sulcus. This protocol was repeated twice per day for 10 days. The low (n = 5) and high (n = 5) groups received topical application of LPS and 0.03% or 0.3% GA, respectively. The control group received topical application of PBS and vehicle. The rats were killed on the 10th day. Attachment loss, alveolar bone level and inflammatory cell infiltration were investigated histometrically. The formation of immune complexes and infiltration of LPS were evaluated immunohistologically.

Results

Attachment loss, formation of immune complexes and infiltration of inflammatory cells were increased in the LPS group compared with the control group, and were completely inhibited in the low and high groups compared with the LPS group. The LPS group showed greater alveolar bone destruction compared with the control group and GA‐treated groups. In addition, invasion of LPS was detected in the LPS group, was absent in the control group and was weaker in the GA‐treated groups than in the LPS group.

Conclusion

In the present study, we showed that GA inhibits periodontal destruction in the rat experimental periodontitis model.
Degradation pattern of a porcine collagen membrane in an in vivo model of guided bone regeneration
Authors: Calciolari E. , Ravanetti F. , Strange A. , Mardas N. , Bozec L. , Cacchioli A. , Kostomitsopoulos N. , Donos N.
Published: February 2018

Background and Objective

Although collagen membranes have been clinically applied for guided tissue/bone regeneration for more than 30 years, their in vivo degradation pattern has never been fully clarified. A better understanding of the different stages of in vivo degradation of collagen membranes is extremely important, considering that the biology of bone regeneration requires the presence of a stable and cell/tissue‐occlusive barrier during the healing stages in order to ensure a predictable result. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the degradation pattern of a porcine non‐cross‐linked collagen membrane in an in vivo model of guided bone regeneration (GBR).

Material and Methods

Decalcified and paraffin‐embedded specimens from calvarial defects of 18, 10‐month‐old Wistar rats were used. The defects were treated with a double layer of collagen membrane and a deproteinized bovine bone mineral particulate graft. At 7, 14 and 30 days of healing, qualitative evaluation with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, and histomorphometric measurements were performed. Markers of collagenase activity and bone formation were investigated using an immunofluorescence technique.

Results

A significant reduction of membrane thickness was observed from 7 to 30 days of healing, which was associated with progressive loss of collagen alignment, increased collagen remodeling and progressive invasion of woven bone inside the membranes. A limited inflammatory infiltrate was observed at all time points of healing.

Conclusion

The collagen membrane investigated was biocompatible and able to promote bone regeneration. However, pronounced signs of degradation were observed starting from day 30. Since successful regeneration is obtained only when cell occlusion and space maintenance exist for the healing time needed by the bone progenitor cells to repopulate the defect, the suitability of collagen membranes in cases where long‐lasting barriers are needed needs to be further reviewed.
Importance of the canopy in determining on‐going regeneration and stand successional development in lodgepole pine forests
Authors: Gendreau‐Berthiaume Benoit , Macdonald S. Ellen , Stadt Jacob John
Published: February 2018

Question

What are the processes driving regeneration and successional pathways inPinus contortasubsp.latifoliaDouglas ex Loudon forests?

Location

Canadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada.

Methods

We used five 1‐ha long‐term permanent plots, dendrochronological stand reconstruction and detailed spatial analysis of stem‐mapped data.

Results

Establishment of shade‐intolerant species mainly occurred within 20 years post‐fire but important later recruitment of these species was observed in the drier plots, primarily in gaps in stands that had more open canopies. Shade‐tolerant species established quickly following fires on moister sites but, despite apparent seed source availability after the stand‐initiating fire, their establishment was delayed in the drier sites, most likely due to moisture limitations. Shade‐tolerant regeneration was clustered around shade‐tolerant trees that had established immediately post‐disturbance; this suggests the latter served as seed sources and perhaps created favourable microsites for establishment.

Conclusion

Competition for light, dispersal limitation and moisture limitations were all processes influencing regeneration and successional pathways in theseP. contortastands. Although initial studies in these stands had suggested some of the stands could potentially be self‐perpetuatingP. contortaforests, our results suggest that all plots studied will likely transition towards dominance of shade‐tolerant species. However the rate of this transition will likely be slower in the drier sites compared to the moister sites since the density of shade‐tolerant regeneration was much lower in these sites and took longer to establish (ca. 70–90 years) post‐disturbance.
Unified Vision‐Based Methodology for Simultaneous Concrete Defect Detection and Geolocalization
Authors: Li Ruoxing , Yuan Yachao , Zhang Wei , Yuan Yali
Published: February 2018

Vision‐based autonomous inspection of concrete surface defects is crucial for efficient maintenance and rehabilitation of infrastructures and has become a research hot spot. However, most existing vision‐based inspection methods mainly focus on detecting one kind of defect in nearly uniform testing background where defects are relatively large and easily recognizable. But in the real‐world scenarios, multiple types of defects often occur simultaneously. And most of them occupy only small fractions of inspection images and are swamped in cluttered background, which easily leads to missed and false detections. In addition, the majority of the previous researches only focus on detecting defects but few of them pay attention to the geolocalization problem, which is indispensable for timely performing repair, protection, or reinforcement works. And most of them rely heavily on GPS for tracking the locations of the defects. However, this method is sometimes unreliable within infrastructures where the GPS signals are easily blocked, which causes a dramatic increase in searching costs. To address these limitations, we present a unified and purely vision‐based method denoted as defects detection and localization network, which can detect and classify various typical types of defects under challenging conditions while simultaneously geolocating the defects without requiring external localization sensors. We design a supervised deep convolutional neural network and propose novel training methods to optimize its performance on specific tasks. Extensive experiments show that the proposed method is effective with a detection accuracy of 80.7% and a localization accuracy of 86% at 0.41 s per image (at a scale of 1,200 pixels in the field test experiment), which is ideal for integration within intelligent autonomous inspection systems to provide support for practical applications.