bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of ocular allergy
Authors: Leonardi Andrea , Silva Diana , Perez Formigo Daniel , Bozkurt Banu , Sharma Vibha , Allegri Pia , Rondon Carmen , Calder Virginia , Ryan Dermot , Kowalski Marek L. , Delgado Luis , Doan Serge , Fauquert Jean L.
Published: March 2019

The treatment and management of ocular allergy (OA) remain a major concern for different specialties, including allergists, ophthalmologists, primary care physicians, rhinologists, pediatricians, dermatologists, clinical immunologists, and pharmacists. We performed a systematic review of all relevant publications in MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web Science including systematic reviews and meta‐analysis. Publications were considered relevant if they addressed treatments, or management strategies of OA. A further wider systematic literature search was performed if no evidence or good quality evidence was found. There are effective drugs for the treatment of OA; however, there is a lack an optimal treatment for the perennial and severe forms. Topical antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, or double‐action drugs are the first choice of treatment. All of them are effective in reducing signs and symptoms of OA. The safety and optimal dosing regimen of the most effective topical anti‐inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, are still a major concern. Topical calcineurin inhibitors may be used in steroid‐dependent/resistant cases of severe allergic keratoconjunctivitis. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy may be considered in cases of failure of first‐line treatments or to modify the natural course of OA disease. Based on the current wealth of publications and on the collective experience, recommendations on management of OA have been proposed.
Innate immunity in allergy
Authors: Maeda Kazuhiko , Caldez Matias J. , Akira Shizuo
Published: March 2019

Innate immune system quickly responds to invasion of microbes and foreign substances through the extracellular and intracellular sensing receptors, which recognize distinctive molecular and structural patterns. The recognition of innate immune receptors leads to the induction of inflammatory and adaptive immune responses by activating downstream signaling pathways. Allergy is an immune‐related disease and results from a hypersensitive immune response to harmless substances in the environment. However, less is known about the activation of innate immunity during exposure to allergens. New insights into the innate immune system by sensors and their signaling cascades provide us with more important clues and a framework for understanding allergy disorders. In this review, we will focus on recent advances in the innate immune sensing system.
Impact of public–private partnership on a regional colonoscopy service
Authors: Sakowska Magdalena M. , Cole Jessie A. M. , Watters David A. , Guest Glenn D.
Published: March 2019

Background

A public–private partnership for endoscopy was introduced in Geelong where there was no capacity for public hospital endoscopy lists to expand. This paper presents the impact of this partnership on colonoscopy services.

Methods

Data were collated from prospectively maintained databases. Wait‐times to outpatient appointments, colonoscopy and follow‐up were analysed between July 2015 and June 2017 allowing for a 12‐month period of analysis before and after the initiation of the contract. Data are presented as medians (interquartile range).

Results

A total of 1300 colonoscopies were done between July 2015 and June 2016 compared to 2114 colonoscopies (P < 0.01) after the initiation of the public–private contract; 1073 (51%) colonoscopies were done on private contract. Prior to public–private contract, 41% patients waited more than 120 days from first presentation to healthcare services to diagnostic colonoscopy, this decreased to 19% after. Improvements were seen in both the waiting time for outpatient consultation (reduced from 92 days (39–136) prior to July 2016 to 73 days (32–122); P < 0.01) after) and the time taken from consultation to colonoscopy (from 125 days (70–207) to 36 days (21–159); P < 0.01) for category 1 patients.

Conclusion

Wait‐times for both specialist outpatient assessment and colonoscopy have been significantly reduced through the introduction of a unique public–private partnership in the Greater Geelong area, resulting in more timely access for public patients and improved compliance with new guidelines.
Translational research aiming to improve survival of ovarian tissue transplants using adipose tissue‐derived stem cells
Authors: Dolmans Marie‐Madeleine , Cacciottola Luciana , Amorim Christiani A. , Manavella Diego
Published: March 2019

There is now sufficient evidence to support the feasibility and efficacy of ovarian tissue (OT) cryopreservation and transplantation for both fertility preservation and restoration purposes. However, there are still issues to address regarding the grafting procedure itself, since transplanted tissue suffers massive follicle loss in the early post‐grafting period. To improve follicle survival after transplantation, our group recently developed a two‐step transplantation technique for OT transplantation in a xenografting model using adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ASCs). The aim of this narrative review is to describe and discuss the previously reported findings. ASCs were initially characterized by flow cytometry as positive for CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105 and CD166 (>95%) and negative for CD34, CD14, CD31, CD45 and Lin1. ASCs were used in a model of xenotransplantation, were they were embedded in a fibrin scaffold and transplanted to the peritoneum of immunodeficient mice. The goal of the first step was to increase levels of partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and revascularization in the peritoneal transplantation site for further OT transplantation. As ASCs showed the ability to differentiate into endothelial‐like cells and vessels in our model, OT transplantation was then performed with ASC grafts in a controlled experiment. At 7 days post‐transplantation, the ASC group showed: (1) significantly higher pO2 levels; (2) significantly greater human and murine CD34‐positive endothelial areas; (3) significantly higher primordial follicle survival rates; (4) and significantly lower numbers of apoptotic follicles compared with the control group. Our research model demonstrates that by adding ASCs to a fibrin scaffold before OT transplantation, faster and better graft reoxygenation and revascularization may be obtained, resulting in increased follicle survival and reduced follicle apoptosis.
Coadministration of the prostaglandin F2α receptor antagonist preterm labour drug candidate OBE022 with magnesium sulfate, atosiban, nifedipine and betamethasone
Authors: Pohl Oliver , Marchand Line , Gotteland Jean‐Pierre , Coates Simon , Täubel Jörg , Lorch Ulrike
Published: March 2019

Aims

To investigate presence or absence of clinically relevant drug interactions (pharmacokinetic and safety/tolerability) of OBE022 with standard‐of‐care medicines for preterm labour, enabling coadministration and further clinical development.

Methods

Part A: open‐label, randomized, 3‐period crossover assessing coadministration of single doses of OBE022 (1100 mg) and MgSO4. Part B: open‐label, single‐sequence crossover assessing the interactions following administration of OBE022 (1000 mg/day) at steady state coadministered with single doses of atosiban, nifedipine and betamethasone. Twenty‐five healthy nonpregnant women of reproductive age were enrolled (Part A: n = 12; Part B: n = 13).

Results

OBE022, alone or in combination with standard‐of‐care medications, was well tolerated. Headache and dizziness were the most frequently reported adverse events; dizziness occurred more often with the nifedipine/OBE022 combination. There were no clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions when coadministered with MgSO4. Co‐administration had no notable effect on atosiban exposure. Atosiban reduced exposure to OBE002 (peak concentration [Cmax] 22%, area under the concentration–time curve [AUC] 19%). Coadministration with betamethasone slightly increased betamethasone exposure (Cmax + 18%, AUC +27%) and OBE002 exposure (Cmax + 35%, AUC +15%). These changes were not considered clinically significant. Coadministration with nifedipine slightly increased OBE002 exposure (Cmax + 29%, AUC +24%) and markedly increased nifedipine exposure (Cmax by 2‐fold and AUC by 2‐fold), which may be clinically significant.

Conclusions

The use of OBE022, a PGF2α antagonist prodrug, in combination with standard‐of‐care medicines may provide new treatment alternatives for preterm labour. All tested combinations were well tolerated. Nifedipine doses could potentially be reduced or staggered when coadministered with OBE022.
Impact of germline CTC1 alterations on telomere length in acquired bone marrow failure
Authors: Shen Wenyi , Kerr Cassandra M. , Przychozen Bartlomiej , Mahfouz Reda Z. , LaFramboise Thomas , Nagata Yasunobu , Hanna Rabi , Radivoyevitch Tomas , Nazha Aziz , Sekeres Mikkael A. , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P.
Published: March 2019

Compound heterozygous germline mutations in CTC1 gene have been found in patients with atypical dyskeratosis congenita (DC), whereas heterozygous carriers are unaffected. Through screening of a large cohort of adult patients with acquired bone marrow failure syndromes, in addition to a DC case, we have also found extremely rare or novel heterozygous deleterious germline variants of CTC1 in patients with aplastic anaemia (AA; n = 5), paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH; n = 3) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS; n = 2). A compound heterozygous case of AA showed clonal evolution. Our results suggest that some of the inherited CTC1 variants may represent predisposition factors for acquired bone marrow failure.
Circulating mast cell progenitors correlate with reduced lung function in allergic asthma
Authors: Salomonsson Maya , Malinovschi Andrei , Kalm‐Stephens Pia , Dahlin Joakim S. , Janson Christer , Alving Kjell , Hallgren Jenny
Published: March 2019

Background

Studies using mouse models have revealed that mast cell progenitors are recruited from the blood circulation to the lung during acute allergic airway inflammation. The discovery of a corresponding human mast cell progenitor population in the blood has enabled to study the relation of circulating mast cell progenitors in clinical settings.

Objectives

To explore the possible association between the frequency of mast cell progenitors in the blood circulation and allergic asthma, we assessed the relation of this recently identified cell population with asthma outcomes and inflammatory mediators in allergic asthmatic patients and controls.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained, and spirometry was performed on 38 well‐controlled allergic asthmatic patients and 29 controls. The frequency of blood mast cell progenitors, total serum IgE and 180 inflammation‐ and immune‐related plasma proteins were quantified.

Results

Allergic asthmatic patients and controls had a similar mean frequency of blood mast cell progenitors, but the frequency was higher in allergic asthmatic patients with reduced FEV1 and PEF (% of predicted) as well as in women. The level of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF‐21) correlated positively with the frequency of mast cell progenitors, independent of age and gender, and negatively with lung function. The expression of FcεRI on mast cell progenitors was higher in allergic asthmatic patients and correlated positively with the level of total IgE in the controls but not in the asthmatic patients.

Conclusion

Elevated levels of circulating mast cell progenitors are related to reduced lung function, female gender and high levels of FGF‐21 in young adults with allergic asthma.
Entrainment and Modulation of Gesture–Speech Synchrony Under Delayed Auditory Feedback
Authors: Pouw Wim , Dixon James A.
Published: March 2019

Gesture–speech synchrony re‐stabilizes when hand movement or speech is disrupted by a delayed feedback manipulation, suggesting strong bidirectional coupling between gesture and speech. Yet it has also been argued from case studies in perceptual–motor pathology that hand gestures are a special kind of action that does not require closed‐loop re‐afferent feedback to maintain synchrony with speech. In the current pre‐registered within‐subject study, we used motion tracking to conceptually replicate McNeill's () classic study on gesture–speech synchrony under normal and 150 ms delayed auditory feedback of speech conditions (NO DAF vs. DAF). Consistent with, and extending McNeill's original results, we obtain evidence that (a) gesture‐speech synchrony is more stable under DAF versus NO DAF (i.e., increased coupling effect), (b) that gesture and speech variably entrain to the external auditory delay as indicated by a consistent shift in gesture‐speech synchrony offsets (i.e., entrainment effect), and (c) that the coupling effect and the entrainment effect are co‐dependent. We suggest, therefore, that gesture–speech synchrony provides a way for the cognitive system to stabilize rhythmic activity under interfering conditions.
Assessment of different strategies for scalable production and proliferation of human myoblasts
Authors: Chua Min‐Wen Jason , Yildirim Ege Deniz , Tan Jun‐Hao Elwin , Chua Yan‐Jiang Benjamin , Low Suet‐Mei Crystal , Ding Suet Lee Shirley , Li Chun‐wei , Jiang Zongmin , Teh Bin Tean , Yu Kang , Shyh‐Chang Ng
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Myoblast transfer therapy (MTT) is a technique to replace muscle satellite cells with genetically repaired or healthy myoblasts, to treat muscular dystrophies. However, clinical trials with human myoblasts were ineffective, showing almost no benefit with MTT. One important obstacle is the rapid senescence of human myoblasts. The main purpose of our study was to compare the various methods for scalable generation of proliferative human myoblasts.

Methods

We compared the immortalization of primary myoblasts with hTERT, cyclin D1 and CDK4R24C, two chemically defined methods for deriving myoblasts from pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and introduction of viral MyoD into hESC‐myoblasts.

Results

Our results show that, while all the strategies above are suboptimal at generating bona fide human myoblasts that can both proliferate and differentiate robustly, chemically defined hESC‐monolayer‐myoblasts show the most promise in differentiation potential.

Conclusions

Further efforts to optimize the chemically defined differentiation of hESC‐monolayer‐myoblasts would be the most promising strategy for the scalable generation of human myoblasts, for applications in MTT and high‐throughput drug screening.
Immunohistochemical characterization of benign activation of junctional melanocytes and melanoma in situ of the nail unit
Authors: Chu Alex , André Josette , Rich Phoebe , Leachman Sancy , Thompson Curtis T.
Published: March 2019

Background

Immunohistochemical (IHC) stains that distinguish benign, pigmented nail lesions from malignancy are needed. Candidate markers of malignant transformation include p16, HMB45, and Ki‐67, with p16 being of particular interest. There is limited knowledge about the spectrum of p16 expression in pigmented lesions, especially junctional melanocytic proliferations of the nail. The objective of this study was to determine if any of these markers demonstrate diagnostic utility in distinguishing between benign activation of junctional melanocytes (BAM) and melanoma in situ (MIS) of the nail unit.

Methods

In this retrospective study, ten cases of BAM and eight cases of MIS were identified. Archival slides available for review included H&E (hematoxylin and eosin), Fontana‐Masson, and MelanA (Mart1) IHC slides. IHC studies for p16, HMB45, and dual‐color Ki‐67/MelanA (Mart1) were then performed.

Results

None of the tested IHC stains distinguished BAM from MIS. p16 IHC expression was uniformly negative with the exception of two cases of MIS. HMB45 was positive in all BAM and MIS cases. Ki‐67/MelanA showed positive Ki‐67 staining of MelanA‐positive melanocytes in two cases of MIS, and all other cases of MIS and BAM were negative for Ki‐67. The two positive p16 and two positive Ki‐67/MelanA cases were non‐overlapping.

Conclusion

p16, HMB45, and Ki‐67/MelanA IHC studies show no apparent utility in distinguishing BAM from MIS in the nail unit.
The concept of nail matrix onychodermis (onychomatricodermis) in the nail unit: Histology and elastin immunohistochemistry
Authors: Lee Dong‐Youn , Park Ji‐Hye , Li Mengxuan , Abudureyimu Gulimila , Oh Se Jin , Shin Hyun‐Tae , Jang Kee‐Taek , Kwon Ghee Young , Shim Jong Sup , Kwon Eun Ji
Published: March 2019

Backgrounds

We previously demonstrated the presence of onychodermis below nail matrix and nail bed. Because nail matrix is a producer of nail plate, we hypothesized that onychodermis below nail matrix could be the nail counterpart of follicular dermal papilla. In this study, we sought to further characterize histologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical features of nail matrix onychodermis.

Methods and Results

Hematoxylin and eosin slides of 10 polydactyly nail units and 10 nail matrix biopsies from children and adults were reviewed. In polydactyly nail units, the onychodermis beneath nail matrix was characterized by onychofibroblasts showing abundant cytoplasm, and this area was slightly separated from the undersurface of the nail matrix. Nail matrix biopsy specimens also showed similar histology in the nail matrix onychodermis. Alcian blue stain demonstrated mucin deposition in onychofibroblasts within the nail matrix onychodermis. Immunohistochemically, elastin was rarely expressed in the nail matrix onychodermis while it was strongly expressed in the dermis of other areas of polydactyly nail units. Elastin was not expressed in follicular dermal papilla of terminal hair follicles of the scalp.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the presence and localization of nail matrix onychodermis (onychomatricodermis). Our study also demonstrates similar elastin expression patterns in the onychomatricodermis and follicular dermal papilla.
Trade Barriers and Participation in the Global Value Chain: An Empirical Study Based on Anti‐dumping toward China
Authors: Wang Xiaosong , Liu Zhexi , Lv Yue , Zhao Chunming
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates the effects of trade barriers on China's participation in the global value chain (GVC) using a thorough decomposition approach for trade volume, total exports, final exports and intermediate exports. Our econometric results indicate that anti‐dumping (AD) measures initiated by trade partners have restrained the process of China's participation in the GVC. From 2000 to 2014, AD measures reduced the foreign value‐added rate of total, final and intermediate exports by 4.5 to 28.7 percent, 3.4 to 17 percent and 1.2 to 8.5 percent, respectively. In addition, suffering the effects of AD measures, China's GVC position index declined by 8.2 percent to 28.6 percent during this period. Moreover, AD measures have increased industries' upstream index by 3.2 to 13.7 percent over the same period. These results imply that both the petition and approval of AD cases has had a negative influence on the extent and position of China's GVC participation.
Aggression and risk‐taking as adaptive implementations of fast life history strategy
Authors: Lu Hui Jing , Chang Lei
Published: March 2019

Within the evolutionary life history (LH) framework, aggression and risk‐taking are adaptive implementations of a fast LH strategy to adapt to environmental unsafety and unpredictability. Based on a longitudinal sample of 198 Chinese adolescents living in rural areas, half of whom were separated from their parents, this study tested LH hypotheses about aggression and risk‐taking in relation to safety constraints in the childhood living environments. The results showed that proxies of environmental unpredictability, including parental separation, were positively associated with aggression and risk‐taking and negatively associated with slow LH strategy, which in turn was negatively associated with aggression and risk‐taking. Children separated from their parents scored lower on slow LH strategies and higher on aggression and risk‐taking. These findings support the evolutionary assumption that human development responds to safety cues through behavioral implementations of LH strategies.
Assessing the Growth Effect of Financial Liberalization in the Presence of Financial Crises: A Case Study of Tiger Cub Economies
Authors: Lin Pei‐Chien , Liang Claire Y. C.
Published: March 2019

By applying a recently developed econometric technique, the synthetic control method (SCM), this paper empirically assesses the growth effect of financial liberalization in the presence of financial crises for the so‐called Tiger Cub Economies over the period 1975 to 2002. The outcomes of the SCM analyses show that financial liberalization exerted a significant growth effect in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand before the outbreak of the 1997 East Asian financial crisis, while no such growth effect was found for the Philippines for the entire study period. Moreover, after the outbreak of the financial crisis, the growth effects of financial liberalization for Malaysia and Thailand remained significantly higher than those for their synthetic counterparts. However, the growth effect of financial liberalization was not that sturdy in the case of Indonesia following the crisis.
Video‐recording complex health interactions in a diverse setting: Ethical dilemmas, reflections and recommendations
Authors: Scott Megan , Watermeyer Jennifer , Wessels Tina‐Marie
Published: March 2019

Video‐recording healthcare interactions provides important opportunities for research and service improvement. However, this method brings about tensions, especially when recording sensitive topics. Subsequent reflection may compel the researcher to engage in ethical and moral deliberations. This paper presents experiences from a South African genetic counselling study which made use of video‐recordings to understand communicative processes in routine practice. Video‐recording as a research method, as well as contextual and process considerations are discussed, such as researching one's own field, issues of trust and anonymity, the challenge of providing true informed consent and capturing details which may cause psychological harm. Several recommendations for research practice in diverse healthcare settings are made. This includes the value of reflective pieces, the importance of retrospective consent, disclosure of the limitations to anonymity, as well as the collective responsibility of those involved to produce ethical research. These recommendations have value for genetic counselling and other healthcare fields.
Media and Ideology in the Middle East: A Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Abdulmajid Adib
Published: March 2019

This study explores the ideologization of media discourse in the Middle East through investigating political influences over leading media corporations in the region. A critical discourse analysis was applied to news reports issued by prominent Middle Eastern media giants Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya. The research data included eight news articles from both media outlets. Thus, four articles from each corporation have been studied and analyzed in an effort to realize the objectives of the study at hand. Blass’s Manipulative Strategies… and van Dijk’s Ideological Square… constituted primary methodological instruments within the framework of this research. The findings indicate an explicit impact of local political agendas on the discourse and editorial policies of each of the studied media corporations, which emerge in violation with the claimed journalistic commitment to objectivity and impartiality in terms of news reporting.
Institutional choice in the governance of the early Atlantic sugar trade: diasporas, markets, and courts
Authors: Strum Daniel
Published: March 2019

The expanding sugar trade linking Portugal, Brazil, and the Netherlands in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries required enforcement mechanisms to guarantee that overseas agents would act honestly and diligently. While the recent literature emphasizes that multiple mechanisms were substitutes in addressing this problem, this article highlights that merchants chose different mechanisms to govern distinct types of transactions and explains why. A reputational mechanism relying on social and economic constraints within an ethnic diaspora governed more complex and higher‐value arrangements. A different mechanism linking economic incentives to professional reputations across the diasporas plying this trade route predominated in simpler and smaller transactions. Finally, long‐distance and transnational judicial enforcement supplemented these two reputational mechanisms. Capable of matching the value and complexity of transactions with the attributes of governing mechanisms, merchants were able to diversify their transactions, expand the market for agents, better allocate agents to tasks, and stimulate competition among them. The resulting decrease in agency costs was critical in such a significantly competitive market as the sugar trade. Evolving institutional choice thus reinforced the expansion of trade. These hypotheses are corroborated by data from a prosopography of merchants of Jewish origin, derived from notarial records from Oporto and Amsterdam, and from Inquisition files.
Exercise during abstinence normalizes ultrastructural synaptic plasticity associated with nicotine‐seeking following extended access self‐administration
Authors: Sanchez Victoria , Bakhti‐Suroosh Anousheh , Chen Andrew , Brunzell Darlene H. , Erisir Alev , Lynch Wendy J.
Published: March 2019

Nicotine‐craving progressively increases, or incubates, over abstinence following extended access self‐administration. While not yet examined for nicotine, the incubation of cocaine‐seeking is accompanied by changes in synaptic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens. Here, we determined whether such changes also accompany enhanced nicotine‐seeking following extended access self‐administration and abstinence, and whether exercise, a potential intervention for nicotine addiction, may exert its efficacy by normalizing these changes. Given that in humans, tobacco/nicotine use begins during adolescence, we used an adolescent‐onset model. Nicotine‐seeking was assessed in male rats following extended access nicotine or saline self‐administration (23‐hr/day, 10 days) and 10 days of abstinence, conditions known to induce the incubation of nicotine‐seeking, using a within‐session extinction/cue‐induced reinstatement procedure. A subset of rats had 2‐hr/day access to a running wheel during abstinence. Ultrastructural alterations of synapses in the nucleus accumbens core and shell were examined using electron microscopy. Nicotine‐seeking was elevated following extended access self‐administration and abstinence (in sedentary group), and levels of seeking were associated with an increase in the density of asymmetric (excitatory) and symmetric (inhibitory) synapses onto dendrites in the core, as well as longer asymmetric synapses onto spines, a marker of synaptic potentiation, in both the core and shell. Exercise normalized each of these changes; however, in the shell, exercise and nicotine similarly increased the synapse length. Together, these findings indicate an association between nicotine‐seeking and synaptic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens, particularly the core, and indicate that the efficacy of exercise to reduce nicotine‐seeking may be mediated by reversing these adaptations.
“Practical reason is not the will”: Kant and Reinhold's dilemma
Authors: Noller Jörg
Published: March 2019

Contrary to Karl Leonhard Reinhold's theoretical critique of Kant's philosophy, his practical critique has been almost unknown. In my paper, I shall reconstruct Reinhold's practical philosophy after Kant. I will concentrate on the so‐called Reinhold's dilemma, which concerns the problem of moral imputability in the case of immoral actions in Kant. Also, I shall explain how Reinhold tried to escape this dilemma by introducing a new action theory and by sharply distinguishing between reason and will. Finally, I shall evaluate Reinhold's practical significance by relating his conception of individual freedom to recent theories of volitional self‐determination.
Evaluating CENTURY and Yasso soil carbon models for CO2 emissions and organic carbon stocks of boreal forest soil with Bayesian multi‐model inference
Authors: Ťupek Boris , Launiainen Samuli , Peltoniemi Mikko , Sievänen Risto , Perttunen Jari , Kulmala Liisa , Penttilä Timo , Lindroos Antti‐Jussi , Hashimoto Shoji , Lehtonen Aleksi
Published: March 2019

We can curb climate change by improved management decisions for the most important terrestrial carbon pool, soil organic carbon stock (SOC). However, we need to be confident we can obtain the correct representation of the simultanous effect of the input of plant litter, soil temperature and water (which could be altered by climate or management) on the decomposition of soil organic matter. In this research, we used regression and Bayesian statistics for testing process‐based models (Yasso07, Yasso15 and CENTURY) with soil heterotrophic respiration (Rh) and SOC, measured at four sites in Finland during 2015 and 2016. We extracted climate modifiers for calibration with Rh. The Rh values of Yasso07, Yasso15 and CENTURY models estimated with default parameterization correlated with measured monthly heterotrophic respiration. Despite a significant correlation, models on average underestimated measured soil respiration by 43%. After the Bayesian calibration, the fitted climate modifier of the Yasso07 model outperformed the Yasso15 and CENTURY models. The Yasso07 model had smaller residual mean square errors and temperature and water functions with fewer, thus more efficient, parameters than the other models. After calibration, there was a small overestimate of Rh by the models that used monotonic moisture functions and a small generic underestimate in autumn. The mismatch between measured and modelled Rh indicates that the Yasso and CENTURY models should be improved by adjusting climate modifiers of decomposition or by accounting for missing controls in, for example, microbial growth.

Highlights

We tested soil carbon models against monthly soil Rh fluxes and amounts of SOC stock.

The models accurately reproduced most of the seasonal Rh trends and amounts of SOC.

Under autumn temperature and moisture, Rh was mismatched before and even after the parameterization.

The seasonality of the temperature and water functions should be adjusted in models.
Global patterns in fine root decomposition: climate, chemistry, mycorrhizal association and woodiness
Authors: See Craig R. , Luke McCormack Michael , Hobbie Sarah E. , Flores‐Moreno Habacuc , Silver Whendee L. , Kennedy Peter G.
Published: March 2019

Fine root decomposition constitutes a critical yet poorly understood flux of carbon and nutrients in terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we present the first large‐scale synthesis of species trait effects on the early stages of fine root decomposition at both global and local scales. Based on decomposition rates for 279 plant species across 105 studies and 176 sites, we found that mycorrhizal association and woodiness are the best categorical traits for predicting rates of fine root decomposition. Consistent positive effects of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and negative effects of lignin concentration emerged on decomposition rates within sites. Similar relationships were present across sites, along with positive effects of temperature and moisture. Calcium was not consistently related to decomposition rate at either scale. While the chemical drivers of fine root decomposition parallel those of leaf decomposition, our results indicate that the best plant functional groups for predicting fine root decomposition differ from those predicting leaf decomposition.
Concentrations of sulphated estrone, estradiol and dehydroepiandrosterone measured by mass spectrometry in pregnant mares
Authors: Legacki E. L. , Scholtz E. L. , Ball B. A. , Esteller‐Vico A. , Stanley S. D. , Conley A. J.
Published: March 2019

Background

Few studies have provided a longitudinal analysis of systemic concentrations of conjugated oestrogens (and androgens) throughout pregnancy in mares, and those only using immunoassay. The use of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) will provide more accurate concentrations of circulating conjugated steroids.

Objectives

To characterise circulating concentrations of individual conjugated steroids throughout equine gestation by using LC‐MS/MS.

Study design

Longitudinal study and comparison of pregnant mares treated with vehicle or letrozole in late gestation.

Methods

Sulphated oestrogens and androgens were measured in mares throughout gestation and mares in late gestation (8–11 months) treated with vehicle or letrozole to inhibit oestrogen synthesis in late gestation. An analytical method was developed using LC‐MS/MS to evaluate sulphated estrone, estradiol, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) during equine gestation.

Results

Estrone sulphate concentrations peaked by week 26 at almost 60 μg/mL, 50‐fold higher than have been reported in studies using immunoassays. An increase in DHEAS was detected from 7 to 9 weeks of gestation, but concentrations remained consistently low (if detected) for the remainder of gestation and testosterone sulphate was undetectable at any stage. Estradiol sulphate concentrations were highly correlated with estrone sulphate but were a fraction of their level. Concentrations of both oestrogen sulphates decreased from their peak to parturition. Letrozole inhibited estrone and estradiol sulphate concentrations at 9.25 and 10.5 months of gestation but, no increase in DHEAS was observed.

Main limitations

Limited number of mares sampled and available for analysis, lack of analysis of 5α‐reduced and B‐ring unsaturated steroids due to lack of available standards.

Conclusions

Dependent on methods of extraction and chromatography, and the specificity of primary antisera, immunoassays may underestimate oestrogen conjugate concentrations in blood from pregnant mares and may detect androgen conjugates (neither testosterone sulphate nor DHEAS were detected here by LC‐MS/MS) that probably peak coincident with oestrogen conjugates between 6 and 7 months of equine gestation.
A fault detection system based on unsupervised techniques for industrial control loops
Authors: Jove Esteban , Casteleiro‐Roca José‐Luis , Quintián Héctor , Méndez‐Pérez Juan Albino , Calvo‐Rolle José Luis
Published: March 2019

This research describes a novel approach for fault detection in industrial processes, by means of unsupervised and projectionist techniques. The proposed method includes a visual tool for the detection of faults, its final aim is to optimize system performance and consequently obtaining increased economic savings, in terms of energy, material, and maintenance. To validate the new proposal, two datasets with different levels of complexity (in terms of quantity and quality of information) have been used to evaluate five well‐known unsupervised intelligent techniques. The obtained results show the effectiveness of the proposed method, especially when the complexity of the dataset is high.
Identity, Couple and Intergroup Dynamics in Intercultural Families: Implications on Life Satisfaction of Partners
Authors: Novara Cinzia , Serio Consuelo , Lavanco Gioacchino , Schirinzi Massimiliano , Moscato Gianluigi
Published: March 2019

The current study analyzed how identity, couple, and intergroup dynamics are related to life satisfaction among 210 intercultural partners living in Italy. Three levels of analysis were considered: a micro level, taking into account the identity aspect of each partner in terms of self‐ or hetero‐ethnic identification; a meso level, examining the passion, commitment, and intimacy of the couple sphere of the partners; a macro level investigating the discrimination that partners can perceive by the community as an effect of the relationship between dominant and minority groups. The results show that for both partners, foreign and Italian, the variables that have a predictive value on life satisfaction bring into play the couple and the intergroup dynamics, leaving out the identitary one. Specifically, increased perceived discrimination as a member of a mixed couple leads to decreased life satisfaction by partners. In turn, we can see that a strong intimacy between partners enhances their life satisfaction. These results introduce a reflection on the role of the differences about the ethnic identity, considered erroneously the main cause of dissatisfaction in the mixed couple. The implications of the study are described and suggestions for future research discussed.
Functional responses of aquatic macroinvertebrates to flow regulation are shaped by natural flow intermittence in Mediterranean streams
Authors: Belmar Oscar , Bruno Daniel , Guareschi Simone , Mellado‐Díaz Andrés , Millán Andrés , Velasco Josefa
Published: March 2019

Running waters in Mediterranean regions are strongly regulated by dams, which produce significant alterations to natural flow regimes. Climate change will reduce discharge and increase flow intermittence in Mediterranean streams, which will lead to an intensified flow regulation to meet water demands. Very little is known about how the functional features of aquatic communities vary along combined anthropogenic flow alteration and natural intermittence gradients.

As intermittent streams are subjected to natural stress (droughts and flash floods), the flow regime alteration effect may differ from that observed in perennial rivers. Consequently, studies that aim to determine the effects of flow regulation on the functioning of aquatic communities in a global change context are crucial.

By applying linear mixed‐effect models and null models to the macroinvertebrate communities from 65 stream sites in the Segura River Basin (south‐east Spain), we assessed the separate effects of natural flow intermittence and flow regulation, as well as their interaction, on biological traits and functional diversity indices.

Natural flow intermittence and flow regulation were mainly associated with loss of taxa with semivoltine or univoltine cycles and more sensitive aquatic stages (i.e. eggs), and with the replacement by taxa with multivoltine cycles and more resistant aquatic stages (i.e. adults). Flow regulation intensified the impact of natural flow intermittence on some biological traits, producing synergistic effects (i.e. decreasing interstitial taxa and tegument breathers and increasing taxa with aquatic adult stages). At the same time, antagonistic (life cycle) and opposing (shredders) interaction effects were also observed. Functional diversity, functional dispersion, and functional redundancy underwent a non‐random decrease as the flow regime alteration increased, and a significant antagonistic interaction was also found between both stressors for functional redundancy.

In general, flow regulation effects were stronger in perennial than in intermittent streams because natural intermittence imposes a previous eco‐evolutionary pressure on aquatic biota by selecting those resistant or recovery traits that confer resilience to anthropogenic flow regime alterations. Thus, the natural flow regime influences the functional sensibility of communities to anthropogenic flow alteration.
Automatic Generation of Locally Refined Composite Grids for Efficient Solute Transport Modeling
Authors: Sbai M. Adil , Amraoui N.
Published: March 2019

Widely used numerical models of solute transport processes in subsurface aquifers are limited to nonlocally refined rectangular, or logically rectangular, structured grids. This presents an unsuitable option to efficient numerical simulations maintaining an acceptable level of accuracy. Optimal selection of locally refined cells for efficient solute transport models is challenging to the current generation of numerical models. We present a novel and relatively simple to implement algorithm addressing these shortcomings. This method operates in four steps involving travel times simulations, a grid coarsening stage followed by a selective local grid refinement based on a cell‐wise indicator, and a final postprocessing step. The refinement index is the sum of weighted logarithmic distributions of scaled forward and backward travel times. We calculate representative flow and transport properties at the two scales of the composite grid with a flow‐based upscaling technique. We present two test problems to demonstrate the performances of this new gridding algorithm. We obtain the most important speedups for composite grids generated with the highest indicator thresholds. When hydrodynamic dispersion effects increase, we obtain less important speedups. An important outcome of this work is that grid design depends on nature and strength of the underlying flow and solute transport processes. Therefore, we suggest developing solute transport workflows integrating this grid generation algorithm as an integral component to build comprehensive and efficient groundwater models.
Effect of two post‐surgical cleansing protocols on early periodontal wound healing and cytokine levels following osseous resective surgery: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Sijari Ziad , Romano Federica , Ciardo Gabriele , Martella Vanessa , Maggiora Marina , Bottone Mario , Aimetti Mario
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The aim of this RCT study was to compare early wound healing and gingival crevicular fluid cytokine levels of patients treated with two different post‐surgical cleansing protocols.

Methods

A total of 30 chronic periodontitis patients scheduled for osseous resective surgery with fibre retention technique were randomly assigned to follow one of two post‐surgical protocols. Patients assigned to the test protocol (n = 15) were instructed to brush the surgical area with a sonic toothbrush starting the day after surgery in addition to 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) rinsing, while patients following the control protocol (n = 15) rinsed only with 0.12% CHX solution and resumed mechanical cleansing with a manual toothbrush on day 14 after surgery. Interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐8 levels were assessed before and 14 days post‐operatively in gingival crevicular fluid. Patients were recalled on day 7, 14, 21 and 28 after surgery for clinical assessment. Pain was self‐reported by a visual analogue scale.

Results

Lower early wound healing scores, higher bacterial plaque reduction and milder inflammatory response were observed at the surgical sites in the test group on day 7, 14 and 28 when compared to the control group (P < 0.01). The faster wound healing process was modulated by a statistically significant decrease in IL‐1β and IL‐8 levels on day 14 in the sonic group. The intensity of pain was similar between groups.

Conclusions

The introduction of sonic toothbrush on the first post‐operative day as an adjunct of daily CHX rinsing would seem to accelerate early wound healing.
Surface modification of ultrafine silicon nitride powders by calcination
Authors: Ni Zhentao , Yang Xianfeng , Yang Xiaole , He Qinglong , Xu Xiewen , Xie Hehan
Published: March 2019

Calcination was used for surface modification of ultrafine silicon nitride powders, which improved the flowability and dispersion stability of their slurries. Surface characteristics of the powder were investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which showed the generation of an oxide layer and partial elimination of amine groups on the particle surfaces. Ion analysis results suggested a drop in both ion conductivity and supernatant concentration after calcination. For the as‐received powder, poor flowability and dispersion stability was caused by high‐valence cations, which were detrimental to colloidal processing according to the Schulze–Hardy rule, and surface amine groups were also present; both of these were partly removed by calcination. The oxide layer formed on the particle surfaces hydrolyzes into silanol groups when the powder is dispersed in aqueous solutions, which was favorable for surface charging and formation of higher diffuse layer potential on the particles. These factors contributed to the improved flowability and dispersion stability of the slurries.
Evaluation of the Mn(II) adsorption potential of SiO2 obtained by different wet chemical methods
Authors: Gonçalves Patrícia , Barbosa Adriano Francisco , de Oliveira Jéssica Ariane , Bertholdo Roberto , Giraldi Tania Regina
Published: March 2019

This paper describes the development of SiO2 by 2 different wet chemical methods: polymeric precursor (PP) and sol‐gel (SG). These samples were used as adsorbents of Mn(II) metal ions. Physicochemical characteristics of the 2 adsorbents were established, while zeta potential, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area methods were further employed for characterization. Efficiencies of the prepared adsorbents in the adsorption of Mn(II) from aqueous solutions were investigated. The BET surface areas of the prepared adsorbent were 171 and 7 m2 g−1 for SiO2 PP and SiO2 SG, respectively. Optimal adsorption occurred at pH 8.5, 5g L−1 of adsorbent concentration, and 90 minutes of contact time for both adsorbents. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms models fitted the experimental data of SiO2 PP and SiO2 SG, respectively, and SiO2 PP showed the highest adsorption capacity due, probably, to its greater specific area.
Facile and eco‐friendly fabrication of hierarchical superhydrophobic coating from eggshell biowaste
Authors: Seeharaj Panpailin , Sripako Kanyapuk , Promta Pongsakorn , Detsri Ekarat , Vittayakorn Naratip
Published: March 2019

This study reports a facile and sustainable approach to fabricate superhydrophobic coating from eggshell biowaste. The coating was prepared by ball milling chicken eggshells, composed of hydrophilic calcium carbonate (CaCO3), to microsized particles followed by surface hydrophobilizing with stearic acid (C17H35COOH) to form low surface energy nanosized calcium stearate ((C17H35COO)2Ca) through the esterification of hydroxyl groups (‐OH) absorbed on a surface of CaCO3 with carboxyl groups (–COOH) of stearic acid. Then, a layer of modified eggshell particles dispersed in polystyrene (PS) binder was dip‐coated on a substrate. A coated surface with water contact angles of 151° ± 1° on glass and 153° ± 1° on cotton fabric substrates was achieved when a 4:1 weight ratio of the modified eggshell:PS was used. The uniform distribution of the modified eggshell particles throughout the coating led to a surface with high degree of hierarchical micro‐nanoscale roughness which resulted in superhydrophobicity. The superhydrophobic eggshell coating showed good environmental stability, self‐cleaning, and oil/water separation properties. These results suggest that eggshell biowaste can be utilized for superhydrophobic applications.
Bioactive glass and glass‐ceramic orbital implants
Authors: Baino Francesco , Verné Enrica , Fiume Elisa , Peitl Oscar , Zanotto Edgar D. , Brandão Simone M. , Schellini Silvana A.
Published: March 2019

This review focuses on the applications of bioactive glasses and glass‐ceramics in the field of orbital implants for ocular surgery. This use is relatively novel and less popular compared to the applications in orthopedics and dentistry for the repair of bone and teeth. Recent studies have shown the suitability of bioactive glasses and glass‐ceramics in contact with soft tissues for promoting additional effects associated to the release of therapeutic inorganic ions. Specifically, the angiogenic and antibacterial actions that may be elicited by selected glass compositions are highly appealing for the development of new‐generation orbital implants, since improved vascularization and antiseptic properties are the key for a higher success rate of anophthalmic socket procedures. An overall picture of existing orbital implants based on bioactive glasses is here provided, and the further potential and open challenges for future research in this field are highlighted and discussed.