On formal limitations of causal ecological networks.

Causal multivariate time-series analysis, combined with network theory, provide a powerful tool for studying complex ecological interactions. However, these methods have limitations often underestimated when used in graphical modelling of ecological systems. In this opinion article, I examine the relationship between formal logic methods used to describe causal networks and their inherent statistical and epistemological limitations. I argue that while these methods offer valuable insights, they are restricted by axiomatic assumptions, statistical constraints and the incompleteness of our knowledge. To prove that, I first consider causal networks as formal systems, define causality and formalize their axioms in terms of modal logic and use ecological counterexamples to question the axioms. I also highlight the statistical limitations when using multivariate time-series analysis and Granger causality to develop ecological networks, including the potential for spurious correlations among other data characteristics. Finally, I draw upon Gödel's incompleteness theorems to highlight the inherent limits of fully understanding complex networks as formal systems and conclude that causal ecological networks are subject to initial rules and data characteristics and, as any formal system, will never fully capture the intricate complexities of the systems they represent. This article is part of the theme issue 'Connected interactions: enriching food web research by spatial and social interactions'.

The development and validation of the pandemic medication-assisted treatment questionnaire for the assessment of pandemic crises impact on medication management and administration for patients with opioid use disorders.

Pandemic and the globally applied restriction measures mainly affect vulnerable population groups, such as patients with opioid use disorders. Towards inhibiting SARS-Cov-2 spread, the medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs follow strategies targeting the reduction of in-person psychosocial interventions and an increase of take-home doses. However, there is no available instrument to examine the impact of such modifications on diverse health aspects of patients under MAT. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the PANdemic Medication-Assisted Treatment Questionnaire (PANMAT/Q) to address the pandemic effect on the management and administration of MAT. In total, 463 patients under ΜΑΤ participated. Our findings indicate that PANMAT/Q has been successfully validated exerting reliability and validity. It can be completed within approximately 5 min, and its implementation in research settings is advocated. PANMAT/Q could serve as a useful tool to identify the needs of patients under MAT being at high risk of relapse and overdose.

Mortality of Dairy Sheep during the Peri-Parturient Period: Results of a Field Investigation in Greece.

Objectives of the study were (a) to investigate the incidence risk of peri-parturient mortality in dairy flocks in Greece, (b) to study when such mortality occurs in relation to lambing, (c) to identify clinical problems associated with the deaths, and (d) to evaluate potentially associated factors. The deaths of ewes during the peri-parturient period (10 days before to 7 days after lambing) were monitored in 60 flocks over two years. In the ewes that died, detailed post-mortems were performed. The incidence risk of peri-parturient deaths was 0.7%. The daily incidence rate of deaths before, at, and after lambing was 0.05, 0.04, and 0.03%, respectively. Clinical problems most frequently associated with peri-parturient deaths were pregnancy toxaemia, ruminal acidosis and post-partum genital problems. For the occurrence of peri-parturient deaths in flocks, the average lambing rate in the flocks was the only significant factor. Regarding deaths before or after lambing, the season during which lambing took place and the number of animals in the flock, respectively, were found to be significant. Most ewes (54.5%) that died at lambing (dystocia) were primigravidae.

A Temperature Conditioned Markov Chain Model for Predicting the Dynamics of Mosquito Vectors of Disease.

Understanding and predicting mosquito population dynamics is crucial for gaining insight into the abundance of arthropod disease vectors and for the design of effective vector control strategies. In this work, a climate-conditioned Markov chain (CMC) model was developed and applied for the first time to predict the dynamics of vectors of important medical diseases. Temporal changes in mosquito population profiles were generated to simulate the probabilities of a high population impact. The simulated transition probabilities of the mosquito populations achieved from the trained model are very near to the observed data transitions that have been used to parameterize and validate the model. Thus, the CMC model satisfactorily describes the temporal evolution of the mosquito population process. In general, our numerical results, when temperature is considered as the driver of change, indicate that it is more likely for the population system to move into a state of high population level when the former is a state of a lower population level than the opposite. Field data on frequencies of successive mosquito population levels, which were not used for the data inferred MC modeling, were assembled to obtain an empirical intensity transition matrix and the frequencies observed. Our findings match to a certain degree the empirical results in which the probabilities follow analogous patterns while no significant differences were observed between the transition matrices of the CMC model and the validation data (ChiSq = 14.58013, df = 24, p = 0.9324451). The proposed modeling approach is a valuable eco-epidemiological study. Moreover, compared to traditional Markov chains, the benefit of the current CMC model is that it takes into account the stochastic conditional properties of ecological-related climate variables. The current modeling approach could save costs and time in establishing vector eradication programs and mosquito surveillance programs.

Effect of Acoustic Radiation Force on the Distribution of Nanoparticles in Solid Tumors.

Acoustic radiation force (ARF) might improve the distribution of nanoparticles (NPs) in tumors. To study this, tumors growing subcutaneously in mice were exposed to focused ultrasound (FUS) either 15 min or 4 h after the injection of NPs, to investigate the effect of ARF on the transport of NPs across the vessel wall and through the extracellular matrix. Quantitative analysis of confocal microscopy images from frozen tumor sections was performed to estimate the displacement of NPs from blood vessels. Using the same experimental exposure parameters, ARF was simulated and compared with the experimental data. Enhanced interstitial transport of NPs in tumor tissues was observed when FUS (10 MHz, acoustic power 234 W/cm2, 3.3% duty cycle) was given either 15 min or 4 h after NP administration. According to acoustic simulations, the FUS generated an ARF per unit volume of 2.0×106 N/m3. The displacement of NPs was larger when FUS was applied 4 h after NP injection compared with after 15 min. This study shows that ARF might contribute to a modest improved distribution of NPs into the tumor interstitium.

Effect of Acoustic Radiation Force on Displacement of Nanoparticles in Collagen Gels.

Penetration of nanoscale therapeutic agents into the extracellular matrix (ECM) of a tumor is a limiting factor for the sufficient delivery of drugs in tumors. Ultrasound (US) in combination with microbubbles causing cavitation is reported to improve delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) and drugs to tumors. Acoustic radiation force (ARF) could also enhance the penetration of NPs in tumor ECM. In this work, a collagen gel was used as a model for tumor ECM to study the effects of ARF on the penetration of NPs as well as the deformation of collagen gels applying different US parameters (varying pressure and duty cycle). The collagen gel was characterized, and the diffusion of water and NPs was measured. The penetration of NPs into the gel was measured by confocal laser scanning microscopy and numerical simulations were performed to determine the ARF and to estimate the penetration distance and extent of deformation. ARF had no effect on the penetration of NPs into the collagen gels for the US parameters and gel used, whereas a substantial deformation was observed. The width of the deformation on the collagen gel surface corresponded to the US beam. Comparing ARF caused by attenuation within the gel and Langevin pressure caused by reflection at the gel-water surface, ARF was the prevalent mechanism for the gel deformation. The experimental and theoretical results were consistent both with respect to the NP penetration and the gel deformation.

Effect of Ultrasound on the Vasculature and Extravasation of Nanoscale Particles Imaged in Real Time.

Ultrasound and microbubbles have been found to improve the delivery of drugs and nanoparticles to tumor tissue. To obtain new knowledge on the influence of vascular parameters on extravasation and to elucidate the effect of acoustic pressure on extravasation and penetration of nanoscale particles into the extracellular matrix, real-time intravital multiphoton microscopy was performed during sonication of tumors growing in dorsal window chambers. The impact of vessel diameter, vessel structure and blood flow was characterized. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (2 MDa) was injected to visualize blood vessels. Mechanical indexes (MI) of 0.2-0.8 and in-house-made, nanoparticle-stabilized microbubbles or Sonovue were applied. The rate and extent of penetration into the extracellular matrix increased with increasing MI. However, to achieve extravasation, smaller vessels required MIs (0.8) higher than those of blood vessels with larger diameters. Ultrasound changed the blood flow rate and direction. Interestingly, the majority of extravasations occurred at vessel branching points.

An in vitro ULV olfactory bioassay method for testing the repellent activity of essential oils against moths.

A prototype olfactory device was developed and used for first time to study the bioactivity of Ultra Low Volumes (ULV) of three essential oilsagainst the moth pest Anarsia lineatella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Particle sizes calibration and standard ULV time-doses range tests were performed prior the olfactory bioassays. Three essential oils were tested Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon Grass), Gaultheria procumbens (Winter Grass) and Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosmarin) according to the proposed method. The most active oil was that of R. officinalis and moths expressed approximately 3-5 fold faster moving behavior (50% repellence response times to ULV, RT50: 20-30 min) compared to G. procumbens (RT50:74-79 min) and C. citratus (RT50:82-96 min). Apart from direct observed repellence, moths sprayed with ULV show clearly signs of knock down symptoms and high fatality in a period 15-60 min after their treatment especial in the case of R. officinalis. Longevity of female moths was significantly affected by the initial ULV application. Furthermore, choice test showed that essential oils significantly deterred oviposition in most cases. Considering the urgent need for alternative to conventional pesticides the current work may provide a framework of testing the bioactivity of bio rational compounds in the form of ULV and under Lab conditions.

Age Related Assessment of Sugar and Protein Intake of Ceratitis capitata in ad libitum Conditions and Modeling Its Relation to Reproduction.

In the inquiry on the age related dietary assessment of an organism, knowledge of the distributional patterns of food intake throughout the entire life span is very important, however, age related nutritional studies often lack robust feeding quantification methods due to their limitations in obtaining short-term food-intake measurements. In this study, we developed and standardized a capillary method allowing precise life-time measurements of food consumption by individual adult medflies, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), under laboratory conditions. Protein or sugar solutions were offered via capillaries to individual adults for a 5 h interval daily and their consumption was measured, while individuals had lifetime ad libitum access to sugar or protein, respectively, in solid form. Daily egg production was also measured. The multivariate data-set (i.e., the age-dependent variations in the amount of sugar and protein ingestion and their relation to egg production) was analyzed using event history charts and 3D interpolation models. Maximum sugar intake was recorded early in adult life; afterwards, ingestion progressively dropped. On the other hand, maximum levels of protein intake were observed at mid-ages; consumption during early and late adult ages was kept at constant levels. During the first 30 days of age, type of diet and sex significantly contributed to the observed difference in diet intake while number of laid eggs varied independently. Male and female adult longevity was differentially affected by diet: protein ingestion extended the lifespan, especially, of males. Smooth surface models revealed a significant relationship between the age dependent dietary intake and reproduction. Both sugar and protein related egg-production have a bell-shaped relationship, and the association between protein and egg-production is better described by a 3D Lorenzian function. Additionally, the proposed 3D interpolation models produced good estimates of egg production and diet intake as affected by age, providing us with a reliable multivariate analytical tool to model nutritional trends in insects, and other organisms, and their effect upon life history traits. The modeling also strengthened the knowledge that egg production is closely related to protein consumption, as suggested by the shape of the medfly reproduction-response function and its functional relationship to diet intake and age.

Motion-Adaptive Depth Superresolution.

Multi-modal sensing is increasingly becoming important in a number of applications, providing new capabilities and processing challenges. In this paper, we explore the benefit of combining a low-resolution depth sensor with a high-resolution optical video sensor, in order to provide a high-resolution depth map of the scene. We propose a new formulation that is able to incorporate temporal information and exploit the motion of objects in the video to significantly improve the results over existing methods. In particular, our approach exploits the space-time redundancy in the depth and intensity using motion-adaptive low-rank regularization. We provide experiments to validate our approach and confirm that the quality of the estimated high-resolution depth is improved substantially. Our approach can be a first component in systems using vision techniques that rely on high-resolution depth information.

Sol-Gel Derived Mg-Based Ceramic Scaffolds Doped with Zinc or Copper Ions: Preliminary Results on Their Synthesis, Characterization, and Biocompatibility.

Glass-ceramic scaffolds containing Mg have shown recently the potential to enhance the proliferation, differentiation, and biomineralization of stem cells in vitro, property that makes them promising candidates for dental tissue regeneration. An additional property of a scaffold aimed at dental tissue regeneration is to protect the regeneration process against oral bacteria penetration. In this respect, novel bioactive scaffolds containing Mg(2+) and Cu(2+) or Zn(2+), ions known for their antimicrobial properties, were synthesized by the foam replica technique and tested regarding their bioactive response in SBF, mechanical properties, degradation, and porosity. Finally their ability to support the attachment and long-term proliferation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) was also evaluated. The results showed that conversely to their bioactive response in SBF solution, Zn-doped scaffolds proved to respond adequately regarding their mechanical strength and to be efficient regarding their biological response, in comparison to Cu-doped scaffolds, which makes them promising candidates for targeted dental stem cell odontogenic differentiation and calcified dental tissue engineering.

Is there a potential for durable adhesion to zirconia restorations? A systematic review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: With a number of zirconia ceramic materials currently available for clinical use, an overview of the scientific literature on the adhesion methods and their potential influence is indicated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to classify and analyze the existing methods and materials proposed to improve adhesion to zirconia surfaces. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The current literature of in vitro studies examining the bond strength on zirconia ceramics, including clinical studies from 1998 until 2014, was analyzed. A search of the English language literature was undertaken using MEDLINE and PubMed, and a hand search was made for any relevant research paper from the library of a dental school. Papers evaluating only alumina restoration bond or ceramic-zirconia bond were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 134 publications were identified for analysis. Different adhesive techniques with different testing methods were reviewed. Results were difficult to compare in that the parameters varied in each research protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Airborne-particle abrasion and tribochemical silica coating are reference pretreatment methods. Adhesive monomers are necessary for chemical bonding. Surface contamination and aging have negative effects on adhesion to zirconia. Many factors influence each combination of zirconia material, such as surface treatment, adhesive medium, and aging conditions. Laboratory studies should be confirmed by clinical trials.

A large neglected pleomorphic adenoma of the lung: Report of a rare case.

Primary pleomorphic adenomas of the lung are very rare tumors that have peculiar clinical and oncologic features. We report here on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for a patient with a large neglected pulmonary pleomorphic adenoma that presented initially as pneumonia.

Energetic loads and informational entropy during insect metamorphosis: measuring structural variability and self-organization.

In this work an information theory approach is presented for measuring structural variability during insect metamorphosis. Following a self-organizational perspective, the underlying assumption is that an insect pupa is a cybernetic bio-system, which displays a homeostatic control during its metamorphosis. The description of structural variability was based on biochemical data (lipids, glycogen, carbohydrates and proteins) analysed at different time intervals during the metamorphosis of Anarsia lineatella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Probabilities of biochemical variables were further treated by considering a finite countable set of progressive metamorphosis states having Markov properties at isothermal conditions (25 °C, 16:8h L:D, 65 ± 5%RH). The probabilities of the biochemical variables, as well as the related informational entropies, are affected when the system moves one step forward for each successive state. In most cases, but protein, there is some observable evidence that histolysis could be related to a decrease in informational entropy H ('disorganization of the system'), followed by a 'stable balance period' during the middle stages of metamorphosis. An initial increase in H is measured at the last stages of metamorphosis, which theoretically correspond to histogenesis ('reorganization of the system'). In this context, the temporal evolution of pupal structural variability was probabilistically quantified according to the classical information theory. The principles of the proposed holistic system are independent of its detailed dynamics and the proposed model can potentially describe part of the observable experimental data during metamorphosis of a holometabolous insect.

Observations on an in-vivo failure of a titanium dental implant/abutment screw system: a case report.

Titanium and its alloys are widely used in prosthetic dentistry, due to their biocompatibility, excellent mechanical and anti-corrosion behavior. However, delayed fracture of dental prosthetics is frequently encountered. Mechanisms leading to fracture are not generic but are strongly related to the particular environmental (quality of biological fluids) and mechanical loading conditions (mastication habits, presence of prosthetic metallic/ceramic components) in the patients' oral cavity. In this study, a commercially pure titanium implant-screw system has failed after 15 years of operation in the oral cavity of an old female. The system was retrieved in three pieces: the upper part of the implant, part of the abutment screw, and the apical part of the implant to which a part of the screw was embedded. This is considered as a rare case, where the whole dental assembly was retrieved after fracture allowing the extensive fractographic analysis of the conjugate pieces and the establishment of a thorough in-vivo failure scenario. Scanning electron microscopy observations performed on all three retrieved parts indicated a synergistic effect of distinct mechanisms, which led to total failure under extrinsic common fatigue loading. The principal mechanism was the propagation of a main crack, which was previously initiated in the body of the implant and affected by a wedging mechanism due to Ca/P aggregates developed within the crack. Because of the strong fixation between the implant and the abutment screw, this main crack was transferred to the latter causing eventually total failure of the assembly.

Ankylosing spondylitis associated with craniomandibular disorder--a combined orthodontic and prosthodontic therapeutic approach.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease that causes inflammatory changes of the involved joints. Although the initial clinical signs are pain and discomfort, synovial changes progressively involve all the axial joints, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Eventually, bony alterations develop (condylar erosions, flattening, sclerosis) that affect the position of the condyle, the superior joint space, and the range of movements. These symptoms correlate with the severity of the disease. Besides physiotherapy and surgery, no dental rehabilitation has been reported for these patients. This report of a female patient with ankylosing spondylitis and a TMJ disorder emphasizes dental rehabilitation. The aim of the splint, orthodontic, and prosthodontic treatment was to relieve the subjective symptoms through establishing a stable optimum occlusion. Anamnestic, laboratory, and clinical findings including pre- and postradiographic examination records are presented.

Microstructural characterization and comparative evaluation of physical, mechanical and biological properties of three ceramics for metal-ceramic restorations.

OBJECTIVES: A wide variety of dental ceramics compositions have been introduced in dental clinical practice in order to combine desired aesthetics with superior mechanical performance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the microstructural changes in three dental ceramics after their sintering according to manufacturers' instructions and to comparatively evaluate some of their physical, mechanical and biological properties. METHODS: The analysis of the phases present in each material before and after sintering was performed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The thermal properties of ceramic specimens were evaluated with differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTA). The mechanical properties evaluated were fracture toughness, Young's modulus and microhardness with the Vickers indentation method. MTT assay was used for cell proliferation assessment. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni multiple comparisons tests was used to determine statistically significant differences (significance level of p<0.05). RESULTS: Results showed a remarkable variation among the three ceramic compositions of leucite content in the starting unheated ceramic powders ranging between 14 and 32 wt.% and in the respective sintered powders ranging between 15 and 41 wt.% The low fusing glass-ceramic and the high fusing leucite-based ceramic presented significantly higher fracture toughness (p<0.001) and microhardness and lower modulus of elasticity (p<0.05) compared to the low fusing feldspathic ceramic. The three ceramics were almost equivalent concerning their in vitro biological behavior. SIGNIFICANCE: Variations in crystal structure, distribution and composition are related to differences concerning mechanical properties of dental ceramics.

Clear-cut complete rupture of origin of right main bronchus.

Complete rupture of the main bronchus after blunt thoracic trauma is rare. Most patients with blunt traumatic injury to the trachea or bronchus die before arriving at hospital. A 26-year-old man with complete right main bronchus rupture was successfully treated by urgent surgical intervention and postoperative fiberoptic bronchoscopy for bronchial toilet.