bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between clinical and biochemical characteristics and quality of life in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Amiri Mina , Bidhendi Yarandi Razieh , Nahidi Fatemeh , Tohidi Maryam , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh
Published: September 2018

Background and objective

While has been well demonstrated that clinical characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are associated with an impaired quality of life (QoL) in patients, it is unclear that whether the biochemical aspects of PCOS can influence their QoL. We aimed to investigate the relationship between clinical and biochemical characteristics, and various domains of QoL in patients with PCOS.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Patients and Measurements

We assessed the association between clinical and biochemical characteristics and QoL domains (psychosocial–emotional, fertility, sexual function, and obesity–menstrual) in a total of 211 women with PCOS using a specific health‐related quality‐of‐life questionnaire for PCOS patients.

Results

Our findings showed positive significant association of QoL with age, and its negative significant associations with BMI, hirsutism and infertility (P < 0.05). We also found a negative association between FAI and total QoL (r = −0.14; P = 0.042) and domains of hirsutism (r = −0.14; P = 0.045) and obesity–menstrual (r = −0.23; P = 0.001). DHEAS was positively associated with the sexual function aspect of QoL (r = 0.20; P = 0.043). There were no significant associations between QoL and other hormonal parameters including LH to FSH ratio and total testosterone (tT). Significant associations were found between triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL and HDL cholesterol, and domain of obesity–menstrual of QoL. HOMA‐IR was significantly related to all QoL domains except self‐image and hirsutism.

Conclusion

Although biochemical markers can influence QoL in patients with PCOS, clinical manifestations of this syndrome such as obesity, infertility and hirsutism seem to play roles in worsening QoL, in particular for psychosocial domains. Hence, clinicians should regularly assess the clinical and psychosocial dimensions of PCOS as well as biochemical aspects.
A retrospective study of an alternative technique for implant repositioning in the maxillary esthetic region
Authors: Osterne Rafael Lima Verde , Nogueira Renato Luiz Maia , Abreu Ricardo Teixeira , Cavalcante Roberta Barroso , Medeiros Érica Amaral , Mello Manoel de Jesus Rodrigues
Published: September 2018

Background

Implant‐bone block segment repositioning may be an option of treatment for patients with vertical alveolar bone atrophy.

Purpose

To assess implant‐bone block movement, gingival outcome and the subjective appreciation of patients after an alternative treatment of an implant‐bone block segment repositioning in the maxillary esthetic region.

Materials and Methods

Patients who underwent implant‐bone block segment relocation in areas of vertical alveolar bone atrophy in the anterior esthetic region were assessed. The outcome measures were implant failure, complications after initial loading, vertical bone augmentation, papilla index, width of the keratinized mucosa, and patient satisfaction.

Results

Twenty‐five implants in nine consecutive patients were included in this study. During the follow‐up period, only one implant failed. Vertical bone augmentation ranged from 3.0 to 8.4 mm (mean 4.9 mm). A significant improvement (P < .001) in the papilla index was observed, improving the esthetic outcome. Six patients (66.6%) had more than 2 mm of keratinized mucosa and all of the patients were satisfied with the treatment.

Conclusions

The esthetics and functional gingival outcome of oral rehabilitation in areas with vertical alveolar bone atrophy can be successfully improved with the presented technique, which had a high overall implant survival rate within a short period.
Restoring to the future: Environmental, cultural, and management trade‐offs in historical versus hybrid restoration of a highly modified ecosystem
Authors: Burnett Kimberly M. , Ticktin Tamara , Bremer Leah L. , Quazi Shimona A. , Geslani Cheryl , Wada Christopher A. , Kurashima Natalie , Mandle Lisa , Pascua Pua‘ala , Depraetere Taina , Wolkis Dustin , Edmonds Merlin , Giambelluca Thomas , Falinski Kim , Winter Kawika B.
Published: September 2018

With growing calls to scale up reforestation efforts worldwide, conservation managers increasingly must decide whether and how to restore highly altered ecosystems. However, empirical research on potential trade‐offs remains scarce. We use a Hawai'i watershed to demonstrate a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to identifying synergies and trade‐offs associated with maintaining an unrestored forest, versus restoration to a historical or hybrid (native and non‐native plant species) state. We focused on restoration scenarios designed by conservation managers and measured ecological, hydrologic, and cultural outcomes they identified as important metrics of success. The hybrid restoration scenario maximized potential outcomes at moderate cost, and increased two rarely measured but often critical metrics to managers and communities: cultural value and resilience to disturbance. Hybrid restoration approaches developed collaboratively can provide a viable option for scaling up restoration in island ecosystems and other contexts where invasive species pose significant challenges and/or where community support is important.
Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features: An interobserver study of key cytomorphological features from a large academic medical centre
Authors: Brandler Tamar C. , Cho Margaret , Wei Xiao‐Jun , Simms Anthony , Levine Pascale , Hernandez Osvaldo , Oweity Thaira , Zhou Fang , Simsir Aylin , Rosen Lisa , Sun Wei
Published: September 2018

Objective

Because of the indolent nature of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features (NIFTP) and potential requisite for a more conservative treatment, it is crucial to identify features of this entity preoperatively. Our group recently published findings that there are several cytomorphological features that may be used as clues to distinguish NIFTP, papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and follicular adenoma (FA) on fine needle aspiration. Therefore, we aimed to determine the interobserver reproducibility of these findings.

Methods

Presurgical fine‐needle aspiration slides from NIFTP (n = 30), classic PTC (n = 30) and FA (n = 30) collected from 1/2013‐8/2016 were reviewed by seven cytopathologists blindly. Presence of selected cytomorphological features was recorded and compared to determine percent agreement and inter‐rater reliability among study cytopathologists using Gwet's AC1 statistics.

Results

For all the cytomorphological features, the overall percent agreement amongst the pathologists ranged between 65.1% and 86.8% (Gwet's AC1 0.30‐0.80). There was substantial or almost perfect agreement (Gwet's AC1 > 0.60) in seven cytomorphological features in the classic PTC group, in six features in the NIFTP group and in five features in the FA group. There were no features with poor agreement (Gwet's AC1 < 0.0).

Conclusions

The current study supports the reproducibility of our previous findings. The high level of agreement amongst pathologists for these groups, and particularly the NIFTP group, supports the notion that when viewed in combination as a cytological profile, these cytomorphological features may assist the cytopathologist in raising the possibility of NIFTP preoperatively. This can potentially aid clinicians in deciding whether more conservative treatment may be appropriate.
Effects of proinsulin misfolding on β‐cell dynamics, differentiation and function in diabetes
Authors: Riahi Yael , Israeli Tal , Cerasi Erol , Leibowitz Gil
Published: September 2018

ER stress due to proinsulin misfolding has an important role in the pathophysiology of rare forms of permanent neonatal diabetes (PNDM) and probably also of common type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Accumulation of misfolded proinsulin in the ER stimulates the unfolded protein response (UPR) that may eventually lead to apoptosis through a process called the terminal UPR. However, the β‐cell ER has an incredible ability to cope with accumulation of misfolded proteins; therefore, it is not clear whether in common forms of diabetes the accumulation of misfolded proinsulin exceeds the point of no return in which terminal UPR is activated. Many studies showed that the UPR is altered in both T1D and T2D; however, the observed changes in the expression of different UPR markers are inconsistent and it is not clear whether they reflect an adaptive response to stress or indeed mediate the β‐cell dysfunction of diabetes. Herein, we critically review the literature on the effects of proinsulin misfolding and ER stress on β‐cell dysfunction and loss in diabetes with emphasis on β‐cell dynamics, and discuss the gaps in understanding the role of proinsulin misfolding in the pathophysiology of diabetes.
MicroRNAs in islet hormone secretion
Authors: Esguerra Jonathan L. S. , Nagao Mototsugu , Ofori Jones K. , Wendt Anna , Eliasson Lena
Published: September 2018

Pancreatic islet hormone secretion is central in the maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis. During development of hyperglycaemia, the β‐cell is under pressure to release more insulin to compensate for increased insulin resistance. Failure of the β‐cells to secrete enough insulin results in type 2 diabetes (T2D). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non‐coding RNA molecules suitable for rapid regulation of the changes in target gene expression needed in β‐cell adaptations. Moreover, miRNAs are involved in the maintenance of α‐cell and β‐cell phenotypic identities via cell‐specific, or cell‐enriched expression. Although many of the abundant miRNAs are highly expressed in both cell types, recent research has focused on the role of miRNAs in β‐cells. It has been shown that highly abundant miRNAs, such as miR‐375, are involved in several cellular functions indispensable in maintaining β‐cell phenotypic identity, almost acting as “housekeeping genes” in the context of hormone secretion. Despite the abundance and importance of miR‐375, it has not been shown to be differentially expressed in T2D islets. On the contrary, the less abundant miRNAs such as miR‐212/miR‐132, miR‐335, miR‐130a/b and miR‐152 are deregulated in T2D islets, wherein the latter three miRNAs were shown to play key roles in regulating β‐cell metabolism. In this review, we focus on β‐cell function and describe miRNAs involved in insulin biosynthesis and processing, glucose uptake and metabolism, electrical activity and Ca2+‐influx and exocytosis of the insulin granules. We present current status on miRNA regulation in α‐cells, and finally we discuss the involvement of miRNAs in β‐cell dysfunction underlying T2D pathogenesis.
A thing of beauty: Structure and function of insulin's “aromatic triplet”
Authors: Weiss Michael A. , Lawrence Michael C.
Published: September 2018

The classical crystal structure of insulin was determined in 1969 by D.C. Hodgkin et al. following a 35‐year program of research. This structure depicted a hexamer remarkable for its self‐assembly as a zinc‐coordinated trimer of dimer. Prominent at the dimer interface was an “aromatic triplet” of conserved residues at consecutive positions in the B chain: PheB24, PheB25 and TyrB26. The elegance of this interface inspired the Oxford team to poetry: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever” (John Keats as quoted by Blundell, T.L., et al. Advances in Protein Chemistry 26:279‐286 [1972]). Here, we revisit this aromatic triplet in light of recent advances in the structural biology of insulin bound as a monomer to fragments of the insulin receptor. Such co‐crystal structures have defined how these side chains pack at the primary hormone‐binding surface of the receptor ectodomain. On receptor binding, the B‐chain β‐strand (residues B24‐B28) containing the aromatic triplet detaches from the α‐helical core of the hormone. Whereas TyrB26 lies at the periphery of the receptor interface and may functionally be replaced by a diverse set of substitutions, PheB24 and PheB25 engage invariant elements of receptor domains L1 and αCT. These critical contacts were anticipated by the discovery of diabetes‐associated mutations at these positions by Donald Steiner et al. at the University of Chicago. Conservation of PheB24, PheB25 and TyrB26 among vertebrate insulins reflects the striking confluence of structure‐based evolutionary constraints: foldability, protective self‐assembly and hormonal activity.
C5a anaphylatoxin and its role in critical illness‐induced organ dysfunction
Authors: Wood Alexander J. T. , Vassallo Arlette , Summers Charlotte , Chilvers Edwin R. , Conway‐Morris Andrew
Published: September 2018

Critical illness is an aetiologically and clinically heterogeneous syndrome that is characterised by organ failure and immune dysfunction. Mortality in critically ill patients is driven by inflammation‐associated organ damage and a profound vulnerability to nosocomial infection. Both factors are influenced by the activated complement protein C5a, released by unbridled activation of the complement system during critical illness. C5a exerts deleterious effects on organ systems directly and suppresses antimicrobial functions of key immune cells. Whilst several recent reports have added key knowledge of the cellular signalling pathways triggered by C5a, there remain a number of areas that are incompletely understood and therapeutic opportunities are still being evaluated. In this review, we summarise the cellular basis for C5a‐induced vulnerability to nosocomial infection and organ dysfunction. We focus on cells of the innate immune system, highlighting the major areas in need of further research and potential avenues for targeted therapies.
Clarithromycin added to bortezomib‐cyclophosphamide‐dexamethasone impairs health‐related quality of life in multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Nielsen Lene Kongsgaard , Klausen Tobias Wirenfeldt , Jarden Mary , Frederiksen Henrik , Vangsted Annette Juul , Do Trung , Kristensen Ida Bruun , Frølund Ulf Christian , Andersen Christen Lykkegaard , Abildgaard Niels , Gregersen Henrik
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The Danish Myeloma Study Group initiated a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded phase II study to investigate the efficacy of adding clarithromycin to cyclophosphamide‐bortezomib‐dexamethasone (VCD) induction therapy in transplant eligible, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The study was prematurely terminated due to severe complications, and no effect of adding clarithromycin was found. The aim of this study was to compare health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) between the two groups and to explore the coherence hereof with adverse event (AE) registration by clinicians.

Methods

Patients completed three validated HRQoL questionnaires at inclusion, before cyclophosphamide priming, and two months after high‐dose therapy (HDT). The mean score difference was interpreted by clinically relevant differences between groups. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to compare patient‐reported toxicities with AEs.

Results

Of 58 included patients, 55 participated in the HRQoL reporting. Before cyclophosphamide priming, patients in the clarithromycin group reported clinically relevant reduced HRQoL for eleven domains with persistent reduction in four domains two months after HDT. Poor correlation between patient‐reported toxicities and clinician‐reported AEs was observed.

Conclusions

Despite the premature study termination, our data demonstrate impaired HRQoL when clarithromycin was added to the VCD regimen. We found clear underreporting of toxicities by clinicians. ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02573935.
Striatal cholinergic interneurons regulate cognitive and affective dysfunction in partially dopamine‐depleted mice
Authors: Ztaou Samira , Lhost Juliette , Watabe Isabelle , Torromino Giulia , Amalric Marianne
Published: September 2018

Early non‐motor symptoms such as mood disorders and cognitive deficits are increasingly recognised in Parkinson's disease (PD). They may precede the characteristic motor symptomatology caused by dopamine (DA) neuronal loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). It is well known that striatal cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) are emerging as key regulators of PD motor symptom, however, their involvement in the cognitive and affective alterations occurring in the premotor phase of PD is poorly understood. We used optogenetic photoinhibition of striatal ChIs in mice with mild nigrostriatal 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) lesions and assessed their role in anxiety‐like behaviour in the elevated plus maze, social memory recognition of a congener and visuospatial object recognition. In transgenic mice specifically expressing halorhodopsin (eNpHR) in cholinergic neurons, striatal ChIs photoinhibition reduced the anxiety‐like behaviour and reversed social and spatial short‐term memory impairment induced by moderate DA depletion (e.g., 50% loss of tyrosine hydroxylase TH‐positive neurons in the SNc). Systemic injection of telenzepine (0.3 mg/kg), a preferential M1 muscarinic cholinergic receptors antagonist, improved anxiety‐like behaviour, social memory recognition but not spatial memory deficits. Our results suggest that dysfunction of the striatal cholinergic system may play a role in the short‐term cognitive and emotional deficits of partially DA‐depleted mice. Blocking cholinergic activity with M1 muscarinic receptor antagonists may represent a possible therapeutic target, although not exclusive, to modulate these early non‐motor deficits.
Effects of quorum‐sensing inhibition on experimental periodontitis induced by mixed infection in mice
Authors: Ben Amara Heithem , Song Hyun Y. , Ryu Eunju , Park Ji S. , Schwarz Frank , Kim Byeong M. , Choi Bong‐Kyu , Koo Ki‐Tae
Published: September 2018

This study aimed to verify, in in vivo settings, whether quorum‐sensing inhibition molecules could attenuate alveolar bone loss induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis/Fusobacterium nucleatum co‐infection and reduce the bacterial colonization of periodontal tissues. In BALB/c mice, periodontitis was induced through oral inoculation with P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum six times during a 42‐d period. Quorum sensing inhibitors (a furanone compound and D‐ribose) were administered simultaneously with bacterial infection. Linear and volumetric modifications of interproximal alveolar bone levels were compared between groups using micro‐computed tomography. Total bacteria, and P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum DNA in periodontal tissues, were quantified using real‐time PCR. Radiographic linear measurements demonstrated a significant reduction of alveolar bone loss, of approximately 40%, in mice treated with quorum sensing inhibitors when compared with the co‐infection group. This was confirmed by a significant increase of residual bone volume in the test group. While total bacterial genes in the treatment group significantly decreased by 93% in periodontal tissue samples when quorum sensing inhibitors were administered, no significant differences of P. gingivalis DNA were found. Quorum sensing inhibitors reduced periodontal breakdown and bacterial infection in periodontal tissues after co‐infection with P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum.
Control mechanisms and ecosystem‐based management of fishery production
Authors: Ye Yimin , Carocci Fabio
Published: September 2018

Fishery ecosystems are complex and influenced by various drivers that operate and interact at different levels and over multiple scales. Here, we propose a holistic methodology to determine the key mechanisms of fisheries, trophodynamics, and environmental drivers of marine ecosystems, using a multilevel model fitted to data on global catch, effort, trophic level, primary production, and temperature for 130 ecosystems from 1950 to 2012. The model describes the spatial‐temporal dynamics of world fisheries very well with a pseudo R2 = 0.75 and estimates the effects of key drivers of fishery production. The results demonstrate the integrative operation of bottom‐up and top‐down regulated trophic interactions at the global level and great variations in their relative importance among different types of ecosystem. The estimation of key drivers’ effects on marine ecosystems provides practical mechanisms for informed ecosystem‐based fisheries management to achieve the sustainable objectives that are consistent with the needs of specific fisheries.
Relationship Distress as a Mediator of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health: Implications for Clinical Practice with Economically Vulnerable Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Authors: Wheeler Naomi J. , Daire Andrew P. , Barden Sejal M. , Carlson Ryan G.
Published: September 2018

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are interpersonal sources of distress negatively correlated with physical and mental health, as well as maladaptive intimate partner conflict strategies in adulthood. Economically vulnerable racial and ethnic minorities report the greatest disparities in exposure to ACE, as well as relationship distress and health. Yet, little is known about the connections between ACE, relationship distress, and health. We therefore tested a theoretical model for the mediating role of relationship distress to explain the ACE‐health connection with a sample (N = 96) predominantly racial/ethnic minorities (87%) with low income. We applied partial least squares structural equation modeling with bootstrapping (N = 500). Relationship distress strengthened the predictive relationship between ACE and health, and accounted for 42% of the variance in health. The results provide preliminary support for relationship distress as a social determinant of health disparities with implications for interdisciplinary health intervention.
Discovery and screening of novel metagenome‐derived GH107 enzymes targeting sulfated fucans from brown algae
Authors: Schultz‐Johansen Mikkel , Cueff Marie , Hardouin Kévin , Jam Murielle , Larocque Robert , Glaring Mikkel A. , Hervé Cécile , Czjzek Mirjam , Stougaard Peter
Published: September 2018

Sulfated fucans, often denoted as fucoidans, are highly variable cell wall polysaccharides of brown algae, which possess a wide range of bioactive properties with potential pharmaceutical applications. Due to their complex architecture, the structures of algal fucans have until now only been partly determined. Enzymes capable of hydrolyzing sulfated fucans may allow specific release of defined bioactive oligosaccharides and may serve as a tool for structural elucidation of algal walls. Currently, such enzymes include only a few hydrolases belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family 107 (GH107), and little is known about their mechanistics and the substrates they degrade. In this study, we report the identification and recombinant production of three novel GH107 family proteins derived from a marine metagenome. Activity screening against a large substrate collection showed that all three enzymes degraded sulfated fucans from brown algae in the order Fucales. This is in accordance with a hydrolytic activity against α‐1,4‐fucosidic linkages in sulfated fucans as reported for previous GH107 members. Also, the activity screening gave new indications about the structural differences in brown algal cell walls. Finally, sequence analyses allowed identification of the proposed catalytic residues of the GH107 family. The findings presented here form a new basis for understanding the GH107 family of enzymes and investigating the complex sulfated fucans from brown algae.

Database

The assembled metagenome and raw sequence data is available at EMBL‐EBI (Study number: PRJEB28480). Sequences of the GH107 fucanases (Fp273, Fp277, and Fp279) have been deposited in GenBank under accessions MH755451–MH755453.
Oral care as a life course project: A qualitative grounded theory study
Authors: Gibson Barry J. , Kettle Jennifer E. , Robinson Peter G. , Walls Angus , Warren Lorna
Published: September 2018

Objective

To report on a theory to explain the oral health of older people over the life course.

Background

The study of ageing has burgeoned into a complex interdisciplinary field of research, yet there are few studies in oral health from the perspective of older people that bridge the gap between sociology and oral health related research.

Methods

A grounded theory study involving a convenience sample of 15 men and 28 women aged between 65 and 91 years across different levels of education. Data were subjected to grounded theory analysis using QSR NVivo 11.0 and where relevant phenomenological theory.

Results

Participants conceived of oral care as a life course project that resulted from an active plan to keep one's teeth into older age. This involved accessing the social world of dentistry, holding appropriate values, understanding the associated personality types, social practices, goals and outcomes. The life course project is a social project supported by social institutions. It involves ideas about appropriate ageing including how oral health is to be managed at different stages in the life course. The degree to which individuals are able to participate in this project is determined by both individual and social factors.

Conclusions

The theory explains why the loss of a single tooth might be experienced as traumatic but also why older people adapt to their changing oral health. Oral health in older age represented a lifetime's investment in oral care. Future health policies should consider this lifetime investment when considering care for older people.
Translation and validation of the Nepalese version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index
Authors: Agrawal Santosh Kumari , Shrestha Ashish , Bhagat Tarakant
Published: September 2018

Objective

To translate and validate the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) (Nepali version) from original English version.

Background

Growing numbers of elderly people have problems in different aspects of oral health increasing the demand for dental care services among them GOHAI may be one of the effective means of gathering information on oral health problems of the elderly people.

Materials and methods

A total of 168 individuals ≥60 years from seven old‐age homes located in Eastern Nepal were included in the study. The Nepali version of GOHAI was translated and validated.

Results

A total of 168 elderly people (79 male and 89 female participants) completed GOHAI questionnaire. The mean age (±SD) of the participants was 72.49 (±10.00) years. The mean GOHAI score (±SD) was 42.29 (±6.93) and ranged from 17 to 59. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the Nepali version of GOHAI (GOHAI‐N) was 0.74, which is categorised as very good agreement. Analysis of discriminant validity showed that lower mean GOHAI score was seen in study participants with more number of missing and decayed teeth. However, those who had more than one filled surface had higher mean GOHAI score.

Conclusion

The Nepali version of the GOHAI exhibited acceptable reliability and validity when used for older people residing in old age homes. The GOHAI‐N showed good consistency and homogeneity among the items.
Predicting falls from behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in older people residing in facilities
Authors: Sato Sei , Kakamu Takeyasu , Hayakawa Takehito , Kumagai Tomohiro , Hidaka Tomoo , Masuishi Yusuke , Endo Shota , Fukushima Tetsuhito
Published: September 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to examine whether behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia at the time of admission could be a predictor of falls in older people with dementia residing in geriatric health service facilities.

Methods

Three geriatric health services facilities located in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, were the targeted facilities. Of the 305 people admitted between May 2013 and November 2014, 242 (74 men, 168 women) who scored ≤20 points on the Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised were targeted for analysis. A total of 15 items from the Long‐term Care Certification Questionnaire Group 4 were used to assess behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and were compared by the presence or absence of falls.

Results

Of the 242 participants, 153 were non‐fallers and 89 were fallers. After adjusting for sex, age, Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised, degree of care (which showed a significant relationship with falls in univariate analysis), activities of daily living and history of falls, the influence of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia on falls was examined, and showed a significant association with falls and a significant increase of hazard ratio for the behavioral symptoms “wandering” 2.23 (95% confidence interval 1.35–3.68) and “agitation” 1.94 (95% confidence interval 1.24–3.04).

Conclusions

Because the risk of falling is high for residents who at the time of admission have the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia of “wandering” and “agitation,” it is necessary to predict the possibility of falling at an early stage, monitor the residents and adjust the environment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1573–1577.
Development and preliminary evaluation of a new screening instrument for atypical odontalgia and persistent dentoalveolar pain disorder
Authors: Durham J. , Stone S. J. , Robinson L. J. , Ohrbach R. , Nixdorf D. R.
Published: September 2018

Aim

To develop and preliminarily evaluate a new screening instrument for atypical odontalgia (AO) or persistent dentoalveolar pain disorder (PDAP). To evaluate the instrument's performance in detecting AO/PDAP amongst a heterogeneous group of orofacial pain conditions and pain‐free controls and empirically compare its performance with an established neuropathic screening instrument (S‐LANSS), which is the best available standard.

Methods

The study design was cross‐sectional; subjects recruited included a convenience sample of pain‐free controls (n = 21) and four groups of orofacial pain conditions: AO/PDAP (n = 22); trigeminal neuralgia (n = 21); temporomandibular disorder (n = 41); and acute dental pain (n = 41). The instrument's internal reliability and factor structure were examined alongside its sensitivity and specificity and ROC‐determined threshold score.

Results

The 9 AO/PDAP‐specific items were found to moderately correlate with the S‐LANSS (r = 0.58; P < 0.01). The 14‐items of the full instrument were examined using exploratory factor analysis and reduced to ten items in a two‐factor structure that explained 96% of the variance. This 10‐item final instrument had a ROC area of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.67; 0.88), sensitivity of 77% (95% CI: 55; 92%), and specificity of 69% (95% CI: 60; 77%) with an intentionally higher false‐positive rate than false‐negative rate. In contrast, the S‐LANSS exhibited sensitivity of 32% (95% CI: 14;55%) and specificity of 78% (95% CI: 70;85%) with less optimal false‐positive versus false‐negative rates.

Conclusion

This preliminary study confirms the new screening instrument for AO/PDAP merits progression to field testing.
Dietary fibre concentrates produced from papaya by‐products for agroindustrial waste valorisation
Authors: Nieto‐Calvache Jhon Edinson , de Escalada Pla Marina , Gerschenson Lía Noemi
Published: September 2018

In this work, papaya agroindustrial wastes were treated with ethanol and subsequently dehydrated to produce pulp or peel dietary fibre concentrates (DFCs). Hot air convection (CV) and microwave (MW) assisted dehydration were studied. The DFCs produced were mainly composed by cell wall polymers such as cellulose, lignin, proteins and non‐cellulosic carbohydrates. It was found that convective drying produced DFCs with lower uronic acid content than microwave drying. Besides, pulp DFCs dehydrated by MW presented higher values for hydration properties, compared to those reported in literature. Peel DFCs presented better antioxidant properties than those from the pulp. Use of peel tissue, as well as CV produced DFCs with higher values of glass transition temperature. The characteristics found in the DFCs allow concluding that these products may be added in a diverse range of food products, granting benefits that would normally be obtained using several additives.
Inflammatory bowel disease incidence, prevalence and 12‐month initial disease course in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Bhatia Rajesh , Yeoh Sern Wei , Vaz Karl , Studd Corrie , Wilson Jarrad , Bell Sally , Otahal Petr , Venn Alison
Published: September 2018

Background

High inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rates have been reported in Australasia, but no state‐wide studies have yet been performed.

Aim

This study estimates the 1‐year incidence and point prevalence of IBD in the state of Tasmania, Australia. It also reports clinical outcomes after 12 months of diagnosis in an incident cohort.

Methods

A prospective, population‐based study was performed collecting prevalent and incident state‐wide cases from 1 June 2013 to 31 May 2014. Case data were identified from specialist doctors, pathology databases and hospital records. Age‐standardised rates (ASR) were calculated based on World Health Organization 2000 standard population characteristics. Incident cases were followed up 12 months after diagnosis.

Results

There were 1719 prevalent cases: ASR for IBD, Crohn disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU) prevalence rates were 303.9, 165.5, 131.4 and 6.9 per 100 000 respectively. Prevalent CD cases were younger, with greater immunomodulator/biological use and bowel resections. There were 149 incident cases: ASR for IBD, CD, UC and IBDU incidence were 29.5, 15.4, 12.4 and 1.7 per 100 000 respectively. Incident CD cases were more likely than UC or IBDU to require escalation of medical therapy, hospitalisation and bowel resection, especially among those with penetrating or stricturing disease. They had a longer duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis.

Conclusion

IBD prevalence and incidence rates are high in Tasmania, comparable to data from other Australasian studies and those from Northern Europe and America. Poorer 12‐month clinical outcomes occurred in complicated CD, with greater use of healthcare resources.
The Impacts of a Civic Engagement Cohort Program for Water Quality Professionals
Authors: Kallestad Elizabeth , Chazdon Scott , Bohn Hannah
Published: September 2018

In this article, researchers report the impact study results of University of Minnesota Extension's civic engagement for water quality cohort program. The cohort curriculum highlights Extension's research‐informed, five‐stage civic engagement model emphasizing process design and process management. Using a non‐random comparison group design, a survey was conducted with participants of three civic engagement cohorts for water quality professionals, as well as a comparison group of water quality professionals not part of a cohort. Survey results were aggregated into the five stages of Extension's civic engagement process: prepare, inquire, analyze, synthesize, and act together. Findings indicated cohort participants experienced significantly better results than members of the comparison group in four of the five stages. A strength of Extension's civic engagement model and curriculum is its emphasis on the collective nature and processual aspects of civic engagement work. Cohort participants received training on civic engagement skills, which are not often emphasized in education for water quality professionals. While both groups reported a high frequency of increased civic engagement skills, cohort participants did not report more frequent collaboration or public engagement behaviors than comparison group members. A challenge for those training water quality professionals is instilling the value of civic engagement skills in addition to the more traditional technical skill sets associated with water quality work. Additionally, ongoing training and organizational support is needed for practitioners to effectively implement new skills and leverage new networks.
On the onset of fracture as a silicon‐based polymer converts into the ceramic phase
Authors: Raj Rishi , Pederiva Luca , Narisawa Masaki , Soraru Gian Domenico
Published: September 2018

Silicon‐based polymers evolve into refractory ceramics when heated gradually up to ~1000°C. The conversion is accompanied by the loss of gaseous species, and by a two‐fold increase in density. The shrinkage can produce microcracks if the heating rate is too high, or if the specimen is too thick. This communication builds on earlier work whereby the measurement of gas evolution, and its relationship with viscous flow, are related to the onset of fracture in disk‐shaped green (polymer) samples. The onset is determined as a function of the thickness of the disks, and of the heating rate. The results are presented in the form of a processing map. The overlay with gas evolution, and strain‐rate measurements, suggest that fracture initiates with the release of hydrogen and methane, starting at temperatures near 750°C.
Structure variation and energy storage properties of acceptor‐modified PBLZST antiferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Liu Pin , Zhang Yujing , Zhu Yiwei , Fan Baoyan , Li Wenru , Zhang Haibo , Jiang Shenglin
Published: September 2018

Energy storage capacitors with high recoverable energy density and efficiency are greatly desired in pulse power system. In this study, the energy density and efficiency were enhanced in Mn‐modified (Pb0.93Ba0.04La0.02)(Zr0.65Sn0.3Ti0.05)O3 antiferroelectric ceramics via a conventional solid‐state reaction process. The improvement was attributed to the change in the antiferroelectric‐to‐ferroelectric phase transition electric field (EF) and the ferroelectric‐to‐antiferroelectric phase transition electric field (EA) with a small Mn addition. Mn ions as acceptors, which gave rise to the structure variation, significantly influenced the microstructures, dielectric properties and energy storage performance of the antiferroelectric ceramics. A maximum recoverable energy density of 2.64 J/cm3 with an efficiency of 73% was achieved when x = 0.005, which was 40% higher than that (1.84 J/cm3, 68%) of the pure ceramic counterparts. The results demonstrate that the acceptor modification is an effective way to improve the energy storage density and efficiency of antiferroelectric ceramics by inducing a structure variation and the (Pb0.93Ba0.04La0.02)(Zr0.65Sn0.3Ti0.05)O3‐xMn2O3 antiferroelectric ceramics are a promising energy storage material with high‐power density.
Social jetlag and quality of life among nursing students: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chang Sun Ju , Jang Sun Joo
Published: September 2018

Aims

To investigate chronotype categories and social jetlag among nursing students and to identify associations between rhythm asynchrony and participants’ physical and psychological health, academic performance and quality of life.

Background

Social jetlag refers to the asynchrony between chronotypes and social working hours, resulting in a misalignment of biological and social time. Recent studies have reported possible changes in psychosocial functioning owing to social jetlag. Therefore, the present study investigated chronotypes and the extent of social jetlag among nursing students.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2015 with a sample of 346 nursing students in two universities in Korea.

Methods

Social jetlag and quality of life were measured with the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire and the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale, respectively, in the year 2015. Data analysis was mainly based on a multiple regression to identify social jetlag's influence on students’ quality of life.

Results

Average social jetlag was 1 hr ‐ 36 min. Social jetlag was negatively correlated with chronotype, academic performance and quality of life. A multiple regression analysis revealed that social jetlag, a positive emotional state, recovery resilience and depressive symptoms affected students’ quality of life. These variables accounted for 41.7% of the variance in quality of life.

Conclusions

Results suggest that decreases in social jetlag and depressive symptoms, as well as increases in the positive emotional state and recovery resilience, enhance students’ quality of life.
Influence of haemosporidian infection status on structural and carotenoid‐based colouration in the blue titCyanistes caeruleus
Authors: Janas Katarzyna , Podmokła Edyta , Lutyk Dorota , Dubiec Anna , Gustafsson Lars , Cichoń Mariusz , Drobniak Szymon
Published: September 2018

Hypotheses postulating parasite‐mediated mate choice intrinsically assume that parasitic infections deteriorate the quality of male ornamentation. Although this assumption has often been studied in the context of carotenoid‐based colouration, only few studies investigated this with reference to structural feather colouration, which in many species plays a vital role in sexual selection. Here, using a three‐years dataset from a wild blue titCyanistes caeruleuspopulation, we examined the relationship between the haemosporidian infection status and the structural as well as the carotenoid‐based colouration of adult birds. Furthermore, we investigated potential differences in the impact on feather colouration between two examined parasite genera:PlasmodiumandHaemoproteus. For analysis of the feathers spectral reflectance we used both the tristimulus model and the avian tetrahedral colour space model, incorporating visual phenotype of the blue tit. Contrary to expectations we found that infected birds showed higher brightness, in both the structural and the carotenoid‐based colours. We also found no differences in the feather colouration between birds infected withPlasmodiumandHaemoproteus. Observed pattern might be best explained by the parasite‐mediated selection hypothesis, as only individuals of superior quality should be able to survive the acute stage of infection and therefore they could produce more elaborate ornamental colouration.
Effectiveness of clicker‐assisted teaching in improving the critical thinking of adolescent learners
Authors: Ghanaat Pisheh Etrat AlZahra , NejatyJahromy Yaser , Gargari Rahim Badri , Hashemi Touraj , Fathi‐Azar Eskandar
Published: September 2018

The effect of the implementation of student response systems (SRSs) in teaching on the critical thinking (CT) of young students was investigated. The study benefited from a quasi‐experimental design and a pretest/posttest set‐up. Subjects consisted of 156 K‐8 students in Tehran during 2016–2017, selected through a multistage cluster sampling, and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG). The regular curriculum of the students contained a weekly session of a course titled “Thinking and Lifestyle.” Ten sessions of the course were conducted using SRS (aka clickers) for EG, whereas CG kept receiving the same content in the conventional form. The teaching period was followed by the posttest. ANCOVA showed that, in contrast with CG, EG scored significantly higher on CT test after the intervention. The effect was shown to be only significant for the students at the lower side of the performance spectrum. Thus, in this inaugural study of clickers in schools in Iran, it was empirically demonstrated that clickers, as a relatively new piece of technology, can be successfully utilized during early adolescence in the pedagogical strategies in general and for the improvement of CT of students in particular.
Outcomes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation studies are affected more by study design and patient mix than ablation technique
Authors: Ferreira‐Martins João , Howard James , Al‐Khayatt Becker , Shalhoub Joseph , Sohaib Afzal , Shun‐Shin Matthew J. , Novak Paul G. , Leather Rick , Sterns Laurence D. , Lane Christopher , Lim Phang Boon , Kanagaratnam Prapa , Peters Nicholas S. , Francis Darrel P. , Sikkel Markus B.
Published: September 2018

Objective

We tested whether ablation methodology and study design can explain the varying outcomes in terms of atrial fibrillation (AF)‐free survival at 1 year.

Background

There have been numerous paroxysmal AF ablation trials, which are heterogeneous in their use of different ablation techniques and study design. A useful approach to understanding how these factors influence outcome is to dismantle the trials into individual arms and reconstitute them as a large meta‐regression.

Methods

Data were collected from 66 studies (6941 patients). With freedom from AF as the dependent variable, we performed meta‐regression using the individual study arm as the unit.

Results

Success rates did not change regardless of the technique used to produce pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Neither was adjunctive lesion sets associated with any improvement in outcome. Studies that included more males and fewer hypertensive patients were found more likely to report better outcomes. The electrocardiography method selected to assess outcome also plays an important role. Outcomes were worse in studies that used regular telemonitoring (by 23%; P < 0.001) or in patients who had implantable loop recorders (by 21%;
P = 0.006), rather than those with the less thorough periodic Holter monitoring.

Conclusions

Outcomes of AF ablation studies involving PVI are not affected by the technologies used to produce PVI. Neither do adjunctive lesion sets change the outcome. Achieving high success rates in these studies appears to be dependent more on patient mix and on the thoroughness of AF detection protocols. These should be carefully considered when quoting the success rates of AF ablation procedures that are derived from such studies.
Abnormal repolarization: A common electrocardiographic finding in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Hayashi Katsuhide , Kohno Ritsuko , Akamatsu Naoki , Benditt David G. , Abe Haruhiko
Published: September 2018

Background

Recently, certain forms of early repolarization (ER) on electrocardiograms (ECGs) have been considered a possible marker of increased sudden cardiac death risk. The frequency, characteristics, and clinical follow‐up with which these forms of ER are present in epilepsy patients, and whether or not abnormal ER contributes to sudden unexplained death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP) is unknown.

Methods and Results

The amplitude of J peak and ST‐segment morphology after ER on 12‐lead ECGs were assessed in 354 epilepsy patients (age, 33 ± 16 years; 54% men) and 140 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects (age, 31 ± 12 years; 50% men). Abnormal ER prevalence (J‐wave amplitude ≥0.1 mV) was greater in epilepsy patients (19.8%) compared with controls (8.6%; P = 0.002) in inferior ECG leads but not in lateral leads (
P = 0.40). ER with a horizontal or descending ST segment was also more prevalent in epilepsy patients (
P < 0.001). After introducing antiepileptic drugs in 36 epilepsy patients, there were no significant ER changes. Similarly, in 64 epilepsy patients with seizure suppression, ER comparison before and after seizure control revealed no significant changes. Male gender was the only significant predictor of abnormal ER in epilepsy patients (
P = 0.03). During a median follow‐up of 7 years, SUDEP occurred in two patients, one with abnormal ER.

Conclusions

Abnormal ER may be more prevalent in epilepsy patients than in controls and is not altered by antiepileptic drugs or achievement of epilepsy suppression. The relation of abnormal ER to SUDEP remains in need of further study.