bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of deprescribing interventions in older patients with life‐limiting illness and limited life expectancy: A systematic review
Authors: Shrestha Shakti , Poudel Arjun , Steadman Kathryn , Nissen Lisa
Published: September 2019

Aims

Older patients with life‐limiting illness (LLI) and limited life expectancy (LLE) continue to receive potentially inappropriate medicines, consequently deprescribing is often necessary. However, deprescribing in this population can be complex and challenging. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the evidence for outcomes of deprescribing interventions in older patients with LLI and LLE.

Methods

Studies on deprescribing intervention and their outcomes in age ≥65 years with LLI and LLE were searched using PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO and Google Scholar. Medication appropriateness was primary outcome, while clinical and cost‐related outcomes were secondary. Eligibility, data extraction and quality assessment were followed by a narrative synthesis of data.

Results

Of 9 studies (1375 participants), 3 reported on primary outcome. One study showed a significant reduction in medication inappropriateness by 34.9% (P < .001) from admission to close‐out, the second achieved 29.4% (P < .001) and 15.1% (P = .003) reduction at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The third reported that their intervention stopped (17.2%) and altered the dose (2.6%) of high‐risk medications. Commonly reported clinical outcomes were mortality (n = 3), quality of life (n = 2) and falls (n = 2). Outcomes in terms of cost were reported as overall cost (n = 2), medication cost (n = 1) and health care expenditure (n = 1).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that deprescribing in older patients with LLI and LLE can improve medication appropriateness, and has potential for enhancement of several clinical outcomes and cost savings, but the evidence needs to be better established.
Video art as digital play for young children
Authors: Leung Suzannie K. Y. , Choi Kimburley W. Y. , Yuen Mantak
Published: September 2019

In the 21st century, along with fine arts, media art has become an important genre for young children. Undoubtedly, early visual arts give children a powerful language with which to express themselves aesthetically, cognitively and creatively through the use of symbolic representations. However, digital play remains a controversial issue in early childhood education, causing many schools to delay implementing digital arts. Recently, a number of international scholars have studied how digital technologies relate to children's learning experiences at school, arguing that open‐ended digital devices (eg, tablet computers, cameras and video recorders) may allow children to produce more creative content, such as drawings, photos and films. This study explored the role of video art in early visual arts education by using digital devices in a summer workshop in Hong Kong on video making, applying the digital play framework to the data collected. The findings revealed that the children who participated were able to explore the professional device through epistemic play. Meanwhile, they were able to use film language to share their toy‐playing stories and make their own 1‐minute video through ludic play. In this study, the children engaged in concurrent exploratory activities, using a digital video recorder and toys to create innovative and imaginative play. The findings of this study increase practitioners' and leaders' awareness of the role of digital play in early childhood education.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic?

Digital arts initiatives in early childhood education have been discussed around the world; however, the implementation of digital arts learning projects has been a challenging undertaking in schools.

The digital play framework has been introduced in the previous literature. This framework helps teachers observe, plan for and integrate the use of still‐camera technologies in play‐based learning.

What this paper adds

This study aims to offer practical advice on the integration of video art in children's digital play activities.

It adopts a theoretical lens related to video making to examine techniques and engagement among children in the Asia‐Pacific region.

It supplements the existing digital play framework with additional indicators associated with learning to use video cameras through play.

Implications for practice and policy

This study sheds new light on the application of open‐ended digital devices in children's play and learning.

The results highlight the value of children's play in digital arts and the possibility of integrating digital arts into the early childhood curriculum in schools.
Criteria for recognizing shelf‐slope clinoforms in outcrop; Jurassic Lajas and Los Molles formations, S. Neuquén Basin, Argentina
Authors: Olariu Cornel , Steel Ronald J. , Vann Nataleigh K. , Tudor Eugen P. , Shin Moonsoo , Winter René R. , Gan Yuqian (Philomena) , Jung Eunsil , De Almeida Flavio N. , Giacomone Gabriel , Minisini Daniel , Brinkworth Walter , Loss Maria L. , Iñigo Juan , Gutierrez Raul
Published: September 2019

Seismic‐reflection data show that most deepwater (>200 m water depth) basins are filled by sand and mud dispersed across clinoformal geometries characterized by gently dipping topsets, steeper foresets and gently dipping bottomsets. However, the entire geometry of these ubiquitous clinoforms is not always recognized in outcrops. Sometimes the infill is erroneously interpreted as “layer cake” or “ramp” stratigraphy because the topset‐foreset‐bottomset clinoforms are not well exposed. Regional 2‐D seismic lines show clinoforms in the Lower to Middle Jurassic Challaco, Lajas, and Los Molles formations in S. Neuquén Basin in Argentina. Time equivalent shelf, slope and basin‐floor segments of clinoforms are exposed, and can be walked out in hundreds of metres thick and kilometres‐wide outcrops. The studied margin‐scale clinoforms are not representing a continental‐margin but a deepwater shelf margin that built out in a back‐arc basin. Lajas‐Los Molles clinoforms have been outcrop‐mapped by tracing mudstones interpreted as flooding surfaces on the shelf and abandonment surfaces (low sedimentation rate) in the deepwater basin. The downslope and lateral facies variability in the outcrops is also consistent with a clinoform interpretation. The Lajas topset (shelf) is dominated by fluvial and tidal deposits. The shelf‐edge rollover zone is occasionally occupied by a 40–50‐m‐thick coarse‐grained shelf‐edge delta, sometimes incising into the underlying slope mudstones, producing oblique clinoforms expressing toplap erosion on seismic. A muddy transgressive phase capping the shelf‐edge deltas contains tidal sandbodies. Shelf‐edge deltas transition downslope into turbidite‐ and debris flow‐filled channels that penetrate down the mud‐prone Los Molles slope. At the base‐of‐slope, some 300m below the shelf edge, there are basin‐floor fan deposits (>200 m thick) composed of sandy submarine‐fan lobes separated by muddy abandonment intervals. The large‐scale outcrop correlation between topset–foreset–bottomset allows facies and depositional interpretation and sets outcrop criteria recognition for each clinoform segment.
Erythropoietin protects outer blood‐retinal barrier in experimental diabetic retinopathy by up‐regulating ZO‐1 and occludin
Authors: Zhang Chaoyang , Xie Hai , Yang Qian , Yang Yiting , Li Weiye , Tian Haibin , Lu Lixia , Wang Fang , Xu Jing‐Ying , Gao Furong , Wang Juan , Jin Caixia , Xu Guoxu , Xu Guo‐Tong , Zhang Jingfa
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To explore the mechanisms of erythropoietin (EPO) in maintaining outer blood‐retinal barrier (BRB) in diabetic rats.

Methods

Sprague‐Dawley rats were rendered diabetic with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, and then followed by intravitreal injection of EPO. Two and four weeks later, the permeability of outer BRB was examined with FITC‐dextran leakage assay, following a method to demarcate the inner and outer retina based on retinal blood supply. The glyoxal‐treated ARPE‐19 cells, incubated with EPO, soluble EPO receptor (sEPOR), Gö6976, or digoxin, were studied for cell viability and barrier function. The expressions of ZO‐1, occludin, VEGFR2, HIF‐1α, MAPKs, and AKT were examined with Western blot and immunofluorescence.

Results

The major Leakage of FITC‐dextran was detected in the outer nuclear layer in both 2‐ and 4‐week diabetic rats. The leakage was largely ameliorated in EPO‐treated diabetic rats. The protein expressions of ZO‐1 and occludin in the RPE‐Bruch's membrane choriocapillaris complex were significantly decreased, whereas HIF‐1α and JNK pathways were activated, in 4‐week diabetic rats. These changes were prevented by EPO treatment. The in vitro study with ARPE‐19 cells confirmed these changes, and the protective effect of EPO was abolished by sEPOR. Gö6976 and digoxin rescued the tight junction and barrier function in glyoxal‐treated ARPE‐19 cells.

Conclusions

In early diabetic rats, the outer BRB might be more severely damaged and its breakdown is the major factor for retinal oedema. EPO maintains the outer BRB integrity through down‐regulation of HIF‐1α and JNK signallings, and thus up‐regulating ZO‐1 and occludin expressions in RPE cells.
Standing‐type magnetically guided capsule endoscopy versus gastroscopy for gastric examination: multicenter blinded comparative trial
Authors: Lai Hua‐sheng , Wang Xin‐ke , Cai Jian‐qun , Zhao Xin‐mei , Han Ze‐long , Zhang Jie , Chen Zhen‐yu , Lin Zhi‐zhao , Zhou Ping‐hong , Hu Bing , Li Ai‐min , Liu Si‐de
Published: September 2019

Aim

To compare feasibility and safety after gastrointestinal checkup by standing‐type magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy (SMCE) and conventional gastroscopy.

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter, blinded study that compared SMCE with gastroscopy in patients from April 2018 to July 2018. All patients first underwent SMCE and then subsequently had gastroscopy with i.v. anesthesia. We calculated the compliance rates of gastric lesion detection by SMCE using gastroscopy as the standard. Capsule retention rate, incidence of adverse events, and patient satisfaction were documented throughout the study.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐one patients who completed SMCE and gastroscopy were included in the analysis. Positive compliance rate among SMCE and gastroscopy was 92.0% (95% CI: 80.77%–97.78%). Negative compliance rate was 95.5% (89.80%, 98.52%). Moreover, overall compliance rate was 94.41% (89.65%, 97.41%). Sixty‐four pathological outcomes were identified. Of these 64 outcomes, 50 were detected by both procedures. The gastroscopy method neglected seven findings (such as five erosions, one polyp, and one ulcer). Furthermore, SMCE also overlooked seven lesions (i.e. one erosion, two polyps, one atrophy, and three submucosal tumors). Capsule retention or related adverse events were not reported.

Conclusion

Standing‐type magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy provides equivalent agreement with gastroscopy and may be useful for screening of gastric illnesses without any anesthesia.
Dramatically changed immune‐related molecules as early diagnostic biomarkers of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ye Xiangdong , Zhang Ni , Jin Yanxia , Xu Bo , Guo Chanyuan , Wang Xueqing , Su Yanting , Yang Qing , Song Jiaqi , Yu Wenhui , Cheng Pengfei , Cheng Liming , Gong Yongsheng , Fu Xiangning , Sun Hui
Published: September 2019

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the main type of lung cancer, with a low 5‐year survival rate because of the absence of effective clinical biomarkers for early diagnosis. Based on the immunosurveillance theory, we proposed that changes in the immune system are more pronounced than tumour‐associated antigens during the early stage of cancer. Therefore, a new strategy was designed to screen early diagnostic biomarkers from peripheral leukocytes in early‐stage NSCLCs with transcriptome sequencing. A total of 358 immune‐related differentially expressed genes were identified between early‐NSCLC patients and healthy individuals. Orosomucoid‐1 (ORM1, a acute phase protein), the total ORM and chitotriosidase‐1 (involved in degradation of chitobiose) were selected for further verification in 210 serum samples by western blotting, ELISA and nephelometry immunoassay (based on immuno‐scatter turbidmetry). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis show that ORM1 and total ORM have excellent diagnostic efficacies, with area under the curve of 0.862 and 0.920, respectively, which significantly distinguished very early‐NSCLC (IA) from healthy samples. Flow cytometry results showed that CD15+ neutrophils made up 73% of ORM1+ peripheral leukocytes. In mouse lung cancer model, serum ORM1, but not liver ORM1, changed significantly in the early stage of NSCLC. ORM1 expression in peripheral leukocytes was regulated by TGF‐β and mediated by the TGF‐β/Smad signalling pathway. Our results indicated that combined ORM and TGF‐β could be a promising clinical biomarker in the diagnosis of early NSCLC.
Consequential life cycle assessment of miscanthus livestock bedding, diverting straw to bioelectricity generation
Authors: Yesufu Jalil , McCalmont Jon P. , Clifton‐Brown John C. , Williams Prysor , Hyland John , Gibbons James , Styles David
Published: September 2019

Straw is an important livestock bedding material facing increasing demand for alternative uses in Europe and is often transported long distances from arable to livestock regions. Alternative bedding materials cultivated directly on livestock farms could potentially avoid this transport and competition for use. For the first time, we applied consequential life cycle assessment (LCA) to account for the direct and indirect implications of miscanthus bedding production on livestock farms, considering displacement of fodder or livestock, and substitution of fossil fuels with straw in electricity generation. We modelled the effect of substituting straw with ‘home‐grown’ miscanthus bedding across seven beef and sheep farms. The consequences of displacing grass forage (or animal) production with home‐grown miscanthus bedding cultivation were evaluated via three farmer decision scenarios: buy extra concentrate feed (D1), utilize remaining pasture areas more efficiently (D2) and buy grass silage (D3). Electricity generated from displaced straw (bedding) substituted either natural gas or coal electricity. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken using 34 scenario permutations to represent combinations of feed and electricity substitution, miscanthus fertilization rates and yields, and the quality of displaced pasture. Consequential LCA indicates that miscanthus bedding production could be environmentally beneficial, under scenarios involving D2 and D3. However, greenhouse gas emissions and wider environmental burdens may be increased under D1 scenarios, owing to the environmental cost of additional concentrate feed production, and possible indirect land use change, outweighing the benefits from: (a) fossil electricity substitution with straw bioelectricity; (b) reduced animal emissions via improved digestibility of concentrate feed; (c) avoided straw transport. The ratio of the yield of miscanthus to replaced grass was found to be a critical determinant of D1 environmental outcomes. We conclude that if grass forage production can be better managed, the use of miscanthus as a bedding material on livestock farms provides environmental benefits via diversion of straw to bioenergy use.
‘Penal Drift’ and the Voluntary Sector
Authors: MAGUIRE MIKE , WILLIAMS KATE , CORCORAN MARY
Published: September 2019

This article explores the concept of ‘penal drift’ – the gradual adoption of criminal justice culture, language, and working practices – in voluntary sector organisations (VSOs) commissioned to deliver services to offenders. It identifies increases in coerced attendance, obligations to report non‐compliance, targets to reduce reoffending, and contracts to ‘process’ high caseloads, as factors behind such drift, which can jeopardise relationships with service users and the sector's traditional ‘value‐driven’ approach. It is concluded that most VSOs have so far managed to resist these threats and to balance contractual obligations with adherence to core values. However, this comes at a cost in staff time and energy and is difficult to sustain. There are concerns that the longer‐term effects may be quite damaging to the sector.
Inside or Outside the Criminal Justice System? The Example of Community Chaplaincy
Authors: DOMINEY JANE
Published: September 2019

This examines explores the ways in which voluntary sector organisations working in the area of crime and justice operate both inside and outside the criminal justice system, moving between the worlds of the correctional services and the community. It examines the inclusionary and exclusionary nature of the control exercised by the penal voluntary sector and raises questions about legitimacy and the work of the sector. The article takes the example of community chaplaincy to develop these debates, drawing on empirical evidence from a study conducted in 2016 and 2017. It explores the nature of community chaplaincy mentoring relationships, setting this in the context of the faith‐based foundation of community chaplaincy. It concludes that the organisation must exist in both the community and the correctional worlds, adopting and shifting positions that reflect the needs of service users, volunteers, commissioners and funders.
Estimating the economic value of emerging technologies in chronic wound therapy
Authors: Fetterolf Donald E.
Published: September 2019

Estimating the economic value of emerging technologies in clinical medicine presents a number of problems. New technologies may have a limited clinical history, few supportive peer‐reviewed publications, and only anecdotal evidence as they enter the market and seek clinician approval and reimbursement from payers. Although clinical efficacy/effectiveness research is a minimal starting point for making the case for adoption of a product, establishing a competitive cost‐effectiveness position against other products and establishing the case for economic value must be made as well when presenting to health plans or other payers. Economic valuation methods have been well developed in the business community. Reviewed here are the components of a well‐crafted case for the economic value of a product in general and in the wound industry specifically, in a multidomain approach to demonstrate values using demographic, clinical, financial, operational, and intangible assessments.
Survey of acceptor dopants in SrTiO3: Factors limiting room temperature hole concentration
Authors: Bowes Preston C. , Baker Jonathon N. , Irving Douglas L.
Published: September 2019

Unintentional impurities often found in strontium titanate (doped or undoped) have hindered efforts to study individual impurities experimentally. To fill this gap, a computational survey of acceptor‐type point defects of common intentional or unintentional impurities (Al, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, Na, Ni, and Zn) is presented. Utilizing defect formation energies from density functional theory using hybrid exchange correlation functionals in a grand canonical model of the defect chemistry, the equilibrium Fermi level (μe) was calculated as a function of processing conditions for pure SrTiO3, SrTiO3 individually doped with each impurity, and SrTiO3 co‐doped with Al and N. Above a certain concentration, each impurity reduced the maximum predicted hole concentration relative to the intrinsic case. Al, Mg, Zn, K, and Na exhibited similar trends and behaved more like ideal acceptors while N, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Cu were all unique and pinned μe near or above the mid‐gap in most conditions. Al/N:SrTiO3 also exhibited similar trends at 800°C for all Al/N ratios, but more variation at 25°C. Additionally, the behavior of Al:SrTiO3 was not recovered until Al/N = 104. This suggests that to achieve SrTiO3 with free holes at room temperature, the concentration of most impurities must be controlled.
A quantitative systematic review of the association between nurse skill mix and nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes in the acute care setting
Authors: Twigg Diane E. , Kutzer Yvonne , Jacob Elisabeth , Seaman Karla
Published: September 2019

Aims

To examine the association between nurse skill mix (the proportion of total hours provided by Registered Nurses) and patient outcomes in acute care hospitals.

Design

A quantitative systematic review included studies published in English between January 2000 – September 2018.

Data sources

Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Joanna Briggs Institute were searched. Observational and experimental study designs were included. Mix‐methods designs were included if the quantitative component met the criteria.

Review methods

The Systematic Review guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and its critical appraisal instrument were used. An inverse association was determined when seventy‐five percent or more of studies with significant results found this association.

Results

Sixty‐three articles were included. Twelve patient outcomes were inversely associated with nursing skill mix (i.e., higher nursing skill mix was significantly associated with improved patient outcomes). These were length of stay; ulcer, gastritis and upper gastrointestinal bleeds; acute myocardial infarction; restraint use; failure‐to‐rescue; pneumonia; sepsis; urinary tract infection; mortality/30‐day mortality; pressure injury; infections and shock/cardiac arrest/heart failure.

Conclusion

Nursing skill mix affected 12 patient outcomes. However, further investigation using experimental or longitudinal study designs are required to establish causal relationships. Consensus on the definition of skill mix is required to enable more robust evaluation of the impact of changes in skill mix on patient outcomes.

Impact

Skill mix is perhaps more important than the number of nurses in reducing adverse patient outcomes such as mortality and failure to rescue, albeit the optimal staffing profile remains elusive in workforce planning.
Obesity in youth and adults with intellectual disability in Europe and Eurasia
Authors: Sadowsky Molly , McConkey Roy , Shellard Amy
Published: September 2019

Background

Information about obesity among people with intellectual disability comes mostly from small‐scale, national samples in high‐income countries. There are limited data from transnational studies.

Method

BMI scores had been obtained for over 25,000 youth and adults with intellectual disabilities drawn from 60 European and Eurasian countries. Their height and weight had been measured using standardized procedures when they attended Special Olympics Healthy Athletes events.

Results

Binary logistic regression identified higher levels of obesity for athletes living in high‐income countries, and for adult females, for those aged 30 years and over, and also for youth aged 8–13 years.

Conclusions

Participation in sports does not appear to have protected these athletes from obesity. Arguably, this remains the most pressing health issue for people with intellectual disability, particularly in Western Europe.
Overcoming Dissent: Socialization in the EU's Political and Security Committee in a Context of Crises
Authors: Michalski Anna , Danielson August
Published: September 2019

Various crises have plagued the EU's foreign policy over the last decade. As some member states increasingly question the founding principles of the EU, it is reasonable to expect that national representatives serving in preparatory bodies in the EU are forced to operate under stricter instructions from their capitals. Nevertheless, strong adherence to the coordination reflex and problem‐solving ethos is still prevalent within the political and security committee (PSC), the main policy coordination body within EU foreign policy. In order to understand this counterintuitive puzzle we conducted interviews with 20 PSC representatives. We found that national representatives primarily internalize and adhere to the rules and practices at the level of the group (procedural norms) rather than the founding principles of the EU (constitutive norms). Contrary to existing research, we argue that a theoretical distinction between these norms is necessary in order to understand fully how crises and contestation affect microlevel socialization.
Association between obesity and adipokines levels in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Duffles Letícia Fernanda , Hermont Ana Paula , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Pordeus Isabela Almeida , Silva Tarcília Aparecida
Published: September 2019

Aim

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to compare adipokines’ levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva between individuals with obesity and individuals without obesity.

Methods

Computerized searches were conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed, Medline via Ovid, Web of Science, and Scopus). Manual searches and a Google Scholar search, limiting the search to the first 100 hits, were also conducted. Two calibrated authors performed the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of included articles. The quality of the included articles was evaluated using the University of Adelaide Tool.

Results

The electronic searches retrieved 929 titles/abstracts. Following the removal of duplicated references, 613 titles/abstracts were assessed. Thirty‐four articles were included. Meta‐analysis demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentration in saliva was statistically increased in individuals with obesity compared with individuals without obesity (P < 0.05). By contrast, the meta‐analysis showed no difference in the concentrations of resistin, adiponectin, leptin, ghrelin, and interleukin 6 in saliva and of resistin, adiponectin, leptin, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, tumor necrosis factor α, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 in GCF between individuals with and without obesity (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Individuals with obesity presented higher levels of TNF‐α in saliva than individuals without obesity. TNF‐α in saliva sampling may be a helpful marker for obesity. For the other adipokines, no difference was observed, but the limited availability and heterogeneity of data do not allow us to assertively state whether changes of adipokines in GCF and saliva are associated with obesity.
Association between serum uric acid and chronic kidney disease in patients with hypertension: A multicenter nationwide cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kaewput Wisit , Thongprayoon Charat , Rangsin Ram , Ruangkanchanasetr Prajej , Bathini Tarun , Mao Michael A. , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Current data on the role of hyperuricemia as a risk factor for renal progression in patients with hypertension is inconclusive. This study aimed to assess the association of uric acid and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in hypertensive patients using a nationwide patient sample.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide cross‐sectional study based on the DM/HT study of the Medical Research Network of the Consortium of Thai Medical Schools.

This study evaluated adult patients with hypertension from 831 Thailand public hospitals in the year 2014. Serum uric acid (SUA) was categorized into quintiles (≤4.5, 4.6 to 5.4, 5.5 to 6.2, 6.3 to 7.4, ≥7.5 mg/dL). CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the association between SUA and CKD using uric acid of ≤4.5 mg/dL as the reference group.

Results

A total of 9776 hypertensive patients with available SUA were included in the analysis. The mean SUA was 6.1±1.8 mg/dL. The prevalence of CKD in hypertensive patients was 31.8%. SUA of 4.6 to 5.4, 5.5 to 6.2, 6.3 to 7.4, and ≥7.5 mg/dL were associated with an increased CKD with ORs of 1.57 (95% CI 1.28 to 1.92), 2.15 (95% CI 1.74 to 2.66), 3.31 (95% CI 2.72 to 4.04), and 7.11 (95% CI 5.76 to 8.78), respectively. The restricted cubic spline showed significant increased CKD prevalence when uric acid ≥4.6 mg/dL.

Conclusion

Higher SUA was associated with increased CKD prevalence in patients with hypertension. SUA should be monitored in hypertensive patients for CKD prevention.
The dental esthetic screening index: A new tool for assessment of dento‐facial esthetics in restorative dentistry
Authors: Frese Cornelia , Leciejewski Florian , Specht Regina , Wohlrab Theresa , Büsch Christopher , Boemicke Wolfgang , Probst Kirsten , Katsikogianni Eleni N. , Wolff Diana
Published: September 2019

Objectives

There is a lack of comprehensive indexes, which can measure conditions or changes in dento‐facial esthetics before and after treatment. Therefore, the 12‐item Dental Esthetic Screening Index (DESI) was developed and validated.

Materials and Methods

Reliability was tested by five dental professionals, who evaluated 30 standardized patient photographs baseline and after 14 days. Clinical validation was done on 52 patients before and after restorative treatment. For subjective assessment, patients completed a validated questionnaire before and after treatment. Statistical analysis included inter and intrarater reliability, Wilcoxon test and linear regression analysis.

Results

The single item analysis identified two weak extraoral items (κ = 0.15; κ = −0.05), that were removed from the DESI. After this modification, both inter‐ (κ = 0.83‐0.86) and intrarater reliability (ICC1‐5 = 0.75‐0.86) were in excellent to good agreement. In the clinical validation, the DESI was significantly lower after restorative treatment (P < .0001). The patients' perception questionnaires showed significant improvement after restorative therapy (P < .0001). A correlation of the DESI and the results of patients' perception questionnaires could be assumed (P < .0001; R2 = 0.32).

Conclusions

The DESI was found to be a reliable and valid instrument for the quantitative assessment of dento‐facial esthetics. It correlated well with the subjective assessment of the patients.

Clinical Significance

This comprehensive index would allow for objective quantification of clinical situations, for reliable baseline and outcome assessment in esthetic dentistry. As patients' esthetic feelings and sensations are subjective, this objective index is also proven to be congruent to patients' individual subjective assessment of dento‐facial esthetics.
Identification of a mitochondrial‐targeting secretory protein from Nocardia seriolae which induces apoptosis in fathead minnow cells
Authors: Chen Jianlin , Xia Liqun , Wang Wenji , Wang Zhiwen , Hou Suying , Xie Caixia , Cai Jia , Lu Yishan
Published: September 2019

Nocardia seriolae is the main pathogen responsible for fish nocardiosis. A mitochondrial‐targeting secretory protein (MTSP) 3141 with an N‐terminal transit peptide (TP) from N. seriolae was predicted by bioinformatic analysis based on the genomic sequence of the N. seriolae strain ZJ0503. However, the function of the MTSP3141 and its homologs remains totally unknown. In this study, mass spectrometry analysis of the extracellular products from N. seriolae proved that MTSP3141 was a secretory protein, subcellular localization research showed the MTSP3141‐GFP fusion protein co‐localized with mitochondria in fathead minnow (FHM) cells, the TP played an important role in mitochondria targeting, and only the TP located at N‐terminus but not C‐terminus can lead to mitochondria directing. Moreover, quantitative assays of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) value, caspase‐3 activity and apoptosis‐related gene (Bcl‐2, Bax, Bad, Bid and p53) mRNA expression suggested that cell apoptosis was induced in FHM cells by the overexpression of both MTSP3141 and MTSP3141ΔTP (with the N‐terminal TP deleted) proteins. Taken together, the results of this study indicated that the MTSP3141 of N. seriolae was a secretory protein, might target mitochondria, induce apoptosis in host cells and function as a virulence factor.
AtSec62 is critical for plant development and is involved in ER‐phagy in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hu Shuai , Ye Hao , Cui Yong , Jiang Liwen
Published: September 2019

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the major site for protein folding in eukaryotic cells. ER homeostasis is essential for the development of an organism, whereby the unfolded protein response (UPR) within the ER is precisely regulated. ER‐phagy is a newly identified selective autophagic pathway for removal of misfolded or unfolded proteins within the ER in mammalian cells. Sec62, a component of the translocon complex, was recently characterized as an ER‐phagy receptor during the ER stress recovery phase in mammals. In this study, we demonstrated that the Arabidopsis Sec62 (AtSec62) is required for plant development and might function as an ER‐phagy receptor in plants. We showed that AtSec62 is an ER‐localized membrane protein with three transmembrane domains (TMDs) with its C‐terminus facing to the ER lumen. AtSec62 is required for plant development because atsec62 mutants display impaired vegetative growth, abnormal pollen and decreased fertility. atsec62 mutants are sensitive towards tunicamycin (TM)‐induced ER stress, whereas overexpression of AtSec62 subsequently enhances stress tolerance during the ER stress recovery phase. Moreover, YFP‐AtSec62 colocalizes with the autophagosome marker mCh‐Atg8e in ring‐like structures upon ER stress induction. Taken together, these data provide evidence for the pivotal roles of AtSec62 in plant development and ER‐phagy.
Geography is more important than host plant use for the population genetic structure of a generalist insect herbivore
Authors: Vidal Mayra C. , Quinn Tom W. , Stireman John O. , Tinghitella Robin M. , Murphy Shannon M.
Published: September 2019

Population divergence can occur due to mechanisms associated with geographic isolation and/or due to selection associated with different ecological niches. Much of the evidence for selection‐driven speciation has come from studies of specialist insect herbivores that use different host plant species; however, the influence of host plant use on population divergence of generalist herbivores remains poorly understood. We tested how diet breadth, host plant species and geographic distance influence population divergence of the fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea; FW). FW is a broadly distributed, extreme generalist herbivore consisting of two morphotypes that have been argued to represent two different species: black‐headed and red‐headed. We characterized the differentiation of FW populations at two geographic scales. We first analysed the influence of host plant and geographic distance on genetic divergence across a broad continental scale for both colour types. We further analysed the influence of host plant, diet breadth and geographic distance on divergence at a finer geographic scale focusing on red‐headed FW in Colorado. We found clear genetic and morphological distinction between red‐ and black‐headed FW, and Colorado FW formed a genetic cluster distinct from other locations. Although both geographic distance and host plant use were correlated with genetic distance, geographic distance accounted for up to 3× more variation in genetic distance than did host plant use. As a rare study investigating the genetic structure of a widespread generalist herbivore over a broad geographic range (up to 3,000 km), our study supports a strong role for geographic isolation in divergence in this system.
DdlR, an essential transcriptional regulator of peptidoglycan biosynthesis in Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Bouillaut Laurent , Newton William , Sonenshein Abraham L. , Belitsky Boris R.
Published: September 2019

D‐Ala‐D‐Ala ligase, encoded by ddl genes, is responsible for the synthesis of a dipeptide, D‐Ala‐D‐Ala, an essential precursor of bacterial peptidoglycan. In Clostridioides difficile, the single ddl gene is located upstream of the ddlR gene, which encodes a putative transcriptional regulator. Using mutational and transcriptional analysis and DNA‐binding assays, DdlR was found to be a direct activator of the ddl ddlR operon. DdlR is a member of the MocR/GabR‐type proteins that have aminotransferase‐like, pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate‐binding domains. A DdlR mutation that prevented covalent binding of pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate abolished the ability of DdlR to activate transcription. Addition of D‐Ala‐D‐Ala to the medium inactivated DdlR, reducing dipeptide biosynthesis. In contrast, D‐Ala‐D‐Ala limitation caused a dramatic increase in expression from the ddl promoter. Though uncommon for transcription regulators, C. difficile DdlR is essential, as the ddlR null mutant cells could not grow even in complex laboratory media in the absence of D‐Ala‐D‐Ala. A dyad symmetry sequence, which is located immediately upstream of the −35 region of the ddl promoter, serves as an important element of the DdlR‐binding site. This sequence is conserved upstream of putative DdlR targets in other bacteria of classes Clostridia and Bacilli, indicating a similar mode of regulation of these genes.
Temporal modulation in speech, music, and animal vocal communication: evidence of conserved function
Authors: Filippi Piera , Hoeschele Marisa , Spierings Michelle , Bowling Daniel L.
Published: September 2019

Speech is a distinctive feature of our species. It is the default channel for language and constitutes our primary mode of social communication. Determining the evolutionary origins of speech is a challenging prospect, in large part because it appears to be unique in the animal kingdom. However, direct comparisons between speech and other forms of acoustic communication, both in humans (music) and animals (vocalization), suggest that important components of speech are shared across domains and species. In this review, we focus on a single aspect of speech—temporal patterning—examining similarities and differences across speech, music, and animal vocalization. Additional structure is provided by focusing on three specific functions of temporal patterning across domains: (1) emotional expression, (2) social interaction, and (3) unit identification. We hypothesize an evolutionary trajectory wherein the ability to identify units within a continuous stream of vocal sounds derives from social vocal interaction, which, in turn, derives from vocal emotional communication. This hypothesis implies that unit identification has parallels in music and precursors in animal vocal communication. Accordingly, we demonstrate the potential of comparisons between fundamental domains of biological acoustic communication to provide insight into the evolution of language.
Effects of eye rotation and contact lens decentration on horizontal peripheral refraction
Authors: Jaisankar Durgasri , Leube Alexander , Gifford Kate L , Schmid Katrina L , Atchison David A
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Peripheral refraction is important in design of myopia control therapies. The aim was to investigate the influence of contact lens decentration associated with eye rotation on peripheral refraction in the horizontal visual field.

Methods

Participants were 10 emmetropes and 10 myopes in good general and ocular health. Right eyes underwent cycloplegic peripheral refraction, using a Grand‐Seiko WAM‐5500 Autorefractor, in 5° steps to ±35° eccentricities along the horizontal visual field. Targets were fixated using eye rotation only or head rotation only. Refractions were measured without correction and with three types of contact lenses: single vision, a multifocal centre‐distance aspheric with +2.50 D add and NaturalVue aspheric. Photographs of eyes during lens wear were taken for each eye rotation. Effects of visual field angle, lens type and test method (head or eye rotation) on vector components of relative peripheral refraction were evaluated using repeated measures anovas. Test method for each visual field angle/lens combination were compared via paired t‐tests.

Results

Horizontal decentration ranges across the visual field were 1.2 ± 0.6 mm for single vision and 1.2 ± 0.4 mm for multifocal lenses but smaller at 0.7 ± 0.4 mm for NaturalVue lenses. There were only two significant effects of test method across the visual field angle/lens type combinations (single vision: for emmetropes horizontal/vertical astigmatism component at 35° nasal with mean difference −0.38 D and for myopes spherical equivalent refraction at 20° temporal with mean difference +0.24 D).

Conclusion

Upon eye rotation the contact lenses decentred on the eye, but not enough to affect peripheral refraction. For the types assessed and for the horizontal visual field out to ±35° when measurements were performed with the Grand‐Seiko WAM‐5500 autorefractor, it is valid to use eye rotations to investigate peripheral refraction.
CRISPR/Cas inactivation of RECQ4 increases homeologous crossovers in an interspecific tomato hybrid
Authors: de Maagd Ruud A. , Loonen Annelies , Chouaref Jihed , Pelé Alexandre , Meijer‐Dekens Fien , Fransz Paul , Bai Yuling
Published: September 2019

Crossover formation during meiosis in plants is required for proper chromosome segregation and is essential for crop breeding as it allows an (optimal) combination of traits by mixing parental alleles on each chromosome. Crossover formation commences with the production of a large number of DNA double‐strand breaks, of which only a few result in crossovers. A small number of genes, which drive the resolution of DNA crossover intermediate structures towards non‐crossovers, have been identified in Arabidopisis thaliana. In order to explore the potential of modification of these genes in interspecific hybrids between crops and their wild relatives towards increased production of crossovers, we have used CRISPR/Cas9‐mutagenesis in an interspecific tomato hybrid to knockout RecQ4. A biallelic recq4 mutant was obtained in the F1 hybrid of Solanum lycopersicum and S. pimpinellifolium. Compared with the wild‐type F1 hybrid, the F1 recq4 mutant was shown to have a significant increase in crossovers: a 1.53‐fold increase when directly observing ring bivalents in male meiocytes microscopically and a 1.8‐fold extension of the genetic map when measured by analysing SNP markers in the progeny (F2) plants. This is one of the first demonstrations of increasing crossover frequency in interspecific hybrids by manipulating genes in crossover intermediate resolution pathways and the first to do so by directed mutagenesis.

Significance statement

Increasing crossover frequency during meiosis can speed up or simplify crop breeding that relies on meiotic crossovers to introduce favourable alleles controlling important traits from wild relatives into crops. Here we show for the first time that knocking out an inhibitor of crossovers in an interspecific hybrid between tomato and its relative wild species using CRISPR/Cas9‐mutagenesis results in increased recombination between the two genomes.
Asiatic Acid Glucosamine Salt Alleviates Ultraviolet B‐induced Photoaging of Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Nude Mouse Skin
Authors: Huang Jia , Tu Tian , Wang Wenbo , Zhou Guangdong , Zhang Wenjie , Wu Xiaoli , Liu Wei
Published: September 2019

Herbal extracts including asiatic acid (AA) have become popular candidates of anti‐photoaging agents due to their anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties and minimal side effect. Nevertheless, low bioavailability due to poor solubility limits their practical application. In this study, a highly bioavailable form of AA called AAGS (compounded by asiatic acid and glucosamine) was investigated for its anti‐photoaging effect using both in vitro and in vivo models along with UVB irradiation. The results showed that AAGS alleviated UVB‐induced cell proliferation inhibition by reducing G2 phase arrest and cell apoptosis rate as well as the gene expressions of P53, BAX, CASPASE 3 and CASPASE 9, but enhancing BCL‐2 expression. It also reduced the production of reactive oxygen species along with increased gene expression of GPX‐1 and downregulated the gene expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐17 and TNF‐α compared to nontreated cells. In vivo results demonstrated the antiphotodamaging effects by restoring skin thickness, collagen content and reducing MMPs expression, which are also supported by reduced MMPs gene expression and enhanced collagen I and TGF‐β1 gene expression in vitro. Thus, AAGS may become a potential anti‐photoaging agent for topical use due to its capability of self‐assembling into a water gel.
First proteomic analysis of diestrus and anestrus canine oocytes at the germinal vesicle reveals candidate proteins involved in oocyte meiotic competence
Authors: Pereira Leda Maria Costa , Bersano Paulo Ricardo de Oliveira , Moura Arlindo de Alencar , Lopes Maria Denise
Published: September 2019

In domestic dogs, oocyte maturation rates are low and the percentage of oocytes that remain in the stage of germinal vesicle (GV) regardless of culture conditions is high. The present study was conducted to characterize the proteome of canine oocyte at the germinal vesicle stage using label‐free mass spectrometry. Ovaries were collected from 415 adult domestic dogs and oocytes were divided anestrus and diestrus group. Protein lysates were subjected to quantitative proteomic analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins in different status reproductive. All runs for each sample were performed on an Easy nLC1000 nano‐LC chromatograph system directly connected to a quadrupole‐type Orbitrap mass spectrometer. For identification of peptides and proteins, raw data of the spectra were loaded into MaxQuant software version 1.5.2.8. Proteomic data were analysed according to gene ontology and a protein–protein interaction network. 312 proteins were identified and grouped according to their biological processes, molecular functions and cellular component. Forty‐six differentially expressed proteins among diestrus and control group were associated with at least one GO term in the biological process database. Several proteins involved in the cell cycle, fertilization, regulation of transcription and signalling pathways that are essential for the full development of oocytes and fertilization were expressed. This study identified proteins that were absent, and more or less expressed in different status reproductive. These differentially expressed proteins revealed a framework of molecular reorganization within a GV that renders its competency. This knowledge will enable the identification of target competence biomarkers and thus the establishment of more adequate means of cultivation to improve the M‐I and II indexes in this species and also to better understand the physiology of the domestic dog, promoting the development of new reproduction biotechniques.
Circulating art and visual hybridity: cross‐cultural exchanges between Portugal, Japan, and Spain
Authors: Onn Clement
Published: September 2019

This article examines on circulation and visual hybridity in works of art produced in Japan and other major Asian port cities under the control of Portugal and Spain. Cultural influences from the Iberian Peninsula, via traders and missionaries, had a significant impact on artistic production in Japan in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century. Many foreign objects brought by the Europeans into Japan exhibit hybrid forms. These hybrid objects played their part in influencing Japanese local production. The impact of Japanese art exported to Europe and colonial Mexico further illustrates the complex circulation of artists and craftsmen, goods and ideas. As artworks travelled in and out of the different artistic production centres in Asia, they both influenced new production and were adapted to local styles and traditions. This article demonstrates that artistic and cultural exchanges are not one‐directional transmission but rather a far more complicated process of hybridization. The article concludes with a call for new art historical approaches for looking at hybrid objects, wherein there is less focus on exactly where and by whom it was made, and more acknowledgement of the shared characteristics and long history of interactions among cultures embodied in the hybridity of objects.