bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conversion of carlactone to carlactonoic acid is a conserved function of MAX1 homologs in strigolactone biosynthesis
Authors: Yoneyama Kaori , Mori Narumi , Sato Tomoyasu , Yoda Akiyoshi , Xie Xiaonan , Okamoto Masanori , Iwanaga Masashi , Ohnishi Toshiyuki , Nishiwaki Hisashi , Asami Tadao , Yokota Takao , Akiyama Kohki , Yoneyama Koichi , Nomura Takahito
Published: February 2018

Strigolactones (SLs) are a class of plant hormones which regulate shoot branching and function as host recognition signals for symbionts and parasites in the rhizosphere. However, steps in SL biosynthesis after carlactone (CL) formation remain elusive. This study elucidated the common and diverse functions of MAX1 homologs which catalyze CL oxidation.

We have reported previously that ArabidopsisMAX1 converts CL to carlactonoic acid (CLA), whereas a rice MAX1 homolog has been shown to catalyze the conversion of CL to 4‐deoxyorobanchol (4DO). To determine which reaction is conserved in the plant kingdom, we investigated the enzymatic function of MAX1 homologs in Arabidopsis, rice, maize, tomato, poplar and Selaginella moellendorffii.

The conversion of CL to CLA was found to be a common reaction catalyzed by MAX1 homologs, and MAX1s can be classified into three types: A1‐type, converting CL to CLA; A2‐type, converting CL to 4DO via CLA; and A3‐type, converting CL to CLA and 4DO to orobanchol.

CLA was detected in root exudates from poplar and Selaginella, but not ubiquitously in other plants examined in this study, suggesting its role as a species‐specific signal in the rhizosphere. This study provides new insights into the roles of MAX1 in endogenous and rhizosphere signaling.
Maize Urb2 protein is required for kernel development and vegetative growth by affecting pre‐ribosomal RNA processing
Authors: Wang Hongqiu , Wang Kai , Du Qingguo , Wang Yafei , Fu Zhiyuan , Guo Zhanyong , Kang Dingming , Li Wen‐Xue , Tang Jihua
Published: February 2018

Ribosome biogenesis is a fundamental process in eukaryotic cells. Although Urb2 protein has been implicated in ribosome biogenesis in yeast, the Urb2 domain is loosely conserved between plants and yeast, and the function of Urb2 protein in plants remains unknown.

Here, we isolated a maize mutant, designated as urb2, with defects in kernel development and vegetative growth. Positional cloning and transgenic analysis revealed that urb2 encodes an Urb2 domain‐containing protein.

Compared with the wild‐type (WT), the urb2 mutant showed decreased ratios of 60S/40S and 80S/40S and increased ratios of polyribosomes. The pre‐rRNA intermediates of 35/33S rRNA, P‐A3 and 18S‐A3 were significantly accumulated in the urb2 mutant. Transcriptome profiling of the urb2 mutant indicated that ZmUrb2 affects the expression of a number of ribosome‐related genes. We further demonstrated that natural variations in ZmUrb2 are significantly associated with maize kernel length.

The overall results indicate that, by affecting pre‐rRNA processing, the Urb2 protein is required for ribosome biogenesis in maize.
Direct oral anticoagulants: A retrospective study of bleeding, behavior, and documentation
Authors: Miller SG , Miller CS
Published: February 2018

Objective

To examine the effects of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) on bleeding complications following dental surgeries.

Subjects and Methods

This 6‐year retrospective study collected data from records of patients undergoing oral surgical procedures within a university setting. An electronic health record database was searched using current procedural terminology codes for oral surgical procedures. Information regarding patient, procedural factors, and postoperative complications were extracted. Data were analyzed by Fisher's exact test.

Results

Of patients who had a procedural code associated with oral surgery, only 0.11% (12/11,320) took a DOAC. Twelve patients (10 males, age ranging from 44 to 90 years) underwent 17 surgeries by nine different practitioners involving 98 extractions, 14 alveoloplasties, two tuberosity reductions, and two tori removals. In nine cases, the DOAC was discontinued a mean of 52.5 hrs prior to surgery (range 12–120 hrs). Bleeding complications were not reported for patients whose drug was discontinued or continued. Documentation of drug continuation/discontinuation was poor.

Conclusions

Bleeding was not observed with direct oral anticoagulation use in this oral surgery cohort. Drug discontinuation/continuation was not a factor in bleeding outcomes, and direct oral anticoagulation interruption was variable and poorly documented.
Oral epithelial MUC1 and oral health
Authors: Kho H‐S
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To provide information about MUC1, epithelial membrane‐bound mucin, in terms of its role in oral health.

Design

The expression and functional roles of MUC1 in the oral mucosa and salivary glands were reviewed. Information on the modulation of oral mucosal epithelial MUC1 expression compared with that of endometrial epithelial MUC1 expression was also reviewed. In addition, the possible associations between oral mucosal epithelial MUC1 and oral diseases were explored.

Results

MUC1 is expressed in the oral mucosa and major and minor salivary glands. Protection of oral mucosal surfaces is believed to be the main function of oral mucosal epithelial MUC1. Its role in the salivary glands is thought to facilitate salivary flow through the ductal system. Information on the role of MUC1 in signal transduction and modulation of immune function in the oral cavity is sparse. However, the possible roles of MUC1 in dry mouth conditions, burning mouth syndrome, dental caries, and oral candidiasis have been suggested.

Conclusions

Despite limited information, it is clear that oral epithelial MUC1 plays an important role in oral health. Further research evaluating the physiological and pathological roles of MUC1 in the oral cavity is warranted.
The oral mucosa: A barrier site participating in tissue‐specific and systemic immunity
Authors: Moutsopoulos NM , Moutsopoulos HM
Published: February 2018

In the oral cavity, the immune system is constantly exposed to unique tissue‐specific signals, including a rich community of commensal microbes and their metabolites, continuous tissue damage from mastication, and antigens from food and airborne particles. How this unique combination of signals participates in the training of specialized immunity at this site is not well understood, yet imbalance of local responses is linked to tissue‐specific disease susceptibilities with the prototypic disease being periodontitis. However, the oral mucosa is also well recognized as a site where systemic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases often manifest, indicating that systemic immune deregulation is reflected in the function of the oral immune system. This commentary will discuss both aspects of compartmentalized and systemic immunity at the oral mucosa.
Human papillomavirus load in benign HPV‐associated oral lesions from HIV/AIDS individuals
Authors: Camacho‐Aguilar S , Ramírez‐Amador V , Rosendo‐Chalma P , Guido‐Jiménez M , García‐Carrancá A , Anaya‐Saavedra G
Published: February 2018

Background

Although HPV emerged as a crucial carcinogenic and prognostic biomarker in head and neck cancer, and considering the increase in HPV‐associated oral lesions (HPV‐OLs) in HIV individuals, molecular information about HPV‐OLs is scarce; thus, our aim was to determine viral loads in HPV‐OLs from HIV/AIDS individuals.

Methods

HIV/AIDS subjects with HPV‐OL were included in this cross‐sectional study. Following informed consent, biopsies were obtained. HPV detection and typing were carried out by PCR and sequencing (MY09/11, GP5+/6+). HPV‐13 and HPV‐32 loads were determined by a high‐resolution melting assay. For statistical analysis, X2, Fisher's exact, and Mann‐Whitney U tests were applied, using SPSS software (v.23).

Results

Twenty‐nine HIV subjects (median age 38 years, 93% males) were included. Most were AIDS individuals (72.4%) under HAART (89.7%). Twenty‐two (75.9%) participants had more than one HPV‐OL (four with florid presentations), mostly multifocal epithelial hyperplasia (62%), being HPV‐13 (26%) and HPV‐32 (31%) the most frequent types. HPV load was higher in individuals with multiple HPV‐OLs than in solitary lesions (4.9 vs. 3.2 Log10 copies/ml, p = .090) and in HPV‐32+ than in HPV‐13+ (8.3 vs. 6.4 Log10 copies/ml, p = .014).

Conclusions

Multiple HPV‐OLs showed high HPV loads, possibly indicating transcriptional activity of the virus; however, in the HIV setting, the individual and local immunological response could be the key process.
An evidence‐based oral health promotion programme: Lessons from Leicester
Authors: Murphy JM , Burch TE , Dickenson AJ , Wong J , Moore R
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To provide an overview and draw lessons from the establishment of a local oral health promotion programme for preschool children in Leicester, England (2013–2017). The article provides information on the strategic approach taken in Leicester, one of the most ethnically diverse cities in England, and also one of the most deprived. Over a third of children aged 3 years, and half of those aged 5 years, have experience of obvious dental decay.

Methods

A description of the evolution and development of the programme is provided along with commentary by the authors. This includes the origins, design and evaluation of the programme.

Results

Progress so far has been promising. There has been a statistically significant 8% decrease in the proportion of 5‐year‐old children in Leicester with dental decay from 2011/2012 to 2014/2015. This will need to be sustained and further developed to deliver the 10% reduction required within the strategy.

Conclusions

The successful implementation of a local oral health improvement programme in Leicester has required leadership to coordinate a multiagency partnership approach to embedding effective concepts and realising opportunities collaboratively. However, longer term sustainability remains a concern.
Co‐inhibitory immune checkpoints in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Deng W‐W , Wu L , Sun Z‐J
Published: February 2018

The upregulation of co‐inhibitory immune checkpoints hampers the immune response toward tumor cells and facilitates the tumor cells ability to evade immunosurveillance. Specific inhibitory immune checkpoint delivers inhibitory signals to T cells using multiple mechanisms. More in‐depth understanding of the co‐inhibitory immune checkpoints could be exploited for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment. In this review, we summarize the expression and the mechanism of partial co‐inhibitory immune checkpoint signals and discuss targeting co‐inhibitory immune checkpoints as an immunotherapeutic target for cancer therapy. This review may provide a better understanding of the co‐inhibitory immune checkpoints and could promote applications of immunotherapy.
The medically compromised patient: Are dental implants a feasible option?
Authors: Vissink A , Spijkervet FKL , Raghoebar GM
Published: February 2018

In healthy subjects, dental implants have evolved to be a common therapy to solve problems related to stability and retention of dentures as well as to replace failing teeth. Although dental implants are applied in medically compromised patients, it is often not well known whether this therapy is also feasible in these patients, whether the risk of implant failure and developing peri‐implantitis is increased, and what specific preventive measures, if any, have to be taken when applying dental implants in these patients. Generally speaking, as was the conclusion by the leading review of Diz, Scully, and Sanz on placement of dental implants in medically compromised patients (J Dent, 41, 2013, 195), in a few disorders implant survival may be lower, and the risk of a compromised peri‐implant health and its related complications be greater, but the degree of systemic disease control outweighs the nature of the disorder rather than the risk accompanying dental implant treatment. So, as dental implant treatment is accompanied by significant functional benefits and improved oral health‐related quality of life, dental implant therapy is a feasible treatment in almost any medically compromised patient when the required preventive measures are taken and follow‐up care is at a high level.
Betel quid chewing among adult male immigrants from the Indian subcontinent to Italy
Authors: Petti S , Warnakulasuriya S
Published: February 2018

Objective

Betel quid chewing (BQC) is an important oral cancer risk factor widespread in the Indian subcontinent. This usage also is common among migrants from this region. As the number of immigrants from South‐East Asia is dramatically increasing in Italy, this survey was aimed at investigating BQC prevalence among immigrants from the Indian subcontinent.

Subjects and Methods

First‐generation adult male immigrants coming from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, living in Rome, were consecutively selected. They were interviewed using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were performed, and factors associated to regular BQC were investigated through regression analysis.

Results

A total of 211 subjects (mean age, 33.8 years) living in Rome for 11 years, on average, participated in the study. BQC prevalence was 37.9% with few differences between Pakistani, Sri Lankans, and Indians. Prevalence among Bangladeshi was 7.3%. 69% of the consumers chewed BQ at least twice daily, 90% chewed BQ with tobacco; 30.3% subjects were smokers and chewers. Chewing parents, smoking, health illiteracy were associated with BQC. Most chewers believed that BQ helps to relieve stress.

Conclusions

The number of oral cancers in Italy is expected to increase because of BQC dissemination. Therefore, specific awareness campaigns directed to residents of South‐East Asian origin are needed.
Human‐ and mouse‐derived neurons can be simultaneously obtained by co‐cultures of human oral mucosal stem cells and mouse neural stem cells
Authors: Alajbeg I , Alić I , Andabak‐Rogulj A , Brailo V , Mitrečić D
Published: February 2018

Objective

To observe simultaneous differentiation and analyse possible interactions between co‐cultured human oral mucosal stem cells (hOMSC) and mouse neural stem cells (mNSC).

Materials and Methods

hOMSC and mNSC were co‐cultured in mouse and in human medium, and their immunocytochemical characterization to detect survival rate and differentiation pattern was performed. Co‐cultures in different media were compared to hOMSC in human medium and mNSC in mouse medium as controls.

Results

Co‐culture of hOMSC and mNSC in medium for human cells led to normal differentiation pattern of human cells, while mNSC were directed towards astrocytes. When the same cells were cultivated in the mouse medium, both cell types succeeded to form neurons, although mNSC showed a tendency to overgrow hOMSC. hOMSC alone in the human‐specific medium differentiated towards ectodermal (Oct4, Map2) and mesodermal (Osterix) cell populations. mNSC in the mouse‐specific medium differentiated towards Map2‐, β3‐tubulin‐ and NeuN‐positive neurons.

Conclusions

hOMSC and mNSC can form co‐cultures. Different media considerably affected the differentiation pattern of co‐cultures, whereas one cell population itself modestly influenced differentiation of the other cell type. The in vitro differentiation pattern of hOMSC in the mouse neural tissue environment suggested that hOMSC could be beneficial in the brain tissue affected by ischaemia.
Oral leukoplakia remains a challenging condition
Authors: Villa A , Sonis S
Published: February 2018

Crispian Scully had many interests in the realm of oral diseases. But oral leukoplakia was one that piqued his curiosity when he was still an academic neophyte and remained a topic which he studied throughout his enormously productive career. It is easy to understand why. While the clinical manifestations of oral leukoplakia are common, we still do not fully understand why one version of the condition is benign, while another, similar in appearance, progresses to a malignancy. The diagnosis of oral leukoplakia is based on expert clinical and histopathological examamination. Management and treatment of leukoplakia remain challenging especially for large lesions and the proliferative subtype. This review aims to provide a general overview on leukoplakia, explore current challenges in its diagnosis and management and discuss the opportunities to better understand the condition.
Small carbonaceous fossils (SCFs) from the Terreneuvian (lower Cambrian) of Baltica
Authors: Slater Ben J. , Harvey Thomas H. P. , Butterfield Nicholas J.
Published: February 2018

We describe a new assemblage of small carbonaceous fossils (SCFs) from diagenetically minimally altered clays and siltstones of Terreneuvian age from the Lontova and Voosi formations of Estonia, Lithuania and Russia. This is the first detailed account of an SCF assemblage from the Terreneuvian and includes a number of previously undocumented Cambrian organisms. Recognizably bilaterian‐derived SCFs include abundant protoconodonts (total‐group Chaetognatha), and distinctive cuticular spines of scalidophoran worms. Alongside these metazoan remains are a range of protistan‐grade fossils, including Retiranus balticus gen. et sp. nov., a distinctive funnel‐shaped or sheet‐like problematicum characterized by terminal or marginal vesicles, and Lontohystrichosphaera grandis gen. et sp. nov., a large (100–550 μm) ornamented vesicular microfossil. Together these data offer a fundamentally enriched view of Terreneuvian life in the epicratonic seas of Baltica, from an episode where records of non‐biomineralized life are currently sparse. Even so, the recovered assemblages contain a lower diversity of metazoans than SCF biotas from younger (Stage 4) Baltic successions that represent broadly equivalent environments, echoing the diversification signal recorded in the coeval shelly and trace‐fossil records. Close comparison to the biostratigraphical signal from Fortunian small shelly fossils supports a late Fortunian age for most of the Lontova/Voosi succession, rather than a younger (wholly Stage 2) range.
Strigolactone‐nitric oxide interplay in plants: The story has just begun
Authors: Kolbert Zsuzsanna
Published: February 2018

Both strigolactones (SLs) and nitric oxide (NO) are regulatory signals with diverse roles during plant development and stress responses. This review aims to discuss the so far available data regarding SLs‐NO interplay in plant systems. The majority of the few articles dealing with SL‐NO interplay focuses on the root system and it seems that NO can be an upstream negative regulator of SL biosynthesis or an upstream positive regulator of SL signaling depending on the nutrient supply. From the so far published results it is clear that NO modifies the activity of target proteins involved in SL biosynthesis or signaling which may be a physiologically relevant interaction. Therefore, in silico analysis of NO‐dependent posttranslational modifications in SL‐related proteins was performed using computational prediction tools and putative NO‐target proteins were specified. The picture is presumably more complicated, since also SL is able to modify NO levels. As a confirmation, author detected NO levels in different organs of max1‐1 and max2‐1 Arabidopsis and compared to the wild‐type these mutants showed enhanced NO levels in their root tips indicating the negative effect of endogenous SLs on NO metabolism. Exogenous SL analogue‐triggered NO production seems to contradict the results of the genetic study, which is an inconsistency should be taken into consideration in the future. In the coming years, the link between SL and NO signaling in further physiological processes should be examined and the possibilities of NO‐dependent posttranslational modifications of SL biosynthetic and signaling proteins should be looked more closely.
Advancing assessment of marine phytoplankton community structure and nutritional value from fatty acid profiles of cultured microalgae
Authors: Cañavate José P.
Published: February 2018

The dual function of fatty acids as both biomarkers of phytoplankton community structure and proxies of their nutritional value is becoming increasingly recognized as a substantial complement to elemental stoichiometry studies in aquatic ecology and aquaculture. Despite information on fatty acid composition of marine microalgae being more abundant, phytoplankton fatty acid reviews as well as information on their nutritional quality and effects in food webs are far more frequent for freshwater species. Here, 683 fatty acid profiles of 115 genera of marine microalgae belonging to 17 classes from eight phyla and cultured under nonstressful conditions were compiled. Data analysis allowed establishment of fatty acid reference values that can be used to quantitatively determine marine phytoplankton community structure with an unprecedented descriptive level. Fatty acids also served to generate the first microalgae nutritional index adapted to requirements of consumers and their trophic upgrading capabilities. Fatty acid profile allowed taxonomically differentiating among marine microalgae within a group comprising 14 classes and the Bacillariophyta phylum. Phylogeny was the strongest driving force of fatty acid variation, whereas the marine or freshwater origin of microalgae contributed <1%. Nutritionally, marine microalgae were more homogeneously arranged at the phylum level, with the Dinophyta separately scoring the maximum nutritional value. The phylum Chlorophyta comprised strictly marine classes and other classes also present in freshwaters and showed the highest within‐phylum nutritional quality variability. Such variability is relevant and recommends using specific taxonomic terminology for green lineage microalgae regarding their nutritional value.
How to Perform an Ethical Risk Analysis (eRA)
Authors: Hansson Sven Ove
Published: February 2018

Ethical analysis is often needed in the preparation of policy decisions on risk. A three‐step method is proposed for performing an ethical risk analysis (eRA). In the first step, the people concerned are identified and categorized in terms of the distinct but compatible roles of being risk‐exposed, a beneficiary, or a decisionmaker. In the second step, a more detailed classification of roles and role combinations is performed, and ethically problematic role combinations are identified. In the third step, further ethical deliberation takes place, with an emphasis on individual risk‐benefit weighing, distributional analysis, rights analysis, and power analysis. Ethical issues pertaining to subsidiary risk roles, such as those of experts and journalists, are also treated in this phase. An eRA should supplement, not replace, a traditional risk analysis that puts emphasis on the probabilities and severities of undesirable events but does not cover ethical issues such as agency, interpersonal relationships, and justice.
Ancient Martian aeolian processes and palaeomorphology reconstructed from the Stimson formation on the lower slope of Aeolis Mons, Gale crater, Mars
Authors: Banham Steven G. , Gupta Sanjeev , Rubin David M. , Watkins Jessica A. , Sumner Dawn Y. , Edgett Kenneth S. , Grotzinger John P. , Lewis Kevin W. , Edgar Lauren A. , Stack‐Morgan Kathryn M. , Barnes Robert , Bell James F. , Day Mackenzie D. , Ewing Ryan C. , Lapotre Mathieu G.A. , Stein Nathan T. , Rivera‐Hernandez Frances , Vasavada Ashwin R.
Published: February 2018

Reconstruction of the palaeoenvironmental context of Martian sedimentary rocks is central to studies of ancient Martian habitability and regional palaeoclimate history. This paper reports the analysis of a distinct aeolian deposit preserved in Gale crater, Mars, and evaluates its palaeomorphology, the processes responsible for its deposition, and its implications for Gale crater geological history and regional palaeoclimate. Whilst exploring the sedimentary succession cropping out on the northern flank of Aeolis Mons, Gale crater, the Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity encountered a decametre‐thick sandstone succession, named the Stimson formation, unconformably overlying lacustrine deposits of the Murray formation. The sandstone contains sand grains characterized by high roundness and sphericity, and cross‐bedding on the order of 1 m in thickness, separated by sub‐horizontal bounding surfaces traceable for tens of metres across outcrops. The cross‐beds are composed of uniform thickness cross‐laminations interpreted as wind‐ripple strata. Cross‐sets are separated by sub‐horizontal bounding surfaces traceable for tens of metres across outcrops that are interpreted as dune migration surfaces. Grain characteristics and presence of wind‐ripple strata indicate deposition of the Stimson formation by aeolian processes. The absence of features characteristic of damp or wet aeolian sediment accumulation indicate deposition in a dry aeolian system. Reconstruction of the palaeogeomorphology suggests that the Stimson dune field was composed largely of simple sinuous crescentic dunes with a height of ca 10 m, and wavelengths of ca 150 m, with local development of complex dunes. Analysis of cross‐strata dip azimuths indicates that the general dune migration direction and hence net sediment transport was towards the north‐east. The juxtaposition of a dry aeolian system unconformably above the lacustrine Murray formation represents starkly contrasting palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic conditions. Stratigraphic relationships indicate that this transition records a significant break in time, with the Stimson formation being deposited after the Murray formation and stratigraphically higher Mount Sharp group rocks had been buried, lithified and subsequently eroded.
Faith Schools, Community Engagement and Social Cohesion: A Rural Perspective
Authors: Hemming Peter J.
Published: February 2018

Much of the debate surrounding the impact of faith schools on wider society has focused on the extent to which they promote social cohesion in urban communities. Yet, much of the faith‐based sector in both England and Wales actually consists of small, rural, Anglican primary schools. This article takes a closer look at these schools to further investigate their influence on social cohesion and community relations, as well as wider questions concerning the significance of religion for contemporary rural life. With reference to an in‐depth case study comparison of two Anglican primary schools in western England and southern Wales, the article draws on qualitative data from staff, pupils, parents and local villagers to explore different approaches to community engagement and their consequences for social cohesion. In so doing, the article makes important contributions to the literatures on faith‐based schooling, rural education, social cohesion, and religion in rural contexts.
Risks and Rewards of College Football: Who Would Accept a Scholarship Knowing the Chances of Physical Harm?*
Authors: Ott Molly , Bozeman Barry , Taggart Gabel
Published: February 2018

Objective

Over the past decade, increased scrutiny has been given to health‐related consequences of participating in American football. This study considers whether the known risk has affected individuals’ willingness to play at the intercollegiate level.

Methods

Drawing from a survey of 726 adult males, this study uses quantitative experimental vignette methodology to investigate factors associated with the self‐conscious choice to risk brain damage in exchange for a football scholarship.

Results

Respondents whose mothers’ highest level of education was high school or lower were especially willing to assume the known long‐term risk associated with playing college football, as were African Americans.

Conclusions

The findings may foreshadow a moral quandary should radical changes to football player safety not occur soon. If the sport's physical risks are acceptable mainly to those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, it could be difficult for presidents, faculty, and other stakeholders to allow young men to represent their universities in this capacity.
The Role of Empathy in Experiential Learning: A Case Study of Empathy as an Interior Design Learning Tool
Authors: Gomez-Lanier Lilia
Published: February 2018

Empathy definitions do not adequately reflect the realities of empathy in the context of interior design for the elderly or disabled. This mixed research methods study explored the role that empathy as a design learning tool may have on the design process and learning experiences of interior design students, whom ultimately will design spaces for the elderly and disabled. To explore the use of empathy as a learning tool prior to commencing a renovation design project for three disabled farmers and their families in the southeast area of the United States, interior design students participated in class exercises that simulated various physical disabilities. After completing the exercises students reported high levels of emphatic concern for physically disabled older adults that made them more in tuned with the program needs of their clients, the farmers. Additionally, the students acknowledged that they had gained a greater understanding of inclusive design, whereby all end users of spaces regardless of physical and mental capabilities are to be considered when designing interior environments. Lastly, students enhanced their problem-solving skills by gaining insights into the importance of considering all details in design, ranging from the addition of coat hooks to door hardware selection and floor finish materials to furniture placements. This study is significant because two of the fastest growing sectors for interior design is healthcare and aging in place.
Brainstem catecholaminergic neurones and breathing control during postnatal development in male and female rats
Authors: Patrone Luis Gustavo A. , Biancardi Vivian , Marques Danuzia A. , Bícego Kênia C. , Gargaglioni Luciane H.
Published: February 2018

Key points

The brainstem catecholaminergic (CA) modulation on ventilation changes with development.

We determined the role of the brainstem CA system in ventilatory control under normocapnic and hypercapnic conditions during different phases of development [postnatal day (P)7–8, P14–15 and P20–21] in male and female Wistar rats.

Brainstem CA neurones produce a tonic inhibitory drive that affects breathing frequency in P7–8 rats and provide an inhibitory drive during hypercapnic conditions in both males and females at P7–8 and P14–15.

In pre‐pubertal rats, brainstem CA neurones become excitatory for the CO2 ventilatory response in males but remain inhibitory in females.

Diseases such as sudden infant death syndrome, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome and Rett syndrome have been associated with abnormalities in the functioning of CA neurones; therefore, the results of the present study contribute to a better understanding of this system.

The respiratory network undergoes significant development during the postnatal phase, including the maturation of the catecholaminergic (CA) system. However, postnatal development of this network and its effect on the control of pulmonary ventilation () is not fully understood. We investigated the involvement of brainstem CA neurones in respiratory control during postnatal development [postnatal day (P)7–8, P14–15 and P20–21], in male and female rats, through chemical injury with conjugated saporin anti‐dopamine β‐hydroxylase (DβH‐SAP). Thus, DβH‐SAP (420 ng μL−1), saporin (SAP) or phosphate buffered solution (PBS) was injected into the fourth ventricle of neonatal Wistar rats of both sexes. and oxygen consumption were recorded 1 week after the injections in unanaesthetized neonatal and juvenile rats during room air and hypercapnia. The resting ventilation was higher in both male and female P7–8 lesioned rats by 33%, with a decrease in respiratory variability being observed in males. The hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR) was altered in male and female lesioned rats at all postnatal ages. At P7–8, the HCVR for males and females was increased by 37% and 30%, respectively. For both sexes at P14–15 rats, the increase in during hypercapnia was 37% higher for lesioned rats. A sex‐specific difference in HCRV was observed at P20–21, with lesioned males showing a 33% decrease, and lesioned females showing an increase of 33%. We conclude that brainstem CA neurones exert a tonic inhibitory effect on in the early postnatal days of the life of a rat, increase variability in P7–8 males and modulate HCRV during the postnatal phase.
Early post-interventional sonographic evaluation of prostatic artery embolization. A promising role for contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS)
Authors: Moschouris Hippocrates , Stamatiou Konstantinos , Kalokairinou Motogna Mariana , Vrakas Spyros , Kiltenis Michail , Kladis-Kalentzis Konstantinos , Tsavdaroglou Avraam , Papadogeorgopoulos Nikolaos , Marmaridou Kyriaki , Malagari Katerina
Published: February 2018

Aims: To assess the feasibility, findings and potential value of early post-interventional, contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic (CEUS) study of prostate artery embolization (PAE).Material and methods: Fourteen patients treated with PAE for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia were prospectively included in the study. Sonographic evaluation of the prostate included: 1) baseline transabdominal and transrectal CEUS (ta-CEUS and tr-CEUS, respectively) 1-3 days prior to PAE; 2) early post PAE CEUS, with ta-CEUS immediately post PAE and tr-CEUS 3 days post PAE; and 3) follow-up with ta-CEUS and tr-CEUS 3 months post PAE. A brief unenhanced US study preceded each CEUS. Post-therapeutic changes in size, echogenicity and enhancement of the prostate were recorded and were correlated with clinical outcomes.Results: PAE resulted in clinical success in 11/14 patients (78.5%). All sonographic studies were technically adequate, with the exception of ta-CEUS immediately post PAE in 2/14 (14.2%) patients. CEUS studies immediately post PAE and 3 days post PAE showed non-enhancing, welldefined infarctions of the prostate in 10/14 patients (71.4%). There was a strong correlation between ta-CEUS immediately post PAE and tr-CEUS 3 days post PAE regarding the measurements of prostatic infarctions (r =0.98, p< 0.01). The presence of infarctions on early post PAE CEUS was associated with clinical success (p=0.01) and their extent correlated with the degree of prostate shrinkage on 3-month follow-up (r=0.84, p<0.05). The 3 cases of failed PAE showed no infarctions and no prostate shrinkage.Conclusions: Early post-interventional CEUS of PAE is feasible and may have clinical and prognostic value.
Dynamic SIMS for materials analysis in nuclear science
Authors: Peres Paula , Choi Seo-Youn , Desse François , Bienvenu Philippe , Roure Ingrid , Pipon Yves , Gaillard Clotilde , Moncoffre Nathalie , Sarrasin Lola , Mangin Denis
Published: February 2018

Offering high sensitivity, depth profiling and ion imaging capabilities together with high throughput, dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) proves extremely useful for a wide range of nuclear science applications. The CAMECA IMS 7f/7f-Auto is a versatile magnetic sector SIMS well suited for such applications. In this work, various examples of material analyses that are of interest for nuclear science are presented: depth profiling of the xenon and mapping of contaminants in CeO2, in-depth distribution of iodine in SiC using the energy filtering technique for improving the I detection limit, and depth profiling analysis of molybdenum in UO2 using eucentric sample rotation for minimizing surface roughness development (thus improving data quality).
Downstream etching of silicon nitride using continuous-wave and pulsed remote plasma sources sustained in Ar/NF3/O2 mixtures
Authors: Huang Shuo , Volynets Vladimir , Hamilton James R. , Nam Sang Ki , Song In-Cheol , Lu Siqing , Tennyson Jonathan , Kushner Mark J.
Published: February 2018

Remote plasma sources (RPSs) are being investigated to produce fluxes of radicals for low damage material processing. In this computational investigation, the properties of a RPS etching system are discussed where an Ar/NF3/O2 gas mixture is flowed through an inductively coupled plasma source into a downstream chamber containing a silicon nitride coated wafer. The plasma is largely confined in the RPS due to the highly attaching NFx (x = 1–3) and an isolating showerhead although a weak ion-ion plasma maintained by [NO+] ≈ [F−] leaks into the downstream chamber. The etching of silicon nitride proceeds through iterative removal of Si and N subsites by isotropic thermal neutrals. When the fluxes to the wafer are rich in fluorine radicals, the etch rate is limited by the availability of NO molecules and N atoms which remove N subsites. As power deposition increases with continuous-wave excitation, the etch rate increases almost linearly with the increasing fluxes of NO and N atoms, as production of NO through endothermic reactions is aided by increasing gas temperature. Production of N atoms through electron impact dissociation of NO and NFx is aided by the increasing electron density. Similar trends occur when increasing the duty cycle during pulsed excitation. Addition of a plenum between the RPS and the downstream chamber aids in lateral diffusion of radicals before passing through the final showerhead and improves the uniformity of etching.
Invasion of the Brain by
Listeria monocytogenes
Is Mediated by InlF and Host Cell Vimentin
Authors: Ghosh Pallab , Halvorsen Elizabeth M. , Ammendolia Dustin A. , Mor-Vaknin Nirit , O’Riordan Mary X. D. , Brumell John H. , Markovitz David M. , Higgins Darren E.
Published: February 2018

Listeria monocytogenes
is a facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen that is frequently associated with food-borne infection. Of particular concern is the ability of
L. monocytogenes
to breach the blood-brain barrier, leading to life-threatening meningitis and encephalitis. The mechanisms used by bacterial pathogens to infect the brain are not fully understood. Here we show that
L. monocytogenes
is able to utilize vimentin for invasion of host cells. Vimentin is a type III intermediate filament protein within the cytosol but is also expressed on the host cell surface. We found that
L. monocytogenes
interaction with surface-localized vimentin promoted bacterial uptake. Furthermore, in the absence of vimentin,
L. monocytogenes
colonization of the brain was severely compromised in mice. The
L. monocytogenes
virulence factor InlF was found to bind vimentin and was necessary for optimal bacterial colonization of the brain. These studies reveal a novel receptor-ligand interaction that enhances infection of the brain by
L. monocytogenes
and highlights the importance of surface vimentin in host-pathogen interactions.

IMPORTANCE
Listeria monocytogenes
is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that is capable of invading numerous host cells during infection.
L. monocytogenes
can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to life-threatening meningitis. Here we show that an
L. monocytogenes
surface protein, InlF, is necessary for optimal colonization of the brain in mice. Furthermore, in the absence of vimentin, a cytosolic intermediate filament protein that is also present on the surface of brain endothelial cells, colonization of the brain was significantly impaired. We further show that InlF binds vimentin to mediate invasion of host cells. This work identifies InlF as a bacterial surface protein with specific relevance for infection of the brain and underscores the significance of host cell surface vimentin interactions in microbial pathogenesis.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of stress-responsive protein sestrin2 and its correlation with p53 mutational status in eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma
Authors: Jayaraj Perumal , Sen Seema , Rangarajan Srishti , Ray Neelanjana , Vasu Kirtana , Singh Vijay Kumar , Phartyal Rajendra , Yadav Sarika , Verma Anita
Published: February 2018

Background

p53 is a stress-activated tumour suppressor gene, and its mutation has been associated with solid tumours including non-melanoma skin cancers. Sestrin2 expression is associated with DNA damage and oxidative stress and has been described as a downstream target of p53 network. However, its role in sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) remains unexplored.

Objectives

To determine the role of p53 and its downstream target gene sestrin2 expression and p53 gene mutation status in SGC.

Methods

Twenty cases of eyelid SGC tumour and circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) were subjected to mutational analysis of p53 gene. p53 and sesrin2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results were correlated with the clinicopathological features of eyelid SGC.

Results

p53 gene mutations was detected in 25% of the SGC cases. A C>T transition was identified in exon 6 in a single patient in both tumour and ccfDNA. A G>T transversion leading to amino acid change D259Y was seen in four patients. A splice site mutation affected a single case in exon 6. p53 expression was observed in 55% SGC. Loss of sestrin2 in 55% SGC cases correlated with poor tumour differentiation (P=0.0001), upper eyelid involvement (P=0.004), p53 mutation (P=0.039) and with mutant p53 expression (P=0.0001).

Conclusion

Sestrin2 expression was found to be significantly reduced in p53 mutated SGC cases and in cases with strong p53 nuclear immunopositivity, suggesting that loss of sestrin2 may be of biological significance in the development of SGC and as a key downstream component of p53 tumour suppression network in eyelid SGC.
Insulin analogues use in pregnancy among women with pregestational diabetes mellitus and risk of congenital anomaly: a retrospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Wang Hao , Wender-Ozegowska Ewa , Garne Ester , Morgan Margery , Loane Maria , Morris Joan K , Bakker Marian K , Gatt Miriam , de Walle Hermien , Jordan Susan , Materna-Kiryluk Anna , Nelen Vera , Thys Guy , Wiesel Awi , Dolk Helen , de Jong-van den Berg Lolkje T W
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the risk of major congenital anomaly associated with first-trimester exposure to insulin analogues compared with human insulin in offspring of women with pregestational diabetes.

Design and setting

A population-based cohort of women with pregestational diabetes (n=1661) who delivered between 1996 and 2012 was established retrospectively from seven European regions covered bythe European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT) congenital anomaly registries.

Primary outcome measures

The risk of non-chromosomal major congenital anomaly in live births, fetal deaths and terminations for a fetal anomaly exposed to insulin analogues in the first trimester of pregnancy was compared with the risk in those exposed to human insulin only.

Results

During the first trimester, 870 fetuses (52.4%) were exposed to human insulin only, 397 fetuses (23.9%) to insulin analogues only and 394 fetuses (23.7%) to both human insulin and insulin analogues. The risk of major congenital anomaly in fetuses exposed to insulin analogues only was lower than those exposed to human insulin only; the relative risk adjusted for glycaemic control and region was 0.56 (95% CI 0.29 to 1.06). The significantly lower risk related to exposure of insulin analogues only was observed in congenital heart defects: adjusted relative risk 0.14 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.62).

Conclusions

In this retrospective population-based cohort study across Europe, first-trimester exposure to insulin analogues did not increase the risk of major congenital anomaly compared with exposure to human insulin. A possible lower risk of congenital heart defects among fetuses exposed to insulin analogues only deserves further investigation.
Evaluation of Mediterranean diet adherence scores: a systematic review
Authors: Zaragoza-Martí A , Cabañero-Martínez MJ , Hurtado-Sánchez JA , Laguna-Pérez A , Ferrer-Cascales R
Published: February 2018

Objective

The aim of this review was to evaluate the conceptual suitability, applicability and psychometric properties of scores used internationally to measure adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD).

Design

This was a systematic review to identify original articles that examined some aspects of the conceptual suitability, applicability or psychometric properties of the MD adherence score. Electronic searches were carried out on the international databases MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and EMBASE (from January 1980 to 31 December 2015).

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

The study included original articles that examined some aspects of the conceptual suitability, applicability or psychometric properties of the MD adherence score. The studies where MD adherence scores were administered but did not bring forward any evidence about their performance related to conceptual suitability, applicability or psychometric properties were excluded.

Data extraction

Information relating to the scales was extracted in accordance with the quality criteria defined by the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Medical Outcomes Trust for measurement of health results and the quality criteria recommended by Terwee: (1) conceptual, (2) applicability and (3) psychometric properties. Three authors independently extracted information from eligible studies.

Results

Twenty-seven studies were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria, yielding 28 MD adherence scores. The results showed that evidence is scarce and that very few scores fulfilled the applicability parameters and psychometric quality. The scores developed by Panagiotakoset al, Bucklandet aland Sotos-Prietoet alshowed the highest levels of evidence.

Conclusions

Scores measuring adherence to MD are useful tools for identifying the dietary patterns of a given population. However, further information is required regarding existing scores. In addition, new instruments with greater conceptual and methodological rigour should be developed and evaluated for their psychometric properties.
Targeting strategies of mHealth interventions for maternal health in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ilozumba Onaedo , Abejirinde Ibukun-Oluwa Omolade , Dieleman Marjolein , Bardají Azucena , Broerse Jacqueline E W , Van Belle Sara
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Recently, there has been a steady increase in mobile health (mHealth) interventions aimed at improving maternal health of women in low-income and middle-income countries. While there is evidence indicating that these interventions contribute to improvements in maternal health outcomes, other studies indicate inconclusive results. This uncertainty has raised additional questions, one of which pertains to the role of targeting strategies in implementing mHealth interventions and the focus on pregnant women and health workers as target groups. This review aims to assess who is targeted in different mHealth interventions and the importance of targeting strategies in maternal mHealth interventions.

Methods and analysis

We will search for peer-reviewed, English-language literature published between 1999 and July 2017 in PubMed, Web of Knowledge (Science Direct, EMBASE) and Cochrane Central Registers of Controlled Trials. The study scope is defined by the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes framework: P, community members with maternal or reproductive needs; I, electronic health or mHealth programmes geared at improving maternal or reproductive health; C, other non-electronic health or mHealth-based interventions; O, maternal health measures including family planning, antenatal care attendance, health facility delivery and postnatal care attendance.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is a review of already published or publicly available data and needs no ethical approval. Review results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017072280.
Communication technology and healthcare
Authors: Heale Roberta
Published: February 2018

EBN Perspectives bring together key issues from the commentaries in one of our nursing topic themes.