bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sirt3 modulates fatty acid oxidation and attenuates cisplatin‐induced AKI in mice
Authors: Li Ming , Li Can‐ming , Ye Zeng‐chun , Huang Jiayan , Li Yin , Lai Weiyan , Peng Hui , Lou Tan‐qi
Published: April 2020

Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) dysfunction is one of the important mechanisms of renal fibrosis. Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) has been confirmed to alleviate acute kidney injury (AKI) by improving mitochondrial function and participate in the regulation of FAO in other disease models. However, it is not clear whether Sirt3 is involved in regulating FAO to improve the prognosis of AKI induced by cisplatin. Here, using a murine model of cisplatin‐induced AKI, we revealed that there were significantly FAO dysfunction and extensive lipid deposition in the mice with AKI. Metabolomics analysis suggested reprogrammed energy metabolism and decreased ATP production. In addition, fatty acid deposition can increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induce apoptosis. Our data suggested that Sirt3 deletion aggravated FAO dysfunction, resulting in increased apoptosis of kidney tissues and aggravated renal injury. The activation of Sirt3 by honokiol could improve FAO and renal function and reduced fatty acid deposition in wide‐type mice, but not Sirt3‐defective mice. We concluded that Sirt3 may regulate FAO by deacetylating liver kinase B1 and activating AMP‐activated protein kinase. Also, the activation of Sirt3 by honokiol increased ATP production as well as reduced ROS and lipid peroxidation through improving mitochondrial function. Collectively, these results provide new evidence that Sirt3 is protective against AKI. Enhancing Sirt3 to improve FAO may be a potential strategy to prevent kidney injury in the future.
Regenerative abilities of mesenchymal stem cells via acting as an ideal vehicle for subcellular component delivery in acute kidney injury
Authors: Zhao Lingfei , Hu Chenxia , Han Fei , Wang Junni , Chen Jianghua
Published: April 2020

Cell‐to‐cell communication and information exchange is one of the most important events in multiple physiological processes, including multicellular organism development, cellular function regulation, external stress response, homeostasis maintenance and tissue regeneration. New findings support the concept that subcellular component delivery may account for the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based therapy‐mediated protection against acute kidney injury (AKI). Through the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs), formation of tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs) and development of cellular fusions, a broad range of subcellular components, including proteins, nucleic acids (mRNA and miRNA) or even organelles can be transferred from MSCs into injured renal cells, significantly promoting cell survival, favouring tissue repair and accelerating renal recovery. In this review, we outline an extensive and detailed description of the regenerative consequences of subcellular component delivery from MSCs into injured renal cells during AKI, by which the potential mechanism underlying MSC‐based therapies against AKI can be elucidated.
Effects of venlafaxine on the expression level and methylation status of genes involved in oxidative stress in rats exposed to a chronic mild stress
Authors: Wigner Paulina , Synowiec Ewelina , Czarny Piotr , Bijak Michal , Jóźwiak Paweł , Szemraj Janusz , Gruca Piotr , Papp Mariusz , Śliwiński Tomasz
Published: April 2020

Recent human and animal studies indicate that oxidative and nitrosative stress may play a role in the aetiology and pathogenesis of depression. This study investigates the effect of chronic administration of the serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, venlafaxine, on the expression and methylation status of SOD1, SOD2, GPx1, GPx4, CAT, NOS1 and NOS2 in the brain and blood of rats exposed to a chronic mild stress (CMS) model of depression. Separate groups of animals were exposed to CMS for 2 or 7 weeks; the second group received saline or venlafaxine (10 mg/kg/d, IP) for 5 weeks. After completion of both stress conditions and drug administration, the mRNA and protein expression of selected genes and the methylation status of their promoters were measured in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs) and in brain structures (hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, midbrain, cortex, basal ganglia) with the use of TaqMan Gene Expression Assay, Western blot and methylation‐sensitive high‐resolution melting techniques. CMS caused a decrease in sucrose consumption, and this effect was normalized by fluoxetine. In PBMCs, SOD1, SOD2 and NOS2 mRNA expression changed only after venlafaxine administration. In brain, CAT, Gpx1, Gpx4 and NOS1 gene expression changed following CMS or venlafaxine exposure, most prominently in the hippocampus, midbrain and basal ganglia. CMS increased the methylation of the Gpx1 promoter in PBMCs, the second Gpx4 promoter in midbrain and basal ganglia, and SOD1 and SOD2 in hippocampus. The CMS animals treated with venlafaxine displayed a significantly higher CAT level in midbrain and cerebral cortex. CMS caused an elevation of Gpx4 in the hippocampus, which was lowered in cerebral cortex by venlafaxine. The results indicate that CMS and venlafaxine administration affect the methylation of promoters of genes involved in oxidative and nitrosative stress. They also indicate that peripheral and central tissue differ in their response to stress or antidepressant treatments. It is possible that that apart from DNA methylation, a crucial role of expression level of genes may be played by other forms of epigenetic regulation, such as histone modification or microRNA interference.

These findings provide strong evidence for thesis that analysis of the level of mRNA and protein expression as well as the status of promoter methylation can help in understanding the pathomechanisms of mental diseases, including depression, and the mechanisms of action of drugs effective in their therapy.
SYNE1‐QK1 SNPs, G × G and G × E interactions on the risk of hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Zheng Peng‐Fei , Yin Rui‐Xing , Liu Chun‐Xiao , Deng Guo‐Xiong , Guan Yao‐Zong , Wei Bi‐Liu
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to assess the relationship of 3 spectrin repeat containing nuclear envelope protein 1 (SYNE1) and 4 KH domain containing RNA binding (QK1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), their haplotypes, gene‐gene (G × G), gene‐environment (G × E) interactions and hypercholesterolaemia (HCH) and hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) in the Chinese Maonan minority. The genetic make‐up of the SYNE1‐QK1 SNPs in 1932 unrelated subjects (normal, 641; HCH, 649; and HTG, 642) was obtained by next‐generation sequencing technologies. The genotypic frequencies of following SNPs were suggestively distinctive between the control and HCH groups (rs2623963, rs7745725, rs9459317, rs16897566), or between the control and HTG groups (rs2623963, rs1358317, rs7745725, rs1923608, rs16897566 SNPs; P < .05, respectively). Multiple‐locus linkage disequilibrium analysis indicated that the identified SNPs were not inherited independently. Several haplotypes and gene‐gene interaction haplotypes among the detected SNPs may be related with an increased morbidity of HCH (C‐G‐A, C‐G‐G and C‐G‐G‐T‐C‐A‐T) and HTG (C‐G‐G, G‐T‐G‐C, C‐G‐G‐G‐T‐G‐C and C‐G‐G‐T‐C‐A‐T), whereas others may be related with an decreased risk of HCH (G‐A‐A, G‐C‐A‐T, C‐A‐A‐T‐C‐A‐T and G‐A‐A‐G‐C‐A‐T) and HTG (G‐A‐A, G‐C‐A‐T, C‐A‐A‐T‐C‐A‐T and G‐A‐A‐G‐C‐A‐T). The association evaluation based on haplotypes and gene‐gene interactions could improve the power of detecting the risk of dyslipidaemia than anyone of SNP alone. There was significant three‐locus model involving SNP‐SNP, haplotype‐haplotype/environment and G × G interactions (P < .05‐0.001) that were detected by GMDR in HCH and HTG groups. Different interactions between genetic and environmental factors would produce different redundancy or synergy effects on the morbidity of HCH and/or HTG.
Inhibition of LncRNAH19 has the effect of anti‐tumour and enhancing sensitivity to Gefitinib and Chemotherapy in Non‐small‐cell lung cancer in vivo
Authors: Zhou Yaodong , Zhang Yixin
Published: April 2020

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases, which ranked first in both men and women malignancies worldwide. The survival rate of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been limited with distant metastasis and shortage of effective chemotherapeutics in recent years. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies for NSCLC are urgently explored. Here, we showed that inhibition of H19 effectively inhibited the progression of NSCLC. Moreover, down‐regulation of H19 treatment significantly enhanced the levels of PTEN and PDCD4, while suppressed the expressions of NFIB in NSCLC. Furthermore, down‐regulation of H19 combined with Gefitinib treatment significantly increased the levels of PTEN and PDCD4, while decreased the expression levels of NFIB. Moreover, the results showed that Gefitinib treatment significantly reduced the shH19‐mediated miR‐21 expression levels. Our results showed that down‐regulation of H19 combined with Gefitinib administration significantly improved the effect of shH19 treatment alone on the progression of NSCLC, which was involved in the activation of PTEN signalling pathway in NSCLC in vivo. Therefore, these findings might indicate a novel molecular mechanism, which could provide a new potential combination of therapeutic method in NSCLC.
Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate rat diabetic nephropathy by suppressing CD103+ DCs‐mediated CD8+ T cell responses
Authors: Zhang Fuping , Wang Chengshi , Wen Xin , Chen Yang , Mao Ruiwen , Cui Danli , Li Lan , Liu Jingping , Chen Younan , Cheng Jingqiu , Lu Yanrong
Published: April 2020

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) as a kind of serious microvascular complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) usually causes the end‐stage of renal disease (ESRD). Studies have demonstrated that CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) exhibited a renal pathogenic effect in murine chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can alleviate DN and suppress the DCs maturation. To explore the role of CD103+ DCs and the potential mechanisms underlying MSCs‐mediated protective effects in DN, we used bone marrow MSCs (BM‐MSCs) to treat DN rats. MSCs transplantation considerably recovered kidney function and diminished renal injury, fibrosis and the population of renal CD103+ DCs in DN rat. The MSCs‐treated DN rats had decreased mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)1β, IL6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1) and reduced CD8 T cell infiltration in the kidney. MSCs significantly down‐regulated the genes expression of transcription factors (Basic leucine zipper transcriptional factor ATF‐like 3, Batf3 and DNA‐binding protein inhibitor ID‐2, Id2) and FMS‐like tyrosine kinase‐3 (Flt3) which are necessary for CD103+ DCs development. The protective effect of MSCs may be partly related to their immunosuppression of CD8+ T cell proliferation and activation mediated by CD103+ DCs in the kidney of DN rats.
Compression‐induced senescence of nucleus pulposus cells by promoting mitophagy activation via the PINK1/PARKIN pathway
Authors: Huang Donghua , Peng Yizhong , Li Zhiliang , Chen Sheng , Deng Xiangyu , Shao Zengwu , Ma Kaige
Published: April 2020

The current research aimed to explore the possible relationship between PINK1/PARKIN‐mediated mitophagy and the compression‐induced senescence of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Therefore, the stages of senescence in NPCs were measured under compression lasting 0, 24 and 48 hours. The mitophagy‐related markers, autophagosomes and mitochondrial membrane potential were tested to determine the levels of PINK1/PARKIN‐mediated mitophagy under compression. The PINK1 and PARKIN levels were also measured by immunohistochemistry of human and rat intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues taken at different degenerative stages. A specific mitophagy inhibitor, cyclosporine A (CSA) and a constructed PINK1‐shRNA were used to explore the relationship between mitophagy and senescence by down‐regulating the PINK1/PARKIN‐mediated mitophagy levels. Our results indicated that compression significantly enhanced the senescence of NPCs in a time‐dependent manner. Also, PINK1/PARKIN‐mediated mitophagy was found to be activated by the extended duration of compression on NPCs as well as the increased degenerative stages of IVD tissues. After inhibition of PINK1/PARKIN‐mediated mitophagy by CSA and PINK1‐shRNA, the senescence of NPCs induced by compression was strongly rescued. Hence, the excessive degradation of mitochondria in NPCs by mitophagy under continuous compression may accelerate the senescence of NPCs. Regulating PINK1/PARKIN‐mediated mitophagy might be a potential therapeutic treatment for IVD degeneration.
High serum triglyceride levels in the early first trimester of pregnancy are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhu Haiyan , He Dian , Liang Ning , Lai Ailuan , Zeng Jingbo , Yu Huanling
Published: April 2020

Aims/Introduction

Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been reported to have higher serum triglyceride (TG) levels during the entire gestational period. However, whether TGs contribute to the incidence of GDM remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether higher serum TG level during early first trimester is associated with GDM.

Materials and Methods

A prospective single‐center cohort study was carried out among pregnant women (n = 2,949) who received regular antenatal care in Fu Xing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. GDM was diagnosed between 24 and 28 gestational weeks. Serum TG levels were measured during gestational weeks 6–8 (TG0) and 16–18 (TG1). TG elevation was the difference between TG1 and TG0.

Results

In total, 581 pregnant women developed GDM. A 13.1, 18.5 and 28.8% incidence of GDM was observed in women with low, referent and high TG0 levels, respectively. Among women with prepregnancy body mass index <24 kg/m2 and prepregnancy body mass index ≥24 kg/m2, those with high TG0 levels had 2.4‐ and 2.3‐fold increased odds of developing GDM, respectively, compared with pregnant women with low TG0 levels. A positive dose–response relationship was observed between continuous TG0 and TG elevation, and the odds of GDM; a positive association was observed between TG elevation and the odds of developing GDM in pregnant women with intermediate to high TG0 levels.

Conclusion

High TG level during the early first trimester, and TG elevation from the first to early second trimester are associated with GDM development, which persists even after adjusting for confounders.
Evaluating the existence and benefit of major histocompatibility complex‐based mate choice in an isolated owl population
Authors: Sawada Akira , Ando Haruko , Takagi Masaoki
Published: April 2020

How mate preferences evolve in the first place has been a major conundrum for sexual selection. Some hypotheses explaining this assume fitness benefit derived from subsequent generations. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐based mate choice is a representative example of the mate choice that is associated with such trans‐generational mechanisms. To provide evidences for fitness benefit of MHC‐based mate choice, previous studies assessed the association between own MHC genotype and own fitness components. However, the association between MHC‐based mate choice in the parental generation and fitness components in the resultant offspring generation has only rarely been measured in wild populations. Focusing on the isolated population of the monogamous Ryukyu Scops Owl (Otus elegans interpositus) on Minami‐daito Island, Japan, we found evidence of MHC‐based mate choice. However, we found no evidence of MHC‐based mate choice increasing own reproductive success or offspring survival. This is a rare case study that directly examines the existence of the trans‐generational indirect benefit of MHC‐based mate choice for genetic compatibility from trans‐generational data in a wild bird population. By investigating the fitness benefits of mate choice, this study serves to facilitate our understanding of the evolution of MHC‐based mate choice.
Sexual selection and population divergence III: Interspecific and intraspecific variation in mating signals
Authors: Moran Peter A. , Hunt John , Mitchell Christopher , Ritchie Michael G. , Bailey Nathan W.
Published: April 2020

A major challenge for studying the role of sexual selection in divergence and speciation is understanding the relative influence of different sexually selected signals on those processes in both intra‐ and interspecific contexts. Different signals may be more or less susceptible to co‐option for species identification depending on the balance of sexual and ecological selection acting upon them. To examine this, we tested three predictions to explain geographic variation in long‐ versus short‐range sexual signals across a 3,500 + km transect of two related Australian field cricket species (Teleogryllusspp.): (a) selection for species recognition, (b) environmental adaptation and (c) stochastic divergence. We measured male calling song and male and female cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in offspring derived from wild populations, reared under common garden conditions. Song clearly differentiated the species, and no hybrids were observed suggesting that hybridization is rare or absent. Spatial variation in song was not predicted by geography, genetics or climatic factors in either species. In contrast, CHC divergence was strongly associated with an environmental gradient supporting the idea that the climatic environment selects more directly upon these chemical signals. In light of recently advocated models of diversification via ecological selection on secondary sexual traits, the different environmental associations we found for song and CHCs suggest that the impact of ecological selection on population divergence, and how that influences speciation, might be different for acoustic versus chemical signals.
Subepithelial connective tissue graft conjugated to minimally invasive ceramic laminates—1 year follow‐up
Authors: Costa Lidiane C. M. , Zica Juliana de S. , da Costa Júnior Arlindo R. , Machado Lívia S. , Lacerda Luiz H. C. , Morgan Luís F. dos S. A.
Published: April 2020

Objective

Commonly, esthetic procedures involve ceramic laminates and gingivectomy. However, the clinical demand caused by dental wear and gingival recessions due to parafunctional habits is increasing. Thus, in addition to restoring the anatomical and esthetic dental form, it is also necessary to restore the lost gingival volume.

Clinical considerations

This article presents a case report of the treatment of a patient with marked incisal wear and gingival recessions. Initially, endodontic treatment of the upper lateral incisors was performed, which presented with pulp necrosis due to the marked wear caused by bruxism. Subsequently, the patient was treated with a subepithelial connective graft by a technique proposed by Zucchelli, along with minimally invasive ceramic laminates and finished with a myorelaxant plaque.

Conclusions

This proposed approach aimed for and achieved esthetic excellence, and full recovery of function, which is of extreme clinical relevance. Ultimately, the stability of the surgery and the laminates after 1 year of follow‐up is presented.

Clinical Significance

Patients with bruxism in addition to incisal and occlusal wear are more likely to have gingival recessions. The esthetic planning of these patients should contemplate interdisplinarity temporomandibular disorder, periodontics, and dentistry for the recovery of the function and reaching esthetic excellence.
Suggested use? On evidence‐based decision‐making in industrial ecology and beyond
Authors: Zhu Junming
Published: April 2020

Industrial ecology (IE) research has well established expertise in accounting for the material stocks, flows, and associated impacts of industrial and consumer activities in a variety of scales and manifestations. As with many other science and social science fields, however, the pathways from IE research findings to policy and business decision‐making are often unclear and unsatisfactory. This issue creates a challenge for the application of industrial ecology to sustainable development. By reviewing several strands of literature, this article investigates alternative ways to generate and use research findings to support decision‐making and social change. It argues that advances in both the core and the emerging methods in IE complement each other to improve transparency and reliability of research evidence; extension and contextualization of current findings corresponding to different stages in policy‐making and organizational decision processes make research evidence more informative; a learning perspective makes research evidence valuable and used in more flexible ways. To better assist decision‐making for societal change, more dialogues between researchers of different methodological cultures and between researchers and other stakeholders and a paradigm shift in social systems for which industrial ecologists should be conscious and proactive are required.
The stressed brain: regional and stress‐related corticosterone and stress‐regulated gene expression in the adult zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Rensel Michelle A. , Schlinger Barney A.
Published: April 2020

Glucocorticoids (CORT) are well‐known as important regulators of behaviour and cognition at basal levels and under stress. However, the precise mechanisms governing CORT action and functional outcomes of this action in the brain remain unclear, particularly in model systems other than rodents. In the present study, we investigated the dynamics of CORT regulation in the zebra finch, an important model system for vocal learning, neuroplasticity and cognition. We tested the hypothesis that CORT is locally regulated in the zebra finch brain by quantifying regional and stress‐related variation in total CORT across brain regions. In addition, we used an ex vivo slice culture system to test whether CORT regulates target gene expression uniquely in discrete regions of the brain. We documented a robust increase in brain CORT across regions after 30 minutes of restraint stress but, interestingly, baseline and stress‐induced CORT levels varied between regions. In addition, CORT treatment of brain slice cultures differentially affected expression of three CORT target genes: it up‐regulated expression of FKBP5 in most regions and SGK1 in the hypothalamus only, whereas GILZ was unaffected by CORT treatment across all brain regions investigated. The specific mechanisms producing regional variation in CORT and CORT‐dependent downstream gene expression remain unknown, although these data provide additional support for the hypothesis that the songbird brain employs regulatory mechanisms that result in precise control over the influence of CORT on glucocorticoid‐sensitive neural circuits.
Cryolipolysis for local fat reduction in adults from Brazil: A single‐arm intervention study
Authors: de Gusmão Paula Regazzi , Canella Clarissa , de Gusmão Beatriz Regazzi , Filippo Alexandre de Almeida , Filippo Gustavo Robertson
Published: April 2020

Background

Localized fat is a matter of great concern among individuals from today's society. Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive technique that have shown great results in reducing localized fat.

Aims

To analyze the efficacy of cryoplipolysis on visible local fat reduction in submental region, arms, or male breast (pseudogynecomastia) in Brazilian subjects, and to assess possible factors associated with treatment success.

Methods

Single‐arm, nonrandomized trial, with volunteers from both genders with visible excess fat in the arms or submental region or men presenting pseudogynecomastia. Eligible subjects were submitted to physical, photographic, and ultrasound analysis before and three months after intervention. A single cryolipolysis session was performed using specific methods for each region, followed by a local massage for two minutes. Data were described as measures of central tendency and dispersion and measures of frequency. Reduction in measurements and factors associated with treatment success was analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.

Results

Thirty‐six subjects underwent one session of cryolipolysis in each area (22 subjects treated the arms, 20 the submental region and 9 the breast). In general, a mean reduction of 19.1% was observed. Significant differences were observed for almost all body parts analyzed. Body mass index was the only variable showing a significant relationship with intervention results.

Conclusions

Cryolipolysis is a useful noninvasive tool in reduction of visible localized fat in arms and submental region and of pseudogynecomastia. Obese subjects are not benefited by the treatment.
Characterization of female intimate hygiene practices and vulvar health: A randomized double‐blind controlled trial
Authors: Murina Filippo , Caimi Camilla , Felice Raffaele , Di Francesco Stefania , Cetin Irene
Published: April 2020

Background

Inappropriate feminine hygiene practices are related to vulvar unpleasant symptoms (such as skin changes, lesions, burning, pruritus, fissures, and dyspareunia).

Aims

We assessed the daily use effects of intimate cleansers on vulvar skin by comparing two specific products for intimate care: Saugella Hydraserum (SIS), based on natural extracts, and a standard product based on lactic acid, such as Lactacyd Feminine Hygiene (LTC). Forty healthy women were enrolled in this double‐blind controlled study.

Methods

After randomization, the cleansers were used twice daily for 30 days. The hydration level was determined using the Corneometer® CM 825, the pH using the Skin‐pH‐Meter PH 905® and the sebum level using the Sebumeter SM815®. Measurements were performed at baseline and on day 30 on the labia majora and labia minora.

Results

Both cleansers showed a reduction in the hydration level, but this was much less evident in the SIS group (−6.3% SIS vs −23,7% LTC). The pH values of the SIS group were lower than those of the LTC group, especially on the labia minora (5.27 ± 0.08 and 5.6 ± 0.1, respectively, P = .025). The sebum increased in both groups, but in the LTC group, it was higher on the labia majora (+96.2% vs +46.8%, respectively, P = .003), while on the labia minora, it was higher in the SIS group (+24.7% vs +17.1%, respectively P = NS).

Conclusions

Both cleansers tested showed high performance for safety and tolerability on vulvar skin, but SIS showed better efficacy than LTC on some parameters.
Effect of the aging process on columella‐labial, naso‐mental and facial angles and how to apply it in clinical practice
Authors: Bravo Bruna Souza Felix , Carvalho Raquel de Melo , Iggnacio Carolina Araujo , Bianco Stephanie , Bravo Leonardo Gonçalves
Published: April 2020

Backgroud

Aging is the result of the interplay of changes occurring in the facial skeleton, ligaments, muscles, adipose tissue, and skin (1), and these changes befall each mentioned structure at a different pace, start in each individual at a different age, and differ between ethnic background. (4) It changes directly the measurements of the face angles, making the face more concave and flattened aspect, while the young face presents a more convex and rounded aspect. Female skulls had an increase in all transverse facial widths and depth of the middle face with increasing age. Therefore, aging is consequence of progressive changes through intrinsic and extrinsic factors (5) and different methods can be used to assess and diagnose these changes.

Aims

The aim of the study is to evaluate facial angles and their aging changes.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed with a total of 1213 Caucasian female patients in the author's private clinic. The angles evaluate age‐related changes were analyzed: facial, naso‐mental, and columella‐labial angle. Photograph analysis program Vectra 3D (Canfield) was used to perform the anthropometric assessment of the angles, and after data collection, the analysis was performed statistics.

Results and Conclusion

We could conclude angles analyzed change with age, while two angles increase (naso‐mental and facial angle), the other decreases (columella‐labial angle).

The study reinforces the principle of an objective clinical anthropometric assessment of facial angles as a relevant guide for a more appropriate treatment plan for the doctor to perform aesthetic procedures in order to restore a youthful face.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 gene polymorphism in alopecia areata: Does it have an association with disease severity?
Authors: Shehata Wafaa Ahmed , Maraee Alaa , Kamal Heba , Tayel Nermin , Azmy Rania
Published: April 2020

Background

Alopecia areata is a condition involving hair loss from certain or all areas of the body. It has been considered as an immune‐mediated disease, characterized by the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the hair follicles.

Aim of the study

The study aimed to assess whether protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 gene single nucleotide polymorphism 1858C/T has any relationship with alopecia areata in Egyptian patients and whether it is associated with disease severity or not.

Subjects and methods

Protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 (PTPN22) C1858T gene polymorphism was identified using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis technique in 60 patients suffering from alopecia areata and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Disease severity was assessed using SALT score.

Results

CT and TT genotypes were significantly higher in the patients’ group (P = .005), OR = 4.38 95% CI [1.48‐12.96], with significant statistical predominance of T allele in patients, P = .003, OR = 3.86, 95% CI [1.52‐9.77]. There was also a positive significant relationship between protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 genotype CT and SALT score.

Conclusion

PTPN22 1858T allele is associated with the development and severity of alopecia areata in Egyptians.
FAMILY FIRM PERFORMANCE OVER THE BUSINESS CYCLE: A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Hansen Christopher , Block Joern , Neuenkirch Matthias
Published: April 2020

The financial performance of family firms has been widely studied in the literature. Combining the results of 155 primary studies from 35 countries with data about business cycles, we investigate how family firm performance changes over the business cycle. Using meta‐analytic estimation methods, we find that family firms outperform nonfamily firms in developed markets, irrespective of economic circumstances. This outperformance, although statistically significant, is very small and practically negligible. With regard to the business cycle, we find evidence for a procyclical effect in which the relative performance of family firms is lower in economically difficult times. Our study extends the literature on how family firm performance depends on macroeconomic factors.
Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry at mid‐term gestation as a potential predictive factor for the resolution of placenta previa at the end of third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Lu Yu , Wu Yilun , Yang Lijuan , Huang Fan , Ren Min
Published: April 2020

Aim

The incidence of placenta previa before the third trimester is high. But many cases resolve as pregnancy progresses. Our study was to evaluate the efficacy of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry at mid‐term gestation for predicting placenta previa resolution in third trimester.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective study was done. A study cohort of 504 subjects with placenta‐cervix os distance measured both at 22–24 weeks and after 36 weeks of gestation and uterine artery Doppler velocimetry measured at 22–24 weeks of gestation were selected. The subjects were assigned to control group (n = 351), resolving group (n = 89) and placenta previa group (n = 64) according to their diagnosis of placenta previa at mid‐term and the end of the third trimester. The averages of the bilateral ratio of uterine artery systolic to end‐diastolic maximum blood flow velocity (S/D ratio), pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were used for analysis.

Results

The means of S/D ratio, PI and RI of uterine arteries in the placenta previa group were significantly lower than that in either control group or resolving group. No differences were observed between control group and resolving group. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.7632, 0.7579 and 0.7644 for the means of S/D ratio, PI and RI, respectively (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The means of S/D ratio, PI and RI of the uterine arteries at mid‐term gestation are reduced in patients with persistent placenta previa, indicating unique pathogenic changes at mid‐term gestation, and have the potential to be a predictive factor on placenta previa resolution.
Risk factors and clinical characteristics of recurrent ectopic pregnancy: A case–control study
Authors: Wang Xinyan , Huang Lu , Yu Yan , Xu Sheng , Lai Yucheng , Zeng Wenjie
Published: April 2020

Objective

To compare signs and symptoms between patients with recurrent ectopic pregnancies (REP) and primary ectopic pregnancies (PEP) and to identify potential risk factors of REP.

Materials and Methods

Data from 2014 to 2016 were analyzed. The study included 81 women each diagnosed with REP and PEP with no recurrence of ectopic pregnancy (EP) before January 2019. Information, including historical factors and findings at presentation of both group were collected. Data were compared between the two groups. Associations between REP and the risk factors were analyzed by logistic regression.

Results

The findings revealed that compared to the patients in the PEP group, REP patients had significantly lower education (P = 0.001), higher proportion of previous infertility (P < 0.001) and different methods of PEP treatment (P = 0.001). Clinical data of the last operation revealed significantly higher occurrences of pelvic and peritubal adhesions (P < 0.05). Further multiple regression analysis showed that lower educational background (odds ratio [OR] = 4.183 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.311–13.344 P = 0.016), nulliparity (OR = 12.312 95% CI 3.382–44.824 P < 0.001), history of salpingotomy (OR = 7.129 95% CI 1.022–49.748 P < 0.05) and abortion (OR for one abortion = 21.576, P = 0.001; OR for two abortions =36.794, P < 0.001; OR for three abortions or more = 119.013, P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for REP.

Conclusion

Active education on contraception is required for patients with lower educational level and history of abortion. Different plans should be formulated for patients with EP. For EP patients wanting fertility, the risk between fertility preservation and REP needs to be evaluated as reproductive function cannot be pursued blindly while ignoring the risk of recurrence.
Dyadic support exchange and work engagement: An episodic test and expansion of self‐determination theory
Authors: Zeijen Marijntje E.L. , Petrou Paraskevas , Bakker Arnold B. , van Gelderen Benjamin R.
Published: April 2020

According to the self‐determination theory (SDT), individuals flourish when they satisfy their psychological needs. We expand this proposition by testing whether employees satisfy their own needs and improve their own work engagement by providing support to their co‐workers. Moreover, we argue that it matters when and to whom the support is provided. We contend that the indirect effect of autonomously motivated support provision on the provider’s work engagement through the provider’s need satisfaction is stronger (1) during episodes that the receiver’s emotional demands are high (vs. low), (2) when the receiver’s learning goal orientation is high (vs. low), or (3) when the receiver’s prove performance goal orientation is low (vs. high). We collected data among 97 dyads of police officers (N = 194 participants) during two time blocks on one working day (N = 227–491 episodes). Multi‐level analyses confirmed that support provision related positively to the provider’s episodic work engagement through episodic need satisfaction. As hypothesized, this indirect relationship was stronger during emotionally demanding episodes, or when the receiver was characterized by a low prove performance goal orientation. Learning goal orientation did not moderate the support provision–work engagement relationship. These findings expand SDT by indicating that individuals satisfy their own daily needs by providing support, and by showing that it matters when and to whom support is provided.

Practitioner points

Providing help benefits both the beneficiary and the helper

Managers should encourage the daily exchange of social resources between employees

The exchange of social support between co‐workers is crucial when employees face demanding clients
Value of colchicine as treatment for recurrent oral ulcers: A systematic review
Authors: Cabras Marco , Carrozzo Marco , Gambino Alessio , Broccoletti Roberto , Sciascia Savino , Baldovino Simone , Arduino Paolo Giacomo
Published: April 2020

Background

In oral medicine, colchicine is a therapeutic alternative for idiopathic recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), Behçet disease (BD), periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome, and mouth and genitals ulcers with inflamed cartilage (MAGIC) syndrome. The present review aims to evaluate reliability of colchicine against recurrent oral ulcers.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted, with the following PICO (Patient, Intervention, Control, Outcome) question: “In populations with idiopathic or secondary recurrent oral ulcers, is colchicine more effective in improving pain and accelerating healing, compared to other intervention or placebo?”

Results

Seven RCTs and 3 OCTs were considered eligible. Four RCTs focused on BD, two RCTs and three OCTs on RAS, and one RCT on PFAPA syndrome. Heterogeneity between RCTs prevented from meta‐analysis. Regarding BD, no significant difference between colchicine and placebo was found in two of three placebo‐controlled RCTs, whereas the third RCT showed benefit. A comparative RCT found ciclosporin more effective than colchicine for oral lesions of BD. One open‐label RCT showed promising but partial results on colchicine in reducing PFAPA attacks, when compared to corticosteroids. Concerning RAS, colchicine appeared less effective than clofazimine, thalidomide and dapsone, and with outcomes similar to low‐dosage corticosteroids but higher gastric discomfort than prednisolone. One OCT reported positive results compared with no treatment but a RCT found no difference with placebo.

Conclusion

Role of colchicine as treatment for idiopathic or secondary recurrent oral ulcers is still controversial. Further standardized RCTs and crossover trials are needed.
Development of a Checklist to Prevent Reconstructive Errors Made By Undergraduate Dental Students
Authors: Almufleh Balqees , Ducret Maxime , Malixi Jodeci , Myers Jeffrey , Nader Samer Abi , Franco Echevarria Maria , Adamczyk Jessica , Chisholm Alicia , Pollock Natalie , Emami Elham , Tamimi Faleh
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To design a checklist in order to reduce the frequency of reconstructive preventable errors (PE) performed by undergraduate dental students at McGill University.

Materials and Methods

The most common PE occurring at a university dental clinic were identified by three reviewers analyzing the refunded cases, and used to create a preliminary checklist. This checklist was then validated by a panel of dental educators to produce a finalized 20‐item checklist. The 20‐question checklist was then submitted to students in a cross‐sectional survey‐based study to evaluate its relevance to undergraduate clinical education needs.

Results

As many as 81% of students reported to have forgotten at least one item of the checklist during care of their last patient, and the most forgotten checklist items corresponded to the pretreatment stage. The students also reported that 17 of the 20 items in the checklist were relevant to a considerable extent or highly relevant.

Conclusion

Common PE identified in the undergraduate clinic could be used to create a checklist of relevant items designed to reduce errors made by students and practitioners performing prosthodontic and reconstructive treatments. However, further studies are required to evaluate the implementation and efficiency of the checklist.
Detection and molecular characterization of carbendazim‐resistant Colletotrichum truncatum Isolates causing anthracnose of soybean in Thailand
Authors: Poti Teeranai , Mahawan Kanyarat , Cheewangkoon Ratchadawan , Arunothayanan Hatthaya , Akimitsu Kazuya , Nalumpang Sarunya
Published: April 2020

A loss of fungicide efficacy, particularly for carbendazim, was noted in soybean fields in Thailand and was considered to be due to the development of Colletotrichum truncatum resistance. The carbendazim sensitivity of C. truncatum populations isolated from various soybean fields in Thailand was thus evaluated with in vitro sensitivity assays and molecular characterization of mutations in the sequences of the ß2‐tubulin (TUB2) gene that confer carbendazim resistance in the pathogen. Among 52 isolates, 46 isolates were classified as highly resistant (HR) to carbendazim (EC50 > 1,000 µg/ml). All HR isolates grew on PDA amended with carbendazim at 1,000 µg/ml. Six isolates were classified as carbendazim sensitive (S) (EC50 < 1 µg/ml). Mycelial growth on PDA amended with 1 µg/ml carbendazim was inhibited by over 50% compared with growth on PDA alone. When a partial TUB2 gene from the isolates was amplified and analysed using predicted amino acid sequences, an alteration from glutamic acid to alanine at codon 198 (E198A) was found in 45 HR isolates for which the EC50 was higher than 2000 µg/ml. This mutation resulted from a nucleotide substitution from adenine to cytosine (GAG → GCG). The other HR isolate, CtPhS_1, with EC50 of 1,127 µg/ml, had an alteration at codon 200 (F200Y) (TTC → TAC).
Pre‐cold acclimation promotes cryoprotectant accumulation and enhances freezing tolerance of Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Wang Yuanzheng , Liu Chen , Ren Ping , Li Yingmei
Published: April 2020

Strong evidence suggests that cryoprotectant accumulation during pre‐cold acclimation protects cells against freezing injuries caused by cellular dehydration. In this study, the concentrations of trehalose and glycerol were measured in Meloidogyne incognita and it was found that both cryoprotectants were significantly accumulated in second‐stage juveniles (J2) of M. incognita after acclimation at 4°C. However, compared with non‐acclimated samples, only a higher level of trehalose was induced in the egg masses of M. incognita in response to cold treatment. Further characterizations indicated that pre‐cold acclimation efficiently accelerated the speed of larvae hatching from egg masses that were subjected to freezing at −1°C. In addition, the survival rate and pathogenicity of M. incognita J2 that had been acclimated prior to freezing were significantly enhanced when compared with non‐acclimated J2 individuals. As far as we know, this is the first time that this phenomenon has been reported in M. incognita.
Self‐assessed impact of oral health on the psychological well‐being and depressive symptoms of older adults living in Melbourne
Authors: Mariño Rodrigo , Enticott Joanne , Browning Colette , Elsamman Mahmoud , Etzion Rachel , Ferooz Maryam , Fujihara Ryuun , Hancock Hugo , He Julian , Kendig Hal
Published: April 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate oral health‐related factors affecting the self‐assessed psychological well‐being (PW) and depressive symptoms of independent‐living Australians aged 79 years and over living in the community in metropolitan Melbourne.

Methods

The Melbourne Longitudinal Studies on Healthy Aging (MELSHA) program was used as the data source in this study and includes data on the health and well‐being of older participants. The MELSHA baseline data collection occurred in 1994, the current study used data from the 2008 data collection and included 201 participants, who remained in the study. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis with a stepwise procedure to identify the variables that accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in the participants' PW scores.

Results

Present findings indicate that oral health may play a significant mediating role in PW through maintaining a presentable and acceptable physical appearance. Some 16.4 percent of participants reported feeling concerned about their dental appearance, either “Sometimes,” “Often,” or “Very often.” Multivariate analysis showed significantly influences on PW positive and negative affect scores (P < 0.0001); and depressive symptoms (P < 0.0001) by participants' dentition status, enjoyment of meals, self‐reported feeling of concern about the appearance of the mouth, social activity and self‐assessment of general health. Final models explained 17.8, 20.1, and 24.6 percent of the variance of PW positive, negative affect scores, and depressive symptoms, respectively.

Conclusions

Oral health, specifically the appearance of the mouth and dentition, plays a significant role in the PW of older Melbournians. Future cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies are indicated to raise awareness on the changes required to improve the quality of life of the older population.
Measuring melatonin by immunoassay
Authors: Kennaway David J.
Published: April 2020

The pineal gland hormone melatonin continues to be of considerable interest to biomedical researchers. Of particular interest is the pattern of secretion of melatonin in relation to sleep timing as well as its potential role in certain diseases. Measuring melatonin in biological fluids such as blood and saliva presents particular methodological challenges since the production and secretion of the hormone are known to be extremely low during the light phase in almost all situations. Active secretion only occurs around the time of lights out in a wide range of species. The challenge then is to develop practical high‐throughput assays that are sufficiently sensitive and accurate enough to detect levels of melatonin less than 1 pg/mL in biological fluids. Mass spectrometry assays have been developed that achieve the required sensitivity, but are really not practical or even widely available to most researchers. Melatonin radioimmunoassays and ELISA have been developed and are commercially available. But the quality of the results that are being published is very variable, partly not only because of poor experimental designs, but also because of poor assays. In this review, I discuss issues around the design of studies involving melatonin measurement. I then provide a critical assessment of 21 immunoassay kits marketed by 11 different companies with respect to validation, specificity and sensitivity. Technical managers of the companies were contacted in an attempt to obtain information not available online or in kit inserts. A search of the literature was also conducted to uncover papers that have reported the use of these assays, and where possible, both daytime and night‐time plasma or saliva melatonin concentrations were extracted and tabulated. The results of the evaluations are disturbing, with many kits lacking any validation studies or using inadequate validation methods. Few assays have been properly assessed for specificity, while others report cross‐reaction profiles that can be expected to result in over estimation of the melatonin levels. Some assays are not fit for purpose because they are not sensitive enough to determine plasma or saliva DLMO of 10 and 3 pg/mL, respectively. Finally, some assays produce unrealistically high daytime melatonin levels in humans and laboratory animals in the order of hundreds of pg/mL. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive and unique assessment of the current commercial melatonin immunoassays and their use in publications. It provides researchers new to the field with the information they need to design valid melatonin studies from both the perspective of experimental/clinical trial design and the best assay methodologies. It will also hopefully help journal editors and reviewers who may not be fully aware of the pitfalls of melatonin measurement make better informed decisions on publication acceptability.