bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the role of glycine lipids inBacteroides thetaiotaomicron
Authors: Lynch Alli , Tammireddy Seshu R. , Doherty Mary K. , Whitfield Phillip D. , Clarke David J.
Published: July 2018

Acylated amino acids function as important components of the cellular membrane in some bacteria. Biosynthesis is initiated by the N-acylation of the amino acid and this is followed by subsequent O-acylation of the acylated molecule resulting in the production of the mature diacylated amino acid lipid. In this study we use both genetics and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to characterize the biosynthesis and function of novel diacylated glycine lipid (GL) species inBacteroides thetaiotaomicron. We, and others, have previously reported the identification of a gene, namedglsBin this study, that encodes a N-acyltransferase activity responsible for the production of a monoacylated glycine called N-acyl-3-hydroxy-palmitoyl glycine (or commendamide). In all of theBacteroidalesgenomes so far sequenced theglsBgene is located immediately downstream from a gene, namedglsA, also predicted to encode a protein with acyltransferase activity. We use LC-MS to show that co-expression ofglsBandglsAresults in the production of GL inEscherichia coli. We constructed a deletion mutant of theglsBgene inB. thetaiotaomicronand we confirm thatglsBis required for the production of GL inB. thetaiotaomicron. Moreover, we show thatglsBis important for the ability ofB. thetaiotaomicronto adapt to stress and colonize the mammalian gut. Therefore, this report is the first to describe the genetic requirements for the biosynthesis of GL, a novel diacylated amino acids species that contributes to fitness in the human gut bacterium,B. thetaiotaomicron.
Apigenin relaxes rat intrarenal arteries: involvement of Cl− channels and K+ channels
Authors: Jing Yixin , Dong Miaomiao , Liu Yu , Hou Xiaomin , Guo Pengmei , Li Weiping , Zhang Mingsheng , Lv Jiyuan
Published: July 2018

The vasodilator effect of apigenin (API) was demonstrated in a number of vascular beds. We aimed to characterize the vasospasmolytic and electrophysiological effects of apigenin (API) in intrarenal arteries (IRAs). The vascular tone of male rat isolated IRAs was recorded with a myograph. Transmembrane Cl− currents through Ca2+-activated Cl− channels (CaCCs), K+ currents through voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels and inwardly rectifier K+ (Kir) channels were recorded with patch clamp in the freshly isolated arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Preincubation with API (10-100 μM) concentration-dependently depressed the contractions induced by KCl, 9,11-dideoxy-9α,11α-methanoepoxy prostaglandin F2α (U46619), phenylephrine and vasopressin without significant preference and the IC50 values were 13.27-26.26 μM. Acute application of API elicited instant relaxations in the IRAs precontracted with these vasoconstrictors and the RC50 values were 5.80-24.33 μM. API relaxation was attenuated by chloride deprivation, CaCC blockers, Kv blocker and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, but not by Kir blocker and cyclooxygenase inhibitor. At 10-100 μM, API depressed CaCC currents and Kir currents while enhanced Kv currents of IRA ASMCs. The present results demonstrate that API counteracts various vasoconstrictors noncompetitively and nonspecifically and suggest that modulation of CaCCs, Kv and Kir channels of IRA ASMCs is involved in its vasospasmolytic effects.
Exploring the unmapped DNA and RNA reads in a songbird genome
Authors: Laine Veronika N. , Gossmann Toni I. , van Oers Kees , Visser Marcel E. , Groenen Martien A.M.
Published: July 2018

Background

A widely used approach in next-generation sequencing projects is the alignment of reads to a reference genome. A significant percentage of reads, however, frequently remain unmapped despite improvements in the methods and hardware, which have enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of alignments. Usually unmapped reads are discarded from the analysis process, but significant biological information and insights can be uncovered from this data. We explored the unmapped DNA (normal and bisulfite treated) and RNA sequence reads of the great tit (Parus major) reference genome individual. From the unmapped reads we generatedde novoassemblies. The generated sequence contigs were then aligned to the NCBI non-redundant nucleotide database using BLAST, identifying the closest known matching sequence.

Results

Many of the aligned contigs showed sequence similarity to sequences from different bird species and genes that were absent in the great tit reference assembly. Furthermore, there were also contigs that represented knownP. majorpathogenic species. Most interesting were several species of blood parasites such asPlasmodiumandTrypanosoma.

Conclusions

Our analyses revealed that meaningful biological information can be found when further exploring unmapped reads. It is possible to discover sequences that are either absent or misassembled in the reference genome and sequences that indicate infection or sample contamination. In this study we also propose strategies to aid the capture and interpretation of this information from unmapped reads.
Efficient propagation of misfolded tau between individual neurons occurs in absence of degeneration
Authors: Hallinan Grace I , Vargas-Caballero Mariana , West Jonathan , Deinhardt Katrin
Published: July 2018

In Alzheimer’s disease, misfolded tau protein propagates through the brain in a prion-like manner along connected circuits. Tauopathy correlates with significant neuronal death, but the links between tau aggregation, propagation, neuronal dysfunction and death remain poorly understood, and the direct functional consequences for the neuron containing the tau aggregates are unclear. Here, by monitoring individual neurons within a minimal circuit, we demonstrate that misfolded tau efficiently spreads from presynaptic to postsynaptic neurons. Within postsynaptic cells, tau aggregates initially in distal axons, while proximal axons remain free of tau pathology. In the presence of tau aggregates neurons display axonal transport deficits, but remain viable and electrically competent. This shows that misfolded tau species are not immediately toxic to neurons, and suggests that propagation of misfolded tau is an early event in disease, occurring prior to neuronal dysfunction and cell death.
Conserved and divergent development of brainstem vestibuloacoustic nuclei
Authors: Lipovsek Marcela , Wingate Richard JT
Published: July 2018

Vestibular function was established early in vertebrates and has remained, for the most part, unchanged. In contrast, tetrapods underwent independent evolutionary processes to solve the problem of hearing on land. Thus, the vestibuloacoustic nuclei of the hindbrain provide an ideal framework on which to address the participation of developmental processes to the evolution of neuronal circuits.

We employed an electroporation strategy to unravel the contribution of dorsoventral and axial lineages to the development of the chick hindbrain vestibular and auditory nuclei. We compare the chick developmental map with recently stablished genetic fate-maps of the mouse hindbrain. Overall, we find considerable conservation of developmental origin for the vestibular nuclei. In contrast, auditory hindbrain development echoes the complex evolutionary history of the auditory system. In particular, we find that the developmental origin of a chick sound localisation circuit supports its emergence from an ancient vestibular network, unrelated to the analogous mammalian counterpart.
Modeling and simulation of drag force for coated PET fabric with silica nano particles
Authors: Nazemi Siamak , Khajavi Ramin , Rabie Far Hamidreza , Yazdanshenas Mohammad Esmail , Raad Manouchehr
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper is based on the simulation of wind tunnel experiment for better understanding and predicting the behavior of PET fabric in the wind tunnel. This software calculates the drag force of fabric, illustrates pressure in the surrounding of airfoil and velocity of wind in the tunnel during different angles of attack (0°, 45° and 90°). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The sol-gel method was applied for the synthesis of silica nano particles. So, PET fabric was coated with precursor (Tetra ethyl ortho silicate) solution first and the process continued on PET fabric. The morphology of obtained hydrophobic fabric samples and their surface roughness was observed and determined by atomic microscopes (AFM and SEM). Experimental data were used for simulation and modeling, and then results were interpreted.

Findings

It was concluded that the surface roughness and its amount can play a significant role in the drag reduction of PET fabric, and surface roughness can change the boundary layer from laminar to turbulent.

Originality/value

At 45 degrees angle of attack, larger boundary layer separation results in a large increase in the drag force. This model is useful for predicting flow behavior in the experimental wind tunnel.
Factors associated with professional identity, job satisfaction and burnout for occupational therapists working in eating disorders: A mixed methods study
Authors: Devery Helen , Scanlan Justin Newton , Ross Jessica
Published: July 2018

Background

Occupational therapists employed within eating disorder services provide unique and valuable interventions. However, existing literature suggests that occupational therapists in this area may be at substantial risk of experiencing poor work‐related wellbeing (e.g., high levels of burnout and low levels of job satisfaction). Despite these risks, no previous studies have explored the work‐related experiences of occupational therapists in this specialist area of practice.

Objectives

To explore challenges faced by occupational therapists working in eating disorders, their sense of professional identity, burnout and job satisfaction.

Method

A mixed methods sequential design was adopted. Australian occupational therapists working in eating disorder services were invited to complete a survey exploring job challenges, burnout, professional identity and job satisfaction. Follow‐up interviews were conducted and analysed using Braun and Clarke's method of thematic analysis.

Results

Ten occupational therapists (representing approximately 50% of the workforce in this specialist area in Australia) participated. There were strong correlations between challenges from the client group and exhaustion (a component of burnout), and moderate correlations between stronger professional identity, pressure to adopt generalist approaches and exhaustion. Qualitative analysis suggested job challenges arose from structural, personal and client‐related sources, especially underutilisation of occupational therapy and pressure to adopt non‐occupation‐based practices. Participants reported using strategies such as maintaining an occupation focus, supervision, professional interactions and maintaining work–life balance to mitigate job stress.

Conclusion

Occupational therapists working in eating disorders do face challenges. These are particularly related to the lack of evidence base for occupational therapy in this area. Future research should focus on developing further evidence for occupational therapy in eating disorders and designing outcome measures that capture improvements in daily functioning. These efforts would strengthen the role of occupational therapy and may reduce the risk of burnout and improve job satisfaction and sense of professional identity.
Mifepristone in the treatment of the ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome
Authors: Wannachalee Taweesak , Turcu Adina F. , Auchus Richard J.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Mifepristone, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, can be used to manage hypercortisolism in patients with ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS) when surgical cure is not feasible. Outcomes of EAS patients treated with mifepristone have been limited to reports of isolated cases. We aimed to determine the efficacy and limitations of mifepristone in the treatment of EAS and to compare outcomes with those of patients who underwent bilateral adrenalectomy.

Method

A retrospective cohort study of EAS patients from the University of Michigan between 1997 and 2017 was conducted.

Results

Of the 55 patients with EAS, 16 were treated with mifepristone: eight neuroendocrine tumours, two carcinomas and six occult tumours. Treatment with mifepristone was most commonly prompted by psychosis, uncontrolled glucose and/or hypertension. The median maintenance dose was 600 mg/d. Amelioration of psychosis was observed within 48 hours in 3/3 patients, and the glycaemic control was improved in 14/16 patients. The median duration of treatment was 9 months, and three patients were treated for more than 24 months. The overall survival at 24 months was equivalent between patients with EAS treated with mifepristone vs bilateral adrenalectomy (N = 12) (P = 0.6).

Conclusions

Mifepristone is effective in treating EAS for over 2 years, and survival was not different from that of patients treated with bilateral adrenalectomy. Aggressive concomitant therapy for hypokalaemia and hypertension is necessary.
Fine‐needle aspiration in all thyroid incidentalomas at 18F‐FDG PET/CT: Can EU‐TIRADS revise the dogma?
Authors: Trimboli Pierpaolo , Paone Gaetano , Treglia Giorgio , Virili Camilla , Ruberto Teresa , Ceriani Luca , Piccardo Arnoldo , Giovanella Luca
Published: July 2018

Objective

Focal thyroid incidentalomas (TIs) are observed in 2% of 18F‐FDG PET/CT representing malignancy in one‐third of cases. Currently, due to the lack of evidence on their optimal management, guidelines suggest fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). The study aim was to evaluate the role of ultrasound evaluation according to EU‐TIRADS to assess the risk of TIs and inform FNAC prescriptions.

Design

We retrospectively reviewed 18F‐FDG PET/CT TIs recorded during the period 2014‐2017. Enrolled were TIs with histological outcome and autonomous nodules. Cases with uncertain matching between 18F‐FDG PET/CT, ultrasound and histology were excluded.

Results

According to the selection criteria, 75 TIs, being 13 (17.3%) malignant and 62 (82.7%) benign, were included. Cancers had significantly higher SUVmax and SUVmax ratio (Mann‐Whitney P < 0.01) than benign, and the most accurate cut‐offs were >7.1 and >3.65, respectively. At ultrasound, the cancer rate was 0% in EU‐TIRADS 2, 2.9% in EU‐TIRADS 3, 4.2% in EU‐TIRADS 4% and 78.6% in EU‐TIRADS 5 (chi‐squared P < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy for malignancy were 92%, 64%, 35%, 98% and 69% for SUVmax; 85%, 68%, 36%, 96% and 71% for SUVmax ratio; and 85%, 95%, 79%, 97% and 93% for EU‐TIRADS, respectively. The absence of all these three features reached a specificity of 97.1%.

Conclusions

EU‐TIRADS, within a clinical careful approach, can discriminate with significant accuracy lesions at high risk of malignancy from those at low risk among TIs at 18F‐FDG PET/CT. Additionally, a centre‐based threshold for SUV parameters should be useful for the initial assessment of these lesions during PET/CT reading and reporting.
Intra‐ and inter‐examiner agreement when assessing radiographic implant bone levels: Differences related to brightness, accuracy, participant demographics and implant characteristics
Authors: Walton Terry R. , Layton Danielle M.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Evaluate intra‐ and inter‐examiner agreement of radiographic marginal bone level (MBL) assessment around Brånemark single implants; and whether agreement related to radiograph brightness, discrimination level (accuracy), participant demographics or implant characteristics.

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐four participants assessed MBLs of 100 digital radiographs twice with normal brightness, and twice with increased brightness. Intra‐examiner agreement with and without increased brightness to the same thread, and within one thread; and inter‐examiner agreement as compared with the group (defined by the mode) for the first assessments with and without increased brightness, to the same thread, and within one thread were calculated with Cohen's Kappa. Relationships between agreement, thread discrimination level (accuracy), brightness, participant and implant characteristics were explored.

Results

When assessing 100 “Normal” radiographs twice, a participant on average assessed 24% differently to themselves (poor intra‐examiner agreement, median Kappa 0.58, range 0.21–0.82); and 28% differently to other participants (poor inter‐examiner agreement, median Kappa 0.53, range 0.05–0.80). Agreement within examiners improved when radiographs were “Bright” (median Kappa 0.58 vs. 0.62, p < 0.001, accuracy to same thread; median Kappa 0.94 vs. 0.96, p < 0.001, accuracy within one thread). Agreement between examiners was neither better nor worse when radiographs were “Bright” (median Kappa 0.53 vs. 0.55, p = 0.64, accuracy to same thread; median Kappa 0.93 vs. 0.93, p = 0.23, accuracy within one thread). Intra‐ and inter‐examiner agreements were lower when accuracy to the same thread was required (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Neither intra‐ nor inter‐examiner agreement related to age, time since graduation, specialty, viewing device, implant experience, external hex familiarity, periimplantitis treatment experience, implant location or width (p‐values 0.05–0.999). Intra‐examiner agreement increased across dental assistants (n = 11), general dentists (n = 16) and specialists (n = 47) (“Bright” assessments, p = 0.045, median Kappa's 0.55, 0.60, 0.65 respectively); and for females (n = 8, males = 58) (“Normal” assessments, p = 0.019, median 0.68 vs. 0.55), but female numbers were low.

Conclusions

Agreement within and between examiners when assessing MBLs was poor. Disagreement occurred around 25% of the time, potentially affecting consistent disease assessments. No participant or implant characteristic clearly affected agreement. Brighter radiographs improved intra‐examiner agreement. Overall, perceived MBL changes below 1 mm are likely due to human, not biological variation.
Use of stochastic patch occupancy models in the California red‐legged frog for Bayesian inference regarding past events and future persistence
Authors: Alcala Nicolas , Launer Alan E. , Westphal Michael F. , Seymour Richard , Cole Esther M. , Rosenberg Noah A.
Published: July 2018

Assessing causes of population decline is critically important to management of threatened species. Stochastic patch occupancy models (SPOMs) are popular tools for examining spatial and temporal dynamics of populations when presence–absence data in multiple habitat patches are available. We developed a Bayesian Markov chain method that extends existing SPOMs by focusing on past environmental changes that may have altered occupancy patterns prior to the beginning of data collection. Using occupancy data from 3 creeks, we applied the method to assess 2 hypothesized causes of population decline—in situ die‐off and residual impact of past source population loss—in the California red‐legged frog. Despite having no data for the 20–30 years between the hypothetical event leading to population decline and the first data collected, we were able to discriminate among hypotheses, finding evidence that in situ die‐off increased in 2 of the creeks. Although the creeks had comparable numbers of occupied segments, owing to different extinction–colonization dynamics, our model predicted an 8‐fold difference in persistence probabilities of their populations to 2030. Adding a source population led to a greater predicted persistence probability than did decreasing the in situ die‐off, emphasizing that reversing the deleterious impacts of a disturbance may not be the most efficient management strategy. We expect our method will be useful for studying dynamics and evaluating management strategies of many species.
The underestimated role of basophils in Ph+ chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Valent Peter , Horny Hans‐Peter , Arock Michel
Published: July 2018

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a hematopoietic neoplasm defined by the chromosome translocation t(9;22) and the related oncogene, BCR‐ABL1. In most patients, leukaemic cells can be kept under control using BCR‐ABL1‐targeting drugs. However, many patients relapse which remains a clinical challenge. In particular, patients with advanced (accelerated or blast phase) CML have a poor prognosis. So far, little is known about molecular and cellular interactions and features that contribute to disease progression and drug resistance in CML. One key prognostic factor at diagnosis is marked basophilia. However, although basophils are well‐known multifunctional effector cells, their impact in CML remains uncertain. In this article, we discuss the potential role of basophils as active contributors to disease evolution and progression in CML. In particular, basophils serve as a unique source of inflammatory, angiogenic and fibrogenic molecules, such as vascular endothelial growth factor or hepatocyte growth factor. In addition, basophils provide vasoactive substances, like histamine as well as the cytokine‐degrading enzyme dipeptidyl‐peptidase IV which may promote stem cell mobilization and the extramedullary spread of stem and progenitor cells. Finally, basophils may produce autocrine growth factors for myeloid cells. Understanding the role of basophils in CML evolution and progression may support the development of more effective treatment concepts.
Exploring the predictive power of the unspecific risk category of the Basel Screening Instrument for Psychosis
Authors: Peralta David , Studerus Erich , Andreou Christina , Beck Katharina , Ittig Sarah , Leanza Letizia , Egloff Laura , Riecher‐Rössler Anita
Published: July 2018

Aim

Ultrahigh risk (UHR) criteria, consisting of brief limited intermittent psychotic symptoms (BLIPS), attenuated psychotic symptoms (APS) and genetic risk and deterioration (GRD) syndrome are the most widely used criteria for assessing the clinical high‐risk state for psychosis (CHR‐P). The Basel Screening Instrument for Psychosis (BSIP) includes a further risk category, the unspecific risk category (URC). However, little is known about the predictive power of this risk category compared to other risk categories.

Methods

Two hundred CHR‐P patients were detected as part of the Früherkennung von Psychosen (FePsy) study using the BSIP. Transition to psychosis was assessed in regular intervals for up to 7 years.

Results

Patients meeting only the URC criterion (n = 40) had a significantly lower risk of transition to psychosis than the UHR group (including BLIPS, APS and GRD) (HR 0.19 [0.05; 0.80] (P = 0.024). Furthermore, the URC only risk group had a lower transition risk than the APS without BLIPS group (P = 0.015) and a trendwise lower risk than the BLIPS group (P = 0.066). However, despite the lower transition risk in the URC only group, there were still two patients (5%) in this group with a later transition to psychosis.

Conclusions

The URC includes patients who have a lower risk of transition than those included by the UHR categories and thereby increases the sensitivity of the BSIP. This offers the possibility of a stratified intervention, with these subjects receiving low intensity follow‐up and treatment.
In vitro characterization of intrinsic properties and local synaptic inputs to pyramidal neurons in macaque primary motor cortex
Authors: Xu Wei , Baker Stuart N.
Published: July 2018

Primates (including humans) have a highly developed corticospinal tract, and specialized motor cortical areas which differ in key ways from rodents. Much work on motor cortex has therefore used macaque monkeys as a good animal model for human motor control. However, there is a paucity of data describing the fundamental functional architecture of primate primary motor cortex, which is best addressed with in vitro approaches. In this study we examined the cellular properties and the micro‐circuitry of the adult macaque primary motor cortex by carrying out in‐vitro intracellular recordings. We aimed to characterize the basic properties of the cortical circuitry by studying the intrinsic properties of its pyramidal neurons and their physiological interconnectivity. We studied the passive and active electrophysiological properties of pyramidal neurons in both superficial and deep cortical layers. Both superficial and deep pyramidal neurons exhibited bursting behaviour that could act as powerful excitation for downstream targets. Synaptic connections were lamina specific. Neurons in the deep layers had convergent excitatory inputs from all cortical layers whereas superficial neurons had only significant inputs from superficial layers. This sheds light on the functional architecture of the primate primary motor cortex and how its output is shaped. We also took the unique opportunity in our recording technique to characterize the relationship between intracellular and extracellular spike waveforms, with implications for cell‐type identification in studies in awake behaving monkey. Our results will aid the interpretation of primate studies into motor control involving extracellular spike recordings and electrical stimulation in primary motor cortex.
It's not just what you have, but how you use it: solar‐positional and behavioural effects on hummingbird colour appearance during courtship
Authors: Simpson Richard K. , McGraw Kevin J.
Published: July 2018

Animals exhibit a diversity of colours that can play key roles in mating interactions. However, we presently lack an understanding of the relative importance of the environment, behaviour and natural reflective properties of colourful ornaments in shaping an individual's colour appearance during mating displays. We investigated interactions among structurally based plumage, display environments and courtship shuttle displays of male Costa's hummingbirds (Calypte costae) to test how these elements may differentially contribute to colour appearance during shuttles. Male position relative to the sun was the strongest predictor of colour appearance, with shuttle behaviours and feather reflectance playing smaller roles. Furthermore, male solar orientation and shuttling behaviour (e.g. shuttle width) were repeatable among displays, whereas male colour appearance mostly was not. These results emphasise the contributions of behaviour and environment to colour‐signalling and suggest that relying on reflectance measurements of colourful ornaments alone provides an incomplete picture of ecologically relevant visual phenotypes of displaying animals.
Shifts in the dynamics of productivity signal ecosystem state transitions at the biome‐scale
Authors: Hu Zhongmin , Guo Qun , Li Shenggong , Piao Shilong , Knapp Alan K. , Ciais Philippe , Li Xinrong , Yu Guirui
Published: July 2018

Understanding ecosystem dynamics and predicting directional changes in ecosystem in response to global changes are ongoing challenges in ecology. Here we present a framework that links productivity dynamics and ecosystem state transitions based on a spatially continuous dataset of aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) from the temperate grassland of China. Across a regional precipitation gradient, we quantified spatial patterns in ANPP dynamics (variability, asymmetry and sensitivity to rainfall) and related these to transitions from desert to semi‐arid to mesic steppe. We show that these three indices of ANPP dynamics displayed distinct spatial patterns, with peaks signalling transitions between grassland types. Thus, monitoring shifts in ANPP dynamics has the potential for predicting ecosystem state transitions in the future. Current ecosystem models fail to capture these dynamics, highlighting the need to incorporate more nuanced ecological controls of productivity in models to forecast future ecosystem shifts.
Maintenance of tight junction barrier integrity in cell turnover and skin diseases
Authors: Yokouchi Mariko , Kubo Akiharu
Published: July 2018

The skin forms a life‐sustaining barrier between the organism and the physical environment. The physical barrier of the skin is mainly comprised of the stratum corneum (SC) and tight junctions (TJs). In recent years, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the epidermal TJ function, composition and regulation. In contrast to the SC, TJs are highly dynamic structures. It was discovered that spatiotemporal regulation of dynamic TJ replacement from cell to cell maintains the TJ barrier homeostasis of the skin, despite continuous cellular turnover. This review summarizes current knowledge about how TJ barrier homeostasis is maintained in simple and stratified epithelia, and how diseases and other conditions affect the TJ barrier in the skin.
Factors associated with molar–incisor hypomineralisation in schoolchildren aged 8–10 years: a case–control study
Authors: Dantas‐Neta Neusa Barros , Soares Figueiredo Mariana , Lima Cacilda Castelo Branco , Bendo Cristiane Baccin , Matos de Andrade Éllen Maria , Lima Marina de Deus Moura , Pordeus Isabela Almeida , Paiva Saul Martins
Published: July 2018

Background

The aetiology of molar–incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is multifactorial and may involve genetic and environmental factors.

Aim

To verify the factors associated with MIH in schoolchildren from 8 to 10 years of age.

Design

This is a case–control study with a sample consisting of children aged 8 to 10 years, paired by gender and school type, in a ratio of 1:3. The case group included 186 children with MIH and the control included 558 children without MIH. Data were collected through a semi‐structured questionnaire and clinical examination. Chi‐square, linear‐by‐linear, Mann–Whitney, and logistic regression tests were conducted. A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The prevalence of mild MIH was 19.5%, moderate MIH 2.2% and severe MIH 3.2%. An association was observed between MIH with treatment need and a higher mean DMF‐T and decayed and missing teeth (P < 0.05). According to the aetiological factors studied, mothers who presented a fever during pregnancy had a 2.54 times greater chance of having children with severe MIH than mothers who did not present a fever (P = 0.045).

Conclusion

The presence of fever during pregnancy and the need for treatment were associated with MIH.
Perspectives on Hypertension Treatment in Older Persons
Authors: Stott David J. , Applegate William B.
Published: July 2018

This editorial comments on the article by Cushman et al.
Autonomic responses to tooth clenching in migraineurs—augmented trigeminocardiac reflex?
Authors: Zaproudina Nina , Lipponen Jukka A. , Tarvainen Mika P. , Vierola Anu , Rissanen Saara M. , Karjalainen Pasi A. , Närhi Matti
Published: July 2018

Background

Systemic autonomic changes are well known in migraineurs. Also, masticatory disorders are reported to be associated with migraine. However, if those phenomena are interrelated, and how, is unclear. Moreover, the knowledge on the autonomic responses to masticatory stimuli in migraineurs is limited.

Objective

To investigate tooth clenching‐related cardiac autonomic regulation in migraineurs.

Methods

We compared maximal tooth clenching‐induced systemic autonomic responses, indicated by heart rate variability and blood pressure changes, in headache‐free migraineurs (n = 17) and control subjects (n = 22).

Results

Levels of high‐frequency power, reflecting vagal activity, were lower in migraineurs at baseline but increased after tooth clenching whereas in controls they returned to baseline (P < 0.05, mixed model analysis). In multivariate regression model, the presence of migraine predicted the baseline levels of low‐ and high‐frequency power and sympathovagal balance, and the post‐test increase in high‐frequency power, with the attack frequency and side of headache as the modifiers of the measured changes in migraineurs. The painful signs of temporomandibular disorders, found in clinical oral examination, enhanced both maximal changes in RR intervals and post‐test vagal responses to tooth clenching only in migraineurs.

Conclusion

The enhanced post‐clenching vagal activation may represent a marker of the augmented trigeminocardiac reflex to stimulation of trigeminal area, sensitised in migraineurs. Our results support an involvement of autonomic mechanisms in migraine pathophysiology and are interesting in terms of interactions between migraine and masticatory disorders, elucidating one potential way how masticatory disorders may aggravate migraine.
Is Sexual Abuse a Unique Predictor of Sexual Risk Behaviors, Pregnancy, and Motherhood in Adolescence?
Authors: Noll Jennie G. , Guastaferro Kate , Beal Sarah J. , Schreier Hannah M. C. , Barnes Jaclyn , Reader Jonathan M. , Font Sarah A.
Published: July 2018

This study tested sexual abuse as a unique predictor of subsequent adolescent sexual behaviors, pregnancy, and motherhood when in company with other types of maltreatment (physical abuse, neglect) and alternative behavioral, family, and contextual risk factors in a prospective, longitudinal study of maltreated (n = 275) and comparison (n = 239) nulliparous females aged 14–19 years old assessed annually through 19 years old. Hierarchical regression was used to disentangle risk factors that account for the associations of maltreatment type on risky sexual behaviors at 19 years old, adolescent pregnancy, and adolescent motherhood. Findings indicate that sexual and physical abuse remain significant predictors of risky sexual behaviors, and that sexual abuse remains a significant predictor of adolescent motherhood when alternative explanatory variables are controlled.
Führungen durchs „Denkhäuschen‟
Authors: Ortner Jessica
Published: July 2018

Anhand einer Analyse von Elfriede Jelineks Internetroman Neid (Mein Abfall von allem) (2007–2008) und Thomas Bernhards Roman Auslöschung. Ein Zerfall (1986) geht diese Studie der bisher wenig erforschten Frage nach, inwiefern sich ästhetische Ähnlichkeiten im Schreiben der beiden Autoren finden lassen. Der Artikel zeigt, dass Reflexionen und Abschweifungen in beiden Romanen einen wichtigeren Stellenwert einnehmen als die Geschichte, die die Erzählinstanz vorgibt, erzählen zu wollen. So ist den Romanen eine radikale Absage an eine lineare Schreibweise nachweisbar. Dieses non‐lineare ästhetische Prinzip (Genette) lässt die Handlung der Figuren in den Hintergrund treten und schafft stattdessen eine prominente Erzählinstanz, die Bernhard und Jelinek spielerisch mit ihrer im öffentlichen Raum vorherrschenden „Ich‐Legende“ in Verbindung bringen (Löffler, ). Durch ein bewusstes Spiel mit der Trennlinie zwischen Erzähler, Autor und Figur nehmen die Romane autofiktionale Züge an (Zipfel, ), die Bernhard und Jelinek auf unterschiedliche Weise für einen Verweis auf faschistische Machtstrukturen der österreichischen Gesellschaft nutzen.
A 4‐bp deletion promoter variant (rs984225803) is associated with mild OCA4 among Japanese patients
Authors: Okamura Ken , Hayashi Masahiro , Nakajima Osamu , Kono Michihiro , Abe Yuko , Hozumi Yutaka , Suzuki Tamio
Published: July 2018

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) type 4 is one of the most common types of albinism among Japanese population. In some patients who were clinically diagnosed with OCA, we have found a heterozygous pathological mutation in the coding region of SLC45A2, the gene responsible for OCA4, not leading to a DNA‐based diagnosis. In this study, we evaluated pathological variants in the promoter region of SLC45A2 in these patients. The results indicated that the majority of the patients had a 4‐bp deletion in the said region (c.‐492_489delAATG; GenBank accession number: NM_016180; rs984225803) in the contralateral allele. These patients displayed a mild phenotype, especially regarding eye manifestations. The results of the luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay supported the pathological role of the variant. In addition, four of 220 alleles in Japanese normal control subjects also showed the deletion variant, indicating that this variant could possibly be a skin color‐associated variant.
Pulmonary complications after liver transplantation in children: risk factors and impact on early post‐operative morbidity
Authors: Ruchonnet‐Metrailler Isabelle , Blanchon Sylvain , Luthold Samuel , Wildhaber Barbara E. , Rimensberger Peter C. , Barazzone‐Argiroffo Constance , Mc Lin Valérie A.
Published: July 2018

Liver transplantation (LT) is associated with high post‐operative morbidity, despite excellent survival rates. With this retrospective study, we report the incidence of early and late pulmonary complications (PC) after LT, identify modifiable risk factors for PC and analyzed the role of PC in post‐operative ventilation duration and hospital length of stay. In a series of 79 children (0‐16 years) with LT over a 12 years period, early (<3 months post‐LT) and/or late (>3 months post‐LT) PC occurred in 68 patients (86%). Sixty‐four percent (64%) developed early major complications such as pulmonary edema, atelectasis, or pleural effusion. Atelectasis requiring an intervention (P ≤ .02), pulmonary edema (P ≤ .02), or elevated PELD/MELD scores (P = .05) were associated with an increase in total ventilation duration and length of stay in the ICU. Risk factors for early PC included preoperative hypoxemia (P = .005), low serum albumin at LT admission (P = .003), or early rejection (P = .002). About 20% of patients experienced late PC of which 81% were infections. Risk factor assessment prior to LT may ultimately help reduce early PC thereby possibly minimizing post‐operative morbidity and ICU length of stay.
Transgender HIV status, self‐perceived dental care barriers, and residents’ stigma, willingness to treat them in a community dental outreach program: Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Samuel Srinivasan Raj , Muragaboopathy Viknesan , Patil Snehal
Published: July 2018

Aim

Assess the association between high risk transgender (TG) HIV status, self‐perceived barriers toward oral care, and the residents’ stigma and willingness to treat during community dental outreach.

Methods

Demographics, tobacco habits, HIV status, willingness for rapid HIV testing, and self‐ perceived oral health, barriers toward oral care were assessed in a cross‐sectional study among 212 transgender in South India. Further, the residents’ stigma across three subscales and residents’ willingness to treat the transgender was evaluated.

Results

Overall, 88% had begging as the sole income, and 93% lived in slums and used some form of tobacco. Oral health was perceived to be poor by more than half, and the mean probing pocket depth (PPD) and decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) was 4.2 mm and 3.67, respectively. The residents reported significantly low regard and willingness to treat TG irrespective of high/low stigma and when the transgender HIV status was positive/do not know. Residents with greater fear of exposure expressed least regard and willingness to treat TG (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The self‐perceived oral health of transgender’ was poor corresponding to the clinical examination findings. Moreover, the stigmatizing attitude and low regard to provide oral care is rampant among the dental residents, which further frustrates dental care.
Examination of Cognitive Flexibility Levels of Young Individual and Team Sport Athletes
Authors: Aslan Şehmus
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to compare the level of cognitive flexibility of individual and team athletes who are students. The study included a total of 237 volunteer athletes, comprising 140 males (59.1%) and 97 females (40.9%) with a mean age of 18.98 ± 2.18 years (range, 16-26 years) who were licensed to participate in individual and team sports. Study data were collected using the Cognitive Flexibility Scale developed by Martin and Rubin (1995), which consists of 12 items in total. International validity and reliability studies were conducted by Martin and Rubin, and Turkish validity and reliability studies were conducted by Çelikkaleli on high school students (Çelikkaleli, 2014). The scores of the Cognitive Flexibility Scale were found to be higher in the team sports athletes compared with the individual sports athletes (p<0.05). No difference was determined between the levels of cognitive flexibility in male and female athletes. The results indicated that the cognitive flexibility levels of team athletes are higher than those of individual athletes.
A Study About the Effect of 12 Week Aerobic Exercises on Certain Physical Fitness Parameters on Obese Housewives Living in Çankırı
Authors: Zileli Raif , Söyler Mehmet
Published: July 2018

Thirty-four volunteer obese housewives, who have not done exercise regularly during the last six months and have had no health problems to prevent them from exercising, have participated in the study. For the participating volunteers (n = 34), their age averages have been determined as (39.30 ± 11.30 years), their average height have been determined as (166.40 ± 8.50 cm) and their average body weights have been determined as (82.44 ± 15.02 kg), their average BMIs have been determined as (26.03 ± 6.65 kg/m2) and their average body fat percentages have been determined as (32.17 ± 8.05 %). The volunteers have been given an aerobic exercise program at 75% an exercise intensity according to the Karvonen formula for 50 minutes a day and for 4 days a week during 12 weeks. Measurements (body weight, waist circumference, body fat percentage) of the volunteers have been taken at the beginning and the end of the 12-week aerobic program. The data have been analysed by using the SPSS 17.0 statistical package program. Statistical analyses have been made by using Wilcoxon Test and the significance value has been determined as p< 0.05.After the statistical analysis, statistically significant difference have been detected between the preliminary and the final test values of the subjects in terms of Body Weight (z=-5.08, p<0.05), Waist Circumference (z=-5.08, p<0.05), Body Fat Percentage (z=-4.71, p<0.05) and Body Mass Index (z=-4.57, p<0.05).As a result, it has been determined that aerobic exercise of 12 weeks in aerobic style has positive effects on physical fitness parameters of obese housewives. For this reason, the importance of the cost-free aerobic exercise in the right intensity for every age has been revealed again.
The Comparison of Somatotype Structures in Students Studying at Different Departments of Physical Education
Authors: Marangoz Irfan , Var Sevde Mavi
Published: July 2018

This study aims to analyze the somatotype structures in students studying at different departments of physical education. A total of 300 male students (elite-sub-elite athletes) who study physical education and sports (n=100), coaching education (n=100) and sports management (n=100) at School of Physical Education and Sports at University of Kirsehir Ahi Evran voluntarily participated in this study. Somatotype structures were determined using Heath-Carter method and SOMATOTURK calculation program. SPSS 22.0 package program for Windows was used for correlation analysis, and the level of significance was taken as 0.05. The results indicate that while students (elite-sub-elite athletes) participating in the study had a mesomorph structure, which is one of the most important body structure parameters for performance and characterized by a muscularity component, during early periods of their education (freshman and sophomore years), their bodies transformed into an endomorph structure, which is characterized by fat components, during later periods of their education (junior and senior years).
Finiteness theorems for K3 surfaces and abelian varieties of CM type
Authors: Orr Martin , Skorobogatov Alexei N.
Published: July 2018

We study abelian varieties and K3 surfaces with complex multiplication defined over number fields of fixed degree. We show that these varieties fall into finitely many isomorphism classes over an algebraic closure of the field of rational numbers. As an application we confirm finiteness conjectures of Shafarevich and Coleman in the CM case. In addition we prove the uniform boundedness of the Galois invariant subgroup of the geometric Brauer group for forms of a smooth projective variety satisfying the integral Mumford–Tate conjecture. When applied to K3 surfaces, this affirms a conjecture of Várilly-Alvarado in the CM case.
Sympathoexcitation by hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla
Authors: Koba Satoshi , Hanai Eri , Kumada Nao , Kataoka Naoya , Nakamura Kazuhiro , Watanabe Tatsuo
Published: July 2018

Key points

Causal relationships between central cardiovascular pathways and sympathetic vasomotor tone have not been evidenced.

This study aimed to verify the sympathoexcitatory role of hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons that project to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (PVN‐RVLM neurons).

By using optogenetic techniques, we demonstrated that stimulation of PVN‐RVLM glutamatergic neurons increased renal sympathetic nerve activity and arterial pressure via, at least in part, stimulation of RVLM C1 neurons in rats.

This monosynaptic pathway may function in acute sympathetic adjustments to stressors and/or be a component of chronic sympathetic hyperactivity in pathological conditions such as heart failure.

The rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), which is known to play an important role in regulating sympathetic vasomotor tone, receives axonal projections from the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). However, no studies have proved that excitation of the PVN neurons that send axonal projections to the RVLM (PVN‐RVLM neurons) causes sympathoexcitation. This study aimed to directly examine the sympathoexcitatory role of PVN‐RVLM neurons. Male rats received microinjections into the PVN with an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vector that encoded a hybrid of channelrhodopsin‐2/1 with the reporter tdTomato (ChIEF‐tdTomato), or into the RVLM with a retrograde AAV vector that encoded a channelrhodopsin with green fluorescent protein (ChR2‐GFPretro). Under anaesthesia with urethane and α‐chloralose, photostimulation (473 nm wavelength) of PVN‐RVLM neurons, achieved by laser illumination of either RVLM of ChIEF‐tdTomato rats (n = 8) or PVN of ChR2‐GFPretro rats (n = 4), elicited significant renal sympathoexcitation. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy showed that RVLM adrenergic C1 neurons of ChIEF‐tdTomato rats were closely associated with tdTomato‐labelled, PVN‐derived axons that contained vesicular glutamate transporter 2. In another subset of anaesthetized ChIEF‐tdTomato rats (n = 6), the renal sympathoexcitation elicited by photostimulation of the PVN was suppressed by administering ionotropic glutamate receptor blockers into the RVLM. These results demonstrate that excitation of PVN‐RVLM glutamatergic neurons leads to sympathoexcitation via, at least in part, stimulation of RVLM C1 neurons.