bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is progression of periodontitis relevantly influenced by systemic antibiotics? A clinical randomized trial
Authors: Harks Inga , Koch Raphael , Eickholz Peter , Hoffmann Thomas , Kim Ti‐Sun , Kocher Thomas , Meyle Joerg , Kaner Doğan , Schlagenhauf Ulrich , Doering Stephan , Holtfreter Birte , Gravemeier Martina , Harmsen Dag , Ehmke Benjamin
Published: August 2015

Aim

We investigated the long‐term impact of adjunctive systemic antibiotics on periodontal disease progression. Periodontal therapy is frequently supplemented by systemic antibiotics, although its impact on the course of disease is still unclear.

Material & Methods

This prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled multi‐centre trial comprising patients suffering from moderate to severe periodontitis evaluated the impact of rational adjunctive use of systemic amoxicillin 500 mg plus metronidazole 400 mg (3x/day, 7 days) on attachment loss. The primary outcome was the percentage of sites showing further attachment loss (PSAL) ≥1.3 mm after the 27.5 months observation period. Standardized therapy comprised mechanical debridement in conjunction with antibiotics or placebo administration, and maintenance therapy at 3 months intervals.

Results

From 506 participating patients, 406 were included in the intention to treat analysis. Median PSAL observed in placebo group was 7.8% compared to 5.3% in antibiotics group (Q25 4.7%/Q75 14.1%; Q25 3.1%/Q75 9.9%; p < 0.001 respectively).

Conclusions

Both treatments were effective in preventing disease progression. Compared to placebo, the prescription of empiric adjunctive systemic antibiotics showed a small absolute, although statistically significant, additional reduction in further attachment loss. Therapists should consider the patient's overall risk for periodontal disease when deciding for or against adjunctive antibiotics prescription.
Research Review: Executive function deficits in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder – a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kingdon Danielle , Cardoso Christopher , McGrath Jennifer J.
Published: August 2015

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)‐like symptoms are common in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). FASD and ADHD groups both display executive function impairments; however, there is ongoing debate whether the pattern and magnitude of executive function deficits differs between these two types of disorders.

Methods

An electronic literature search was conducted (PubMed, PsychInfo; 1972–2013) to identify studies comparing the executive functioning of children with FASD with ADHD or control groups. FASD groups included those with and without dysmorphy (i.e., FAS, pFAS, ARND, and other FASD diagnoses). Effect sizes (Hedges' g, standardized mean difference) were calculated. Random effects meta‐analytic models were performed using the metafor package for R.

Results

Fifty‐one studies met inclusion criteria (FASD N = 2,115; ADHD N = 453; controls N = 1,990). Children with FASD showed the strongest and most consistent deficits in planning, fluency, and set‐shifting compared to controls (Hedges' g = −0.94, −0.78) and children with ADHD (Hedges' g = −0.72, −0.32). FASD was associated with moderate to large impairments in working memory, compared to controls (Hedges' g = ‐.84, ‐.58) and small impairments relative to groups with ADHD (Hedges' g = ‐.26). Smaller and less consistent deficits were found on measures of inhibition and vigilance relative to controls (Hedges' g = −0.52, −0.31); FASD and ADHD were not differentiated on these measures. Moderator analyses indicated executive dysfunction was associated with older age, dysmorphy, and larger group differences in IQ. Sex and diagnostic system were not consistently related to effect size.

Conclusions

While FASD is associated with global executive impairments, executive function weaknesses are most consistent for measures of planning, fluency, and set‐shifting. Neuropsychological measures assessing these executive function domains may improve differential diagnosis and treatment of FASD.
An improved and consistent approach to estimate catchment response time parameters: case study in the C5 drainage region, South Africa
Authors: Gericke O.J. , Smithers J.C.
Published: August 2015

Large errors in estimates of peak discharge in medium to large catchments in South Africa can be largely ascribed to significant errors in the estimation of the catchment response time, mainly as a consequence of the use of inappropriate time variables, the inadequate use of a simplified convolution process between rainfall–run‐off time variables, and the lack of locally developed empirical methods to estimate catchment response time parameters. Furthermore, the use of a typical convolution process between a single hyetograph and hydrograph to estimate observed time parameters at large catchment scales is regarded as not practical, as such simplification is not applicable in real, large heterogeneous catchments where antecedent moisture from previous rainfall events and spatially non‐uniform rainfall hyetographs can result in multipeaked hydrographs. This paper presents the development and evaluation of an alternative, improved and consistent approach to estimate catchment response time expressed as the time to peak (TP) in the C5 secondary drainage region in South Africa, while the interrelationship, similarity and proportionality ratios between TP and the conceptual time of concentration (TC) and lag time (TL) are also investigated.
Reduction of prostaglandin transporter predicts poor prognosis associated with angiogenesis in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Takeda Shogo , Tanigawa Tetsuya , Watanabe Toshio , Tatsuwaki Hiroshi , Nadatani Yuji , Otani Koji , Nagami Yasuaki , Tanaka Fumio , Kamata Noriko , Yamagami Hirokazu , Shiba Masatsugu , Tominaga Kazunari , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Muguruma Kazuya , Ohira Masaichi , Hirakawa Kosei , Arakawa Tetsuo
Published: August 2015

Background and Aim:

Prostaglandin (PG) E2 promotes gastrointestinal carcinogenesis and tumor progression. The total amount of biologically active PGE2 in tissues is determined by a balance of PG biosynthesis and degradation pathways, which involve the PG transporter (PGT). We investigated PGT in gastric adenocarcinoma by determining its expression pattern and examining associations of PGT with prognosis and tumor angiogenesis.

Methods:

PGT expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma specimens obtained from 96 patients who underwent surgical resection. Correlations between PGT expression level and clinicopathological factors were statistically analyzed. Angiogenesis in the tumor tissue was evaluated by counting the number of microvessels. The role of PGT in mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was examined in gastric cancer cells stimulated by PGE2.

Results:

Based on multivariate and Kaplan–Meier analyses, negativity for PGT expression was an independent poor prognostic factor. There were more microvessels in PGT‐negative tumors than in PGT‐positive tumors. Transfection of AGS and MKN7 gastric cancer cells with PGT‐specific siRNA led to increased VEGF mRNA and protein expression accompanied by increased PGE2 in the culture media.

Conclusions:

PGT expression is an independent predictor of poor survival and is associated with tumor angiogenesis in gastric adenocarcinoma.
Changing trends in tissue acquisition in malignant pancreatic neoplasms
Authors: Roy Ann , Kim Micheline , Hawes Robert , Varadarajulu Shyam
Published: August 2015

Background and Aim

To compare the frequency of use, hospital costs, and resource availability between endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA), percutaneous, and surgical techniques for tissue acquisition in malignant pancreatic neoplasms.

Methods

This is a retrospective claims analysis of Medicare patients undergoing biopsy of malignant pancreatic neoplasms over 5 years (2006–2010). The primary outcome measure was to compare the utilization of EUS, percutaneous techniques, and surgery for performing pancreatic biopsies. The secondary outcome measures were to compare treatment costs and variations in availability of resources between the three techniques over a 1‐year period (2010).

Results

Over 5 years, the use of EUS‐FNA increased by 69.3% (7100 to 12 020) and the use of percutaneous biopsy by 1.8% (4480 to 4560) compared to decrease in surgical biopsy (720 to 420) by 41.7% (P < 0.0001). When compared to percutaneous and surgical biopsies ($9639 and $21 947, respectively) the median hospital cost/claim for EUS‐FNA ($1794) was significantly lower (P < 0.0001). More EUS‐FNA procedures were performed in urban and teaching hospitals compared to rural and non‐teaching hospitals (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Although EUS‐FNA is increasingly performed and is less costly, and the rate of surgical biopsies has declined precipitously, the utilization of percutaneous techniques remains prevalent. Training and education are required to disseminate the use of EUS‐FNA outside major teaching institutions or foster referral of patients to EUS centers because of implications for patient care and resource use.
The increasing burden of potentially preventable liver disease among adult liver transplant recipients: A comparative analysis of liver transplant indication by era in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Howell Jessica , Balderson Glenda , Hellard Margaret , Gow Paul , Strasser Simone , Stuart Katherine , Wigg Alan , Jeffrey Gary , Gane Ed , Angus Peter W
Published: August 2015

Background:

Hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD), and non‐alcohol‐related fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are leading indications for adult liver transplantation in Australia and New Zealand. However, these diseases are potentially preventable through effective primary and/or secondary prevention strategies. This study evaluates the relative contribution of potentially preventable liver diseases to liver transplant numbers in Australia and New Zealand over time.

Methods:

Prospectively recorded clinical, demographic, and outcome data were collected from the Australian and New Zealand Liver Transplant Registry for all primary adult liver transplants performed in Australia and New Zealand from 1 January 1985 until 31 December 2012. Potentially preventable liver disease was defined as HBV, HCV, NAFLD, ALD, and HCC. The etiology of liver disease leading to liver transplantation and the proportion of preventable liver disease‐related liver transplantation was compared between Era 1 (1985–1993), Era 2 (1994–2003), and Era 3 (2004–2012).

Results:

Overall, 1252 of 3266 adult primary liver transplants (38.3%) were performed for potentially preventable liver disease. There was a significant increase in the proportion of liver transplants because of preventable liver disease from 21.2% (93 of 439) in Era 1, to 49.8% (623 of 1252) in Era 2 and 63.5% (1000 of 1575) in Era 3 (P < 0.0001). Over time, there was a significant increase in HCV (P < 0.0001), ALD (P = 0.002), and NAFLD (P < 0.0001) as a primary indication for adult liver transplant, whereas HBV has significantly decreased from Era 1 to Era 3 as an indication for transplant (P < 0.0001). The number of transplants performed for HCC also increased across Eras (P < 0.0001), with 84% due to underlying potentially preventable liver disease.

Conclusion:

Since 2004, the majority of primary adult liver transplants within Australia and New Zealand have been because of potentially preventable liver diseases and the prevalence of these diseases has increased over time. This finding represents an opportunity for clinicians to make a significant impact on the overall burden of advanced liver disease in Australia and New Zealand by improving primary and secondary prevention measures.
Assessing the Greenhouse Gas Savings Potential of Extended Producer Responsibility for Mattresses and Boxsprings in the United States
Authors: Geyer Roland , Kuczenski Brandon , Trujillo Matthew
Published: August 2015

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation in the United States, which currently only exists on the state level, now includes three mattress EPR acts, which intend to shift the financial and operational burden of mattress end‐of‐life (EOL) management away from local and state government. It is important to keep in mind, however, that the original objective behind EPR is to reduce the environmental life cycle impacts of products. This article therefore quantifies the greenhouse gas (GHG) savings potential of mattress and boxspring recycling and reuse in the United States and also discusses labor implications and mattress design issues. We find that all three acts are unlikely to generate redesign incentives, but are expected to dramatically increase mattress collection and recycling. The collection and recycling of all 35 million EOL mattress and boxspring units estimated to reach the end of their lives in the United States every year would generate in the order of 10,000 jobs and GHG savings between 1 and 1.5 million metric tonnes.
Foreclosures, House Prices, and the Real Economy
Authors: MIAN ATIF , SUFI AMIR , TREBBI FRANCESCO
Published: August 2015

From 2007 to 2009, states without a judicial requirement for foreclosures were twice as likely to foreclose on delinquent homeowners. Analysis of borders of states with differing foreclosure laws reveals a discrete jump in foreclosure propensity as one enters nonjudicial states. Using state judicial requirement as an instrument for foreclosures, we show that foreclosures led to a large decline in house prices, residential investment, and consumer demand from 2007 to 2009. As foreclosures subsided from 2011 to 2013, the foreclosure rates in nonjudicial and judicial requirement states converged and we find some evidence of a stronger recovery in nonjudicial states.
FLAIR Vascular Hyperintensity is a Surrogate of Collateral Flow and Leukoaraiosis in Patients With Acute Stroke Due to Proximal Artery Occlusion
Authors: Karadeli Hasan H. , Giurgiutiu Dan‐Victor , Cloonan Lisa , Fitzpatrick Kaitlin , Kanakis Allison , Ozcan Muhammed E. , Schwamm Lee H. , Rost Natalia S.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) vascular hyperintensity (FVH) is a novel radiographic marker detected in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, which is linked to slow blood flow and potentially salvageable brain tissue. Poor leptomeningeal collateral status in AIS patients with proximal artery occlusion (PAO) is associated with larger final infarct and worse clinical outcomes, which are also affected by severity of white matter hyperintensity (WMH). We sought to evaluate FVH utility as a marker of acute collateral vessel status and its association with WMH burden in AIS patients.

METHODS

Consecutive AIS patients with PAO on baseline CT angiography (CTA) were retrospectively selected from a prospectively derived database. FVH was graded by its location, degree, and score on admission MRI obtained immediately after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator administration. Leptomeningeal collateral flow grade was ranked on admission CTA. WMH volume (WMHV) was assessed using a validated volumetric protocol. Relationship between FVH, collateral flow grade, and WMHV were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 39 patients (mean age 70.5 ± 12.7 years; 56% women, mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 17.2 (± 4.4)), median WMHV was 6.0 cm3. FVH score and collateral flow grade were significantly correlated (Spearman's ρ = .41, P = .009). In a univariate regression model, FVH degree was inversely associated with WMHV (β = –.33, P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

FVH score detected on acute MRI can be used as a surrogate of collateral flow grade in AIS patients. FVH degree is inversely associated with WMHV, possibly signifying diffuse disease of cerebral vasculature in patients with severe leukoaraiosis.
The Benefits of Benevolence: Basic Psychological Needs, Beneficence, and the Enhancement of Well‐Being
Authors: Martela Frank , Ryan Richard M.
Published: August 2015

Pro‐social behaviors have been associated with enhanced well‐being, but what psychological mechanisms explain this connection? Some theories suggest that beneficence—the sense of being able to give—inherently improves well‐being, whereas evidence from self‐determination theory (Weinstein & Ryan, 2010) shows that increases in well‐being are mediated by satisfaction of innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Here we simultaneously assess these two explanations. Study 1 (N = 335) used a cross‐sectional survey with an Internet sample to develop a measure to assess beneficence satisfaction. The next two cross‐sectional Internet‐sample studies tested mediators between pro‐social behavior and general well‐being (Study 2, N = 332) and situational peak moment well‐being (Study 3, N = 180). A fourth study (N = 85) used a diary method with university students to assess daily fluctuations in well‐being associated with needs and beneficence. It was shown across all studies that both the three psychological needs and beneficence satisfaction mediate the relations between pro‐social actions and well‐being, with all four factors emerging as independent predictors. Together, these studies underscore the role of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in explaining the well‐being benefits of benevolence, and they also point to the independent role of beneficence as a source of human wellness.
Antitumour effects of tetrazanbigen against human hepatocellular carcinoma QGY-7701 through inducing lipid accumulation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zheng Xiaohong , Li Wei , Lan Zuoping , Yang Xiaolan , Li Longjiang , Yuan Yonghua , Xia Zhu , Chen Xunguan , Zhang Xinyu , Yu Yu
Published: August 2015

Objectives

Tetrazanbigen (TNBG) is a newly synthesized compound with an isoquinoline moiety, and its antitumour effects were evaluated in in-vitro and in-vivo models.

Methods

3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to measure the antiproliferative activity of TNBG on cancer cell lines. Antitumour activity of TNGB in vivo was also assessed in a xenograft model of human hepatocellular carcinoma QGY-7701 cell line. Cell cycle and cell apoptosis analysis was performed.

Key findings

TNBG exhibited strong antitumour efficacy against six human cancer cell lines with IC50 range of 2.13–8.01 μg/ml. The IC50 of TNBG on normal hepatic cells was 11.25 μg/ml. Lots of lipid droplets were observed in cytoplasm of human hepatocellular carcinoma QGY-7701 cells after treatment of TNBG. S phase arrest and apoptosis induction by TNBG were also found on QGY-7701 cells. Intraperitoneal injection of TNBG (1.5 mg/kg/day) resulted in significant decreases in tumour volume and tumour weight on nude mice bearing QGY-7701 cells xenografts. Results from pathological analysis in nude mice demonstrated that TNBG could induce lipid accumulation specifically in cancer tissue rather than in other normal organs, tissues and blood.

Conclusions

These results suggested that TNBG might exert potent antitumour activity through inducing lipid accumulation in cancer cell.
Rare earth element‐enriched yeast improved egg production and egg quality in laying hens in the late period of peak egg production
Authors: Cai L. , Nyachoti C. M. , Hancock J. D. , Lee J. Y. , Kim Y. H. , Lee D. H. , Kim I. H.
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of rare earth element‐enriched yeast (RY) on egg production, coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD), egg quality, excreta gas emission and excreta microbiota of laying hens. A total of 216 ISA brown laying hens of 52 weeks of age were used in a 5‐week feeding trial and data were collected every week. Birds were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments each with six replicates and 12 hens per replicate. Each cage (38 cm width × 50 cm length × 40 cm height) contained one hen. Treatments consisted of corn–soya bean meal‐based diet supplemented with 0, 500 or 1000 mg/kg of RY. From weeks 55 to 56, inclusion of RY linearly increased (p < 0.05) egg production. The CTTAD of nitrogen was increased (linear, p < 0.05) with increasing dietary level of RY. In week 55, yolk height and Haugh units were increased linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary RY content. However, no significant effects were observed in terms of excreta emissions and excreta microbiota in laying hens. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with RY improved egg production and CTTAD of nitrogen and slightly improved egg quality in laying hens of the late period of peak egg production.
Effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on ligature‐induced bone loss and bone repair after ligature removal in rats
Authors: Oliveira G. J. P. L. , Paula L. G. F. , Souza J. A. C. , Spin‐Neto R. , Stavropoulos A. , Marcantonio R. A. C.
Published: August 2015

Background and Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of administration of avocado/soybean unsaponifiable (ASU), a drug that is commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, on ligature‐induced bone loss and bone repair after ligature removal in rats.

Material and Methods

Eighty‐four rats were randomly assigned to four groups of equal size and received a daily gavage of either sterile saline [control (CTR)] or ASU (0.6 mg/kg), starting 7 d before (ASU/−7), on the day of (ASU/0) or 7 d after (ASU/+7) periodontitis induction. Periodontitis was induced by placing silk ligatures into the gingival sulcus of the second maxillary molars for 7 d; after 7 d, the ligatures were removed. Seven rats from each group were sacrificed, 7, 15 or 30 d after ligature removal. Bone resorption was evaluated by histomorphometry and micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of TRAP, RANKL and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to evaluate the levels of interleukin‐1beta (Il1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnfα), interleukin‐6 (Il‐6), Rankl and Alp. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, ANOVA and Tukey's test for normal data, and using the Kruskall–Wallis and Dunnet's tests for non‐normal data (p < 0.05).

Results

Histomorphometry and micro‐CT analysis showed greater bone resorption in the CTR group than in the ASU/0 (15 d) and ASU/+7 (7 and 15 d) groups. The CTR group also presented with a higher expression of TRAP (15 and 30 d) and RANKL (7 and 15 d) compared with ASU/0 and ASU/+7 groups. Similarly, qPCR analysis showed higher levels of Rankl and Il1β mRNAs, and lower levels of Alp mRNA, in the CTR group compared with all other groups (for all periods).

Conclusion

ASU exhibited a positive effect on bone repair following ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats.
Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha gene promoter methylation in Japanese adults with chronic periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kojima A. , Kobayashi T. , Ito S. , Murasawa A. , Nakazono K. , Yoshie H.
Published: August 2015

Background and Objective

Over‐expression of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) plays a pathological role in chronic periodontitis (CP) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which might be regulated by the epigenetic mechanism. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether there is a unique methylation profile of the TNF‐α gene promoter in blood cells of individuals with CP and RA.

Material and Methods

The study participants consisted of 30 Japanese adults with RA (RA group), 30 race‐matched adults with CP only (CP group) and 30 race‐matched healthy controls (H group). Genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood was modified by sodium bisulfite and analyzed, by direct sequencing, to investigate DNA methylation of the TNF‐α gene promoter region. The level of TNF‐α produced in mononuclear cells stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide was determined using ELISA.

Results

Twelve cytosine–guanine dinucleotide (CpG) motifs were identified in the TNF‐α promoter fragment from −343 to +57 bp. The CP group showed a significantly higher methylation rate and frequency at −72 bp than the H group (p < 0.01). The RA group exhibited significantly higher methylation rates at seven CpG motifs (−302, −163, −119, −72, −49, −38 and +10 bp), and significantly higher methylation frequencies at six CpG motifs (−163, −119, −72, −49, −38 and +10 bp), than the H group (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). The levels of TNF‐α produced were significantly different between individuals with and without methylation at −163 bp (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

These results suggest that the hypermethylated status of CpG motifs in the TNF‐α gene promoter in blood cells may be unique to Japanese adults with CP and RA.
Factors Influencing Mental Health Screening and Treatment Among Women in a Rural South Central Appalachian Primary Care Clinic
Authors: Hill Sarah K. , Cantrell Peggy , Edwards Joellen , Dalton Will
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Some of the most significant mental health concerns among US adults are depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and intimate partner violence. These concerns represent an ever‐growing portion of the primary care population, especially in rural areas. However, few studies have examined factors influencing screening and treatment of these concerns by primary care providers, particularly in Appalachia. This study explores barriers and facilitators to mental health screening and treatment among women at a rural, primary care clinic in Appalachia.

Methods

Eighteen patients and 4 providers were interviewed face‐to‐face. Thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes.

Findings

Patients identified 3 barriers (stigma, lack of support, and lack of education) and 2 facilitators (integrated care and positive experiences with providers). Providers identified 4 barriers (operational barriers, mental health competence, predicted patient reactions, and patient attitudes) and 3 facilitators (clinic characteristics, provider characteristics, and patient and provider education). Generally, patients focused more on individual and social factors influencing mental health service use, while providers were more aware of training gaps, logistical factors at the clinic, and systemic issues within the larger health care system. Both participant types emphasized specific interpersonal qualities and the importance of integrated services.

Conclusions

Screening and treatment may be influenced by the availability and advertisement of integrated services, institutional support, strong patient‐provider relationships, and provider training and experience. For rural south central Appalachia women, limited mental health resources may make these factors even more salient.
Classification of Pomegranate Cultivars According to Their Seed Hardness and Wood Perception
Authors: Alcaraz‐Mármol Francisco , Calín‐Sánchez Ángel , Nuncio‐Jáuregui Nallely , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A. , Hernández Francisca , Martínez Juan José
Published: August 2015

Excessive seed hardness and wood perception will drastically limit consumer's acceptance for pomegranate. To classify pomegranate cultivars, easy‐to‐measure instrumental texture parameters and consumer satisfaction degree were assayed. Twenty pomegranate cultivars (sweet, sour‐sweet and sour tastes) with a wide range of seed hardness were used. The instrumental hardness ranged from 9.60 to 59.5 N/mm, whereas the wood index ranged from 4.77 to 15.3%. Classifications based on hardness and wood perception agreed quite well. Cultivars MA3, ME14, MO5, PTO10 or VA1 were classified as appropriate for fresh consumption whereas cultivars BO1, HZ and WOND were classified as appropriate for industrialization. Cultivars ME12, MEC, MO2 and VA11 were finally recommended for fresh consumption not only due to low seed hardness and intermediate wood perception but also due to sweet taste; however, cultivars BA1 and SM were recommended for industrialization because of its sour taste, which is normally not acceptable to consumers. Finally, the cultivar PTO5 can be used for both purposes, as needed.

Practical Applications

Because of market demand, it is important to characterize different pomegranate cultivars, not only to classify them in terms of their beneficial properties but also to gather information about the effects of texture attributes (seed hardness and wood perception) on consumer acceptance. Regressions of (1) seed hardness and wood perception versus descriptive hardness and (2) descriptive hardness and wood perception versus instrumental hardness and wood index allowed the classification of pomegranate cultivars according to their final use (fresh consumption and/or industrialization, mainly juice manufacturing).
High MIG (CXCL9) plasma levels favours response to peginterferon and ribavirin in HCV‐infected patients regardless of DPP4 activity
Authors: Johansson Susanne , Talloen Willem , Tuefferd Marianne , Darling Jama , Fanning Gregory , Fried Michael W. , Aerssens Jeroen
Published: August 2015

Background & Aims

Sustained virological response (SVR) following peginterferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) treatment in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients has been linked with the IL28B genotype and lower peripheral levels of the CXCR3‐binding chemokine IP‐10 (CXCL10). To further improve the understanding of these biomarkers we investigated plasma levels of the other CXCR3‐binding chemokines and activity of the dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4, CD26) protease, which cleaves IP‐10, in relation to treatment response.

Methods

African‐American and Caucasian HCV genotype 1‐infected patients (n = 401) were treated with pegIFN/RBV for 48 weeks (ViraHep‐C cohort). Pretreatment plasma levels of MIG (CXCL9), I‐TAC (CXCL11) and the type III interferon IL29 were investigated by Luminex and DPP4 activity by using a luciferase assay.

Results

Patients achieving SVR had higher baseline MIG plasma levels and lower DPP4 activity than non‐SVR patients. MIG was higher in Caucasians, IL28B CC (rs1297860) genotype carriers and patients with higher ALT levels. MIG correlated with IP‐10 in SVR patients, but not in non‐SVRs. A high DPP4 activity correlated with higher IP‐10 levels, while DPP4 activity was not associated with MIG or I‐TAC levels.

Conclusions

The associations of MIG with SVR status and IL28B genotype imply that higher MIG plasma levels could reflect a beneficial immunological state for response to pegIFN/RBV treatment. The correlation between MIG and IP‐10 observed only in SVR patients may contribute to a better treatment response, whereas this MIG/IP‐10 balance might be disrupted in non‐SVR patients because of the increased DPP4 cleavage of IP‐10 into a dysfunctional form.
A population genomics insight into the Mediterranean origins of wine yeast domestication
Authors: Almeida Pedro , Barbosa Raquel , Zalar Polona , Imanishi Yumi , Shimizu Kiminori , Turchetti Benedetta , Legras Jean‐Luc , Serra Marta , Dequin Sylvie , Couloux Arnaud , Guy Julie , Bensasson Douda , Gonçalves Paula , Sampaio José Paulo
Published: August 2015

The domestication of the wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is thought to be contemporary with the development and expansion of viticulture along the Mediterranean basin. Until now, the unavailability of wild lineages prevented the identification of the closest wild relatives of wine yeasts. Here, we enlarge the collection of natural lineages and employ whole‐genome data of oak‐associated wild isolates to study a balanced number of anthropic and natural S. cerevisiae strains. We identified industrial variants and new geographically delimited populations, including a novel Mediterranean oak population. This population is the closest relative of the wine lineage as shown by a weak population structure and further supported by genomewide population analyses. A coalescent model considering partial isolation with asymmetrical migration, mostly from the wild group into the Wine group, and population growth, was found to be best supported by the data. Importantly, divergence time estimates between the two populations agree with historical evidence for winemaking. We show that three horizontally transmitted regions, previously described to contain genes relevant to wine fermentation, are present in the Wine group but not in the Mediterranean oak group. This represents a major discontinuity between the two populations and is likely to denote a domestication fingerprint in wine yeasts. Taken together, these results indicate that Mediterranean oaks harbour the wild genetic stock of domesticated wine yeasts.
Economic evaluations of interventions to manage hyperphosphataemia in adult haemodialysis patients: A systematic review
Authors: Rizk Rana , Hiligsmann Mickaël , Karavetian Mirey , Evers Silvia MAA
Published: August 2015

Managing hyperphosphataemia in haemodialysis patients is resource‐intensive. A search for cost‐effective interventions in this field is needed to inform decisions on the allocation of healthcare resources. NHSEED, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched for full economic evaluations of hyperphosphataemia‐managing interventions in adult haemodialysis patients, published between 2004 and 2014, in English, French, Dutch or German. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios of the interventions were up‐rated to 2013US$ using Purchasing Power Parity conversion rates and Consumer Price Indices. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Extended Consensus on Health Economic Criteria List. Twelve out of the 1681 retrieved records fulfilled the inclusion criteria. They reported only on one aspect of hyperphosphataemia management, which is the use of phosphate binders (calcium‐based and calcium‐free, in first‐line and sequential use). No economic evaluations of other phosphorus‐lowering interventions were found. The included articles derived from five countries and most of them were funded by pharmaceutical companies. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios of phosphate binders ranged between US$11 461 and US$157 760 per quality‐adjusted life‐year gained. Calcium‐based binders (especially calcium acetate) appear to be the optimal cost‐effective first‐ and second‐line therapy in prevalent patients, while the calcium‐free binder, lanthanum carbonate, might provide good value for money, as second‐line therapy, in incident patients. The studies' overall quality was suboptimal. Drawing firm conclusions was not possible due to the quality heterogeneity and inconsistent results. Future high‐quality economic evaluations are needed to confirm the findings of this review and to address other interventions to manage hyperphosphataemia in this population.
TMEM119 marks a subset of microglia in the human brain
Authors: Satoh Jun‐ichi , Kino Yoshihiro , Asahina Naohiro , Takitani Mika , Miyoshi Junko , Ishida Tsuyoshi , Saito Yuko
Published: August 2015

Microglia are resident myeloid cells of the central nervous system (CNS), activated in the brains of various neurological diseases. Microglia are ontogenetically and functionally distinct from monocyte‐derived macrophages that infiltrate the CNS under pathological conditions. However, a lack of specific markers that distinguish resident microglia from circulating blood‐derived macrophages in human brain tissues hampers accurate evaluation of microglial contributions to the human brain pathology. By comparative analysis of five comprehensive microglial transcriptome datasets, we identified an evolutionarily conserved protein TMEM119 as the most promising candidate for human microglial markers. TMEM119 was expressed on immortalized human microglia, in which the expression levels were not elevated by exposure to lipopolysaccharide, IFNγ, IL‐4, IL‐13 or TGFβ1. Notably, TMEM119 immunoreactivity was expressed exclusively on a subset of Iba1+ CD68+ microglia with ramified and amoeboid morphologies in the brains of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), whereas Iba1+ CD68+ infiltrating macrophages do not express TMEM119 in demyelinating lesions of multiple sclerosis and necrotic lesions of cerebral infarction. TMEM119 mRNA levels were elevated in AD brains, although the protein levels were not significantly different between AD and non‐AD cases by western blot and morphometric analyses. TMEM119‐positive microglia did not consistently express polarized markers for M1 (CD80) or M2 (CD163, CD209) in AD brains. These results suggest that TMEM119 serves as a reliable microglial marker that discriminates resident microglia from blood‐derived macrophages in the human brain.
Model–data synthesis for the next generation of forest free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiments
Authors: Norby Richard J. , De Kauwe Martin G. , Domingues Tomas F. , Duursma Remko A. , Ellsworth David S. , Goll Daniel S. , Lapola David M. , Luus Kristina A. , MacKenzie A. Rob , Medlyn Belinda E. , Pavlick Ryan , Rammig Anja , Smith Benjamin , Thomas Rick , Thonicke Kirsten , Walker Anthony P. , Yang Xiaojuan , Zaehle Sönke
Published: August 2015

The first generation of forest free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiments has successfully provided deeper understanding about how forests respond to an increasing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Located in aggrading stands in the temperate zone, they have provided a strong foundation for testing critical assumptions in terrestrial biosphere models that are being used to project future interactions between forest productivity and the atmosphere, despite the limited inference space of these experiments with regards to the range of global ecosystems. Now, a new generation of FACE experiments in mature forests in different biomes and over a wide range of climate space and biodiversity will significantly expand the inference space. These new experiments are: EucFACE in a mature Eucalyptus stand on highly weathered soil in subtropical Australia; AmazonFACE in a highly diverse, primary rainforest in Brazil; BIFoR‐FACE in a 150‐yr‐old deciduous woodland stand in central England; and SwedFACE proposed in a hemiboreal, Pinus sylvestris stand in Sweden. We now have a unique opportunity to initiate a model–data interaction as an integral part of experimental design and to address a set of cross‐site science questions on topics including responses of mature forests; interactions with temperature, water stress, and phosphorus limitation; and the influence of biodiversity.
Family interventions to improve diabetes outcomes for adults
Authors: Baig Arshiya A. , Benitez Amanda , Quinn Michael T. , Burnet Deborah L.
Published: August 2015

Diabetes self‐care is a critical aspect of disease management for adults with diabetes. Since family members can play a vital role in a patient's disease management, involving them in self‐care interventions may positively influence patients’ diabetes outcomes. We systematically reviewed family‐based interventions for adults with diabetes published from 1994 to 2014 and assessed their impact on patients’ diabetes outcomes and the extent of family involvement. We found 26 studies describing family‐based diabetes interventions for adults. Interventions were conducted across a range of patient populations and settings. The degree of family involvement varied across studies. We found evidence for improvement in patients’ self‐efficacy, perceived social support, diabetes knowledge, and diabetes self‐care across the studies. Owing to the heterogeneity of the study designs, types of interventions, reporting of outcomes, and family involvement, it is difficult to determine how family participation in diabetes interventions may affect patients’ clinical outcomes. Future studies should clearly describe the role of family in the intervention, assess quality and extent of family participation, and compare patient outcomes with and without family involvement.
Clinical exome sequencing in neurogenetic and neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Fogel Brent L. , Lee Hane , Strom Samuel P. , Deignan Joshua L. , Nelson Stanley F.
Published: August 2015

Exome sequencing has recently been elevated to the standard of care for genetic diagnostic testing, particularly for genetically diverse and clinically heterogeneous disorders. This review provides a clinically oriented discussion of the next‐generation sequencing technology that makes exome sequencing possible and how such technology is applied to the diagnosis of Mendelian disease, including clinically significant de novo variation, interpretation of variants of uncertain clinical significance, the future potential for genetic assessments of disease risk, and the substantial benefits in diagnostic efficiency. Important caveats are also discussed, including the implications of incidental or secondary findings detected during exome sequencing and the relationship of exome sequencing to other methods of clinical genomic testing, such as chromosomal microarray and genome sequencing. Overall, the widespread adoption and use of exome sequencing in routine clinical practice is expected to improve diagnosis rates and reduce test costs, while leading to improvements in patient outcomes and a renewed emphasis on disease management.
The global regulatory landscape regarding micronutrient fortification of condiments and seasonings
Authors: Mejia Luis A. , Bower Allyson M.
Published: August 2015

Fortification of staple foods has been a successful strategy for combatting micronutrient deficiency. Recently, fortification of condiments and seasonings has been considered as a new approach to mitigate micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. The regulatory environment of already existing programs must be examined to assess their safety, efficacy, and sustainability as this strategy expands globally. The objective of this review is to summarize the global regulatory landscape for the fortification of condiments and seasonings. Presently, legislation regarding the fortification of condiments and seasonings is primarily voluntary and limited to a few nations in Asia. The only dietary vehicles addressed are salt, soy sauce, and fish sauce, and the micronutrients addressed are iron and iodine. A marketing‐driven introduction of fortified seasoning powders with iron, and indirectly with iodine, is also gaining popularity in Africa, Central America, and Caribbean countries. It is recommended that legislation regarding food fortification be mandatory in nature and follow established CODEX and World Trade Organization principles as well as World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations fortification guidelines to ensure that these programs are safe, effective, and sustainable.
A survey of practice patterns in the use of laryngeal mask by pediatric anesthesiologists
Authors: Patel Anuradha , Clark Scott R. , Schiffmiller Moshe , Schoenberg Catherine , Tewfik George
Published: August 2015

Background

Laryngeal mask is frequently the airway device of choice in routine general anesthesia for many procedures in children. Several studies have described the use of laryngeal masks in unconventional situations. This survey was undertaken to assess how laryngeal masks are being used by pediatric anesthesiologists.

Method

The 40‐question electronic survey using SurveyMonkey™ was sent to 2740 members of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA). This survey assessed the age, work environment, types of practice, and training levels, as well as clinical situations in which the practitioners use laryngeal masks across different pediatric age groups.

Results

Seven hundred and forty‐three (27.1%) responses were obtained. The use of laryngeal mask increased as the patient age increased in nearly every queried situation. The practitioners routinely utilize laryngeal masks in a variety of challenging scenarios, such as in patients with a recent upper respiratory infection, in the difficult airway, remote locations, and long‐duration surgeries. A small percentage of pediatric anesthesiologists use laryngeal masks in laparoscopic surgery and prone position procedures.

Conclusion

Pediatric anesthesiologists are using laryngeal masks in both routine and challenging/unconventional situations. Although many of the uses for laryngeal masks are not explicitly stated in the manufacturer guidelines, literature and current practice support the use of laryngeal masks in several of these scenarios.
Plant‐produced viral bovine vaccines: what happened during the last 10 years?
Authors: Ruiz Vanesa , Mozgovoj Marina V. , Dus Santos María José , Wigdorovitz Andrés
Published: August 2015

Vaccination has proved to be an efficient strategy to deal with viral infections in both human and animal species. However, protection of cattle against viral infections is still a major concern in veterinary science. During the last two decades, the development of efficient plant‐based expression strategies for recombinant proteins prompted the application of this methodology for veterinary vaccine purposes. The main goals of viral bovine vaccines are to improve the health and welfare of cattle and increase the production of livestock, in a cost‐effective manner. This review explores some of the more prominent recent advances in plant‐made viral bovine vaccines against foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV), bovine rotavirus (BRV), bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), bluetongue virus (BTV) and bovine papillomavirus (BPV), some of which are considered to be the most important viral causative agents of economic loss in cattle production.
Genome‐wide identification and in silico characterisation of microRNAs, their targets and processing pathway genes in Phaseolus vulgaris L.
Authors: de Sousa Cardoso T. C. , Portilho L. G. , de Oliveira C. L. , McKeown P. C. , Maluf W. R. , Gomes L. A. A. , Teixeira T. A. , do Amaral L. R. , Spillane C. , de Souza Gomes M.
Published: August 2015

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabaceae) is a globally important staple crop, which is an important source of calories, protein and essential micronutrients. At the genomic level little is known regarding the small non‐coding RNAs within the common bean genome. One of the most important classes of such small non‐coding RNAs is microRNAs (miRNAs), which control mRNA and protein expression levels in many eukaryotes. Computational methods have been applied to identify putative miRNAs in the genomes of different organisms. In this study, our objective was to comprehensively identify and characterise miRNAs from the genome and transcriptome of P. vulgaris, including both mature and precursor miRNA forms. We also sought to identify the putative proteins involved in miRNA processing and the likely target genes of common bean miRNAs. We identified 221 mature miRNAs and 136 precursor miRNAs distributed across 52 different miRNA families in the P. vulgaris genome. Amongst these, we distinguished 129 novel mature miRNAs and 123 miRNA precursors belonging to 24 different miRNA families. We also identified 31 proteins predicted to participate in the miRNA‐processing pathway in P. vulgaris. Finally, we also identified 483 predicted miRNA targets, including many which corroborate results from other species, suggesting that miRNA regulatory systems are evolutionarily conserved and important for plant development. Our results expand the study of miRNAs and their target genes in common bean, and provide new opportunities to understand their roles in the biology of this important staple crop.