bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of water fluoridation in the prevention of dental caries across adult age groups
Authors: Do Loc , Ha Diep , Peres Marco A. , Skinner John , Byun Roy , Spencer A. John
Published: January 2017

Background

Lifetime access to fluoridated water (FW) is associated with lower caries experience. However, assessing this association in adults is likely affected by age. Cohort stratification and categorization of per cent lifetime access to fluoridated water (% LAFW) within cohorts are current approaches to this assessment. These approaches require an examination of the % LAFW and caries experience variation within and across age groups and their association to inform future analyses.

Objective

This secondary analysis aimed to examine the age group variation in % LAFW and caries experience; and the association of % LAFW with caries within and across age groups of adults.

Methods

A secondary analysis was undertaken using the Australian National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004‐2006 data on 4090 persons aged 15‐91 years randomly sampled by a stratified, multistage probability method. Study participants underwent an interview, an oral examination by trained and standardized dentists to determine decayed, missing or filled tooth surfaces (DMFS) and a mailed self‐complete questionnaire which collected residential history to calculate % LAFW. Variations in % LAFW and DMFS across age groups (15‐34; 35‐44; 45‐54; 55+) were examined. Multivariable regression log‐link models were generated for DMFS score within each age group.

Results

The age groups varied in values and distribution of % LAFW. Caries experience was strongly associated with age. % LAFW was significantly associated with DMFS score in the two younger age groups, but not in the others. Multivariable regression models showed that the highest % LAFW quartile had significantly lower DMFS count than the lowest quartile in the two younger age groups (mean ratios: 0.67 and 0.78, respectively), controlling for other covariates.

Conclusion

Access to FW was associated with caries experience in Australian adults. The magnitude of associations varied between age groups, dependent on the natural history of caries and its measurement by DMFS.
In-vivo quantitative assessment of the therapeutic response in a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography
Authors: Mitra A , Kundu-Raychaudhuri S , Abria C , Rona A , Chaudhari A J , Raychaudhuri S P
Published: January 2017

Mouse collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is the most commonly used animal model to investigate underlying pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis and to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of novel drugs in autoimmune arthritis. The conventional read-outs of CIA are clinical score and histopathology, which have several limitations, including (i) subjected to observer bias; and (ii) longitudinal therapeutic efficacy of a new drug cannot be determined. Thus, a robust, non-invasive, in-vivo drug screening tool is currently an unmet need. Here we have assessed the utility of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG) as an in-vivo screening tool for anti-inflammatory drugs using the mouse CIA model. The radiotracer 18F-FDG and a PET scanner were employed to monitor CIA disease activity before and after murine anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α antibody (CNTO5048) therapy in the mouse CIA model. Radiotracer concentration was derived from PET images for individual limb joints and on a per-limb basis, and Spearman's correlation coefficient (ρ) was determined with clinical score and histology of the affected limbs. CNTO5048 improved arthritis efficiently, as evidenced by clinical score and histopathology. PET showed an increased uptake of 18F-FDG with the progression of the disease and a significant decrease in the post-treatment group. 18F-FDG uptake patterns showed a strong correlation with clinical score (ρ = 0·71, P < 0·05) and histopathology (ρ = 0·76, P < 0·05). This study demonstrates the potential of 18F-FDG PET as a tool for in-vivo drug screening for inflammatory arthritis and to monitor the therapeutic effects in a longitudinal setting.
The association between sclerostin and incident type 2 diabetes risk: a cohort study
Authors: Yu O.H.Y. , Richards B. , Berger C. , Josse R.G. , Leslie W.D. , Goltzman D. , Kaiser S.M. , Kovacs C.S. , Davison K.S.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To determine whether sclerostin is associated with fasting glucose, insulin levels, insulin resistance or increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes.

Background

Type 2 diabetic patients have a higher risk of fractures. Recent studies suggest sclerostin, a regulator of osteoblast activity, is associated with diabetes.

Materials and methods

Sclerostin levels were obtained from 1778 individuals with no history of type 2 diabetes participating in the population‐based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) cohort. Participants were followed until diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, death or end of the study period (31 December 2013). The relationship of sclerostin with fasting glucose, insulin levels and homoeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was studied in linear regression models. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association of sclerostin levels and the risk of incident type 2 diabetes during a mean 7·5 years of follow‐up.

Results

Fasting glucose, fasting insulin levels and HOMA‐IR were weakly correlated with sclerostin levels (Spearman's correlation coefficient: 0·11, P < 0·05; −0·09, P < 0·05; and −0·07, P = 0·02, respectively). Multiple linear regression analyses confirmed a significant association between sclerostin and fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR but no significant association with fasting glucose levels. Sclerostin levels were not found to be significantly associated with the risk of incident type 2 diabetes (HR: 1·30; 95% CI: 0·37–4·57).

Conclusions

We observed an association between sclerostin levels with fasting insulin levels and HOMA‐IR, but there was no clear association with type 2 diabetes risk. Further studies are needed to understand the role of sclerostin in type 2 diabetes.
Metformin vs myoinositol: which is better in obese polycystic ovary syndrome patients? A randomized controlled crossover study
Authors: Tagliaferri Valeria , Romualdi Daniela , Immediata Valentina , De Cicco Simona , Di Florio Christian , Lanzone Antonio , Guido Maurizio
Published: January 2017

Context

Due to the central role of metabolic abnormalities in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), insulin sensitizing agents have been proposed as a feasible treatment option.

Objective

To investigate which is the more effective between metformin and myoinositol (MYO) on hormonal, clinical and metabolic parameters in obese patients with PCOS.

Study design

Crossover randomized controlled study.

Patients

Thirty‐four PCOS obese women (age: 25·62 ± 4·7 years; BMI: 32·55 ± 5·67 kg/m2) were randomized to receive metformin (850 mg twice a day) or MYO (1000 mg twice a day) for 6 months. After a 3 month washout, the same subjects received the other compound for the following 6 months.

Measurements

Ultrasonographic pelvic examinations, hirsutism score, anthropometric and menstrual pattern evaluation, hormonal profile assays, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and lipid profile at baseline and after 6 months of treatment were performed.

Results

Both metformin and MYO significantly reduced the insulin response to OGTT and improved insulin sensitivity. Metformin significantly decreased body weight and improved menstrual pattern and Ferriman–Gallwey score. Metformin treatment was also associated with a significant decrease in LH and oestradiol levels, androgens and anti‐müllerian hormone levels. None of these clinical and hormonal changes were observed during MYO administration.

Conclusions

Both treatments improved the glyco‐insulinaemic features of obese PCOS patients, but only metformin seems to exert a beneficial effect on the endocrine and clinical features of the syndrome.
Effects of different hierarchical hybrid micro/nanostructure surfaces on implant osseointegration
Authors: Cheng Bingkun , Niu Qiang , Cui Yajun , Jiang Wei , Zhao Yunzhuan , Kong Liang
Published: January 2017

Background

Hierarchical hybrid micro/nanostructure implant surfaces are considered to better mimic the hierarchical structure of bone and the nanostructures substantively influence osseointegration through managing cell behaviors.

Purpose

To enhance implant osseointegration for further clinical application, we evaluated the material properties and osseointegration effects of hierarchical surfaces with different nano‐morphologies, using a rat model.

Materials and Methods

Two representative surface fabrication methods, hydrofluoric (HF) acid etching combined with anodization (HF + AN) or magnetron sputtering (HF + MS), were selected. Sample material properties were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy, and epoxy resin docking tensile test. Implants with different surfaces were inserted into the distal femurs of rats. After 12 weeks, osseointegration was examined by microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT), histological, and biomechanical tests.

Results

Tensile testing demonstrated high bonding strength at coating/implant in the HF + MS group. Micro‐CT revealed increased bone volume/total volume and significantly reduced trabecular separation in HF + MS versus other groups. Histological analysis showed significantly higher HF + MS bone‐to‐implant contact (74.78 ± 4.40%) versus HF + AN (65.11 ± 5.10%) and machined samples (56.03 ± 3.23%). The maximal HF + MS pull‐out force increased by 33.7% versus HF + AN.

Conclusions

These results indicated that HF + MS surfaces exhibited superior material property in terms of bonding strength and favorable implant osseointegration compared to other groups.
Incidence of skin and respiratory diseases among Danish hairdressing apprentices
Authors: Foss‐Skiftesvik Majken H. , Winther Lone , Johnsen Claus R. , Zachariae Claus , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: January 2017

Background

Hairdressing is one of the professions with the highest risk of occupational skin and respiratory diseases. The incidence of these diseases in hairdressing apprentices has been studied only sparsely.

Objective

To determine the incidence of skin and respiratory diseases in hairdressing apprentices, and to explore whether hairdressing apprentices leave the trade during training because of these diseases.

Methods

A 3‐year follow‐up questionnaire study was conducted among 248 hairdressing apprentices and a control group comprising 816 young adults from the general population.

Results

The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for contact urticaria (IRR 4.7, 95%CI: 2.6–8.6), hand eczema (IRR 1.7, 95%CI: 1.1–2.6) and rhinitis symptoms (IRR 1.6, 95%CI: 1.2–2.2) were significantly increased in the hairdressing apprentices, whereas wheezing was similar between groups. During the follow‐up period, 21.8% of the hairdressing apprentices had left the trade, and 70.3% of these had left because of health complaints. The most frequently reported reasons for leaving were musculoskeletal pain (47.4%) and skin diseases (47.4%), followed by respiratory symptoms (23.7%).

Conclusions

Hairdressing apprentices are at increased risk for contact urticaria, hand eczema and rhinitis symptoms compared with the general population, and a substantial proportion leave the trade because of these diseases, causing a ‘healthy worker survivor effect.’
Osteogenic differentiation potential of adipose‐derived stem cells from ovariectomized mice
Authors: Wang Lei , Huang Chenglong , Li Qing , Xu Xiaomei , Liu Lin , Huang Kui , Cai Xiaoxiao , Xiao Jingang
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic disease caused by imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation, commonly resulting from post‐menopausal oestrogen deficiency. Although osteogenic differentiation potential of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) has been demonstrated, the effect of OP on osteogenic differentiation of ASCs remains unclear. Here, our work has been designed to compare proliferative capacity and osteogenic differentiation ability of ASCs obtained from osteoporotic mice and normal control mice.

Materials and methods

Twenty 14‐week‐old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups: one, the ovariectomy (OVX) group (n=10), the other being the sham operated (Sham) group (n=10). ASCs and OP‐ASCs were obtained from subcutaneous fat of female inguinal sites. Cells were passaged three times prior to subsequent experimentation. The xCELLigence system was used to monitor cell adhesion and proliferation. Mineralized nodules of differentiated ASCs and OP‐ASCs were analysed using Alizarin red staining after osteogenic induction. Expressions of osteogenic‐specific genes including osteopontin (Opn) and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) were assessed by real‐time PCR and expression of bone‐related proteins was detected by Western blotting.

Results

Numbers of cells in all groups increased steadily for 6 days; rate of cell proliferation in the Sham group was found to be higher than in the OVX group after 48 hours. Mineralized bone nodular structures were significantly more concentrated in the Sham group than in the OVX group by day 21, and mRNA levels of Runx2 in the OVX group were significantly lower than in the Sham group. Transcript levels of genes coding for Opn showed a similar pattern to those of Runx2. Western blot results indicated that protein expression levels of OPN and RUNX2 in the OVX group were lower than those in the Sham group, at each time point.

Conclusions

These results indicated that the proliferative capacity and osteogenic potential of ASCs were significantly impaired in osteoporotic mice compared to normal controls. However, use of autologous transplantation of modified OP‐ASCs for treatment of OP, or combination of composite scaffolds and modified OP‐ASCs for repair of osteoporotic bone defects, can overcome shortcomings of other methods.
Disruption of right posterior parietal cortex by continuous Theta Burst Stimulation alters the control of body balance in quiet stance
Authors: Kaulmann David , Hermsdörfer Joachim , Johannsen Leif
Published: January 2017

Control of body balance relies on the integration of multiple sensory modalities. Lightly touching an earth‐fixed reference augments the control of body sway. We aimed to advance the understanding of cortical integration of an afferent signal from light fingertip contact (LT) for the stabilisation of standing body balance. Assuming that right‐hemisphere Posterior Parietal Cortex (rPPC) is involved in the integration and processing of touch for postural control, we expected that disrupting rPPC would attenuate any effects of light touch. Eleven healthy right‐handed young adults received continuous Theta Burst Stimulation over the left‐ and right‐hemisphere PPC with sham stimulation as an additional control. Before and after stimulation, sway of the blindfolded participants was assessed in Tandem‐Romberg stance with and without haptic contact. We analysed sway in terms of the variability of Centre‐of‐Pressure (CoP) rate of change as well as Detrended Fluctuation Analysis of CoP position. Light touch decreased sway variability in both directions but showed direction‐specific changes in its dynamic complexity: a positive increase in complexity in the mediolateral direction coincided with a reduction in the anteroposterior direction. rPPC disruption affected the control of body sway in two ways: first, it led to an overall decrease in sway variability irrespective of the presence of LT; second, it reduced the complexity of sway with LT at the contralateral, non‐dominant hand. We speculate that rPPC is involved in the active exploration of the postural stability state, with utilisation of LT for this purpose if available, by normally inhibiting mechanisms of postural stiffness regulation.
The Mediating Effect of Intellectual Capital in The Relationship Between Strategic Alliances and Organizational Performance in Portuguese Technology‐Based SMEs
Authors: Ferreira António , Franco Mário
Published: January 2017

This study aims to analyse the relationship between strategic alliances and organizational performance and determine whether intellectual capital plays a mediating role in that relationship. To do so, a quantitative study was chosen, with data being gathered through questionnaires directed to the management organs of Portuguese industrial technology‐based small and medium‐sized enterprises, from which 257 valid responses were received. The results obtained based on a structural model show that strategic alliances and intellectual capital stimulate the organizational performance of the SMEs studied. This evidence is very relevant, as in an increasingly globalized and competitive world, these two tools can become essential for this firm sector to be able to attain sustainable competitive advantages. Furthermore, the empirical evidence reveals that intellectual capital has a mediating effect on the relationship between strategic alliances and organizational performance, this finding being the main contribution of the study. Other implications for theory and practice will be presented.
Modification of littoral algal assemblages by gardening caddisfly larvae
Authors: Ings Nicola L. , Grey Jonathan , King Lydia , McGowan Suzanne , Hildrew Alan G.
Published: January 2017

Sedentary herbivores may improve the food resources available to them by ‘gardening’, and most obviously by fertilising primary producers with excreted nutrients such as nitrogen. In five English lakes, spanning a gradient of nutrient availability, we predicted that fertilisation of the larval retreat by the littoral, gallery‐building caddisfly Tinodes waeneri would result in: (a) a distinct algal assemblage from that in the background epilithon, and that (b) the difference would be greatest in the least productive lakes (where the importance of the nutrient subsidy from larvae should be greatest).

Classes of algae present in samples of galleries and epilithon were investigated using chlorophyll and carotenoid pigment analysis and diatoms were identified.

Galleries were characterised by a greater content of pigments indicative of diatoms, including fucoxanthin, than the background epilithon (which contained a higher proportion of chlorophyte algae). Redundancy analysis (RDA) of diatom counts indicated a clear separation between gallery and epilithic assemblages in all lakes, supporting hypothesis (a).

Furthermore, in agreement with hypothesis (b), the assemblage of diatoms on galleries was most similar to that of the epilithon in the more productive lakes, with the greatest divergence in Windermere and Coniston, mainly due to a much greater relative proportion of Gomphonema in the epilithon than in the galleries, suggesting that fertilisation had a greater impact where background nutrient concentrations were low. Lakes in the RDA triplot were arranged in order of productivity along axis 1, with gallery assemblages in each case located towards the more productive end relative to the epilithon.

This sedentary, retreat‐building grazer, probably in common with many other taxa with such traits in aquatic ecosystems, improves its own food resources by gardening. Larvae can modify algal assemblages in their feeding patches by weeding and fertilisation. They create new surfaces for growth of the biofilm via continually adding to the front of their silken galleries and harvesting the biofilm (dominated by diatoms) that has developed on older parts of their galleries to the rear. It is also feasible that the physical structure of the gallery (separately from the effects of nutrients) plays some role in increasing the availability of algae within the territory. This behaviour is likely to extend the range of conditions under which such species can persist, raise the carrying capacity of their habitat, and has possible wider ecosystem consequences for productivity and nutrient cycling.
Tradeoffs between fine‐scale site measurements and coarse sensory data for long‐term monitoring of pulsed wetlands
Authors: Klassen Jessica A. , Gawlik Dale E.
Published: January 2017

As anthropogenic activities continue to impact ecosystems around the world, the ability to monitor and manage ecosystem health and function increases in importance. Despite this need for monitoring, management projects are often limited by the funding, time and personnel required to gather field data. These costs only increase when considering large dynamic ecosystems, such as pulsed wetlands, that have spatially and temporally variable habitat conditions, thus requiring frequent field measurements across the landscape.

The ability to use sensory data can drastically reduce the resources required to monitor field conditions, but can limit the scope and resolution at which data can be measured. Using the Florida Everglades as a model system because of its extensive monitoring and instrumentation network, we compared the effectiveness of large‐scale sensory models of hydrological data with models that incorporate additional fine‐scale habitat variables to account for variations in the dry season densities of small fishes and macroinvertebrates.

Since the magnitude of aquatic faunal densities during the dry season greatly affect higher trophic groups, such as wading birds and alligators, the ability to understand the drivers on fish and crayfish densities is of high importance for Everglades restoration and management plans.

We found that models using only sensory hydrological variables supported the same hypotheses as models that incorporated additional habitat variables, but the degree of fit was reduced considerably and varied depending on species group. Species more heavily dependent on water for reproduction and survival, such as fish, tended to have better fitting models than species less dependent on water, such as crayfish. Additionally, sensory‐only models were able to detect different responses between size classes of fish to the processes that drive their concentration into drying pools of water, with large fish (>2.5 cm) densities influenced more by landscape structure and small fish (<2.5 cm) densities influenced more by hydroperiod.

Our results support the use of sensory data to identify important variables affecting populations for management and restoration efforts. However, the degree to which sensory variables are able to fit species data is dependent upon the ability of sensors to measure major ecosystem drivers and the scale at which sensors can measure environmental change. Although tradeoffs exist between coarse sensory data and finer site‐specific measurements, the benefits of sensory data will increase as the scale of ecosystem management and restoration increases.
Traffic noise decreases nestlings’ metabolic rates in an urban exploiter
Authors: Brischoux François , Meillère Alizée , Dupoué Andréaz , Lourdais Olivier , Angelier Frédéric
Published: January 2017

High levels of anthropogenic noise produced in urban areas are known to negatively affect wildlife. Although most research has been focused on the disturbances of communication systems, chronic noise exposure can also lead to physiological and behavioural changes that have strong consequences for fitness. For instance, behavioural changes mediated by anthropogenic noise (e.g. quality of parental care) may alter development and could influence nestling phenotype. We tested if nestling metabolism was influence by traffic noise in an urban exploiter, the house sparrow Passer domesticus. We experimentally exposed breeding house sparrows from a rural area to a playback of traffic noise and we examined the impacts of this experimental procedure on metabolic rates and morphology of nestlings. We did not find an effect of traffic noise on the morphology of nestlings. Surprisingly, we found that disturbed nestlings had overall lower metabolic rates and mass‐adjusted metabolic rates than undisturbed birds. Our results suggest a specific effect of noise exposure per se, rather than an indirect effect of anthropogenic noise through the quality of parental care. Both the proximate mechanisms and the ultimate consequences of such metabolic changes on nestlings remain unknown and deserve future experimental studies.
Outdoor recreation causes effective habitat reduction in capercaillie Tetrao urogallus: a major threat for geographically restricted populations
Authors: Coppes Joy , Ehrlacher Judith , Thiel Dominik , Suchant Rudi , Braunisch Veronika
Published: January 2017

Outdoor recreation inflicts a wide array of impacts on individual animals, many of them reflected in the avoidance of disturbed areas. The scale and spatial extent, however, at which wildlife populations are affected, are mostly unclear. Particularly in geographically isolated populations, where restricted habitat availability may preclude a relocation to undisturbed areas, effective habitat reduction may remain underestimated or even unnoticed, when animals stay in disturbed areas and only show small‐scale responses. Based on telemetry data, we investigated the spatial and seasonal effects of outdoor recreation – in relation to landscape and vegetation conditions – on western capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, considering two scales, home range and within‐home range habitat selection. We determined the distance‐thresholds up to which recreation infrastructures were avoided and estimated the extent of affected habitat for the isolated Black Forest (southwestern Germany) study population. While outdoor recreation did not affect home range selection, strong effects on habitat use within the home range were detected: distance to recreation infrastructure (hiking and cross‐country skiing trails, ski pistes) was the main determinant of habitat selection in winter; in summer, mountain bike trails and hiker's restaurants were avoided up to an average distance of 145 m (CI: 60–1092 m). Around winter‐infrastructure, relative avoidance was recorded up to 320 m (CI: 36–327 m), it was reduced, however, when dense understory provided visual cover. Of the entire population area, between 8–20% (summer) and 8–40% (winter) were affected by outdoor recreation, mainly in the high altitudes. Even without evident large‐scale shifts in species distribution, local‐scale avoidance of outdoor recreation can substantially contribute to effective habitat reduction. Based on our results we recommend a general reduction in recreation infrastructure density in key habitats, the establishment of undisturbed wildlife refuges with a diameter of at least 800 m, as well as enhancing visual protection by maintaining a strip of dense understory along trails.
Soaring across continents: decision‐making of a soaring migrant under changing atmospheric conditions along an entire flyway
Authors: Vansteelant Wouter M. G. , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy , McLaren James , van Diermen Jan , Bouten Willem
Published: January 2017

Thermal soaring birds reduce flight‐energy costs by alternatingly gaining altitude in thermals and gliding across the earth's surface. To find out how soaring migrants adjust their flight behaviour to dynamic atmospheric conditions across entire migration routes, we combined optimal soaring migration theory with high‐resolution GPS tracking data of migrating honey buzzards Pernis apivorus and wind data from a global numerical atmospheric model.

We compared measurements of gliding air speeds to predictions based on two distinct behavioural benchmarks for thermal soaring flight. The first being a time‐optimal strategy whereby birds alter their gliding air speeds as a function of climb rates to maximize cross‐country air speed over a full climb– glide cycle (Vopt). The second a risk‐averse energy‐efficient strategy at which birds alter their gliding air speed in response to tailwinds/headwinds to maximize the distance travelled in the intended direction during each glide phase (Vbgw).

Honey buzzards were gliding on average 2.05 ms– 1 slower than Vopt and 3.42 ms– 1 faster than Vbgw while they increased air speeds with climb rates and reduced air speeds in tailwinds. They adopted flexible flight strategies gliding mostly near Vbgw under poor soaring conditions and closer to Vopt in good soaring conditions.

Honey buzzards most adopted a time‐optimal strategy when crossing the Sahara, and at the onset of spring migration, where and when they met with the best soaring conditions. The buzzards nevertheless glided slower than Vopt during most of their journeys, probably taking time to navigate, orientate and locate suitable thermals, especially in areas with poor thermal convection.

Linking novel tracking techniques with optimal migration models clarifies the way birds balance different tradeoffs during migration.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of gingival crevicular fluids from deciduous and permanent teeth
Authors: Moriya Yumi , Obama Takashi , Aiuchi Toshihiro , Sugiyama Tomomi , Endo Yumiko , Koide Yoko , Noguchi Emiko , Ishizuka Motonori , Inoue Mitsuko , Itabe Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Matsuo
Published: January 2017

Aim

Gingivitis commonly progresses to periodontitis in permanent dentition but rarely in deciduous teeth. Little is known about the biochemical differences between gingiva of deciduous and permanent teeth. Here, we compared the protein profiles of gingival crevicular fluids (GCF) from the gingiva of deciduous and permanent teeth.

Materials and Methods

Forty children with mixed dentition (Hellman's dental age IIIA) were selected and GCF samples were collected from deciduous cuspids and central incisors in the maxilla. Pairs of GCF samples were labelled using isobaric tags to permit quantitative comparison of protein abundance in the samples using liquid chromatography‐electron spray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Sixty‐two proteins were upregulated in deciduous teeth GCF and 54 in permanent teeth GCF. In particular, neutrophil‐derived proteins, including myeloperoxidase and lactoferrin, were repeatedly higher in deciduous teeth GCF than in permanent teeth GCF. These differences were verified using ELISA (p < 0.01). In contrast, immunoglobulin components were upregulated in permanent teeth GCF.

Conclusions

Neutrophil‐related proteins were enriched in deciduous teeth GCF and immunoglobulins in permanent teeth GCF. This suggests that neutrophil accumulation plays a protective role in innate immunity against bacterial infection in gingival tissue of deciduous teeth.
Proton pump inhibitors: Risks of long‐term use
Authors: Eusebi Leonardo Henry , Rabitti Stefano , Artesiani Maria Laura , Gelli Dania , Montagnani Marco , Zagari Rocco Maurizio , Bazzoli Franco
Published: January 2017

Proton pump inhibitors are among the most commonly prescribed classes of drugs, and their use is increasing, in particular for long‐term treatment, often being over‐prescribed and used for inappropriate conditions. In recent years, considerable attention has been directed towards a wide range of adverse effects, and even when a potential underlying biological mechanism is plausible, the clinical evidence of the adverse effect is often weak. Several long‐term side effects have been investigated ranging from interaction with other drugs, increased risk of infection, reduced intestinal absorption of vitamins and minerals, and more recently kidney damage and dementia. The most recent literature regarding these adverse effects and their association with long‐term proton pump inhibitor treatment is reviewed, and the mechanisms through which these possible complications might develop are discussed.
Association of Dietary Patterns With Global and Domain‐Specific Cognitive Decline in Chinese Elderly
Authors: Chen Yen‐Ching , Jung Chien‐Cheng , Chen Jen‐Hau , Chiou Jeng‐Min , Chen Ta‐Fu , Chen Ya‐Fang , Tang Sung‐Chun , Yeh Shin‐Joe , Lee Meei‐Shyuan
Published: January 2017

Background

Significant differences exist between eastern and western diets, and the way in which Chinese dietary intake relates to specific cognitive domains remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between dietary patterns (DPs) and cognitive decline in Chinese elderly.

Setting

Participants were recruited from the elderly health checkup program of a teaching hospital in Taipei, Taiwan.

Participants

A total of 475 elders (age ≥65) were included in this prospective cohort study.

Measurements

The outcome comprised the decline of global and domain‐specific cognition between baseline (2011‐2013) and follow‐up (2013‐2015). Dietary data from the previous year were collected via a food frequency questionnaire at baseline, and a factor analysis was performed to identify DPs. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression models were used to assess associations between Chinese DPs and cognitive decline over 2 years adjusting for selected covariates.

Results

Three DPs (vegetable, meat, and traditional) were identified. Moderate‐ or high‐score “vegetable” DP significantly protected against decline of logical memory (recall I: β = 0.16–0.18, odds ratio (OR) = 0.42–0.48; recall II: β = 0.17–0.21); while high‐score DP increased executive function decline (β = −0.22). A high‐score “meat” DP was related to decline of verbal fluency‐total score (β = −0.19); while moderate‐ or high‐score “meat” DP protected against attention decline (β = 0.20–0.22). High‐score “traditional” DP protected against decline of logical memory‐recall I (β = 0.18). No significant association was observed for global cognition.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that three DPs identified in Chinese elderly were associated with different cognitive domains. Further research is needed to explore the efficacy of dietary interventions in reducing cognitive decline in older adults.
Intellectual disability and patient activation after release from prison: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Young J. T. , Cumming C. , van Dooren K. , Lennox N. G. , Alati R. , Spittal M. J. , Brophy L. , Preen D. B. , Kinner S. A.
Published: January 2017

Background

Intellectual disability and patient activation may be important drivers of inequities in health service access and health outcomes for people with intellectual disability transitioning from prison to the community. We assessed the association between intellectual disability and patient activation after prison release and examined whether this association varied, depending on whether intellectual disability was identified prior to prison release.

Methods

Overall, 936 prisoners were screened for intellectual disability by using the Hayes Ability Screening Index and completed the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) within 6 weeks of prison release and again at 1, 3 and 6 months post‐release. We estimated the association between intellectual disability status and PAM scores by using a multilevel linear model, adjusting for sociodemographic, behavioural, health and criminogenic factors. We used propensity score matching to estimate the impact of being identified with intellectual disability prior to release from prison on the change in mean PAM score after prison release.

Results

Compared with those who screened negative for intellectual disability, ex‐prisoners who screened positive, both with and without prior identification of intellectual disability, had significantly decreased mean PAM scores [(B = −4.3; 95% CI: −6.3, −2.4) and (B = −4.5; 95% CI: −6.8, −2.3), respectively] over 6 months of follow‐up. Among those who reported being identified with intellectual disability prior to release from prison, a significant increase in PAM score at the 6‐month follow‐up interview (B = 5.89; 95% CI: 2.35, 9.42; P = 0.001) was attributable to being identified with intellectual disability prior to release.

Conclusions

Ex‐prisoners screening positive for possible intellectual disability have decreased patient activation for at least 6 months after release from prison. However, individuals whose possible intellectual disability is unidentified appear to be particularly vulnerable. Incarceration is a pivotal opportunity for the identification of intellectual disability and for initiating transitional linkages to health and intellectual disability‐specific community services for this marginalised population.
The nationwide register‐based prevalence of intellectual disability during childhood and adolescence
Authors: Westerinen H. , Kaski M. , Virta L. J. , Kautiainen H. , Pitkälä K. H. , Iivanainen M.
Published: January 2017

Background

Many studies have evaluated the prevalence of intellectual disability (ID) by focusing on different ages during childhood and adolescence. Although the prevalence of ID is higher in older age groups, how cumulative prevalence increases, and what level it reaches before adulthood, remains unclear.

Method

We used Care Register for Health Care to retrieve information on individuals born in 1996–2007 with any of the inclusion diagnoses of ID (F7 group and/or aetiological diagnoses) for the period 1996 to 2013. The cumulative prevalence was calculated as percentages for every age based on Finnish population data.

Results

The registration of new diagnoses of ID continued steadily throughout the developmental years. The cumulative prevalence reached 1.19% by age 17.5 among those born in 1996. Later‐born age groups appeared to receive their first ID diagnoses earlier in childhood. Those born in 1999 reached a cumulative prevalence of 1.21% already by age 14.5. Of all those with ID, 67% had an F7 diagnosis only, 42% had an aetiological diagnosis only and 9% had both diagnoses.

Conclusions

Cumulative prevalence of ID by year, until the age of 18, will provide a better estimate and understanding of the prevalence of ID than a point prevalence at any one point during the developmental years.
Prevalence of psychotropic medication use and association with challenging behaviour in adults with an intellectual disability. A total population study
Authors: Bowring D. L. , Totsika V. , Hastings R. P. , Toogood S. , McMahon M.
Published: January 2017

Background

There is a high prevalence of psychotropic medication use in adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ID), often in the absence of psychiatric disorder, also associated with challenging behaviour. Previous research has focused on specific sample frames or data from primary care providers. There is also a lack of consistency in the definition of challenging behaviour used.

Methods

We adopted a total population sampling method. Medication data on 265 adults with ID were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system. The Behaviour Problems Inventory – short form classified challenging behaviours. We examined the association between challenging behaviour and the use of psychotropic medication, and whether any association would still be present after accounting for socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

70.57% of adults with ID were prescribed at least one class of any medication (mean per person =2.62; range 0–14). Psychotropic medications were used by 37.73% of participants with antipsychotics the commonest type used by 21.89% of individuals. Polypharmacy and high dosages were common. Generalised Linear Models indicated significant associations between psychotropic medication and the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis, challenging behaviour, older age and type of residence. Male gender was additionally associated with antipsychotic medication.

Conclusions

The use of a total population sample identified via multiple routes is less likely to overestimate prevalence rates of medication use. Current challenging behaviour was a predictor of medication use after controlling for other variables. Data indicate that there may be differences in prescribing patterns associated with different topographies of challenging behaviours.
Noradrenergic transmission in the central medial thalamic nucleus modulates the electroencephalographic activity and emergence from propofol anesthesia in rats
Authors: Fu Bao , Yu Tian , Yuan Jie , Gong Xingrui , Zhang Mazhong
Published: January 2017

At present, the mechanisms by which general anesthetics causing loss of consciousness remain unclear. The central medial thalamic nucleus (CMT) is a rarely studied component of the midline thalamic complex, which is deemed to be a part of the nonspecific arousal system. Although the CMT participates in modulating arousal and receives excitatory noradrenergic projections from locus coeruleus, it remains unknown whether the noradrenergic pathway in the CMT takes part in modulating the arousal system. Therefore, we hypothesized that noradrenergic transmission in the CMT is involved in modulating induction and emergence of propofol anesthesia. First, we infused norepinephrine (NE) into the CMT to observe the role of CMT noradrenergic pathway in modulating the anesthetic state induced by propofol. The results showed that microinjection of NE into the CMT accelerated emergence from propofol anesthesia, but had no impact on the induction of or sensitivity to propofol anesthesia in rats. In addition, infusion of NE into the CMT caused electroencephalography changes in the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex. Finally, we used a whole‐cell patch clamp to examine the effects of NE on neuronal excitability and GABAergic transmission in the CMT. In the CMT slices, propofol suppressed neuronal excitability and enhanced GABAergic transmission, while application of NE partly reversed these effects. These findings support the hypothesis that the CMT noradrenergic pathway plays an important role in modulating the emergence from general anesthesia.

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Improving access to health care for chronic hepatitis B among migrant Chinese populations: A systematic mixed methods review of barriers and enablers
Authors: Vedio A. , Liu E. Z. H. , Lee A. C. K. , Salway S.
Published: January 2017

Migrant Chinese populations in Western countries have a high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B but often experience poor access to health care and late diagnosis. This systematic review aimed to identify obstacles and supports to timely and appropriate health service use among these populations. Systematic searches resulted in 48 relevant studies published between 1996 and 2015. Data extraction and synthesis were informed by models of healthcare access that highlight the interplay of patient, provider and health system factors. There was strong consistent evidence of low levels of knowledge among patients and community members; but interventions that were primarily focused on increasing knowledge had only modest positive effects on testing and/or vaccination. There was strong consistent evidence that Chinese migrants tend to misunderstand the need for health care for hepatitis B and have low satisfaction with services. Stigma was consistently associated with hepatitis B, and there was weak but consistent evidence of stigma acting as a barrier to care. However, available evidence on the effects of providing culturally appropriate services for hepatitis B on increasing uptake is limited. There was strong consistent evidence that health professionals miss opportunities for testing and vaccination. Practitioner education interventions may be important, but evidence of effectiveness is limited. A simple prompt in patient records for primary care physicians improved the uptake of testing, and a dedicated service increased targeted vaccination coverage for newborns. Further development and more rigorous evaluation of more holistic approaches that address patient, provider and system obstacles are needed.
Persistence of antibody to Hepatitis A virus 20 years after receipt of Hepatitis A vaccine in Alaska
Authors: Plumb I. D. , Bulkow L. R. , Bruce M. G. , Hennessy T. W. , Morris J. , Rudolph K. , Spradling P. , Snowball M. , McMahon B. J.
Published: January 2017

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for children ≥1 year old to prevent hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. However, the duration of vaccine‐induced immunity is unknown. We evaluated a cohort of Alaska Native persons 20 years after HAV vaccination. Children aged 3‐6 years had been previously randomized to receive three doses of HAV vaccine (360 ELISA units/dose) at: (i) 0,1,2 months; (ii) 0,1,6 months; and (iii) 0,1,12 months. We measured anti‐HAV antibody concentrations every 2‐3 years; described geometric mean concentrations (GMC) and the proportion with protective antibody (≥20 mIU mL‐1) over time; and modelled the change in GMC using fractional polynomial regression. Of the 144 participants, after 20 years 52 (36.1%) were available for the follow‐up (17, 18, 17 children in Groups A, B and C, respectively). Overall, 46 (88.5%) of 52 available participants had anti‐HAV antibody concentrations ≥20 mIU mL‐1, and overall GMC was 107 mIU mL‐1. Although GMC levels were lower in Group A (60; CI 34‐104) than in Group B (110; CI 68‐177) or Group C (184; CI 98‐345) (B vs C: P=.168; A vs B/C: P=.011), there was no difference between groups after adjusting for peak antibody levels post‐vaccination (P=.579). Models predicted geometric mean concentrations of 124 mIU mL‐1 after 25 years, and 106 mIU mL‐1 after 30 years. HAV vaccine provides protective antibody levels 20 years after childhood vaccination. Lower antibody levels in Group A may be explained by a lower initial peak response. Our results suggest a booster vaccine dose is unnecessary for at least 25‐30 years.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic integration and modelling of oxytetracycline for the porcine pneumonia pathogens Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida
Authors: Dorey L. , Pelligand L. , Cheng Z. , Lees P.
Published: January 2017

Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) integration and modelling were used to predict dosage schedules of oxytetracycline for two pig pneumonia pathogens, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and mutant prevention concentration (MPC) were determined in broth and porcine serum. PK/PD integration established ratios of average concentration over 48 h (Cav0–48 h)/MIC of 5.87 and 0.27 μg/mL (P. multocida) and 0.70 and 0.85 μg/mL (A. pleuropneumoniae) for broth and serum MICs, respectively. PK/PD modelling of in vitro time–kill curves established broth and serum breakpoint values for area under curve (AUC0–24 h)/MIC for three levels of inhibition of growth, bacteriostasis and 3 and 4 log10 reductions in bacterial count. Doses were then predicted for each pathogen, based on Monte Carlo simulations, for: (i) bacteriostatic and bactericidal levels of kill; (ii) 50% and 90% target attainment rates (TAR); and (iii) single dosing and daily dosing at steady‐state. For 90% TAR, predicted daily doses at steady‐state for bactericidal actions were 1123 mg/kg (P. multocida) and 43 mg/kg (A. pleuropneumoniae) based on serum MICs. Lower TARs were predicted from broth MIC data; corresponding dose estimates were 95 mg/kg (P. multocida) and 34 mg/kg (A. pleuropneumoniae).