bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postural adjustments in anticipation of predictable perturbations allow elderly fallers to achieve a balance recovery performance equivalent to elderly non-fallers
Authors: Le Mouel Charlotte , Tisserand Romain , Robert Thomas , Brette Romain
Published: December 2018

Background

In numerous laboratory-based perturbation experiments, differences in the balance recovery performance of elderly fallers and non-fallers are moderate or absent. This performance may be affected by the subjects adjusting their initial posture in anticipation of the perturbation.

Research questions

Do elderly fallers and non-fallers adjust their posture in anticipation of externally-imposed perturbations in a laboratory setting? How does this impact their balance recovery performance?

Methods

21 elderly non-fallers, 18 age-matched elderly fallers and 11 young adults performed both a forward waist-pull perturbation task and a Choice Stepping Reaction Time (CSRT) task. Whole-body kinematics and ground reaction forces were recorded. For each group, we evaluated the balance recovery performance in the perturbation task, change in initial center of mass (CoM) position between the CSRT and the perturbation task, and the influence of initial CoM position on task performance.

Results

The balance recovery performance of elderly fallers was equivalent to elderly non-fallers (p > 0.5 Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). All subject groups anticipated forward perturbations by shifting their CoM backward compared to the CSRT task (young: 2.1% of lower limb length, elderly non-fallers: 2.7%, elderly fallers: 2.2%, Hodges-Lehmann estimator, p < 0.001 Mann-Whitney U). This backward shift increases the probability of resisting the traction without taking a step.

Significance

The ability to anticipate perturbations is preserved in elderly fallers and may explain their preserved balance recovery performance in laboratory-based perturbation tasks. Therefore, future fall risk prediction studies should carefully control for this postural strategy, by interleaving perturbations of different directions for example.
Complete genome sequence of a divergent strain of Tibetan frog hepatitis B virus associated to concave-eared torrent frogOdorrana tormota
Authors: Debat Humberto J. , Ng Terry Fei Fan
Published: December 2018

The familyHepadnaviridaeis characterized by partially dsDNA circular viruses of approximately 3.2 kb, which are reverse transcribed from RNA intermediates. Hepadnaviruses (HBVs) have a broad host range which includes humans (Hepatitis B virus), other mammals (genusOrthohepadnavirus), and birds (Avihepadnavirus). HBVs host specificity has been expanded by reports of new viruses infecting fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The tibetan frog hepatitis B virus (TFHBV) was recently discovered inNanorana parkeri(FamilyDicroglossidae) from Tibet. To increase understanding of hepadnavirus in amphibian host, we identified the full-length genome of a divergent strain TFHBV-Ot associated to the concave-eared torrent frogOdorrana tormota(FamilyRanidae) from China by searching deep sequencing data. TFHBV-Ot shared the genomic organization and a 76.6% overall genome nucleotide identity to the prototype TFHBV associated toN. parkeri(TFHBV-Np). TFHBV-Ot amino acid pairwise identity with TFHBV-Np predicted gene products ranged between 63.9% and 77.9%. Multiple tissue/organ specific RNAseq datasets suggest a broad tropism of TFHBV including muscles, gonads and brains. In addition, we provide for the first time evidence of virus derived small RNA from an amphibian hepadnavirus, tentatively enriched in 19-20 nt species and cytidine as first base. The results presented here expand the genetic diversity and the host range of TFHBV toRanidaefrogs, and warrant investigation on hepadnaviral infection of amphibian brains.
Chromomycin, an antibiotic produced by Streptomyces flaviscleroticus might play a role in the resistance to oxidative stress and is essential for viability in stationary phase
Authors: Prajapati Divya , Kumari Namita , Dave Keyur , Chatupale Vaidehi , Pohnerkar Jayashree
Published: December 2018

The well‐known role of antibiotics in killing sensitive organisms has been challenged by the effects they exert at subinhibitory concentrations. Unfortunately, there are very few published reports on the advantages these molecules may confer to their producers. This study describes the construction of a genetically verified deletion mutant of Streptomyces flaviscleroticus unable to synthesize chromomycin. This mutant was characterized by a rapid loss of viability in stationary phase that was correlated with high oxidative stress and altered antioxidant defences. Altered levels of key metabolites in the mutant signalled a redistribution of the glycolytic flux toward the PPP to generate NADPH to fight oxidative stress as well as reduction of ATP‐phosphofructokinase and Krebs cycle enzymes activities. These changes were correlated with a shift in the preference for carbon utilization from glucose to amino acids. Remarkably, chromomycin at subinhibitory concentration increased longevity of the non‐producer and restored most of the phenotypic features’ characteristic of the wild type strain. Altogether these observations suggest that chromomycin may have antioxidant properties that would explain, at least in part, some of the phenotypes of the mutant. Our observations warrant reconsideration of the secondary metabolite definition and raise the possibility of crucial roles for their producers.
Evaluation of monosodium iodoacetate dosage to induce knee osteoarthritis: Relation with oxidative stress and pain
Authors: Yamada Eloá Ferreira , Salgueiro Andréia Fernandes , Goulart Aline da Silva , Mendes Vanessa Pereira , Anjos Bruno Leite , Folmer Vanderlei , da Silva Morgana Duarte
Published: December 2018

Aim

To determine the dose of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) required to induce oxidative stress, as well as pain and edema; to confirm the induction of knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms in rats by the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduction of antioxidant agents; and to verify the presence of histopathological injury in these affected joints.

Method

Biological markers of oxidative stress, pain, knee edema, and cartilage degeneration provided by different doses of MIA (0.5; 1.0 or 1.5 mg) in rat knee joints were analyzed. The animal evaluations were conducted during 15 days for mechanical and cold hypersensitivity, spontaneous pain and edema. After that, blood serum, intra‐articular lavage and structures of knee, spinal cord and brainstem were collected for biochemical analysis; moreover, the knees were removed for histological evaluation.

Results

This study demonstrates that the highest dose of MIA (1.5 mg) increased the oxidative stress markers and reduced the antioxidant reactions, both in the focus of the lesion and in distant sites. MIA also induced the inflammatory process, characterized by pain, edema, increase in neutrophil count and articular damage.

Conclusion

This model provides a basis for the exploration of underlying mechanisms in OA and the identification of mechanisms that may guide therapy and the discovery of OA signals and symptoms.
TSC2 genetic variant and prognosis in non‐small cell lung cancer after curative surgery
Authors: Lee Yong Hoon , Do Sook Kyung , Lee Shin Yup , Kang Hyo‐Gyoung , Choi Jin Eun , Hong Mi Jeong , Lee Jang Hyuck , Lee Eung Bae , Jeong Ji Yun , Shin Kyung Min , Lee Won Kee , Seok Yangki , Cho Sukki , Yoo Seung Soo , Lee Jaehee , Cha Seung Ick , Kim Chang Ho , Jheon Sanghoon , Park Jae Yong
Published: December 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the associations between polymorphisms of genes involved in the LKB1 pathway and the prognosis of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after surgical resection. Twenty‐three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the LKB1 pathway were investigated in 782 patients with NSCLC who underwent curative surgery. The association of SNPs with overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were analyzed. Among the 23 SNPs investigated, TSC2 rs30259G > A was associated with significantly worse OS and DFS (adjusted hazard ratio for OS 1.88, 95% confidence interval 1.21–2.91, P = 0.005; adjusted hazard ratio for DFS 1.65, 95% confidence interval 1.15–2.38, P = 0.01, under codominant models, respectively). Subgroup analysis showed that SNPs were significantly associated with survival outcomes in squamous cell carcinoma, ever‐smokers, and stage I, but not in adenocarcinoma, never‐smokers, and stage II–IIIA. The results suggest that TSC2 rs30259G > A may be useful to predict prognosis in patients with NSCLC, especially squamous cell carcinoma, after curative surgery.
Liana abundance and relationships to sapling and tree hosts in an East African primary forest
Authors: Laurentino Telma G. , Baur Julian , Usui Takuji , Eichhorn Markus P.
Published: December 2018

Lianas are an important structural component of tropical rain forests. Recent concern regarding a putative global rise in liana abundance, and its implications for forest conservation, calls for data collection across biomes. We here provide a first assessment and baseline data for a geographical gap in liana surveys to date. We surveyed liana (diameter at breast height [DBH] > 1 cm), tree (DBH > 10 cm) and sapling (DBH ≤ 10 cm) abundance and basal area, as well as liana–host relationships, in a tropical East African primary forest. We recorded a total of 347 liana stems (DBH > 1 cm) in 0.31 ha, with an average basal area of 1.21 m2/ha. Lianas were found to be widespread, with 24% of saplings and 57% of trees colonised by at least one liana, independently of bark texture or host diameter. The dominant liana colonisation strategy was to associate with a single host, through stem twining. We found no evidence of liana density being influenced by host density. We synthesised published liana density data across continents and report that our estimate of liana density for Kibale's primary forest fits within the expected range of liana densities for primary tropical forests. This synthesis further highlights a neotropical sampling bias, which our findings make a step towards addressing.
Maternal cardiac function, uterine artery hemodynamics and natriuretic peptides at 22‐24 weeks of gestation and subsequent development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Liang Huan , Vårtun Åse , Flo Kari , Widnes Christian , Acharya Ganesh
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Maternal cardiac dysfunction as well as abnormal uterine artery (UtA) Doppler are associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), but their relation is unclear. We investigated the correlation between maternal cardiac function, UtA hemodynamics and natriuretic peptides, and explored differences between women who subsequently developed HDP and those who did not.

Material and methods

This was a prospective cross‐sectional cohort study of 347 pregnant women at 22‐24 weeks. Maternal cardiac function and systemic hemodynamics were investigated at baseline and after 90 seconds of passive leg raising using impedance cardiography. Preload reserve was defined as percent change (Δ%) in stroke volume and cardiac output from baseline to passive leg raising. UtA hemodynamics was studied using Doppler ultrasonography. UtA blood flow, resistance and pulsatility index were calculated. Fasting venous blood samples were analyzed for natriuretic peptides (pro atrial natriuretic peptide [proANP], N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide [Nt‐proBNP] and C‐type natriuretic peptide [CNP]). The course and outcome of pregnancy were recorded.

Results

At baseline, ProANP correlated significantly with cardiac output (r = −0.122; P = .023) and left cardiac work index (r = −0.112; P = .037), whereas Nt‐ProBNP correlated significantly with acceleration index (r = .127; P = .018) and velocity index (r = −0.111; P = .039. CNP correlated significantly with UtA blood flow (r = .118; P = .028) and resistance (r = −0.112; P = .037) but not with UtA pulsatility index (r = .034; P = .523). None of the natriuretic peptides correlated with preload reserve. At 22‐24 weeks, women who subsequently developed HDP had lower UtA blood flow (552 vs 692 mL/min; P = .028), higher UtA resistance (0.28 vs .17 mmHg/mL/min; P = .004) and higher mean UtA pulsatility index (1.12 vs .84; P < .001) compared with those who did not; however, the natriuretic peptide levels were similar in the two groups. Women developing HDP had a significantly higher increase in stroke volume and cardiac output and more reduction in systemic vascular resistance following passive leg raising compared with the reference group. Left cardiac work index, acceleration index and velocity index decreased following passive leg raising in the reference group but increased in women who later developed HDP.

Conclusions

ProANP correlated with cardiac output and cardiac work, Nt‐proBNP with indices of cardiac contractility, and CNP with UtA blood flow and resistance. None of these natriuretic peptides measured at 22‐24 weeks of gestation reflected cardiac preload reserve or predicted development of HDP.
Preventability review of severe maternal morbidity
Authors: Lawton Beverley A. , Jane MacDonald E. , Stanley James , Daniells Karen , Geller Stacie E.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is rising globally. Assessing SMM is an important quality measure. This study aimed to examine SMM in a national cohort in New Zealand.

Material and methods

This is a national retrospective review of pregnant or postpartum women admitted to an Intensive Care Unit or High Dependency Unit during pregnancy or recent postpartum. Outcomes were rates of SMM and assessment of potential preventability. Preventability was defined as any action on the part of the provider, system or patient that may have contributed to progression to more severe morbidity, and was assessed by a multidisciplinary review team.

Results

Severe maternal morbidity was 6.2 per 1000 deliveries (95% confidence interval 5.7‐6.8) with higher rates for Pacific, Indian and other Asian racial groups. Major blood loss (39.4%), preeclampsia‐associated conditions (23.3%) and severe sepsis (14.1%) were the most common causes of SMM. Potential preventability was highest with sepsis cases (56%) followed by preeclampsia and major blood loss (34.3% and 30.9%). Of these cases, only 36.4% were managed appropriately as determined by multidisciplinary review. Provider factors such as inappropriate diagnosis, delay or failure to recognize high risk were the most common factors associated with potential preventability of SMM. Pacific Island women had over twice the rate of preventable morbidity (relative risk 2.48, 95% confidence interval 1.28–4.79).

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary external anonymized review of SMM showed that over a third of cases were potentially preventable, being due to substandard provider care with increased preventability rates for racial/ethnic minority women. Monitoring country rates of SMM and implementing case reviews to assess potential preventability are appropriate quality improvement measures and external review of anonymized cases may reduce racial profiling to inform unbiased appropriate interventions and resource allocation to help prevent these severe events.
Mycobacterium brisbanense lung infection facilitated by steroid induced adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Gynthersen Rosa , Qvist Tavs , Andersen Åse B. , Katzenstein Terese L.
Published: December 2018

Mycobacterium brisbanense is rapid‐growing nontuberculous mycobacteria. It was first described in 2004 as a human pathogen and only one case report has previously been published. We report a case of M. brisbanense infection in a young man with asthma, recurrent lung infections and secondary adrenal insufficiency induced by inhalation steroids and itraconazole use. The mycobacterial infection was successfully treated with a long‐term multidrug regimen.
The Eurasian Steppe is an important goat propagation route: A phylogeographic analysis using mitochondrial DNA and Y‐chromosome sequences of Kazakhstani goats
Authors: Tabata Risa , Kawaguchi Fuki , Sasazaki Shinji , Yamamoto Yoshio , Bakhtin Meirat , Kazymbet Polat , Meldevekob Alykhan , Suleimenov Maratbek Z. , Nishibori Masahide , Mannen Hideyuki
Published: December 2018

Goats (Capra hircus) were domesticated in the Fertile Crescent and propagated all over the world. The Silk Road through the Eurasian Steppe belt is a possible propagation route for domestic goats to Central Asia. Kazakhstan is in close geographical proximity to domestication centers and covers the majority of the Eurasian Steppe belt. In this study, we examined the genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of Kazakhstani goats. The mtDNA sequences of 141 Kazakhstani goats were categorized into haplogroups A, C, and D, of which haplogroup A was predominant (97%), whereas haplogroups C and D were detected at low frequencies (1.4% each). The Kazakhstani haplotypes C were thzen categorized into Asian mtDNA type. Sequence analysis of the SRY gene on the Y‐chromosome in 67 male Kazakhstani goats revealed two haplotypes: Y1A (64%) and Y2A (36%). Analysis of the distribution of mtDNA haplogroups and SRY haplotypes from Eurasia and Africa demonstrated genetic similarity among animals from Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Northwest China located on the Eurasian Steppe belt. These phylogeographic results suggested that the Eurasian Steppe belt was an important propagation route for goats to Central Asia.
Developing role of B cells in the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic GVHD
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Gao Qiangguo , Feng Yimei , Zhang Xi
Published: December 2018

Chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) is a major complication affecting the long‐term survival of patients after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The mechanism of cGVHD is unclear, and while previous studies have primarily focused on T cells, the role of B cells in the pathogenesis of cGVHD has been less reported. However, current studies on cGVHD are increasingly focused on the important role of B cells. In this review, we will introduce the newest studies and examine the role of B cells in cGVHD in detail with respect to the following aspects: altered B cell subpopulations, aberrant B cell signalling pathways, autoantibodies and T‐B cell interactions. Treatment strategies for the targeting of B cells during cGVHD will also be discussed.
Bronchoalveolar lavage characteristics correlate with HLA tag SNPs in patients with Löfgren’s syndrome and other sarcoidosis
Authors: Karakaya B , Schimmelpennink M C , Kocourkova L , van der Vis J J , Meek B , Grutters J C , Petrek M , van Moorsel C H M
Published: December 2018

Genetic susceptibility for sarcoidosis and Löfgren’s syndrome (LS) has been associated with prognosis. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*03 is over-represented in LS, and is associated with a good prognosis, whereas HLA-DRB1*15-positive patients have a more chronic course of sarcoidosis. These HLA-DRB1 types can be easily tagged by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Our aim was to evaluate the association between these tag SNPs and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) characteristics. In 29 patients, both complete HLA-DRB1* locus genotyping and SNP tagging was performed in parallel. HLA-DRB1 type was inferred from the presence of *03 tag rs2040410 allele A and referred to as *03. HLA-DRB1*15 was inferred from the presence of tag SNP rs3135388 allele A and referred to as *15. For BAL analysis, 122 patients with LS and 165 patients with non-LS sarcoidosis were included. BAL lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. The presence of tag SNPs completely corresponded with HLA-DRB1*03/*15 genotypes in all 29 patients in whom both HLA-DRB1* genotyping and SNP tagging was performed. In all patients together, *03+/*15– patients showed a higher CD4+/CD8+ ratio than *03–/*15+ (P = 0·004) and *03–/*15– (P = 0·001). LS patients with *03+/*15– had a lower BAL lymphocyte count compared to *03–/*15+ patients (P = 0·011). Non-LS sarcoidosis patients with *03+/*15– patients showed a decreased CD103+CD4+/CD4+ ratio compared to *03–/*15+ patients (P = 0·045) and *03–/*15– patients (P = 0·018). We found that HLA-DRB1*03 and HLA-DRB1*15 can be approximated by genotyping of tag SNPs and corresponds with the degree of lymphocytosis and cell phenotypes in BAL in both LS and non-LS sarcoidosis patients.
Hepatitis C virus infection is associated with hepatic and adipose tissue insulin resistance that improves after viral cure
Authors: Lim Teegan R. , Hazlehurst Jonathan M. , Oprescu Andrei I. , Armstrong Matthew J. , Abdullah Sewa F. , Davies Nigel P. , Flintham Robert , Balfe Peter , Mutimer David J. , McKeating Jane A. , Tomlinson Jeremy W.
Published: December 2018

Background

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is associated with systemic insulin resistance, yet there are limited data on the tissue‐specific contribution in vivo to this adverse metabolic phenotype, and the effect of HCV cure.

Methods

We examined tissue‐specific insulin sensitivity in a cohort study involving 13 patients with CHC compared to 12 BMI‐matched healthy control subjects. All subjects underwent a two‐step clamp incorporating the use of stable isotopes to measure carbohydrate and lipid flux (hepatic and global insulin sensitivity) with concomitant subcutaneous adipose tissue microdialysis and biopsy (subcutaneous adipose tissue insulin sensitivity). Investigations were repeated in seven patients with CHC following antiviral therapy with a documented sustained virological response.

Results

Adipose tissue was more insulin resistant in patients with CHC compared to healthy controls, as evidence by elevated glycerol production rate and impaired insulin‐mediated suppression of both circulating nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and adipose interstitial fluid glycerol release during the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp. Hepatic and muscle insulin sensitivity were similar between patients with CHC and controls. Following viral eradication, hepatic insulin sensitivity improved as demonstrated by a reduction in endogenous glucose production rate. In addition, circulating NEFA decreased with sustained virological response (SVR) and insulin was more effective at suppressing adipose tissue interstitial glycerol release with a parallel increase in the expression of insulin signalling cascade genes in adipose tissue consistent with enhanced adipose tissue insulin sensitivity.

Conclusion

Chronic hepatitis C patients have profound subcutaneous adipose tissue insulin resistance in comparison with BMI‐matched controls. For the first time, we have demonstrated that viral eradication improves global, hepatic and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity.
Research on indocyanine green angiography for predicting postoperative hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Jin Hao , Dong Qichao , He Zhuocheng , Fan Jinrui , Liao Kun , Cui Min
Published: December 2018

Background

It may be critical to locate the parathyroid for surgeons during thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy due to the significant function of the parathyroid in calcium balance. According to recent reports, the intrinsic fluorescence of the parathyroid has been found. There is some evidence supporting that new equipment can detect fluorescence via imaging technology. In this study, a newly invented intraoperative fluorescence imaging system and indocyanine green dye were applied to detect the parathyroid glands and evaluate the vascularization of the parathyroid. The report is as follows.

Methods

From 1 May to 8 August 2018, 26 patients underwent total thyroidectomy in Zhuhai People's Hospital and were recruited into our research. All identified parathyroid glands were scored visually from grade 0 to grade 2 according to the vascularity of the parathyroid before ICG angiography was performed. After ICG angiography, parathyroid glands were scored from score 0 to score 2 according to the FI.

Results

Visual scores were significantly higher than ICG angiography scores. In the 22 patients with at least one parathyroid gland with an ICG score of 2, postoperative PTH levels were in the normal range. In the four patients with no parathyroid gland with an ICG score of 2, two of them developed transient hypoparathyroidism, with recovery on POD 7 for the first patient and after 3 months for the second one.

Conclusion

This study has identified that the fluorescence imaging system applied with indocyanine green is a safe, easy and effective method to protect the parathyroid and predict postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Registration number: ChiCTR1800016864.
Solid Geometry Processing on Deconstructed Domains
Authors: Sellán Silvia , Cheng Herng Yi , Ma Yuming , Dembowski Mitchell , Jacobson Alec
Published: December 2018

Many tasks in geometry processing are modelled as variational problems solved numerically using the finite element method. For solid shapes, this requires a volumetric discretization, such as a boundary conforming tetrahedral mesh. Unfortunately, tetrahedral meshing remains an open challenge and existing methods either struggle to conform to complex boundary surfaces or require manual intervention to prevent failure. Rather than create a single volumetric mesh for the entire shape, we advocate for solid geometry processing on deconstructed domains, where a large and complex shape is composed of overlapping solid subdomains. As each smaller and simpler part is now easier to tetrahedralize, the question becomes how to account for overlaps during problem modelling and how to couple solutions on each subdomain together algebraically. We explore how and why previous coupling methods fail, and propose a method that couples solid domains only along their boundary surfaces. We demonstrate the superiority of this method through empirical convergence tests and qualitative applications to solid geometry processing on a variety of popular second‐order and fourth‐order partial differential equations.
Prevalence of peri‐implant disease and risk indicators in a Japanese population with at least 3 years in function—A multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Wada Masahiro , Mameno Tomoaki , Onodera Yoshinobu , Matsuda Hirofumi , Daimon Koji , Ikebe Kazunori
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of peri‐implant disease and analyze risk indicators in Japanese subjects with ≥3 years of implant function.

Material and methods

Five hundred and forty‐three subjects treated with 1,613 implants were evaluated. Information was collected about the patients’ physical and dental history, as well as implant details. Peri‐implant evaluation included probing depth, bleeding on probing (BoP), suppuration (Sup), and keratinized tissue width. Bone loss was calculated from intra‐oral radiographs taken after 1 year and more than 3 years of function. Implants were classified into three groups: healthy, peri‐implant mucositis (BoP without bone loss), and peri‐implantitis (BoP and/or Sup with bone loss >1 mm). These data were analyzed by multivariable multinomial logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis at the subject level was 23.9% and 15.8%, respectively. An association was found between peri‐implant mucositis and plaque control record (PCR) >20% and keratinized tissue width <2 mm. Peri‐implantitis was associated with PCR >20%, smoking, insertion in the maxilla, and keratinized tissue width <2 mm.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, the prevalence of peri‐implant diseases was elucidated in a Japanese population. Peri‐implant mucositis was associated with poor oral hygiene and less keratinized tissue. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, insertion in the maxilla, and less keratinized tissue were risk indicators for peri‐implantitis.
Newborns in crisis: An outline of neonatal ethical dilemmas in humanitarian medicine
Authors: Schnall Jesse , Hayden Dean , Wilkinson Dominic
Published: December 2018

Newborn infants are among those most severely affected by humanitarian crises. Aid organisations increasingly recognise the necessity to provide for the medical needs of newborns, however, this may generate distinctive ethical questions for those providing humanitarian medical care. Medical ethical approaches to neonatal care familiar in other settings may not be appropriate given the diversity and volatility of humanitarian disasters, and the extreme resource limitations commonly faced by humanitarian aid missions.

In this paper, we first systematically review existing guidelines relating to the treatment and resuscitation of newborns in humanitarian crises, finding little substantive ethical guidance for those providing humanitarian healthcare. We next draw on paradigm cases and published literature to identify and describe some of the major ethical questions common to these settings. We divide these questions into quality of life considerations, allocation of limited resources, and conflicting cultural norms and values. We finally suggest some preliminary recommendations to guide ethical decision‐making around resuscitation of newborns and withdrawal of treatment in humanitarian settings.
Strontium ions promote in vitro human bone marrow stromal cell proliferation and differentiation in calcium‐lacking media
Authors: Kruppke Benjamin , Heinemann Christiane , Wagner Alena‐Svenja , Farack Jana , Wenisch Sabine , Wiesmann Hans‐Peter , Hanke Thomas
Published: December 2018

In order to investigate the influence of calcium and strontium ion concentration on human bone marrow stromal cells and their differentiation to osteoblasts, different cell culture media have been used. Even though this study does not contain a bone substitute material, the reason for this study was the decrease of cation concentration by many biomaterials, due to induced apatite precipitation. As a consequence, the reduced calcium ion concentration is known to affect osteoblastic development. Therefore, the main focus was put on the question, whether an increased strontium concentration (in the range of mM) might be suitable to compensate the lack of calcium ions. The effect of solely strontium ions—with only calcium in the media resulting from fetal calf serum—was investigated. Commercially available calcium‐free medium (modified α‐MEM) was tested in comparison with media with varied calcium ion concentrations (0.9, 1.8, and 3.6 mM), or strontium ion concentration (0.4, 0.9, 1.8, and 3.6 mM). In case of calcium, higher concentrations cause increased proliferation, while differentiation was shifted to earlier points of time. Differentiation was increased by solely strontium ions only at 0.4–0.9 mM, while proliferation was highest for 0.9–1.8 mM. From these results, it can be concluded that strontium is able to compensate a lack of calcium to a certain degree. Thus, in contrast to calcium ion release, a strontium ion release from bone substitute materials might be applicable for stimulation of bone regeneration without influencing the media saturation.
Perinatal exposure to the SSRI paroxetine alters the methylome landscape of the developing dentate gyrus
Authors: Glover Matthew E. , McCoy Chelsea R. , Shupe Elizabeth A. , Unroe Keaton A. , Jackson Nateka L. , Clinton Sarah M.
Published: December 2018

Evidence in humans and rodents suggests that perinatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants can have serious long‐term consequences in offspring exposed in utero or infancy via breast milk. In spite of this, there is limited knowledge of how perinatal SSRI exposure impacts brain development and adult behaviour. Children exposed to SSRIs in utero exhibit increased internalizing behaviour and abnormal social behaviour between the ages of 3 and 6, and increased risk of depression in adolescence; however, the neurobiological changes underlying this behaviour are poorly understood. In rodents, perinatal SSRI exposure perturbs hippocampal gene expression and alters adult emotional behaviour (including increased depression‐like behaviour). The present study demonstrates that perinatal exposure to the SSRI paroxetine leads to DNA hypomethylation and reduces DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) mRNA expression in the hippocampus during the second and third weeks of life. Next‐generation sequencing identified numerous differentially methylated genomic regions, including altered methylation and transcription of several dendritogenesis‐related genes. We then tested the hypothesis that transiently decreasing Dnmt3a expression in the early postnatal hippocampus would mimic the behavioural effects of perinatal SSRI exposure. We found that siRNA‐mediated knockdown of Dnmt3a in the dentate gyrus during the second to third week of life produced greater depression‐like behaviour in adult female (but not male) offspring, akin to the behavioural consequences of perinatal SSRI exposure. Overall, these data suggest that perinatal SSRI exposure may increase depression‐like behaviours, at least in part, through reduced Dnmt3a expression in the developing hippocampus.
Optical coherence tomography represents a sensitive and reliable tool for routine monitoring of idiopathic intracranial hypertension with and without papilledema
Authors: Huang‐Link Y. , Eleftheriou A. , Yang G. , Johansson J. M. , Apostolou A. , Link H. , Jin Y.‐P.
Published: December 2018

Background and purpose

We previously reported that certain optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures were sensitive and reliable in identifying idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). This prospective study aimed to define OCT measures that allow differentiation of IIH with and without papilledema, thereby helping clinical decision‐making.

Methods

Eight patients with IIH with papilledema, nine without papilledema and 19 with other neurological diseases were included. OCT measures were obtained before lumbar puncture and within 2 h, 1, 3 and 6 months after lumbar puncture with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) removal.

Results

All patients with papilledema had increased retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and elevated CSF pressure. All patients without papilledema had normal RNFL but elevated CSF pressure. After CSF removal, reduced RNFL thickness was registered in all eight patients with IIH with papilledema. No significant change in RNFL thickness after CSF removal was observed in IIH without papilledema or in patients with other neurological diseases, although reduced CSF pressure was documented. RNFL thickness tended to be normal in patients with IIH with papilledema at 3–6 months after CSF removal. All patients with IIH showed increased rim area and rim thickness, but reduced optic cup volume regardless of RNFL thickness or papilledema.

Conclusions

Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness is sensitive for monitoring acute IIH and evaluating treatment effect. Increased rim area and rim thickness and decreased optic cup volume are reliable parameters that indicate persistently increased CSF pressure and risk of relapse. OCT measures are sensitive and reliable for diagnosing subtle IIH even in the absence of papilledema.
Phylogeographic diversification and postglacial range dynamics shed light on the conservation of the kelp Saccharina japonica
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yao Jianting , Hu Zi‐Min , Jueterbock Alexander , Yotsukura Norishige , Krupnova Tatiana N. , Nagasato Chikako , Duan Delin
Published: December 2018

Studies of postglacial range shifts could enhance our understanding of seaweed species’ responses to climate change and hence facilitate the conservation of natural resources. However, the distribution dynamics and phylogeographic diversification of the commercially and ecologically important kelp Saccharina japonica in the Northwest Pacific (NWP) are still poorly surveyed. In this study, we analyzed the evolutionary history of S. japonica using two mitochondrial markers and 24 nuclear microsatellites. A STRUCTURE analysis revealed two partially isolated lineages: lineage H, which is scattered along the coast of Japan; and lineage P, which occurs along the west coast of the Japan Sea. Ecological niche modeling projections to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) revealed that the southern coasts of the Japan Sea and the Pacific side of the Oshima and Honshu Peninsulas provided the most suitable habitats for S. japonica, implying that these regions served as ancient refugia during the LGM. Ancient isolation in different refugia may explain the observed divergence between lineages P and H. An approximate Bayesian computation analysis indicated that the two lineages experienced post‐LGM range expansion and that postglacial secondary contact occurred in Sakhalin. Model projections into the year 2,100 predicted that S. japonica will shift northwards and lose its genetic diversity center on the Oshima Peninsula in Hokkaido and Shimokita Peninsula in Honshu. The range shifts and evolutionary history of S. japonica improve our understanding of how climate change impacted the distribution range and diversity of this species and provide useful information for the conservation of natural resources under ongoing environmental change in the NWP.
Internal markers for predicting dry matter intake and digestibility in Santa Inês ewes on a pasture
Authors: de Sousa Sheila V. , de Araújo Marcos J. , Marques Carlo A. T. , Torreão Jacira N. C. , Lima Lucas A. , Gottardi Fernanda P. , Edvan Ricardo L. , Bezerra Leilson R.
Published: December 2018

Assessing feed intake is a valuable tool for herd management decisions. The use of markers is one of the most widely used techniques for estimating dry matter intake (DMI) in ruminants. Thus, internal markers (IM) were evaluated to predict DMI and digestibility (DMD) in ewes supplemented on a pasture during pre‐ (75, 105 and 135 days of gestation) and postpartum periods (30 and 60 days of lactation). The animals were kept on a pasture, and they were put into individual stalls to receive their supplementation. Twelve ewes were distributed in a completely randomized design: (a) Two supplementation levels (SL; 5 and 15 g/kg body weight, BW) and three IM (indigestible neutral detergent fiber, iNDF; indigestible acid detergent fiber, iADF; and rumen‐undegradable dry matter; RUDM) were used and analyzed as mixed models. (b) The DMI and DMD, which were estimated by the best marker, were analyzed as repeated measures using the mixed procedure in SAS. Fecal output was estimated using an external marker (LIPE®; isolated, purified and enriched lignin). The DMI and DMD estimated by RUDM were greater and better than iADF and iNDF, which were similar. The effects of SL and physiological stages for DMI and DMD were evaluated by the values obtained from RUDM. As expected, regardless of the physiological stage, DMI and DMD were greater in the animals that received 15 g/kg BW. Considering the physiological stage, the animals fed 15 g/kg BW had greater DMI and DMD at 75 days of gestation and 30 days of lactation and the least DMI was observed at 135 days of gestation and 60 days of lactation. In conclusion, RUDM provides the best estimates for DMI and DMD, which were greater in animals receiving 15 g/kg BW of concentrate at the beginning of gestation and lactation.
Patient experiences of telephone outreach to enhance uptake of NHS Health Checks in more deprived communities and minority ethnic groups: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Brangan Emer , Stone Tracey J. , Chappell Amanda , Harrison Vivienne , Horwood Jeremy
Published: December 2018

Background

The NHS Health Checks preventative programme aims to reduce cardiovascular morbidity across England. To improve equity in uptake, telephone outreach was developed in Bristol, involving community workers telephoning patients amongst communities potentially at higher risk of cardiovascular disease and/or less likely to take up a written invitation, to engage them with NHS Health Checks. Where possible, caller cultural background/main language is matched with that of the patient called. The call includes an invitation to book an NHS Health Check appointment, lifestyle questions from the Health Check, and signposting to lifestyle services.

Objective

To explore the experiences of patients who received an outreach call.

Design/Setting/Participants

Thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews with 24 patients (15 female), from seven primary care practices, who had received an outreach call.

Results

The call increased participants’ understanding of NHS Health Checks and overcame anticipated difficulties with making an appointment. Half reported that they would not have booked if only invited by letter. The cultural identity/language skills of the caller were important in facilitating the interaction for some who might otherwise encounter language or cultural barriers. The inclusion of lifestyle questions and signposting prompted a minority to make lifestyle changes.

Conclusions

Participants valued easily generalizable aspects of the intervention—a telephone invitation with ability to book during the call—and reported that it prompted acceptance of an NHS Health Check. A caller who shared their main language/cultural background was important for a minority of participants, and improved targeting of this would be beneficial.
Physical characterization of the hair of Mexican women
Authors: Aslan S. , Evans T. A. , Wares J. , Norwood K. , Idelcaid Y. , Velkov D.
Published: December 2018

Hairs collected from 257 Mexican women, residing in Mexico City, were characterized by instrumental measurements for comparison to more‐commonly reported Caucasian, Asian and African hairs. Subjects were subdivided into five age groups and their hairs were characterized by fibre dimension, shape and tensile strength. Results show that Mexican hair appears to be intermediate of Asian and Caucasian hair in diameter and cross‐sectional ellipticity. Such findings seem in line with the early and late ethnic origins of Mexican people. Results also illustrate and confirm the large intra‐ and inter‐individual variability within any single hair property. Unexpectedly high levels of hair tensile damage were sometimes encountered.
Institutional evolution and abrupt change: Reforming the administration of social assistance in Finland
Authors: Varjonen Sampo
Published: December 2018

Historical institutionalist studies have explained institutional change as resulting from critical junctures that interrupt long periods of stability or from endogenous, incremental evolution. Building on these theories, discursive institutionalists have focused on the roles of agency, ideas and discourse as explainers of change. Combining these approaches, this article analyses Finland’s decision in 2014 to transfer the administration of basic social assistance from municipalities to the central government. This study demonstrates that institutional change can be both abrupt and evolutionary. Due to sudden, exceptional political circumstances, the decision in question was made quickly and under pressure, circumventing possible veto players. However, it was possible only because of the incremental, endogenous change that had occurred in the way in which social assistance was administered at the municipal level. It enabled a change in political discourse, which eroded the credibility of the ideational frames that policy actors had previously utilised to reject the centralised model.
Selecting for changes in average “parity curve” pattern of litter size in Large White pigs
Authors: Sell‐Kubiak Ewa , Knol Egbert Frank , Mulder Herman Arend
Published: December 2018

This study aimed to analyse genetic background of variation in reproductive performance between parities of a sow and to investigate selection strategies to change the “parity curve”. Total number born (TNB) recorded in Large White sows was provided by Topigs Norsvin. Analysis with basic (BM) and random regression (RRM) models was done in ASReml 4.1. The BM included only a fixed “parity curve”, while RRM included 3rd order polynomials for additive genetic and permanent sow effects. Parameters from RRM were used in simulations in SelAction 2.1. Based on Akaike information criterion, RRM was a better model for TNB data. Genetic variance and heritability estimates of TNB from BM and RRM were increasing with parity from parity 2. Genetically, parity 1 is the most different from parities 7 to 10, whereas most similar to parities 2 and 3. This indicates presence of genetic variation to change the “parity curve”. Based on simulations, the selection to increase litter size in parity 1 only increases TNB in all parities, but does not change the observed shape of “parity curve”, whereas selection for increased TNB in parity 1 and reduced TNB in parity 5 decreases differences between parities, but also reduces overall TNB in all parities. Changing the “parity curve” will be difficult as the genetic and phenotypic relationships between the parities are hard to overcome even when selecting for one parity.
Methods to Our Madness: Adapting Methods to the Changing Nature of Our Problems
Authors: Goldsby Thomas J. , Zinn Walter
Published: December 2018

This editorial presents a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) directed to us, as editors of the journal. It speaks to an assessment of the methods review element of the manuscript review process and the evolution witnessed in research methods employed in the journal. We illustrate the current state of research in JBL in terms of the methods used in accepted manuscripts, encouraging authors to employ the method(s) that best fit the research problem at hand. The purpose in bringing forward these observations is to crystallize our expectations of submissions, ensuring a more promising path to publication for authors while elevating the validity of findings presented in our work. We also introduce the articles appearing in this issue.
Ibutilide for the control of refractory ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation in patients with myocardial ischemia and hemodynamic instability
Authors: Sendra‐Ferrer Mauricio , Gonzalez Mario D.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with myocardial ischemia requiring hemodynamic support can be refractory to available antiarrhythmic agents and even to cardioversion and defibrillation. The purpose of this study was to report the effect of intravenous ibutilide in patients with a VT and/or VF storm in the presence of incomplete revascularization requiring hemodynamic support.

Methods and results

Standard continuous telemetry and frequent 12‐lead electrocardiograms were obtained to determine the effect of intravenous Ibutilide in these patients. We studied six consecutive patients (age 60 ± 12 years; five males) with incomplete revascularization and mechanical support (extracorporeal membrane of oxygenation = 2; left ventricular assist device = 4) with VT/VF refractory to lidocaine and amiodarone. Intravenous ibutilide was given as a last resort for management of their ventricular arrhythmias. Intravenous ibutilide (1‐2 mg) allowed restoration of sinus rhythm in three patients with persistent VF that were refractory to multiple defibrillation shocks. When the 24‐hour period before and after ibutilide administration was compared, this drug markedly reduced the number of required cardioversions/defibrillations in all patients from 20 ± 9 to 0.7 ± 0.8 shocks (
P = 0.036).

Conclusions

In patients with myocardial ischemia requiring hemodynamic support, intravenous Ibutilide demonstrates a potent antiarrhythmic effect and can facilitate defibrillation in patients with refractory VF.
New insight into the role of extracellular vesicles in kidney disease
Authors: Lv Lin‐Li , Feng Ye , Tang Tao‐Tao , Liu Bi‐Cheng
Published: December 2018

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released to maintain cellular homeostasis as well as to mediate cell communication by spreading protective or injury signals to neighbour or remote cells. In kidney, increasing evidence support that EVs are signalling vesicles for different segments of tubules, intra‐glomerular, glomerular‐tubule and tubule‐interstitial communication. EVs released by kidney resident and infiltrating cells can be isolated from urine and were found to be promising biomarkers for kidney disease, reflecting deterioration of renal function and histological change. We have here summarized the recent progress about the functional role of EVs in kidney disease as well as challenges and future directions involved.