bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injury‐induced maladaptation and dysregulation of calcium channel α2δ subunit proteins and its contribution to neuropathic pain development
Authors: Gong Nian , Park John , Luo Z David
Published: June 2017

Voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs) play important roles in physiological functions including the modulation of neurotransmitter release, neuronal network activities, intracellular signalling pathways and gene expression. Some pathological conditions, including nerve injuries, can cause the dysregulation of VGCCs and their subunits. This in turn can lead to a functional maladaptation of VGCCs and their subunits, which can contribute to the development of disorders such as pain sensations. This review has summarized recent findings related to maladaptive changes in the dysregulated VGCC α2δ1 subunit (Cavα2δ1) with a focus on exploring the mechanisms underlying the contribution of Cavα2δ1 to pain signal transduction. At least under neuropathic pain conditions, the dysregulated Cavα2δ1 can modulate VGCC functions as well as other plasticity changes. The latter includes abnormal excitatory synaptogenesis resulting from its interactions with injury‐induced extracellular matrix glycoprotein molecule thrombospondins, which is independent of the VGCC functions. Blocking Cavα2δ1 with gabapentinoids can reverse neuropathic pain significantly with relatively mild side effects, but only in a small population of neuropathic pain patients due to reasons yet to be explored. There are emerging data suggesting that early preventive treatment with gabapentinoids can prevent aberrant excitatory synapse formation and the development of chronic pain. If these findings are confirmed clinically, this could be an attractive approach for neuropathic pain management.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Recent Advances in Targeting Ion Channels to Treat Chronic Pain. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.12/issuetoc
Micro politics of Social Safety Net Programmes: The case of the Food‐For‐Work Programme in Bangladesh
Authors: Kundo Hare Krisna
Published: June 2017

A number of studies have established that politics has a role in shaping and implementing Social Safety Net Programmes (SSNPs) and, conversely,SSNPs also influence national or local politics. This study qualitatively analyzes the micro level political discourses of the Food‐For‐Work programme, one of the top 10SSNPs in Bangladesh, using the concepts of access, institutions and agency under livelihood framework. The analysis of the findings reveals that the programme is not effective in terms of the stated objectives of reducing poverty, but rather serves the interest of political elites. Beneficiary access to the projects depends on categorical membership, ability to participate and gender, which lead the programme to be reduced to subsidized infrastructure projects.
A visual information tool for user participation during the lifecycle of school building design: BIM
Authors: Koutamanis Alexander , Heuer Jos , Könings Karen D.
Published: June 2017

User participation is a key element in decision processes concerning the accommodation of dynamic organisations such as schools. This article addresses the discrepancy between the perspectives of the architects and engineers, as the makers of school buildings, and school management, teachers and students, as the users of the buildings, and proposes that productive and efficient participatory design of school buildings requires appropriate information tools. Visual information technology tools, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), already used in interaction between architects, engineers, consultants, etc., are proposed to support school managers, teachers and students in participating in all stages of the life cycle of their school building. The proposed use of BIM is compared to a retrospective analysis of a Dutch school which realised a completely new secondary education building. The article concludes with recommendations to increase the impact of visual information technology tools such as BIM in the design of school buildings in Europe and beyond.
Stress and coping in Japanese mothers whose infants required congenital heart disease surgery
Authors: Nakazuru Aya , Sato Naho , Nakamura Nobue
Published: June 2017

Background

With the growing number of severe congenital heart disease (CHD) surgeries, some hospitals in Japan are experiencing difficulty meeting the demand for CHD surgery. As a result, CHD surgery preparation is difficult for mothers of these infants.

Aims

To examine the stress and coping of mothers whose infants needed CHD surgery and to identify the factors that influenced maternal coping.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 mothers whose infants had undergone CHD surgery. Qualitative analyses of transcribed interviews were performed.

Results

The coping of mothers for surgery began when mothers received news of their infant's CHD diagnosis. Maternal stress appraisal and coping changed as surgery approached. In particular, maternal coping was influenced by diagnosis event, symptoms of their child, anticipated number of surgeries, presence of chromosomal abnormality, and infant age.

Conclusion

The stressors and coping challenges of mothers whose infants needed CHD surgery changed as the surgery date approached, and these were influenced by 5 factors.
Introducing solution‐focussed brief therapy to mental health nurses across a local health district in Australia
Authors: Wand Timothy , Acret Louise , D'Abrew Natalie
Published: June 2017

Solution‐focussed brief therapy (SFBT) can be applied to effectively address a broad range of mental health‐, alcohol‐, and substance‐related challenges. The compatibility that SFBT has with mental health nursing practice has been widely recognized. The aim of the present mixed‐methods study was to introduce and evaluate the utility of SFBT principles, strategies, and techniques to the clinical work of mental health nurses from a local health district in Sydney, Australia. Following a 4‐hour introductory SFBT workshop, participants were invited to complete a one‐page evaluation and undertake a follow‐up individual telephone interview with a research assistant. Participants (n = 65) were positive about the workshop content and recognized the potential benefits of SFBT in clinical practice. Interviewed participants (n = 14) were enthusiastic about SFBT. However, they also identified that using SFBT was challenging, particularly as the approach was considered different to current practices in mental health services. A lack of confidence with incorporating SFBT in their clinical work was also acknowledged, and participants expressed interest in additional training, including more time to practise SFBT strategies and techniques. Widespread training for mental health nurses in SFBT is indicated, including opportunities for supervision and to observe SFBT being employed by experienced clinicians.
Resistance to group clinical supervision: A semistructured interview study of non‐participating mental health nursing staff members
Authors: Buus Niels , Delgado Cynthia , Traynor Michael , Gonge Henrik
Published: June 2017

This present study is a report of an interview study exploring personal views on participating in group clinical supervision among mental health nursing staff members who do not participate in supervision. There is a paucity of empirical research on resistance to supervision, which has traditionally been theorized as a supervisee's maladaptive coping with anxiety in the supervision process. The aim of the present study was to examine resistance to group clinical supervision by interviewing nurses who did not participate in supervision. In 2015, we conducted semistructured interviews with 24 Danish mental health nursing staff members who had been observed not to participate in supervision in two periods of 3 months. Interviews were audio‐recorded and subjected to discourse analysis. We constructed two discursive positions taken by the informants: (i) ‘forced non‐participation’, where an informant was in favour of supervision, but presented practical reasons for not participating; and (ii) ‘deliberate rejection’, where an informant intentionally chose to not to participate in supervision. Furthermore, we described two typical themes drawn upon by informants in their positioning: ‘difficulties related to participating in supervision’ and ‘limited need for and benefits from supervision’. The findings indicated that group clinical supervision extended a space for group discussion that generated or accentuated anxiety because of already‐existing conflicts and a fundamental lack of trust between group members. Many informants perceived group clinical supervision as an unacceptable intrusion, which could indicate a need for developing more acceptable types of post‐registration clinical education and reflective practice for this group.
CONSIDERATION OF STOCHASTIC DEMOGRAPHY IN THE DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL RESERVES
Authors: Goodman Daniel
Published: June 2017

A generalized birth–and–death process serves as a simple, flexible model for computing the expected persistence time of a small population in a random world. We may reparametrize the model in ways that allow explicit incorporation of density dependence, random differences in events experienced by different individuals, and random environmental variation experienced by all individuals in concert. This model seems to capture the important features of real population dynamics for purposes of computing the mean persistence time, even though the underlying mechanisms presumed in the mathematics of the model are decidedly unrealistic.

The lack of isomorphism between birth and death rates, as they feature in the model, and vital rates of real biological populations can lead to extremely misleading results, if the classic formulation, rather than the reparametrization is applied without due circumspection.

Using the reparametrized model, we find that environmental variation poses a greater problem for population persistence than does individual variation. In particular, with purely individual variation, the expected persistence time increases approximately with the power of the ceiling on population size; but with purely environmental variation, the expected persistence time increases somewhat less than linearly with the size of the population ceiling.

The birth–and–death process model can also be applied to calculating the persistence time of a population on an ensemble of reserves which are linked by natural migration or by deliberate reintroduction programs. Results of this model, for an idealized ensemble, show that multiple independent reserves with a sufficient recolonization rate (natural or otherwise) will confer a longer persistence time than a single reserve with the same total carrying capacity, but in the absence of recolonization, the system of smaller separate reserves confers a shorter persistence time than the single large reserve.
PERSISTENCE IN DISCRETE MODELS OF A POPULATION WHICH MAY BE SUBJECTED TO HARVESTING
Authors: Freedman H.I. , So J.W.‐H.
Published: June 2017

We consider a class of one‐dimensional maps as discrete models of a single population. A general criterion for persistence of a population is obtained, and this criterion is shown to be valid for many models proposed in the literature. These results are extended to models which are periodic and to models which include constant rate harvesting.
HARVESTING PROCEDURES WITH MANAGEMENT POLICY IN ITERATIVE DENSITY‐DEPENDENT POPULATION MODELS
Authors: Cooke Kenneth L. , Elderkin Richard , Witten Matthew
Published: June 2017

This paper analyzes harvesting in simple one species iterative density‐dependent population models. Several harvest management policies are considered, including a constant effort policy, an on‐off constant harvest policy, and several policies that include protective strategies. Results for quadratic, Ricker, and Beverton‐Holt growth functions are contrasted. It is found that even for the Beverton‐Holt case, there are parameter regions where periodic or chaotic behavior can occur under certain harvest policies. In fact, regions of stability and irregularity can alternate.
THE RATE OF DISCOUNT AND THE PRESERVATION OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Krautkraemer Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2017

This paper examines the relationship between the rate of discount and the the optimal level of permanently preserved natural environments. A lower rate of discount increases the demand for both preserved environments and capital accumulation. The greater demand for capital indirectly increases the demand for the productive resource inputs found within the natural environments thereby reducing the level of preservation. This indirect effect outweighs the direct effect of the rate of discount on the level of preservation if the elasticity of output with respect to capital is greater that the elasticity of output with respect to the resource input. In general, the asymptotic values of the output elasticities depend upon the rate of discount and so there can be a nonmonotonic relationship between the rate of discount and the optimal level of permanently preserved natural environments.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Bohi Douglas R.
Published: June 2017

MODELING AND MEASURING NATURAL RESOURCE SUBSTITUTION, Ernst R. Berndt and Barry C. Field, eds., The MIT Press, 1981
ANALYZING LOCALIZED CLIMATE IMPACTS WITH THE CHANGED CLIMATE FIRE MODELING SYSTEM
Authors: Fried Jeremy S. , Torn Margaret S.
Published: June 2017

The effects of global changes in the climate system on wild land fire systems have received only limited attention, partly due to the disparity in scales of the models' traditionally used to describe these systems. A Changed Climate Fire Modeling System (CCFMS) was developed to link the best available climate and fire models to produce an analysis tool capable of predicting changes in descriptors of the wild land fire system (e.g., the frequency of escaped or large fires, area burned, suppression costs and economic losses). Earlier attempts to assess these effects relied on statistical correlations to adjust averages of historical values of these descriptors. The CCFMS, in contrast, operates with disaggregated climate prediction and historical fire data, simulates individual fires, and aggregates simulation results only as a final step, thereby retaining the detail essential for model results to be useful for local management. Use of the CCFMS is demonstrated with an analysis of the impacts of climate warming on grass fires in a two‐county region of central California.
OPTIMAL HARVESTING OF FISH POPULATIONS WITH NON‐STATIONARY STOCK‐RECRUITMENT RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Parma Ana M.
Published: June 2017

Optimal harvesting policies are commonly derived by assuming a time‐invariant relationship between some productivity measure and the resource variable under control. Yet, long‐term trends in the environment appear to induce persistent changes in spawning success in several fish stocks. I show that when predictable trends in environmental effects are incorporated into stock‐recruitment models, optimal policies respond to changing environmental conditions in a way that depends very much on the management objective. When the goal is to maximize expected discounted yield, resulting risk‐neutral policies computed for a model of a cyclic iteroparous population respond by continuously adjusting optimal spawning targets in phase with the environmental cycle: escapements are raised when favorable conditions are anticipated and they are lowered when poor environments are expected. These feedback responses reinforce recruitment fluctuations and lead to a sequence of boom and bust periods in the fishery. Policies shift diametrically when a risk‐averse objective is pursued such as maximization of the expected sum of discounted logarithms of catches. Optimal escapements closely parallel fluctuations in population abundance, with harvest rates and catches much less variable than in the risk‐neutral policy. Harvest rates respond in a compensatory way to changes in population abundance, anticipated environmental conditions, and expected strength of incoming year‐classes. Depending on the specific model used, a constant harvest rate strategy may perform nearly as well as the optimal. Analytical results are provided that characterize risk‐neutral optimal policies for stochastic delay‐difference population models. Results show that knowledge of current environmental conditions can be used to construct harvest policies which are nearly as good as those “optimal” ones based on long‐term environmental forecasts.
MODELING AND THE MANAGEMENT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS
Authors: Williams Byron K. , Nichols James D.
Published: June 2017

Mathematical modeling of migratory bird populations is reviewed in the context of migratory bird management. We focus on dynamic models of waterfowl, since most management‐oriented migratory bird models concern waterfowl species. We describe the management context for these modeling efforts, with a focus on large‐scale operational data collection programs and on processes by which waterfowl harvest is regulated and waterfowl habitats are protected and managed. Through their impacts on key population parameters such as recruitment and survival rate, these activities can influence population dynamics, thereby providing managers some measure of control over the status of populations. Recent applications of the modeling of waterfowl are described in terms of objectives, mathematical structures, and contributions to management. Finally, we discuss research needs and data limitations in migratory bird modeling, and offer suggestions to increase the value to managers of future modeling efforts.
THE MEASUREMENT OF WELFARE GAINS FROM GENETIC PROGRESS IN FORESTRY: GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM AND DISEQUILIBRIUM RESULTS
Authors: Lüfgren Karl‐Gustaf
Published: June 2017

The paper contains an extension of existing results on the economics of tree improvement programs. The properties of the indirect utility function and the present value function are used to derive general equilibrium and disequilibrium cost–benefit rules for marginal projects resulting in an improved production function. Corresponding results for projects resulting in large second order effects in both prices and quantities are also provided, and indirect methods to estimate the net benefits are suggested. It is also briefly discussed how recreational and option values can be dealt with.
THE MODELING AND ESTIMATION OF THE SHORT‐RUN SUPPLY OF ROUNDWOOD UNDER NONLINEAR INCOME TAXES
Authors: Aronsson Thomas
Published: June 2017

This paper deals with the theory and estimation of the short‐run supply of roundwood under nonlinear (progressive) income taxation. The theoretical part of the paper uses the two‐period consumption harvesting model to introduce nonlinear income taxes into the forest management problem and presents a simple method to determine the optimal supply of roundwood in this case. In the empirical part of the paper, the model is specified in a way suitable for econometric analysis. The estimation method is the maximum likelihood method, and the estimation results seem to support the theoretical model. Finally, some results from model simulation imply that income taxation may have a nonnegligible impact on the supply of roundwood.
ANALYSIS OF A LIMPET FISHERY USING A METAPHYSIOLOGICAL STAND‐GROWTH MODEL
Authors: Bustamante Rodrigo H. , Getz Wayne M. , Branch George M.
Published: June 2017

We use a metaphysiological approach, recently proposed by one of us (WMG), for modeling trophic interactions to develop a model of limpet‐algae‐kelp dynamics using data obtained by the others (RHB and GMB) from studies along the west coast of South Africa. We test whether the model is able to predict limpet population growth reasonably well in both the presence and absence of kelp and over a range of limpet and algal population densities. We then discuss the development of a limpet fishery, suing the model to predict limpet stand growth under various harvesting regimes. We compare our results to those obtained by others using a classical size‐structured approach, and we suggest how both approaches can be combined to obtain a more reliable and applicable model than either on its own.
THE ECONOMICS OF TIMBER SUPPLY: AN ANALYTICAL SYNTHESIS OF MODELING APPROACHES
Authors: Wear David N. , Parks Peter J.
Published: June 2017

The joint supply of timber and other services from forest environments plays a central role in most forest land debates. This paper defines a general conceptual model of timber supply that provides the context for discussing both individual harvest choice and aggregate supply models. While the structure and breadth of these models has developed considerably over the last twenty years, unresolved issues remain. Supply formulations that account for the quality and vintage distribution of forest capital will be necessary for improving medium‐ and long‐run forecasts. This will be especially important for examining the potential impacts of structural changes in forest production and timber markets. In addition, consistent aggregation of individual owners to total supply will be required to address changing forest land ownership patterns.
THE NET REPRODUCTIVE VALUE AND STABILITY IN MATRIX POPULATION MODELS
Authors: Cushing J.M. , Yicang Zhou
Published: June 2017

The net reproductive value n is defined for a general discrete linear population model with a non‐negative projection matrix. This number is shown to have the biological interpretation of the expected number of offspring per individual over its life time. The main result relates n to the population's growth rate (i.e. the dominant eigenvalue λ of the projection matrix) and shows that the stability of the extinction state (the trivial equilibrium) can be determined by whether n is less than or greater than 1. Examples are given to show that explicit algebraic formulas for n are often derivable, and hence available for both numerical and parameter studies of stability, when no such formulas for λ are available.
MODELING THE EFFECT OF INSTITUTIONAL CONSTRAINTS ON SHORT‐RUN TIMBER SUPPLY ON PUBLIC LAND: A CASE STUDY OF QUOTA HOLDERS IN ALBERTA
Authors: Alavalapati Janaki R.R. , Luckert Martin K.
Published: June 2017

The short‐run timber supply behavior of quota holders is investigated in the face of institutional constraints and fixed stumpage prices. A dynamic optimization technique is used to predict production and estimate shadow prices of processing capacity constraints and annual allowable cut restrictions. Models for large, medium, and small tenure holders are formulated reflecting the different cost structures of different sized firms. Results indicate that all categories of quota holders incur substantial costs due to institutional constraints, and that eliminating both types of constraints simultaneously reduces costs much more than the combined savings from eliminating each type of constraint individually.
Effect of Li2O on the defect polarization in CuO‐added (K0.9Na0.1)NbO3 piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Kim Dae‐Hyeon , Park Jongseong , Lee Tae‐Gon , Cho Sung‐Hoon , Park Su‐Jin , Lee Ku‐Tak , Kim Jong‐Hyun , Nahm Sahn
Published: June 2017

CuO‐added (LixK0.9−xNa0.1)NbO3 [C(LxK0.9−xN0.1)N] ceramics with 0.0≤x≤0.05 were well‐sintered at 960°C for 6 hours. The lattice parameters of the specimens decreased with the addition of Li2O. Defect polarization (PD) formed between Cu2+ions and oxygen vacancies. Double polarization vs electric field (P‐E) hysteresis and sprout‐shaped strain vs electric field (S‐E) curves were observed in these specimens with a large strain of 0.16% at 7.0 kV/mm, possibly owing to the presence of PD. When the P‐E curve was measured at temperatures higher than 75°C, the C(K0.9N0.1)N ceramic exhibited a normal P‐E hysteresis curve, whereas the C(L0.04K0.86N0.1)N ceramic maintained the double P‐E hysteresis curve up to 125°C, indicating that Li2O increased the thermal stability of PD. The latter specimen also showed the sprout shaped S‐E curve with a strain of 0.15% at 7.0 kV/mm after 104 cycles of a high electric field of 7.0 kV/mm.
Autophagy activation is required for myofibroblast differentiation during healing of oral mucosa
Authors: Vescarelli Enrica , Pilloni Andrea , Dominici Francesco , Pontecorvi Paola , Angeloni Antonio , Polimeni Antonella , Ceccarelli Simona , Marchese Cinzia
Published: June 2017

Aim

It is known that periodontal tissues heal faster that skin, and gingiva in particular heal without scar formation. The mechanisms regulating this behaviour are still unclear. The aim of our work was to compare wound healing in oral mucosa and gingiva, investigating the role of α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA)‐expressing myofibroblasts and autophagy.

Materials and Methods

Biopsies were obtained from seven patients immediately before and 24 hr after vertical releasing incision in oral mucosa and attached gingiva. Both whole biopsies and primary cultures of fibroblasts derived from the same tissues were subjected to immunofluorescence, Western blot and quantitative real‐time PCR analyses.

Results

We demonstrated that in oral mucosa, characterized by partially fibrotic outcome during repair, the activation of autophagy determined an increase in αSMA and collagen 1a1 production. Conversely, wound healing did not stimulate autophagy in attached gingiva, and subsequently, no increase in myofibroblast differentiation and collagen deposition could be seen, thus justifying its scarless outcome.

Conclusions

The elucidation of the differential regulation of autophagy in periodontal tissues and its correlation with myofibroblast differentiation and fibrotic outcome could allow the identification of new molecules involved in periodontal healing and the development of new surgical approaches for periodontal treatment that could improve the outcome of postoperative wounds.
More pieces of the fructose puzzle
Authors: Stanhope K. L.
Published: June 2017

Click here to view the Original Article by Dr. M.-R. Taskinen et al.
ARE SHOAL RESERVOIRS DISCRETE BODIES? A COQUINA SHOAL OUTCROP ANALOGUE FROM THE MID TRIASSIC UPPER MUSCHELKALK, SW GERMANY
Authors: Petrovic A. , Aigner T.
Published: June 2017

Carbonate ramp reservoirs may show a much higher degree of complexity than the schematic and often layer‐cake type depositional models which are widely used in exploration and reservoir characterisation, especially in three dimensions. This complexity was investigated in an outcrop study of the Ladinian (Middle Triassic) Quaderkalk Formation (Upper Muschelkalk) from SW Germany. The formation was deposited on an epicontinental, gently inclined carbonate ramp in the regressive part of a third‐order depositional sequence and represents a sub‐seismic‐scale coquina‐dominated shoal reservoir analogue. In the study area, coquina carbonates make up a complex system of four stratigraphically separated shoal complexes. The present paper investigates the 1‐D to 3‐D facies distribution, reservoir architecture and sequence stratigraphic evolution of the largest shoal complex of the Quaderkalk Formation, the Oberer Hauptquader. The object of this outcrop analogue study was to improve the understanding of internal reservoir heterogeneities (such as connectivity and continuity) in similar carbonate shoal complexes in the subsurface. To that end, detailed analyses of 71 quarry outcrop and core samples were carried out, together with the study of more than 400 thin sections, the 2‐D analysis of three quarry wall panels and regional‐scale 2‐D correlations, and facies mapping.

This investigation documents significant sedimentological heterogeneities at different scales within the studied shoal reservoir analogue. Instead of a continuous facies belt, a number of separate potential reservoirs form a shoal complex “mosaic”. Shoal development is controlled by sequence stratigraphic architecture, mainly by cycles which were responsible for shoal expansion during times of regression (forming potential reservoir‐volume) and shoal drowning during times of transgression (forming seals and potential stratigraphic traps). Within the individual shoal complexes, thickness and lithofacies types show gradational lateral changes. Correspondingly, lithofacies associations within the studied shoal analogue are not defined by sharp boundaries. Thus the present “shoals” do not in fact represent discrete “bodies”, as often depicted in reservoir models and as commonly used in reservoir simulation. In addition, shoal‐internal sedimentological heterogeneities (potential flow baffles in the subsurface) are strongly influenced by a combination of small‐scale cyclicity and event‐type deposition. This study therefore demonstrates the need for sedimentological studies of reservoir heterogeneities at various scales in order to decrease uncertainties and risks in exploration and production.
Oral application of a periodontal pathogen impacts SerpinE1 expression and pancreatic islet architecture in prediabetes
Authors: Ilievski V. , Bhat U. G. , Suleiman‐Ata S. , Bauer B. A. , Toth P. T. , Olson S. T. , Unterman T. G. , Watanabe K.
Published: June 2017

Background and Objectives

Epidemiological studies suggest a close association between periodontitis and prediabetes/insulin resistance (IR) but whether periodontitis causes prediabetes in humans is not known. Using various animal models, we have recently established that periodontitis can be an initiator of prediabetes, which is characterized by glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia and IR. In addition, our in vitro studies indicated that Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) induced insulin secretion in MIN6 β cells and this induction was in part SerpinE1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, PAI1) dependent. However, the mechanism(s) by which periodontitis induces prediabetes is not known. As α and β cells in pancreatic islets are the major modulators of glucose levels, we investigated whether experimental periodontitis by oral application of a periodontal pathogen caused molecular and/or cellular alterations in pancreatic islets and whether SerpinE1 was involved in this process.

Material and Methods

We induced periodontitis in C57BL/6 mice by oral application of a periodontal pathogen, Pg, and determined changes that occurred in islets following 22 weeks of Pg application. Pancreatic islet architecture was determined by 2‐D and 3‐D immunofluorescence microscopy and SerpinE1 and its target, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), as well as insulin, glucagon and Pg/gingipain in islets were detected by immunofluorescence. The presence of apoptotic islet cells was determined by both histochemical and immunofluorescence TUNEL assays. To investigate further the direct effect of Pg on apoptosis and the involvement of SerpinE1 in this process, we used SerpinE1 knockdown and scrambled control clones of the MIN6 pancreatic β‐cell line.

Results

Pg/gingipain was detected in both the periodontium and pancreas in the experimental group. Islets from animals that were administered Pg orally (experimental group) developed significant changes in islet architecture, upregulation of SerpinE1, and increased β‐cell apoptosis compared with the control group. We also observed that exposure of MIN6 cells to Pg in vitro resulted in apoptosis. However, apoptosis was significantly reduced when SerpinE1 expression by MIN6 cells was knocked down.

Conclusion

Oral application of the periodontal pathogen Pg to C57BL/6 mice induces periodontitis, translocation of Pg/gingipain to the pancreas and results in complex alterations in pancreatic islet morphology. SerpinE1 appears to be involved in this process.
Correlation Between Residual Volume of Male Patients After Uroflowmetry and Random Residual Volume
Authors: OKÇELİK Sezgin , SOYDAN Hasan , ATEŞ Ferhat , YILMAZ Ömer , MALKOÇ Ercan , ŞENKUL Temuçin , KARADEMİR Kenan
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Our aim was to examine correlation between Post‐void residual urine (PVR) after uroflowmetry and random PVR.

Methods

Male patients reporting to the Urology outpatient clinic with LUTS were selected. Patients' age, prostate volume, bladder capacity, voided volume, maximum flow rate, average flow rate, random PVR and PVR after uroflowmetry were recorded. We evaluated the correlations between these parameters. Also we assessed if there was a difference between random PVR and PVR after uroflowmetry. We divided PVR after uroflowmetry and random PVR into three groups: Group 1: 0–50 mL, Group 2: 51–100 mL and Group 3: >100 mL. Also we divided the patients into two groups according to bladder capacity as Group 1: ≤400 mL and Group 2: >400 mL. We compared these groups to determine whether a significant difference.

Results

Seventy‐seven patients applying to the urology outpatient clinic were assessed between 2013 and 2014. PVR after uroflowmetry was significantly higher than random PVR (P < 0.001). When we divided PVR after uroflowmetry and random PVR into three groups there was a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.02). When we divided the patients into two groups according to bladder capacity as Group 1: ≤400 mL and Group 2: >400 mL, PVR after uroflowmetry was different, but random PVR was similar (P < 0.001, P = 0.72).

Conclusions

PVR after uroflowmetry seems to be incorrectly high in patients whose bladder capacity is above 400 mL.
Micro‐anatomical responses in periodontal complexes of mice to calibrated orthodontic forces on the crown
Authors: Pal A. , Chen L. , Yang L. , Yang F. , Meng B. , Jheon A. H. , Ho S. P.
Published: June 2017

Structured Abstract

Objective

Correlating mechanical forces with quantifiable physical changes in the dentoalveolar complex.

Setting and Sample Population

Male 6‐week C57BL/6 mice (N=3), micro X‐ray‐computed tomography; post‐analysis software to extract physical changes in periodontal ligament (PDL)‐space.

Materials and Methods

Silicone‐elastic bands were placed between maxillary molars for 1 week, with the contralateral side as internal control. Average displacements between crowns and roots, and changes in PDL‐spaces were evaluated by registering X‐ray tomograms of experimental and control hemi‐maxillae. Histology illustrated mineral formation and resorption‐related events within narrowed and widened volumes of the PDL‐space.

Results

3D maps of changes in PDL‐space between molars illustrated coronal and root displacements of 640 μm and 180 μm, respectively, compared to 70 μm in controls. Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) specimens exhibited an average net change of −20 μm in narrowed and +30 μm in widened PDL‐spaces. Bone and cementum were affected by the force on molars, and primary cementum was more affected than secondary cementum.

Conclusions

This novel approach illustrates the importance of 3D‐imaging and analysing 3D alveolar socket subjected to OTM otherwise omitted by 2D micrographs. A measured force on the crown elicits a response related to narrowed and widened regions in the 3D complex. OTM that exceeds PDL‐space can illicit biological responses that attempt to restore physiologic PDL‐space via remodelling of the periodontium. Regenerated weaker bone due to aseptic inflammation caused by orthodontics could leave patients at a higher risk of bone loss or root resorption if they later develop periodontitis, a form of septic inflammation.
A new cyte in orthodontics: Osteocytes in tooth movement
Authors: Bumann E. E. , Frazier‐Bowers S. A.
Published: June 2017

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) relies on the orchestration of clinical and biologic events that include the application of clinical force followed by a cascade of cellular and molecular responses. Our understanding about OTM today has evolved from, and is largely based on historic studies. However, the advances in bone biology and clinical orthodontics today continue to pave the pathway towards an improved knowledge base, and state of the art therapeutics in OTM. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts have been the primary cells analyzed in OTM. However, the role of osteocytes, a cell previously thought to be static, should be considered in light of new findings in molecular biological research. Osteocytes are now known to be significant in controlling responses to mechanical forces and therefore may be central to both OTM and normal tooth eruption. In this review, we explore the biology of OTM by focusing specifically on the potential role of osteocytes. Evidence from recent studies reveal that osteocytes have a role in controlling the response to mechanical forces and OTM. We therefore propose that these findings and further research endeavours may shape the future of clinical applications—specifically enhanced outcomes in OTM.
Evaluation of the 3dMDface system as a tool for soft tissue analysis
Authors: Hong C. , Choi K. , Kachroo Y. , Kwon T. , Nguyen A. , McComb R. , Moon W.
Published: June 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of three‐dimensional stereophotogrammetry by comparing values obtained from direct anthropometry and the 3dMDface system. To achieve a more comprehensive evaluation of the reliability of 3dMD, both linear and surface measurements were examined.

Setting and Sample Population

UCLA Section of Orthodontics. Mannequin head as model for anthropometric measurements.

Material and Methods

Image acquisition and analysis were carried out on a mannequin head using 16 anthropometric landmarks and 21 measured parameters for linear and surface distances. 3D images using 3dMDface system were made at 0, 1 and 24 hours; 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks. Error magnitude statistics used include mean absolute difference, standard deviation of error, relative error magnitude and root mean square error. Intra‐observer agreement for all measurements was attained.

Results

Overall mean errors were lower than 1.00 mm for both linear and surface parameter measurements, except in 5 of the 21 measurements. The three longest parameter distances showed increased variation compared to shorter distances. No systematic errors were observed for all performed paired t tests (P<.05). Agreement values between two observers ranged from 0.91 to 0.99.

Conclusions

Measurements on a mannequin confirmed the accuracy of all landmarks and parameters analysed in this study using the 3dMDface system. Results indicated that 3dMDface system is an accurate tool for linear and surface measurements, with potentially broad‐reaching applications in orthodontics, surgical treatment planning and treatment evaluation.
Mechanisms of inhibitory effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in photosynthetic primary processes in pea leaves and thylakoid preparations
Authors: Kreslavski V. D. , Brestic M. , Zharmukhamedov S. K. , Lyubimov V. Yu. , Lankin A. V. , Jajoo A. , Allakhverdiev S. I.
Published: June 2017

Inhibitory effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on plants were studied in pea leaves in order to elucidate the mechanisms of action of PAHs such as naphthalene (Naph) and phenanthrene (Phen) on activity of photosystem II (PSII).

The changes in different Chl fluorescence parameters were calculated on the basis of Chl fluorescence induction curves. H2O2 content was measured in leaf homogenates with the luminol‐dependent chemiluminescence method.

We demonstrated that following PAH treatment, total energy dissipation (DI0/ABS) and amount of QB‐non‐reducing complexes of PSII significantly increased. Non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) also increased, when weak oxidative stress after PAH application developed. In leaves, a two‐step increase in H2O2 was found with time of incubation in the presence of PAHs, which may be associated with damage to the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane and then violation of lipid bilayer membranes of cell organelles.

A hypothesis for the mode of action of PAHs is provided that involves the role of ROS, membrane permeability and associated functional changes in PSII.
ADAMTS13 test and/or PLASMIC clinical score in management of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a cost‐effective analysis
Authors: Kim Chong H. , Simmons Sierra C. , Williams III Lance A. , Staley Elizabeth M. , Zheng X. Long , Pham Huy P.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The ADAMTS13 test distinguishes thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) from other thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs). The PLASMIC score helps determine the pretest probability of ADAMTS13 deficiency. Due to inherent limitations of both tests, and potential adverse effects and cost of unnecessary treatments, we performed a cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA) investigating the benefits of incorporating an in‐hospital ADAMTS13 test and/or PLASMIC score into our clinical practice.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A CEA model was created to compare four scenarios for patients with TMAs, utilizing either an in‐house or a send‐out ADAMTS13 assay with or without prior risk stratification using PLASMIC scoring. Model variables, including probabilities and costs, were gathered from the medical literature, except for the ADAMTS13 send‐out and in‐house tests, which were obtained from our institutional data.

RESULTS

If only the cost is considered, in‐house ADAMTS13 test for patients with intermediate‐ to high‐risk PLASMIC score is the least expensive option ($4,732/patient). If effectiveness is assessed as measured by the number of averted deaths, send‐out ADAMTS13 test is the most effective. Considering the cost/effectiveness ratio, the in‐house ADAMTS13 test in patients with intermediate‐ to high‐risk PLASMIC score is the best option, followed by the in‐house ADAMTS13 test without the PLASMIC score.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with clinical presentations of TMAs, having an in‐hospital ADAMTS13 test to promptly establish the diagnosis of TTP appears to be cost‐effective. Utilizing the PLASMIC score further increases the cost‐effectiveness of the in‐house ADAMTS13 test. Our findings indicate the benefit of having a rapid and reliable in‐house ADAMTS13 test, especially in the tertiary medical center.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza A virus infection associated with respiratory signs in sloth bears (Melursus ursinus)
Authors: Boedeker N. C. , Nelson M. I. , Killian M. L. , Torchetti M. K. , Barthel T. , Murray S.
Published: June 2017

In 2009, a pandemic influenza A virus (pH1N1) spread globally in humans and infected a broad range of captive animals with close human contact. In February 2014, a pH1N1 virus was isolated from a sloth bear with respiratory signs at a US zoo, demonstrating that recurring epidemics present an ongoing threat to animals, including threatened species. This is the first report of pH1N1 infection in sloth bears. To understand the sloth bear virus within the global context of pH1N1, phylogenetic trees were inferred including full‐length sequences from available non‐human, non‐swine hosts, representing four families in the order Carnivora and one order of birds. A combination of phylogenetic and epidemiological evidence strongly suggests the sloth bear was infected with a human‐origin pH1N1 virus, supporting the implementation of biosecurity measures to protect human and animal health.
Genome Analysis of Endomicrobium proavitum Suggests Loss and Gain of Relevant Functions during the Evolution of Intracellular Symbionts
Authors: Zheng Hao , Dietrich Carsten , Brune Andreas
Published: June 2017

Bacterial endosymbionts of eukaryotes show progressive genome erosion, but detailed investigations of the evolutionary processes involved in the transition to an intracellular lifestyle are generally hampered by the lack of extant free-living lineages. Here, we characterize the genome of the recently isolated, free-living
Endomicrobium proavitum
, the second member of the
Elusimicrobia
phylum brought into pure culture, and compare it to the closely related “
Candidatus
Endomicrobium trichonymphae” strain Rs-D17, a previously described but uncultured endosymbiont of termite gut flagellates. A reconstruction of the metabolic pathways of
Endomicrobium proavitum
matched the fermentation products formed in pure culture and underscored its restriction to glucose as the substrate. However, several pathways present in the free-living strain, e.g., for the uptake and activation of glucose and its subsequent fermentation, ammonium assimilation, and outer membrane biogenesis, were absent or disrupted in the endosymbiont, probably lost during the massive genome rearrangements that occurred during symbiogenesis. While the majority of the genes in strain Rs-D17 have orthologs in
Endomicrobium proavitum
, the endosymbiont also possesses a number of functions that are absent from the free-living strain and may represent adaptations to the intracellular lifestyle. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the genes encoding glucose 6-phosphate and amino acid transporters, acetaldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase, and the pathways of glucuronic acid catabolism and thiamine pyrophosphate biosynthesis were either acquired by horizontal gene transfer or may represent ancestral traits that were lost in the free-living strain. The polyphyletic origin of
Endomicrobia
in different flagellate hosts makes them excellent models for future studies of convergent and parallel evolution during symbiogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
The isolation of a free-living relative of intracellular symbionts provides the rare opportunity to identify the evolutionary processes that occur in the course of symbiogenesis. Our study documents that the genome of “
Candidatus
Endomicrobium trichonymphae,” which represents a clade of endosymbionts that have coevolved with termite gut flagellates for more than 40 million years, is not simply a subset of the genes present in
Endomicrobium proavitum
, a member of the ancestral, free-living lineage. Rather, comparative genomics revealed that the endosymbionts possess several relevant functions that were either prerequisites for colonization of the intracellular habitat or might have served to compensate for genes losses that occurred during genome erosion. Some gene sets found only in the endosymbiont were apparently acquired by horizontal transfer from other gut bacteria, which suggests that the intracellular bacteria of flagellates are not entirely cut off from gene flow.
Effectiveness of metacognitive interventions for mental disorders in adults: a systematic review protocol (METACOG)
Authors: Kühne Franziska , Meister Ramona , Jansen Alessa , Härter Martin , Moritz Steffen , Kriston Levente
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Whereas the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy has been demonstrated for a variety of mental disorders, there is still need for improvement, especially regarding less prevalent or more severe disorders. Recently, metacognitive interventions have been developed and are now available for a variety of diagnoses. Still, a systematic review investigating the effectiveness of different metacognitive interventions for various mental disorders is missing.

Methods and analysis

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cross-over and cluster RCTs and non-randomised controlled trials on metacognitive interventions (ie, metacognitive therapy, metacognitive training, others) in adults with any mental disorder will be included. As comparators, another psychological or pharmacological treatment, a combined psychological and pharmacological treatment, treatment as usual or no active treatment are eligible. Outcomes refer to efficacy and acceptability of metacognitive interventions.

Ethics and dissemination

In light of the popularity of metacognitive interventions, the systematic review will provide researchers, clinicians and patients with substantial information on the intervention’s effectiveness across different mental disorders. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through a patient workshop.