bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Child Health Advice and Parental Obligation: The Case of Safe Sleep Recommendations and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy
Authors: Jonas Monique
Published: July 2015

This article considers whether there is a parental obligation to comply with child health advice which is aimed at the general population and grounded in population‐based research. Drawing upon the concept of role obligations, I argue that there is a temptation to use child health advice as a set of rules to which parents are morally obligated to comply, but that this temptation should be resisted. Using the case of Safe Sleep recommendations, designed to reduce the risk of sleep‐related infant deaths, I present three reasons for doubting that parents are obligated, as a matter of course, to comply with child health advice. I suggest that, rather than compliance, deliberation about child health advice is obligatory, and that parents should have reasons for not following credible child health advice.
Play or learn: European‐American and Chinese kindergartners' perceptions about the conflict
Authors: Li Jin
Published: July 2015

Background

Kindergarten is the age at which children's future time perspective emerges. This capacity enables them to form goals based on past and ongoing experiences and project themselves in the future. This development may play an important role in guiding children in self‐regulated learning. When faced with the conflict between their need to learn and their desire to play (CLP), children make choices based on their perceptions of CLP. However, their CLP‐related perceptions and responses are also influenced by the values their culture upholds. Research shows that Western learning emphasizes more mental activities and positive affect, whereas East Asian learning stresses more social/moral self‐perfection. Children's CLP‐related perceptions and responses are likely shaped by their respective cultures' values.

Aims

This study examined kindergartners' emergent perceptions of and responses to CLP. Both commonalities and possible cultural differences were investigated.

Sample

The sample was 130 middle‐class European‐American and Chinese kindergartners, balanced for culture and gender.

Method

Children each heard a story beginning with a picture of a protagonist who is practicing words at home but hears children playing outside. Children were asked to complete the story and were probed further when they mentioned ideas related to learning and play. All interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed for coding. Tests were conducted for group differences.

Results and Conclusions

Most children from both groups identified CLP and shared similar views about their need to complete schoolwork, benefits of learning, negativity of neglecting learning, and ways to resist temptation to play. However, large cultural differences also emerged. Chinese children showed greater awareness of CLP and expressed more positive regard for learning, learning virtues, and receptivity to adult expectations.
The interplay of intention, autonomy, and sex with dietary planning: A conditional process model to predict fruit and vegetable intake
Authors: Lange Daniela , Corbett Jana , Lippke Sonia , Knoll Nina , Schwarzer Ralf
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Dietary intentions are supposed to engender planning processes, which in turn stimulate dietary behaviour change. However, some studies failed to find such mediation effects, which suggest more complex and not yet unravelled relationships between these factors. One explanation may be that mediation works better under certain circumstances or only for specific subgroups. This study addresses this reasoning by examining autonomy beliefs and sex as putative moderators of the hypothesized mediation chain.

Design and methods

In a longitudinal design with three measurement points in time (1 week and 1 month apart), 912 women and 214 men were surveyed. Planning, intention, dietary autonomy beliefs, and sex were used to predict fruit and vegetable intake within a conditional process model designed to identify mechanisms of change.

Results

The intention–planning–behaviour chain was qualified by a triple interaction involving autonomy beliefs and sex as moderators between intention and planning. Higher dietary autonomy resulted in higher levels of planning fruit and vegetable intake. For men, even in case of higher intention, at least medium levels of autonomy beliefs were necessary to facilitate planning processes. For women, already lower levels of autonomy beliefs can engender postintentional planning strategies and seem to even compensate lower intention.

Conclusions

Intention and planning are key predictors of dietary change. However, these variables work better under specific conditions (with a sufficient level of autonomy), and differently in subgroups (men vs. women). These results may explain the inconsistent findings of previous studies on the mediating effect of planning and allow for a better description of the mechanisms by which intentions may influence behaviour.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The adoption of health‐enhancing dietary behaviours can be facilitated by intentions and planning.

Planning to eat more fruit and vegetable helps to translate intentions into actual consumption.

Fruit and vegetable intake levels are higher in women than in men.

What does this study add?

Dietary intentions engender more likely planning processes when perceived autonomy concerning food consumption is high.

Dietary autonomy beliefs and sex moderate the intention–planning–behaviour chain.

Among men, dietary planning is highest when both intentions and autonomy are high.
Gender Equality as a General Interest of a Pluralistic Society: An Analysis of Constitutional Precedent in Colombia
Authors: JARAMILLO RUIZ FELIPE , ERAZO ANA C.
Published: July 2015

The article explores the relationship between the legal principles of general interest and gender equality, both consecrated in Colombia's 1991 Constitution. Through an analysis of the precedents set by the Constitutional Court, the article provides a hermeneutical approximation of the behaviour of jurisprudence concerning the general interest. It demonstrates how this principle could be used to foster a more encompassing definition of gender equality. The precedents set by the Constitutional Court have opened up the spectrum of women's rights so as to grasp their relation to the principle of general interest as well as their basis as fundamental rights.
A polyspecific drug/proton antiporter mediates diphenhydramine and clonidine transport at the mouse blood‐retinal barrier
Authors: Chapy Hélène , André Pascal , Declèves Xavier , Scherrmann Jean‐Michel , Cisternino Salvatore
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose

Transporters at the blood‐retinal barrier (BRB), as at the blood–brain barrier (BBB), regulate the distribution of compounds into the neural parenchyma. However, the expression of BRB transporters and their quantitative impact in vivo are still poorly understood.

Experimental Approach

Clonidine and diphenhydramine are substrates of a novel BBB drug/proton‐antiporter. We evaluated their transport at the BRB by in situ carotid perfusion in wild‐type or knocked‐out mice for Oct1‐3 (Slc22a1‐3).

Key Results

At pharmacological exposure levels, carrier‐mediated BRB influx was 2 and 12 times greater than the passive diffusion rate for clonidine and diphenhydramine, respectively. Functional identification demonstrated the involvement of a high‐capacity potassium‐ and sodium‐independent proton‐antiporter that shared the features of the previously characterized clonidine, diphenhydramine and cocaine BBB transporter. The functional characterization suggests that SLC transporters Oct1‐3, Mate1 (Slc47a1) and Octn1‐2 (Slc22a4‐5) are not involved. Melanin/retinal toxic drugs like antimalarials (amodiaquine, quinine), quinidine and tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine) acted as inhibitors of this proton‐antiporter. The endogenous indole derivative tryptamine inhibited the transporter, unlike 5‐HT (serotonin), dopamine or L‐DOPA. Trans‐stimulation experiments with [3H]‐clonidine at the BRB indicated that diphenhydramine, nicotine, oxycodone, naloxone, tramadol, 3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy), heroin, methadone and verapamil are common substrates.

Conclusions and Implications

A proton‐antiporter is physiologically involved in the transport of clonidine and diphenhydramine and is quantitatively more important than their passive diffusion flux at the mouse BRB. The features of this molecularly unidentified transporter highlight its importance in regulating drug delivery at the retina and suggest that it has the capacity to handle several drugs.
Regional stratigraphy and subsidence of Orphan Basin near the time of breakup and implications for rifting processes
Authors: Dafoe Lynn T. , Keen Charlotte E. , Dickie Kate , Williams Graham L.
Published: July 2015

The stratigraphic, subsidence and structural history of Orphan Basin, offshore the island of Newfoundland, Canada, is described from well data and tied to a regional seismic grid. This large (400 by 400 km) rifted basin is part of the non‐volcanic rifted margin in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, which had a long and complex rift history spanning Middle Jurassic to Aptian time. The basin is underlain by variably thinned continental crust, locally <10‐km thick. Our work highlights the complex structure, with major upper crustal faults terminating in the mid‐crust, while lower crustal reflectivity suggests ductile flow, perhaps accommodating depth‐dependent extension. We describe three major stratigraphic horizons connected to breakup and the early post‐rift. An Aptian–Albian unconformity appears to mark the end of crustal rifting in the basin, and a second, more subdued Santonian unconformity was also noted atop basement highs and along the proximal margins of the basin. Only minor thermal subsidence occurred between development of these two horizons. The main phase of post‐rift subsidence was delayed until post‐Santonian time, with rapid subsidence culminating in the development of a major flooding surface in base Tertiary time. Conventional models of rifting events predict significant basin thermal subsidence immediately following continental lithospheric breakup. In the Orphan Basin, however, this subsidence was delayed for about 25–30 Myr and requires more thinning of the mantle lithosphere than the crust. Models of the subsidence history suggest that extreme thinning of the lithospheric mantle continued well into the post‐rift period. This is consistent with edge‐driven, small‐scale convective flow in the mantle, which may thin the lithosphere from below. A hot spot may also have been present below the region in Aptian–Albian time.
P2X7 receptor predicts postoperative cancer‐specific survival of patients with clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zheng , Liu Yidong , Xu Le , An Huimin , Chang Yuan , Yang Yuanfeng , Zhang Weijuan , Xu Jiejie
Published: July 2015

The P2X7 receptor, an ATP‐gated plasma membrane ion channel, is involved in inflammation, apoptosis and cell proliferation, and thereby plays a crucial role during oncogenic transformation in various malignancies. This study aims to evaluate the impact of P2X7 receptor expression on postoperative cancer‐specific survival of patients with clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). A total of 273 patients with ccRCC undergoing nephrectomy at a single institution were retrospectively enrolled in this study, among which 86 patients died of this disease and six patients died of other causes. Clinicopathologic features and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) were recorded. P2X7 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in clinical specimens. Kaplan–Meier method with log rank test was performed to compare survival curves. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the prognostic values of variables on CSS. Concordance index was calculated to assess prognostic accuracy of prognostic models. Median follow‐up period was 90 months (range, 11–120 months). Intratumoral P2X7 expression was significantly lower than peritumoral tissues (P < 0.001). Moreover, high intratumoral P2X7 expression, which was significantly associated with shorten CSS (P < 0.001), high TNM stage (P = 0.038), Fuhrman grade (P = 0.035), SSIGN (stage, size, grade, and necrosis) score (P = 0.021) and University of California Integrated Staging System (UISS) score (P = 0.007), was indicated to be an independent prognostic factor for CSS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.693; P = 0.034). The prognostic accuracy of TNM stage, UISS and SSIGN scoring models was improved when intratumoral P2X7 expression was added. Intratumoral P2X7 expression is a potential independent adverse prognostic indicator for postoperative CSS of patients with ccRCC.
Novel Pentapeptide GLP‐1 (32–36) Amide Inhibits β‐Cell Apoptosis In Vitro and Improves Glucose Disposal in Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Sun Lidan , Dai Yuxuan , Wang Chuandong , Chu Yingying , Su Xin , Yang Jianyong , Zhou Jie , Huang Wenlong , Qian Hai
Published: July 2015

We proposed that a pentapeptide, LVKGR amide, GLP‐1 (32–36) amide, derived from the gluco‐incretin hormone, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), might possess favorable actions against diabetes. Therefore, GLP‐1 (32–36) amide was synthesized and the effects of it were examined in INS‐1 cell and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice model. To determine the protective effects of GLP‐1 (32–36) amide on INS‐1 cell viability and apoptosis, cells were exposed to 1 μm streptozotocin (STZ) and GLP‐1 (32–36) amide for 24 h. Results showed that GLP‐1 (32–36) amide treatment decreased apoptosis rate and significantly retained cell viability compared with saline‐treated controls. Then, GLP‐1 (32–36) amide was administered intraperitoneally to streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice with normal mice used as control. Body weight, energy intake, plasma glucose, and histopathology of the pancreas were assessed. Results showed that GLP‐1 (32–36) amide protected β‐cell viability and apoptosis against STZ‐induced toxicity, inhibited weight gain, and relieved symptoms of polydipsia. Moreover, GLP‐1 pentapeptide‐treated mice showed a slight trend toward reduced glucose excursions in intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test at the end of the experiment. GLP‐1 (32–36) amide exerted favorable protective actions in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice. The peptide curtailed weight gain and alleviates symptoms of polydipsia. These findings suggested the probable utility of GLP‐1 (32–36) amide, a peptide mimetic derived there from GLP‐1, for adjuvant treatment of diabetes.
Learning to Read and Spell: How Children Acquire Word Orthographic Knowledge
Authors: Bosse Marie‐Line
Published: July 2015

In this article, I review knowledge about the cognitive abilities involved in a crucial stage of developing reading and spelling expertise: acquiring knowledge of the orthographic structure of words. Specifically, I focus on three abilities that seem fundamental for this acquisition: (a) decoding ability—because most word orthographic knowledge is acquired implicitly during reading, the ability to deduce the pronunciation of a word from its written form is essential; (b) the ability to process simultaneously all the letters of the word that is read, an ability that is also involved in implicit acquisition and supported by both theoretical and empirical data; and (c) the ability of handwriting to enhance word orthographic acquisition. I conclude with practical consequences for teaching literacy and detecting reading and spelling difficulties early.
Responsiveness and sensitivity of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale to primary dental care for early childhood caries
Authors: Arrow Peter
Published: July 2015

Objectives

This study examined the responsiveness of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) to dental treatment of early childhood caries (ECC) in a primary dental care setting.

Methods

Parents of children participating in a randomized controlled trial completed the ECOHIS at baseline and follow‐up, and rated the global oral health transition of their child at follow‐up (‘worsened’, ‘no change’, ‘improved’). Change scores were calculated and longitudinal construct validity assessed by examining the association between change scores and global oral health transition groups. ECOHIS changes from baseline to follow‐up within global transition groups were also evaluated. Effect sizes, minimally important difference, and Guyatt's responsiveness index were calculated to examine the scale's sensitivity and responsiveness.

Results

After 11.3 months, complete questionnaire data were available for 189 participants; 59% reported ‘improved’ oral health. The follow‐up scores were significantly lower in the child psychology, parental distress and family impact section, P < 0.001, and in the child social interaction, family function and the total ECOHIS scores, P < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. There was a significant difference in changed scores among the global transition groups, P < 0.05, Kruskal–Wallis test, and the difference was significant between ‘worsened’ and ‘improved’ groups for the family impact and the total ECOHIS scores, Dunn test, P < 0.05. Effect sizes were small, 0.17, 0.33, 0.30 for the child impact, family impact and total ECOHIS scores, respectively, for those reporting ‘improved’ oral health.

Conclusions

The responsiveness of the ECOHIS to the treatment of ECC in primary dental care settings was modest, and its use to measure treatment effects in primary care settings requires further investigations.
Early‐life socioeconomic position and periodontal status in Korean adults
Authors: Lee Hye‐Ju , Han Dong‐Hun
Published: July 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the association between different life‐course socioeconomic positions (SEPs) and periodontitis in a large representative sample of the Korean population.

Methods

With data from Korean adults aged 30–59, periodontitis was assessed with the community periodontal index. Parental education, own education, and income as indicators of early childhood SEP, adolescence SEP, and adulthood SEP, respectively, were categorized by four groups (1–4). The association between the different life‐course SEPs and periodontitis was estimated according to three different life‐course models: individual impact of the three SEPs, cumulative impact by the sum of the three SEP values (sum ranges 3–12), and the pathways of the three SEPs through lifetime to the periodontitis. Covariates were demographic factors, health behaviors, and health problems. The prevalence ratios (PRs) and relative index of inequality (RII) for periodontitis were obtained.

Results

In an individual impact model, significant associations of each SEP with periodontitis were found after adjusting for all covariates (RII = 1.16 for parental education, 1.19 for own education, and 1.27 for income). For a cumulative impact model, there were higher risks for periodontitis as the sum of the three SEP values increased (RII = 1.51). For the intergenerational social mobility model, prevalence of current periodontal disease was highest in the persistently low group. (RII = 1.54 and PR = 1.51).

Conclusions

These results show that the individual and cumulative SEPs measured by the parental education, own education, and income were independently associated with the periodontal status of Korean adults. The pathway and cumulative hypotheses for the life‐course SEP effects on periodontitis could be salient in oral epidemiology.
Specificity of human anti-variable heavy (VH) chain autoantibodies and impact on the design and clinical testing of a VH domain antibody antagonist of tumour necrosis factor-α receptor 1
Authors: Cordy J C , Morley P J , Wright T J , Birchler M A , Lewis A P , Emmins R , Chen Y Z , Powley W M , Bareille P J , Wilson R , Tonkyn J , Bayliffe A I , Lazaar A L
Published: July 2015

During clinical trials of a tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-R1 domain antibody (dAb™) antagonist (GSK1995057), infusion reactions consistent with cytokine release were observed in healthy subjects with high levels of a novel, pre-existing human anti-VH (HAVH) autoantibody. In the presence of HAVH autoantibodies, GSK1995057 induced cytokine release in vitro due to binding of HAVH autoantibodies to a framework region of the dAb. The epitope on GSK1995057 was characterized and dAbs with reduced binding to HAVH autoantibodies were generated; pharmacological comparability was determined in human in-vitro systems and in-vivo animal experiments. A Phase I clinical trial was conducted to investigate the safety and tolerability of the modified dAb (GSK2862277). A significant reduction in HAVH binding was achieved by adding a single alanine residue at the C-terminus to create GSK2862277. Screening a pool of healthy donors demonstrated a reduced frequency of pre-existing autoantibodies from 51% to 7%; in all other respects, GSK2862277 and the parent dAb were comparable. In the Phase I trial, GSK2862277 was well tolerated by both the inhaled and intravenous routes. One subject experienced a mild infusion reaction with cytokine release following intravenous dosing. Subsequently, this subject was found to have high levels of a novel pre-existing antibody specific to the extended C-terminus of GSK2862277. Despite the reduced binding of GSK2862277 to pre-existing HAVH autoantibodies, adverse effects associated with the presence of a novel pre-existing antibody response specific to the modified dAb framework were identified and highlight the challenge of developing biological antagonists to this class of receptor.
The process of disclosing child abuse: a study of Swedish Social Services protection in child abuse cases
Authors: Linell Hanna
Published: July 2015

This paper presents findings from a study of judgements concerning 137 children (13–18 years) where protection by the Swedish Social Services was applied for. The paper explores the disclosure of physical, sexual and emotional child abuse including experiences of domestic violence and the process following a disclosure. A central finding is that the majority of children (71%) could be described as having intentionally disclosed the abuse. The findings also suggest that many of the children had come a long way in an emotional and cognitive process before the decision to disclose, and that disclosure was often made in conjunction with a decision to leave the alleged abusers. These findings support previous research suggesting children's intentional disclosure as an important predictor of decisions regarding alternative care. Another finding is that the process following the disclosure was described by the children as intensely challenging with active pressure and threats from relatives and feelings of fear, guilt and ambivalence. These findings have implications for both practice and research on how the safeguarding system can help children in the process of disclosure and protect those who do disclose.
‘A picture of who we are as a family’: conceptualizing post‐adoption contact as practices of family display
Authors: MacDonald Mandi
Published: July 2015

Social work has a central role in negotiating and supporting birth family contact following adoption from care. This paper argues that family display (Finch) offers a useful conceptual resource for understanding relationships in the adoptive kinship network as they are enacted through contact. It reports on an interpretative phenomenological analysis of adoptive parents' accounts of open adoption from care that revealed direct and indirect contact to be contexts in which they and birth relatives performed family display practices: communicating the meaning of their respective relationships with the adopted child and seeking recognition that this was a legitimate family relationship. The analysis explores how family display was performed, and the impact of validating or invalidating responses. It aims to illuminate these social and interpretive processes involved in adoptive kinship in order to inform social work support for contact. The findings suggest that successful contact may be promoted by helping adoptive and birth relatives validate the legitimacy of the other's kin connection with the child, and through arrangements that facilitate family‐like interactions.
Genomic futures of prenatal screening: ethical reflection
Authors: Dondorp W.J. , Page‐Christiaens G.C.M.L. , de Wert G.M.W.R
Published: July 2015

The practice of prenatal screening is undergoing important changes as a result of the introduction of genomic testing technologies at different stages of the screening trajectory. It is expected that eventually it will become possible to routinely obtain a comprehensive ‘genome scan’ of all fetuses. Although this will still take several years, there are clear continuities between present developments and this future scenario. As this review shows, behind the still limited scope of screening for common aneuploidies, a rapid widening of the range of conditions tested for is already taking shape at the invasive testing stage. But the continuities are not just technical; they are also ethical. If screening for Down's syndrome is a matter of providing autonomous reproductive choice, then why would providing the choice to have a full fetal genome scan be something entirely different? There is a clear need for a sustainable normative framework that will have to answer three challenges: the indeterminateness of the autonomy paradigm, the need to acknowledge the future child as an interested stakeholder, and the prospect of broad‐scope genomic prenatal screening with a double purpose: autonomy and prevention.
Genetic aspects of Huntington's disease in Latin America. A systematic review
Authors: Castilhos R.M. , Augustin M.C. , Santos J.A. , Perandones C. , Saraiva‐Pereira M.L. , Jardim L.B. ,   on Behalf of Rede Neurogenética
Published: July 2015

We aimed to present a systematic review on Huntington's disease (HD) in Latin America (LA).PubMedandLILACSwere searched up to March 2015, reporting confirmedHDcases inLA. Case series, cross‐sectional, case–control, and prospective studies were included. From 534 communications, 47 were eligible. Population‐based studies were not found; minimal prevalence of 0.5–4/100,000 was estimated for Venezuela and Mexico. Geographical isolates were well characterized in Venezuela and in Peru.CAGrepeats atHTTgene varied between 7–33 and 37–112 in normal and expanded alleles, respectively. Intermediate alleles were found in 4–10% of controls. Ages at onset and the expandedCAGrepeats correlated withrfrom – 0.55 to –0.91. While haplotype patterns of Venezuelan and Brazilian chromosomes were similar to those observed in Europeans, haplotypes from PeruvianHDpatients did not match the same pattern. The limited number of papers found suggests thatHDis poorly diagnosed inLA. Minimal prevalence seemed to be halfway between those of Caucasians and Asians. Range ofCAGrepeats was similar to those of Europeans. Haplotype studies indicate that majority ofHDpatients might be of Caucasian descent; an Asian origin for some Peruvian patients was proposed.
Systemic vitamin D supplementation and local bone formation after maxillary sinus augmentation – a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical investigation
Authors: Schulze‐Späte Ulrike , Dietrich Thomas , Wu Christina , Wang Kun , Hasturk Hatice , Dibart Serge
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Maxillary sinus augmentation procedures with bone replacement grafts aimed to increase bone height in the posterior maxilla. During healing, bone particles are partially resorbed and replaced by the patient's own bone. Vitamin D plays an essential role in calcium homeostasis and is critical for bone formation and remodeling.

Materials and methods

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical investigation studied whether oral supplementation with vitamin D3 (5000 IU) combined with calcium (600 mg) impacts bone formation and remodeling after maxillary sinus augmentation compared to a placebo medication containing calcium alone (n = 10/group). Bone cores were harvested at the time of implant placement (6–8 months) for histological analysis.

Results

Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OHD) levels were comparable between both groups at the baseline (P = nonsignificant [n.s.]). Vitamin D3+ calcium supplementation improved significantly serum 25‐OHD levels (placebo vs. vitamin D3 group: 25‐OHD ng/ml: 31.13 ± 7.06 vs. 61.11 ± 20.42, P ≤ 0.01); however, no statistically significant difference in bone formation or graft resorption was detected between groups. However, in the vitamin D3 group, a significant association was found between increased vitamin D levels and number of bone‐resorbing osteoclasts around graft particles suggesting that local bone remodeling might be more pronounced when serum vitamin D levels were improved (r = 0.92, P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

Vitamin D3+ calcium supplementation improves serum vitamin D levels and potentially impacts local bone remodeling on a cellular level. However, no statistically significant difference in bone formation or graft resorption was detected between groups.
Impact of mandibular implant prostheses on the oral health‐related quality of life in partially and completely edentulous patients
Authors: Yunus Norsiah , Masood Mohd , Saub Roslan , Al‐Hashedi Ashwaq Ali , Taiyeb Ali Tara Bai , Thomason John Mark
Published: July 2015

Objective

To assess the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients provided with mandibular implant fixed partial prostheses (IFPP) for rehabilitation of two adjacent missing posterior teeth and complete denture patients provided with mandibular implant‐supported overdenture (ISOD). The response to change in OHRQoL with implant prostheses was additionally compared.

Material and methods

In this prospective study, 20 IFPP (mean age 47.0; SD 12.9 years) and 28 ISOD (mean age 61.5; SD 9.1 years) patients received 2 mandibular implants. Metal ceramic nonsplinted fixed prostheses were provided in IFPP group, while in ISOD group, the mandibular overdentures were retained by nonsplinted attachments. Patients rated their oral health‐related quality of life using OHIP‐14 Malaysian version at baseline (T0), 2–3 months (T1) and 1 year (T2) postimplant treatment. Mean OHIP‐14 for total and domain scores between groups and intervals was analysed using repeated‐measures ANOVA and t‐test. Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed–rank tests were used for the comparison of mean score change and effect size, while the association between pre‐ and post‐treatment scores was determined using multivariate linear regression modelling.

Results

The total OHIP and domain scores before implant treatment were significantly higher (lower OHRQoL) in IFPP than in ISOD groups, except for physical pain where this domain showed similar impact in both groups. Postimplant scores between groups at T1 and T2 showed no significant difference. The mean score changes at T0–T1 and T0–T2 for total OHIP‐14 and domains were significantly greater in IFPP except in the domains of physical pain and disability which showed no difference. Large effect size (ES) was observed for total OHIP‐14 in IFPP while moderate in ISOD. Improved OHRQoL was dependent on the treatment group and pretreatment score.

Conclusion

Improvement in OHRQoL occurred following both mandibular implant‐supported overdentures and implant fixed partial prostheses.
Three‐Dimensional buccal bone anatomy and aesthetic outcome of single dental implants replacing maxillary incisors
Authors: Veltri Mario , Ekestubbe Annika , Abrahamsson Ingemar , Wennström Jan L.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

This case series investigated by means of CBCT, buccal bone three‐dimensional anatomy at delayed, two‐stage implants in the maxillary incisal tooth region. Moreover, the relation between buccal bone anatomy and soft tissue aesthetics was assessed.

Material and methods

Twelve implants were analysed after on average 8.9 years in function. Baseline and re‐evaluation photographs were assessed using the pink aesthetic score (PES). Marginal bone changes were measured from intraoral X‐rays. The buccal bone volume associated with the implant and the implant surface not covered by visible buccal bone was computed on CBCT data sets. Buccal bone thickness and level were assessed, as well as the thickness of the crest distally and mesially of the implant. Changes in soft tissue forms and correlation between aesthetics and bone anatomy were calculated by nonparametric statistics.

Results

Buccal bone level was located 3.8 mm apical of the implant shoulder, and none of the implants had complete bone coverage. Buccal bone volume was 144.3 mm3, and 4.29 mm3 in the more coronal 2 mm portion. PES did not differ at re‐evaluation (9.7) and baseline (9.2). PES was directly correlated with crestal thickness mesially and distally of the implant shoulder. No other significant correlations were observed between bone anatomy and PES or buccal peri‐implant health. Marginal bone gain over time was associated with greater coronal bone volume buccally and with greater buccal and marginal bone thickness, while loss was related to less or no bone.

Conclusions

Within present limitations, acceptable and stable aesthetics are not jeopardized by a thin or missing buccal bone.
Association between Polymorphisms of the AKT1 Gene Promoter and Risk of the Alzheimer's Disease in a Chinese Han Population with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Sheng‐Yuan , Zhao He‐Dan , Wang Jin‐Long , Huang Tong , Tian Hua‐Wei , Yao Li‐Fen , Tao Hua , Chen Zhong‐Wei , Wang Chang‐Yi , Sheng Si‐Tong , Li Hua , Zhao Bin , Li Ke‐Shen
Published: July 2015

Aims

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactor disease that has been reported to have a close association with type 2 diabetes (T2D) where the v‐akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT1) plays an important role in the protein synthesis pathways and cell apoptosis processes. Evidence has been shown that AKT1 protein may be related to AD risk among patients with T2D. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of AKT1 promoter and the risk of AD among patients with T2D.

Methods

The association between AKT1 polymorphisms and AD risk in patients with T2D was assessed among 574 consecutive unrelated subjects including 112 AD patients with T2D, 231 patients with AD, and 231 healthy controls in a case–control study. The cognitive function of all subjects was assessed using MMSE. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms with minor allele frequency >0.2 (rs2498786, rs74090038, rs2494750, rs2494751, rs5811155, and rs2494752) in AKT1 promoter were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the concentration of AKT1 protein in serum was tested using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Overall, there was statistically significant difference in AKT1 rs2498786 polymorphism. The CC frequency of AKT1 rs2498786 polymorphism in AD with T2D group and AD control group was significantly higher than that in healthy control group (PAD+T2D vs. health < 0.0001, PAD vs. health < 0.0001). However, the difference was not found between AD with T2D group and AD control group. Compared with healthy control group, the plasma levels of AKT1 protein in AD with T2D group (PAD+T2D vs. health < 0.0001) and AD control group (PAD vs. health = 0.0003) decreased significantly. Among genotypes of AKT1 rs2498786 polymorphism, the AKT1 protein level in GG genotype was significantly higher than that in GC genotype (PGG vs. GC < 0.0001) and CC genotype (PGG vs. CC < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The study suggests that AKT1 rs2498786 polymorphism in insulin signaling pathway may be associated with AD risk and different genotypes may affects levels of protein expression. However, the polymorphism is not shown to be exclusive in AD patients with T2D.
Importance of dispersal routes that minimize open‐ocean movement to the genetic structure of island populations
Authors: Harradine E. L. , Andrew M. E. , Thomas J. W. , How R. A. , Schmitt L. H. , Spencer P. B. S.
Published: July 2015

Islands present a unique scenario in conservation biology, offering refuge yet imposing limitations on insular populations. The Kimberley region of northwestern Australia has more than 2500 islands that have recently come into focus as substantial conservation resources. It is therefore of great interest for managers to understand the driving forces of genetic structure of species within these island archipelagos. We used the ubiquitous bar‐shouldered skink (Ctenotus inornatus) as a model species to represent the influence of landscape factors on genetic structure across the Kimberley islands. On 41 islands and 4 mainland locations in a remote area of Australia, we genotyped individuals across 18 nuclear (microsatellite) markers. Measures of genetic differentiation and diversity were used in two complementary analyses. We used circuit theory and Mantel tests to examine the influence of the landscape matrix on population connectivity and linear regression and model selection based on Akaike's information criterion to investigate landscape controls on genetic diversity. Genetic differentiation between islands was best predicted with circuit‐theory models that accounted for the large difference in resistance to dispersal between land and ocean. In contrast, straight‐line distances were unrelated to either resistance distances or genetic differentiation. Instead, connectivity was determined by island‐hopping routes that allow organisms to minimize the distance of difficult ocean passages. Island populations of C. inornatus retained varying degrees of genetic diversity (NA = 1.83 – 7.39), but it was greatest on islands closer to the mainland, in terms of resistance‐distance units. In contrast, genetic diversity was unrelated to island size. Our results highlight the potential for islands to contribute to both theoretical and applied conservation, provide strong evidence of the driving forces of population structure within undisturbed landscapes, and identify the islands most valuable for conservation based on their contributions to gene flow and genetic diversity.
European Society of Contact Dermatitis guideline for diagnostic patch testing – recommendations on best practice
Authors: Johansen Jeanne D. , Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Agner Tove , Andersen Klaus E. , Bircher Andreas , Bruze Magnus , Cannavó Alicia , Giménez‐Arnau Ana , Gonçalo Margarida , Goossens An , John Swen M. , Lidén Carola , Lindberg Magnus , Mahler Vera , Matura Mihály , Rustemeyer Thomas , Serup Jørgen , Spiewak Radoslaw , Thyssen Jacob P. , Vigan Martine , White Ian R. , Wilkinson Mark , Uter Wolfgang
Published: July 2015

The present guideline summarizes all aspects of patch testing for the diagnosis of contact allergy in patients suspected of suffering, or having been suffering, from allergic contact dermatitis or other delayed‐type hypersensitivity skin and mucosal conditions. Sections with brief descriptions and discussions of different pertinent topics are followed by a highlighted short practical recommendation. Topics comprise, after an introduction with important definitions, materials, technique, modifications of epicutaneous testing, individual factors influencing the patch test outcome or necessitating special considerations, children, patients with occupational contact dermatitis and drug eruptions as special groups, patch testing of materials brought in by the patient, adverse effects of patch testing, and the final evaluation and patient counselling based on this judgement. Finally, short reference is made to aspects of (continuing) medical education and to electronic collection of data for epidemiological surveillance.
A case of concomitant intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration and situs inversus totalis
Authors: Barış Mustafa Mahmut , Gezer Naciye Sinem , Çelik Ahmet Orhan , Kılınç Oğuz , Balcı Pınar
Published: July 2015

Background and Aims

Situs inversus is a rare congenital abnormality involving partial or complete transposition of the thoracic or abdominal viscera. In situs inversus totalis, both the thoracic and abdominal viscera are transposed. The incidence of this condition is 0.01% to 0.02%. Bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) is a rare congenital abnormality of the respiratory tract with an incidence of 0.15% to 1.80%. Intralobar sequestration is uncommonly associated with congenital anomalies.

Methods

A routine chest X‐ray of a 41‐year‐old asymptomatic man showed dextrocardia, a left‐sided liver, right‐sided stomach, and left paracardiac opacity.

Results

Computed tomography (CT) and CT pulmonary angiography revealed dextrocardia with situs inversus totalis and left paracardiac intralobar BPS in the lingular segment of the left upper lobe.

Conclusion

We present a rare case of combined situs inversus totalis and intralobar BPS with an atypical location and feeder artery.
NSFC spurs significant basic research progress of respiratory medicine in China
Authors: Sun Ruijuan , Xu Feng , Wang Chen , Dong Erdan
Published: July 2015

Over the years, research in respiratory medicine has progressed rapidly in China. This commentary narrates the role of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in supporting the basic research of respiratory medicine, summarizes the major progress of respiratory medicine in China, and addresses the main future research directions sponsored by the NSFC.
Plasma cell‐rich acute rejections in living‐related kidney transplantation: a clinicopathological study of 50 cases
Authors: Abbas Khawar , Mubarak Muhammed , Zafar Mirza N. , Aziz Tahir , Abbas Haider , Muzaffar Rana , Rizvi Syed A. H.
Published: July 2015

Background

Acute rejections (ARs) with plasma cell‐rich infiltrates (PCARs) are associated with poor outcomes.

Patients and methods

Between February 2012 and December 2013, 1630 dysfunctional renal graft biopsies were performed. Of these, 50 (3%) showed PCAR. ARs with >10% plasma cells were defined as PCAR. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies were tested in historic sera and at the time of PCAR. Treatment for PCAR comprised methylprednisolone, antithymocyte globulin, plasmapheresis, and anti‐CD20 antibody.

Results

Of the 1630 dysfunctional biopsies, 50 (3%) had PCAR which occurred 3.1 ± 2.55 yr after transplant. The percentage of plasma cells was 28.8 ± 11.7, and CD138, 29.0 ± 12.4. Donor‐specific antibodies (DSAs) were found in 32 (64%) overall, Class I in 15% and Class II in 65%. Post‐treatment serum creatinine improved from 3.80 ± 2.59 to 2.66 ± 1.59 mg/dL in DSA positive (p < 0.003) and from 2.59 ± 1.09 to 2.08 ± 0.86 mg/dL in DSA negative (p < 0.008). One‐ and two‐yr graft survival after PCAR was 72%, 42% in the DSA‐positive vs. 89%, 82% in the DSA‐negative group, respectively (p = 0.071).

Conclusions

Our results show that PCAR occurs late after transplant and in many cases is associated with DSAs. Graft outcome was poor when PCAR was associated with DSAs.
Changes in the methodology of pre‐heart transplant human leukocyte antibody assessment: an analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing database
Authors: O'Connor Matthew J. , Keeshan Britton C. , Lin Kimberly Y. , Monos Dimitrios , Lind Curt , Paridon Stephen M. , Mascio Christopher E. , Shaddy Robert E. , Rossano Joseph W.
Published: July 2015

Background

We sought to investigate temporal trends in the methodology of human leukocyte antibody assessment in heart transplantation.

Methods

The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried from June 2004 to March 2013 to obtain pre‐heart transplantation human leukocyte antibody results. The % panel reactive antibody for class I and II antibodies was recorded along with the methodology of assessment. Allosensitization was defined as class I and/or II panel reactive antibody of ≥ 10%. The primary outcome measure was graft survival.

Results

During the study period, 12 858 patients with available data underwent heart transplantation. The prevalence of allosensitization increased, with 16.8% in 2005–2006 sensitized at the time of transplantation compared to 23.1% in 2010–2011 (p < 0.001); this occurred in conjunction with an increase in the utilization of flow cytometry (77.2% in 2005–2006; 97.0% in 2010–2011, p < 0.001). Using multivariable analysis, a positive pre‐heart transplantation panel reactive antibody by flow cytometry independently predicted graft loss.

Conclusions

There has been a recent increase in flow cytometric assessment of human leukocyte antibodies prior to heart transplantation, which may be associated with an increase in the prevalence of pre‐transplant patients being characterized as allosensitized. Flow cytometry may identify patients with the highest likelihood of graft loss.
Nepro is localized in the nucleolus and essential for preimplantation development in mice
Authors: Hashimoto Masakazu , Sato Tatsuya , Muroyama Yuko , Fujimura Lisa , Hatano Masahiko , Saito Tetsuichiro
Published: July 2015

We generated knockout (KO) mice of Nepro, which has been shown to be necessary to maintain neural progenitor cells downstream of Notch in the mouse developing neocortex by using knockdown experiments, to explore its function in embryogenesis. Nepro KO embryos were morphologically indistinguishable from wild type (WT) embryos until the morula stage but failed in blastocyst formation, and many cells of the KO embryos resulted in apoptosis. We found that Nepro was localized in the nucleolus at the blastocyst stage. The number of nucleolus precursor bodies (NPBs) and nucleoli per nucleus was significantly higher in Nepro KO embryos compared with WT embryos later than the 2‐cell stage. Furthermore, at the morula stage, whereas 18S rRNA and ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6), which are components of the ribosome, were distributed to the cytoplasm in WT embryos, they were mainly localized in the nucleoli in Nepro KO embryos. In addition, in Nepro KO embryos, the amount of the mitochondria‐associated p53 protein increased, and Cytochrome c was distributed in the cytoplasm. These findings indicate that Nepro is a nucleolus‐associated protein, and its loss leads to the apoptosis before blastocyst formation in mice.
Effects of acute caffeine supplementation on reducing exercise‐associated hypoglycaemia in individuals with Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zaharieva D. P. , Miadovnik L. A. , Rowan C. P. , Gumieniak R. J. , Jamnik V. K. , Riddell M. C.
Published: July 2015

Aim

To determine the effects of acute caffeine ingestion on glycaemia during moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise and in recovery in individuals with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 13 patients with Type 1 diabetes [eight women, five men: mean ± sd age 25.9 ± 8.8 years, BMI 71.9 ± 11.0 kg, maximal oxygen consumption 46.6 ± 12.7 ml/kg/min, body fat 19.9 ± 7.2%, duration of diabetes 14.4 ± 10.1 years and HbA1c 55 ± 8 mmol/mol (7.4 ± 0.8%)] were recruited. Participants ingested capsules that contained gelatin or pure caffeine (6.0 mg/kg body mass) and performed afternoon exercise for 45 min at 60% maximal oxygen consumption on two separate visits with only circulating basal insulin levels.

Results

The main finding was that a single caffeine dose attenuates the drop in glycaemia by 1.8 ± 2.8 mmol/l compared with placebo intake during exercise (P=0.056). Continuous glucose monitoring data, however, showed that caffeine was associated with elevated glycaemia at bedtime after exercise, compared with placebo, but lower glucose concentrations in the early morning the next day.

Conclusions

Caffeine intake should be considered as another strategy that may modestly attenuate hypoglycaemia in individuals with Type 1 diabetes during exercise, but should be taken with precautionary measures as it may increase the risk of late‐onset hypoglycaemia.