bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bayesian Approach to Restricted Latent Class Models for Scientifically-Structured Clustering of Multivariate Binary Outcomes
Authors: Wu Zhenke , Casciola-Rosen Livia , Rosen Antony , Zeger Scott L.
Published: August 2018

Summary

This paper presents a model-based method for clustering multivariate binary observations that incorporates constraints consistent with the scientific context. The approach is motivated by the precision medicine problem of identifying autoimmune disease patient subsets or classes who may require different treatments. We start with a family of restricted latent class models or RLCMs (e.g., Xu and Shang, 2018). However, in the motivating example and many others like it, the unknown number of classes and the definition of classes using binary states are among the targets of inference. We use a Bayesian approach to RCLMs in order to use informative prior assumptions on the number and definitions of latent classes to be consistent with scientific knowledge so that the posterior distribution tends to concentrate on smaller numbers of clusters and sparser binary patterns. The paper derives a posterior sampling algorithm based on Markov chain Monte Carlo with split-merge updates to efficiently explore the space of clustering allocations. Through simulations under the assumed model and realistic deviations from it, we demonstrate greater interpretability of results and superior finite-sample clustering performance for our method compared to common alternatives. The methods are illustrated with an analysis of protein data to detect clusters representing autoantibody classes among scleroderma patients.
Assessing 16S marker gene survey data analysis methods using mixtures of human stool sample DNA extracts
Authors: Olson Nathan D , Kumar M. Senthil , Li Shan , Hao Stephanie , Timp Winston , Salit Marc L. , Stine O.Colin , Bravo Hector Corrada
Published: August 2018

Background

Analysis of 16S rRNA marker-gene surveys, used to characterize prokaryotic microbial communities, may be performed by numerous bioinformatic pipelines and downstream analysis methods. However, there is limited guidance on how to decide between methods, appropriate data sets and statistics for assessing these methods are needed. We developed a mixture dataset with real data complexity and an expected value for assessing 16S rRNA bioinformatic pipelines and downstream analysis methods. We generate an assessment dataset using a two-sample titration mixture design. The sequencing data were processed using multiple bioinformatic pipelines, i) DADA2 a sequence inference method, ii) Mothur a de novo clustering method, and iii) QIIME with open-reference clustering. The mixture dataset was used to qualitatively and quantitatively assess count tables generated using the pipelines.

Results

The qualitative assessment was used to evalute features only present in unmixed samples and titrations. The abundance of Mothur and QIIME features specific to unmixed samples and titrations were explained by sampling alone. However, for DADA2 over a third of the unmixed sample and titration specific feature abundance could not be explained by sampling alone. The quantitative assessment evaluated pipeline performance by comparing observed to expected relative and differential abundance values. Overall the observed relative abundance and differential abundance values were consistent with the expected values. Though outlier features were observed across all pipelines.

Conclusions

Using a novel mixture dataset and assessment methods we quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated count tables generated using three bioinformatic pipelines. The dataset and methods developed for this study will serve as a valuable community resource for assessing 16S rRNA marker-gene survey bioinformatic methods.
Functional and Comparative Genomics of Niche-Specific Adapted ActinomycetesKocuria rhizophilaStrain D2 Isolated from Healthy Human Gut
Authors: Ghattargi Vikas C. , Nimonkar Yogesh S. , Sape Kamala , Prakash Om , Suryavanshi Mangesh V. , Shouche Yogesh S. , Meti Bharati S. , Pawar Shrikant P.
Published: August 2018

Incidences of infection and occurrence ofKocuria rhizophilain human gut are prominent but certainly no reports on the species ability to withstand human gastrointestinal dynamics.Kocuria rhizophilastrain D2 isolated from healthy human gut was comprehensively characterized. The functional analysis revealed the ability to produce various gastric enzymes and sensitive to major clinical antibiotics. It also exhibited tolerance to acidic pH and bile salts. Strain D2 displayed bile-salt hydrolytic (BSH) activity, strong cell surface traits such as hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation capacity and adherence to human HT-29 cell line. Prominently, it showed no hemolytic activity and was susceptible to the human serum. Exploration of the genome led to the discovery of the genes for the above said properties and has ability to produce various essential amino acids and vitamins. Further, comparative genomics have identified core, accessory and unique genetic features. The core genome has given insights into the phylogeny while the accessory and unique genes has led to the identification of niche specific genes. Bacteriophage, virulence factors and biofilm formation genes were absent with this species. Housing CRISPR and antibiotic resistance gene was strain specific. The integrated approach of functional, genomic and comparative analysis denotes the niche specific adaption to gut dynamics of strain D2. Moreover the study has comprehensively characterized genome sequence of each strain to know the genetic difference and intern recognize the effects of on phenotype and functionality complexity. The evolutionary relationship among strains along and adaptation strategies has been included in this study.

Significance

Reports of Kocuria rhizophila isolation from various sources have been reported but the few disease outbreaks in humans and fishes have been prominent, but no supportive evidence about the survival ability of Kocuria spp. within human GIT. Here, we report the gut adaption potential of K. rhizophila strain D2 by functional and genomic analysis. Further; comparative genomics reveals this adaption to be strain specific (Gluten degradation). Genetic difference, evolutionary relationship and adaptation strategies have been including in this study.
Identification of a cis-acting determinant limiting expression of sphingomyelinase genesph2inLeptospira interroganswith agfpreporter plasmid
Authors: Matsunaga James , Haake David A.
Published: August 2018

Many Pomona strains of the spirocheteLeptospira interrogansexpress the osmotically-inducible sphingomyelinase gene,sph2, at much higher levels than non-Pomona strains. We developed a new green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter plasmid to examinesph2gene expression determinants. The vector allows fusion of the test promoter to the ribosome-binding site and coding region ofgfp. We fused thesph2promoters from the serovar Lai strain 56601 and from the serovar Pomona strain LC82-25 togfpto examine the molecular determinants of differentialsph2expression between the two strains. Similar to what is observed with the nativesph2genes, introduction of the plasmids into the Lai 56601 strain resulted in near background levels ofgfpexpression from the Laisph2promoter, while expression from the Pomonasph2promoter was high. Expression from both fusions increased at physiologic levels of osmolarity achieved by addition of sodium chloride to the culture medium. We examined the role of a 17 bp upstream element found in allL. interrogansstrains expressing low basal levels ofsph2and missing from Pomona strains that expresssph2at high levels. When the 17 bp sequence present upstream of the Laisph2promoter was deleted or scrambled, fusion expression increased substantially. Conversely, insertion of the 17 bp sequence upstream of the Pomonasph2promoter diminished fusion expression. In contrast, removal of an insertion sequence-like element that is found only in the Pomonasph2upstream sequence had no effect on expression from the Pomonasph2fusion in the Lai strain. These findings demonstrate the utility of thegfpreporter plasmid in analyzing gene expression inL. interrogans.

IMPORTANCE

Genetic tools are needed to examine gene expression in the pathogenLeptospira interrogans. We developed a reporter plasmid that replicates inL. interroganswith green fluorescent protein (GFP) as the read out of promoter activity. We demonstrated an application of the new reporter plasmid by identifying an upstream element responsible for the poor basal expression of thesph2sphingomyelinase gene in a serovar Lai strain ofL. interrogans. This new tool is useful for discovery of the molecular determinants ofL. interrogansgene expression.
Onychomycosis caused by Aspergillus subramanianii
Authors: Hirose Miki , Noguchi Hiromitsu , Yaguchi Takashi , Matsumoto Tadahiko , Hiruma Masataro , Fukushima Satoshi , Ihn Hironobu
Published: August 2018

We describe a case of a 23‐year‐old female patient with no apparent underlying diseases. She showed a discoloration of the proximal portion of the left big toenail with paronychia. Direct microscopy revealed septate hyphae with conidiophores, and a periodic acid–Schiff‐stained nail specimen revealed septate hyphae branching at angles of approximately 45°. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, we finally arrived at the diagnosis of ungual aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus subramanianii. After p.o. administration of terbinafine and topical application of 10% efinaconazole solution, the disease resolved in 6 months. A. subramanianii is one of the new species in the genus Aspergillus section Circumdati. Reported clinical isolates have been isolated from lung tissue, wounds and feet. This is the first documented case of onychomycosis caused by A. subramanianii. Onychomycosis due to Aspergillus species is uncommon. We summarized the reported cases of ungual aspergillosis in Japan.
Immunological dysfunction in chronic arsenic exposure: From subclinical condition to skin cancer
Authors: Yu Sebastian , Liao Wei‐Ting , Lee Chih‐Hung , Chai Chee‐Yin , Yu Chia‐Li , Yu Hsin‐Su
Published: August 2018

Exposure to arsenic is a global health issue. Long‐term arsenic exposure may associate with various cancers and many other pathological effects. Over 100 million people worldwide are exposed to arsenic particularly in countries such as Bangladesh, Chile, China, India, Mexico, Taiwan and the USA. Drinking of water contaminated with arsenic is the major route of human exposure. Skin lesions are considered to be the most common adverse effects associated with chronic arsenic exposure. Skin lesions usually develop with the latency period spanning more than 20 years from first exposure. Arsenic‐induced Bowen's disease, the most frequently encountered carcinoma in situ resulting from chronic arsenic exposure, is characterized by multiple and recrudescent lesions. Long‐term arsenic exposure results in impaired immunity in susceptible individuals. In the prenatal stage, enhanced placental inflammatory responses and reduced placental T cells by arsenic may result in decreased thymic size and functions in newborns. In childhood, arsenic exposure may reduce peripheral CD4+ cells and interleukin‐2 secretion which leads to susceptibility to opportunistic infections. There was an impairment of macrophage function and oxidative DNA damage of peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes in adults with skin lesions. In arsenic‐induced Bowen's disease lesions, a decrease in the number and functions of Langerhans cells and, in parallel, a selective CD4+ cell apoptosis was noticed. These findings provide scientific evidence for understanding the phenomenon of arsenic‐induced immune escape in the early stage of carcinogenesis and a reasonable explanation for multiple and recrudescent arsenic cancers in the skin.
England, Englishness and the Labour Party
Authors: Denham John , Devine Daniel
Published: August 2018

Recent research has indicated that English identity was a strong predictor for a Leave vote in the referendum on membership of the European Union, and that it is an identity that is increasingly playing a role in British politics. In this paper, we explore whether Englishness affects even left‐right positioning of parties. Focusing on Labour, we find that it does, even controlling for other attitudinal and demographic variables. Alongside age and perceptions of the party leader, perceptions of immigration change and perceived lack of political efficacy also play a significant role. Given the potential electoral significance of this, we reflect on and propose a range of policy options that Labour could utilise to address this gap between English‐identifiers and the party.
Relationship of past, present, and passive smoking with sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and dysglycemic profiles
Authors: Cuschieri Sarah , Vassallo Josanne , Calleja Neville , Mamo Julian
Published: August 2018

Highlights

Former smokers exhibited a significantly higher metabolic risk compared with subjects with other smoking habits.

Current smokers with diabetes exhibited significantly higher fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels.

Only former smoking was independently associated with increased dysglycemic risk after adjustment for potential confounders
A systematic review of the next‐day effects of heavy alcohol consumption on cognitive performance
Authors: Gunn Craig , Mackus Marlou , Griffin Chris , Munafò Marcus R. , Adams Sally
Published: August 2018

Background and aims

Studies examining the next‐day cognitive effects of heavy alcohol consumption have produced mixed findings, which may reflect inconsistencies in definitions of ‘hangover’. Recent consensus has defined hangover as ‘mental and physical symptoms, experienced the day after a single episode of heavy drinking, starting when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) approaches zero’. In light of this, we aimed to review the literature systematically to evaluate and estimate mean effect sizes of the next‐day effects of heavy alcohol consumption on cognition.

Methods

Embase, PubMed and PsycNET databases were searched between December 2016 and May 2018 using terms based on ‘alcohol’ and ‘hangover’. Studies of experimental designs which reported the next‐day cognitive effects of heavy alcohol consumption in a ‘hangover’ group with BAC < 0.02% were reviewed. A total of 805 articles were identified. Thirty‐nine full‐text articles were screened by two independent reviewers and 19 included in the systematic review; 11 articles provided sufficient data to be included in the meta‐analysis; 1163 participants across 19 studies conducted since 1970 were included in the analysis. Data for study design, hangover severity, BAC at testing and cognitive performance were extracted and effect estimates calculated.

Results

The systematic review suggested that sustained attention and driving abilities were impaired during hangover. Mixed results were observed for: psychomotor skills, short‐ (STM) and long‐term memory (LTM) and divided attention. The meta‐analysis revealed evidence of impairments in STM [g = 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.15–1.13], LTM (Hedges’ g = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.01–1.17) sustained attention (g = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.07–0.87) and psychomotor speed (Hedges’ g = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.31–1.00) during alcohol hangover.

Conclusion

The research literature suggests that alcohol hangovers may involve impaired cognitive functions and performance of everyday tasks such as driving.
Early maternal‐newborn contact and positive birth experience
Authors: Brubaker Laura H. , Paul Ian M. , Repke John T. , Kjerulff Kristen H.
Published: August 2018

Background

In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of early maternal‐newborn contact for the health and well‐being of the newborn and promotion of breastfeeding. However, little research has investigated the association between early maternal‐newborn contact and the mother's birth experience.

Methods

As part of a large‐scale prospective, cohort study (the First Baby Study [FBS]), nearly 3000 women who delivered in Pennsylvania (2009‐2011) reported how soon after delivery they first saw, held, and fed their newborns. Birth experience was measured via telephone interview 1 month postpartum, using the FBS Birth Experience Scale, a 16‐item scale which addresses women's feelings about the delivery. General linear models were used to measure associations between time to first maternal‐newborn contact and birth experience, controlling for relevant confounders, including maternal age, race/ethnicity, insurance coverage, delivery mode, gestational age, and pregnancy and delivery complications.

Results

The sooner that new mothers first saw, held, and fed their newborns after delivery the more positive their childbirth experiences (all P‐values < 0.001). Women who delivered by cesarean were less likely to see, hold and feed their newborns shortly after delivery than those who delivered vaginally (all P‐values < 0.001), and reported less positive birth experiences (P < 0.001). However, if they first saw, held, and fed their newborns shortly after delivery, they reported more positive birth experiences than those who delivered vaginally (P = 0.010).

Discussion

Early maternal‐newborn contact after delivery was associated with positive birth experiences for new mothers, particularly those who delivered by cesarean.
Superstition predicts perception of illusory control
Authors: Griffiths Oren , Shehabi Noor , Murphy Robin A. , Le Pelley Mike E.
Published: August 2018

Superstitions are common, yet we have little understanding of the cognitive mechanisms that bring them about. This study used a laboratory‐based analogue for superstitious beliefs that involved people monitoring the relationship between undertaking an action (pressing a button) and an outcome occurring (a light illuminating). The task was arranged such that there was no objective contingency between pressing the button and the light illuminating – the light was just as likely to illuminate whether the button was pressed or not. Nevertheless, most people rated the causal relationship between the button press and the light illuminating to be moderately positive, demonstrating anillusion of causality. This study found that the magnitude of this illusion was predicted by people's level of endorsement of common superstitious beliefs (measured using a novel Superstitious Beliefs Questionnaire), but was not associated with mood variables or their self‐rated locus of control. This observation is consistent with a more general individual difference or bias to overweight conjunctive events over disjunctive events during causal reasoning in those with a propensity for superstitious beliefs.
Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) of posterior single‐implant crowns using digital workflows: A randomized controlled trial with a three‐year follow‐up
Authors: Joda Tim , Ferrari Marco , Bragger Urs , Zitzmann Nicola U.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The aim of this RCT was to analyze Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) of implant crowns processed in complete digital workflows (test) and combined analog‐digital workflows (control) with a three‐year follow‐up. This is a second reporting from the same trial with sample size calculation based on time efficiency.

Materials and Methods

Twenty participants were selected for single‐tooth replacement with screw‐retained crowns in posterior sites (Straumann TL Implant System). Ten patients each were treated with test or control workflows and evaluated after 1 week of prosthetic delivery (baseline) and 3 years. The subjective opinion of the patient was assessed using visual analog scales (VAS) for PROMs; the Functional Implant Prosthodontic Score (FIPS) for the objective evaluation of the dentist. Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used for comparisons between test and control with a level of significance set at α = 0.05.

Results

In test and control, implant crowns showed 100% survival without technical and/or biological complications. Mean PROMs varied between 81.6 and 90.3 with no difference between test and control, or between baseline and after 3 years for intra‐patient comparison. Linear regression analysis exhibited a significant correlation between FIPS and PROMs related to overall treatment satisfaction (VAS‐1: coefficient 0.45; p = 0.0472).

Conclusion

Subjective patient's perception (PROMs) of posterior implant crowns processed in complete digital and combined analog‐digital workflows revealed comparable high levels of satisfaction on the overall treatment outcome including function, esthetics, and cleanability after 3 years. The objective evaluation of the dentist (FIPS) seems to reflect the perception of the patients.
Donor‐recipient ethnic mismatching impacts short‐ and long‐term results of heart transplantation
Authors: Peled Yael , Loewenthal Ron , Kassif Yigal , Raichlin Eugenia , Younis Arwa , Younis Anan , Nachum Eyal , Freimark Dov , Goldenberg Ilan , Lavee Jacob
Published: August 2018

Background

The impact of donor‐recipient ethnic matching on heart transplantation (HT) has been poorly studied with inconclusive results. We aimed to investigate the impact of ethnic matching on HT outcomes in Israeli multiethnic patients.

Methods

The study comprised 168 patients who underwent HT from 1990‐2017. Patients and their donors were ethnically categorized to Jews and Arabs. Primary end points were all‐cause in‐hospital and late mortality; secondary end points included primary graft dysfunction (PGD), rejections, and vasculopathy.

Results

Donor‐recipient ethnic matching was found in 111 patients, while 57 were ethnically mismatched. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Ethnic mismatching was associated with >7‐fold (P = 0.018) increased risk for in‐hospital mortality and >8‐fold (P < 0.001) increased risk for PGD. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis showed that overall survival at 10 years was significantly higher among matched patients (73% vs 43%, log‐rank P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that ethnic mismatching was associated with an approximately fourfold higher risk for death (P < 0.01). These findings were validated by propensity score analysis. The ethnic mismatched group experienced significantly higher rejection rates compared with the matched group with lower survival free of rejections (log‐rank P = 0.029). No differences in vasculopathy were found.

Conclusions

Donor‐recipient ethnic mismatch is an important independent predictor of early‐ and long‐term outcomes following HT, and is associated with increased risk for PGD, rejections, and mortality. These findings will help to design tailored treatment protocols leading to improved outcomes after HT.
Bioactive food and exercise in chronic kidney disease: Targeting the mitochondria
Authors: Mafra Denise , Gidlund Eva‐Karin , Borges Natália Alvarenga , Magliano D'Angelo Carlo , Lindholm Bengt , Stenvinkel Peter , von Walden Ferdinand
Published: August 2018

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects 10%‐15% of the population, associates with a range of complications—such as cardiovascular disease, frailty, infections, muscle and bone disorders and premature ageing—that could be related to alterations of mitochondrial number, distribution, structure and function. As mitochondrial biogenesis, bioenergetics and the dynamic mitochondrial networks directly or indirectly regulate numerous intra‐ and extracellular functions, the mitochondria have emerged as an important target for interventions aiming at preventing or improving the treatment of complications inCKD. In this review, we discuss the possible role of bioactive food compounds and exercise in the modulation of the disturbed mitochondrial function in a uraemic milieu.
Further evidence for a differential interaction of brivaracetam and levetiracetam with the synaptic vesicle 2A protein
Authors: Wood Martyn D. , Sands Zara A. , Vandenplas Catherine , Gillard Michel
Published: August 2018

Brivaracetam (BRV) and levetiracetam (LEV) are effective antiepileptic drugs that bind selectively to the synaptic vesicle 2A (SV2A) protein. BRV differs from LEV in preclinical studies in that it exhibits a more potent and complete seizure protection across animal models. We reported previously that an allosteric modulator of the SV2A protein had differential effects on BRV compared with LEV, suggesting that they act at different sites or with different conformations of the SV2A protein. If this is the case, then we hypothesized that mutations of specific amino acids in the SV2A protein may have differential effects on BRV and LEV binding by the modulator. Mutation of some amino acids identified previously in the binding site of racetams to the SV2A protein had marked effects on binding of both [3H]BRV and [3H]LEV (eg, W300F, F277A, G303A, F658A, Y462A, W666A, I663A, D670A, and V661A). However, 3 amino acids were identified (K694, I273, and S294) in which mutation lost the effect of the modulator on [3H]LEV binding with no effect on the modulation of [3H]BRV binding. These results confirm that BRV and LEV bind to the human synaptic vesicle 2A protein at closely related sites but interact with these sites in a different way.
Psychiatric comorbidity and traumatic brain injury attribution in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic or epileptic seizures: A multicenter study of US veterans
Authors: Salinsky Martin , Rutecki Paul , Parko Karen , Goy Elizabeth , Storzbach Daniel , O'Neil Maya , Binder Laurence , Joos Sandra
Published: August 2018

Objective

To determine the frequency and severity of psychiatric disorders and attribution of seizures to traumatic brain injury (TBI) in veterans with verified psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) versus epileptic seizures (ES).

Methods

We studied 333 consecutive admissions to the monitoring units of three Veterans Administration epilepsy centers. All patients underwent continuous video‐electroencephalographic recording to define definite PNES or ES. Evaluations included the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, PTSD Checklist, Beck Depression Inventory II, and Patient Seizure Etiology Questionnaire. Interviews and questionnaires were completed prior to final seizure type diagnosis and patient debriefing. The primary outcome measure was a comparison of Axis I psychiatric diagnoses in patients diagnosed with PNES versus ES.

Results

A total of 81 patients were diagnosed with PNES, and 70 with ES. PTSD was the most frequent Axis I diagnosis in veterans with PNES (64%, vs 13% of those with ES; P < 0.001). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was common regardless of deployment to a war theater or combat exposure. Mood, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders were also more common in the PNES group. TBI was cited as a likely cause of seizures by 47% of veterans with PNES versus 25% of those with ES (P = 0.01). PTSD and attribution of seizures to TBI were found in 30% of veterans with PNES versus 3% of those with ES (P < 0.001).

Significance

In veterans referred for inpatient seizure evaluation, PTSD was strongly associated with a diagnosis of PNES versus ES. The association of PNES with PTSD, attribution of seizures to TBI, or both, may prompt early consideration of PNES.
Enhancement of K‐strategy evolution in histidine utilization using a container with compartments
Authors: Komori Takahiro , Shibai Atsushi , Saito Hiromi , Akeno Yuya , Germond Arno , Horinouchi Takaaki , Furusawa Chikara , Tsuru Saburo
Published: August 2018

Evolutionary strategies in growth improvement can be classified into r‐ or K‐strategies. The former strategy corresponds to an evolutionary increase in growth rate, whereas the latter corresponds to an increase in the maximum amount of organisms or carrying capacity. What determines the strategies to be adopted during evolution? Spatial structures that compartmentalize the population into small patches are key to inducing the K‐strategy. Interestingly, previous evolution experiments using Escherichia coli in a glucose‐limited batch culture showed that carrying capacity could improve evolutionally even in the absence of spatial structures. However, it is unclear if the lack of spatial structures can direct evolution toward high carrying capacity for utilization of other resources. To address this question, we established a simplified evolution experiment using histidine‐requiring E. coli grown under histidine limitation in a container with compartments. We confirmed the importance of spatial structures in K‐strategy evolution in histidine utilization. Whole genome sequencing of the K‐adapted strains showed functional variety of the mutated genes during the fitness‐increasing period. These results validate the importance of spatial structures and imply that restriction of K‐strategy evolution on a sort of nutrients is attributable to a paucity of appropriate selection rather than a paucity of causal mutation.
A Randomized, Sham‐Controlled Trial of Bilateral Greater Occipital Nerve Blocks With Bupivacaine for Acute Migraine Patients Refractory to Standard Emergency Department Treatment With Metoclopramide
Authors: Friedman Benjamin W. , Mohamed Sajid , Robbins Matthew S. , Irizarry Eddie , Tarsia Valerie , Pearlman Scott , John Gallagher E.
Published: August 2018

Background

Greater occipital nerve block (GONB) is thought to be an effective treatment for acute migraine, though no randomized efficacy data have been published for this indication. We hypothesized that bilateral GONB with bupivacaine would provide greater rates of headache freedom than a sham injection among a population of emergency department (ED) patients who reported persistence of moderate or severe headache despite standard treatment with intravenous metoclopramide.

Methods

This was a randomized clinical trial conducted in 2 urban EDs. Patients with acute migraine who reported persistence of a moderate or severe headache for at least 1 hour or longer after treatment with 10 mg of intravenous metoclopramide were randomized to bilateral GONB with a total of 6 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine or bilateral intradermal scalp injection with a total of 1 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine. The primary outcome was complete headache freedom 30 minutes after the injection. An important secondary outcome was sustained headache relief, defined as achieving a headache level of mild or none in the ED and maintaining a level of mild or none without the use of any additional headache medication for 48 hours.

Results

Over a 31 month period, 76 patients were screened for participation and 28 were enrolled, of whom 15 received sham injection and 13 received GONB. This study was stopped before achieving the a priori sample size due to slow enrollment. The primary outcome – headache freedom at 30 minutes – was achieved by 0/15 (0%) of patients in the sham arm and 4/13 (31%) of patients in the GONB arm (95%CI for difference of 31%: 6, 56%, P = .035). The secondary outcome, sustained headache relief for 48 hours, was reported by 0/15 sham patients (0%) and 3/13 (23%) GONB patients (95% CI for difference of 23%: 0, 46%, P = .087). Reported side effects did not differ substantially between the groups.

Conclusion

GONB may be an effective treatment for ED patients with acute migraine who continue to suffer from moderate or severe headache after administration of intravenous metoclopramide; however, this study was stopped prior to achieving the a priori sample size.
The recovery effect of proanthocyanidin on microtensile bond strength to sodium hypochlorite‐treated dentine
Authors: Wang Y. , Chen C. , Zang H. L. , Liang Y. H.
Published: August 2018

Aim

To evaluate the recovery effect of proanthocyanidin (PA) on microtensile bond strength (μTBS) to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)‐treated dentine.

Methodology

Fifty‐five freshly extracted third molars with intact dental crowns, no caries or restorations were sectioned to expose a sound middle layer of dentine and were randomly divided into 11 groups. In the blank control group, dentine surfaces were immersed in deionized water for 20 min. In the negative control group, dental surfaces were immersed in 5.25% NaOCl for 20 min. In the other nine experimental groups, after immersion for 20 min in 5.25% NaOCl, followed by PA (5%, 10%, or 15%) treatment for 1, 5 min or 10 min. The NaOCl solution was renewed every 5 min. Then dentine surfaces were bonded using SE bond. Bonded samples were sectioned into dentine‐resin sticks (n = 45) for microtensile bond strength testing (MPa). Failure modes were observed and classified into three types with a stereomicroscope. Microtensile bond strength data were analysed using one‐way anova. The confidence interval test was performed to analyse the recovery effect of PA on bond strength to NaOCl‐treated dentine. The chi‐squared test was used to analyse failure mode distribution.

Results

After use of 5.25% NaOCl for 20 min, microtensile bond strength in the negative control group decreased significantly compared with that of the untreated group (P < 0.05). After a recovery treatment of 10% PA for 10 min or 15% PA for more than 5 min, the bond strength was restored to at least 90% of baseline (P < 0.05). No recovery effect on bond strength was detected after the application of 5% PA for 1 min (P > 0.05). Adhesive fracture was found to be the most common failure mode in the NaOCl‐treated group. After the recovery application of PA, the proportion of mixed failures increased significantly (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Microtensile bond strength to NaOCl‐treated dentine recovered after the application of either 5% PA for more than 5 min or 10% or 15% PA for more than 1 min. The application of PA before an adhesive procedure may immediately restore the compromised bond strength of NaOCl‐treated dentine.
The role of parental anxiety, depression, and psychological stress level on the development of early‐childhood caries in children
Authors: Gavic Lidia , Tadin Antonija , Mihanovic Ina , Gorseta Kristina , Cigic Livia
Published: August 2018

Background

It is important to understand how the psychological status of parents affects oral health in children.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the level of depression, anxiety, and stress of parents whose children have early‐childhood caries.

Design

The study included 235 children and their parents who visited the Dental clinic at the School of Medicine of the University of Split between October 2016 and July 2017. The dental status of each child was recorded, while parents filled out the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale questionnaire and the questionnaire related to the demographic characteristics, questions related to child's habits of the tooth brushing, eating sweets.

Results

Multiple regression analysis showed that the incidence of active caries in the children was statistically significantly related not only to the level of parent depression (β = −0.289; P = 0.040) but also the level of anxiety (β = 0.186; P = 0.038) and stress (β = −0.120; P = 0.036). The dmft index in the examined children was negatively significant associated with the parental level of depression (β = −0.305; P = 0.032).

Conclusion

Considering the results of our research it is essential to emphasize the need for better health education of parents.
Radiophotoluminescence phenomenon in copper‐doped aluminoborosilicate glass
Authors: Hashikawa Ryo , Fujii Yasuhiro , Kinomura Atsushi , Saito Takeshi , Okada Arifumi , Wakasugi Takashi , Kadono Kohei
Published: August 2018

Radiophotoluminescence phenomena have been widely investigated on various types of materials for dosimetry applications. We report that an aluminoborosilicate glass containing 0.005 mol% copper exhibits intense photoluminescence in the visible region induced by X‐ray and γ‐ray irradiation. The luminescence is assigned to the 3d94s1 → 3d10 transition of Cu+. The proportionality of the intensity of the induced photoluminescence to the irradiation dose was confirmed up to 0.5 kGy using 60Co γ‐ray irradiation. Based on the spectroscopic results, a potential mechanism was proposed for the enhancement of the photoluminescence. The exposure to the ionizing radiation generates electron‐hole pairs in the glass, and the electrons are subsequently captured by the Cu2+ ions, which are converted to Cu+ and emit the luminescence. For the glass containing 0.01 mol% copper, the pronounced enhancement of the photoluminescence was not observed because the reverse reaction, ie, the capture of the holes by the Cu+ ions, becomes prominent. The photoluminescence induced by the irradiation was stably observed for the glasses kept at room temperature and even for the glasses heat‐treated at 150°C. However, the induced photoluminescence could be eliminated by the heat treatment at a temperature at 500°C, and the glass returned to the initial pre‐irradiation state. The Cu‐doped aluminoborosilicate glass is a potential candidate for use in dosimetry applications.
Correlation between ultrabroadband near‐infrared emission and Yb3+/Ni2+ dopants distribution in highly transparent germanate glass‐ceramics containing zinc gallogermanate nanospinels
Authors: Gao Zhigang , Lu Xiaosong , Zhang Yindong , Guo Shu , Liu Lu , Yang Guang , Liu Yinyao , Sun Shiyu , Ren Jing , Yang Jun
Published: August 2018

The photoluminescence properties of dopants are strongly correlated with their distributions in host phosphors, the knowledge of which, however, is not well established yet. In this paper, the distribution of the active dopants, for example, trivalent ytterbium (Yb3+) and bivalent nickel (Ni2+) in a highly transparent germanate glass‐ceramic containing thermally grown Zn1+xGa2−2xGexO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanospinels, is revealed by an analytical transmission electron microscope. The elemental mapping and linescan analysis confirm that both Yb3+ and Ni2+ accumulate preferentially in the germanium‐substituted ZnGa2O4 nanospinels embedded in the glass. The influence of glass crystallization on the electric transition properties of Yb3+ is presented. An enhanced ultrabroadband near infrared emission of Ni2+ is observed as a result of efficient energy transfer from Yb3+ to Ni2+ accumulated in the nanocrystals. Discussions are given to account for the detailed mechanisms of the efficient energy transfer occurring between the dopants.
Effect of heating rate on properties of transparent aluminum oxynitride sintered by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Shan Yingchun , Wei Xialu , Sun Xiannian , Torresani Elisa , Olevsky Eugene A. , Xu Jiujun
Published: August 2018

High heating rates ranging from 50 to 250°C/min are selected to rapidly sinter transparent aluminum oxynitride (AlON) ceramics by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1600°C under 60 MPa using a bimodal AlON powder synthesized by the carbothermal reduction and nitridation method. With 1 minute holding time before cooling, all the specimens show high density and high transparence. The maximum transmittance is up to 74.5%‐80.6%, where the maximum transmittance is positively correlated with the heating rate. Further analysis reveals that faster heating rates enable the decrease in the amount of the AlON phase decomposed into the α‐Al2O3 and AlN phases during heating. These α‐Al2O3 and AlN phases have to be converted back to AlON at the final stage of sintering, which indicates that a decrease in the amount of the α‐Al2O3 and AlN phases via the boosted heating leads to the higher transmittance of the AlON ceramics. The high heating rates and short holding duration of the SPS utilized in this study result in the fine grain size of the obtained ceramics (1‐6 μm) compared to that of the AlON ceramics fabricated by the conventional sintering method. This effect of high heating rates is confirmed by the coupled densification‐grain growth modeling. In turn, the obtained AlON specimens exhibit a Vickers hardness of 15.87‐16.62 GPa.
Understanding comorbidity of learning disorders: task‐dependent estimates of prevalence
Authors: Moll Kristina , Landerl Karin , Snowling Margaret J. , Schulte‐Körne Gerd
Published: August 2018

Background

Reading disorder (RD) and mathematics disorder (MD) frequently co‐occur. However, the exact comorbidity rates differ largely between studies. Given that MD is characterised by high heterogeneity on the symptom level, differences in comorbidity rates may result from different mathematical subskills used to define MD. Comorbidity rates with RD are likely to be higher when MD is measured by mathematical subskills that do not only build on number processing, but also require language (i.e. arithmetic fluency), than when measured by magnitude processing skills.

Methods

The association between literacy, arithmetic fluency and magnitude processing as well as the overlap between deficits in these domains were assessed in a representative sample of 1,454 third Graders.

Results

Associations were significantly higher between literacy and arithmetic, than between literacy and magnitude processing. This was also reflected in comorbidity rates: comorbidity rates between literacy and arithmetic deficits were four times higher than expected by chance, whereas comorbidity rates between literacy and magnitude processing deficits did not exceed chance rate. Deficits in the two mathematical subskills showed some overlap, but also revealed dissociations, corroborating the high heterogeneity of MD. Results are interpreted within a multiple‐deficit framework and implications for diagnosis and intervention are discussed.

Conclusions

The overlap between RD and MD depends on the subskills used to define MD. Due to shared domain‐general factors mathematical subskills that draw on language skills are more strongly associated with literacy than those that do not require language. The findings further indicate that the same symptom, such as deficits in arithmetic, can be associated with different cognitive deficits, a deficit in language skills or a deficit in number processing.
An experimental evaluation of traits that influence the sexual behaviour of pollinators in sexually deceptive orchids
Authors: Phillips Ryan D. , Peakall Rod
Published: August 2018

Pollination by sexual deception of male insects is perhaps one of the most remarkable cases of mimicry in the plant kingdom. However, understanding the influence of floral traits on pollinator behaviour in sexually deceptive plants is challenging, due to the risk of confounding changes in floral odour when manipulating morphology. Here, we investigated the floral traits influencing the sexual response of male Zaspilothynnus nigripes (Tiphiidae) wasps, a pollinator of two distantly related sexually deceptive orchids with contrasting floral architecture, Caladenia pectinata and Drakaea livida. In D. livida, the chemical sexual attractant is emitted from the labellum, whereas in C. pectinata, it is produced from the distal sepal tips, allowing manipulative experiments. When controlling for visual cues, there was no difference in long‐distance attraction, although the floral odour of D. livida induced copulation more frequently than that of C. pectinata. The role of colour in pollinator sexual attraction was equivocal, indicating that colour may not be a strong constraint on the initial evolution of sexual deception. The frequency of wasp visitors landing on C. pectinata decreased when the amount of floral odour was reduced, but attempted copulation rates were enhanced when the source of floral odour was associated with the labellum. These latter variables may represent axes of selection that operate across many sexually deceptive species. Nonetheless, the observed variation in floral traits suggests flexibility among species in how sexual deception can be achieved.
Perception of facial, dental, and smile esthetics by dental students
Authors: Alhammadi Maged S. , Halboub Esam , Al‐Mashraqi Abeer A. , Al‐Homoud Mona , Wafi Sharifah , Zakari Areeg , Mashali Wedad
Published: August 2018

Objective

To comprehensively assess dental students’ perception of facial, dental and smile esthetics and to assess whether such a perception varies by gender, clinical training, and Grade Point Average (GPA).

Materials and Methods

Series of photographs were digitally manipulated involving three facial, two smile, four dental, and one gingival components. Students in preclinical and clinical levels evaluated the original and manipulated images using a visual analogue scale scored from 1 to 5 where 5 is the standard image and 1 is the least pleasant one. The responses were then analyzed using Mann‐Whitney test. A P value of < .05 was considered significant.

Results

Four hundred and eight dental students participated in this study. With regard to the overall esthetics, males and clinical students scored higher than females and preclinical students, respectively, did. With regard to the individual esthetic components, males had significantly higher scores in buccal corridors, midline shift, clinical crown width, and gingival marginal height, while females had significantly higher score in median diastema (P < .05). Clinical students had a better perception of facial asymmetry, gingival display, buccal corridors, and clinical crown width compared to the preclinical students. Effect of GPA was minimal and even contradictory; students with lower GPA had a better perception of midline deviation and occlusal canting than those with higher GPA scores.

Conclusions

Male dental students, and unexpectedly unlike females, have a better perception of facial and dental esthetics. Unlike GPA, whose effect was minimal, clinical training has a substantial positive effect on the assessment of beauty.

Clinical Significance

Appropriate perception of facial, dental and smile esthetics by dental students is of paramount importance for providing adequate dental services and for improving and polishing their professionalism.© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fracture resistance of all‐ceramic crowns based on different preparation designs for restoring endodontically treated molars
Authors: Krance Aaron , DuVall Nicholas , Brewster John , Roberts Howard
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To evaluate endodontically treated molar fracture resistance restored with CAD/CAM lithium disilicate (LDS) crowns with different amalgam core preparation design.

Materials and Methods

Eighty‐four recently extracted mandibular third molars were divided into seven groups (n = 12) and embedded in autopolymerizing resin. Coronal tooth structure was removed, pulp chamber exposed, and pulpal remnants removed. One group received LDS endocrowns, while three groups received amalgam cores with 2, 1, and 0 dentin axial wall heights (AWH). Three additional groups were likewise restored using an amalgam adhesive. Scanned preparations were restored with LDS crowns luted with a self‐adhesive luting cement. After 24 hours, specimens were loaded to failure with results analyzed with Welch's Test/REGW Range Test at a 95% level of confidence (α = 0.05).

Results

The 1 mm‐AWH amalgam core group had the highest failure load and was similar to the 2 mm‐AWH amalgam, 2 mm‐AWH bonded amalgam, and the 1 mm‐AWH bonded amalgam core groups. The endocrowns had lower failure load than the 1 mm and 2 mm AWH amalgam groups but was similar to other groups.

Conclusions

Adhesively luted LDS crowns with amalgam core preparations overall displayed similar failure load, as endocrown restorations. However, crowns based on amalgam cores demonstrated favorable failure modes.

Clinical Significance

The results of this in vitro test suggests that when suitable tooth structure and sufficient interact restorative space exists, endodontically treated molars restored with lithium disilicate complete crowns based on preparations with amalgam core foundations containing 1 mm and 2 mm of dentin axial wall height could serve as a suitable restorative option that may provide more recoverable failure modes than endocrown restorations.
A comparative morphological investigation of otoliths of six parrotfish species (Scaridae) from the Solomon Islands
Authors: Jawad Laith A.
Published: August 2018

A comparative morphological investigation of otoliths from six parrotfish species and two genera, Scarus and Hipposcarus, was conducted to identify taxonomically diagnostic species‐specific characters. Ontogenetic trends in otolith morphology were evident: Otoliths of small‐sized specimens were most like those of large‐sized Scarus oviceps and were least similar to large‐sized Hipposcarus longiceps.