bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The origins and maintenance of global species endemism
Authors: Zuloaga Juan , Currie David J. , Kerr Jeremy T.
Published: November 2018

Aim

We test macroecological hypotheses (H1: long‐term climate stability; H2: climate seasonality; H3: climate distinctiveness or rarity; and, H4: spatial heterogeneity in contemporary climate, topography or habitat) proposed to explain broad‐scale patterns of total species endemism.

Location

Continental areas worldwide and zoogeographical realms.

Methods

Using species distribution maps for mammals and amphibians, we calculated five metrics of species endemism, based on inverse and median range size, and range size cut‐offs. We performed multi‐model averaging. We tested the accuracy of fitted models using cross‐validation, comparing observed versus predicted values of endemism among zoogeographical realms.

Results

Model averaging showed that species endemism for amphibians and mammals was statistically related to all set of predictors (H1, H2, H4 and richness), except for climate distinctiveness (H3). Effect sizes for spatial heterogeneity were larger and more consistent among zoogeographical realms than the effect sizes of climate stability. The effect of species richness on species endemism varies widely and depends on the metric of endemism and taxonomic group used in the analysis. Cross‐validation across all zoogeographical realms showed that predictions of endemism systematically fail for both taxa. In most cases, low to moderate endemism is predicted reasonably well. However, areas with high numbers of endemic species are systematically under‐predicted.

Main conclusions

Our results are not consistent with any of the processes hypothesized to create and maintain global patterns of endemism. Although we found statistically significant relationships, they failed the stronger test of a causal relationship: accurate prediction in independent data. The inconsistent effect of richness in our models suggests that patterns of endemism are not driven by the same variables as total richness. Patterns of endemism have no consistent relationships with climatic stability among zoogeographical realms, so suggestions that endemism reflect climatic stability are likely due to collinearity with other factors, especially spatial heterogeneity.
Mind your teeth—The relationship between mastication and cognition
Authors: Weijenberg Roxane A. F. , Delwel Suzanne , Ho Bach Van , van der Maarel‐Wierink Claar D. , Lobbezoo Frank
Published: November 2018

This article explores the multifactorial relationship between mastication and cognition, with a focus on dementia. Older persons, especially those with dementia, are at great risk of suffering from oral health problems such as orofacial pain and loss of natural teeth. A possible explanation could be that the cognitive and motor impairments resulting from dementia cause a decrease in self‐care and as such, a worsening of oral health. An alternative explanation is that cognition and oral health influence each other. Animal studies show that a decrease in masticatory activity, for example, due to a soft diet or loss of teeth, causes memory loss and neuronal degeneration. The relationship between mastication and cognition has also been researched in human studies, but a cause‐effect relationship has not been proven. It is likely that multiple factors play a role in this relationship, such as self‐care, nutrition, stress and pain.
Low‐carbon evaluation of rural neighborhood: A case study of Yanhe Village, Hubei Province, China
Authors: Zhao Guochao , Yu Xiaofen , He Chenchen , Tu Fan
Published: November 2018

Climate change has become a global issue influencing human survival and development while low‐carbon is the inevitable choice. As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China has become an important force that influences the cooperation of climate change. China is a large agricultural country, and the rural carbon emissions have been gradually increasing. We consider rural neighborhood as an important space for the use of low‐carbon ideas to address climate change. There is no specific assessment system for a rural neighborhood. The studies of rural neighborhood low‐carbon mainly focus on the method of calculation carbon emissions. However, only quantifying rural carbon emissions is insufficient. In this paper, a low‐carbon evaluation indicator system has been proposed for rural neighborhood and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation has been applied to get the low‐carbon degree. Considering the influence and feedback inside the indicator system, Analytic Network Process was applied to get the weights. Furthermore, a case study was carried out for the using of the proposed method in an eco‐village of China. Our practice has proved that the system is easy to operate in rural neighborhood.
‘If you put pressure on yourself to produce then that's your responsibility’: Mothers’ experiences of maternity leave and flexible work in the neoliberal university
Authors: Huppatz Kate , Sang Kate , Napier Jemina
Published: November 2018

Women remain underrepresented in senior positions within universities and report barriers to career progression. Drawing on the concepts of Foucault and Bourdieu, with an emphasis on technologies of the self, this article aims to understand mothers’ academic career experiences. Interviews were conducted with 35 non‐STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) academics in Scotland and Australia, to reveal the gender dimensions of parents’ academic careers, in neoliberal university contexts. The data suggest that there are tensions between organizational policies, such as maternity leave and flexible work, and the contemporary demands of academic labour. New managerial discourses which individualize and make use of moral systems are particularly effectual in driving women to take up marketized research activity and compromise leave entitlements.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of povidone‐iodine foam dressing (Betafoam), hydrocellular foam dressing (Allevyn), and petrolatum gauze for split‐thickness skin graft donor site dressing
Authors: Pak Chang Sik , Park Dae Hwan , Oh Tae Suk , Lee Won Jai , Jun Young Joon , Lee Kyung Ah , Oh Kap Sung , Kwak Kyung Hee , Rhie Jong Won
Published: November 2018

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) foam dressing (Betafoam) for donor site dressing versus a hydrocellular foam dressing (Allevyn) and petrolatum gauze. This prospective Phase 4 study was conducted between March 2016 and April 2017 at eight sites in Korea. A total of 106 consenting patients (aged ≥ 19 years, scheduled for split‐thickness skin graft) were randomised 1:1:1 to PVP‐I foam, hydrocellular, or petrolatum gauze dressings for up to 28 days after donor site collection. We assessed time to complete epithelialisation, proportion with complete epithelialisation at Day 14, and wound infection. Epithelialisation time was the shortest with PVP‐I foam dressing (12.74 ± 3.51 days) versus hydrocellular foam dressing (16.61 ± 4.45 days; P = 0.0003) and petrolatum gauze (15.06 ± 4.26 days, P = 0.0205). At Day 14, 83.87% of PVP‐I foam dressing donor sites had complete epithelialisation, versus 36.36% of hydrocellular foam dressing donor sites (P = 0.0001) and 55.88% of petrolatum gauze donor sites (P = 0.0146). There were no wound infections. Incidence rates of adverse events were comparable across groups (P = 0.1940). PVP‐I foam dressing required less time to complete epithelialisation and had a good safety profile.
Alcohol Enhances Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Increases in Nitric Oxide Production by Kupffer Cells Via Mechanisms Dependent on Endotoxin
Authors: Enomoto Nobuyuki , Ikejima Kenichi , Kitamura Tsuneo , Oide Hirosumi , Takei Yoshiyuki , Sato Nobuhiro , Thurman Ronald G.
Published: November 2018

Background: Ethanol causes both tolerance and sensitization of Kupffer cells. Accordingly, this study examines the effect of acute ethanol consumption on nitric oxide (NO) production from Kupffer cells with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment.

Methods: Rats were given ethanol (4 g/kg body weight) intragastrically, and Kupffer cells were isolated 2 and 24 hr later. Some rats were treated for 4 days with 150 mg/kg/day of polymyxin B and 450 mg/kg/day of neomycin to prevent growth of intestinal bacteria, the primary source of endotoxin in the gastrointestinal tract. After addition of LPS, NO was measured by the Griess reaction.

Results: Two hours after ethanol administration, LPS‐induced NO production by Kupffer cells was diminished by 50% but was enhanced 2‐fold at 24 hr. Sterilization of the gut with antibiotics blocked this enhancement.

Conclusions: Kupffer cells isolated from rats early after ethanol exhibited tolerance to LPS, whereas sensitization was observed later. It is likely that sensitization to Kupffer cell is caused by gut‐derived endotoxin.
Glutathione Depletion Enhances the Formation of Superoxide Anion Released Into Hepatic Sinusoids After Lipopolysaccharide Challenge
Authors: Moriya Susumu , Yokoyama Hirokazu , Fukuda Masahiko , Okamura Yukishige , Kamegaya Yoshitaka , Mizukami Takeshi , Ohgo Hideki , Ishii Hiromasa
Published: November 2018

Background: We examined the effects of glutathione depletion on the level of superoxide anion released into hepatic sinusoids after lipopolysaccharide challenge.

Methods: Rats were given 1 mg/kg of maleic acid diethyl ester to deplete glutathione in vivo and then 0.5 mg/kg body weight of lipopolysaccharide.

Results: This treatment significantly depleted serum reduced glutathione (32.7 ±1.7 vs. 23.0 ± 3.2 mM, p = 0.002). However, it did not affect the serum oxidized glutathione concentration (2.88 ± 0.56 vs. 3.10 ± 0.78 mM, not significant). The lipopolysaccharide challenge caused significant superoxide anion formation as compared with controls (0.12 ± 0.04 vs. 0.22 ± 0.05 o.d., p < 0.001), and it was enhanced significantly by glutathione depletion (0.28 ± 0.04 o.d., p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in levels of lipopolysaccharide (2142 ± 452 vs. 2503 ± 612 pg/ml) and tumor necrosis factor α (277 ± 186 vs. 252 ± 88 pg/ml) after the lipopolysaccharide challenge between the glutathione‐depleted and nondepleted rats. Moreover, the purine nucleoside phosphorylase/glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase ratio in liver perfusates, a marker of damage to endothelial cells in hepatic sinusoids, was significantly higher in the glutathione‐depleted rats than in the nondepleted rats.

Conclusions: The reduced form of glutathione can decrease levels of the superoxide anion released into hepatic sinusoids and can decrease subsequent damage to endothelial cells in these sinusoids caused by lipopolysaccharide; that is, it can reduce lipopolysaccharide‐induced liver injury.
Hepatic Veno‐Occhisive Lesions and Other Histopathological Changes of the Liver in Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis—A Comparative Clinicohistopathological Study of Autopsy Cases
Authors: Kishi Masaya , Maeyama Shiro , Iwaba Akiko , Ogata Seiichiro , Koike Junki , Uchikoshi Toshiyuki
Published: November 2018

Background: The clinicopathological features of veno‐occlusive lesions (VOL) in the liver were studied in 18 autopsy cases of severe alcoholic hepatitis (sALH). All the cases were heavy drinkers and died of liver failure or variceal rupture.

Methods: We performed histological evaluation by examining stained sections of liver blocks from each case. The severity of VOL was compared with the clinical findings and histopathological changes of alcoholic liver diseases (ALD).

Results: Clinically, as the severity of VOL increased, the amount of ascites observed during autopsy increased significantly (p = 0.001) and the time from hospitalization to death was significantly longer (p < 0.05). The peripheral leukocyte count tended to increase and the serum bilirubin level increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increased VOL severity, after we excluded one case that was complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome and bacterial endocarditis. Histopathologically, the appearance of Mallory bodies increased significantly as VOL became more severe (p < 0.05), but the VOL severity did not correlate with sinusoidal neutrophil infiltration. Fatty degeneration tended to be milder as VOL increased in severity although the difference was not significant, whereas bile retention tended to be more marked.

Conclusions: We conclude that investigation of VOL is clinicopathologically important when assessing the pathophysiology and severity of sALH.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies on Morphological Abnormalities of Erythrocytes in Alcoholic Liver Diseases
Authors: Takashimizu Shinji , Shiraishi Koichi , Watanabe Norihito , Numata Makoto , Kawazoe Kazuya , Miyachi Hayato , Tokunaga Masayosi , Akatuka Akira , Matsuzaki Shohei
Published: November 2018

Background: We previously reported that morphological abnormalities and the altered deformability of erythrocytes play important roles in disturbances of hepatic microcirculation associated with alcoholic liver disease.

Methods: The subjects of this study were five patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, two patients with alcoholic fatty liver, and two healthy volunteers. Concentrating on erythrocyte morphology in the presence of alcoholic liver disease, we observed erythrocytes under a scanning electron microscope and examined their morphological changes in relation to the disease.

Results: Among the five patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, stomatocytes accounted for about 14% and acanthocytes for about 10% of all erythrocytes. In the fatty liver group (n = 2), acanthocytes were absent, and stomatocytes accounted for 23% in one subject and 56% in the other, of the total. When the two patients with liver cirrhosis were examined over time, one of them was found to have 12% stomatocytes, 21% acanthocytes, and a filtration time of 14.7 sec at admission. Following 1 month of abstinence, this patient had 1% stomatocytes, 6% acanthocytes, and a filtration time of 10.4 sec, which were accompanied by improvements in peripheral blood parameters and liver function. In another patient with liver cirrhosis, there were no acanthocytes, 8% stomatocytes, and a filtration time of 5 sec at admission; this patient had 1% stomatocytes and a filtration time of 7.7 sec after 1 month of abstinence. In one patient with fatty liver who was examined over time, the percentage of stomatocytes was 56%, and the filtration time was 7.7 sec at admission; these parameters were 1% and 5.1 sec, respectively, after 1 month of abstinence.

Conclusions: The present study revealed that stomatocytes and acanthocytes are morphologically abnormal erythrocytes observed in the presence of alcoholic liver disease. These abnormal forms of erythrocytes tended to normalize as peripheral blood parameters and liver function were improved by abstinence, which suggests that erythrocyte morphology is related to the pathophysiology of alcoholic liver disease.
Rifampicin Suppresses Hepatic CYP2E1 Expression and Minimizes DNA Injury Caused by Carbon Tetrachloride in Perivenular Hepatocytes of Mice
Authors: Takeda Kazuo , Watanabe Jun , Inoue Kyouichi , Kanamura Shinsuke
Published: November 2018

Background: Rifampicin has been shown to increase during activities of serum transaminases and to decrease in cytochrome P‐450‐mediated monooxygenase activities in livers of mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CC14). Although these findings suggest that rifampicin prevents hepatocyte damage caused by CC14, detailed information on the protective effects is not available.

Methods: We injected first rifampicin and then CC14 into mice and examined denaturation and fragmentation of hepatocyte DNA by in situ nick translation, in situ end labeling, and in situ hybridization. Furthermore, expressions of p53, a cytoplasmic marker for apoptosis, and bc12, an anticell death factor, were examined immunohistochemically. In addition, a major ethanol‐inducible P‐450 isoform in liver homogenates or microsomes, CYP2E1, was examined by Western blotting, because the enzyme metabolizes CCl4 and forms free radicals to injure perivenular hepatocytes in which the enzyme is restrictedly expressed.

Results: Rifampicin prevented the denaturation and fragmentation of DNA caused by CCl4 in perivenular hepatocytes except for those located within two or three cell layers surrounding the central venule. Furthermore, CYP2E1 decreased in liver homogenates or microsomes from rifampicin‐treated animals. It is therefore likely that rifampicin suppresses expression of CYP2E1 and protects CCl4‐mediated DNA damage of hepatocytes by inhibiting formation of free radicals. In addition, perivenular hepatocytes except for those surrounding the venule showed negative immunoreaction for p53 and bc12 in rifampicin+CCl4‐treated animals.

Conclusions: The drug did not alter the mechanism of cell death from necrosis to apoptosis and did notpromote recovery of hepatocytes from CCl4‐mediated damage.
Comparison of Cyanamide and Disulfiram in Effects on Liver Function
Authors: Tamai Hironao , Yokoyama Akira , Okuyama Keiji , Takahashi Hisao , Maruyama Katsuya , Suzuki Yukako , Ishii Hiromasa
Published: November 2018

Background: Cyanamide, an aversive drug widely used in Japan, develops ground‐glass inclusion bodies in the hepatocytes at high incidences, which may be associated with portal inflammation and fibrosis. When cyanamide‐treated alcoholics relapse drinking, the combined effect of cyanamide and alcohol produce more severe portal inflammation along with the emergence of ground‐glass inclusions. Disulfiram also causes hepatitis, but there have been no comparative studies of effects of cyanamide and disulfiram on liver function.

Methods: We reviewed the laboratory data of 408 alcoholics admitted for a 3 month course of alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation. Patients tested negative for hepatitis virus markers and were diagnosed as not having cirrhosis. Among the subjects, 222 patients received cyanamide treatment (a daily dose of 70 mg) without a history of disulfiram treatment, and 186 received disulfiram (a daily dose of 200 mg) without a history of cyanamide treatment. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels obtained at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of administration of each aversive drug were compared between the two alcoholic groups.

Results: Elevation of serum transaminases (AST, > ALT) probably due to alcoholic liver disease quickly fell after abstinence. In patients who took cyanamide, the ALT levels were significantly higher at 4 and 12 weeks than in those who took disulfiram. Reelevations of ALT after alcohol detoxification were more frequently observed in those who took cyanamide than in those who took disulfiram (19.4% vs. 5.9%, p < 0.001). The reelevations of ALT were slight to moderate, being more than 3‐fold in three (1.4%) patients who took cyanamide and four (2.2%) who took disulfiram. The reelevations occurred more frequently in those with a history of cyanamide treatment before the present treatment than in those who took cyanamide for the first time (31.1% vs. 16.4%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Cyanamide, compared with disulfiram, was more frequently associated with elevations of ALT that persisted after abstinence.
Shared decision‐making in the BREATHE asthma intervention trial: A research protocol
Authors: George Maureen , Pantalon Michael V. , Sommers Marilyn (Lynn) S. , Glanz Karen , Jia Haomiao , Chung Annie , Norful Allison A. , Poghosyan Lusine , Coleman Danielle , Bruzzese Jean‐Marie
Published: November 2018

Aim

To evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of the BRief Evaluation of Asthma THerapy intervention, a 7‐min primary care provider‐delivered shared decision‐making protocol that uses motivational interviewing to address erroneous asthma disease and medication beliefs.

Design

A multi‐centre masked two‐arm group‐randomized clinical trial.

Methods

This 2‐year pilot study is funded (September 2016) by the National Institute of Nursing Research. Eight providers will be randomized to one of two arms: the active intervention (N = 4) or a dose‐matched attention control (N = 4). Providers will deliver the intervention to which they were randomized to 10 Black adult patients with uncontrolled asthma (N = 80). Patients will be followed three months postintervention to test the preliminary intervention effects on asthma control (primary outcome) and on medication adherence, lung function, and asthma‐related quality of life (secondary outcomes).

Discussion

This study will evaluate the preliminary impact of a novel shared decision‐making intervention delivered in a real world setting to address erroneous disease and medication beliefs as a means of improving asthma control in Black adults. Results will inform a future, large‐scale randomized trial with sufficient power to test the intervention's effectiveness.

Impact

Shared decision‐making is an evidence‐based intervention with proven effectiveness when implemented in the context of labour‐ and time‐intensive research protocols. Medication adherence is linked with the marked disparities evident in poor and minority adults with asthma. Addressing this requires a novel multifactorial approach as we have proposed. To ensure sustainability, shared decision‐making interventions must be adapted to and integrated into real‐world settings.

Trial registration: Registered at clincialtrials.gov as NCT03036267 and NCT03300752.
Work readiness, transition, and integration: The challenge of specialty practice
Authors: Baumann Andrea , Crea‐Arsenio Mary , Hunsberger Mabel , Fleming‐Carroll Bonnie , Keatings Margaret
Published: November 2018

Aim

To determine how extended orientation enhances the work readiness of new graduate nurses as they transitioned to their professional role in a specialty care hospital.

Background

Given increased complexity of care and high‐patient acuity, there is concern about the work readiness of new graduate nurses in specialty areas.

Design

Qualitative exploratory study using an inductive approach.

Methods

An integrative literature review was conducted to abstract characteristics of work readiness among new graduate nurses. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 41 participants from a large paediatric specialty hospital in Ontario, Canada, in 2014. The sample of nurses was stratified and included nurse managers, new graduates, and preceptors. Interview texts were interpreted using thematic analysis.

Results

A framework for enhancing work readiness of new graduates transitioning to specialty care was developed from the interview and literature findings. Interview data demonstrate an extended orientation that includes mentorship, a gradual increase in clinical responsibilities, and involvement in the professional role during the early stages of a nurse's career can enhance work readiness of new graduates. Four key areas of work readiness were identified in the literature: personal characteristics, clinical characteristics, relational characteristics, and organizational acuity.

Conclusion

Based on the study results, new graduate nurses can be an integral part of the team in specialty care provided certain conditions are met during their transition to practice. Our study gives further evidence that extended orientation enhances new graduates’ work readiness as they transit to their professional role.
CEO internal experience and voluntary disclosure quality: Evidence from management forecasts
Authors: Brockman Paul , Campbell John L. , Lee Hye Seung (Grace) , Salas Jesus M.
Published: November 2018

Internally‐promoted CEOs should have a deep understanding of their firm's products, supply chain, operations, business climate, corporate culture, and how to navigate among employees to get the information they need. Thus, we argue that internally‐promoted CEOs are likely to produce higher quality disclosure than outsider CEOs. Using a sample of US firms from the S&P1500 index from 2001 to 2011, we hand‐collect whether a CEO is hired from inside the firm and, if so, the number of years they worked at the firm before becoming CEO. We then examine whether managers with more internal experience issue higher quality disclosures and offer three main findings. First, CEOs with more internal experience are more likely to issue voluntary earnings forecasts than those managers with less internal experience as well as those managers hired from outside the firm. Second, CEOs with more internal experience issue more accurate earnings forecasts than those managers with less internal experience as well as those managers hired from outside the firm. Finally, investors react more strongly to forecasts issued by insider CEOs than to those issued by outsider CEOs. In additional analysis, we find no evidence that these results extend to mandatory reporting quality (i.e., accruals quality, restatements, or internal control weaknesses), perhaps because mandatory disclosure is subjected to heavy oversight by the board of directors, auditors, and regulators. Overall, our findings suggest that when managers have work experience with the firm prior to becoming the CEO, the firm's voluntary disclosure is of higher quality.
Historical interactions are predicted to be disrupted under future climate change: The case of lace lichen and valley oak
Authors: Zhao Jian‐Li , Werth Silke , Ikegami Makihiko , Gugger Paul F. , Sork Victoria L.
Published: November 2018

Aim

The distributions and interactions of co‐occurring species may change if their ranges shift asymmetrically in response to rapid climate change. We aim to test whether two currently interacting taxa, valley oak (Quercus lobata) and lace lichen (Ramalina menziesii), have had a long‐lasting historical association and are likely to continue to associate in the future.

Location

Central western California, western United States of America

Methods

Using population genetic analyses and MaxEnt software for ecological niche modelling, we estimate species’ distributions during the Last Interglacial, the Last Glacial Maximum, present, and future periods. Mantel and vertex (genetic connection) tests were used to examine the spatial congruence among taxa. To compare the modelled response to climate change, we estimated migration speed between respective time periods using vector analysis.

Results

We found significant genetic congruence between valley oak and the lichen's green algal photobiont, independent of geographic isolation and habitat isolation, which is consistent with long‐term association. Ecological niche models under past and future climate scenarios indicate that overlap of climatic niche sharing between valley oak and lace lichen might decrease in the future. Our models indicate that the speed of shifts in climate niches between these two taxa differed significantly in past periods from that of the present period.

Main conclusions

Our findings reveal that historical interactions between valley oak and lace lichen correlate with long‐term sharing of past climate niches. However, the future association of lace lichen with valley oak may be disrupted in parts of its current distribution due to differential discordance of climate niche shifts, species’ movements and generation times. This study illustrates the processes and patterns that allow long‐term association during historic climate change and how they are likely to change during rapid climate change.
Plasma levels of soluble ST2, but not IL‐33, correlate with the severity of alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Sun Zijian , Chang Binxia , Huang Ang , Hao Shuli , Gao Miaomiao , Sun Ying , Shi Ming , Jin Lei , Zhang Wei , Zhao Jun , Teng Guangju , Han Lin , Tian Hui , Liang Qingsheng , Zhang Ji‐Yuan , Zou Zhengsheng
Published: November 2018

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a complication that is a burden on global health and economy. Interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) is a newly identified member of the IL‐1 cytokine family and is released as an “alarmin” during inflammation. Soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 (sST2), an IL‐33 decoy receptor, has been reported as a new biomarker for the severity of systemic and highly inflammatory diseases. Here, we found the levels of plasma sST2, increased with the disease severity from mild to severe ALD. Importantly, the plasma sST2 levels in ALD patients not only correlated with scores for prognostic models (Maddrey's discriminant function, model for end‐stage liver disease and Child‐Pugh scores) and indexes for liver function (total bilirubin, international normalized ratio, albumin, and cholinesterase) but also correlated with neutrophil‐associated factors as well as some proinflammatory cytokines. In vitro, lipopolysaccharide‐activated monocytes down‐regulated transmembrane ST2 receptor but up‐regulated sST2 mRNA and protein expression and produced higher levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). By contrast, monocytes pretreated with recombinant sST2 showed decreased TNF‐α production. In addition, although plasma IL‐33 levels were comparable between healthy controls and ALD patients, we found the IL‐33 expression in liver tissues from ALD patients was down‐regulated at both RNA and protein levels. Immunohistochemical staining further showed that the decreased of IL‐33‐positive cells were mainly located in liver lobule area. These results suggested that sST2, but not IL‐33, is closely related to the severity of ALD. Consequently, sST2 could be used as a potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis of ALD.
A 3 months clinical evaluation comparing two professional bleaching systems of 25% and 40% hydrogen peroxide and extended treatment outcome using a power versus a manual toothbrush
Authors: Lee Sean S. , Kwon So Ran , Ward Marilyn , Jenkins Wendy , Souza Sonia , Li Yiming
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To assess two professional tooth bleaching products: Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed (PZW) and Ultradent Opalescence Boost PF (UOB); and to assess bleaching maintenance after use of Philips Sonicare power toothbrush (SDC) or manual toothbrush (MTB).

Methods

There was a randomized, parallel clinical trial. Eligible subjects were 18‐75 years, with VITA Classical shade (VCS) of A3 on anterior teeth. Subjects were randomized to bleaching with PZW or UOB. Tooth color and shade were assessed using VITA EasyShade (VES), VCS, and VITA Bleachedguide (VBG). Subjects returned on Days 7 and 30. On Day 30, participants were dispensed either SDC or MTB for home use until Day 90.

Results

A total of 135 subjects completed the study. For the primary endpoint, ΔE at Day 7, a significantly larger reduction was observed for PZW than UOB (P value = .0059). Significant differences in shade were also observed at Day 7 for VCS (P value = 0.0106), and VBG (P value = .0489). On Day 90, the SDC was statistically superior to MTB in maintaining shade per VBG and VCS, but not ΔE.

Conclusions

At Day 7, PZW showed statistically greater change in overall color and shade than UOB. The SDC maintained tooth shade significantly better than MTB. Both bleaching regimens were safe.

Clinical Significance

The outcomes confirm the bleaching efficacy advantage of a lower H2O2 dose‐LED accelerated professional tooth bleaching system, compared to a higher‐dose H2O2 approach. The safety assessments via clinical intraoral exam and daily logged use of subjects' desensitizing agents, and the incidence and severity of reported sensitivity, provide evidence that both professional products are safe for use. Finally, powered tooth brushing may confer an advantage to manual tooth brushing in maintaining tooth shade‐change results following professional whitening.
MicroRNA detection in the pathogenesis of BAV‐associated aortopathy‐mediated vascular remodelling through EndMT/EMT
Authors: Mohamed S. A.
Published: November 2018

Click here to view the Original article by Dr. Malekietal et al.
Head trauma in sports – clinical characteristics, epidemiology and biomarkers
Authors: Zetterberg H. , Winblad B. , Bernick C. , Yaffe K. , Majdan M. , Johansson G. , Newcombe V. , Nyberg L. , Sharp D. , Tenovuo O. , Blennow K.
Published: November 2018

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is clinically divided into a spectrum of severities, with mild TBI being the least severe form and a frequent occurrence in contact sports, such as ice hockey, American football, rugby, horse riding and boxing. Mild TBI is caused by blunt nonpenetrating head trauma that causes movement of the brain and stretching and tearing of axons, with diffuse axonal injury being a central pathogenic mechanism. Mild TBI is in principle synonymous with concussion; both have similar criteria in which the most important elements are acute alteration or loss of consciousness and/or post‐traumatic amnesia following head trauma and no apparent brain changes on standard neuroimaging. Symptoms in mild TBI are highly variable and there are no validated imaging or fluid biomarkers to determine whether or not a patient with a normal computerized tomography scan of the brain has neuronal damage. Mild TBI typically resolves within a few weeks but 10–15% of concussion patients develop postconcussive syndrome. Repetitive mild TBI, which is frequent in contact sports, is a risk factor for a complicated recovery process. This overview paper discusses the relationships between repetitive head impacts in contact sports, mild TBI and chronic neurological symptoms. What are these conditions, how common are they, how are they linked and can they be objectified using imaging or fluid‐based biomarkers? It gives an update on the current state of research on these questions with a specific focus on clinical characteristics, epidemiology and biomarkers.
Associations between symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, quality of life and psychological states in Asian Military Personnel
Authors: Tay Koong Jiunn , Yap Adrian U‐Jin , Wong Johnny Chiew Meng , Tan Keson Beng Choon , Allen Patrick Finbarr
Published: November 2018

Background

Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) could affect oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and psychological distress.

Objective

This study aims to determine the prevalence of TMD symptoms, and impact of type and number of TMD symptoms on OHRQoL and psychological states among Asian military personnel.

Method

The study was conducted across 12 military dental centres using self‐administered questionnaire comprising demographical data, DC/TMD symptom questionnaire, OHIP‐14 and DASS‐21. A total of 3028 personnel, aged between 18‐65 years old, were invited to participate with an acceptance rate of 90.5%. Data analysis was done using non‐parametric tests, regression analysis and Spearman correlation (P < 0.05).

Results

Out of 2043 subjects (1998 males; 45 females, mean age 24.18 ± 7.18 years), 36.32% (n = 742) reported at least one TMD symptom. Significant differences in summary OHIP‐14, depression, anxiety and stress scores were observed between subjects with and without TMD symptoms. Significant differences in OHIP‐14 and DASS‐21 scores were observed between dissimilar type and number of TMD symptoms in the TMD group. Those with headaches and 2‐3 symptoms have substantially poorer OHRQoL and greater psychological distress. Associations between number of TMD symptoms, quality of life, depression, anxiety and stress were significant but weak (r = 0.19‐0.40).

Conclusions

Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders were prevalent among Asian military population. Significant differences in OHRQoL and psychological states were observed between subjects with and without TMD symptoms. Specific type and number of TMD symptoms impacted OHRQoL and psychological states differently. Associations between number of TMD symptoms and quality of life, depression, anxiety and stress were significant but weak.
DNA cloning demonstrates high genetic heterogeneity in populations of the subaerial green alga Trentepohlia (Trentepohliales, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Klimešová Michala , Rindi Fabio , Škaloud Pavel
Published: November 2018

Mats of the green alga Trentepohlia, a genus widely distributed in the tropics as well as temperate regions, have always been perceived as homogeneous (i.e., formed by only one species). As such, their general nature and specific feature play a supportive role in the species delimitation. However, the presence of morphologically dissimilar thalli was observed under the light microscope and when cultivating a piece of a single mat. To address this, we performed DNA cloning of the rbcL gene on mat fragments of T. abietina, T. annulata, T. jolithus and T. umbrina sampled in Europe to reveal if they are composed of one or more species. We revealed that more Trentepohlia haplotypes may coexist in a single mat. In consideration of this, we conclude that the use of material isolated in unialgal culture will be almost mandatory for a taxonomic reassessment of this complicated genus. Another direct implication of this problem is that herbarium specimens consisting of field‐collected material should not be used for direct sequencing. We further hypothesize the reasons why multiple haplotypes of Trentepohlia occur more frequently in the tuft‐like mats. Possibly, fragments and/or cells of other microalgae, including other species of Trentepohlia, might be retained in such mats more easily than in the crustose trentepohlialean mats.
Outcome of secondary intention healing of full thickness lower eyelid defects in dogs
Authors: Jack M. W. , Crosse K. R. , Odom T. F. , Poirier V. J.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To assess healing of the canine lower eyelid without anatomical reconstruction.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective case series of three client‐owned dogs with lower eyelid defects. These dogs that underwent debridement of lower eyelid wounds that were left to heal by secondary intention were assessed for anatomical, functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Results

Two of the cases had previously undergone tumour resection with a lip‐to‐lid reconstruction and, following flap failure, developed a full thickness defect. The third dog presented with a traumatic laceration. Each dog lost approximately 70 to 90% of the lower eyelid margin. Two received topical antimicrobial eye drops after debridement, while the third dog required no further treatment. Follow‐up periods of 3 years, 15 months and 4 months were available. All owners were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome and provided pictures. One owner reported epiphora but no other ophthalmic complications occurred.

Clinical Significance

The result of this small case series supports the notion that not all lower eyelid injuries or tumour resections require anatomical reconstruction. Selected cases can be left to heal by secondary intention with minimal post‐operative complications.
Nurse‐led brief sleep education intervention aimed at parents of school‐aged children with neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders: Results from a pilot study
Authors: Bastida‐Pozuelo María‐Felisa , Sánchez‐Ortuño María‐Montserrat , Meltzer Lisa J.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To test the effects of a single‐session parent sleep educational intervention, led by a pediatric nurse, on sleep in a group of school‐aged children attending a National Health Service mental health clinic in Murcia, Spain.

Design and Methods

Parents/caregivers of 26 children (mean age = 8.58 years; standard deviation = 0.58; 80.8% male) with neurodevelopmental or mental health disorders (84.6% pervasive developmental disorder), and with a suspicion of a behavioral sleep problem, participated in a 45‐min group educational session about healthy sleep practices, supplemented by a written handout. The main outcome measures were derived from items of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and included an insomnia composite score, a daytime sleepiness composite score, average sleep onset latency, and sleep duration on both weekdays and weekends. Outcome variables were assessed before and 3 months after the intervention.

Results

After the educational intervention, the insomnia and daytime composite scores decreased significantly (ps < 0.03). Weekday and weekend sleep duration significantly increased (
ps < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was observed in sleep onset latency before and after the intervention.

Practice Implications

A brief and relatively inexpensive single sleep educational session can positively impact sleep in children with neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders. Thus, this intervention meets the characteristics of a successful “entry level” treatment in a stepped‐care approach. The stepped‐care model places nurses in a pivotal position to ensure that their patients will receive the least complex and most accessible intervention, from which they are likely to get some benefit, and that a sizeable number of patients who need treatment may receive it. Thus, it is important for nurses in all types of practice settings to have an understanding of healthy sleep patterns, as well as sleep disorders in children. Pediatric nurses, regardless of their setting, are in a unique position to screen children and adolescents for sleep behavior problems or sleep disorders, to educate families about healthy sleep practices, provide guidance and feedback, and recommend referral to pediatric specialized care for more complex assessment and management.
How to reduce mortality of bacterascites—That is the question
Authors: Mohr Raphael , Lutz Philipp
Published: November 2018

See Article on Page 2199
Multifractal and lacunarity analyses of microvascular morphology in eyes with diabetic retinopathy: A projection artifact resolved optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Zhu Tiepei , Ma Jinlian , Li Jinyu , Dai Xizhe , Ye Panpan , Su Zhaoan , Kong Dexing , Ye Juan
Published: November 2018

Objective

To evaluate the degree of microvascular impairment in DR using multifractal and lacunarity analyses and to compare the diagnostic ability between traditional Euclidean measures (fovea avascular zone area and vessel density) and fractal geometric features.

Methods

This retrospective cross‐sectional study included a total of 143 eyes of 94 patients with different stages of DR. The retinal microvasculature was imaged by projection removed OCTA. We examined the degree of association between fractal metrics of the retinal microvasculature and DR severity. The area under the ROC curve was used to estimate the diagnostic performance.

Results

With increasing DR severity, the multifractal spectrum shifted toward the left bottom and exhibited less left skewness and asymmetry. The vessel density, multifractal features, and lacunarity measured from the DCP were strongly associated with DR severity. The multifractal feature D5 showed the highest diagnostic ability. The combination of multifractal features further improved the discriminating power.

Conclusions

Multifractal and lacunarity analyses can be potentially valuable tools for assessment of microvascular impairments in DR. Multifractal geometric parameters exhibit a better discriminatory performance than Euclidean measures, particularly for detection of the early stages of DR.
Spx, the central regulator of the heat and oxidative stress response in B. subtilis, can repress transcription of translation‐related genes
Authors: Schäfer Heinrich , Heinz Anja , Sudzinová Petra , Voß Michelle , Hantke Ingo , Krásný Libor , Turgay Kürşad
Published: November 2018

Spx is a Bacillus subtilis transcription factor that interacts with the alpha subunits of RNA polymerase. It can activate the thiol stress response regulon and interfere with the activation of many developmental processes. Here, we show that Spx is a central player orchestrating the heat shock response by up‐regulating relevant stress response genes as revealed by comparative transcriptomic experiments. Moreover, these experiments revealed the potential of Spx to inhibit transcription of translation‐related genes. By in vivo and in vitro experiments, we confirmed that Spx can inhibit transcription from rRNA. This inhibition depended mostly on UP elements and the alpha subunits of RNA polymerase. However, the concurrent up‐regulation activity of stress genes by Spx, but not the inhibition of translation related genes, was essential for mediating stress response and antibiotic tolerance under the applied stress conditions. The observed inhibitory activity might be compensated in vivo by additional stress response processes interfering with translation. Nevertheless, the impact of Spx on limiting translation becomes apparent under conditions with high cellular Spx levels. Interestingly, we observed a subpopulation of stationary phase cells that contains raised Spx levels, which may contribute to growth inhibition and a persister‐like behaviour of this subpopulation during outgrowth.
Quantitative trait locus analysis for soybean (Glycine max) seed protein and oil concentrations using selected breeding populations
Authors: Seo Jeong‐Hyun , Kim Ki‐Seung , Ko Jong‐Min , Choi Man‐Soo , Kang Beom‐Kyu , Kwon Soon‐Wook , Jun Tae‐Hwan
Published: November 2018

Soybean seed protein and oil concentrations are important traits that directly affect the quality of soyfoods. Many studies and breeding programmes have been conducted to find major quantitative trait loci (QTL) that regulate protein and oil concentrations and to develop soybean cultivars with high protein and/or oil content. The purpose of this study was to identify these QTL using a selected breeding population. The population was tested in field conditions over a period of 3 years. Seed protein and oil concentrations were measured each year. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to construct genetic map using a 180K SoyaSNP array, which identified 1,570 SNPs. We identified 12 QTL for seed protein, 11 for seed oil concentration and four for both traits. Among these, 17 QTL were closely mapped to previously reported QTL, whereas ten sites were novel. Several QTL were detected across at least two experimental years. These loci are good candidate QTL for optimal seed protein and oil concentrations. Our results demonstrate that favourable target QTL can be successfully identified using selected breeding populations.
Coffee bacterial diseases: a plethora of scientific opportunities
Authors: Badel J. L. , Zambolim L.
Published: November 2018

Coffee is a very important crop for several tropical countries across different continents. The diseases bacterial halo blight (BHB), bacterial leaf spot (BLS), bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and coffee leaf scorch (CLS), caused by the bacterial pathogens Pseudomonas syringae pv. garcae (Psgc), P. syringae pv. tabaci (Psta), Pseudomonas cichorii (Pch) and Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp), respectively, cause significant reductions in coffee production, although other minor bacterial diseases have also been reported in some countries. Little research progress has been made on aspects that are relevant for control and management of these diseases. In all cases, there is an urgent need to develop rapid and more reliable methods for early detection of the pathogens in order to minimize their negative impact on coffee production. Because of the high rate of intra‐ and intersubspecific recombination occurring in X. fastidiosa, a permanent revision of the detection methods is necessary. Greater efforts should be made to understand the genetic and virulence diversity of Psgc, Psta and Pch populations. Early studies reported the identification of potential sources of resistance against Psgc and Psta, but, to date, no resistance gene has been isolated. Little effort has been made to understand the biology and molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between Coffea spp. and these pathogenic bacteria. This review discusses the recent progress on the molecular mechanisms used by these bacteria to cause diseases on other plant species, in order to provide a guideline for the establishment of future research programmes.