bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal heating condition of mouthguard sheet in vacuum–pressure formation: part 3 styrene‐based thermoplastic elastomer
Authors: Takahashi Mutsumi , Satoh Yoshihide , Iwasaki Shin‐ichi
Published: April 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to identify suitable heating conditions of polyolefin–polystyrene co‐polymer sheets in vacuum–pressure formation, monitor the sheet temperature during molding, and examine the thickness of the fabricated mouthguard.

Materials and Methods

Mouthguards were fabricated with polyolefin–polystyrene co‐polymer sheets (4.0‐mm thick) utilizing a vacuum/pressure‐forming device, which was subjected to vacuum forming for 10 s and pressure molding for 2 min. Four heating conditions were compared, defined by the amount of sag distance of 5, 10, 15, or 20 mm from the center of the softened sheet below the clamp. The working model was trimmed to a height of 20 mm at the cutting edge of the maxillary central incisor and to a height of 15 mm at the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar. The radiation thermometer was used to measure the sheet temperatures of the center of the heated and non‐heated surfaces under each condition. The sheet thickness after fabrication was determined for the incisal and the molar portions, and dimensional measurements were obtained using a measuring device. The differences in the sheet thickness produced by the different heating conditions were analyzed by Games–Howell's multiple comparison tests.

Results

For condition of 5 mm sagged, the temperature on the non‐heated surface did not reach a sufficient softening temperature and the thickness was smallest. Mouthguard thickness was largest in the order of 15 mm sagged condition, followed by 20 mm sagged condition and then by 10 mm sagged condition, but a statistical difference was not observed in the labial and the buccal surface among the three conditions.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that for sufficient softening, it was necessary to heat the sheet to obtain a sag of 10 mm or more, and that the mouthguard thickness decreased as the sag increased.
In vitro wear of four ceramic materials and human enamel on enamel antagonist
Authors: Nakashima Jun , Taira Yohsuke , Sawase Takashi
Published: April 2016

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the wear of four different ceramics and human enamel. The ceramics used were lithium disilicate glass (e.max Press), leucite‐reinforced glass (GN‐Ceram), yttria‐stabilized zirconia (Aadva Zr), and feldspathic porcelain (Porcelain AAA). Hemispherical styli were fabricated with these ceramics and with tooth enamel. Flattened enamel was used for antagonistic specimens. After 100,000 wear cycles of a two‐body wear test, the height and volume losses of the styli and enamel antagonists were determined. The mean and standard deviation for eight specimens were calculated and statistically analyzed using a non‐parametric (Steel–Dwass) test (α = 0.05). GN‐Ceram exhibited greater stylus height and volume losses than did Porcelain AAA. E.max Press, Porcelain AAA, and enamel styli showed no significant differences, and Aadva Zr exhibited the smallest stylus height and volume losses. The wear of the enamel antagonist was not significantly different among GN‐Ceram, e.max Press, Porcelain AAA, and enamel styli. Aadva Zr resulted in significantly lower wear values of the enamel antagonist than did GN‐Ceram, Porcelain AAA, and enamel styli. In conclusion, leucite‐reinforced glass, lithium disilicate glass, and feldspathic porcelain showed wear values closer to those for human enamel than did yttria‐stabilized zirconia.
RARS2 mutations in a sibship with infantile spasms
Authors: Ngoh Adeline , Bras Jose , Guerreiro Rita , Meyer Esther , McTague Amy , Dawson Eleanor , Mankad Kshitij , Gunny Roxana , Clayton Peter , Mills Philippa B. , Thornton Rachel , Lai Ming , Forsyth Robert , Kurian Manju A.
Published: April 2016

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia is a group of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by reduced volume of the brainstem and cerebellum. We report two male siblings who presented with early infantile clonic seizures, and then developed infantile spasms associated with prominent isolated cerebellar hypoplasia/atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using whole exome sequencing techniques, both were found to be compound heterozygotes for one previously reported and one novel mutation in the gene encoding mitochondrial arginyl‐tRNA synthetase 2 (RARS2). Mutations in this gene have been classically described in pontocerebellar hypoplasia type six (PCH6), a phenotype characterized by early (often intractable) seizures, profound developmental delay, and progressive pontocerebellar atrophy. The electroclinical spectrum of PCH6 is broad and includes a number of seizure types: myoclonic, generalized tonic–clonic, and focal clonic seizures. Our report expands the characterization of the PCH6 disease spectrum and presents infantile spasms as an associated electroclinical phenotype.
S100A7 (psoriasin) inhibits human epidermal differentiation by enhanced IL‐6 secretion through IκB/NF‐κB signalling
Authors: Son Eui Dong , Kim Hyoung‐June , Kim Kyu Han , Bin Bum Ho , Bae IL‐Hong , Lim Kyung‐Min , Yu Seok Jong , Cho Eun‐Gyung , Lee Tae Ryong
Published: April 2016

Psoriasin (S100A7), a member of the S100 protein family, is a well‐known antimicrobial peptide and a signalling molecule which regulates cellular function and is highly expressed in hyperproliferative skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis with disrupted skin barrier function. However, its role in epidermal differentiation remains unknown. We examined the effect of S100A7 on epidermal differentiation in normal human keratinocytes (NHKs) and on a reconstituted human epidermis model. When NHKs were exposed to disruptive stimuli such as Staphylococcus aureus, ultraviolet irradiation and retinoic acid, the secretion of S100A7 into the culture medium increased and the expression of epidermal differentiation markers decreased. Treatment of NHKs with S100A7 significantly inhibited epidermal differentiation by reducing the expression of keratin 1, keratin 10, involucrin and loricrin and by increasing the expression of abnormal differentiation markers (keratin 6 and keratin 16). We verified that the MyD88‐IκB/NF‐κB signal cascade was activated via RAGE after S100A7 treatment, resulting in the upregulation of interleukin‐6. Finally, we confirmed that S100A7 is a negative regulator of epidermal differentiation using a reconstituted human epidermis model. This study suggests that S100A7‐related signalling molecules could be potent targets for recovering skin barrier function in AD and psoriasis where S100A7 is accumulated excessively.
Pioglitazone alleviates inflammation in diabetic mice fed a high‐fat diet via inhibiting advanced glycation end‐product‐induced classical macrophage activation
Authors: Jin Xian , Liu Liang , Zhou Zhong'e , Ge Junhua , Yao Tongqing , Shen Chengxing
Published: April 2016

Classically activated macrophages (M1) are associated with inflammation in diabetic patients. Inflammation is a known risk factor in diabetes. The present study tested the hypothesis that pioglitazone (PIO) alleviates inflammation in diabetic mice fed a high‐fat diet by inhibiting advanced glycation end‐product (AGE)‐induced classical macrophage activation. It was found that AGE treatment promoted the transcription of pro‐inflammatory molecules and M1 surface markers, whereas PIO increased the expression of anti‐inflammatory genes and decreased the expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators in bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, pretreatment with PIO abrogated the effects of AGE on pro‐inflammatory markers and partly inhibited AGE‐induced nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation. PIO treatment partly reduced the inflammatory phenotype in diabetic ApoE−/− mice, and significantly reduced NF‐κB activation in plaques. Therefore, we conclude that PIO blocks classical activation of macrophages and attenuates inflammation in mouse models of diabetes.
Increasing fish taxonomic and functional richness affects ecosystem properties of small headwater prairie streams
Authors: Martin Erika C. , Gido Keith B. , Bello Nora , Dodds Walter K. , Veach Allison
Published: April 2016

Stream fish can regulate their environment through direct and indirect pathways, and the relative influence of communities with different taxonomic and functional richness on ecosystem properties likely depends on habitat structure. Given this complexity, it is not surprising that observational studies of how stream fish communities influence ecosystems have shown mixed results.

In this study, we evaluated the effect of an observed gradient of taxonomic (zero, one, two or three species) and functional (zero, one or two groups) richness of fishes on several key ecosystem properties in experimental stream mesocosms. Our study simulated small (less than two metres wide) headwater prairie streams with a succession of three pool‐riffle structures (upstream, middle and downstream) per mesocosm. Ecosystem responses included chlorophyll a from floating algal mats and benthic algae, benthic organic matter, macroinvertebrates (all as mass per unit area), algal filament length and stream metabolism (photosynthesis and respiration rate). Ecosystem responses were analysed individually using general linear mixed models.

Significant treatment (taxonomic and functional richness) by habitat (pools and riffles) interactions were found for all but one ecosystem response variable. After accounting for location (upstream, middle and downstream) effects, the presence of one or two grazers resulted in shorter mean algal filament lengths in pools compared to no‐fish controls. These observations suggest grazers can maintain short algal filaments in pools, which may inhibit long filaments from reaching the surface. Accordingly, floating algal mats decreased in mid‐ and downstream locations in grazer treatment relative to no‐fish controls.

At the scale of the entire reach, gross primary productivity and respiration were greater in treatments with two grazer species compared to mixed grazer/insectivore or control treatments.

The distribution of stream resources across habitat types and locations within a reach can therefore be influenced by the taxonomic and functional composition of fishes in small prairie streams. Thus, disturbances that alter diversity of these systems might have unexpected ecosystem‐level consequences.
Factors determining survival of European eels in two unexploited sub‐populations
Authors: Boulenger Clarisse , Acou Anthony , Gimenez Olivier , Charrier Fabien , Tremblay Julien , Feunteun Eric
Published: April 2016

Estimating accurate age‐specific survival probabilities and understanding the processes (density dependent or independent) that regulate this demographic parameter are fundamental to propose sustainable management options for the endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla).

In the present study, we used extensive mark‐recapture data sets (13 and 17 years) on eel >150 mm to estimate accurate natural survival probabilities of two eel sub‐populations, from the Oir and Frémur rivers, western France, and then we analysed survival probabilities in relation to density‐independent (temperature) and density‐dependent factors to identify those causing survival variability.

The Frémur and Oir rivers are two small (<100 km2) river systems in close proximity (65 km apart). The Frémur River is a small river obstructed by dams with medium water quality, high eel recruitment and density (0.37 eel m−2), and a male dominant population; whereas, in the Oir River, low densities of eels were observed (0.04 eel m−2) and the sex ratio was skewed towards females. Furthermore, previous research suggested that the lotic habitats of the Frémur River have reached carrying capacity, whereas habitats in the Oir River are below habitat saturation.

In the Frémur River, there were significant spatial and temporal variations in the survival probabilities. However, survival probabilities observed in the Oir River were stable over time and space. The results highlight that the differences in the characteristics of the two systems and the two sub‐populations prompt different responses to regulatory processes.

The contrasting pressures applied on these two sub‐populations impact survival, which possibly lead to different life history strategies such as sex differentiation.
Soil–climate interactions explain variation in foliar, stem, root and reproductive traits across temperate forests
Authors: Simpson Angela H. , Richardson Sarah J. , Laughlin Daniel C.
Published: April 2016

Aim

The individual effects of climate and soil properties on functional trait distributions have become increasingly clear with recent syntheses of large datasets. However, the distribution of traits in a given climate may depend on the fertility of the soil. Our aim was to quantify how soil–climate interactions explain community‐level variation in functional traits from every plant organ to improve predictions of plant community responses to environmental change.

Location

Temperate forests throughout New Zealand.

Methods

We measured traits of foliar, stem, root and reproductive tissue for 64 species and calculated abundance‐weighted mean trait values on 324 forest plots. Multiple linear regression was used to model the variation in each of the traits as functions of mean annual temperature (MAT), vapour pressure deficit (VPD), soil pH, soil total phosphorus (P) and their interactions.

Results

Soil–climate interactions explained significant variation in functional traits. For example, specific leaf area (SLA) was highest in high‐P soil within a wet and warm climate; however, strong interactions indicate that SLA was lowest in wet and warm climates in low‐P soil. Root tissue density was lowest in warm climates and high‐P soil, but it was high in warm climates and low‐P soil and in cold climates and high‐P soil. According to model predictions, the largest potential responses of vegetation to warming may occur in fertile and wet environments.

Main conclusions

Pervasive soil–climate interactions demonstrate that interpreting simple bivariate relationships between traits and climate must be done with caution because the adaptive value of traits in a given climate depends on the fertility of the soil. Predictions of vegetation responses to climate change will improve significantly by incorporating local‐scale soil properties into modelling frameworks. Rising global temperatures may shift community‐level trait values in opposite directions depending on whether the soil is fertile or infertile.
Modifications to bicarbonate conductivity: A way to increase phosphate removal during hemodialysis? Proof of concept
Authors: Bertocchio Jean‐Philippe , Mohajer Médérick , Gaha Khaled , Ramont Laurent , Maheut Hervé , Rieu Philippe
Published: April 2016

Introduction Hyperphosphatemia and cardiovascular mortality are associated particularly with end‐stage renal disease. Available therapeutic strategies (i.e., diet restriction, calcium [or not]‐based phosphate binders, calcimimetics) are associated with extrarenal blood purification. Compartmentalization of phosphate limits its depuration during hemodialysis. Several studies suggest that plasmatic pH is involved in the mobilization of phosphate from intracellular to extracellular compartments. Consequently, the efficiency of modified bicarbonate conductivity to purify blood phosphate was tested.

Methods Ten hemodialysis patients with chronic hyperphosphatemia (>2.1 mmol/L) were included in the two three–sessions‐per week periods. Bicarbonate concentration was fixed at 40 mmol/L and 30 mmol/L in the first and second periods, respectively. Phosphate depuration was evaluated by phosphate mobilization clearance (KM).

Findings Although bicarbonatemia was lower during the second period (21.0 ± 2.7 vs. 24.4 ± 3.1 mmol/L, P < 0.01), no difference was observed in phosphatemia (2.4 ± 0.5 vs. 2.3 ± 0.4 mmol/L, P = NS). The in‐session variation of phosphate was lower (−1.45 ± 0.42 vs. −1.58 ± 0.44 mmol/L, P < 0.05) and KM was higher during the second period (82.94 ± 38.00 vs. 69.74 ± 24.48 mL/min, P < 0.05).

Discussion The decrease of in‐session phosphate and the increase in KM reflect phosphate refilling during hemodialysis. Thus, modulation of serum bicarbonate may play a role in controlling the phosphate pool. Even though correcting metabolic acidosis during hemodialysis remains important, alkaline excess can impair phosphate mobilization clearance. Clinical trials are needed to test the efficiency and relevance of a strategy where bicarbonatemia is corrected less at the beginning of sessions.
Molecular Detection of H. pylori Using Adherent Gastric Mucous to Biopsy Forceps
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroshi , Shiotani Akiko , Nishibayashi Hiroyuki , Kamada Tomoari , Kimura Tomonari , Fujimura Yoshinori , Nakato Rui , Murao Takahisa , Fujita Minoru , Haruma Ken
Published: April 2016

Background and Aim

We assessed whether adherent gastric mucous to biopsy forceps instead of biopsy samples was suitable for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. We confirmed the PCR methods to improve the diagnosis of H. pylori infection and clarithromycin (CAM) susceptibility.

Methods

Gastric mucous was obtained by gently scraping gastric mucosa using biopsy forceps in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy for PCR and rapid urease test (RUT). DNA was extracted from gastric mucous present within the gel of RUT. H. pylori status and CAM susceptibility were evaluated using H. pylori‐specific PCR amplification for 23S rRNA using 4 different primer sets and 16S rRNA. H. pylori positive was defined as two of the three tests (serum antibody, histology, and RUT or PCR) were positive. CAM susceptibility was evaluated by point mutations (A 2142G and A 2143G of 23S rRNA).

Results

Samples taken from 494 subjects were evaluated: 300 H. pylori‐positive patients and 194 negative patients. The results of PCR using DNA extracted from gastric mucous present within the RUT gel were consistent with those within water. The accuracy of 23S rRNA PCR for H. pylori detection using RUT samples was superior to the other tests. The frequency of CAM resistance was 38.9%, and eradication rate was 91.3% in the patients with wild‐type and 47.0% in the patients with the mutant strains.

Conclusion

Adherent gastric mucous to biopsy forceps in RUT gel can be used for molecular testing to confirm the diagnosis of H. pylori infection and for CAM susceptibility.
The clinical spectrum of omega‐5‐gliadin allergy
Authors: Le T. A. , Al Kindi M. , Tan J.‐A. , Smith A. , Heddle R. J. , Kette F. E. , Hissaria P. , Smith W. B.
Published: April 2016

Background

IgE‐mediated allergy to the wheat protein omega‐5‐gliadin (O5G) is associated with wheat‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA), where exercise acts as a cofactor, triggering anaphylaxis after wheat ingestion. The wider application of O5G‐specific IgE (sIgE) testing has revealed that the manifestations of O5G allergy extend beyond WDEIA.

Aims

This study documents clinical manifestations in a large series of patients with sIgE to O5G.

Methods

A retrospective clinical audit was performed on adult patients with a positive O5G sIgE (>0.35kU/L) between 2007 and 2013 compared with a group who had negative O5G sIgE. Clinical characteristics and skin prick test (SPT) results were examined.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients were characterised, 26 of whom presented with food‐dependent exercise‐induced allergy, whilst others presented with exercise‐induced symptoms without apparent food association (16/67), idiopathic anaphylaxis (10/67), food‐induced allergic symptoms without exercise (10/67) or recurrent acute urticaria (5/67). Specific IgE to O5G had 91% sensitivity and 92% specificity for wheat‐related allergic symptoms. SPT had sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 84%.

Conclusion

WDEIA is the most common manifestation of O5G allergy, but patients may present with a variety of allergic manifestations, and wheat allergy is not always obvious on history. Non‐exercise cofactors or a lack of cofactors were identified in many patients. A distinctive feature of this allergy is that despite regular wheat ingestion, allergic reactions to wheat occur infrequently. Testing for sIgE to O5G should be considered in patients presenting with exercise‐induced urticaria/anaphylaxis, idiopathic anaphylaxis and recurrent acute (but not chronic) urticaria.
Morphological analysis of the female reproductive system of Stenorhynchus seticornis (Brachyura: Inachoididae) and comparisons with other Majoidea
Authors: Antunes Mariana , Zara Fernando José , López‐Greco Laura S. , Negreiros‐Fransozo Maria Lucia
Published: April 2016

We examined the female reproductive system of the yellowline arrow crab Stenorhynchus seticornis by means of histological and histochemical techniques. Mature specimens obtained in the field were kept in the laboratory for mating experiments. After 24 h, newly mated females were dissected, and their reproductive trait routinely processed for embedding in historesin. The specimens examined each possessed a pair of kidney‐shaped seminal receptacles (SR), and these we classified as ventral type, based on the location of the oviduct opening. The mesodermal dorsal region (DR) of SR consisted of a stratified epithelium with scaly cells, while the ectodermal ventral region (VR) was composed of a simple epithelium covered by a cuticle. The oviduct opened at the transition region (TR) between DR and VR and had no velum. The simple epithelium of TR had more folds on the face of the oviduct opening. The vagina exhibited the same features as the TR epithelium and was contiguous to VR, anchored by muscles. In the lumen, from one to three strata of sperm packets were observed, the dorsal one containing free sperm, and the most ventral stratum, spermatophores. An acidophilic glycoprotein layer enclosed the strata. Spermatophores in the ventral stratum were enclosed in a voluminous secretion, composed by acid polysaccharides most likely from the last male mated. The ventral‐type receptacle, stratified sperm packets, and polyandry, usually observed in females of Majoidea, suggest the occurrence of sperm competition in S. seticornis, favoring the sperm of the last male mated, as its sperm mass is located near the opening of the female oviduct.
All Solution‐Based Fabrication of Copper Oxide Thin Film/Cobalt‐Doped Zinc Oxide Nanowire Heterojunctions
Authors: Aksoy Akgul Funda , Akgul Guvenc , Turan Rasit , Emrah Unalan Husnu
Published: April 2016

Versatile and intriguing solution‐based processes are utilized to synthesize nanostructured materials for device applications to reduce material production and device fabrication costs. This study presents results on the fabrication and characterization of copper oxide (CuO) coated cobalt‐doped zinc oxide nanowires (Co‐doped ZnO NWs)‐based heterojunction diodes prepared by a two‐step synthesis route through combined hydrothermal growth and sol–gel spin coating. Highly dense, well‐ordered, undoped, and Co‐doped ZnO NWs were successfully grown by hydrothermal method. Complementary CuO thin films were synthesized by sol–gel method and subsequently coated onto both undoped and Co‐doped ZnO NWs through spin‐coating technique. Enhanced diode properties with a rectification ratio of 103 at ±2 V and an ideality factor of n = 2.4 (in dark) were obtained for Co‐doped ZnO NWs‐based heterojunction diodes. The obtained results demonstrated that the investigated heterojunction diode structure fabricated by facile and cost‐effective solution‐based processes can be a promising candidate for the next generation optoelectronic devices.
Development and psychometric testing of the Protective Reasons Against Suicide Inventory for assessing older Chinese‐speaking outpatients in primary care settings
Authors: Wang Yi‐Wen , Tsai Yun‐Fang , Lee Shwu‐Hua , Chen Ying‐Jen , Chen Hsiu‐Fang
Published: April 2016

Aim

To develop and psychometrically test the Protective Reasons against Suicide Inventory among older Chinese‐speaking outpatients.

Background

Tools currently exist to test reasons for living among individuals of all ages in western countries, but few are available to assess older adults’ protective reasons against suicide in Asia.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey to investigate protective reasons against suicide among older Chinese‐speaking outpatients.

Methods

The Protective Reasons against Suicide Inventory was developed based on individual interviews with 83 older outpatients in Taiwan, the literature and the authors’ clinical experiences. The resulting Inventory was examined in 2013 for content validity, face validity, construct validity, criterion‐related validity, internal consistency reliability and test–retest reliability.

Results

The Inventory had excellent content validity and face validity. Factor analysis yielded a seven‐factor solution, accounting for 87·7% of the variance. Scores on the global Inventory and its subscales tended to be higher in outpatients diagnosed without suicidal ideation than in outpatients diagnosed with suicidal ideation, indicating good criterion validity. Inventory reliability and the intraclass correlation coefficient were satisfactory.

Conclusions

The Protective Reasons against Suicide Inventory can be completed in 5 minutes and is perceived as easy to complete. Moreover, the Inventory yielded highly acceptable parameters for validity and reliability. The Protective Reasons against Suicide Inventory can be used to assess older Chinese‐speaking outpatients for factors that protect them from attempting suicide.
High Incidence of De Novo and Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Cardiac Rhythm Management Device
Authors: WILKE IRIS , WITZEL KATRIN , MÜNCH JULIA , PECHA SIMON , BLANKENBERG STEPHAN , REICHENSPURNER HERMANN , WILLEMS STEPHAN , PATTEN MONICA , AYDIN ALI
Published: April 2016

Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Device

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important prognostic parameter in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Though cardiac rhythm management (CRM) devices (e.g., ICD, pacemaker or implantable loop recorder) can detect subclinical AF, data describing the incidence of AF are rare. We therefore investigated the incidence and clinical impact of de novo and subclinical AF detected by CRM devices in patients with HCM.

Methods and Results

In our retrospective single‐center study, we included patients with HCM and need for CRM devices. The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of clinical and subclinical de novo AF. During follow‐up, patients were screened for adverse events like stroke, ventricular arrhythmia, heart failure, or death. From 192 HCM patients, 44 patients received a CRM device (38 ICDs, 5 pacemakers, 1 implantable loop recorder). In 14 of these patients (32%), AF had been documented before device implantation. Thirty (68%) patients were free from AF at the time of implantation. During a median follow‐up of 595 days (interquartile range, 367–890 days), de novo AF was recorded in 16 of these 30 patients (53%). Fourteen (88%) of the 16 patients with de novo AF were free from any clinical symptoms, so these patients were classified to have subclinical AF. In logistic regression analysis, age was the only significant predictor for an increased risk of AF.

Conclusion

AF is common in patients with HCM who need a CRM device. More than 50% of these patients develop de novo AF that was predominantly subclinical in our cohort.
Telocytes in female reproductive system (human and animal)
Authors: Aleksandrovych Veronika , Walocha Jerzy A. , Gil Krzysztof
Published: April 2016

Telocytes (TCs) are a newly discovered type of cell with numerous functions. They have been found in a large variety of organs: heart (endo‐, myo‐, epi‐ and pericardium, myocardial sleeves, heart valves); digestive tract and annex glands (oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, liver, gallbladder, salivary gland, exocrine pancreas); respiratory system (trachea and lungs); urinary system (kidney, renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, urethra); female reproductive system (uterus, Fallopian tube, placenta, mammary gland); vasculature (blood vessels, thoracic duct); serous membranes (mesentery and pleura); and other organs (skeletal muscle, meninges and choroid plexus, neuromuscular spindles, fascia lata, skin, eye, prostate, bone marrow). Likewise, TCs are widely distributed in vertebrates (fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, including human). This review summarizes particular features of TCs in the female reproductive system, emphasizing their involvement in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
miR‐19b controls cardiac fibroblast proliferation and migration
Authors: Zhong Chongjun , Wang Kun , Liu Ying , Lv Dongchao , Zheng Bo , Zhou Qiulian , Sun Qi , Chen Ping , Ding Shengguang , Xu Yiming , Huang Haitao
Published: April 2016

Cardiac fibrosis is a fundamental constituent of a variety of cardiac dysfunction, making it a leading cause of death worldwide. However, no effective treatment for cardiac fibrosis is available. Therefore, novel therapeutics for cardiac fibrosis are highly needed. Recently, miR‐19b has been found to be able to protect hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced apoptosis and improve cell survival in H9C2 cardiomyocytes, while down‐regulation of miR‐19b had opposite effects, indicating that increasing miR‐19b may be a new therapeutic strategy for attenuating cellular apoptosis during myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury. However, considering the fact that microRNAs might exert a cell‐specific role, it is highly interesting to determine the role of miR‐19b in cardiac fibroblasts. Here, we found that miR‐19b was able to promote cardiac fibroblast proliferation and migration. However, miR‐19b mimics and inhibitors did not modulate the expression level of collagen I. Pten was identified as a target gene of miR‐19b, which was responsible for the effect of miR‐19b in controlling cardiac fibroblast proliferation and migration. Our data suggest that the role of miR‐19b is cell specific, and systemic miR‐19b targeting in cardiac remodelling might be problematic. Therefore, it is highly needed and also urgent to investigate the role of miR‐19b in cardiac remodelling in vivo.
Dysfunctional representation of expected value is associated with reinforcement‐based decision‐making deficits in adolescents with conduct problems
Authors: White Stuart F. , Tyler Patrick M. , Erway Anna K. , Botkin Mary L. , Kolli Venkata , Meffert Harma , Pope Kayla , Blair James R.
Published: April 2016

Background

Previous work has shown that patients with conduct problems (CP) show impairments in reinforcement‐based decision‐making. However, studies with patients have not previously demonstrated any relationships between impairment in any of the neurocomputations underpinning reinforcement‐based decision‐making and specific symptom sets [e.g. level of CP and/or callous‐unemotional (CU) traits].

Methods

Seventy‐two youths [20 female, mean age = 13.81 (SD = 2.14), mean IQ = 102.34 (SD = 10.99)] from a residential treatment program and the community completed a passive avoidance task while undergoing functional MRI.

Results

Greater levels of CP were associated with poorer task performance. Reduced representation of expected values (EV) when making avoidance responses within bilateral anterior insula cortex/inferior frontal gyrus (AIC/iFG) and striatum was associated with greater levels of CP but not CU traits.

Conclusions

The current data indicate that difficulties in the use of value information to motivate decisions to avoid suboptimal choices are associated with increased levels of CP (though not severity of CU traits). Moreover, they account for the behavioral deficits observed during reinforcement‐based decision‐making in youth with CP. In short, an individual's relative failure to utilize value information within AIC/iFG to avoid bad choices is associated with elevated levels of CP.
A modified Delphi study of structures and processes related to medicines management for elderly hospitalised patients in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al Shemeili Saeed , Klein Susan , Strath Alison , Fares Saleh , Stewart Derek
Published: April 2016

Rationale and aim

The structures and processes around the management of medicines for elderly, hospitalized patients are ill defined. This study aimed to determine consensus related to strategic and operational approaches in the United Arab Emirates.

Methods

A modified Delphi technique, consensus study with first round statements developed from systematic reviews related to medicines management. Normalization process theory and the theoretical domains framework were applied in the construction of statements, organized into key elements of medicines management: guidelines for medicines management, medicines reconciliation, medicines selection, prescribing and review, medicines adherence, medicines counselling, health professional training and evaluation research. Seventy per cent (summative agree and strongly agree) was set as the target for consensus. Thirty panellists were recruited, representing senior physicians working within geriatrics, hospital pharmacy and nursing directors, chief health professionals (including social workers) and policy makers within the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi and academics.

Results

A high level of consensus was obtained for most statements relating to the structures and processes of medicines management. While consensus was not achieved for targeting only those patients with medicines related issues, it was achieved for focusing on all elderly admissions. Similarly, consensus was not achieved for which professions were most suited to roles but was achieved for trained and competent staff.

Conclusions

High levels of consensus were obtained for structures and processes of medicines management relating to elderly hospitalized patients. Trained and competent health professionals were preferred to specific professions for any tasks and that all elderly patients and not targeted patients should be the focus for medicines management.
Determination of minimum inter‐event time for storm characterisation in Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Nojumuddin N.S. , Yusof F. , Yusop Z.
Published: April 2016

Rainfall events are important in the analysis and design of hydraulic structures. To obtain valid statistical results, choosing an accurate minimum inter‐event time (MIT) value is very important. However, an independent event is difficult to identify. The determination of MIT was done using two approaches; the first used an autocorrelation analysis, and the second examined the relationship between the estimated MIT and the observed average annual number of rainfall events. An autocorrelation analysis was performed by determining the lag time when an autocorrelation coefficient is sufficiently close to zero, and the examination approach was done by observing the time when further increase in MIT does not result in significant changes in the number of events observed. The analysis used hourly rainfall data from 15 stations in the state of Johor, Malaysia from the years 2007 to 2011. Both methods produced an MIT value of 8 h. The characteristics of each storm, that is, depth, duration and intensity, were determined and fitted into various distribution models. Rainfall depth, duration and intensity are best fitted by the lognormal distribution using Anderson Darling, whereas gamma is the best distribution for rainfall duration and intensity, and Weibull distribution is the best for rainfall depth based on the Akaike Information Criterion.
Using high‐resolution satellite precipitation for flood frequency analysis: case study over the Connecticut River Basin
Authors: Dis M.O. , Anagnostou E. , Mei Y.
Published: April 2016

This study evaluates the feasibility of using satellite precipitation datasets in flood frequency analysis based on the accuracy of different return period flows derived using a hydrological model driven with satellite and ground‐based reference rainfall fields over the Connecticut River Basin. Four quasi‐global satellite products (TRMM‐3B42V7, TRMM‐3B42RT, CMORPH, and PERSIANN) at 3‐h/0.25° resolution and the National Weather Service (Stage IV) gauge‐adjusted radar rainfall dataset (representing the reference rainfall) are integrated in this study, with the Coupled Routing and Excess Storage distributed hydrological model to simulate annual peak flows during warm season (May–November) months. The log‐Pearson type III frequency distribution applied to an 11‐year record of annual peak flow data is used to derive different return period flows. Evaluation against the Stage IV‐driven simulations shows that the TRMM‐3B42V7 product has the highest correlation and lowest bias in terms of the derived annual maxima flows compared to the other satellite products. In terms of the different return period flood frequency curves, the various satellite product‐based results well‐represent the variability across the different basins depicted in the reference precipitation‐driven simulations. With the increasing record length of high‐resolution satellite products, results from this paper can motivate future studies over basins lacking adequate ground‐based records to support flood frequency analyses.
Enhancing the Relationship Adjustment of South Asian Canadian Couples Using a Systemic‐Constructivist Approach to Couple Therapy
Authors: Ahmad Saunia , Reid David W.
Published: April 2016

The effectiveness of systemic‐constructivist couple therapy (SCCT) in improving the relationship adjustment of South Asian Canadian couples in ways that attend to their culture was evaluated. The SCCT interventions engage partners in reflexive processing of both their own and their partner's ways of construing, and the reciprocity between these two. A core change mechanism of SCCT, couple identity (“we‐ness”), that connotes the ability for thinking and experiencing relationally, was coded from verbatim transcripts of partners' within‐session dialogue. As predicted, South Asian partners' relationship adjustment improved significantly from the first to final session of SCCT, and concurrent increases in each partner's couple identity mediated such improvements. The implications for considering culture and couple identity in couple therapy are discussed.

Video Abstract is found in the online version of the article.
Unusual social behavior in HPC‐1/syntaxin1A knockout mice is caused by disruption of the oxytocinergic neural system
Authors: Fujiwara Tomonori , Sanada Masumi , Kofuji Takefumi , Akagawa Kimio
Published: April 2016

HPC‐1/syntaxin1A (STX1A), a neuronal soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive fusion attachment protein receptor, contributes to neural function in the CNS by regulating transmitter release. Recent studies reported that STX1A is associated with human neuropsychological disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Previously, we showed that STX1A null mutant mice (STX1A KO) exhibit neuropsychological abnormalities, such as fear memory deficits, attenuation of latent inhibition, and unusual social behavior. These observations suggested that STX1A may be involved in the neuropsychological basis of these abnormalities. Here, to study the neural basis of social behavior, we analyzed the profile of unusual social behavior in STX1A KO with a social novelty preference test, which is a useful method for quantification of social behavior. Interestingly, the unusual social behavior in STX1A KO was partially rescued by intracerebroventricular administration of oxytocin (OXT). In vivo microdialysis studies revealed that the extracellular OXT concentration in the CNS of STX1A KO was significantly lower compared with wild‐type mice. Furthermore, dopamine‐induced OXT release was reduced in STX1A KO. These results suggested that STX1A plays an important role in social behavior through regulation of the OXTergic neural system.

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Dopamine (DA) release is reduced in CNS of syntaxin1A null mutant mice (STX1A KO). Unusual social behavior was observed in STX1A KO. We found that oxytocin (OXT) release, which was stimulated by DA, was reduced and was rescued the unusual social behavior in STX1A KO was rescued by OXT. These results indicated that STX1A plays an important role in promoting social behavior through regulation of DA‐induced OXT release in amygdala.
Potential pleiotropic beneficial effects of adjuvant melatonergic treatment in posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Agorastos Agorastos , Linthorst Astrid C. E.
Published: April 2016

Loss of circadian rhythmicity fundamentally affects the neuroendocrine, immune, and autonomic system, similar to chronic stress and may play a central role in the development of stress‐related disorders. Recent articles have focused on the role of sleep and circadian disruption in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting that chronodisruption plays a causal role in PTSD development. Direct and indirect human and animal PTSD research suggests circadian system‐linked neuroendocrine, immune, metabolic and autonomic dysregulation, linking circadian misalignment to PTSD pathophysiology. Recent experimental findings also support a specific role of the fundamental synchronizing pineal hormone melatonin in mechanisms of sleep, cognition and memory, metabolism, pain, neuroimmunomodulation, stress endocrinology and physiology, circadian gene expression, oxidative stress and epigenetics, all processes affected in PTSD. In the current paper, we review available literature underpinning a potentially beneficiary role of an add‐on melatonergic treatment in PTSD pathophysiology and PTSD‐related symptoms. The literature is presented as a narrative review, providing an overview on the most important and clinically relevant publications. We conclude that adjuvant melatonergic treatment could provide a potentially promising treatment strategy in the management of PTSD and especially PTSD‐related syndromes and comorbidities. Rigorous preclinical and clinical studies are needed to validate this hypothesis.
InvasiveMicrosporum caniscausing rhinitis and stomatitis in a cat
Authors: Ziglioli V. , Panciera D. L. , LeRoith T. , Wiederhold N. , Sutton D.
Published: April 2016

Microsporum canisis a pathogenic fungus that typically causes dermatophytosis in cats. This report describes a cat with aMicrosporum canisinfection causing invasive fungal rhinitis that extended through the hard palate, resulting in adjacent stomatitis. Treatment with itraconazole and terbinafine resolved the infection.
Appearance of Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus in Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, During Seawater Adaptation
Authors: Kim Wi‐Sik , Kim, Jong‐Oh , Oh Myung‐Joo
Published: April 2016

About 7% mortality occurred in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, during seawater adaptation at a marine farm in the South Sea of Korea during the winter of 2014. Most diseased fish showed petechial hemorrhaging of gills and internal fat with enlarged spleen. Although no parasites or bacteria were isolated from the diseased fish, all tissue filtrates produced cytopathic effects (CPEs) in fathead minnow and Chinook salmon embryo‐214 cells. The cell culture supernatant showing CPE contained specific 1527‐bp fragment for the infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) glycoprotein gene by polymerase chain reaction. Their nucleotide sequences shared 98.1–98.2% identities with IHNV RtUi02 isolated from rainbow trout in Korea. This isolate (RtGoH14) was closely related to Korean IHNV isolates of genogroup JRt rather than to those of North American and European genogroups. These results suggest that this IHNV isolate might have been introduced to rainbow trout farm (land‐based culture system) in Korea. This is the first report of IHNV infection in rainbow trout during seawater adaptation in Korea.
Effects of Dietary Protein Level on Nitrogen and Energy Budget of Juvenile Chinese Soft‐shelled Turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, Wiegmann
Authors: Wang Jun , Qi Zhanhui , Yang Zhencai
Published: April 2016

The effects of dietary protein level on nutrient digestibility and utilization of protein and energy of juvenile Chinese soft‐shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, were investigated. Seven isoenergetic diets containing graded levels of protein (25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, and 43%) were fed to turtles initially averaging 4.8 ± 0.7 g for 8 wk at 30 ± 0.5 C. The apparent digestibilities of dry matter, protein, and energy were generally increased with dietary protein level. Proportions of nitrogen intake (CN) allocated to excretory nitrogen (UN) were higher in 25 and 43% protein diets than the other diets. UN proportion was lowest in the 33% protein diet, whereas retained (growth) nitrogen (RN) followed an inverse pattern with UN. Percentages of gross energy intake (IE) used for excretory energy (UE) generally increased when dietary protein levels increased. Turtles fed 25–29% protein diets showed a markedly higher proportion of metabolizable energy (ME) than those fed 31–43% protein diets. Analysis by second‐order polynomial regression using RN as the indicator indicated that the estimated optimal dietary protein level was 34.6%. The lowest and highest percentages of retained (growth) energy (RE) were observed in the 25 and 33% protein groups. Nitrogen and energy budget equations of turtles fed 33% protein diet were 100 CN = 8.22 FN + 37.48 UN + 54.30 RN and 100 IE = 10.88 FE + 2.82 UE + 65.60 ME + 20.69 RE, respectively. Diets with excessive protein resulted in high proportions of protein and energy used for excretion.
Benthic studies in upper Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts: 2011/12 as compared to 1955
Authors: Hubbard William A.
Published: April 2016

Precise biodiversity mapping that can be compared over decades would greatly inform the discussion of climate change impacts on species richness and shifts in dominant benthic species. Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, USA, has a long history of field studies documenting benthic community structure. This bioassessment compares 1955 benthic infaunal sampling results with 2011/2012 samples to determine whether there has been a compositional change. I also compared structural components including grain size and near‐bottom temperatures. In addition, benthic temperature rise and fall was logged at 15‐min intervals from May to October of consecutive years. There was an observed difference in the benthic compositional structure, substrate and temperature between the 1955 and 2011/2012 station conditions. The 1955 identification of Buzzards Bay as being nutrient poor and having a reported 20.5 °C benthic temperature maximum has changed. Coastal development has brought increased nutrient inputs, and the 2012 bottom temperature maximum was at least 4 °C greater. These conditions contribute to shifts in benthic species dominance, and the substrate itself has been transformed to shell reefs at the stations where the gastropod Crepidula fornicata proliferated.