bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crestal Bone Loss under Delayed Loading of Full Thickness Versus Flapless Surgically Placed Dental Implants in Controlled Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Parallel Group Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Yadav Rohit , Agrawal Kaushal Kishor , Rao Jitendra , Anwar Mohd , Alvi Habib Ahmed , Singh Kalpana , Himanshu D.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To compare crestal bone loss around dental implants using a delayed loading protocol. Bone loss was compared in patients following conventional full thickness flap and flapless surgery in controlled type 2 diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods

Eighty‐eight type 2 diabetic patients satisfying predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for this single center, parallel group study after obtaining institutional review board approval and informed consent. These patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group I consisted of patients undergoing full thickness flap surgery for implant placement, and group II consisted of patients undergoing flapless surgery for implant placement. The mean age, duration of diabetes, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and male‐to‐female ratio in both groups were matched and compared statistically. Dental implants were placed followed by delayed loading (4 months) in both groups. Crestal bone loss was assessed with intraoral periapical radiographs with the help of computer software (DBSWIN viewer). Actual implant length acted as the radiographic index, and implant‐abutment junctions were used as a reference point for all measurements. Mesial and distal bone levels at baseline, 6, and 12 months post implant placement of the two groups were determined. Mesial and distal crestal bone loss from baseline to 6 and 12 months were calculated and compared with Tukey test using SPSS v15.0 statistical analysis software.

Results

Tukey test revealed similar (not statistically different) mean mesial crestal bone loss between the two groups after 6 months (0.47 ± 0.08 mm vs. 0.36 ± 0.13 mm, p = 0.576) and after 12 months (1.56 ± 0.25 mm vs. 1.50 ± 0.22 mm, p = 0.891). The mean distal bone loss resulting between the two groups was not statistically different at 6 months (0.44 ± 0.08 mm vs. 0.35 ± 0.12 mm, p = 0.687) and at 12 months (1.57 ± 0.23 mm vs. 1.61 ± 0.22 mm, p = 0.947).

Conclusions

The results of this clinical randomized control trial indicated that in controlled type 2 diabetic patients, levels of crestal bone loss around dental implants placed following conventional full thickness flap surgery was comparable to crestal bone loss around dental implants placed with the flapless surgical technique. More clinical studies are required regarding controlled type 2 diabetics with larger sample sizes, for long time periods to obtain more predictable results.
USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Is More Effective in Town and Rural Schools Than Those in More Populated Communities
Authors: Lin Yi‐Chun , Fly Alyce D.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

We attempted to determine effects of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) on variety and frequency of fruit and vegetable intake by students in schools from different locales.

METHODS

Data were derived from the 2011‐2012 Indiana FFVP Student Survey completed by 4229 fourth‐sixth graders. Effects were studied within 2 groups, 39 city and suburb schools, and 12 town and rural schools. Differences in students' responses over time to 2 items measuring variety and 10 items measuring fruit and vegetable intake frequency were determined with multilevel regression models.

RESULTS

Town and rural students were 1.2 times more likely to eat different kinds of fruit (p = .04) and vegetables (p = .01) daily, and increased fruit (+1.0 time/day; p < .01) and vegetable intake frequency (+0.5 times/day; p = .03). City and suburb students increased fruit intake frequency (∼0.8 times/day; p < .01) but not vegetable intake frequency or daily variety (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

FFVP improved fruit and vegetable eating behaviors in the “town and rural” group, but was only partially effective in the “city and suburb” group. Strategies to implement FFVP may need to differ depending on school locale.
Ethnic disparities in infectious disease hospitalisations in the first year of life in New Zealand
Authors: Hobbs Mark R , Morton Susan MB , Atatoa-Carr Polly , Ritchie Stephen R , Thomas Mark G , Saraf Rajneeta , Chelimo Carol , Harnden Anthony , Camargo Carlos A , Grant Cameron C
Published: October 2016

Aim

Infectious disease (ID) hospitalisation rates are increasing in New Zealand (NZ), especially in pre‐school children, and Māori and Pacific people. We aimed to identify risk factors for ID hospitalisation in infancy within a birth cohort of NZ children, and to identify differences in risk factors between ethnic groups.

Methods

We investigated an established cohort of 6846 NZ children, born in 2009–2010, with linkage to a national data set of hospitalisations. We used multivariable logistic regression to obtain odds ratios (OR) for factors associated with ID hospitalisation in the first year of life, firstly for all children, and then separately for Māori or Pacific children.

Results

In the whole cohort, factors associated with ID hospitalisation were Māori (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.17–1.89) or Pacific (2.51; 2.00–3.15) versus European maternal ethnicity, male gender (1.32; 1.13–1.55), low birthweight (1.94, 1.39–2.66), exclusive breastfeeding for <4 months (1.22, 1.04–1.43), maternal experience of health‐care racism (1.60, 1.19–2.12), household deprivation (most vs. least deprived quintile of households (1.50, 1.12–2.02)), day‐care attendance (1.43, 1.12–1.81) and maternal smoking (1.55, 1.26–1.91).

Factors associated with ID hospitalisation for Māori infants were high household deprivation (2.16, 1.06–5.02) and maternal smoking (1.48, 1.02–2.14); and for Pacific infants were delayed immunisation (1.72, 1.23–2.38), maternal experience of health‐care racism (2.20, 1.29–3.70) and maternal smoking (1.59, 1.10–2.29).

Conclusions

Māori and Pacific children in NZ experience a high burden of ID hospitalisation. Some risk factors, for example maternal smoking, are shared, while others are ethnic‐specific. Interventions aimed at preventing ID hospitalisations should address both shared and ethnic‐specific factors.
Development of the Teen Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life Instrument
Authors: Wright Wanda G. , Spiro Avron , Jones Judith A. , Rich Sharron E. , Garcia Raul I.
Published: October 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop the Teen Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life instrument (TOQOL) and demonstrate its validity and reliability in a diverse sample of 13–18‐year‐old adolescents.

Methods

A total of 363 adolescents aged 13–18 years participated in this cross sectional study. Oral screening examinations were conducted to collect oral health status data. Adolescents completed the TOQOL and a generic measure of health‐related quality of life, the PedsQL. The psychometric properties of the TOQOL were evaluated in terms of face, content, convergent, concurrent and discriminant validity in addition to internal reliability.

Results

The 16‐item TOQOL covers five domains: Physical functioning, Role functioning, Social functioning, Oral problems, and Emotional functioning. The total scale and subscales showed satisfactory reliability with Cronbach alpha ranging from 0.75 to 0.92. TOQOL scores showed significant associations with perceived oral health status and the PedsQL (convergent validity) and discriminated well between adolescents with caries and adolescents who were caries free (discriminate validity).

Conclusion

The TOQOL is a valid and reliable oral health‐related quality of life measurement that can be recommended for self‐report in adolescents aged 13‐18 years.
Effect of solvent on retarding the release of diltiazem HCl from Polyox-based liquisolid tablets
Authors: Kaialy Waseem , Bello Hussaini , Asare-Addo Kofi , Nokhodchi Ali
Published: October 2016

Objectives

The aim of this work was to investigate the use of liquisolid technique to sustain the release of a model highly soluble drug, diltiazem HCl, from liquisolid matrices containing Polyox, a recently proposed matrix-forming hydrophilic polymer as an alternative to hypromellose.

Methods

Polyox-based liquisolid formulations prepared using several non-volatile solvents (i.e. polysorbate 80, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 200 and polyethylene glycol 600) and then characterised using differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction. The influence of solvent on retarding the release of diltiazem HCl from Polyox-based liquisolid tablets compared to conventional physical mixture tablets was studied.

Key findings

Liquisolid tablets exhibited greater retarding properties compared to conventional tablets. The use of polysorbate produced a slower release pattern of the drug from diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ) liquisolid tablets compared to propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol (200 and 600). The release retardation was decreased with the increase in the concentration of the drug within drug:solvent liquid medication used. Solid-state analysis suggested the presence of a fraction of the drug mass in a solubilised state within polysorbate in liquisolid powders.

Conclusion

Polyox-based matrix tablets prepared using liquisolid technique in the presence of a carefully selected non-volatile solvent could produce desirable, more sustained release profiles of highly water-soluble drugs compared to conventional physical mixture tablets.
Physical compatibility of total parenteral nutrition and drugs in Y-site administration to children from neonates to adolescents
Authors: Staven Vigdis , Iqbal Herra , Wang Siri , Grønlie Ingrid , Tho Ingunn
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Infusion of precipitate or destabilized emulsion can be harmful. The purpose of this study was to obtain Y-site compatibility data on intravenous drugs and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) relevant for children.

Methods

Two three-in-one TPN admixtures (Olimel N5E and Numeta G16E) used for children of different age groups were tested with ten drugs (ampicillin, ceftazidime, clindamycin, dexamethasone, fluconazole, fosphenytoin, furosemide, metronidazole, ondansetron and paracetamol). Drug : TPN ratios were estimated from a wide range of age and weight classes, and the most extreme mixing ratios (drug > TPN, TPN > drug) in addition to 1 + 1 were chosen. Assessment of potential precipitation was performed by subvisual particle counting, visual examinations and measurements of turbidity and pH. Emulsion stability was investigated by estimation of percentage of droplets above 5 μm (PFAT5), mean droplet diameter and pH measurements. Complimentary theoretical evaluations were performed.

Key findings

Ampicillin, fosphenytoin and furosemide precipitated when mixed with TPN. The results for ceftazidime, clindamycin, dexamethasone, fluconazole, metronidazole, ondansetron and paracetamol suggest that they were compatible with either TPN in the tested concentrations. None of the drugs were found to destabilize the emulsions.

Conclusion

Three drugs showed clear signs of precipitation when mixed with TPN and these products should not be co-administered in the same infusion line.
Future warming and acidification effects on anti‐fouling and anti‐herbivory traits of the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus (Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Raddatz Stefanie , Guy‐Haim Tamar , Rilov Gil , Wahl Martin
Published: October 2016

Human‐induced ocean warming and acidification have received increasing attention over the past decade and are considered to have substantial consequences for a broad range of marine species and their interactions. Understanding how these interactions shift in response to climate change is particularly important with regard to foundation species, such as the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus. This macroalga represents the dominant habitat former on coastal rocky substrata of the Baltic Sea, fulfilling functions essential for the entire benthic community. Its ability to withstand extensive fouling and herbivory regulates the associated community and ecosystem dynamics. This study tested the interactive effects of future warming, acidification, and seasonality on the interactions of a marine macroalga with potential foulers and consumers. F. vesiculosus rockweeds were exposed to different combinations of conditions predicted regionally for the year 2100 (+∆5°C, +∆700 μatm CO2) using multifactorial long‐term experiments in novel outdoor benthic mesocosms (“Benthocosms”) over 9–12‐week periods in four seasons. Possible shifts in the macroalgal susceptibility to fouling and consumption were tested using consecutive bioassays. Algal susceptibility to fouling and grazing varied substantially among seasons and between treatments. In all seasons, warming predominantly affected anti‐fouling and anti‐herbivory interactions while acidification had a subtle nonsignificant influence. Interestingly, anti‐microfouling activity was highest during winter under warming, while anti‐macrofouling and anti‐herbivory activities were highest in the summer under warming. These contrasting findings indicate that seasonal changes in anti‐fouling and anti‐herbivory traits may interact with ocean warming in altering F. vesiculosus community composition in the future.
Extruded snacks from whole wheat supplemented with textured soy flour: Effect on instrumental and sensory textural characteristics
Authors: Rodríguez‐Vidal Arturo , Martínez‐Flores Héctor Eduardo , González Jasso Eva , Velázquez de la Cruz Gonzalo , Ramírez‐Jiménez Aurea K. , Morales‐Sánchez Eduardo
Published: October 2016

The quality of extruded snacks can be affected not only by processing conditions, but also by some factors like the concentration and type of ingredients incorporated in their formulation and the working conditions used. Although the process conditions have been established with measurable textural properties, sensory qualities have not been correlated with these responses in expanded extruded snacks made with added functional ingredients. Therefore, in this study the effect of adding textured soy flour (TSF) and whole wheat flour (WWF) to refined wheat flour in the production of extruded snacks and expanded with hot air was evaluated. A response surface design using two levels with five central points was applied to obtain the best combinations of functional ingredients added, holding the parameters of the extrusion process and moisture of treatments. Some texture characteristics and sensory analysis were used as response variables, such as, hardness, fracturability, toughness, crispness, granularity, and chewiness. Likewise, the rate of expansion was evaluated. The results showed that the level of substitution of WWF, especially levels of 15%, had a significant effect on the hardness perceived by the panelist during sensory evaluation. The TSF at concentrations of ≥15%, favored the fracturability and crispness of the samples. It was found that the best expansion index was with the combination of 5% TSF and 15% WWF. Although a correlation between instrumental and sensory tests carried out on the extruded snacks expanded was not found.

Practical applications

The physical characteristics of the extruded snacks such as expansion, hardness, and density are important parameters in terms of consumer acceptability of the final product as well as their functional properties. In other words, the appearance and texture are two of the most important attributes that can be seen in snack foods. In particular, the texture can be measured by intrinsic tests: objective (instrumental) and subjective (sensory). That is because the instrumental analysis provides parameters such as firmness, brittleness, consistency, chewiness, among others, when subjected to different stress, strain, and strain rates at the snacks. Similarly, sensory analysis, allows us to see features that include mechanical attributes (concerning the reaction to the applied force), geometric attributes (concerning the shape, size, and orientation of the particles within the food), and attributes related to the perception of moisture or fat content.
Assessing the Reliability of Water‐Test Kits for Use in Pond Aquaculture
Authors: Naigaga Shamim , Boyd Claude E. , Gaillard Philippe , Abdelrahman Hisham A. , Molnar Joseph J.
Published: October 2016

Water‐analysis kits are useful for practical aquaculture only if they provide equivalent decision‐making as compared to standard water‐analysis methods. This study used weighted Cohen's kappa (κ) statistics to compare management decisions made by farmers who used water‐analysis kits (e.g., Seneye slide kit, Tetra EasyStrips, API test strips, Seachem Ammonia Alert, Salifert Profi test kit, and Hach dissolved oxygen (DO) and alkalinity kit) and decisions made by those who used standard methods. The decisions made by farmers were similar for water‐analysis kits and standard methods, except for Tetra and API test strips, when measuring nitrate concentrations. The highest conformity between the two methods (κ‐value = 1.0, P < 0.0001) was obtained with the Hach and Salifert Profi test kits (for measuring DO) and the API test strip (for measuring total hardness). The rapid, simple measurements by the kits appear suitable for use by farmers if they are properly maintained and manufacturer's instructions are followed.
Correlation patterns in roe deer cranium: sexual dimorphism across different habitats
Authors: Milošević‐Zlatanović S. , Tomašević Kolarov N. , Vukov T. , Stamenković S.
Published: October 2016

Complex evolutionary interactions can cause differential responses of males and females to environmental factors which result in variations of the degree of sexual dimorphism across different habitats. Roe deer Capreolus capreolus is an excellent model species for analyzing sexual dimorphism in the context of habitat variability as the most widespread ungulate species in Europe. The impact of three different habitat types (closed, intermediate and open) on the level of cranial integration in roe deer and patterns between sexes was tested by analyzing 761 adult craniums from 11 roe deer populations in Serbia. Our results confirmed higher level of integration and more pronounced sexual dimorphism in closed habitats in comparison with open habitats. Males also showed different patterns of integration across habitats than females. The general consistency of results across different tests suggests that patterns of integration between sex and habitat groups tend to be different for males and females from different habitat types. When faced with strong selective pressures, patterns of correlations among skeletal elements can evolve even within a species as an indirect influence of social organization through habitat and sexual selection. We propose that cranial integration in roe deer evolved according to the predictions of the adaptive model of phenotypic differentiation within a taxon in closed habitats channeled by stabilizing selection. The different patterns of cranial integration between sexes after successful colonization of intermediate and open habitats can be explained by a change in overall selective pressures to disruptive/directional selection, thus breaking up observed patterns of integration, since they are treated as a constraint in changed circumstances.
High serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein is associated with increased mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Agiasotelli Danai , Alexopoulou Alexandra , Vasilieva Larisa , Hadziyannis Emilia , Goukos Dimitris , Daikos George L. , Dourakis Spyros P.
Published: October 2016

Background & Aims

Lipopolysaccharide‐binding‐protein (LBP) is an acute‐phase‐protein produced by hepatocytes. Changes in LBP are associated with the dynamics of bacterial translocation and intestinal permeability in decompensated cirrhosis (DC). We assessed serum and ascitic‐fluid (AF) LBP and examined their association with mortality in patients with DC.

Methods

Eighty‐eight consecutive patients (73.9% males) underwent thorough diagnostic investigations for infection. LBP (ng/mL) was assessed in serum (N=88) and AF (n=49) by enzyme‐linked‐immunosorbent‐assay and expressed in natural logarithm (ln).

Results

Serum lnLBP was higher in 18 patients with overt infection compared to those without (P<.001). Serum and AF lnLBP 13.49 and 12.11 displayed a very good‐negative‐predictive value of 90% and 95.1% to rule out infection and spontaneous‐bacterial‐peritonitis (SBP), respectively. LBP was higher in serum than in AF (P<.001). Serum and AF LBP levels showed a positive correlation with surrogate markers of inflammation. Patients without overt infection were prospectively followed up. The 90‐day‐mortality rate was 48% and 24.4% in patients with high (≥13.49) and low (<13.49) lnLBP, respectively, (log rank P=0.045). In univariate Cox regression analysis, neutrophils, LBP, MELD score and CRP were predictive of mortality. However, only high LBP (HR 8.1 95%CI 2.0‐31.5, P=0.003) and MELD (HR 1.1 95%CI 1.0‐1.2, P=0.002) were predictive of mortality in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Serum and AF LBP concentrations showed a high negative‐predictive‐value to exclude infection and SBP, respectively. High serum LBP was detected in patients without infection at presentation who died during the 90‐day‐follow‐up period. Elevated serum LBP is a marker of short‐term mortality in patients without overt bacterial infection.
The therapeutic landscape of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Perazzo Hugo , Dufour Jean‐François
Published: October 2016

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by lobular inflammation and hepatocellular ballooning, and may be associated with liver fibrosis leading to cirrhosis and its complications. A pharmacological approach is necessary to treat NASH because of failure to change dietary habits and lifestyle in most patients. Insulin resistance with an increased release of free fatty acids, oxidative stress and activation of inflammatory cytokines seem to be key features for disease progression. Thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone and antioxidant agents, such as vitamin E, were the first pharmacological options to be evaluated for NASH. In recent years, several new molecules that target different pathways related to NASH pathogenesis, such as liver metabolic homeostasis, inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis, have been developed. Obeticholic acid (INT‐747) and elafibranor (GFT‐505) have provided promising results in phase IIb, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trials and they are being evaluated in ongoing phase III studies. Most of the potential treatments for NASH are under investigation in phase II studies, with some at phase I. This diversity in possible treatments calls for a better understanding of NASH in order to enrich trial populations with patients more susceptible to progress and to respond. This manuscript aims to review the pharmacological NASH treatment landscape.
Regional differences in milk and complementary feeding patterns in infants participating in an international nutritional type 1 diabetes prevention trial
Authors: Nucci Anita M. , Virtanen Suvi M. , Sorkio Susa , Bärlund Sonja , Cuthbertson David , Uusitalo Ulla , Lawson Margaret L. , Salonen Marja , Berseth Carol L. , Ormisson Anne , Lehtonen Eveliina , Savilahti Erkki , Becker Dorothy J. , Dupré John , Krischer Jeffrey P. , Knip Mikael , Åkerblom Hans K. ,   The TRIGR Investigators
Published: October 2016

Differences in breastfeeding, other milk feeding and complementary feeding patterns were evaluated in infants at increased genetic risk with and without maternal type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk is an international nutritional primary prevention double‐blinded randomized trial to test whether weaning to extensively hydrolyzed vs. intact cow's milk protein formula will decrease the development of T1D‐associated autoantibodies and T1D. Infant diet was prospectively assessed at two visits and seven telephone interviews between birth and 8 months. Countries were grouped into seven regions: Australia, Canada, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Central Europe I, Central Europe II and the United States. Newborn infants with a first‐degree relative with T1D and increased human leukocyte antigen‐conferred susceptibility to T1D were recruited. A lower proportion of infants born to mothers with than without T1D were breastfed until 6 months of age in all regions (range, 51% to 60% vs. 70% to 80%). Complementary feeding patterns differed more by region than by maternal T1D. In Northern Europe, a higher proportion of infants consumed vegetables and fruits daily compared with other regions. Consumption of meat was more frequent in all European regions, whereas cereal consumption was most frequent in Southern Europe, Canada and the United States. Maternal T1D status was associated with breastfeeding and other milk feeding patterns similarly across regions but was unrelated to the introduction of complementary foods. Infant feeding patterns differed significantly among regions and were largely inconsistent with current recommended guidelines.
Into the Andes: multiple independent colonizations drive montane diversity in the Neotropical clearwing butterflies Godyridina
Authors: Chazot Nicolas , Willmott Keith R. , Condamine Fabien L. , De‐Silva Donna Lisa , Freitas André V. L. , Lamas Gerardo , Morlon Hélène , Giraldo Carlos E. , Jiggins Chris D. , Joron Mathieu , Mallet James , Uribe Sandra , Elias Marianne
Published: October 2016

Understanding why species richness peaks along the Andes is a fundamental question in the study of Neotropical biodiversity. Several biogeographic and diversification scenarios have been proposed in the literature, but there is confusion about the processes underlying each scenario, and assessing their relative contribution is not straightforward. Here, we propose to refine these scenarios into a framework which evaluates four evolutionary mechanisms: higher speciation rate in the Andes, lower extinction rates in the Andes, older colonization times and higher colonization rates of the Andes from adjacent areas. We apply this framework to a species‐rich subtribe of Neotropical butterflies whose diversity peaks in the Andes, the Godyridina (Nymphalidae: Ithomiini). We generated a time‐calibrated phylogeny of the Godyridina and fitted time‐dependent diversification models. Using trait‐dependent diversification models and ancestral state reconstruction methods we then compared different biogeographic scenarios. We found strong evidence that the rates of colonization into the Andes were higher than the other way round. Those colonizations and the subsequent local diversification at equal rates in the Andes and in non‐Andean regions mechanically increased the species richness of Andean regions compared to that of non‐Andean regions (‘species‐attractor’ hypothesis). We also found support for increasing speciation rates associated with Andean lineages. Our work highlights the importance of the Andean slopes in repeatedly attracting non‐Andean lineages, most likely as a result of the diversity of habitats and/or host plants. Applying this analytical framework to other clades will bring important insights into the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the most species‐rich biodiversity hotspot on the planet.
ArnS, a kinase involved in starvation‐induced archaellum expression
Authors: Haurat M. Florencia , Figueiredo Ana Sofia , Hoffmann Lena , Li Lingling , Herr Katharina , J. Wilson Amanda , Beeby Morgan , Schaber Jörg , Albers Sonja‐Verena
Published: October 2016

Organisms have evolved motility organelles that allow them to move to favourable habitats. Cells integrate environmental stimuli into intracellular signals to motility machineries to direct this migration. Many motility organelles are complex surface appendages that have evolved a tight, hierarchical regulation of expression. In the crenearchaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, biosynthesis of the archaellum is regulated by regulatory network proteins that control expression of archaellum components in a phosphorylation‐dependent manner. A major trigger for archaellum expression is nutrient starvation, but although some components are known, the regulatory cascade triggered by starvation is poorly understood. In this work, the starvation‐induced Ser/Thr protein kinase ArnS (Saci_1181) which is located proximally to the archaellum operon was identified. Deletion of arnS results in reduced motility, though the archaellum is properly assembled. Therefore, our experimental and modelling results indicate that ArnS plays an essential role in the precisely controlled expression of archaellum components during starvation‐induced motility in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Furthermore they combined in vivo experiments and mathematical models to describe for the first time in archaea the dynamics of key regulators of archaellum expression.
An ANMS‐NASPGHAN consensus document on anorectal and colonic manometry in children
Authors: Rodriguez L. , Sood M. , Di Lorenzo C. , Saps M.
Published: October 2016

Background

Over the last few years, the study of the colon and anorectal function has experienced great technical advances that have facilitated the performance of the tests and have allowed a more detailed characterization of reflexes and motor patterns. As a result, we have achieved a much better understanding of the pathophysiology of children with defecation problems. Anorectal and colonic manometry are now commonly used in all major pediatric referral centers as diagnostic tools and to guide the management of children with intractable constipation and fecal incontinence, particularly when a surgical intervention is being considered.

Purpose

This review highlights some of the recent advances in pediatric colon and anorectal motility testing including indications and preparation for the studies, and how to perform and interpret the tests. This update has been endorsed by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).
Clearing the haze: the complexities and challenges of research on state marijuana laws
Authors: Choo Esther K. , Emery Sherry L.
Published: October 2016

As states increasingly liberalize marijuana laws, high‐quality research is needed that will inform the public and policymakers about the health and societal impact of these laws. However, there are many challenges to studying marijuana policy, including the heterogeneity of the drug and its use, the variability in the laws and their implementation from state to state, the need to capture a wide variety of relevant outcomes, and the poorly understood influence of marijuana commercialization. Furthermore, current instruments generally fail to distinguish between types of users and lack accurate and detailed measures of use. This review provides a background on marijuana laws in the United States and an overview of existing policy research, discusses methodological considerations when planning analysis of state marijuana laws, and highlights specific topics needing further development and investigation.
Dissecting genome reduction and trait loss in insect endosymbionts
Authors: Latorre Amparo , Manzano‐Marín Alejandro
Published: October 2016

Symbiosis has played a major role in eukaryotic evolution beyond the origin of the eukaryotic cell. Thus, organisms across the tree of life are associated with diverse microbial partners, conferring to the host new adaptive traits that enable it to explore new niches. This is the case for insects thriving on unbalanced diets, which harbor mutualistic intracellular microorganisms, mostly bacteria that supply them with the required nutrients. As a consequence of the lifestyle change, from free‐living to host‐associated mutualist, a bacterium undergoes many structural and metabolic changes, of which genome shrinkage is the most dramatic. The trend toward genome size reduction in endosymbiotic bacteria is associated with large‐scale gene loss, reflecting the lack of an effective selection mechanism to maintain genes that are rendered superfluous by the constant and rich environment provided by the host. This genome‐reduction syndrome is so strong that it has generated the smallest bacterial genomes found to date, whose gene contents are so limited that their status as cellular entities is questionable. The recent availability of data on several endosymbiotic bacteria is enabling us to form a comprehensive picture of the genome‐reduction process and the phenotypic consequences for the dwindling symbiont.
Dispersal: a central and independent trait in life history
Authors: Bonte Dries , Dahirel Maxime
Published: October 2016

The study of tradeoffs among major life history components (age at maturity, lifespan and reproduction) allowed the development of a quantitative framework to understand how environmental variation shapes patterns of biodiversity among and within species.

Because every environment is inherently spatially structured, and in most cases temporally variable, individuals need to move within and among habitats to maximize fitness. Dispersal is often assumed to be tightly integrated into life histories through genetic correlations with other vital traits. This assumption is particularly strong within the context of a fast‐slow continuum of life‐history variation. Such a framework is to date used to explain many aspects of population and community dynamics. Evidence for a consistent and context‐independent integration of dispersal in life histories is, however, weak. We therefore advocate the explicit integration of dispersal into life history theory as a principal axis of variation influencing fitness, that is free to evolve, independently of other life history traits.

We synthesize theoretical and empirical evidence on the central role of dispersal and its evolutionary dynamics on the spatial distribution of ecological strategies and its impact on population spread, invasions and coexistence. By applying an optimality framework we show that the inclusion of dispersal as an independent dimension of life histories might substantially change our view on evolutionary trajectories in spatially structured environments.

Because changes in the spatial configuration of habitats affect the costs of movement and dispersal, adaptations to reduce these costs will increase phenotypic divergence among and within populations. We outline how this phenotypic heterogeneity is anticipated to further impact population and community dynamics.
Iron Age Diet at Sisak, Croatia: Archaeobotanical Evidence of Foxtail Millet (Setaria Italica [L.] P. Beauv.)
Authors: Reed Kelly , Drnić Ivan
Published: October 2016

Recent excavations at Sisak, Croatia, unearthed an Early Iron Age pot filled with archaeobotanical remains within the floor of a structure dating to between the sixth and fourth centuries BC. Burnt in situ the archaeobotanical remains provide unique evidence for diet and agriculture in a region where archaeobotanical evidence is rare. The preliminary results from this analysis are outlined here, with a focus on the discovery of foxtail millet (Setaria italica [L.] P. Beauv.) and its contribution to the diet of the Early Iron Age population at Sisak.
In vitro characterization of biofilms formed by Kingella kingae
Authors: Kaplan J.B. , Sampathkumar V. , Bendaoud M. , Giannakakis A.K. , Lally E.T. , Balashova N.V.
Published: October 2016

The Gram‐negative bacterium Kingella kingae is part of the normal oropharyngeal mucosal flora of children <4 years old. K. kingae can enter the submucosa and cause infections of the skeletal system in children, including septic arthritis and osteomyelitis. The organism is also associated with infective endocarditis in children and adults. Although biofilm formation has been coupled with pharyngeal colonization, osteoarticular infections, and infective endocarditis, no studies have investigated biofilm formation in K. kingae. In this study we measured biofilm formation by 79 K. kingae clinical isolates using a 96‐well microtiter plate crystal violet binding assay. We found that 37 of 79 strains (47%) formed biofilms. All strains that formed biofilms produced corroding colonies on agar. Biofilm formation was inhibited by proteinase K and DNase I. DNase I also caused the detachment of pre‐formed K. kingae biofilm colonies. A mutant strain carrying a deletion of the pilus gene cluster pilA1pilA2fimB did not produce corroding colonies on agar, autoaggregate in broth, or form biofilms. Biofilm forming strains have higher levels of pilA1 expression. The extracellular components of biofilms contained 490 μg cm−2 of protein, 0.68 μg cm−2 of DNA, and 0.4 μg cm−2 of total carbohydrates. We concluded that biofilm formation is common among K. kingae clinical isolates, and that biofilm formation is dependent on the production of proteinaceous pili and extracellular DNA. Biofilm development may have relevance to the colonization, transmission, and pathogenesis of this bacterium. Extracellular DNA production by K. kingae may facilitate horizontal gene transfer within the oral microbial community.
Is kiwifruit allergy a matter in kiwifruit‐cultivating regions? A population‐based study
Authors: Haktanir Abul Mehtap , Dereci Selim , Hacisalihoglu Sadan , Orhan Fazil
Published: October 2016

Background

Although kiwifruit is known as a common cause of food allergy, population‐based studies concerning the prevalence of kiwifruit allergy do not exist. We aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of IgE‐mediated kiwifruit allergy in 6–18‐year‐old urban schoolchildren in a region where kiwifruit is widely cultivated.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study recruited 20,800 of the randomly selected 6–18‐year‐old urban schoolchildren from the Rize city in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey during 2013. Following a self‐administered questionnaire completed by the parents and the child, consenting children were invited for skin prick tests (SPTs) and oral food challenges (OFCs). Children with suspected IgE‐mediated kiwifruit were skin prick tested with kiwifruit (commercial allergen and prick‐to‐prick test with fresh kiwifruit) and a pre‐defined panel of allergens (banana, avocado, latex, sesame seed, birch, timothy, hazel, cat, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Dermatophagoides farinae). All children with a positive SPT to kiwifruit were invited for an open OFC. The prevalence of IgE‐mediated kiwifruit allergy was established using open OFCs.

Results

The response rate to the questionnaire was 75.9% (15783/20800). The estimated prevalence of parental‐perceived IgE‐mediated kiwifruit allergy was 0.5% (72/15783) (95% CI, 0.39–0.61%). Of the 72 children, 52 (72.2%) were skin tested, and 17 (32.7%) were found to be positive to kiwifruit with both commercial extract and kiwifruit. The most frequently reported symptoms in kiwifruit SPT‐positive children were cutaneous (n = 10, 58.8%) followed by gastrointestinal (n = 6, 35.3%) and bronchial (n = 4, 23.5%). Oral symptoms were reported in six (35.3%) children. All children who were kiwifruit positive by SPT were found positive during the oral challenge. The confirmed prevalence of IgE‐mediated kiwifruit allergy by means of open OFC in 6–18‐year‐old urban schoolchildren living in Rize city was 0.10% (95% CI, 0.06–0.16).

Conclusion

Prevalence of parental‐perceived and clinically confirmed kiwifruit allergy is not consistent. In contrast to expectations, kiwifruit allergy prevalence was low in a city where it is cultivated and highly consumed.
The effect of ultrasound‐guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block on postoperative analgesia and neuroendocrine stress response in pediatric patients undergoing elective open inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Abu Elyazed Mohamed M. , Mostafa Shaimaa F. , Abdullah Mohammad A. , Eid Gehan M.
Published: October 2016

Background

Transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) is a compartmental block of the anterior abdominal wall. Surgical trauma produces multisystem reactions. Anesthetic techniques can modify the neuroendocrine surgical stress response.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TAP block on the modification of the surgical neuroendocrine stress response as well as its analgesia effect in children undergoing open inguinal hernia repair.

Method

Sixty children aged 3–10 years undergoing elective unilateral open inguinal hernia repair were randomized into group I (general anesthesia) or group II (received TAP block after induction of general anesthesia). Serum cortisol, blood glucose, quality of analgesia, postoperative need for rescue analgesia, and complications and degree of satisfaction of the patients and their parents were assessed.

Results

Serum cortisol level was significantly lower in group II as compared to group I intraoperatively (17.73 ± 1.51 vs 21.80 ± 2.22 μg·dl−1) and 30 min postoperatively (15.03 ± 1.56 vs 18.30 ± 1.53 μg·dl−1). Blood glucose level was significantly lower in group II as compared to group I intraoperatively (107.57 ± 3.77 vs 115.40 ± 6.30 mg·dl−1) and 30 min postoperatively (104.13 ± 3.78 vs 110.73 ± 4.83 mg·dl−1). The quality of analgesia as indicated by CHEOPS and OPS scales was significantly better in group II. The consumption of postoperative rescue analgesia was significantly higher in group I as compared to group II (27.00 ± 9.97 vs 13.00 ± 9.43 mg·kg−1).

Conclusion

TAP block is effective as a part of multimodal analgesia for children undergoing open inguinal hernia repair with significant attenuation in the neuroendocrine stress response induced by surgery.
Revisiting acute normovolemic hemodilution and blood transfusion during pediatric cardiac surgery: a prospective observational study
Authors: Sebastian Roby , Ratliff Todd , Winch Peter D. , Tumin Dmitry , Gomez Daniel , Tobias Joseph , Galantowicz Mark , Naguib Aymen N.
Published: October 2016

Background

The majority of allogeneic transfusions occur in the perioperative setting, especially during cardiac surgery. In addition to the economic implications, there is emerging evidence that blood transfusion may increase both morbidity and mortality. Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) may limit the need for blood products.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to determine if the method of blood collection (syringe or bag) during the ANH process impacted the platelet count and function. The secondary objectives included the need for perioperative blood transfusions during the procedure and in the intensive care unit. In addition, we assessed these outcomes' associations with ANH parameters including the method of collection, time of storage, and volume removed.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively from 50 patients undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass over a 6‐month period. Platelet count and function were measured for the ANH blood immediately after collection and again prior to transfusing to the patient at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass. Other data collected included ANH volume, length of storage, and the quantity of all blood products given throughout the perioperative period.

Results

No change in platelet count or function was noted regardless of the length of time or collection method for the ANH blood. Twenty‐three patients received blood or blood products in the operating room or the intensive care unit, while 27 patients received no blood transfusion during their entire hospitalization. Higher ANH volume (ml·kg−1) and longer storage time were associated with a greater need for intraoperative transfusions.

Conclusion

Acute normovolemic hemodilution protects the platelets from the untoward effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and offers an important autologous blood product that improves hemostasis at the conclusion of surgery. Platelet count and function are preserved regardless of the method of collection or the length of storage. The volume of ANH removed appears to be an important determinant of blood product use and further understanding of the impact of this variable is a future direction of upcoming prospective research.
Overexpression of a tomato miR171 target gene SlGRAS24 impacts multiple agronomical traits via regulating gibberellin and auxin homeostasis
Authors: Huang Wei , Peng Shiyuan , Xian Zhiqiang , Lin Dongbo , Hu Guojian , Yang Lu , Ren Maozhi , Li Zhengguo
Published: October 2016

In Arabidopsis, the miR171‐GRAS module has been clarified as key player in meristem maintenance. However, the knowledge about its role in fruit crops like tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) remains scarce. We previously identified tomato SlGRAS24 as a target gene of Sly‐miR171. To study the role of this probable transcription factor, we generated transgenic tomato plants underexpressing SlGRAS24, overexpressing SlGRAS24, overexpressing Sly‐miR171 and expressing β‐glucuronidase (GUS) under the SlGRAS24 promoter (proSlGRAS24‐GUS). Plants overexpressing SlGRAS24 (SlGRAS24‐OE) had pleiotropic phenotypes associated with multiple agronomical traits including plant height, flowering time, leaf architecture, lateral branch number, root length, fruit set and development. Many GA/auxin‐related genes were down‐regulated and altered responsiveness to exogenous IAA/NAA or GA3 application was observed in SlGRAS24‐OE seedlings. Moreover, compromised fruit set and development in SlGRAS24‐OE was also observed. These newly identified phenotypes for SlGRAS24 homologs in tomato were later proved to be caused by impaired pollen sacs and fewer viable pollen grains. At anthesis, the comparative transcriptome results showed altered expression of genes involved in pollen development and hormone signalling. Taken together, our data demonstrate that SlGRAS24 participates in a series of developmental processes through modulating gibberellin and auxin signalling, which sheds new light on the involvement of hormone crosstalk in tomato development.
The impact of length and weight on survival after heart transplantation in children less than 24 months of age
Authors: McKee Christopher , Tumin Dmitry , Hayes Don , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: October 2016

Adults, older children, and adolescent patients with a BMI categorized as overweight or obese have decreased survival after HTx. Anthropometric correlates of survival after HTx in infants have not been well defined. In a retrospective analysis of the UNOS registry, patients age 0‐24 months were classified according to the WHO height‐for‐age and weight‐for‐age norms, as well as arbitrary BMI‐for‐age percentiles. Outcomes of 1‐year survival, conditional long‐term survival, and cause‐specific mortality were examined. Infants with stunted growth according to the WHO definition had increased risks of early mortality, late mortality, and death due to graft failure after HTx. Secondary analysis of first‐year survival demonstrated increased mortality in children who were underweight according to weight‐for‐age, but a survival disadvantage in the highest BMI‐for‐age category, likely due to short recumbent length leading to relatively high BMI values. Stunted growth relative to WHO standards predicts mortality following heart transplant in children less than 2 years of age. The association between post‐transplant mortality and high BMI‐for‐age, as demonstrated in older cohorts, was observed in the infant cohort only due to stunting, and not due to overweight classification.
Kinds of Authenticity
Authors: Newman George E. , Smith Rosanna K.
Published: October 2016

The concept of authenticity plays an important role in how people reason about objects, other people, and themselves. However, despite a great deal of academic interest in this concept, to date, the precise meaning of the term, authenticity, has remained somewhat elusive. This paper reviews the various definitions of authenticity that have been proposed in the literature and identifies areas of convergence. We then outline a novel framework that organizes the existing definitions of authenticity along two key dimensions: (i) describing the type of entity that is evaluated and (ii) describing the source of information that is consulted. We argue that this convergence across a number of papers, and more importantly, across a number of domains, reflects significant progress in articulating the meaning(s) of authenticity. We conclude by suggesting new avenues for research in this area, with particular attention toward psychological process.