bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel method for using ecoacoustics to monitor post‐translocation behaviour in an endangered passerine
Authors: Metcalf Oliver C. , Ewen John G. , McCready Mhairi , Williams Emma M. , Rowcliffe J. Marcus
Published: February 2019

Conservation translocations are an important tool in wildlife management, but monitoring of translocations has traditionally suffered from a lack of techniques for effective post‐release monitoring. Increasing understanding of post‐release movements is vital in improving the success of translocations, but few methods exist to efficiently monitor highly mobile and cryptic species post‐release.

We present a novel approach to using dynamic occupancy modelling in combination with data derived from autonomous acoustic recording units to monitor the post‐release behaviour of hihi (Notiomystis cincta), a threatened endemic bird, at a translocation site in New Zealand. The process of analysing large quantities of acoustic data was facilitated by using automated classifiers and manual validation, an approach that was both accurate and efficient.

We find that this approach detects behavioural change consistent with the transition from exploration of a new site to territory formation. We identify that hihi territories at the study site were closely linked to watercourses, but were not related to distance from release site.

We find that this method is able to effectively monitor post‐release dispersal, and could provide a cost‐efficient and less invasive alternative to radiotracking for monitoring of vocal species.
Mocha tyrosinase variant: a new flavour of cat coat coloration
Authors: Yu Y. , Grahn R. A. , Lyons L. A.
Published: February 2019

A novel coloration named ‘mocha’ has been identified in the Burmese cat breed from Thailand. Tyrosinase (TYR) mutations are known to be associated with coat coloration in cats, such as the sable Burmese, the points of the Siamese and albino cats. Additionally, sable Burmese that produced mocha‐colored cats had unexpected genotypes for TYR. Therefore, TYR was considered a candidate gene for mocha in cats. Sanger sequencing for genomic DNA revealed NC_018732.3:chromosome D1:45 898 609_45 898 771dup in exon 2 and intron 2 of TYR. Transcription analysis using cDNA detected c.820_936delinsAATCTC (p.I274_L312delinsNL), which caused a 111‐bp (37 amino acid) deletion in the reading frame of TYR. The identified variant was concordant with the phenotype and segregated with TYR variants in a pedigree of 12 Burmese cats. This findings of this study suggest that TYR is associated with the mocha coloration in cats. The new color variant adds to the allelic series for TYR (C > cb = cs > c, c2) and is recessive to full color (C); however, interactions with the cb and cs alleles are unclear due to the temperature‐sensitivity of the alleles.
Identifying support needs to improve rural dementia services for people with dementia and their carers: A consultation study in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Bauer Michael , Fetherstonhaugh Deirdre , Blackberry Irene , Farmer Jane , Wilding Clare
Published: February 2019

Objective

The support and service needs of people with dementia and their carers are not always addressed in rural regions, yet family carers play an important role in supporting the person living with dementia to remain living in their own home. This study sought to identify and prioritise service and support needs of people with dementia and carers.

Design

A two‐phase mixed methods study involving qualitative focus groups and a survey.

Setting

A rural region in Victoria, Australia.

Participants

People living with dementia, carers and health professionals.

Results

Focus groups identified 12 areas of need. A follow‐up survey reached consensus on the priority areas for service improvement. These included diagnosis and information access, dementia training, community understanding and carer support.

Conclusion

Living in a rural region imposes significant challenges on people with dementia and carers. We need to find ways to address gaps in service provision for carers and people with dementia in rural settings and examine their applicability in other rural regions more broadly.
Building a medical workforce in Tasmania: A profile of medical student intake
Authors: Cheek Colleen , Hays Richard , Allen Penny , Walker Gary , Shires Lizzi
Published: February 2019

Objective

To identify under‐represented groups in a medical school intake.

Design

Descriptive analysis of student demographic characteristics.

Setting

One state‐wide medical school.

Participants

All students enrolled between 2010 and 2016.

Main outcome measure(s)

Proportion of students from regional and rural areas, state versus independent schools, highest parental qualification, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students.

Results

Of 819 students, 472 (57.6%) were from Tasmania, five (1.1%) identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, 335 (71.0%) completed their secondary education at independent schools and 137 (29.0%) at government schools. The overall median Modified Monash Model was 2 (range 1–6) and median Australia Statistical Geography Standard Remoteness Area was 2 (inner regional: range 1–4), reflecting that a majority came from one of the two main cities. Over two‐thirds (69.5%) had a parent with a Bachelor degree or higher qualification, regardless of the school attended. Just under half (225, 47.7%) of all Tasmanian students attended a secondary school with a parental contribution of ≥$5000 per annum. These students attended a small number of independent schools, with the proportion relatively stable over the period from 2010 to 2016.

Conclusion

Widening participation and widening access initiatives to graduate doctors who understand and want to work in communities in need might not be working as well in Tasmania as elsewhere in Australia. Social accountability might be improved by adapting a rural classification that reflects the demographic profile of Tasmania.
Prevalence and practice characteristics of urban and rural or remote Australian chiropractors: Analysis of a nationally representative sample of 1830 chiropractors
Authors: Adams Jon , de Luca Katie , Swain Michael , Funabashi Martha , Wong Arnold , Pagé Isabelle , Sibbritt David , Peng Wenbo
Published: February 2019

Objective

To determine the prevalence and clinical management characteristics of chiropractors practising in urban and rural or remote Australia.

Design

A cross‐sectional analysis of the Australian Chiropractic Research Network project data.

Setting

Nationally representative sample of registered chiropractors practising in Australia.

Participants

Chiropractors who participated in the Australian Chiropractic Research Network project and answered a question about practising in urban or rural or remote areas in the practitioner questionnaire.

Main outcome measure

The demographics, practice characteristics and clinical management of chiropractors.

Results

The majority of chiropractors indicated that they practise in urban areas only, while 22.8% (n = 435) practice in rural or remote areas only and 4.0% (n = 77) practice in both urban and rural or remote areas. Statistically significant predictors of chiropractors who practice in rural or remote areas, as compared to urban areas, included more patient visits per week, practising in more than one location, no imaging facilities on site, often treating degenerative spinal conditions or migraine, often treating people aged over 65 years, frequently treating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and frequently using biomechanical pelvic blocking or the sacro‐occipital technique.

Conclusion

A substantial number of chiropractors practice in rural or remote Australia and these rural or remote‐based chiropractors are more likely to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal cases and include an Indigenously diverse group of patients than their urban‐located colleagues. Unique practice challenges for rural or remote chiropractors include a higher workload and a lack of diagnostic tools. Chiropractors should be acknowledged and considered within rural or remote health care policy and service provision.
Right ventricular pacing is associated with increased rates of appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks
Authors: Arcinas Liane A. , McIntyre William F. , Farag Ashraf , Kushneriuk Dominique , Hiebert Brett , Seifer Colette M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Right ventricular (RV) pacing has been associated with increased risk of pacemaker‐induced cardiomyopathy, hospitalization and death among patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Little is known about its association with ventricular tachyarrhythmias. We hypothesize that RV pacing is associated with increased incidence of appropriate ICD shocks and death.

Methods

Retrospective study of consecutive patients with de novo ICD insertion (excluding cardiac resynchronization therapy devices) from a single tertiary care center. Patients were classified into <10% RV pacing (low‐pace group) and ≥10% RV pacing (high‐pace group). Data were compared using two‐tailed t tests and Fisher's exact test. Binomial logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of appropriate ICD therapies.

Results

A total of 178 patients (54 high paced and 124 low paced) were included. Mean follow‐up was 43 ± 11 months. Appropriate shocks occurred in 27 patients (15%) and were significantly higher in the high‐pace group (35% vs. 10%, p = 0.008), as the number of deaths (31% vs. 11%, p = 0.001). Binary logistic regression showed a significantly increased risk of shock (OR 2.99, p = 0.01) and death (OR 3.61, p = 0.002) in high‐paced patients. Multivariable analysis showed no difference in risk of shocks based on age, sex or ejection fraction. Older patients had higher risk of death.

Conclusions

In this population of ICD patients, those with a high prevalence of RV pacing experienced more shocks for VF/VT and had higher mortality. Further studies should be done to determine whether minimizing RV pacing reduces arrhythmias, shock burden and death in patients with ICDs.
Systematic review finds that fever phobia is a worldwide issue among caregivers and healthcare providers
Authors: Clericetti Caterina M , Milani Gregorio P , Bianchetti Mario G , Simonetti Giacomo D , Fossali Emilio F , Balestra Alessandra M , Bozzini Marie‐Ange , Agostoni Carlo , Lava Sebastiano A G
Published: February 2019

Aim

Fever phobia describes exaggerated concerns about the consequences of childhood fever and broader awareness is needed in everyday clinical practice. We investigated the factors associated with fever phobia in caregivers and healthcare providers and the geographical distribution of the issue.

Methods

The National Library of Medicine, Excerpta Medica and Google Scholar databases were searched.

Results

We retrieved 76 papers, published in English from 1985 to 2018, which covered wide areas of Asia, Europe, America, Africa and Australia. The occurrence of fever phobia was confirmed in 65 papers covering 26 521 caregivers. A number of factors were significantly associated with fever phobia, including low educational or socioeconomic levels, a history of febrile seizures in the child and young maternal age. Fever phobia was also more common in Bedouins and in people from Latin America, Southern Italy and Turkey. There were also 15 papers that addressed fever phobia among 4566 healthcare providers. All the reports suggested that a fear of fever and a tendency to over treat was common among physicians and nurses.

Conclusion

Fever phobia was a common world phenomena that affected caregivers and healthcare providers.
DAN plays important compensatory roles in systemic‐to‐pulmonary shunt associated pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Meng Liukun , Liu Xiaoyan , Teng Xiao , Yuan Wen , Duan Lihua , Meng Jian , Li Jun , Zheng Zhe , Wei Yingjie , Hu Shengshou
Published: February 2019

Aim

Proteins mainly expressed in normal lungs and significantly changed in lungs exposed to systemic‐to‐pulmonary shunts might be promising targets for pulmonary arterial hypertension induced by congenital heart diseases (PAH/CHD). This study aimed to investigate the potential role of differential screening‐selected gene aberrative in neuroblastoma (DAN) in PAH/CHD.

Methods

PAH was surgically induced by the combined surgery (right pulmonary artery ligation and left cervical systemic‐to‐pulmonary shunt) in Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats. Exogenous DAN was supplemented by osmotic minipumps.

Results

Firstly, DAN was significantly decreased in patients with severe PAH/CHD and negatively correlated with pulmonary hemodynamic indices derived from right cardiac catheterization. Secondly, pulmonary hypertensive status and apparent pulmonary vasculopathies of PAH/CHD were surgically reproduced in SD rats. Real time‐PCR and Western blot analysis revealed that DAN mRNA and protein levels decreased in lungs exposed to systemic‐to‐pulmonary shunts, and immunofluorescence staining found that DAN was highly expressed in pulmonary arteries of normal lungs but seldom detected in severely remodelling pulmonary arteries, furthermore, plasma levels of DAN in shunted‐rats manifested a time‐depended decrease and negatively correlated with pulmonary hemodynamic indices. Thirdly, DAN specially reversed the anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects of bone morphogenetic protein 2/4 (BMP2/4) on pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells via BMP2/4‐BMPR2‐Smad1/5/8‐Id1 signalling pathway. Furthermore, continuous supplementation of exogenous DAN protein increased the extent of shunt‐associated PAH.

Conclusion

Compensatory decrease of DAN in hypertensive lungs may retard the deterioration of shunt‐associated PAH, at least in part, by antagonizing BMP signalling pathway. Furthermore, DAN might be a potential biomarker for PAH/CHD.
Krüppel‐like factor 2 inhibits hepatocarcinogenesis through negative regulation of the Hedgehog pathway
Authors: Lin JinBo , Tan Huifang , Nie Yingjie , Wu Dongwen , Zheng Weiji , Lin Wensong , Zhu Zheng , Yang Bing , Chen Xiaoliang , Chen Tao
Published: February 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. The most important reason for the occurrence of HCC is hepatitis C or B infection. Moreover, genetic factors play an important role in the tumorigenesis of HCC. Here, we demonstrated that Krüppel‐like factor 2 (KLF2) expression was downregulated in HCC samples compared with adjacent tissues. Additionally, KLF2 was shown to inhibit the growth, migration and colony‐formation ability of liver cancer cells. Further mechanistic studies revealed that KLF2 can compete with Gli1 for interaction with HDAC1 and restrains Hedgehog signal activation. Together, our results suggest that KLF2 has potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.
Design, synthesis and evaluations of spiro‐fused benzoxaborin derivatives as novel boron‐containing compounds
Authors: Natsutani Itaru , Iwata Riyo , Yamai Yu‐suke , Ishida Kyoji , Nagaoka Yasuo , Sumiyoshi Takaaki
Published: February 2019

Drug design using boron‐containing heterocycles has attracted a great deal of attention because these compounds are believed to possess high biological activity. However, information on the synthetic methodology and pharmacokinetic profiling of boron‐containing compounds is limited. In this study, we provide a new synthetic route for preparation of spiro‐fused benzoxaborin derivatives and investigate their in vitro pharmacokinetic properties. Our efforts led to the successful construction of a chemical library of spiro‐fused benzoxaborin derivatives with appropriate physicochemical and in vitro pharmacokinetic properties for oral drugs. These results indicate that the synthesized boron‐containing compounds are therefore eligible for classification in a novel chemical library.
In times of tobacco‐free nicotine consumption: The influence of nicotine on vascular calcification
Authors: Babic Milen , Schuchardt Mirjam , Tölle Markus , van der Giet Markus
Published: February 2019

Background

Smoking remains the most important avoidable cause of global mortality. Even though the number of cigarette smokers declines in first world countries, the uses of alternative nicotine delivery products increase and may even surpass the sells of cigarettes. In this light, the explicit role of nicotine in the development of cardiovascular diseases should be elucidated.

Objectives

This narrative review attempts to connect current literature about possible effects of nicotine on the environment of the vasculature to the pathogenesis of vascular calcification, focusing on the tunica media of the vessel wall.

Methods

For this review, papers found on Pubmed and Medline until December 2018 by searching for the keywords nicotine, vascular calcification, oxidative stress, osteoblastic transdifferentiation and matrix degradation were considered.

Results

Nicotine creates an environment that probably facilitates and maybe even induces osteogenic transdifferentiation of VSMC by inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species. This process is believed to be a key event in calcification of the tunica media of the vessel wall. Furthermore, nicotine could lead to the formation of nucleation sites for hydroxyapatite by facilitating matrix vesicles and extracellular matrix degradation.

Conclusions

There is a growing body of evidence implicating that nicotine alone could impair vascular function and lead to vascular calcification. Further research is necessary to elucidate the explicit influence of nicotine on arteriosclerosis.
Corticobasal syndrome: neuroimaging and neurophysiological advances
Authors: Di Stasio F. , Suppa A. , Marsili L. , Upadhyay N. , Asci F. , Bologna M. , Colosimo C. , Fabbrini G. , Pantano P. , Berardelli A.
Published: February 2019

Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by 4R tau protein deposition in several brain regions that clinically manifests itself as a heterogeneous atypical parkinsonism typically expressed in adulthood. The prototypical clinical phenotype of CBD is corticobasal syndrome (CBS). Important insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying motor and higher cortical symptoms in CBS have been gained by using advanced neuroimaging and neurophysiological techniques. Structural and functional neuroimaging studies often show asymmetric cortical and subcortical abnormalities, mainly involving perirolandic and parietal regions and basal ganglia structures. Neurophysiological investigations including electroencephalography and somatosensory evoked potentials provide useful information on the origin of myoclonus and on cortical sensory loss. Transcranial magnetic stimulation demonstrates heterogeneous and asymmetric changes in the excitability and plasticity of primary motor cortex and abnormal hemispheric connectivity. Neuroimaging and neurophysiological abnormalities in multiple brain areas reflect asymmetric neurodegeneration, leading to asymmetric motor and higher cortical symptoms in CBS.
Replication, reanalysis, and gene expression: ME2 and genetic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Wang Meng , Greenberg David A. , Stewart William C. L.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) consists of epileptic syndromes with overlapping symptoms and is considered to be largely genetic. Previous cosegregation and association studies have pointed to malic enzyme 2 (ME2) as a candidate susceptibility gene for adolescent‐onset GGE. In this article, we present new evidence supporting ME2's involvement in GGE.

Methods

To definitively test ME2's influence on GGE, we used 3 different approaches. First, we compared a newly recruited GGE cohort with an ethnically matched reference sample from 1000 Genomes Project, using an efficient test of association (POPFAM+). Second, we used POPFAM+ to reanalyze a previously collected data set, wherein the original controls were replaced with ethnically matched reference samples to minimize the confounding effect of population stratification. Third, in a post hoc analysis of expression data from healthy human prefrontal cortex, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing ME2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression; and then we tested those same SNPs for association with GGE in a large case‐control cohort.

Results

First, in the analysis of our newly recruited GGE Cohort, we found a strong association between an ME2 SNP and GGE (P = 0.0006 at rs608781). Second, in the reanalysis of previously collected data, we confirmed the Greenberg et al (2005) finding of a GGE‐associated ME2 risk haplotype. Third, in the post hoc ME2 expression analysis, we found evidence for a possible link between GGE and ME2 gene expression in human brain.

Significance

Overall, our research, and the research of others, provides compelling evidence that ME2 influences susceptibility to adolescent‐onset GGE.
Fenfluramine, a serotonin‐releasing drug, prevents seizure‐induced respiratory arrest and is anticonvulsant in the DBA/1 mouse model of SUDEP
Authors: Tupal Srinivasan , Faingold Carl L.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Prevention of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a critical goal for epilepsy therapy. The DBA/1 mouse model of SUDEP exhibits an elevated susceptibility to seizure‐induced death in response to electroconvulsive shock, hyperthermia, convulsant drug, and acoustic stimulation. The serotonin hypothesis of SUDEP is based on findings that treatments which modify serotonergic function significantly alter susceptibility to seizure‐induced sudden death in several epilepsy models, including DBA/1 mice. Serotonergic abnormalities have also recently been observed in human SUDEP. Fenfluramine is a drug that enhances serotonin release in the brain. Recent studies have found that the addition of fenfluramine improved seizure control in patients with Dravet syndrome, which has a high incidence of SUDEP. Therefore, we investigated the effects of fenfluramine on seizures and seizure‐induced respiratory arrest (S‐IRA) in DBA/1 mice.

Methods

The dose and time course of the effects of fenfluramine (i.p.) on audiogenic seizures (Sz) induced by an electric bell in DBA/1 mice were determined. Videos of Sz‐induced behaviors were recorded for analysis. Statistical significance (P < 0.05) was evaluated using the chi‐square test.

Results

Sixteen hours after administration of 15 mg/kg of fenfluramine, a high incidence of selective block of S‐IRA susceptibility (P < 0.001) occurred in DBA/1 mice without blocking any convulsive behavior. Thirty minutes after 20‐40 mg/kg of fenfluramine, significant reductions of seizure incidence and severity, as well as S‐IRA susceptibility occurred, which were long‐lasting (≥48 hours). The median effective dose (ED50) of fenfluramine for significantly reducing Sz at 30 minutes was 21 mg/kg.

Significance

This study presents the first evidence for the effectiveness of fenfluramine in reducing seizure incidence, severity, and S‐IRA susceptibility in a mammalian SUDEP model. The ability of fenfluramine to block S‐IRA selectively suggests the potential usefulness of fenfluramine in prophylaxis of SUDEP. These results further confirm and extend the serotonin hypothesis of SUDEP.
Risk factors for injury in a community‐treated cohort of patients with epilepsy in Australia
Authors: Tan Michael , Boston Ray , Cook Mark J. , D'Souza Wendyl J.
Published: February 2019

Objective

There remains a paucity of knowledge regarding specific epilepsy‐related risk factors for accidents and injuries in people with epilepsy. Injury studies in people with epilepsy are overrepresented, with tertiary based populations that are prone to bias from severe disease. This study aims to assess the contribution of epilepsy‐related risk factors to injuries in a community‐based cohort.

Methods

We performed a retrospective nested case‐control study on patients recruited into the Tasmanian Epilepsy Register (TER) from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002. TheTERis a community‐based cohort of patients with epilepsy in Tasmania, Australia, recruited from the national prescription database and interviewed for epilepsy diagnosis, injuries, and risk factors using validated questionnaires with diagnosis made by an epilepsy specialist. The primary outcome measures were lifetime and recent 12‐month injury. Multivariate logistic regression with multiple imputation modeling responder nondisclosure was performed, adjusting for age, gender, region, socioeconomic status, seizure frequency, and epilepsy duration.

Results

A total of 819 patients with epilepsy were included in this study. Ten percent of patients experienced an injury in the preceding year. Before adjusting for seizure frequency, any seizure over the past 12 months was associated with recent injury (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 7.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.17‐14.96). Impaired awareness, cluster seizures, sleep‐only seizures, and convulsive seizure were characteristics found to significantly influence injuries irrespective of seizure frequency. Although a warning appeared initially protective for recent injuries (OR= 0.39, 95%CI= 0.22‐0.69), this was entirely explained by seizure frequency, with the effect becoming nonsignificant.

Significance

Likely due to their unpredictable nature, seizures expose patients with epilepsy to a high risk of life‐threatening injury. These findings emphasize the importance of seizure freedom for maximizing the safety of patients with epilepsy.
Phylogenetic diversity in freshwater‐dwelling Isochrysidales haptophytes with implications for alkenone production
Authors: Richter Nora , Longo William M. , George Sarabeth , Shipunova Anna , Huang Yongsong , Amaral‐Zettler Linda
Published: February 2019

Members of the order Isochrysidales are unique among haptophyte lineages in being the exclusive producers of alkenones, long‐chain ketones that are commonly used for paleotemperature reconstructions. Alkenone‐producing haptophytes are divided into three major groups based largely on molecular ecological data: Group I is found in freshwater lakes, Group II commonly occurs in brackish and coastal marine environments, and Group III consists of open ocean species. Each group has distinct alkenone distributions; however, only Groups II and III Isochrysidales currently have cultured representatives. The uncultured Group I Isochrysidales are distinguished geochemically by the presence of tri‐unsaturated alkenone isomers (C37:3b Me, C38:3b Et, C38:3b Me, C39:3b Et) present in water column and sediment samples, yet their genetic diversity, morphology, and environmental controls are largely unknown. Using small‐subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) marker gene amplicon high‐throughput sequencing of environmental water column and sediment samples, we show that Group I is monophyletic with high phylogenetic diversity and contains a well‐supported clade separating the previously described “EV” clade from the “Greenland” clade. We infer the first partial large‐subunit (LSU) rRNA gene Group I sequence phylogeny, which uncovered additional well‐supported clades embedded within Group I. Relative to Group II, Group I revealed higher levels of genetic diversity despite conservation of alkenone signatures and a closer evolutionary relationship with Group III. In Group I, the presence of the tri‐unsaturated alkenone isomers appears to be conserved, which is not the case for Group II. This suggests differing environmental influences on Group I and II and perhaps uncovers evolutionary constraints on alkenone biosynthesis.
Clinical and pathological features of sarcopenia‐related indices in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Seko Yuya , Mizuno Naoki , Okishio Shinya , Takahashi Aya , Kataoka Seita , Okuda Keiichiroh , Furuta Mitsuhiro , Takemura Masashi , Taketani Hiroyoshi , Umemura Atsushi , Nishikawa Taichiro , Yamaguchi Kanji , Moriguchi Michihisa , Itoh Yoshito
Published: February 2019

Background

Sarcopenia is diagnosed with the skeletal muscle index (SMI) or the sarcopenia index (SI). We previously reported that the ratio of skeletal muscle mass to body fat mass (SF ratio) was a novel index of sarcopenia in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate sarcopenia with these indices in patients with NAFLD.

Methods

One hundred and fifty‐six consecutive patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >40 IU/L were enrolled. Liver function and body composition were evaluated in 121 patients after 12 months. We evaluated the relationship between histological findings, changes in liver function, and the SMI, SI, and SF ratio.

Results

Of the 156 patients enrolled, 13.5% and 26.3% were diagnosed with sarcopenia with the SMI and SI. In patients with hepatic fibrosis stage <2, the SI and the SF ratio were significantly greater than in patients with fibrosis stage ≥2. There was no difference in SMI between groups. In the cohort assessed at baseline and 12 months later, transaminase activity and SMI decreased significantly, and the SF ratio increased over time. A multivariate analysis revealed the presence of the PNPLA3 G allele and an increase in SF ratio (odds ratio, 7.406) as predictive factors of ALT reduction >30% from baseline.

Conclusions

Due to the high prevalence of obesity, we should consider both skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass in the diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD. The SF ratio could be a useful index in sarcopenic NAFLD.
Electron microscopy and tomography reveal that sodium 2‐naphthalene sulfonate incorporated into perming solutions swells and tilts trichocyte intermediate filaments causing straightening of curly Japanese human hair
Authors: Bryson W. G. , Harland D. P. , Caldwell J. P. , Vernon J. A. , Walls R. J. , Woods J. L. , Nagase S. , Itou T. , Koike K.
Published: February 2019

Objective

A new hair‐care process has been specifically developed for the straightening of curved Japanese woman's hair . The process included sodium 2‐naphthalene sulfonate (SNS) in the reduction and oxidation steps of a conventional perming process. Our objective was to develop an understanding of how this process caused hair straightening by measuring the changes to morphology and ultrastructure between untreated, conventionally permed and SNS permed hair. Untreated and SNS permed Merino wool fibres were used to confirm structural changes.

Methods

Japanese hair samples were measured for single‐fibre curvature before and after perming treatments. A silver staining method was developed to stain hair fibres without changing fibre curvature so that transmission electron microscopy could be used to measure changes in the lateral dimensions of all structural components from the cellular to protein filament level. Electron tomography determined intermediate filament slopes and slope changes after SNS perming relative to the central longitudinal axis of the fibre.

Results

SNS perming was found to cause greater lateral swelling than conventional perming of: the paracortical cells of wool; the cuticle, the cuticular cell membrane complex and the macrofibrillar centre‐to‐centre distance of hair; and of the intermediate filaments in wool and hair. In curved hair, SNS perming caused the intermediate filaments of the helical macrofibrils to simultaneously swell and to tilt further, resulting in the slight longitudinal contraction of the macrofibrils. The overall swelling and tilting was greatest in the helical macrofibrils of Type B cortical cells predominately located in the convex fibre half. The presence of a higher percentage of helical macrofibrils in the convex fibre half than in the concave fibre half caused a contraction differential between the two halves leading to straighten of the curved fibre. A mechanical model was proposed to explain how SNS perming straightened curly hair.

Conclusion

The effects of conventional and SNS perming on the morphological and ultrastructural components of curved Japanese hair and high‐curl Merino wool fibres have given clear insights into understanding the mechanism of fibre curvature change.
Antimicrobial action of photodynamic therapy in root canals using LED curing light, curcumin and carbopol gel
Authors: Oda D. F. , Duarte M. A. H. , Andrade F. B. , Moriyama L. T. , Bagnato V. S. , de Moraes I. G.
Published: February 2019

Aim

To evaluate the capacity of carbopol gel to maintain the intensity of a LED curing light (blueLED) along the length of prepared root canals in bovine teeth, and to assess the antimicrobial capacity of curcumin photoactivated by a LED curing light in the presence of carbopol gel.

Methodology

Experiment 1: Eight straight roots of bovine incisors were standardized to a length of 15 mm, and the root canals instrumented up to a size 120 K‐file. The LED curing light was irradiated inside the root canals using an aluminium collimator (1.5 mm in diameter) placed at the orifice (n = 8). Initially, the irradiation was performed in empty root canals and then repeated with the root canals filled with carbopol gel. Simple standardized photographs of the roots were taken with a digital camera in the mesial perspective during the irradiation procedure and the images analysed in OriginLab software to verify the light intensity along the length of the root. Experiment 2: Twenty dentine blocks were obtained from the cervical third of bovine incisors using a trephine bur. Biofilms were induced for 21 days on the blocks using Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 4083) at 109 cells mL−1. The blocks were treated according to the groups (n = 5): positive control; standard PDT (methylene blue + diode Laser); curcumin; LED curing light; and curcumin + LED curing light. After the treatment, the samples were dyed with Live/Dead BacLight Bacterial Viability solution and fluorescence images were obtained by Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (CSLM). Experiment 3: Thirty‐two roots of bovine incisors were prepared as described in experiment 1. Their dentinal tubules were contaminated and the root canals treated according to the groups (n = 8): positive control; standard PDT; curcumin + LED curing light; curcumin + carbopol gel + LED curing light. The specimens were sectioned longitudinally and the split roots were treated with the Live/Dead dye to obtain fluorescence images by CSLM. All images were processed using BioImageL software to measure the percentage of viable bacteria and the data analysed statistically using the nonparametric Kruskal‐Wallis test (α < 0.05).

Results

In Experiment 1, carbopol gel did not improve the intensity of LED light transmission along the root canal. In Experiment 2, a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in bacterial viability occurred in the following order: positive control < only LED curing light < only curcumin < curcumin + LED curing light = standard PDT; and in Experiment 3 positive control = curcumin + LED curing light ≤ curcumin + gel + LED curing light ≤ standard PDT.

Conclusion

Similar disinfection effectiveness was obtained using curcumin + LED curing light and methylene blue + 660 nm LASER (standard PDT). The use of carbopol gel did not favour a greater transmission of LED light along the root canal and also resulted in less bacterial killing when used in endodontic PDT.
Genome‐wide dissection of sex determination genes in the highly invasive whitefly species Bemisia tabaci Q/MED
Authors: Liu Y. , Xie W. , Guo L. , Yang X. , Yang J. , Wang S. , Wu Q. , Zhou X. , Zhang Y.
Published: February 2019

Sex determination genes are important regulators of reproduction as well as of the development of both behavioural and morphological sex characteristics. The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is an emerging insect pest worldwide. The recent release of the genome sequence of the highly invasive B. tabaciQ/MED allows us to investigate the mechanisms and genes involved in sex determination. The combined genome and transcriptome‐wide analyses identified 26 genes putatively associated with sex determination in B. tabaciQ/MED. The temporal profiles of these genes exhibited a consistent expression pattern at all B. tabaci developmental stages: the highest transcript levels were detected in eggs (21 genes, 80.8%) and the lowest in adults (24 genes, 92.3%). The expression pattern was further validated by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR analysis. Alternative splicing analysis found that (1) da and mle have sex‐specific isoforms in B. tabaci adults, whereas Imp does not, and (2) exon skipping is a common splicing mechanism involved in B. tabaci sex determination. This research provides a comprehensive list of genes involved in B. tabaci sex determination and provides an opportunity to further understand the mechanisms underlying sex determination in a globally invasive insect pest that reproduces both sexually and asexually.
Expected inflation and the sacrifice ratio
Authors: Daniels Joseph P. , Mazumder Sandeep , VanHoose David D.
Published: February 2019

Using inflation forecasts from the OECD Economic Outlook as proxy measures of inflation expectations, we examine the impact of inflation expectations on the sacrifice ratio for 20 OECD countries. The regression analysis considers four different empirical models of the determinants of the sacrifice ratio typically found in the existing literature. The impact of the level of inflation expectations is negative and significant, implying that a higher level of expected inflation is associated with lower sacrifice ratios. This result is consistent with the theoretical role of nominal wage and price rigidities in that reductions in wage and price stickiness diminish the tradeoffs between disinflations and output losses. Interaction effects indicate that higher levels of expected inflation allow policymakers to pursue ‘cold turkey’ inflation reductions even more aggressively. The effect of the change in inflation expectations is negative and significant, implying that faster adjusting inflation expectations are associated with lower sacrifice ratios.
New Directions in EU Foreign Policy Governance: Cross‐loading, Leadership and Informal Groupings
Authors: Aggestam Lisbeth , Bicchi Federica
Published: February 2019

This article explores new patterns of interaction in foreign affairs among European Union (EU) Member States post‐Lisbon, which have increased reliance on horizontal and informal practices. It argues that cross‐loading among Member States outside EU institutions has moved centre stage and contributed to smaller groups of like‐minded Member States working together. This shift challenges much of our understanding of Europeanization, which is based on vertical forms of uploading and downloading. We illustrate these dynamics using the case of Sweden's recognition of Palestine in October 2014. While this seemed to break away from the established EU consensus, Sweden's decision aimed at leading the way and imparting momentum, especially within the like‐minded group of EU countries. Rather than being an example of de‐Europeanization, this case shows how Member States can seek new ways of exerting influence in the post‐Lisbon environment.
Liberty: Security dilemmas and party cohesion in the European Parliament
Authors: Chiru Mihail , Stoian Valentin
Published: February 2019

The European Parliament is an increasingly central actor in attempts to regulate surveillance and find the balance between safeguarding personal freedoms and ensuring EU citizens’ security. However, virtually nothing is known about what drives the positions of MEPs on this issue, or about how the cohesion of European parties is affected by these attempts. We explore this subject and propose a novel theoretical framework focusing on the interplay between the characteristics of the two principals of the MEPs – European party groups and national parties. We tested the model by analysing the votes held on the two most salient directives adopted in this field. The findings indicate that national parties’ ideological positions, and the differences between them and the European parties in the salience assigned to human rights and law and order, predict to a great extent both MEP votes on the directives and dissent from the European party line.
Cutaneous microangiopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes: Impaired vascular endothelial growth factor expression and its correlation with neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy
Authors: Sugimoto Kazuhiro , Murakami Hiroshi , Deguchi Takahisa , Arimura Aiko , Daimon Makoto , Suzuki Susumu , Shimbo Takuro , Yagihashi Soroku
Published: February 2019

Aims/Introduction

To examine the three‐dimensional morphology and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression of skin microvasculature in patients with type 2 diabetes in relation to neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy.

Materials and Methods

The present study enrolled 17 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 16 without. Skin sections were double‐immunostained for type IV collagen and VEGF‐A or protein gene product 9.5. Projected images from confocal microscopy served to quantify the occupancy rate of subepidermal type IV collagen‐immunoreactive microvascular basement membrane area (OR‐T4MBM), subepidermal VEGF‐A‐immunoreactive area and the VEGF/T4MBM ratio, as well as the protein gene product 9.5‐immunoreactive intraepidermal nerve fiber density. Reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density was applied for the diagnosis of neuropathy, fundic ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography for retinopathy, and microalbuminuria or persistent proteinuria for nephropathy.

Results

A total of 12 patients with diabetes had neuropathy, 10 had retinopathy and eight had nephropathy. Regardless of the presence or absence of neuropathy, retinopathy or nephropathy, OR‐T4MBM was significantly increased in patients with diabetes compared with individuals without diabetes. In contrast, VEGF/T4MBM ratio was significantly decreased in those with neuropathy and retinopathy, as well as in those with and without nephropathy, whereas a trend toward a decreased VEGF/T4MBM ratio was seen in patients without retinopathy, as compared with individuals without diabetes.

Conclusions

The present study is the first report to show that cutaneous microangiopathy, as indicated by subepidermal microvascular proliferation and impaired VEGF expression, appears to occur before the development of overt clinical neuropathy, retinopathy or nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Impact of body mass index on the efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A subgroup analysis of 3‐month interim results from the Specified Drug Use Results Survey of Ipragliflozin Treatment in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Long‐term Use study
Authors: Tobe Kazuyuki , Maegawa Hiroshi , Tabuchi Hiromi , Nakamura Ichiro , Uno Satoshi
Published: February 2019

Aims/Introduction

Specified Drug Use Results Survey of Ipragliflozin Treatment in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Long‐term Use is an ongoing postmarketing study of ipragliflozin for long‐term use in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A subgroup analysis of data from the study was carried out to investigate the impact of obesity on the efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin in this population.

Materials and Methods

Patients were divided into the following subgroups according to their body mass index (BMI): <22.0, 22.0 to <25.0, 25.0 to <30.0 and ≥30.0 kg/m2. Changes in bodyweight and glycemic parameters up to 3 months were evaluated, as well as adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that occurred during ipragliflozin treatment.

Results

In the efficacy analysis set (8,633 patients), glycemic control and bodyweight statistically significantly improved from baseline to 3 months in all BMI subgroups (all P < 0.05). No strong correlations were identified between changes in bodyweight and changes in hemoglobin A1c, waist circumference or BMI in any of the subgroups. The incidence of adverse drug reactions was 6.29, 8.44, 11.18 and 11.74% in the <22.0, 22.0 to <25.0, 25.0 to <30.0 and ≥30.0 kg/m2 groups, respectively (P = 0.001), in the safety analysis set (n = 11,053 patients).

Conclusions

In Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, ipragliflozin improved glycemic control and reduced bodyweight, regardless of BMI. Adverse drug reactions were more common in patients with higher BMI than in those with lower BMI.
GheOP3S tool and START/STOPP criteria version 2 for screening of potentially inappropriate medications and omissions in nursing home residents
Authors: Stojanović Marko , Vuković Milica , Jovanović Milan , Dimitrijević Srđan , Radenković Miroslav
Published: February 2019

Rationale, aims, and objective

There is limited information about the comparative effectiveness of the START/STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions/Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment) criteria and the Ghent Older People's Prescriptions community Pharmacy Screening tool (GheOP3S tool) for the screening of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) in the geriatric population. Considering this, the aim of this study was to compare the ability of the START/STOPP criteria and GheOP3S tool to identify the PIP and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) among elderly patients visiting their primary care physician.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study where a total of 422 subjects were included. The Charlson Co‐morbidity Index (CCI) and the Medicines Co‐morbidity Index (MCI) for older people were used to determine the co‐morbidity status. The user's diagnosis and medications prescribed were analysed with the START/STOPP criteria and GheOP3S tool. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare these criteria. The statistical relationship between the occurrence of PIP and users' age, the number of medication prescribed, the number of diagnoses, CCI, and MCI was determined with one‐tailed bivariate correlation.

Results

The START/STOPP criteria detected 843 PIPs and 1067 PPOs, while the GheOP3S tool detected 936 PIPs and 202 PPOs. The GheOP3S tool detected significantly more PIPs than did the STOPP criteria (P = 0.003). A significantly higher number of PPOs were detected with the START criterion (P < 0.0001). The results obtained with the START/STOPP criteria positively correlated with mentioned variables. Oppositely, there is a negative correlation between the results obtained with the GheOP3S tool and age. Still, the positive correlation could be found with the rest of the variables.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that both tested tools demonstrated efficiency to detect PIPs and PPOs. The GheOP3S tool detected significantly more PIPs than did the STOPP criteria. On the other hand, the START criteria performed much better for the screening of PPOs.
Comparison of efficiency of direct observations by scuba diver and indirect observations via video camera for measuring reef‐fish behaviour
Authors: Branconi Rebecca , Wong Marian Y. L. , Buston Peter M.
Published: February 2019

The present study investigates how the humbug damselfish Dascyllus aruanus, subject of a large number of ecological, evolutionary and behavioural studies, responds to the presence of human observers (effect of scuba diver presence‐absence) and how the method of data collection (directly by a scuba diver v. indirectly via video camera) may affect the quality of behavioural data. Scuba diver presence had only subtle effects on fish behaviour. The efficiency of the method of scoring fish behaviour depended on the behaviour under consideration: those behaviours that occur in close proximity to the corals were scored more effectively directly by a scuba diver while those that are performed in a more rapid or repetitive fashion were scored more effectively indirectly via video camera. These results provide a foundation for future behavioural research on D. aruanus and other fishes where scuba divers or video cameras are the prevalent means of data collection.