bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lichenoid folliculitis of the scalp in four patients with ichthyosiform skin disorders and cicatricial alopecia
Authors: Gavazzoni Dias Maria F.R. , Dutra Hudson , Trüeb Ralph , Vilar Enoí , Rochael Mayra , Quattrino Ada , Cury Amanda
Published: February 2019

Ichthyosis is a heterogeneous group of inherited skin disorders characterized by a defect of keratinization. Patients diagnosed with lamellar ichthyosis (LI) and some ichthyosiform syndromes, such as the Conradi‐Hünermann‐Happle syndrome (CHHS), usually present with hair loss. Even though only few dermatologic complaints carry as many emotional overtones as hair loss, there are very few data available in the literature regarding scalp histopathological features in ichthyosis. A better understanding of scalp changes in such context may result in new therapeutic strategies that in turn would enhance patients' self‐esteem and quality of life. The aim of this paper is to describe the scalp histopathological findings of four young patients with cicatricial alopecia: three diagnosed as having LI and the fourth with CHHS.
Brain lateralization of phonological awareness varies by maternal education
Authors: Younger Jessica W. , Lee Keun‐Woo , Demir‐Lira Ozlem E. , Booth James R.
Published: February 2019

Socioeconomic status (SES) has been shown to influence language skills, with children of lower SES backgrounds performing worse on language assessments compared to their higher SES peers. While there is abundant behavioral research on the effects of SES, whether there are differences in the neural mechanisms used to support language skill is less established. In this study, we examined the relation between maternal education (ME), a component of SES, and neural mechanisms of language. We focused on Kindergarten children, at the beginning of formal reading education, and on a pre‐reading skill, phonological awareness—the ability to distinguish or manipulate the sounds of language. We determined ME‐related differences in neural activity by examining a skill‐matched sample of typically achieving 5‐year‐old children as they performed a rhyme judgment task. We examined brain lateralization in two language processing regions, the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and superior temporal gyrus (STG). In the IFG, lateralization was related to ME but not skill: children with low ME showed bilateral activation compared to children with higher ME who showed leftward lateralization. In the STG, there was a skill by ME interaction on lateralization, such that children with high ME showed a positive relation between rightward lateralization and skill and children with low ME showed a positive relation between leftward lateralization and skill. Thus, we demonstrated ME is related to differences in neural recruitment during language processing, yet this difference in recruitment is not indicative of a deficit in linguistic processing in Kindergarten children.
Ectopic fat and aerobic fitness are key determinants of glucose homeostasis in nonobese Asians
Authors: Chan Zhiling , Ding Cherlyn , Chooi Yu Chung , Choo John , Sadananthan Suresh Anand , Sasikala S. , Chang Amanda , Michael Navin , Velan Sambasivam Sendhil , Leow Melvin K.‐S. , Magkos Faidon
Published: February 2019

Background

The importance of ectopic fat deposition and physical fitness in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction in subjects from the nonobese Asians is not known.

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study and measured insulin sensitivity (M value; 4‐hour hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp), insulin secretion rate (3‐hour mixed meal tolerance test with oral minimal modelling), percent body fat, visceral adipose tissue, intramyocellular and intrahepatic lipid contents (magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max; graded exercise test) and habitual physical activity (short International Physical Activity Questionnaire) in 60 healthy nonobese Asian subjects (BMI = 21.9 ± 1.7 kg/m2, age = 41.8 ± 13.4 years).

Results

M was inversely associated with percent body fat (r = −0.460, P < 0.001), visceral fat (r = −0.623, P < 0.001) and liver fat (r = −0.601, P < 0.001), whereas insulin secretion correlated positively with these adiposity indices (percent body fat: r = 0.303, P = 0.018; visceral fat: r = 0.409, P = 0.010; hepatic fat: r = 0.393, P = 0.002). VO2max correlated negatively with insulin secretion rate (r = −0.420, P < 0.001) and positively with M (r = 0.658, P < 0.001). The amount of vigorous physical activity was positively associated with VO2max (r = 0.682, P < 0.001). Multiple stepwise linear regression analyses indicated that VO2max, age, and IHTG or VAT were independent determinants of insulin sensitivity and secretion (adjusted R2 = 69% and 33%, respectively, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Increased ectopic fat deposition is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity and increased insulin secretion in healthy nonobese Asians. Poor cardiorespiratory fitness, likely due to inadequate participation in vigorous exercise, is strongly related to suboptimal metabolic function. Interventions to encourage engagement in physical activity may thus be important for improving metabolic health in nonobese Asians.
Top–down limits on prey populations may be more severe in larger prey species, despite having fewer predators
Authors: le Roux Elizabeth , Marneweck David G. , Clinning Geoff , Druce Dave J. , Kerley Graham I. H. , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M.
Published: February 2019

Variation in the vulnerability of herbivore prey to predation is linked to body size, yet whether this relationship is size‐nested or size‐partitioned remains debated. If size‐partitioned, predators would be focused on prey within their preferred prey size range. If size‐nested, smaller prey species should become increasingly more vulnerable because increasingly more predators are capable of catching them. Yet, whether either of these strategies manifests in top–down prey population limitation would depend both on the number of potential predator species as well as the total mortality imposed. Here we use a rare ecosystem scale ‘natural experiment’ comparing prey population dynamics between a period of intense predator persecution and hence low predator densities and a period of active predator protection and population recovery. We use three decades of data on herbivore abundance and distribution to test the role of predation as a mechanism of population limitation among prey species that vary widely in body size. Notably, we test this within one of the few remaining systems where a near‐full suite of megaherbivores occur in high density and are thus able to include a thirtyfold range in herbivore body size gradient. We test whether top–down limitation on prey species of particular body size leads to compositional shifts in the mammalian herbivore community. Our results support both size‐nested and size‐partitioning predation but suggest that the relative top–down limiting impact on prey populations may be more severe for intermediate sized species, despite having fewer predators than small species. In addition we show that the gradual recovery of predator populations shifted the herbivore community assemblage towards large‐bodied species and has led to a community that is strongly dominated by large herbivore biomass.
Floral MADS‐box protein interactions in the early diverging angiosperm Aristolochia fimbriata Cham. (Aristolochiaceae: Piperales)
Authors: Peréz‐Mesa Pablo , Suárez‐Baron Harold , Ambrose Barbara A. , González Favio , Pabón‐Mora Natalia
Published: February 2019

Floral identity MADS‐box A, B, C, D, E, and AGL6 class genes are predominantly single copy in Magnoliids, and predate the whole genome duplication (WGD) events in monocots and eudicots. By comparison with the model species Arabidopsis thaliana, the expression patterns of B‐, C‐, and D‐class genes in stamen, carpel, and ovules are conserved in Aristolochia fimbriata, whereas A‐, E‐class, and AGL6 genes have different expression patterns. Nevertheless, the interactions of these proteins that act through multimeric complexes remain poorly known in early divergent angiosperms. This study evaluates protein interactions among all floral MADS‐box A. fimbriata proteins using the Yeast Two Hybrid System (Y2H). We found no homodimers and less heterodimers formed by AfimFUL when compared to AfimAGL6, which allowed us to suggest AGL6 homodimers in combination with AfimSEP2 as the most likely tetramer in sepal identity. We found AfimAP3‐AfimPI obligate heterodimers and AfimAG‐AfimSEP2 protein interactions intact suggesting conserved stamen and carpel tetrameric complexes in A. fimbriata. We observed a broader interaction partner set for AfimSEP2 than for its paralog AfimSEP1. We show conserved and exclusive MADS‐box protein interactions in A. fimbriata in comparison with other eudicot and monocot model species in order to establish plesiomorphic MADS‐box protein floral networks in angiosperms.
The kinetics of siderophore‐mediated olivine dissolution
Authors: Torres Mark A. , Dong Sijia , Nealson Kenneth H. , West A. Joshua
Published: February 2019

Silicate minerals represent an important reservoir of nutrients at Earth's surface and a source of alkalinity that modulates long‐term geochemical cycles. Due to the slow kinetics of primary silicate mineral dissolution and the potential for nutrient immobilization by secondary mineral precipitation, the bioavailability of many silicate‐bound nutrients may be limited by the ability of micro‐organisms to actively scavenge these nutrients via redox alteration and/or organic ligand production. In this study, we use targeted laboratory experiments with olivine and the siderophore deferoxamine B to explore how microbial ligands affect nutrient (Fe) release and the overall rate of mineral dissolution. Our results show that olivine dissolution rates are accelerated in the presence of micromolar concentrations of deferoxamine B. Based on the non‐linear decrease in rates with time and formation of a Fe3+‐ligand complex, we attribute this acceleration in dissolution rates to the removal of an oxidized surface coating that forms during the dissolution of olivine at circum‐neutral pH in the presence of O2 and the absence of organic ligands. While increases in dissolution rates are observed with micromolar concentrations of siderophores, it remains unclear whether such conditions could be realized in natural environments due to the strong physiological control on microbial siderophore production. So, to contextualize our experimental results, we also developed a feedback model, which considers how microbial physiology and ligand‐promoted mineral dissolution kinetics interact to control the extent of biotic enhancement of dissolution rates expected for different environments. The model predicts that physiological feedbacks severely limit the extent to which dissolution rates may be enhanced by microbial activity, though the rate of physical transport modulates this limitation.
Responses of nitrogen concentrations and pools to multiple environmental change drivers: A meta‐analysis across terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Yue Kai , Peng Yan , Fornara Dario A. , Van Meerbeek Koenraad , Vesterdal Lars , Yang Wanqin , Peng Changhui , Tan Bo , Zhou Wei , Xu Zhenfeng , Ni Xiangyin , Zhang Li , Wu Fuzhong , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: February 2019

Aim

We sought to understand how the individual and combined effects of multiple environmental change drivers differentially influence terrestrial nitrogen (N) concentrations and N pools and whether the interactive effects of these drivers are mainly antagonistic, synergistic or additive.

Location

Worldwide.

Time period

Contemporary.

Major taxa studied

Plants, soil, and soil microbes in terrestrial ecosystems.

Methods

We synthesized data from manipulative field studies from 758 published articles to estimate the individual, combined and interactive effects of key environmental change drivers (elevated CO2, warming, N addition, phosphorus addition, increased rainfall and drought) on plant, soil, and soil microbe N concentrations and pools using meta‐analyses. We assessed the influences of moderator variables on these effects through structural equation modelling.

Results

We found that (a) N concentrations and N pools were significantly affected by the individual and combined effects of multiple drivers, with N addition (either alone or in combination with another driver) showing the strongest positive effects; (b) the individual and combined effects of these drivers differed significantly between N concentrations and N pools in plants, but seldom in soils and microbes; (c) additive effects of driver pairs on N concentrations and pools were much more common than synergistic or antagonistic effects across plants, soils and microbes; and (d) environmental and experimental factors were important moderators of the individual, combined and interactive effects of these drivers on terrestrial N.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that terrestrial N concentrations and N pools, especially those of plants, can be significantly affected by the individual and combined effects of environmental change drivers, with the interactive effects of these drivers being mostly additive. Our findings are important because they contribute to the development of models to better predict how altered N availability affects ecosystem carbon cycling under future environmental changes.
A mechanistic model to scale up biophysical processes into geographical size gradients in ectotherms
Authors: Rubalcaba Juan G. , Gouveia Sidney F. , Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel A.
Published: February 2019

Aim

Understanding the mechanisms behind broad‐scale gradients in animal body size remains challenging. In contrast to endotherms, the extent to which biophysical properties of ectotherms scale up into interspecific size gradients at macroecological scales remains elusive. Our aim here is to investigate what latitudinal body size gradients are expected to emerge from first biophysical principles regarding heat and water balances in terrestrial vertebrate ectotherms.

Location

Nearctic and Western Palaearctic.

Time period

Theoretical model under current climatic conditions.

Major taxa studied

Terrestrial vertebrate ectotherms.

Methods

We developed a biophysical model to derive heat balances and rates of water loss of lizard‐like reptiles and anuran‐like amphibians from microclimatic variables. We projected geographically model predictions for different size classes to explore how body temperature (Tb) and cutaneous evaporative water loss (EWL) are influenced by body size at macroscales.

Results

Large‐bodied ectotherms (over 100 g) attain a slightly higher Tb and conserve it for longer than small animals (5 g), owing to the lower convective heat dissipation and their greater thermal inertia. While large animals are more at risk of overheating in warm regions, all organisms, irrespective of body size, are constrained by low temperatures experienced at boreal latitudes. Furthermore, because of the nonlinear decrease in EWL with increasing size, larger size allows reduction of water loss of small wet‐skinned ectotherms in more evaporative environments.

Main conclusions

Size differences in heat balance offer a mechanistic explanation for the pattern of increasing body size northwards, as well as for the associated decrease in species richness. Water conservation is also identified as a potential mechanism for larger body sizes in dryer areas in wet‐skinned ectotherms such as amphibians. Moreover, our model reveals nonlinear relationships involving size and optimum states of thermal and hydric functions, accounting for complexities that are unnoticeable by traditional, correlative investigations.
Competition in the acquisition market and acquirers' long‐run performance
Authors: Shams Syed , Gunasekarage Abeyratna
Published: February 2019

Using a large sample of completed acquisition deals in Australia, this study examines the influence of competition in the acquisition market on the long‐run operating performance of acquirers of private target firms in comparison to that of acquirers of public target firms. We find that, in contrast to acquirers targeting private firms, those targeting public firms improve their performance in the long run through competition‐induced bids. However, in a competitive takeover market, public target acquirers experience significant declines in performance when acquiring targets that are labelled high performers. Additionally, public target acquirers report improved performance when acquiring a significant ownership stake in target firms.
Medical‐surgical nurses’ documentation of client teaching and discharge planning at a Jamaican hospital
Authors: Abdul‐Kareem K. , Lindo J.L.M. , Stennett R.
Published: February 2019

Aim

This study sought to review documentation of client teaching and discharge planning performed on the medical wards of an urban Jamaican hospital.

Background

Amid a chronic disease epidemic in Jamaica, adequate discharge planning and client education among hospitalized clients are essential to ensure optimal health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

Method

A total of 131 records from six medical wards were audited. The audit instrument was developed based on the Ministry of Health, Jamaica guidelines, and appraised the completeness of assessment, use of the nursing process, client teaching and discharge planning. Quota sampling facilitated the selection of medical records which met the inclusion criteria. The SPSS® version 22 for Windows® facilitated data analysis.

Results

Eighty‐eight adult (67.2%) and 43 (32.8%) paediatric records were audited; 89.3% indicated the clients were diagnosed with at least one non‐communicable disease. Fourteen percent of records reflected documented evidence of client teaching within the first 72 h of admission. On the day of discharge, only 18.3% reflected client teaching. Nurses seldom began discharge planning within the first 24 h of admission as only 6.9% records had documented evidence. These trends were common to adult and paediatric units.

Discussion and Conclusion

The requisite client teaching and discharge planning appeared to be lacking in the records reviewed and may be contributory to deficiencies noted in self‐care management. Research is needed to determine factors which could facilitate improved client teaching and discharge planning in the local context. Failure to address this gap in nursing care can significantly affect the country's ability to the reduce the economic burden associated with chronic diseases.

Implications for nursing and health policy

This study highlighted an opportunity for advocacy among nurses and requires nursing leadership to collaboratively develop policies and guidelines to address discharge planning and client education among hospitalized clients. Given the significant health costs associated with non‐communicable diseases this should be made a priority in the National Strategic and Action Plan for the Prevention and Control Non‐communicable Diseases in Jamaica with clear articulations.
Validation of different Cariogram settings and factor combinations in preschool children from areas with high caries risk
Authors: Birpou Eleftheria , Agouropoulos Andreas , Twetman Svante , Kavvadia Katerina
Published: February 2019

Background

Caries risk assessment in preschool children has been limited validated.

Aim

To validate caries predictive ability of Cariogram using different combinations of factors and settings in preschool children from areas with high caries risk.

Design

Two to five years old children (N = 175) were examined for caries (cavitated and non‐cavitated lesions), at baseline and after 1 and 2 years. Mutans streptococci counts (MS) and saliva buffer capacity (SBC) were measured with chair side tests. Diet and oral health attitude were assessed through a parental questionnaire. Baseline caries risk was calculated using standard and high‐risk group variables in Cariogram either with nine factors or excluding MS and SBC. Poisson regression models, ROC analysis and information criteria (AIC and BIC), P < 0.05, were used to investigate the predictive ability of Cariograms and to quantify the associations.

Results

Accuracy of Cariogram was found limited. Cariograms with MS showed higher sensitivity but lower specificity than those without bacterial counts. Standard set Cariograms with MS counts performed slightly better than the other models, but the difference was not statistically significant. Caries prediction with standard and high set Cariograms was also found limited.

Conclusions

Cariogram with various factors and settings displayed suboptimal ability to predict caries in this population.
Does dental trauma influence the social judgment and motivation to seek dental treatment by children and adolescents? Development, validation, and application of an instrument for the evaluation of traumatic dental injuries and their consequences
Authors: Magno Marcela Baraúna , de Paiva Cabral Tristão Sylvia Karla , Jural Lucas Alves , Aguiar Sales Lima Stefanni Olga , Coqueiro Raildo da Silva , Maia Lucianne Cople , Pithon Matheus Melo
Published: February 2019

Background

One's smile clearly plays a significant role in the perception and judgment that others have of one's appearance and personality.

Aim

We sought to develop and validate a questionnaire related to the social judgment of children and adolescents and to evaluate, through its application, the perceptions and judgment of children and adolescents regarding their view of different traumatic dental injuries and their consequences (TDIs‐Cs) as well as the motivation to seek dental treatment.

Design

The aspects of acceptability, discriminative properties, internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, and construct validity were evaluated in the developed questionnaire. A cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 100 boys and girls aged 10‐15 years. Images of an adolescent male and female were either manipulated or not (control) to create different types of TDI‐C (eg, enamel fracture, enamel and dentin fracture, crown colour change, and tooth loss/avulsion). These images were analysed by the participants, using a previously validated questionnaire with a six‐positive‐point and six‐negative‐point scale, in relation to their social physical and psychosocial characteristics. The data were analysed with the Friedman, Wilcoxon, and Mann‐Whitney tests (P < 0.05).

Results

The developed questionnaire presented high acceptability, strong discriminative properties, satisfactory internal consistency, and satisfactory test‐retest reliability, but weak construct validity. The presence of TDI‐C had a negative effect on all characteristics evaluated (P < 0.001). Tooth loss had the highest level of rejection. Additionally, the presence of TDI‐C had a greater negative impact on the aspects of ‘starting fights’, ‘being given a nickname’, and ‘being ashamed to smile’ in males than in females (P < 0.05). Children and adolescents with TDI‐C were judged as needing to seek dental treatment (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The questionnaire developed showed properties of validity and reliability in its administration in a child and adolescent population. TDIs‐Cs have a negative influence on the social judgment of children and adolescents.
Oribatid mites show how climate and latitudinal gradients in organic matter can drive large‐scale biodiversity patterns of soil communities
Authors: Caruso Tancredi , Schaefer Ina , Monson Frank , Keith Aidan M.
Published: February 2019

Aim

The factors determining spatial distributions and diversity of terrestrial invertebrates are typically investigated at small scales. Large‐scale studies are lacking for soil animals, which control microbial communities and represent one of the most diverse yet poorly known animal assemblages. Here, we analyzed a major group (Oribatida) to test whether belowground macroecological patterns can be predicted by climatic variables, vegetation and large‐scale variation in key soil properties.

Location

We modelled the multivariate distribution of more than 100 species using biodiversity data collected across Great Britain in the framework of the Countryside Survey (http://www.countrysidesurvey.org.uk).

Methods

We analyzed species‐level data from 582 samples collected across 162 hectads (10 × 10 km) covering the largest possible range of vegetation types, soil properties and climatic conditions within GB. We created the first large‐scale maps of soil animal diversity metrics at the GB scale, including novel estimates of metrics of phylogenetic diversity (PD). Using structural equation modelling, we quantified the direct and indirect effects of location (latitude, longitude), plant community structure and abiotic factors such as precipitation on species composition, richness and PD.

Results

We found that variation in species composition follows a latitudinal gradient with diversity generally increasing northward. The latitudinal variation in species composition drives PD via changes in both species richness and phylogenetic distance between species. This gradient is mostly determined by latitudinal variation in precipitation and organic matter, which were very good predictors of species composition. Precipitation and organic matter were, however, relatively weak while statistically significant predictors of diversity metrics.

Conclusions

Past studies have emphasized the unpredictability of species distributions and variation in species composition in hyper diverse soil animal communities. However, past studies were conducted at small scales, where stochastic factors may weaken the signal of deterministic factors. Oribatid mites in our study show for the first time that the large scale latitudinal gradients in climate and organic matter predict not only variation in species composition but also taxonomic and PD of soil animal communities.
Depression in sleep disturbance: A review on a bidirectional relationship, mechanisms and treatment
Authors: Fang Hong , Tu Sheng , Sheng Jifang , Shao Anwen
Published: February 2019

Sleep disturbance is the most prominent symptom in depressive patients and was formerly regarded as a main secondary manifestation of depression. However, many longitudinal studies have identified insomnia as an independent risk factor for the development of emerging or recurrent depression among young, middle‐aged and older adults. This bidirectional association between sleep disturbance and depression has created a new perspective that sleep problems are no longer an epiphenomenon of depression but a predictive prodromal symptom. In this review, we highlight the treatment of sleep disturbance before, during and after depression, which probably plays an important role in improving outcomes and preventing the recurrence of depression. In clinical practice, pharmacological therapies, including hypnotics and antidepressants, and non‐pharmacological therapies are typically applied. A better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms between sleep disturbance and depression can help psychiatrists better manage this comorbidity.
Inhibition of PAI‐1 limits chemotherapy resistance in lung cancer through suppressing myofibroblast characteristics of cancer‐associated fibroblasts
Authors: Masuda Takeshi , Nakashima Taku , Namba Masashi , Yamaguchi Kakuhiro , Sakamoto Shinjiro , Horimasu Yasushi , Miyamoto Shintaro , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Fujitaka Kazunori , Miyata Yoshihiro , Hamada Hironobu , Okada Morihito , Hattori Noboru
Published: February 2019

Plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) promotes pulmonary fibrosis through increasing myofibroblast (MF) characteristics, expressing alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) in fibroblasts. Fibroblasts in the tumour stroma are called cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Some CAFs have MF characteristics and substantially promote tumour progression and chemotherapy resistance. This study determined whether inhibition of PAI‐1 suppressed MF characteristics of CAFs and limited chemotherapy resistance in lung cancer. To investigate cellular PAI‐1 expression and its correlation with α‐SMA expression of CAFs, 34 patients’ paraffin‐embedded lung adenocarcinoma tissue sections were immunohistochemically stained for PAI‐1 and α‐SMA. Immunohistochemical analysis of lung adenocarcinoma tissues showed that PAI‐1 expression was correlated with that of α‐SMA (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). Furthermore, in vitro, α‐SMA expression of CAFs was limited by PAI‐1 inhibition, and apoptosis of CAFs was increased. In addition, the effectiveness of cisplatin on lung cancer cells co‐cultured with CAFs was increased by suppressing α‐SMA expression using PAI‐1 inhibitor. In lung adenocarcinoma tissues, PAI‐1 expression was associated with T factor and TNM stage. Our data suggest that inhibition of PAI‐1 increased the chemotherapeutic effect on lung cancer through suppressing the MF characteristics of CAFs. Hence, PAI‐1 might be a promising therapeutic target for patients with chemotherapeutic‐resistant lung cancer with CAFs.
Interdental cleaning and periodontal pocketing among finnish adults
Authors: Bernabé Eduardo , Knuuttila Matti , Suominen Anna L.
Published: February 2019

Aim

To investigate the relationship between frequency of interdental cleaning and 11‐year change in teeth with periodontal pocketing in Finnish adults.

Methods

Data from 1667 dentate adults, aged 30 to 82 years, who participated in the Health 2000 survey and were re‐examined in 2004 and/or 2011 were analysed. Participants reported their frequency of interdental cleaning (either dental floss or interdental brush) at baseline. Teeth with periodontal pocketing (PD) ≥4 mm were counted in every survey and treated as a repeated outcome. The association between the frequency of interdental cleaning and the number of teeth with PD ≥4 mm was evaluated in linear mixed effects models, controlling for demographic factors, socioeconomic position, diabetes, smoking status, toothbrushing frequency, dental attendance and number of teeth.

Results

Twelve per cent of adults reported daily interdental cleaning. Significant inverse linear trends in the number of teeth with PD ≥4 mm were found in every survey according to the frequency of interdental cleaning. However, this association was completely attenuated after adjustment for the full set of confounders. Contrarily, toothbrushing frequency was negatively associated with the baseline number of teeth with PD ≥4 mm and its rate of change over time.

Conclusion

Interdental cleaning was not associated with 11‐year change in periodontal pocketing after accounting for other established risk factors for periodontal disease.
Foam mat drying of fig fruit: Optimization of foam composition and physicochemical properties of fig powder
Authors: Varhan Emine , Elmas Feyza , Koç Mehmet
Published: February 2019

In this study, we report an optimization study on fig foam composition and hot air/microwave‐assisted foam mat drying (FMD) at different conditions to produce fig powder. The effects of foam composition on foam stability and capacity were evaluated. The optimum ratio of fig, egg white, carboxymethyl cellulose, and maltodextrin was determined as 52.9, 28.9, 0.8, and 17.4% (wt/wt), respectively, targeting maximum foam capacity and minimum drainage volume, that is, maximum foam stability. The effects of drying methods and their conditions were investigated on the drying rate of fig foam and physicochemical properties of fig powder. Moisture content, water activity, particle and bulk properties, and hydroxymethylfurfural and total phenolic contents of FMD fig powder were analyzed to understand the effect of drying methods and conditions on the physicochemical properties of fig powder.

Practical applications

Although fig fruit is generally dried as a whole, the ready‐to‐eat foods in the food market are mostly in powder form. That is why the powdering fig fruit by an appropriate drying method is essential. In this study, we report the foam mat‐dried (FMD) fig fruit powder. The fig foam composition was optimized. The fig foam was dried through hot air and microwave separately. The results showed that the foam capacity and stability of the fig powder highly depend on the foam composition. Microwave drying method was found more efficient than the hot air in the sense of time. Besides, the higher foam thickness provided more hydroxymethylfurfural content in the fig powder. The drying method and conditions were found to be important to produce a high‐quality FMD fig powder.
Management of Bartholin Duct Cysts and Gland Abscesses
Authors: Dole Debora M. , Nypaver Cynthia
Published: February 2019

Bartholin duct cysts and gland abscesses can affect a woman's day‐to‐day functioning and be challenging to manage. Many Bartholin duct cysts that are not infected remain asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously without intervention. However, an infected Bartholin duct cyst or glandular abscess should be drained when larger than 2 cm because such cysts or abscesses do not tend to resolve spontaneously and can recur. Management options fall under 3 broad categories: expectant, medical, or surgical. With special training, midwives and women's health nurse practitioners can manage many women who present with Bartholin duct cysts or gland abscesses. Rarely, a woman with a severe or recurrent infection will need referral to a surgeon. Knowing which management option to choose may be challenging at first; this article is aimed at providing evidence‐based knowledge about Bartholin duct cysts and gland abscesses for clinicians so that they can make the diagnosis and management plan with confidence. A clinical case is used to illustrate the identification, diagnosis, and management of Bartholin duct cysts and gland abscesses. The range of interventions, from expectant management with comfort measures to surgical intervention, is be explored to assist the clinician in choosing the correct management approach.
Role of brain c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 2 in the control of the insulin receptor and its relationship with cognitive performance in a high‐fat diet pre‐clinical model
Authors: Busquets Oriol , Eritja Àuria , López Blanca M. , Ettcheto Miren , Manzine Patricia R. , Castro‐Torres Rubén D. , Verdaguer Ester , Olloquequi Jordi , Vázquez‐Carrera Manuel , Auladell Carme , Folch Jaume , Camins Antoni
Published: February 2019

Insulin resistance has negative consequences on the physiological functioning of the nervous system. The appearance of type 3 diabetes in the brain leads to the development of the sporadic form of Alzheimer's disease. The c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK), a subfamily of the Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases, are enzymes composed by three different isoforms with differential modulatory activity against the insulin receptor (IR) and its substrate. This research focused on understanding the regulatory role of JNK2 on the IR, as well as study the effect of a high‐fat diet (HFD) in the brain. Our observations determined how JNK2 ablation did not induce compensatory responses in the expression of the other isoforms but led to an increase in JNKs total activity. HFD‐fed animals also showed an increased activity profile of the JNKs. These animals also displayed endoplasmic reticulum stress and up‐regulation of the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and the suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 protein. Consequently, a reduction in insulin sensitivity was detected and it is correlated with a decrease on the signalling of the IR. Moreover, cognitive impairment was observed in all groups but only wild‐type genotype animals fed with HFD showed neuroinflammatory responses. In conclusion, HFD and JNK2 absence cause alterations in normal cognitive activity by altering the signalling of the IR. These affectations are related to the appearance of endoplasmic reticulum stress and an increase in the levels of inhibitory proteins like PTP1B and suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 protein.

image

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14502.
Autotaxin, bile acid profile and effect of ileal bile acid transporter inhibition in primary biliary cholangitis patients with pruritus
Authors: Hegade Vinod S. , Pechlivanis Alexandros , McDonald Julie A. K. , Rees Douglas , Corrigan Margaret , Hirschfield Gideon M. , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D. , Holmes Elaine , Marchesi Julian R. , Kendrick Stuart , Jones David E.
Published: February 2019

Background and Aims

Pruritus is a common symptom in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) for which ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibition is emerging as a potential therapy. We explored the serum metabonome and gut microbiota profile in PBC patients with pruritus and investigated the effect of GSK2330672, an IBAT inhibitor.

Methods

We studied fasting serum bile acids (BAs), autotaxin and faecal microbiota in 22 PBC patients with pruritus at baseline and after 2 weeks of GSK2330672 treatment. Control group included 31 asymptomatic PBC patients and 18 healthy volunteers. BA profiling was done by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS). Faecal microbiomes were analysed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.

Results

In PBC patients with pruritus, serum levels of total and glyco‐conjugated primary BAs and autotaxin were significantly elevated. Autotaxin activity correlated significantly with tauro‐ and glyco‐conjugated cholic acid (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), both at baseline and after GSK2330672. GSK2330672 significantly reduced autotaxin and all tauro‐ and glyco‐ conjugated BAs and increased faecal levels of CA (P = 0.048) and CDCA (P = 0.027). Gut microbiota of PBC patients with pruritus was similar to control groups. GSK2330672 increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes (P = 0.033) and Clostridia (P = 0.04) and decreased Bacteroidetes (P = 0.033) and Bacteroidia (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Pruritus in PBC does not show a distinct gut bacterial profile but is associated with elevated serum bile acid and autotaxin levels which decrease after IBAT inhibition. In cholestatic pruritus, a complex interplay between BAs and autotaxin is likely and may be modified by IBAT inhibition.
Parental career expectations: effect on medical students’ career attitudes over time
Authors: Griffin Barbara , Hu Wendy
Published: February 2019

Background

Motivation to become a doctor has typically been conceived as arising from personal interests. However, it is not uncommon, particularly amongst those from collectivist cultures, for career choice to be motivated by a desire or need to fulfil parent expectations. Whether or not this motivation has longer term effects on the career satisfaction and performance of medical students is unknown.

Methods

Using three waves of survey data collection, applicants to medical school (n = 370) reported parent career expectations, parent career support and physician career values. Those who gained a student place (n = 90) reported attitudes to their career at the end of their first year of study. Burnout and intentions regarding practice location were assessed during the fifth and final year of study (n = 81). Examination marks in Years 1 and 5 assessed academic performance.

Results

Those with more highly educated parents reported more support, but parent support had no relationship with students’ academic performance or attitudes to their career. Perceived parent career expectation was higher amongst younger applicants and those from a non‐Western background. Expectations had a small positive correlation with applicants’ valuing of prestige and a small negative correlation with valuing service. Medical students with high parent expectation at selection had, a year later, more negative attitudes to medicine as a career. Parent expectation had a significant indirect effect on Year‐5 burnout. Higher parent expectation was related to lower Year‐5 academic grades, but after Year‐1 grades were accounted for, this relationship was no longer significant.

Conclusions

Medical students who perceive that their parents expect them to choose a prestigious career in line with family or cultural values may be more ambivalent about their career choice once in medical school. They may also be more likely to experience longer term burnout but there was little evidence that they might have lower academic performance.
Is the regional cerebral blood flow always decreased in the occipital lobe of patients with dementia with Lewy bodies? A SRECT easy Z‐score imaging system perfusion study
Authors: Morimatsu Mitsunori , Harada Akira , Niimiya Kenta
Published: February 2019

Background

It is well known that the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) is decreased in the occipital lobe in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). However, the incidences of decreased rCBF of the occipital lobe are not obvious in DLB patients using the ordinary single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) perfusion study.

Aim

To analyze rCBF in the occipital lobe in patients with DLB and in those with other diseases with dementia in the retrospective study.

Methods

The rCBF of patients with DLB (16 patients), Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD) (18), Alzheimer's disease (AD) (75), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) of amnestic type (14), and of elderly without dementia (normal controls: NCs) (6) was examined using technetium‐99m ethyl cysteinate dimer(99mTc‐ECD) SPECT (easy Z‐score imaging system: eZIS) perfusion study.

Results

Four types of decrease in the rCBF were observed in the occipital lobe of DLB patients: “none” and decreases in the “upper region,” “disseminated areas,” or “visual cortex.” The incidences of decreases in the rCBF in the occipital lobe in DLB patients were compared to AD, indicating a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 53% when the lesions included any of four types. However, when the decrease was limited only to the “disseminated areas” or “visual cortex” types, the sensitivity was 50% and the specificity 85%.

Conclusion

The decrease in the rCBF in the occipital lobe specific to DLB was the “disseminated areas” or “visual cortex” type, which was observed in only 50% of DLB patients.
Quality of life in caregivers compared with dialysis recipients: The Co‐ACTIVE sub‐study of the ACTIVE dialysis trial
Authors: Gray Nicholas A , Zuo Li , Hong Daqing , Smyth Brendan , Jun Min , De Zoysa Janak , Vo Kha , Howard Kirsten , Wang Jing , Lu Chunlai , Liu Zhangsuo , Cass Alan , Perkovic Vlado , Jardine Meg
Published: February 2019

Aim

To compare quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of dialysis patients with the cared for patients and population norms.

Methods

The ACTIVE Dialysis study randomized participants to extended (median 24 h/week) or standard (median 12 h/week) haemodialysis hours for 12 months. A subgroup of participants and their nominated caregivers completed QOL questionnaires including the EuroQOL‐5 Dimension‐3 Level (EQ5D‐3 L), short form‐36 (SF‐36, also allowing estimation of the SF‐6D), as well as a bespoke questionnaire and the personal wellbeing index (PWI). Caregiver QOL was compared with dialysis patient QOL and predictors of caregiver QOL were determined using multivariable regression.

Results

There were 54 patients and caregiver pairs, predominantly from China. Caregivers mean (SD) age was 53.4 (11.3) years, 60% were female, 71% cared for their spouse/partner, and 36% were educated to university level. Caregivers had better physical but similar mental QOL compared with dialysis patients (mean SF‐36 physical component summary: 46.9 ± 8.7 vs 40.4 ± 10.2, P < 0.001; mental component summary: 47.8 ± 9.7 vs 49.6 ± 12.0, P = 0.84). Health utility measured with EQ5D‐3 L was not significantly different between caregivers and dialysis patients (mean 0.869 ± 0.185 vs 0.798 ± 0.227, P = 0.083). Caregiver PWI was 43.7 ± 15.5, significantly lower than the Chinese population norm (68.2 ± 14.2, P < 0.001). Higher physical and mental QOL among caregivers was predicted by university education but not age, gender or daily hours caring.

Conclusion

Caregivers have higher physical and equivalent mental QOL to dialysis patients but poorer personal well‐being than the Chinese population. University education predicts better QOL and may be a surrogate for socioeconomic or other factors. (NCT00649298).
Praiseworthy Motivations
Authors: Johnson King Zoë A.
Published: February 2019

This paper argues that if motivation by rightness de re is praiseworthy, then so is motivation by rightness de dicto. I argue that these two types of moral motivation have been unfairly compared, in light of a widespread failure to appreciate the structural similarities between them. These structural similarities become clear when we think more carefully about the nature of motivation and about moral metaphysics. I then argue that the two types of moral motivation are on a par by discussing a series of minimal pairs. I argue that in good cases, in which the agent succeeds in doing what she is motivated to do, both motivations seem praiseworthy, and that bad cases, in which the agent fails, arise for motivation by rightness de re in precisely the same way as they do for motivation by rightness de dicto. I then offer a way to evaluate the unsuccessful agents, according to which someone's motivations can still be praiseworthy even if her actions and moral beliefs are both blameworthy, and someone can have certain praiseworthy motivations while lacking others. On my view, most of us are deeply flawed agents who nonetheless have some redeeming features—including our moral motivations.
Resolving the backbone of the Brassicaceae phylogeny for investigating trait diversity
Authors: Nikolov Lachezar A. , Shushkov Philip , Nevado Bruno , Gan Xiangchao , Al‐Shehbaz Ihsan A. , Filatov Dmitry , Bailey C. Donovan , Tsiantis Miltos
Published: February 2019

The Brassicaceae family comprises c. 4000 species including economically important crops and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Despite their importance, the relationships among major lineages in the family remain unresolved, hampering comparative research.

Here, we inferred a Brassicaceae phylogeny using newly generated targeted enrichment sequence data of 1827 exons (> 940 000 bases) representing 63 species, as well as sequenced genome data of 16 species, together representing 50 of the 52 currently recognized Brassicaceae tribes. A third of the samples were derived from herbarium material, facilitating broad taxonomic coverage of the family.

Six major clades formed successive sister groups to the rest of Brassicaceae. We also recovered strong support for novel relationships among tribes, and resolved the position of 16 taxa previously not assigned to a tribe. The broad utility of these phylogenetic results is illustrated through a comparative investigation of genome‐wide expression signatures that distinguish simple from complex leaves in Brassicaceae.

Our study provides an easily extendable dataset for further advances in Brassicaceae systematics and a timely higher‐level phylogenetic framework for a wide range of comparative studies of multiple traits in an intensively investigated group of plants.