bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical fitness and oral function in community‐dwelling older people: a pilot study
Authors: Izuno Hiromi , Hori Kazuhiro , Sawada Misao , Fukuda Masayo , Hatayama Chikako , Ito Kayoko , Nomura Yoshio , Inoue Makoto
Published: February 2015

Objective

The aim of the present study was to quantify the relation between physical fitness and oral function, including tongue and lip movements.

Background

Physical fitness and oral function influence quality of life and activities of daily living in older individuals. Occlusal contact and mastication performance are associated with physical fitness, but the association between tongue and lip movements and physical fitness is unclear.

Material and methods

Sixty‐six independent community‐dwelling older individuals (24 men, 42 women; mean age, 70.3 ± 5.9 years) participated in this study. Measures of physical fitness were the one‐leg standing time with eyes open, the functional reach test, anteflexion, the timed up and go test, and grip strength. Measures of oral function were tongue pressure, lip pressure, tongue movement from side to side, the repetitive saliva‐swallowing test (RSST), oral diadochokinesis and masticatory efficiency. Multiple regression analysis was used to quantify the relation between physical fitness and oral function.

Results

After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, exercise habits and number of remaining teeth, the tongue movement from side to side and/or oral diadochokinesis were chosen as significant factors in each physical fitness measurement. Furthermore, the lip pressure and masticatory efficiency were associated with handgrip strength.

Conclusion

Oral function, including tongue and lip movements, was associated with physical fitness in older people in this study. Tongue dexterity as characterised by tongue movement from side to side and oral diadochokinesis particularly associated with physical fitness.
Analysis of flowering dynamics heritability in the perennial warm‐season grass Paspalum dilatatum
Authors: González Barrios P. , Speranza P. , Glison N. , Piccardi M. , Balzarini M. , Gutiérrez L.
Published: February 2015

Understanding the flowering cycles of perennial warm‐season grass species may be very important to the design of management practices and breeding. However, developmental dynamics are not well understood. As most plant traits associated with flowering dynamics do not follow a normal distribution, the use of general linear models to describe and compare these variables might be misleading. The aims of this study were (i) to find a methodology to compare panicle accumulation curves and (ii) to estimate heritabilities for flowering curve attributes. Panicle counts were recorded during a complete flowering cycle on a diverse collection of dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum). We compared the efficiency of different linear mixed models based on whole plot or individual plant data; then, we adjusted nonlinear regression curves for individual plants to estimate several curve attributes and compared this approach to the area under the curve. Finally, we calculated the broad‐sense heritabilities of the estimated curve parameters. The following reproductive curve attributes were obtained: panicle production potential, panicle accumulation rate and days until 3, 5, 10 and 15 panicles. We found that monitoring individual plants is more efficient when studying flowering attributes. Significant differences among genotypes for several flowering cycle attributes were found. Heritabilities were very high for all flowering cycle initiation and duration attributes. We also showed that the number of days until the emergence of a given low number of panicles can be used as a highly heritable measure to characterize flowering cycles.
Review: Prospects for the Use of Extracts and Polysaccharides from Marine Algae to Prevent and Treat the Diseases Caused by Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Besednova Natalya N. , Zaporozhets Tatyana S. , Somova Larisa M. , Kuznetsova Tatyana A.
Published: February 2015

Helicobacter pylori possesses a broad spectrum of pathogenic factors that allow it to survive and colonize the gastric mucosa, and thus, the pathogenetic targets, which have the same diversity, require search for and the development of alternative, effective, and innocuous means for the eradication of H. pylori. In recent years, fucoidans have been extensively studied due to the numerous interesting biological activities, including the anti‐adhesive, anti‐oxidative, antitoxic, immunomodulatory, anticoagulant, and anti‐infection effects. This review summarizes the data on the effects of extracts and sulfated polysaccharides of marine algae, mainly fucoidans, on pathogenic targets in Helicobacter infection. The pathogenetic targets for therapeutic agents after H. pylori infection, such as flagellas, urease, and other enzymes, including adhesins, cytotoxin A (VacA), phospholipase, and L‐8, are characterized here. The main target for the sulfated polysaccharides of seaweed is cell receptors of the gastric mucosa. This review presents the published data about the pleiotropic anti‐inflammatory effects of polysaccharides on the gastric mucosa. It is known that fucoidan and other sulfated polysaccharides from algae have anti‐ulcer effects, prevent the adhesion of H. pylori to, and reduce the formation of biofilm. The authors speculate that the effect of sulfated polysaccharides on the infectious process caused by H. pylori is related to their action on innate and adaptive immunity cells, and also anti‐oxidant and antitoxic potential. Presented in the review are materials indicated for the study of extracts and sulfated polysaccharides from seaweed during H. pylori infection, as these compounds are characterized by multimodality actions. Based on the analysis of literary materials in recent years, the authors concluded that fucoidan can be attributed to the generation of new candidates to create drugs intended for the inclusion in the scheme of eradication therapy of H. pylori infection.
Increased Outer Membrane Vesicle Formation in a Helicobacter pylori tolB Mutant
Authors: Turner Lorinda , Praszkier Judyta , Hutton Melanie L. , Steer David , Ramm Georg , Kaparakis‐Liaskos Maria , Ferrero Richard L.
Published: February 2015

Background

Multiple studies have established the importance of the tol‐pal gene cluster in bacterial cell membrane integrity and outer membrane vesicle (OMV) formation in Escherichia coli. In contrast, the functions of Tol‐Pal proteins in pathogenic organisms, including those of the Epsilonproteobacteria, remain poorly if at all defined. The aim of this study was to characterize the roles of two key components of the Tol‐Pal system, TolB and Pal, in OMV formation in the pathogenic bacterium, Helicobacter pylori.

Methods

H. pylori ΔtolB, Δpal and ΔtolBpal mutants, as well as complemented strains, were generated and assessed for changes in morphology and OMV production by scanning electron microscopy and enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA), respectively. The protein content and pro‐inflammatory properties of OMVs were determined by mass spectroscopy and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) ELISA on culture supernatants from OMV‐stimulated cells, respectively.

Results

H. pylori ΔtolB and Δpal bacteria exhibited aberrant cell morphology and/or flagella biosynthesis. Importantly, the disruption of H. pylori tolB but not pal resulted in a significant increase in OMV production. The OMVs from H. pylori ΔtolB and Δpal bacteria harbored many of the major outer membrane and virulence proteins observed in wild‐type (WT) OMVs. Interestingly, ΔtolB, Δpal and ΔtolBpal OMVs induced significantly higher levels of IL‐8 production by host cells, compared with WT OMVs.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates that TolB and Pal are important for membrane integrity in H. pylori. Moreover, it shows how H. pylori tolB‐pal genes may be manipulated to develop “hypervesiculating” strains for vaccine purposes.
Inhibition of endogenous glucocorticoid synthesis aggravates lung injury triggered by septic shock in rats
Authors: Incerpi Erika K. , Oliveira Luiz M. , Pereira Elisângela M. , Soncini Roseli
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of previous administration of metyrapone (met) on the acute lung injury (ALI) induced by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and to explore met's relationship with endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) as measured by inflammatory, oxidative and functional parameters. One hundred and thirty‐five Wistar rats were divided into three main groups: Control (Naïve), Sham and CLP. The animals received pretreatment one hour before surgery. The Naïve group did not undergo any procedure or pretreatment. The Sham group only had the caecum exposed and was pretreated with saline. The CLP group was divided into three pretreatments: metyrapone (CLP met 50 mg/kg i.p.), dexamethasone (CLP dex 0.5 mg/kg i.p.) or saline (CLP sal equivalent volume of 0.9% NaCl). Analyses were performed after 6 and 24 h of sepsis. Previous administration of met significantly increased inflammatory cells, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the lung tissue and alveolar collapsed area, with consequent impairment of respiratory mechanics being observed compared to Sham and Naïve; CLP sal exhibited similar results to those of met. The met reduced corticosterone (CCT) levels and dramatically increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in the lung tissue compared to CLP sal. Our results suggest that previous administration of met may have contributed to increased pulmonary oxidative stress and increased mortality by mechanisms dependent of endogenous GC.
Nurse‐led empowerment strategies for patients with hypertension: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Rasjö Wrååk G. , Törnkvist L. , Hasselström J. , Wändell P.E. , Josefsson K.
Published: February 2015

Background

Hypertension is common and may lead to cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events and mortality. District nurses frequently encounter patients requiring blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle counsel and support. Empowerment as a method enables patients to both increase their control over their health and improve it.

Aim

This study aims to describe the effects of the counsel and support from district nurses to patients with hypertension.

Methods

A randomized controlled intervention trial. Questionnaires were answered by patients with hypertension before and after the intervention comprising district nurses' counsel and support based upon empowerment. A specially developed card for blood pressure monitoring was also used.

Results

Blood pressure decreased in intervention and the control groups. The intervention group experienced significantly improved health, with better emotional and physical health, and reduced stress. Living habits did not change significantly in either group. Satisfaction with knowledge of hypertension increased significantly in both groups. The intervention group reported that their care was based upon their health needs.

Limitations

Conducting large multi‐centre studies with long follow‐ups is complicated and results sometimes have a tendency to decline with time. A shorter follow‐up might have shown a greater difference between the groups.

Conclusion

Nursing interventions through district nurses' counsel and support with empowerment improved patients' health. More research is needed to evaluate nursing interventions' effect on hypertension.

Implications for nursing and health policy

This study highlighted that district nurses' counsel and support increased patients' health and decreased stress by focusing on empowerment.
The Aruba Island rattlesnake Crotalus unicolor Species Survival Plan: a case history in ex situ and in situ conservation
Authors: Odum R. A. , Reinert H. K.
Published: February 2015

Established in 1982, the Aruba Island rattlesnake Crotalus unicolor Species Survival Plan (SSP) is the longest continual functioning snake conservation effort of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). The captive population has been maintained as an assurance population for the most threatened snake on Aruba. Over the last 26 years, 27 potential founders were imported for assimilation into the SSP to maintain genetic diversity. By 2014, the gene diversity in the captive population was over 94%. In 1986, the SSP began working in partnership with Arubans to aid the conservation of the rattlesnake and its ecosystem on the Island. This in situ programme has included ecological research, training, management recommendations, capacity building, workshops, public relations and education. These efforts have been integrated into a holistic long‐term project that has resulted in many significant conservation successes. The extensive efforts made by the AZA and SSP to ensure the continued survival of C. unicolor are a model for zoo‐based conservation efforts involving reptiles.
Recovering Lost Lives: Researching Women in Legal History
Authors: Auchmuty Rosemary
Published: February 2015

Drawing on the research I undertook into the life of Gwyneth Bebb, who in 1913 challenged the Law Society of England and Wales for their refusal to admit women to the solicitors’ profession, this article focuses on the range of sources one might use to explore the lives of women in law, about whom there might be a few public records but little else, and on the ways in which sources, even official ones, might be imaginatively used. It traces the research process from the case that inspired the research (Bebb v. the Law Society [1914] 1 Ch 286) through to the creation of an entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and what this means for women's history, emphasizing the importance of asking the ‘woman question’ and seeking out the broader significance of a woman's life in the context of her times.
Judicial Pictures as Legal Life‐writing Data and a Research Method
Authors: Moran Leslie J.
Published: February 2015

This article examines the use of pictures as a source of data and tools for researching the lives of the judiciary, both the life of the judiciary as an institution as well as the life of individual judges. The point of departure is that image making and image management is of particular importance for the judiciary – an elite in positions of power. The images produced can tell us much about how those who occupy judicial positions shape and represent the nature of the judicial institution and their position within it to themselves, fellow judges, and outsiders. The focus here is judicial visual images, a neglected, sometimes poorly understood and underused source of data. The article explores how found’ and ‘researcher‐made’ pictures can be used to write the life of the judiciary. It considers the challenges that need to be acknowledged and addressed when using visual data.
The United Kingdom's First Woman Law Professor: An Archerian Analysis
Authors: Cownie Fiona
Published: February 2015

In 1970, at Queen's University Belfast, Claire Palley became the first woman to hold a Chair in Law at a United Kingdom university. However, little is known about the circumstances surrounding this event, or Claire Palley herself. This article (part of an extended project exploring her life history) seeks to address the question ‘Was there something about Claire Palley herself that made it more likely she would become the United Kingdom's first female law professor?’ Initially focusing on method, it seeks to answer that question by utilizing, for the first time in the context of legal education, the theoretical perspective provided by the work of the sociologist Margaret Archer. Reflecting upon Claire Palley's subjectivity, it focuses on those aspects of her personality which enabled her to pursue a successful career and become a pioneer in her chosen profession.
Attenuation of atherosclerotic lesions in diabetic apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice using gene silencing of macrophage migration inhibitory factor
Authors: Sun Hui , Zhang XianJun , Zhao Lei , Zhen Xi , Huang ShanYing , Wang ShaSha , He Hong , Liu ZiMo , Xu NaNa , Yang FaLin , Qu ZhongHua , Ma ZhiYong , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Yun , Hu Qin
Published: February 2015

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) involves the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS) and increased plasma MIF levels in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are associated with AS. Here, we have been suggested that MIF could be a critical contributor for the pathological process of diabetes‐associated AS by using adenovirus‐mediated RNA interference. First, streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic animal model was constructed in 114 apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice (apoE−/− mice) fed on a regular chow diet. Then, the animals were randomly divided into three groups: Adenovirus‐mediated MIF interference (Ad‐MIFi), Ad‐enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and normal saline (NS) group (n ≈ 33/group). Non‐diabetic apoE−/− mice (n = 35) were served as controls. Ad‐MIFi, Ad‐EGFP and NS were, respectively, injected into the tail vein of mice from Ad‐MIFi, Ad‐EGFP and NS group, which were injected repeatedly 4 weeks later. Physical, biochemical, morphological and molecular parameters were measured. The results showed that diabetic apoE−/− mice had significantly aggravated atherosclerotic lesions. MIF gene interference attenuated atherosclerotic lesions and stabilized atheromatous plaque, accompanied by the decreased macrophages and lipids deposition and inflammatory cytokines production, improved glucose intolerance and plasma cholesterol level, the decreased ratio of matrix matalloproteinase‐2/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 and plaque instability index. An increased expression of MIF and its ligand CD74 was also detected in the diabetic patients with coronary artery disease. The results suggest that MIF gene interference is able to inhibit atherosclerotic lesions and increase plaque stability in diabetic apoE−/−mice. MIF inhibition could be a novel and promising approach to the treatment of DM‐associated AS.
Telocytes in human liver fibrosis
Authors: Fu Siyi , Wang Fei , Cao Yan , Huang Qi , Xiao Junjie , Yang Changqing , Popescu Laurentiu M.
Published: February 2015

Liver fibrosis is a wound‐healing response which engages a variety of cell types to encapsulate injury. Telocyte (TC), a novel type of interstitial cell, has been identified in a variety of tissues and organs including liver. TCs have been reported to be reduced in fibrotic areas after myocardial infarction, human interstitial wall's fibrotic remodelling caused either by ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, and skin of systemic sclerosis. However, the role of TCs in human liver fibrosis remains unclear. Liver samples from human liver biopsy were collected. All samples were stained with Masson's trichrome to determine fibrosis. TCs were identified by several immunofluorescence stainings including double labelling for CD34 and c‐kit/CD117, or vimentin, or PDGF Receptor‐α, or β. We found that hepatic TCs were significantly decreased by 27%–60% in human liver fibrosis, suggesting that loss of TCs might lead to the altered organization of extracellular matrix and loss the control of fibroblast/myofibroblast activity and favour the genesis of fibrosis. Adding TCs might help to develop effective and targeted antifibrotic therapies for human liver fibrosis.
Tripchlorolide improves cognitive deficits by reducing amyloid β and upregulating synapse‐related proteins in a transgenic model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Zeng Yuqi , Zhang Jian , Zhu Yuangui , Zhang Jing , Shen Hui , Lu Jianping , Pan Xiaodong , Lin Nan , Dai Xiaoman , Zhou Meng , Chen Xiaochun
Published: February 2015

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by early impairments in memory and progressive neurodegeneration. Disruption of synaptic plasticity processes that underlie learning and memory contribute partly to this pathophysiology. Tripchlorolide (T4), an extract from a traditional Chinese herbal Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has been shown to be neuroprotective in animal models of Parkinson's disease and to improve cognitive deficits in senescence‐accelerated mouse P8. In this study, we investigated the effect of T4 on cognitive decline and synaptic plasticity in five times familial AD (5XFAD) mice co‐expressing mutated amyloid precursor protein and presenilin‐1. Five‐month‐old 5XFAD mice and wild type littermates were intraperitoneally injected with T4, 5 μg/kg or 25 μg/kg, every other day for 60 days. T4 treatment significantly improved spatial learning and memory, alleviated synaptic ultrastructure degradation, up‐regulated expression of synapse‐related proteins, including synaptophysin, post‐synaptic density‐95, N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor subunit 1, phosphorylation of calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II α, and phosphorylation of cyclic AMP‐response element binding protein, and promoted activation of the phophoinositide‐3‐kinase‐Akt‐mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway in 5XFAD mice. Accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) may contribute to synapse dysfunction and memory impairment in AD. We found that T4 treatment significantly reduced cerebral Aβ deposits and lowered Aβ levels in brain homogenates. These effects coincided with a reduction in cleavage of β‐carboxyl‐terminal amyloid precursor protein (APP) fragment, levels of soluble APPβ, and protein expression of β‐site APP cleaving enzyme 1. Taken together, our findings identify T4 as a potent negative regulator of brain Aβ levels and show that it significantly ameliorates synaptic degeneration and cognitive deficits in a mouse model of AD.

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Tripchlorolide (T4), a traditional Chinese herbal compound, was shown to be neuroprotective, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study demonstrates that T4 alleviates cognitive decline in five times familial AD (5XFAD) mice. T4 acts against cognition impairment through downregulating BACE1 activity, reducing Aβ deposits, upregulating synapse‐related proteins expression, in particular the PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR signaling pathway. The findings suggest that T4 may be a promising novel therapeutic option for treating AD. Akt = protein kinase B; Aβ = amyloid β; AD = Alzheimeŕs disease; BACE1 = beta‐secretase 1; PI3K = phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase; mTOR = mammalian target of rapamycin
Possible involvement of 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 in the development of leptin resistance
Authors: Hosoi Toru , Matsuzaki Syu , Miyahara Tsuyoshi , Shimizu Kaori , Hasegawa Yuki , Ozawa Koichiro
Published: February 2015

Obesity is a worldwide health problem that urgently needs to be solved. Leptin is an anti‐obesity hormone that activates satiety signals to the brain. Evidence to suggest that leptin resistance is involved in the development of obesity is increasing; however, the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. We herein demonstrated that 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2) was involved in the development of leptin resistance. A treatment with 15d‐PGJ2 inhibited the leptin‐induced activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in neuronal cells (SH‐SY5Y‐Ob‐Rb cells). Furthermore, the intracerebroventricular administration of 15d‐PGJ2 reversed the inhibitory effects of leptin on food intake in rats. The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ) antagonist, GW9662, slightly reversed the inhibitory effects of 15d‐PGJ2 on the leptin‐induced activation of STAT3 in neuronal cells. The PPAR‐γ agonist, rosiglitazone, also inhibited leptin‐induced STAT3 phosphorylation. Therefore, the inhibitory effects of 15d‐PGJ2 may be mediated through PPAR‐γ. On the other hand, 15d‐PGJ2‐induced leptin resistance may not be mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress or suppressor of cytokine signaling 3. The results of the present study suggest that 15d‐PGJ2 is a novel factor for the development of leptin resistance in obesity.

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Leptin resistance, an insensitivity to the actions of leptin, is involved in the development of obesity. Here, we found 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2) may be involved in the development of leptin resistance. The present results suggest that the 15d‐PGJ2 may be a novel factor for the development of leptin resistance in obesity. 15d‐PGJ2, 15‐Deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2; STAT3, signal tranducer and activator of transcription 3.
Development and validation of an instrument to assess knowledge and skills of evidence‐based nursing
Authors: Gu Mee Ock , Ha Yeongmi , Kim Jeongsook
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectives

To develop an objective instrument to measure nurses' entry‐level knowledge of and skills in evidence‐based practice, and to evaluate the validity and reliability of the instrument.

Background

To promote evidence‐based practice in nursing, nurses should initially receive education about evidence‐based practice knowledge and learn the skills, and this should be followed by measurement with an instrument that was developed to evaluate the extent to which they are prepared to use evidence‐based practice knowledge and skills. Although some self‐report instruments have been developed to measure evidence‐based practice in nursing, an objective instrument to evaluate nurses' evidence‐based practice knowledge and skills is not available at present.

Design

A methodological study.

Methods

This study was conducted in two stages: the instrument development and its psychometric evaluation, including its validity and reliability. An instrument, ‘Knowledge and Skills of Evidence‐based Nursing,’ was developed. Content validity was assessed by five experts in evidence‐based nursing, and the construct validity was evaluated by the known‐groups method. Reliability was examined with internal consistency reliability and inter‐rater reliability.

Results

A content validity index >0·80 was achieved. For construct validity, there were statistically significant differences between the evidence‐based practice and nonevidence‐based practice groups in total scores and in the scores on each subscale of the Knowledge and Skills of Evidence‐based Nursing. Cronbach's alpha was 0·96, and the inter‐rater reliability was excellent.

Conclusions

The Knowledge and Skills of Evidence‐based Nursing is a valid and reliable instrument for objectively assessing nurses' evidence‐based practice knowledge and skills; it is quick to complete and to score the answers.

Relevance to clinical practice

Because the Knowledge and Skills of Evidence‐based Nursing objectively assesses nurses' evidence‐based practice knowledge and skills, it can be used to examine the effects of evidence‐based practice education. Moreover, the Knowledge and Skills of Evidence‐based Nursing may contribute to the promotion of evidence‐based practice projects in clinical settings because it can measure the extent to which nurses are prepared to use their evidence‐based practice knowledge and skills.
Pediatric dental clinic location and utilization in a high‐resource setting
Authors: Dumas S. Amanda , Polk Deborah
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Examine dental utilization by Medicaid‐insured children living in a high‐resource area. Characterize distance and travel‐related variables to accessing care.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were collected on dental clinics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, caring for Medicaid‐insured children ≥1 year. Shortest distances, drive times, and bus travel between dental clinics and high‐poverty census tracts were determined through geographical information systems analysis. Primary care clinic (PCC) survey data were analyzed for children's dental use. Demographic characteristics and travel‐related variables were compared between children who had and had not been to a dentist.

Results

Ten dental clinics accepted Medicaid‐insured children ≥1 year. Mean distance between high‐poverty census tracts and their nearest clinic was 1.2 miles [standard deviation (SD) 0.2 miles], with mean bus travel time 15.6 minutes (SD 12.3 minutes). Overall, 46 percent of PCC children reported a dental visit, and this was not significantly different between those who lived in a high‐poverty census tract versus those who did not (41 percent and 35 percent, respectively, P = 0.58). Children traveled a mean distance of 4.75 miles (SD 2.37 miles) to their dental clinic. Mean distance to their nearest dental clinic was 2.81 miles (SD 2.12 miles).

Conclusion

Dental clinics in a high‐resource area are in close proximity to where young Medicaid‐insured children live; and distances between children's homes and dental clinics are not significantly different between children who had and had not reported a dental visit, suggesting that barriers persist despite close proximity. Regardless, closer proximity may contribute to the higher utilization of services observed compared with national rates.
Throat Sensations of Beverages Evaluated by In Vivo Measurements of Swallowing
Authors: Funami Takahiro , Isono Mai , Ikegami Akira , Nakao Satomi , Nakauma Makoto , Fujiwara Shigehiro , Minagi Yoshitomo , Hori Kazuhiro , Ono Takahiro
Published: February 2015

Relationship between throat sensations of beverages and some parameters from two types of in vivo measurements of swallowing was investigated. It was indicated using carbonated water that sparkling sensation can be assessed by the acoustic analysis of the swallowing sound, where both the intensity and the occurrence of the sound detected at a particular frequency of 4.0 kHz during the bolus flow through the pharynx were increased by sparkling sensation. It was also indicated using beer that bodying sensation can be assessed by the kinetic analysis of the laryngeal movement, where both the duration and the activity of the larynx required for one swallowing cycle and detected on a bend sensor were increased by bodying sensation. Furthermore, it was demonstrated by these in vivo measurements that human swallowing behavior can be modified by the addition of flavor compounds, which was sometimes accompanied with enhanced perception in each sensation.

Practical Applications

Consumers' palatability is becoming more diverse not only in solid or semi‐solid foods but also liquid foods such as beverages. In the development of beverage products, including soft drinks and beers, throat sensations perceived during drinking should be designed proficiently because they can greatly impact the consumers' preference. Although the design of throat sensation of beverage products can be the key for the commercial success, the industry is still looking for any suitable measurement to quantify these human perceptions in an objective, reproducible and easy manner. Evaluation protocol established in the present study meets these requirements and should contribute to the development of high‐value added products. In this aged society, usage of the protocol can be expanded to the development of beverage products for dysphagia patients in terms of prevented misleading, for example.
Effects of Galactomannan Addition on Rheological, Pasting and Physical Properties of Water Chestnut Starch
Authors: Lee Youngseung , Chang Yoon Hyuk
Published: February 2015

This study investigated the effects of galactomannans (guar gum, tara gum and locust bean gum) on the rheological, pasting and physical properties of water chestnut starch. All water chestnut starch–galactomannan mixtures (0.5% w/w) had significantly higher shear‐thinning fluid characteristics than the control (0% gum). Adding all of galactomannans significantly increased the values of apparent viscosity (ηa,100), consistency index (K) and yield stress (σoc) for water chestnut starch. In the dynamic rheological analysis, the dynamic moduli (G′, G″) and complex viscosity (η*) for water chestnut starch–galactomannan mixtures were significantly greater than those for the control. The water chestnut starch–guar gum mixture in particular had significantly higher viscoelastic properties compared with the starch–tara gum or starch–locust bean gum mixtures. The incorporation of all galactomannans increased the peak viscosity and gel strength, but decreased the syneresis values of water chestnut starch. The guar mixtures seemed to be the most stable over freeze‐thaw cycles.

Practical Applications

Mixed starch and gum gels are gaining popularity in the food industry. This study elucidated the effects of galactomannans (guar gum, tara gum and locust bean gum) on the rheological, pasting and physical properties of water chestnut starch. The results indicated that galactommanns can be used as a thickener for improving the rheological properties of water chestnut starch and stabilizer for reducing the syneresis of the starch during freezing‐thaw cycles in the food industry. Furthermore, galactomannans can be used to enhance the physical and pasting properties of water chestnut starch‐based food products.
Anthropogenic factors and habitat complexity influence biodiversity but wave exposure drives species turnover of a subtropical rocky inter‐tidal metacommunity
Authors: Bloch Christopher P. , Klingbeil Brian T.
Published: February 2015

Coastal ecosystems are complex and species rich, but are vulnerable to degradation from a variety of anthropogenic activities. Nevertheless, information on inter‐tidal community composition in the Caribbean Basin and at other oceanic sites is lacking. Such information is essential to developing a more comprehensive understanding of rocky inter‐tidal systems and their responses to global change. The goals of this study were to determine the relative importance of environmental (wave power density, wave height), habitat (e.g. algal cover, slope, complexity of rock surfaces) and anthropogenic (distance to roads, population density) factors associated with the structure of local assemblages at multiple shore heights and the regional metacommunity of mobile invertebrates on oceanic rocky inter‐tidal habitats. Environmental characteristics associated with habitat complexity (algal cover, rock surface complexity) and human population density were most strongly associated with abundance and biodiversity of invertebrates. Species richness was positively correlated with surface complexity, but abundance was negatively correlated with both surface complexity and per cent algal cover. By contrast, abundance of invertebrates was positively correlated with human population density, and diversity was negatively correlated with human population density. Abundance of invertebrates was greatest in the mid inter‐tidal zone, whereas diversity was greatest in the lower inter‐tidal zone. Metacommunity structure was Gleasonian, but the gradient along which species turnover occurred was correlated with measures of wave exposure, rather than anthropogenic activity. Unlike in previous studies, mostly at mainland sites, human activity primarily altered dominance patterns of communities, while having relatively little effect on species richness or composition.
Listeria monocytogenes exopolysaccharide: origin, structure, biosynthetic machinery and c‐di‐GMP‐dependent regulation
Authors: Köseoğlu Volkan K. , Heiss Christian , Azadi Parastoo , Topchiy Elena , Güvener Zehra T. , Lehmann Teresa E. , Miller Kurt W. , Gomelsky Mark
Published: February 2015

Elevated levels of the second messenger c‐di‐GMP activate biosynthesis of an unknown exopolysaccharide (EPS) in the food‐borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. This EPS strongly protects cells against disinfectants and desiccation, indicating its potential significance for listerial persistence in the environment and for food safety. We analyzed the potential phylogenetic origin of this EPS, determined its complete structure, characterized genes involved in its biosynthesis and hydrolysis and identified diguanylate cyclases activating its synthesis. Phylogenetic analysis of EPS biosynthesis proteins suggests that they have evolved within monoderms. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that L. monocytogenes EPS is cell surface‐bound. Secreted carbohydrates represent exclusively cell‐wall debris. Based on carbohydrate composition, linkage and NMR analysis, the structure of the purified EPS is identified as a β‐1,4‐linked N‐acetylmannosamine chain decorated with terminal α‐1,6‐linked galactose. All genes of the pssA‐E operon are required for EPS production and so is a separately located pssZ gene. We show that PssZ has an EPS‐specific glycosylhydrolase activity. Exogenously added PssZ prevents EPS‐mediated cell aggregation and disperses preformed aggregates, whereas an E72Q mutant in the presumed catalytic residue is much less active. The diguanylate cyclases DgcA and DgcB, whose genes are located next to pssZ, are primarily responsible for c‐di‐GMP‐dependent EPS production.
The induction of two biosynthetic enzymes helps Escherichia coli sustain heme synthesis and activate catalase during hydrogen peroxide stress
Authors: Mancini Stefano , Imlay James A.
Published: February 2015

Hydrogen peroxide pervades many natural environments, including the phagosomes that mediate cell‐based immunity. Transcriptomic analysis showed that during protracted low‐grade H2O2 stress, Escherichia coli responds by activating both the OxyR defensive regulon and the Fur iron‐starvation response. OxyR induced synthesis of two members of the nine‐step heme biosynthetic pathway: ferrochelatase (HemH) and an isozyme of coproporphyrinogen III oxidase (HemF). Mutations that blocked either adaptation caused the accumulation of porphyrin intermediates, inadequate activation of heme enzymes, low catalase activity, defective clearance of H2O2 and a failure to grow. Genetic analysis indicated that HemH induction is needed to compensate for iron sequestration by the mini‐ferritin Dps. Dps activity protects DNA and proteins by limiting Fenton chemistry, but it interferes with the ability of HemH to acquire the iron that it needs to complete heme synthesis. HemF is a manganoprotein that displaces HemN, an iron–sulfur enzyme whose synthesis and/or stability is apparently problematic during H2O2 stress. Thus, the primary responses to H2O2, including the sequestration of iron, require compensatory adjustments in the mechanisms of iron‐cofactor synthesis. The results support the growing evidence that oxidative stress is primarily an iron pathology.
Towards an understanding of the dynamic sociomaterial embodiment of interprofessional collaboration
Authors: Essen Chris , Freshwater Dawn , Cahill Jane
Published: February 2015

Many notions of interprofessional collaboration appear to aim for the ideal of trouble‐free co‐operative communication between healthcare professionals. This study challenges such an ideal as too far removed from the complex and contested relations of power that characterise the albeit skilful everyday social interactions which take place within healthcare practice, along with the associated pragmatic compromises made by disempowered practitioners. It is noted that these may be facilitated by modes of comforting myth and denial. To underline this point, psychiatric illness diagnosis is used as an illustrative example of how a historically powerful societal discourse can become thoroughly entrenched. The influence of a paradigmatically dominant discourse is shown to extend beyond the repetition of narrative within open dialogue and debate and to continue as tacitly reflected patterns within unconsciously habituated behaviour and durable artefacts that crystallise future affordances and limitations on action. However, the authors conclude by introducing optimistic theoretical speculation around the dynamic social mechanics of reflexive awareness and creativity, as these emerge within moments of significant dissonance between dialectically interacting layers of individually internalised and contextually embedded discourse, conversation and direct experience.
Reciprocal herkogamy promotes disassortative mating in a distylous species with intramorph compatibility
Authors: Zhou Wei , Barrett Spencer C. H. , Wang Hong , Li De‐Zhu
Published: February 2015

Mating patterns in heterostylous species with intramorph compatibility have the potential to deviate from symmetrical disassortative mating owing to ecological and reproductive factors influencing pollen dispersal. Here, we investigate potential and realized patterns of mating in distylousLuculia pinceana(Rubiaceae), a species with intramorph compatibility. Our analysis provides an opportunity to test Darwin's hypothesis that reciprocal herkogamy promotes disassortative pollen transfer.

We combined measurements of sex‐organ reciprocity and pollen production to predict potential pollen transfer and mating patterns in a population from SW China. Marker‐based paternity analysis was then used to estimate realized patterns of disassortative and assortative mating at the individual and floral morph levels.

Both potential and realized mating patterns indicated a significant component of disassortative mating, satisfying theoretical conditions for the maintenance of floral dimorphism. Levels of assortative mating (37.7%) were significantly lower than disassortative mating (62.3%), but numerous offspring resulting from intramorph mating were detected in the majority of maternal seed families in both floral morphs.

Our results provide empirical support for Darwin's cross‐promotion hypothesis on the function of reciprocal herkogamy, but indicate that in most heterostylous species strong diallelic incompatibility may be a general requirement for complete disassortative mating.
Risk of perimetric blindness among juvenile glaucoma patients
Authors: Gupta Viney , Devi K Saranya , Kumar Sandip , Pandey Ravindra Mohan , Sihota Ramanjit , Sharma Ajay , Gupta Shikha
Published: February 2015

Aim

To estimate rates of progression and to asssess the projected lifetime risk of blindness among treated eyes of juvenile‐onset primary open glaucoma (JOAG) patients.

Methods

Rates of change of the visual field index of JOAG patients (diagnosed between the age of 10–40 years), with at least 5 year follow up, were used to estimate the lifetime risk of perimetric blindness. Both the eyes of patients were included in the analysis wherever possible. Average life expectancy of the population was used to calculate the lifetime risk of perimetric blindness. A regression analysis of factors contributing to faster rates of progression was performed.

Results

One hundred and two eyes of 54 patients were included in the study. Mean age at the time of baseline visual field was 26.6 ± 9.8 years (15–40 years). The average visual field index change per year was −0.9% (range −6.4 to +2.0% per year) and 18 eyes (17%) showed a progression greater than −2% per year. The cumulative risk of an eye losing 50% and 100% of its visual field index was 30% and 22% respectively over the patients' lifetime. The projected risk of bilateral blindness among JOAG patients over their lifetime was 10%. Long term IOP fluctuation was significantly associated with faster rates of progression (Odds ratio = 2.74; p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Though the rate of visual field deterioration with treatment, among juvenile glaucoma patients is lower compared to that among other types of primary glaucoma, the projected lifetime risk of perimetric blindness in these eyes is similar, despite the longer duration of disease in this age group.
Identification and confirmation of quantitative trait loci for stachyose content in soybean seed
Authors: Zeng Ailan , Chen Pengyin , Zhang Bo , Orazaly Moldir , Florez‐Palacios Liliana , Brye Kristofor R.
Published: February 2015

Stachyose is an unfavorable sugar in soybean meal that causes flatulence for non‐ruminant animals. Understanding the genetic control of stachyose in soybean will facilitate the modification of stachyose content at the molecular level. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seed stachyose content using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A normal stachyose cultivar, ‘Osage’, was crossed with a low stachyose line, V99‐5089, to develop a QTL mapping population. Two parents were screened with 33 SSR and 37 SNP markers randomly distributed on chromosome 10, and 20 SSR and 19 SNP markers surrounding a previously reported stachyose QTL region on chromosome 11. Of these, 5 SSR and 16 SNP markers were used to screen the F3:4 lines derived from ‘Osage’ x V99‐5089. Seed samples from F3:5 and F3:6 lines were analyzed for stachyose content using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Composite interval mapping analysis indicated that two stachyose QTL were mapped to chromosome 10 and 11, explaining 11% and 79% of phenotypic variation for stachyose content, respectively. The SSR/SNP markers linked to stachyose QTL could be used in breeding soybean lines with desired stachyose contents. Chi‐square tests further indicated that these two QTL probably represent two independent genes for stachyose content. Therefore, a major QTL was confirmed on chromosome 11 and a novel QTL was found on chromosome 10 for stachyose content.
Morphological evolution of a well‐constrained, subaerial–subaqueous source to sink system: Wabush Lake
Authors: Turmel Dominique , Locat Jacques , Parker Gary
Published: February 2015

Since 1964, the Iron Ore Company of Canada has deposited iron tailings resulting from mining operations into Wabush Lake, Western Labrador, Canada. This activity has resulted in a continuous hyperpycnal flow flowing over the lake floor. Bathymetric surveys were carried out between 1999 and 2008 as part of the overall environmental Iron Ore Company of Canada plans to maintain safe disposal strategies of tailings into the lake. Here, this dataset is used to study the evolution of different channels present in Wabush Lake and their link with knickpoints found at the head of most of these channels. The channels show notable evolution from one survey to the next. Some knickpoints and channels may be followed throughout more than one survey; the evolution of these knickpoints is the process responsible for the creation of erosional channels. The context in which they appear, as well as the evolution of some of the subaqueous channels is analysed. Cyclic steps and sediment waves are also found in the lake. These rhythmic bedforms, also created by the passage of turbidity currents, are analysed. Sediment waves found in Wabush Lake show values for both wavelength and wave height that are approximately one order of magnitude smaller than most of those found in the marine environment.