bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex‐related differences in resting‐state brain activity and connectivity in the orbital frontal cortex and insula in patients with functional constipation
Authors: Jin Qingchao , Duan Shijun , Li Guanya , Sun Lijuan , Hu Yang , Hu Chunxin , Zhao Jizheng , von Deneen Karen M. , Qian Long , Wang Huaning , Ji Gang , Wu Kaichun , Fan Daiming , Cui Guangbin , Nie Yongzhan , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2019

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used to investigate sex‐related differences in brain abnormalities in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Like IBS, women with functional constipation (FC) are 2.1 times as many as men. No study has been performed yet to examine sex‐related differences in brain activity and connectivity in patients with FC. Here, we employed resting‐state fMRI with amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF) to investigate brain functional differences in 51 patients with FC (34 females) and 52 healthy controls (34 females). Results showed abdominal pain and abdominal distension correlated with trait (TAI) and state (SAI) anxiety ratings in the female FC group, and abdominal distension correlated with sensation of incomplete evacuation in the male FC group. Two‐way ANOVA revealed sex effects on ALFF in precentral gyrus, thalamus, insula (INS), and orbital frontal cortex (OFC, PFWE < 0.05). Post hoc test showed that the female FC group had lower ALFF than males in these brain regions (P < 0.01), and ALFF in INS and OFC was correlated with abdominal pain and difficulty of defecation, respectively. Seed voxel correlation analysis showed that the female FC group had weaker connectivity than males between INS and lateral OFC (lOFC). INS‐lOFC connectivity was negatively correlated with the anxiety score in the female FC group and was negatively correlated with abdominal distension in the male FC group. These findings provide the first insight into sex‐related differences in patients with FC and highlight that INS and OFC play an important role in modulating the intrinsic functional connectivity of the resting brain network showing that this role is influenced by sex.
A case of idiopathic First Bite Syndrome responding to carbamazepine
Authors: Wemyss C. , Gibson J. , Ryan K.
Published: February 2019

First Bite Syndrome (FBS) is a painful condition which classically presents as severe pain in the pre‐auricular region, initiated on the first bite of a meal. It is usually associated with a history of upper neck surgery or tumour of the parotid salivary gland or parapharyngeal space (PPS). Some propose that FBS arises from damage to, or resection of, the cervical sympathetic trunk resulting in loss of sympathetic innervation to the parotid salivary gland. Idiopathic FBS has been reported only a handful of times in the literature. We present the case of a 51‐year‐old male, urgently referred to the Department of Oral Medicine, with a 3‐week history of severe, sharp, unilateral pain from the right angle of mandible, intensity described as ‘20/10', occurring only on the first bite of eating. This would diminish over 2 min. Clinical examination revealed tenderness over the right condylar neck and angle of mandible only. FBS was suspected and the patient immediately started on carbamazepine. An urgent MRI displayed no abnormalities of the temporomandibular joints, PPS, trigeminal nerve or parotid gland. Restorative Dentistry review confirmed no odontogenic or occlusal cause and on review, 4 months later the patient reported complete resolution of symptoms on 200 mg of carbamazepine three times daily. This case highlights the importance of taking a thorough pain history. Patients with symptoms of FBS and no history of surgery to the neck should have an MRI to rule out parotid gland or PPS tumour. Carbamazepine can be successful in treating idiopathic FBS and can resolve symptoms completely.
Shame, social deprivation, and the quality of the voice‐hearing relationship
Authors: Carden Louise J. , Saini Pooja , Seddon Claire , Evans Emma , Taylor Peter James
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Many individuals hold different beliefs about the voices that they hear and have distinct relationships with them, the nature of which may determine the distress experienced. Understanding what factors contribute to these beliefs and relationships and consequently the resulting distress is important. The current research examined whether shame and social deprivation, in a sample of adult voice‐hearers, were related to the relationships that individuals had with their voices or the beliefs that they held about them.

Design

The study utilized a cross‐sectional, Internet‐based design.

Methods

Eighty‐seven adult voice‐hearers from England were recruited to the online survey. Participants completed measures regarding shame, beliefs about voices, and relationships with voices and provided demographic information and postcodes that were used to refer to Index of Multiple Deprivation data.

Results

Social deprivation and shame were not associated. Shame was positively associated with variables describing negative voice‐hearing beliefs/relationships but not positive voice‐hearing beliefs/relationships. Principal component analysis on the eight voice‐hearing variables yielded two components related to positive and negative voice‐hearing qualities. A multiple regression conducted on the two components identified that shame was only associated with negative voice‐hearing qualities.

Conclusions

The results suggest that therapies that target shame may be helpful when working with negative voice‐hearing beliefs and relationships. Future research should utilize experimental or longitudinal designs to examine the direction of the relationship.

Practitioner points

The results contribute to the limited research evidence available regarding the relationship between shame and voice‐hearing.

The results suggest the utility of psychological therapies that focus on shame such as compassion‐focused therapy and that conceptualize voices interpersonally such as cognitive analytic therapy.

No conclusions can be made regarding causation. The sample size was relatively small, and results cannot be generalized to other areas of the United Kingdom.

Future research should utilize experimental and longitudinal designs to examine the impact of shame on voice‐hearing experiences and to examine other factors that may predict shame.
Using paradata to collect better survey data: Evidence from a household survey in Tanzania
Authors: Choumert‐Nkolo Johanna , Cust Henry , Taylor Callum
Published: February 2019

Data are a key component in the design, implementation, and evaluation of economic and social policies. Monitoring data quality is an essential part of any serious, large‐scale data collection process. The purpose of this article is to show how paradata should be used before, during, and after data collection to monitor and improve data quality. To do this we use timestamps, global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, and other paradata collected from an 800‐household survey conducted in Tanzania in 2016. We demonstrate how key paradata can be used during each phase of a research project to identify and prevent issues in the data and the methods used to collect it. Our results corroborate the importance of collecting and analyzing paradata to monitor fieldwork and ensuring data quality for micro data collection in developing countries. Based on these findings we also make recommendations as to how researchers can make better use of paradata in the future to manage and improve data quality. We argue for an expansion in the understanding and use of varied paradata among researchers, and a greater focus on its use for improving data quality.
Limber pine (Pinus flexilis James) genetic map constructed by exome‐seq provides insight into the evolution of disease resistance and a genomic resource for genomics‐based breeding
Authors: Liu Jun‐Jun , Schoettle Anna W. , Sniezko Richard A. , Yao Fupan , Zamany Arezoo , Williams Holly , Rancourt Benjamin
Published: February 2019

Summary

Limber pine (Pinus flexilis) is a keystone species of high‐elevation forest ecosystems of western North America, but some parts of the geographic range have high infection and mortality from the non‐native white pine blister rust caused byCronartium ribicola. Genetic maps can provide essential knowledge for understanding genetic disease resistance as well as local adaptation to changing climates. Exome‐seq was performed to construct high‐density genetic maps in two seed families. Composite maps positioned 9612 unigenes across 12 linkage groups (LGs). Syntenic analysis of genome structure revealed that the majority of orthologs were positional orthologous genes (POGs) with localization on homologousLGs among conifer species. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed relatively fewer constraints forPOGs with putative roles in adaptation to environments and relatively more conservation forPOGs with roles in basic cell function and maintenance. The mapped genes included 639 nucleotide‐binding site leucine‐rich repeat genes (NBS‐LRRs), 290 receptor‐like protein kinase genes (RLKs), and 1014 genes with potential roles in the defense response and induced systemic resistance to attack by pathogens. Orthologous loci for resistance to rust pathogens were identified and were co‐positioned with multiple members of theR gene family, revealing the evolutionary pressure acting upon them. This high‐density genetic map provides a genomic resource and practical tool for breeding and genetic conservation programs, with applications in genome‐wide association studies (GWASs), the characterization of functional genes underlying complex traits, and the sequencing and assembly of the full‐length genomes of limber pine and relatedPinus species.
The hypersensitive induced reaction 3 (HIR3) gene contributes to plant basal resistance via an EDS1 and salicylic acid‐dependent pathway
Authors: Li Saisai , Zhao Jinping , Zhai Yushan , Yuan Quan , Zhang Hehong , Wu Xinyang , Lu Yuwen , Peng Jiejun , Sun Zongtao , Lin Lin , Zheng Hongying , Chen Jianping , Yan Fei
Published: February 2019

The hypersensitive‐induced reaction (HIR) gene family is associated with the hypersensitive response (HR) that is a part of the plant defense system against bacterial and fungal pathogens. The involvement of HIR genes in response to viral pathogens has not yet been studied. We now report that the HIR3 genes of Nicotiana benthamiana and Oryza sativa (rice) were upregulated following rice stripe virus (RSV) infection. Silencing of HIR3s in N. benthamiana resulted in an increased accumulation of RSV RNAs, whereas overexpression of HIR3s in N. benthamiana or rice reduced the expression of RSV RNAs and decreased symptom severity, while also conferring resistance to Turnip mosaic virus, Potato virus X, and the bacterial pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Xanthomonas oryzae. Silencing of HIR3 genes in N. benthamiana reduced the content of salicylic acid (SA) and was accompanied by the downregulated expression of genes in the SA pathway. Transient expression of the two HIR3 gene homologs from N. benthamiana or the rice HIR3 gene in N. benthamiana leaves caused cell death and an accumulation of SA, but did not do so in EDS1‐silenced plants or in plants expressing NahG. The results indicate that HIR3 contributes to plant basal resistance via an EDS1‐ and SA‐dependent pathway.
Clinical application of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) Consensus on the Rational Use of Antithrombotics in Veterinary Critical Care (CURATIVE) guidelines to small animal cases
Authors: Sharp Claire R. , Goggs Robert , Blais Marie‐Claude , Brainard Benjamin M. , Chan Daniel L. , deLaforcade Armelle M. , Rozanski Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

Objective

To illustrate the application of the Consensus on the Rational Use of Antithrombotics in Veterinary Critical Care (CURATIVE) guidelines to the management of dogs and cats at risk of developing thrombosis using a case‐based approach.

Etiology

Dogs and cats become at risk of developing thrombosis from a wide range of conditions. These conditions often involve a specific insult followed by an inflammatory response and when combined with other contributing factors (eg, hypercoagulability, vascular endothelial injury, hemodynamic changes) create favorable conditions for thrombosis.

Diagnosis

Development of thrombosis in small animals remains challenging to demonstrate. Compatible clinical signs, the presence of known risk factors, and supporting diagnostic tests may be highly suggestive of the development of thrombosis.

Therapy

Therapeutic recommendations in accordance with the CURATIVE guidelines for dogs and cats are described in specific case vignettes presented. Discussion is centered on antithrombotic drug choices and dosing protocols, as outlined in Domains 2 and 3 of the CURATIVE guidelines. Where appropriate, guidelines related to therapeutic monitoring (Domain 4) and discontinuation of antithrombotics (Domain 5) were included.

Prognosis

In small animals at risk of developing thrombosis, overall prognosis may be improved by following consensus‐based recommendations on the use of antithrombotics as outlined in the CURATIVE guidelines. Whether such interventions have any impact on outcome requires further investigation.
Surgical treatment of chronic penile prolapse in Vietnamese pot‐bellied pigs: 5 cases (2016–2017)
Authors: Reig Laia , Hill Jacqueline A. , Mitchell Anna , Hayes Galina , Schlag Ariel N. , Fubini Susan L.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To describe the surgical treatment and short‐ and long‐term outcome of young pot‐bellied pigs with penile prolapse.

Study design

Short case series.

Animals

Five young castrated Vietnamese pot‐bellied pigs.

Methods

Five Vietnamese pot‐bellied pigs presented with penile prolapse of several weeks duration. No other abnormalities were found at physical examination. Under general anesthesia, phallopexy with or without combined urethropexy was performed successfully in all cases.

Results

All pigs were discharged from the hospital. One pig required a second urethropexy the day after the initial surgery to improve positioning of the penis in the prepuce. Long‐term outcome was available in 4 cases. Penile prolapse resolved in the 4 cases available for follow‐up, and the owners were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome of the procedure.

Conclusion

Penile prolapse was successfully corrected in 5 pot‐bellied pigs by using 2 different phallopexy techniques. The procedure was combined with urethropexy in 3 pigs. Long‐term outcome was excellent in the 4 cases available for follow‐up.

Clinical impact

This is the first report describing the use of phallopexy with or without urethropexy for successful treatment of penile prolapse in young pot‐bellied pigs. Two different phallopexy techniques were effectively used in this report. The etiology of penile prolapse in pot‐bellied pigs remains unknown.
Cilial agitation prevents sperm agglutination
Authors: Nance Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2019

Agitating cilia produce fluid turbulence to prevent sperm from clogging testicular tubules.
In Vitro
and Intracellular Activity of Imipenem Combined with Tedizolid, Rifabutin, and Avibactam against
Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Le Run Eva , Arthur Michel , Mainardi Jean-Luc
Published: February 2019

Mycobacterium abscessus
infections are difficult to treat because of their resistance to many antibiotics.
In vitro
, tedizolid combined with imipenem displayed a moderate synergistic effect (fractional inhibitory concentration index, 0.41) but no bactericidal activity.
Early Human B Cell Response to Ebola Virus in Four U.S. Survivors of Infection
Authors: Williamson Lauren E. , Flyak Andrew I. , Kose Nurgun , Bombardi Robin , Branchizio Andre , Reddy Srikar , Davidson Edgar , Doranz Benjamin J. , Fusco Marnie L. , Saphire Erica O. , Halfmann Peter J. , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Piper Ashley E. , Glass Pamela J. , Crowe James E.
Published: February 2019

The pathogenesis of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in humans is complex, and the mechanisms contributing to immunity are poorly understood. In particular, it appears that the quality and magnitude of the human B cell response early after recovery from EVD may be reduced compared to most viral infections. Here, we isolated human monoclonal antibodies from B cells of four survivors of EVD at 1 or 3 months after hospital discharge. Ebola-specific memory B cells early in convalescence were low in frequency, and the antibodies they encoded demonstrated poor neutralizing potencies. One neutralizing antibody that protected mice from lethal infection, EBOV237, was identified in the panel of 25 human antibodies isolated. Recognition of the glycan cap epitope recognized by EBOV237 suggests that this antigenic site should be considered in vaccine design and treatment strategies for EVD.
Intramural oesophageal abscess: an unusual complication of tonsillitis
Authors: Amiraraghi Natasha , Ewan Lorna C , Ansari Shayan , Robertson Kevin
Published: February 2019

Tonsillitis is an extremely common condition, usually it is self-limiting, of viral origin, and managed conservatively in general practice. Rarely patients require inpatient management, usually when bacterial infection is present or when the cause is virulent organisms such as Epstein Barr virus. Complications can be divided into non-suppurative; sepsis, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis and Lemierres disease, and suppurative; quinsy, parapharyngeal abscess and retropharyngeal abscess, respectively. Anecdotally, there is concern that modern medical practice that counsels vigilance against overuse of antibiotics, could lead to increased complications of tonsillitis. We report a case of an otherwise healthy man who presented with dysphagia, odynophagia and neck pain following a sore throat. Despite antibiotic treatment he developed an intramural oesophageal abscess, to our knowledge, an unreported complication of tonsillitis.
Pins and needles in the groin: an incidental finding of retained needle fragments in an intravenous drug user
Authors: Gladman Joshua
Published: February 2019

A female intravenous drug user was reviewed in A&E following a deliberate overdose. After claiming to have swallowed a razor blade, an abdominal radiograph was performed; this showed a linear metallic density projected over the right side of the pelvis, eventually identified as a needle fragment. Subsequent CT imaging revealed three additional needles situated within the groin. Duplex assessment also identified bilateral arteriovenous fistulae. The patient remained asymptomatic and was managed conservatively. She could recall several occasions when a needle had broken while injecting. This scenario was more likely if the needle had been used many times previously, causing it to become blunt and bent. There are cases reported of adverse patient outcomes secondary to broken needle fragments but awareness among medical professionals remains poor.
Pneumomediastinum, ST elevation and urgent cardiac catheterisation: a crucial triad?
Authors: Frenkel Amit , Binyamin Yair , Zeldetz Vladimir , Koyfman Leonid , Klein Moti , Brotfain Evgeni
Published: February 2019

Pneumomediastinum (PNMD) entails the presence of air or other gas in the mediastinum and is also known as mediastinal emphysema. PNMD may cause a wide variety of signs and symptoms, as well as ECG abnormality, including ST segment changes. We present a 56-year-old man admitted to our hospital after afacialtrauma. After undergoing tracheostomy, he complained of chest discomfort. A chest X-ray in the posteroanterior view showed PNMD, and an ECG was suggestive of inferior-lateral wall myocardial infarction. An urgent cardiac catheterisation identified a critical obstruction at the origin of the right coronary artery. Following a balloon angioplasty, chest discomfort continued; and the ECG ST segments did not show any dynamic change during the subsequent 72 hours. We urge clinicians to perform a comprehensive workup for every patient presenting with PNMD and ST segment changes, to prevent unnecessary invasive procedures.
Feasibility of working with a wholesale supplier to co-design and test acceptability of an intervention to promote smaller portions: an uncontrolled before-and-after study in British Fish & Chip shops
Authors: Goffe Louis , Hillier-Brown Frances , Hildred Natalie , Worsnop Matthew , Adams Jean , Araujo-Soares Vera , Penn Linda , Wrieden Wendy , Summerbell Carolyn D , Lake Amelia A , White Martin , Adamson Ashley J
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To explore the feasibility of working with a wholesale supplier to co-design and deliver, and to assess the acceptability of, an intervention to promote smaller portions in Fish & Chip shops.

Design

Uncontrolled before-and-after study.

Setting

Fish & Chip shops in northern England, 2016.

Participants

Owners (n=11), a manager and customers (n=46) of Fish & Chip shops; and intervention deliverers (n=3).

Intervention

Supplier-led, three-hour engagement event with shop owners and managers, highlighting the problem of excessive portion sizes and potential ways to reduce portion sizes; provision of box packaging to serve smaller portions; promotional posters and business incentives.

Data collection

In-store observations and sales data collected at baseline and postintervention. Exit survey with customers. Semistructured interviews with owners/managers and intervention deliverers postintervention.

Results

Twelve Fish & Chip shops were recruited. Observational data were collected from eight shops: at baseline, six shops did not promote the availability of smaller portion meals; at follow-up, all eight did and five displayed the promotional poster. Seven out of 12 shops provided sales data and all reported increased sales of smaller portion meals postintervention. Of 46 customers surveyed: 28% were unaware of the availability of smaller portion meals; 20% had bought smaller portion meals; and 46% of those who had not bought these meals were interested to try them in the future. Interviews revealed: owners/managers found the intervention acceptable but wanted a clearer definition of a smaller portion meal; the supplier valued the experience of intervention co-production and saw the intervention as being compatible with their responsibility to drive innovation.

Conclusions

The co-design of the intervention with a supplier was feasible. The partnership facilitated the delivery of an intervention that was acceptable to owners and customers. Sales of smaller meal packaging suggest that promotion of such meals is viable and may be sustainable.
Role of heat shock proteins 70/90 in exercise physiology and exercise immunology and their diagnostic potential in sports
Authors: Krüger Karsten , Reichel Thomas , Zeilinger Carsten
Published: February 2019

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones facilitating the unfolding or folding of secondary structures of proteins, their client proteins, in cellular stress situations. Various internal and external physiological and mechanical stress factors induce a homeostatic imbalance, followed by an increased expression of HSP70 and HSP90. Exercise is a stress factor, too, and its cumulative physiological perturbation manifests at a cellular level by threatening the protein homeostasis of various cell types. Consequently, an increase of HSP70/90 was described in plasma and mononuclear cells and various organs and tissues, such as muscle, liver, cardiac tissue, and brain, after an acute bout of exercise. The specific response of HSP70/90 seems to be strongly related to the modality of exercise, with several dependent factors such as duration, intensity, exercise type, subjects’ training status, and environmental factors, e.g., temperature. It is suggested that HSP70/90 play a major role in immune regulation and cell protection during exercise and in the efficiency of regeneration and reparation processes. During long-term training, HSP70/90 are involved in preconditioning and adaptation processes that might also be important for disease prevention and therapy. With regard to their highly sensitive and individual response to specific exercise and training modalities, this review discusses whether and how HSP70 and HSP90 can be applied as biomarkers for monitoring exercise and training.
Effect of Lonicera caerulea var. emphyllocalyx Extracts on Murine Streptococcus pyogenes Infection by Modulating Immune System
Authors: Minami Masaaki , Nakamura Mineo , Makino Toshiaki
Published: February 2019

Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) causes several infectious diseases such as tonsillitis, cellulitis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The general treatment of S. pyogenes infection is by using β-lactam antibiotics; however, the cases of treatment failure were increasing as serious problems. Lonicera caerulea var. emphyllocalyx (LCE) has been used in the folk medicine in the northern part of Japan, the northern part of China, Korea, and Russia. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of three parts (fruit, stem, and leaf) of Lonicera caerulea var. emphyllocalyx extract (LCEEs) against murine S. pyogenes infection. Oral administration of LCEEs increased the mortality in murine model, and the extracts of its stems and leaves were more effective than the fruit extract significantly. Murine splenocytes and mesenteric lymph nodal cells treated with LCEEs suppressed the excess production of inflammatory cytokine such as TNF-α in comparison to those from untreated cells. LCEEs stimulated the differentiation of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells in those murine lymph nodal cells. It also activated the proliferative response of murine lymph nodal cells. We also found that the stem and leaf extracts seemed to be more effective than the fruit extract in those phenomena. The concentration of lignins in LCEE prepared from the stems was larger than that from leaves, and that was larger than that from the fruits. Our data suggest that LCE, especially the stems and the leaves, may be useful for the treatment of S. pyogenes infection.
Evaluation of Metabolic Defects in Fatty Acid Oxidation Using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Loaded with Deuterium-Labeled Fatty Acids
Authors: Yuasa Miori , Hata Ikue , Sugihara Keiichi , Isozaki Yuko , Ohshima Yusei , Hara Keiichi , Tajima Go , Shigematsu Yosuke
Published: February 2019

Because tandem mass spectrometry- (MS/MS-) based newborn screening identifies many suspicious cases of fatty acid oxidation and carnitine cycle disorders, a simple, noninvasive test is required to confirm the diagnosis. We have developed a novel method to evaluate the metabolic defects in peripheral blood mononuclear cells loaded with deuterium-labeled fatty acids directly using the ratios of acylcarnitines determined by flow injection MS/MS. We have identified diagnostic indices for the disorders as follows: decreased ratios of d27-C14-acylcarnitine/d31-C16-acylcarnitine and d23-C12-acylcarnitine/d31-C16-acylcarnitine for carnitine palmitoyltransferase-II (CPT-II) deficiency, decreased ratios of d23-C12-acylcarnitine/d27-C14-acylcarnitine for very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency, and increased ratios of d29-C16-OH-acylcarnitine/d31-C16-acylcarnitine for trifunctional protein (TFP) deficiency, together with increased ratios of d7-C4-acylcarnitine/d31-C16-acylcarnitine for carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I deficiency. The decreased ratios of d1-acetylcarnitine/d31-C16-acylcarnitine could be indicative ofβ-oxidation ability in patients with CPT-II, VLCAD, and TFP deficiencies. Overall, our data showed that the present method was valuable for establishing a rapid diagnosis of fatty acid oxidation disorders and carnitine cycle disorders and for complementing gene analysis because our diagnostic indices may overcome the weaknesses of conventional enzyme activity measurements using fibroblasts or mononuclear cells with assumedly uncertain viability.
Salivary 1,5-Anhydroglucitol and Vitamin Levels in Relation to Caries Risk in Children
Authors: Syed Sadatullah , Yassin Syed M. , Dawasaz Ali A. , Amanullah Mohammed , Alshahrani Ibrahim , Togoo Rafi Ahmad
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between salivary 1,5-anhydroglucitol (AG), vitamins A (VA), C (VC), and E (VE), and caries risk in children. 100 healthy children aged between 6 and 13 years were divided into two equal groups of caries-free (DMFS/dmfs=0) and caries active (DMFS/dmfs>3). Unstimulated midmorning saliva was collected from all the children and the levels of salivary AG and vitamins A, C, and E were measured. Caries risk assessment was done using American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Caries Assessment Tool. Analysis of salivary AG and vitamins was performed using a commercially available ELISA kit. Low levels of AG were present in caries active and high caries risk groups compared to caries-free and low/medium caries risk groups. This difference is statistically significant (p < 0.05). A strong negative correlation between AG and caries activity was observed in the caries active group. VA was not related to caries activity, while VC and VE displayed a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05). Similarly, a strong negative correlation was observed between the levels of AG and high caries risk group. Salivary AG, VC, and VE together are related to caries risk in caries active children. These salivary parameters can act as indicator of caries status in children.
Cortical and Subcortical Contributions to Neuroplasticity after Repetitive Transspinal Stimulation in Humans
Authors: Murray Lynda M. , Islam Md. Anamul , Knikou Maria
Published: February 2019

The objectives of this study were to establish cortical and subcortical contributions to neuroplasticity induced by noninvasive repetitive transspinal stimulation in human subjects free of any neurological disorder. To meet our objectives, before and after 40 minutes of transspinal stimulation we established changes in tibialis anterior (TA) motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in response to paired transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) pulses at interstimulus intervals (ISIs) consistent with I-wave periodicity. In order to establish to what extent similar actions are exerted at the spinal cord and motor axons, changes in soleus H-reflex and transspinal evoked potential (TEP) amplitude following transspinal and group Ia afferent conditioning stimulation, respectively, were established. After 40 min of transspinal stimulation, the TA MEP consecutive peaks of facilitation produced by paired TMS pulses were significantly decreased supporting for depression of I-waves. Additionally, the soleus H-reflex and ankle TEP depression following transspinal and group Ia afferent conditioning stimulation was potentiated at intervals when both responses interacted at the spinal cord and nerve axons. These findings support the notion that repetitive transspinal stimulation decreases corticocortical inputs onto corticospinal neurons and promotes a surround inhibition in the spinal cord and nerve axons. This novel method may be a suitable neuromodulation tool to alter excitability at cortical and subcortical levels in neurological disorders.
Chemical Composition and Acaricidal Activity of the Essential Oils of Some Plant Species ofLamiaceaeandMyrtaceaeagainst the Vector of Tropical Bovine Theileriosis:Hyalomma scupense(syn.Hyalomma detritum)
Authors: Djebir Somia , Ksouri Samir , Trigui Mohamed , Tounsi Slim , Boumaaza Awatif , Hadef Youssef , Benakhla Ahmed
Published: February 2019

The present study aimed to investigate the acaricidal properties of six essential oils. They were extracted from some plant species (LamiaceaeandMyrtaceae) using the technique of hydrodistillation with the Clevenger apparatus. The chemical compositions of the essential oils under study were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC-MS). An Adult Immersion Test (AIT) and a Larval Immersion Test (LIT) were used to evaluate the acaricidal activity of these essential oils against the adults and larvae ofHyalomma scupense. GC-MS analysis showed the major constituents of each essential oil: 25.49% ofα-thujone (lavender); 46.82% of carvacrol (oregano); 78.78% of carvacrol (thyme); 40.27% of 1,8-cineole (blue gum); 17.45% of p-cymene (river red gum); and 26.96% of 1,8-cineole (rosemary). The biotests on the essential oils revealed that they inhibit the reproduction ofH. scupenseengorged females at a rate of 100 % with doses of 0.781 μl/ml of rosemary, 1.562 μl/ml of thyme, 3.125 μl/ml of lavender and oregano, and 6.250 μl/ml of blue gum and river red gum. After a treatment that lasted for 24 hours, essential oils showed a larvicidal activity with respective values of lethal concentrations (LC): LC50, LC90, and LC95(0.058, 0.358, and 0.600 μl/ml for thyme; 0.108, 0.495, and 0.761 μl/ml for rosemary; 0.131, 0.982, and 1.740 μl/ml for oregano; 0.155, 2.387, and 5.183 μl/ml for blue gum; 0.207, 1.653, and 2.978 μl/ml for river red gum; and 0.253, 2.212, and 4.092 μl/ml for lavender). This is the first report on the acaricidal activity of these essential oils againstH. scupense.The results obtained showed that the essential oils with chemotype carvacrol, 1,8-cineole,α-thujone, and p-cymene are highly acaricidal, and they can be used for ticks control. However, further studies on their toxicity in nontarget organisms are required.
Artificial Generation of High Harmonics via Nonrelativistic Thomson Scattering in Metamaterial
Authors: Wen Yongzheng , Zhou Ji
Published: February 2019

High harmonic generation allows one to extend the frequency of laser to a much broader regime and to study the electron dynamics of matters. However, severely limited by the vague high-order process in natural material and the unfriendly state of the commonly applied gas and plasma media, the ambitious goal of custom-design high harmonics remains exceptionally challenging. Here, we demonstrate that high harmonics can be artificially designed and tailored based on a metamaterial route. With the localized reconstruction of magnetic field in a metamaterial, the nonlinear Thomson scattering, a ubiquitous electromagnetic process which people used to believe that it only occurs with the relativistic velocity, can be stimulated in a nonrelativistic limit, which drives anharmonic oscillation of free electrons and generates high harmonics. An explicit physical model and the numerical simulations perfectly demonstrate the artificial generation and tailoring of the high harmonics. This novel mechanism is entirely dominated by the artificial structure instead of the natural nonlinear compositions. It not only provides unprecedented design freedom to the high harmonic generation but breaks the rigorous prerequisite of the relativistic velocity of the nonlinear Thomson scattering process, which offers fascinating possibilities to the development of new light source and ultrafast optics, and opens up exciting opportunities for the advanced understanding of electrodynamics in condensed matters.
Phosphorylation of p53 Serine 15 Is a Predictor of Survival for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Taewoo , Choi Yegyun , Joh Jae Won , Cho Steve K. , Kim Dae-Shick , Park Sung-Gyoo
Published: February 2019

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant cancers with a poor prognosis. Several commonly investigated immunohistochemical markers in resected HCC have potential prognostic value, but the prognostic utility of p53 expression in HCC has remained elusive. Aim. To evaluate the prognostic value of p53 and p53 phosphorylation at serine 15 (p53 Ser15-P) in patients with HCC. Methods. Surgically resected tumors from 199 HCC patients were analyzed for p21, p53, p53 Ser15-P, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression using immunohistochemistry. Results. Stratifying by the expression of p53 Ser15-P (P = 0.016), but not by p53 (P = 0.301), revealed significantly different survival outcomes in patients with HCC. Moreover, our analysis demonstrated that patients who were PCNA-positive and p53 Ser15-P–negative had significantly worse survival outcomes (P = 0.001) than patients who were PCNA-positive and p53 Ser15-P–positive. Conclusions. P53 Ser15-P is associated with poor outcomes in patients with HCC, and this prognostic marker is useful for predicting the survival of patients with PCNA-positive HCC.
The Use of Titanium Mesh in Guided Bone Regeneration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Briguglio F. , Falcomatà D. , Marconcini S. , Fiorillo L. , Briguglio R. , Farronato D.
Published: February 2019

Several techniques have been proposed for bone regeneration in patients with atrophic ridges. Nowadays, GBR represents the gold standard, and it allows obtaining sufficient bone volumes for a correct implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. Our goal is to perform a systematic review of the literature on the use of titanium meshes in GBR in order to evaluate the reliability of the procedure, the regeneration obtained, and the failures. Furthermore, we will evaluate the success and survival rate of the inserted implants. The selected articles concern vertical and/or horizontal regeneration of the alveolar ridge using titanium grids, in association or not with biomaterials, before and simultaneously with implant placement. Six articles were selected for the present review, including a total of 139 patients, 156 sites, and 303 implants. Titanium grids in combination with autogenous bone were used in 2 cases, 5 in combination with a mixture of autogenous bone and bone substitutes. The overall survival and success rates of implants were 98.3% and 85.25%, respectively. In conclusion, our review shows how the use of titanium mesh represented a predictable method for the rehabilitation of complex atrophic sites.
Development of a Home Health Patient Assessment Tool for Disaster Planning
Authors: Wyte-Lake Tamar , Claver Maria , Tubbesing Sarah , Davis Darlene , Dobalian Aram
Published: February 2019

Background: Historically, older adults have been disproportionately affected by disasters. In particular, homebound adults are especially at risk. As one facet of bolstering community resilience, home health agencies have been tasked with improving their patients’ disaster preparedness. However, home health practitioners often lack the information necessary to fulfill these requirements. Providing resources about disaster preparedness will allow these practitioners, often seen as trusted advisors, to better prepare their patients. Objective: This study explores the utility of implementing a checklist-style assessment tool to guide Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) practitioners in disaster preparedness assessments of their patients. Methods: The HBPC Patient Assessment Tool for Disaster Planning (“Tool”) was fielded by practitioners at 10 VHA HBPC programs with all patients seen over the course of a 3-week period. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis of the data collected via the Tool were used to understand the baseline levels of preparedness education provided by practitioners to their patients. Data from a follow-up survey and follow-up interviews with Program Managers were analyzed, the latter using content analysis methods. Results: 754 surveys were returned for analysis. We examined how frequently practitioners reviewed the included preparedness items with their patients. Of those patients on oxygen, adherence ranged from 67 to 94% for practitioners covering a discussion about smoking materials/open flame, despite strong efforts to achieve high compliance on this measure as reported by several program managers. Of those items applicable to the general population, certain items were more frequently discussed than others. How to activate 911 services was most frequently reviewed (87%). Providing information about emergency shelter registration and specialty transport was the item least frequently reviewed (44%). Strengths about the Tool included its ease of use, flow, comprehensiveness, and that it fits on one page. Conclusion: Home-based care programs, such as the VHA HBPC program, are tasked with supporting the emergency preparedness of their patients, but often do not have the expertise to do so. This study shows that the checklist-like structure of an assessment tool can assist with this role by encouraging practitioners to cover key points with patients and their caregivers.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Findings in Patients on the Waiting List for Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Arieira Cátia , Boal Carvalho Pedro , Dias de Castro Francisca , Cotter José
Published: February 2019

Background: Bariatric surgery (BS) is one of the most effective approaches to weight loss. Performing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) prior to BS is controversial but allows the detection and treatment of mucosal lesions that may affect surgical decision and type of surgery. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of gastric lesions and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in a group of asymptomatic patients on the waiting list for BS. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study including patients undergoing EGD before BS. Results: A total of 360 patients were included with a mean age of 42.1 ± 10.8 years, 319 (88.6%) were females, with a mean body mass index of 42.8 ± 5.44 kg/m2. Regarding endoscopic findings, 25.6% presented no endoscopic lesions, 61.6% presented hyperemic gastropathy, 11.4% erosive gastropathy, 1.1% gastric polyp, and 0.3% gastric ulcer. Histologically, no changes were observed in 20.8% of the patients, 239 (66.4%) presented with superficial gastritis, 11.7% (n = 42) had chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia (n = 34 in the antrum, n = 1 in the body, and n = 7 in both the antrum and the body), and 1.7% (n = 6) had low-grade dysplasia. Hp was positive in 251 (69.7%) patients. We found that patients with metaplasia or dysplasia were more frequently submitted to surgical techniques that did not exclude the stomach (55.8 vs. 16.4%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: EGD with histological analysis plays an important role in the pre-surgical evaluation in BS, with a high rate of pathological findings in asymptomatic patients. These findings may have an impact on the long-term management and outcomes of these patients.
Validation of Tokyo Guideline 2013 as Treatment of Acute Cholecystitis by Real World Data
Authors: Harai Shota , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Kojima Yuichiro , Nakagomi Keiko , Yoshimura Dai , Takaoka Shinya , Hosoda Kenji , Suzuki Yoji , Omata Masao
Published: February 2019

Background: The Tokyo Guidelines (TG; 2013) indicated that emergency cholecystectomy is an important early treatment option for acute cholecystitis; however, surgical intervention is not necessarily indicated in patients with advanced age. We evaluated percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration (PTGBA), percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD), and the administration of antibiotics alone as treatment options for acute ­cholecystitis. Methods: From January 2010 to December 2017, 159 patients with acute cholecystitis were treated at our institution. The data from these patients were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Of these 159 cases, 109 underwent PTGBA, 28 underwent PTGBD, and 22 were administered antibiotics alone. None of the 159 patients needed urgent (early) cholecystectomy, and all patients were discharged without mortality. PTGBA was unsuccessful in only 6 of 109 patients; PTGBD was performed in these 6 cases. Long-term follow-up was conducted in all cases. Of the 159 patients, 146 had gallbladder stones initially, while 13 had none at the time of presentation. Of these 146 patients with gallbladder stones, 84 underwent elective cholecystectomy, while 62 did not. Of the 84 patients who underwent elective cholecystectomy, 2 developed choledocholithiasis; of the 62 patients who did not undergo elective cholecystectomy, 5 developed choledocholithiasis and 2 developed acute cholecystitis. The incidences of choledocholithiasis and acute cholecystitis did not significantly differ between the 2 groups (p = 0.06). Conclusions: Despite the recommendations in the TG (2013), emergency cholecystectomy was not needed in any of the present patients with acute cholecystitis. Acute cholecystitis can be successfully treated with ­PTGBA or PTGBD, which are simple procedures with good short- and long-term safety. These procedures are highly recommended for patients with acute cholecystitis, especially in the elderly population.
The Role of Extracellular Phosphate Levels on Kidney Disease Progression in a Podocyte Injury Mouse Model
Authors: Maeda Akira , Fukushima Naoshi , Horiba Naoshi , Segawa Hiroko , Miyamoto Ken-ichi
Published: February 2019

Background: Hyperphosphatemia is a major accelerator of complications in chronic kidney disease and dialysis, and phosphate (Pi) binders have been shown to regulate extracellular Pi levels. Research on hyperphosphatemia in mouse models is scarce, and few models display hyperphosphatemia induced by glomerular injury, despite its relevance to human glomerular disease conditions. In this study, we investigated the involvement of hyperphosphatemia in kidney disease progression using a mouse model in which hyperphosphatemia is induced by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Methods: We established the NEP25 mouse model in which FSGS-hyperphosphatemia is induced by podocyte injury and evaluated the effect of a Pi binder, sevelamer. Results: After disease induction, we confirmed a gradual increase in serum Pi accompanied by reduced renal function and observed increases in serum FGF23 and PTH. Treatment with sevelamer significantly reduced serum Pi and urinary Pi fractional excretion and suppressed increases in serum FGF23 and PTH. A high dose improved serum creatinine and tubular injury markers, and pathological analysis confirmed amelioration of glomerular and tubular damage. Gene expression and marker analysis suggested protective effects on tubular epithelial cells in the diseased kidney. Compared to disease control, NEP25 mice treated with sevelamer retained their mRNA expression of Klotho, a known FGF23 co-receptor and renoprotective factor. Conclusions: Hyperphosphatemia caused by renal function decline was observed in a FSGS-induced NEP25 mouse model. Studies using this model showed that Pi regulation had a positive impact on kidney disease progression, and notably on tubular epithelial cell injury, which indicates the importance of Pi regulation in the treatment of kidney disease progression.