bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Better‐quality diet is associated with lower odds of severe periodontitis in US Hispanics/Latinos
Authors: Salazar Christian R. , Laniado Nadia , Mossavar‐Rahmani Yasmin , Borrell Luisa N. , Qi Qibin , Sotres‐Alvarez Daniela , Morse Douglas E. , Singer Richard H. , Kaplan Robert C. , Badner Victor , Lamster Ira B.
Published: May 2018

Aim

We investigated the cross‐sectional association between diet quality and severe periodontitis in a sample of diverse Hispanics from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Materials and methods

A total of 13,920 Hispanic/Latinos aged 18–74 years of different heritages underwent a full‐mouth oral examination and completed two 24‐hr dietary recalls during 2008–2011. Severe periodontitis was defined as having ≥30% tooth sites with clinical attachment loss ≥5 mm. Diet quality was assessed using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI‐2010). We evaluated the association of diet quality with severe periodontitis adjusting for age, sex, nativity status, income, education, last dental visit, current insurance, cigarette smoking, diabetes, and energy intake.

Results

Relative to those at the lowest quartile of diet quality, individuals at the highest quartile had significantly lower odds of severe periodontitis (adjusted OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.39–0.82), with evidence of a dose–response relationship across AHEI quartiles. Among AHEI‐2010 components, higher consumption of whole grains and fruits, and lower consumption of red/processed meats were associated with lower odds of severe periodontitis.

Conclusion

Better‐quality diet was associated with lower prevalence of severe periodontitis although the causal pathways need to be clarified in future work.
Periodontal status among elderly inhabitants of northern Manhattan: The WHICAP ancillary study of oral health
Authors: Shariff Jaffer A. , Burkett Sandra , Watson Caitlin W.‐M. , Cheng Bin , Noble James M. , Papapanou Panos N.
Published: May 2018

Aim

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of the prevalence, extent and severity of periodontitis in a tri‐ethnic cohort of ≥65 year‐old participants of the Washington‐Heights Inwood Community Aging Project (WHICAP).

Methods

1,130 individuals (57% of eligible invitees) participated in a full‐mouth periodontal examination that included assessments of bleeding on probing, pocket depth and clinical attachment loss (CAL) at six sites/tooth.

Results

Participants had a mean age of 75.4 years (SD 6.7), were predominantly female (66.6%) and Hispanic (44.7%), and of middle/low educational attainment (~82%). The prevalence of edentulism was 14.7%, and an average of 17.1 teeth (SD 8.0) was present among the dentate. The prevalence of moderate/severe periodontitis according to the CDC/AAP definition was 77.5%. Pockets ≥6 mm were found in 50.2% of the sample, affecting an average of 5.7% of teeth/person. Corresponding figures for CAL≥5 mm were 71.4% and 23.6%, respectively. In multivariable models, male gender, being Black or Hispanic, and no dental visit within the prior year were associated with higher proportion of teeth with CAL ≥5 mm.

Conclusions

The prevalence, extent and severity of periodontitis were higher than the US national average in this urban elderly sample, suggesting substantial unmet periodontal treatment needs.
The association between missing teeth and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in adults
Authors: Qiao Feng , Fu Kaiyu , Zhang Qing , Liu Li , Meng Ge , Wu Hongmei , Xia Yang , Bao Xue , Gu Yeqing , Shi Hongbin , Sun Shaomei , Wang Xing , Zhou Ming , Jia Qiyu , Song Kun , Niu Kaijun
Published: May 2018

Aims

Long‐term oral chronic inflammatory process is closely related to systemic inflammation, which is a main mechanism involved in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Tooth loss could reflect the accumulation of oral local inflammation, implying that number of missing teeth may associate with NAFLD. This study evaluated the association between missing teeth and presence of NAFLD in a general population.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 24,470 adults was carried out from the Tianjin Chronic Low‐grade Systemic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study. The self‐reported number of missing teeth (excluding third molars) was recorded and classified into four categories: 0, 1–2, 3–5, and ≥6. The NAFLD was diagnosed by the liver ultrasonography. Associations were analysed by adjusted multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of NAFLD across the categories of missing teeth were as follows: in males, 1.00 (reference), 1.04 (0.93–1.16), 1.06 (0.90–1.24), and 1.40 (1.09–1.81) (p for trend = 0.04); in females, 1.00 (reference), 0.98 (0.83–1.15), 1.11 (0.90–1.37), and 1.07 (0.77–1.48) (p for trend = 0.45).

Conclusions

The number of missing teeth was associated with a higher presence of NAFLD in males but not females.
Salivary exRNA biomarkers to detect gingivitis and monitor disease regression
Authors: Kaczor‐Urbanowicz Karolina E. , Trivedi Harsh M. , Lima Patricia O. , Camargo Paulo M. , Giannobile William V. , Grogan Tristan R. , Gleber‐Netto Frederico O. , Whiteman Yair , Li Feng , Lee Hyo Jung , Dharia Karan , Aro Katri , Martin Carreras‐Presas Carmen , Amuthan Saarah , Vartak Manjiri , Akin David , Al‐adbullah Hiba , Bembey Kanika , Klokkevold Perry R. , Elashoff David , Barnes Virginia M. , Richter Rose , DeVizio William , Masters James G. , Wong David T. W.
Published: May 2018

Aim

This study tests the hypothesis that salivary extracellular RNA (exRNA) biomarkers can be developed for gingivitis detection and monitoring disease regression.

Materials and Methods

Salivary exRNA biomarker candidates were developed from a total of 100 gingivitis and non‐gingivitis individuals using Affymetrix's expression microarrays. The top 10 differentially expressed exRNAs were tested in a clinical cohort to determine whether the discovered salivary exRNA markers for gingivitis were associated with clinical gingivitis and disease regression. For this purpose, unstimulated saliva was collected from 30 randomly selected gingivitis subjects, the gingival and plaque indexes scores were taken at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks and salivary exRNAs were assayed by means of reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Eight salivary exRNA biomarkers developed for gingivitis were statistically significantly changed over time, consistent with disease regression. A panel of four salivary exRNAs [SPRR1A, lnc‐TET3‐2:1, FAM25A, CRCT1] can detect gingivitis with a clinical performance of 0.91 area under the curve, with 71% sensitivity and 100% specificity.

Conclusions

The clinical values of the developed salivary exRNA biomarkers are associated with gingivitis regression. They offer strong potential to be advanced for definitive validation and clinical laboratory development test.
Human intrabony defect regeneration with micrografts containing dental pulp stem cells: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ferrarotti Francesco , Romano Federica , Gamba Mara Noemi , Quirico Andrea , Giraudi Marta , Audagna Martina , Aimetti Mario
Published: May 2018

Aim

The goal of this study was to evaluate if dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) delivered into intrabony defects in a collagen scaffold would enhance the clinical and radiographic parameters of periodontal regeneration.

Materials and Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 29 chronic periodontitis patients presenting one deep intrabony defect and requiring extraction of one vital tooth were consecutively enrolled. Defects were randomly assigned to test or control treatments which both consisted of the use of minimally invasive surgical technique. The dental pulp of the extracted tooth was mechanically dissociated to obtain micrografts rich in autologous DPSCs. Test sites (n = 15) were filled with micrografts seeded onto collagen sponge, whereas control sites (n = 14) with collagen sponge alone. Clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline, 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

Test sites exhibited significantly more probing depth (PD) reduction (4.9 mm versus 3.4 mm), clinical attachment level (CAL) gain (4.5 versus 2.9 mm) and bone defect fill (3.9 versus 1.6 mm) than controls. Moreover, residual PD < 5 mm (93% versus 50%) and CAL gain ≥4 mm (73% versus 29%) were significantly more frequent in the test group.

Conclusions

Application of DPSCs significantly improved clinical parameters of periodontal regeneration 1 year after treatment.
Morphology and Phylogenetic Position of Gruberia lanceolata (Gruber 1884) (Ciliophora, Heterotrichea) from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Campello‐Nunes Pedro H. , Fernandes Noemi M. , Szokoli Franziska , Petroni Giulio , da Silva‐Neto Inácio D.
Published: May 2018

Ciliates of the genus Gruberia are poorly studied. Consequently, most species lack detailed morphological descriptions, and all gene sequences in GenBank are not classified at the species level. In this study, a detailed morphological description of a population of G. lanceolata from Brazil is presented, based on live and protargol‐stained organisms. We also present the 18S rRNA gene sequence and the phylogenetic position of this species. The primary characteristics of G. lanceolata from the Maricá Lagoon are as follows: an elongate fusiform body 280–870 × 40–160 μm in size; rosy cortical granules; a peristome occupying approximately 1/3–1/2 of body length; an adoral zone comprising 115–330 membranelles; a paroral membrane in 35–50 fragments; and a moniliform macronucleus with 11–16 nodules. Based on our observations and data from pertinent literature, we suggest G. beninensis to be a junior synonym of G. lanceolata.
Expansion microscopy
Authors: CHO I. , SEO J.Y. , CHANG J.
Published: May 2018

Super‐resolution optical microscopy techniques have revolutionized how we see and understand biology. In recent past, a new super‐resolution optical microscopy technique called expansion microscopy (ExM) was developed. Unlike other pre‐existing super‐resolution imaging techniques, this technique achieves super‐resolution by physically expanding biological specimens via a swellable hydrogel. After the development of ExM, various techniques based on ExM but with improved performance in various aspects, have been developed. In this review, we introduce the basic principles of ExM and its variants. and compare the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques. In addition, we present the applications of ExM techniques in various fields.
Glutamate metabolism in cerebral mitochondria after ischemia and post‐ischemic recovery during aging: relationships with brain energy metabolism
Authors: Ferrari Federica , Gorini Antonella , Hoyer Siegfried , Villa Roberto Federico
Published: May 2018

Glutamate is involved in cerebral ischemic injury, but its role has not been completely clarified and studies are required to understand how to minimize its detrimental effects, contemporarily boosting the positive ones. In fact, glutamate is not only a neurotransmitter, but primarily a key metabolite for brain bioenergetics. Thus, we investigated the relationships between glutamate and brain energy metabolism in an in vivo model of complete cerebral ischemia of 15 min and during post‐ischemic recovery after 1, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h in 1‐year‐old adult and 2‐year‐old aged rats. The maximum rates (Vmax) of glutamate dehydrogenase (GlDH), glutamate‐oxaloacetate transaminase, and glutamate‐pyruvate transaminase were assayed in somatic mitochondria (FM) and in intra‐synaptic ‘Light’ mitochondria and intra‐synaptic ‘Heavy’ mitochondria ones purified from cerebral cortex, distinguishing post‐ and pre‐synaptic compartments. During ischemia, none of the enzymes were modified in adult animals. In aged ones, glutamate‐oxaloacetate transaminase was increased in FM and GlDH in intra‐synaptic ‘Heavy’ mitochondria, stimulating glutamate catabolism. During post‐ischemic recovery, FM did not show modifications at both ages while, in intra‐synaptic mitochondria of adult animals, glutamate catabolism was increased after 1 h of recirculation and decreased after 48 and 72 h, whereas it remained decreased up to 96 h in aged rats. These results, with those previously published about Krebs’ cycle and Electron Transport Chain (Villa et al., [2013] Neurochem. Int. 63, 765–781), demonstrate that: (i) Vmax of energy‐linked enzymes are different in the various cerebral mitochondria, which (ii) respond differently to ischemia and post‐ischemic recovery, also (iii) with respect to aging.

image
Differential toxicity of TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 isoforms depends on their submitochondrial localization in neuronal cells
Authors: Salvatori Illari , Ferri Alberto , Scaricamazza Silvia , Giovannelli Ilaria , Serrano Alessia , Rossi Simona , D'Ambrosi Nadia , Cozzolino Mauro , Giulio Andrea Di , Moreno Sandra , Valle Cristiana , Carrì Maria Teresa
Published: May 2018

TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) is an RNA‐binding protein and a major component of protein aggregates found in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and several other neurodegenerative diseases. TDP‐43 exists as a full‐length protein and as two shorter forms of 25 and 35 kDa. Full‐length mutant TDP‐43s found in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients re‐localize from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and in part to mitochondria, where they exert a toxic role associated with neurodegeneration. However, induction of mitochondrial damage by TDP‐43 fragments is yet to be clarified. In this work, we show that the mitochondrial 35 kDa truncated form of TDP‐43 is restricted to the intermembrane space, while the full‐length forms also localize in the mitochondrial matrix in cultured neuronal NSC‐34 cells. Interestingly, the full‐length forms clearly affect mitochondrial metabolism and morphology, possibly via their ability to inhibit the expression of Complex I subunits encoded by the mitochondrial‐transcribed mRNAs, while the 35 kDa form does not. In the light of the known differential contribution of the full‐length and short isoforms to generate toxic aggregates, we propose that the presence of full‐length TDP‐43s in the matrix is a primary cause of mitochondrial damage. This in turn may cause oxidative stress inducing toxic oligomers formation, in which short TDP‐43 forms play a major role.

image
Two repetitive bouts of intense eccentric‐concentric jaw exercises reduce experimental muscle pain in healthy subjects
Authors: Bucci R. , Lobbezoo F. , Michelotti A. , Koutris M.
Published: May 2018

High‐intensity eccentric‐concentric contractions of the jaw‐closing muscles induce muscle soreness, fatigue and functional impairment of the jaw, resembling the symptoms of myalgia, according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). However, it is claimed that repetition of similar exercises can minimise these detrimental effects. This study aimed to evaluate the response of jaw‐closing muscles following two series of intense eccentric‐concentric exercises of the masticatory muscles in healthy subjects. Twelve pain‐free participants underwent 2 sessions of intense eccentric‐concentric jaw exercises, with 1‐week interval in between. Each session of jaw exercises comprises 6 sets of 5‐minute‐long bouts of concentric‐eccentric contractions. Self‐reported muscle fatigue and pain, maximum mouth opening without pain (MMO), pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) of temporalis and masseter muscles and maximum voluntary bite force (MVBF) were recorded before, immediately after, 24 and 48 hours after each bout of exercises. ANOVA for repeated measurements was used to analyse the data. During session 2, muscle pain and fatigue were statistically significantly decreased (P < .05) as compared to session 1. Furthermore, statistically significant increases of MVBF (P < .005), MMO (P < .005) and PPTs (P < .005) were found at session 2 as compared to session 1. Within the limitations of the study, is can be concluded that the repetition of eccentric‐concentric jaw‐closing exercises results in signs of muscle training. Future studies can elucidate whether this motor training might be useful for the treatment of myalgia.
Soy protein supplement intake for 12 months has no effect on sexual maturation and may improve nutritional status in pre‐pubertal children
Authors: Duitama Sandra M , Zurita Javier , Cordoba Diana , Duran Paola , Ilag Leopold , Mejia Wilson
Published: May 2018

Aim

To evaluate the intake of a soy protein‐based supplement (SPS) and its effects on the sexual maturation and nutritional status of prepubertal children who consumed it for a year.

Methods

Healthy children (n = 51) were recruited and randomly assigned to consume the lunch fruit juice with (n = 29) or without (n = 22) addition of 45 g of a commercial soy protein‐based supplement (SPS) over 12 months. Nutritional assessment including anthropometry (bodyweight, height, triceps skinfold thickness, mid‐upper arm circumference), body mass index (BMI), upper arm muscle area, arm muscle circumference, upper arm area, upper arm fat area data were derived from measures using usual procedures; age and gender‐specific percentiles were used as reference. Sexual maturation was measured by Tanner stage. Isoflavones were quantified using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Height, BMI/age, weight/age and height/age were significantly different (P < 0.05) at 12 months between girls in the control and intervention groups. Statistically significant differences between groups by gender (P < 0.05) were found in boys in the control group for the triceps skinfold thickness and fat area. Nutritional status was adequate according to the World Health Organization parameters. On average, 0.130 mg/kg body weight/day of isoflavones were consumed by children, which did not show significant differences in their sexual maturation.

Conclusion

Consumption of SPS for 12 months did not affect sexual maturation or the onset of puberty in prepubertal boys and girls; however, it may have induced an increase in height, BMI/age, height/age and weight/age of the girls, associated with variations in fat‐free mass.
Water quality and transparency characteristics during the Planktothrix abundance period in shallow Lake Kasumigaura, Japan
Authors: Ouchi Takao , Kobinata Hisao , Kamiya Koichi , Nakagawa Keita , Sugaya Kazuhisa , Aizaki Morihiro
Published: May 2018

Cyanobacterial blooms in lakes cause serious environmental problems on a global scale. Planktothrix (a filamentous cyanobacterium) blooms occurred during winter and spring from 2007 to 2011 in Lake Kasumigaura, a eutrophic lake located in Japan. This study analysed water quality during the period of Planktothrix abundance (2007–2010) at the centre of Lake Kasumigaura and compared it to that in the succeeding period, which did not have Planktothrix blooms (2012–2015). The average phytoplankton biovolume during the abundance period was larger than that in the succeeding period, which would contribute to the high chemical oxygen demand (CODMn; annual average of 9.7 mg/L) in the abundance period, compared to the succeeding period (7.6 mg/L). The total phosphorus concentration peaked in spring and summer in the abundance period, but only in summer in the succeeding period, whereas the seasonal variation in total nitrogen concentration between the two periods was relatively small. The annual average transparency (Secchi disc depth) increased before the abundance period due to a decrease in fixed suspended solid, which is comprised mainly of inorganic matter. It is likely that the change in irradiance conditions affected the occurrence of Planktothrix blooms.
Testing the role of climate in speciation: New methods and applications to squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes)
Authors: Jezkova Tereza , Wiens John J.
Published: May 2018

Climate may play important roles in speciation, such as causing the range fragmentation that underlies allopatric speciation (through niche conservatism) or driving divergence of parapatric populations along climatic gradients (through niche divergence). Here, we developed new methods to test the frequency of climate niche conservatism and divergence in speciation, and applied it to species pairs of squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes). We used a large‐scale phylogeny to identify 242 sister species pairs for analysis. From these, we selected all terrestrial allopatric pairs with sufficient occurrence records (n = 49 pairs) and inferred whether each originated via climatic niche conservatism or climatic niche divergence. Among the 242 pairs, allopatric pairs were most common (41.3%), rather than parapatric (19.4%), partially sympatric (17.7%), or fully sympatric species pairs (21.5%). Among the 49 selected allopatric pairs, most appeared to have originated via climatic niche divergence (61–76%, depending on the details of the methods). Surprisingly, we found greater climatic niche divergence between allopatric sister species than between parapatric pairs, even after correcting for geographic distance. We also found that niche divergence did not increase with time, further implicating niche divergence in driving lineage splitting. Overall, our results suggest that climatic niche divergence may often play an important role in allopatric speciation, and the methodology developed here can be used to address the generality of these findings in other organisms.
Untangling liberal democracy from territoriality: from ethnic/civic to ethnic/territorial nationalism
Authors: Tabachnik Maxim
Published: May 2018

The term ‘civic nationalism’ as it is used today in nationalism studies is misleading because it combines territorial collective identity with liberal‐democratic values. As such, for example, it does not provide much insight into the comparison of Azerbaijani and Georgian concepts of national identity. Azerbaijan, arguably an authoritarian country, has used unconditional citizenship by birth on territory (jus soli) and refused to naturalize Azeri co‐ethnics from Georgia. Georgia, seemingly a developed liberal democracy, hasn't practiced anyjus soli, has bestowed citizenship on Georgian co‐ethnics abroad and refused it to its ethnic minorities. These two cases testify to the need to revise the term ‘civic nationalism’, inapplicable to many, especially non‐Western, empirical cases of national identity. By establishing distinct historical narratives based on premodernist sources, the article argues that the ethnic/territorial tension is premodern, which explains why civic nationalism has a premodern (territoriality) and a modern (liberal‐democratic values) component. Territorial collective identity, in its contrast to an ethnic one, has deep historical roots and needs to be separated from the overall umbrella of civic nationalism. Such an approach resolves many current theoretical objections to ethnic/civic dichotomy, a ubiquitous, but still insufficiently understood, heuristic tool.
Improving haemodialysis fistula maturation following early ultrasound vascular mapping: ‘The Venous Preservation Scan’
Authors: Tan Ru Yu , Manning Michelle , Spurway Jacqueline , Jegatheesan Thulasi , Bertram Michelle , Phipps Lisa , Swinnen Jan
Published: May 2018

Aim

Formation of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is complicated by a high primary failure rate. We hypothesized that early (months to years before AVF creation) Venous Preservation Scan (VPS) followed by vasculature preservation is effective in protecting the patient’s best ‘for fistula’ vasculature. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of VPS on AVF outcomes.

Methods

The case records of 123 patients who underwent ultrasound mapping for AVF creation in a district hospital were reviewed. Ninety‐seven were VPS and 26 were Routine Pre‐Operative Planning Scan (RPOPS) performed immediately prior to surgery. Outcomes of 21 patients who went onto AVF creation in the VPS group were compared to 23 patients in the RPOPS group.

Results

Success and complication rates for AVF placement in patients who underwent VPS versus RPOPS were 100% versus 91.3% (P = 0.27) and 0 versus 8.7% (P = 0.23). A greater proportion of AVF created following RPOPS required intervention before maturation (47.6% vs 19%, P = 0.05). The median primary patency of AVF created following VPS versus RPOPS was 492 (IQR 222, 1219) versus 169 (IQR 116, 414) days (P = 0.02). The cumulative patency did not differ between the two groups (median = 807 (IQR 499, 1308) versus 1059 (IQR 331, 1263) days, P = 0.26).

Conclusions

This small study suggests that VPS may favourably influence the survival of primary AVF and reduce the need for assisted interventions. However, confirmation with larger randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Believing for Practical Reasons
Authors: Rinard Susanna
Published: May 2018

Some prominent evidentialists argue that practical considerations cannot be normative reasons for belief because they can't be motivating reasons for belief. Existing pragmatist responses turn out to depend on the assumption that it's possible to believe in the absence of evidence. The evidentialist may deny this, at which point the debate ends in an impasse. I propose a new strategy for the pragmatist. This involves conceding that belief in the absence of evidence is impossible. We then argue that evidence can play a role in bringing about belief without being a motivating reason for belief, thereby leaving room for practical considerations to serve as motivating reasons. I present two ways in which this can happen. First, agents can use evidence as a mere means by which to believe, with practical considerations serving as motivating reasons for belief, just as we use tools (e.g. a brake pedal) as mere means by which to do something (e.g. slow down) which we are motivated to do for practical reasons. Second, evidence can make it possible for one to choose whether or not to believe – a choice one can then make for practical reasons. These arguments push the debate between the evidentialist and the pragmatist into new territory. It is no longer enough for an evidentialist to insist that belief is impossible without evidence. Even if this is right, the outcome of the debate remains unsettled. It will hang on the ability of the evidentialist to respond to the new pragmatist strategy presented here.
Ginsenoside C‐Mx Isolated from Notoginseng Stem‐leaf Ginsenosides Attenuates Ultraviolet B‐mediated Photoaging in Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Liu Xiao‐yi , Hwang Eunson , Park Bom , Ngo Hien T. T. , Xiao Yong‐kun , Yi Tae‐Hoo
Published: May 2018

Notoginseng is a traditional herbal medicine widely used for medicinal therapy in Asia, as it contains numerous ginsenosides with pharmacological effects. In this study, we submitted Notoginseng stem‐leaf (NGL) ginsenosides to an enzyme to create a reaction with the monomer products of ginsenoside C‐Mx and then investigated the ability of ginsenoside C‐Mx to protect the skin against ultraviolet B‐induced injury in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Ginsenoside C‐Mx alleviated UVB‐induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), MMP‐1 and IL‐6 expression while accelerating TGF‐β and procollagen type I secretion. In addition, ginsenoside C‐Mx reversed UVB‐induced procollagen type I reduction by regulating the TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway. Moreover, ginsenoside C‐Mx inhibited activation of AP‐1 transcription factor, an inducer of MMPs. Ginsenoside C‐Mx displayed an outstanding antioxidant capacity, increasing expression of cytoprotective antioxidants such as HO‐1 and NQO‐1 expression by enhancing the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2. Interestingly, application of ginsenoside C‐Mx treatment (1, 10, 20 μm) significantly diminished UVB‐induced suppressed NF‐κB expression, decreasing the over‐released inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, our findings indicated that ginsenoside C‐Mx may act as a promising natural cosmetic ingredient for prevention and treatment of UVB‐induced skin damage.
Density Functional Theory and ab Initio Computational Evidence for Nitrosamine Photoperoxides: Hammett Substituent Effects in the Photogeneration of the Nitrooxide Intermediate
Authors: Greer Edyta M. , Kwon Kitae
Published: May 2018

Little attention has been focused on diradical and zwitterionic photoperoxides formed from nitrosamine compounds. Here, an attempt is made to probe the electronic character of the nitrooxide intermediate formed in photochemical reactions with triplet oxygen (3O2). Theoretical studies have been conducted to screen para‐substituted phenyl nitrosamines. In particular, we find that electron‐withdrawing substituents produce low‐lying triplet nitrooxide diradicals. A clear electronic dependence in the S0 – T1 and S0 – S1 energy gaps of nitrooxides was found using Hammett plots. Computed geometries show a twisted diradical triplet nitrooxide moiety, which contrasts to the nearly flat singlet zwitterionic ground state nitrooxide moiety; analyses of charges (natural bond order), molecular orbitals (HOMO/LUMO) and spin densities enable these assignments. Calculations predict the former triplet species is photogenerated initially from nitrosamine with O2. The conversion of the triplet nitrooxide diradical to the singlet ground state is an example where longer‐lived zwitterionic nitrooxide structures become possible. The reaction mechanism is consistent with a zwitterionic ground state nitrooxide playing an important role in the bimolecular oxygen‐transfer reaction with phosphine and phosphite trapping agents as has been observed experimentally.
Community‐based native seed production for restoration in Brazil – the role of science and policy
Authors: Schmidt I. B. , de Urzedo D. I. , Piña‐Rodrigues F. C. M. , Vieira D. L. M. , de Rezende G. M. , Sampaio A. B. , Junqueira R. G. P.
Published: May 2018

Large‐scale restoration programmes in the tropics require large volumes of high quality, genetically diverse and locally adapted seeds from a large number of species. However, scarcity of native seeds is a critical restriction to achieve restoration targets.

In this paper, we analyse three successful community‐based networks that supply native seeds and seedlings for Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado restoration projects. In addition, we propose directions to promote local participation, legal, technical and commercialisation issues for up‐scaling the market of native seeds for restoration with high quality and social justice.

We argue that effective community‐based restoration arrangements should follow some principles: (i) seed production must be based on real market demand; (ii) non‐governmental and governmental organisations have a key role in supporting local organisation, legal requirements and selling processes; (iii) local ecological knowledge and labour should be valued, enabling local communities to promote large‐scale seed production; (iv) applied research can help develop appropriate techniques and solve technical issues.

The case studies from Brazil and principles presented here can be useful for the up‐scaling restoration ecology efforts in many other parts of the world and especially in tropical countries where improving rural community income is a strategy for biodiversity conservation and restoration.
Germination niche breadth varies inconsistently among three Asclepias congeners along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Finch J. , Walck J. L. , Hidayati S. N. , Kramer A. T. , Lason V. , Havens K.
Published: May 2018

Species responses to climate change will be primarily driven by their environmental tolerance range, or niche breadth, with the expectation that broad niches will increase resilience. Niche breadth is expected to be larger in more heterogeneous environments and moderated by life history. Niche breadth also varies across life stages. Therefore, the life stage with the narrowest niche may serve as the best predictor of climatic vulnerability. To investigate the relationship between niche breadth, climate and life stage we identify germination niche breadth for dormant and non‐dormant seeds in multiple populations of three milkweed (Asclepias) species.

Complementary trials evaluated germination under conditions simulating historic and predicted future climate by varying cold–moist stratification temperature, length and incubation temperature. Germination niche breadth was derived from germination evenness across treatments (Levins Bn), with stratified seeds considered less dormant than non‐stratified seeds.

Germination response varies significantly among species, populations and treatments. Cold–moist stratification ≥4 weeks (1–3 °C) followed by incubation at 25/15 °C+ achieves peak germination for most populations. Germination niche breadth significantly expands following stratification and interacts significantly with latitude of origin. Interestingly, two species display a positive relationship between niche breadth and latitude, while the third presents a concave quadratic relationship.

Germination niche breadth significantly varies by species, latitude and population, suggesting an interaction between source climate, life history and site‐specific factors. Results contribute to our understanding of inter‐ and intraspecific variation in germination, underscore the role of dormancy in germination niche breadth, and have implications for prioritising and conserving species under climate change.
Analysis of intraspecific seed diversity in Astragalus aquilanus (Fabaceae), an endemic species of Central Apennine
Authors: Di Cecco V. , Di Musciano M. , D'Archivio A. A. , Frattaroli A.R. , Di Martino L.
Published: May 2018

This work aims to study seeds of the endemic species Astragalus aquilanus from four different populations of central Italy. We investigated seed morpho‐colorimetric features (shape and size) and chemical differences (through infrared spectroscopy) among populations and between dark and light seeds.

Seed morpho‐colorimetric quantitative variables, describing shape, size and colour traits, were measured using image analysis techniques. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy was used to attempt seed chemical characterisation. The measured data were analysed by step‐wise linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Moreover, we analysed the correlation between the four most important traits and six climatic variables extracted from WorldClim 2.0.

The LDA on seeds traits shows clear differentiation of the four populations, which can be attributed to different chemical composition, as confirmed by Wilk's lambda test (P < 0.001). A strong correlation between morphometric traits and temperature (annual mean temperature, mean temperature of the warmest and coolest quarter), colorimetric traits and precipitation (annual precipitation, precipitation of wettest and driest quarter) was observed.

The characterisation of A. aquilanus seeds shows large intraspecific plasticity both in morpho‐colorimetric and chemical composition. These results confirm the strong relationship between the type of seed produced and the climatic variables.
Diversity of epicotyl dormancy among tropical montane forest species in Sri Lanka
Authors: Athugala Y. S. , Jayasuriya K. M. G. G. , Gunarathne A. M. T. A. , Baskin C. C.
Published: May 2018

Fruiting season of many Sri Lankan tropical montane species is not synchronised and may not occur when conditions are favourable for seedling establishment. We hypothesised that species with different fruiting seasons have different seed dormancy mechanisms to synchronise timing of germination with a favourable season for establishment. Using six species with different fruiting seasons, we tested this hypothesis.

Germination and imbibition of intact and manually scarified seeds were studied. Effect of GA3 on germination was examined. Embryo length:seed length (E:S) ratio of freshly matured seeds and of those with a split seed coat was determined. Time taken for radicle and plumule emergence and morphological changes of the embryos were recorded.

The radicle emerged from Ardisia missionis, Bheza nitidissima and Gaetnera walkeri seeds within 30 days, whereas it took >30 days in other species. Embryos grew in seeds of B. nitidissima and G. walkeri prior to radicle emergence but not in Microtropis wallichiana, Nothapodytes nimmoniana and Symplocos cochinchinensis. A considerable delay was observed between radicle and plumule emergence in all six species. Warm stratification and/or GA3 promoted germination of all species.

All the tested species have epicotyl dormancy. Seeds of B. nitidissima and G. walkeri have non‐deep simple morphophysiological epicotyl dormancy, and the other four species have non‐deep physiological epicotyl dormancy. Differences in radicle and epicotyl dormancy promote synchronisation of germination to a favourable time for seedling development. Therefore, information on dormancy‐breaking and germination requirements of both radicle and epicotyl are needed to determine the kind of dormancy of a particular species.
Individual differences in decisiveness: ERP correlates of response inhibition and error monitoring
Authors: Senderecka Magdalena , Szewczyk Jakub , Wichary Szymon , Kossowska Małgorzata
Published: May 2018

The aim of the current study was to examine whether and how self‐reported decisiveness is associated with response inhibition and performance monitoring. We hypothesized that these two cognitive control mechanisms, both of which are often associated with decision making, would differ in individuals varying in decisiveness. We focused on ERP correlates and behavioral measures of inhibition and error processing in the stop‐signal task. We expected a negative relationship between decisiveness and behavioral measures of inhibitory control. We also hypothesized that stop‐signal‐locked N1 and P3 components and response‐locked error‐related negativity (ERN) would be less pronounced when participants self‐reported higher levels of decisiveness. Correlation analysis identified an association between high decisiveness, long stop‐signal reaction time, and low inhibition rate. Analysis with mixed‐effects linear models revealed that stop signals evoked less pronounced N1 and P3 in individuals scoring higher on decisiveness in both successfully and unsuccessfully inhibited trials. Additionally, high decisiveness was linked to reduced error monitoring, as indicated by decreased ERNs. Importantly, we also found positive association between P3 onset latency and decisiveness, suggesting that individuals scoring higher on this measure have relatively less ability to rapidly engage the stopping process. Thus, our findings primarily indicate that decisiveness is negatively associated with the efficiency of both response inhibition and error monitoring. They also suggest that highly decisive people may share some characteristics of diminished cognitive control with impulsive individuals.
Testicular histomorphometry and the proliferative and apoptotic activities of the seminiferous epithelium in Syrian hamster during spontaneous recrudescence after exposure to short photoperiod
Authors: Martínez‐Hernández Jesús , Seco‐Rovira Vicente , Beltrán‐Frutos Ester , Ferrer Concepción , Canteras Manuel , Sánchez‐Huertas María del Mar , Pastor Luis Miguel
Published: May 2018

Syrian hamsters are photoperiodic rodents in which reproduction, including testicular function, is stimulated by long photoperiod exposure and curtailed by exposure to a short photoperiod. The objectives of this study were to characterize the testis histomorphometrically and to determine the role of the proliferation and apoptosis phenomena in the recovery of the seminiferous epithelium during spontaneous recrudescence after exposure to short photoperiod. The study was performed using conventional light microscopy, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated dUTP in situ nick end labelling staining, image analysis software, and transmission electron microscopy in three recrudescence groups: initial recrudescence (IR), advanced recrudescence (AR) and total recrudescence (TR). The results morphometrically pointed to the gradual recovery of the testicular and tubular volumes, as well as of the seminiferous epithelium. Among the IR and AR groups, the increase in testicular and tubular volumes was accompanied by an increase in tubular diameter and length, with an increase in interstitial volume. From AR to TR, there was an increase in the tubular and total volumes, but, in this case, with a gradual increase in tubular diameter. Recovery of the seminiferous epithelium was accompanied by changes in apoptosis and proliferation activities. The first decreased halfway through the process, and the second remained higher than the control levels throughout the recrudescence stage. Alterations in the spermatozoa were ultrastructurally observed, which indicated that spermiogenesis was not yet completely normal. In conclusion, spontaneous testicular recrudescence in Syrian hamster comprises two histomorphometrical phases: the first related to an increase in tubular length and diameter and interstitial volume and the second depending principally on the gradual increase in tubular diameter. The restoration of the seminiferous epithelium is due to apoptosis reaching normal values in the AR group accompanied by higher proliferative activity than that observed in the Control group.
Assessing the Competency and Acceptability of Community Health Worker Provision of Standard Days Method® in Family Planning Services in Gisagara District, Rwanda
Authors: VanEnk Lauren , Shelus Victoria , Mugeni Catherine , Mukabatsinda Marie , Cachan Jeannette
Published: May 2018

This study assesses the competency and acceptability of community‐based provision of Standard Days Method® (SDM) to first‐time users in Rwanda. The national strategy equips community health workers (CHWs) to resupply pills, injectables and condoms to existing clients. With the aim of expanding access, SDM provision to first‐time users was added to the method mix in Gisagara district and assessed with a 12 month prospective, mixed methods study. Thirty percent of SDM clients had never used a method of family planning and 58 percent had not been using a method for at least three months. Eighty‐seven percent of CHWs correctly screened clients to use SDM and 92 percent accurately explained how to use CycleBeads to prevent pregnancy. After being counseled by the CHWs, 89 percent of clients reported knowledge of all key steps required in using SDM to prevent pregnancy. Nearly all SDM clients (99 percent) believed that CHWs were able to counsel them adequately. These results suggest that CHWs were able to offer SDM as part of their family planning responsibilities, and the study adds to the evidence on the role of CHWs in expanding contraceptive access and choice.
Small area estimation of complex parameters under unit‐level models with skew‐normal errors
Authors: Diallo Mamadou S. , Rao J. N. K.
Published: May 2018

The widely used Elbers–Lanjouw–Lanjouw (ELL) method of estimating complex parameters for areas with small sample sizes uses a fitted nested‐error model based on survey data to create simulated censuses of the variable of interest. The complex parameters obtained from each simulated censuses are then averaged to get the estimate. An empirical best (EB) method, under the nested‐error model with normal errors, is significantly more efficient, in terms of mean square error (MSE), than the ELL method when the normality assumption holds. However, it can perform poorly in terms of MSE when the model errors are not normally distributed. We relax normality by assuming skew‐normal errors, derive EB estimators, and study their MSE relative to EB based on normality and ELL. We propose bootstrap methods for MSE estimation. We also study an improvement to ELL by conditioning on the area random effects and without parametric assumptions on the errors.
Soil‐transmitted helminth infections associated with wastewater and sludge reuse: a review of current evidence
Authors: Amoah Isaac Dennis , Adegoke Anthony Ayodeji , Stenström Thor Axel
Published: May 2018

Objective

To review current evidence on infections related to the concentration of soil‐transmitted helminth (STH) eggs in wastewater, sludge and vegetables irrigated with wastewater or grown on sludge‐amended soils.

Method

Search of Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar databases for publications reporting on STH egg concentration in wastewater, sludge and vegetables and for epidemiological studies on wastewater/sludge reuse and STH infections.

Results

STH egg concentrations were variable but high in wastewater and sludge especially in developing countries. They ranged from 6 to 16 000 eggs/L in wastewater and from 0 to 23 000 eggs/g in sludge and far exceed limits set in the WHO guideline for wastewater/sludge reuse. Numbers of STH eggs on vegetables ranged from 0 to 100 eggs/g. The concentration of STH eggs in wastewater, sludge and vegetables therefore relates to risks of infection through different exposure routes.

Conclusion

Epidemiological evidence reveals an increased prevalence of STH infections associated with direct exposure to wastewater or sludge (farmers) and consumption of vegetables grown on soil treated with it. This calls for increased efforts to reduce the adverse health impact of wastewater and sludge reuse in line with the WHO multi‐barrier approach.
Prevalence and clinical profile of rotavirus A infection among diarrhoeal children and phylogenetic analysis with vaccine strains in Chengdu, West China, 2009–2014
Authors: Chen Yu‐Hang , Chen Fan , Zhou Tao , Chen Jia‐Yi , Zheng Tian‐Li , Xu Xin , Pei Xiao‐Fang
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Rotaviruses are the most common cause of severe diarrhoeal disease in young children. However, little is known about the epidemiological and clinical profile of rotavirus A (RVA) in diarrhoeal children or the efficacy of Lanzhou lamb rotavirus vaccine (LLR) in Chengdu, China. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical profile of RVA in diarrhoeal children and provide gene analysis information for RVA vaccination programmes.

Methods

A total of 1121 faecal samples were collected from outpatient children with diarrhoea between 2009 and 2014. RT‐PCR was performed to detect RVA infection and other gastroenteritis viruses. VP4 and VP7 genes of 13 RVA strains were sequenced to compare their similarity with vaccine strains.

Results

The overall RVA infection rate was 17.48%. G1 (54.72%) and G3 (18.87%) were the predominant G genotypes; P[8] (72.36%) and P[4] (11.38%) were the main P genotypes. Sixteen genotypes were identified; G1P[8] (57.33%) and G9P[8] (12.00%) were the most prevalent. The proportion of coinfection with RVA and other gastroenteritis viruses was 18.88%. RVA was mostly detected in winter and in diarrhoeal children 1–2 years of age. The genotypes of Rotarix and RotaTeq vaccines were consistent with RVA strains prevalent in Sichuan and shared high identity.

Conclusions

RVA was one of the major aetiological agents of diarrhoeal children in Chengdu. Genotype distribution differed within each year and the gene analysis implied low efficacy of LLR. Continuous epidemiological monitoring of RVA is essential for the national vaccination programme.