bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, Persistence, and Desistance of Alcohol Use for At‐Risk Men in Their 30s
Authors: Capaldi Deborah M. , Tiberio Stacey S. , Washburn Isaac J. , Yoerger Karen , Feingold Alan
Published: May 2015

Background

Little is known about heterogeneity in men's drinking behaviors and their related consequences across mid‐adulthood, and moreover, whether individual or social factors may predict such differences. This study examined 3 indicators of alcohol use, namely alcohol volume, heavy episodic drinking (HED), and drinking‐related problems for men in their 30s.

Methods

Participants were 197 at‐risk men from the Oregon Youth Study assessed 5 times across ages 29 to 38 years. Growth mixture modeling with count outcomes was used to examine unobserved heterogeneity in alcohol trajectories. Associations of latent classes of alcohol users with (i) classes for the other alcohol indicators, (ii) alcohol use by peers and romantic partners, (iii) alcohol classes previously extracted from ages 18 to 29 years, and (iv) past year alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnostic status at ages 35 to 36 years were examined.

Results

A 3‐class solution afforded the best fit for each alcohol indicator. Alcohol problems were relatively established in the 30s, with an ascending use class found only for volume. Although relatively few men were in higher classes for all 3 indicators, 45% of the sample was in the highest class on at least 2 indicators of use. Peer drunkenness was a robust predictor of the alcohol classes. Concordance among classes of alcohol users was seen from the 20s to the 30s, with prior desistance likely to be maintained for alcohol volume and HED. AUD diagnoses at ages 35 to 36 years were more common in the higher classes obtained for alcohol volume and alcohol problems.

Conclusions

Many men in their 30s engaged in a high volume of alcohol use without frequent engagement in HED, likely relating to continuing alcohol problems. The convergence of men's alcohol use with that of their peers found at younger ages was maintained into early mid‐adulthood.
The association between biological rhythms, depression, and functioning in bipolar disorder: a large multi‐center study
Authors: Pinho M. , Sehmbi M. , Cudney L. E. , Kauer‐Sant'anna M. , Magalhães P. V. , Reinares M. , Bonnín C. M. , Sassi R. B. , Kapczinski F. , Colom F. , Vieta E. , Frey B. N. , Rosa A. R
Published: May 2015

Objective

We examined the relationship between biological rhythms and severity of depressive symptoms in subjects with bipolar disorder and the effects of biological rhythms alterations on functional impairment.

Method

Bipolar patients (n = 260) and healthy controls (n = 191) were recruited from mood disorders programs in three sites (Spain, Brazil, and Canada). Parameters of biological rhythms were measured using the Biological Rhythms Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN), an interviewer administered questionnaire that assesses disruptions in sleep, eating patterns, social rhythms, and general activity.

Results

Multivariate analyses of covariance showed significant intergroup differences after controlling for potential confounders (Pillai's F = 49.367; df = 2, P < 0.001). Depressed patients had the greatest biological rhythms disturbance, followed by patients with subsyndromal symptoms, euthymic patients, and healthy controls. Biological rhythms and HAMD scores were independent predictors of poor functioning (F = 12.841, df = 6, P < 0.001, R2 = 0.443).

Conclusion

Our study shows a dose‐dependent association between the severity of depressive symptoms and degree of biological rhythms disturbance. Biological rhythms disturbance was also an independent predictor of functional impairment. Although the directionality of this relationship remains unknown, our results suggest that stability of biological rhythms should be an important target of acute and long‐term management of bipolar disorder and may aid in the improvement of functioning.
Genetic Association and Altered Gene Expression of Osteoprotegerin in Otosclerosis Patients
Authors: Priyadarshi Saurabh , Ray Chinmay Sundar , Biswal Narayan Chandra , Nayak Soumya Ranjan , Panda Khirod Chandra , Desai Ashim , Ramchander Puppala Venkat
Published: May 2015

Otosclerosis (OTSC) is a late‐onset hearing disorder characterized by increased bone turnover in the otic capsule. Disturbed osteoprotegerin expression has been found in the otosclerotic foci which may have an important role in the pathogenesis of OTSC. To identify the genetic risk factors, we sequenced the coding region and exon‐intron boundaries of the OPG gene in 254 OTSC patients and 262 controls. Sequence analysis identified five known polymorphisms c.9C>G, c.30+15C>T, c.400+4C>T, c.768A>G, and c.817+8A>C. Testing of these SNPs revealed sex specific association with c.9C>G in males and c.30+15C>T in females after multiple correction. Furthermore, meta‐analysis provided evidence of association of the c.9C>G polymorphism with OTSC. In secondary analysis, we investigated the mRNA expression of OPG and associated genes RANK and RANKL in otosclerotic tissues compared to controls. Expression analysis revealed significantly missing/reduced OPG expression only in otosclerotic tissues. However, the signal sequence polymorphism c.9C>G has shown no effect on OPG mRNA expression. In conclusion, our results suggest that the risk of OTSC is influenced by variations in the OPG gene along with other factors which might regulate its altered expression in otosclerotic tissues. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these observations.
Staged venous thromboemolic events prophylaxis with low‐molecular‐weight heparin followed by aspirin is safe and effective after arthroplasty
Authors: Asopa Vipin , Cobain William , Martin David , Keene Greg , Bauze Adrian
Published: May 2015

Background

The rate of fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) following hip and knee arthroplasty has remained unchanged despite the use of low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) and oral antithrombotic agents. Concerns regarding bleeding and wound complications resulted in the introduction of a staged chemoprophylaxis protocol at our institution in 2002. We hypothesized that staged chemoprophylaxis using LMWH in hospital followed by aspirin after discharge was safe and effective for the prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTE).

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected on all patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty between 2002 and 2012. For VTE prophylaxis, LMWH was administered to all patients following surgery until discharge. Aspirin was prescribed from discharge until 6 weeks following surgery. Complications were recorded in a database. Patients suspected of having a VTE were investigated with bilateral lower limb duplex ultrasound and computerized tomography‐pulmonary angiogram.

Results

The 11‐year results of this protocol used in 9035 patients with a mean age 62 years (range 20–95) and follow‐up at 6 weeks demonstrate an overall symptomatic VTE rate of 2.55% and overall PE rate of 1.28%. The overall fatal PE rate is 0.03% (unicompartmental knee arthroplasty 0.07–0.96%, total knee arthroplasty 0.19% and total hip arthroplasty 0%) and the all‐cause mortality is 0.07%. The wound complication rate is low.

Conclusion

Staged chemoprophylaxis using LMWH followed by aspirin is a safe and effective thromboprophylactic regime that is associated with a very low rate of fatal PE and all‐cause mortality.
Surgical workload of a foreign medical team after Typhoon Haiyan
Authors: Read David J. , Holian Annette , Moller Cea‐Cea , Poutawera Vaughan
Published: May 2015

Background

On 8 November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines causing widespread loss of lives and infrastructures. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the Australian Government deployed a surgical field hospital to the city of Tacloban for 4 weeks. This paper describes the establishment of the hospital, the surgical workload and handover to the local health system upon the end of deployment.

Methods

A Microsoft excel database was utilized throughout the deployment, recording demographics, relationship to the typhoon and surgical procedure performed.

Results

Over the 21 days of surgical activity, the Australian field hospital performed 222 operations upon 131 persons. A mean of 10.8 procedures were performed per day (range 3–20). The majority (70.2%) of procedures were soft tissue surgery. Diabetes was present in 22.9% and 67.9% were typhoon‐related. The Australian Medical Assistance Team field hospital adhered to the World Health Organization guidelines for foreign medical teams, in ensuring informed consent, appropriate anaesthesia and surgery, and worked collaboratively with local surgeons, ensuring adequate documentation and clinical handover.

Conclusion

This paper describes the experience of a trained, equipped and collaborative surgical foreign medical team in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Sepsis from foot injuries in diabetic patients constituted an unexpected majority of the workload. New presentations of typhoon‐related injuries were presented throughout the deployment.
CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T‐cell number increases in the gastric tissue of C57BL/6 mice infected with Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Liu Sheng , Luo Jingjing , Liu Yapu , Tang Shuangyang , Chen Chaoqun , Cai Hengling , Yu Minjun , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2015

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), one of the most common infections, is associated with various clinical outcomes. In addition to inducing inflammation, immunological clearance of the pathogen is often incomplete. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) have been recently demonstrated to play an important role in H. pylori infection and the final clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the number and localization of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells in stomachs and spleens of H. pylori‐infected mice. The expression levels of Foxp3 as well as anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory cytokines before and after H. pylori triple eradication therapy were examined. We found that the percentages of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells out of the lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs) and spleen lymphocytes in the infection group were higher than the PBS negative control group and the treatment group. H. pylori antigen stimulation was associated with an increased number of Treg cells in vitro. Furthermore, compared with the PBS and treatment groups, a higher mRNA expression level of Foxp3 in the gastric tissue was detected in the infection group. IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 contents were increased significantly in the culture supernatant of spleen lymphocyte stimulated with H. pylori antigen. A marked elevation in serum IFN‐γ level was observed in H. pylori‐infected mice. In addition, gastric tissues of the infection group contained more Foxp3+ cells. These results indicate that the percentage of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells are increased in H. pylori‐infected mice, suggesting a role of Treg cells in H. pylori‐induced pathologies, even at the early stages of chronic gastritis and gastric tumorigenesis.
MYC protein expression is associated with poor prognosis in primary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the central nervous system
Authors: Tapia Gustavo , Baptista Maria‐Joao , Muñoz‐Marmol Ana‐Maria , Gaafar Ayman , Puente‐Pomposo Maria , Garcia Olga , Marginet‐Flinch Ruth , Sanz Carolina , Navarro Jose‐Tomas , Sancho Juan‐Manuel , Ribera Josep‐Maria , Ariza Aurelio , Mate Jose‐Luis
Published: May 2015

MYC and BCL2 gene translocations and protein expression have recently demonstrated to be of prognostic significance in systemic diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, their role in primary central nervous system DLBCL (CNS‐DLBCL) prognosis has been scarcely analyzed. We studied the immunophenotype, the status of the MYC, BCL2, and BCL6 genes and the clinical features of a series of 42 CNS‐DLBCL and evaluated their prognostic significance. We found high MYC protein expression in 43% of cases, and this was associated with lower overall survival (OS). Cases with concurrent expression of MYC and BCL2 showed a lower OS, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. Translocations involving the MYC or BCL2 genes were not detected. The BCL6 gene was frequently translocated, but was unrelated to survival. We conclude that MYC protein expression detected by immunohistochemistry identifies a CNS‐DLBCL subset with worse prognosis and may contribute to a more accurate risk stratification of CNS‐DLBCL patients.
Screening for depression and anxiety among older Chinese immigrants living in Western countries: The use of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI)
Authors: Lin Xiaoping , Haralambous Betty , Pachana Nancy A. , Bryant Christina , LoGiudice Dina , Goh Anita , Dow Briony
Published: May 2015

Background

Depression and anxiety are two common mental health problems among older people. There is evidence that using well‐validated screening tools can improve detection of depression and anxiety among this group. The review explored the use of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) for screening depression and anxiety among older Chinese immigrants, one of the largest and fastest growing groups of older immigrants in Western society. It focused on the GDS and GAI because both are designed specifically for older people.

Methods

Online literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. A narrative approach was used to review included papers.

Results

A total of 21 articles were included. There were limited data on anxiety among older Chinese immigrants, with only one unpublished report identified. There were 13 studies (20 articles) using the GDS with this group. Results of these studies indicated that the GDS is a reliable tool in this population; however, there was limited validity data. Two versions of the GDS‐15 have been used with older Chinese immigrants, including the standard GDS‐15 and Mui's GDS‐15. Prevalence of depression ranged between 20% and 30% in most reviewed studies.

Discussion

Results of this review have practical implications for clinicians in their use of these tools with older Chinese immigrants in Western countries, such as the different GDS versions. It also suggests a number of directions for future research, such as the inclusion of clinical samples and consideration of the diversity within this group.
Differences in calpain system, desmin degradation and water holding capacity between commercial Meishan and Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred pork
Authors: Wang Juan , Yan Xiang‐lin , Liu Rui , Fu Qing‐quan , Zhou Guang‐hong , Zhang Wan‐gang
Published: May 2015

The objective of this study was to examine the differences in calpain system, desmin degradation, pH values and water holding capacity (WHC) between muscles of commercial Meishan and Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred pigs. Meishan pork presented better WHC evidenced by lower purge loss at days 1 and 3 and less centrifugation loss at day 1 post mortem (P < 0.05). pH values at 45 min post mortem in Meishan pork were significantly higher compared to crossbred pork (P < 0.05). Calpain‐1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was lower in Meishan pork compared to that from crossbred pork (P < 0.05). Additionally, calpain‐1 activity, the ratio of calpain‐1 to calpastatin activity and desmin degradation were lower in Meishan pork compared to those from crossbred pork samples (P < 0.05). The results indicate that the calpain system including mRNA expression and activity were different between commercial Meishan and crossbred pork resulting in difference in the degree of desmin degradation during post mortem aging. pH values at 45 min and 24 h post mortem rather than calpain activity and desmin degradation could explain the higher water holding capacity in commercial Meishan pork.
Effects of dietary n‐6/n‐3 fatty acid ratio on nutrient digestibility and blood metabolites of Hanwoo heifers
Authors: Kim Dong Hyeon , Lee Hyuk Jun , Amanullah Sardar M. , Adesogan Adegbola T. , Kim Sam Churl
Published: May 2015

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of dietary n‐6/n‐3 fatty acid (FA) ratio on digestibility, blood metabolites and FA profile of Hanwoo heifers. Fifteen Hanwoo heifers (22 ± 3 months old; 357 ± 69.7 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments with n‐6/n‐3 FA ratios of 2.07, 5.18 and 7.37. The animals were housed individually in digestion crates and fed total mixed rations at 2.2% of body weight for 2 weeks of adaptation and 1 week of collection. Treatment effects on in vivo digestibility, plasma metabolite and fatty acid profiles, and in vitro ruminal fermentation and fatty acid profiles were examined. In vivo digestibility was not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary n‐6/n‐3 FA ratio. However, in vitro dry matter digestibility and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and propionate decreased (P < 0.05) linearly with increasing n‐6/n‐3 FA ratio. Plasma insulin and progesterone increased linearly (P < 0.05), but linolenic acid and total n‐3 FA decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing n‐6/n‐3 ratio. Increasing the dietary n‐6/n‐3 FA ratio can increase the n‐6/n‐3 FA ratio in plasma and ruminal fluid as well as plasma progesterone secretion.
Empirical evidence for source–sink populations: a review on occurrence, assessments and implications
Authors: Furrer Roman D. , Pasinelli Gilberto
Published: May 2015

Assessing the role of local populations in a landscape context has become increasingly important in the fields of conservation biology and ecology. A growing number of studies attempt to determine the source–sink status of local populations. As the source–sink concept is commonly used for management decisions in nature conservation, accurate assessment approaches are crucial. Based on a systematic literature review of studies published between 2002 and 2013, we evaluateda prioripredictions on methodological and biological factors that may influence the occurrence of source or sink populations. The review yielded 90 assessments from 73 publications that included qualitative and quantitative evidence for either source or sink population(s) for one or multiple species. Overall, sink populations tended to occur more often than source populations. Moreover, the occurrence of source or sink populations differed among taxonomic classes. Sinks were more often found than sources in mammals, while there was a non‐significant trend for the opposite to be true for amphibians. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the occurrence of sources was positively related to connectivity of local populations. Our review furthermore highlights that more than 25 years after Pulliam's widely cited publication on ‘sources, sinks, and population regulation’, in‐depth assessments of the source–sink status of populations based on combined consideration of demographic parameters such as fecundity, survival, emigration and immigration are still scarce. To increase our understanding of source–sink systems from ecological, evolutionary and conservation‐related perspectives, we recommend that forthcoming studies on source–sink dynamics should pay more attention to the study design (i.e. connectivity of study populations) and that the assessment of the source–sink status of local populations is based on λ values calculated from demographic rates.
Comorbidity in the Tunisian population
Authors: Romdhane L. , Messaoud O. , Bouyacoub Y. , Kerkeni E. , Naouali C. , Cherif Ben Abdallah L. , Tiar A. , Charfeddine C. , Monastiri K. , Chabchoub I. , Hachicha M. , Tadmouri G.O. , Romeo G. , Abdelhak S.
Published: May 2015

Genetic diseases in the Tunisian population represent a real problem of public health as their spectrum encompasses more than 400 disorders. Their frequency and distribution in the country have been influenced by demographic, economic and social features especially consanguinity. In this article, we report on genetic disease association referred to as comorbidity and discuss factors influencing their expressivity. Seventy‐five disease associations have been reported among Tunisian families. This comorbidity could be individual or familial. In 39 comorbid associations, consanguinity was noted. Twenty‐one founder and 11 private mutations are the cause of 34 primary diseases and 13 of associated diseases. As the information dealing with this phenomenon is fragmented, we proposed to centralize it in this report in order to draw both clinicians' and researcher's attention on the occurrence of such disease associations in inbred populations as it makes genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis challenging even when mutations are known.
ALMS1 null mutations: a common cause of Leber congenital amaurosis and early‐onset severe cone–rod dystrophy
Authors: Xu Y. , Guan L. , Xiao X. , Zhang J. , Li S. , Jiang H. , Jia X. , Yin Y. , Guo X. , Wang J. , Zhang Q.
Published: May 2015

In our previous studies, mutations in known candidate genes were detected in approximately 50% of Chinese patients with various forms of retinal degeneration. The next stage, identifying additional causative mutations in patients with various forms of genetic eye diseases based on whole exome sequencing of 1220 samples, revealed frequent homozygous or compound heterozygous null mutations in ALMS1, which are known to associate with Alström syndrome as well as individuals diagnosed with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) or early‐onset severe cone–rod dystrophy (CORD) without signs of systemic phenotypes except that one had a congenital heart abnormity. Sanger sequencing, co‐segregation analysis and analysis of normal individuals identified a total of 13 null mutations in ALMS1 in 11 probands, including 4 probands with homozygous mutations and 7 with compound heterozygous mutations. Follow‐up examinations revealed absent or mild systemic manifestations of Alström syndrome in those available: 9 of 15 patients in 11 families. These findings not only expand the spectrum of phenotypes associated with ALMS1 mutations but also suggest that ALMS1 should be regarded as a candidate causative gene in patients diagnosed with isolated LCA and early‐onset severe CORD.
EAO Supplement Working Group 4 – EAO CC 2015 Short implants versus sinus lifting with longer implants to restore the posterior maxilla: a systematic review
Authors: Thoma D. S. , Zeltner M. , Hüsler J. , Hämmerle C. H. F. , Jung R. E.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To compare short implants in the posterior maxilla to longer implants placed after or simultaneously with sinus floor elevation procedures. The focused question was as follows: Are short implants superior to longer implants in the augmented sinus in terms of survival and complication rates of implants and reconstructions, patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) and costs?

Methods

A MEDLINE search (1990–2014) was performed for randomized controlled clinical studies comparing short implants (≤8 mm) to longer implants (>8 mm) in augmented sinus. The search was complimented by an additional hand search of the selected papers and reviews published between 2011 and 2014. Eligible studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria, and quality assessments were conducted. Descriptive statistics were applied for a number of outcome measures. Survival rates of dental implants were pooled simply in case of comparable studies.

Results

Eight randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing short implants versus longer implants in the augmented sinus derived from an initial search count of 851 titles were selected and data extracted. In general, all studies were well conducted with a low risk of bias for the majority of the analyzed parameters. Based on the pooled analyses of longer follow‐ups (5 studies, 16–18 months), the survival rate of longer implants amounted to 99.5% (95% CI: 97.6–99.98%) and for shorter implants to 99.0% (95% CI: 96.4–99.8%). For shorter follow‐ups (3 studies, 8–9 months), the survival rates of longer implants are 100% (95% CI: 97.1–100%) and for shorter implants 98.2% (95% CI: 93.9–99.7%). Complications were predominantly of biological origin, mainly occurred intraoperatively as membrane perforations, and were almost three times as higher for longer implant in the augmented sinus compared to shorter implants. PROMs, morbidity, surgical time and costs were generally in favor of shorter dental implants. All studies were performed by surgeons in specialized clinical settings.

Conclusions

The outcomes of the survey analyses demonstrated predictably high implant survival rates for short implants and longer implants placed in augmented sinus and their respective reconstructions. Given the higher number of biological complications, increased morbidity, costs and surgical time of longer dental implants in the augmented sinus, shorter dental implants may represent the preferred treatment alternative.
Solving the Puzzle of Recruitment and Retention—Strategies for Building a Robust Clinical and Translational Research Workforce
Authors: Nearing Kathryn A. , Hunt Cerise , Presley Jessica H. , Nuechterlein Bridget M. , Moss Marc , Manson Spero M.
Published: May 2015

This paper is the first in a five‐part series on the clinical and translational science educational pipeline and presents strategies to support recruitment and retention to create diverse pathways into clinical and translational research (CTR). The strategies address multiple levels or contexts of persistence decisions and include: (1) creating a seamless pipeline by forming strategic partnerships to achieve continuity of support for scholars and collective impact; (2) providing meaningful research opportunities to support identity formation as a scientist and sustain motivation to pursue and persist in CTR careers; (3) fostering an environment for effective mentorship and peer support to promote academic and social integration; (4) advocating for institutional policies to alleviate environmental pull factors; and, (5) supporting program evaluation—particularly, the examination of longitudinal outcomes. By combining institutional policies that promote a culture and climate for diversity with quality, evidence‐based programs and integrated networks of support, we can create the environment necessary for diverse scholars to progress successfully and efficiently through the pipeline to achieve National Institutes of Health's vision of a robust CTR workforce.
GLUT1 deficiency syndrome and ketogenic diet therapies: missing rare but treatable diseases?
Authors: Klepper Joerg
Published: May 2015

This commentary is on the the original article by Schoeler et al. on pages 969–976 of this issue.
Altered lysosomal positioning affects lysosomal functions in a cellular model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Erie Christine , Sacino Matthew , Houle Lauren , Lu Michael L. , Wei Jianning
Published: May 2015

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary and devastating neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the huntingtin protein. Understanding the functions of normal and mutant huntingtin protein is the key to revealing the pathogenesis of HD and developing therapeutic targets. Huntingtin plays an important role in vesicular and organelle trafficking. Lysosomes are dynamic organelles that integrate several degradative pathways and regulate the activity of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). In the present study, we found that the perinuclear accumulation of lysosomes was increased in a cellular model of HD derived from HD knock‐in mice and primary fibroblasts from an HD patient. This perinuclear lysosomal accumulation could be reversed when normal huntingtin was overexpressed in HD cells. When we further investigated the functional significance of the increased perinuclear lysosomal accumulation in HD cells, we demonstrated that basal mTORC1 activity was increased in HD cells. In addition, autophagic influx was also increased in HD cells in response to serum deprivation, which leads to premature fusion of lysosomes with autophagosomes. Taken together, our data suggest that the increased perinuclear accumulation of lysosomes may play an important role in HD pathogenesis by altering lysosomal‐dependent functions.
Structural studies of a thermophilic esterase from a new Planctomycetes species, Thermogutta terrifontis
Authors: Sayer Christopher , Isupov Michail N. , Bonch‐Osmolovskaya Elizaveta , Littlechild Jennifer A.
Published: May 2015

Thermogutta terrifontis esterase (TtEst), a carboxyl esterase identified in the novel thermophilic bacterium T. terrifontis from the phylum Planctomycetes, has been cloned and over‐expressed in Escherichia coli. The enzyme has been characterized biochemically and shown to have activity towards small p‐nitrophenyl (pNP) carboxylic esters, with optimal activity for pNP‐propionate. The enzyme retained 95% activity after incubation for 1 h at 80 °C. The crystal structures of the native TtEst and its complexes with the substrate analogue d‐malate and the product acetate have been determined to high resolution. The bound ligands have allowed the identification of the carboxyl and alcohol binding pockets in the enzyme active site. Comparison of TtEst with structurally related enzymes provides insight into how differences in their catalytic activity can be rationalized based upon the properties of the amino acid residues in their active site pockets. The mutant enzymes L37A and L251A have been constructed to extend the substrate range of TtEst towards the larger butyrate and valerate pNP‐esters. These mutant enzymes have also shown a significant increase in activity towards acetate and propionate pNP esters. A crystal structure of the L37A mutant was determined with the butyrate product bound in the carboxyl pocket of the active site. The mutant structure shows an expansion of the pocket that binds the substrate carboxyl group, which is consistent with the observed increase in activity towards pNP‐butyrate.

Database

The GenBank sequence accession number for the Thermogutta terrifontis esterase is KR002593. The protein structures for T. terrifontis esterase and their complexes have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank with codes: 4UHC (native), 4UHD (acetate bound), 4UHE (malate bound) and 4UHF (L37A mutant with butyrate bound).
Deglaciation and proglacial lakes
Authors: Tweed Fiona S. , Carrivick Jonathan L.
Published: May 2015

Glaciers and ice sheets are important constituents of the Earth's land surface. Current worldwide retreat of glaciers has implications for the environment and for civilisation. There are a range of geomorphic changes occurring in cold environments and it is anticipated that these will be accentuated as a consequence of climate change. In particular, the number and size of proglacial lakes is currently increasing as a result of deglaciation and their significance for the physical environment and for society is becoming increasingly apparent. This article provides an overview of the major interdependent relationships between climate change, glaciers and proglacial lake development. In particular, it describes the key processes and impacts associated with proglacial lake evolution with reference to examples drawn from the European Alps, North America, the Himalayas, the Andes, Greenland, New Zealand and Iceland.
Improved Recharge Estimation from Portable, Low‐Cost Weather Stations
Authors: Holländer Hartmut M. , Wang Zijian , Assefa Kibreab A. , Woodbury Allan D.
Published: May 2015

Groundwater recharge estimation is a critical quantity for sustainable groundwater management. The feasibility and robustness of recharge estimation was evaluated using physical‐based modeling procedures, and data from a low‐cost weather station with remote sensor techniques in Southern Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. Recharge was determined using the Richards‐based vadose zone hydrological model, HYDRUS‐1D. The required meteorological data were recorded with a HOBOTM weather station for a short observation period (about 1 year) and an existing weather station (Abbotsford A) for long‐term study purpose (27 years). Undisturbed soil cores were taken at two locations in the vicinity of the HOBOTM weather station. The derived soil hydraulic parameters were used to characterize the soil in the numerical model. Model performance was evaluated using observed soil moisture and soil temperature data obtained from subsurface remote sensors. A rigorous sensitivity analysis was used to test the robustness of the model. Recharge during the short observation period was estimated at 863 and 816 mm. The mean annual recharge was estimated at 848 and 859 mm/year based on a time series of 27 years. The relative ratio of annual recharge‐precipitation varied from 43% to 69%. From a monthly recharge perspective, the majority (80%) of recharge due to precipitation occurred during the hydrologic winter period. The comparison of the recharge estimates with other studies indicates a good agreement. Furthermore, this method is able to predict transient recharge estimates, and can provide a reasonable tool for estimates on nutrient leaching that is often controlled by strong precipitation events and rapid infiltration of water and nitrate into the soil.
Bilateral quadriceps and triceps tendon rupture in a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Taşoğlu Özlem , Ekiz Timur , Yenigün Didem , Akyüz Müfit , Özgirgin Neşe
Published: May 2015

This paper presented a 58‐year‐old hemodialysis patient who had bilateral quadriceps and triceps tendon rupture, whereby the role of rehabilitation in functional parameters has been highlighted.
Clinical Features of Community‐Acquired Helicobacter cinaedi Bacteremia
Authors: Uwamino Yoshifumi , Muranaka Kiyoharu , Hase Ryota , Otsuka Yoshihito , Hosokawa Naoto
Published: May 2015

Background

There are growing numbers of reports concerning the clinical and pathological features of Helicobacter cinaedi (H. cinaedi) bacteremia; however, few reports have discussed the features of this condition in healthy individuals.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted at a Japanese tertiary care hospital to assess the clinical features of community‐acquired H. cinaedi. All patients in whom H. cinaedi was isolated between January 2009 and March 2014 were identified from the hospital database.

Results

Of the 28 patients included in the study, 12 had community‐acquired H. cinaedi bacteremia. The most common clinical feature was cellulitis (n = 17). However, nearly half of the patients with healthcare‐associated or nosocomial‐associated bacteremia displayed no symptoms with the exception of fever. Most patients were successfully treated with a 14‐day regime of third‐generation cephalosporins or tetracycline.

Conclusions

Our results show that H. cinaedi infections are quite common in immunocompetent community‐dwelling individuals.
Emerging Role of Probiotics in the Management of Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Histopathologic Perspectives
Authors: Emara Mohamed H. , Elhawari Soha A. , Yousef Salem , Radwan Mohamed I. , Abdel‐Aziz Hesham R.
Published: May 2015

Background

There is growing evidence from preclinical and clinical studies that emphasizes the efficacy of probiotics in the management of Helicobacter (H) pylori infection; it increased the eradication rate, improved patient clinical manifestations and lowered treatment associated side effects.

Aim

In this review we documented the potential ability of probiotics to ameliorate H. pylori induced histological features.

Materials and Methods

We searched the available literature for full length articles focusing the role of probiotics on H. pylori induced gastritis from histologic perspectives.

Results

Probiotics lowered H. pylori density at the luminal side of epithelium, improved histological inflammatory and activity scores both in the gastric corpus and antrum. This effect persists for long period of time after discontinuation of probiotic supplementation and this is probably through an immune mechanism.

Conclusions

The current evidence support the promising role of probiotics in improving H. pylori induced histopathological features both in gastric antrum and corpus and for long periods of time. Because increased density of H. pylori on the gastric mucosa is linked to more severe gastritis and increased incidence of peptic ulcers, we can infer that a reduction of the density might help to decrease the risk of developing pathologies, probably the progression toward atrophic gastritis and gastric adenocarcinoma. These effects together with improving the H. pylori eradication rates and amelioration of treatment related side effects might open the door for probiotics to be added to H. pylori eradication regimens.
Apical periodontitis and incident cardiovascular events in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Gomes M. S. , Hugo F. N. , Hilgert J. B. , Sant'Ana Filho M. , Padilha D. M. P. , Simonsick E. M. , Ferrucci L. , Reynolds M. A.
Published: May 2015

Aim

To evaluate whether the presence of apical periodontitis (AP), root canal treatment (RCT) and endodontic burden (EB) – as the sum of AP and RCT sites – were associated with long‐term risk of incident cardiovascular events (CVE), including cardiovascular‐related mortality, using data on participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Ageing (BLSA).

Methodology

This retrospective cohort included 278 dentate participants in the BLSA with complete medical and dental examinations. Periodontal disease (PD) and missing teeth were recorded. The total number of AP and RCT sites was determined from panoramic radiographs. EB was calculated as the sum of AP and RCT sites. Oral inflammatory burden (OIB) was calculated combining PD and EB. The main outcome was incident CVE including angina, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular‐related death. Participants were monitored for up to 44 years (mean = 17.4± 11.1 years) following dental examination. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated through Poisson regression models, estimating the relationship between AP, RCT, EB, PD, OIB and incident CVE.

Results

Mean age at baseline was 55.0 ±16.8 years and 51.4% were men. Sixty‐two participants (22.3%) developed CVE. Bivariate analysis showed that PD, EB, number of teeth and OIB were associated with incident CVE. Multivariate models, adjusted for socio‐demographic and medical variables, showed that age ≥60 years (RR = 3.07, 95% CI =1.68–5.62), hypertension (RR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.16–3.46) and EB ≥3 (RR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.04–3.02) were independently associated with incident CVE. The association between OIB and incident CVE was reduced to nonsignificance after adjustments (RR = 1.97, 95% CI = 0.83–4.70).

Conclusions

EB in midlife was an independent predictor of CVE amongst community‐dwelling participants in the BLSA. Prospective studies are required to evaluate cardiovascular risk reduction with the treatment of AP.
Variations in cyclic fatigue resistance among ProTaper Gold, ProTaper Next and ProTaper Universal instruments at different levels
Authors: Uygun A. D. , Kol E. , Topcu M. K. C. , Seckin F. , Ersoy I. , Tanriver M.
Published: May 2015

Aim

To compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of ProTaper Gold (PTG, Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialities, Tulsa, OK, USA), ProTaper Next (PTN, Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialities) and ProTaper Universal (PTU, Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialities) instruments at different levels.

Methodology

A total of 72 files were used to evaluate the cyclic fatigue of PTU (F2), PTN (X2) and PTG (F2) at 5 mm (n = 12) and 8 mm (n = 12) from the tip in 3‐mm‐radius steel canals with a 60° angle of curvature. The time to fracture was recorded. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of the samples distribution, and the statistical analysis was performed using the independent sample t‐test (P < 0.01).

Results

Significant differences were found amongst the instruments 5 mm from the tip (P < 0.01). The PTG files had the highest CF resistance, and the PTN files displayed greater CF resistance than the PTU files. No significant differences were found between the PTG and PTN files 8 mm from the tip (P > 0.01). The PTG and PTN files demonstrated greater CF resistance than the PTU files (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The PTG instruments were the most resistant 5 and 8 mm from the tip; however, at 8 mm, there was no difference between the PTG and PTN instruments. The PTU files had the lowest CF resistance at all levels.
Study of the relationship between mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate and Ki‐67 and basement membrane and extracellular matrix protein expression in radicular cysts
Authors: Mourão R. V. C. , Júnior E. C. Pinheiro , Barros Silva P. G. , Turatti E. , Mota M. R. L. , Alves A. P. N. N.
Published: May 2015

Aim

To evaluate the relationship between mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate and the expression of a proliferative immunomarker (Ki‐67) as well as to evaluate basement membrane and extracellular matrix proteins (laminin and collagen type IV) in radicular cysts and dentigerous cysts (DC).

Methodology

Immunohistochemical analyses were performed in heavily inflamed radicular cysts (HIRC), slightly inflamed radicular cysts (SIRC) and DC (n = 20) using Ki‐67 (Dako®, 1 : 50), anticollagen type IV (DBS®, 1 : 40) and antilaminin (DBS®, 1 : 20). The data were analysed using anova/Tukey's test (Ki‐67) and Kruskal–Wallis/Dunn's test (collagen type IV and laminin) (P < 0.05).

Results

The immunoexpression of Ki‐67 was significantly greater in the SIRC group compared with the HIRC and DC (P = 0.0040). Likewise, the immunoexpression of collagen type IV in the basement membrane of the SIRC group was significantly more continuous (P = 0.0475) than in the HIRC group. DC had significantly less collagen type IV in extracellular matrix immunoexpression than HIRC and SIRC (P = 0.0246). Laminin was absent in the basement membrane in the SIRC and DC groups, and the extracellular matrix of the HIRC was weak and punctate.

Conclusion

The presence of inflammatory factors in the radicular cyst wall modified the expression of proliferation factors in the epithelial lining and the expression of collagen type IV and laminin in the basement membrane, but did not modify extracellular matrix behaviour in radicular cysts.
Autovalidation rates in an outpatient coagulation laboratory
Authors: Froom P. , Saffuri‐Elias E. , Barak M.
Published: May 2015

Introduction

To determine the rates of autovalidation in our outpatient coagulation laboratory.

Methods

We retrospectively identified all coagulation tests analyzed during the month of January 2014 from our laboratory information system (LIS) (N = 16 116), from around 800 000 active members of Clalit Health Services (a health maintenance organization). The integrated system includes a single centrifugation of all collection tubes, analyzers that rerun or reflex tests according to the test results, and a laboratory information system that sends orders to the analyzer, autovalidates test results, and automatically sends critical value results to a list for immediate physician communication. Reasons for technician validation are tests rerun for confirmation or because of analyzer errors and test results that require reflex testing. All other test results are sent automatically to the laboratory information system without the need for technician review.

Results

There were 362 test results with analyzer errors, 91 results rerun for confirmation (thrombophilia test results outside the reference interval), and 50 tests with mixing studies and reflex testing for factor XI activity levels (total = 3.1%, 503/16116), resulting in an autovalidation rate of 96.9% (95% confidence interval – 96.6–97.2%).

Conclusions

We conclude that an integrated system can result in a high autovalidation rate in a high‐volume outpatient coagulation laboratory.
Understanding Presidential Failure in South America
Authors: Edwards Margaret E.
Published: May 2015

This article examines the issue of presidential failure in South America by evaluating the multiple factors that create risk of resignation, removal, or impeachment of presidents. The study draws on various economic variables that have not been thoroughly investigated in the past and uses survival analysis to identify what factors are influential. In performing this testing, the importance of variables such as civil protest, executive wrongdoing, and specific measures of economic hardship—inflation and prolonged recession—becomes clear. Majority legislative support also remains significant, supporting early arguments about the influence of presidential institutions. This investigation provides a unique perspective on presidential survival while evaluating the importance of previously excluded variables in a comprehensive manner.
Youth Politics and Culture in Contemporary Latin America: A Review
Authors: Coe Anna-Britt , Vandegrift Darcie
Published: May 2015

Youth politics in contemporary Latin America diverge from those of previous generations. Increasingly decoupled from parties, unions, and the state, young people glide seamlessly across previously assumed boundaries: culture and politics, individual and organization, subjectivity and collectivity, virtual and “real.” This article presents findings from a systematic review of research on youth politics and demonstrates the new direction through three main categories: repression, incorporation, and exclusion, relationships between state institutions and youth identities; generational, cultural, and digital lenses, the innovative trends for theorizing current patterns of youth politics; and unsettling politics, the fusion and diffusion of youth political dexterity. The article concludes by highlighting current strengths and proposing future steps to build on this new direction.
Modeling of Probabilistic Failure of Polycrystalline Silicon MEMS Structures
Authors: Le Jia‐Liang , Ballarini Roberto , Zhu Zhiren
Published: May 2015

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) devices typically need to be designed against a very low failure probability, which is on the order of or lower. Experimental determination of the target strength for such a low failure probability requires testing of tens of thousands of specimens, which can be cost prohibitive for the design process. Therefore, understanding the probabilistic failure of MEMS devices is of paramount importance for design. Currently available probabilistic models for predicting the strength statistics of MEMS structures are based on classical Weibull statistics. Significant advances in experimental techniques for measuring the strength of MEMS devices have produced data that have unambiguously demonstrated that the strength distributions consistently deviate from the Weibull distribution. Such deviations can be explained by the fact that the Weibull distributions are derived based on extreme value statistics, which is inapplicable to MEMS devices where the dimensions of the material microstructure are not negligible compared to the characteristic structural dimensions. This paper presents a robust probabilistic model for strength distribution of polycrystalline silicon (poly‐Si) MEMS structures that could be extended to other brittle materials at the microscale. The overall failure probability of the structure is related to the failure probability of each material element along its sidewalls through a weakest‐link statistical model. The failure statistics of the material element is determined by both the intrinsic random material strength as well as the random stress field induced by the sidewall geometry. Different from the classical Weibull statistics, the present model is designed to account for structures consisting of a finite number of material elements, and it predicts a scale effect on their failure statistics. It is shown that the model agrees well with the measured strength distributions of poly‐Si MEMS specimens of different sizes, and the calibrated mean strength of the material element is consistent with the theoretical strength of silicon. Meanwhile, it is shown that the two‐parameter and three‐parameter Weibull distributions cannot provide optimum and consistent fits of the observed size‐dependent strength distributions, and thus have very limited prediction capability. The present model explicitly relates the strength statistics to the size effect on the mean structural strength, and therefore provides an efficient means of determining the failure statistics of MEMS structures.