bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antecedents and consequences of social networking site knowledge sharing by seniors
Authors: Chang I-Chiu , Chang Chia-Hui , Lian Jiunn-Woei , Wang Ming-Wei
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Understanding elders’ experience and knowledge-sharing behaviors online have become significant issues in this aging society. In this study, the purpose of this paper is to summarize and validate the factors that influence the intention of elders to share knowledge online, and assess whether seniors’ knowledge-sharing behaviors affect their sense of meaning in life.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 49 senior students were invited as participants to join the social networking site (SNS) and share knowledge on the platform. After a month of knowledge-sharing activities, questionnaires were distributed to all the participants. All the 49 participants returned completed questionnaires. To verify the results obtained via the above quantitative data analysis, follow-up interviews were conducted with one popular computer instructor and four seniors (who are experienced users of the SNS). Open-ended questions were employed to understand the motivations for sharing knowledge in a virtual community and the benefits obtained from sharing.

Findings

The results indicate that sharing vision, community identification, and social interaction ties are the main factors that influence the sharing of knowledge by seniors on SNSs. In addition, sharing knowledge on SNSs has a positive influence on seniors’ meaning in life. Follow-up interviews conducted also validate the results obtained.

Originality/value

Understanding elders’ experience and knowledge-sharing behaviors online have become significant issues in this aging society. It can not only benefit younger generations but also enable them to age gracefully. Rare SNSs similar to the one used in the study were found on the Facebook during our research.
Recovery linked to life history of sessile epifauna following exclusion of towed mobile fishing gear
Authors: Kaiser Michel J. , Hormbrey Samantha , Booth Jonathan R. , Hinz Hilmar , Hiddink Jan G.
Published: January 2018

The use of reserves as conservation tools is widespread. However, evaluating the effectiveness of reserve implementation for long‐lived species has been problematic as it requires sampling programmes over long timescales that are appropriate to species' longevity and recovery rates. In the sea, towed bottom fishing gears alter the biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by benthic communities and habitats. Marine reserves have been used to manage these impacts but our understanding of the drivers of their effectiveness for the conservation of temperate reefs is incomplete.

We examined the effectiveness of marine reserves for recovery of temperate reef fauna in relation to their life history. We used an underwater video to sample six species with different life histories across 60 sites that varied in the duration of protection from towed mobile fishing gear at 0, 1, 8 and 10 years.

Species with a high dispersal potential and less habitat specific requirements such as soft corals and king scallops recovered to close to their carrying capacity in <3 years. In contrast, the longer‐lived Ross coral and pink seafans increased in abundance but had not fully recovered; with their projected recovery time being 17–20 years.

Ongoing recovery was evident for long‐lived species as their mean body size increased significantly across all treatments, whereas shorter‐lived species such as queen scallops did not change in size and were assumed to have fully recovered.

Synthesis and applications. This study shows that the recovery rates of biota depend on life‐history factors, such as larval longevity and dispersal potential. Recovery for species that had low dispersal potential and specific habitat requirements was slow and could take >20 years. This suggests activities such as bottom trawling or dredging should be avoided where such species occur if their conservation is an objective. In contrast, species with high dispersal potential and less habitat specific requirements had shorter recovery timescales of c. 2‐3 years and would be more amenable to managed trawl frequencies in areas where activities such as fishing occur.
Back and forth Wolbachia transfers reveal efficient strains to control spotted wing drosophila populations
Authors: Cattel Julien , Nikolouli Katerina , Andrieux Thibault , Martinez Julien , Jiggins Francis , Charlat Sylvain , Vavre Fabrice , Lejon David , Gibert Patricia , Mouton Laurence
Published: January 2018

Since its recent invasion of the European and American continents, the spotted wing Drosophila Drosophila suzukii has become a burden of the fruit industry. Armed with a highly sclerotized ovipositor, females can lay eggs in a wider variety of ripening and healthy fruits than other Drosophila species. Economic losses due to D. suzukii reach millions of dollars annually and methods to control natural populations in the field mainly rely on the use of chemical pesticides.

We tested if Wolbachia bacteria represents a potential ally to control this pest. These symbionts are naturally present in many insects and often induce a form of conditional sterility called cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI): the offspring of infected males die, unless the eggs are rescued by the compatible infection, inherited from the mother that protects the embryo. A long‐recognized strategy called the incompatible insect technique (IIT) makes use of the CI phenotype to control insect populations through the mass release of infected males. To implement this technique in D. suzukii, we used back and forth Wolbachia transfers between D. suzukii and Drosophila simulans to identify Wolbachia strains that can sterilize D. suzukii females despite the presence of wSuz, a natural Wolbachia infection in this species.

We identified two Wolbachia strains as potential candidates for developing IIT in D. suzukii. Both induce a very high level of CI in this pest which is not attenuated by the presence of wSuz in females. Moreover, the newly transferred Wolbachia do not affect the fitness or the mating competitiveness of the sterilizing males.

Synthesis and applications. However, several critical steps still need to be tested and developed outside the laboratory to achieve the control of Drosophila suzukii using Incompatible Insect Technique. By an experimental approach in large population cages, we showed that releases of transinfected males limit population size. Thus, we provide in this study the proof of concept that this technique can be a very promising approach to control Drosophila suzukii populations.
Land Tax Changes and Full Capitalisation
Authors: Høj Anne Kristine , Jørgensen Mads Rahbek , Schou Poul
Published: January 2018

We use a unique data set to examine the extent to which changes in the Danish land tax are capitalised into house prices. The Danish local government reform in 2007, which caused tax increases in some municipalities and tax decreases in others, provides plenty of exogenous variation, thus eliminating endogeneity problems. The results imply full capitalisation of the present value of future taxes under reasonable assumptions about discount rates. Consequently, the paper gives an empirical confirmation of two striking consequences of a land tax. First, it does not distort economic decisions because it does not distort the user cost of land. Second, the full incidence of a permanent land tax change lies on the owner at the time of the (announcement of the) tax change; future owners, even though they officially pay the recurrent taxes, are not affected as they are fully compensated via a corresponding change in the acquisition price of the asset.
Life‐Cycle Expenditure and Retirees’ Cost of Living
Authors: Lluberas Rodrigo
Published: January 2018

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, we document the expenditure life‐cycle profile in the United Kingdom and show how differences in the consumption bundle of retirees and workers translate into different inflation experiences. Albeit different in given years, the inflation experienced by the two groups is not significantly different over a long time period. We also show how the distribution of household inflation evolved over time, with particular emphasis on the period around the latest financial crisis. Second, we estimate an Exact Affine Stone Index (EASI) demand system and compute the change in the cost of living and the substitution effect for both retirees and workers for the period 1990–2014. Finally, we show how pension income would evolve during that period under three alternative indexation measures for different cohorts of retirees. The indexation measure that results in the highest pension income depends on the time of retirement.
Impact of Th1/Th2 cytokine polarity induced by invariant NKT cells on the incidence of pregnancy loss in mice
Authors: Hoya Mari , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Fujii Tatsuya , Schust Danny J. , Oda Hiroko , Akiba Naoya , Iriyama Takayuki , Kawana Kei , Osuga Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: January 2018

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association of Th1/Th2 polarity induced by CD1d‐restricted invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells with pregnancy outcome.

Methods

Two types of iNKT cell stimulants with different cytokine induction properties, alpha‐galactosylceramide (AGC; Th1‐biased inducer), and a sphingosine‐truncated derivative of AGC (OCH; Th2‐biased inducer) were administered to pregnant mice on day 9.5 post‐coitus (pc), and the incidence of pregnancy loss was evaluated. Serum Th1/Th2 cytokine levels after the iNKT cell stimulations were assessed. Cytokine production from cultured splenocytes following iNKT cell activation was analyzed.

Results

No fetal loss was observed after OCH administration, in clear contrast with the high frequency of pregnancy loss after AGC exposure. High serum levels of IL‐4 and IL‐10 were detected upon OCH administration, whereas a temporary surge of IFN‐γ was observed after AGC administration. In splenocyte cultures, increases in IL‐4 and IL‐10 were noted after OCH administration, whereas IL‐12 production was enhanced by AGC. Additionally, AGC‐induced pregnancy loss was inhibited by IL‐4 administration.

Conclusion

The resistance of mouse pregnancy to iNKT cell stimulation by OCH and the prevention of AGC‐induced fetal loss by IL‐4 were demonstrated. In pregnancy, the regulation of Th1/Th2 polarity by iNKT cells is a key to healthy fetal growth.
Coffee, tea and caffeine consumption and risk of primary infertility in women: a Danish cohort study
Authors: Í Soylu Lív , Jensen Allan , Juul Kirsten E. , Kesmodel Ulrik S. , Frederiksen Kirsten , Kjaer Susanne K. , Hargreave Marie
Published: January 2018

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate whether consumption of coffee, tea and caffeine affects the risk of primary infertility in women.

Material and methods

We selected nulliparous Danish women aged 20–29 years from a prospective cohort and retrieved information on coffee and tea consumption from a questionnaire and an interview at enrollment. We assessed the women's fertility by linkage to the Danish Infertility Cohort and retrieved information on children and vital status from the Civil Registration System. All 7574 women included for analysis were followed for primary infertility from the date of enrollment (1991–1993) until 31 December 2010. Analyses were performed with Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

During follow up, primary infertility was diagnosed in 822 women. Compared with never consumers, the risk of primary infertility among women who drank coffee or tea was not affected. The risk of primary infertility was neither associated with an increasing number of daily servings of coffee (hazard ratio 1.00; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.97–1.03) or tea (hazard ratio 1.01; 95% CI, 0.99–1.03) in consumers only. Concerning total caffeine consumption (from coffee and tea), the risk of infertility was similar among consumers compared with never consumers. Finally, none of the additional daily 100 mg of caffeine affected the risk among consumers only (hazard ratio 1.00; 95% CI 0.98–1.02).

Conclusions

In this population‐based cohort study, not restricted to women seeking pregnancy, we found no association between coffee, tea or total caffeine consumption and the risk of primary infertility in women.
Italian multicentre study found infectious and vaccine‐preventable diseases in children adopted from Africa and recommends prompt medical screening
Authors: Chiappini Elena , Zaffaroni Mauro , Bianconi Martina , Veneruso Giuseppina , Grasso Nicolino , Garazzino Silvia , Arancio Rosangela , Valentini Piero , Ficcadenti Anna , Da Riol Maria Rosalia , La Placa Simona , Galli Luisa , de Martino Maurizio , Bona Gianni
Published: January 2018

Aim

This study evaluated the prevalence of infectious diseases and immunisation status of children adopted from Africa.

Methods

We studied 762 African children referred to 11 Italian paediatric centres in 2009–2015. Clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively collected and analysed.

Results

The median age of the children (60.3% males) was 3 years and 6 months, 52.6% came from Ethiopia and 50.1% had at least one infectious disease. Parasitic infections accounted for the majority of the infectious diseases (409 of 715), and the most common were Giardia lamblia (n = 239), Toxocara canis (n = 65) and skin infections (n = 205), notably Tinea capitis/corporis (n = 134) and Molluscum contagiosum (n = 56) Active tuberculosis (TB) was diagnosed in nine children (1.2%). Latent TB infections were diagnosed in 52 (6.8%) children, and only 23 had concordant positive tuberculin skin tests and Quantiferon Gold In‐Tube results. Discordant results were associated with Bacille de Calmette‐Guérin vaccinations (odd ratio 6.30 and 95% confidence interval of 1.01–39.20, p = 0.011). Nonprotective antitetanus or antihepatitis B antibody titres were documented in 266 (34.9%) and 396 (51.9%) of the 762 children.

Conclusion

The prevalence of infectious conditions and not‐protective titres for vaccine‐preventable diseases observed in our population underlines the need for prompt and complete medical screening of children adopted from Africa.
3D Geological modelling and gravity inversion of a structurally complex carbonate area: application for karstified massif localization
Authors: Husson Eglantine , Guillen Antonio , Séranne Michel , Courrioux Gabriel , Couëffé Renaud
Published: January 2018

This paper proposes a new methodology to improve the location of potential karstified areas by gravity inversion of a 3D geological model. A geological 3D model is built from surface observations, 2D seismic reflection profiles and well data. The reliability of this geological 3D model obtained from integration, interpretation and interpolation of such data is first tested against the structural consistency of the model. Its theoretical gravimetric response is compared to gravity field during the forward problem in order to evaluate the validity/robustness of the geological model. The coherency between the gravity field and the gravimetric response is tested. The litho‐inversion modelling quantifies the distribution of rock density in a probabilistic way, taking into account the geology and physical properties of rocks, while respecting the geological structures represented in the 3D model. The result of the inversion process provides a density distribution within carbonate formations that can be discussed in term of karstification distribution. Thus, lower densities correlate with areas that are strongly karstified. Conversely, higher than mean densities are found in carbonate formations mostly located under marly and impervious formations, preserving carbonate from karstification and paleokarstification.
Activated leucocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM/CD166) regulates T cell responses in a murine model of food allergy
Authors: Kim Y S , Kim M N , Lee K E , Hong J Y , Oh M S , Kim S Y , Kim K W , Sohn M H
Published: January 2018

Food allergy is a major public health problem. Studies have shown that long-term interactions between activated leucocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM/CD166) on the surface of antigen-presenting cells, and CD6, a co-stimulatory molecule, influence immune responses. However, there are currently no studies on the functions of ALCAM in food allergy. Therefore, we aimed to identify the functions of ALCAM in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy using ALCAM-deficient mice. Wild-type (WT) and ALCAM-deficient (ALCAM–/–) mice were sensitized intraperitoneally and with orally fed OVA. The mice were killed, and parameters related to food allergy and T helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses were analysed. ALCAM serum levels increased and mRNA expression decreased in OVA-challenged WT mice. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels, Th2 cytokine mRNA and histological injuries were higher in OVA-challenged WT mice than in control mice, and these were attenuated in ALCAM–/– mice. T cell proliferation of total cells, CD3+CD4+ T cells and activated T cells in immune tissues were diminished in OVA-challenged ALCAM–/– mice. Proliferation of co-cultured T cells and dendritic cells (DCs) was decreased by the anti-CD6 antibody. In addition, WT mice sensitized by adoptive transfer of OVA-pulsed ALCAM–/– BM-derived DCs showed reduced immune responses. Lastly, serum ALCAM levels were higher in children with food allergy than in control subjects. In this study, serum levels of ALCAM were elevated in food allergy-induced WT mice and children with food allergy. Moreover, immune responses and T cell activation were attenuated in OVA-challenged ALCAM–/– mice. These results indicate that ALCAM regulates food allergy by affecting T cell activation.
Autosomal‐dominant myopia associated to a novel P4HA2 missense variant and defective collagen hydroxylation
Authors: Napolitano F. , Di Iorio V. , Testa F. , Tirozzi A. , Reccia M.G. , Lombardi L. , Farina O. , Simonelli F. , Gianfrancesco F. , Di Iorio G. , Melone M.A.B. , Esposito T. , Sampaolo S.
Published: January 2018

We recently described a complex multisystem syndrome in which mild‐moderate myopia segregated as an independent trait. A plethora of genes has been related to sporadic and familial myopia. More recently, in Chinese patients severe myopia (MYP25, OMIM:617238) has been linked to mutations in P4HA2 gene. Seven family members complaining of reduced distance vision especially at dusk underwent complete ophthalmological examination. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed to identify the gene responsible for myopia in the pedigree. Moderate myopia was diagnosed in the family which was associated to the novel missense variant c.1147A > G p.(Lys383Glu) in the prolyl 4‐hydroxylase,alpha‐polypeptide 2 (P4HA2) gene, which catalyzes the formation of 4‐hydroxyproline residues in the collagen strands. In vitro studies demonstrated P4HA2 mRNA and protein reduced expression level as well as decreased collagen hydroxylation and deposition in mutated fibroblast primary cultures compared to healthy cell lines. This study suggests that P4HA2 mutations may lead to myopic axial elongation of eyeball as a consequence of quantitative and structural alterations of collagen. This is the first confirmatory study which associates a novel dominant missense variant in P4HA2 with myopia in Caucasian patients. Further studies in larger cohorts are advisable to fully clarify genotype‐phenotype correlations.
Implementing legislative strengthening programmes: Who is in control?
Authors: Guinn David E. , Straussman Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2018

Over the last few decades, international development (also known as Official Development Assistance (ODA)) has been under attack for its lack of effectiveness. Critiques reflect two conceptual challenges, the nature of expert knowledge and the centrality of local ownership of development initiatives, bounded by the practical constraint of how politically controlled resources from bilateral and international donors will be used. This article examines five implementation strategies, including their strengths and weaknesses, keyed to the level of control asserted by the donor agency. We illustrate our argument through a review of legislative strengthening projects, most of which were funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID) in the case of one of the models.
What does scalp electroencephalogram coherence tell us about long‐range cortical networks?
Authors: Snyder Adam C. , Issar Deepa , Smith Matthew A.
Published: January 2018

Long‐range interactions between cortical areas are undoubtedly a key to the computational power of the brain. For healthy human subjects, the premier method for measuring brain activity on fast timescales is electroencephalography (EEG), and coherence between EEG signals is often used to assay functional connectivity between different brain regions. However, the nature of the underlying brain activity that is reflected in EEG coherence is currently the realm of speculation, because seldom have EEG signals been recorded simultaneously with intracranial recordings near cell bodies in multiple brain areas. Here, we take the early steps towards narrowing this gap in our understanding of EEG coherence by measuring local field potentials with microelectrode arrays in two brain areas (extrastriate visual area V4 and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) simultaneously with EEG at the nearby scalp in rhesus macaque monkeys. Although we found inter‐area coherence at both scales of measurement, we did not find that scalp‐level coherence was reliably related to coherence between brain areas measured intracranially on a trial‐to‐trial basis, despite that scalp‐level EEG was related to other important features of neural oscillations, such as trial‐to‐trial variability in overall amplitudes. This suggests that caution must be exercised when interpreting EEG coherence effects, and new theories devised about what aspects of neural activity long‐range coherence in the EEG reflects.
Choosing among alternative refuges: Distances and directions
Authors: Cooper William E. , Samia Diogo S. M.
Published: January 2018

Many prey flee to refuges to escape from approaching predators, but little is known about how they select one among many refuges available. The problem of choice among alternative refuges has not been modeled previously, but a recent model that predicts flight initiation distance (FID = predator–prey distance when escape starts) for a prey fleeing to a refuge provides a basis for predicting which refuge should be chosen. Because fleeing is costly, prey should choose to flee to the refuge permitting the shortest FID. The model predicts that the more distant of two refuges can be favored if it is not too far and if the prey's trajectory to the farther refuge is more away from the predator than the direction to the nearer refuge. The difference in predicted FID between the farther and nearer refuges increases curvilinearly as the interpath angle for the farther refuge increases. The difference in predicted FID between the farther and nearer refuges increases linearly as the distance to the farther refuge increases. An isocline describing where nearer and farther refuges are equally favored shows a negative curvilinear relationship between interpath angle and prey distance to the farther refuge. In the region below the isocline, the farther refuge is favored, whereas above the isocline the prey should flee to the nearer refuge.
Performance measurement systems in public service networks. The what, who, and how of control
Authors: Agostino Deborah , Arnaboldi Michela
Published: January 2018

This study explores the concept of a network Performance Measurement System (PMS) and how it helps in terms of what is being controlled in the network, which exerts control and how this control is achieved. In analyzing PMSs, the distinction was made between their hierarchical and their socializing components. An exploratory case study was carried out on a public service network in charge of a local public transport. Findings from the case study are used to reach a preliminary conceptualization whereby network PMSs are systems consisting of three main building blocks activated on demand by three main network actors and where there is coexistence and blending between hierarchical and socializing practices.
Drug‐induced aseptic meningitis: a mini‐review
Authors: Yelehe‐Okouma Melissa , Czmil‐Garon Julie , Pape Elise , Petitpain Nadine , Gillet Pierre
Published: January 2018

Aseptic meningitis associates a typical clinical picture of meningitis with the absence of bacterial or fungal material in the cerebrospinal fluid. Drug‐induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM) may be due to two mechanisms: (i) a direct meningeal irritation caused by the intrathecal administration of drugs and (ii) an immunologic hypersensitivity reaction to a systemic administration. If the direct meningeal irritation allows a rather easy recognition, the immunologic hypersensitivity reaction is a source of challenging diagnostics. DIAM linked to a systemic treatment exerts typically an early onset, usually within a week. This period can be shortened to a few hours in case of drug rechallenge. The fast and spontaneous regression of clinical symptoms is usual after stopping the suspected drug. Apart from these chronological aspects, no specific clinical or biological parameters are pathognomonic. CSF analysis usually shows pleiocytosis. The proteinorachia is increased while glycorachia remains normal. Underlying pathologies can stimulate the occurrence of DIAM. Thus, systemic lupus erythematosus appears to promote DIAM during NSAID therapy, especially ibuprofen‐based one. Similarly, some patients with chronic migraine are prone to intravenous immunoglobulin‐induced aseptic meningitis. DIAM will be mainly evoked on chronological criteria such as rapid occurrence after initiation, rapid regression after discontinuation, and recurrence after rechallenge of the suspected drug. When occurring, positive rechallenge may be very useful in the absence of initial diagnosis. Finally, DIAM remains a diagnosis of elimination. It should be suggested only after all infectious causes have been ruled out.
Seed longevity and seedling emergence rate of Urochloa decumbens as influenced by sowing depth in a Cerrado soil
Authors: Dantas‐Junior A. B. , Musso C. , Miranda H. S.
Published: January 2018

Urochloa decumbens (Signal grass) is an African grass species that is widely used in Brazil for pasture formation, and it has a high potential for invading natural areas. This study evaluated the longevity of U. decumbens seeds in the soil seed bank and the emergence rates of seedlings from different depths. In the greenhouse (natural light; ~25°C), seeds were sown at depths of 0, 1, 2 or 3 cm, in trays filled with sterile soil, to assess seedling emergence. Seeds sowed on the soil surface began to germinate 3 days after sowing. Seeds sowed at depths of 2 and 3 cm germinated 5 days after sowing. No seedlings emerged after 15 days. The seedling emergence rate was 74 ± 7% with no significant difference between sowing depths. In the field, seed longevity was evaluated by burying 60 replicates of 100 seeds at a soil depth of 2–3 cm, in a Cerrado area in the IBGE Ecological Reserve, Brasília. From September 2016 to April 2017, five samples were retrieved monthly to assess seed viability. In September, the viability was 68%, declining to 3% in October; by February, viable seeds were no longer recorded. As U. decumbens flowers in several episodes throughout the year, a soil survey may result in a misleading interpretation of the formation of a permanent soil seed bank.
Effect of Heterogeneous Sediment Distributions on Hyporheic Flow in Physical and Numerical Models
Authors: Stonedahl Susa H. , Sawyer Audrey H. , Stonedahl Forrest , Reiter Caleb , Gibson Caleb
Published: January 2018

Variations in permeability have been found to significantly affect the flow of water though hyporheic systems, especially in regions with discontinuous transitions between distinct streambed lithologies. In this study, we probabilistically arranged two sediments (sand and sandy gravel) in a grid framework and imposed a single hyporheic flow cell across the grid to investigate how discontinuous permeability fields influence volumetric flow and residence time distributions. We used both a physical system and computer simulations to model flow through this sediment grid. A solution of blue dye and salt was pumped into the system and used to detect flow. We recorded the dye location using time‐lapse photography and measured the electrolytic conductivity levels as the water exited the system as a proxy for salt concentration. We also used a computer simulation to calculate dye‐fronts, residence times, and exiting salt concentrations for the modeled system. Comparison between simulations and physical measurements yielded strong agreement. In further simulations with 300 different grids, we found a strong correlation between volumetric flow rate and the placement of high permeability grid cells in regions of high hydraulic head gradients. One implication is that small anomalies in streambed permeability have a disproportionately large influence on hyporheic flows when located near steep head gradients such as steps. We also used moving averages with varying window sizes to investigate the effect of the abruptness of transitions between sediment types. We found that smoother permeability fields increased the volumetric flow rate and decreased the median residence times.
Association between bacteria occurring in the apical canal system and expression of bone‐resorbing mediators and matrix metalloproteinases in apical periodontitis
Authors: Takahama A. , Rôças I. N. , Faustino I. S. P. , Alves F. R. F. , Azevedo R. S. , Gomes C. C. , Araújo‐Filho W. R. , Siqueira J. F.
Published: January 2018

Aim

To evaluate the association between the presence of selected bacterial species/groups in the apical root canal and expression of mediators of soft and bone tissue destruction in apical periodontitis lesions. Relationships between bacteria and some other features of apical periodontitis were also investigated.

Methodology

Seventeen freshly extracted teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis were included. The apical root segment was sectioned and cryopulverized; DNA was extracted and evaluated for the presence of 9 bacterial species/groups using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Lesions were processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, which targeted matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and ‐9 (MMP‐9), receptor activator of NFκB (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). Associations of the target bacteria with expression of these mediators, presence of symptoms, lesion size and histopathological diagnosis were evaluated. Data were analysed using the chi‐square, Fisher's exact, Mann–Whitney and Pearson tests. P values lower than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

All pulverized apical root samples were positive for bacteria. The most prevalent taxa were Actinobacteria (53%), Streptococcus species (35%), Fusobacterium species and Parvimonas micra (18%). The target mediators exhibited a high mean expression in the lesions (MMP‐2: 82%; MMP‐9: 73%; RANK: 78%; RANKL; 81%; OPG; 83%). Mean RANKL:OPG ratio was significantly higher in granulomas than cysts (P < 0.05, Mann–Whitney test). Actinobacteria were associated with granulomas, higher MMP‐2 expression, lower OPG expression, and higher RANKL:OPG ratio (P < 0.05 for all, Fisher's exact test or Mann–Whitney test). No other significant associations were found.

Conclusion

Actinobacteria may play an important role in the active phase of soft and bone tissue destruction in apical periodontitis.
Differences in root canal system configuration in human permanent teeth within different age groups
Authors: Martins J. N. R. , Ordinola‐Zapata R. , Marques D. , Francisco H. , Caramês J.
Published: January 2018

Aim

To analyse the differences in root canal system configuration in patients belonging to different age groups using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology.

Methodology

CBCT examinations from a pre‐existing database were accessed. Patients were divided according to age groups: ‘≤20 years’, ‘21–40 years’, ‘41–60 years’ and ‘≥61 years’. Each group included tooth data regarding their root canal system configurations according to the Vertucci classification and its supplementary configurations. Cohen kappa coefficient of agreement was calculated to evaluate observer reliability.

Results

Overall 12 325 teeth from 670 patients were included. Most of the root groups had higher or equal prevalence of Vertucci type I configurations in the younger groups whilst presenting a greater tendency for multiple root canal system configurations in older patients, mainly Vertucci type II in both maxillary and mandibular second premolars and in the distal root of the mandibular first molar. The Cohen kappa coefficient of agreement was 89.4 ± 1.8%.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware that the root canal system configuration changes over a lifetime. In this study, the most affected teeth were the second premolars and the distal root of mandibular first molars.
The outcome of patients with severe and severe‐complicated Clostridium difficile infection treated with tigecycline combination therapy: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Bishop Emma J. , Tiruvoipati Ravindranath , Metcalfe Julie , Marshall Catherine , Botha John , Kelley Peter G.
Published: January 2018

Background

Tigecycline is a third‐line therapy for severe Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in Australasian guidelines. Differences in strain types make it difficult to extrapolate international tigecycline efficacy data with combination or monotherapy to Australian practice, where experience is limited.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects associated with tigecycline combination therapy for severe and severe‐complicated CDI in an Australian healthcare setting.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study at a metropolitan university‐affiliated hospital. All patients between February 2013 and October 2016 treated with adjunctive intravenous tigecycline for >48 h for severe or severe‐complicated CDI were included. Tigecycline was given in addition to oral vancomycin ± intravenous metronidazole. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality at 30 days from start of tigecycline combination therapy. Secondary outcomes included clinical cure, colectomy, adverse events and recurrence rates.

Results

Thirteen patients with median age of 61 years had severe (n = 9) or severe‐complicated (n = 4) CDI at tigecycline commencement. In 92% of patients, tigecycline started within 48 h after in‐hospital CDI treatment, for median duration of 9 days. All‐cause mortality at 30 days was 8% with no mortality in severe CDI and 25% (1/4) in patients with severe‐complicated fulminant CDI, comparing favourably with historical rates of 9–38% and 30–80% in similar respective groups. Clinical cure was achieved in 77% of cases. There were no colectomies and one attributable tigecycline adverse reaction.

Conclusions

Tigecycline appears safe and effective as a part of combination therapy in severe CDI, and may be given earlier and for shorter durations than in current guidelines.
Plasticity effect of rider–horse interaction on genetic evaluations for Show Jumping discipline in sport horses
Authors: Bartolomé E. , Menéndez‐Buxadera A. , Molina A. , Valera M.
Published: January 2018

To obtain a sport horse that excels in the highest levels of competition, breeders must take into account certain genetic and environmental factors that could influence the sport horse's performance, such as the rider–horse interaction (RHI). The main aim of this study was to describe this interaction in a genetic model by modelling it in relation to the horse's age. A total of 31,129 sport results from Spanish Sport Horses were used from a total of 1,101 animals evaluated, and these were grouped in three age levels and had been ridden by 606 different riders. Only riders who had ridden more than one horse (and vice‐versa) were considered for the analyses. Five linear models with different random effects were analysed according to the covariates, the homogeneity/heterogeneity of the RHI and the relevant residual random effects. The model of best fit was then selected for the genetic evaluation of the animal. In general, models including the RHI effect (M2, M4 and M5) fitted better than the other models, and the best fit was obtained for M4 (with heterogeneous residual variance). The genetic variance increased constantly with age, whereas heritability showed a response on three intervals. This study revealed the varied evolution of the RHI with age, showing the different “plastic abilities” of this relationship.
Wild‐type p53 enhances endothelial barrier function by mediating RAC1 signalling and RhoA inhibition
Authors: Barabutis Nektarios , Dimitropoulou Christiana , Gregory Betsy , Catravas John D.
Published: January 2018

Inflammation is the major cause of endothelial barrier hyper‐permeability, associated with acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This study reports that p53 “orchestrates” the defence of vascular endothelium against LPS, by mediating the opposing actions of Rac1 and RhoA in pulmonary tissues. Human lung microvascular endothelial cells treated with HSP90 inhibitors activated both Rac1‐ and P21‐activated kinase, which is an essential element of vascular barrier function. 17AAG increased the phosphorylation of both LIMK and cofilin, in contrast to LPS which counteracted those effects. Mouse lung microvascular endothelial cells exposed to LPS exhibited decreased expression of phospho‐cofilin. 17AAG treatment resulted in reduced levels of active cofilin. Silencing of cofilin pyridoxal phosphate phosphatase (PDXP) blocked the LPS‐induced hyper‐permeability, and P53 inhibition reversed the 17AAG‐induced PDXP down‐regulation. P190RHOGAP suppression enhanced the LPS‐triggered barrier dysfunction in endothelial monolayers. 17AAG treatment resulted in P190RHOGAP induction and blocked the LPS‐induced pMLC2 up‐regulation in wild‐type mice. Pulmonary endothelial cells from “super p53” mice, which carry additional p53‐tg alleles, exhibited a lower response to LPS than the controls. Collectively, our findings help elucidate the mechanisms by which p53 operates to enhance barrier function.
Can simple tank changes benefit the welfare of laboratory zebrafish Danio rerio?
Authors: Lee C. J. , Tyler C. R. , Paull G. C.
Published: January 2018

This study examined the effects of simple changes in the tank environment on the wellbeing of laboratory‐maintained zebrafish Danio rerio. Groups of D. rerio were either housed in stable environments (where they were maintained in the same tanks throughout the study) or in environments subject to change (where they were periodically moved to novel but identical tanks) and the effects of these treatments on morphometry, reproductive success and aggressive behaviour assessed. No effect of simple tank changes was found on body condition, reproductive output or aggression, for the periods of time studied, indicating that more complex scenarios in housing tank conditions are required for significant welfare benefits for captive D. rerio.
Evaluation of tissue changes following intramuscular infiltration of lidocaine in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Chatigny F. , Groman D. B. , Martinson S. A. , Stevens E. D.
Published: January 2018

Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were infiltrated with either saline or lidocaine adjacent to the dorsal fin to assess histopathological changes. Infiltration was done as if it were being used as a local anaesthetic. Tissue lesions and associated tissue healing were examined over a period of 30 days. Most changes occurred at the cranial site of where the solution was first infiltrated. The infiltration of a dose of 10 mg kg−1 of lidocaine appears to have damaged the skeletal muscle and connective tissues more than a similar volume of saline, especially during the first 15 days. The primary changes included haemorrhage, inflammation and muscle degeneration and necrosis. By day 30 post‐infiltration inflammatory lesions were either nearly or completely absent, signs of myofibre regeneration were noted in only one fish. This experiment shows local anaesthetics and saline can produce localized tissue damage, especially during the first 2 weeks post infiltration. Care should be taken to allow the fish to heal for at least 30 days and probably more, no matter the solution administered, especially if giving repeated injections or infiltrations at the same site.
Is frequency of family meals associated with fruit and vegetable intake among preschoolers? A logistic regression analysis
Authors: Caldwell A. R. , Terhorst L. , Skidmore E. R. , Bendixen R. M.
Published: January 2018

Background

The present study aimed to examine the associations between frequency of family meals and low fruit and vegetable intake in preschool children. Promoting healthy nutrition early in life is recommended for combating childhood obesity. Frequency of family meals is associated with fruit and vegetable intake in school‐age children and adolescents; the relationship in young children is less clear.

Methods

We completed a secondary analysis using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study‐Birth Cohort. Participants included children, born in the year 2001, to mothers who were >15 years old (n = 8 950). Data were extracted from structured parent interviews during the year prior to kindergarten. We used hierarchical logistic regression to describe the relationships between frequency of family meals and low fruit and vegetable intake.

Results

Frequency of family meals was associated with low fruit and vegetable intake. The odds of low fruit and vegetable intake were greater for preschoolers who shared less than three evening family meals per week (odds ratio = 1.5, β = 0.376, P < 0.001) than preschoolers who shared the evening meal with family every night.

Conclusions

Fruit and vegetable intake is related to frequency of family meals in preschool‐age children. Educating parents about the potential benefits of frequent shared meals may lead to a higher fruit and vegetable consumption among preschoolers. Future studies should address other factors that likely contribute to eating patterns during the preschool years.
Differentiation and classification of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae
Authors: Du Plessis Anneli M. , Greyling Linda M. , Page Benedict J.
Published: January 2018

The literature states that transitional vertebrae at any junction are characterized by features retained from two adjacent regions in the vertebral column. Currently, there is no published literature available that describes the prevalence or morphology of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (TLTV). The aim of this study was to identify the qualitative characteristics of transitional vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction and establish a technique to differentiate the various subtypes that may be found. A selection of vertebral columns from skeletal remains (n = 35) were evaluated in this study. Vertebrae were taken based on features that are atypical for vertebrae in each relative region. The transitional vertebrae were qualitatively identified based on overlapping thoracic and lumbar features of vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction. The following general overlapping characteristics were observed: aplasia or hypoplasia of the transverse process, irregular orientation on the superior articular process and atypical mammillary bodies. The results show that the most frequent location of the transitional vertebrae was in the thoracic region (f = 23). The second most frequent location was in the lumbar region (f = 10). In two specimens of the selection (f = 2), an additional 13th thoracic vertebra was present which functioned as a transitional vertebra. This study concluded that one can accurately identify the characteristics of transitional vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction. In addition, the various subtypes can be differentiated according to the region in the vertebral column the vertebra is located in and the relative number of vertebral segments in the adjacent regions of the vertebral column. This provides a qualitative tool for researchers to differentiate the transitional vertebrae from distinctly different typical thoracic or lumbar vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction.
Protective role of melatonin in cardiac ischemia‐reperfusion injury: From pathogenesis to targeted therapy
Authors: Zhou Hao , Ma Qiang , Zhu Pingjun , Ren Jun , Reiter Russel J. , Chen Yundai
Published: January 2018

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. In patients withMI, the treatment option for reducing acute myocardial ischemic injury and limitingMIsize is timely and effective myocardial reperfusion using either thombolytic therapy or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the procedure of reperfusion itself induces cardiomyocyte death, known as myocardial reperfusion injury, for which there is still no effective therapy. Recent evidence has depicted a promising role of melatonin, which possesses powerful antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties, in the prevention of ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury and the protection against cardiomyocyte death. A number of reports explored the mechanism of action behind melatonin‐induced beneficial effects against myocardialIRinjury. In this review, we summarize the research progress related toIRinjury and discuss the unique actions of melatonin as a protective agent. Furthermore, the possible mechanisms responsible for the myocardial benefits of melatonin against reperfusion injury are listed with the prospect of the use of melatonin in clinical application.
Interaction between the sequence of feeding of hay and concentrate, and boiling of barley on feed intake, the activity of hydrolytic enzymes and fermentation in the hindgut of Arabian mares
Authors: Kiani A. , Hoseini F. , Ghorbaninejad P. , Azarfar A. , Kreuzer M. , Azizi A.
Published: January 2018

The interaction between the sequence of feeding of hay and concentrate and the hydrothermal processing of barley in alleviating concentrate effects on intake, and hindgut fermentation in horses was tested. Six Arabian mares (4–10 years of age, 410 ± 35 kg body weight) were used to evaluate the effects of feeding sequence (FS) and type of barley (TB) on intake, and faecal volatile fatty acids (VFA), activities of α‐amylase (AA: EC 3.2.1.1), carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase: EC 3.2.1.4), microcrystalline cellulase (MCCase: EC 3.2.1.91) and general filter paper degrading activity (FPD). Mares were offered a ration of air‐dried alfalfa and concentrate (70:30 as‐fed) in four subsequent periods of 14 days including 8 days of adaptation and 6 days of sampling. In each period and each meal, mares received concentrate either 30 min after (HC) or 30 min before (CH) alfalfa hay. Barley was either milled or boiled in water. Rectal samples were grabbed directly from rectum once per period. Mares subjected to CH had higher dry matter intakes than mares under HC regime. The acetate:propionate ratio (A:P ratio) in rectal content was higher with CH than HC. The AA activity was higher under CH than under HC. Mares fed boiled barley had lower rectal concentrations of VFA and propionate and a higher A:P ratio than mares fed milled barley. Furthermore, the rectal content showed a higher MCCase activity but a lower AA activity when mares were fed boiled compared with milled barley. Interactions between FS and TB were observed with respect to CMCase activity, and concentrations of propionate and valerate. In conclusion, the present results suggest that both, feeding concentrate before hay and boiling the barley, might improve the hindgut environment in Arabian mares, and that the two measures were mostly additive and sometimes even synergistic.