bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disordered eating behaviors and cardiometabolic risk among young adults with overweight or obesity
Authors: Nagata Jason M. , Garber Andrea K. , Tabler Jennifer , Murray Stuart B. , Vittinghoff Eric , Bibbins‐Domingo Kirsten
Published: July 2018

Objective

To determine if unhealthy weight control behaviors or binge‐eating behaviors among young adults with overweight/obesity are associated with body mass index (BMI) change and cardiometabolic risk at 7‐year follow‐up.

Methods

We used longitudinal cohort data from 5,552 young adults with overweight/obesity at baseline (18–24 years) with 7‐year follow‐up (24–32 years) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Baseline predictors were: (a) unhealthy weight control behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, skipping meals, or laxative/diuretic use to lose weight; or (b) binge‐eating behaviors. Participants reporting either unhealthy weight control behaviors or binge‐eating behaviors were considered to engage in any disordered eating behavior (DEB). Outcomes at 7‐year follow‐up were BMI change, incident diabetes, incident hypertension, and incident hyperlipidemia.

Results

Young adults with overweight/obesity reporting unhealthy weight control behaviors at baseline had higher BMI and weight at 7‐year follow‐up than those without unhealthy weight control behaviors. In regression models adjusting for baseline BMI, race/ethnicity, age, and education, unhealthy weight control behaviors were associated with greater change in BMI in both sexes and binge‐eating behavior at baseline was associated with greater odds of incident hyperlipidemia (odds ratio 1.90, 95% CI 1.29–2.79) at 7‐year follow‐up in males.

Conclusions

The higher risk for increased BMI (in both males and females) and incident hyperlipidemia (in males) over time in young adults with overweight/obesity who engage in DEBs underscores the need to screen for DEBs in this population and provide referrals and tailored interventions as appropriate.
Parsing propagule pressure: Number, not size, of introductions drives colonization success in a novel environment
Authors: Koontz Michael J. , Oldfather Meagan F. , Melbourne Brett A. , Hufbauer Ruth A.
Published: July 2018

Predicting whether individuals will colonize a novel habitat is of fundamental ecological interest and is crucial to conservation efforts. A consistently supported predictor of colonization success is the number of individuals introduced, also called propagule pressure. Propagule pressure increases with the number of introductions and the number of individuals per introduction (the size of the introduction), but it is unresolved which process is a stronger driver of colonization success. Furthermore, their relative importance may depend upon the environment, with multiple introductions potentially enhancing colonization of fluctuating environments. To evaluate the relative importance of the number and size of introductions and its dependence upon environmental variability, we paired demographic simulations with a microcosm experiment. Using Tribolium flour beetles as a model system, we introduced a fixed number of individuals into replicated novel habitats of stable or fluctuating quality, varying the number of introductions through time and size of each introduction. We evaluated establishment probability and the size of extant populations through seven generations. We found that establishment probability generally increased with more, smaller introductions, but was not affected by biologically realistic fluctuations in environmental quality. Population size was not significantly affected by environmental variability in the simulations, but populations in the microcosms grew larger in a stable environment, especially with more introduction events. In general, the microcosm experiment yielded higher establishment probability and larger populations than the demographic simulations. We suggest that genetic mechanisms likely underlie these differences and thus deserve more attention in efforts to parse propagule pressure. Our results highlight the importance of preventing further introductions of undesirable species to invaded sites and suggest conservation efforts should focus on increasing the number of introductions or reintroductions of desirable species rather than increasing the size of those introduction events into harsh environments.
A peatland productivity and decomposition parameter database
Authors: Bona Kelly Ann , Hilger Arlene , Burgess Magdalena , Wozney Nicole , Shaw Cindy
Published: July 2018

A peatland productivity and decomposition parameter database was compiled to estimate parameters for the Canadian Model for Peatlands (CaMP); a module developed by the Canadian Forest Service to address the need for national‐scale greenhouse gas emission estimates from peatlands present in the forested area of Canada. Data were compiled for 186 peatland sites from 69 sources. The SITES table contains wetland classification, tree classification, province or state, country, latitude, longitude, and an indication of coordinate accuracy. The NPP ALL table contains annual net primary productivity (NPP; g·m−2·yr−1) data for cases where one estimate for NPP was reported for all aboveground vegetation. The NPP SHRUB, NPP MOSS, and NPP HERB SEDGE tables each contain a classification of species (if available) or vegetation layer and their NPP (g·m−2·yr−1). The BIOMASS TREE, BIOMASS SHRUB, BIOMASS HERB SEDGE, and BIOMASS MOSS tables each contain a classification of species (if available) or vegetation layer and their standing aboveground biomass (g/m2). Shrubs in the NPP SHRUB and BIOMASS SHRUB tables were further classified into low or tall shrubs, and plants in the NPP HERB and BIOMASS HERB tables into herbs or sedges. The DECAY LITTER table contains decomposition parameters for different litter types and contains a classification of the type of decomposition study, study duration, information on experimental treatments, classification of above‐ or belowground plant parts, plant species, litter classification, root litter diameter, indication of hardwood or softwood, indication of evergreen or non‐evergreen, litter bag depth classification, classes for bag placement relative to the water table and relative to the peat surface, water table depth, decay rate (k exponent), and mass loss values for years 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, and 23 of a decomposition study. The REFERENCES table contains complete citation information and provides links to the source reference pdf file. This data set is vital to the national Canadian peatland modeling effort and should be useful to other peatland scientists and ecosystem modelers. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2018. Information contained in this publication or product may be reproduced, in part or in whole, and by any means, for personal or public non‐commercial purposes, without charge or further permission, unless otherwise specified. You are asked to exercise due diligence in ensuring the accuracy of the materials reproduced; indicate the complete title of the materials reproduced, and the name of the author organization; and indicate that the reproduction is a copy of an official work that is published by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of, NRCan. Commercial reproduction and distribution are prohibited except with written permission from NRCan. For more information, contact NRCan at copyright.droitdauteur@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Local adaptation reduces the metabolic cost of environmental warming
Authors: Moffett Emma R. , Fryxell David C. , Palkovacs Eric P. , Kinnison Michael T. , Simon Kevin S.
Published: July 2018

Metabolism shapes the ecosystem role of organisms by dictating their energy demand and nutrient recycling potential. Metabolic theory (MTE) predicts consumer metabolic and recycling rates will rise with warming, especially if body size declines, but it ignores potential for adaptation. We measured metabolic and nutrient excretion rates of individuals from populations of a globally invasive fish that colonized sites spanning a wide temperature range (19–37°C) on two continents within the last 100 yr. Fish body size declined across our temperature gradient and MTE predicted large rises in population energy demand and nutrient recycling. However, we found that the allometry and temperature dependency of metabolism varied in a countergradient pattern with local temperature in a way that offset predictions of MTE. Scaling of nutrient excretion was more variable and did not track temperature. Our results suggest that adaptation can reduce the metabolic cost of warming, increasing the prospects for population persistence under extreme warming scenarios.
Pulmonary hypertension in chronic heart failure: definitions, advances, and unanswered issues
Authors: Berthelot Emmanuelle , Bauer Fabrice , Eicher Jean‐Christophe , Flécher Erwan , Gellen Barnabas , Guihaire Julien , Guijarro Damien , Roul Gérald , Salvat Muriel , Tribouilloy Christophe , Zores Florian , Lamblin Nicolas , de Groote Pascal , Damy Thibaud
Published: July 2018

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common and severe complication of heart failure (HF). Consequently, HF is the leading cause of PH. For many years, specialists have attempted to better understand the pathophysiology of PH in HF, to define its prevalence and its impact on prognosis in order to improve the therapeutic management of these patients. Nowadays, despite the recent guidelines published on the subject, several points remain unclear or debated, and until now, no study has demonstrated the efficacy of any treatment. The aim of this review is to report the evolution of the concepts on post‐capillary PH (diagnosis, prevalence, prognosis, and therapeutics). The main issues are raised, focusing especially on the link between structural alterations and haemodynamic abnormalities, to discuss the possible reasons for treatment failures and future potential targets.
Effect of variety and drying temperature on physicochemical quality, functional property, and sensory acceptability of dried onion powder
Authors: Seifu Muhaba , Tola Yetenayet B. , Mohammed Ali , Astatkie Tessema
Published: July 2018

In Ethiopia, onion is one of the most important vegetables/spices produced as a source of cash income and for flavoring foods. However, postharvest loss during storage remains a major challenge. In this study, the effects of variety (Bombay red, Qellafo and Sweet carolin) and drying temperature (Fresh, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90°C) on physicochemical quality, functional property, and sensory acceptability of dried onion powder were determined. The results indicated that total color change of Bombay red was not affected by temperature, but Qellafo and Sweet carolin varieties showed an increase in color change as drying temperature increases. Bulk density, shrinkage ratio, and water hydration capacity increased with increasing temperature for all three varieties. The degradation of vitamin C, pyruvic acid, and desired sensory attributes increased with increasing oven drying temperature. All in all, Qellafo dried at 70°C for 5 hr was found to be desirable for production of dehydrated onion powder. The findings of this study will allow the identification of the best of the three commonly grown onion varieties in Ethiopia, and the preferred temperature for production of dried onion with minimal negative effect on physicochemical, functional, nutritional, and sensory properties.
Scavenging effect of pasipay (passiflora incarnate L.) on singlet oxygen generation and fatty acid photooxygenation
Authors: Hajimohammadi Mahdi , Nosrati Parisa
Published: July 2018

Anthracene as a chemical probe is usually used to trap the singlet oxygen and then detection and quantification can be based on absorbance. In this study, oxidation of anthracene declared that rate of singlet oxygen quenching in the presence of pasipay (passiflora incarnate L.) as a natural antioxidant, 1,4 Diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (DABCO) as a well‐known singlet oxygen scavenger and highly effective synthetic antioxidants in food industry such as Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), tert‐Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) decreased in the order of DABCO >pasipay > TBHQ > BHT > BHA. On the other hand, lipid photooxidation is the undesirable chemical process in which singlet oxygen result in the peroxidation of fatty acids. The results of this study also showed that oleic acid oxidation with singlet oxygen in the presence of pasipay (contains 0.4576 mg flavonoid compounds) diminished about 11% which shows pasipay has an effective role to inhibit lipid peroxidation.
Structure tensor informed fibre tractography at 3T
Authors: Chan Kwok‐Shing , Norris David G. , Marques José P.
Published: July 2018

Structure tensor informed fibre tractography (STIFT) based on informing tractography for diffusion‐weighted images at 3T and by utilising the structure tensor obtained from gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) images at 7T is able to delineate fibres when seed voxels are placed close to the fibre boundaries. However, incorporating data from two different field strengths limits the applicability of STIFT. In this study, STIFT was implemented with both diffusion‐weighted images and GRE images acquired at 3T. Instead of using the magnitude GRE data directly for STIFT as in the previous work, the utility of T2* maps and quantitative susceptibility maps derived from complex‐valued GRE data to improve fibre delineation was explored. Single‐seed tractography was performed and the results show that the optic radiation reconstructed with STIFT is more distinguishable from the inferior longitudinal fasciculus/inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus complex when compared to standard diffusion‐weighted imaging tractography. We further investigated the quantitative effects of STIFT in a group of five healthy volunteers and evaluated its impact on measures of structural connectivity. The framework was extended to evaluate implementations of STIFT based on T2*‐weighted and quantitative susceptibility‐weighted images in a whole‐brain connectivity study. In terms of connectivity, no systematic differences were found between STIFT and diffusion‐weighted imaging tractography, suggesting that local improvements in tractography are not translated to the atlas‐based structural connectivity analysis. Nevertheless, the reduction in the number of statistically significant connections in the STIFT connectivity matrix suggests that STIFT can potentially reduce the false‐positive connections in fibre tractography.
Evoked directional network characteristics of epileptogenic tissue derived from single pulse electrical stimulation
Authors: van Blooijs Dorien , Leijten Frans S. S. , van Rijen Peter C. , Meijer Hil G. E. , Huiskamp Geertjan J. M.
Published: July 2018

We investigated effective networks constructed from single pulse electrical stimulation (SPES) in epilepsy patients who underwent intracranial electrocorticography. Using graph analysis, we compared network characteristics of tissue within and outside the epileptogenic area. In 21 patients with subdural electrode grids (1 cm interelectrode distance), we constructed a binary, directional network derived from SPES early responses (<100 ms). We calculated in‐degree, out‐degree, betweenness centrality, the percentage of bidirectional, receiving and activating connections, and the percentage of connections toward the (non‐)epileptogenic tissue for each node in the network. We analyzed whether these network measures were significantly different in seizure onset zone (SOZ)‐electrodes compared to non‐SOZ electrodes, in resected area (RA)‐electrodes compared to non‐RA electrodes, and in seizure free compared to not seizure‐free patients. Electrodes in the SOZ/RA showed significantly higher values for in‐degree and out‐degree, both at group level, and at patient level, and more so in seizure‐free patients. These differences were not observed for betweenness centrality. There were also more bidirectional and fewer receiving connections in the SOZ/RA in seizure‐free patients. It appears that the SOZ/RA is densely connected with itself, with only little input arriving from non‐SOZ/non‐RA electrodes. These results suggest that meso‐scale effective network measures are different in epileptogenic compared to normal brain tissue. Local connections within the SOZ/RA are increased and the SOZ/RA is relatively isolated from the surrounding cortex. This offers the prospect of enhanced prediction of epilepsy‐prone brain areas using SPES.
Adverse clinical and obstetric outcomes among pregnant women with different sickle cell disease genotypes
Authors: Silva Flávia A.C. , Ferreira Ana L.C.G. , Hazin‐Costa Manuela F. , Dias Marina L.G. , Araújo Aderson S. , Souza Ariani I.
Published: July 2018

Objective

To compare clinical and obstetric adverse events among pregnant women with sickle cell disease (SCD) according to genotype.

Methods

The present cross‐sectional study enrolled women aged 15–49 years with SCD and prior pregnancy attending a hematology center in Recife, Brazil, between September 1, 2015, and April 30, 2016. Associations between sickle cell genotype (HbSS, HbSC, Sβ‐thalassemia) and adverse events were evaluated.

Results

Overall, 89 women were included; 74 (83%) had HbSS genotype, 8 (9%) had HbSC genotype, and 7 (8%) had Sβ‐thalassemia genotype. Fifty‐three (60%) self‐reported being of mixed race, and 27 (30%) self‐reported they were black. Blood transfusion was observed more frequently among women with HbSS than among those with HbSC genotype (P=0.007). Postpartum adverse events were more frequent in the Sβ‐thalassemia than in the HbSS group (P=0.030). Fetal intrauterine death occurred only among women with the HbSS genotype (11 [15%]). In the HbSS group, there was a higher frequency of blood transfusion (P=0.004) and lower rate of spontaneous abortion (P=0.001) among women with six or more consultations.

Conclusion

The HbSS genotype was associated with a higher frequency of blood transfusion. Sβ‐thalassemia was associated with a higher frequency of postpartum adverse events. Prenatal care was associated with a lower rate of spontaneous abortion in the HbSS group.
Prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus in the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study, China
Authors: Schaefer Kimberly K. , Xiao Wanqing , Chen Qiaozhu , He Jianrong , Lu Jinhua , Chan Fanfan , Chen Niannian , Yuan Mingyang , Xia Huimin , Lam Kin Bong Hubert , Hirst Jane E. , Qiu Xiu
Published: July 2018

Objective

To assess potential risk factors in identifying women at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

The present study included data collected as part of a prospective cohort study, and included women with singleton pregnancies who underwent initial prenatal examination at a tertiary women and children's hospital in Guangzhou, China between February 1, 2012, and December 31, 2015. Maternal characteristics and medical history were investigated to evaluate associations with GDM. A risk factor scoring system for the prediction of GDM was generated using logistic regression.

Results

Overall, 1129 (13.5%) of 8381 women were diagnosed with GDM. Women older than 35 years had a 3.95‐fold increased risk of GDM (95% confidence interval 2.80–5.58) compared with women aged 16–25 years; obese women had a 6.54‐fold higher risk (95% confidence interval 3.50–12.23) compared with underweight women. A risk scoring system was established based on age, body mass index, family history of diabetes, weight gain, and history of GDM. Screening for women with a score of 12 or more would have reduced the number undergoing oral glucose tolerance testing by 2131 (25.4%) patients with a sensitivity of 87% for GDM detection.

Conclusion

The assessment of risk factors for GDM could provide a foundation for improving risk‐based screening strategies in this and similar populations.
Combined DCT‐Haar transforms for image compression
Authors: Dagher Issam , Saliba Mireille , Farah Rachelle
Published: July 2018

Discrete Cosine Transform and Haar wavelet transform are very important transforms in image compression. The objective of this paper is to combine the advantages of these 2 transforms into one transform in order to get better peak‐signal‐to‐noise‐ratio (PSNR) and keeping good compression ratio. Our first approach was to apply separately on each 8x8 block the Haar and the DCT transforms. A signaling bit along the transform which gave better PSNR are quantized and transmitted. Our second approach was to construct a new hybrid transform which is a combination of these 2 transforms. We mixed both DCT and Haar transforms into one transform. Results show that our approach outperforms the existing DCT and Haar methods giving a higher PSNR than DCT for the same compression ratio, and permitting better edge recovery than the Haar transform.
Antinuclear antibodies detection: A comparative study between automated recognition and conventional visual interpretation
Authors: Li ZhiYan , Han RuiLin , Yan ZhenLin , Li LiJuan , Feng ZhenRu
Published: July 2018

Background

The indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA) for the detection of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) was firstly described in 1958 and is still considered the reference method for ANA screening. Currently, an automated processing and recognition system for standardized and efficient ANA interpretation by human epithelial (HEp‐2) cell‐based immunofluorescence (IIF; EUROPattern Suite, Euroimmun) is available in China.

Methods

In this study, the performance of this novel system for positive/negative classification, pattern recognition (including homogenous, speckled, nucleolar, nuclear dots, cytoplasmic, and centromeres patterns) and titers evaluation was evaluated by comparing to visual interpretation.

Results

Referring to the total of 3681 collected samples, there was an agreement of 98.7% (κ = 0.973) between the visual and automated examination regarding positive/negative discrimination. In sera with single pattern, correct pattern recognition was observed in 94.6% of the samples. The efficiency of automated recognition for single pattern varied for the different patterns. The automatically determined patterns were correct and complete in 1071 of 1620 cases and correct and meaningful but not complete (“main pattern”) in another 405 cases, enabling main pattern recognition in 91.1% of all cases. Referring to the titers evaluation, the results within the next titer were considered to be consistent. In 1603 positive sera both by visual and automated evaluation, titers of 1514 sample were consistent, accounting for 94.4%.

Conclusion

Attributed to the performance characteristics, EUROPattern system is suitable for clinical use as its high degree of automation and result reliability, and may help clinical laboratories to standardize of IIF evaluation.
Application of an electrochemiluminescence assay for quantification of E6011, an antifractalkine monoclonal antibody, to pharmacokinetic studies in monkeys and humans
Authors: Aoyama Muneo , Mano Yuji
Published: July 2018

Background

E6011, a humanized antifractalkine monoclonal antibody, is under development for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. A reproducible assay method has been developed for the determination of E6011 in monkey and human serum by electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assay.

Methods

E6011 in serum was captured by fractalkine and detected by ruthenium‐labeled rabbit anti‐E6011 Fab polyclonal antibodies for ECL detection. E6011 in serum was quantifiable from 0.02 and 0.1 μg/mL in monkey and human serum, respectively, with minimum required dilution of 500. The method was then validated in accordance with bioanalytical guidelines.

Results

Accuracy and precision of quality control samples at five concentrations in intra‐ and interbatch reproducibility demonstrated that relative error and relative standard deviation were within acceptable criteria. Recovery of E6011 was 92.9%‐121.7% and 85.0%‐109.3% in humans and monkeys. Dilution integrity, no prozone effects, and no impacts by antigen were also ensured. Parallelism was also confirmed using incurred clinical sample analysis. Various types of stability were assessed, which confirmed that E6011 in serum was stable for 367 and 735 days in monkey and human sera, respectively, under frozen conditions.

Conclusion

The developed method was successfully applied supporting pharmacokinetic studies in monkeys and humans.
Freezing degree‐day thresholds and Lake ice‐out dates: Understanding the role of El Niño conditions
Authors: Beyene Mussie T. , Jain Shaleen
Published: July 2018

In temperate lakes, the wintertime Accumulated Freezing Degree‐Days (AFDD) modulate the thickness and phenology of winter ice‐cover, which in turn influence lake ecosystem processes and functions across seasons. Empirical studies show that the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐winter AFDD relationship for North American regions depends on the location and amplitude of the winter ENSO‐related sea surface temperature (SST) warming/cooling in the tropical Pacific (TP), and consequently changes in the magnitude and frequency of different ENSO patterns engender shifts and transitions in the North American lake ice regimes. For eight lakes located across North America, we found quasi‐linear and non‐linear relationships between winter AFDDs and spring lake ice‐out dates, and in some cases, existence of thresholds above and below which regression slopes are materially different, thus illuminating differential sensitivities. Conditional quantile functions for winter AFDDs that incorporate ENSO indices as covariates were developed to estimate the relative risk of early/late lake ice‐out events for these lakes. For seven of the eight lakes, the canonical Eastern Tropical El Niño pattern increases likelihood of low winter AFDDs (associated with early ice‐out dates in these lakes) by 1.5–2.8 times to that of the climatology (1951–2010 average), while the typical Central Pacific El Niño pattern corresponds to a decrease or no significant change in the occurrence probability of early ice‐out dates in these Lakes. These results demonstrate that the conditional winter AFDD estimated based on a comprehensive characterization of ENSO allow for delineation of distinct local‐to‐regional patterns of elevated risk of early ice out and short lake ice‐cover season for North American region.
MRI UTE‐T2* shows high incidence of cartilage subsurface matrix changes 2 years after ACL reconstruction
Authors: Williams Ashley A. , Titchenal Matthew R. , Do Bao H. , Guha Aditi , Chu Constance R.
Published: July 2018

Alteration of deep cartilage matrix has been observed following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, evidenced by elevated MRI UTE‐T2* values measured in small, 2‐D cartilage regions of interest. This Level I diagnostic study seeks to more thoroughly evaluate deep cartilage matrix changes to medial tibiofemoral UTE‐T2* maps 2 years after ACL reconstruction and examine the relative utilities of 3‐D compared to 2‐D assessments of cartilage UTE‐T2* maps. Thirty‐eight ACL‐reconstructed and 20 uninjured subjects underwent MRI UTE‐T2* mapping. “Small” single mid‐sagittal 2‐D and larger 3‐D “tread mark” regions of interest were manually segmented and found to be correlated in medial cartilage (r > 0.58, p < 0.005). 3‐D analyses of UTE‐T2* maps showed differences to medial tibial cartilage between ACL‐reconstructed and uninjured subjects (p = 0.007) that were not detected by smaller 2‐D regions (p > 0.46). Quantitative comparisons show 14/38 (37%) ACL‐reconstructed subjects have values >2 standard deviations higher than uninjured controls. Among a subset of ACL‐reconstructed subjects with no morphologic MRI evidence of medial tibiofemoral cartilage or meniscal pathology (n = 12), elevated UTE‐T2* values in “small” 2‐D femoral (p = 0.011), but not larger 3‐D tread mark regions of interest (p > 0.13), were observed. These data show the utility of 2‐D UTE‐T2* assessments of mid‐sagittal weight‐bearing regions of medial femoral cartilage for identifying subclinical deep cartilage matrix changes 2 years after ACLR. Clinical Significance: Mid‐sagittal single slice 2‐D UTE‐T2* mapping may be an efficient means to assess medial femoral cartilage for subsurface matrix changes early after ACL reconstruction while 3‐D assessments provide additional sensitivity to changes in the medial tibial plateau. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:370–377, 2019.
Oral infection with P. gingivalis exacerbates autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Polak David , Shmueli Aviv , Brenner Talma , Shapira Lior
Published: July 2018

Background

Oral infection of mice with P. gingivalis induces periodontal inflammation and attachment loss. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether infection of mice with P. gingivalis, exacerbates the clinical course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)—a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Induction of EAE was carried out by immunization of C57BL/6 mice with myelin oligodentrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35‐55). P. gingivalis infection was induced via subcutaneous chambers model and the oral gavage. The severity of EAE was measured using a clinical severity score. Ex‐vivo reactivation of lymphocytes with the encephalitogenic peptide MOG35‐55 was also tested.

Results

Subcutaneous as well as oral infection with live P. gingivalis led to significant aggravation of the severity of EAE. Lymph node cells harvested from mice with EAE following P. gingivalis infection showed augmented lymphocyte proliferation towards the encephlatigenic MOG moiety compared to mice with EAE only.

Conclusions

The present results indicate that oral infection with P. gingivalis augmented the severity of EAE. This may stem from the systemic pro‐inflammatory response triggered by P. gingivalis infection or via antigen mimicking. The present study provides evidence that periodontal infection may play a role as modifier in CNS inflammatory disorders, such as MS.
Alveolar bone resorption and Th1/Th17‐associated immune response triggered during Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans‐induced experimental periodontitis are serotype‐dependent
Authors: Monasterio Gustavo , Castillo Francisca , Ibarra Juan Pablo , Guevara José , Rojas Leticia , Alvarez Carla , Fernández Baltasar , Agüero Amaru , Betancur Daniel , Vernal Rolando
Published: July 2018

Background

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans expresses several virulence factors that may contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Based on the antigenicity of the O‐polysaccharide component of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), different A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes have been described. Among them, serotype b has demonstrated a stronger capacity to trigger Th1 and Th17‐associated cytokine, CC‐chemokine, and CC‐chemokine receptor production on immune cells in vitro. With a murine model of experimental periodontitis, this investigation aimed to analyze the alveolar bone resorption and the pattern of immune response triggered by the different A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes within periodontal lesions.

Methods

For periodontal lesion induction, mice were orally infected with the different A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes or their purified LPS. Alveolar bone resorption was analyzed using microcomputed tomography and scanning electron microscopy. Bacterial infection, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL) and Th1 and Th17‐associated cytokine, CC‐chemokine, and CC‐chemokine receptor levels were quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). T lymphocytes isolated from periodontal lesions were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

In periodontal lesions, serotype b of A. actinomycetemcomitans induced higher alveolar bone resorption and expression of RANKL compared with the other serotypes. In addition, serotype b induced greater levels of Th1‐ and Th17‐related cytokines, CC‐chemokines, and CC‐chemokine receptors than the others. Similarly, higher numbers of infiltrating Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes were detected in serotype b‐induced periodontal lesions.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that periodontal lesions induced with different A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes elicited distinct alveolar bone resorption and immune response. In particular, serotype b was more pathogenic than the others and induced stronger Th1 and Th17 patterns of immune responses during experimental periodontitis.
BDNF/HMW‐HA complex as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment of ligature‐induced periodontitis in dogs
Authors: Sasaki Shinya , Takeda Katsuhiro , Takewaki Manabu , Ouhara Kazuhisa , Kajiya Mikihito , Mizuno Noriyoshi , Fujita Tsuyoshi , Kurihara Hidemi
Published: July 2018

Background

Recently, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW‐HA) complex with flap surgery has been shown to promote periodontal tissue regeneration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of local subgingival application of BDNF/HMW‐HA complex adjunctive to scaling and root planning (SRP) on ligature‐induced periodontitis in dogs.

Methods

The dogs were divided into four treatment groups: no treatment (control), SRP alone, SRP followed by local application of HMW‐HA (SRP+HMW‐HA), and SRP followed by local application of BDNF (500 μg/ml)/ HMW‐HA complex (SRP+BDNF/HMW‐HA). HMW‐HA or BDNF/HMW‐HA complex was topically applied to periodontal pockets using a syringe without surgery. Two weeks after treatment, clinical parameters (gingival index, clinical attachment level, periodontal pocket depth and bleeding on probing) were recorded and specimens were collected from anesthetized animals for histological analysis.

Results

The SRP+BDNF/HMW‐HA group showed significant improvement in all clinical parameters compared to other treatment groups. Histologic analysis showed greater suppression of apical migration of epithelial tissue and milder inflammatory cell infiltration in the SRP+BDNF/HMW‐HA group than in the other treatment groups. Furthermore, new cementum and alveolar bone were regenerated, and collagen fibers were inserted into them in the SRP+BDNF/HMW‐HA group.

Conclusion

BDNF/HMW‐HA complex as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment has the potential to reduce excess inflammation. Further investigation will be needed to clarify periodontal tissue regenerative effects of BDNF/HMW‐HA complex in a nonsurgical setting.
Revisiting the need for a literature search narrative: A brief methodological note
Authors: Cooper Chris , Dawson Sarah , Peters Jaime , Varley‐Campbell Jo , Cockcroft Emma , Hendon Jess , Churchill Rachel
Published: July 2018

In this method note, we question if the primary search strategy in a systematic review should be accompanied by a search narrative. A search narrative could offer a conceptual and contextual report on the search strategy, which we suggest might benefit the peer review of literature searches and increase engagement with, and discussion of, the literature search strategy from review stakeholders, topic experts, and lay users of research. Search narratives would also increase the transparency of decision‐making in literature searching.
A spatial simulation model for karst rocky desertification combining top‐down and bottom‐up approaches
Authors: Xu Erqi , Zhang Hongqi
Published: July 2018

Karst rocky desertification (KRD) is a serious ecological and environmental issue threatening southwestern China. The evolution of KRD calls for predicting its potential expansion or contraction, to support policy‐making for combating KRD. A spatial model named ‘SDKRD’ for simulating KRD dynamics was developed in this study. The novelty of it is the ability to explore spatially local KRD evolution and integrate this information into a global estimation. The SDKRD model consists of three modules: a global KRD forecast and scenario setting, a local exploration of spatially varying effects of driving forces and neighbourhood influence on KRD evolution, and an iteration module for combining results of aforementioned modules. The SDKRD model was tested in the Changshun County as a case‐study. The accuracy assessment confirmed a spatially visual consistency and a robust statistical result. Spatial KRD maps from 2010 to 2030 were simulated under three scenarios. The historical extrapolation scenario found a spatially global KRD reversion and locally scattered KRD deterioration. Different KRD restoration strategies under the other two scenarios could reverse the transformation of KRD classes at different magnitudes. Intermediate classes in the KRD evolution process could be more easily reversed. Under three scenarios with the increased strength of KRD management measures, areas of no KRD increased by 8.7%, 13.5%, and 16.6%, and areas of moderate KRD decreased by 38.3%, 53.0%, and 53.9%, respectively. SDKRD model presents specific KRD evolution trajectories and visualizes the KRD transformation at each location, which can help find cost‐effective ways of combating KRD with differentiated strategies.
Implementing and feasibility testing depression screening using the electronic medical record for patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to the hospital
Authors: Joseph Letha M. , Berry Diane C. , Jessup Ann , Davison Jean , J. Schneider Brian , I. Twersky Jack
Published: July 2018

Aim

Is it feasible to implement a programme to screen for depression in patients admitted to the hospital for diabetes complications and use the electronic medical record to notify providers of their patient's depression score and give suggestions for medication and counselling?

Design

A feasibility study was conducted with patients hospitalized with diabetes and depression in the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States.

Methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes were screened for depression. The healthcare provider was notified via the electronic medical record about the patients' depression scores. The provider discussed options for management of depression with the patient and initiated treatment.

Results

The process of screening for depression at admission, notifying the provider by way of electronic medical record that the patient screened positive for depression with suggestions for medication and counseling was feasible and acceptable to providers and patients.
Perinatal guanacos (Lama guanicoe) exploited by hunter‐gatherers from the Holocene of Argentine Pampas
Authors: Frontini Romina , Tomassini Rodrigo L. , Bayón Cristina
Published: July 2018

The guanaco (Lama guanicoe) was the most relevant species in hunter‐gatherer subsistence of the Argentine Pampas during the Quaternary. An early Late Holocene (3,184 ± 50 14C years bp) guanaco assemblage with evidence of exploitation, coming from Cerro del Águila site, Buenos Aires Province, is analysed herein. The assemblage is composed by three perinatal individuals; the estimated age at the moment of death ranges from a few weeks before birth to a few weeks old. Cerro del Águila is interpreted as a site where activities of procurement and processing of perinatal individuals were performed. The available information allows raising a discussion on the hunting and exploitation strategies of guanaco in a regional context.
Discrimination factors of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes from diet to hair in captive large Arctic carnivores of conservation concern
Authors: L'Hérault Vincent , Lecomte Nicolas , Truchon Marie‐Hélène , Berteaux Dominique
Published: July 2018

Rationale

Stable isotope analysis is widely used to reconstruct diet, delineate trophic interactions, and determine energy pathways. Such ecological inferences are based on the idea that animals are, isotopically, what they eat but with a predictable difference between the isotopic ratio of a consumer and that of its diet, coined as the discrimination factor. Providing correct estimates of diet‐consumer isotopic discrimination in controlled conditions is key for a robust application of the stable isotopes technique in the wild.

Methods

Using a Finnigan Mat Delta Plus isotope‐ratio mass spectrometer, we investigated isotopic discrimination of carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N values) in guard hairs of four Arctic predators; the wolf (n = 7), the wolverine (n = 2), the grizzly bear (n = 2), and the polar bear (n = 3). During a 3‐month trial, carnivores were fed a mixed diet. The δ13C and δ15N values, and the mass (g) of diet items, were monitored weekly for each individual to determine their Total Diet Average ratios.

Results

Diet‐hair isotopic discrimination (Δx) varied according to species, ranging [1.88 ± 0.69‰: 3.2 ± 0.69‰] for δ13C values, and [1.58 ± 0.17‰: 3.81 ± 0.22‰] for δ15N values. Adult wolves Δ13C average (2.03 ± 0.7‰) was lower than that of young wolves (2.60 ± 0.8‰) and any other species (combined average of 2.59 ± 0.28‰), except for the wolverine (2.12 ± 0.23‰). Wolves Δ15N averages (juveniles: 3.51 ± 0.34‰, adults: 3.68 ± 0.28‰) were higher than those of any other species (combined average: 2.50 ± 0.58‰).

Conclusions

The discrimination factors for δ13C and δ15N values calculated in this study could be used in ecological studies dealing with free‐ranging animals, with implications for non‐invasive research approaches. As in other controlled discrimination studies, we recommend caution in applying our discrimination factors when the population structure is heterogeneous.
Online wet oxidation/isotope ratio mass spectrometry method for determination of stable carbon isotope ratios of water‐soluble organic carbon in particulate matter
Authors: Suto Nana , Kawashima Hiroto
Published: July 2018

Rationale

Water‐soluble organic carbon (WSOC) is formed by oxidation of organic compounds in particulate matter (PM) and accounts for 25–80% of the organic carbon in PM. Stable carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) analysis is widely used to identify the sources of PM, but determining the δ13C values of WSOC is complicated and requires a time‐consuming pretreatment process.

Methods

We have developed an online wet oxidation/isotope ratio mass spectrometry method with a reduced pretreatment time. We have measured the δ13C values of WSOC by using this method.

Results

The method showed high accuracy (0.1‰) and precision (0.1‰) for levoglucosan, and the limit of detection was sufficiently low for WSOC analysis. Using this method, we determined δ13C values of WSOC in PM2.5 samples collected in Japan during the period from July to November 2017 and found that the values ranged from −26.5‰ to −25.0‰ (average, −25.8‰).

Conclusions

Our simple, low‐blank method could be used for rapid quantitative analysis of the δ13C values of WSOC in PM2.5. We propose that this online method be used as a standard method for δ13C analysis of WSOC.
A rapid method to determine nine natural cannabinoids in beverages and food derived from Cannabis sativa by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry on a QTRAP 4000
Authors: Di Marco Pisciottano Ilaria , Guadagnuolo Grazia , Soprano Vittorio , De Crescenzo Michele , Gallo Pasquale
Published: July 2018

Rationale

Phytocannabinoids are natural compounds produced by Cannabis spp. Some of these compounds show psychotropic effects on humans and are therefore used as drugs of abuse. These compounds are present in food and beverages containing ingredients from hemp, and thus can reach consumers. The Italian Ministry of Health planned to evaluate the intake of cannabinoids from food containing hemp ingredients. Thus, we were asked to develop and validate a multi‐residue test method to determine nine phytocannabinoids in beverages and food.

Methods

Nine natural phytocannabinoids, hereafter called cannabinoids, were cleaned up from food by solid–liquid extraction, while beverages were simply diluted prior to analysis. The cannabinoids were separated by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography, and on‐line determination was carried out by tandem mass spectrometry using a 4000 QTRAP mass spectrometer with a TurboIonSpray source, in multiple‐reaction monitoring mode, using both positive and negative ionization.

Results

Each compound was determined down to 0.25 ng/mL in solvent. In‐house validation was carried out; the mean recoveries ranged from 83.4% to 101.2% in food, and from 84.5% to 104.5% in beverages. The limits of quantification were 20 μg/kg for food and 2 μg/L for beverages.

Conclusions

A reliable and rapid method for the identification and quantification of the psychotropic Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, its non‐psychoactive precursor Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A, and seven other cannabinoids was developed and validated, to monitor the content of these substances in food and beverages produced using hemp seeds, flour and oil as ingredients.
Variance in Reproductive Success is Driven by Environmental Factors, not Mating System, in Bonytails
Authors: Osborne Megan J. , Sanchez Alyssa V. , Dowling Thomas E. , Turner Thomas F.
Published: July 2018

Studying the reproductive ecology of aggregate broadcast‐spawning fishes is difficult because it is generally not feasible to sample all potential parents and unambiguously assign their offspring. We used molecular‐based parentage analysis to gain insights into the reproductive ecology of the endangered Bonytail Gila elegans and to evaluate whether protected off‐channel habitats could be used as an alternative to hatchery production. By genotyping adults and offspring (n = 4,130) that were stocked into two experimental backwaters across 3 years, we determined that most adults (82–97%) contributed to progeny production across years and backwaters, with one exception. Both sexes exhibited multiple matings, and the number of mates and family size were positively correlated. There was also a positive correlation between adult size and metrics of reproductive success. There were strong interactions between sample year and backwater, suggesting that environmental factors are the primary driver of variance in reproductive success. Knowledge of mating systems and sources of variance in reproductive success is important for management of endangered fish because high variance in reproductive success leads to substantial losses of genetic variation when few individuals reproduce successfully. Although variance in reproductive success was observed, most adults contributed to genetically diverse progeny in experimental backwaters. These results support the use of predator‐free—but otherwise natural—backwaters as an effective conservation tool for reintroducing the Bonytail to its native habitat.
Momentum space approach to crossing symmetric CFT correlators
Authors: Isono Hiroshi , Noumi Toshifumi , Shiu Gary
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We construct a crossing symmetric basis for conformal four-point functions in momentum space by requiring consistent factorization. Just as scattering amplitudes factorize when the intermediate particle is on-shell, non-analytic parts of conformal correlators enjoy a similar factorization in momentum space. Based on this property, Polyakov, in his pioneering 1974 work, introduced a basis for conformal correlators which manifestly satisfies the crossing symmetry. He then initiated the bootstrap program by requiring its consistency with the operator product expansion. This approach is complementary to the ordinary bootstrap program, which is based on the conformal block and requires the crossing symmetry as a consistency condition of the theory. Even though Polyakov’s original bootstrap approach has been revisited recently, the crossing symmetric basis has not been constructed explicitly in momentum space. In this paper we complete the construction of the crossing symmetric basis for scalar four-point functions with an intermediate operator with a general spin, by using new analytic expressions for three-point functions involving one tensor. Our new basis manifests the analytic properties of conformal correlators. Also the connected and disconnected correlators are manifestly separated, so that it will be useful for the study of large N CFTs in particular.