bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravenous paracetamol was associated with closure of the ductus arteriosus in extremely premature infants
Authors: Juujärvi S , Saarela T , Hallman M , Aikio O
Published: November 2017

Aim

Symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus may lead to serious complications in extremely preterm and extremely low birthweight infants and is often resistant to medication. We evaluated early intravenous paracetamol for pain prevention during respiratory therapy, in an attempt to understand the ductal treatment of such infants.

Methods

Our cohort were 295 extremely preterm or extremely low birthweight infants, born at less than 28 weeks or 1000 g, respectively, who were treated in the neonatal intensive care unit of Oulu University Hospital from 2002 to 2015, before and after intravenous paracetamol was introduced in June 2009. Ductal closure dates, paracetamol medication details, morbidities and mortality data were evaluated.

Results

Intravenous paracetamol was given to 128 infants, starting at a median of 4.4 hours age (range: 0–169 hours), with a mean total dosage of 212 mg/kg (range: 7.5–1175 mg/kg). We also included 167 controls who were mainly treated before we used intravenous paracetamol. Ibuprofen (p < 0.001) and ligation (p = 0.002) were lower in the paracetamol group than controls. No adverse effects were detected. Paracetamol was not associated with other morbidities.

Conclusion

We found that early use of intravenous paracetamol decreased the incidence of ductal therapies in extremely premature or extremely low birthweight infants.
A Longitudinal Study of Health Care Resources, Family Support, and Mental Health Outcomes Among Suicidal Adolescents
Authors: LeCloux Mary , Maramaldi Peter , Thomas Kristie A. , Maramaldi Peter , Thomas Kristie A. , Wharff Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2017

To inform current public policy regarding suicide prevention, this study examined the longitudinal relationships between four resources (public insurance, primary care services, school‐based mental health treatment, and family support) and depression and suicidality in a nationally representative sample of suicidal adolescents (n= 1,355). Longitudinal regression analyses were conducted using data from three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Parental support at Wave I was predictive of lower levels of depression across all three waves, but not significantly associated with the suicide‐specific outcomes. While type of insurance was not significantly associated with any of the outcomes, receipt of public assistance was associated with a higher likelihood of suicidal ideation and higher levels of depression at all three waves. Neither receipt of a routine physical nor access to school‐based mental health treatment were associated with any of the outcomes. Intervention points for future policy that are discussed include the following: integrating family interventions into current screening and referral protocols, targeted screening and outreach for those youth and young adults receiving public assistance, the inclusion of integrated behavioral health in primary care settings, and the inclusion of suicide‐specific evidence‐based treatments in the school setting.
Why do women request an elective cesarean delivery for non‐medical reasons? A systematic review of the qualitative literature
Authors: O'Donovan Charles , O'Donovan James
Published: November 2017

Background

Cesarean rates have increased significantly over the past decade. The reasons for this are both complex and context specific, and have significant consequences for health resources. The aim of this systematic review was to assess published, peer‐reviewed, and gray qualitative literature on the reasons behind cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR).

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, and PsycINFO databases was performed for all relevant articles published between January 2006 and June 2016. Reference lists of all included studies were also searched in addition to select web‐based sources. Studies were included if they qualitatively evaluated women's preferences for CDMR, with no geographic restriction. Findings from the studies were narratively and thematically synthesized.

Results

Sixteen studies were included in this review. Three themes were identified as to why women choose CDMR, which were: social norms, emotional experiences, and personal experiences. A woman's decision was often shaped by various influences including family, friends, and the media. In addition, previous experience of childbirth and interactions with health care professionals contributed to a strong preference for CDMR. CDMR provided women with a sense of control over the birth and diminished feelings of fear.

Conclusions

The reasons behind CDMR are multifactorial and complex. Situation‐specific cultural factors, fear of pain during childbirth, previous experience, and interactions with health care professionals are likely to have led to the increase in CDMR. Multifaceted, context‐specific approaches are required if there is to be a reduction in CDMR rates.
Immune‐pineal axis – acute inflammatory responses coordinate melatonin synthesis by pinealocytes and phagocytes
Authors: Markus Regina P , Fernandes Pedro A , Kinker Gabriela S , da Silveira Cruz‐Machado Sanseray , Marçola Marina
Published: November 2017

Melatonin is well known for its circadian production by the pineal gland, and there is a growing body of data showing that it is also produced by many other cells and organs, including immune cells. The chronobiotic role of pineal melatonin, as well as its protective effects in vitro and in vivo, have been extensively explored. However, the interaction between the chronobiotic and defence functions of endogenous melatonin has been little investigated. This review details the current knowledge regarding the coordinated shift in melatonin synthesis from the pineal gland (circadian and monitoring roles) to the regulation of acute immune responses via immune cell production and autocrine effects, producing systemic interactions termed the immune‐pineal axis. An acute inflammatory response drives the transcription factor, NFκB, to switch melatonin synthesis from pinealocytes to macrophages/microglia and, upon acute inflammatory resolution, back to pinealocytes. The potential pathophysiological relevance of immune‐pineal axis dysregulation is highlighted, with both research and clinical implications, across several medical conditions, including host/parasite interaction, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Recent Developments in Research of Melatonin and its Potential Therapeutic Applications. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.16/issuetoc
Protease‐activated receptor 1 inhibition protects mice against thrombin‐dependent respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus infections
Authors: Lê Vuong Ba , Riteau Béatrice , Alessi Marie‐Christine , Couture Christian , Jandrot‐Perrus Martine , Rhéaume Chantal , Hamelin Marie‐Ève , Boivin Guy
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose

Protease‐activated receptor 1 (PAR1) has been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of viral diseases. However, its role remains controversial. The goal of our study was to investigate the contribution of PAR1 to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infections.

Experimental Approach

Pharmacological approaches were used to investigate the role of PAR1 during RSV and hMPV infection, in vitro using epithelial A549 cells and in vivo using a mouse model of virus infection.

Key Results

In vitro, the PAR1 antagonist RWJ‐56110 reduced the replication of RSV and hMPV in A549 cells. In agreement with these results, RWJ‐56110‐treated mice were protected against RSV and hMPV infections, as indicated by less weight loss and mortality. This protective effect in mice correlated with decreased lung viral replication and inflammation. In contrast, hMPV‐infected mice treated with the PAR1 agonist TFLLR‐NH2 showed increased mortality, as compared to infected mice, which were left untreated. Thrombin generation was shown to occur downstream of PAR1 activation in infected mice via tissue factor exposure as part of the inflammatory response, and thrombin inhibition by argatroban reduced the pathogenicity of the infection with no additive effect to that induced by PAR1 inhibition.

Conclusion and Implications

These data show that PAR1 plays a detrimental role during RSV and hMPV infections in mice via, at least, a thrombin‐dependent mechanism. Thus, the use of PAR1 antagonists and thrombin inhibitors may have potential as a novel approach for the treatment of RSV and hMPV infections.
Use of salivary cortisol and cortisone in the high‐ and low‐dose synacthen test
Authors: Elder Charlotte J. , Harrison Robert F. , Cross Alexandra S. , Vilela Ruben , Keevil Brian G. , Wright Neil P. , Ross Richard J.
Published: November 2017

Context

Salivary cortisone reflects serum cortisol levels, is more sensitive than salivary cortisol at lower values of serum cortisol and is noninvasive.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between serum cortisol and salivary cortisol and cortisone following low‐ and high‐dose synacthen.

Design and setting

Prospective pharmacodynamic studies in clinical research facilities.

Participants and intervention

Thirty‐five dexamethasone‐suppressed, healthy adult males underwent an intravenous synacthen test: N = 23 low‐dose (1 mcg), N = 12 high‐dose (250 mcg). Paired serum and salivary samples were taken at 15 sampling points over 120 minutes.

Main outcome measure

Serum cortisol and salivary cortisol and cortisone were analysed for correlations and by a mixed‐effects model.

Results

At baseline, the correlation between serum cortisol and salivary cortisol was weak with many samples undetectable (r = .45, NS), but there was a strong correlation with salivary cortisone (r = .94, P < .001). Up to 50 minutes following synacthen, the correlation coefficient between serum cortisol and salivary cortisol and cortisone was <0.8, but both had a stronger correlation at 60 minutes (salivary cortisol r = .89, P < .001, salivary cortisone r = .85, P < .001). The relationship was examined excluding samples in the dynamic phase (baseline to 60 minutes). Salivary cortisol and cortisone showed a close relationship to serum cortisol. Salivary cortisone showed the stronger correlation: salivary cortisol r = .82, P < .001, salivary cortisone r = .96, P < .001.

Conclusion

Following synacthen, both salivary cortisol and cortisone reflect serum cortisol levels, but there is a lag in their rise up to 60 minutes. The results support further research for possible future use of a 60‐minute salivary cortisone measurement during the synacthen test.
Effects of 30 Years of Disuse on Exceptional Memory Performance
Authors: Yoon Jong‐Sung , Anders Ericsson K. , Donatelli Dario
Published: November 2017

In the mid‐1980s, Dario Donatelli (DD) participated in a laboratory study of the effects of around 800 h of practice on digit‐span and increased his digit‐span from 8 to 104 digits. This study assessed changes in the structure of his memory skill after around 30 years of essentially no practice on the digit‐span task. On the first day of testing, his estimated span was only 10 digits, but over the following 3 days of testing it increased to 19 digits. Further analyses of his recall performance and verbal reports identified which mechanisms of the original memory skill he could retrieve or reacquire over the 3 days of practice. We discuss theoretical implications for the retention of skilled memory performance, the effects of age‐related changes in memory on it, and for the future study of the effects of disuse on exceptional performance and complex skill.
Should the Gross Motor Function Classification System be used for children who do not have cerebral palsy?
Authors: Towns Megan , Rosenbaum Peter , Palisano Robert , Wright F Virginia
Published: November 2017

This literature review addressed four questions. (1) In which populations other than cerebral palsy (CP) has the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) been applied? (2) In what types of study, and why was it used? (3) How was it modified to facilitate these applications? (4) What justifications and evidence of psychometric adequacy were used to support its application? A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases (January 1997 to April 2017) using the terms: ‘GMFCS’ OR ‘Gross Motor Function Classification System’ yielded 2499 articles. 118 met inclusion criteria and reported children/adults with 133 health conditions/clinical descriptions other than CP. Three broad GMFCS applications were observed: as a categorization tool, independent variable, or outcome measure. While the GMFCS is widely used for children with health conditions/clinical description other than CP, researchers rarely provided adequate justification for these uses. We offer recommendations for development/validation of other condition‐specific classification systems and discuss the potential need for a generic gross motor function classification system.

What this paper adds

The Gross Motor Function Classification System should not be used outside cerebral palsy or as an outcome measure.

The authors provide recommendations for development and validation of condition‐specific or generic classification systems.
Cover Image, Volume 19, Issue 12
Authors: Dassau Eyal , Renard Eric , Place Jérôme , Farret Anne , Pelletier Marie‐José , Lee Justin , Huyett Lauren M. , Chakrabarty Ankush , Doyle Francis J. , Zisser Howard C.
Published: November 2017

The cover image, by Eyal Dassau et al., is based on the Original Article Intraperitoneal insulin delivery provides superior glycaemic regulation to subcutaneous insulin delivery in model predictive control‐based fully‐automated artificial pancreas in patients with type 1 diabetes: a pilot study, DOI: 10.1111/dom.12999. Design Credit: Harvard University.

image
Leveraging Monopoly Power by Degrading Interoperability: Theory and Evidence from Computer Markets
Authors: Genakos Christos , Kühn Kai‐Uwe , Van Reenen John
Published: November 2017

When will a monopolist have incentives to leverage her/his market power in a primary market to foreclose competition in a complementary market by degrading compatibility/interoperability of her/his products with those of her/his rivals? We develop a framework where leveraging extracts more rents from the monopoly market by ‘restoring’ second‐degree price discrimination. In a random coefficient model with complements, we derive a policy test for when incentives to reduce rival quality will hold. Our application is to Microsoft's alleged strategic incentives to leverage market power from personal computer to server operating systems. We estimate a structural random coefficients demand system that allows for complements (personal computers and servers). Our estimates suggest that there were incentives to reduce interoperability that were particularly strong at the turn of the 21st century.
Subclinical anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity in long‐term follow‐up of asymptomatic childhood cancer survivors: Assessment by speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Çetin Süha , Babaoğlu Kadir , Başar Eviç Z. , Deveci Murat , Çorapçıoğlu Funda
Published: November 2017

Objective

Survivors of childhood cancer treated with anthracyclines carry the risk for developing late‐onset cardiotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) function in this patient group and compare it with healthy controls by means of conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) after exposure to chemotherapy.

Material and methods

Conventional and STE were performed in 45 childhood cancer survivors (mean age 11 ± 4.6; 26 male) treated with anthracyclines (median cumulative dosage 240 mg/m2; range, 100–460) and compared with age, gender and body surface area matched healthy controls. Follow‐up period after chemotherapy was 21.9 ± 17.8 months. Blood samples were taken from survivors and controls to determine brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).

Results

Following anthracycline exposure, pediatric cancer survivors had lower longitudinal, radial anteroseptal, and radial anterior strain values compared to controls (P < .05). The calculated global longitudinal and global radial strain values were lower compared to the control group (P < .05). Both groups had normal ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS). Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels of both groups were in the normal range.

Conclusion

Despite normal EF and FS, children exposed to anthracycline therapy may have late‐onset subtle changes of LV strain values measured by STE. Whether these changes of strain can predict future risk of developing heart failure needs to be explored in further studies.
Red squirrels decline in abundance in the boreal forests of Finland and NW Russia
Authors: Turkia T. , Selonen V. , Danilov P. , Kurhinen J. , Ovaskainen O. , Rintala J. , Brommer J. E.
Published: November 2017

Recent global warming and other anthropogenic changes have caused well‐documented range shifts and population declines in many species over a large spatial extent. Most large‐scale studies focus on birds, large mammals, and threatened species, whereas large‐scale population trends of small to medium‐sized mammals and species that are currently of least concern remain poorly studied. Large‐scale studies are needed because on a smaller scale, important patterns may be masked by local variation and stochastic processes. Here, we utilized snow track census data from Finland and NW Russia to estimate population growth rates of the Eurasian red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris for a period of 17 yr in an area of over 1 000 000 km2. We also studied the effects of changes in summer and winter temperatures, winter precipitation, predator abundance, and canopy cover on estimated red squirrel population growth rates. Our results suggest that red squirrel populations have declined in most parts of the study area, the only remarkable exception being SW Russia. These results are in concordance with previous studies suggesting that species that are still common and of least concern may be declining. However, our findings are in contrast to the common pattern of northern populations of boreal species increasing due to global warming. The estimated population growth rates are in synchrony over vast areas, suggesting that the underlying reasons also operate on a large scale. We indeed find that the population growth rate was lower in regions where winters warmed faster during the study period, suggesting that changes in the environment (or biotic changes associated with it) are linked with the decline of red squirrels.
First report of Fusarium solani causing wilt of Melia dubia
Authors: Pandey A. , Juwantha R. , Chandra S. , Kumar A. , Kannojia P. , Khanna D. , Arora S. , Dwivedi V. D. , Pandey S.
Published: November 2017

Melia dubia, a multipurpose tree species, is gaining importance to meet the demand supply gap of timber, plywood and pulpwood. In June 2016, a serious outbreak of wilt disease was observed in M. dubia seedlings planted in the Central Nursery of Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, India. The disease led to the destruction of one hundred thousand (100,000) seedlings. Earlier in June 2012, serious wilting of M. dubia seedlings was observed in Haryana, India. The pathogen was identified as Fusarium solani following standard laboratory procedures and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA). The pathogenicity of three isolates has been proved under greenhouse conditions. This is the first report of F. solani causing wilt of M. dubia.
Identification and characterization of outcome measures reported in animal models of epilepsy: Protocol for a systematic review of the literature–A TASK2 report of the AES/ILAE Translational Task Force of the ILAE
Authors: Simonato Michele , Iyengar Sloka , Brooks‐Kayal Amy , Collins Stephen , Depaulis Antoine , Howells David W. , Jensen Frances , Liao Jing , Macleod Malcolm R. , Patel Manisha , Potschka Heidrun , Walker Matthew , Whittemore Vicky , Sena Emily S.
Published: November 2017

Current antiseizure therapy is ineffective in approximately one third of people with epilepsy and is often associated with substantial side effects. In addition, most current therapeutic paradigms offer treatment, but not cure, and no therapies are able to modify the underlying disease, that is, can prevent or halt the process of epileptogenesis or alleviate the cognitive and psychiatric comorbidities. Preclinical research in the field of epilepsy has been extensive, but unfortunately, not all the animal models being used have been validated for their predictive value. The overall goal of TASK2 of the AES/ILAE Translational Task Force is to organize and coordinate systematic reviews on selected topics regarding animal research in epilepsy. Herein we describe our strategy. In the first part of the paper we provide an overview of the usefulness of systematic reviews and meta‐analysis for preclinical research and explain the essentials for their conduct. Then we describe in detail the protocol for a first systematic review, which will focus on the identification and characterization of outcome measures reported in animal models of epilepsy. The specific goals of this study are to define systematically the phenotypic characteristics of the most commonly used animal models, and to effectively compare these with the manifestations of human epilepsy. This will provide epilepsy researchers with detailed information on the strengths and weaknesses of epilepsy models, facilitating their refinement and future research. Ultimately, this could lead to a refined use of relevant models for understanding the mechanism(s) of the epilepsies and developing novel therapies.
Does size matter in predicting hedge funds' liquidation?
Authors: Becam Adrien , Gregoriou Andros , Gupta Jairaj
Published: November 2017

In this study, we propose a set of covariates that exploit the information content of hedge funds' relative size, performance, growth, tail risk and past liquidation rate in predicting their liquidation. Empirical results show that our proposed covariates exhibit significant predictive power for up to two years even when we control for fund specific characteristics. Furthermore, we estimate separate liquidation prediction models for small, medium and large funds. Our findings suggest that liquidation likelihood of hedge funds is inversely related to fund size, and the statistical significance of factors affecting their liquidation varies across different size categories.
The tension biology of wound healing
Authors: Harn Hans I‐Chen , Ogawa Rei , Hsu Chao‐Kai , Hughes Michael W. , Tang Ming‐Jer , Chuong Cheng‐Ming
Published: November 2017

Following skin wounding, the healing outcome can be: regeneration, repair with normal scar tissue, repair with hypertrophic scar tissue or the formation of keloids. The role of chemical factors in wound healing has been extensively explored, and while there is evidence suggesting the role of mechanical forces, its influence is much less well defined. Here, we provide a brief review on the recent progress of the role of mechanical force in skin wound healing by comparing laboratory mice, African spiny mice, fetal wound healing and adult scar keloid formation. A comparison across different species may provide insight into key regulators. Interestingly, some findings suggest tension can induce an immune response, and this provides a new link between mechanical and chemical forces. Clinically, manipulating skin tension has been demonstrated to be effective for scar prevention and treatment, but not for tissue regeneration. Utilising this knowledge, specialists may modulate regulatory factors and develop therapeutic strategies to reduce scar formation and promote regeneration.
Up‐regulation of IL‐23 expression in human dental pulp fibroblasts by IL‐17 via activation of the NF‐κB and MAPK pathways
Authors: Wei L. , Liu M. , Xiong H. , Peng B.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To investigate the effects of the pro‐inflammatory and Th17‐polarizing mediator IL‐17 on HDPFs‐mediated IL‐23 production and the molecular mechanism involved.

Methodology

Interleukin (IL)‐17R expression was determined by semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot in cultured human dental pulp fibroblasts (HDPFs). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were used to determine IL‐23 mRNA and protein levels in IL‐17‐stimulated HDPFs, respectively. The nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signalling pathways that mediate the IL‐17‐stimulated production of IL‐23 was investigated using Western blot and specific signalling inhibitor analyses. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal–Wallis tests followed by the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Statistical significance was considered when the P value < 0.05.

Results

Primary HDPFs steadily expressed IL‐17R mRNA and surface‐bound protein. IL‐17 stimulated the expression of IL‐23 mRNA and protein in cultured human dental pulp fibroblasts, which was attenuated by IL‐17 or IL‐17R neutralizing antibodies. In accordance with the enhanced expression of IL‐23, IL‐17 stimulation resulted in rapid activation of p38 MAPK, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, c‐Jun‐N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and NF‐κB in HDPFs. Inhibitors of p38 MAPK, ERK 1/2 or NF‐κB significantly suppressed, whereas blocking JNK substantially augmented IL‐23 production from IL‐17‐stimulated HDPFs.

Conclusion

HDPFs expressed IL‐17R and responded to IL‐17 to produce IL‐23 via the activation of the NF‐κB and MAPK signalling pathways. The findings provide insights into the cellular mechanisms of the participation of IL‐17 in the activation of HDPFs in inflamed pulp tissue.
Association between killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor 2DS5 gene with essential hypertension in the Chinese Han patients
Authors: Wang A. L. , Jiang B. , Qian X. Y. , Zhang Q. , Peng H. , Zhang Y. H.
Published: November 2017

Hypertension has been suggested to be mediated by immunity and inflammation. As immune system genes, killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) genes play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. We conducted a community population‐based case–control study to analyse associations between KIR genes and hypertension. KIR genes were genotyped using sequence‐specific primer polymerase chain reaction in 380 unrelated essential hypertensives and 527 normotensives. The frequencies of KIR2DS5 gene were significantly decreased in participants with high high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) compared with participants with low hsCRP (17.02% vs 34.08%, p = .016). The presence of KIR2DS5 gene was independently associated with decreased risk of hypertension (odds ratio = 0.62; 95% confidence interval: 0.43–0.89), after adjusted for conventional risk factors, hsCRP and other KIR genes. We found that participants with KIR2DS5 gene had a decreased risk of hypertension compared with participants without KIR2DS5 gene. Our findings suggested that KIR2DS5 gene may be protective against hypertension.
The impact of coronary artery disease and left ventricular ejection fraction on the prognosis of patients with peripheral artery disease
Authors: Tsujimura Takuya , Iida Osamu , Ishihara Takayuki , Fujita Masashi , Masuda Masaharu , Okamoto Shin , Nanto Kiyonori , Kanda Takashi , Sunaga Akihiro , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Uematsu Masaaki
Published: November 2017

The impact of the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on the prognosis of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) has not been systematically studied. We retrospectively analysed 622 patients with PAD (intermittent claudication (IC): n = 446; critical limb ischaemia (CLI): n = 176). The association of SYNTAX score and LVEF with mortality was analysed using the Cox proportional hazard model. In patients with IC, a high SYNTAX score was significantly associated with mortality, whereas reduced LVEF was significantly associated with mortality in patients with CLI. The prognostic impact of CAD and LVEF appears different between patients with IC and CLI.
Orthodontic treatment simultaneous to or after periodontal cause‐related treatment in periodontitis susceptible patients. Part I: Clinical outcome. A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zasčiurinskienė Eglė , Basevičienė Nomeda , Lindsten Rune , Slotte Christer , Jansson Henrik , Bjerklin Krister
Published: November 2017

Aim

To compare two treatment strategies regarding the effect of orthodontic treatment on periodontal status in patients with plaque‐induced periodontitis.

Subjects and Methods

This was a randomized clinical trial. Fifty periodontal patients were randomly assigned to the test or control groups according to periodontal treatment timing. All patients received supra‐ and subgingival debridement following baseline examination. Control group patients received cause‐related periodontal treatment before the start of orthodontic treatment and which was performed simultaneous to orthodontic treatment for the test group patients.

Results

No difference between the test and control groups was found regarding change of clinical attachment level (CAL) after periodontal–orthodontic treatment. Fewer sites with initial pocket depth (PD) of 4–6 mm healed after periodontal–orthodontic treatment in the test group (20.5%, IQR = 11.9%) in comparison with controls (30.4%, IQR = 27.1%) (p = .03). Anterior teeth [OR 2.5] and teeth in male patients [OR 1.6] had a greater chance for PD improvement ≥2 mm. Total periodontal–orthodontic treatment duration was significantly longer for the control group (p < .01).

Conclusions

Both groups showed a gain of CAL and a reduction in sites with PD ≥ 4 mm. Orthodontic treatment, simultaneously to the periodontal treatment, could be used in the routine treatment of patients with plaque‐induced periodontitis.
Predation by polyphagous carabid beetles on eggs of a pest slug: Potential implications of climate change
Authors: El‐Danasoury H. , Iglesias‐Piñeiro J.
Published: November 2017

Harpalus rufipesandPoecilus cupreusare two widespread polyphagous carabids which are known to destroy eggs of the pest slugDeroceras reticulatumin the laboratory. To examine the effect of temperature on the predation of the eggs ofD. reticulatumbyH. rufipesandP. cupreus, a laboratory experiment with different temperatures and a semi‐field experiment including simulated warming were performed. In both experiments,H. rufipeskilled more eggs thanP. cupreus,and the predatory activity of the former increased significantly with increasing temperature. To our knowledge, this is the first study on predatory activity of polyphagous carabids on the eggs of a pest slug performed under a climate warming scenario. Results suggest that biological pest control performed by polyphagous carabids such asH. rufipesupon pest slugs may be enhanced under predicted climate warming conditions.
Oral microbiome alterations of healthy volunteers with proton pump inhibitor
Authors: Mishiro Tsuyoshi , Oka Kentaro , Kuroki Yasutoshi , Takahashi Motomichi , Tatsumi Kasumi , Saitoh Tsukasa , Tobita Hiroshi , Ishimura Norihisa , Sato Shuichi , Ishihara Shunji , Sekine Joji , Wada Koichiro , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: November 2017

Background and Aim

Acid suppressive agents including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used as first‐line treatment for various acid‐related gastrointestinal disorders. Although known to profoundly reduce gastric acid production, their influence on inhibition of acid secretion as part of the function of the gastrointestinal tract microbiome remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of PPI usage on oral and gut microbiota in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Ten healthy adult volunteers receiving no medications were enrolled. We obtained fecal, saliva, and periodontal pocket fluid samples from the subjects before and after 4 weeks of once daily administrations of 20‐mg esomeprazole. The effects of PPI administration on bacterial communities were investigated using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing method.

Results

Species richness (alpha diversity) was significantly different among the salivary, periodontal pocket, and fecal samples. Furthermore, the measurements for UniFrac distances, despite inter‐individual variations (beta diversity), of the microbiota structure of saliva and periodontal pocket and feces samples were clearly separated from each other. The salivary samples showed significant differences between alpha and beta diversity measurements before and after administration of the PPI for 4 weeks. Meanwhile, taxon‐based analysis indicated that PPI administration raised the ratio of Streptococcus organisms in fecal samples, suggesting a potentially unfavorable effect leading to gut microbiota alteration. Moreover, alterations of the microbiota in the oral carriage microbiome along with bacterial overgrowth (Streptococcus) and decreases in distinct bacterial species (Neisseria and Veillonella) were observed.

Conclusions

These results suggest that PPIs cause both oral and gut microbiota alterations.
The risk of non‐melanoma skin cancer in New Zealand in inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with thiopurines
Authors: Bahi Morwan , Walmsley Russell S , Gray Andrew R , Young David , Hobbs Catherine E , Aluzaite Kristina , Schultz Michael
Published: November 2017

Background and Aim

New Zealand (NZ) has one of the highest rates of non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) in the world. Thiopurine use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients has been shown to increase NMSC risk. This study aimed to investigate the possible increase of NMSC risk in thiopurine‐treated IBD patients in NZ despite the high background rate.

Methods

Inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with thiopurines and healthy controls were recruited across two different latitude centers in NZ. Consented participants completed a questionnaire to identify additional risk factors and were examined for suspicious skin lesions. These were photographed, and the pictures were evaluated by a dermatologist. Data were compared between centers and between groups with NMSC incidence and thiopurine—associated relative risks estimated.

Results

One hundred seventy‐one thiopurine‐exposed IBD patients and 201 controls were recruited. Twenty seven of 390 photographs (26 participants) showed suspicious lesions (17 exposed, 9 controls) as determined by the dermatologist. Estimated NMSC incidence was 24.7–34.3/1000 patient‐years (thiopurine‐exposed, depending on classification of unconfirmed suspicious lesions) and 7–14/1000 patient‐years (control). The relative risk of NMSC among thiopurine exposed was 2.38–2.97 (P ≤ 0.014), which remained significant after individually adjusting for potential confounders. We estimated the NMSC risk to increase 5.4–6.6% per 6 months of thiopurine use (P < 0.001). Low compliance in avoiding NMSC risk factors in the exposed group was observed.

Conclusions

We found a twofold to threefold increase in NMSC incidence in IBD patients treated with thiopurines in NZ, despite the high background incidence rate.
Do body build and composition influence striae distensae occurrence and visibility in women?
Authors: Kasielska‐Trojan Anna , Antoszewski Bogusław
Published: November 2017

Background

Striae have been reported to be one of the most common skin changes and a commonly encountered esthetic problem.

Objectives

To analyze risk factors of striae not associated with pregnancy and verify if body build and composition influence striae distensae (SD) occurrence and visibility.

Methods

Eighty female students (40 with striae (the mean age 23.9 years, SD 2.05 years) and 40 without these lesions (24.7 years, SD 6.2 years)) were included in the study. The subjects were asked to fill out a questionnaire including questions concerning risk factors of SD. Body build and composition were examined using Tanita SC‐331S Body Composition Analyzer.

Results

Women without striae more often reported a history of intended weight loss (P < .0001), less frequently had a history of contraceptives intake (P < .001) and more often their family history of striae was negative or unknown (P = .01). Multivariate analysis including body build and composition parameters indicated BMI as risk factor of SD (P = .021; OR =1.155, 95% CI 1.006; 1.325).

Conclusions

History of contraceptives intake and a family history of striae are risk factors of SD occurrence, while weight loss can reduce the risk of these lesions. BMI appeared to be the risk factor of striae visibility, especially in abdomen, but not on the buttocks. Further clinical researches are needed to examine the pathophysiology of this condition and to inform patients about the possibility to reduce the risk of striae occurrence.
Seedling and adult‐plant stage resistance of a world collection of barley genotypes to stripe rust
Authors: Gyawali Sanjaya , Verma Ramesh Pal Singh , Kumar Subodh , Bhardwaj Subhash Chand , Gangwar Om Prakash , Selvakumar Rajan , Shekhawat Pradip Singh , Rehman Sajid , Sharma‐Poudyal Dipak
Published: November 2017

Barley stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f.sp. hordei (PSH) is one of the major diseases in barley production regions worldwide. A total of 336 barley genotypes with diverse genetic backgrounds targeted for low‐input barley production were tested for seedling and adult‐plant stage resistance against six PSH races (0S0, 0S0‐1, 1S0, 4S0, 5S0 and 7S0) originated from India. The seedling resistance was evaluated by inoculating the barley genotypes with six races separately under controlled conditions in Shimla, India. The same barley genotypes were evaluated for adult‐plant stage resistance in the Agricultural Research Station (ARS) of Rajasthan Agriculture University, Durgapura, Rajasthan, India. Out of the 336 barley genotypes tested for seedling resistance, 119 (35.4%), 101 (30.1%), 87 (25.9%), 100 (29.8%), 91 (27.1%) and 70 (20.8%) genotypes were resistant to races 0S0, 0S0‐1, 1S0, 4S0, 5S0 and 7S0, respectively. In the field, 102 (30.3%) genotypes showed the resistance response of which 18 (5.3%) genotypes were highly resistant to PSH. Barley genotypes AM‐14, AM‐177, AM‐37, AM‐120, AM‐300, AM‐36, AM‐103, AM‐189, AM‐291, AM‐275 and AM‐274 showed resistance response to all six races at seedling and adult‐plant stages. Seedling resistance reported in the current study is effective against the newly emerged race 7S0 and previously reported five races in India. Therefore, resistant barley genotypes identified in the current study provided effective protection against all six races at seedling and adult‐plant stages. The stripe rust resistance identified in the current studies may be potential donors of stripe rust resistance to barley breeding programmes in India and elsewhere.
Genetic polymorphisms and periodontal disease in populations of African descent: A review
Authors: Gonçalves P. F. , Harris T. H. , Elmariah T. , Aukhil I. , Wallace M. R. , Shaddox L. M.
Published: November 2017

Aggressive periodontitis is a rare but rapidly progressing form of periodontal disease that usually affects otherwise systemically healthy individuals, at a young age. It usually affects first molars and incisors, which are usually lost if treatment is not properly and early rendered. Although of low prevalence, it affects individuals of African descent at a higher prevalence, and usually multiple members within the same family. Several studies have been performed in the attempt to evaluate specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that could be associated with this disease. To the best of our knowledge, the present article provides the first review of the literature focusing on studies that evaluated SNPs in patients of African descent with aggressive periodontitis. Several SNPs have been evaluated in different genes according to their role in the pathogenesis of the disease, with positive and negative associations (such as IL1, FCGR3B, FPR1, LTF, CYBA, GLT6D1, TLR4) with both the localized and generalized forms of aggressive periodontitis. Given the complexity of periodontitis, the difficulty in gathering large cohorts diagnosed with this rare form of disease, and the fact that candidate gene studies may only determine part of the genetic risk of a disease, the search for specific SNPs associated with aggressive periodontitis seems to be a long one, most likely to result in the combination of multiple SNPs, in multiple genes.
Predicting rheological behavior and baking quality of wheat flour using a GlutoPeak test
Authors: Rakita Slađana , Dokić Ljubica , Dapčević Hadnađev Tamara , Hadnađev Miroslav , Torbica Aleksandra
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this research was to gain an insight into the ability of the GlutoPeak instrument to predict flour functionality for bread making, as well as to determine which of the GlutoPeak parameters show the best potential in predicting dough rheological behavior and baking performance. Obtained results showed that GlutoPeak parameters correlated better with the indices of extensional rheological tests which consider constant dough hydration than with those which were performed at constant dough consistency. The GlutoPeak test showed that it is suitable for discriminating wheat varieties of good quality from those of poor quality, while the most discriminating index was maximum torque (MT). Moreover, MT value of 50 BU and aggregation energy value of 1,300 GPU were set as limits of wheat flour quality. The backward stepwise regression analysis revealed that a high‐level prediction of indices which are highly affected by protein content (gluten content, flour water absorption, and dough tenacity) was achieved by using the GlutoPeak indices. Concerning bread quality, a moderate prediction of specific loaf volume and an intense level prediction of breadcrumb textural properties were accomplished by using the GlutoPeak parameters. The presented results indicated that the application of this quick test in wheat transformation chain for the assessment of baking quality would be useful.

Practical applications

Baking test is considered as the most reliable method for assessing wheat‐baking quality. However, baking test requires trained stuff, time, and large sample amount. These disadvantages have led to a growing demand to develop new rapid tests which would enable prediction of baked product quality with a limited flour size. Therefore, we tested the possibility of using a GlutoPeak tester to predict loaf volume and breadcrumb textural properties. Discrimination of wheat varieties according to quality with a restricted flour amount was also examined. Furthermore, we proposed the limit values of GlutoPeak parameters which would be highly beneficial for millers and bakers when determine suitability of flour for end‐use.
Strategies to manage hepatitis C virus infection disease burden—Volume 4
Authors: Chen D. S. , Hamoudi W. , Mustapha B. , Layden J. , Nersesov A. , Reic T. , Garcia V. , Rios C. , Mateva L. , Njoya O. , Al‐Busafi S. A. , Abdelmageed M. K. , Abdulla M. , Adda D. , Akin O. , Al Baqali A. , Al Dweik N. , Al Ejji K. , Al ghazzawi I. , Al Kaabi S. , Al Naamani K. , Al Qamish J. , Al Sadadi M. , Al Salman J. , AlBadri M. , Al‐Romaihi H. E. , Ampofo W. , Antonov K. , Anyaike C. , Arome F. , Bane A. , Blach S. , Borodo M. M. , Brandon S. M. , Bright B. , Butt M. T. , Cardenas I. , Chan H. L. Y. , Chen C. J. , Chen P. J. , Chien R. N. , Chuang W. L. , Cuellar D. , Derbala M. , Elbardiny A. A. , Estes C. , Farag E. , Fung J. , Gamkrelidze I. , Genov J. , Ghandour Z. , Ghuloom M. , Gomez B. , Gunter J. , Habeeb J. , Hajelssedig O. , Himatt S. M. , Hrstic I. , Hu C. C. , Huang C. F. , Hui Y. T. , Jahis R. , Jelev D. , John A. K. , Kaliaskarova K. S. , Kamel Y. , Kao J. H. , Khamis J. , Khattabi H. , Khoudri I. , Konysbekova A. , Kotzev I. , Lai M. S. , Lao W. C. , Lee M. H. , Lesi O. , Li M. , Lo A. , Loo C. K. , Lukšić B. , Maaroufi A. , Malu A. O. , Mitova R. , Mohamed R. , Morović M. , Murphy K. , Nde H. , Ngige E. , Njouom R. , Nonković D. , Obekpa S. , Oguche S. , Okolo E. E. , Omede O. , Omuemu C. , Ondoa P. , Opare‐Sem O. , Owusu‐Ofori S. , Phillips R. O. , Prokopenko Y. N. , Razavi H. , Razavi‐Shearer D. , Razavi‐Shearer K. , Redae B. , Rinke de Wit T. , Robbins S. , Roberts L. R. , Sanad S. J. , Sharma M. , Simonova M. , Su T. H. , Sultan K. , Tan S. S. , Tchernev K. , Tsang O. T. Y. , Tsang S. , Tzeuton C. , Ugoeze S. , Uzochukwu B. , Vi R. , Vince A. , Wani H. U. , Wong V. W. S. , Workneh A. , Yacoub R. , Yesmembetov K. I. , Youbi M. , Yuen M. F. , Schmelzer J. D.
Published: November 2017

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic was forecasted through 2030 for 17 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, and interventions for achieving the Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis targets—“WHO Targets” (65% reduction in HCV‐related deaths, 90% reduction in new infections and 90% of infections diagnosed by 2030) were considered. Scaling up treatment and diagnosis rates over time would be required to achieve these targets in all but one country, even with the introduction of high SVR therapies. The scenarios developed to achieve the WHO Targets in all countries studied assumed the implementation of national policies to prevent new infections and to diagnose current infections through screening.
Estimating HCV disease burden—volume 4 (editorial)
Authors: Dore G.J. , Hatzakis A. , Negro F. , Waked I.
Published: November 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global public health issue, with an estimated 71 million people living with HCV infection and a rising burden of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver‐related mortality. The advent of interferon‐free, direct acting antiviral‐based (DAA) therapies, with short duration (8‐12 weeks), high efficacy, excellent tolerability and ease of delivery (once daily oral dosing), is one of the major advances in clinical medicine in recent decades, and provides the opportunity to address this growing global HCV burden. In May 2014, January 2015 and December 2015, three supplements were published in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis presenting data from 47 countries on the historical epidemiology of HCV, the current HCV‐related morbidity and mortality and potential strategies to manage the HCV disease burden in the future. The countries included in those manuscripts were from multiple regions including North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. In this supplement, data from an additional 17 countries are presented, following a similar pattern as in the previous manuscripts. These countries represent a mixture of high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries that hail from five geographical regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and South America. Expert advisory panels were convened in each country to identify the best data sources to use and to review the assumptions and outputs from the model. In the countries considered in the current analyses, there is a wide variance in the availability of robust data.