bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevational species richness gradients in a hyperdiverse insect taxon: a global meta‐study on geometrid moths
Authors: Beck Jan , McCain Christy M. , Axmacher Jan C. , Ashton Louise A. , Bärtschi Florian , Brehm Gunnar , Choi Sei‐Woong , Cizek Oldrich , Colwell Robert K. , Fiedler Konrad , Francois Cristina L. , Highland Steven , Holloway Jeremy D. , Intachat Jurie , Kadlec Tomas , Kitching Roger L. , Maunsell Sarah C. , Merckx Thomas , Nakamura Akihiro , Odell Erica , Sang Weiguo , Toko Pagi S. , Zamecnik Jaroslav , Zou Yi , Novotny Vojtech
Published: December 2016

Aims

We aim to document elevational richness patterns of geometrid moths in a globally replicated, multi‐gradient setting, and to test general hypotheses on environmental and spatial effects (i.e. productivity, temperature, precipitation, area, mid‐domain effect and human habitat disturbance) on these richness patterns.

Location

Twenty‐six elevational gradients world‐wide (latitudes 28° S to 51° N).

Methods

We compiled field datasets on elevational gradients for geometrid moths, a lepidopteran family, and documented richness patterns across each gradient while accounting for local undersampling of richness. Environmental and spatial predictor variables as well as habitat disturbance were used to test various hypotheses. Our analyses comprised two pathways: univariate correlations within gradients, and multivariate modelling on pooled data after correcting for overall variation in richness among different gradients.

Results

The majority of gradients showed midpeak patterns of richness, irrespective of climate and geographical location. The exclusion of human‐affected sampling plots did not change these patterns. Support for univariate main drivers of richness was generally low, although there was idiosyncratic support for particular predictors on single gradients. Multivariate models, in agreement with univariate results, provided the strongest support for an effect of area‐integrated productivity, or alternatively for an elevational area effect. Temperature and the mid‐domain effect received support as weaker, modulating covariates, while precipitation‐related variables had no explanatory potential.

Main conclusions

Despite the predicted decreasing diversity–temperature relationship in ectotherms, geometrid moths are similar to ants and salamanders as well as small mammals and ferns in having predominantly their highest diversity at mid‐elevations. As in those comparative analyses, single or clear sets of drivers are elusive, but both productivity and area appear to be influential. More comparative elevational studies for various insect taxa are necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of elevational diversity and productivity.
Effect of galantamine on attention in patients with Alzheimer's disease combined with cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Park Jeong Jin , Choi Seong Hye , Kim SangYun , Lee Ae Young , Moon So Young , Lee Jun Hong , Kwon Jae Cheol , Park Kyung Won , Ku Bon D. , Han Hyun Jeong , Kim Eun‐Joo , Shim Yong S.
Published: December 2016

Aim

Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) show greater attentional deficits compared with AD patients without CVD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of galantamine on attention in AD patients with CVD.

Methods

In this open trial, 1512 patients with AD and CVD were recruited from 71 nationwide hospitals. The patients were given galantamine for 16 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the score on the Attention Questionnaire Scale (AQS), which measures the patients’ attention in their daily lives. The secondary outcome measures were the scores on the Korean Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Clinical Dementia Rating scale and the Global Deterioration Scale. Efficacy measures were calculated both at baseline and at the end of the treatment (week 16).

Results

The responders rate on the AQS (change of the AQS from baseline >0) was 60.6% in AD patients with CVD. At the end of the treatment, both the AQS (15.0 ± 5.7 vs 16.3 ± 5.8, P < 0.001) and the Korean Mini‐Mental State Examination scores (17.8 ± 4.8 vs 18.1 ± 5.1, P < 0.001) showed a significant improvement relative to the baseline performance. The Clinical Dementia Rating (1.25 ± 0.59 vs 1.22 ± 0.63 P = 0.025) and Global Deterioration Scale (3.82 ± 0.94 vs 3.76 ± 0.96, P = 0.002) scores also showed a significant decrease at the end of the treatment.

Conclusions

Galantamine is effective in improving attention in the daily lives of AD patients with CVD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1661–1668.
Characteristics of physical prefrailty among Japanese healthy older adults
Authors: Matsushita Eiji , Okada Kiwako , Ito Yui , Satake Shosuke , Shiraishi Nariaki , Hirose Takahisa , Kuzuya Masafumi
Published: December 2016

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the characteristics of frailty at an early stage (prefrailty) in a healthy elderly Japanese population.

Methods

The participants were 620 healthy older adults (age range 60–89 years) who were current students or graduates of a community college for older adults in Japan. All participants were evaluated using the Kihon Checklist, a tool developed to screen for frailty in Japan. The participants were categorized by the Fried criteria (lost weight, handgrip strength, walking speed, exhaustion, physical activity) into either a prefrailty (1–2 criteria) or a non‐frailty (0 criterion) group.

Results

In the logistic regression model for the prevalence of prefrailty, significant and independent determinants were chronic constipation (odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–3.90, P = 0.016), occurrence of incontinence (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.39–2.82, P < 0.001), unable to climb stairs (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.26–7.02, P = 0.013), dry mouth (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.04–2.22, P = 0.029), a lack of fulfillment (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.26–7.93, P = 0.015), found easy tasks difficult (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.30–5.85, P = 0.008) and felt helpless (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.02–4.39, P = 0.044).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the appearance of autonomic failure, oral malfunction and some psychological factors in relation to depressed mood, but not anthropometric measurements, are characteristic of prefrailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1568–1574.
Place Marketing, Place Branding, and Social Media: Perspectives of Municipal Practitioners
Authors: Cleave Evan , Arku Godwin , Sadler Richard , Kyeremeh Emmanuel
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this paper is to examine how social media is used as a promotional tool for economic development at the municipal level through place marketing and branding, to identify and explore what specific tools are being used, and to discuss the strengths and limitations of use. Primary data was collected through in‐depth interviews with 16 municipal economic development practitioners in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Additional data collected from municipal social media accounts was used to further reinforce the qualitative data and allow for triangulation and greater breadth of analysis. The findings suggest that social media is being used as a tool to promote local services and political information rather than communicate a brand position. Additionally, limited interaction with the audience reduces not only the effectiveness of place marketing efforts but also enhancement of place brands. While some findings are place specific (as study design limited research participants to municipalities in Ontario), these findings can be shared with other locales in advanced economies to provide them with information to make improvements in the way communication technology is utilised. This research paper provides a better understanding of how social media is being used by municipalities and how it fits into place marketing and place branding.
Epigenetic regulation of the glucose transporter geneSlc2a1by β‐hydroxybutyrate underlies preferential glucose supply to the brain of fasted mice
Authors: Tanegashima Kosuke , Sato‐Miyata Yukiko , Funakoshi Masabumi , Nishito Yasumasa , Aigaki Toshiro , Hara Takahiko
Published: December 2016

We carried out liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis of metabolites in mice. Those metabolome data showed that hepatic glucose content is reduced, but that brain glucose content is unaffected, during fasting, consistent with the priority given to brain glucose consumption during fasting. The molecular mechanisms for this preferential glucose supply to the brain are not fully understood. We also showed that the fasting‐induced production of the ketone body β‐hydroxybutyrate (β‐OHB) enhances expression of the glucose transporter geneSlc2a1(Glut1) via histone modification. Upon β‐OHB treatment,Slc2a1expression was up‐regulated, with a concomitant increase in H3K9 acetylation at the criticalcis‐regulatory region of theSlc2a1gene in brain microvascular endothelial cells and NB2a neuronal cells, shown by quantitative PCR analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated disruption of theHdac2gene increasedSlc2a1expression, suggesting that it is one of the responsible histone deacetylases (HDACs). These results confirm that β‐OHB is a HDAC inhibitor and show that β‐OHB plays an important role in fasting‐induced epigenetic activation of a glucose transporter gene in the brain.
The importance of mRNA structure in determining the pathogenicity of synonymous and non‐synonymous mutations in haemophilia
Authors: Hamasaki‐Katagiri N. , Lin B. C. , Simon J. , Hunt R. C. , Schiller T. , Russek‐Cohen E. , Komar A. A. , Bar H. , Kimchi‐Sarfaty C.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Mutational analysis is commonly used to support the diagnosis and management of haemophilia. This has allowed for the generation of large mutation databases which provide unparalleled insight into genotype–phenotype relationships. Haemophilia is associated with inversions, deletions, insertions, nonsense and missense mutations. Both synonymous and non‐synonymous mutations influence the base pairing of messenger RNA (mRNA), which can alter mRNA structure, cellular half‐life and ribosome processivity/elongation. However, the role of mRNA structure in determining the pathogenicity of point mutations in haemophilia has not been evaluated.

Aim

To evaluate mRNA thermodynamic stability and associated RNA prediction software as a means to distinguish between neutral and disease‐associated mutations in haemophilia.

Methods

Five mRNA structure prediction software programs were used to assess the thermodynamic stability of mRNA fragments carrying neutral vs. disease‐associated and synonymous vs. non‐synonymous point mutations in F8, F9 and a third X‐linked gene, DMD (dystrophin).

Results

In F8 and DMD, disease‐associated mutations tend to occur in more structurally stable mRNA regions, represented by lower MFE (minimum free energy) levels. In comparing multiple software packages for mRNA structure prediction, a 101–151 nucleotide fragment length appears to be a feasible range for structuring future studies.

Conclusion

mRNA thermodynamic stability is one predictive characteristic, which when combined with other RNA and protein features, may offer significant insight when screening sequencing data for novel disease‐associated mutations. Our results also suggest potential utility in evaluating the mRNA thermodynamic stability profile of a gene when determining the viability of interchanging codons for biological and therapeutic applications.
Primary Headaches in an Elderly Population Seeking Medical Care for Cognitive Decline
Authors: Feleppa Michele , Fucci Silvia , Bigal Marcelo E.
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of specific headache disorders in a population older than 65 years seeking consultation due to memory problems or cognitive impairment.

Methods

We verified the occurrence of headache symptoms and the impact of headaches on daily life. Headaches were classified as per the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition (ICHD‐2). All patients were screened with the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), followed by the Selective Reminding Test and neuroimaging. Participants with severe cognitive impairment or dementia were excluded.

Results

A total of 1,237 patients (51.6% women), with mean age of 75.6 years (SD = 6.9) were screened from January 2006 to December 2014. Of them, 302 (24.4%) patients suffered from headaches. Most common individual diagnoses were probable migraine (13.8%), episodic tension‐type headache (3.4%), and episodic migraine (3.0%). Chronic migraine or probable chronic migraine happened in 3.5%, while chronic tension‐type headache affected 0.6%. Most patients with headaches routinely used symptomatic medications (55.6%). Mean MMSE scores were similar in patients with or without headaches, or with different headache diagnoses.

Conclusions

Headache disorders overall, frequent headaches, and headaches requiring treatment are commonly seen in the elderly seeking care for cognitive decline and should be properly assessed and managed.
A Revolution of Love: Thinking through a Dialectic that is Not “One”
Authors: Roberts Laura
Published: December 2016

Luce Irigaray argues that the way to overcome the culture of narcissism in the Western tradition is to recognize sexuate difference and to refigure subjectivity as sexuate. This article is an attempt to unpack how Irigaray's philosophical refiguring of love as an intermediary works in this process of reimagining subjectivity as sexuate. If we trace the moments in Irigaray's philosophy where she engages with Hegel's dialectic, and rethinks this dialectical process via the question of sexual difference and a refiguring of love, a clearer reading of her work as groundbreaking and ultimately refiguring our (Western) ontological structures becomes possible. Consequently, if we do not understand Irigaray's radical reformulation of love, we will miss her larger ontological project and fail to properly appreciate her comments on other types of difference—for example, differences of race, tradition, religion. This article argues that as we begin to appreciate the ways in which Irigaray refigures both love and thought as the intermediary, an intermediary that fundamentally disrupts phallocentric binary logic, we can begin to imagine how refiguring the most intimate human experience of love can lead us toward the realization of an ethical political community in which difference in all forms is nourished.
Collective Love as Public Freedom: Dancing Resistance. Ehrenreich, Arendt, Kristeva, andIdle No More
Authors: Weir Allison
Published: December 2016

In the Indigenous resistance movement that came to be known as “Idle No More,” round dances played a central role. From the beginning of the movement in western Canada in the winter of 2012–13, and as it spread across Turtle Island (North America) and throughout the world, round dances served to bring together Indigenous and non‐Indigenous activists with people in the streets. “At almost every event, we collectively embodied our diverse and ancient traditions in the round dance by taking the movement to the streets, malls and highways across Turtle Island” (The Kino‐nda‐niimi Collective 2014, 24). But why was the round dance important, and how does the dance work to support political resistance?
Expectancy‐value theory contributes to understanding consumer attitudes towards cow's milk alternatives and variants
Authors: Kempen Elizabeth , Kasambala Josephine , Christie Lorna , Symington Elize , Jooste Lizette , Van Eeden Tertia
Published: December 2016

Although South Africans mostly consume cow's milk, cow's milk alternatives/variants are increasingly becoming popular and this could be attributed to higher demand and changing consumer attitudes. Using expectancy‐value theory approach, this study aimed to explore consumers' beliefs that exist to influence their attitude towards cow's milk alternatives/variants and consequently the acceptance or non‐acceptance thereof. Thirteen focus groups, each with four to eight participants, were conducted at the University of South Africa (Unisa) Science Campus in Florida, Gauteng, South Africa. Genders were separated to improve the facilitation of the discussion. The semi‐structured discussions explored and gave an insight into consumer attitudes and perceptions that influence acceptance of cow's milk alternatives/variants. The recorded discussions were transcribed and the content was analyzed for emerging themes and categories by two independent parties, who then compared these emerging themes and categories. Results showed that the primary factors that influence consumers' beliefs and, ultimately, attitude formation and predisposition to accept or reject cow's milk alternatives/variants are acquired through knowledge and perceptions coming from (1) direct experiences, such asfamiliaritywith the products' internal and external attributes,conditional willingnessandcausal factors, (2) indirect experiences ingrained from childhood and (3) association, where consumers had no reference to the product to attach attributes for belief formation, leading to beingastonishedat the thought, being curious about the product or having no interest in it. This study demonstrated that consumers' acceptance of cow's milk alternatives/variants will ultimately depend on product‐related expectations.
Consumption of special diets among adolescents from 1999 to 2013: A population‐based study in Finland
Authors: Parviainen Heli , Elorinne Anna‐Liisa , Väisänen Pertti , Rimpelä Arja
Published: December 2016

Special diets are consumed as a treatment for diseases such as food allergies, diabetes, lactose intolerance, and coeliac disease. Lifestyle‐related diets, such as vegetarian, weight‐reducing, sports, bodybuilding, and low‐carbohydrate diets, can also be called special diets. The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of and reasons for special diet consumption as a therapeutic measure or as a lifestyle‐related choice among 12‐ to 18‐year‐old Finns. Nationwide cross‐sectional data were collected by mailed, self‐administered questionnaires in 1999, 2001, 2007, and 2013. The number of respondents varied from 3535 to 8219, and response rates ranged from 38% to 76%. Consumption of special diets, both for therapeutic purposes and as a lifestyle‐related choice, showed a significant increasing trend in 12‐ to 18‐year‐olds from 1999 to 2013 (p < .001). During the study period, the most frequently‐reported single diets in adolescents were vegetarian and lactose intolerance diets. However, a fluctuation trend was observed in the consumption of different lifestyle‐related diets. Further, a growing number of respondents, especially girls, reported simultaneous consumption of a combination of two or more therapeutic and/or lifestyle‐related diets. The reason(s) for choosing a therapeutic diet seems to stay constant during the studied period. In contrast, a wide variety of reasons such as health, wellbeing, body weight, ethical, and ideological reasons, and the avoidance of some specific foods were given for the consumption of lifestyle‐related diets. Our study results correspond well to the increased prevalence of common illnesses in Finland. Data also reveal the properties of special diet consumption among adolescents in the long run, and this highlights the need to further educate Finnish adolescents on nutrition literacy.
Educating limited resource older adults for better choices to lower risk of food insecurity
Authors: Bird Carolyn L. , McClelland Jacquelyn W.
Published: December 2016

United States (U.S.) national and North Carolina state data on older adult food insecurity in combination with associated poor nutrition‐related health outcomes point to a critical need for interventions to improve their food security. Nearly 8% of North Carolinians aged 60 and older and 11% of those aged 50–59 are food insecure, placing North Carolina in the top ten states in the U.S. for food insecurity for both age groups. Therefore, the Better Choices intervention was designed to educate limited‐income older adults in ways to manage their meager resources to purchase more and healthier foods. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Better Choices intervention in improving the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of participants concerning their food money resource management. Older adults (n = 453) with ages ranging from 59 to over 90 years participated in 8 weeks of educational programming delivered by educators in 15 participating North Carolina counties. In a cross‐over program design participating counties were randomly assigned to two groups, to create a control for the food money resource management treatment. A three‐points‐in‐time survey supported longitudinal measurement. Independent samples t‐tests showed no significant differences between groups at baseline. Paired sample t‐test results show the intervention was effective with statistically significant improvement of participants' knowledge regarding preparing a healthy meal on a budget, beans as a low‐cost alternative to meat, and the use of unit pricing to compare products to identify the best value. Participant‐developed action plans reflected planned behavior change. Study results show this group of older adults were capable of and willing to adopt new behaviors for a healthier lifestyle. While not a representative sample, the broad applicability of adult learning and planned behavior theories underpinning the program lead us to conclude that the methods and theories applied in this intervention should be of use to educators and practitioners serving limited‐resource older adult populations.
Maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI downregulates neonatal cord bloodLEPmethylation
Authors: Kadakia R. , Zheng Y. , Zhang Z. , Zhang W. , Hou L. , Josefson J. L.
Published: December 2016

Background

Neonatal adiposity has many determinants and may be a risk factor for future obesity. Epigenetic regulation of metabolically important genes is a potential contributor.

Objectives

The objective of the study is to determine whether methylation changes in theLEPgene in cord blood DNA are impacted by the maternal environment or affect neonatal adiposity measures.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 114 full‐term neonates born to healthy mothers with normal glucose tolerance was performed. Cord blood was assayed for leptin and genome‐wide DNA methylation profiles via the Illumina 450K platform. Neonatal body composition was measured by air displacement plethysmography. Multivariate linear regression models and semi‐partial correlation coefficients were used to analyze associations. False discovery rate was estimated to account for multiple comparisons.

Results

Maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI was associated with decreased methylation at five CpG sites near theLEPtranscription start site in an adjusted model (false discovery rate <0.022 for each site). The association between maternal BMI and cord blood leptin approached significance (r = 0.18,p = 0.054). Cord blood leptin was positively correlated with neonatal adiposity measures including birth weight (r = 0.45,p < 0.001), fat mass (r = 0.47,p < 0.001) and percent body fat (r = 0.44,p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI is strongly associated with decreased cord bloodLEPgene methylation and may mediate the well‐known association between maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI and neonatal adiposity.
Child labour measurement: Whom should we ask?
Authors: JANZEN Sarah A.
Published: December 2016

Funding decisions to support vulnerable children are tied to child labour statistics, hence the importance of an accurate measurement. The author analyses whether the type of respondent plays an important role in explaining variations in child labour statistics. Using data from two sites in Tanzania, the analysis shows that “whom we ask” matters considerably when estimating the prevalence of child labour. The results suggest that prevalence increases by approximately 35 to 65 per cent when using child self‐reports rather than proxy reports. This bias affects 14 to 31 per cent of the sample, depending on the indicator. Discrepancies decrease as the child ages and increase if proxy attitudes demonstrate opposition to child labour.
Nursing interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients: a systematic review
Authors: Kazemzadeh Z. , Manzari Z.S. , Pouresmail Z.
Published: December 2016

Aim

This study aimed to clarify the role of nurses in planning and implementation of nursing interventions related to smoking cessation.

Background and introduction

Nearly half of all smokers die from smoking‐related illnesses. Quitting smoking can reduce these problems. Smoking cessation interventions include various types helping smokers successfully quit. Studies suggest that hospitalization can be a golden opportunity for nurses helping patients to quit smoking because of No Smoking regulations.

Method

A systematic review of the literature was carried through Web of Knowledge, ProQuest, Medscape, MedlinePlus, Ovid SID, Magiran, PubMed, and Science Direct databases between 1990–2015 on the subject of interest by keywords: role of nursing in smoking cessation, nursing intervention in smoking cessation, smoking cessation, smoking quitting and interventions planned by nurse.

Result

Nineteen papers were systematic examined, dealing with smoking cessation interventions by nurses. Totally, 17 studies used counselling for quitting smoking. Most studies involved other methods such as manuals, pamphlets, brochures training or printed educational materials, audio and video file. Some studies used nicotine replacement methods for patients such as nicotine skin tags, chewing nicotine or bupropion. Moreover, 17 studies were conducted by telephone at patients' follow‐up after hospital discharge.

Conclusion

Nurses' interventions for smoking cessation play an important role in helping patients quit smoking successfully. There are a variety of interventions that nurses can employ according to the patient's condition and diagnosis of different diseases.

Implication for nursing and health policy

Quitting smoking can reduce lung cancers and other health problems. Nurses play an important role in helping patients to quit smoking.
Testing the influence of surfactant‐based wound dressings on proteinase activity
Authors: Jeong Sunyoung , Schultz Gregory S , Gibson Daniel J
Published: December 2016

Proteinases are enzymes that can digest other proteins. In chronic wounds, a sub‐class of these enzymes with the ability to degrade the extracellular matrix (matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs) have been found to both inhibit healing and to be able to aid in enzymatically debriding a wound. Enzymatic debridement using the enzymes present in a wound is generally called autolytic debridement. Clinicians seeking to employ autolytic debridement typically use occlusive materials such as medical honey, alginate dressings and other occlusive dressings. A relatively new class of gel dressings comprised of surfactants are now available for clinical use. A variety of surfactants are used in the study of MMP biochemistry. Surfactants can deactivate MMPs or can enhance their activity, depending on the surfactant. In order to begin to understand how the MMPs found in chronic wounds would respond to these new dressings, we tested a serial dilution series of two of the currently available surfactant‐based dressings to determine their effects on four separate MMPs. The dose–response versus MMP activity of bacterial collagenase, host‐derived MMP‐8 and MMPs‐2 and ‐9 was assessed using a simple mix‐and‐read fluorescent peptide activity assay. The enzyme's native activity in the absence of the gel was used to compare against the surfactant‐treated samples. We found that the surfactant affected the proteinase activity differently for each enzyme. The activity of the bacterial collagenase was increased at low concentrations but slightly inhibited as the concentrations increased. The host MMP‐8 collagenase responded similarly in that it was inhibited at higher concentrations. Interestingly, both MMP gelatinases presented with substantially increased activities, with MMP‐2 increased to 200% of native activity, while MMP‐9 presented with an increase of 300% activity over the same concentration range. MMPs appear to respond to a surfactant‐based gel dressing differentially, with the MMP most commonly elevated in chronic wounds having the highest boost to activity. In wounds with elevated MMPs, our data suggest that the use of these surfactant‐based dressings would be expected to enhance the activity of MMPs 2 and 9 gelatinases while simultaneously inhibiting MMP‐8 collagenase. Hypothetically, this imbalanced effect would support a protection of the native dermal collagen and removal of denatured materials. However, the demonstration of these anticipated consequences is still being investigated.
Independent risk factors for the development of skin erosion due to incontinence (incontinence‐associated dermatitis category 2) in nursing home residents: results from a multivariate binary regression analysis
Authors: Van Damme Nele , Van den Bussche Karen , De Meyer Dorien , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie , Beeckman Dimitri
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to identify characteristics independently associated with a higher risk of developing skin damage because of incontinence [incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD) category 2] in nursing home residents. As part of a larger randomised controlled trial, IAD incidence was monitored for 1 month in a sample of 381 incontinent residents using a validated IAD Severity Categorisation Tool. Data on demographical, physical, functional and psychological characteristics were collected. The overall IAD incidence (category 1–2) was 30·0%, and 6% of the participants developed skin damage (IAD category 2). Residents who developed IAD category 2 were less mobile [odds ratio (OR) 2·72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·06–6·94], had more friction and shear issues (OR 2·54; 95% CI 1·02–6·33) and had more erythema due to incontinence (OR 3·02; 95% CI 1·04–8·73) before IAD category 2 occurrence. Care providers should give full attention to risk factors to both detect residents at risk for IAD development and to start prevention in time.
Heterosis in hybrids within and between yeast species
Authors: Bernardes J. P. , Stelkens R. B. , Greig D.
Published: December 2016

The performance of hybrids relative to their parents is an important factor in speciation research. We measured the growth of 46 Saccharomyces yeast F1 interspecific and intraspecific hybrids, relative to the growth of each of their parents, in pairwise competition assays. We found that the growth of a hybrid relative to the average of its parents, a measure of mid‐parent heterosis, correlated with the difference in parental growth relative to their hybrid, a measure of phenotypic divergence, which is consistent with simple complementation of low fitness alleles in one parent by high fitness alleles in the other. Interspecific hybrids showed stronger heterosis than intraspecific hybrids. To manipulate parental phenotypic divergence independently of genotype, we also measured the competitive growth of a single interspecific hybrid relative to its parents in 12 different environments. In these assays, we not only identified a strong relationship between parental phenotypic divergence and mid‐parent heterosis as before, but, more tentatively, a weak relationship between phenotypic divergence and best‐parent heterosis, suggesting that complementation of deleterious mutations was not the sole cause of interspecific heterosis. Our results show that mating between different species can be beneficial, and demonstrate that competition assays between parents and offspring are a useful way to study the evolutionary consequences of hybridization.
An In Vitro Evaluation of Human Enamel Surfaces Subjected to Erosive Challenge After Bleaching
Authors: de Fátima Carvalho Vasconcelos Maria , Fonseca‐Gonçalves Andréa , de França adílis Kalina Alexandria , de Medeiros Urubatan Vieira , Maia Lucianne Cople , Queiroz Celso Silva
Published: December 2016

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate whether tooth enamel bleached with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is more susceptible to erosion when compared with unbleached tooth enamel; and whether the presence of calcium (Ca) in the bleaching gel influenced this process.

Materials and Methods

Enamel blocks were prepared from human molars, and submitted to surface microhardness analysis (baseline). Blocks were prepared and randomly divided into four treatment groups (n = 20): G1 and G2—bleached with 7.5% H2O2, with and without Ca, respectively; G3 and G4—bleached with 35% H2O2, with and without Ca, respectively. After bleaching, these groups were submitted to an erosive challenge with 1% citric acid. G5 and G6 (n = 20, each) were the negative (without bleaching) and positive controls (without bleaching, but with erosion), respectively. The percentage of surface hardness loss (%SHL), the 3D non‐contact profilometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses were performed.

Results

G2 showed the highest %SHL after bleaching. G1 presented the lowest %SHL in comparison with G2, G3, G4, and G6 after erosion (p < 0.05), which was confirmed only by the SEM analysis.

Conclusion

It is suggested that low concentration of H2O2 with calcium can be recommended for at‐home bleaching agents, which may avoid the mineral loss of bleached enamel after an erosive challenge.

Clinical Significance

Low concentration of H202 with calcium can be recommended for at‐home bleaching agents, which may avoid the mineral loss of bleached enamel after an erosive challenge. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:128–136, 2017)
Association Between Confidence in Smiling and Esthetic Characteristics
Authors: Muniz Francisco Wilker Mustafa Gomes , Cavalcante Denise Juaçaba , Moreira Maria Mônica Studart Mendes , Rodrigues Lidiany Karla Azevedo , de Oliveira Fernandes Carlos Augusto , de Almeida Paulo César , de Sousa Carvalho Rosimary
Published: December 2016

Objective

This study aimed to analyze which facial, gingival and dental characteristics are associated with confidence in smiling among 75 subjects seeking treatment in a northern Brazilian public dental university.

Materials and Methods

Clinical examinations and three standardized photographs of each subject were taken by one trained examiner. In addition, a questionnaire was applied to assess confidence in smiling. The subjects were dichotomized into two groups, non‐confident (n = 36) and confident (n = 39) in smiling. Chi‐square/Fischer exact test were used to associate the facial, gingival and dental characteristics between groups.

Results

The subjects that reported to be non‐confident in smiling were statistically associated with smile type (p = 0.030) and wrongly positioned teeth (p = 0.047). On the other hand, gender (p = 0.491), marital status (p = 0.217), gum pigmentation (p = 0.930), midline (p = 0.176), volume of the upper (p = 0.380), and lower (p = 0.615) lips were not associated with self‐reported confidence in smiling.

Conclusion

In patients seeking dental treatment in a public dental university, non‐confidence in smiling was associated only with some oral and intraoral characteristics and not with demographic characteristics.

Clinical Significance

This study showed that only smile type and wrongly positioned teeth were statistically associated with confidence in smiling. Dentists should pay attention to those intraoral characteristics, but the clinical decision making should always include the patients' perception. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:E56–E66, 2017)
Micro‐CT versus synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging of human cochlea
Authors: ELFARNAWANY M. , ALAM S. RIYAHI , ROHANI S.A. , ZHU N. , AGRAWAL S.K. , LADAK H.M.
Published: December 2016

High‐resolution images of the cochlea are used to develop atlases to extract anatomical features from low‐resolution clinical computed tomography (CT) images. We compare visualization and contrast of conventional absorption‐based micro‐CT to synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR‐PCI) images of whole unstained, nondecalcified human cochleae. Three cadaveric cochleae were imaged using SR‐PCI and micro‐CT. Images were visually compared and contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNRs) were computed from n = 27 regions‐of‐interest (enclosing soft tissue) for quantitative comparisons. Three‐dimensional (3D) models of cochlear internal structures were constructed from SR‐PCI images using a semiautomatic segmentation method. SR‐PCI images provided superior visualization of soft tissue microstructures over conventional micro‐CT images. CNR improved from 7.5 ± 2.5 in micro‐CT images to 18.0 ± 4.3 in SR‐PCI images (p < 0.0001). The semiautomatic segmentations yielded accurate reconstructions of 3D models of the intracochlear anatomy. The improved visualization, contrast and modelling achieved using SR‐PCI images are very promising for developing atlas‐based segmentation methods for postoperative evaluation of cochlear implant surgery.
Modulation of diet‐induced mechanical allodynia by metabolic parameters and inflammation
Authors: Cooper Michael A. , Ryals Janelle M. , Wu Pau‐Yen , Wright Kellen D. , Walter Katherine R. , Wright Douglas E.
Published: December 2016

Dietary‐associated diseases have increased tremendously in our current population, yet key molecular changes associated with high‐fat diets that cause clinical pre‐diabetes, obesity, hyperglycemia, and peripheral neuropathy remain unclear. This study examines molecular and metabolic aspects altered by voluntary exercise and a high‐fat diet in the mouse dorsal root ganglion. Mice were examined for changes in mRNA and proteins encoding anti‐inflammatory mediators, metabolic‐associated molecules, and pain‐associated ion channels. Proteins involved in the synaptosomal complex and pain‐associated TRP ion channels decrease in the dorsal root ganglion of high‐fat exercise animals relative to their sedentary controls. Exercise reversed high‐fat diet induced mechanical allodynia without affecting weight gain, elevated blood glucose, and utilization of fat as a fuel source. Independent of weight or fat mass changes, high‐fat exercised mice display reduced inflammation‐associated mRNAs. The benefits of exercise on abnormal peripheral nerve function appear to occur independent of systemic metabolic changes, suggesting that the utilization of fats and inflammation in the peripheral nervous system may be key for diet‐induced peripheral nerve dysfunction and the response to exercise.
Exploratory analysis of textual data from the Mother and Child Handbook using a text mining method (II): Monthly changes in the words recorded by mothers
Authors: Tagawa Miki , Matsuda Yoshio , Manaka Tomoko , Kobayashi Makiko , Ohwada Michitaka , Matsubara Shigeki
Published: December 2016

Aim

The aim of the study was to examine the possibility of converting subjective textual data written in the free column space of the Mother and Child Handbook (MCH) into objective information using text mining and to compare any monthly changes in the words written by the mothers.

Methods

Pregnant women without complications (n = 60) were divided into two groups according to State–Trait Anxiety Inventory grade: low trait anxiety (group I, n = 39) and high trait anxiety (group II, n = 21). Exploratory analysis of the textual data from the MCH was conducted by text mining using the Word Miner software program. Using 1203 structural elements extracted after processing, a comparison of monthly changes in the words used in the mothers' comments was made between the two groups. The data was mainly analyzed by a correspondence analysis.

Results

The structural elements in groups I and II were divided into seven and six clusters, respectively, by cluster analysis. Correspondence analysis revealed clear monthly changes in the words used in the mothers' comments as the pregnancy progressed in group I, whereas the association was not clear in group II.

Conclusion

The text mining method was useful for exploratory analysis of the textual data obtained from pregnant women, and the monthly change in the words used in the mothers' comments as pregnancy progressed differed according to their degree of unease.
Surgical treatment of mature cystic teratomas: A comparison of emergent and elective surgeries
Authors: Ganer Herman Hadas , Sagiv Ron , Raphaeli Hagit , Kerner Ram , Keidar Ran , Bar Jacob , Ginath Shimon
Published: December 2016

Aim

To compare patient characteristics, imaging and surgical management of mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) according to surgery type – elective versus emergent.

Methods

The study included surgeries performed between 1990 and 2016, during which histologically verified ovarian MCT material was obtained. The elective management group included surgeries performed at a pre‐set date or incidental finding of MCT as part of a different surgery. Emergent surgeries were considered as such if performed as a result of suspected adnexal torsion.

Results

One hundred ninety two operations in which MCT was confirmed by histology were included: 136 elective, 56 emergent. The majority (88.5%) of study patients were of reproductive age. Patients in the emergent surgery group were significantly younger (27.5 ± 10.2 vs 36 ± 13.8 years, P < 0.001). Sensitivity for dermoid diagnosis was significantly increased among elective surgery patients (65.2% vs. 47.1%, P = 0.02). Laparoscopy was the preferred surgical mode in both study groups. Adnexal torsion was confirmed in 67.8% of emergent surgeries. Conservative surgery, including cystectomy with or without detorsion, was more commonly performed in emergent surgeries (91% vs. 72.7%, P = 0.006). Bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy with or without total abdominal hysterectomy was more commonly performed in elective surgery patients (22% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.001). Patient parity, mass size and white blood cell count were independently associated with adnexal torsion.

Conclusions

Adnexal torsion is common among symptomatic patients with MCT and is related to mass size, patient age, past parity and white blood cell count. Most patients with MCT are of reproductive age and thus are treated with a minimally invasive approach.
Effects of noise exposure on neonatal auditory brainstem response thresholds in pregnant guinea pigs at different gestational periods
Authors: Morimoto Chihiro , Nario Kazuhiko , Nishimura Tadashi , Shimokura Ryota , Hosoi Hiroshi , Kitahara Tadashi
Published: December 2016

Aim

Noise exposure during pregnancy has been reported to cause fetal hearing impairment. However, little is known about the effects of noise exposure during various gestational stages on postnatal hearing. In the present study, we investigated the effects of noise exposure on auditory brainstem response (ABR) at the early, mid‐, and late gestational periods in newborn guinea pigs.

Methods

Pregnant guinea pigs were exposed to 4‐kHz pure tone at a 120‐dB sound pressure level for 4 h. We divided the animals into four groups as follows: the control, early gestational exposure, mid‐gestational exposure, and late gestational exposure groups. ABR thresholds and latencies in newborns were recorded using 1‐, 2‐, and 4‐kHz tone burst on postnatal days 1, 7, 14, and 28. Changes in ABR thresholds and latencies were measured between the 4 × 4 and 4 × 3 factorial groups mentioned above (gestational periods × postnatal days, gestational periods × frequencies).

Results

The thresholds were low in the order of control group < early gestational exposure group < mid‐gestational exposure group and late gestational exposure group. Noise exposure during pregnancy influenced ABR thresholds in neonatal guinea pigs.

Conclusion

This is the first study to show that noise exposure during the early, mid‐, and late gestational periods significantly elevated ABR thresholds in neonatal guinea pigs.
Clinical study on the factors affecting the post‐partum recovery of patients with hypertensive pregnancy disorders at a Chinese hospital
Authors: Wei Jun , Wang Yan , Xu Jiayuan , Zhang Chunfang , Zhou Helen , Liu Guoli
Published: December 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the post‐partum recovery of blood pressure (BP) in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and to evaluate HDP risk factors.

Methods

A total of 124 patients with gestational hypertension (n = 63) or pre‐eclampsia (n = 61) who gave birth at Peking University People's Hospital between January and December 2013 were included in this study. The recorded clinical and laboratory parameters included the patients' general information, maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, gestational age at onset and delivery, delivery mode and time taken for BP to return to normal level. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of various risk factors on post‐partum BP recovery.

Results

The mean interval for BP normalization was 24.1 ± 22.8 days (median, 7 days). Forty‐six percent of the patients recovered from hypertension within three days, and 75% recovered within six weeks of delivery. About 90% of the patients required 60 days for BP to normalize after delivery. After adjusting for confounding factors, post‐partum recovery from hypertension was found to be influenced by hypertension severity, maternal serum albumin level, a family history of hypertension and gestational week at delivery.

Conclusions

The BP of the majority of the patients with gestational hypertension or pre‐eclampsia returned to normal within 60 days of delivery. Hypertension severity, maternal serum albumin level, a family history of family hypertension and gestational week at delivery influenced the time required for BP normalization.
Consequences of delayed diagnosis of acute gastrointestinal intussusception, secondary to endometriosis
Authors: Chantalat Elodie , Tuyeras Géraud , Leguevaque Pierre , Delchier Marie Charlotte , Vaysse Charlotte , Genre Ludivine
Published: December 2016

Ileocecocolic intussusception due to cecal endometriotic lesion is extremely rare, with symptoms that are often non‐specific, and delay in receiving support is resented by patients. We report the case of a 39‐year‐old woman who presented with major complications as a result of delayed diagnosis of cecal endometriosis. She experienced a diagnostic error that led to medical abortion for intractable vomiting, for which the pregnancy had been considered the only cause, resulting in secondary infertility. Six years later, she developed acute bowel intussusception after surgical treatment of rectal endometriosis requiring emergency surgery with ileocecal resection. After review of the literature, we draw attention to the major consequences of delay in diagnosis in the present case. Consequently, cecal location must not be missed in the diagnostic workup of gastrointestinal endometriosis.