bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene–Gene Interactions Among PRKCA, NOS3 and BDKRB2 Polymorphisms Affect the Antihypertensive Effects of Enalapril
Authors: Oliveira‐Paula Gustavo H. , Luizon Marcelo R. , Lacchini Riccardo , Fontana Vanessa , Silva Pamela S. , Biagi Celso , Tanus‐Santos Jose E.
Published: October 2016

Protein kinase C (PKC) signalling is critically involved in the control of blood pressure. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) affect PKC expression and activity, which are partially associated with the responses to ACEi. We examined whether PRKCA (protein kinase C, alpha) polymorphisms (rs887797 C>T, rs1010544 T>C and rs16960228 G>A), or haplotypes, and gene–gene interactions within the ACEi pathway affect the antihypertensive responses in 104 hypertensive patients treated with enalapril as monotherapy. Patients were classified as poor responders (PR) or good responders (GR) to enalapril if their changes in mean arterial pressure were lower or higher than the median value, respectively. Multi‐factor dimensionality reduction was used to characterize interactions among PRKCA, NOS3 (nitric oxide synthase 3) and BDKRB2 (bradykinin receptor B2) polymorphisms. The TC+CC genotypes for the rs1010544 polymorphism were more frequent in GR than in PR (p = 0.037). Conversely, the GA+AA genotypes for the rs16960228 polymorphism, and the CTA haplotype, were more frequent in PR than in GR (p = 0.040 and p = 0.008, respectively). Moreover, the GG genotype for the PRKCA rs16960228 polymorphism was associated with PR or GR depending on the genotypes for the rs2070744 (NOS3) and rs1799722 (BDKRB2) polymorphisms (p = 0.012). Our results suggest that PRKCA polymorphisms and gene–gene interactions within the ACEi pathway affect the antihypertensive responses to enalapril.
Child behaviour problems and childhood illness: development of the Eczema Behaviour Checklist
Authors: Mitchell A. E. , Morawska A. , Fraser J. A. , Sillar K.
Published: October 2016

Background/Objectives

Children with atopic dermatitis are at increased risk of both general behaviour problems, and those specific to the condition and its treatment. This can hamper the ability of parents to carry out treatment and manage the condition effectively. To date, there is no published instrument available to assess child behaviour difficulties in the context of atopic dermatitis management. Our aim was to develop a reliable and valid instrument to assess atopic dermatitis‐specific child behaviour problems, and parents' self‐efficacy (confidence) for managing these behaviours.

Methods

The Eczema Behaviour Checklist (EBC) was developed as a 25‐item questionnaire to measure (i) extent of behaviour problems (EBC Extent scale), and (ii) parents' self‐efficacy for managing behaviour problems (EBC Confidence scale), in the context of child atopic dermatitis management. A community‐based sample of 292 parents completed the EBC, measures of general behaviour difficulties, self‐efficacy with atopic dermatitis management and use of dysfunctional parenting strategies.

Results

There was satisfactory internal consistency and construct validity for EBC Extent and Confidence scales. There was a negative correlation between atopic dermatitis‐specific behaviour problems and parents' self‐efficacy for dealing with behaviours (r = −.53, p < .001). Factor analyses revealed a three‐factor structure for both scales: (i) treatment‐related behaviours; (ii) symptom‐related behaviours; and (iii) behaviours related to impact of the illness. Variation in parents' self‐efficacy for managing their child's atopic dermatitis was explained by intensity of illness‐specific child behaviour problems and parents' self‐efficacy for dealing with the behaviours.

Conclusions

The new measure of atopic dermatitis‐specific child behaviour problems was a stronger predictor of parents' self‐efficacy for managing their child's condition than was the measure of general child behaviour difficulties. Results provide preliminary evidence of reliability and validity of the EBC, which has potential for use in clinical and research settings, and warrant further psychometric evaluation.
Metabolic health profile in young adults with Prader–Willi syndrome: results of a 2‐year randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover GH trial
Authors: Kuppens R.J. , Bakker N.E. , Siemensma E.P.C. , Donze S.H. , Stijnen T. , Hokken‐Koelega A.C.S.
Published: October 2016

Context

Patients with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) have an increased fat mass and decreased lean body mass. GH‐treated young adults with PWS who have attained adult height benefit from continuation of growth hormone (GH) treatment, as GH maintained their improved body composition, whereas fat mass increased during the placebo period. Adults with PWS are predisposed to T2DM and cardiovascular disease. Whether GH affects metabolic health profile of this patient group is unknown.

Objective

To investigate the effects of GH vs placebo on metabolic health, in young adults with PWS who were GH‐treated for many years during childhood and had attained adult height (AH).

Method

A 2‐year, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study with stratification for gender and BMI in 27 young adults with PWS. Intervention with GH (0·67 mg/m2/day) and placebo, both for 1‐year duration.

Results

Compared to placebo, GH treatment resulted in similar glucose and insulin levels during oral glucose tolerance test. Only fasting glucose and insulin were slightly higher during GH vs placebo (+0·2 mmol/l and +18·4 pmol/l), although both remained within normal ranges in both phases. Blood pressure and lipid profile were similar after GH vs placebo. At baseline (AH) and during GH, no patients had metabolic syndrome, while 1 developed it during placebo treatment.

Conclusions

Growth hormone treatment has no adverse effects on metabolic health profile. Thus, GH‐treated young adults with PWS who have attained AH benefit from continuation of GH treatment without safety concerns regarding metabolic health.
Toward reassessing data‐deficient species
Authors: Bland Lucie M. , Bielby Jon , Kearney Stephen , Orme C. David L. , Watson James E. M. , Collen Ben
Published: October 2016

One in 6 species (13,465 species) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List is classified as data deficient due to lack of information on their taxonomy, population status, or impact of threats. Despite the chance that many are at high risk of extinction, data‐deficient species are typically excluded from global and local conservation priorities, as well as funding schemes. The number of data‐deficient species will greatly increase as the IUCN Red List becomes more inclusive of poorly known and speciose groups. A strategic approach is urgently needed to enhance the conservation value of data‐deficient assessments. To develop this, we reviewed 2879 data‐deficient assessments in 6 animal groups and identified 8 main justifications for assigning data‐deficient status (type series, few records, old records, uncertain provenance, uncertain population status or distribution, uncertain threats, taxonomic uncertainty, and new species). Assigning a consistent set of justification tags (i.e., consistent assignment to assessment justifications) to species classified as data deficient is a simple way to achieve more strategic assessments. Such tags would clarify the causes of data deficiency; facilitate the prediction of extinction risk; facilitate comparisons of data deficiency among taxonomic groups; and help prioritize species for reassessment. With renewed efforts, it could be straightforward to prevent thousands of data‐deficient species slipping unnoticed toward extinction.
Effectiveness of Africa's tropical protected areas for maintaining forest cover
Authors: Bowker J. N. , De Vos A. , Ament J. M. , Cumming G. S.
Published: October 2016

The effectiveness of parks for forest conservation is widely debated in Africa, where increasing human pressure, insufficient funding, and lack of management capacity frequently place significant demands on forests. Tropical forests house a substantial portion of the world's remaining biodiversity and are heavily affected by anthropogenic activity. We analyzed park effectiveness at the individual (224 parks) and national (23 countries) level across Africa by comparing the extent of forest loss (as a proxy for deforestation) inside parks to matched unprotected control sites. Although significant geographical variation existed among parks, the majority of African parks had significantly less forest loss within their boundaries (e.g., Mahale Park had 34 times less forest loss within its boundary) than control sites. Accessibility was a significant driver of forest loss. Relatively inaccessible areas had a higher probability (odds ratio >1, p < 0.001) of forest loss but only in ineffective parks, and relatively accessible areas had a higher probability of forest loss but only in effective parks. Smaller parks less effectively prevented forest loss inside park boundaries than larger parks (T = −2.32, p < 0.05), and older parks less effectively prevented forest loss inside park boundaries than younger parks (F2,154 = −4.11, p < 0.001). Our analyses, the first individual and national assessment of park effectiveness across Africa, demonstrated the complexity of factors (such as geographical variation, accessibility, and park size and age) influencing the ability of a park to curb forest loss within its boundaries.
Looking Beyond the Fenceline: Assessing Protection Gaps for the World's Rivers
Authors: Abell Robin , Lehner Bernhard , Thieme Michele , Linke Simon
Published: October 2016

Protected areas are a cornerstone strategy for terrestrial and increasingly marine biodiversity conservation, but their use for conserving inland waters has received comparatively scant attention. In 2010, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) included a target of 17% protection for inland waters, yet there has been no meaningful way of measuring progress toward that target. Defining and evaluating “protection” is especially complicated for rivers because their integrity is intimately linked to impacts in their upstream catchments. A new generation of global hydrographic data now enables a high‐resolution, standardized assessment of how upland activities may be propagated downstream. Here, we develop and apply, globally, a river protection metric that integrates both local and upstream catchment protection. We found that “integrated” river protection is highly variable across geographies and river size classes and in most basins falls short of the 17% CBD target. Around the world, about 70% of river reaches (by length) have no protected areas in their upstream catchments, and only 11.1% (by length) achieve full integrated protection. The average level of integrated protection is 13.5% globally, yet the majority of the world's largest basins show averages below 10%. Within basins, gaps are particularly severe for larger rivers.
Endobronchial involvement as an extremely rare manifestation of the Waldenström's disease
Authors: Bartáková Hana , Novák Jan , Jakša Radek , Beneš Jiří , Votruba Jiří
Published: October 2016

Pulmonary infiltration is an infrequent organ involvement in Waldenström's disease (WD). Diffuse infiltration, isolated parenchymatous nodules, and pleural effusion are the most common manifestations of WD, while endobronchial mass is extremely rare. We present a case report of a 66‐year‐old man with a long‐standing history of WD, who developed febrile neutropenia after therapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone. X‐ray and CT scan showed consolidation consistent with right‐sided pneumonia. Surprisingly, bronchoscopy revealed an endobronchial tumor obstructing the right lower lobe (RLL) and two smaller granulations. Biopsies were obtained and recanalization of the RLL bronchus was performed. Immunohistological staining of the samples was consistent with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Despite the change in therapy the patient died 6 weeks later. A review of published literature revealed only two case reports of endobronchial involvement in WD to this day. While one of the case reports described a patient with diffuse submucosal infiltration of the airways, the other one presented a patient with bronchus‐obstructing tumor similar to the case reported here.
Wnt repertoire and developmental expression patterns in the crustacean Thamnocephalus platyurus
Authors: Constantinou Savvas J. , Pace Ryan M. , Stangl A. J. , Nagy Lisa M. , Williams Terri A.
Published: October 2016

Wnt genes are a family of conserved glycoprotein ligands that play a role in a wide variety of cell and developmental processes, from cell proliferation to axis elongation. There are 13 Wnt subfamilies found among metazoans. Eleven of these appear conserved in arthropods with a pattern of loss during evolution of as many as six subfamilies among hexapods. Here we report on Wnt genes in the branchiopod crustacean, Thamnocephalus platyurus, including the first documentation of the expression of the complete Wnt gene family in a crustacean. Our results suggest fewer Wnt genes were retained in Thamnocephalus than in the related crustacean, Daphnia, although the Thamnocephalus Wnt repertoire is larger than that found in insects. We also find an intriguing pattern of staggered expression of Wnts—an anterior‐posterior stagger within the posterior growth zone and a dorsal‐ventral stagger in the developing segments—suggesting a potential for subfunctionalization of Wnts in these regions.
Integrating family work into the treatment of young people with severe and complex depression: a developmentally focused model
Authors: Rice Simon , Halperin Stephen , Blaikie Simon , Monson Katherine , Stefaniak Rachel , Phelan Mark , Davey Christopher
Published: October 2016

Aim

Although models of family intervention are clearly articulated in the child and early adolescent literature, there is less clarity regarding family intervention approaches in later adolescence and emerging adulthood.

Methods

This study provides the rationale and intervention framework for a developmentally sensitive model of time‐limited family work in the outpatient treatment of complex youth depression (15–25 years).

Results

Derived from current practice in the Youth Mood Clinic (YMC) at Orygen Youth Health, Melbourne, a stepped model of family intervention is discussed. YMC aims to provide comprehensive orientation, assessment and education to all families. For some, a family‐based intervention, delivered either by the treating team or through the integration of a specialist family worker, offers an important adjunct in supporting the recovery of the young person. Developmental phases and challenges experienced by the young person with respect to family/caregiver involvement are discussed in the context of two case studies.

Conclusions

A developmentally sensitive model is presented with particular attention to the developmental needs and preferences of young people. Formal evaluation of this model is required. Evaluation perspectives should include young people, caregivers, the broader family system (i.e. siblings) and the treating team (i.e. case manager, doctor and family worker) incorporating outcome measurement. Such work determines how best to apply a time‐limited family‐based intervention approach in strengthening family/caregiver relationships as part of the young person's recovery from severe and complex depression.
Bacterial competition and quorum‐sensing signalling shape the eco‐evolutionary outcomes of model in vitro phage therapy
Authors: Mumford Rachel , Friman Ville‐Petri
Published: October 2016

The rapid rise of antibiotic resistance has renewed interest in phage therapy – the use of bacteria‐specific viruses (phages) to treat bacterial infections. Even though phages are often pathogen‐specific, little is known about the efficiency and eco‐evolutionary outcomes of phage therapy in polymicrobial infections. We studied this experimentally by exposing both quorum‐sensing (QS) signalling PAO1 and QS‐deficient lasR Pseudomonas aeruginosa genotypes (differing in their ability to signal intraspecifically) to lytic PT7 phage in the presence and absence of two bacterial competitors: Staphylococcus aureus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia–two bacteria commonly associated with P. aeruginosa in polymicrobial cystic fibrosis lung infections. Both the P. aeruginosa genotype and the presence of competitors had profound effects on bacteria and phage densities and bacterial resistance evolution. In general, competition reduced the P. aeruginosa frequencies leading to a lower rate of resistance evolution. This effect was clearer with QS signalling PAO1 strain due to lower bacteria and phage densities and relatively larger pleiotropic growth cost imposed by both phages and competitors. Unexpectedly, phage selection decreased the total bacterial densities in the QS‐deficient lasR pathogen communities, while an increase was observed in the QS signalling PAO1 pathogen communities. Together these results suggest that bacterial competition can shape the eco‐evolutionary outcomes of phage therapy.
Ubiquitin‐proteasome‐dependent degradation of TBP‐like protein is prevented by direct binding of TFIIA
Authors: Isogai Momoko , Suzuki Hidefumi , Maeda Ryo , Tamura Taka‐aki
Published: October 2016

Although the majority of gene expression is driven by TATA‐binding protein (TBP)‐based transcription machinery, it has been reported that TBP‐related factors (TRFs) are also involved in the regulation of gene expression. TBP‐like protein (TLP), which is one of the TRFs and exhibits the highest affinity to TFIIA among known proteins, has recently been showed to have significant roles in gene regulation. However, how the level of TLP is maintained in vivo has remained unknown. In this study, we explored the mechanism by which TLP protein is turned over in vivo and the factor that maintains the amount of TLP. We showed that TLP is rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin‐proteasome system and that tight interaction with TFIIA results in protection of TLP from ubiquitin‐proteasome‐dependent degradation. The half‐life of TLP was shown to be less than a few hours, and the proteasome inhibitor MG132 specifically suppressed TLP degradation. Moreover, knockdown and over‐expression experiments showed that TFIIA is engaged in stabilization of TLPin vivo. Thus, we showed a novel characteristic of TLP, that is, interaction with TFIIA is essential to suppress proteasome‐dependent turnover of TLP, providing a further insight into TLP‐governed gene regulation.
Micro‐CT assessment of dentinal micro‐cracks after root canal filling procedures
Authors: De‐Deus G. , Belladonna F. G. , Silva E. J. N. L. , Souza E. M. , Carvalhal J. C. A. , Perez R. , Lopes R. T. , Versiani M. A.
Published: October 2016

Aim

To evaluate the frequency of dentinal micro‐cracks after root canal filling procedures with GuttaCore (GC), cold lateral compaction (CLC) and warm vertical compaction (WVC) techniques in mandibular molars using micro‐computed tomographic analysis.

Methodology

Thirty mesial roots of mandibular molars, with a type II Vertucci's canal configuration, were prepared to working length with a Reciproc R40 instrument and randomly assigned to one of the three experimental groups (n = 10), according to the technique used for root filling: GC, CLC or WVC. The GC group was filled with a size 40 GC obturator, whilst CLC and WVC groups used conventional gutta‐percha cones. AH Plus sealer was used in all groups. The specimens were scanned at an isotropic resolution of 14.25 μm before and after root canal preparation and after root filling. Then, all pre‐ and postoperative cross‐sectional images of the roots (n = 41 660) were screened to identify the presence of dentinal defects.

Results

Overall, 30.75% (n = 12 810) of the pre‐ + post‐filling images displayed dentinal defects. In the GC, CLC and WVC groups, dentinal micro‐cracks were observed in 18.68% (n = 2510), 15.99% (n = 2389) and 11.34% (n = 1506) of the cross‐sectional images, respectively. All micro‐cracks identified in the post‐filling scans were also observed in the corresponding post‐preparation images.

Conclusion

Root fillings in all techniques did not induce the development of new dentinal micro‐cracks.
High catalytic efficiency in liquid‐phase oxidation of 1,4‐dioxane using a Pt/CeO2‐ZrO2‐SnO2/SBA‐16 catalyst
Authors: Choi Pil‐Gyu , Nunotani Naoyoshi , Imanaka Nobuhito
Published: October 2016

A Pt/CeO2–ZrO2–SnO2/SBA‐16 (SBA‐16: Santa Barbara Amorphous No. 16) catalyst was developed for the efficient removal of 1,4‐dioxane. Because the catalyst showed synergistic action between the high catalytic activity of Pt and the high oxygen release and storage abilities of CeO2–ZrO2–SnO2, high catalytic efficiency in the liquid phase was obtained in an air atmosphere without the supply of any strongly oxidizing additives or photoirradiation. After reaction at 80°C for 4 h, the residual percentage of 1,4‐dioxane reached 31%. Furthermore, the Pt/CeO2–ZrO2–SnO2/SBA‐16 catalyst exhibited high reusability and durability and the rate of net decrease in 1,4‐dioxane reached 44% at 80°C.
Interleukin‐17 as a factor linking the pathogenesis of psoriasis with metabolic disorders
Authors: Owczarczyk‐Saczonek Agnieszka , Placek Waldemar
Published: October 2016

Psoriasis is a systemic disease with numerous concomitant metabolic disorders. Apparently, T‐helper 17 lymphocytes and interleukin (IL)‐17 constitute an important element linking those disorders. The role of IL‐17 has been confirmed by numerous studies, although it remains not completely understood, and the study results are controversial. Based on the studies performed so far, it is assumed that IL‐17 contributes to development of atherosclerosis by means of: stimulation of production of proinflammatory compounds; induction of apoptosis of endothelial cells and heart muscle cells; stimulation of von Willebrand factor production; and induction of the matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (atherosclerotic plaque rupture). On the other hand, IL‐17 may exert protective activity due to inhibition of proatherogenic interferon‐γ and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, and production of type I collagen by smooth muscle cells. The role of IL‐17 in the pathogenesis of obesity is as important as other proinflammatory cytokines. On the other hand, its deficiency increases diet‐induced obesity and accelerates adipose tissue accumulation. Although the role of IL‐17A in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders in humans remains controversial, introduction of anti‐IL‐17A treatments brings hope that development of metabolic disorders in patients with psoriasis may be inhibited.
Use of negative pressure wound therapy on malignant wounds – a case report and review of literature
Authors: Cai Stephen S , Gowda Arvind U , Alexander Richard H , Silverman Ronald P , Goldberg Nelson H , Rasko Yvonne M
Published: October 2016

The presence of malignancy is considered a contraindication to the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) because of concerns that it may promote tumourigenesis and expedite metastasis. This notion is extrapolated from studies evaluating NPWT in normal tissues. Despite the absence of direct evidence, the use of this technology in malignant wounds is widely considered a contraindication. We present the case of a patient with treatment‐resistant metastatic colon cancer, who developed a chronic abdominal wound with positive margins. A staged reconstruction using NPWT was performed and wound closure allowed the patient to meet eligibility criteria and enrol in a clinical trial for treatment of his oncological disease. Skin closure remained intact until the patient expired 6 months after the wound closure. This case, as well as others in the literature, demonstrated that the use of NPWT should not be considered an absolute contraindication in malignancy. Individualised approaches taking into account the patient's clinical scenario, the available evidence, as well as the risks and benefits of this technology are recommended.
The care of transmetatarsal amputation in diabetic foot gangrene
Authors: Ammendola Michele , Sacco Rosario , Butrico Lucia , Sammarco Giuseppe , de Franciscis Stefano , Serra Raffaele
Published: October 2016

Diabetic foot ulcerations may determine minor or major amputation, with a high impact on patients' life expectation and quality of life and on economic burden. Among minor amputations, transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) appears to be the most effective in terms of limb salvage rates and in maintaining foot and ankle biomechanics. In spite of this, TMA needs particular pre‐ and postoperative management in order to avoid the frequent failure rates.

A systematic review was undertaken of studies concerning TMA and its care in diabetic foot gangrene. Studies were identified by searching the MEDLINE, Scopus and Science Direct databases until 13 January 2016. All studies were assessed using the Downs and Black quality checklist.

Of the 348 records found, 86 matched our inclusion criteria.

After reading the full‐text articles, we decided to exclude 35 manuscripts because of the following reasons: (1) no innovative or important content, (2) no multivariable analysis, (3) insufficient data, (4) no clear potential biases or strategies to solve them, (5) no clear endpoints and (6) inconsistent or arbitrary conclusions. The final set included 51 articles.

In the current literature, there are less data about TMA, indication for the selection of patients, outcomes and complications.

Generally, the judgment of an experienced physician is one of the best indicators of subsequent healing. Ankle brachial indices, toe pressures, laser Doppler skin perfusion pressures, angiography and Doppler assessment of foot vasculature may help physicians in this decision.

In any case, despite the presumed lower healing rate, it is reasonable to pursue a TMA in a patient with a higher likelihood of continued ambulation.

Furthermore, tailored wound closure, adjuvant local treatments and the choice of the most appropriate antibiotic therapy, when infection occurs, are pivotal elements for the success of TMA procedures.

TMA is a valuable option for diabetic foot gangrene that can prevent major limb loss and minimise loss of function, thus improving the quality of life for diabetic patients.
Information‐Hedging Disclosures and Insider Trading
Authors: Lenkey Stephen L.
Published: October 2016

I model the effect of disclosure on the tradeoff between information risk, liquidity risk, and price risk for a well‐informed, risk‐averse insider. Revealing some information before trading decreases the variability of the insider's information advantage and thus reduces his information risk. Disclosure also lowers adverse selection costs for market makers, which reduces the insider's liquidity risk by increasing his trading flexibility. However, disclosure increases price risk for the insider because the price fully reflects the revealed information. The reduction in information and liquidity risks outweigh the rise in price risk when the insider is less risk averse because a less risk‐averse insider's information‐based motive for trading is stronger than his hedging motive. The opposite relation holds when the insider is more risk averse. Therefore, a less (more) risk‐averse insider experiences an increase (decrease) in welfare when he discloses some information before trading. Cost of capital and policy implications are identified.
Sex Differences in Inappropriate ICD Device Therapies: MADIT‐II and MADIT‐CRT
Authors: TOMPKINS CHRISTINE M. , MCNITT SCOTT , POLONSKY BRONISLAVA , DAUBERT JAMES P. , WANG PAUL J. , MOSS ARTHUR J. , ZAREBA WOJCIECH , KUTYIFA VALENTINA
Published: October 2016

Sex Differences in Inappropriate ICD Device Therapies

Introduction

Approximately 10–20% of ICD recipients receive inappropriate device therapies. The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of inappropriate therapies (IT) between men and women enrolled in MADIT II and MADIT‐CRT, and assess for potential adverse outcomes.

Methods

The electrograms for each ICD or CRT‐D therapy, defined as either ATP or shock, were reviewed by adjudication committees for both studies. ICD therapy was considered inappropriate if it was delivered for reasons other than VT/VF. The rhythm triggering IT was categorized as atrial fibrillation/flutter, SVT, or inappropriate sensing when possible.

Results

One thousand nine hundred and fifty‐four men and 556 women received ICD or CRT‐D devices. The risk of IT was significantly lower in women than men (9.2% vs. 13.5%, P = 0.006). The most common cause of IT in men was atrial fibrillation (38%) and SVT in women (43%). Inappropriate shock was not associated with increased mortality in either women (HR 0.82 [95% CI 0.11–6.08]; P = NS) or men (HR 1.37 [95% CI 0.75–2.48]; P = NS) by multivariate analysis. Conversely, appropriate shock therapy strongly correlated with increased risk of death during subsequent post‐shock follow‐up in women (HR 5.99 [95% CI 2.75–13.02]; P < 0.0001) and men (HR 2.61 [95% CI 1.82–3.74]; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Women experience significantly less IT than men, partially explained by the increased frequency of atrial fibrillation in men. IT was not associated with increased mortality in either sex. Appropriate shock therapy was a strong predictor of death in both, with women showing a 2‐fold higher risk than men during post‐shock long‐term follow‐up.
Sexual selection predicts brain structure in dragon lizards
Authors: Hoops D. , Ullmann J. F. P. , Janke A. L. , Vidal‐Garcia M. , Stait‐Gardner T. , Dwihapsari Y. , Merkling T. , Price W. S. , Endler J. A. , Whiting M. J. , Keogh J. S.
Published: October 2016

Phenotypic traits such as ornaments and armaments are generally shaped by sexual selection, which often favours larger and more elaborate males compared to females. But can sexual selection also influence the brain? Previous studies in vertebrates report contradictory results with no consistent pattern between variation in brain structure and the strength of sexual selection. We hypothesize that sexual selection will act in a consistent way on two vertebrate brain regions that directly regulate sexual behaviour: the medial preoptic nucleus (MPON) and the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN). The MPON regulates male reproductive behaviour whereas the VMN regulates female reproductive behaviour and is also involved in male aggression. To test our hypothesis, we used high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging combined with traditional histology of brains in 14 dragon lizard species of the genus Ctenophorus that vary in the strength of precopulatory sexual selection. Males belonging to species that experience greater sexual selection had a larger MPON and a smaller VMN. Conversely, females did not show any patterns of variation in these brain regions. As the volumes of both these regions also correlated with brain volume (BV) in our models, we tested whether they show the same pattern of evolution in response to changes in BV and found that the do. Therefore, we show that the primary brain nuclei underlying reproductive behaviour in vertebrates can evolve in a mosaic fashion, differently between males and females, likely in response to sexual selection, and that these same regions are simultaneously evolving in concert in relation to overall brain size.
Reproducing Optical Properties of Anterior Teeth after Ultra‐Conservative Preparation
Authors: Clavijo Victor , Bocabella Leonardo , Schertel Cassiano Luisa , Duarte Sillas
Published: October 2016

Objective

Selecting the appropriate material is essential when restoring color and appearance of esthetically compromised anterior teeth.

Clinical considerations

Most of the conventional restorative techniques require tooth reduction in order to mimic optical properties of a natural tooth. Fortunately, bonding techniques associated with improvements on dental ceramics esthetics allow for highly conservative treatment options in which maximum preservation of dental tissues can be attained. An analysis of different ceramic materials available and different types of tooth preparation is presented in a format of a decision tree for treatment planning.

Conclusions

The suggested decision‐making aims to facilitate clinicians’ selection of the most appropriate restorative technique for reproducing color and appearance of anterior teeth after ultra‐conservative preparation and according to different clinical scenarios

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The selection of the appropriate ceramic material for each case is of major importance, since the entire treatment plan will be determined based on the type of ceramic material that will be used for the final restoration. Each restorative material has a specific tooth preparation requirement, indications, and limitations that shall be respected for maximum esthetical outcomes. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:267–276, 2016)
Fall Risk Assessment Predicts Fall‐Related Injury, Hip Fracture, and Head Injury in Older Adults
Authors: Nilsson Martin , Eriksson Joel , Larsson Berit , Odén Anders , Johansson Helena , Lorentzon Mattias
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To investigate the role of a fall risk assessment, using the Downton Fall Risk Index (DFRI), in predicting fall‐related injury, fall‐related head injury and hip fracture, and death, in a large cohort of older women and men residing in Sweden.

Design

Cross sectional observational study.

Setting

Sweden.

Participants

Older adults (mean age 82.4 ± 7.8) who had a fall risk assessment using the DFRI at baseline (N = 128,596).

Measurements

Information on all fall‐related injuries, all fall‐related head injuries and hip fractures, and all‐cause mortality was collected from the Swedish Patient Register and Cause of Death Register. The predictive role of DFRI was calculated using Poisson regression models with age, sex, height, weight, and comorbidities as covariates, taking time to outcome or end of study into account.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 253 days (interquartile range 90–402 days) (>80,000 patient‐years), 15,299 participants had a fall‐related injury, 2,864 a head injury, and 2,557 a hip fracture, and 23,307 died. High fall risk (DFRI ≥3) independently predicted fall‐related injury (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39–1.49), hip fracture (HR = 1.51, 95% CI =1.38–1.66), head injury (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.03–1.22), and all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.35–1.43). DFRI more strongly predicted head injury (HR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.21–1.36 vs HR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04–1.11) and hip fracture (HR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.30–1.53 vs HR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.05–1.11) in 70‐year old men than in 90‐year old women (P < .001).

Conclusion

Fall risk assessment using DFRI independently predicts fall‐related injury, fall‐related head injury and hip fracture, and all‐cause mortality in older men and women, indicating its clinical usefulness to identify individuals who would benefit from interventions.
Maximum Bite Force of Edentulous Patients before and after Dental Implant Rehabilitation: Long‐Term Follow‐Up and Facial Type Influence
Authors: Melo Ana Cláudia M. , Ledra Ingrid M. , Vieira Rogéria A. , Coró Edivaldo R. , Sartori Ivete Aparecida de M.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

(1) To evaluate patients’ long‐term maximum bite force (MBF) after rehabilitation with mandibular implant‐supported prosthesis, (2) to assess the influence of facial pattern in MBF, and (3) to evaluate the relation between the dominant chewing side and MBF.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐nine patients were selected. Pre‐ (T0) and immediate post‐rehabilitation (T1) data of MBF were collected. In a follow‐up visit 3 to 5 years after rehabilitation (T2), 24 patients participated. The patients were asked about dominant chewing side, and facial pattern was obtained by the initial lateral radiographs.

Results

There was statistically significant increase in MBF in T1 – T0 = 5.4 ± 4.3 kgf, T2 – T1 = 5.5 ± 6.0 kgf. There was no statistically significant difference in MBF considering facial type, brachyfacial (T0 = 4.4, T1 = 10.7, T2 = 17.6 kgf), mesofacial (T0 = 4.1, T1 = 9.7, T2 = 16.5 kgf), and dolichofacial (T0 = 3.4, T1 = 7.9, T2 = 12.6 kgf).

Conclusions

There was no statistically significant relation between MBF and the dominant chewing side. It can be concluded that mandibular rehabilitation with dental implants improves MBF independent of the facial pattern and dominant chewing side.
In vitro skin permeation of sinigrin from its phytosome complex
Authors: Mazumder Anisha , Dwivedi Anupma , Fox Lizelle T , Brümmer Alicia , du Preez Jan L , Gerber Minja , du Plessis Jeanetta
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Sinigrin is a major glucosinolate present in plants of the Brassicaceae family. Recently, sinigrin and its phytosome formulations have been investigated for its wound-healing actions, by our research group. The aim of this study was to demonstrate sinigrin drug release from its phytosome complex and also to determine whether the phytosome complex enhances the delivery of sinigrin into the skin when compared to free sinigrin.

Methods

In vitro Franz cell diffusion studies were performed on human abdominal skin. The morphology of the phytosome complex was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The in vitro drug release was determined using dialysis sacks.

Key findings

The in vitro drug release indicated a controlled and sustained release of sinigrin from the phytosome complex. Tape stripping results showed that the sinigrin–phytosome complex (0.5155 μg/ml) statistically significantly enhanced the delivery of sinigrin into the stratum corneum–epidermis when compared to the free sinigrin (0.0730 μg/ml).

Conclusions

These results suggested the possibility of utilizing sinigrin–phytosome complex, to optimally deliver sinigrin to the skin which can be further used for various skin-related diseases including wound healing.
RETRACTED: Melatonin prevents deregulation of the sphingosine kinase/sphingosine 1‐phosphate signaling pathway in a mouse model of diethylnitrosamine‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sánchez Diana I. , González‐Fernández Bárbara , San‐Miguel Beatriz , de Urbina Juan Ortiz , Crespo Irene , González‐Gallego Javier , Tuñón María J.
Published: October 2016

The sphingosine kinase (SphK)/sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) pathway is involved in multiple biological processes, including carcinogenesis. Melatonin shows beneficial effects in cell and animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma, but it is unknown if they are associated with the modulation of the SphK/S1P system, along with different downstream signaling pathways modified in cancer. We investigated the effects of melatonin in mice which received diethylnitrosamine (DEN) (35 mg/kg body weight i.p) once a week for 8 weeks. Melatonin was given at 5 or 10 mg/kg/day i.p. beginning 4 weeks after the onset of DEN administration and ending at the sacrifice time (10, 20, 30, or 40 weeks). Melatonin alleviated the distortion of normal hepatic architecture, lowered the incidence of preneoplastic/neoplastic lesions, and inhibited the expression of proliferative/cell cycle regulatory proteins (Ki67, PCNA, cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK4, and CDK6). S1P levels and expression of SphK1, SphK2, and S1P receptors (S1PR1/S1PR3) were significantly elevated in DEN‐treated mice. However, there was a decreased expression of S1P lyase. These effects were significantly abrogated in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner by melatonin, which also increased S1PR2 expression. Following DEN treatment, mice exhibited increased phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, STAT3, ERK, and p38, and a higher expression of NF‐κB p50 and p65 subunits. Melatonin administration significantly inhibited those changes. Data obtained suggest a contribution of the SphK/S1P system and related signaling pathways to the protective effects of melatonin in hepatocarcinogenesis.
The effects of Symbiodinium (Pyrrhophyta) identity on growth, survivorship, and thermal tolerance of newly settled coral recruits
Authors: McIlroy Shelby E. , Gillette Phillip , Cunning Ross , Klueter Anke , Capo Tom , Baker Andrew C. , Coffroth Mary Alice
Published: October 2016

For many coral species, the obligate association with phylogenetically diverse algal endosymbiont species is dynamic in time and space. Here, we used controlled laboratory inoculations of newly settled, aposymbiotic corals (Orbicella faveolata) with two cultured species of algal symbiont (Symbiodinium microadriaticum and S. minutum) to examine the role of symbiont identity on growth, survivorship, and thermal tolerance of the coral holobiont. We evaluated these data in the context of Symbiodinium photophysiology for 9 months post‐settlement and also during a 5‐d period of elevated temperatures Our data show that recruits that were inoculated with S. minutum grew significantly slower than those inoculated with S. microadriaticum (occasionally co‐occurring with S. minutum), but that there was no difference in survivorship of O. faveolata polyps infected with Symbiodinium. However, photophysiological metrics (∆Fv/F′m, the efficiency with which available light is used to drive photosynthesis and α, the maximum light utilization coefficient) were higher in those slower growing recruits containing S. minutum. These findings suggest that light use (i.e., photophysiology) and carbon acquisition by the coral host (i.e., host growth) are decoupled, but did not distinguish the source of this difference. Neither Symbiodinium treatment demonstrated a significant negative effect of a 5‐d exposure to temperatures as high as 32°C under low light conditions similar to those measured at settlement habitats.
Association of prenatal lipid‐based nutritional supplementation with fetal growth in rural Gambia
Authors: Johnson William , Darboe Momodou K. , Sosseh Fatou , Nshe Patrick , Prentice Andrew M. , Moore Sophie E.
Published: October 2016

Prenatal supplementation with protein‐energy (PE) and/or multiple‐micronutrients (MMNs) may improve fetal growth, but trials of lipid‐based nutritional supplements (LNSs) have reported inconsistent results. We conducted a post‐hoc analysis of non‐primary outcomes in a trial in Gambia, with the aim to test the associations of LNS with fetal growth and explore how efficacy varies depending on nutritional status. The sample comprised 620 pregnant women in an individually randomized, partially blinded trial with four arms: (a) iron and folic acid (FeFol) tablet (usual care, referent group), (b) MMN tablet, (c) PE LNS, and (d) PE + MMN LNS. Analysis of variance examined unadjusted differences in fetal biometry z‐scores at 20 and 30 weeks and neonatal anthropometry z‐scores, while regression tested for modification of intervention‐outcome associations by season and maternal height, body mass index, and weight gain. Despite evidence of between‐arm differences in some fetal biometry, z‐scores at birth were not greater in the intervention arms than the FeFol arm (e.g., birth weight z‐scores: FeFol −0.71, MMN −0.63, PE −0.64, PE + MMN −0.62; group‐wise p = .796). In regression analyses, intervention associations with birth weight and head circumference were modified by maternal weight gain between booking and 30 weeks gestation (e.g., PE + MMN associations with birth weight were +0.462 z‐scores (95% CI [0.097, 0.826]) in the highest quartile of weight gain but –0.099 z‐scores (−0.459, 0.260) in the lowest). In conclusion, we found no strong evidence that a prenatal LNS intervention was associated with better fetal growth in the whole sample.
The genetic basis of local adaptation for pathogenic fungi in agricultural ecosystems
Authors: Croll Daniel , McDonald Bruce A.
Published: October 2016

Local adaptation plays a key role in the evolutionary trajectory of host–pathogen interactions. However, the genetic architecture of local adaptation in host–pathogen systems is poorly understood. Fungal plant pathogens in agricultural ecosystems provide highly tractable models to quantify phenotypes and map traits to corresponding genomic loci. The outcome of crop–pathogen interactions is thought to be governed largely by gene‐for‐gene interactions. However, recent studies showed that virulence can be governed by quantitative trait loci and that many abiotic factors contribute to the outcome of the interaction. After introducing concepts of local adaptation and presenting examples from wild plant pathosystems, we focus this review on a major pathogen of wheat, Zymoseptoria tritici, to show how a multitude of traits can affect local adaptation. Zymoseptoria tritici adapted to different thermal environments across its distribution range, indicating that thermal adaptation may limit effective dispersal to different climates. The application of fungicides led to the rapid evolution of multiple, independent resistant populations. The degree of colony melanization showed strong pleiotropic effects with other traits, including trade‐offs with colony growth rates and fungicide sensitivity. The success of the pathogen on its host can be assessed quantitatively by counting pathogen reproductive structures and measuring host damage based on necrotic lesions. Interestingly, these two traits can be weakly correlated and depend both on host and pathogen genotypes. Quantitative trait mapping studies showed that the genetic architecture of locally adapted traits varies from single loci with large effects to many loci with small individual effects. We discuss how local adaptation could hinder or accelerate the development of epidemics in agricultural ecosystems.
Comparative study of host response to chytridiomycosis in a susceptible and a resistant toad species
Authors: Poorten T. J. , Rosenblum E. B.
Published: October 2016

In the past century, recently emerged infectious diseases have become major drivers of species decline and extinction. The fungal disease chytridiomycosis has devastated many amphibian populations and exacerbated the amphibian conservation crisis. Biologists are beginning to understand what host traits contribute to disease susceptibility, but more work is needed to determine why some species succumb to chytridiomycosis while others do not. We conducted an integrative laboratory experiment to examine how two toad species respond to infection with the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in a controlled environment. We selected two toad species thought to differ in susceptibility – Bufo marinus (an invasive and putatively resistant species) and Bufo boreas (an endangered and putatively susceptible species). We measured infection intensity, body weight, histological changes and genomewide gene expression using a custom assay developed from transcriptome sequencing. Our results confirmed that the two species differ in susceptibility with the more susceptible species, B. boreas, showing higher infection intensities, loss in body weight, more dramatic histological changes and larger perturbations in gene expression. We found key differences in skin expression responses in multiple pathways including upregulation of skin integrity‐related genes in the resistant B. marinus. Together, our results show intrinsic differences in host response between related species, which are likely to be important in explaining variation in response to a deadly emerging pathogen in wild populations. Our study also underscores the importance of understanding differences among host species to better predict disease outcomes and reveal generalities about host response to emerging infectious diseases of wildlife.