bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of multiplex serology in discriminating active vs past Helicobacter pylori infection in a primarily African American population in the southeastern United States
Authors: Butt Julia , Blot William J. , Shrubsole Martha J. , Varga Matthew G. , Hendrix Laura H. , Crankshaw Sydnee , Waterboer Tim , Pawlita Michael , Epplein Meira
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To feasibly analyze associations of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) with disease in large cohort studies, assays are needed to assess H. pylori prevalence in existing biospecimens. However, serology has traditionally been unable to distinguish active from past infection. We sought to determine the sensitivity of seropositivity to H. pylori proteins to detect active infection.

Methods

We measured antibody responses to 13 H. pylori proteins using multiplex serology in serum samples of a training (n = 78) and validation set (n = 49) collected concurrently from patients undergoing urea breath test (UBT). To determine sensitivity of seropositivity to H. pylori proteins for active infection, a cutoff was applied to achieve 90% specificity. Antibody levels were retested in a subset of participants (n = 16) 6 months after baseline.

Results

With a specificity of 91%, seropositivity to H. pylori proteins VacA, GroEl, HcpC, and HP1564 ascertained active infection from 100% to 75% sensitivity. Positivity to a combination of these proteins (≥2 out of the 4) resulted in specificity of 90% and sensitivity of 100%. The validation set replicated results from the training set. Among those participants with successful H. pylori eradication after baseline, antibody levels decreased significantly for VacA, HcpC, and HP1564 when assessed 6 months later.

Conclusion

Utilizing the cutoffs for seropositivity established through comparison with UBT, seropositivity to ≥2 of the H. pylori proteins VacA, GroEl, HcpC, and HP1564 determines active H. pylori infection at high specificity and sensitivity and may approximate the prevalence of active H. pylori infection in large cohorts.
Hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence does not differ between interferon‐based and interferon‐free treatment with liver histological assessment
Authors: Tahata Yuki , Sakamori Ryotaro , Urabe Ayako , Yamada Ryoko , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi , Hiramatsu Naoki , Hagiwara Hideki , Oshita Masahide , Hijioka Taizo , Tamura Shinji , Imai Yasuharu , Kodama Takahiro , Hikita Hayato , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: November 2019

Aim

Several studies have recently reported that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence does not differ between hepatitis C virus patients receiving interferon (IFN)‐based and IFN‐free treatments considering the patients’ backgrounds. However, liver fibrosis was not directly considered in these studies.

Methods

In total, 3972 patients without a history of HCC who started IFN‐based or IFN‐free treatment between August 2002 and April 2017 at 30 Japanese hospitals and achieved a sustained virologic response were included. Propensity score matching considering liver histology was performed.

Results

The median age and percentage of patients with advanced liver fibrosis (F3/4) were 58 years and 11.4% in the IFN‐based group, and 68 years and 18.9% in the IFN‐free group, respectively. The HCC occurrence rates at 1 year and 2 years were 0.4% and 1.1% in the IFN‐based group, and 1.6% and 4.1% in the IFN‐free group, respectively, and HCC occurrence in the IFN‐free group was significantly higher than that in the IFN‐based group (P < 0.001). The characteristics of the HCC occurrence patterns did not differ between the two groups. After propensity score matching, among 764 patients, the HCC occurrence rates at 1 year and 2 years were 0.5% and 1.9% in the IFN‐based group and 1.1% and 3.0% in the IFN‐free group, respectively, and no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P = 0.489).

Conclusions

HCC occurrence in sustained virologic response patients does not differ between IFN‐based and IFN‐free treatment considering liver fibrosis stage. The degree of its progress at diagnosis does not differ between the two groups.
Evaluation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor type 3 gene polymorphisms in patients with primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Greverath Lena Maria , Leicht Elise , Wald de Chamorro Nina , Wilde Anne‐Christin Beatrice , Steinhagen Lara Marleen , Lieb Charlotte , Schmelzle Moritz , Chopra Sascha , Shibolet Oren , Fischer Janett , Berg Thomas , Tacke Frank , Müller Tobias
Published: November 2019

Aim

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor type 3‐mediated signaling might be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory biliary diseases, such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of five well‐characterized specific single‐nucleotide polymorphisms within the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor type 3 gene, CHRM3 (rs11578320, rs6690809, rs6429157, rs7548522, and rs4620530), in patients with PBC and PSC. Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and healthy individuals served as control cohorts. In the PBC cohort, baseline characteristics and response to ursodeoxycholic acid therapy applying established response criteria at 12 months after the initiation of treatment were evaluated according to the underlying CHRM3 genotype.

Methods

CHRM3 genotyping was carried out in 306 PBC patients, 205 PSC patients, 208 CHC patients, and 240 healthy controls from two independent German tertiary care university centers in Berlin and Leipzig, Germany.

Results

CHRM3 rs4620530 proportions in patients with PBC significantly differed from patients with PSC (P = 0.005), CHC (P = 0.009), and healthy controls (P = 0.008), primarily due to a substantial overrepresentation of the T allele in PBC (49.3% in PBC vs. 39.8% in PSC, 35.7% in CHC, and 40% in healthy controls), indicating a potential association of the rs4620530 T allele with PBC (OR 1.461, 95% CI 1.147–1.861, P = 0.002). Further analysis showed no association of CHRM3 single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs4620530 with baseline characteristics and ursodeoxycholic acid treatment response in PBC.

Conclusion

CHRM3 single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs4620530 might confer an increased genetic risk for the development of PBC.
Impact of β‐glucan on debittering, bioaccessibility and storage stability of skim milk fortified with shrimp oil nanoliposomes
Authors: Gulzar Saqib , Benjakul Soottawat , Hozzein Wael N.
Published: November 2019

Shrimp oil was encapsulated in nanoliposomes and fortified into skim milk. Shrimp oil nanoliposomes (SONL) were thermodynamically stable when added into skim milk at 10 mL 100 mL−1. Mild bitterness in fortified skim milk caused by the SONL was masked by adding β‐glucan at various levels (0.05–0.2 g 100 mL−1). With the addition of SONL, fortified skim milk appeared more reddish in colour due to the presence of astaxanthin. Addition of β‐glucan resulted in the increase in viscosity of the fortified milk by forming network of junction zones. During the storage of skim milk fortified with SONL and 0.1 g 100 mL−1 β‐glucan at 4 °C for 15 days, no major quality changes took place. Simulated in vitro digestion studies revealed that 45.41 g 100 g−1 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 48.86 g 100 g−1 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from shrimp oil were bioaccessible for absorption in the gut after digestion.
Molecular mechanism of the expansion of silica glass upon exposure to moisture
Authors: Garofalini Stephen H. , Lentz Jesse , Homann Matthew
Published: November 2019

Molecular dynamics simulations show that the expansion of silica glass occurs by the presence of the hydroxyl (SiOH) groups present in the glass as opposed to intact water (H2O) molecules, providing an accurate molecular description of the experimentally observed volume changes in silica glass exposed to water. Using a robust and accurate reactive potential, the simulations show that the expansion is caused by the rupture of siloxane (Si–O–Si) linkages in the glass via reactions with water molecules, forming SiOHs. Such reactions remove smaller rings and form larger rings, with a decrease in the overall number of rings smaller than a prescribed large ring size in comparison to dry glasses. This change in ring structure overcomes the inherently stronger hydrogen bonding in the glasses containing SiOH in comparison to the glasses containing predominantly intact H2O molecules. This stronger H‐bonding of the SiOH also causes a shift to lower frequencies in the high‐frequency OH vibrational spectrum for the silanols, as shown in previous ab‐initio calculations. This introduces a question about assuming the lower frequency part of the high‐frequency peak is only due to intact H2O molecules. A slight decrease in volume occurred in the glasses containing the largest concentration of intact H2O molecules. There is no change in the ring size distribution between the H2O glasses and dry glasses. Rather, the slight decrease in volume in the H2O system is caused by a decrease in siloxane bond angles caused by the formation of H‐bonds between the H2O molecules and the glass O in the siloxane cages surrounding the H2O molecules.
Longitudinal use and factors associated with public transport and other travel options for older people with an intellectual disability in Ireland
Authors: McCausland Darren , Stancliffe Roger J. , McCallion Philip , McCarron Mary
Published: November 2019

Background

Transport is an important basis for social participation. Challenges to accessing and using transport for people with intellectual disabilities increase their risk of exclusion and loneliness.

Method

Data from a nationally representative study of older people with intellectual disabilities (n = 708) were used to examine longitudinal changes in transport usage and factors associated with using public transport and other travel options.

Results

Findings confirmed that this population depends on others for transportation. The most frequently used mode, staff‐supported transport, showed no significant longitudinal change. Public transport was secondary, with only moderate continued use between data collection points. Level of intellectual disability most strongly predicted public transport use, while community residence most strongly predicted using public transport to attend work or day programmes.

Conclusions

Transport usage is associated with demand and supply factors linked to the person's environment, including having somewhere to go that requires transport and availability of transport options.
Attachment and child behaviour and emotional problems in autism spectrum disorder with intellectual disability
Authors: Teague Samantha J. , Newman Louise K. , Tonge Bruce J. , Gray Kylie M. ,   The MHYPEDD Team
Published: November 2019

Background

Behaviour and emotional problems are highly prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In typically developing children, attachment quality acts as a risk/protective factor for behavioural outcomes and adjustment, warranting investigation in children with ASD.

Method

We investigated the relationship between attachment and child behaviour and emotional problems in children with ASD and comorbid intellectual disability. Data were collected from parent–child dyads where children were diagnosed with ASD and ID (n = 28) or other developmental disabilities (n = 20).

Results

Children with ASD had higher levels of behaviour and emotional problems and more attachment difficulties than children with other developmental disabilities. Poorer attachment quality contributed uniquely to the variance in child behaviour and emotional problems.

Conclusions

Interventions targeting behaviour and emotional problems in children with ASD may benefit from an attachment model which addresses the child's difficulty in using caregivers as a coregulatory agent of emotions.
Interleukin‐38 alleviates cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction
Authors: Wei Yuzhen , Lan Yin , Zhong Yucheng , Yu Kunwu , Xu Wenbin , Zhu Ruirui , Sun Haitao , Ding Yan , Wang Yue , Zeng Qiutang
Published: November 2019

Excessive immune‐mediated inflammatory reaction plays a deleterious role in ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction (MI). Interleukin (IL)‐38 is a newly characterized cytokine of the IL‐1 family and has been reported to exert a protective effect in some autoimmune diseases. However, its role in cardiac remodelling post‐MI remains unknown. In this study, we found that the expression of IL‐38 was increased in infarcted heart after MI induced in C57BL/6 mice by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery. In addition, our data showed that ventricular remodelling after MI was significantly ameliorated after recombinant IL‐38 injection in mice. This amelioration was demonstrated by better cardiac function, restricted inflammatory response, attenuated myocardial injury and decreased myocardial fibrosis. Our results in vitro revealed that IL‐38 affects the phenotype of dendritic cells (DCs) and IL‐38 plus troponin I (TNI)‐treated tolerogenic DCs dampened adaptive immune response when co‐cultured with CD4+T cells. In conclusion, IL‐38 plays a protective effect in ventricular remodelling post‐MI, one possibility by influencing DCs to attenuate inflammatory response. Therefore, targeting IL‐38 may hold a new therapeutic potential in treating MI.
Reporting and handling of incomplete outcome data in implant dentistry: A survey of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Lieber Ricarda , Pandis Nikolaos , Faggion Clovis Mariano
Published: November 2019

Aim

To assess the reporting and handling of incomplete outcome data in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in implant dentistry.

Materials and methods

We included RCTs on interventions related to the treatment with dental implants and presented any form of missing data. PubMed, SCOPUS and Cochrane databases were searched for studies published between May 2015 and May 2018. Reporting and handling of missing data at the study level were evaluated using a series of relevant questions. Descriptive data were reported, and univariable analyses were performed to evaluate the association of study variables with quality of reporting and data handling.

Results

One‐hundred and thirty‐seven RCT reports were included from the 7,116 initially retrieved publications. The reporting of incomplete outcome data varied greatly among the trials and for the different questions. The range of adequately reported questions was between 3.64% (question: comparison of baseline characteristics of all randomised participants) and 100% (question: explicit reporting of missing data). The complete case analysis was the most used (45.3%) approach for incomplete outcome data handling.

Conclusions

Randomized studies in implant dentistry have room for improvement in both the reporting and the handling of incomplete outcome data.
Late implant placement following ridge preservation versus early implant placement: A pilot randomized clinical trial for periodontally compromised non‐molar extraction sites
Authors: Lim Hyun‐Chang , Seo Seongwoo , Thoma Daniel S. , Park Jung‐Chul , Hong Ji‐Youn , Shin Seung‐Yun
Published: November 2019

Aim

To compare late implant placement following alveolar ridge preservation (LP/ARP) and early implantation (EP) in periodontally compromised non‐molar extraction sites with respect to soft tissue levels, aesthetics, and patient‐reported outcomes.

Materials and methods

Sixteen patients were randomly allocated to groups LP/ARP (n = 9) or EP (n = 7). Group LP/ARP received ARP using deproteinized bovine bone mineral containing 10% collagen and a native bilayer collagen membrane, and group EP received only extraction. Implant placement was performed 4–8 weeks post‐extraction in group EP and 4 months post‐alveolar ridge preservation in group LP/ARP. The soft tissue levels, pink/white esthetic scores, and periodontal parameters were evaluated at 1 year post‐loading. Patient's discomfort level was evaluated in terms of extraction/ARP and implant placement.

Results

No implant failure or biologic complications occurred. There was no statistically significant difference in the median change of the midfacial mucosal margin (0.03 for group LP/ARP, −0.19 mm for group EP) and the mesial/distal papilla (0.62/0.25 mm for group LP/ARP, 0.29/−0.5 mm for group EP), pink/white esthetic scores, periodontal parameters, and patient's discomfort between the two groups.

Conclusion

Both implant placement protocols led to comparable outcomes in soft tissue levels, periodontal parameters, and patient's discomfort level.
Molecular genetics of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: perspective for treatment strategies
Authors: Di Nardo L. , Pellegrini C. , Di Stefani A. , Del Regno L. , Sollena P. , Piccerillo A. , Longo C. , Garbe C. , Fargnoli M.C. , Peris K.
Published: November 2019

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) represents 20% of all skin cancers. Although primary cSCCs can be successfully treated with surgery, a subset of highly aggressive lesions may progress to advanced disease, representing a public healthcare problem with significant cancer‐related morbidity and mortality. A complex network of genes (TP53, CDKN2A, NOTCH1 and NOTCH2, EGFR and TERT) and molecular pathways (RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR) have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of cSCC. The epigenetic regulation of TP53 and CDKN2A is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of cSCC, as well as NOTCH‐activating agents capable to restore its tumour‐suppressor function. EGFR inhibitors including both monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab and panitumumab) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (erlotinib, gefitinib and dasatinib) have been used in clinical trials for the treatment of advanced cSCC, achieving only partial clinical benefit. Recently, an immune‐modulatory drug (cemiplimab) has been introduced for the treatment of advanced cSCC with good clinical results and a favourable safety profile, while other PD1/PD‐L1 inhibitors, either as monotherapy or in combination with targeted therapies, are currently under investigation. This review focuses on molecular findings involved in the pathogenesis of cSCC and their implications for the future development of new treatment strategies. In addition, current and ongoing treatments on targeted therapies and/or immunotherapy are illustrated.
Bodyweight variability and the risk of psoriasis: a nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Kim M. , Han K.‐D. , Lee J.H.
Published: November 2019

Background

Bodyweight variability has been suggested to exacerbate chronic inflammation and increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Little is known whether high variability in bodyweight affects the development of psoriasis.

Objective

To investigate the association between weight variability and the risk of psoriasis.

Methods

Using a representative cohort enrolled in the national health examination programme conducted by the Korean National Health Insurance Service, 8 016 907 people who were free of psoriasis and who underwent at least three health examinations between 2010 and 2015 were followed until the end of 2017. We classified participants numerically according to the variability indices and defined high variability (Q4) as the highest quartile of variability. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the risk of psoriasis according to the quartile groups of bodyweight variability.

Results

In total, 187 128 (2.33%) participants developed psoriasis during a median follow‐up of 3.4 years. There was an association between baseline body mass index and the risk of psoriasis. In the multivariable model adjusting for confounding variables, an incrementally increased risk of psoriasis was observed for higher quartiles compared with the lowest quartile group (Q1). The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals comparing the highest (Q4) and lowest quartiles (Q1) of bodyweight variability were 1.06 (1.05–1.07) for psoriasis.

Conclusion

High bodyweight variability was significantly associated with an increased risk of psoriasis. These findings imply that clinicians should encourage patients to maintain proper bodyweight to help prevent psoriasis.
Medical Comorbidities of Dementia: Links to Caregivers' Emotional Difficulties and Gains
Authors: Polenick Courtney A. , Min Lillian , Kales Helen C.
Published: November 2019

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate how eight major medical comorbidities of dementia (arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, lung disease, osteoporosis, and stroke) are associated with caregivers' perceptions of emotional caregiving difficulties and caregiving gains (ie, benefits or rewards from the care role).

DESIGN

Nationally representative cross‐sectional surveys of community‐dwelling persons living with dementia (PLWDs) and their co‐resident family caregivers in the United States.

SETTING

The 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving.

PARTICIPANTS

Total of 356 co‐resident family caregivers of community‐dwelling PLWDs.

MEASUREMENTS

Caregivers' sociodemographic and health characteristics, caregiving stressors, emotional caregiving difficulties, caregiving gains, and chronic health conditions of PLWDs.

RESULTS

Caregivers most commonly cared for a PLWD with arthritis (65.5%), followed by hypertension (64.9%), diabetes (30.1%), stroke (28.8%), osteoporosis (27.1%), heart disease (23.3%), cancer (21.5%), and lung disease (17.2%). Logistic regressions revealed that caregivers were 2.63 and 2.32 times more likely to report higher than median emotional caregiving difficulties when PLWDs had diagnoses of diabetes and osteoporosis, respectively, controlling for caregiver sex, relationship to the PLWD (spouse vs non‐spouse), educational attainment, self‐rated health, and assistance with activities of daily living and medical care activities. Caregivers were also 2.10 times more likely to report lower than median caregiving gains when PLWDs had a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

CONCLUSION

Comorbid health conditions among PLWDs have distinct implications for caregiving outcomes. Clinical care and interventions to improve the well‐being of both care dyad members should support caregivers in managing medical comorbidities of dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:609–613, 2020
Flow Effects of Central Bank Asset Purchases on Sovereign Bond Prices: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: DE SANTIS ROBERTO A. , HOLM‐HADULLA FÉDÉRIC
Published: November 2019

We estimate the response of sovereign bond prices to net supply shocks caused by purchase operations under the ECB's Public Sector Purchase Programme (PSPP). To avoid simultaneity bias in the estimated relationship between prices and purchases, we exploit a PSPP feature that renders securities temporarily ineligible for reasons unrelated to their prices. Using these purchase restrictions as an instrument to identify exogenous variation in purchase volumes, we find that PSPP causes statistically significant and economically relevant upward price impacts. The impacts are short‐lived and concentrated in securities issued by higher yield jurisdictions and characterized by higher maturity and lower liquidity.
Phospholipases in neuronal function: A role in learning and memory?
Authors: Joensuu Merja , Wallis Tristan P. , Saber Saber H. , Meunier Frédéric A.
Published: November 2019

Despite the human brain being made of nearly 60% fat, the vast majority of studies on the mechanisms of neuronal communication which underpin cognition, memory and learning, primarily focus on proteins and/or (epi)genetic mechanisms. Phospholipids are the main component of all cellular membranes and function as substrates for numerous phospholipid‐modifying enzymes, including phospholipases, which release free fatty acids (FFAs) and other lipid metabolites that can alter the intrinsic properties of the membranes, recruit and activate critical proteins, and act as lipid signalling molecules. Here, we will review brain specific phospholipases, their roles in membrane remodelling, neuronal function, learning and memory, as well as their disease implications. In particular, we will highlight key roles of unsaturated FFAs, particularly arachidonic acid, in neurotransmitter release, neuroinflammation and memory. In light of recent findings, we will also discuss the emerging role of phospholipase A1 and the creation of saturated FFAs in the brain.

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Oxytocin induced labor causes region and sex‐specific transient oligodendrocyte cell death in neonatal mouse brain
Authors: Hirayama Takashi , Hiraoka Yuichi , Kitamura Eri , Miyazaki Shinji , Horie Kengo , Fukuda Tomokazu , Hidema Shizu , Koike Masato , Itakura Atsuo , Takeda Satoru , Nishimori Katsuhiko
Published: November 2019

Aim

Previous reports showed associations between oxytocin induced labor and mental disorders in offspring. However, those reports are restricted in epidemiological analyses and its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that induced labor directly causes brain damage in newborns and results in the development of mental disorders. Therefore we aimed to investigate this hypothesis with animal model.

Methods

The animal model of induced labor was established by subcutaneous oxytocin administration to term‐pregnant C57BL/6J mice. We investigated the neonatal brain damage with evaluating immediate early gene expression (c‐Fos, c‐Jun and JunB) by quantitative polymerase reaction and TdT‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining. To investigate the injured brain cell types, we performed double‐immunostaining with TdT‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining and each brain component specific protein, such as Oligo2, NeuN, GFAP and Iba1.

Results

Brain damage during induced labor led to cell death in specific brain regions, which are implicated in mental disorders, in only male offspring at P0. Furthermore, oligodendrocyte precursors were selectively vulnerable compared to the other cell types. This oligodendrocyte‐specific impairment during the perinatal period led to an increased numbers of Olig2‐positive cells at P5. Expression levels of oxytocin and Oxtr in the fetal brain were not affected by the oxytocin administered to mothers during induced labor.

Conclusion

Oligodendrocyte cell death in specific brain regions, which was unrelated to the oxytocin itself, was caused by induced labor in only male offspring. This may be an underlying mechanism explaining the human epidemiological data suggesting an association between induced labor and mental disorders.
Implant Angulation Effect on the Fracture Resistance of Monolithic Zirconia Custom Abutments: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Katsavochristou Anastasia , Sierraalta Marianella , Saglik Berna , Koumoulis Dimitrios , George Furat , Razzoog Michael
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To investigate the fracture resistance and performance of zirconia when employed for the fabrication of implant abutments with different angulations, simulating anterior maxillary oral rehabilitation.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐five monolithic zirconia custom abutments of internal conical implant connection were CAD/CAM designed and fabricated. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 15/group) according to implant‐to‐abutment angulation. The angulations used were; 0°, 15°, and 25°. The abutments were loaded until failure at 135° using the Universal Testing Machine (Instron, Canton, MA). Collected data were statistically analyzed using one‐way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test.

Results

Mean (±standard deviation) load at fracture of the zirconia abutments for the three groups were 962.37 ± 93.81 N (Gr15) > 718.25 ± 93.71 N (Gr25) > 534.05 ±133.77 N (Gr0). Statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) was found between all groups; Gr0 vs. Gr15, Gr0 vs. Gr25, Gr15 vs. Gr25.

Conclusions

Contrary to expectations, the non‐angulated monolithic zirconia abutments presented the lowest fracture resistance values. Angulating the abutments 15 or 25 degrees, following the palatal resorption pattern of the premaxilla, significantly increased the in vitro fracture resistance.
Effects of dietary supplementation of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on growth performance, immune status, antioxidant capacity and selected microbial populations of weaned piglets
Authors: Chen Jiashun , Long Lina , Jiang Qian , Kang Baoju , Li Yinghui , Yin Jie
Published: November 2019

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are a complex mixture of highly branched and partially characterised polysaccharides and proteoglycans extracted from the goji berry. This mixture has great potential as a novel feed supplement for pigs. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation with LBPs on the growth performance, immune status, antioxidant capacity and selected intestinal microbial populations in weaned piglets. In trial 1, a total of 400 weaned piglets [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 6.34 ± 0.16 kg (21 days of age) were divided into five groups and fed a basal diet (control group) or a basal diet containing 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 or 6,000 mg/kg LBPs (supplemented at the expense of corn). Supplementation with 4,000 or 6,000 mg/kg LBPs for 2 weeks significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of the pigs compared with the control group (p < .05). In trial 2, thirty‐two 21‐days‐old weaned piglets (BW: 6.33 ± 0.11 kg) were allotted to a control group (fed with a basal diet) or an experimental group (basal diet containing 4,000 mg/kg LBPs). The experiment lasted for 14 days. Pigs fed LBP diets exhibited an increased ADG and ADFI, and a decreased diarrhoeal incidence compared with those fed the basal diets (p < .05). Supplementation with LBPs increased the serum IgG and IgM levels (p < .05). Dietary LBPs effectively promoted antioxidant defence properties through enhancing the activities of serum, liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), in addition to decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < .05). The addition of LBPs increased the amounts of Bacteroidetes in the ileum and caecum and the caecal contents of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. (p < .05), while decreased the populations of Escherichia coli and Firmicutes in the ileum and caecum (p < .05) compared with the control group. Our results suggest that dietary supplementation with LBPs can enhance growth performance, immune status and antioxidant capacity, and improve the intestinal microbial populations of weaned piglets.
Effect of proinflammatory diet before pregnancy on gestational age and birthweight: The Japan Environment and Children's Study
Authors: Ishibashi Makiho , Kyozuka Hyo , Yamaguchi Akiko , Fujimori Keiya , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Yasumura Seiji , Masahito Kuse , Sato Akiko , Ogata Yuka , Hashimoto Koichi ,   and the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) Group
Published: November 2019

The daily diet plays a role in systematic inflammation and may be one of the causes of preterm birth. We aimed to examine the effect of a daily proinflammatory diet before pregnancy on gestational age and birthweight using a large birth cohort in Japan. We used data of singleton pregnancies in the Japan Environment and Children's Study involving live birth from 2011 to 2014 to calculate the dietary inflammatory index. We used individual meals with 30 food parameters from a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, which assessed diet intake before pregnancy. Participants were categorized according to the quartile of dietary inflammatory index. A multiple logistic regression model was used to estimate the risk of a proinflammatory diet on preterm birth (PTB) before 37 or 34 weeks and low birthweight (LBW) less than 2,500 or 1,500 g, accounting for maternal age, body mass index before pregnancy, smoking status, education, and household income. After applying our inclusion criteria, 89,329 participants were eligible for the present study. Multiple regression analysis showed that the proinflammatory diet had an increased risk of PTB < 34 weeks (adjusted odds ratio: 1.29, 95% confidence interval [1.07, 1.55]) and <2,500‐g LBW (adjusted odds ratio: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [1.01, 1.16]) compared with the control. In conclusion, a proinflammatory diet before pregnancy was a risk factor for PTB < 34 weeks and LBW < 2,500 g. Therefore, proinflammatory diet needs to be controlled to improve perinatal prognosis.
Isolated lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the central nervous system: A case report and literature review
Authors: He Chao , Wang Yunxia , Zhang Leyi , Lu Chenglong , Ge Wei , Zhang Qingkui , Gui Qiuping , Liu Ruozhuo , Yu Shengyuan
Published: November 2019

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is an angiocentric and angiodestructive lymphoproliferative disease which can involve multiple organs of the body and is most common in the lungs. Its pathological features are proliferation of large atypical B‐cells related to Epstein–Barr virus, T‐cell infiltration and tissue necrosis. This disease is rare, and LYG which uniquely involves the central nervous system (CNS) is extremely rare. In this paper, we report a case of isolated lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the CNS (iCNS‐LYG) diagnosed by histological biopsy and we review the clinical features of all similar cases reported in the past 46 years. A total of 49 cases of iCNS‐LYG have been reported to date. The clinical, imaging and pathological features of iCNS‐LYG are discussed in combination with a literature review.
Enigmatic hook‐like structures in Cretaceous ammonites (Scaphitidae)
Authors: Kruta Isabelle , Bardin Jérémie , Smith Christopher P. A. , Tafforeau Paul , Landman Neil H.
Published: November 2019

In the last few decades, hook‐like structures have been reported in the Mesozoic ammonite family Scaphitidae. Despite their exceptional preservation and debates about their function, no detailed reconstruction has been available until now. For the first time, we describe the composition and details of the morphology of these structures found in the body chambers of six specimens of the Campanian ammonite Rhaeboceras halli (Meek & Hayden) using high resolution x‐ray imaging. The hook‐like structures are composed of a thin layer of brushite. The base of each hook is open on one side forming an internal cavity, now filled with sediment. The tips of the hooks end in one or two cusps or, rarely, exhibit a blunt end. We used geometric morphometrics to capture the morphological disparity of the bicuspidate morphotypes comprising 98% of the hooks. Principal component analysis revealed chirality among the hooks and a cluster analysis recognized five morphologies. Contrary to the previous interpretation of these structures, we conclude that they are not radular teeth. They are much larger and more variable in size and shape than any known ammonite radulae and completely out of proportion with respect to the size of the jaw. The chirality, the hook‐like shape, and the absence of a size relationship between the hooks and the body chambers in which they occur, lead us to propose that these hooks could represent elements of the brachial crown related to copulatory behaviour. If so, these would be the first reported remnants of brachial crowns in ammonites.
Genome‐wide association study of differences in 14 agronomic traits under low‐ and high‐density planting models based on the 660k SNP array for common wheat
Authors: Chen Shulin , Cheng Xiyong , Yu Kang , Chang Xiangnan , Bi Huihui , Xu Haixia , Wang Junsen , Pei Xingxu , Zhang Ziliang , Zhan Kehui
Published: November 2019

One hundred and ninety‐seven wheat accessions from Yellow and Huai Winter Wheat Region (YHW) were evaluated for differences of 14 agronomic traits under low‐ and high‐density plantings. Compared with the high‐density plantings, plant height, neck length, uppermost internode length, flag leaf angle and number of sterile spikelets under the low‐density plantings reduced, while heading date, flowering date, flag leaf length and width, spike length, number of fertile spikelets, grain number per spike, thousand‐kernel weight and grain weight per spike increased. A total of 1,118 markers were detected based on GWAS, and seven QTLs were confirmed. One QTL on chromosomes 5BL and two other QTLs on 5Dl were all tightly associated with flowering date difference. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that two haploblocks in 5Dl were involved, and the Vrn‐D1 locus was located in this interval. A region on chromosome 5B at around 531.5 Mb was significantly associated with plant height difference. Two QTLs including AX‐94840438 (7BL) and AX‐94563647 (7DS) were responsible for neck length or uppermost internode length difference.
Several stably expressed QTL for spike density of common wheat (Triticum aestivum) in multiple environments
Authors: Liu Hang , Ma Jian , Tu Yang , Zhu Jing , Ding Puyang , Liu Jiajun , Li Ting , Zou Yaya , Habib Ahsan , Mu Yang , Tang Huaping , Jiang Qiantao , Liu Yaxi , Chen Guoyue , Zheng Youliang , Wei Yuming , Lan Xiujin
Published: November 2019

Spike density (SD), an important spike morphological trait associated with wheat yield, is the spikelet number per spike (SNS) divided by spike length (SL). In this study, phenotypic data from eight environments were collected and a recombinant inbred line population (RIL) constructed by the wheat line 20828 and the cultivar 'Chuannong16' and a Wheat55K SNP array‐based constructed genetic linkage map were used to identify SD quantitative trait locus (QTL). Correlation between SD and other agronomic traits was calculated. Genes associated with plant growth and development for major loci were predicted. The results showed that 24 QTLs associated with SD were detected in eight environments. Among them, three major QTL, namely QSd.sicau‐5B.2, QSd.sicau‐2D.3 and QSd.sicau‐4B.1, explained up to 35.62%, 14.21% and 11.23% of phenotypic variation, respectively. The positive alleles of them were all derived from 'Chuannong16'. The significant relationships between SD and other agronomic traits were detected and discussed. Taken together, the stably expressed SD QTL under different environments identified in this study provided theoretical guidance for further fine mapping and germplasm improvement.
Quickie well done: no evidence of physiological costs in the development race ofLucilia sericatanecrophagous larvae
Authors: Komo Larissa , Hedouin Valéry , Charabidze Damien
Published: November 2019

The present study focuses on trade‐offs between the development rates and their life‐history traits of feeding larvae. Indeed, quick growth is considered to be vital for necrophagous insects such as larvae because they are part of a rapidly changing ecosystem and at the mercy of many predators. However, excessively quick growth can have a negative effect on other life‐history traits (e.g. survivorship and body size). The blowflyLucilia sericata(Diptera: Calliphoridae) is used in the present study because this species is frequently found on carcasses in Central Europe and is a well‐known experimental model in insect physiology and ecology. Individuals are reared from first instars to adults at two different constant temperatures (i.e. 15 and 28 °C) and under three different conditions: 100 Lucilia sericata(i.e. small monospecific condition), 250 L. sericata(i.e. large monospecific) or 125 L. sericata + 125Calliphora vicina(i.e. heterospecific). The development time, pupal and larval survival rate and pupal size are determined individually under each condition. Regarding size and development time, substantial variation is observed between the different growth conditions and within a larval group under the same conditions. However, no trade‐offs between development rate and size or survival are detected. These results demonstrate that, under the range of developmental conditions tested in the present study, the quick development ofL. sericatalarvae does not affect their size or mortality. This developmental plasticity may explain the evolutionary success of this species, which is present in several ecosystems worldwide and dominates the fresh‐carrion ecosystem.
NO and ROS implications in the organization of root system architecture
Authors: Prakash Ved , Vishwakarma Kanchan , Singh Vijay Pratap , Rai Padmaja , Ramawat Naleeni , Tripathi Durgesh Kumar , Sharma Shivesh
Published: November 2019

Over the past decades the role of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in signaling and cellular responses to stress has witnessed an exponential trend line. Despite advances in the subject, our knowledge of the role of NO and ROS as regulators of stress and plant growth and their implication in signaling pathways is still partial. The crosstalk between NO and ROS during root formation offers new domains to be explored, as it regulates several plant functions. Previous findings indicate that plants utilize these signaling molecules for regulating physiological responses and development. Depending upon cellular concentration, NO either can stimulate or impede root system architecture (RSA) by modulating enzymes through post‐translational modifications. Similarly, the ROS signaling molecule network, in association with other hormonal signaling pathways, control the RSA. The spatial regulation of ROS controls cell growth and ROS determine primary root and act in concert with NO to promote lateral root primordia. NO and ROS are two central messenger molecules which act differentially to upregulate or downregulate the expression of genes pertaining to auxin synthesis and to the configuration of root architecture. The investigation concerning the contribution of donors and inhibitors of NO and ROS can further aid in deciphering their role in root development. With this background, this review provides comprehensive details about the effect and function of NO and ROS in the development of RSA.
CIDE family proteins control lipid homeostasis and the development of metabolic diseases
Authors: Chen Feng‐Jung , Yin Yesheng , Chua Boon Tin , Li Peng
Published: November 2019

Dysregulation of lipid homeostasis leads to the development of metabolic disorders including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Lipid droplets (LDs) are subcellular organelles vital in the maintenance of lipid homeostasis by coordinating lipid synthesis, lipid storage, lipid secretion and lipolysis. Under fed condition, free fatty acids (FFAs) are remodeled and esterified into neutral lipids by lipogenesis and stored in the LDs. The lipid storage capacity of LDs is controlled by its growth via local lipid synthesis or by LD fusion. During fasting, neutral lipids are hydrolyzed by lipolysis, released as FFAs and secreted to meet energy demand. Cell death‐inducing DNA fragmentation factor alpha (DFFA)‐like effector (CIDE) family proteins composed of Cidea, Cideb and Cidec/Fsp27 are ER‐ and LD‐associated proteins and have emerged as important regulators of lipid homeostasis. Notably, when localized on the LDs, CIDE proteins enrich at the LD‐LD contact sites (LDCSs) and control LD fusion and growth. Here, we summarize these recent advances made on the role of CIDE proteins in the regulation of lipid metabolism with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying CIDE‐mediated LD fusion and growth.
Comparison of outcomes in cataractous eyes of dogs undergoing phacoemulsification versus eyes not undergoing surgery
Authors: Krishnan Harathi , Hetzel Scott , McLellan Gillian J. , Bentley Ellison
Published: November 2019

Objective

To compare outcomes of surgical intervention and nonsurgical management of canine cataracts.

Methods

Records of patients examined for cataracts from January 2007 to February 2018 were divided into two groups: nonsurgical and surgical. The nonsurgical group was further subdivided based on whether the decision not to pursue surgery was elected by owners, or based on ophthalmologist's advice. Inclusion criteria included 6 months of follow‐up. Success in the nonsurgical group was defined as a comfortable eye with no potentially painful complications, and success in the surgical group additionally required vision. Time‐to‐failure (complications) was assessed with Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

A total of 72 eyes (41 dogs) were included in the nonsurgical group, and 126 eyes (67 dogs) were surgically treated. There was no difference in gender or age; however, the surgical group had significantly more diabetic eyes (56.3% vs 15.3%; P < .001) and patient eyes with longer follow‐up times (median 37.6 months vs 22.1 months; P < .001) than the nonsurgical group. There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates between the nonsurgical group (15/72 [20.8%]) and the surgical group (23/126 [18.3%]; HR: 2.22 [0.97, 5.0]; P = .060). However, the complication rate in the ophthalmologist‐led nonsurgical group was significantly greater than in the owner‐led nonsurgical group (P = .019) and the surgical group (P = .002).

Conclusions

When using relevant outcomes, whether or not a cataractous eye has surgery does not affect long‐term complications; additionally, nonsurgical eyes that are poor surgical candidates have a higher complication rate than eyes deemed suitable for phacoemulsification for which owners elected not to pursue cataract surgery.
Investigation of the Effects of Smoking Addiction and Physical Activity on Some Respiratory Functions in Young Adult Males
Authors: Bilici Muhammed Fatih , Türker Ali
Published: November 2019

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of smoking addiction and physical activity on some respiratory functions in young adult males. 120 male students who have no health problem with an age average of 21,00 (years) , height average of 174,2 (cm) and weight average of 69,62 (kg) have voluntarily participated in the study. The students participating in the study have been categorized according to their condition of doing exercise and addiction to smoking. Spirometer (Pony Fx, Italy) was used to determine pulmonary functions of students. In the statistical analysis of the obtained data SPSS program has been used. The normality distribution of the data has been identified with Shapiro-Wilk test. In the analysis of the data which have no normal distribution, Kruskal Wallis test and in the sub groups Mann- Whitney U test has been used. It has been determined that FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75% (L/s), PEF (L/s), VC and MVV values of the student groups who doing regular exercise are significantly higher than the student groups who do not (p<0,05). No statistically significant difference has been found in FEV1/FVC(%) value among the groups (p>0,05). It has been found that smoking addiction is effective on PEF value in a significant level (p<0,05).
Adaptive model predictions of daily total column ozone over the Amazon Inter-Tropical Confluence Zone
Authors: González-Navarrete Julio César , Salamanca Julian
Published: November 2019

The aim of this paper is to broaden the scope of a recent adaptive model in order to obtain predictions of total column ozone (TCO) trends over the Amazon Inter-Tropical Confluence Zone (ITCZ). The adaptive model makes daily TCO predictions over the tropical equator-Andes-Region, relying on seasonal patterns and the solar cycle. This study uses daily observations of the sunspot number cycle, given by the World Data Center for the production, preservation and dissemination of the international sunspot number (Royal Observatory of Belgium), and satellite total-column ozone data, collected by NASA (January 1979 to April 2018), for two Colombian locations: one in and one adjacent to the ITCZ. The agreement between daily total-column predictions by the adaptive model and satellite observations is excellent. Daily averaged relative errors around of 3.7 % and 2.8 % for both locations are reported herein.