bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interictal coupling of HFOs and slow oscillations predicts the seizure‐onset pattern in mesiotemporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Amiri Mina , Frauscher Birgit , Gotman Jean
Published: May 2019

Objective

Low‐voltage fast activity (LVF) and low‐frequency high‐amplitude periodic spiking (PS) are the two most common seizure‐onset patterns in mesiotemporal lobe epilepsy, with different underlying mechanisms, pathology, and postsurgical outcome. The present work aims to investigate whether specific coupling patterns of high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs >80 Hz) and low‐frequency waves in the interictal period may distinguish these two patterns, and also seizure‐onset zone (SOZ) from non‐SOZ as a secondary aim.

Methods

We used intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) data (during non–rapid eye movement [NREM] sleep) of 18 patients with either LVF or PS seizure‐onset patterns. We investigated the interaction between HFOs (ripples: 80‐250 Hz and fast ripples: >250 Hz) and slow oscillations (slow‐delta, delta, and theta waves). We compared classic features (amplitude, duration, frequency, and power) and phase of coupling between HFOs and slower oscillations inside and outside the SOZ. We then used these features to classify HFOs and subsequently patients into LVF and PS groups.

Results

Ripples in the LVF group had significantly longer duration, lower frequency, and higher amplitude than in the PS group. The phase of slow oscillations at which HFOs occur is different between the LVF and PS HFOs (LVF, mostly at the peak or the transition of peak to trough; PS, mostly during the transition of trough to peak). HFOs associated with theta waves best discriminate seizure‐onset patterns. The coupling phase improves the classification of HFOs and patients to either LVF or PS groups, and also the classification of HFOs in SOZ and non‐SOZ.

Significance

The phase of coupling of HFOs and low‐frequency waves may help to not only identify the SOZ, but also to classify patients with different types of seizure‐onset patterns. It likely reflects that different disease processes are involved in these patterns during the interictal period.
CARD11 is dispensable for homeostatic responses and suppressive activity of peripherally induced FOXP3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Policheni Antonia , Horikawa Keisuke , Milla Liz , Kofler Jennifer , Bouillet Philippe , Belz Gabrielle T , O'Reilly Lorraine A , Goodnow Christopher C , Strasser Andreas , Gray Daniel HD
Published: May 2019

FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are essential for immunological tolerance and immune homeostasis. Despite a great deal of interest in modulating their number and function for the treatment of autoimmune disease or cancer, the precise mechanisms that control the homeostasis of Treg cells remain unclear. We report a new ENU‐induced mutant mouse, lack of costimulation (loco), with atopic dermatitis and Treg cell deficiency typical of Card11 loss‐of‐function mutants. Three distinct single nucleotide variants were found in the Card11 introns 2, 10 and 20 that cause the loss of CARD11 expression in these mutant mice. These mutations caused the loss of thymic‐derived, Neuropilin‐1+ (NRP1+) Treg cells in neonatal and adult loco mice; however, residual peripherally induced NRP1− Treg cells remained. These peripherally generated Treg cells could be expanded in vivo by the administration of IL‐2:anti‐IL‐2 complexes, indicating that this key homeostatic signaling axis remained intact in CARD11‐deficient Treg cells. Furthermore, these expanded Treg cells could mediate near‐normal suppression of activated, conventional CD4+ T cells, suggesting that CARD11 is dispensable for Treg cell function. In addition to shedding light on the requirements for CARD11 in Treg cell homeostasis and function, these data reveal novel noncoding Card11 loss‐of‐function mutations that impair the expression of this critical immune‐regulatory protein.
Highly transparent Mg0.27Al2.58O3.73N0.27 ceramic fabricated by aqueous gelcasting, pressureless sintering, and post‐HIP
Authors: Zong Xiao , Wang Hao , Gu Honggang , Ren Lu , Guo Shengqiang , Tu Bingtian , Wang Weimin , Liu Shiyuan , Fu Zhengyi
Published: May 2019

Magnesium aluminum oxynitride (Mg0.27Al2.58O3.73N0.27, termed as MgAlON) ceramics with high transparency and complicated shape was prepared by aqueous gelcasting, pressureless sintering, and followed by hot isostatic pressing. No obvious hydration was found by the characterizations of X‐ray diffraction, pH value, Fourier transform infrared and thermal analysis for the interaction between MgAlON spinel powders and water, leading to the stable MgAlON slurry with high solid loading (52 vol%) and low viscosity. This result may be due to different composition of MgAlON from that of MgAl2O4 and AlON. Besides, transparent MgAlON ceramic (1.95 mm in thickness) with a high in‐line transmittance ~86.3% at 3.7 μm was fabricated. The refractive index ~1.7499 at 589.3 nm and absorption coefficient ~1.2 cm−1 at 5 μm of MgAlON are between those of AlON and MgAl2O4 transparent ceramics, and Abbé number ~73.66 of MgAlON is the highest.
Self‐healing of TiSiN/Ag coatings induced by Ag
Authors: Zhu Yebiao , Dong Minpeng , Zhao Xiaoran , Li Jinlong , Chang Keke , Wang Liping
Published: May 2019

Ceramic coatings often suffer from the formation and expansion of microcracks, which leads to a failure of the protective function. In this work, we observed self‐healing of the microcracks in the TiSiN/Ag multilayer coating upon heating. This behavior can be attributed to diffusion of the Ag atoms to the cracks in the multilayer coating, while similar cracks in the TiSiN monolayer coating remain unchanged after the same treatment. Furthermore, the TiSiN/Ag coating with healed cracks possesses similar electrochemical corrosion and biofouling properties to the as‐deposited one, suggesting that TiSiN/Ag is a promising system in marine engineering applications. The mechanism of self‐healing was explained by kinetic simulations based on ab initio molecular dynamics and the diffusion activation energies of Ag in irregular ceramic structures have been calculated. The here adopted theoretical method also provides a new pathway for exploring new coating systems with a potential self‐healing function.
Shock wave‐material interaction in ZrB2–SiC based ultra high temperature ceramics for hypersonic applications
Authors: Gopinath Nagarajan Kirupakaran , Jagadeesh Gopalan , Basu Bikramjit
Published: May 2019

We investigate the thermochemical stability of ZrB2–SiC based multiphase ceramics to hypersonic aerothermodynamic conditions in free piston shock tube with an objective to understand quantitatively the role of thermal shock and pressure. The developed ceramics sustained impulsive thermomechanical shock, under reflected shock pressure of 6.5 MPa and reflected shock temperature of 4160 K in dissociated oxygen, without structural failure. The conjugate heat transfer analysis predicts the surface temperature of ZrB2–SiC to reach a maximum of 693 and 865 K, for ZrB2–SiC–Ti. The transient shock‐material response is characterized by surface oxidation of the investigated ceramics, when exposed to high enthalpy gaseous environment, as a consequence of the interaction with ultrafast‐heated (106 K/s) gas for ~5 ms. Spectroscopic and structural characterization reveals that addition of Ti improves thermomechanical shock resistance, which is attributed to the assemblage of refractory phases. Taken together, ZrB2–SiC–Ti based multiphase ceramics exhibit favorable shock‐material response under impulse loading.
How Has Takeover Competition Changed Over Time?
Authors: Liu Tingting , Mulherin J. Harold
Published: May 2019

Since the boom in takeovers in the 1980s, research in both law and financial economics has debated the role of takeover impediments such as poison pills, staggered boards, and state antitakeover laws. Have these impediments entrenched target management to the detriment of shareholders? Or have they increased the bargaining power of target boards of directors and left shareholders, if not better off, then at least unharmed?

In their study published recently in the Journal of Corporate Finance, the authors provide new answers to these questions with a detailed analysis of takeover competition during the period 1981 through 2014. Using a random sample of 388 completed and withdrawn deals from this 34‐year period, the authors begin by confirming the already well‐documented increase in the use of takeover impediments over time. They then report evidence that takeover competition has not declined during this period.

First of all, takeover premiums—the average percentage over market paid by acquirers to consummate transactions—have remained steady over time. Second, and the most striking of the authors' findings, is that the corporate auction process has “gone underground” since the 1980s. Although we now see fewer hostile attempts and publicly reported takeover bidding contests, the amount of competition for targets has remained largely unchanged when one takes account of “private” as well as public auctions—that is, contests that, as the authors discovered, included unidentified bidders.

The authors view such a fundamental change in the takeover auction process as a response to the widespread growth of takeover impediments. In this sense, as Bill Schwert commented years ago, “hostile takeovers are less about shirking target management than about the bargaining tactics of targets and bidders.” Or as the authors put it, “the greater bargaining power provided by state laws and other takeover impediments has changed the manner in which takeover auctions are conducted,” but without greatly affecting the goal of economic efficiency that such transactions are designed to help bring about.
Save the Buyback, Save Jobs
Authors: Milano Greg , Chew Michael
Published: May 2019

In response to a recent New York Times op‐ed by Senators Schumer and Sanders deploring the effects of stock buybacks on workers and the economy, the authors explain the role of buybacks in increasing corporate productivity and in recycling “excess capital” from mature companies with limited growth and employment opportunities to the next generation of Apples and Amazons. Some companies, as Schumer and Sanders charge, are guilty of repurchasing shares in the name of “shareholder value maximization” instead of pursuing job‐creating investments. But as the authors argue, well‐run companies increase shareholder value not by boosting EPS through buybacks, but mainly by earning competitive returns on capital and investing in their long‐run “earnings power.” And by paying out capital they have no productive uses for, such companies give their own shareholders the opportunity to reinvest in other companies with promising prospects for growth and jobs.

But the authors go on to note the tendency of companies to buy back shares not when their stock prices are low, but instead when the companies are flush with cash and nearer the top than the bottom of the business cycle. The result of this tendency, as research by Fortuna Advisors (the authors' firm) shows, is that fully three quarters of companies doing large buybacks during the period 2013‐2017 failed to produce an adequate “Buyback ROI,” a metric developed by Fortuna that indicates management's effectiveness in “timing” its stock repurchases.

Given the usefulness of buybacks in recycling capital, the authors conclude that the most reliable solution to the corporate short termism and underinvestment problem is for companies to adopt better financial performance measures—including Buyback ROI—to guide their capital allocation. And when management determines that it has significantly more capital than value‐adding investments, but wants to avoid committing to unsustainable dividend increases, it should consider buybacks—but only if management is convinced that its stock price has not outpaced performance.
A realist analysis of treatment programmes for sex offenders with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hollomotz Andrea , Greenhalgh Joanne
Published: May 2019

Background

The resources used in treatment for sex offenders with intellectual disabilities have had much research attention, but less has been written about how participants are expected to respond (programme mechanisms).

Methods

A realist evaluation of seven programmes from the UK, Canada, USA, Switzerland and Germany was conducted. In semi‐structured interviews, programme designers elucidated how they are intended to work. The data analysis was driven by the realist concern to expose programme mechanisms and intended outcomes.

Results

Two main outcomes are increasing risk management capacities and cultivating prosocial identities. These are achieved through developing insights into a person's risks, work on (sexual) self‐regulation skills, sexual boundaries and personal values and by developing meaningful social roles and positive relationships.

Conclusions

Over time, there have been changes to some of the treatment resources used. However, there were little differences in terms of the intended programme mechanisms and outcomes, which remained surprisingly consistent.
The week after: Do the effects of imagined contact last over time?
Authors: Ioannou Maria
Published: May 2019

The vast majority of studies assessing the prejudice reduction properties of imagined contact have focused so far on the immediate effects of the intervention. In an attempt to contribute to the literature examining the long‐term effects of imagined contact, the two studies reported in this paper tested the immediate and long‐term effects of imagined contact on outgroup attitudes, intergroup anxiety, and behavioral intentions in Experiment 1, and also on contact self‐efficacy in Experiment 2. Both studies were conducted in a context of entrenched intergroup conflict, Cyprus. The results supported the effectiveness of imagined contact in eliciting more positive attitudes, lower levels of anxiety, more positive behavioral intentions, and higher contact self‐efficacy when these were measured immediately after contact. However, evidence for the endurance of these effects was systematically found only for outgroup attitudes and intergroup anxiety. While these results speak to the ability of imagined contact to lead to long‐term changes in important and commonly studied intergroup outcomes, lack of consistent evidence regarding its ability to yield lasting changes on variables pertaining to intended behavior toward the outgroup compose a challenge for the intervention.
Rosiglitazone treatment restores renal responsiveness to atrial natriuretic peptide in rats with congestive heart failure
Authors: Goltsman Ilia , Khoury Emad E. , Aronson Doron , Nativ Omri , Feuerstein Giora Z. , Winaver Joseph , Abassi Zaid
Published: May 2019

The thiazolidinedione (TZD) class of Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma agonists has restricted clinical use for diabetes mellitus due to fluid retention and potential cardiovascular risks. These side effects are attributed in part to direct salt‐retaining effect of TZDs at the renal collecting duct. A recent study from our group revealed that prolonged rosiglitazone (RGZ) treatment caused no Na+/H2O retention or up‐regulation of Na+ transport‐linked channels/transporters in experimental congestive heart failure (CHF) induced by surgical aorto‐caval fistula (ACF). The present study examines the effects of RGZ on renal and cardiac responses to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), Acetylcholine (Ach) and S‐Nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP‐NO donor). Furthermore, we assessed the impact of RGZ on gene expression related to the ANP signalling pathway in animals with ACF. Rats subjected to ACF (or sham) were treated with either RGZ (30 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 4 weeks. Cardiac chambers pressures and volumes were assessed invasively via Miller catheter. Kidney excretory and renal hemodynamic in response to ANP, Ach and SNAP were examined. Renal clearance along with cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), gene expression of renal CHF‐related genes and ANP signalling in the kidney were determined. RGZ‐treated CHF rats exhibited significant improvement in the natriuretic responses to ANP infusion. This ‘sensitization’ to ANP was not associated with increases in neither urinary cGMP nor in vitro cGMP production. However, RGZ caused down‐regulation of several genes in the renal cortex (Ace, Nos3 and Npr1) and up‐regulation of ACE2, Agtrla, Mme and Cftr along down‐regulation of Avpr2, Npr1,2, Nos3 and Pde3 in the medulla. In conclusion, CHF+RGZ rats exhibited significant enhancement in the natriuretic responses to ANP infusion, which are known to be blunted in CHF. This ‘sensitization’ to ANP is independent of cGMP signalling, yet may involve post‐cGMP signalling target genes such as ACE2, CFTR and V2 receptor. The possibility that TZD treatment in uncomplicated CHF may be less detrimental than thought before deserves additional investigations.
Review of autoimmune blistering diseases: the Pemphigoid diseases
Authors: Daniel B.S. , Murrell D.F.
Published: May 2019

Autoimmune Blistering Diseases of the Pemphigoid type is characterised by sub‐epidermal blisters (SEB) with circulating autoantibodies against components of the basement membrane zone (BMZ). The main disorders to date include bullous pemphigoid (BP), pemphigoid gestationis, mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), linear IgA disease (LABD), dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), lichen planus pemphigoides and bullous lupus. This is in contrast to pemphigus and related disorders, which demonstrate intraepidermal acantholysis and a positive Nikolsky sign. The classification and management is based on clinical, histological and direct and indirect immunofluorescence findings. There are, however, overlapping clinical and histological features between the conditions and clinical heterogeneity within each disease.
Lower dietary fibre intake, but not total water consumption, is associated with constipation: a population‐based analysis
Authors: Shen L. , Huang C. , Lu X. , Xu X. , Jiang Z. , Zhu C.
Published: May 2019

Background

Associations between constipation and dietary fibre and water intake, as well as various lifestyle factors, have not been fully evaluated. The present study aimed to investigate associations between fibre and water intake and constipation, as well as other possible risk factors for constipation, in a large adult population.

Methods

Data obtained from 14 024 adults aged ≥20 years from three cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2010, who had completed a bowel health questionnaire, were included in this cross‐sectional population‐based study. Variables included demographics, lifestyle and dietary factors, comorbidities and laboratory parameters. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between potential risk factors and constipation.

Results

Among 17 132 participants ≥20 years, 2401 (14%) did not complete bowel health questionnaires and were excluded, along with pregnant women (n = 461) and participants without dietary sample weight on day 1 (n = 246), leaving data from 14 024 participants available for analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that black race/ethnicity [odds ratio (OR) = 1.380, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.054–1.809], a lower than 12th grade education (OR = 1.420, 95% CI = 1.154–1.749) or high school education (OR = 1.339, 95% CI = 1.057–1.697), lower income/poverty ratios (1.3–3.49 versus ≥3.5: OR = 1.261, 95% CI = 1.015–1.567), normal weight (OR = 1.913, 95% CI = 1.534–2.386) or overweight (OR = 1.536, 95% CI = 1.207–1.955), depression (OR = 1.610, 95% CI = 1.119–2.315) and poor teeth (OR = 1.441, 95% CI = 1.100–1.888) were associated with an increased risk for constipation. Lower dietary fibre intake was associated with a greater risk of constipation. Total water consumption was significantly associated an with an increased risk of constipation in univariate analysis, but not in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Lower dietary fibre intake, but not poor water consumption, was associated with a greater risk of constipation in US adults.
Could dental school teaching clinics provide better care than regular private practices?
Authors: Nalliah Romesh P.
Published: May 2019

Dental school clinics (DSC) consist of unlicensed dental students delivering care under the supervision of licensed dental professionals. Care delivery is slow due to inexperience of the provider and the series of supervisory checks that are necessary. Cost of care to the patient is less. To date, there has been no evaluation of the benefits of receiving care in a DSC beyond reduced fees. Research has shown the value of teaching hospitals in medicine, and the purpose of this article was to evaluate the total sum of benefits (the value proposition) of receiving dental care in a DSC.
Tasselseed5 encodes a cytochrome C oxidase that functions in sex determination by affecting jasmonate catabolism in maize
Authors: Wang Fei , Yuan Zhenjiang , Zhao Zhiwei , Li Caixia , Zhang Xin , Liang Huafeng , Liu Yawen , Xu Qian , Liu Hongtao
Published: May 2019

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a monoecious grass plant in which mature male and female florets form the tassel and ear, respectively. Maize is often used as a model plant to study flower development. Several maize tassel seed mutants, such as the recessive mutants tasselseed1 (ts1) and tasselseed2 (ts2), exhibit a reversal in sex determination, which leads to the generation of seeds in tassels. The phenotype of the dominant mutant, Tasselseed5 (Ts5), is similar to that of ts2. Here, we positionally cloned the underlying gene of Ts5 and characterized its function. We show that the GRMZM2G177668 gene is overexpressed in Ts5. This gene encodes a cytochrome C oxidase, which catalyzes the transformation of jasmonoyl‐L‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile) to 12OH‐JA‐Ile during jasmonic acid catabolism. Consistent with this finding, no JA‐Ile peak was detected in Ts5 tassels during the sex determination period, unlike in the wild type. Transgenic maize plants overexpressing GRMZM2G177668 exhibited a tassel‐seed phenotype similar to that of Ts5. These results indicate that the JA‐Ile peak in tassels is critical for sex determination and that the Ts5 mutant phenotype results from the disruption of this peak in tassels during sex determination.
Individual factors associated with masticatory performance of complete denture wearers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Leles Cláudio Rodrigues , Oliveira Talitha Maria Cabral , de Araújo Sara Cristina , Nogueira Túlio Eduardo , Schimmel Martin
Published: May 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess whether differences in inter‐individual clinical and prosthodontic variables affect masticatory performance (MP) of edentulous subjects who received new complete dentures.

Materials and methods

There were 204 edentulous participants who received new maxillary and mandibular complete dentures between October 2014 and March 2018 at a university clinic. MP was measured by a mixing ability test with a two‐coloured chewing gum for 20 and 50 chewing cycles. The outcome variable was the degree of colour mixing of the chewed gum, expressed by the variation of hue (VOH) and measured by electronic colourimetric analysis. Explanatory variables included gender and age, quality of the dentures, classification of edentulous ridges and prognostic features, time since the insertion of the new dentures and patient‐reported outcomes related to complete denture treatment. Bivariate correlation tests, multiple linear regression and a linear mixed model were used for data analysis.

Results

Mean VOH values were 0.57 (±0.13) and 0.43 (±0.16) for 20 and 50 chewing cycles, respectively. Mixing ability was higher in females than in males for 20 (P = 0.036) and 50 (P = 0.006) chewing cycles. No effects on the patient‐reported outcome measures were observed. The time since denture delivery, gender, age and Prosthodontic Diagnostic Index (PDI) score were independently associated with masticatory performance at 20 and/or 50 chewing cycles. Overall masticatory performance tested by the linear mixed‐effect model confirmed that VOH value was negatively influenced by male gender, older age and shorter time since denture delivery.

Conclusion

Masticatory performance seems to be improved with the continuous use of newly inserted dentures and negatively influenced by advanced age.
The Influence of Health Education Teacher Characteristics on Students' Health‐Related Knowledge Gains
Authors: Murray Colleen C. , Sheremenko Ganna , Rose India D. , Osuji Thearis A. , Rasberry Catherine N. , Lesesne Catherine A. , Parker J. T. , Roberts Georgi
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Studies have examined relationships between teacher characteristics and student achievement in courses such as math and science. This study is among the first to examine effects of teacher characteristics on student knowledge in a health course.

METHODS

Student (N = 6143) pretest and posttest data were linked to teacher (N = 67) data. Changes in student knowledge scores from pre‐ to postcourse were explored using mixed‐effects linear models. Teacher characteristics included professional development (PD) attendance, having a dedicated classroom, certification type, educational background, years' experience, and athletic coaching status.

RESULTS

Teacher characteristics associated with greater student knowledge gains included: being certified to teach health versus not certified (p < .001), having a dedicated classroom versus no classroom (p = .017), and for middle school teachers, having attended ≥3 PD sessions versus ≤2 (p = .023). Less knowledge gain was associated with teachers that coached versus noncoaches (p = .040) and having a health degree versus no health degree (p = .049). Post hoc analyses revealed the negative effect of health degree was only significant among coaches (p = .026).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest opportunities for maximizing student knowledge gains through tailored selection of health teachers and provision of appropriate teaching support.
Food Safety Education Needs of High‐School Students: Leftovers, Lunches, and Microwaves
Authors: Diplock Kenneth J. , Jones‐Bitton Andria , Leatherdale Scott T. , Rebellato Steven , Hammond David , Majowicz Shannon E.
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

We explored priority areas of food safety education needed by high‐school students within Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

We analyzed transcripts from semistructured interviews with 20 experts in food safety, food safety education in youth, and high‐school education in Ontario. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify priority food safety education needs.

RESULTS

We identified 4 priority action areas for food safety education targeting students: how to safely do the things they typically do with food; how to keep themselves and their kitchens clean and safe; how microorganisms grow and how they can result in foodborne disease; and how to keep food out of the “danger zone” 4°C to 60°C (40° F to 140° F). The results indicate that students need specific education around the use of microwaves, consumption of convenience meals, preparing and handling foods at school events, and safe transportation of food for lunches, school trips, and sporting events.

CONCLUSIONS

High‐school students need food safety education specific to their usual interactions with food, including the foods, tools, and settings students regularly encounter. Delivery of food safety education should emphasize sequences of safe food‐handling behaviors for specific food interactions, such as reheating a meal in the microwave, rather than traditional food safety concepts, such as temperature abuse.
Analysis of the influence of low birth weight on the time of eruption of dental caries in children in early childhood
Authors: da Silva Castro Cristiane R. , de Sousa Cabral Maria B. B. , Mota Eduardo L. A. , Cangussu Maria C. T. , Vianna Maria I. P.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To estimate the time, in days, from the beginning of the monitoring until the occurrence of dental caries and its association with low birth weight in early childhood.

Methods

This longitudinal study, dynamic cohort type with a study population of 1,109 children from public, private, and philanthropic daycares in Salvador, Bahia. The independent variables considered were sociodemographic, perinatal, and behavioral, such as the type of breastfeeding. Survival analysis was used to estimate the time for the development of caries with the Kaplan–Meier method. The Cox Regression was used on the multivariate analysis to assess the association with low birth weight (LBW).

Results

Out of the total of 1,109 children, 419 developed the disease and the median time to the occurrence of caries was approximately 18 months. District of origin, type of daycare, age, skin color, maternal education, family income, living in a home with less than four rooms, breastfeeding habits, the presence of biofilm and of active white spot, and previous caries experience were identified as potential determinants of the time until the occurrence of caries. It was found a positive association between LBW and the time to the development of caries in both the not adjusted (RF = 1.21, 95 percent CI 0.88–1.65) and adjusted model (adjusted RF = 1.52, 95 percent CI 1.01–2.28).

Conclusion

LBW was associated with dental caries.
Dietary probiotic form modulates broiler gut microbiota indices and expression of gut barrier genes including essential components for gut homeostasis
Authors: Mountzouris Konstantinos C. , Palamidi Irida , Paraskeuas Vasileios , Griela Eirini , Fegeros Konstantinos
Published: May 2019

The probiotic form (PF) type and its dietary administration in combination or not with avilamycin (AV) were investigated for their effects on broiler gut microbiota and expression of genes relevant for gut barrier and gut homeostasis. Depending on PF type (i.e. no addition, viable, inactivated) and AV addition (no/yes), 450 one‐day‐old Cobb male broilers were allocated in 6 treatments (CON, CON + A, ViP, ViP + A, InP and InP + A) according to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with 5 replicates of 15 broilers each for 42 days. Significant interactions (PPF × AV ≤ 0.05) between PF and AV administration were shown for the ileal mucosa‐associated bacteria, the caecal digesta Lactobacillus spp., the molar ratio of the sum of valeric, hexanoic and heptanoic acids and the gene expressions of ileal and caecal IgA and ileal claudin 1. Avilamycin suppressed ileal digesta Lactobacillus spp. (PAV < 0.001) and caecal digesta Clostridium perfringens subgroup (PAV = 0.018) and modulated the intestinal fermentation intensity and pattern. The viable PF had the higher levels of ileal digesta Bacteroides spp. (PPF = 0.021) and caecal digesta Lactobacillus spp. (PPF = 0.038) compared with the other two PF. Probiotic form modulated the microbial metabolic activity in the ileum and caeca with the viable PF being the most noteworthy in terms of effects regarded as beneficial. Furthermore, the viable PF resulted in reduced expression of caecal Toll‐like receptors TLR2B (PPF = 0.026) and TLR4 (PPF = 0.011) and transcription factor NFΚΒ1 (PPF = 0.002), which could be considered as essential for limiting inflammation and preserving gut homeostasis. In conclusion, under non‐challenge conditions, probiotic function was shown to depend on PF type and to a lesser degree on co‐administration with AV. The importance of probiotic viability for the beneficial modulation of important gut components towards a reduced state of physiological inflammation has been highlighted.
Efficacy of antepartum administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin in preventing mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Zhao Mengyu , Zou Huaibin , Chen Yu , Zheng Sujun , Duan Zhongping
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of antepartum administration of three doses of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) in interrupting mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV). In this trial, a total of 728 HBeAg‐positive pregnant women with chronic HBV infection who had an HBV DNA level higher than 6log10 copies/mL were enrolled. They were divided into three groups based on individual preference. Subjects in group A and group B received 200 IU (unit) HBIG and 400 IU (unit) HBIG intramuscularly once a month at the third, second and first month before delivery, respectively. Subjects in the control group (C) received no special treatment. All the infants received passive‐active immunoprophylaxis. The HBsAg‐positive rate of all infants at 7‐12 months of age was 5.1% (37/728). Specifically, the HBsAg‐positive rate of infants was comparable in all three groups (5.3% vs 5.1% vs 5%, P = 0.988). No significant difference was found in anti‐HBs levels between the infants aged 7‐12 months in the three groups (P = 0.469). HBV DNA levels of the umbilical cord blood in the HBV‐infected group were higher than those in the uninfected group (5.2 vs 3.4log10 copies/mL, P < 0.001), and these with family history of HBV infection were also higher (45.9% vs 28.5%, P = 0.034). To conclude, administration of passive‐active immunoprophylaxis to infants contributed to effective prevention of the MTCT of HBV; extra antepartum administration of HBIG during pregnancy could not decrease the rate of MTCT or increase the anti‐HBs levels of infants born to HBsAg‐positive mothers with HBV DNA higher than 6log10 copies/mL.
Sweepstakes reproductive success is absent in a New Zealand snapper (Chrysophrus auratus) population protected from fishing despite “tiny” Ne/N ratios elsewhere
Authors: Jones Andrew T. , Lavery Shane D. , Le Port Agnès , Wang You‐Gan , Blower Dean , Ovenden Jennifer
Published: May 2019

A landmark study published in 2002 estimated a very small Ne/N ratio (around 10–5) in a population of pink snapper (Chrysophrys auratus, Forster, 1801) in the Hauraki Gulf in New Zealand. It epitomized the tiny Ne/N ratios (<10–3) reported in marine species due to the hypothesized operation of sweepstakes reproductive success (SRS). Here we re‐evaluate the occurrence of SRS in marine species and the potential effect of fishing on the Ne/N ratio by studying the same species in the same region, but in a population that has been protected from fishing since 1975. We combine empirical, simulation and model‐based approaches to estimate Ne (and Nb) from genotypes of 1,044 adult fish and estimate N using recapture‐probabilities. The estimated Ne/N ratio was much larger (0.33, SE: 0.14) than expected. The magnitude of estimates of population‐wide variance in individual lifetime reproductive success (10–18) suggested that the sweepstakes effect was negligible in the study population. After evaluating factors that could explain the contrast between studies – experimental design, life history differences, environmental effects and the influence of exploitation on the Ne/N ratio – we conclude that the low Ne of the Hauraki Gulf population is associated with demographic instability in the harvested compared to the protected population despite circumstantial evidence that the 2002 study may have underestimated Ne. This study has broad implications for the prevailing view that reproductive success in the sea is largely driven by chance, and for genetic monitoring of populations using the Ne/N ratio and Nb.
Natural variations in the MYB transcription factor MYB31 determine the evolution of extremely pungent peppers
Authors: Zhu Zhangsheng , Sun Binmei , Cai Wen , Zhou Xin , Mao Yanhui , Chen Chengjie , Wei Jianlang , Cao Bihao , Chen Changming , Chen Guoju , Lei Jianjun
Published: May 2019

Plants produce countless specialized metabolites crucial for their development and fitness, and many are useful bioactive compounds. Capsaicinoids are intriguing genus‐specialized metabolites that confer a pungent flavor to Capsicum fruits, and they are widely applied in different areas. Among the five domesticated Capsicum species, Capsicum chinense has a high content of capsaicinoids, which results in an extremely hot flavor. However, the species‐specific upregulation of capsaicinoid‐biosynthetic genes (CBGs) and the evolution of extremely pungent peppers are not well understood.

We conducted genetic and functional analyses demonstrating that the quantitative trait locus Capsaicinoid1 (Cap1), which is identical to Pun3 contributes to the level of pungency.

The Cap1/Pun3 locus encodes the Solanaceae‐specific MYB transcription factor MYB31. Capsicum species have evolved placenta‐specific expression of MYB31, which directly activates expression of CBGs and results in genus‐specialized metabolite production. The capsaicinoid content depends on MYB31 expression. Natural variations in the MYB31 promoter increase MYB31 expression in C. chinense via the binding of the placenta‐specific expression of transcriptional activator WRKY9 and augmentation of CBG expression, which promotes capsaicinoid biosynthesis.

Our findings provide insights into the evolution of extremely pungent C. chinense, which is due to natural variations in the master regulator, and offers targets for engineering or selecting flavor in Capsicum.
The dynamic mosaic phenotypes of flowering plants
Authors: Harder Lawrence D. , Strelin Marina M. , Clocher Ilona C. , Kulbaba Mason W. , Aizen Marcelo A.
Published: May 2019

Ecological interaction and adaptation both depend on phenotypic characteristics. In contrast with the common conception of the ‘adult’ phenotype, plant bodies develop continuously during their lives. Furthermore, the different units (metamers) that comprise plant bodies are not identical copies, but vary extensively within individuals. These characteristics foster recognition of plant phenotypes as dynamic mosaics. We elaborate this conception based largely on a wide‐ranging review of developmental, ecological and evolutionary studies of plant reproduction, and identify its utility in the analysis of plant form, function and diversification. An expanded phenotypic conception is warranted because dynamic mosaic features affect plant performance and evolve. Evidence demonstrates that dynamic mosaic phenotypes enable functional ontogeny, division of labour, resource and mating efficiency. In addition, dynamic mosaic features differ between individuals and experience phenotypic selection. Investigation of the characteristics and roles of dynamic and mosaic features of plant phenotypes benefits from considering within‐individual variation as a function‐valued trait that can be analysed with functional data methods. Phenotypic dynamics and within‐individual variation arise despite an individual's genetic uniformity, and develop largely by heterogeneous gene expression and associated hormonal control. These characteristics can be heritable, so that dynamic mosaic phenotypes can evolve and diversify by natural selection.
Control of leaf blade outgrowth and floral organ development by LEUNIG, ANGUSTIFOLIA3 and WOX transcriptional regulators
Authors: Zhang Fei , Wang Hui , Kalve Shweta , Wolabu Tezera W. , Nakashima Jin , Golz John F. , Tadege Million
Published: May 2019

Plant lateral organ development is a complex process involving both transcriptional activation and repression mechanisms. The WOX transcriptional repressor WOX1/STF, the LEUNIG (LUG) transcriptional corepressor and the ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3) transcriptional coactivator play important roles in leaf blade outgrowth and flower development, but how these factors coordinate their activities remains unclear. Here we report physical and genetic interactions among these key regulators of leaf and flower development.

We developed a novel in planta transcriptional activation/repression assay and suggest that LUG could function as a transcriptional coactivator during leaf blade development.

MtLUG physically interacts with MtAN3, and this interaction appears to be required for leaf and flower development. A single amino acid substitution at position 61 in the SNH domain of MtAN3 protein abolishes its interaction with MtLUG, and its transactivation activity and biological function. Mutations in lug and an3 enhanced each other's mutant phenotypes. Both the lug and the an3 mutations enhanced the wox1 prs leaf and flower phenotypes in Arabidopsis.

Our findings together suggest that transcriptional repression and activation mediated by the WOX, LUG and AN3 regulators function in concert to promote leaf and flower development, providing novel mechanistic insights into the complex regulation of plant lateral organ development.
Dead or dying? Quantifying the point of no return from hydraulic failure in drought‐induced tree mortality
Authors: Hammond William M. , Yu Kailiang , Wilson Luke A. , Will Rodney E. , Anderegg William R. L. , Adams Henry D.
Published: May 2019

Determining physiological mechanisms and thresholds for climate‐driven tree die‐off could help improve global predictions of future terrestrial carbon sinks. We directly tested for the lethal threshold in hydraulic failure – an inability to move water due to drought‐induced xylem embolism – in a pine sapling experiment.

In a glasshouse experiment, we exposed loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) saplings (n = 83) to drought‐induced water stress ranging from mild to lethal. Before rewatering to relieve drought stress, we measured native hydraulic conductivity and foliar color change. We monitored all measured individuals for survival or mortality.

We found a lethal threshold at 80% loss of hydraulic conductivity – a point of hydraulic failure beyond which it is more likely trees will die, than survive, and describe mortality risk across all levels of water stress. Foliar color changes lagged behind hydraulic failure – best predicting when trees had been dead for some time, rather than when they were dying.

Our direct measurement of native conductivity, while monitoring the same individuals for survival or mortality, quantifies a continuous probability of mortality risk from hydraulic failure. Predicting tree die‐off events and understanding the mechanism involved requires knowledge not only of when trees are dead, but when they begin dying – having passed the point of no return.
Mode of delivery and mortality among neonates with gastroschisis: A population‐based cohort in Texas
Authors: Lopez Adriana , Benjamin Renata H. , Raut Janhavi R. , Ramakrishnan Anushuya , Mitchell Laura E. , Tsao Kuojen , Johnson Anthony , Langlois Peter H. , Swartz Michael D. , Agopian A.J.
Published: May 2019

Background

Mode of delivery is hypothesised to influence clinical outcomes among neonates with gastroschisis. Results from previous studies of neonatal mortality have been mixed; however, most studies have been small, clinical cohorts and have not adjusted for potential confounders.

Objectives

To evaluate whether caesarean delivery is associated with mortality among neonates with gastroschisis.

Methods

We studied liveborn, nonsyndromic neonates with gastroschisis delivered during 1999‐2014 using data from the Texas Birth Defect Registry. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, we separately assessed the relationship between caesarean and death during two different time periods, prior to 29 days (<29 days) and prior to 365 days (<365 days) after delivery, adjusting for potential confounders. We also updated a recent meta‐analysis on this relationship, combining our estimates with those from the literature.

Results

Among 2925 neonates with gastroschisis, 63% were delivered by caesarean. No associations were observed between caesarean delivery and death <29 days (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63, 1.61) or <365 days after delivery (aHR 0.99, 95% CI 0.70, 1.41). The results were similar among those with additional malformations and among those without additional malformations. When we combined our estimate with prior estimates from the literature, results were similar (combined risk ratio [RR] 1.00, 95% CI 0.84, 1.19).

Conclusions

Although caesarean rates among neonates with gastroschisis were high, our results suggest that mode of delivery is not associated with mortality among these individuals. However, data on morbidity outcomes (eg intestinal damage, infection) were not available in this study.
Equality of Opportunity in Four Measures of Well‐Being
Authors: Mahler Daniel Gerszon , Ramos Xavier
Published: May 2019

A growing literature has tried to measure the extent to which individuals have equal opportunities to acquire income. At the same time, policymakers have doubled down on efforts to go beyond income when designing policies to enhance well‐being. We attempt to bridge these two areas by measuring the extent to which individuals have equal opportunities to achieve a high level of well‐being. We use the German Socio‐Economic Panel to measure well‐being in four different ways, including incomes. This makes it possible to determine if the way in which well‐being is measured matters for identifying who the opportunity‐deprived are and for tracking inequality of opportunity over time. We find that, regardless of how well‐being is measured, the same people are opportunity‐deprived and equality of opportunity has improved over the past 10 years. This suggests that going beyond income has little relevance if the objective is to provide equal opportunities.
Intergenerational Earnings Inequality: New Evidence From Italy
Authors: Barbieri Teresa , Bloise Francesco , Raitano Michele
Published: May 2019

Using an innovative dataset built by merging survey and administrative data, we provide new estimates of intergenerational earnings’ inequality between fathers and sons in Italy, extending previous evidence in several directions. We rely on the TSTSLS method to predict fathers’ earnings and compute intergenerational elasticities and imputed rank–rank slopes, trying to reduce estimation biases. Confirming previous evidence, we find that Italy is characterized by a high intergenerational inequality in cross‐country comparison. Extending previous analyses, we show that the intergenerational association increases when sons at older ages and multi‐annual averages of pseudo‐fathers’ and sons’ earnings are considered. We also find that the intergenerational persistence differs across geographical macro‐areas and is high also for daughters, especially when family earnings are considered. Furthermore, estimates where possible mediating factors of the parental influence are included among the covariates show that a high intergenerational association persists when sons’ education and occupation are controlled for.
Oral health as a gateway to overall health and well‐being: Surveillance of the geriatric population in the United States
Authors: Hung Man , Moffat Ryan , Gill Gagandeep , Lauren Evelyn , Ruiz‐Negrón Bianca , Rosales Megan N. , Richey James , Licari Frank W.
Published: May 2019

Aims

Little evidence exists to confirm that better oral health is associated with better overall health and well‐being. The present study aimed to examine the impact of oral health on the overall health of the population greater than 65‐year old in the entire United States.

Methods and results

Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2016 were used. Variables included demographics and perceptions of oral health and overall health and well‐being. Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated using mean, standard deviation, and percentage as appropriate. Chi‐square tests and logistic regressions were performed to examine the association of oral health with physical health, mental health, general health, and systemic disease conditions. Analyses showed statistically significant relationships between oral health, physical, mental and general health, energy levels, work limitation, depression, and appetite. Out of the 10 systemic diseases being investigated, six of them were directly related to oral health outcome.

Conclusion

This study provided strong empirical evidence that oral health is directly associated with different disease conditions and contributes largely to an individual's general health, particularly in the elderly. In the current landscape of patient‐centered and value‐based care, addressing the oral health needs of the elderly, who generally find themselves with limited access to care, should be a priority.