bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contributions of Observed Parent Socialization of Coping and Skin Conductance Level Reactivity to Childhood Adjustment
Authors: Stanger Sarah , Abaied Jamie , Wagner Caitlin , Sanders Wesley
Published: December 2016

This research examined the longitudinal association between parent socialization of coping and child adjustment, as well as the moderating role of children's skin conductance level reactivity (SCLR). Participants were a community sample of children (n = 64, M age = 9.02, 54.5% females, 93.2% Caucasian) and their parent(s). Parent coping suggestions were observed while their child engaged in a stressful challenge task, during which the child's SCLR, a measure of children's physiological reactivity to stress, was also measured. Parent(s) completed the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001) at baseline and a 6‐month follow‐up to assess internalizing and externalizing problems. Results revealed that secondary control engagement suggestions predicted fewer internalizing problems over time. In addition, disengagement suggestions predicted fewer externalizing problems over time among children with high SCLR. This study provides evidence that parent coping suggestions serve as a resource that protects youth from developing adjustment problems.
Discovery of short linear motif‐mediated interactions through phage display of intrinsically disordered regions of the human proteome
Authors: Davey Norman E. , Seo Moon‐Hyeong , Yadav Vikash Kumar , Jeon Jouhyun , Nim Satra , Krystkowiak Izabella , Blikstad Cecilia , Dong Debbie , Markova Natalia , Kim Philip M. , Ivarsson Ylva
Published: December 2016

The intrinsically disordered regions of eukaryotic proteomes are enriched in short linear motifs (SLiMs), which are of crucial relevance for cellular signaling and protein regulation; many mediate interactions by providing binding sites for peptide‐binding domains. The vast majority of SLiMs remain to be discovered highlighting the need for experimental methods for their large‐scale identification. We present a novel proteomic peptide phage display (ProP‐PD) library that displays peptides representing the disordered regions of the human proteome, allowing direct large‐scale interrogation of most potential binding SLiMs in the proteome. The performance of the ProP‐PD library was validated through selections against SLiM‐binding bait domains with distinct folds and binding preferences. The vast majority of identified binding peptides contained sequences that matched the known SLiM‐binding specificities of the bait proteins. For SHANK1 PDZ, we establish a novel consensus TxF motif for its non‐C‐terminal ligands. The binding peptides mostly represented novel target proteins, however, several previously validated protein–protein interactions (PPIs) were also discovered. We determined the affinities between the VHS domain of GGA1 and three identified ligands to 40–130 μm through isothermal titration calorimetry, and confirmed interactions through coimmunoprecipitation using full‐length proteins. Taken together, we outline a general pipeline for the design and construction of ProP‐PD libraries and the analysis of ProP‐PD‐derived, SLiM‐based PPIs. We demonstrated the methods potential to identify low affinity motif‐mediated interactions for modular domains with distinct binding preferences. The approach is a highly useful complement to the current toolbox of methods for PPI discovery.
Response of vegetation phenology to urbanization in the conterminous United States
Authors: Li Xuecao , Zhou Yuyu , Asrar Ghassem R. , Mao Jiafu , Li Xiaoma , Li Wenyu
Published: December 2016

The influence of urbanization on vegetation phenology is gaining considerable attention due to its implications for human health, cycling of carbon and other nutrients in Earth system. In this study, we examined the relationship between change in vegetation phenology and urban size, an indicator of urbanization, for the conterminous United States. We studied more than 4500 urban clusters of varying size to determine the impact of urbanization on plant phenology, with the aids of remotely sensed observations since 2003–2012. We found that phenology cycle (changes in vegetation greenness) in urban areas starts earlier (start of season, SOS) and ends later (end of season, EOS), resulting in a longer growing season length (GSL), when compared to the respective surrounding urban areas. The average difference of GSL between urban and rural areas over all vegetation types, considered in this study, is about 9 days. Also, the extended GSL in urban area is consistent among different climate zones in the United States, whereas their magnitudes are varying across regions. We found that a tenfold increase in urban size could result in an earlier SOS of about 1.3 days and a later EOS of around 2.4 days. As a result, the GSL could be extended by approximately 3.6 days with a range of 1.6–6.5 days for 25th ~ 75th quantiles, with a median value of about 2.1 days. For different vegetation types, the phenology response to urbanization, as defined by GSL, ranges from 1 to 4 days. The quantitative relationship between phenology and urbanization is of great use for developing improved models of vegetation phenology dynamics under future urbanization, and for developing change indicators to assess the impacts of urbanization on vegetation phenology.
Rate, correlates and outcomes of repeat pregnancy in HIV‐infected women
Authors: Floridia M , Tamburrini E , Masuelli G , Martinelli P , Spinillo A , Liuzzi G , Vimercati A , Alberico S , Maccabruni A , Pinnetti C , Frisina V , Dalzero S , Ravizza M ,   The Italian Group for Surveillance of Antiretroviral Treatment in Pregnancy
Published: December 2016

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the rate, determinants, and outcomes of repeat pregnancies in women with HIV infection.

Methods

Data from a national study of pregnant women with HIV infection were used. Main outcomes were preterm delivery, low birth weight, CD4 cell count and HIV plasma viral load.

Results

The rate of repeat pregnancy among 3007 women was 16.2%. Women with a repeat pregnancy were on average younger than those with a single pregnancy (median age 30 vs. 33 years, respectively), more recently diagnosed with HIV infection (median time since diagnosis 25 vs. 51 months, respectively), and more frequently of foreign origin [odds ratio (OR) 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.68], diagnosed with HIV infection in the current pregnancy (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.35–2.11), and at their first pregnancy (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.06–1.66). In women with sequential pregnancies, compared with the first pregnancy, several outcomes showed a significant improvement in the second pregnancy, with a higher rate of antiretroviral treatment at conception (39.0 vs. 65.4%, respectively), better median maternal weight at the start of pregnancy (60 vs. 61 kg, respectively), a higher rate of end‐of‐pregnancy undetectable HIV RNA (60.7 vs. 71.6%, respectively), a higher median birth weight (2815 vs. 2885 g, respectively), lower rates of preterm delivery (23.0 vs. 17.7%, respectively) and of low birth weight (23.4 vs. 15.4%, respectively), and a higher median CD4 cell count (+47 cells/μL), with almost no clinical progression to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stage C (CDC‐C) HIV disease (0.3%). The second pregnancy was significantly more likely to end in voluntary termination than the first pregnancy (11.4 vs. 6.1%, respectively).

Conclusions

Younger and foreign women were more likely to have a repeat pregnancy; in women with sequential pregnancies, the second pregnancy was characterized by a significant improvement in several outcomes, suggesting that women with HIV infection who desire multiple children may proceed safely and confidently with subsequent pregnancies.
Transcriptome and proteome analyses reveal complex mechanisms of reproductive diapause in the two‐spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Zhao J.‐Y. , Zhao X.‐T. , Sun J.‐T. , Zou L.‐F. , Yang S.‐X. , Han X. , Zhu W.‐C. , Yin Q. , Hong X.‐Y.
Published: December 2016

Although a variety of factors underlying diapause have been identified in arthropods and other organisms, the molecular mechanisms regulating diapause are still largely unknown. Here, to better understand this process, we examined diapause‐associated genes in the two‐spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, by comparing the transcriptomes and proteomes of early diapausing and reproductive adult females. Amongst genes underlying diapause revealed by the transcriptomic and proteomic data sets, we described the noticeable change in Ca2+‐associated genes, including 65 Ca2+‐binding protein genes and 23 Ca2+ transporter genes, indicating that Ca2+ signalling has a substantial role in diapause regulation. Other interesting changes in diapause included up‐regulation of (1) glutamate receptors that may be involved in synaptic plasticity changes, (2) genes involved in cytoskeletal reorganization including genes encoding each of the components of thick and thin filaments, tubulin and members of integrin signalling and (3) genes involved in anaerobic energy metabolism, which reflects a shift to anaerobic energy metabolism in early diapausing mites.
A piezomicrobalance system for high‐temperature mass relaxation characterization of metal oxides: A case study of Pr‐doped ceria
Authors: Simons Philipp , Ji Ho‐Il , Davenport Timothy C. , Haile Sossina M.
Published: December 2016

A system for mass relaxation studies based on a gallium phosphate piezocrystal microbalance has been developed, built, and successfully used to characterize a representative mixed ionic and electronic conducting material. The apparatus is constructed to achieve reactor gas exchange times as short as 2 seconds and temporal resolution in mass measurement of 0.1 seconds. These characteristics enabled evaluation of mass relaxations that occurred on the 6 seconds time scale. Proof of concept for materials characterization capabilities of the system was carried out using 10% praseodymium‐doped cerium oxide (PCO), a material that undergoes, at selected temperatures and oxygen partial pressures, changes in mass but not in conductivity. Thin films were deposited on the piezocrystals via pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Mass relaxation curves were collected at 700°C upon application of a small step change in oxygen partial pressure, . Using two different films, the surface reaction constant, kS, was obtained over the range from 10−4 to 0.1 atm. Its value is found to vary between 9.7 × 10−6 and 1.7 × 10−4 cm/s, displaying a power law dependence on , with a law exponent of 0.67 ± 0.02, as averaged over the two sets of results. This steep dependence of kS on is surprisingly independent of a change in dominant defect type within the range of measurement.
Phase transformation and interface segregation behavior in Si3N4 ceramics sintered with La2O3–Lu2O3 mixed additive
Authors: Urakami Ryosuke , Sato Yukio , Ogushi Masayoshi , Nishiyama Takeshi , Goto Aoi , Yamada Kazuhiro , Teranishi Ryo , Kaneko Kenji , Kitayama Mikito
Published: December 2016

Microstructure and mechanical property of silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic are strongly dependent on the selection of sintering additives. When rare‐earth (RE) oxide is used as the sintering additive, segregation of RE ions at interface between Si3N4 grain and intergranular glassy film (IGF) is believed to play a critical role. Although the ionic radius of RE ion is known to be an empirical parameter to modify the mechanical property, the correlation between the segregated ions and their ionic radii is still under controversy. In order to address this issue, (i) rate of α‐β phase transformation and (ii) segregation behavior at the interface were studied for Si3N4 ceramics sintered using mixture of La2O3 and Lu2O3 as additives in this study. Specimens of Lu content 30% and higher exhibited lower activation energies for the α‐β phase transformation as compared with those of Lu content 20% and lower. In terms of the segregation behavior, La was preferably segregated at one site and Lu at the other site along β‐Si3N4/IGF interface in the specimens of Lu content 30% and higher. It is understood from these results that Lu segregation site should be more closely related with grain growth.
Conceptualizing and Treating Social Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Focus Group Study with Multidisciplinary Professionals
Authors: Spain Debbie , Rumball Freya , O'Neill Lucy , Sin Jacqueline , Prunty Jonathan , Happé Francesca
Published: December 2016

Background

Individuals who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD) commonly experience social anxiety (SA). Disentangling SA symptoms from core ASD characteristics is complex, partly due to diagnostic overshadowing and co‐occurring alexithymia. Causal and maintaining mechanisms for SA in ASD are underexplored, but it is feasible that there is an ASD specificity to the clinical presentation, with implications for the development of targeted treatments.

Methods

Five focus groups were conducted with multidisciplinary professionals to investigate their perspectives about, and approaches to, working with individuals with ASD and SA. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Data analysis revealed two overarching themes: conceptualizing SA in ASD and service provision. Our results suggest that adaptations to service provision are pertinent, so as to accommodate inherent impairments that can mediate assessment and intervention.

Conclusions

Future studies should establish how aspects of the care pathway can be improved for individuals with ASD and SA.
Leveraging Social Capital of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities through Participation on Facebook
Authors: Shpigelman Carmit‐Noa
Published: December 2016

Background

Participation in social networking sites has considerable potential to leverage the individual's social capital, including persons with intellectual disabilities, whose real‐world social networks are fairly limited.

Method

This study aimed to understand how individuals with intellectual disabilities use Facebook to access social capital benefits, if at all. Qualitative interviews and observations were conducted with 20 adult Facebook users with intellectual disabilities.

Results

The online participation enhanced their bonding social capital as well as contributed to their psychological well‐being through increasing their online visibility, popularity and sense of belonging. At the same time, they experienced stress and frustration due to usage difficulties, which prevented them from enhancing their bridging social capital.

Conclusions

Participation in social networking sites may also leverage bridging social capital of persons with intellectual disabilities, but they need a more accessible platform and ongoing support to ensure safe and fruitful participation.
Clonal structure in Ichthyobacterium seriolicida, the causative agent of bacterial haemolytic jaundice in yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata, inferred from molecular epidemiological analysis
Authors: Matsuyama T , Fukuda Y , Sakai T , Tanimoto N , Nakanishi M , Nakamura Y , Takano T , Nakayasu C
Published: December 2016

Bacterial haemolytic jaundice caused by Ichthyobacterium seriolicida has been responsible for mortality in farmed yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata, in western Japan since the 1980s. In this study, polymorphic analysis of I. seriolicida was performed using three molecular methods: amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and multiple‐locus variable‐number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). Twenty‐eight isolates were analysed using AFLP, while 31 isolates were examined by MLST and MLVA. No polymorphisms were identified by AFLP analysis using EcoRI and MseI, or by MLST of internal fragments of eight housekeeping genes. However, MLVA revealed variation in repeat numbers of three elements, allowing separation of the isolates into 16 sequence types. The unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages cluster analysis of the MLVA data identified four major clusters, and all isolates belonged to clonal complexes. It is likely that I. seriolicida populations share a common ancestor, which may be a recently introduced strain.
Effect of curcumin on the expression of p53, transforming growth factor‐β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in oral submucous fibrosis: A pilot study
Authors: Gupta Shikha , Ghosh Sujoy , Gupta Sunita , Sakhuja Puja
Published: December 2016

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to find out the expression of p53, transforming growth factor‐β TGF‐β), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), proteins implicated in its pathophysiology, as well as malignant transformation. We also sought to determine the effect of curcumin on the expression of these markers through immunohistochemistry.

Methods

The expression of p53, TGF‐β, and iNOS was evaluated through immunohistochemistry in 28 patients with OSMF before and after treatment with curcumin. Expression was evaluated semiquantitatively using a four‐point scale based on the percentage of cells showing positive staining.

Results

The expression of p53, TGF‐β, and iNOS in OSMF was found to be statistically significant (P<.05). After therapy with curcumin, a decrease in the expression of p53, TGF‐β, and iNOS was seen in 25%, 32.1%, and 32.1% of the samples, respectively; however, the difference in pretreatment and post‐treatment expressions was not found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion

The present finding suggest that curcumin could have an effect on the expression of p53, iNOS, and TGF‐β in OSMF, and thus, could prove to be an effective chemopreventive agent for its management. The increased expression of p53, TGF‐β, and iNOS in OSMF is suggestive of the role of these markers in its pathophysiology.
Temporomandibular joint findings in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Yıldızer Keriş Elif , Yaman Sis Darendeliler , Demirağ Mehmet Derya , Haznedaroğlu Şeminur
Published: December 2016

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.

Methods

The present study consisted of 79 individuals with various rheumatic disease (study group: 39 with RA, 17 with AS, 23 with pSS) and 79 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (control group). Subjective symptoms of the TMJ were recorded by means of a questionnaire. And stomatognathic examination was then performed.

Results

The prevalence of subjective symptoms in patients with rheumatic disease (73.4%) were significantly higher than that of the controls (22.8%; P<.05). The most common objective symptoms were pain during lateral TMJ palpation (29.1% of patients overall, 8.9% of controls) and mandibular movements (19% of patients overall, 2.5% of controls), and muscle pain during palpation (38% of patients overall, 3.8% of controls). They were significantly higher in all of the rheumatic patients than the controls (P<.05). There was not a statistically‐significant difference in the values for mandibular movements between the study and control groups (P>.05, Mann‐Whitney U test).

Conclusions

TMJ symptoms were observed to be higher in the patients with RA, AS and pSS than the control group. Dentists and rheumatologists should be aware of TMJ symptoms in patients with rheumatic diseases.
Acupuncture and Acupressure in Labor
Authors: Schlaeger Judith M. , Gabzdyl Elizabeth M. , Bussell Jeanie L. , Takakura Nobuari , Yajima Hiroyoshi , Takayama Miho , Wilkie Diana J.
Published: December 2016

Acupuncture and acupressure, 2 modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine, are based on reducing pain and symptoms of disease through balancingyinandyang. Acupuncture and acupressure have been used in China for reduction of labor pain, labor augmentation, and other intrapartum indications for more than 2 millennia. This article presents a review of the current literature that has addressed the effects of acupuncture and acupressure on intrapartum events. Studies of acupuncture have demonstrated that acupuncture may reduce labor pain, the use of pharmacologic agents, the use of forceps and vacuum‐assisted births, and the length of labor. Studies that examined the effect of acupuncture on labor that is induced or augmented for premature rupture of membranes have found that acupuncture may increase the degree of cervical ripening but does not reduce the amount of oxytocin or epidural analgesia administration, nor does it shorten length of induced labor. Acupressure may reduce labor pain and labor duration, but acupressure has not been found to increase cervical ripening or induce labor. There are insufficient studies about acupuncture and acupressure and their effects on labor at this time, and there is need for further research. Areas of uncertainty include efficacy, optimal point selection, best techniques, and length of time for point stimulation.
Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase augments astrocyte release of vascular endothelial growth factor and neuronal recovery after oxygen‐glucose deprivation
Authors: Zhang Yue , Hong Gina , Lee Kin Sing Stephen , Hammock Bruce D. , Gebremedhin Debebe , Harder David R. , Koehler Raymond C. , Sapirstein Adam
Published: December 2016

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are synthesized in astrocytes, and inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), which hydrolyzes EETs, reduce infarct volume in ischemic stroke. Astrocytes can release protective neurotrophic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We found that addition of sEH inhibitors to rat cultured astrocytes immediately after oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) markedly increased VEGF concentration in the medium 48 h later and the effect was blocked by an EET antagonist. The sEH inhibitors increased EET concentrations to levels capable of increasing VEGF. When the sEH inhibitors were removed from the medium at 48 h, the increase in VEGF persisted for an additional 48 h. Neurons exposed to OGD and subsequently to astrocyte medium previously conditioned with OGD plus sEH inhibitors showed increased phosphorylation of their VEGF receptor‐2, less TUNEL staining, and increased phosphorylation of Akt, which was blocked by a VEGF receptor‐2 antagonist. Our findings indicate that sEH inhibitors, applied to cultured astrocytes after an ischemia‐like insult, can increase VEGF secretion. The released VEGF then enhances Akt‐enabled cell survival signaling in neurons through activation of VEGF receptor‐2 leading to less neuronal cell death. These results suggest a new strategy by which astrocytes can be leveraged to support neuroprotection.

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The care network of the families involved in violence against children and adolescents: the Primary Health Care perspective
Authors: Carlos Diene Monique , de Pádua Elisabete Matallo Marchesini , da Silva Lygia Maria Pereira , Silva Marta Angélica Iossi , Marques Walter Ernesto Ude , Leitão Maria Neto da Cruz , Ferriani Maria das Graças Carvalho
Published: December 2016

Aims and objectives

To contribute the understanding of the network care provided to families involved in family violence against children and adolescents (FVACA), from the Primary Health Care (PHC) perspective.

Background

Children and adolescents figure among the main victims of violence around the world, which occurs predominantly in the family context. PHC‐guided network care has emerged as a new process that contrasts with traditional approaches, which rely on fragmented, punctual and compensatory actions and produce simplified and segmented interventions in response to complex phenomena like violence. The Paradigm of Complexity interacts with the network care approach and, by articulating the multiple dimensions of the research phenomenon, contributes to its understanding.

Design

Qualitative research, based on the Paradigm of Complexity.

Methods

Data were collected through minimal maps of the external institutional social network, focus groups and semi‐structured interviews held with 41 PHC professionals in Brazil. The notions of comprehension and contextualisation as well as dialogical, recursive and holographic principles from complexity theory guided the data analysis.

Results

The two thematic categories that emerged revealed reduced institutional networks, with low‐density and homogeneous bonds, which resulted in fragmented care in all stages of the care process.

Conclusions

Although the network organisation of care for the families involved in FVACA is fundamental, the construction of these networks still represents a great challenge, as it requires the joint work of a multiprofessional team.

Relevance to clinical practice

For nursing to respond to the contemporary care demands in a contemplative and pertinent manner, a perspective and a reference framework need to be developed, leading to broader and more contextualised actions, with a multidimensional approach to the families and communities of which child and adolescent victims of violence are a part.
A REVIEW OF THE RECENT LITERATURE ON THE INSTITUTIONAL ECONOMICS ANALYSIS OF THE LONG‐RUN PERFORMANCE OF NATIONS
Authors: Lloyd Peter , Lee Cassey
Published: December 2016

This paper reviews the recent (post‐2000) literature that assesses the importance of institutions as a factor determining cross‐country differences in growth rates or in the contemporary level of “prosperity.” It first sketches how institutional economics has evolved. It then examines critically the methods of analysis employed in the recent literature. The paper finds that this literature has made a major contribution to the analysis of the causes of economic growth but the relative importance of institutions as a determinant of long‐run growth and prosperity is still a wide open question.
Neuroimaging Findings in Pediatric Genetic Skeletal Disorders: A Review
Authors: Wagner Matthias W. , Poretti Andrea , Benson Jane E. , Huisman Thierry A. G. M.
Published: December 2016

Genetic skeletal disorders (GSDs) are a heterogeneous group characterized by an intrinsic abnormality in growth and (re‐)modeling of cartilage and bone. A large subgroup of GSDs has additional involvement of other structures/organs beside the skeleton, such as the central nervous system (CNS). CNS abnormalities have an important role in long‐term prognosis of children with GSDs and should consequently not be missed. Sensitive and specific identification of CNS lesions while evaluating a child with a GSD requires a detailed knowledge of the possible associated CNS abnormalities. Here, we provide a pattern‐recognition approach for neuroimaging findings in GSDs guided by the obvious skeletal manifestations of GSD. In particular, we summarize which CNS findings should be ruled out with each GSD. The diseases (n= 180) are classified based on the skeletal involvement (1. abnormal metaphysis or epiphysis, 2. abnormal size/number of bones, 3. abnormal shape of bones and joints, and 4. abnormal dynamic or structural changes). For each disease, skeletal involvement was defined in accordance with Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man. Morphological CNS involvement has been described based on extensive literature search. Selected examples will be shown based on prevalence of the diseases and significance of the CNS involvement. CNS involvement is common in GSDs. A wide spectrum of morphological abnormalities is associated with GSDs. Early diagnosis of CNS involvement is important in the management of children with GSDs. This pattern‐recognition approach aims to assist and guide physicians in the diagnostic work‐up of CNS involvement in children with GSDs and their management.
Sleep disturbance and depressive affect in patients treated with haemodialysis
Authors: Maung Stephanie , Sara Ammar El , Cohen Danielle , Chapman Cherylle , Saggi Subodh , Cukor Daniel
Published: December 2016

Background

Sleep disorders and depression are prevalent conditions in patients with end‐stage kidney disease. These co‐morbidities have significant overlap and compounded morbidity and mortality burden. This overlap presents challenges to optimal clinical assessment and treatment. The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of sleep disturbance in patients on maintenance haemodialysis, and to assess the impact of depressive affect.

Objectives

This was a single‐site, single group, cross‐sectional study of 69 English‐speaking patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis. Self‐reported assessments included those of sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), daytime sleepiness (Epworth's Sleepiness Scale), a dialysis‐specific sleep questionnaire, and standard laboratory values. No objective sleep information was collected.

Method

All participants were well dialysed, and represented all four daily shifts. Fifty‐eight per cent reported clinically significant sleep difficulty, with elevated yet sub‐threshold daytime sleepiness. Mean depressive affect was also elevated, yet sub‐diagnostic and was positively correlated with increased age.

Results

Participants scoring above the diagnostic threshold for depression had significantly more disturbed sleep quality, more daytime sleepiness and had more problems sleeping due to restless leg syndrome than people with minimal depressive affect.

Conclusion

Poor sleep quality is prevalent in patients on maintenance haemodialysis, and is associated with increased daytime sleepiness. Depression further compounds this relationship, and is significantly associated with increased daytime sleepiness and restless leg syndrome.
Differential regulation of ssb genes in the nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp. strain PCC71201
Authors: Kirti Anurag , Kumar Arvind , Rajaram Hema
Published: December 2016

Anabaena sp. PCC7120 possesses three genes coding for single‐stranded DNA‐binding (SSB) protein, of which ssb1 was a single gene, and ssb2 and ssb3 are the first genes of their corresponding operons. Regulation of the truncated ssb genes, ssb1 (alr0088) and ssb2 (alr7559), was unaffected by N‐status of growth. They were negatively regulated by the SOS‐response regulatory protein LexA, as indicated by the (i) binding of Anabaena LexA to the LexA box of regulatory regions of ssb1 and ssb2, and (ii) decreased expression of the downstream gfp reporter gene in Escherichia coli upon co‐expression of LexA. However, the full‐length ssb gene, ssb3 (all4779), was regulated by the availability of Fe2+ and combined nitrogen, as indicated by (i) increase in the levels of SSB3 protein on Fe2+‐depletion and decrease under Fe2+‐excess conditions, and (ii) 1.5‐ to 1.6‐fold decrease in activity under nitrogen‐fixing conditions compared to nitrogen‐supplemented conditions. The requirement of Fe2+ as a co‐factor for repression by FurA and the increase in levels of FurA under nitrogen‐deficient conditions in Anabaena (Lopez‐Gomollon et al. 2007) indicated a possible regulation of ssb3 by FurA. This was substantiated by (i) the binding of FurA to the regulatory region of ssb3, (ii) repression of the expression of the downstream gfp reporter gene in E. coli upon co‐expression of FurA, and (iii) negative regulation of ssb3 promoter activity by the upstream AT‐rich region in Anabaena. This is the first report on possible role of FurA, an important protein for iron homeostasis, in DNA repair of cyanobacteria.
A metabarcoding comparison of windward and leeward airborne algal diversity across the Ko‘olau mountain range on the island of O'ahu, Hawai‘i1
Authors: Sherwood Alison R. , Dittbern Monica N. , Johnston Emily T. , Conklin Kimberly Y.
Published: December 2016

Airborne algae from sites on the windward (n = 3) and leeward (n = 3) sides of the Ko‘olau Mountain range of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, were sampled for a 16 d period during January and February 2015 using passive collection devices and were characterized using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the universal plastid amplicon marker. Amplicons were assigned to 3,023 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), which included 1,189 cyanobacteria, 1,009 heterotrophic bacteria, and 304 Eukaryota (of which 284 were algae and land plants). Analyses demonstrated substantially more OTUs at windward than leeward O‘ahu sites during the sampling period. Removal of nonalgal OTUs revealed a greater number of algal reads recovered from windward (839,853) than leeward sites (355,387), with the majority of these being cyanobacteria. The 1,234 total algal OTUs included cyanobacteria, diatoms, cryptophytes, brown algae, chlorophyte green algae, and charophyte green algae. A total of 208 algal OTUs were identified from leeward side samplers (including OTUs in common among samplers) and 1,995 algal OTUs were identified from windward samplers. Barcoding analyses of the most abundant algal OTUs indicated that very few were shared between the windward and leeward sides of the Ko‘olau Mountains, highlighting the localized scale at which these airborne algae communities differ. Back trajectories of air masses arriving on O‘ahu during the sampling period were calculated using the NOAA HY‐SPLIT model and suggested that the sampling period was composed of three large‐scale meteorological events, indicating a diversity of potential sources of airborne algae outside of the Hawaiian Islands.
Altered postural control and stability in cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy correlate with cognitive deficits
Authors: Urios Amparo , Mangas‐Losada Alba , Gimenez‐Garzó Carla , González‐López Olga , Giner‐Durán Remedios , Serra Miguel A. , Noe Enrique , Felipo Vicente , Montoliu Carmina
Published: December 2016

Background & Aims

Cognitive dysfunction in cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is associated with falls. Alterations in postural control and stability could contribute to increase falls risk in these patients. We aimed to assess whether postural control and direction‐specific limits of stability are altered in cirrhotic patients with MHE compared to patients without MHE and controls. We also assessed if alterations in postural control correlate with neurological impairment and/or blood biomarkers.

Methods

Posturography analysis, attention Stroop test and bimanual and visuo‐motor coordination tests were performed in 18 controls, 19 patients with cirrhosis without MHE and 17 with MHE, diagnosed by PHES. Posturography was assessed by NedSVE®/IBV system under four sensory conditions. Limits of stability and rhythmic weight‐shifting tests were also performed. Blood ammonia and serum interleukins were also measured. Falls were assessed after 12‐24 months follow‐up.

Results

MHE patients show impaired balance, mainly on unstable surface with eyes open, with longer reaction and confinement times and lower success in Limits of Stability test compared to patients without MHE. Performance in attention and motor coordination tests correlated with most posturography parameters alterations. Logistic regression analysis shows that posturography parameters and bimanual coordination test are good predictors of falls.

Conclusion

Balance patterns and limits of stability in MHE patients are impaired compared to patients without MHE and controls. This seems to contribute to a higher falls risk. Attention and motor coordination deficits could contribute to balance impairment in patients with MHE.
Adaptive downregulation of pheomelanin‐related Slc7a11 gene expression by environmentally induced oxidative stress
Authors: Galván Ismael , Inácio Ângela , Romero‐Haro Ana Angela , Alonso‐Alvarez Carlos
Published: December 2016

Pheomelanin is a sulphur‐containing yellow‐to‐reddish pigment whose synthesis consumes the main intracellular antioxidant (glutathione; GSH) and its precursor cysteine. Cysteine used for pheomelanogenesis cannot be used for antioxidant protection. We tested whether the expression of Slc7a11, the gene regulating the transport of cysteine to melanocytes for pheomelanogenesis, is environmentally influenced when cysteine/GSH are most required for antioxidant protection. We found that zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata developing pheomelanin‐pigmented feathers during a 12‐day exposure to the pro‐oxidant diquat dibromide downregulated the expression of Slc7a11 in feather melanocytes, but not the expression of other genes that affect pheomelanogenesis by mechanisms different from cysteine transport such as MC1R and Slc45a2. Accordingly, diquat‐treated birds did not suffer increased oxidative stress. This indicates that some animals have evolved an adaptive epigenetic lability that avoids damage derived from pheomelanogenesis. This mechanism should be explored in human Slc7a11 to help combat some cancer types related to cysteine consumption.
Characterizing human cytomegalovirus reinfection in congenitally infected infants: an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Pokalyuk Cornelia , Renzette Nicholas , Irwin Kristen K. , Pfeifer Susanne P. , Gibson Laura , Britt William J. , Yamamoto Aparecida Y. , Mussi‐Pinhata Marisa M. , Kowalik Timothy F. , Jensen Jeffrey D.
Published: December 2016

Given the strong selective pressures often faced by populations when colonizing a novel habitat, the level of variation present on which selection may act is an important indicator of adaptive potential. While often discussed in an ecological context, this notion is also highly relevant in our clinical understanding of viral infection, in which the novel habitat is a new host. Thus, quantifying the factors determining levels of variation is of considerable importance for the design of improved treatment strategies. Here, we focus on such a quantification of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) – a virus which can be transmitted across the placenta, resulting in foetal infection that can potentially cause severe disease in multiple organs. Recent studies using genomewide sequencing data have demonstrated that viral populations in some congenitally infected infants diverge rapidly over time and between tissue compartments within individuals, while in other infants, the populations remain highly stable. Here, we investigate the underlying causes of these extreme differences in observed intrahost levels of variation by estimating the underlying demographic histories of infection. Importantly, reinfection (i.e. population admixture) appears to be an important, and previously unappreciated, player. We highlight illustrative examples likely to represent a single‐population transmission from a mother during pregnancy and multiple‐population transmissions during pregnancy and after birth.
A Prospective Study Comparing Platelet‐Rich Plasma and Local Anesthetic (LA)/Corticosteroid in Intra‐Articular Injection for the Treatment of Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome
Authors: Wu Jiuping , Zhou Jingjing , Liu Chibing , Zhang Jun , Xiong Wei , Lv Yang , Liu Rui , Wang Ruiqiang , Du Zhenwu , Zhang Guizhen , Liu Qinyi
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To compare the effectiveness and safety between autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and Local Anesthetic (LA)/corticosteroid in intra‐articular injection for the treatment of lumbar facet joint syndrome.

Methods

Forty‐six eligible patients with lumbar facet joint syndrome were randomized into group A (intra‐articular injection with PRP) and group B (intra‐articular injection with LA/corticosteroid). The following contents were evaluated: pain visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and during flexion, and the Roland‐Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and modified MacNab criteria for pain relief and applications of post‐treatment drugs. All outcome assessments were performed immediately after and at 1 week, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after treatment.

Results

No significant difference between groups was observed at baseline. Compared with pretreatment, both group A and group B demonstrated statistical improvements in the pain VAS score at rest or during flexion, the RMQ, and the ODI (P < 0.01). And there were significant differences between the 2 groups on the above‐mentioned items (P < 0.05). For group B, subjective satisfaction based on the modified MacNab criteria and objective success rate were highest (80% and 85%) after 1 month, but only 50% and 20% after 6 months. However, for group A, they increased over time. In addition, there were no treatment‐related complications in either group during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Both autologous PRP and LA/corticosteroid for intra‐articular injection are effective, easy, and safe enough in the treatment of lumbar facet joint syndrome. However, autologous PRP is a superior treatment option for longer duration efficacy.
Timing the Use of Breast Cancer Risk Information in Biopsy Decision‐Making
Authors: Ayvaci Mehmet Ulvi Saygi , Ahsen Mehmet Eren , Raghunathan Srinivasan , Gharibi Zahra
Published: December 2016

Available clinical evidence is inconclusive on whether radiologists should use the patient risk profile information when interpreting mammograms. On the one hand, risk profile information is informative and can improve radiologists’ performance, but on the other hand, it may impair their judgment by introducing biases in mammography interpretation. Therefore, it is important to assess whether and when profile information use translates into improved outcomes. We model the use of profile information in mammography, using a decision theoretic approach and explore the value of profile information using three process design choices: mammography only, unbiased, and biased reading. We estimate the parameters of our model using clinical data and find that using profile information along with the mammography information can achieve a better performance than not using the profile information. However, the better performance is contingent on the weight assigned to the profile information as well as the extent of bias due to profile information. Translating our findings into clinical practice would require properly designed experiments aiming to quantify the effect of the timing and the use of profile information on performance while accounting for radiologist and patient characteristics. When conducting an experiment is not feasible, a uniform operational sequence for interpreting mammograms and related guidelines may be a useful starting point to improve the quality of mammography operations.
Initial and long‐term crestal bone responses to modern dental implants
Authors: Albrektsson Tomas , Chrcanovic Bruno , Östman Per‐Olov , Sennerby Lars
Published: December 2016

Successful osseointegration is the result of a controlled foreign body reaction to dental implants. Osseointegrated implants have demonstrated excellent long‐term survivability, although they may be subject to limited marginal bone loss. Marginal bone loss during the first few years after implant placement seldom represents disease, but is instead the result of an adaptive bone response to surgical trauma and implant loading. It is not uncommon for implants with early marginal bone loss to enter a long‐lasting state of bone stability. Extensive bone resorption after the first year is generally due to an exacerbation of adverse body reactions caused by non‐optimal implant components, adverse surgery or prosthodontics and/or compromised patient factors. Disease in the form of peri‐implantitis is a late complication that affects some implants with suppuration and rapid loss of crestal bone, and is probably caused by bacterial pathogens and immunological reactions. Unfortunately, the literature is not consistent with respect to the type or magnitude of clinical implant problems, including how they are defined and diagnosed. If the peri‐implantitis diagnosis is confined to cases with infection, suppuration and significant bone loss, the frequency of the disease is relatively low, which is in sharp contrast to the frequencies reported with unrealistic definitions of peri‐implantitis. We suggest that when modern implants are placed by properly trained individuals, only 1–2% of implants show true peri‐implantitis during follow‐up periods of 10 years or more. Peri‐implantitis must be separated from the initial and self‐limiting marginal bone loss.
Zirconia dental implants: where are we now, and where are we heading?
Authors: Cionca Norbert , Hashim Dena , Mombelli Andrea
Published: December 2016

Despite decades of titanium as the gold standard in oral implantology, the search for alternatives has been growing. High esthetic standards and increasing incidence of titanium allergies, along with a rising demand for metal‐free reconstructions, have led to the proposal of ceramics as potential surrogates. Following numerous experimental studies, zirconium dioxide (zirconia) has earned its place as a potential substitute for titanium in implantology. Yet, despite zirconia's excellent biocompatibility and tissue integration, low affinity to plaque and favorable biomechanical properties, early failures were significantly higher for zirconia implants than for titanium implants. Technical failure as a result of fracture of the material is also a major concern. So far, zirconia implants have been mainly manufactured as one‐piece implant systems because of the material's limitations. Nevertheless, various two‐piece systems have been progressively emerging with promising results. Screw‐retained abutments are desirable but present a major technical challenge. Innovation and technical advances will undoubtedly lead to further improvement in the reliability and strength of zirconia implants, allowing for novel designs, connections and reconstructions. Additional clinical studies are required to identify all relevant technical and biological factors affecting implant success and patients’ satisfaction. However, the evidence for a final verdict is, at present, still incomplete.
The science pendulum: From programmatic to incremental—and back?
Authors: Bradley Margaret M.
Published: December 2016

The climate in which scientific research is conducted changes over time, and in recent years there has been a shift from a positive view of programmatic science to a more negative evaluation that its contribution to scientific progress is only incremental. In this special issue focusing on the tools of a programmatic approach—replication, reliability and reproducibility—I reflect on changes in scientific practice over my research career, considering some factors contributing to changes in emphasis and highlighting potential pitfalls, particularly in terms of the impact on scientific progress and future scientists. In concluding, I suggest that, as members of the scientific community, we can influence current scientific practices in our day‐to‐day roles as authors, reviewers, investigators, editors, employers, and educators.
A test‐retest reliability analysis of diffusion measures of white matter tracts relevant for cognitive control
Authors: Boekel W. , Forstmann B. U. , Keuken M. C.
Published: December 2016

Recent efforts to replicate structural brain‐behavior correlations have called into question the replicability of structural brain measures used in cognitive neuroscience. Here, we report an evaluation of test‐retest reliability of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures, including fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity, in several white matter tracts previously shown to be involved in cognitive control. In a data set consisting of 34 healthy participants scanned twice on a single day, we observe overall stability of DTI measures. This stability remained in a subset of participants who were also scanned a third time on the same day as well as in a 2‐week follow‐up session. We conclude that DTI measures in these tracts show relative stability, and that alternative explanations for the recent failures of replication must be considered.