bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educational attainment and personality are genetically intertwined
Authors: Mõttus René , Realo Anu , Vainik Uku , Allik Jüri , Esko Tõnu
Published: September 2016

Heritable variance in psychological traits may reflect genetic and biological processes that are not necessarily specific to these particular traits but pertain to a broader range of phenotypes. We tested the possibility that Five-Factor Model personality domains and their 30 facets, as rated by people themselves and their knowledgeable informants, reflect polygenic influences that have been previously associated with educational attainment. In a sample of over 3,000 adult Estonians, polygenic scores for educational attainment (EPS; interpretable as estimates of molecular genetic propensity for education) were correlated with various personality traits, particularly from the Neuroticism and Openness domains. The correlations of personality traits with phenotypic educational attainment closely mirrored their correlations with EPS. Moreover, EPS predicted an aggregate personality trait tailored to capture maximum amount of variance in educational attainment almost as strongly as it predicted the attainment itself. We discuss possible interpretations and implications of these findings.
A Rapid Subcortical Amygdala Route for Faces Irrespective of Spatial Frequency and Emotion
Authors: McFadyen Jessica , Mermillod Martial , Mattingley Jason B. , Halász Veronika , Garrido Marta I.
Published: September 2016

There is significant controversy over the anatomical existence and potential function of a direct subcortical visual pathway to the amygdala. It is thought that this pathway rapidly transmits low spatial frequency information to the amygdala independently of the cortex and yet this function has never been causally determined. In this study, neural activity was measured using magnetoencephalography (MEG) while participants discriminated the gender of neutral and fearful faces filtered for low or high spatial frequencies. Dynamic causal modelling (DCM) revealed that the most likely underlying neural network consisted of a subcortical pulvino-amygdala connection that was not modulated by spatial frequency or emotion and a cortico-amygdala connection that conveyed predominantly high spatial frequencies. Crucially, data-driven neural simulations demonstrated a clear temporal advantage of the subcortical route (70ms) over the cortical route (155ms) in influencing amygdala activity. Thus, our findings support the existence of a rapid functional subcortical pathway that is unselective of the spatial frequency or emotional content of faces.
The orthorhombic pseudopolymorph of tacrine hydrochloride
Authors: Jacobs Jeroen , Moris Michele , De Samber Tim , Vrijdag Johannes , De Borggraeve Wim , Van Meervelt Luc
Published: September 2016

Crystallization of tacrine hydrochloride, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used during treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, from a water:ethanol solution has resulted in an orthorhombic pseudopolymorph. This orthorhombic form which occurs as a dihydrate shows columns of stacking acridines together with continuous Cl—Owater—Owater—Cl chains and ladder-like ribbons composed of squares and hexagons.
Crystallization experiments with the dinuclear chelate ring complex di-μ-chlorido-bis[(η2-2-allyl-4-methoxy-5-{[(propan-2-yloxy)carbonyl]methoxy}phenyl-κC1)platinum(II)]
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thanh Chi , Pham Van Thong , Le Thi Hong Hai , Van Meervelt Luc
Published: September 2016

Crystallization experiments with the dinuclear chelate ring complex di-μ-chlorido-bis[(η2-2-allyl-4-methoxy-5-{[(propan-2-yloxy)carbonyl]methoxy}phenyl-κC1)platinum(II)], [Pt2(C15H19O4)2Cl2], containing a derivative of the natural compound eugenol as ligand, have been performed. Using five different sets of crystallization conditions resulted in four different complexes which can be further used as starting compounds for the synthesis of Pt complexes with promising anticancer activities. In the case of vapour diffusion with the binary chloroform–diethyl ether or methylene chloride–diethyl ether systems, no change of the molecular structure was observed. Using evaporation from acetonitrile (at room temperature), dimethylformamide (DMF, at 313 K) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, at 313 K), however, resulted in the displacement of a chloride ligand by the solvent, giving, respectively, the mononuclear complexes (acetonitrile-κN)(η2-2-allyl-4-methoxy-5-{[(propan-2-yloxy)carbonyl]methoxy}phenyl-κC1)chloridoplatinum(II) monohydrate, [Pt(C15H19O4)Cl(CH3CN)]·H2O, (η2-2-allyl-4-methoxy-5-{[(propan-2-yloxy)carbonyl]methoxy}phenyl-κC1)chlorido(dimethylformamide-κO)platinum(II), [Pt(C15H19O4)Cl(C2H7NO)], and (η2-2-allyl-4-methoxy-5-{[(propan-2-yloxy)carbonyl]methoxy}phenyl-κC1)chlorido(dimethyl sulfoxide-κS)platinum(II), determined as the analogue {η2-2-allyl-4-methoxy-5-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methoxy]phenyl-κC1}chlorido(dimethyl sulfoxide-κS)platinum(II), [Pt(C14H17O4)Cl(C2H6OS)]. The crystal structures confirm that acetonitrile interacts with the PtIIatomviaits N atom, while for DMSO, the S atom is the coordinating atom. For the replacement, the longest of the two Pt—Cl bonds is cleaved, leading to acisposition of the solvent ligand with respect to the allyl group. The crystal packing of the complexes is characterized by dimer formationviaC—H...O and C—H...π interactions, but no π–π interactions are observed despite the presence of the aromatic ring.
Glycoblocks: a schematic three-dimensional representation for glycans and their interactions
Authors: McNicholas Stuart , Agirre Jon
Published: September 2016

The close-range interactions provided by covalently linked glycans are essential for the correct folding of glycoproteins and also play a pivotal role in recognition processes. Being able to visualise protein–glycan and glycan–glycan contacts in a clear way is thus of great importance for the understanding of these biological processes. In structural terms, glycosylation sugars glue the protein togetherviahydrogen bonds, whereas non-covalently bound glycans frequently harness additional stacking interactions. Finding an unobscured molecular view of these multipartite scenarios is usually far from trivial; in addition to the need to show the interacting protein residues, glycans may contain many branched sugars, each composed of more than ten non-H atoms and offering more than three potential bonding partners. With structural glycoscience finally gaining popularity and steadily increasing the deposition rate of three-dimensional structures of glycoproteins, the need for a clear way of depicting these interactions is more pressing than ever. Here a schematic representation, named Glycoblocks, is introduced which combines a simplified bonding-network depiction (covering hydrogen bonds and stacking interactions) with the familiar two-dimensional glycan notation used by the glycobiology community, brought into three dimensions by the CCP4 molecular graphics project (CCP4mg).
Interorganizational collaboration in public health data sharing
Authors: Casey Colleen , Li Jianling , Berry Michele
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the institutional and social forces that influence collaborative data sharing practices in cross-sector interorganizational networks. The analysis focusses on the data sharing practices between professionals in the transportation and public health sectors, areas prioritized for collaborative action to improve public health.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods design is utilized. Electronic surveys were sent to 57 public health and 157 transportation professionals in a large major metropolitan area in the USA (response rate 39.7 percent). Focus groups were held with 12 organizational leaders representing professionals in both sectors.

Findings

The application of the institutional-social capital framework suggests that professional specialization and organizational forces make it challenging for professionals to develop the cross-sector relationships necessary for cross-sector collaborative data sharing.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that developing the social relationships necessary for cross-sector collaboration may be resource intensive. Investments are necessary at the organizational level to overcome the professional divides that limit the development of cross-sector relationships critical for collaborative data sharing. The results are limited to the data sharing practices of professionals in one metropolitan area.

Originality/value

Despite mandates and calls for increased cross-sector collaboration to improve public health, such efforts often fail to produce true collaboration. The study’s value is that it adds to the theoretical conceptualization of collaboration and provides a deeper understanding as to why collaborative action remains difficult to achieve. Future study of collaboration must consider the interaction between professional specialization and the social relationships necessary for success.
Developing an evaluation framework for clinical redesign programs: lessons learnt
Authors: Samaranayake Premaratne , Dadich Ann , Fitzgerald Anneke , Zeitz Kathryn
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present lessons learnt through the development of an evaluation framework for a clinical redesign programme – the aim of which was to improve the patient journey through improved discharge practices within an Australian public hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of the evaluation framework involved three stages – namely, the analysis of secondary data relating to the discharge planning pathway; the analysis of primary data including field-notes and interview transcripts on hospital processes; and the triangulation of these data sets to devise the framework. The evaluation framework ensured that resource use, process management, patient satisfaction, and staff well-being and productivity were each connected with measures, targets, and the aim of clinical redesign programme.

Findings

The application of business process management and a balanced scorecard enabled a different way of framing the evaluation, ensuring measurable outcomes were connected to inputs and outputs. Lessons learnt include: first, the importance of mixed-methods research to devise the framework and evaluate the redesigned processes; second, the need for appropriate tools and resources to adequately capture change across the different domains of the redesign programme; and third, the value of developing and applying an evaluative framework progressively.

Research limitations/implications

The evaluation framework is limited by its retrospective application to a clinical process redesign programme.

Originality/value

This research supports benchmarking with national and international practices in relation to best practice healthcare redesign processes. Additionally, it provides a theoretical contribution on evaluating health services improvement and redesign initiatives.
Nigeria: Should the Government Float or Devalue the Naira?
Authors: Eregha Perekunah , Ndoricimpa Arcade , Olakojo Solomon , Nchake Mamello , Nyang'oro Owen , Togba Edith
Published: September 2016

The recent rapid fall in oil prices and its impacts on foreign exchange earnings and reserves in Nigeria has resulted in a number of internal and external imbalances putting serious threat to the stability of the economy. This study therefore examines whether devaluation or floating exchange rate regime is an option to consider given the recent challenges in the nation's policy space. A behavioural equilibrium exchange rate approach is used to determine the extent of exchange rate misalignment complemented with a structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model to examine the impact of currency devaluation on trade balance, domestic output and inflation. The result reveals the existence of an overvalued currency misalignment in recent times; while there is weak evidence to support that devaluation will improve the trade balance. Hence, floating the currency will be an adequate policy option given the current reality. This is expected to boost investors’ confidence, creates needed automatic adjustment mechanism and makes the tradable goods sector more competitive, resulting in more favourable external balances. However, this requires a concerted effort at boosting the nation's supply capacity through implementation of structural reforms in both oil and the non‐energy sector to diversify Nigeria's production and export base.
Fiscal Incidence in Tanzania
Authors: Younger Stephen D. , Myamba Flora , Mdadila Kenneth
Published: September 2016

We use methods developed by the Commitment to Equity and data from the 2011/12 Household Budget Survey to assess the effects of government taxation, social spending and indirect subsidies on poverty and inequality in Tanzania. We also simulate several policy reforms to assess their distributional consequences. We find that Tanzania redistributes more than expected given its relatively low income and inequality, largely because both direct and indirect taxes are more progressive than in other countries. Tanzania's nascent conditional cash transfer program has an excellent targeting mechanism. If the program were expanded to a size that is typical for lower‐middle income countries, it could reduce poverty significantly. On the other hand, electricity subsidies are regressive despite attempts to make them more pro‐poor with a lifeline tariff.
HIV/AIDS Sero‐prevalence and Socio‐economic Status: Evidence from Uganda
Authors: Kasirye Ibrahim
Published: September 2016

Although Uganda reported large reductions in HIV/AIDS prevalence during the 1990s, recent evidence suggests that the country's rate of new HIV infections is on the rise. Motivated by Uganda's reversal of fortunes regarding HIV/AIDS control, this study explores the factors that are correlated with sexual behaviour and the risk of HIV infection using a unique dataset of 19,534 individuals from the 2011 Uganda AIDS Indicator Survey. This survey tested individuals 15–49 years of age for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. We estimate probit models for the correlates of risky sexual behaviours that can lead to HIV infection, such as having concurrent sexual partners. In addition, we estimate models for correlates of the risk of testing HIV positive. We find that higher education attainment and access to health facilities are important for adopting safe sexual behaviour, as well as reducing the risk of testing HIV positive. Among HIV infected couples, we find that women have a higher rate of discordance, which is at odds with the low rates of self‐reported extra‐marital sexual behaviour.
An Analysis of Patterns and Trends in United States Stormwater Utility Systems
Authors: Kea Kandace , Dymond Randel , Campbell Warren
Published: September 2016

Several factors, such as municipality location and population, are thought to influence trends among stormwater utilities (SWUs); however, no analysis of the relationship between these factors andSWUcharacteristics has been performed. This article corroborates hypothesized relationships and identifies trends and patterns in the establishment, funding mechanism, and magnitude ofSWUs by analyzing location, population density, home value, and year of establishment for a comprehensive nationalSWUdatabase with data for 1,490SWUs. The equivalent residential unit (ERU), aSWUthat charges based on impervious area, was the most prevalent funding mechanism in all National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Regions of the United States except the West and West‐North‐Central. TheERUwas also found in larger cities with high population densities, whereas the Flat Fee, aSWUthat charges a single rate for all properties, was found in smaller towns. Higher home values were correlated with higher monthly fees for 28% of the municipalities analyzed. The residential equivalence factor, aSWUthat charges based on runoff produced, was popular in municipalities with higher home values, whereas the Flat Fee was popular in municipalities with lower home values. The number ofSWUs established increased with Phase I municipal separate stormwater and sewer system (MS4) permit and PhaseIIsmallMS4 permit deadlines. Summary tables provide guidance to aid municipalities considering aSWU.
Management of pseudophakic myopic anisometropic amblyopia with piggyback Visian® implantable collamer lens
Authors: Eissa Sherif A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To assess the outcomes of sulcus implantation of the Visian® implantable collamer lens (ICL) to correct pseudophakic myopic anisometropic amblyopia with myopic shift and/or primary refractive overcorrection.

Methods

Prospective case series enrolled 14 pseudophakic eyes of 14 patients, 5–9 years old, with history of cataract surgery and primary in the bag‐intraocular lenses (IOL) implantation, followed by myopic shift and/or refractive overcorrection and anisometropic amblyopia of variable degrees. All cases had implantation of a piggyback ICL/toric ICL, to correct the myopia/myopic astigmatism. Preoperatively, we evaluated the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), intraocular pressure (IOP) and endothelial cell density (ECD). We assessed the position and vaulting of the ICLs on slit lamp examination and confirmed by Scheimpflug tomography. Postoperative follow‐up was at 1st week and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months.

Results

Uncorrected distance visual acuity improved in all cases, and CDVA improved in 11 amblyopic eyes (2–4 lines). There was no evidence of interlenticular opacification (ILO) throughout the 2‐year follow‐up. Two cases were complicated with early postoperative acute elevation of IOP and were controlled with topical beta‐blockers. Postoperative acute anterior uveitis occurred in six eyes and controlled by topical steroids. Implantable collamer lens (ICL) vault was measured using Pentacam, with mean value of 470 ± 238 μm.

Conclusion

Sulcus implantation of the secondary piggyback ICL to correct unilateral pseudophakic myopic refractive error in children was safe, efficient, predictable and well tolerated in management of anisometropic amblyopia in all eyes.
High glucose concentration abrogates sevoflurane post‐conditioning cardioprotection by advancing mitochondrial fission but dynamin‐related protein 1 inhibitor restores these effects
Authors: Yu J. , Maimaitili Y. , Xie P. , Wu J. J. , Wang J. , Yang Y. N. , Ma H. P. , Zheng H.
Published: September 2016

Aim

Hyperglycaemia‐induced cell injury is a primary cause of cardiovascular complications in patients with diabetes. In vivo studies demonstrated that sevoflurane post‐conditioning (SpostC) was cardioprotective against ischaemia/reperfusion injury, which was blocked by hyperglycaemia. This study investigated whether high glucose concentration abrogated SpostC cardioprotection in vitro by advancing mitochondrial fission and whether mitochondrial division inhibitor‐1 (Mdivi‐1) restored SpostC cardioprotection in cultured primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NCMs).

Methods

Primary cultured NCMs in low and high glucose concentrations were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury. SpostC was carried out by adding 2.4% sevoflurane to the cells at the beginning of reoxygenation for 15 min. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, cell death, mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening level, as well as fission‐ and fusion‐related proteins, were measured after H/R injury. Mdivi‐1 treatment was performed 40 min before hypoxia to inhibit DRP1.

Results

SpostC protected cultured cardiomyocytes by increasing cell viability and reducing the LDH level and cell death following H/R, but high glucose concentration eliminated the cardioprotective effect. High glucose concentration abrogated SpostC cardioprotection via mitochondrial fragmentation (evidenced by decreased mitochondrial interconnectivity and elongation) and facilitation of mPTP opening. Decreased mitochondrial membrane potential was investigated with increased DRP1, FIS1 and MFN2 and decreased MFN1 and OPA1 expressions. Mdivi‐1 (100 μmol L−1) inhibited excessive mitochondrial fission and restored the cardioprotective effect of SpostC in high glucose conditions.

Conclusion

SpostC‐induced cardioprotection against H/R injury was impaired under high glucose concentrations, but the inhibition of excess mitochondrial fission restored these effects.
Clinical Pharmacology in Denmark in 2016 – 40 Years with the Danish Society of Clinical Pharmacology and 20 Years as a Medical Speciality
Authors: Brøsen Kim , Andersen Stig Ejdrup , Borregaard Jeanett , Christensen Hanne Rolighed , Christensen Palle Mark , Dalhoff Kim Peder , Damkier Per , Hallas Jesper , Heisterberg Jens , Jessen Niels , Jürgens Gesche , Kampmann Jens Peter Konnerup , Laursen Britt Elmedal , Laursen Torben , Nielsen Lars Peter , Poulsen Birgitte Klindt , Poulsen Henrik Enghusen , Andersen Ljubica Vukelic , Senderovitz Thomas , Sonne Jesper
Published: September 2016

The Danish Society of Clinical Pharmacology was founded in 1976, and mainly thanks to the persistent efforts of the society, clinical pharmacology became an independent medical speciality in Denmark in 1996. Since then, clinical pharmacology has gone from strength to strength. In the Danish healthcare system, clinical pharmacology has established itself as an indispensible part of the efforts to promote the rational, safe and economic use of drugs. Clinical pharmacologists are active in drug committees both in hospitals and in the primary sector. All clinical pharmacology centres offer a local medicines information service. Some centres have established an adverse drug effect manager function. Only one centre offers a therapeutic drug monitoring service. Clinical pharmacologists are responsible for the toxicological advice at the Danish Poison Information Centre at Bispebjerg University Hospital in the Capital Region. The Department of Clinical Pharmacology at Aarhus University Hospital works closely together with forensic toxicologists and pathologists, covering issues regarding illicit substances, forensic pharmacology, post‐mortem toxicology, expert testimony and research. Therapeutic geriatric and psychiatric teach‐inns for specialist and junior doctors are among the newest initiatives organized by clinical pharmacologists. Clinical pharmacologists work also in the Danish Medicines Agency and in the Danish pharmaceutical industry, and the latter has in particular a great growth potential for creating new jobs and career opportunities for clinical pharmacologists. As of July 2016, the Danish Society of Clinical Pharmacology has 175 members, and 70 of these are specialists in clinical pharmacology corresponding to approximately 2.5 specialists per 1000 doctors (Denmark has in total 28,000 doctors) or approximately 12 specialists per one million inhabitants.
The effects of instructor participation and class size on student participation in an online class discussion forum
Authors: Parks‐Stamm Elizabeth J. , Zafonte Maria , Palenque Stephanie M.
Published: September 2016

Student participation in online discussion forums is associated with positive outcomes for student achievement and satisfaction, but research findings on the impact of class size and instructors’ participation on student participation have been mixed. The present study analyzed the frequency of instructor and student posts in asynchronous discussion forums in 500 online courses to examine factors contributing to student participation. Results showed significant effects of both class size and amount of instructor participation, with a significant interaction between the two. In medium class sizes (with 15–30 students), amount of instructor participation did not predict the number of posts per student, but in smaller classes, significant differences in student participation were found depending on amount of instructor participation. Implications for fostering student participation in online discussion forums and interpreting research in this area are discussed.
When to perform preoperative chest computed tomography for renal cancer staging
Authors: Larcher Alessandro , Dell'Oglio Paolo , Fossati Nicola , Nini Alessandro , Muttin Fabio , Suardi Nazareno , De Cobelli Francesco , Salonia Andrea , Briganti Alberto , Zhang Xu , Montorsi Francesco , Bertini Roberto , Capitanio Umberto
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To provide objective criteria for preoperative staging chest computed tomography (CT) in patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) because, in the absence of established indications, the decision for preoperative chest CT remains subjective.

Patients and Methods

A total of 1 946 patients undergoing surgical treatment of RCC, whose data were collected in a prospective institutional database, were assessed. The outcome of the study was presence of pulmonary metastases at staging chest CT. A multivariable logistic regression model predicting positive chest CT was fitted. Predictors consisted of preoperative clinical tumour (cT) and nodal (cN) stage, presence of systemic symptoms and platelet count (PLT)/haemoglobin (Hb) ratio.

Results

The rate of positive chest CT was 6% (n = 119). At multivariable logistic regression, ≥cT1b, cN1, systemic symptoms and Hb/PLT ratio were all associated with higher risk of positive chest CT (all P < 0.001). After 2000‐sample bootstrap validation, the concordance index was found to be 0.88. At decision‐curve analysis, the net benefit of the proposed strategy was superior to the select‐all and select‐none strategies. Accordingly, if chest CT had been performed when the risk of a positive result was >1%, a negative chest CT would have been spared in 37% of the population and a positive chest CT would have been missed in 0.2% of the population only.

Conclusions

The proposed strategy estimates the risk of positive chest CT at RCC staging with optimum accuracy and the results were statistically and clinically relevant. The findings of the present study support a recommendation for chest CT in patients with ≥cT1b, cN1, systemic symptoms or anaemia and thrombocythemia. Conversely, in patients with cT1a, cN0 without systemic symptoms, anaemia and thrombocythemia, chest CT could be omitted.
Phase I trial of GBS‐01 for advanced pancreatic cancer refractory to gemcitabine
Authors: Ikeda Masafumi , Sato Akihiro , Mochizuki Nobuo , Toyosaki Kayo , Miyoshi Chika , Fujioka Rumi , Mitsunaga Shuichi , Ohno Izumi , Hashimoto Yusuke , Takahashi Hideaki , Hasegawa Hiromi , Nomura Shogo , Takahashi Ryuji , Yomoda Satoshi , Tsuchihara Katsuya , Kishino Satoshi , Esumi Hiroyasu
Published: September 2016

GBS‐01, an extract from the fruit of Arctium lappa L. is an orally administered drug rich in arctigenin, which has been reported to exert antitumor activity by attenuating the tolerance of cancer cells to glucose deprivation. We investigated the maximum tolerated dose of GBS‐01 based on the frequency of the dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) and pharmacokinetics in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer refractory to gemcitabine. GBS‐01 was given orally at escalating doses from 3.0 g (containing 1.0 g burdock fruit extract) to 12.0 g q.d. A DLT was defined as a grade 4 hematological toxicity and grade 3 or 4 non‐hematological toxicity appearing during the first 28 days of treatment. Fifteen patients (GBS‐01 dose level 1 [3.0 g], three patients; dose level 2 [7.5 g], three patients; and dose level 3 [12.0 g], nine patients) were enrolled. None of the patients at any of the three dose levels showed any sign of DLTs. The main adverse events were increased serum γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, hyperglycemia, and increased serum total bilirubin; however, all the toxicities were mild. Of the 15 patients, 1 showed confirmed partial response and 4 patients had stable disease. The median progression‐free and overall survival of the patients were 1.1 and 5.7 months, respectively. The pharmacokinetic study revealed a high bioavailability of arctigenin and rapid conjugation of the drug with glucuronic acid. The recommended dose of GBS‐01 was 12.0 g q.d, and favorable clinical responses were obtained. This trial was registered at UMIN‐CTR (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm), identification number UMIN000005787.
RETRACTED: Zebularine enhances apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells by suppressing methylation of ARHI
Authors: Ye Kaishan , Wang Shuanke , Wang Jing , Han Hua , Ma Bing , Yang Yong
Published: September 2016

ARHI is an imprinted tumor suppressor gene and its methylation suppresses ARHI transcription levels to cause the development and progression of malignant tumors. Zebularine exerts a demethylation function for tumor suppressor genes. Our study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of action of zebularine on the epigenetic modification of the ARHI gene, and whether this effect may modulate the viability and apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells. We found that zebularine inhibited the viability and promoted apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells. Zebularine potentiated the expression of ARHI at both the protein and mRNA level. This was related to the downregulation of methylation of ARHI caused by zebularine. Zebularine suppressed the interaction of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) with histone methyltransferase G9a, but had no effect on G9a alone. Knockdown of DNMT1 or G9a can induce a reduction of ARHI methylation. Therefore, we inferred that zebularine was likely to directly repress DNMT1 alone, but G9a was necessary to regulate the function of DNMT1 on ARHI methylation. Moreover, knockdown of ARHI rescued cell viability and apoptosis under the zebularine‐treated condition. We showed that zebularine inhibited viability and promoted apoptosis by disturbing the interaction between DNMT1 and G9a, thereby resulting in lower ARHI methylation and elevated ARHI expression in osteosarcoma cells.
Race Essentialism and Social Contextual Differences in Children's Racial Stereotyping
Authors: Pauker Kristin , Xu Yiyuan , Williams Amanda , Biddle Ashley M.
Published: September 2016

The authors explored the differential emergence and correlates of racial stereotyping in 136 children ages 4–11 years across two broad social contexts: Hawai'i and Massachusetts. Children completed measures assessing race salience, race essentialism, and in‐group and out‐group stereotyping. Results indicated that the type of racial stereotypes emerging with age was context dependent. In both contexts in‐group stereotyping increased with age. In contrast, there was only an age‐related increase in out‐group stereotyping in Massachusetts. Older children in Massachusetts reported more essentialist thinking (i.e., believing that race cannot change) than their counterparts in Hawai'i, which explained their higher out‐group stereotyping. These results provide insight into the factors that may shape contextual differences in racial stereotyping.
Ethnic Attitudes and Social Projection in the Classroom
Authors: Thijs Jochem , Verkuyten Maykel
Published: September 2016

This research examined the process and conditions of social projection of biased ethnic attitudes to classmates in two samples of Grades 4–6 children (n = 342, Mage = 10.75, SD = 0.98; 49% girls; and n = 525, Mage = 10.49 years, SD = 0.96; 51% girls). Children reported on the ethnic group norm in their classroom and on their own ethnic attitudes. Multilevel analyses showed that ethnic majority (Studies 1 and 2) and ethnic minority (Study 2) children's norm perceptions were partly accurate as they not only reflected the aggregated attitudes in each classroom but also related to children's unique attitudes that indicated social projection. Projection was stronger for the most disadvantaged minority group and for children with less depressed affect.
Race‐Based Humor and Peer Group Dynamics in Adolescence: Bystander Intervention and Social Exclusion
Authors: Mulvey Kelly Lynn , Palmer Sally B. , Abrams Dominic
Published: September 2016

Adolescents’ evaluations of discriminatory race‐based humor and their expectations about peer responses to discrimination were investigated in 8th‐ (Mage = 13.80) and 10th‐grade (Mage = 16.11) primarily European‐American participants (N = 256). Older adolescents judged race‐based humor as more acceptable than did younger adolescents and were less likely to expect peer intervention. Participants who rejected discrimination were more likely to reference welfare/rights and prejudice and to anticipate that peers would intervene. Showing awareness of group processes, adolescents who rejected race‐based humor believed that peers who intervened would be more likely to be excluded. They also disapproved of exclusion more than did participants who supported race‐based humor. Results expose the complexity of situations involving subtle discrimination. Implications for bullying interventions are discussed.
Who attends a Children's Hospital Emergency Department for dental reasons? A two‐step cluster analysis approach
Authors: Marshman Z. , Broomhead T. , Rodd H. D. , Jones K. , Burke D. , Baker S. R.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Emergency departments (EDs) have been identified as key providers of dental care although few studies have examined patterns of attendance or clusters of characteristics. The aim was to identify the reasons for visits to an ED, whether these remained stable over time, and characterize clusters of patients by socio‐demographic and attendance variables.

Methods

Pseudonymized data were obtained for children who attended the ED in 2003–2004, 2004–2005 and 2012–2013. Presenting complaint was categorized as attending for dental or nondental reasons. Other variables analysed included patient (age, sex, ethnicity and deprivation) and attendance characteristics (distance travelled, season, nature of complaint, time elapsed since onset of symptoms, day of week and hours of attendance), together with treatment outcome (advice, antibiotics and referral). To assess trends over time, analyses were conducted on patient, attendance and treatment outcome variables. To examine whether patients could be characterized by socio‐demographic and attendance variables, a two‐step cluster analysis was undertaken on 2003–2004 data set and validated on 2004–2005 and 2012–2013 data sets.

Results

In 2003–2004, 550 children attended the ED for dental reasons rising to 687 in 2012–2013. The most important predictors of dental attendance were as follows: nature of complaint, ethnicity, time elapsed, sex and deprivation of the area in which children lived. The analysis showed two clusters: cluster 1 was comprised of children who attended the ED for dental injury, were of White ethnicity and attended within 24 h of onset of symptoms. Children in this cluster were likely to be from the least or less deprived areas (compared to Cluster 2) and were more likely to be males. Cluster 2 comprised of children attending the ED for caries, oral mucosal lesions or other complaints, were likely to be of other (non‐White) ethnicities and were likely to attend more than 24 h after symptoms began. Children in this cluster were more likely to come from the most deprived areas and were both males and females. The clusters varied according to treatment outcome; those patients in Cluster 2 were more likely to be prescribed medication, whilst those children in Cluster 1 were more likely to be referred to another specialty.

Conclusions

A significant number of visits to the ED were for dental reasons with two clusters of children. The results have identified groups of patients for whom appropriate dental provision is lacking and where targeted services are needed to improve outcomes for children and reduce the burden on EDs.
How do Australians living with MS experience oral health and accessing dental care? A focus group study
Authors: Pateman K. , Cockburn N. , Campbell J. , Ford P.J.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect oral care and access to dental services, but there is limited literature describing the oral health and perceived oral healthcare needs of people with MS. This study aimed to explore the oral health experiences, oral health behaviours and barriers to accessing dental care perceived by people living with MS in Australia.

Methods

Six focus groups were held across two metropolitan areas (Brisbane, Queensland and Melbourne, Victoria) and one regional area (Toowoomba, Queensland). Focus group data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Living with MS was a highly individual experience due to the range of symptoms that may be experienced. In addition to having different symptom experiences to others with MS, individual symptoms also differed on a daily basis as the disease relapsed and remitted. The physical expressions of MS directly and indirectly affected the oral health of participants. Additionally, oral health was affected by the side effects of medications and orofacial pain symptoms. Depending on the symptoms experienced by the individual, personal oral hygiene was affected and professional dental appointments were difficult. Participants also experienced structural barriers to accessing professional dental care including difficulty accessing transport to‐and‐from dental appointments, space limitations in the dental surgery and financial barriers to care.

Discussion

Dental care was perceived to be inflexible and was not tailored to individual experiences of MS, which contributed to perceptions of poor quality and appropriateness of care. It is important for dental professionals to offer tailored and individualized dental care when treating people with MS. Our findings suggest that there needs to be greater interprofessional communication and referral to manage atypical dental pain symptoms. Oral health education for people with MS should include altered strategies to performing daily oral hygiene, the management of xerostomia and advice regarding low cariogenic diets suitable for dysphagia. Additionally, policy and strategies to improve the oral health of people with MS should focus on enhancing access through transport, reducing the cost of dental services to the individual and providing domiciliary oral health care.
Immunoproteomic analysis of house dust mite antigens reveals distinct classes of dominant T cell antigens according to function and serological reactivity
Authors: Oseroff C. , Christensen L. H. , Westernberg L. , Pham J. , Lane J. , Paul S. , Greenbaum J. , Stranzl T. , Lund G. , Hoof I. , Holm J. , Würtzen P. A. , Meno K. H. , Frazier A. , Schulten V. , Andersen P. S. , Peters B. , Sette A.
Published: September 2016

Background

House dust mite (HDM) allergens are a common cause of allergy and allergic asthma. A comprehensive analysis of proteins targeted by T cells, which are implicated in the development and regulation of allergic disease independent of their antibody reactivity, is still lacking.

Objective

To comprehensively analyse the HDM‐derived protein targets of T cell responses in HDM‐allergic individuals, and investigate their correlation with IgE/IgG responses and protein function.

Methods

Proteomic analysis (liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry) of HDM extracts identified 90 distinct protein clusters, corresponding to 29 known allergens and 61 novel proteins. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 20 HDM‐allergic individuals were stimulated with HDM extracts and assayed with a set of ~2500 peptides derived from these 90 protein clusters and predicted to bind the most common HLA class II types. 2D immunoblots were made in parallel to elucidate IgE and IgG reactivity, and putative function analyses were performed in silico according to Gene Ontology annotations.

Results

Analysis of T cell reactivity revealed a large number of T cell epitopes. Overall response magnitude and frequency was comparable for known and novel proteins, with 15 antigens (nine of which were novel) dominating the total T cell response. Most of the known allergens that were dominant at the T cell level were also IgE reactive, as expected, while few novel dominant T cell antigens were IgE reactive. Among known allergens, hydrolase activity and detectable IgE/IgG reactivity are strongly correlated, while no protein function correlates with immunogenicity of novel proteins. A total of 106 epitopes accounted for half of the total T cell response, underlining the heterogeneity of T cell responses to HDM allergens.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Herein, we define the T cell targets for both known allergens and novel proteins, which may inform future diagnostics and immunotherapeutics for allergy to HDM.
The epithelial barrier and immunoglobulin A system in allergy
Authors: Carlier F. M. , Sibille Y. , Pilette C.
Published: September 2016

Airway and intestinal epithelial layers represent first‐line physical barriers, playing a key role in mucosal immunity. Barrier dysfunction, characterized by alterations such as disruption of cell–cell apical junctions and aberrant epithelial responses, probably constitutes early and key events for chronic immune responses to environmental antigens in the skin and in the gut. For instance, barrier dysfunction drives Th2 responses in atopic disorders or eosinophilic esophagitis. Such epithelial impairment is also a salient feature of allergic asthma and growing evidence indicates that barrier alterations probably play a driving role in this disease. IgA has been identified as the most abundant immunoglobulin in mucosa, where it acts as an active barrier through immune exclusion of inhaled or ingested antigens or pathogens. Historically, it has been thought to represent the serum factor underlying reaginic activity before IgE was discovered. Despite several studies about regulation and major functions of IgA at mucosal surfaces, its role in allergy remains largely unclear. This review aims at summarizing findings about epithelial functions and IgA biology that are relevant to allergy, and to integrate the emerging concepts and the recent developments in mucosal immunology, and how these could translate to clinical observations in allergy.
Symmetry‐Aware Mesh Segmentation into Uniform Overlapping Patches
Authors: Dessein A. , Smith W. A. P. , Wilson R. C. , Hancock E. R.
Published: September 2016

We present intrinsic methods to address the fundamental problem of segmenting a mesh into a specified number of patches with a uniform size and a controllable overlap. Although never addressed in the literature, such a segmentation is useful for a wide range of processing operations where patches represent local regions and overlaps regularize solutions in neighbour patches. Further, we propose a symmetry‐aware distance measure and symmetric modification to furthest‐point sampling, so that our methods can operate on semantically symmetric meshes. We introduce quantitative measures of patch size uniformity and symmetry, and show that our segmentation outperforms state‐of‐the‐art alternatives in experiments on a well‐known dataset. We also use our segmentation in illustrative applications to texture stitching and synthesis where we improve results over state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Comparison of early osseointegration of SLA®and SLActive®implants in maxillary sinus augmentation: a pilot study
Authors: Alayan Jamil , Vaquette Cedryck , Saifzadeh Siamak , Hutmacher Dietmar , Ivanovski Saso
Published: September 2016

Objective

To assess the impact of a hydrophilic implant surface (SLActive®) placed into augmented maxillary sinuses on bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and surrounding tissue composition when compared to a hydrophobic surface (SLA®).

Material and methods

Four sheep underwent bilateral sinus augmentation. Each sinus received anorganic bovine bone mineral + autogenous bone (ABBM + AB). Sixteen implants were subsequently placed 12 weeks postgrafting with each sinus receiving a control (SLA®) and test implant (SLActive®). Two animals were sacrificed at 2 weeks and another two animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks postimplantation. The eight sinuses and 16 implants were processed for histomorphometry, which assessed bone‐to‐implant contact (%BIC) and tissue elements (woven bone –WB, lamellar bone –LB, soft tissue –ST) in the interthread region of implants within the augmented sinus.

Results

There was a statistically significant increase in %BICat week 4 compared to the week 2 animals in both test (P < 0.005) and control (P < 0.005) groups. There was a statistically significant greater %BICaround test implants when compared to control implants in both week 2 (P < 0.05) and week 4 animals (P < 0.05). Greater %WB(11.17% ±6.82) and %LB(11.06% ±3.67) were seen in the test implants when compared to the control implants independent of time. This was only statistically significant for %LB(P < 0.05). A statistically significant reduction of 16.78% (±6.19) in %STwas noted in test implants when compared to control implants (P < 0.05) independent of time.

Conclusion

Both time and the use of hydrophilic implant surface had a positive impact on %BICaround implants placed into augmented maxillary sinuses. Hydrophilic implant surfaces also had a positive impact on surrounding tissue composition. Larger trials are needed to better assess and detect differences between these two surfaces in augmented maxillary sinuses.
Bilingual advantage, bidialectal advantage or neither? Comparing performance across three tests of executive function in middle childhood
Authors: Ross Josephine , Melinger Alissa
Published: September 2016

When bilinguals speak, both fluent language systems become activated in parallel and exert an influence on speech production. As a consequence of maintaining separation between the two linguistic systems, bilinguals are purported to develop enhanced executive control functioning. Like bilinguals, individuals who speak two dialects must also maintain separation between two linguistic systems, albeit to a lesser degree. Across three tests of executive function, we compared bilingual and bidialectal children's performance to that of a monolingual control group. No evidence for a bidialectal advantage was found. However, in line with a growing number of recent partial and failed replications, we observed a significant bilingual advantage only in one measure in one task. This calls the robustness of the bilingual advantage into question. A comprehensive review of studies investigating advantages of inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility in bilingual children reveals that the bilingual advantage is likely to be both task and sample specific, and the interaction between these factors makes qualification of the effect challenging. These findings highlight the importance of tracking the impact of dual linguistic systems across the lifespan using tasks calibrated for difficulty across different ages.