bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct and indirect effects of island size and wave exposure on shoreline arthropod diversity
Authors: Strandmark Alma , Aggemyr Elsa , Cousins Sara A. O. , Hambäck Peter A.
Published: December 2019

Aim

Available theories suggest that the species number increases with island size, but the relationship between island size and species density, the number of species per unit area, is less understood. Moreover, mechanisms connecting island size and species density are not always evident because small and large islands differ in physical characteristics other than island size. The purpose here was to disentangle direct and indirect effects of island size and wave exposure on the species density of arthropods from herb‐dominated shore habitats.

Location

Islands in the Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden.

Taxon

Spiders (Araneae) and beetles (Coleoptera).

Methods

We collected spiders and beetles on vegetated shores on islands of varying sizes, and used structural equation models to disentangle direct and indirect island size and wave exposure effects on species density.

Results

Island size affected diversity of web‐building spiders, predatory beetles and other beetles (detritivores and omnivores), direct and indirectly. Indirect effects arose because large islands have more trees and steeper slopes than small islands, both of which affected species occurrence. Because height above the sea level reduces the effect of wave exposure, there were effects of these variables on the forest cover and on the diversity of web‐building spiders. Finally, surrounding forest cover and diversity of flowering plants within sites increased diversity of herbivore beetles and cursorial spiders, likely because these sites provide more diverse resources.

Main conclusions

The result that predictors for species density vary between functional groups, with mechanisms that may or may not relate to island size, suggest potential developments in island biogeography theories. Future studies of island size effects should also attempt to quantify indirect effects, and not only total effects.
The influence of the ambient temperature on blood pressure and how it will affect the epidemiology of hypertension in Asia
Authors: Park Sungha , Kario Kazuomi , Chia Yook‐Chin , Turana Yuda , Chen Chen‐Huan , Buranakitjaroen Peera , Nailes Jennifer , Hoshide Satoshi , Siddique Saulat , Sison Jorge , Soenarta Arieska Ann , Sogunuru Guru Prasad , Tay Jam Chin , Teo Boon Wee , Zhang Yu‐Qing , Shin Jinho , Van Minh Huynh , Tomitani Naoko , Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Sukonthasarn Apichard , Verma Narsingh , Wang Tzung‐Dau , Wang Ji‐Guang ,   the HOPE Asia Network
Published: December 2019

Epidemiologic studies have consistently demonstrated an increased risk of cardiovascular disease during colder temperatures. Hemodynamic changes associated with cold temperature and an increase in thrombogenicity may both account for the increase in cardiovascular risk and mortality. Studies using both in‐office and out‐of‐office BP measurements have consistently shown an elevation in BP during the colder seasons. The large difference in BP between cold and warm months may increase the incidence of hypertension and reduce the hypertension control rate, potentially resulting in increased cardiovascular risk, especially among those at risk of cardiovascular disease. The current trends in global warming and climate change may have a profound impact on the epidemiology of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, as changes in the climate may significantly affect both BP variability and cardiovascular disease, especially in those with high cardiovascular risk and the elderly. Furthermore, climate change could have a significant influence on hypertension in Asia, considering the unique characteristics of hypertensive patients in Asia. As an increase in ambient temperature decreases the mean daytime average and morning surge in BP, but increases the nocturnal BP, it is difficult to predict how environmental changes will affect the epidemiology and prognosis of hypertension in the Asian‐Pacific region. However, these seasonal variations in BP could be minimized by adjusting the housing conditions and using anticipation medicine. In this review, we discuss the impact of seasonal variation in the ambient temperature on hypertension and cardiovascular disease and discuss how this may impact the epidemiology of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
The Local Aggregate Effects of Minimum Wage Increases
Authors: COOPER DANIEL , LUENGO‐PRADO MARÍA JOSÉ , PARKER JONATHAN A.
Published: December 2019

Using variation in minimum wages across cities and controlling for differences in business‐cycle factors and long‐run local economic trends, we find that following minimum wage increases, both, prices and nominal spending rise modestly. These gains are larger for certain subcategories of goods such as food away from home and in locations where low‐wage workers account for a larger share of employment. Further, minimum wage increases are associated with reduced total debt among households with low credit scores, higher auto debt, and increased access to credit.
Reassessing Parents' Leisure Quality With Direct Measures of Well‐Being: Do Children Detract From Parents' Down Time?
Authors: Flood Sarah , Meier Ann , Musick Kelly
Published: December 2019

Objective

The objective if this study was to directly assess the contamination and fragmentation of parents' leisure quality with direct measures of experienced well‐being.

Background

Parents report less leisure than those without children, and the nature of their leisure differs in ways that are assumed to reflect lower quality—contaminated by the presence of children or fragmented by care work or other demands. Previous research on this question has not been able to assess leisure quality directly.

Method

Using the 2010, 2012, and 2013 American Time Use Survey's Well‐Being Module (N = 5,433 parents; N = 7,066 activities) and random intercept models to account for multilevel data, the authors investigated mothers' and fathers' reports of well‐being across multiple dimensions in leisure activities and directly assessed their experiences in leisure activities (a) with children present or (b) interrupted by care work or other demands.

Results

Contrary to expectations from prior work, there was no evidence that leisure was of lower quality with children, and leisure interruptions had little bearing on parents' well‐being. Well‐being was especially high in “family time” with both children and other adults.

Conclusion

Leisure time with children, considered of lower quality in prior accounts, was not experienced more negatively by parents. These findings suggest a reconsideration of how we think about and measure the quality of leisure time.
Changes in Optical Characteristics and Surface Topography of CAD/CAM Materials after Bleaching Applications: An AFM Evaluation
Authors: Karakaya Izgen , Cengiz‐Yanardag Esra
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of in‐office and at‐home bleaching agents on color changes (ΔE00), translucency (TP00), whiteness (WID), surface roughness (Ra), and surface topography (Rsk and Rku) of a resin nano‐ceramic and a polymer‐infiltrated ceramic network CAD/CAM material.

Materials and Methods

Sixty specimens (6 mm × 7 mm × 1.3 mm) were prepared from Lava Ultimate (LU) and Vita Enamic (VE). The specimens were divided into 6 groups according to the bleaching agents applied (n = 10/group): control, Perfect Bleach Office + (PBO), Opalescence Boost (OB), Perfect Bleach (PB) with 10% and 16% carbamide peroxide and Whiteness Perfect (WP). ΔE00 values were calculated before and after bleaching procedures with a spectrophotometer using the CIEDE2000 formula. ΔTP00 and ΔWID values were calculated for each material. Ra, Rsk, and Rku values of the specimens were evaluated with an Atomic Force Microscope. Two‐way ANOVA was used for statistical analyses of the parameters measured after bleaching. For pairwise comparisons, Tukey test was performed.

Results

For LU, no statistically significant difference among the ΔE00 values of the groups was observed (p = 1.000). For VE, only WP group presented significantly higher values (2.12 ± 2.66) than the other groups (p < 0.001). For both materials; ΔTP00 values of at‐home bleaching groups were significantly higher than in‐office bleaching groups and control group (p < 0.001). For VE, ΔWID values did not demonstrate statistically significant difference (p = 1.000); however, for LU, PBO applied group showed statistically higher ΔWID values (3.00 ± 2.38) (p = 0.010) and WP applied group showed lower ΔWID values (0.47 ± 0.31) than the other groups (p = 0.030). For both LU and VE, there was no statistically significant difference among the groups regarding Ra (F = 4.544), Rsk (F = 2.369), and Rku values (F = 2.391) (p = 1.000). All of the VE groups presented Ra values higher than 0.2 µm.

Conclusions

The optical properties of LU and VE after bleaching applications were affected by the contact time with bleaching agents rather than concentration. Bleaching procedure had no effect on the surface properties of these materials.
Application of a modified electrocardiogram‐guided technique for umbilical venous catheterisation in neonates: A retrospective trial
Authors: Wu Liyuan , Peng Min , Cao Tian , Yang Yonghui , Wang Qin , Luo Kaiju , Chen Pingyang
Published: December 2019

Aim

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of modified electrocardiogram (ECG)‐guided technique in umbilical venous catheterisation in neonates.

Methods

Sixty‐six critically ill neonates underwent umbilical venous catheterisation with (ECG group) or without (control group) ECG guidance from January 2017 to March 2019. We retrospectively analysed and compared the rate of correct tip placement on first try, unplanned extubation rate and incidence of catheter‐related complications between the two groups.

Results

There were 33 patients in each group. The ECG group showed significantly higher rate of correct tip placement on first try (P < 0.001), lower unplanned extubation rate (P < 0.001), but identical incidence of catheter‐related complications (P = 0.492) comparing with the control group.

Conclusion

The ECG‐guided technique is an effective and safe method for umbilical venous catheterisation. The connecting method we modified made this technique more practical and can be promoted to areas without access to specific ECG adaptors.
Evaluation of apoptosis and hypoxia‐related factors in gingival tissues of smoker and non‐smoker periodontitis patients
Authors: Karatas Ozkan , Balci Yuce Hatice , Tulu Feyza , Taskan Mehmet Murat , Gevrek Fikret , Toker Hulya
Published: December 2019

Objective

Smoking causes pathological changes in all tissues, including gingiva and alveolar bone. The aim of present study was to evaluate apoptotic tissue alterations and tissue destruction in smoker and non‐smoker periodontitis patients and healthy individuals.

Methods

Gingival biopsy samples from 15 systemically and orally healthy individuals (Group 1), 15 systemically healthy periodontitis patients (Group 2), 15 systemically and orally healthy smokers (Group 3), and 15 systemically healthy smoker periodontitis patients (Group 4) were enrolled in the present study. Clinical periodontal measurements as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and clinical attachment levels (CAL) were recorded, and gingival biopsies were obtained. Biopsy samples were fixed in formalin solution and embedded in paraffin. Fibroblast and inflammatory cell counts were determined via histomorphometrically. Hypoxia‐inducible factor alpha (HIF‐1α), vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1(TIMP‐1), matrix metalloproteinases‐8(MMP‐8) expressions, Bax, Bcl‐2, and caspase‐3 expressions were evaluated via immunohistochemistry.

Results

Demographic data of the study groups were similar. Smoking levels of the smokers were also similar. The highest fibroblast cell counts were observed in healthy controls and the counts were similar in other groups. The highest inflammatory cell counts were found in smoker periodontitis group, and the lowest counts were found in healthy control groups. The differences were statistically significant. HIF‐1α and Bax expressions were elevated and Bcl‐2 decreased in smoker periodontitis patients compared with healthy individuals. However, there were no differences in VEGF, MMP‐8, and TIMP‐1 expressions.

Conclusion

Within limits of present study, it can be suggested that both smoking and periodontitis caused similar decrease in fibroblast counts while causing a dramatic increase in inflammatory cell counts. Increased apoptosis and hypoxia also accompanied to the increased inflammation.
Therapeutic potential of proteasome inhibitors for dihydropyridine‐induced gingival overgrowth
Authors: Lu Sao‐Lun , Chang Jui‐Hung , Huang Chiung‐Fang , Chen Li‐Sheng
Published: December 2019

Objectives

NF‐κB plays a crucial role in collagen overproduction in dihydropyridine‐induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) fibroblasts. We aim to investigate the role of the kappa B (IκB) kinase (IKK)–NF‐κB pathway and downstream collagen type I (Col I) synthesis in DIGO cells and to demonstrate the therapeutic strategy of interference of this pathway with proteasome inhibitors.

Methods

Gingival fibroblasts from DIGO (n = 5) and healthy (n = 5) patients were selected and stimulated with IL‐1β, nifedipine, or both. All experiments were run in triplicate and independently for each primary cell sample.

Results

The results demonstrated that both drugs additively mediated NF‐κB activity by activating IKKα/β phosphorylation. They also triggered nuclear translocation of NF‐κB, Rela, and p50 (*p < .05) and increased Col I production in both healthy and DIGO cells. The addition of proteasome inhibitors, including bortezomib and MG132, promoted the accumulation of phosphorylated p‐IκBα, prevented the subsequent cytosol‐to‐nuclear translocation of p50 and Rela (*p < .05), and abbreviated the biosynthesis of Col I in DIGO cells.

Conclusions

We suggested that IKK–IκBα activation is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines and CCBs in DIGO cells and triggers downstream NF‐κB–Col I synthesis. Proteasome inhibitors may strategically interfere with the IKK–IκBα–NF‐κB–Col I pathway and inhibit the etiopathogenesis of DIGO.
Topical Injection of Tranexamic Acid via a Drain Plus Drain‐Clamping to Reduce Blood Loss in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis Surgery
Authors: Liang Jin‐qian , Rong Tian‐hua , Liu Hong‐zhe , Tan Ming‐sheng , Zhao Hong , Liu Xiang‐yang , Chang Lei
Published: December 2019

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether an innovative way of administering tranexamic acid (TXA), that is, injecting it retrogradely through the drain and clamping it for 1 h, can reduce postoperative bleeding after degenerative lumbar scoliosis surgery.

Methods

Sixty degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients who underwent posterior lumbar decompression with fusion of three or more levels were retrospectively enrolled and categorized into three groups (TXA, Gelfoam, and control groups). The demographic distribution, operative parameters, length and amount of Hemovac drainage, blood transfusion rate, length of stay, laboratory results (complete blood count and coagulogram), and the postoperative complications were collected and analyzed.

Results

The age of patients in the Gelfoam group was significantly younger than in the TXA and control groups (59.75 ± 6.95 vs 66.10 ± 8.80, P = 0.016 and 59.75 ± 6.95 vs 67.90 ± 5.33, P = 0.000, respectively). There were no significant differences in sex, body mass index, comorbid medical status, and operation level between each of the two groups. The three groups did not differ significantly in estimated blood loss during surgery, the mean red blood cell transfusion requirement during hospitalization, and the entire perioperative allogenic blood transfusion rate. The postoperative total blood loss and total drainage were lower in the TXA group than in the control group (1027.14 ± 466.56 vs 1390.07 ± 314.85 mL, P = 0.006; 322.20 ± 187.32 vs 605.50 ± 184.70 mL, P = 0.000, respectively). The length of drainage retention in the TXA group was significantly shorter than in the Gelfoam and control groups (46.10 ± 9.00 vs 68.00 ± 12.31 h, P = 0.000 and 46.10 ± 9.00 vs 76.40 ± 10.97 h, P = 0.000, respectively). The TXA and Gelfoam groups also had significantly shorter hospital stays than the control group (7.50 ± 0.95 vs 9.80 ± 2.44 days, P = 0.000, and 7.90 ± 1.16 vs 9.80 ± 2.44 days, P = 0.003, respectively). At discharge, the mean hemoglobin and hematocrit level were significantly higher in the TXA group compared with the control group (11.77 ± 1.78 g/dL vs 10.67 ± 0.94 g/dL, P = 0.002; 34.82 ± 3.57% vs 31.79 ± 3.85%, P = 0.014). No significant difference was identified with respect to prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and D‐dimmer among groups (P > 0.05). The three groups were comparable in wound problem incidences. Symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were not observed in this study.

Conclusion

Topical injection of TXA retrogradely via a drain at the end of a degenerative lumbar scoliosis operation and clamping the drain for an hour can effectively decrease the postoperative blood loss and the length of hospitalization without increasing the complication rate.
Periodontal inflammation: Integrating genes and dysbiosis
Authors: Zhang Shaoping , Yu Ning , Arce Roger M.
Published: December 2019

Biofilm bacteria co‐evolve and reach a symbiosis with the host on the gingival surface. The disruption of the homeostatic relationship between plaque bacteria and the host can initiate and promote periodontal disease progression. Recent advances in sequencing technologies allow researchers to profile disease‐associated microbial communities and quantify microbial metabolic activities and host transcriptional responses. In addition to confirming the findings from previous studies, new putative pathogens and novel genes that have not previously been associated with periodontitis, emerge. For example, multiple studies have reported that Synergistetes bacteria are associated with periodontitis. Genes involved in epithelial barrier defense were downregulated in periodontitis, while excessive expression of interleukin‐17 was associated with a hyperinflammatory response in periodontitis and with a unique microbial community. Bioinformatics‐enabled gene ontology pathway analyses provide a panoramic view of the bacterial and host activities as they shift from periodontal health to disease. Additionally, host innate factors, such as genetic variants identified by either a candidate‐gene approach or genome‐wide association analyses, have an impact on subgingival bacterial colonization. Transgenic mice carrying candidate genetic variants, or with the deletion of candidate genes mimicking the deleterious loss‐of‐function variant effect, provide experimental evidence validating the biologic relevance of the novel markers associated with the microbial phenotype identified through a statistical approach. Further refinement in bioinformatics, data management approaches, or statistical tools, are required to gain insight into host‐microbe interactions by harmonizing the multidimensional “big” data at the genomic, transcriptional, and proteomic levels.
New developments in neutrophil biology and periodontitis
Authors: Hajishengallis George
Published: December 2019

Neutrophils have been historically associated with antimicrobial functions in acute infections but are now appreciated as functionally versatile cells with critical roles in chronic inflammation. Recent advances in neutrophil biology have contributed to a better understanding of periodontal disease pathogenesis and, reciprocally, the study of periodontitis has led to important insights into neutrophil regulation and function. Here, the contributions by our group to this field through interdisciplinary collaboration are discussed. The study of leukocyte adhesion deficiency‐associated periodontitis has revealed that the connection of neutrophils with destructive inflammation may involve mechanisms beyond the typical bystander injury dogma. In this regard, neutrophils are required for important immunomodulatory functions and their absence from the periodontium leads to dysregulated overproduction of interleukin‐17, which drives inflammatory bone loss. We have also discovered that both the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow and their recruitment to peripheral tissues, including the periodontium, are homeostatically regulated by a secreted protein designated developmental endothelial locus‐1. However, developmental endothelial locus‐1 expression, and hence developmental endothelial locus‐1‐dependent homeostasis, declines considerably with aging and contributes to an increased susceptibility to periodontitis in old age. Moreover, our work has mechanistically supported the concept that periodontitis is a dysbiotic disease and we have shown that neutrophils become targets of immune subversion by periodontal bacteria in a manner that promotes dysbiosis. The mechanism involves microbial exploitation of key neutrophil receptors (complement C5a receptor‐1 and toll‐like receptor‐2), leading to crosstalk signaling that uncouples neutrophil‐mediated killing (which is impaired) from neutrophil‐induced inflammation (which is enhanced). These studies have collectively established new mechanisms governing the protective and destructive functions of neutrophils in periodontitis and offered targeted host‐modulation approaches for the treatment of periodontal diseases.
Advances in precision oral health
Authors: Beck James D. , Philips Kamaira , Moss Kevin , Divaris Kimon , Morelli Thiago , Offenbacher Steven
Published: December 2019

The concept of precision dentistry as it relates to precision medicine is relatively new to the field of oral health. Precision dentistry is a contemporary, multifaceted, data‐driven approach to oral health care that uses individual characteristics to stratify similar patients into phenotypic groups. The objective is to provide clinicians with the information that will allow them to improve treatment planning and a patient's response to treatment. Providers that use a precision oral health approach would move away from using an “average treatment” for all patients with a particular diagnosis and move toward more specific treatments for patients within each diagnostic subgroup.

Precision dentistry requires a method or a model that places each individual in a subgroup where each member is the same as every other member in relation to the disease of interest. Precision dentistry is a paradigm shift that requires a new way of thinking about diagnostic categories. This approach uses patients’ risk factor data (including, but not limited to, genetic, environmental, and health behavioral), rather than expert opinion or clinical presentation alone, to redefine traditional categories of health and disease.

We review aspects of current efforts to allow precision dentistry to be realized and focus on one of the major innovations that may help precision dentistry to be practiced by periodontists, the World Workshop Model. Another approach is the Periodontal Profile Class system. These two approaches represent examples of supervised and unsupervised learning systems, respectively. This review compares and contrasts these two learning systems for their ability to classify patients into homogeneous disease and risk groups, as well as their feasibility at achieving the objective of enabling precision dentistry.

We conclude that: (a) the World Workshop Model concept of stages and grades works as expected, in that periodontal status appears to be more serious in each successive stage. In addition, the seriousness and the complexity of the disease are greater as the grade increases within each stage. Stages and grades are important for precision dentistry because they consider the risk of future disease and the prognosis, and enable practitioners to use more signs, symptoms, and other associated factors when placing a patient in a diagnostic category; (b) the assignment of stages and grades using unsupervised learning systems is superior to using supervised learning systems for the prediction of 10‐year tooth loss and 3‐year attachment loss progression. In addition, the unsupervised learning approach (Periodontal Profile Class stages) results in stronger associations between the periodontal phenotypes and systemic diseases and conditions (prevalent diabetes, C‐reactive protein, and incident stroke). This probably occurs because an unsupervised learning model produces more data‐driven, mutually exclusive, homogeneous groups than a supervised learning model.
Host‐microbe interactions: Profiles in the transcriptome, the proteome, and the metabolome
Authors: Nguyen Trang , Sedghi Lea , Ganther Sean , Malone Erin , Kamarajan Pachiyappan , Kapila Yvonne L.
Published: December 2019

Periodontal studies using transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics encompass the collection of mRNA transcripts, proteins, and small‐molecule chemicals in the context of periodontal health and disease. The number of studies using these approaches has significantly increased in the last decade and they have provided new insight into the pathogenesis and host‐microbe interactions that define periodontal diseases. This review provides an overview of current molecular findings using ‐omic approaches that underlie periodontal disease, including modulation of the host immune response, tissue homeostasis, and complex metabolic processes of the host and the oral microbiome. Integration of these ‐omic approaches will broaden our perspective of the molecular mechanisms involved in periodontal disease, advancing and improving the diagnosis and treatment of various stages and forms of periodontal disease.
Unveiling the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes: Studies on local and peripheral immune cells
Authors: De Luccia Thiago P. B. , Pendeloski Karen P. T. , Ono Erika , Mattar Rosiane , Pares David B. S. , Yazaki Sun Sue , Daher Silvia
Published: December 2019

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been associated with impaired maternal immune response. Our aim was to review the available literature linking immune cells profile to GDM, in order to comprehend the role that different subpopulations play in the development of this pathology. We searched in PubMed for studies published in the last decade on circulating levels and placenta expression of immune cells on GDM. We identified 18 studies with several differences regarding the study design, clinical characteristics, number of participants, cell subpopulation and type of sample. Most studies assessed only one subpopulation either in peripheral blood or placenta and did not analyse functional properties of the cells. The most frequently evaluated immune cells were T lymphocytes, especially regulatory T (Tregs), and natural killer (NK) cells in the peripheral blood, and placental macrophages. No studies analysing B cells were identified, and only one study each evaluating γδT cells, dendritic cell (DC) and monocytes was found. Although there are controversies, at least one study reported positive association between GDM and CD4+(activated), Tregs, Th17 and γδT cells; neutrophil/lymphocyte; NK cell (cytotoxic); macrophages; and monocytes. The number of studies is still small, so caution should be exercised in interpreting the data, and further research is required to validate these findings and establish the role of adaptive and innate immune cells in GDM pathophysiology.
When Ignoring the News and Going Hiking Can Help You Save the World: Environmental Activist Strategies for Persistence
Authors: Driscoll Daniel
Published: December 2019

Social movement research has long examined why activists persist. Little attention has been paid, however, to how persistent environmental activists use personalized strategies to cope with challenges. This article draws on data from 30 in‐depth interviews with long‐term environmental activists to shed light on this understudied phenomenon. The interviewees point to a number of strategies they use to mitigate the challenges they experience in their activism:(1) they have a self‐care practice, primarily in the form of spending time in nature; (2) they adopt various personalized orientations, such as bracketing or ignoring structural environmental challenges, focusing on what they can control, deciding that they have no choice but to persist, focusing on long‐term outcomes, and being realistic about the possibilities of change; and (3) they integrate work, activism, and life balance by shaping their careers and sense of life purpose around the environment. The article concludes with a discussion of whether these strategies are generalizable beyond the environmental movement.
Biomechanical comparison of knotted and knotless stabilization techniques of the tarsal medial collateral ligament in cats: A cadaveric study
Authors: Luescher Muriel , Schmierer Philipp A. , Park Brian H. , Pozzi Antonio , Gutbrod Andreas , Evans Rich , Knell Sebastian C.
Published: December 2019

Objective

To compare mechanical properties of intact feline medial collateral ligaments and three techniques for treatment of feline medial tarsal instability.

Study design

Controlled laboratory study.

Sample population

Forty‐eight normal, adult feline tarsi.

Methods

Three repairs were tested: a bone tunnel with polypropylene (PP) suture, a bone tunnel with polyethylene (PE) cord, and a knotless anchor technique with PE cord. A cyclic (6‐N preload; 5‐N amplitude; 2‐Hz frequency) tensile test (600 cycles) was performed on feline tarsi with either the long or the short medial tarsal ligament intact, with each reconstruction technique followed by a single‐cycle load‐to‐failure test (0.5 mm/s) with a failure point at 2 mm of displacement. Total elongation, peak‐to‐peak elongation, stiffness, and maximum load to failure point were compared with the intact condition.

Results

No differences in stiffness, total elongation, or peak‐to‐peak elongation were found between specimens repaired with the knotless technique and intact controls (P > .04), whereas tarsi repaired with the tunnel technique and PP were weaker (P < .008). Total and conditioning elongation were greater after tunnel reconstruction with PP than after knotless reconstruction (P= .005). Mean load to 2 mm of displacement tended (P= .03) to be higher after knotless than after knotted PP repairs and did not differ (P= .47) between tarsi repaired with the tunnel or anchor repairs with PE.

Conclusion

The mechanical properties of intact tarsi were superior to those of tarsi repaired with tunnel techniques and PP but were similar to those of tarsi repaired with knotless techniques with PE.

Clinical significance

Feline tarsal stabilization with the knotless technique for tarsal medial collateral ligament insufficiency may reduce the requirement for or duration of postoperative coaptation.
Tribunais de Contas Brasileiros são transparentes?
Authors: Macagnan Clea Beatriz , Vargas Laureano Rodrigo , Piccinini Rosso Victorino , Wartchow Daniel
Published: December 2019

Esta pesquisa analisa o grau de transparência dos Tribunais de Contas brasileiros, considerando a disponibilidade dos seus relatórios de atividades nas respectivas páginas eletrônicas na Internet e seu conteúdo. As evidências indicam que 26,5% dos relatórios de atividades não estavam disponibilizados, no período analisado, nas páginas eletrônicas dos Tribunais de Contas brasileiros, indicando a existência de problemas de transparência e/ou de tempestividade na divulgação de tais informações. Em relação aos relatórios disponibilizados, realizou-se a análise de conteúdo e foi observada a ausência de padronização dos mesmos, o que traz prejuízos à comparabilidade entre as informações divulgadas pelos Tribunais de Contas. Os resultados desta pesquisa evidenciam que os Tribunais de Contas brasileiros, em seu conjunto, não cumprem adequadamente a recomendação do sistema de Governança Pública, na medida em que deixam de informar sobre o seu comportamento e as atividades desenvolvidas. Esse cenário leva a inferir a necessidade que têm os Tribunais de Contas brasileiros de aprimoramento de transparência e accountability de acordo com as práticas recomendadas de governança pública.
Basal cell carcinoma invasion depth determined with 30 and 75 MHz high-frequency ultrasound and histopathology – a comparative study
Authors: Khlebnikova Albina , Molochkov Vladimir , Selezneva Elena , Belova Lyubov , Bezugly Artur , Sedova Tatiana , Molochkov Anton
Published: December 2019

Aim: To compare the depth spread of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) measured by histological examination and high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) imaging with 30-MHz and 75-MHz probes.Materials and methods: HFUS skin imaging was used to examine 27 BCCs. A specialized high-resolution digital ultrasound imaging system DUB (TPM GmbH, Germany) with 75-MHz and 30-MHz probes was used. After HFUS scanning, the BCCs biopsy samples were collected by punch biopsy or surgical excision for the morphological examination. Based on the histomorphology results obtained, the tumors were divided into thin (≤1 mm invasion depth) and thick (>1 mm invasion depth). Each BCC spread depth was measured during the HFUS examination with 75-MHz and 30-MHz ultrasound probes and morphological examination.Results: Thin BCCs average invasiondepth measured histologically was 0.494±0.212 mm. Its average depth obtained with HFU examination with 75-MHz and 30-MHz probes was 0.591±0.265 and 0.734±0.123 mm, respectively. High, statistically significant correlation betweenthe histological and 75 MHz HFU measurements was obtained (r=0.870). The correlation was weak (r=0.290) when using a 30 MHz transducer. The average thick BCC invasion depth values obtained with the histological examination and 30 MHz HFUS scanning was 1.845±0.718 mm and 1.995±0.699 mm, respectively. High, statistically significant (r=0.951) correlation between the thick BCC spread depth measured with 30 MHz transducer and histomorphological examination was obtained.Conclusions: In cases of BCCs with thickness of ≤1 mm, there was a high correlation (r=0.870) of the tumor spread depth between micromorphological measurements and the results obtained using a 75 MHz transducer and in cases of BCCs with thickness of >1 mm, a very high correlation (r=0.951) of the tumor spread depth was observed between histomorphometry and30 MHz transducer measurements.
Moving Toward Active Lifestyles: The Change of Transit-Related Walking to Work From 2009 to 2017
Authors: Yu Chia-Yuan , Wang Biyuan
Published: December 2019

Background: This study explored the percentage change of walking to/from public transit to work from 2009 to 2017 in general and for specific sociodemographic characteristics. Furthermore, this study also examined the sociodemographic characteristics of those who walked to/from transit to work and those who walked 30 minutes or more per day to/from transit to work and compared the difference between 2009 and 2017. Methods: 2009 and 2017 National Household Travel Survey were used. This study used weighted logistic regressions to explore the sociodemographic characteristics of those who walked to/from transit to work and those who walked 30 minutes or more per day to/from transit to work in both 2009 and 2017. Results: The percentage of trips achieving the recommended level of physical activity (30 min or more per day) by walking to/from transit work solely has a slightly increase from 9 in 2009 to 9.5 in 2017. However, the weighted percentages of walking to/from transit to work decreased for low-education, low-income, and minority populations. High population density areas were related to more transit-related walking trips to work in both 2009 and 2017. Conclusions: Policymakers in terms of transit location and service should consider low-education, low-income, and minority populations to address potential equity issues.
The BMP ligand Pinhead together with Admp supports the robustness of embryonic patterning
Authors: Yan Yifang , Ning Guozhu , Li Linwei , Liu Jie , Yang Shuyan , Cao Yu , Wang Qiang
Published: December 2019

The “seesaw”-like expression of
pinhead
and
admp
establishes an alternative mechanism to ensure embryonic patterning.
Blocking FcRn in humans reduces circulating IgG levels and inhibits IgG immune complex–mediated immune responses
Authors: Blumberg L. J. , Humphries J. E. , Jones S. D. , Pearce L. B. , Holgate R. , Hearn A. , Cheung J. , Mahmood A. , Del Tito B. , Graydon J. S. , Stolz L. E. , Bitonti A. , Purohit S. , de Graaf D. , Kacena K. , Andersen J. T. , Christianson G. J. , Roopenian D. C. , Hubbard J. J. , Gandhi A. K. , Lasseter K. , Pyzik M. , Blumberg R. S.
Published: December 2019

Therapeutic blockade of FcRn in humans decreases IgG and IgG immune complex levels with the attendant immunologic implications.
A tale of two explanations: Enhancing human trust by explaining robot behavior
Authors: Edmonds Mark , Gao Feng , Liu Hangxin , Xie Xu , Qi Siyuan , Rothrock Brandon , Zhu Yixin , Wu Ying Nian , Lu Hongjing , Zhu Song-Chun
Published: December 2019

Forms of explanation that are best suited to foster trust do not necessarily correspond to those components contributing to the best task performance.
Hexokinase 2 couples glycolysis with the profibrotic actions of TGF-β
Authors: Yin Xueqian , Choudhury Malay , Kang Jeong-Han , Schaefbauer Kyle J. , Jung Mi-Yeon , Andrianifahanana Mahefatiana , Hernandez Danielle M. , Leof Edward B.
Published: December 2019

TGF-β–dependent metabolic dysregulation contributes to lung fibrosis.
Synthetic mRNA nanoparticle-mediated restoration of p53 tumor suppressor sensitizes
p53
-deficient cancers to mTOR inhibition
Authors: Kong Na , Tao Wei , Ling Xiang , Wang Junqing , Xiao Yuling , Shi Sanjun , Ji Xiaoyuan , Shajii Aram , Gan Silvia Tian , Kim Na Yoon , Duda Dan G. , Xie Tian , Farokhzad Omid C. , Shi Jinjun
Published: December 2019

Redox-sensitive mRNA nanoparticles help kill tumors by restoring p53 expression.
Elite control of HIV is associated with distinct functional and transcriptional signatures in lymphoid tissue CD8
+
T cells
Authors: Nguyen Son , Deleage Claire , Darko Samuel , Ransier Amy , Truong Duc P. , Agarwal Divyansh , Japp Alberto Sada , Wu Vincent H. , Kuri-Cervantes Leticia , Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed , Del Rio Estrada Perla M. , Ablanedo-Terrazas Yuria , Gostick Emma , Hoxie James A. , Zhang Nancy R. , Naji Ali , Reyes-Terán Gustavo , Estes Jacob D. , Price David A. , Douek Daniel C. , Deeks Steven G. , Buggert Marcus , Betts Michael R.
Published: December 2019

Elite control of HIV replication is linked to polyfunctional lymphoid CD8
+
T cells that lack overt cytolytic activity and home to B cell follicles.
Local Tissue Response to Subcutaneous Administration of Ceftriaxone in an Animal Model
Authors: Tam Vincent H. , Cohen Daniel N. , Ledesma Kimberly R. , Guillory Bobby , Chan Katrina , Garey Kevin W.
Published: December 2019

Subcutaneous administration is a novel way to deliver antibiotics for an infection, but intolerability has been reported. Evaluating the local tolerability of subcutaneously administered antibiotics is not standardized. The goal of this study was to develop an animal model to assess the subcutaneous administration of ceftriaxone. Sprague-Dawley rats were given daily subcutaneous injections for 12 days.
Carbohydrate and Amino Acid Fermentation in the Free-Living Primitive ProtozoonHexamitasp
Authors: Biagini Giancarlo A. , McIntyre Peter S. , Finlay Bland J. , Lloyd David
Published: December 2019

Hexamitasp. is an amitochondriate free-living diplomonad which inhabits O2-limited environments, such as the deep waters and sediments of lakes and marine basins.13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals ethanol, lactate, acetate, and alanine as products of glucose fermentation under microaerobic conditions (23 to 34 μM O2). Propionic acid and butyric acid were also detected and are believed to be the result of fermentation of alternative substrates. Production of organic acids was greatest under microaerobic conditions (15 μM O2) and decreased under anaerobic (<0.25 μM O2) and aerobic (200 to 250 μM O2) conditions. Microaerobic incubation resulted in the production of high levels of oxidized end products (70% acetate) compared to that produced under anoxic conditions (20% acetate). In addition, data suggest thatHexamitacells contain the arginine dihydrolase pathway, generating energy from the catabolism of arginine to citrulline, ornithine, NH4+, and CO2. The rate of arginine catabolism was higher under anoxic conditions than under microaerobic conditions.Hexamitacells were able to grow in the absence of a carbohydrate source, albeit with a lower growth rate and yield.
13
C and
1
H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of Glycogen Futile Cycling in Strains of the Genus
Fibrobacter
Authors: Matheron Christelle , Delort Anne-Marie , Gaudet Geneviève , Forano Evelyne , Liptaj Tibor
Published: December 2019

We investigated the carbon metabolism of three strains of
Fibrobacter succinogenes
and one strain of
Fibrobacter intestinalis
. The four strains produced the same amounts of the metabolites succinate, acetate, and formate in approximately the same ratio (3.7/1/0.3). The four strains similarly stored glycogen during all growth phases, and the glycogen-to-protein ratio was close to 0.6 during the exponential growth phase.
13
C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of [1-
13
C]glucose utilization by resting cells of the four strains revealed a reversal of glycolysis at the triose phosphate level and the same metabolic pathways. Glycogen futile cycling was demonstrated by
13
C NMR by following the simultaneous metabolism of labeled [
13
C]glycogen and exogenous unlabeled glucose. The isotopic dilutions of the CH
2
of succinate and the CH
3
of acetate when the resting cells were metabolizing [1-
13
C]glucose and unlabeled glycogen were precisely quantified by using
13
C-filtered spin-echo difference
1
H NMR spectroscopy. The measured isotopic dilutions were not the same for succinate and acetate; in the case of succinate, the dilutions reflected only the contribution of glycogen futile cycling, while in the case of acetate, another mechanism was also involved. Results obtained in complementary experiments are consistent with reversal of the succinate synthesis pathway. Our results indicated that for all of the strains, from 12 to 16% of the glucose entering the metabolic pathway originated from prestored glycogen. Although genetically diverse, the four
Fibrobacter
strains studied had very similar carbon metabolism characteristics.
Thermocrinis ruber
gen. nov., sp. nov., a Pink-Filament-Forming Hyperthermophilic Bacterium Isolated from Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Huber Robert , Eder Wolfgang , Heldwein Stefan , Wanner Gerhard , Huber Harald , Rachel Reinhard , Stetter Karl O.
Published: December 2019

A novel hyperthermophilic bacterium was isolated from pink filamentous streamers (pink filaments) occurring in the upper outflow channel (temperature, 82 to 88°C) of Octopus Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. The gram-negative cells grew at low salinity at temperatures up to 89°C in the neutral to alkaline pH range. Depending on the culture conditions, the organisms occurred as single motile rods, as aggregates, or as long filaments that formed streamer-like cell masses. The novel isolate grew chemolithoautotrophically with hydrogen, thiosulfate, and elemental sulfur as electron donors and oxygen as the electron acceptor. Alternatively, under aerobic conditions, formate and formamide served as sole energy and carbon sources. The novel isolate had a 16S rRNA sequence closely related to the 16S rRNA sequence obtained from uncultivated pink filaments. It represents a new genus in the order
Aquificales
, the type species of which we name
Thermocrinis ruber
(type strain, OC 1/4 [= DSM 12173]).
Capacity of Nine Thermostable DNA Polymerases To Mediate DNA Amplification in the Presence of PCR-Inhibiting Samples
Authors: Abu Al-Soud Waleed , Rådström Peter
Published: December 2019

The PCR is an extremely powerful method for detecting microorganisms. However, its full potential as a rapid detection method is limited by the inhibition of the thermostable DNA polymerase from
Thermus aquaticus
by many components found in complex biological samples. In this study, we have compared the effects of known PCR-inhibiting samples on nine thermostable DNA polymerases. Samples of blood, cheese, feces, and meat, as well as various ions, were added to PCR mixtures containing various thermostable DNA polymerases. The nucleic acid amplification capacity of the nine polymerases, under buffer conditions recommended by the manufacturers, was evaluated by using a PCR-based detection method for
Listeria monocytogenes
in the presence of purified template DNA and different concentrations of PCR inhibitors. The Ampli
Taq
Gold and the
Taq
DNA polymerases from
Thermus aquaticus
were totally inhibited in the presence of 0.004% (vol/vol) blood in the PCR mixture, while the Hot
Tub
,
Pwo
,
rTth
, and
Tfl
DNA polymerases were able to amplify DNA in the presence of 20% (vol/vol) blood without reduced amplification sensitivity. The DNA polymerase from
Thermotoga maritima
(
Ultma
) was found to be the most susceptible to PCR inhibitors present in cheese, feces, and meat samples. When the inhibitory effect of K and Na ions was tested on the nine polymerases, Hot
Tub
from
Thermus flavus
and
rTth
from
Thermus thermophilus
were the most resistant. Thus, the PCR-inhibiting effect of various components in biological samples can, to some extent, be eliminated by the use of the appropriate thermostable DNA polymerase.
Development of Bacterium-Based Heavy Metal Biosorbents: Enhanced Uptake of Cadmium and Mercury by
Escherichia coli
Expressing a Metal Binding Motif
Authors: Pazirandeh Mehran , Wells Bridget M. , Ryan Rebecca L.
Published: December 2019

A gene coding for a de novo peptide sequence containing a metal binding motif was chemically synthesized and expressed in
Escherichia coli
as a fusion with the maltose binding protein. Bacterial cells expressing the metal binding peptide fusion demonstrated enhanced binding of Cd
2+
and Hg
2+
compared to bacterial cells lacking the metal binding peptide. The potential use of genetically engineered bacteria as biosorbents for the removal of heavy metals from wastewaters is discussed.
Loss of Ammonia Monooxygenase Activity in
Nitrosomonas europaea
upon Exposure to Nitrite
Authors: Stein Lisa Y. , Arp Daniel J.
Published: December 2019

Nitrosomonas europaea
, an obligate ammonia-oxidizing bacterium, lost an increasing amount of ammonia oxidation activity upon exposure to increasing concentrations of nitrite, the primary product of ammonia-oxidizing metabolism. The loss of activity was specific to the ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) enzyme, as confirmed by a decreased rate of NH
4
+
-dependent O
2
consumption, some loss of active AMO molecules observed by polypeptide labeling with
14
C
2
H
2
, the protection of activity by substrates of AMO, and the requirement for copper. The loss of AMO activity via nitrite occurred under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and more activity was lost under alkaline than under acidic conditions except in the presence of large concentrations (20 mM) of nitrite. These results indicate that nitrite toxicity in
N. europaea
is mediated by a unique mechanism that is specific for AMO.