bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Down‐regulation of KIF2A inhibits gastric cancer cell invasion via suppressing MT1‐MMP
Authors: Zhao Peng , Lan Fei , Zhang Hui , Zeng Guangwei , Liu Dong
Published: May 2018

Gastric cancer accounts for a sizeable proportion of global cancer mortality with high morbidity and poor prognosis. Kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) are microtubule‐dependent motor proteins that function as oncogenes in cancer cells, it has been discovered in recent years. Kinesin family member 2a (KIF2A), a member of the KIFs, has received attention for its role in carcinogenesis and its prognostic value in several human cancers such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma. However, the role of KIF2A in human gastric cancer remains unknown. In this study we aimed to explore the expression and biological functions of KIF2A in human gastric cancer cells, as well as to reveal its potential action mechanism. First, we found that KIF2A was markedly increased in gastric cancer cells (MKN‐28, MKN‐45, NCI‐N87 and SGC‐7901) compared to normal gastric mucosa epithelial cells (GES‐1). Then KIF2A was successfully silenced in MKN‐45 and SGC‐7901 cells to facilitate further research into its function. We discovered that KIF2A silencing can significantly inhibit the growth and invasion of MKN‐45 and SGC‐7901 cells in a time‐independent manner, accompanying a decreased expression of Membrane type 1‐matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP). When MT1‐MMP was reintroduced into MKN‐45 and SGC‐7901 cells in the KIF2A‐siRNA group, only invasion inhibition effects on MKN‐45 and SGC‐7901 cells induced by KIF2A silencing can be reversed. In conclusion, our study reveals that down‐regulation of KIF2A can inhibit gastric cancer cell invasion by suppressing MT1‐MMP.
Effect of motor‐based speech intervention on articulatory placement in the treatment of a posterior nasal fricative: a preliminary MRI study on a single subject
Authors: Mason Kazlin N. , Pua Eshan , Perry Jamie L.
Published: May 2018

Background

Posterior nasal fricatives are a learned compensatory articulation error and commonly substituted for oral fricatives. Treatment of such articulation errors requires the modification or teaching of skilled movements. A motor‐based approach is designed to teach the complex motor skill movement sequences required in the production of sounds. Although motor learning research is well established, little has been done to determine how the approach changes the underlying physiology of articulatory movements. While the underlying anatomical configuration of the posterior nasal fricative has been described, no studies have quantified anatomic and physiological changes pre‐ and post‐treatment.

Aims

To use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize and quantify the results of motor‐based speech‐intervention approach on articulatory placement for the treatment of the posterior nasal fricative.

Methods & Procedures

A 6‐year‐old male with a history of ear infections and posterior nasal fricative substitution for /s/ underwent six 1‐h sessions of a motor‐based treatment approach over the course of 2 weeks. Pre‐ and post‐treatment evaluation included perceptual and instrumental assessment of speech and resonance. Perceptual resonance was rated by two speech–language therapists and articulation was assessed at the single‐word level. Instrumental assessment included the See‐Scape, Nasometer II and MRI during the sustained phonation of /s/. Amira v5.6 Visualization and Volume modelling software used the midsagittal and oblique coronal plane to measure dimensions of the articulatory anatomy.

Outcomes & Results

Interrater reliability was assessed using a Pearson product moment correlation (α = .05) and ranged from r = .91 to .95. Intra‐rater reliability was assessed using the intra‐class correlation coefficient (.976) demonstrating a high degree of reliability with a 95% confidence interval. Articulation improved from 0% accuracy for /s/ in isolation at baseline to 100% for /s/ at the word level and 95% accuracy during conversational speech by session 6. Post‐treatment results from this study revealed a greater shortening of the levator veli palatini (levator) muscle length during articulatory movements, more pronounced velar knee and dimple, decreased velar thickness, increased velar length and altered tongue position.

Conclusions & Implications

This study demonstrated the use of pre‐ and post‐treatment imaging methodology to quantify articulatory changes following an intensive motor‐based treatment approach. MRI demonstrated quantifiable changes in articulatory placement. Individuals who exhibit non‐developmental and phoneme‐specific articulation errors, such as the posterior nasal fricative, may be excellent candidates for short‐term, intensive and frequent speech therapy sessions to remediate the production of the posterior nasal fricative.
Quality of life and swallowing questionnaire for individuals with Parkinson's disease: development and validation
Authors: Diniz Juliana Garcia , da Silva Alfredo Carlos , Nóbrega Ana Caline
Published: May 2018

Background

Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) may exhibit some degree of change in swallowing dynamics during the course of the disease. These changes can affect their physical, functional and emotional quality of life.

Aims

To develop a quality of life and swallowing questionnaire for individuals with PD.

Methods & Procedures

The first version of the questionnaire comprised 29 items taken from the accounts of 50 patients treated over a 2‐month period at Sarah Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. A committee of 10 experts in the field analyzed the content and reduced the questionnaire to 28 questions. The questionnaire was then administered to 140 PD patients and 47 healthy individuals. A factor analysis of the items guided the drafting of the final questionnaire, which consisted of 19 items grouped into four factors, encompassing physical, functional and emotional aspects. A test–retest assessment was conducted with 44 individuals with PD.

Outcomes & Results

The internal consistency, estimated by the mean of Cronbach's alpha coefficient, varied between 0.71 (domain 3) and 0.94 (domain 1) in the test and between 0.69 (domain 3) and 0.95 (domain 1) in the retest. The correlation coefficient in the test/retest comparison was high and significant, demonstrating that the measurement was stable. A significant difference was observed between the PD group and the comparison group.

Conclusions & Implications

The questionnaire developed is a valid, statistically appropriate and clinically effective self‐administered instrument for individuals with PD.
How does morphosyntactic skill contribute to different genres of Chinese writing from grades 3 to 6?
Authors: Guan Connie Qun , Zhao Jianrong , Kwok Rosa Kit Wan , Wang Ye
Published: May 2018

This 4‐year longitudinal study examined the extent to which morphological awareness, syntactic processing, working memory (WM) and reading skills predict unique variances developmentally in three genres of Chinese writing (narration, argumentation and exposition) among 246 young Mandarin‐speaking children. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted using the writing performance of three genres at the fourth year as the dependent variables. After controlling for reading skills and WM, morphological awareness was uniquely associated with all three types of writing genres longitudinally, while syntactic processing made a significant longitudinal contribution to narrative and argumentative writing during the earlier years. With the autoregressive effect of writing controlled, WM was uniquely associated with narrative writings across all four years, and with argumentative and expository writing in the later years. Reading skills were uniquely related to concurrent narrative and expository writing.
Foley catheter vs. oral misoprostol to induce labour among hypertensive women in India: a cost‐consequence analysis alongside a clinical trial
Authors: Leigh S , Granby P , Haycox A , Mundle S , Bracken H , Khedikar V , Mulik J , Faragher B , Easterling T , Turner MA , Alfirevic Z , Winikoff B , Weeks AD
Published: May 2018

Objective

To determine the effectiveness and economic impact of two methods for induction of labour in hypertensive women, in low‐resource settings.

Design

Cost‐consequence analysis of a previously reported multicentre, parallel, open‐label randomised trial.

Setting & population

A total of 602 women with a live fetus, aged ≥18 years requiring delivery for pre‐eclampsia or hypertension, in two public hospitals in Nagpur, India.

Methods

We performed a formal economic evaluation alongside the INFORM clinical trial. Women were randomised to receive transcervical Foley catheterisation or oral misoprostol 25 mcg. Healthcare expenditure was calculated using a provider‐side microcosting approach.

Main outcome measures

Rates of vaginal this delivery within 24 hours of induction, healthcare expenditure per completed treatment episode.

Results

Induction with oral misoprostol resulted in a (mean difference) $20.6USD reduction in healthcare expenditure [95% CI (−) $123.59 (−) $72.49], and improved achievement of vaginal delivery within 24 hours of induction, mean difference 10% [95% CI (−2 to 17.9%), P = 0.016]. Oxytocin administration time was reduced by 135.3 minutes [95% CI (84.4–186.2 minutes), P < 0.01] and caesarean sections by 9.1% [95% CI (1.1–17%), P = 0.025] for those receiving oral misoprostol. Following probabilistic sensitivity analysis, oral misoprostol was cost‐saving in 63% of 5,000 bootstrap replications and achieved superior rates of vaginal delivery, delivery within 24 hours of induction and vaginal delivery within 24 hours of induction in 98.7%, 90.7%, and 99.4% of bootstrap simulations. Based on univariate threshold analysis, the unit price of oral misoprostol 25 mcg could feasibly increase 31‐fold from $0.24 to $7.50 per 25 mcg tablet and remain cost‐saving.

Conclusion

Compared to Foley catheterisation for the induction of high‐risk hypertensive women, oral misoprostol improves rates of vaginal delivery within 24 hours of induction and may also reduce costs. Additional research performed in other low‐resource settings is required to determine their relative cost‐effectiveness.

Tweetable abstract

Oral misoprostol less costly and more effective than Foley catheter for labour induction in hypertension.
The DiPEP study: an observational study of the diagnostic accuracy of clinical assessment, D‐dimer and chest x‐ray for suspected pulmonary embolism in pregnancy and postpartum
Authors: Goodacre S , Horspool K , Nelson‐Piercy C , Knight M , Shephard N , Lecky F , Thomas S , Hunt BJ , Fuller G ,   the DiPEP research group
Published: May 2018

Objective

To identify clinical features associated with pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis and determine the accuracy of decision rules and D‐dimer for diagnosing suspected PE in pregnant/postpartum women

Design

Observational cohort study augmented with additional cases.

Setting

Emergency departments and maternity units at eleven prospectively recruiting sites and maternity units in the United Kingdom Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS)

Population

324 pregnant/postpartum women with suspected PE and 198 pregnant/postpartum women with diagnosed PE

Methods

We recorded clinical features, elements of clinical decision rules, D‐dimer measurements, imaging results, treatments and adverse outcomes up to 30 days

Main outcome measures

Women were classified as having PE on the basis of imaging, treatment and adverse outcomes by assessors blind to clinical features and D‐dimer. Primary analysis was limited to women with conclusive imaging to avoid work‐up bias. Secondary analyses included women with clinically diagnosed or ruled out PE.

Results

The only clinical features associated with PE on multivariate analysis were age (odds ratio 1.06; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.11), previous thrombosis (3.07; 1.05–8.99), family history of thrombosis (0.35; 0.14–0.90), temperature (2.22; 1.26–3.91), systolic blood pressure (0.96; 0.93–0.99), oxygen saturation (0.87; 0.78–0.97) and PE‐related chest x‐ray abnormality (13.4; 1.39–130.2). Clinical decision rules had areas under the receiver‐operator characteristic curve ranging from 0.577 to 0.732 and no clinically useful threshold for decision‐making. Sensitivities and specificities of D‐dimer were 88.4% and 8.8% using a standard threshold and 69.8% and 32.8% using a pregnancy‐specific threshold.

Conclusions

Clinical decision rules and D‐dimer should not be used to select pregnant or postpartum women with suspected PE for further investigation. Clinical features and chest x‐ray appearances may have counter‐intuitive associations with PE in this context.

Tweetable abstract

Clinical decision rules and D‐dimer are not helpful for diagnosing pregnant/postpartum women with suspected PE
Prepopulating Audit Workpapers with Prior Year Assessments: Default Option Effects on Risk Rating Accuracy
Authors: BONNER SARAH , MAJORS TRACIE , RITTER STACEY
Published: May 2018

Risk assessment is a critical audit task, as auditors’ accuracy therein affects audit effectiveness and financial reporting quality, as well as audit efficiency. We propose that risk assessment accuracy for client risks that have changed from the prior year is affected by the manner in which auditors access prior year risk assessments, specifically whether they face a default option created by the prepopulation of current year workpapers with those assessments. We find that auditors with prepopulated (vs. blank) workpapers are less accurate for risks that have changed because they are more likely to stick with last year's assessments, and also to work fast. We then show that auditor characteristics reflecting a preference for accuracy reduce, but do not eliminate, these effects. Finally, we provide exploratory evidence that sticking and working fast are associated with, respectively, motivated reasoning and superficial processing. Collectively, these findings suggest the critical need for an intervention, and also have implications outside auditing.
Somnophilia and Sexual Abuse through the Administration of GHB and GBL
Authors: Pettigrew Mark
Published: May 2018

Somnophilia, the desire to have sex with an unconscious, sleeping, or comatose person who is unable to respond, is a sexual paraphilia that is seldom reported. The underlying desire is often overshadowed by the act of sexual violation and when using GHB or GBL to induce unconsciousness, as in the case presented here, the victim might not even be able to recall, for certain, that they have been sexually violated. A case study is offered of a somnophile who adulterated drinks to render young men unconscious, so he could rape them in that state, before progressing to administering drugs anally on the pretext of applying lubrication to the anus to facilitate sexual intercourse. The offender's fetishistic compulsion to have sex with unconscious men propelled him to experiment with the means by which he surreptitiously administered drugs to his victims in order to deepen their comatose state.
Critical Governance Issue of Parathyroid Hormone Assays and its Selection in the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease Mineral and Bone Disorders
Authors: Kakuta Takatoshi , Ishida Mari , Fukagawa Masafumi
Published: May 2018

Measurement of circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels is essential for optimal management of mineral and bone disorders (MBD) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. There are two major types of PTH assays currently in use: intact parathyroid hormone (i‐PTH) and whole PTH (w‐PTH) assays. The i‐PTH assay is the current standard, and considerable information regarding the management of CKD‐MBD has been obtained with this method. However, several limitations have been found with the i‐PTH assay. One limitation is that i‐PTH assay also measures fragments other than full‐length PTH (1‐84). Another limitation is the existence of multiple readout methods of the i‐PTH assay. The w‐PTH assay is theoretically ideal because it exclusively detects full‐length PTH (1‐84). However, clinical data proving the advantages of w‐PTH measurement are not sufficient. For uremic patients, Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes suggest that PTH levels should be maintained within approximately two to nine times the upper normal limit of the i‐PTH assays. The most critical issue in the evaluation of PTH levels is the lack of definitive PTH assay method. Evidence‐based recommendations on clinical management goals of PTH are warranted.
Adapting to survive: The case of Danish employers' organisations
Authors: Ibsen Christian Lyhne , Navrbjerg Steen E.
Published: May 2018

Scholars often characterise Danish employers' organisations (EOs) as relatively stable, with a continuing role in the coordination of industrial relations and corporatist policymaking. This article shows that, beneath surface stability, Danish EOs have significantly adapted structurally and functionally to survive environmental pressures. However, rather than converging onto a liberal market trajectory, we find that Danish EOs have layered new functions onto traditional collective functions. We also find significant variations in functional adaptation depending on the employer constituencies' exposure to international competition and position in value chains. We argue that these adaptations imply that the provision of collective goods, especially in collective bargaining, is no longer sufficient for the survival of EOs.
Wild GWAS—association mapping in natural populations
Authors: Santure Anna W. , Garant Dany
Published: May 2018

The increasing affordability of sequencing and genotyping technologies has transformed the field of molecular ecology in recent decades. By correlating marker variants with trait variation using association analysis, large‐scale genotyping and phenotyping of individuals from wild populations has enabled the identification of genomic regions that contribute to phenotypic differences among individuals. Such “gene mapping” studies are enabling us to better predict evolutionary potential and the ability of populations to adapt to challenges, such as changing environment. These studies are also allowing us to gain insight into the evolutionary processes maintaining variation in natural populations, to better understand genotype‐by‐environment and epistatic interactions and to track the dynamics of allele frequency change at loci contributing to traits under selection. Gene mapping in the wild using genomewide association scans (GWAS) do, however, come with a number of methodological challenges, not least the population structure in space and time inherent to natural populations. We here provide an overview of these challenges, summarize the exciting methodological advances and applications of association mapping in natural populations reported in this special issue and provide some guidelines for future “wild GWAS” research.
Efficacy and safety of nivolumab in non‐small cell lung cancer with preexisting interstitial lung disease
Authors: Kanai Osamu , Kim Young Hak , Demura Yoshiki , Kanai Makiko , Ito Tsuyoshi , Fujita Kohei , Yoshida Hironori , Akai Masaya , Mio Tadashi , Hirai Toyohiro
Published: May 2018

Background

The risk of developing lung cancer is high in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), as few treatment options are available. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are used for the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in clinical practice; however, in patients with preexisting ILD, the risk of ICI‐related pneumonitis is unknown. We evaluated the efficacy and lung toxicity of nivolumab in patients with NSCLC and ILD.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 216 NSCLC patients who had received nivolumab therapy. The existence of ILD in these patients was determined by lung computed tomography findings; 26 patients had ILD. We evaluated the efficacy of nivolumab by measuring the response rate (RR), progression‐free survival (PFS) duration, and lung toxicity by incidence, severity, and outcome of nivolumab‐related ILD.

Results

The RR and median PFS of the ILD and non‐ILD groups were 27% versus 13% (P = 0.078) and 2.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7–5.3) versus 2.9 months (95% CI 2.1–3.4; P = 0.919), respectively. The incidences of total and severe nivolumab‐related pneumonitis were significantly higher in the ILD group than in the non‐ILD group (31% vs. 12%, P = 0.014 and 19% vs. 5%, P = 0.022, respectively). No death from nivolumab‐related pneumonitis occurred. Over 50% of the patients in both groups with nivolumab‐related pneumonitis showed improvement over time.

Conclusion

Relative to the non‐ILD group, nivolumab‐related pneumonitis was observed more frequently in the ILD group; however, most cases were manageable.
Dietitian visits were a safe and cost‐effective form of follow‐up care for children with celiac disease
Authors: Johansson Karolina , Malmberg Hård af Segerstad Elin , Mårtensson Helena , Agardh Daniel
Published: May 2018

Aim

This study compared follow‐up protocols for paediatric celiac disease (CD) led by either paediatricians or dietitians at Swedish university hospitals.

Methods

We followed 363 CD patients under 18 years at the university hospitals in Malmö (n = 140) and Lund (n = 79) between 2011 and 2013 and after they merged to become Skåne (n = 144) between 2014 and 2016. Both Lund and Malmö provided regular paediatrician follow‐up visits, whereas Skåne provided mainly dietitian‐led visits.

Results

Children at Lund were followed for a mean of 1.0 ± 0.5 visits per year, compared to 0.7 ± 0.6 at Malmö (p < 0.0001) and 0.9 ± 0.6 at Skåne (p = 0.11). The ratio of annual paediatrician to dietitian annual visits was 1.4:1.0 at Lund, which was higher than Malmö (0.9:1.0; p = 0.0017) and Skåne (0.6:1.0; p < 0.0001). There was no difference in the prevalence of non‐compliant patients between the clinics (p = 0.26, Malmö 13.6%, Lund 10.1%, Skåne 7.6%). Tissue transglutaminase autoantibody levels reversed equally over time at all three clinics after the subjects started a gluten‐free diet (r = −0.55, p < 0.0001). The total mean annual cost per patient was lowest at Malmö and highest at Lund (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Dietary compliance was similar regardless of whether care was provided by a dietitian or paediatrician. Dietitian‐led follow‐up visits may provide lower long‐term costs.
Prospective study confirms that bronchiolitis in early infancy increases the risk of reduced lung function at 10–13 years of age
Authors: Riikonen Riikka , Lauhkonen Eero , Törmänen Sari , Backman Katri , Koponen Petri , Helminen Merja , Nuolivirta Kirsi , Korppi Matti
Published: May 2018

Aim

This study evaluated children hospitalised for bronchiolitis at less than six months of age to see if they had reduced lung function in early adolescence.

Methods

We have prospectively followed 166 children hospitalised for infant bronchiolitis in 2001–2004 at Tampere University Hospital, Finland. At 10–13 years of age, flow‐volume spirometry was measured in 89 cases and 108 controls without infant bronchiolitis from the local population register. Parameters of flow‐volume spirometry before and after bronchodilation were analysed.

Results

Forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) after bronchodilation was lower in cases than controls. FEV1 was pathological – under the 5th percentile of the national references – in 25% of cases and 12% of controls (p = 0.020) before bronchodilation and in 18% of cases and 5% of controls (p = 0.003) after bronchodilation. FEV1/FVC was pathological in 25% of cases and 13% of controls (p = 0.034) before bronchodilation. Logistic regression, adjusted for current asthma and maternal smoking, showed that infant bronchiolitis was associated with pathological FEV1 before (odds ratio 2.4) and after (odds ratio 4.4) bronchodilation. The result was similar for positive respiratory syncytial virus cases.

Conclusion

Reduced FEV1 after bronchodilation was found in early adolescence after infant bronchiolitis, suggesting irreversible bronchial obstruction.
A Boxplot for Circular Data
Authors: Buttarazzi Davide , Pandolfo Giuseppe , Porzio Giovanni C.
Published: May 2018

The box-and-whiskers plot is an extraordinary graphical tool that provides a quick visual summary of an observed distribution. In spite of its many extensions, a really suitable boxplot to display circular data is not yet available. Thanks to its simplicity and strong visual impact, such a tool would be especially useful in all fields where circular measures arise: biometrics, astronomy, environmetrics, Earth sciences, to cite just a few. For this reason, in line with Tukey's original idea, a Tukey-like circular boxplot is introduced. Several simulated and real datasets arising in biology are used to illustrate the proposed graphical tool.
Delivery and its complications among women of Somali, Kurdish, and Russian origin, and women in the general population in Finland
Authors: Bastola Kalpana , Koponen Päivikki , Härkänen Tommi , Luoto Riitta , Gissler Mika , Kinnunen Tarja I.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Limited information is available on delivery and its complications among migrant women in Finland. We compared mode of delivery, delivery complications, and use of pain medication during delivery between migrant women of Somali, Kurdish, and Russian origin and women in the general population in Finland.

Methods

The women were of Russian (n = 318), Somali (n = 583), and Kurdish (n = 373) origin and 243 women from the general population (reference group) who had given birth in Finland between 2004 and 2014. The data were obtained from the National Medical Birth Register and the Hospital Discharge Register. The most recent birth of each woman was included in the analyses. The main statistical methods were logistic regression analyses adjusting for age, parity, body mass index, gestational age, and smoking during pregnancy.

Results

Vaginal delivery was the most common mode of delivery among all study groups (79%‐89%). The prevalence of any delivery complications varied between 15% and 19% among all study groups. When adjusted for confounders, Russian women had lower odds (OR 0.49; CI 0.29‐0.82) of having a cesarean delivery, whereas Somali and Kurdish women did not differ from the reference group. Somali women had an increased risk of any delivery complications (OR 1.62; CI 1.03‐2.55) compared with the reference group. No differences were observed in the use of pain medication between the groups.

Conclusion

Delivery complications were more common among migrant Somali women than among women in the general Finnish population. Somali women represent a high‐risk group calling for special attention and care.
Modulation of serine/threonine phosphatases by melatonin: therapeutic approaches in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Arribas Raquel L , Romero Alejandro , Egea Javier , de los Ríos Cristóbal
Published: May 2018

Melatonin is an endogenous hormone produced by the pineal gland as well as many other tissues and organs. The natural decline in melatonin levels with ageing contributes significantly to the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Neurodegenerative diseases share common mechanisms of toxicity such as proteinopathy, mitochondrial dysfunction, metal dyshomeostasis, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and an imbalance in the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation ratio. Several reports have proved the usefulness of melatonin in counteracting the events that lead to a neurodegenerative scenario. In this review, we have focused on the fact that melatonin could rectify the altered phosphorylation/dephosphorylation rate found in some neurodegenerative diseases by influencing the activity of phosphoprotein phosphatases. We analyse whether melatonin offers any protective activity towards these enzymes through a direct interaction.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Recent Developments in Research of Melatonin and its Potential Therapeutic Applications. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.16/issuetoc
Prevalence and risk indicators of pain‐related temporomandibular disorders among Indonesian children and adolescents
Authors: Marpaung Carolina , van Selms Maurits K.A. , Lobbezoo Frank
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of pain‐related temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) among Indonesian children and adolescents, and to investigate which risk indicators are associated with it.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 1,800 questionnaires were distributed among pupils of schools in the greater Jakarta area. This was done for 2 samples: children with ages ranging from 7 to 12 years (parental report) and adolescents aged 13‐18 years (self‐report).

Results

The prevalence rates for pain‐related TMDs in Indonesian children and adolescents were 23.4% (95% CI = 20‐27) and 36.9% (95% CI = 33‐41), respectively. Regression models revealed that psychological factors and the presence of bodily pain were strongly associated with pain‐related TMDs in both children and adolescents, next to oral habits (in children), and sleep and awake bruxism (in adolescents). On the other hand, the socioeconomic status of parents was not associated with pain‐related TMDs in either sample.

Conclusions

Pain‐related TMDs are common among the young Indonesian population. These findings corroborate those from earlier studies of young populations, namely that bruxism and oral habits, bodily pain complaints, and psychological factors are risk indicators for pain‐related TMDs.
Assessment of vertebral microarchitecture in overt and mild Cushing's syndrome using trabecular bone score
Authors: Vinolas Helene , Grouthier Virginie , Mehsen‐Cetre Nadia , Boisson Amandine , Winzenrieth Renaud , Schaeverbeke Thierry , Mesguich Charles , Bordenave Laurence , Tabarin Antoine
Published: May 2018

Objective

Osteoporotic fractures associated with Cushing's syndrome (CS) may occur despite normal bone mineral density (BMD). Few studies have described alterations in vertebral microarchitecture in glucocorticoid‐treated patients and during CS. Trabecular bone score (TBS) estimates trabecular microarchitecture from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry acquisitions. Our aim was to compare vertebral BMD and TBS in patients with overt CS and mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACE), and following cure of overt CS.

Setting

University Hospital.

Design

Monocentric retrospective cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies of consecutive patients.

Patients

A total of 110 patients were studied: 53 patients had CS (35, 11 and 7 patients with Cushing's disease, bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia and ectopic ACTH secretion respectively); 39 patients had MACE (10 patients with a late post‐operative recurrence of Cushing's disease and 29 patients with adrenal incidentalomas); 18 patients with non‐secreting adrenal incidentalomas. 14 patients with overt CS were followed for up to 2 years after cure.

Results

Vertebral osteoporosis at BMD and degraded microarchitecture at TBS were found in 24% and 43% of patients with CS, respectively (P < .03). As compared to patients with nonsecreting incidentalomas, patients with MACE had significantly decreased TBS (P < .04) but not BMD. Overt fragility fractures tended to be associated with low TBS (P = .07) but not with low BMD. TBS, but not BMD values, decreased with the intensity of hypercortisolism independently of its aetiology (P < .01). Following remission of CS, TBS improved more markedly and rapidly than BMD (10% vs 3%, respectively; P < .02).

Conclusion

Trabecular bone score may be a promising, noninvasive, widely available and inexpensive complementary tool for the routine assessment of the impact of CS and MACE on bone in clinical practice.
Subtype‐selective inhibition of acid‐sensing ion channel 3 by a natural flavonoid
Authors: Yan Xiao‐Gang , Li Wei‐Guang , Qi Xin , Zhu Jia‐Jie , Huang Chen , Han Shao‐Ling , Jiang Qin , Xu Tian‐Le , Liu Jian‐Hua
Published: May 2018

Aims

Acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs) are extracellular proton‐gated cation channels that have been implicated in multiple physiological and pathological processes, and peripheral ASIC3 prominently participate into the pathogenesis of chronic pain, itch, and neuroinflammation, which necessitates the need for discovery and development of novel modulators in a subtype‐specific manner.

Methods

Whole‐cell patch clamp recordings and behavioral assays were used to examine the effect of several natural compounds on the ASIC‐mediated currents and acid‐induced nocifensive behavior, respectively.

Results

We identified a natural flavonoid compound, (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, compound 11), that acts as a potent inhibitor for the ASIC3 channel in an isoform‐specific way. The compound 11 inhibited ASIC3 currents with an apparent half maximal inhibitory concentration of 13.2 μmol/L when measured at pH 5.0. However, at the concentration up to 100 μmol/L, the compound 11 had no significant impacts on the homomeric ASIC1a, 1b, and 2a channels. In contrast to most of the known ASIC inhibitors that usually bear either basic or carboxylic groups, the compound 11 belongs to the polyphenolic family. In compound 11, both the chirality and the 3‐hydroxyl group of its pyrogallol part, in addition to the integrity of the gallate part, are crucial for the inhibitory efficacy. Finally, EGCG was found significantly to decrease the acid‐induced nocifensive behavior in mice.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results thus defined a novel backbone structure for small molecule drug design targeting ASIC3 channels to treat pain‐related diseases.
Non‐adjacent Dependencies Processing in Human and Non‐human Primates
Authors: Malassis Raphaëlle , Rey Arnaud , Fagot Joël
Published: May 2018

Human and non‐human primates share the ability to extract adjacent dependencies and, under certain conditions, non‐adjacent dependencies (i.e., predictive relationships between elements that are separated by one or several intervening elements in a sequence). In this study, we explore the online extraction dynamics of non‐adjacent dependencies in humans and baboons using a serial reaction time task. Participants had to produce three‐target sequences containing deterministic relationships between the first and last target locations. In Experiment 1, participants from the two species could extract these non‐adjacent dependencies, but humans required less exposure than baboons. In Experiment 2, the data show for the first time in a non‐human primate species the successful generalization of sequential non‐adjacent dependencies over novel intervening items. These findings provide new evidence to further constrain current theories about the nature and the evolutionary origins of the learning mechanisms allowing the extraction of non‐adjacent dependencies.
Functional finishing and coloration of textiles with nanomaterials
Authors: Riaz Shagufta , Ashraf Munir , Hussain Tanveer , Hussain Muhammad Tahir , Rehman Abdur , Javid Amjed , Iqbal Kashif , Basit Abdul , Aziz Humera
Published: May 2018

Global demand for functional textiles is continually increasing for both conventional as well as advanced technical applications. Nanomaterials have the potential to transform the textile industry by imparting multifunctional properties such as physical, chemical and biological self‐cleaning, ultraviolet (UV) protection, wrinkle resistance and coloration to textiles without compromising the inherent characteristics of the substrate. This review highlights some of the major applications of nanomaterials to textile substrates to obtain different functional properties. Possible side effects of the nanomaterials on textiles are also reviewed, along with potential hazards to humans and the environment.
Poroid hidradenoma in the hand: A case report and systematic review
Authors: Miller Robert , Ieremia Eleni , Birch Jeremy , Chan James
Published: May 2018

Poroid hidradenoma (PH) is a rare benign neoplasm of the skin appendages. There are currently no guidelines for its management, and little information available regarding the natural history, treatment options, or outcomes. Systematic literature review identified 19 cases of isolated PH. Mean age at presentation was 54 years. Male to female ratio was 3:1, and the majority of cases were in the head and neck region. One‐third of lesions were painful or tender. Sizes varied from 0.11 × 0.9 × 0.2 cm (digit) to 6 cm (presternal region). Twelve cases were treated by surgical excision, while the remainder were biopsy specimens. Follow‐up was reported in five cases, with a median follow‐up of 1 year. No cases of local invasion or spread have been reported, although there was one case of possible recurrence identified 8 years after surgical excision. The presented case is the first to identify a PH on the hand, represents the smallest lesion to date, and was successfully treated by excision. We suggest that PHs be treated by excision and followed up for 6 to 12 months. Given one case of potential (but unconfirmed) recurrence, and no report of malignant transformation, we suggest that narrow margins may be appropriate.
Preventive measures against stricture after esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection: Halfway through the journey to the best method
Authors: Tsuji Yosuke , Sakaguchi Yoshiki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: May 2018

This Editorial refers to the article by J. Tang, p 608‐615 of this issue.
Prevalence of active Charcot disease in the East Midlands of England
Authors: Metcalf L. , Musgrove M. , Bentley J. , Berrington R. , Bunting D. , Mousley M , Thompson J. , Sprengel M. , Turtle‐Savage V. , Game F. , Jeffcoate W.
Published: May 2018

Aims

To undertake a prospective point prevalence study of the prevalence of active Charcot neuro‐inflammatory osteoarthropathy (Charcot disease) in a circumscribed part of England and to audit the time elapsing between disease onset and first diagnosis.

Methods

The prevalence of active Charcot disease of the foot during a single month was assessed by specialist foot care teams at seven secondary care services in the East Midlands region of England.

Results

A total of 90 cases were identified, representing 4.3 per 10 000 of the 205 033 total diabetes population of the region. The time elapsed from first presentation to any healthcare professional until diagnosis was also assessed. While the diagnosis was suspected or confirmed in one‐third of patients within 2 weeks, it was not made for 2 months or more in 23 patients (24%).

Conclusions

Non‐specialist professionals should have greater awareness of the existence of this uncommon complication of diabetes in the hope that earlier diagnosis will lead to lesser degrees of deformity.
Competitive Pressure Widens the Gender Gap in Performance: Evidence from a Two-stage Competition in Mathematics
Authors: Iriberri Nagore , Rey-Biel Pedro
Published: May 2018

In two-stage elimination math contests, participants from four different age groups compete to pass from stage 1 to stage 2 and later to be among the winners. Although female participants have higher maths grades at school the gender gap reverses in the two stages of the contests. More importantly, following the same individual participant across different stages, we find that the gender gap in performance increases from stage 1 to stage 2. The increase in female underperformance is attributed to higher competitive pressure and alternative explanations based on selection, discrimination and differences in reaction to increasing difficulty are ruled out.
Effect of mating on survival at low temperature in females of the Japanese common grass yellow, Eurema mandarina
Authors: Konagaya Tatsuro , Numata Hideharu
Published: May 2018

1. In some insects that overwinter as adults, mating occurs both before and after overwintering. Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain the adaptive significance of pre‐overwintering copulation of females. One is the bet‐hedging hypothesis, which explains pre‐overwintering copulation as a preparation for less chance of mating in the following spring. The other is the nuptial gift hypothesis, which states that secretions derived from males increase overwintering success of females.

2. In Eurema mandarina, both diapause autumn‐ and non‐diapause summer‐form male adults emerge with autumn‐form female adults in the last generation in a year. Most autumn‐form females mate with summer‐form males before winter, and re‐mate with autumn‐form males in the following spring. Because autumn‐form females have sufficient chances for mating after overwintering, the nuptial gift hypothesis has been regarded as the more probable hypothesis.

3. To test the nuptial gift hypothesis, the survival period was compared under short‐day conditions at 10 °C between mated and unmated females that had been reared on sucrose solution at 25 °C for 15–21 days. The mated females had significantly greater longevity than the unmated females, supporting the nuptial gift hypothesis. Body size also affected the survival period.

4. The results suggest that the nuptial gift is an important factor for the evolution of pre‐overwintering copulation in species in which females mate both before and after overwintering.
Genuine belief and genuine doubt in Peirce
Authors: Kasser Jeff
Published: May 2018

Peirce makes it clear that doubt and belief oppose one another. But that slogan admits of a weaker and a stronger reading. The weaker reading permits and the stronger reading forbids one to be in a state of doubt and of belief with respect to the same proposition at the same time. The stronger claim is standardly attributed to Peirce, for textual and philosophical reasons. This paper maintains that this standard construal is excessively strong. It argues that the secondary literature tends to presuppose the strong reading and that it often does so by confusing sufficient conditions for belief with necessary ones. It acknowledges some textual evidence on behalf of the strong reading but maintains that, taken as a whole, the relevant passages are as friendly to the weak as to the strong interpretation of Peirce. The paper then links the doubt–belief theory of “The Fixation of Belief” to the papers on probability that occupy the bulk of the Illustrations of the Logic of Science. It shows that Peirce's discussion of probability, strength of belief, and weight of evidence makes room for confidence, but not belief, to be undermined and thus offers a more flexible version of Peirce's theory of inquiry.
Testing MacArthur's minimisation principle: do communities minimise energy wastage during succession?
Authors: Ghedini Giulia , Loreau Michel , White Craig R. , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: May 2018

Robert MacArthur developed a theory of community assembly based on competition. By incorporating energy flow, MacArthur's theory allows for predictions of community function. A key prediction is that communities minimise energy wastage over time, but this minimisation is a trade‐off between two conflicting processes: exploiting food resources, and maintaining low metabolism and mortality. Despite its simplicity and elegance, MacArthur's principle has not been tested empirically despite having long fascinated theoreticians. We used a combination of field chronosequence experiments and laboratory assays to estimate how the energy wastage of a community changes during succession. We found that older successional stages wasted more energy in maintenance, but there was no clear pattern in how communities of different age exploited food resources. We identify several reasons for why MacArthur's original theory may need modification and new avenues to further explore community efficiency, an understudied component of ecosystem functioning.
The novel sodium channel modulator GS‐458967 (GS967) is an effective treatment in a mouse model of SCN8A encephalopathy
Authors: Baker Erin M. , Thompson Christopher H. , Hawkins Nicole A. , Wagnon Jacy L. , Wengert Eric R. , Patel Manoj K. , George Alfred L. , Meisler Miriam H. , Kearney Jennifer A.
Published: May 2018

Objective

De novo mutations of SCN8A, encoding the voltage‐gated sodium channel NaV1.6, have been associated with a severe infant onset epileptic encephalopathy. Individuals with SCN8A encephalopathy have a mean age of seizure onset of 4‐5 months, with multiple seizure types that are often refractory to treatment with available drugs. Anecdotal reports suggest that high‐dose phenytoin is effective for some patients, but there are associated adverse effects and potential for toxicity. Functional characterization of several SCN8A encephalopathy variants has shown that elevated persistent sodium current is one of several common biophysical defects. Therefore, specifically targeting elevated persistent current may be a useful therapeutic strategy in some cases.

Methods

The novel sodium channel modulator GS967 has greater preference for persistent as opposed to peak current and nearly 10‐fold greater potency than phenytoin. We evaluated the therapeutic effect of GS967 in the Scn8aN1768D/+ mouse model carrying an SCN8A patient mutation that results in elevated persistent sodium current. We also performed patch clamp recordings to assess the effect of GS967 on peak and persistent sodium current and excitability in hippocampal neurons from Scn8aN1768D/+ mice.

Results

GS967 potently blocked persistent sodium current without affecting peak current, normalized action potential morphology, and attenuated excitability in neurons from heterozygous Scn8aN1768D/+ mice. Acute treatment with GS967 provided dose‐dependent protection against maximal electroshock–induced seizures in Scn8aN1768D/+ and wild‐type mice. Chronic treatment of Scn8aN1768D/+ mice with GS967 resulted in lower seizure burden and complete protection from seizure‐associated lethality observed in untreated Scn8aN1768D/+ mice. Protection was achieved at a chronic dose that did not cause overt behavioral toxicity or sedation.

Significance

Persistent sodium current modulators like GS967 may be an effective precision targeting strategy for SCN8A encephalopathy and other functionally similar channelopathies when elevated persistent sodium current is the primary dysfunction.
Marital Conflict Behaviors and Parenting: Dyadic Links Over Time
Authors: Gao Mengyu (Miranda) , Du Han , Davies Patrick T. , Cummings E. Mark
Published: May 2018

Objective

To assess the effects of marital conflict on parenting practices for mothers and fathers and to examine whether these effects differ for within‐person and cross‐person links in parental dyads.

Background

Existing findings are mixed regarding the nature and magnitude of the association between marital conflict and childrearing behaviors. Little is known about parental role differences in this regard between fathers and mothers and the mutual influence on the other's responding.

Method

A sample of 235 families (fathers, mothers, and their kindergarten children) participated in the study over a 2‐year period. Fathers and mothers independently reported on constructive and destructive marital conflict tactics, as well as on their parenting behaviors in scenarios of children experiencing negative emotions.

Results

Results indicated cross‐person and within‐person relations. For example, fathers' destructive conflict predicted mothers' distress reactions to children's negative emotions, supporting a spillover hypothesis. Mothers' destructive conflict behaviors predicted less unsupportive maternal parenting, supporting a compensatory hypothesis.

Conclusion

Fathers' and mothers' marital conflict behaviors may have different implications for their own and their spouses' parenting.

Implications

Intervention and prevention programs that target improving marital conflict interactions may also help promote positive parenting. The findings also support that both fathers and mothers should be included in these programs to increase the beneficial effects on parenting practices.