bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Averaging auditory evoked magnetoencephalographic and electroencephalographic responses: a critical discussion
Authors: König Reinhard , Matysiak Artur , Kordecki Wojciech , Sielużycki Cezary , Zacharias Norman , Heil Peter
Published: March 2015

In the analysis of data from magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG), it is common practice to arithmetically average event‐related magnetic fields (ERFs) or event‐related electric potentials (ERPs) across single trials and subsequently across subjects to obtain the so‐called grand mean. Comparisons of grand means, e.g. between conditions, are then often performed by subtraction. These operations, and their statistical evaluation with parametric tests such asanova, tacitly rely on the assumption that the data follow the additive model, have a normal distribution, and have a homogeneous variance. This may be true for single trials, but these conditions are rarely met when ERFs/ERPs are compared between subjects, meaning that the additive model is seldom the correct model for computing grand mean waveforms. Here, we summarize some of our recent work and present new evidence, from auditory‐evoked MEG and EEG results, that the non‐normal distributions and the heteroscedasticity observed instead result because ERFs/ERPs follow a mixed model with additive and multiplicative components. For peak amplitudes, such as the auditory M100 and N100, the multiplicative component dominates. These findings emphasize that the common practice of simply subtracting arithmetic means of auditory‐evoked ERFs or ERPs is problematic without prior adequate transformation of the data. Application of the area sinus hyperbolicus (asinh) transform to data following the mixed model transforms them into the requested additive model with its normal distribution and homogeneous variance. We therefore advise checking the data for compliance with the additive model and using the asinh transform if required.
Discussing SUDEP: Have we improved?—A retrospective case note analysis
Authors: Ross Daniella , Waddell Briony , Heath Craig A.
Published: February 2015

Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common cause of death in epilepsy. Controversy surrounds its discussion with patients, with discrepancy between clinical practice and guideline recommendations; a previous audit of local practice in 2012 found that in only 4% of patients’ notes was there documented evidence of SUDEP discussion. The aim of this study was to evaluate current clinical practice and to determine whether there had been a change in practice following publication of the initial audit. A retrospective case note review was undertaken on all patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy attending a specialist epilepsy clinic in Tayside from January 1, 2012 to March 31, 2012. A documented discussion regarding SUDEP was recorded in 81 (34%) of 240 patients, an increase from previous review. Documented discussion was more likely to occur in new referrals and in those with ongoing generalized seizures, and conversely less likely to occur in those with a long history of seizures and drug‐resistant epilepsy. This repeat audit demonstrates improvement in practice; however, the minority of patients are still being informed, with those at higher risk statistically less likely to be informed.
Rapid adjustment of bird community compositions to local climatic variations and its functional consequences
Authors: Gaüzère Pierre , Jiguet Frédéric , Devictor Vincent
Published: March 2015

The local spatial congruence between climate changes and community changes has rarely been studied over large areas. We proposed one of the first comprehensive frameworks tracking local changes in community composition related to climate changes. First, we investigated whether and how 12 years of changes in the local composition of bird communities were related to local climate variations. Then, we tested the consequences of this climate‐induced adjustment of communities on Grinnellian (habitat‐related) and Eltonian (function‐related) homogenization. A standardized protocol monitoring spatial and temporal trends of birds over France from 2001 to 2012 was used. For each plot and each year, we used the spring temperature and the spring precipitations and calculated three indices reflecting the thermal niche, the habitat specialization, and the functional originality of the species within a community. We then used a moving‐window approach to estimate the spatial distribution of the temporal trends in each of these indices and their congruency with local climatic variations. Temperature fluctuations and community dynamics were found to be highly variable in space, but their variations were finely congruent. More interestingly, the community adjustment to temperature variations was nonmonotonous. Instead, unexplained fluctuations in community composition were observed up to a certain threshold of climate change intensity, above which a change in community composition was observed. This shift corresponded to a significant decrease in the relative abundance of habitat specialists and functionally original species within communities, regardless of the direction of temperature change. The investigation of variations in climate and community responses appears to be a central step toward a better understanding of climate change effects on biodiversity. Our results suggest a fine‐scale and short‐term adjustment of community composition to temperature changes. Moreover, significant temperature variations seem to be responsible for both the Grinnellian and Eltonian aspects of functional homogenization.
Intentional replantation of adhesively reattached vertically fractured maxillary single‐rooted teeth
Authors: Nizam N. , Kaval M. E. , Gürlek Ö. , Atila A. , Çalışkan M. K.
Published: March 2015

Aim

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of intentionally replanted maxillary single‐rooted teeth with vertical root fractures (VRFs) after being repaired extraorally using 4‐methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride/methacrylate‐tri‐n‐butyl borane (4‐META/MMA‐TBB) resin cement.

Methodology

Twenty‐one root filled maxillary single‐rooted teeth withVRFs were evaluated. After atraumatic extraction, fractured fragments were adhesively cemented. The teeth were then replanted and splinted to the neighbouring teeth for 2 weeks. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months, and radiographic evaluations were made usingPAIscores at baseline and 12 months. Mobility was evaluated using periotest values (PTV) at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Replanted teeth, contralateral teeth (control teeth) and adjacent teeth were analysed statistically using repeated measures one‐wayanova, unpairedt‐tests and Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank tests.

Results

Two teeth were extracted in the first month after surgery.PI,GI,CALandPDscores of the replanted teeth were significantly lower at 6 month (P < 0.0001 for all) and 12 month (P < 0.0001 for all) postoperatively when compared to baseline, but the values were not significantly different from those of the control and adjacent teeth.PTVof the test teeth increased significantly (P < 0.0001) after the intervention and decreased to baseline levels by month 12.PTVs were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months in the test teeth when compared with the control teeth, but were not significantly different at month 12.PAIscores of teeth withVRFwere significantly lower (P < 0.05) at 12 months compared with baseline.

Conclusions

Adhesive cementation and intentional replantation were an effective treatment modality for this group of vertically fractured maxillary single‐rooted teeth. The clinical periodontal parameters decrease by month 6, and the mobility returned to the physiological limits of natural teeth 12 months after replantation.
Frequency of P2RX7 A1513C and TLR2 −196 to −174 ins/del in healthy Polish individuals
Authors: Lewandowska M. , Garczyńska P. , Jędrychowska‐Dańska K. , Kopczyńska P. , Masłowska A. , Witas H.
Published: March 2015

Polymorphisms within genes coding innate immune response proteins are involved in genetic susceptibility to various conditions. We investigated the frequency of P2RX7 A1513C and TLR2 −196 to −174 ins/del polymorphisms in healthy Polish population. Frequency of minor alleles was relatively similar to the pattern presented by Caucasian populations while it differed significantly when compared to non‐European populations, which could be a result of variable selection pressure put upon studied alleles or hindered gene flow between populations.
Dietary fibre linked to decreased inflammation in overweight minority youth
Authors: Miller S. J. , Batra A. K. , Shearrer G. E , House B. T. , Cook L. T. , Pont S. J. , Goran M. I. , Davis J. N.
Published: March 2015

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between diet and inflammation, and adiposity in minority youth.

Design and Methods

The study was designed as a cross‐sectional analysis of 142 overweight (≥85th body mass index percentile) Hispanic and African–American adolescents (14–18 years) with the following measures: anthropometrics, adiposity via magnetic resonance imaging, dietary intake via 24‐h dietary recalls, and inflammation markers from fasting blood draws utilizing a multiplex panel. Partial correlations were estimated and analysis of covariance (ancova) models fit to examine the relationship among dietary variables, inflammation markers and adiposity measures with the following a priori covariates: Tanner stage, ethnicity, sex, total energy intake, total body fat and total lean mass.

Results

Inference based on ancova models showed that the highest tertile of fibre intake (mean intake of 21.3 ± 6.1 g d−1) vs. the lowest tertile of fibre intake (mean intake of 7.4 ± 1.8 g d−1) was associated with 36% lower plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (P = 0.02) and 43% lower resistin (P = 0.02), independent of covariates. Similar results were seen for insoluble fibre. No other dietary variables included in this study were associated with inflammation markers.

Conclusions

These results suggest that increases in dietary fibre could play an important role in lowering inflammation and therefore metabolic disease risk in high‐risk minority youth.
Familial and individual predictors of obesity and insulin resistance in urban Hispanic children
Authors: Santiago‐Torres M. , Cui Y. , Adams A. K. , Allen D. B. , Carrel A. L. , Guo J. Y. , Delgado‐Rendon A. , LaRowe T. L. , Schoeller D. A.
Published: March 2015

Background

High intake of sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSB) has been suggested to contribute to the pediatric obesity epidemic, however, how the home food environment influence children's intake of SSB among Hispanic families is still poorly understood.

Objectives

To evaluate the relationships between the home food environment and Hispanic children's diet in relation to weight status and insulin resistance (IR).

Methods

A food frequency questionnaire was administered to 187 Hispanic children (ages 10 to 14 years) and anthropometrics were measured. IR was estimated from fasting insulin and glucose levels using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR). Parents reported on family demographics and the home food environment. A structural equation modelling approach was applied to examine the hypothesized relationships among variables.

Results

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity was 52.8% and it was positively associated with HOMAIR (β = 0.687, P < .0001). Children's SSB consumption was positively associated with children's body mass index z‐score (β = 0.151, P < 0.05) and subsequently to HOMAIR. Children's SSB consumption was predicted by home availability (β = 0.191) and parental intake of SSB (β = 0.419) (P < 0.05). The model fit indices [χ2 = 45.821 (d.f. = 30, P > 0.01 and < 0.05), χ2/d.f. = 1.53, root mean square error of approximation = 0.053 (90% confidence interval = 0.016, 0.082), comparative fit index = 0.904] suggested a satisfactory goodness‐of‐fit.

Conclusions

The home food environment and parental diet seem to play an important role in the children's access to and intake of SSB, which in turn predicted children's weight status.
The Perfection of Glory in Humility: What Karl Barth would have had to Say about Redemption
Authors: Smith Aaron
Published: March 2015

Karl Barth famously was not able to complete his magnum opus, Church Dogmatics, the final volume of which was to treat the doctrine of redemption. But the general contours of what Barth would have had to say in that volume can be discovered by following the trajectory of his thought, specifically as key developments in his later work are set next to his discussion of redemption in his first lecture cycle in dogmatics at Göttingen. This article contends that in view of revisions to his treatment of Christ's humiliation and exaltation, which reflect his handling of election in CD II/2, Barth would have had to conclude three things about redemption. First, Christ's humiliation for us is an eternal act not set aside in the eschaton. Secondly, humanity's eschatological exaltation takes the form of actualized utter dependence on God defined by corresponding life‐acts of uninterrupted self‐giving. And thirdly, that ‘redemption’ entails having a share in God's unique freedom to have his life in and with another; just this is life in the Spirit. Together, these conclusions characterize a kind of glory which is not opposed to humility but perfected in humility.
Age‐related decrease of adenosine‐mediated relaxation in rat detrusor is a result of A2B receptor downregulation
Authors: Weller Johannes , Pose Manuela , Protzel Chris , Mader Felix , Porath Katrin , Köhling Rüdiger , Hakenberg Oliver W , Kirschstein Timo
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To analyze the effect of adenosine on detrusor smooth muscle contraction and to assess age‐related changes of adenosine function.

Methods

Sustained contractions were induced in young (10–30 days) and old (>60 days) rat detrusor muscle strips by application of 30 mmol/L K+ and adenosine (0.1–400 µmol/L), which was either applied before raising the K+ concentration or added to the precontracted muscle strip. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses were used to study adenosine receptor expression in rat and human detrusor specimens.

Results

Pretreatment with adenosine dose‐dependently reduced subsequent K+‐induced contraction in detrusor muscle strips from young rats (half‐maximal effect = 40 µmol/L). The residual depolarization‐induced contraction strength in young tissue was significantly smaller than in tissue from old animals, showing a greater potency of adenosine in young detrusor samples. Likewise, the relaxing effect of adenosine on precontracted detrusor muscle was also significantly more pronounced in young compared with older detrusor. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed an age‐related downregulation of the adenosine A2B receptor in rat detrusor tissues, which could be confirmed in human detrusor samples. Furthermore, relaxation of both K+‐induced as well as carbachol‐induced contraction by the specific A2B receptor agonist BAY 60–6583 was significantly more pronounced in young than in old rats.

Conclusions

Adenosine powerfully counteracts contraction of detrusor smooth muscle, which is lost in the aging bladder. This is paralleled by an age‐dependent transcriptional downregulation of the low‐affinity A2B receptor. Hence, this might be pathophysiologically relevant in conditions of raised adenosine concentrations, such as hyperactive bladder contractility.
Maintenance monotherapy with gemcitabine after standard platinum‐based chemotherapy in patients with advanced urothelial cancer
Authors: Muto Satoru , Abe Hideyuki , Noguchi Takahiro , Sugiura Sho‐ichiro , Kitamura Kousuke , Isotani Shuji , Ide Hisamitsu , Yamaguchi Raizo , Kamai Takao , Horie Shigeo
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To investigate the outcomes of gemcitabine maintenance monotherapy treatment for metastatic urothelial cancer.

Methods

Gemcitabine maintenance monotherapy was used for metastatic urothelial cancer patients after standard platinum‐based chemotherapy. A standard dose of 1000 mg/m2/month was given. If patients suffered adverse events or a noticeably compromised quality of life, treatment intervals were extended and doses lowered. Patients with metastatic urothelial cancer receiving only best supportive care after standard chemotherapy served as the retrospective control group.

Results

A total of 33 patients were included in the study group as well as in the control group. Maintenance therapy was administered a median of nine times (range 2–49 times) with a median dose of 984.2 mg (range 500–1400 mg) per time. An adverse event of the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events grade 3 or greater was observed in 10 (30.3%) patients, while nine patients (27.3%) experienced hematotoxicity. After standard chemotherapy pretreatment, disease‐specific survival in the maintenance therapy group was an average of 15.0 months, significantly more favorable (P < 0.001) than that of the control group (4.0 months). On multivariate analysis, efficacy of prior chemotherapy (P = 0.018), visceral metastasis (P = 0.007) and gemcitabine maintenance therapy (P < 0.001) were statistically significant prognostic parameters of disease‐specific survival.

Conclusion

The present study findings suggest that gemcitabine maintenance monotherapy in metastatic urothelial cancer might not only be useful as a palliative treatment, but it could also have a certain level of therapeutic effectiveness.
New clinical advances in immunotherapy for the treatment of solid tumours
Authors: Zavala Valentina A. , Kalergis Alexis M.
Published: February 2015

Advances in understanding the mechanisms of cancer cells for evading the immune system surveillance, including how the immune system modulates the phenotype of tumours, have allowed the development of new therapies that benefit from this complex cellular network to specifically target and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy researchers have mainly focused on the discovery of tumour antigens that could confer specificity to immune cells to detect and destroy cancer cells, as well as on the mechanisms leading to an improved activation of effector immune cells. The Food and Drug Administration approval in 2010 of ipilumumab for melanoma treatment and of pembrolizumab in 2014, monoclonal antibodies against T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 and programmed cell death 1, respectively, are encouraging examples of how research in this area can successfully translate into clinical use with promising results. Currently, several ongoing clinical trials are in progress testing new anti‐cancer therapies based on the enhancement of immune cell activity against tumour antigens. Here we discuss the general concepts related to immunotherapy and the recent application to the treatment of cancer with positive results that support their consideration of clinical application to patients.
Reduced Cracking in Oxide Fiber‐Reinforced Oxide Composites via Freeze‐Dry Processing
Authors: Mah Tai‐Il , Keller Kristin A. , Kerans Ronald J. , Cinibulk Michael K.
Published: February 2015

Porous oxide matrix composites typically develop significant numbers of matrix cracks during processing. Eliminating such cracks will lead to improved matrix‐dominated properties and will also provide a significant step toward producing a dense oxide matrix composite. However, attaining a crack‐free oxide matrix composite has been elusive due to the large shrinkages of the matrix in drying and sintering in the presence of the constraints to macro shrinkage imposed by fiber reinforcement, and to direct effects of drying. By utilizing a camphene based freeze‐drying process combined with a nonshrinking matrix, the shrinkage cracks in an oxide fiber‐reinforced composite can be essentially eliminated. This concept was validated for 2D fabric‐reinforced composites.
Effects of Prior Annealing on the Spark Plasma Sintering of Nanostructured Y2O3 Powders
Authors: Attia Mohamad A.A. , Orrù Roberto , Delogu Francesco , Montinaro Selena , Garroni Sebastiano , Ewais Emad M.M. , Cao Giacomo
Published: February 2015

The effects produced by annealing Y2O3 nanopowders on their spark plasma sintering (SPS) behavior are systematically investigated in this work. It is found that the annealed powders display higher sinterability with respect to the as‐received ones. Indeed, the maximum densification level reached from pristine powders is about 97.5%, whereas density decreases when further increasing either the sintering temperature or the dwell time. In contrast, the density of SPS products obtained from pretreated powder monotonically increases with temperature and processing time, thus leading to fully dense materials in 30 min at 1050°C and 60 MPa. Correspondingly, it is found that the annealing treatment markedly inhibits grain coarsening during SPS. Thus, dense translucent samples with grain size below 100 nm can be attained from annealed powders. On the other hand, white‐opaque specimens with significantly coarser microstructures (up to 1‐μm‐sized grains) are obtained when pristine powders are directly processed under the same sintering conditions. Furthermore, it is observed that the annealing treatment of SPS samples in air allows for graphite contamination removal, whereas no improvement in term of light transmittance is produced.
Structure Property Relationship in BaTiO3–Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–Nb2O5–NiO X8R System
Authors: Sun Yue , Liu Hanxing , Hao Hua , Song Zhe , Zhang Shujun
Published: February 2015

A novel BaTiO3–Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–Nb2O5–NiO (BT‐NBT‐Nb‐Ni) system that meets the X8R specification (−55°C–150°C, ΔC/C≤±15%) of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) was fabricated, with a maximum dielectric constant of 2350 at room temperature (25°C). Core–shell microstructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), accounting for the good dielectric temperature stability. The role of Ni on the formation of core–shell structure and phase structure, and the subsequent relationship between structure and dielectric/ionic conduction properties were investigated. It was observed that the addition of Ni could adjust the ratio of core/shell, and significantly reduces the dielectric loss over the studied temperature range. A new Ba11(Ni, Ti)28O66+x phase with a 10‐layer close‐packed structure was identified by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), serving as a source of oxygen vacancies for ionic conduction in addition to Ba(Ni,Ti)O3. Furthermore, the impedance spectroscopy measurements demonstrated the remarkable impact of these Ni‐induced oxygen vacancies on both the grain and grain‐boundary conductivities.
Elderly Mothers of Adult Children with Intellectual Disability: An Exploration of a Stress Process Model for Caregiving Satisfaction
Authors: Kim Go‐en , Chung Soondool
Published: March 2015

Background

This study examines the utility of Pearlin's caregiving stress model for understanding the caregiving satisfaction of elderly mothers of adult children with intellectual disability.

Methods

Mothers living in Seoul, Kyonggi, and Incheon who were 55 years of age or older and providing care for adult children with intellectual disability aged 18 or above were selected purposively from community rehabilitation centre users. A total of 392 participants responded to the survey. The structural equation modelling method was used to evaluate the suitability of the stress process model and to test the hypotheses.

Results

The stress model proved to be a good fit to the data. The results showed that a mediating variable – a problem‐centred coping strategy – transmitted the effect of stress variables such as recognition of ageing, establishment of permanency planning, and worries about the future on caregiving satisfaction. The relationship of adult children with intellectual disability also transmitted the effect of establishment of permanency planning on caregiving satisfaction. However, an indirect effect of an emotion‐centred coping strategy was not shown.

Conclusions

The findings of this study shed light on the development of intervention strategies for elderly mothers who provide care permanently to adult children with intellectual disabilities.
Late Quaternary history of North Eurasian Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Siberian spruce (Picea obovata) inferred from macrofossils, pollen and cytoplasmic DNA variation
Authors: Tollefsrud Mari Mette , Latałowa Małgorzata , van der Knaap W. O. , Brochmann Christian , Sperisen Christoph
Published: March 2015

Aim

We used combined palaeobotanical and genetic data to assess whether Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Siberian spruce (Picea obovata), two major components of the Eurasian boreal forests, occupied separate glacial refugia, and to test previous hypotheses on their distinction, geographical delimitation and introgression.

Location

The range of Norway spruce in northern Europe and Siberian spruce in northern Asia.

Methods

Pollen data and recently compiled macrofossil records were summarized for the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), late glacial and Holocene. Genetic variation was assessed in 50 populations using one maternally (mitochondrial nad1) and one paternally (chloroplast trnT–trnL) inherited marker and analysed using spatial analyses of molecular variance (SAMOVA).

Results

Macrofossils showed that spruce was present in both northern Europe and Siberia at the LGM. Congruent macrofossil and pollen data from the late glacial suggested widespread expansions of spruce in the East European Plain, West Siberian Plain, southern Siberian mountains and the Baikal region. Colonization was largely completed during the early Holocene, except in the formerly glaciated area of northern Europe. Both DNA markers distinguished two highly differentiated groups that correspond to Norway spruce and Siberian spruce and coincide spatially with separate LGM spruce occurrences. The division of the mtDNA variation was geographically well defined and occurred to the east of the Ural Mountains along the Ob River, whereas the cpDNA variation showed widespread admixture. Genetic diversity of both DNA markers was higher in western than in eastern populations.

Main conclusions

North Eurasian Norway spruce and Siberian spruce are genetically distinct and occupied separate LGM refugia, Norway spruce on the East European Plain and Siberian spruce in southern Siberia, where they were already widespread during the late glacial. They came into contact in the basin of the Ob River and probably hybridized. The lower genetic diversity in the eastern populations may indicate that Siberian spruce suffered more from past climatic fluctuations than Norway spruce.
Biological and molecular profile of fracture non‐union tissue: current insights
Authors: Panteli Michalis , Pountos Ippokratis , Jones Elena , Giannoudis Peter V.
Published: March 2015

Delayed bone healing and non‐union occur in approximately 10% of long bone fractures. Despite intense investigations and progress in understanding the processes governing bone healing, the specific pathophysiological characteristics of the local microenvironment leading to non‐union remain obscure. The clinical findings and radiographic features remain the two important landmarks of diagnosing non‐unions and even when the diagnosis is established there is debate on the ideal timing and mode of intervention. In an attempt to understand better the pathophysiological processes involved in the development of fracture non‐union, a number of studies have endeavoured to investigate the biological profile of tissue obtained from the non‐union site and analyse any differences or similarities of tissue obtained from different types of non‐unions. In the herein study, we present the existing evidence of the biological and molecular profile of fracture non‐union tissue.
Clinical and microbiological effects of probiotic lozenges in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Tekce Merve , Ince Gizem , Gursoy Hare , Dirikan Ipci Sebnem , Cakar Gokser , Kadir Tanju , Yılmaz Selçuk
Published: February 2015

Aim

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of lozenges containing L. reuteri as an adjuvant treatment to initial periodontal therapy for chronic periodontitis patients and to detect the level of L. reuteri colonization in the periodontal pockets of treated patients.

Material and Methods

A total of 40 patients were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Each patient had at least two teeth with one approximal site each with a probing depth (PD) of 5–7 mm and gingival index (GI) of ≥2 in each quadrant. Group I received scaling and root planing (SRP) plus L. reuteri‐containing lozenges, and Group II received SRP plus placebo. The plaque index (PI), GI, bleeding on probing (BoP), PD and relative attachment level were measured. Microbiological sampling was performed at baseline and on days 21, 90, 180 and 360 and were analysed by culturing. The Bonferroni‐corrected paired sample t‐test, Bonferroni‐corrected Wilcoxon signed rank test and paired sample t‐test were used to evaluate intra‐group differences. The Bonferroni‐corrected Student's t‐test and the Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used to evaluate inter‐group differences.

Results

After treatment, the measured PI, GI, BoP and PD were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in Group I compared with Group II at all time points. Similar observations were made for the total viable cell counts and the proportions of obligate anaerobes with the exception of day 360. In Group I, significantly fewer patients required surgery on ≥3 sites.

Conclusion

L. reuteri‐containing lozenges may be a useful adjuvant agent to slow re‐colonization and improve clinical outcomes of chronic periodontitis. Further studies are required to clarify the optimal dose of the lozenges.
Brain area‐specific diurnal and photic regulation of val‐opsinA and val‐opsinB genes in the zebrafish
Authors: Hang Chong Yee , Kitahashi Takashi , Parhar Ishwar S.
Published: March 2015

Zebrafish possess two isoforms of vertebrate ancient long (VAL)‐opsin, val‐opsinA (valopa) and val‐opsinB (valopb), which probably mediate non‐visual responses to light. To understand the diurnal and light‐sensitive regulation of the valop genes in different cell groups, the current study used real‐time quantitative PCR to examine the diurnal changes of valopa and b mRNA levels in different brain areas of adult male zebrafish. Furthermore, effects of the extended exposure to light or dark condition, luminous levels and the treatment with a melatonin receptor agonist or antagonist on valop transcription were examined. In the thalamus, valop mRNA levels showed significant diurnal changes; valopa peaked in the evening, while valopb peaked in the morning. The diurnal change of valopa mRNA levels occurred independent of light conditions, whereas that of valopb mRNA levels were regulated by light. A melatonin receptor agonist or antagonist did not affect the changes of valop mRNA levels. In contrast, the midbrain and hindbrain showed arrhythmic valop mRNA levels under light and dark cycles. The differential diurnal regulation of the valopa and b genes in the thalamus and the arrhythmic expression in the midbrain and hindbrain suggest involvement of deep brain VAL‐opsin in time‐ and light‐dependent physiology.

image

We show diurnal expression changes of vertebrate ancient long (VAL) opsin genes (valopa and valopb), depending on brain area, time of day and light condition, in the adult male zebrafish. Differential regulation of the valop genes in the thalamus and arrhythmic expression in the midbrain and hindbrain suggest their involvement in time‐ and light‐dependent physiology to adjust to environmental changes.
How Much In‐Kind Support Do Low‐Income Nonresident Fathers Provide? A Mixed‐Method Analysis
Authors: Kane Jennifer B. , Nelson Timothy J. , Edin Kathryn
Published: February 2015

Past child support research has largely focused on cash payments made through the courts (formal support) or given directly to the mother (informal support) almost to the exclusion of a third type: non‐cash goods (in‐kind support). Drawing on repeated, semistructured interviews with nearly 400 low‐income noncustodial fathers, the authors found that in‐kind support constitutes about one quarter of total support. Children in receipt of some in‐kind support receive, on average, $60 per month worth of goods. Multilevel regression analyses demonstrated that children who are younger and have more hours of visitation as well as those whose father has a high school education and no current substance abuse problem receive in‐kind support of greater value. Yet children whose fathers lack stable employment or are Black receive a greater proportion of their total support in kind. A subsequent qualitative analysis revealed that fathers' logic for providing in‐kind support is primarily relational and not financial.
Yeast contribution to melatonin, melatonin isomers and tryptophan ethyl ester during alcoholic fermentation of grape musts
Authors: Vigentini Ileana , Gardana Claudio , Fracassetti Daniela , Gabrielli Mario , Foschino Roberto , Simonetti Paolo , Tirelli Antonio , Iriti Marcello
Published: February 2015

Melatonin (MEL) has been found in some medicinal and food plants, including grapevine, a commodity of particular interest for the production of wine, a beverage of economic relevance. It has also been suggested that MEL in wine may, at least in part, contribute to the health‐promoting properties attributed to this beverage and, possibly, to other traditional Mediterranean foodstuffs. After a preliminary screening of 9 yeast strains in laboratory medium, three selected strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae EC1118, Torulaspora delbrueckii CBS1146T and Zygosaccharomyces bailii ATCC36947T) were inoculated in experimental musts obtained from 2 white (Moscato and Chardonnay) and 2 red (Croatina and Merlot) grape varieties. The production of MEL, melatonin isomers (MIs) and tryptophan ethyl ester (TEE) was monitored during the alcoholic fermentation. The screening showed that the three investigated strains produced the highest concentrations of MEL and two MIs in optimal growth conditions. However, MEL and MIs were not produced in oenological conditions, but the three strains synthesized high concentrations of a new MI and TEE in musts.
Piperine inhibit inflammation, alveolar bone loss and collagen fibers breakdown in a rat periodontitis model
Authors: Dong Y. , Huihui Z. , Li C.
Published: March 2015

Background and Objective

Piperine exhibits anti‐inflammatory activity, and has a long history of medicinal use. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of piperine on inflammation, alveolar bone and collagen fibers in experimental periodontitis. We evaluated the related expression of interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 and MMP‐13 to enhance insight into these effects.

Material and Methods

Thirty‐two Wistar rats were divided into four groups of eight animals each: control group, periodontitis group, periodontitis plus 50 mg/kg piperine group and periodontitis plus 100 mg/kg piperine group. Histopathologic changes were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Alveolar bone loss and trabecula microstructures were evaluated by micro‐computed tomography. Changes in collagen fibers were assessed by picrosirius red staining. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the levels of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, MMP‐8 and MMP‐13.

Results

Piperine clearly inhibited alveolar bone loss and reformed trabecula microstructures in a dose‐dependent manner. Histological staining showed that piperine significantly reduced the infiltration of inflammation in soft tissues. Both doses of piperine limited the fractions of degraded areas in collagen fibers. Piperine (100 mg/kg) significantly downregulated the expressions of IL‐1β, MMP‐8 and MMP‐13 in periodontitis, but not that of TNF‐α.

Conclusion

Piperine displays significantly protective effects on inflammation, alveolar bone loss, bone microstructures and collagen fiber degradation in experimental periodontitis. The effects may be ascribed to its inhibitory activity on the expressions of IL‐1β, MMP‐8 and MMP‐13.
Antimicrobial efficacy of an innovative emulsion of medium chain triglycerides against canine and feline periodontopathogens
Authors: Laverty G. , Gilmore B. F. , Jones D. S. , Coyle L. , Folan M. , Breathnach R.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVES

To test the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of a non‐toxic emulsion of free fatty acids against clinically relevant canine and feline periodontopathogens

METHODS

Antimicrobial kill kinetics were established utilising an alamarBlue® viability assay against 10 species of canine and feline periodontopathogens in the biofilm mode of growth at a concentration of 0·125% v/v medium chain triglyceride (ML:8) emulsion. The results were compared with 0·12% v/v chlorhexidine digluconate and a xylitol‐containing dental formulation. Mammalian cellular cytotoxicity was also investigated for both the ML:8 emulsion and chlorhexidine digluconate (0·25 to 0·0625% v/v) using in vitro tissue culture techniques.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was observed in the antimicrobial activity of the ML:8 emulsion and chlorhexidine digluconate; a high percentage kill rate (>70%) was achieved within 5 minutes of exposure and was maintained at subsequent time points. A statistically significant improvement in antibiofilm activity was observed with the ML:8 emulsion compared with the xylitol‐containing formulation. The ML:8 emulsion possessed a significantly lower (P < 0·001) toxicity profile compared with the chlorhexidine digluconate in mammalian cellular cytotoxicity assays.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The ML:8 emulsion exhibited significant potential as a putative effective antimicrobial alternative to chlorhexidine‐ and xylitol‐ based products for the reduction of canine and feline periodontopathogens.
Annual plant community assembly in edaphically heterogeneous environments
Authors: Luzuriaga Arantzazu L. , González José M. , Escudero Adrián
Published: March 2015

Questions

Does edaphic heterogeneity (i.e. switches between gypsum and calcareous soils) affect annual plant community assembly in highly restrictive soils? Our main hypothesis is that soil filtering is the main determinant of species assembly, subsequently modulated by climate and lastly by biotic interactions, such as Stipa tenacissima and the biological soil crust (BSC) at fine spatial scales. Our study system is highly suitable to test the importance of edaphic heterogeneity to the assembly of annual plant communities, since calcareous and gypsum soils are in close contact and freely receive propagules.

Location

Annual plant communities of semi‐arid steppes in central Spain.

Methods

We built a soil affinity index (SAI) for each species to measure mean soil affinity (MSA; analogous to the community‐weighted mean – CWM) in each local assemblage.

Results

Most species were able to establish in both substrates, but gypsum soils clearly exerted a stronger filtering effect. Stipa favoured an expansion of the niche space in calcareous soils but not in gypsum, and BSCs not only reduced annual species richness, diversity and cover, but also the range of SAI values of local assemblages.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of the probabilistic filtering (sensu From plant traits to vegetation structure, 2010, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK) of soil characteristics to the assembly of annual plant communities, as opposed to an ‘all‐or‐nothing’ filter.
Acinetobacter strains carry two functional oligosaccharyltransferases, one devoted exclusively to type IV pilin, and the other one dedicated to O‐glycosylation of multiple proteins
Authors: Harding Christian M. , Nasr Mohamed A. , Kinsella Rachel L. , Scott Nichollas E. , Foster Leonard J. , Weber Brent S. , Fiester Steve E. , Actis Luis A. , Tracy Erin N. , Munson Robert S. , Feldman Mario F.
Published: March 2015

Multiple species within the Acinetobacter genus are nosocomial opportunistic pathogens of increasing relevance worldwide. Among the virulence factors utilized by these bacteria are the type IV pili and a protein O‐glycosylation system. Glycosylation is mediated by O‐oligosaccharyltransferases (O‐OTases), enzymes that transfer the glycan from a lipid carrier to target proteins. O‐oligosaccharyltransferases are difficult to identify due to similarities with the WaaL ligases that catalyze the last step in lipopolysaccharide synthesis. A bioinformatics analysis revealed the presence of two genes encoding putative O‐OTases or WaaL ligases in most of the strains within the genus Acinetobacter. Employing A. nosocomialis M2 and A. baylyi ADP1 as model systems, we show that these genes encode two O‐OTases, one devoted uniquely to type IV pilin, and the other one responsible for glycosylation of multiple proteins. With the exception of ADP1, the pilin‐specific OTases in Acinetobacter resemble the TfpO/PilO O‐OTase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In ADP1 instead, the two O‐OTases are closely related to PglL, the general O‐OTase first discovered in Neisseria. However, one of them is exclusively dedicated to the glycosylation of the pilin‐like protein ComP. Our data reveal an intricate and remarkable evolutionary pathway for bacterial O‐OTases and provide novel tools for glycoengineering.
William Louis Abbott in Madagascar: Revisiting Archival and Museum Resources of a Smithsonian Naturalist from the 1890s
Authors: Taylor Paul Michael
Published: March 2015

This article introduces an important group of ethnographic, biological, and unpublished archival materials deriving from two expeditions to Madagascar by American naturalist William Louis Abbott (1860–1936). The first was from February to September 1890; the second from January to July 1895 when Abbott rushed back to Madagascar not only to collect for the Smithsonian but also to join the Merina in their unsuccessful war of independence against the encroaching French government. Beyond summarizing localities he visited and the current organization and usefulness of his collections for research, the article attempts to interpret archival records to assess Abbott's collecting focus, biases, and purposes; his perspectives on contemporaneous events in Madagascar; and also the role that “naturalist” collectors such as Abbott played within the history of anthropology and of museums. Ethnographic information is embedded not only within the ethnographic collections but also within associated biological collections and archives. [Madagascar, William Louis Abbott, naturalist, ethnographic collections, Smithsonian Institution]
Pitch Organisation in Scriabin's Tenth Sonata
Authors: Kallis Vasilis
Published: March 2015

In the Tenth Sonata, Op. 70, Scriabin introduces two new scales into his repository of pitch material, the hexatonic and the hyper‐hexatonic. His approach to the organisation of pitch remains fixed on the interaction between scales (non‐diatonic modes) via specific variable scale degrees. In the Sonata, the newly introduced hyper‐hexatonic scale interacts with the acoustic‐octatonic scale (the union of the two scales – acoustic and octatonic – that dominate the composer's oeuvre between Op. 58 and Op. 69). The interaction process is facilitated by two chromatic pairs formed by two variable scale degrees: and . At the same time, the enrichment of his pitch material allows Scriabin on the one hand to invest in the transparency of the formal structure, and on the other to create an elaborate scheme of larger‐scale transpositional operations within and across the Sonata's main sections.
At the centre of neuronal, synaptic and axonal pathology in murine prion disease: degeneration of neuroanatomically linked thalamic and brainstem nuclei
Authors: Reis Renata , Hennessy Edel , Murray Caoimhe , Griffin Éadaoin W. , Cunningham Colm
Published: February 2015

Aims

The processes by which neurons degenerate in chronic neurodegenerative diseases remain unclear. Synaptic loss and axonal pathology frequently precede neuronal loss and protein aggregation demonstrably spreads along neuroanatomical pathways in many neurodegenerative diseases. The spread of neuronal pathology is less studied.

Methods

We previously demonstrated severe neurodegeneration in the posterior thalamus of multiple prion disease strains. Here we used the ME7 model of prion disease to examine the nature of this degeneration in the posterior thalamus and the major brainstem projections into this region.

Results

We objectively quantified neurological decline between 16 and 18 weeks post‐inoculation and observed thalamic subregion‐selective neuronal, synaptic and axonal pathology while demonstrating relatively uniform protease‐resistant prion protein (PrP) aggregation and microgliosis across the posterior thalamus. Novel amyloid precursor protein (APP) pathology was particularly prominent in the thalamic posterior (PO) and ventroposterior lateral (VPL) nuclei. The brainstem nuclei forming the major projections to these thalamic nuclei were examined. Massive neuronal loss in the PO was not matched by significant neuronal loss in the interpolaris (Sp5I), while massive synaptic loss in the ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPM) did correspond with significant neuronal loss in the principal trigeminal nucleus. Likewise, significant VPL synaptic loss was matched by significant neuronal loss in the gracile and cuneate nuclei.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate significant spread of neuronal pathology from the thalamus to the brainstem in prion disease. The divergent neuropathological features in adjacent neuronal populations demonstrates that there are discrete pathways to neurodegeneration in different neuronal populations.
Need for sedation and analgesia in patients with a history of substance misuse admitted to an intensive care unit
Authors: Ruiz‐García Teresa , Nogué‐Xarau Santiago , Zavala‐Zegarra Elisabeth , Cirera‐Guasch Anna , Ríos‐Guillermo José
Published: February 2015

Background

Patients with a history of substance misuse may develop tolerance to analgesics and psychotropic drugs which alter the need for sedation and analgesia after ICU admittance.

Aims

The objective was to qualify and quantify the needs for sedation and analgesia in critically ill patients with and without a history of substance misuse admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).

Design

A 2‐year prospective, observational study.

Methods

Patients admitted to an ICU who required sedation and analgesia for ≥72 h were included and were classified as substance misusers and non‐substance misusers. We analysed demographic data and the consumption of alcohol and other substances. Comparisons between groups were made using the non‐parametric Mann‐Whitney test for quantitative variables and Fisher's exact test for qualitative variables. The analysis was made using SPSS version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) for Windows. Statistical significance was established as p < 0·05.

Results

We included 44 patients, of whom 31 (70·3%) were users of ≥1 substance. The median age was 47 years, 8 (18·2%) patients were female. The most‐consumed substances were tobacco (56·8%), alcohol (54·5%), cannabis (13·6%), amphetamines (11·4%) and cocaine (9·1%). Toxicological samples were positive for alcohol (65·2%, mean blood alcohol level 1·38 ± 1·05 g/L). There were no significant differences in the need for sedation between substance misusers and non‐substance misusers (p > 0·05).

Conclusions

The prevalence of substance misuse in this population was high. We found no greater need for sedation in patients with a history of substance misuse although these patients often require three or more drugs to achieve optimal sedation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Physicians and nurses should be aware of substance misuse in order to provide adequate care by optimizing drug administration and dosages in the ICU.