bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review article: the gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease—avenues for microbial management
Authors: McIlroy J. , Ianiro G. , Mukhopadhya I. , Hansen R. , Hold G. L.
Published: October 2017

Background

The concept of an altered collective gut microbiota rather than identification of a single culprit is possibly the most significant development in inflammatory bowel disease research. We have entered the “omics” era, which now allows us to undertake large‐scale/high‐throughput microbiota analysis which may well define how we approach diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the future, with a strong steer towards personalised therapeutics.

Aim

To assess current epidemiological, experimental and clinical evidence of the current status of knowledge relating to the gut microbiome, and its role in IBD, with emphasis on reviewing the evidence relating to microbial therapeutics and future microbiome modulating therapeutics.

Methods

A Medline search including items ‘intestinal microbiota/microbiome’, ‘inflammatory bowel disease’, ‘ulcerative colitis’, ‘Crohn's disease’, ‘faecal microbial transplantation’, ‘dietary manipulation’ was performed.

Results

Disease remission and relapse are associated with microbial changes in both mucosal and luminal samples. In particular, a loss of species richness in Crohn's disease has been widely observed. Existing therapeutic approaches broadly fall into 3 categories, namely: accession, reduction or indirect modulation of the microbiome. In terms of microbial therapeutics, faecal microbial transplantation appears to hold the most promise; however, differences in study design/methodology mean it is currently challenging to elegantly translate results into clinical practice.

Conclusions

Existing approaches to modulate the gut microbiome are relatively unrefined. Looking forward, the future of microbiome‐modulating therapeutics looks bright with several novel strategies/technologies on the horizon. Taken collectively, it is clear that ignoring the microbiome in IBD is not an option.
The risk of ill‐informed reform: The future for English flood risk management
Authors: Alexander Meghan , Priest Sally , Penning‐Rowsell Edmund C.
Published: October 2017

Flood risk in the UK is recognised by many as a major 21st‐century challenge. However, flood risk management has become widely contested, with the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee recently calling for major governance reform. Engaging this debate, this commentary evaluates the extent to which such reform is necessary or wise when it appears that it may ironically, albeit inadvertently, exacerbate key criticisms of the current system.
Adolescent temperament dimensions as stable prospective risk and protective factors for salivary C‐reactive protein
Authors: Nelson Benjamin W. , Byrne Michelle L. , Simmons Julian G. , Whittle Sarah , Schwartz Orli S. , O'Brien‐Simpson Neil M. , Walsh Katrina A. , Reynolds Eric C. , Allen Nicholas B.
Published: October 2017

Objective

Temperament has associations with later physical health outcomes, yet there is a dearth of research exploring the connection between temperament and mechanisms that have known associations with these health outcomes. Recent research has delineated a connection between personality and inflammation during adulthood, but this association has not yet been studied in adolescent samples.

Design

We investigated whether stable adolescent temperament (averaged over two years), specifically effortful control and negative emotionality, provided a more robust prediction of inflammation as measured by salivary C‐reactive protein (sCRP), than depressive symptoms.

Methods

Temperament and depressive symptoms were measured in a sample of sixty‐three adolescents (37 males) when they were approximately 12 years old (mean age = 12.30, SD = 0.69) and again when they were approximately 14 years old (mean age = 14.84, SD = 0.49). Levels of sCRP were determined approximately 7 months later (mean = 6.77, SD = 2.99) when participants were approximately 15 years old (mean age = 15.49, SD = 0.49).

Results

Regression analyses revealed that effortful control (EC) was significantly associated with lower sCRP levels, while higher negative emotionality (NE) was significantly associated with higher sCRP levels. Furthermore, these associations were larger than those for depressive symptoms and were differentially impacted by the addition of covariates. Implications for the role of stable risk and protective factors in inflammatory processes are discussed.

Conclusions

These findings are the first to show associations between adolescent temperament and inflammation. Furthermore, these findings extend previous personality research to temperamental research in a younger sample of adolescents.

Statement of contribution

What is already known?

There is a large extant literature on the association between depressive symptoms and inflammation.

There is a smaller extant literature on the association between personality and inflammation.

No studies have examined how adolescent temperament traits may relate to inflammation.

What does this study add?

Longitudinal data collection over the course of 3 years in an adolescent sample.

Addresses the question of whether temperament factors relate to inflammation.

Temperament provides a more robust predictor of later inflammation than depressive symptoms.
The Piggle: Decoding an Enigma
Authors: Szajnberg Nathan M.
Published: October 2017

The Piggle, in its 40th anniversary year, was published after Winnicott's death. He treated this 2‐year 4‐month‐old girl over two and a half years. Yet, until recently, The Piggle has been ambivalently reviewed and minimally studied, despite elegant posthumous papers, a recent introduction to Winnicott's collected works and an interview with the ‘Piggle’ in adulthood. We show that Winnicott's technique and interpretations fall into three categories: (1) early Kleinian ‘deep’ interpretations; (2) an Anna Freudian approach with developmental considerations, respect for defences, the analyst as a new developmental object; (3) a Winnicottian attitude and interpretations that hew close to the manifest material and emphasize the environment–individual relationship and full‐bodied play. Winnicott's ‘interpretations’ include verbal interpretation, prosody, gesture, facial expression, body movements and contact. Winnicott details the child's reactions to the different interpretations. We close suggesting that Winnicott carried on dialogues, not only with the child, but also internal dialogues with former teachers (Klein/Riviere; Strachey as his first analyst and so connecting to the Freudians in the Institute of Psychoanalysis) and perhaps with Anna Freud as a colleague after her arrival in London in 1938. This is a manifestation of false versus true (analytic) selves. Understanding Winnicott's internal struggle with his former teachers/analysts, corrected by his responsiveness to the child's responses and suggestions, resulted in his bringing a truer self to this child's treatment and unravels The Piggle's enigmatic qualities.
Amelioration of autoimmunity with an inhibitor selectively targeting all active centres of the immunoproteasome
Authors: Basler Michael , Maurits Elmer , de Bruin Gerjan , Koerner Julia , Overkleeft Herman S , Groettrup Marcus
Published: October 2017

Background and Purpose

Multicatalytic endopeptidase complex‐like‐1 (β2i), low molecular mass polypeptide (LMP) 2 (β1i) and LMP7 (β5i) are the proteolytically active subunits of the immunoproteasome, a special type of proteasome mainly expressed in haematopoietic cells. Targeting LMP7 has been shown to be therapeutically effective in preclinical models of autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated the selectivity and biological activity of LU‐005i, a recently described inhibitor of the immunoproteasome.

Experimental Approach

The specificity of LU‐005i and other immunoproteasome‐selective inhibitors was characterized using fluorogenic peptide substrates. The effect of proteasome inhibition on cytokine release was investigated in endotoxin‐stimulated mouse splenocytes or human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The effect of proteasome inhibition on inflammatory bowel disease in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis model was assessed by measuring weight loss and colon length.

Key Results

LU‐005i is the first human and mouse immunoproteasome‐selective inhibitor that targets all three proteolytically active immunoproteasome subunits. LU‐005i inhibited cytokine secretion from endotoxin‐stimulated mouse splenocytes or human PBMCs. Furthermore, differentiation of naïve T helper cells to T helper 17 cells was impaired in the presence of LU‐005i. Additionally, LU‐005i ameliorated DSS‐induced colitis.

Conclusion and Implications

This study with a novel pan‐immunoproteasome inhibitor substantiates that the immunoproteasome is a promising drug target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and that exclusive inhibition of LMP7 is not necessary for therapeutic effectiveness. Our results will promote the design of new generations of immunoproteasome inhibitors with optimal therapeutic efficacy for clinical use in the treatment of autoimmunity and cancer.
Horizontal mergers and product quality
Authors: Brekke Kurt R. , Siciliani Luigi , Straume Odd Rune
Published: October 2017

We study the effects of a horizontal merger when firms compete on price and quality. In a Salop framework with three symmetric firms, several striking results appear. First, the merging firms reduce quality but possibly also price, whereas the outside firm increases both price and quality. As a result, the average price in the market increases, but also the average quality. Second, the outside firm benefits more than the merging firms from the merger, and the merger can be unprofitable for the merger partners, i.e., the “merger paradox” may appear. Third, the merger always reduces total consumer utility (though some consumers may benefit), but total welfare can increase due to endogenous quality cost savings. In a generalized framework with n firms, we identify two key factors for the merger effects: (i) the magnitude of marginal variable quality costs, which determines the nature of strategic interaction and (ii) the cross‐quality and cross‐price demand effects, which determines the intensity of price relative to quality competition. These findings have implications for antitrust policy in industries where quality is a key strategic variable for the firms.
Does the Effect of Justice System Attitudes on Adolescent Crime Vary Based on Psychosocial Maturity?
Authors: Fine Adam , Wolff Kevin T. , Baglivio Michael T. , Piquero Alex R. , Frick Paul J. , Steinberg Laurence , Cauffman Elizabeth
Published: October 2017

Adolescents who view the justice system negatively are prone to commit crime. Simultaneously, youth who have difficulty regulating their behavior are likely to commit crime. Using a longitudinal sample of 1,216 male adolescents (ages 13–17) who had been arrested for the first time, were racially/ethnically diverse, and were drawn from three U.S. states, this study incorporated a developmental perspective into the procedural justice framework to examine whether psychosocial immaturity moderated the effect of justice system attitudes on youth crime. Attitudes toward the justice system were associated with reoffending among psychosocially mature youth, but not among psychosocially immature youth. This developmental perspective indicates that psychosocially immature youth who have difficulty regulating their behavior may be at risk of engaging in crime regardless of how they perceive the justice system.
Prebiotics for the prevention of allergies: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cuello‐Garcia C. , Fiocchi A. , Pawankar R. , Yepes‐Nuñez J. J. , Morgano G. P. , Zhang Y. , Agarwal A. , Gandhi S. , Terracciano L. , Schünemann H. J. , Brozek J. L.
Published: October 2017

Background

Prevalence of allergic diseases in infants is approximately 10% reaching 20 to 30% in those with an allergic first‐degree relative. Prebiotics are selectively fermented food ingredients that allow specific changes in composition/activity of the gastrointestinal microflora. They modulate immune responses, and their supplementation has been proposed as an intervention to prevent allergies.

Objective

To assess in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and infants (populations) the effect of supplementing prebiotics (intervention) versus no prebiotics (comparison) on the development of allergic diseases and to inform the World Allergy Organization guidelines.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of studies assessing the effects of prebiotic supplementation with an intention to prevent the development of allergies.

Results

Of 446 unique records published until November 2016 in Cochrane, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, 22 studies fulfilled a priori specified criteria. We did not find any studies of prebiotics given to pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. Prebiotic supplementation in infants, compared to placebo, had the following effects: risk of developing eczema (RR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.40 to 1.15), wheezing/asthma (RR, 0.37; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.80), and food allergy (RR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08 to 1.00). There was no evidence of an increased risk of any adverse effects (RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.10). Prebiotic supplementation had little influence growth rate (MD: 0.92 g per day faster with prebiotics, 95% CI: 0 to 1.84) and the final infant weight (MD: 0.10 kg higher with prebiotics, 95% CI: −0.09 to 0.29). The certainty of these estimates is very low due to risk of bias and imprecision of the results.

Conclusions

Currently available evidence on prebiotic supplementation to reduce the risk of developing allergies is very uncertain.
A prospective, split‐mouth study comparing tilted implants with angulated connection versus conventional implants with angulated abutment
Authors: Van Weehaeghe Manú , De Bruyn Hugo , Vandeweghe Stefan
Published: October 2017

Background

An angulation of the implant connection could overcome the problems related to angulated abutments.

Purpose

This study compares conventional implants with angulated abutment to tilted implants with an angulated connection.

Materials and Methods

Twenty patients were treated in the edentulous mandible. In the posterior jaw locations, one conventional tilted implant with angulated abutment and one angulated implant without abutment were placed. In the anterior jaw, two conventional implants were placed, one with and one without abutment. Implants were immediately loaded and 3 months later, the final bridge (PFM or monolithic zirconia) was placed.

Results

After a follow‐up of 48 months, 17 patients were available for clinical examination. The mean overall marginal bone loss (MBL) was 1.26 mm. No significant differences in implant survival, MBL, periodontal indices, patients’ satisfaction, or complications was found between implants restored on abutment or implant level, between the posteriorly located angulated implant nor angulated abutment, and between both anterior implants with or without abutment. The posterior implants demonstrated less MBL compared to the anterior implants (P < .001). There was no significant difference in MBL between the implants restored with zirconia or PFM bridges (P = .294). Overall mean pocket depth was 2.83 mm. More plaque was found in the PFM group compared to the full‐zirconia group, at the bridge (P = .042) and the implants (P = .029). There was no difference between both materials in pocket depth (P = .635) or bleeding (P = .821). One zirconia bridge fractured, two angulated abutment were replaced and four loose bridge screws connected to the angulated abutments had to be tightened. Patients were overall satisfied (4.74/5).

Conclusion

An implant with angulated connection may results in a stronger connection but does not affect the marginal bone loss. No difference in MBL was seen between implants restored on abutment or implant level. Zirconia seems to reduce the amount of plaque.
Morphometric and histologic characterization of alveolar bone from hypertensive patients
Authors: Fabris André Luís da Silva , Mulinari‐Santos Gabriel , Hassumi Jaqueline Suemi , Freire Alexandre Rodrigues , Faverani Leonardo Perez , Gruber Reinhard , Okamoto Roberta
Published: October 2017

Background

Hypertension is considered a risk factor in implant dentistry but the underlying reasons remain unclear. It may be that hypertension has a negative impact on the local bone quality.

Purpose

Here we evaluated the structural and histological parameters of bone collected from hypertensive patients treated by antagonists of the renin‐angiotensin system, and of bone collected from normotensive patients.

Material and methods

A total of 30 patients were referred for rehabilitation with dental implants to be placed in the posterior mandible. The first group were hypertensive patients treated with RAS antagonists. The second group were normotensive patients not taking medication. Bone biopsies collected during implant installation were subjected to analysis. Micro CT revealed the structural parameters. Histological analyses together with immunohistochemical staining of osteogenic markers were performed.

Results

The structural parameters of bone volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, separation of the trabecular, and total porosity were similar between the 2 groups (P > .05). The histological appearance of bone derived from hypertensive patients was normal. The staining pattern of Runx‐2, osteopontin, and osteocalcin were comparable in both groups.

Conclusions

These observations suggest that hypertensive patients treated with renin‐angiotensin system antagonists have regular alveolar bone with respect to bone structure and histological parameters.
Diagnosis in the age of massive computing power
Authors: Day Steven M , Reynolds Robert J
Published: October 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Ho et al. on pages 1256–1260.
Combining echo and natriuretic peptides to guide heart failure care in the outpatient setting: A position paper
Authors: Dini Frank L. , Carluccio Erberto , Montecucco Fabrizio , Rosa Gian Marco , Fontanive Paolo
Published: October 2017

Background

Chronic heart failure (HF) is a relevant and growing public health problem. Although the prognosis has recently improved, it remains a lethal disease, with a mortality that equals or exceeds that of many malignancies. Furthermore, chronic HF is costly, representing a large and growing drain on healthcare resources.

Methods

This narrative review is based on the material searched for and obtained via PubMed up to May 2017. The search terms we used were as follows: “heart failure, echocardiography, natriuretic peptides” in combination with “treatment, biomarkers, guidelines.”

Results

Recent studies have supported the value of natriuretic peptides (NPs) and Doppler echocardiographic biomarkers of increased left ventricular (LV) filling pressures or pulmonary congestion as tools to scrutinize patients with impending clinically overt HF. Therefore, combination of pulsed‐wave tissue and blood flow Doppler with NPs appears valuable in guiding HF management in the outpatient setting. In as much as both the echo and the plasma levels of NPs may reflect the presence of fluid overload and elevations of LV filling pressures, integrating NP and echocardiographic biomarkers with clinical findings may help the cardiologist to identify high‐risk patients, that is to recognize whether a patient is stable or the condition is likely to evolve into decompensated HF, to optimize treatment, to improve the prognosis and to reduce rehospitalization.

Conclusion

We discussed the rationale and the clinical significance of combining follow‐up echo and NP assessment to guide management of ambulatory patients with chronic HF.
Stigma, Expressed Emotion, and Quality of Life in Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia
Authors: Weisman de Mamani Amy , Weintraub Marc J. , Maura Jessica , Martinez de Andino Ana , Brown Caitlin A.
Published: October 2017

Expressed emotion (EE) is a measure of a caregiver's critical and emotionally overinvolved (EOI; e.g., intrusive, self‐sacrificing) attitudes and behaviors toward a person with a mental illness. Mounting evidence indicates that high levels of these critical and EOI attitudes and behaviors (collectively termed high EE) in family members are associated with a poorer course of illness for people with a range of disorders, including dementia (Nomura et al., 2005). However, less is known about factors that might trigger high EE and how high EE might impact dementia caregivers’ own mental health. In this study we propose that caregivers who perceive stigma from their relative's illness may be more likely to be critical or intrusive (high EOI) toward their relative in an attempt to control symptomatic behaviors. We further hypothesized that high EE would partially mediate the link between stigma and quality of life (QoL) as there is some evidence that high EE is associated with poorer mental health in caregivers themselves (Safavi et al., 2015). In line with study hypotheses and using a sample of 106 dementia caregivers, we found that greater caregiver stigma was associated with both high EE (for criticism and EOI) and with poorer QoL. Mediational analyses further confirmed that high EE accounts for much of the association between stigma and poorer QoL. Study results suggest that addressing caregiver stigma in therapy could reduce levels of high EE and indirectly therefore improve caregiver QoL. Intervening directly to reduce high EE could also improve caregiver QoL.
Global‐scale impacts of nitrogen deposition on tree carbon sequestration in tropical, temperate, and boreal forests: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Schulte‐Uebbing Lena , de Vries Wim
Published: October 2017

Elevated nitrogen (N) deposition may increase net primary productivity in N‐limited terrestrial ecosystems and thus enhance the terrestrial carbon (C) sink. To assess the magnitude of this N‐induced C sink, we performed a meta‐analysis on data from forest fertilization experiments to estimate N‐induced C sequestration in aboveground tree woody biomass, a stable C pool with long turnover times. Our results show that boreal and temperate forests responded strongly to N addition and sequestered on average an additional 14 and 13 kg C per kg N in aboveground woody biomass, respectively. Tropical forests, however, did not respond significantly to N addition. The common hypothesis that tropical forests do not respond to N because they are phosphorus‐limited could not be confirmed, as we found no significant response to phosphorus addition in tropical forests. Across climate zones, we found that young forests responded more strongly to N addition, which is important as many previous meta‐analyses of N addition experiments rely heavily on data from experiments on seedlings and young trees. Furthermore, the C–N response (defined as additional mass unit of C sequestered per additional mass unit of N addition) was affected by forest productivity, experimental N addition rate, and rate of ambient N deposition. The estimated C–N responses from our meta‐analysis were generally lower that those derived with stoichiometric scaling, dynamic global vegetation models, and forest growth inventories along N deposition gradients. We estimated N‐induced global C sequestration in tree aboveground woody biomass by multiplying the C–N responses obtained from the meta‐analysis with N deposition estimates per biome. We thus derived an N‐induced global C sink of about 177 (112–243) Tg C/year in aboveground and belowground woody biomass, which would account for about 12% of the forest biomass C sink (1,400 Tg C/year).
Will fluctuations in salt marsh–mangrove dominance alter vulnerability of a subtropical wetland to sea‐level rise?
Authors: McKee Karen L. , Vervaeke William C.
Published: October 2017

To avoid submergence during sea‐level rise, coastal wetlands build soil surfaces vertically through accumulation of inorganic sediment and organic matter. At climatic boundaries where mangroves are expanding and replacing salt marsh, wetland capacity to respond to sea‐level rise may change. To compare how well mangroves and salt marshes accommodate sea‐level rise, we conducted a manipulative field experiment in a subtropical plant community in the subsiding Mississippi River Delta. Experimental plots were established in spatially equivalent positions along creek banks in monospecific stands of Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass) or Avicennia germinans (black mangrove) and in mixed stands containing both species. To examine the effect of disturbance on elevation dynamics, vegetation in half of the plots was subjected to freezing (mangrove) or wrack burial (salt marsh), which caused shoot mortality. Vertical soil development was monitored for 6 years with the surface elevation table‐marker horizon system. Comparison of land movement with relative sea‐level rise showed that this plant community was experiencing an elevation deficit (i.e., sea level was rising faster than the wetland was building vertically) and was relying on elevation capital (i.e., relative position in the tidal frame) to survive. Although Avicennia plots had more elevation capital, suggesting longer survival, than Spartina or mixed plots, vegetation type had no effect on rates of accretion, vertical movement in root and sub‐root zones, or net elevation change. Thus, these salt marsh and mangrove assemblages were accreting sediment and building vertically at equivalent rates. Small‐scale disturbance of the plant canopy also had no effect on elevation trajectories—contrary to work in peat‐forming wetlands showing elevation responses to changes in plant productivity. The findings indicate that in this deltaic setting with strong physical influences controlling elevation (sediment accretion, subsidence), mangrove replacement of salt marsh, with or without disturbance, will not necessarily alter vulnerability to sea‐level rise.
Rapid evolution of phenology during range expansion with recent climate change
Authors: Lustenhouwer Nicky , Wilschut Rutger A. , Williams Jennifer L. , van der Putten Wim H. , Levine Jonathan M.
Published: October 2017

Although climate warming is expected to make habitat beyond species’ current cold range edge suitable for future colonization, this new habitat may present an array of biotic or abiotic conditions not experienced within the current range. Species’ ability to shift their range with climate change may therefore depend on how populations evolve in response to such novel environmental conditions. However, due to the recent nature of thus far observed range expansions, the role of rapid adaptation during climate change migration is only beginning to be understood. Here, we evaluated evolution during the recent native range expansion of the annual plant Dittrichia graveolens, which is spreading northward in Europe from the Mediterranean region. We examined genetically based differentiation between core and edge populations in their phenology, a trait that is likely under selection with shorter growing seasons and greater seasonality at northern latitudes. In parallel common garden experiments at range edges in Switzerland and the Netherlands, we grew plants from Dutch, Swiss, and central and southern French populations. Population genetic analysis following RAD‐sequencing of these populations supported the hypothesized central France origins of the Swiss and Dutch range edge populations. We found that in both common gardens, northern plants flowered up to 4 weeks earlier than southern plants. This differentiation in phenology extended from the core of the range to the Netherlands, a region only reached from central France over approximately the last 50 years. Fitness decreased as plants flowered later, supporting the hypothesized benefits of earlier flowering at the range edge. Our results suggest that native range expanding populations can rapidly adapt to novel environmental conditions in the expanded range, potentially promoting their ability to spread.
Effects of an exercise model based on functional circuits in an older population with different levels of social participation
Authors: Loyola Walter Sepúlveda , Camillo Carlos Augusto , Torres Carolina Valenzuela , Probst Vanessa Suziane
Published: October 2017

Aim

To investigate whether being part of a community organization interfered with older adults’ overall functionality. The magnitude of responses to a community exercise program based on functional circuits in socially active and socially non‐active older adults was also investigated.

Methods

A total of 200 older adults aged ≥60 years from Requinoa, Chile, participated in the study. Participants were separated into two groups according to the level of social participation: socially active (SA) and socially non‐active (SNA). During an evaluation, data regarding the presence of comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index), disability level (Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire), dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go test), muscle force (handgrip dynamometry) and sociodemographic conditions were collected. Participants followed an exercise program consisting of a functional exercise circuit including balance, resistance and aerobic exercises, twice a week, for 12 weeks.

Results

Both the Charlson Comorbidity Index and disability were higher in SNA compared with SA participants on inclusion. Both groups improved disability (Δ–0.25 patients [−0.5 – −0.0625 patients] for SNA and (Δ–0.125 patients [−0.5–0 patients] for SA) and balance (Δ–2 s [−3–0 s] for SNA and (Δ–1 s [−3–0 s] for SA) after training (P < 0.05 for all). Changes from baseline were statistically higher in the SNA group. Handgrip force improved only in participants in the SNA group (Δ1.7 kg [0.6–2.8 kg], P = 0.0001). No differences, however, were observed between the magnitude of improvements of handgrip between groups.

Conclusions

Although socially non‐active older adults had more comorbidity and disability than their socially active counterparts, they showed a higher response to a community exercise program. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 216–223.
Prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and MLST typing of Helicobacter pylori in Algiers, Algeria
Authors: Raaf Naïma , Amhis Wahiba , Saoula Houria , Abid Ahmed , Nakmouche Mhamed , Balamane Abdelmalek , Ali Arous Nassima , Ouar‐Korichi Mounira , Vale Filipa F. , Bénéjat Lucie , Mégraud Francis
Published: October 2017

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection is common in Algeria, but there are few data on the characterization of isolated strains. The aim of this study was to update data on the prevalence of H. pylori in patients submitted to endoscopy, antibiotic resistance, and phylogeography of H. pylori strains isolated in Algiers.

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective study carried out between November 2015 and August 2016. The culture of H. pylori was performed on antral and fundic gastric biopsies of adult patients from 3 hospitals. A real‐time PCR using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) principle for the detection of H. pylori followed by a melting curve analysis for the detection of mutations associated with resistance to clarithromycin was applied. Differentiation between antral and fundic isolates of the same patient was also determined by RAPD, and an MLST typing was performed for characterization of the phylogeographic group of H. pylori.

Results

By real‐time PCR, the prevalence of H. pylori infection among the 147 patients included was 57%. Culture was positive in only 29% of the cases. Twenty‐seven percent of patients had received H. pylori eradication treatment. The primary and secondary resistance rates to clarithromycin were 23% and 36%, respectively, and to metronidazole, 45% and 71%, respectively. Only one isolate was resistant to levofloxacin, and no resistance to amoxicillin, tetracycline, and rifampicin was detected. A double population was present in 14 patients. The MLST analysis classified the 42 H. pylori strains from 38 patients in 2 haplotypes: hpEurope (33) and hpNEAfrica (9).

Conclusion

The prevalence of H. pylori remains high in Algeria but appears to be decreasing in recent years. High resistance to clarithromycin requires increased monitoring of the evolution of antibiotic resistance and adaptation of eradication therapy.
Production of bioactive proteins and peptides from the diatom Nitzschia laevis and comparison of their in vitro antioxidant activities with those from Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Alzahrani Mona Ahmed J. , Perera Conrad O. , Hemar Yacine
Published: October 2017

This research focuses on green production of bioactive proteins and hydrolysates from Nitzschia. A comparison of antioxidant activities was established between protein extracts and hydrolysates from Nitzschia and two other well‐known microalgae, chlorella and spirulina. Protein hydrolysates from these microalgae were produced using Alcalase®, Flavourzyme® and Trypsin. The hydrolysis process enhanced the antioxidant activities in general, especially those obtained using Alcalase®. Nitzschia showed the highest (P < 0.05) total phenolic content/reducing capacity (2.4 ± 0.02 mg GAE/100 g) after 90 min of hydrolysis with Alcalase®. The ABTS [2,2′‐Azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid)] radical scavenging activity (66.77 ± 0.00%) was highest (P < 0.05) after 120 min of hydrolysis, but DPPH (2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical) was low (29.59 ± 0.02%). A correlation between ABTS activity and total phenolic contents was the highest (P < 0.05) for protein hydrolysates from all three organisms using Alcalase®, but superoxide anion radical scavenging activity was intermediate for Nitzschia. Therefore, Nitzschia protein hydrolysates have the potential to be used as antioxidants.
“It will help me in life, that my life will be better”: Future Challenges for Children of Migrant Families
Authors: Eliyahu‐Levi Doly , Ganz‐Meishar Michal
Published: October 2017

Not much attention has been paid to the children of migrant families in the receiving Israeli society. Our research focuses on how migrant children cope with future orientation and challenges how those children perceive their future course of life. This study speaks with the voices of the children, as represented in their personal stories and interviews, and reveals their interpretation of their futures, their integration in the receiving society, and the significance they accord to the events, activities and experiences they have undergone. Our findings reveal that in the area of future life course the children expressed a positive approach to school, to matriculation, to work and fulfilling future ambitions. In contrast in the area of existential life course children expressed a negative view and most of them reported that it is difficult for immigrant families live in Israel, and therefore they would prefer to migrate to another country.
Oral health of older residents in care and community dwellers: nursing implications
Authors: Choi J.S. , Yi Y.J. , Donnelly L.R.
Published: October 2017

Background

Poor oral health is associated with a reduced quality of life and serious illnesses. Consequently, nurses need to be more aware of oral health to improve the general health of residents in care.

Aim

To evaluate and compare oral health behaviours and levels of salivary haemoglobin and dental biofilm acidogenicity, which can be used to evaluate oral disease activity, between residents and community dwellers in South Korea.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 133 participants: 64 residents and 69 community dwellers. All participants completed a questionnaire and tests to measure their salivary haemoglobin and dental biofilm acidogenicity.

Results

A higher percentage of community dwellers than of residents brushed their teeth three times a day, cleaned their tongue, used interdental cleaning devices and had visited a dental clinic within 1 year. The levels of salivary haemoglobin and dental biofilm acidogenicity tended to be higher in residents than in community dwellers.

Conclusion

Residents showed poorer oral health behaviours and higher levels of gingival bleeding and acid production by oral bacteria than did community dwellers.

Implications for nursing practice

Nursing staff should enhance their monitoring of oral hygiene status and provide quality oral care to residents through cooperation with dental professionals.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Policymakers should be aware that oral health is an essential component of improving general health and well‐being and therefore strive to develop policies to promote oral care services provided to residents. Nursing policies, such as mandating oral care and hands‐on training in oral care for nursing staff, are important. We also suggest that factors related to oral care be added to the establishment or accreditation standards of care facilities.
Complete loss of insulin secretion capacity in type 1A diabetes patients during long‐term follow up
Authors: Uno Sae , Imagawa Akihisa , Kozawa Junji , Fukui Kenji , Iwahashi Hiromi , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: October 2017

Aim/Introduction

Patients with type 1 diabetes are classified into three subtypes in Japan: acute onset, fulminant and slowly progressive. Acute‐onset type 1 diabetes would be equivalent to type 1A diabetes, the typical type 1 diabetes in Western countries. The insulin secretion capacity in Japanese patients with long‐standing type 1A diabetes is unclear. The aim of the present study was to clarify the course of endogenous insulin secretion during long‐term follow up and the factors associated with residual insulin secretion in patients with acute‐onset type 1 diabetes (autoimmune).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively investigated endogenous insulin secretion capacity in 71 patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for acute‐onset type 1 diabetes (autoimmune) in Japan. To assess the residual insulin secretion capacity, we evaluated randomly measured C‐peptide levels and the results of glucagon stimulation test in 71 patients.

Results

In the first year of disease, the child‐ and adolescent‐onset patients had significantly more in residual insulin secretion than the adult‐onset patients (34 patients in total). C‐peptide levels declined more rapidly in patients whose age of onset was ≤18 years than in patients whose age of onset was ≥19 years. Endogenous insulin secretion capacity stimulated by glucagon was completely lost in almost all patients at >15 years after onset (61 patients in total).

Conclusions

Most patients with acute‐onset type 1 diabetes (autoimmune) completely lose their endogenous insulin secretion capacity during the disease duration in Japan. Age of onset might affect the course of insulin secretion.
Replication Protein A‐1 Has a Preference for the Telomeric G‐rich Sequence in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Pavani Raphael Souza , Vitarelli Marcela O. , Fernandes Carlos A. H. , Mattioli Fabio F. , Morone Mariana , Menezes Milene C. , Fontes Marcos R. M. , Cano Maria Isabel N. , Elias Maria Carolina
Published: October 2017

Replication protein A (RPA), the major eukaryotic single‐stranded binding protein, is a heterotrimeric complex formed by RPA‐1, RPA‐2, and RPA‐3. RPA is a fundamental player in replication, repair, recombination, and checkpoint signaling. In addition, increasing evidences have been adding functions to RPA in telomere maintenance, such as interaction with telomerase to facilitate its activity and also involvement in telomere capping in some conditions. Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease is a protozoa parasite that appears early in the evolution of eukaryotes. Recently, we have showed that T. cruziRPA presents canonical functions being involved with DNA replication and DNA damage response. Here, we found by FISH/IF assays that T. cruziRPA localizes at telomeres even outside replication (S) phase. In vitro analysis showed that one telomeric repeat is sufficient to bind RPA‐1. Telomeric DNA induces different secondary structural modifications on RPA‐1 in comparison with other types of DNA. In addition, RPA‐1 presents a higher affinity for telomeric sequence compared to randomic sequence, suggesting that RPA may play specific roles in T. cruzi telomeric region.
Can Physical Activity Prevent Falls in Older Adults with Poor Physical Performance?
Authors: Judge James
Published: October 2017

This editorial comments on the article by Buchner et al.
Development and maturation of the fibrous components of the arterial roots in the mouse heart
Authors: Richardson Rachel , Eley Lorraine , Donald‐Wilson Charlotte , Davis Jonathon , Curley Natasha , Alqahtani Ahlam , Murphy Lindsay , Anderson Robert H. , Henderson Deborah J. , Chaudhry Bill
Published: October 2017

The arterial roots are important transitional regions of the heart, connecting the intrapericardial components of the aortic and pulmonary trunks with their ventricular outlets. They house the arterial (semilunar) valves and, in the case of the aorta, are the points of coronary arterial attachment. Moreover, because of the semilunar attachments of the valve leaflets, the arterial roots span the anatomic ventriculo‐arterial junction. By virtue of this arrangement, the interleaflet triangles, despite being fibrous, are found on the ventricular aspect of the root and located within the left ventricular cavity. Malformations and diseases of the aortic root are common and serious. Despite the mouse being the animal model of choice for studying cardiac development, few studies have examined the structure of their arterial roots. As a consequence, our understanding of their formation and maturation is incomplete. We set out to clarify the anatomical and histological features of the mouse arterial roots, particularly focusing on their walls and the points of attachment of the valve leaflets. We then sought to determine the embryonic lineage relationships between these tissues, as a forerunner to understanding how they form and mature over time. Using histological stains and immunohistochemistry, we show that the walls of the mouse arterial roots show a gradual transition, with smooth muscle cells (SMC) forming the bulk of wall at the most distal points of attachments of the valve leaflets, while being entirely fibrous at their base. Although the interleaflet triangles lie within the ventricular chambers, we show that they are histologically indistinguishable from the arterial sinus walls until the end of gestation. Differences become apparent after birth, and are only completed by postnatal day 21. Using Cre‐lox‐based lineage tracing technology to label progenitor populations, we show that the SMC and fibrous tissue within the walls of the mature arterial roots share a common origin from the second heart field (SHF) and exclude trans‐differentiation of myocardium as a source for the interleaflet triangle fibrous tissues. Moreover, we show that the attachment points of the leaflets to the walls, like the leaflets themselves, are derived from the outflow cushions, having contributions from both SHF‐derived endothelial cells and neural crest cells. Our data thus show that the arterial roots in the mouse heart are similar to the features described in the human heart. They provide a framework for understanding complex lesions and diseases affecting the aortic root.
Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution in facial vitiligo
Authors: Jha Abhijeet K. , Prasad Smita , Sinha Rajesh
Published: October 2017

Background

Vitiligo is one of the commonest pigmentary disorders characterized by destruction of melanocytes.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of topical bimatoprost ophthalmic solution in stable facial vitiligo.

Material and methods

Eight cases of stable facial vitiligo were treated with bimatoprost 0.03% ophthalmic solution once daily for 12 weeks. Photographic records were taken at 2 weeks follow‐up along with dermoscopic (Polarized, 10×) evaluation.

Results

Four cases had excellent repigmentation, two cases had partial repigmentation and two cases had poor response.

Conclusion

Bimatoprost seems to be promising in treating stable vitiligo but large‐scale studies are required.
Estimated glomerular filtration rate and the risk–benefit profile of intensive blood pressure control amongst nondiabetic patients: a post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Obi Y. , Kalantar‐Zadeh K. , Shintani A. , Kovesdy C. P. , Hamano T.
Published: October 2017

Background

The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01206062) reported reduced cardiovascular events by intensive blood pressure (BP) control amongst hypertensive patients without diabetes. However, the risk–benefit profile of intensive BP control may differ across estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels.

Methods

This is a post hoc analysis of the SPRINT. Nondiabetic hypertensive adults (n = 9361) with eGFR >20 mL per min per 1.73 m2 were enrolled from 102 US facilities between November 2010 and March 2013 and were followed up until August 2015 (median follow‐up, 3.26 years). Patients were randomly assigned to either a systolic BP target of <120 or <140 mmHg (for intensive or standard treatment, respectively). The outcomes of interests were the development of (i) fatal and nonfatal major cardiovascular events and (ii) acute kidney injury (AKI).

Results

The cardiovascular benefit from intensive treatment was attenuated with lower eGFR (Pinteraction = 0.019), whereas eGFR did not modify the adverse effect on AKI (Pinteraction = 0.179). Amongst 891 participants with eGFR <45 mL per min per 1.73 m2, intensive treatment did not reduce the cardiovascular outcome (54/446 vs. 54/445 events in the standard group, respectively; hazard ratio [HR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.62–1.38) with an absolute rate difference (ARD) of −0.02 (95% CI, −0.07 to +0.03) per 100 patient‐years, whereas it increased AKI (62/446 vs. 38/445 events in the standard group; HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.12–2.66) with an ARD of +1.93 (95% CI, +1.88 to +1.97) per 100 patient‐years.

Conclusions

Intensive BP control may provide little or no benefit and even be harmful for patients with moderate‐to‐advanced chronic kidney disease.
Targeted proteomic analysis of habitual coffee consumption
Authors: Cornelis M. C. , Gustafsson S. , Ärnlöv J. , Elmståhl S. , Söderberg S. , Sundström J. , Michaëlsson K. , Lind L. , Ingelsson E.
Published: October 2017

Background

Coffee drinking has been implicated in mortality and a variety of diseases but potential mechanisms underlying these associations are unclear. Large‐scale systems epidemiological approaches may offer novel insights to mechanisms underlying associations of coffee with health.

Objective

We performed an analysis of known and novel protein markers linked to cardiovascular disease and their association with habitual coffee intake in the Prospective Study of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS, n = 816) and followed up top proteins in the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM, n = 635) and EpiHealth (n = 2418).

Methods

In PIVUS and ULSAM, coffee intake was measured by 7‐day dietary records whilst a computer‐based food frequency questionnaire was used in EpiHealth. Levels of up to 80 proteins were assessed in plasma by a proximity extension assay.

Results

Four protein–coffee associations adjusted for age, sex, smoking and BMI, met statistical significance in PIVUS (FDR < 5%, P < 2.31 × 10−3): leptin (LEP), chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 (CHI3L), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 6 and TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand. The inverse association between coffee intake and LEP replicated in ULSAM (β, −0.042 SD per cup of coffee, P = 0.028) and EpiHealth (β, −0.025 SD per time of coffee, P = 0.004). The negative coffee–CHI3L association replicated in EpiHealth (β, −0.07, P = 1.15 × 10−7), but not in ULSAM (β, −0.034, P = 0.16).

Conclusions

The current study supports an inverse association between coffee intake and plasma LEP and CHI3L1 levels. The coffee–CHI3L1 association is novel and warrants further investigation given links between CHI3L1 and health conditions that are also potentially influenced by coffee.