bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Impact of Weight Loss on Left and Right Ventricular Functions and Value of Tissue Doppler Echocardiography in Obese Patients
Authors: Yuksel Isa Oner , Akar Bayram Nihal , Koklu Erkan , Ureyen Cagin Mustafa , Kucukseymen Selcuk , Arslan Sakir , Bozkurt Engin
Published: January 2016

Objective

In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of weight loss on left and right ventricular functions in obese patients.

Methods

Thirty patients with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 and without any exclusion criteria were included in the study. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions were assessed with conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE). At the end of 3 months, echocardiographic examination was repeated in patients with weight loss for cardiac function evaluation and it was compared to the baseline echocardiographic parameters.

Results

At the end of 3 months of weight loss period, conventional Doppler echocardiography revealed an improvement in diastolic functions with an increase in mitral E‐wave, a decrease in mitral A‐wave and an increase in E/A ratio. Deceleration time and isovolumetric relaxation time were ascertained shortened and Tei index decreased. TDE showed an increase in left ventricular lateral wall systolic wave (Sm) and E‐wave velocity (Em). Mitral septal annular isovolumetric acceleration time (IVA), Sm and Em, were found to be increased, whereas Tei index was ascertained reduced. Right ventricular tissue Doppler examination following weight loss revealed an increase in RV‐ IVA, RV‐Sm, and RV‐Em, and a decrease in Tei index.

Conclusion

We disclosed that left ventricular structural changes and diastolic dysfunction occur in obese patients, and by weight loss, these abnormalities may be reversible which we demonstrated both by conventional and TDE. In addition, obesity might impair RV function as well, and we observed an enhancement in right ventricular functions by weight loss.
Genotype × environment interaction analysis of North American shrub willow yield trials confirms superior performance of triploid hybrids
Authors: Fabio Eric S. , Volk Timothy A. , Miller Raymond O. , Serapiglia Michelle J. , Gauch Hugh G. , Van Rees Ken C. J. , Hangs Ryan D. , Amichev Beyhan Y. , Kuzovkina Yulia A. , Labrecque Michel , Johnson Gregg A. , Ewy Robert G. , Kling Gary J. , Smart Lawrence B.
Published: January 2016

Development of dedicated bioenergy crop production systems will require accurate yield estimates, which will be important for determining many of the associated environmental and economic impacts of their production. Shrub willow (Salix spp) is being promoted in areas of the USA and Canada due to its adaption to cool climates and wide genetic diversity available for breeding improvement. Willow breeding in North America is in an early stage, and selection of elite genotypes for commercialization will require testing across broad geographic regions to gain an understanding of how shrub willow interacts with the environment. We analyzed a dataset of first‐rotation shrub willow yields of 16 genotypes across 10 trial environments in the USA and Canada for genotype‐by‐environment interactions using the additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) model. Mean genotype yields ranged from 5.22 to 8.58 oven‐dry Mg ha−1 yr−1. Analysis of the main effect of genotype showed that one round of breeding improved yields by as much as 20% over check cultivars and that triploid hybrids, most notably Salix viminalis × S. miyabeana, exhibited superior yields. We also found important variability in genotypic response to environments, which suggests specific adaptability could be exploited among 16 genotypes for yield gains. Strong positive correlations were found between environment main effects and AMMI parameters and growing environment temperatures. These findings demonstrate yield improvements are possible in one generation and will be important for developing cultivar recommendations and for future breeding efforts.
Any value in a specialist review of liver biopsies? Conclusions of a 4‐year review
Authors: Paterson Anna L , Allison Michael E D , Brais Rebecca , Davies Susan E
Published: January 2016

Aims

Liver pathology is a challenging subspeciality, with histopathologists frequently seeking specialist opinions. This study aims to determine the impact of specialist reviews on the final diagnosis and patient management.

Methods and results

Agreement with the initial reporting centre in the histopathological diagnosis of 1265 liver biopsies was determined. The nature of differences was explored in more depth for 103 discrepant cases. Differences in the histopathological interpretation were present in 749 of 1265 (59%) biopsies, of which 505 of 749 (67%) were predicted at the time of reporting to impact upon patient management. Agreement was good in cases with chronic viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, malignancy and minimal pathological changes, while diagnostic differences occurred in more than 70% with biliary disease, autoimmune hepatitis or vascular/architectural changes. A clinical review of a subset of reports with histopathological differences predicted changes in patient management in 63 of 103 (61%).

Conclusions

Clinically significant differences in liver biopsy interpretation between local pathologists and subspecialists are common. Diagnoses with frequent discrepancies, such as biliary disease, may benefit from a specialist review as standard when diagnosed initially, while cases requiring specialist advice from disease subgroups where discrepancies are less common, such as chronic viral hepatitis, could be selected during the clinicopathological conference process.
The skin‐depigmenting potential of Paeonia lactiflora root extract and paeoniflorin: in vitro evaluation using reconstructed pigmented human epidermis
Authors: Qiu J. , Chen M. , Liu J. , Huang X. , Chen J. , Zhou L. , Ma J. , Sextius P. , Pena A.‐M. , Cai Z. , Jeulin S.
Published: January 2016

Objective

The roots of the herb Paeonia lactiflora (‘White Peony’) are used in association with other herbs in traditional clinical cosmetic practice in China as oral treatment for skin pigmentary disorders, such as brown or dark pigmentary spots. However, the skin‐depigmenting potential of Paeonia lactiflora root extract and its main ingredient paeoniflorin has been scarcely investigated by topical application. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Paeonia lactiflora root extract and paeoniflorin as skin whitening agent in cosmetic application.

Methods

Paeonia lactiflora root extract (containing 53.25% of paeoniflorin) and paeoniflorin (97% purity) were applied topically on reconstructed pigmented human epidermis model, a three‐dimensional (3D) human skin equivalent, showing morphological and functional characteristics similar to those of in vivo human skin. Two specific methods were used for quantifying melanin inside the reconstructed pigmented epidermis: Fontana–Masson staining (2D quantification) and multiphoton microscopy (3D quantification).

Results

Compared to vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide DMSO), a significant decrease in 2D and 3D melanin content was observed after topical application on reconstructed pigmented epidermis of Paeonia lactiflora extract at 300 μg mL−1 (−28% and −27%, respectively) and paeoniflorin at 120 μg mL−1/250 μM (−30% and −23%, respectively), which is in the same order of magnitude as the positive reference 4‐n‐butylresorcinol at 83 μg mL−1/500 μM (−26% and −40%, respectively).

Conclusion

These results demonstrate, for the first time, the depigmenting potential of paeoniflorin and thus the potential interest of using Paeonia lactiflora root extracts containing paeoniflorin in cosmetic or dermatological applications for reducing the severity of some hyperpigmented skin disorders.
Movement kinematics and cyclic fatigue of NiTi rotary instruments: a systematic review
Authors: Ferreira F. , Adeodato C. , Barbosa I. , Aboud L. , Scelza P. , Zaccaro Scelza M.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this review was to provide a detailed analysis of the literature concerning the correlation between different movement kinematics and the cyclic fatigue resistance of NiTi rotary endodontic instruments. From June 2014 to August 2015, four independent reviewers comprehensively and systematically searched the Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases for works published since January 2005, using the following search terms: endodontics; nickel–titanium rotary files; continuous rotation; reciprocating motion; cyclic fatigue. In addition to the electronic searches, manual searches were performed to include articles listed in the reference sections of high‐impact published articles that were not indexed in the databases. Laboratory studies in English language were considered for this review. The electronic and manual searches resulted in identification of 75 articles. Based on the inclusion criteria, 32 articles were selected for analysis of full‐text copies. Specific analysis was then made of 20 articles that described the effects of reciprocating and continuous movements on cyclic fatigue of the instruments. A wide range of testing conditions and methodologies have been used to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of rotary endodontic instruments. Most studies report that reciprocating motion improves the fatigue resistance of endodontic instruments, compared to continuous rotation, independent of other variables such as the speed of rotation, the angle or radius of curvature of simulated canals, geometry and taper, or the surface characteristics of the NiTi instruments.
Flagging performance of the Sysmex XN2000 haematology analyser
Authors: Schoorl M. , Schoorl M. , Chevallier M. , Elout J. , van Pelt J.
Published: January 2016

Introduction

With the introduction of the Sysmex XN haematology analyser, the white blood cell differentiation channel (WDF) and abnormal cell detection channel (WPC) have been added with algorithms for flagging blasts and abnormal or atypical lymphocytes.

Methods

In this study, 2011 samples were evaluated on a Sysmex XN2000 analyser and microscopically reviewed using a CellaVision DM96 digital microscope.

Results

A reference group of apparently healthy blood donors (n = 262) demonstrated in only three samples a positive suspect flag, which could not be confirmed microscopically. Positive WBC suspect flags were demonstrated in 3% of the 2011 samples. From the 55 samples with positive WBC suspect flags, an automatic reflex test was performed within the WPC. The WPC reflex test resulted in 10× Blast?, 15× Abnormal lymph? and 15× Atypical lymph? flags, which could be confirmed microscopically in 33% of these cases. A negative flagging was demonstrated in 15 cases. Microscopic evaluation demonstrated no abnormalities in these 15 cases. However, laboratory technicians also reported the presence of abnormal lymphocytes in 158 samples without an Abnormal lymph? flag.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the combined use of WDF and WPC resulted in a reduction of approximately 25% of the number blood smears. As a result of the various techniques for light microscopy and haemocytometry, the adequacy of the XN flagging for abnormal and atypical lymphocytes cannot be established with certainty. To improve the quality of the reported results, it is recommended that laboratory technicians incorporate the haemocytometry results and the flagging information in the microscopic slide review.
Association of sleep bruxism and dental plaque factors on signs of periodontal disease in children in the mixed dentition
Authors: Restrepo Claudia Cecilia , Tirado Marcela , Jimenez Kelly Juliette
Published: January 2016

Background

Periodontal disease has a multifactorial etiology; however, dental plaque and possible sleep bruxism (SB) have not been tested together in children as predictors of periodontal disease.

Aim

To assess the variation of SB, dental biofilm (DBF), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI) between localized and generalized pathological probing depth (PPD), crestal bone loss (CBL), and lack of delineation of lamina dura (LD) and to establish the association of DBF, GI, PI and SB with PPD, CBL, and LD in children with mixed dentition.

Methods

Fifty children were assessed for SB and underwent a clinical and radiographic periodontal examination. anova and three multiple variable analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results

One‐way anova was found to be statistically significant for SB, between localized and generalized PPD (P = 0.03), CBL (P = 0.01), and LD (P = 0.005) and for DBF between localized and generalized CBL (P = 0.02). The three multiple variable analysis showed statistically and clinically significant associations of DBF with PPD (OR = 3.33); GI (OR = 2.37), and PI (OR = 1.46) with CBL and SB (OR = 7.66) and DBF (OR = 9.87) with LD. PI presented statistically significant association with CBL.

Conclusion

Significant associations of SB, DBF, GI, and PI with PD, CBL, and LD and the variations of the same factors between localized and generalized PPD, CBL, and LD suggest the necessity of evaluating SB, DBF, GI, and PI when children are screened in regular dental visits.
Exercise and Fall Prevention: Narrowing the Research‐to‐Practice Gap and Enhancing Integration of Clinical and Community Practice
Authors: Li Fuzhong , Eckstrom Elizabeth , Harmer Peter , Fitzgerald Kathleen , Voit Jan , Cameron Kathleen A.
Published: January 2016

Falls in older adults are a global public health crisis, but mounting evidence from randomized controlled trials shows that falls can be reduced through exercise. Public health authorities and healthcare professionals endorse the use of evidence‐based, exercise‐focused fall interventions, but there are major obstacles to translating and disseminating research findings into healthcare practice, including lack of evidence of the transferability of efficacy trial results to clinical and community settings, insufficient local expertise to roll out community exercise programs, and inadequate infrastructure to integrate evidence‐based programs into clinical and community practice. The practical solutions highlighted in this article can be used to address these evidence‐to‐practice challenges. Falls and their associated healthcare costs can be reduced by better integrating research on exercise intervention into clinical practice and community programs.
Care of Older Adults: Role of Primary Care Physicians in the Treatment of Cataracts and Macular Degeneration
Authors: Marra Kyle V. , Wagley Sushant , Kuperwaser Mark C. , Campo Rafael , Arroyo Jorge G.
Published: January 2016

This article aims to facilitate optimal management of cataracts and age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) by providing information on indications, risk factors, referral guidelines, and treatments and to describe techniques to maximize quality of life (QOL) for people with irreversible vision loss. A review of PubMed and other online databases was performed for peer‐reviewed English‐language articles from 1980 through August 2012 on visual impairment in elderly adults. Search terms included vision loss, visual impairment, blind, low vision, QOL combined with age‐related, elderly, and aging. Articles were selected that discussed vision loss in elderly adults, effects of vision impairment on QOL, and care strategies to manage vision loss in older adults. The ability of primary care physicians (PCPs) to identify early signs of cataracts and AMD in individuals at risk of vision loss is critical to early diagnosis and management of these common age‐related eye diseases. PCPs can help preserve vision by issuing aptly timed referrals and encouraging behavioral modifications that reduce risk factors. With knowledge of referral guidelines for soliciting low‐vision rehabilitation services, visual aids, and community support resources, PCPs can considerably increase the QOL of individuals with uncorrectable vision loss. By offering appropriately timed referrals, promoting behavioral modifications, and allocating low‐vision care resources, PCPs may play a critical role in preserving visual health and enhancing the QOL for the elderly population.
Patient‐Reported Outcomes of Elderly Adults with Chronic Hepatitis C Treated with Interferon‐ and Ribavirin‐Free Regimens
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Stepanova Maria , Nader Fatema , Henry Linda
Published: January 2016

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of different treatment regimens for chronic hepatitis C on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) of individuals aged 65 and older with chronic hepatitis C. PRO data from eight multinational multicenter Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials were included. Of 3,120 participants in these clinical trials, 229 were aged 65 and older (67.8 ± 3.2, 57% male, 75% treatment‐naïve, 22% cirrhotic), and 90 of those received ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir (LDV + SOF), 119 received SOF plus ribavirin (SOF + RBV), and 20 received pegylated IFN, SOF, and RBV (IFN + SOF + RBV). Participants aged 65 and older had slightly more pretreatment PRO impairment in their physical functioning than younger individuals (−3.1% on a normalized 0–100% PRO scale, P < .001). Despite this, these participants experienced significant PRO improvement during treatment with IFN‐free RBV‐free regimens (up to +8.0%, P < .001), similar to improvements in younger participants. In contrast, participants aged 65 and older experienced substantial decline in PROs while receiving IFN‐ or RBV‐containing regimens (up to −18.9% in IFN + SOF + RBV, −10.4% in IFN‐free SOF+RBV, P < .001), and some were greater than in the younger group. Nevertheless, after achieving sustained viral clearance at Posttreatment Week 12, PROs in participants aged 65 and older improved regardless of the regimen (up to +10.4%, P < .001). In multivariate analysis of the cohort aged 65 and older, the use of IFN and RBV was consistently associated with PRO impairment during treatment. The use of an IFN‐ and RBV‐free anti‐HCV regimen in older adults with hepatitis C results in significant improvement of PROs.
Association of salivary gland hypofunction with diabetes mellitus and drugs among the elderly in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Lone Muneeb Ahmed , Shaikh Sameer , Lone Maham Muneeb , Afaq Ashar , Lone Mohid Abrar
Published: January 2016

Aim

Studies from Pakistan on salivary dysfunction are lacking, and the Pakistani elderly population is rapidly growing. Among the most common problems in the elderly that could have a deleterious impact on their quality of life are salivary gland hypofunction (SGH), diabetes mellitus (DM), and the intake of drugs with adverse effects on salivary function. In the present study, we aimed to find the association of SGH with DM and drugs among the elderly in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

The inclusion criterion was affirmative answers to a series of standardized questions related to the symptoms of dry mouth. A total of 110 individuals were selected from a convenience sample of 200 people aged between 60 and 70 years. Diabetes, drug use, and SGH in the participants were determined by detailed medical and drug history, clinical examination, and sialometry.

Results

Similar to their international counterparts, the majority of the study participants demonstrated objective evidence of SGH. More importantly SGH was found to be statistically significant with respect to DM and medication (P < 0.05). For participants on medication, the minimum and maximum salivary flow rates were found to be 0.09 mL/min and 0.3 ml/min, respectively, whereas the minimum and maximum salivary flow rates in diabetic participants were 0.01 mL/min and 0.09 mL/min, respectively.

Conclusion

In the present study, the majority of elderly participants whose presenting complaint was oral dryness was found to have objective evidence of SGH, with a statistically‐significant association with DM and drugs.
Identification of a binding site of the human immunodeficiency virus envelope protein gp120 to neuronal‐specific tubulin
Authors: Avdoshina Valeria , Taraballi Francesca , Dedoni Simona , Corbo Claudia , Paige Mikell , Saygideğer Kont Yasemin , Üren Aykut , Tasciotti Ennio , Mocchetti Italo
Published: January 2016

Human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV) promotes synaptic simplification and neuronal apoptosis, and causes neurological impairments termed HIV‐associated neurological disorders. HIV‐associated neurotoxicity may be brought about by acute and chronic mechanisms that still remain to be fully characterized. The HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 causes neuronal degeneration similar to that observed in HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders subjects. This study was undertaken to discover novel mechanisms of gp120 neurotoxicity that could explain how the envelope protein promotes neurite pruning. Gp120 has been shown to associate with various intracellular organelles as well as microtubules in neurons. We then analyzed lysates of neurons exposed to gp120 with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for potential protein interactors. We found that one of the proteins interacting with gp120 is tubulin β‐3 (TUBB3), a major component of neuronal microtubules. We then tested the hypothesis that gp120 binds to neuronal microtubules. Using surface plasmon resonance, we confirmed that gp120 binds with high affinity to neuronal‐specific TUBB3. We have also identified the binding site of gp120 to TUBB3. We then designed a small peptide (Helix‐A) that displaced gp120 from binding to TUBB3. To determine whether this peptide could prevent gp120‐mediated neurotoxicity, we cross‐linked Helix‐A to mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Helix‐A nano) to enhance the intracellular delivery of the peptide. We then tested the neuroprotective property of Helix‐A nano against three strains of gp120 in rat cortical neurons. Helix‐A nano prevented gp120‐mediated neurite simplification as well as neuronal loss. These data propose that gp120 binding to TUBB3 could be another mechanism of gp120 neurotoxicity.

image

We propose a novel direct mechanism of human immunodeficiency virus neurotoxicity. Our data show that the viral protein gp120 binds to neuronal specific tubulin β‐3 and blocks microtubule transport. Displacing gp120 from binding to tubulin by a small peptide prevents gp120‐mediated neuronal loss. Our study reveals a novel target for developing adjunct therapies against viral infection that promotes neurocognitive disorders.
Smad3 deficiency inhibits dentate gyrus LTP by enhancing GABAA neurotransmission
Authors: Muñoz Mª Dolores , Antolín‐Vallespín Mónica , Tapia‐González Silvia , Sánchez‐Capelo Amelia
Published: January 2016

Transforming growth factor‐β signaling through intracellular Smad3 has been implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD) and it fulfills an important role in the neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity that occurs in the adult dentate gyrus (DG). The long‐term potentiation (LTP) induced in the DG by high‐frequency stimulation of the medial perforant pathway is abolished in the DG of Smad3‐deficient mice, but not in the CA1 hippocampal region. Here, we show that NMDA‐ and AMPA‐type glutamate receptors do not participate in the inhibition of LTP associated with Smad3 deficiency. Moreover, there is no difference in the hippocampal GAD65 and GAD67 content, suggesting that GABA biosynthesis remains unaffected. Increased conductance and higher action potential firing thresholds were evident in intracellular recordings of granule cells from Smad3 deficient mice. Interestingly, phasic and tonic GABAA receptor (GABAAR)‐mediated neurotransmission is enhanced in the DG of Smad3‐deficient mice, and LTP induction can be rescued by inhibiting GABAAR with picrotoxin. Hence, Smad3 signaling in the DG appears to be necessary to induce LTP by regulating GABAA neurotransmission, suggesting a central role of this intracellular signaling pathway in the hippocampal brain plasticity related to learning and memory.

image

Smad3 deficient mice represent a new and interesting model of Parkinson's disease, displaying hippocampal dysfunctions that include decreased neurogenesis and the failure to induce LTP in the dentate gyrus. Here we show that Smad3 deficiency inhibits LTP induction by enhancing phasic and tonic GABAA receptor‐mediated neurotransmission, while LTP induction can be rescued with a GABAA receptor antagonist. Alteration of GABA neurotransmission is thought to produce hippocampal cognitive dysfunction in Down's syndrome or Alzheimer's disease, and here we provide new insights into the hippocampal changes in an animal model of Parkinson's disease.
Agonist‐induced activation of histamine H3 receptor signals to extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 through PKC‐, PLD‐, and EGFR‐dependent mechanisms
Authors: Lai Xiangru , Ye Lingyan , Liao Yuan , Jin Lili , Ma Qiang , Lu Bing , Sun Yi , Shi Ying , Zhou Naiming
Published: January 2016

The histamine H3 receptor (H3R), abundantly expressed in the central and the peripheral nervous system, has been recognized as a promising target for the treatment of various important CNS diseases including narcolepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The H3R acts via Gi/o‐proteins to inhibit adenylate cyclase activity and modulate MAPK activity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for H3R mediation of the activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) remain to be elucidated. In this study, using HEK293 cells stably expressing human H3R and mouse primary cortical neurons endogenously expressing mouse H3R, we found that the H3R‐mediated activation of ERK1/2 was significantly blocked by both the pertussis toxin and the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126. Upon stimulation by H3R agonist histamine or imetit, H3R was shown to rapidly induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation via PLC/PKC‐, PLDs‐, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation‐dependent pathways. Furthermore, it was also indicated that while the βγ‐subunits play a key role in H3R‐activated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, β‐arrestins were not required for ERK1/2 activation. In addition, when the cultured mouse cortical neurons were exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation conditions (OGD), imetit exhibited neuroprotective properties through the H3R. Treatment of cells with the inhibitor UO126 abolished these protective effects. This suggests a possible neuroprotective role of the H3R‐mediated ERK1/2 pathway under hypoxia conditions. These observations may provide new insights into the pharmacological effects and the physiological functions modulated by the H3R‐mediated activation of ERK1/2.

image

Histamine H3 receptors are abundantly expressed in the brain and play important roles in various CNS physiological functions. However, the underlying mechanisms for H3R‐induced activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 remain largely unknown. Here, we provide evidence that upon activation by an agonist, H3Rs trigger ERK1/2 activation via phospholipase C/protein kinase C (PLC/PKC)‐, phospholipase D (PLD)s‐, and matrix metallopeptidase/epidermal growth factor receptor (MMP/EGFR) transactivation‐dependent pathways. Moreover, we demonstrate that H3Rs exhibit a neuroprotective effect on the cultured mouse cortical neurons under hypoxia conditions through the ERK1/2 pathway.
Reports of perceptual distortion of the face are common in patients with different types of chronic oro‐facial pain
Authors: Dagsdóttir L. K. , Skyt I. , Vase L. , Baad‐Hansen L. , Castrillon E. , Svensson P.
Published: January 2016

Anecdotally, chronic oro‐facial pain patients may perceive the painful face area as ‘swollen’. Because there are no clinical signs, these self‐reported ‘illusions’ may represent perceptual distortions and can be speculated to contribute to the maintenance of oro‐facial pain. This descriptive study investigated whether chronic oro‐facial pain patients experience perceptual distortions – a kind of body image disruption. Sixty patients were consecutively recruited to fill in questionnaires regarding i) pain experience, ii) self‐reports of perceptual distortion and iii) psychological condition. Perceptual distortions were examined in the total group and in three diagnostic subgroups: i) painful post‐traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PPTN), ii) painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or iii) persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP). A large proportion of oro‐facial pain patients reported perceptual distortions of the face (55·0%). In the diagnostic subgroups, perceptual distortions were most pronounced in PPTN patients (81·5%) but with no significant group differences. In the total group of chronic oro‐facial pain patients, the present pain intensity explained 16·9% of the variance in magnitude of the perceptual distortions (R2 = 16·9, F(31) = 6·3, P = 0·017). This study demonstrates that many chronic oro‐facial pain patients may experience perceptual distortions. Future studies may clarify the mechanisms underlying perceptual distortions, which may point towards new complementary strategies for the management of chronic oro‐facial pain.
Mangiferin ameliorates Porphyromonas gingivalis‐induced experimental periodontitis by inhibiting phosphorylation of nuclear factor‐κB and Janus kinase 1–signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways
Authors: Li H. , Wang Q. , Ding Y. , Bao C. , Li W.
Published: January 2016

Background and Objective

Mangiferin is a natural polyphenol compound with anti‐inflammatory properties. However, there have been few reports on the effect of mangiferin on periodontitis. Here, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory effects of this compound on experimental periodontitis and the underlying mechanisms.

Material and Methods

Mice were inoculated with Porphyromonas gingivalis to induce periodontitis, and treated with mangiferin orally (50 mg/kg bodyweight, once a day) for 8 wk. Then, the alveolar bone loss was examined using a scanning electronic microscope. Expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and the phosphorylation levels of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and Janus kinase 1–signal transducer and activator of adhesion (JAK1‐STAT) pathways in the gingival epithelium were detected using western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

The results showed that mice with periodontitis exhibited greater alveolar bone loss, stronger expression of TNF‐α and higher phosphorylation levels of NF‐κB and JAK1–STAT1/3 pathways in gingival epithelia, compared with control mice with no periodontitis. Moreover, treatment with mangiferin could significantly inhibit alveolar bone loss, TNF‐α production and phosphorylation of NF‐κB and JAK1–STAT1/3 pathways in gingival epithelia.

Conclusion

Mangiferin has anti‐inflammatory effects on periodontitis, which is associated with its ability to down‐regulate the phosphorylation of NF‐κB and JAK1–STAT1/3 pathways in gingival epithelia.
Closely coupled evolutionary history of ecto‐ and endosymbionts from two distantly related animal phyla
Authors: Zimmermann Judith , Wentrup Cecilia , Sadowski Miriam , Blazejak Anna , Gruber‐Vodicka Harald R. , Kleiner Manuel , Ott Jörg A. , Cronholm Bodil , De Wit Pierre , Erséus Christer , Dubilier Nicole
Published: January 2016

The level of integration between associated partners can range from ectosymbioses to extracellular and intracellular endosymbioses, and this range has been assumed to reflect a continuum from less intimate to evolutionarily highly stable associations. In this study, we examined the specificity and evolutionary history of marine symbioses in a group of closely related sulphur‐oxidizing bacteria, called Candidatus Thiosymbion, that have established ecto‐ and endosymbioses with two distantly related animal phyla, Nematoda and Annelida. Intriguingly, in the ectosymbiotic associations of stilbonematine nematodes, we observed a high degree of congruence between symbiont and host phylogenies, based on their ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. In contrast, for the endosymbioses of gutless phallodriline annelids (oligochaetes), we found only a weak congruence between symbiont and host phylogenies, based on analyses of symbiont 16S rRNA genes and six host genetic markers. The much higher degree of congruence between nematodes and their ectosymbionts compared to those of annelids and their endosymbionts was confirmed by cophylogenetic analyses. These revealed 15 significant codivergence events between stilbonematine nematodes and their ectosymbionts, but only one event between gutless phallodrilines and their endosymbionts. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences from 50 Cand. Thiosymbion species revealed seven well‐supported clades that contained both stilbonematine ectosymbionts and phallodriline endosymbionts. This closely coupled evolutionary history of marine ecto‐ and endosymbionts suggests that switches between symbiotic lifestyles and between the two host phyla occurred multiple times during the evolution of the Cand. Thiosymbion clade, and highlights the remarkable flexibility of these symbiotic bacteria.
Optimal age of maturity in fluctuating environments underr‐ andK‐selection
Authors: Engen Steinar , Sæther Bernt‐Erik
Published: January 2016

Optimality models for evolution of life histories have shown that increased environmental stochasticity promotes early age of maturity. Here we argue that ifr‐selection for early maturation implies a tradeoff making those phenotypes more sensitive to a change in population size than phenotypes maturing at older ages,K‐selection can favor delayed onset of maturation. We analyze a general stochastic Leslie‐matrix model with a simplified density regulation affecting all survivals equally through a function of the population vector, often called the ‘critical age class’. We show that the outcome of such an age‐dependentr‐ andK‐selection is that the expected value of the ‘critical age class’ is maximized by evolution, a strategy strongly influenced by the magnitude of the environmental stochasticity. We also demonstrate that evolution caused by such density‐dependent selection influences the population dynamics, showing a possible reciprocal effect between ecology and evolution in age‐structured populations. This modeling approach reveals that changes in population size affecting the fitness of phenotypes with different age of maturity may be an important selective agent for variation in onset of reproduction in fluctuating environments. This provides a testable hypothesis for how patterns in the population dynamics should affect life history variation.
Agronomic nitrogen‐use efficiency of rice can be increased by drivingOsNRT2.1expression with theOsNAR2.1promoter
Authors: Chen Jingguang , Zhang Yong , Tan Yawen , Zhang Min , Zhu Longlong , Xu Guohua , Fan Xiaorong
Published: January 2016

The importance of the nitrate () transporter for yield and nitrogen‐use efficiency (NUE) in rice was previously demonstrated using map‐based cloning. In this study, we enhanced the expression of theOsNRT2.1gene, which encodes a high‐affinitytransporter, using a ubiquitin (Ubi) promoter and the‐inducible promoter of theOsNAR2.1gene to driveOsNRT2.1expression in transgenic rice plants. Transgenic lines expressingpUbi:OsNRT2.1orpOsNAR2.1:OsNRT2.1constructs exhibited the increased total biomass including yields of approximately 21% and 38% compared with wild‐type (WT) plants. The agriculturalNUE(ANUE) of thepUbi:OsNRT2.1lines decreased to 83% of that of theWTplants, while theANUEof thepOsNAR2.1:OsNRT2.1lines increased to 128% of that of theWTplants. The dry matter transfer into grain decreased by 68% in thepUbi:OsNRT2.1lines and increased by 46% in thepOsNAR2.1:OsNRT2.1lines relative to theWT. The expression ofOsNRT2.1in shoot and grain showed thatUbienhancedOsNRT2.1expression by 7.5‐fold averagely andOsNAR2.1promoters increased by about 80% higher than theWT. Interestingly, we found that theOsNAR2.1was expressed higher in all the organs ofpUbi:OsNRT2.1lines; however, forpOsNAR2.1:OsNRT2.1lines,OsNAR2.1expression was only increased in root, leaf sheaths and internodes. We show that increased expression ofOsNRT2.1, especially driven byOsNAR2.1promoter, can improve the yield and NUE in rice.
Pepper protein phosphatase type 2C, CaADIP1 and its interacting partner CaRLP1 antagonistically regulate ABA signalling and drought response
Authors: Lim Chae Woo , Lee Sung Chul
Published: January 2016

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key phytohormone that regulates plant growth and developmental processes, including seed germination and stomatal closing. Here, we report the identification and functional characterization of a novel type 2C protein phosphatase, CaADIP1 (Capsicum annuum ABA and Drought‐Induced Protein phosphatase 1). The expression of CaADIP1 was induced in pepper leaves by ABA, drought and NaCl treatments. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing CaADIP1 (CaADIP1‐OX) exhibited an ABA‐hyposensitive and drought‐susceptible phenotype. We used a yeast two‐hybrid screening assay to identify CaRLP1 (Capsicum annuum RCAR‐Like Protein 1), which interacts with CaADIP1 in the cytoplasm and nucleus. In contrast to CaADIP1‐OX plants, CaRLP1‐OX plants displayed an ABA‐hypersensitive and drought‐tolerant phenotype, which was characterized by low levels of transpirational water loss and increased expression of stress‐responsive genes relative to those of wild‐type plants. In CaADIP1‐OX/CaRLP1‐OX double transgenic plants, ectopic expression of the CaRLP1 gene led to strong suppression of CaADIP1‐induced ABA hyposensitivity during the germinative and post‐germinative stages, indicating that CaADIP1 and CaRLP1 act in the same signalling pathway and CaADIP1 functions downstream of CaRLP1. Our results indicate that CaADIP1 and its interacting partner CaRLP1 antagonistically regulate the ABA‐dependent defense signalling response to drought stress.
WD40‐REPEAT 5a functions in drought stress tolerance by regulating nitric oxide accumulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Wen‐Cheng , Li Yun‐Hui , Yuan Hong‐Mei , Zhang Bing‐Lei , Zhai Shuang , Lu Ying‐Tang
Published: January 2016

Nitric oxide (NO) generation by NO synthase (NOS) in guard cells plays a vital role in stomatal closure for adaptive plant response to drought stress. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of NOS activity in plants is unclear. Here, by screening yeast deletion mutants with decreased NO accumulation and NOS‐like activity when subjected to H2O2 stress, we identified TUP1 as a novel regulator of NOS‐like activity in yeast. Arabidopsis WD40‐REPEAT 5a (WDR5a), a homolog of yeast TUP1, complemented H2O2‐induced NO accumulation of a yeast mutant Δtup1, suggesting the conserved role of WDR5a in regulating NO accumulation and NOS‐like activity. This note was further confirmed by using an Arabidopsis RNAi line wdr5a‐1 and two T‐DNA insertion mutants of WDR5a with reduced WDR5a expression, in which both H2O2‐induced NO accumulation and stomatal closure were repressed. This was because H2O2‐induced NOS‐like activity was inhibited in the mutants compared with that of the wild type. Furthermore, these wdr5a mutants were more sensitive to drought stress as they had reduced stomatal closure and decreased expression of drought‐related genes. Together, our results revealed that WDR5a functions as a novel factor to modulate NOS‐like activity for changes of NO accumulation and stomatal closure in drought stress tolerance.
Campylorrhinus lateralis, Bilateral microphthalmia and odontoma temporalis in an Oldenburg Foal
Authors: Casteleyn C , Cornillie P , Tüllmann V , Van Cruchten S , Van Ginneken C
Published: January 2016

Contents

An Oldenburg colt with wry nose was autopsied after having lived for only 30 min. It presented cyanotic oral mucosae, underdeveloped eyes and a right‐sided temporal osseous mass. The applicable nomenclature for the defects is discussed, and the potential etiopathogenesis is explored by describing the normal embryonic development of the affected body parts.
Successful eradication of invasive Scopulariopsis brumptii in a liver transplant recipient
Authors: Pate M.J. , Hemmige V. , Woc‐Colburn L. , Restrepo A.
Published: January 2016

Ten months after orthotopic liver transplant, a 53‐year‐old male patient developed cough and fever. Imaging revealed diffuse ground‐glass opacities involving all lobes, and subsequent bronchoscopic washings revealed Scopulariopsis brumptii infection. The patient initially had significant clinical deterioration requiring intubation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. However, combination antifungal therapy, including posaconazole and terbinafine, eventually proved successful in eradicating the infection.
A brief motivational interview with action and coping planning components enhances motivational autonomy among volunteer blood donors
Authors: France Christopher R. , France Janis L. , Carlson Bruce W. , Kessler Debra A. , Rebosa Mark , Shaz Beth H. , Madden Katrala , Carey Patricia M. , Fox Kristen R. , Livitz Irina E. , Ankawi Brett , Slepian P. Maxwell
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

In contrast to standard donor retention strategies (e.g., mailings, phone calls, text messages), we developed a brief telephone interview, based on motivational interviewing principles, that encourages blood donors to reflect upon their unique motivators and barriers for giving. This study examined the effect of this motivational interview, combined with action and coping plan components, on blood donor motivations.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The design was to randomly assign blood donors to receive either a telephone‐delivered motivational interview with action and coping plan components or a control call approximately 6 weeks after their most recent donation. Participants completed a series of surveys related to donation motivation approximately 3 weeks before telephone contact (precall baseline) and then repeated these surveys approximately 1 week after telephone contact (postcall).

RESULTS

The sample was 63% female, included a majority (52.6%) of first‐time blood donors, and had a mean age of 30.0 years (SD, 11.7 years). A series of analyses of variance revealed that, relative to controls (n = 244), donors in the motivational interview group (n = 254) had significantly larger increases in motivational autonomy (p = 0.001), affective attitude (p = 0.004), self‐efficacy (p = 0.03), anticipated regret (p = 0.001), and intention (p = < 0.001), as well as larger decreases in donation anxiety (p = 0.01), from precall baseline to postcall assessment.

CONCLUSION

This study supports motivational interviewing with action and coping planning as a novel strategy to promote key contributors to donor motivation.
Optimization of cereal output in presence of locusts
Authors: Moussouni Nacima , Aidene Mohamed
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we study a modelization of the evolution of cereal output production, controlled by adding fertilizers and in presence of locusts, then by adding insecticides. The aim is to maximize the cereal output and meanwhile minimize pollution caused by adding fertilizers and insecticides.The optimal control problem obtained is solved theoretically by using the Pontryagin Maximum Principle, and then numerically with shooting method.
A Comparison of Kinetic Energy and Momentum in Special Relativity and Classical Mechanics
Authors: Riggs Peter J.
Published: January 2016

Kinetic energy and momentum are indispensable dynamical quantities in both the special theory of relativity and in classical mechanics. Although momentum and kinetic energy are central to understanding dynamics, the differences between their relativistic and classical notions have not always received adequate treatment in undergraduate teaching. It is shown that the contrast between these relativistic and classical quantities can be presented in a straightforward manner and with a minimal level of (undergraduate) mathematics.
Whiteboarding: A Tool for Moving Classroom Discourse from Answer-Making to Sense-Making
Authors: Megowan-Romanowicz Colleen
Published: January 2016

In 1998 I had been teaching science for 13 years. I was a good teacher: I had the plaques and certificates to prove it. But often I felt like an impostor (which I have since learned is not unusual—70% of all people feel like a fake at one time or another). While my students could solve problems and ace tests, every June when I sat down to look at their Force Concept Inventory (FCI) results, I was confronted by how little they had actually learned in my physics classes. It was this annual reality check that drove me to pursue my first Modeling Workshop in summer of 1998. For four weeks I was a physics student again—every day, for six to eight hours a day. I (re)learned to think aloud, to “speak physics” and to listen to how I and others (students) spoke physics. That summer changed everything. When I returned to my high school physics classroom equipped with a new way of teaching in September of 1998, I was excited. I felt like I had the key to the perfect year—I wouldn't be an impostor anymore.
Learning from Mistakes: The Effect of Students' Written Self-Diagnoses on Subsequent Problem Solving
Authors: Mason Andrew , Yerushalmi Edit , Cohen Elisheva , Singh Chandralekha
Published: January 2016

Helping students learn to think like a physicist is an important goal of many introductory physics courses. One characteristic distinguishing more experienced physicists from novice students is that they make better use of problem solving as a learning opportunity. Experts were found to spend more time than novices in monitoring their work, reflecting upon their possibly deficient approach to solving a problem, reconsidering their choices as necessary, and extending and refining their knowledge structure. Moreover, research on worked-out examples suggests that better performing students are those who “self-explain,” that is, elaborate to themselves what they are learning from those examples, generate inferences, acknowledge mismatches between their own approach and that of the example, and attempt to resolve conflicts (self-repair). Indeed, physics instructors often express concern that many students do not make an effort to learn from their mistakes after the graded problems are returned to them. Here, we discuss an investigation focusing on how well introductory physics students self-diagnose their mistakes in their quiz solutions and its effect on subsequent problem solving in different interventions.
Energy Tracking Diagrams
Authors: Scherr Rachel E. , Harrer Benedikt W. , Close Hunter G. , Daane Abigail R. , DeWater Lezlie S. , Robertson Amy D. , Seeley Lane , Vokos Stamatis
Published: January 2016

Energy is a crosscutting concept in science and features prominently in national science education documents. In the Next Generation Science Standards, the primary conceptual learning goal is for learners to conserve energy as they track the transfers and transformations of energy within, into, or out of the system of interest in complex physical processes. As part of tracking energy transfers among objects, learners should (i) distinguish energy from matter, including recognizing that energy flow does not uniformly align with the movement of matter, and should (ii) identify specific mechanisms by which energy is transferred among objects, such as mechanical work and thermal conduction. As part of tracking energy transformations within objects, learners should (iii) associate specific forms with specific models and indicators (e.g., kinetic energy with speed and/or coordinated motion of molecules, thermal energy with random molecular motion and/or temperature) and (iv) identify specific mechanisms by which energy is converted from one form to another, such as incandescence and metabolism. Eventually, we may hope for learners to be able to optimize systems to maximize some energy transfers and transformations and minimize others, subject to constraints based in both imputed mechanism (e.g., objects must have motion energy in order for gravitational energy to change) and the second law of thermodynamics (e.g., heating is irreversible). We hypothesize that a subsequent goal of energy learning—innovating to meet socially relevant needs—depends crucially on the extent to which these goals have been met.