bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UV‐light‐dependent binding of a visual arrestin 1 isoform to photoreceptor membranes in a neuropteran (Ascalaphus) compound eye
Authors: Bentrop Joachim , Schillo Markus , Gerdon Gabriele , Draslar Kazimir , Paulsen Reinhard
Published: July 2002

Arrestins are regulators of the active state of G‐protein‐coupled receptors. Towards elucidating the function of different arrestin subfamilies in sensory cells, we have isolated a novel arrestin 1, Am Arr1, from the UV photoreceptors of the neuropteran Ascalaphus macaronius. Am Arr1 forms a phylogenetic clade with antennal and visual Arr1 isoforms of invertebrates. Am Arr1 undergoes a light‐dependent binding cycle to photoreceptor membranes, as reported earlier only for members of the arrestin 2 subfamily. This suggests a common control mechanism for the active state of invertebrate rhodopsins and G‐protein‐coupled receptors of antennal sensory cells. Furthermore, it implies that a strict correlation of distinct arrestin isoforms to distinct functions is not a general principle for invertebrate sensory cells.
Involvement of FAK/Src complex in the processes of Escherichia coli phagocytosis by insect hemocytes
Authors: Metheniti Aristea , Paraskevopoulou Nikolitsa , Lambropoulou Maria , Marmaras Vassilis J
Published: July 2002

Recently we demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide promotes activation of the Ras/mitogen‐activated protein cascade in hemocytes and that phagocytosis of Escherichia coli by insect hemocytes is mediated by an integrin‐dependent process [Foukas et al. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 14813–14818]. Here we report data concerning the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) tyrosine phosphorylation status in hemocytes in response to E. coli. We demonstrate that E. coli‐triggering stimulates a significant increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK in hemocytes. Furthermore, immunoblotting analysis using anti‐Y397 demonstrated intense FAK activity at the Y397/SH2‐binding site in hemocytes treated with E. coli. In addition, antibody‐mediated inhibition of FAK and Src‐kinase has been shown to abolish FAK phosphorylation and E. coli phagocytosis, indicating a specific role for the FAK/Src complex in the processes of promoting cell phagocytosis. These findings expand the known signaling functions of FAK and provide insight into signal transduction events associated with hemocyte phagocytosis in response to E. coli.
Overlapping and distinct signals through leptin receptor (OB‐R) and a closely related cytokine signal transducer, gp130
Authors: Nakashima Kinichi , Narazaki Masashi , Taga Tetsuya
Published: July 2002

The structure of leptin receptor (OB‐R) is highly homologous to that of gp130, the common signal transducing receptor component for the interleukin‐6 family of cytokines. Based on this structural similarity, we examined signaling processes initiated by OB‐R in comparison with those by gp130. Stimulation of either a long form of OB‐R or gp130 led to tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3, whereas stimulation of the truncated form of OB‐R that is predominantly expressed in db/db mice failed to do so. Stimulation of the long form OB‐R did not induce tyrosine phosphorylation of a Src homology domain 2 containing protein tyrosine phosphatase, SHP‐2, while stimulation of gp130 did. In contrast, activation of p42ERK2 is mediated by either the long form OB‐R or gp130. Two closely related molecules, OB‐R and gp130, thus appear to mediate overlapping but distinct signaling procedures.
Lipopolysaccharide interaction with hemolin, an insect member of the Ig‐superfamily
Authors: Daffre Sirlei , Faye Ingrid
Published: July 2002

This study is an attempt to reach some understanding of how insects recognize intruding microorganisms and foreign entities while executing an immune response. We used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli, bound to a radiolabeled iodinated crosslinker, to identify hemolymph proteins from the Hyalophora cecropia moth that have the capacity to bind LPS. High amounts of radioactivity were conferred to hemolin, an immunoglobulin and NCAM‐related protein, the concentration of which increases in insect hemolymph upon bacterial infection. We could demonstrate a concentration‐dependant binding of hemolin to LPS. In addition we could show that Lipid A can compete for this binding, whereas KDO has no effect, indicating that hemolin interacts specifically with the Lipid A moiety of LPS.
Prostaglandin E2 synthesis is differentially affected by reactive nitrogen intermediates in cultured rat microglia and RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Guastadisegni Cecilia , Minghetti Luisa , Nicolini Alessia , Polazzi Elisabetta , Ade Paola , Balduzzi Maria , Levi Giulio
Published: July 2002

We studied the effects of nitric oxide (NO) on prostanoid production, cyclooxygenase (COX‐2) expression and [3H]arachidonic acid (AA) release in RAW 264.7 macrophagic cells and rat microglial primary cultures. Inhibition of NO synthesis enhanced microglial prostanoid production without affecting that of RAW 264.7 cells. Both 3‐morpholinosydnonimine (SIN‐1), (which, by releasing NO and superoxide, leads to the formation of peroxynitrite), and S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), (which releases only NO), inhibited microglial prostanoid production, by preventing COX‐2 expression. In contrast, in RAW 264.7 cells, SIN‐1 enhanced both basal and LPS‐stimulated prostanoid production by upregulating COX‐2, while SNAP stimulated basal production and slightly inhibited the LPS‐induced production, as a cumulative result of enhanced AA release and depressed COX‐2 expression. Thus, reactive nitrogen intermediates can influence prostanoid production at distinct levels and in different way in the two cell types, and results obtained with RAW 264.7 cells can not be extrapolated to microglia.
Na+‐ATPase from the plasma membrane of the marine alga Tetraselmis (Platymonas) viridis forms a phosphorylated intermediate
Authors: Popova Larisa , Balnokin Yurii , Dietz Karl-Josef , Gimmler Hartmut
Published: July 2002

Plasma membranes isolated from the marine unicellular alga Tetraselmis (Platymonas) viridis were phosphorylated by [γ‐32P]ATP, and membrane proteins were then analyzed by PAGE in SDS, under acidic conditions. Three radioactive components with apparent molecular masses of 100 kDa, 76 kDa, and 26 kDa were detected. The phosphorylation of one of them, the 100 kDa polypeptide, was specifically stimulated by Na+. Vanadate almost completely inhibited the Na+‐mediated phosphorylation of the peptide. The phosphate bound to this peptide underwent rapid turnover and was discharged by hydroxylamine. The 100 kDa phosphopeptide was sensitive to ADP. The conclusion is drawn that the 100 kDa phosphopeptide is a phosphorylated intermediate of the Na+‐transporting ATPase in the T. viridis plasma membrane.
Phospholipase C‐γ, protein kinase C and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II are involved in platelet‐derived growth factor‐induced phosphorylation of Tiam1
Authors: Fleming Ian N. , Elliott Cassondra M. , Exton John H.
Published: July 2002

In Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts, the Rac1‐specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor Tiam1 is phosphorylated by several different agonists. We show here that PDGF induces threonine phosphorylation of Tiam1 in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Tiam1 phosphorylation was significantly reduced by the selective protein kinase C inhibitor Ro‐31‐8220 and by KN93, an inhibitor of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II. The Ca2+ chelator BAPTA/AM totally abrogated Tiam1 phosphorylation, indicating that Ca2+ is essential for this phosphorylation. Moreover, PDGF‐stimulated Tiam1 phosphorylation was markedly reduced by 72±10% in PLC‐γ1 deficient mouse fibroblasts, compared to wild‐type cells, indicating that phosphoinositide phospholipase C is involved.
Acein‐1, a novel angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme inhibitory peptide isolated from tryptic hydrolysate of human plasma
Authors: Nakagomi Kazuya , Fujimura Akiyoshi , Ebisu Hidetoshi , Sakai Tomomi , Sadakane Yutaka , Fujii Noriko , Tanimura Takenori
Published: July 2002

A novel angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide, designated acein‐1, was isolated from the tryptic hydrolysate of human plasma. Gel filtration and cation exchange chromatography were performed to purify this peptide, followed by reversed‐phase gradient and isocratic high‐performance liquid chromatography. Acein‐1 was found to be a heptapeptide, Tyr‐Leu‐Tyr‐Glu‐Ile‐Ala‐Arg, corresponding to f(138–144) of human serum albumin. The synthetic heptapeptide, hexapeptide (Tyr‐Leu‐Tyr‐Glu‐Ile‐Ala, des‐7R acein‐1) and octapeptide (Tyr‐Leu‐Tyr‐Glu‐Ile‐Ala‐Arg‐Arg, acein‐1R) showed dose‐dependent inhibitions of ACE, and their IC50 values were 16 μmol/l, 500 μmol/l and 86 μmol/l, respectively. Acein‐1 might be a non‐competitive inhibitor, while acein‐1R may be an uncompetitive inhibitor, as shown by Lineweaver‐Burk plots.
Successful transfer of ADA gene in vitro into human peripheral blood CD34+ cells by transfecting EBV‐based episomal vectors
Authors: Satoh Etsuko , Hirai Hideyo , Inaba Tohru , Shimazaki Chihiro , Nakagawa Masao , Imanishi Jiro , Mazda Osam
Published: July 2002

We report a novel non‐viral system for transfecting human immature hematopoietic cells in vitro. Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐based episomal vectors carrying human adenosine deaminase (ADA) gene cDNA were transfected by electroporation into human peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cells. The transgene‐specific mRNA were detected from 37 to 100% of CFU‐c (colony forming unit in culture) colonies derived from the transfected cells. A two‐fold increase in enzyme activity was also found. These results indicate the successful transfer and expression of genes in human immature hematopoietic cells using the EBV‐based episomal vector system.
A function for the vitamin E metabolite α‐tocopherol quinone as an essential enzyme cofactor for the mitochondrial fatty acid desaturases
Authors: Infante Juan P.
Published: July 2002

A critical analysis of the changes in fatty acid patterns and their metabolism elicited by vitamin E deficiency leads to the proposal that a major role of dietary RRR‐α‐tocopherol (α‐TOC) is as an enzymatic precursor of α‐tocopherolquinone (α‐TQ) whose semiquinone radical functions as an essential enzyme cofactor for the fatty acid desaturases of the recently elucidated carnitine‐dependent, channeled, mitochondrial desaturation‐elongation pathway; a detailed mechanism for its function is proposed. Pathophysiological states produced by vitamin E deficiency and α‐TOC transfer protein defects, such as ataxia, myopathy, retinopathy, and sterility are proposed to develop from the effects of impaired α‐TQ‐dependent desaturases and the resulting deficiency of their polyenoic fatty acid products.
Folding minimal sequences: the lower bound for sequence complexity of globular proteins
Authors: Romero Pedro , Obradovic Zoran , Dunker A.K.
Published: July 2002

Alphabet size and informational entropy, two formal measures of sequence complexity, are herein applied to two prior studies on the folding of minimal proteins. These measures show a designed four‐helix bundle to be unlike its natural counterparts but rather more like a coiled‐coil dimer. Segments from a simplified sarc homology 3 domain and more than 2 000 000 segments from globular proteins both have lower bounds for alphabet size of 10 and for entropy near 2.9. These values are therefore suggested to be necessary and sufficient for folding into globular proteins having both rigid side chain packing and biological function.
The implementation of reproductive health programs: experiences, achievements and challenges
Authors: Edouard L , Dodd N , Bernstein S
Published: July 2002

As a fundamental element of population strategies for international development, reproductive health has received much recognition since the International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo in 1994. Nevertheless, much remains to be done to improve the understanding of the concept of reproductive health, support reproductive rights, operationalize reproductive healthcare within basic health services and promote a more conducive social, cultural and economic environment, especially for women and girls, to enable the attainment of reproductive health. Collaboration between governments and non‐governmental organizations will be crucial and obstetrician‐gynecologists have a unique role, through service provision, review of regulatory frameworks, education and advocacy, for the promotion of reproductive health.
In search of human dignity: gender equity, reproductive health and healthy aging
Authors: Diczfalusy Egon
Published: July 2002

This paper analyzes thenine pillars of human dignity(sufficient food, potable water, shelter, sanitation, health services, healthy environment, education, employment and personal security), which humankind tries to establish by followingnine approaches to reality(scientific, cultural, religious, ethical, economical, ecological, socio‐critical, philosophical and political) in a world drastically changed by nine revolutions (demographic, scientific, technological, communication, global identity, environmental, contraceptive, reproductive health and gender equity).

The author's generation participate din these revolutions and contributed to the global intellectual process by which gender equity and reproductive health assumed a central role in world affairs. A rapidly aging world population constitutes another major challenge. Its likely impact on the very fundaments of our future social, economical, health and even political infrastructures is — as yet — incompletely comprehended by the international community.

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) has and will continue to have and indispensable role in assisting humankind to reach its ultimate goal : human dignity.
Radical‐scavenging antioxidants in pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia
Authors: Shaarawy M , Aref A , Emad Salem M , Sheiba M
Published: July 2002

Objective: Increased free‐radical activity may be implicated in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia and knowledge of the response of the antioxidant systems is limited in pre‐eclampsia and lacking in eclampsia. Accordingly, this study was initiated to assess total antioxidant status in pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia. Method: Thirty‐five patients with pre‐eclampsia (20 mild and 15 severe), 10 patients with eclampsia and 20 normotensive women (controls) with singleton gestations in the third trimester participated in this study. Their freshly drawn blood was assayed for total antioxidant status colorimetrically using incubation mixture of ABTS, a peroxidase (metmyoglobin) and H2O2. In addition, serum fibronectin was determined by radial immunodiffusion. Result: Serum total antioxidant status levels in mild and severe pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia were significantly lower than that of healthy pregnant women (controls). The mean percent decreases amounted to 22%, 40% and 59%, respectively, indicating the propensity of these patients to oxidative stress. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that radical‐scavenging antioxidants are consumed by the increased free‐radical activity in pre‐eclampsia. The mechanisms by which free radicals are involved in endothelial dysfunction and renal injury are explained as evidenced by significant negative correlation of fibronectin and positive correlation of creatinine clearance with total antioxidants.
Depression in women suffering perinatal loss
Authors: Carrera L , Dı́ez‐Domingo J , Montañana V , Monleón Sancho J , Minguez J , Monleón J
Published: July 2002

Objective: To analyze depression in women who have suffered perinatal loss in the present study.Methods: The level of depression was studied, by means of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), in two groups of women, mothers who suffered perinatal loss and received psychological intervention for 1 year and mothers with live‐birth babies. The BDI was recorded immediately after delivery and at 6 and 12 months postpartum. A third group of women with perinatal loss who received no intervention were studied only 12 months postpartum.Results: At the time of delivery, women who suffered perinatal loss showed higher levels of depression, as measured by higher scores on the BDI than women experiencing a live‐birth. At 6 months postpartum the intervention group showed improvement (lower BDI scores), but as a group they endorsed more depressive symptoms than the live‐birth group. At 12 months the perinatal loss group who received the 1‐year intervention was less depressed than the group who did not, and scored very similar to the live‐birth group.Conclusion: Women who experience perinatal loss endorse more depressive symptoms than mothers of live‐births, and these depressive symptoms can be ameliorated by a psychological intervention.
The management of high‐risk gestational trophoblastic tumours (GTT)
Authors: Newlands E.S. , Bower M. , Holden L. , Short D. , Brock C. , Rustin G.J.S. , Begent R.H.J. , Bagshawe K.D.
Published: July 2002

Between 1979 and 1995 we have treated 272 consecutive women with high‐risk (GTT including 121 previously treated patients who were treated with the weekly EMA/CO (etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D alternating with cyclophosphamide and vincristine). The median follow‐up is 4.5 years (range 1–16 years). The cumulative 5 year survival is 86.2% (95% confidence interval 81.9–90.5%). No deaths from GTT occurred later than 2 years after starting EMA/CO. In a multivariate analysis, adverse prognostic factors were the presence of liver metastases (p < 0.0001), interval from antecedent pregnancy > 24 months (p < 0.0001), brain metastases (p = 0.0008) and term delivery of antecedent pregnancy (p = 0.045). There were 11 (4%) early deaths while 213 (78%) achieved complete remission. 47 (17%) developed drug resistance to EMA/CO of whom 33 (70%) were salvaged by further cisplatinum based chemotherapy and sugery. 2 women developed acute myeloid leukaemia after treatment with EMA/CO. 56% of women who have been in remission for at least 2 years and had fertility conserving surgery have achieved pregnancy since completing EMA/CO and there have been 112 live births including 3 babies with congenital abnormalities.

EMA/CO is an effective, easy to administer and well tolerated regimen for treating patient with high‐risk GTT. More than half of these women will retain their fertility.

However, there is a small but significant increase in second malignancies.
The effect of information technology on learning in professional service organizations
Authors: Boone Tonya , Ganeshan Ram
Published: July 2002

This study examines the relationship between organizational experience and productivity in a professional service organization. The research addresses a gap in the existing literature with respect to organizational experience models in service organizations. Our findings confirm a significant, positive relationship between organizational experience and productivity. In addition, we investigate the effect of information technology on the relationship between organizational experience and productivity. The findings indicate that information technology which becomes a part of the production process is associated with productivity improvements, while information technology which merely documents or collects information is not.
LacZ andOMP are co‐expressed during ontogeny and regeneration in olfactory receptor neurons of omp promoter‐lacZ transgenic mice
Authors: Walters Eric , Grillo Mary , Oestreicher A. Beate , Margolis Frank L.
Published: July 2002

The ontogeny and cellular specificity of expression of β‐galactosidase activity and olfactory marker protein (OMP) are compared in olfactory tissue of the H‐OMP‐lacZ‐3 line of transgenic mice. In this line the expression oflacZ is driven by a 0.3 kb fragment of the rat OMP promoter. During fetal development,lacZ expression is detectable in olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) shortly after the initial appearance of endogenous OMP. The β‐galactosidase marker was observed only in mature olfactory receptor neurons where it co‐localized with endogenous OMP. It was absent from immature neurons that express the growth associated phosphoprotein B50/GAP43. Lesion of the peripheral olfactory pathway by intranasal irrigation with Triton X‐100 eliminated expression of both OMP andIacZ in the olfactory neuroepithelium. Subsequent regeneration of the full complement of olfactory receptor neurons was associated with co‐expression of both OMP and β‐galactosidase activity. Neither OMP nor β‐galactosidase activity was induced in any other cell type of the regenerating olfactory mucosa. Thus, as little as 0.3 kb of the OMP promoter has the ability to targetlacZ expression to olfactory receptor neurons in a temporally and spatially defined manner. We discuss the potential utility of this transgenic line for future studies of the olfactory system.
Digital scoring of EpCAM and slug expression as prognostic markers in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Schinke Henrik , Heider Theresa , Herkommer Timm , Simon Florian , Blancke Soares Alexandra , Kranz Gisela , Samaga Daniel , Dajka Laura , Feuchtinger Annette , Walch Axel , Valeanu Laura , Walz Christoph , Kirchner Thomas , Canis Martin , Baumeister Philipp , Belka Claus , Maihöfer Cornelius , Marschner Sebastian , Pflugradt Ulrike , Ganswindt Ute , Hess Julia , Zitzelsberger Horst , Gires Olivier
Published: December 2020

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) have poor clinical outcome owing to therapy resistance and frequent recurrences that are among others attributable to tumor cells in partial epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (pEMT). We compared side‐by‐side software‐based and visual quantification of immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of epithelial marker EpCAM and EMT regulator Slug in n = 102 primary HNSCC to assess optimal analysis protocols. IHC scores incorporated expression levels and percentages of positive cells. Digital and visual evaluation of membrane‐associated EpCAM yielded correlating scorings, whereas visual evaluation of nuclear Slug resulted in significantly higher overall scores. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis defined the median EpCAM expression levels resulting from visual quantification as an independent prognostic factor of overall survival. Slug expression levels resulting from digital quantification were an independent prognostic factor of recurrence‐free survival, locoregional recurrence‐free survival, and disease‐specific survival. Hence, we propose to use visual assessment for the membrane‐associated EpCAM protein, whereas nuclear protein Slug assessment was more accurate following digital measurement.
Prostate SBRT using O‐Ring Halcyon Linac — Plan quality, delivery efficiency, and accuracy
Authors: Pokhrel Damodar , Tackett Tanner , Stephen Joseph , Visak Justin , Amin‐Zimmerman Falguni , McGregor Andrew , Strup Stephen E. , St Clair William
Published: December 2020

Cone beam CT‐guided prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment on the recently installed novel O‐ring coplanar geometry Halcyon Linac with a single energy 6MV‐flattening filter free (FFF) beam and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a fast, safe, and feasible treatment modality for early stage low‐ and intermediate‐risk prostate cancer patients. Following the RTOG‐0938 compliance criteria and utilizing two‐full arc geometry, VMAT prostate SBRT plans were generated for ten consecutive patients using advanced Acuros‐based algorithm for heterogeneity corrections with Halcyon couch insert. Halcyon VMAT plans with the stacked and staggered multileaf collimators (MLC) produced highly conformal SBRT dose distributions to the prostate, lower intermediate dose spillage and similar dose to adjacent organs‐at‐risks (OARs) compared to SBRT‐dedicated Truebeam VMAT plans. Due to lower monitor units per fraction and less MLC modulation through the target, the Halcyon VMAT plan can deliver prostate SBRT fractions in and overall treatment time of less than 10 minutes (for 36.25 Gy in five fractions), significantly improving patient compliance and clinic workflow. Pretreatment quality assurance results were similar to Truebeam VMAT plans. We have implemented Halcyon Linac for prostate SBRT treatment in our institution. We recommend that others use Halcyon for prostate SBRT treatments to expand the access of curative hypofractionated treatments to other clinics only equipped with a Halcyon Linac. Clinical follow‐up results for patients who underwent prostate SBRT treatment on our Halcyon Linac is underway.
Graded Index Chalcogenide Fibers with Nanostructured Core
Authors: Meneghetti Marcello , Forestier Xavier , Petersen Christian R. , Kasztelanic Rafal , Klimczak Mariusz , Bang Ole , Buczyński Ryszard , Troles Johann
Published: December 2020

Fabrication of graded index (GRIN) fibers is for a long time limited to ion‐exchange, modified chemical vapour deposition (MCVD) or other deposition techniques. Recently, the nanostructuring of an all‐solid core in fibers has proven to be a versatile and low cost alternative for the production of gradient index optical fibers. Herein, high purity chalcogenide glasses in the Ge‐As‐Se glass system, synthesized in‐house, are used for stacking and drawing chalcogenide nanostructured GRIN fibers designed using the Maxwell‐Garnett effective medium theory, simulated annealing and genetic algorithms. The successful generation of a supercontinuum spanning the mid‐infrared from 3 to 6 μm, pumping at a central wavelength of 4 μm using an Optical Parametric Oscillator with femtoseconds pulses, is also reported.
Association between parity and tooth loss among northern Nigerian Hausa women
Authors: Oziegbe Elizabeth O. , Schepartz Lynne A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Female reproduction is associated with physiological, metabolic, and nutritional demands that can negatively affect health and are possibly cumulative when parity is high. While it is probable that maternal oral health is similarly affected, available evidence is based on fairly low parity populations and likely confounders affecting oral health status were not considered.

Aim

To determine the relationship between parity and tooth loss in a population with many high parity women. Contributions of age, reproductive and socioeconomic parameters, and oral health practices were considered.

Materials and methods

This was a cross‐sectional study involving 612 Hausa women of all parity levels aged 13–65 years. Women with ≥5 children were considered high parity. Sociodemographic status and oral health practices were collected using a structured interviewer‐administered questionnaire. All teeth present, (excluding third molars) and missing teeth were noted, with inquiries regarding tooth loss etiology. Associations with tooth loss were evaluated through correlations, ANOVA, post hoc analyses and Student's t tests. Effect sizes were used to interpret the magnitude of differences. Multiple regression (negative binomial model) was used to investigate predictors of tooth loss.

Results

Hausa women had a low prevalence of tooth loss, despite poor oral hygiene, and limited dental care. Older, middle SES, and higher parity women experienced significantly more tooth loss. Additionally, increased duration of reproductively active years was significantly related to fewer remaining teeth.

Conclusion

Higher parity was related to greater tooth loss in Hausa women. Women with ≥5 children experienced more loss than lower parity age mates.
Prophylactic antibiotics after endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled noninferiority clinical trial
Authors: Lehmann Ashton E. , Raquib Aaishah R. , Siddiqi Shan H. , Meier Josh , Durand Marlene L. , Gray Stacey T. , Holbrook Eric H.
Published: December 2020

Background

Surgeons commonly prescribe prophylactic antibiotics after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), yet minimal data exist to support this practice. In this study we aimed to assess the impact of post‐ESS antibiotics on infection, quality of life (QOL), and endoscopic scores.

Methods

This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, noninferiority trial comparing amoxicillin‐clavulanate vs placebo after ESS (NCT01919411, ClinicalTrials.gov). Adults (N = 77) with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) refractory to appropriate medical therapy who underwent ESS were randomized to antibiotics (N = 37) or placebo (N = 40) and followed clinically (mean ± standard deviation: 1.3 ± 0.3 and 8.8 ± 3.9 weeks postoperatively). At baseline and follow‐up, QOL was measured with 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test questionnaires and Lund‐Kennedy endoscopic scores were evaluated. Outcomes were analyzed with repeated‐measures analysis of variance and analysis of covariance and z tests for proportions.

Results

Placebo was noninferior to antibiotic prophylaxis with regard to postoperative SNOT‐22 scores (β = 0.18, 2‐tailed p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the antibiotic and placebo groups in LK score trajectories over time (p = 0.63) or in postoperative infection rates (2.6% vs 2.4%, respectively; p = 0.96). The rate of diarrhea was significantly higher in the antibiotic group (24.3% vs 2.5%; relative risk = 10.8; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Although statistically underpowered, the results suggest placebo was noninferior to prophylactic antibiotics after ESS for CRS regarding postoperative sinonasal‐specific QOL. There were no significant differences in postoperative endoscopic scores or rates of infection, but the rate of diarrhea was significantly higher in the antibiotic group. These findings add to the growing evidence that routine use of prophylactic postoperative antibiotics does not improve outcomes post‐ESS and significantly increases the rate of diarrhea.
Comparison of Haptic and Biometric Properties, Bacterial Load, and Student Perception of Fixative Solutions: Formaldehyde Versus Chilean Conservative Fixative Solution with and without Formaldehyde in Pig Kidneys
Authors: Skopnik‐Chicago Marianne , Poblete‐Cordero Katherine , Zamora Natali , Bastías Roberto , Lizana Pablo A.
Published: December 2020

One of the most widely used solutions to fix and preserve organic tissues is formaldehyde, despite reservations regarding its toxicity and the fact that formaldehyde‐embalmed bodies lose their original characteristics. Anatomy laboratories have been replacing formaldehyde with solutions that retain the characteristics of fresh tissue. For this purpose, alternative solutions with a very low concentration of formaldehyde or without any formaldehyde have been analyzed. The objective of this study was to compare biometry, coloration, haptic properties, and bacterial load on animal specimens (pig kidneys) embalmed with formaldehyde, and with Chilean Conservative Fixative Solution with and without formaldehyde (formaldehyde chCFS and formaldehyde‐free chCFS). Also, the perception of health and biological science students toward specimens treated with different solutions was assessed. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in specimens’ retraction, or bacterial load. Students showed a preference for organs embalmed in formaldehyde chCFS and formaldehyde‐free chCFS; indicating that with these treatments they could better visualize structures and that the prosections had greater flexibility and the colors were more similar to those of fresh tissue. Additionally, students recommended the material embalmed in formaldehyde chCFS and formaldehyde‐free chCFS for anatomy learning. In contrast, students indicated that formaldehyde‐fixation negatively affected their practical experience. In conclusion, embalming with formaldehyde chCFS or formaldehyde‐free chCFS provides an advantageous practical experience over the use of formaldehyde and may be an alternative to replace the use of formaldehyde in anatomy laboratories.
Metabolic response as assessed by18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography does not predict outcome in patients with intermediate‐ or high‐risk rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee
Authors: Harrison Douglas J. , Chi Yueh‐Yun , Tian Jing , Hingorani Pooja , Mascarenhas Leo , McCowage Geoffrey B. , Weigel Brenda J. , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Wolden Suzanne L. , Yock Torunn I. , Rodeberg David A. , Hayes‐Jordan Andrea A. , Teot Lisa A. , Spunt Sheri L. , Meyer William H. , Hawkins Douglas S. , Shulkin Barry L. , Parisi Marguerite T.
Published: December 2020

Background

Strategies to optimize management in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) include risk stratification to assign therapy aiming to minimize treatment morbidity yet improve outcomes. This analysis evaluated the relationship between complete metabolic response (CMR) as assessed by18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (FDG‐PET) imaging and event‐free survival (EFS) in intermediate‐risk (IR) and high‐risk (HR) RMS patients.

Methods

FDG‐PET imaging characteristics, including assessment of CMR and maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax) of the primary tumor, were evaluated by central review. Institutional reports of SUVmax were used when SUVmax values could not be determined by central review. One hundred and thirty IR and 105 HR patients had FDG‐PET scans submitted for central review or had SUVmax data available from institutional report at any time point. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between these parameters and EFS.

Results

SUVmax at study entry did not correlate with EFS for IR (p = 0.32) or HR (p = 0.86) patients. Compared to patients who did not achieve a CMR, EFS was not superior for IR patients who achieved a CMR at weeks 4 (p = 0.66) or 15 (p = 0.46), nor for HR patients who achieved CMR at week 6 (p = 0.75) or 19 (p = 0.28). Change in SUVmax at week 4 (p = 0.21) or 15 (p = 0.91) for IR patients or at week 6 (p = 0.75) or 19 (p = 0.61) for HR patients did not correlate with EFS.

Conclusion

Based on these data, FDG‐PET does not appear to predict EFS in IR or HR‐RMS. It remains to be determined whether FDG‐PET has a role in predicting survival outcomes in other RMS subpopulations.
Cryptococcemia in a patient with COVID‐19: A case report
Authors: Khatib Mohamad Y. , Ahmed Amna A. , Shaat Said B. , Mohamed Ahmed S. , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: December 2020

The authors urge clinicians to balance the use of Immunosuppressant drugs and tocilizumab for COVID‐19 patients to avoid the development of infections like Cryptococcemia, leading to death within 30 days.
Cryptotanshinone ameliorates cardiac injury and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats with coronary microembolization
Authors: Zhang Yongpeng , Luo Fei , Zhang Haixia , He Wei , Liu Ting , Wu Yue , Zhang Lei , Shi Gang
Published: December 2020

Coronary microembolization (CME) is a prevalent cardiovascular disease, especially nowadays when percutaneous coronary intervention is widely applied. However, neither cardio‐protective agents nor devices for distal protection could effectively prevent the occurrence of CME. Therefore, we aimed to develop a new drug for CME. Rats were orally administrated with different doses of Cryptotanshinone (CTS, 5, 15, 45 mg/kg) daily for 2 weeks, respectively, following CME surgery. Then cardiac function and cardiac injury were evaluated in CME rats as well as measuring oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Compared to sham group, CME operation induced cardiac dysfunction, cardiac injury, the activation of platelet and endothelium, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress, all of which could be dose‐dependently restored by CTS pretreatment. Moreover, NF‐κB signaling pathway participated in the development of CME and also in the preventive process of CTS against CME. CTS might serve as a potential and promising candidate drug to prevent the occurrence of CME.
Introduction to a special issue on eating disorders in Asia
Authors: Kim Youl‐Ri , Nakai Yoshikatsu , Thomas Jennifer J.
Published: December 2020

Objective

It is our pleasure to introduce a special issue of the International Journal of Eating Disorders on eating disorders (EDs) in Asia.

Method

We received such a robust response to the special edition that we were able to fill two issues. Contributions focused on seven main themes: (1) prevalence, (2) time trends, (3) healthcare systems, (4) treatment, (5) risk factors, (6) assessment, and (7) orthorexia.

Results

New prevalence and time trend data from China, Iran, Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan suggest that EDs are increasingly common in Asia but are not always detected in healthcare settings. Only a minority of individuals with EDs in Singapore receive treatment, and psychosocial treatment and prevention interventions that are evidence‐based in the West may require cultural adaptation before they can be fully implemented in Japan, Singapore, China, and South Korea. Psychological risk factors for EDs are more similar than different in Iran, India, Japan, and China, but biological risk factors are understudied across the continent. Psychometrically sound assessment tools are available in many Asian languages.

Discussion

We hope this special issue provides a catalyst and blueprint for global collaboration to relieve the burden of suffering of EDs in Asia and beyond.
Disentangling effects of disturbance severity and frequency: Does bioindication really work?
Authors: Pielech Remigiusz , Czortek Patryk
Published: December 2020

Ecological disturbances are recognized as a crucial factor influencing the attributes of ecological communities. Depending on the specific adaptation or life cycle, plant species show different responses to disturbances of different magnitudes. Herben et al. (Journal of Vegetation Science, 27, 628–636) proposed six disturbance indicator values (DIVs) that describe the niches of Central‐European plant species along gradients of disturbance frequency and severity. Here, we ask if the DIVs can be used in community ecology for bioindication of disturbance regime?

We used a dataset of riparian forests sampled within mountain catchments (the Sudetes, SW Poland). As the regime of disturbance is driven by changes in floods from the spring toward the mouth, we calculated the position of every plot along longitudinal (upstream–downstream) gradient and used it as a proxy for the disturbance severity and frequency. We then calculated the community‐weighted means (CWMs) for each of the six indices for each plot and analyzed whether these indices reflected the position of the plots along the rivers. We expected an increase in the severity indices and a decrease in the frequency indices downstream along the rivers. Moreover, we analyzed relationships between disturbance indices and species optima along longitudinal gradient.

Surprisingly, means for all analyzed indices increased along the rivers. Severity indices showed the strongest association with the longitudinal gradient. The disturbance severity index for herbs was the only index that differed significantly among species with different responses along longitudinal gradient. On these results, we identified a strong correlation between the severity and frequency indices as the main problem.

We conclude that the DIVs have considerable applicative potential; however, the determination of ecological niches separately for disturbance severity and frequency is difficult because different components interact to shape the realized niche of each species. All analyzed indices encompass different attributes of the disturbance regime including both severity and frequency.
Is conservation based on best available science creating an ecological trap for an imperiled lagomorph?
Authors: Cheeseman Amanda E. , Cohen Jonathan B. , Ryan Sadie J. , Whipps Christopher M.
Published: December 2020

Habitat quality regulates fitness and population density, making it a key driver of population size. Hence, increasing habitat quality is often a primary goal of species conservation. Yet, assessments of fitness and density are difficult and costly to obtain. Therefore, species conservation often uses “best available science,” extending inferences across taxa, space, or time, and inferring habitat quality from studies of habitat selection. However, there are scenarios where habitat selection is not reflective of habitat quality, and this can lead to maladaptive management strategies. The New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) is an imperiled shrubland obligate lagomorph whose successful recovery hinges on creation of suitable habitat. Recovery of this species is also negatively impacted by the non‐native eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), which can competitively exclude New England cottontails from preferred habitat. Herein, we evaluate habitat quality for adult and juvenile New England and eastern cottontails using survival and density as indicators. Our findings did not support selection following an ideal free distribution by New England cottontails. Instead, selected resources, which are a target of habitat management, were associated with low survival and density and pointed to a complex trade‐off between density, survival, habitat, and the presence of eastern cottontails. Further, movement distance was inversely correlated with survival in both species, suggesting that habitat fragmentation limits the ability of cottontails to freely distribute based on habitat quality. While habitat did not directly regulate survival of juvenile cottontails, tick burden had a strong negative impact on juvenile cottontails in poor body condition. Given the complex interactions among New England cottontails, eastern cottontails, and habitat, directly assessing and accounting for factors that limit New England cottontail habitat quality in management plans is vital to their recovery. Our study demonstrates an example of management for possible ecological trap conditions via the application of incomplete knowledge.
A fact‐finding survey on self‐efficacy of foot care behaviour in patients with diabetes: Analysis using the Diabetes Study from the Center of Tokyo Women’s Medical University 2017 (DIACET 2017)
Authors: Ikura Kazuki , Kato Hayato , Azuma Haruna , Oda Yuri , Kato Yuka , Miura Junnosuke , Babazono Tetsuya
Published: December 2020

Aim

We aimed to determine the association between self‐efficacy of foot care behaviour and chronic complications in Japanese patients with diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study based on a questionnaire survey of 4571 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who had (a) given consent to participate in the Diabetes Study from the Center of Tokyo Women's Medical University: DIACET 2017, and (b) completed all the questions of the Japanese Version of Foot Care Confidence Scale (J‐FCCS), consisting of 12 statements.

Results

A greater proportion of respondents answered that they were not confident in determining the condition of corns and/or calluses and the condition of toenails. The J‐FCCS total scores of the patients with retinopathy (p <.001) and numbness or pain in the feet (p <.001) were significantly lower than those of the patients without these complications. In both the multiple regression analysis and logistic regression analysis, lower J‐FCCS was significantly associated with retinopathy and numbness or pain in the feet.

Conclusion

Foot care education that emphasizes a psychological approach in improving confidence associated with foot self‐care is important for patients with advanced complications of diabetes.
Is acute heart failure a distinctive disorder? An analysis from BIOSTAT‐CHF
Authors: Davison Beth A. , Senger Stefanie , Sama Iziah E. , Koch Gary G. , Mebazaa Alexandre , Dickstein Kenneth , Samani Nilesh J. , Metra Marco , Anker Stefan D. , Cleland John G. , Ng Leong L. , Mordi Ify R. , Zannad Faiez , Filippatos Gerasimos S. , Hillege Hans L. , Ponikowski Piotr , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Lang Chim C. , van der Meer Peter , Núñez Julio , Bayés‐Genís Antoni , Edwards Christopher , Voors Adriaan A. , Cotter Gad
Published: December 2020

Aims

This retrospective analysis sought to identify markers that might distinguish between acute heart failure (HF) and worsening HF in chronic outpatients.

Methods and results

The BIOSTAT‐CHF index cohort included 2516 patients with new or worsening HF symptoms: 1694 enrolled as inpatients (acute HF) and 822 as outpatients (worsening HF in chronic outpatients). A validation cohort included 935 inpatients and 803 outpatients. Multivariable models were developed in the index cohort using clinical characteristics, routine laboratory values, and proteomics data to examine which factors predict adverse outcomes in both conditions and to determine which factors differ between acute HF and worsening HF in chronic outpatients, validated in the validation cohort. Patients with acute HF had substantially higher morbidity and mortality (6‐month mortality was 12.3% for acute HF and 4.7% for worsening HF in chronic outpatients). Multivariable models predicting 180‐day mortality and 180‐day HF readmission differed substantially between acute HF and worsening HF in chronic outpatients. Carbohydrate antigen 125 was the strongest single biomarker to distinguish acute HF from worsening HF in chronic outpatients, but only yielded a C‐index of 0.71. A model including multiple biomarkers and clinical variables achieved a high degree of discrimination with a C‐index of 0.913 in the index cohort and 0.901 in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

This study identifies different characteristics and predictors of outcome in acute HF patients as compared to outpatients with chronic HF developing worsening HF. The markers identified may be useful in better diagnosing acute HF and may become targets for treatment development.
IL‐17A expressed on neutrophil extracellular traps promotes mesenchymal stem cell differentiation toward bone‐forming cells in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Papagoras Charalampos , Chrysanthopoulou Akrivi , Mitsios Alexandros , Ntinopoulou Maria , Tsironidou Victoria , Batsali Aristea K , Papadaki Helen A , Skendros Panagiotis , Ritis Konstantinos
Published: December 2020

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease characterized by excessive bone formation. We investigated the presence of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in AS and how they are involved in the osteogenic capacity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A). Peripheral neutrophils and sera were obtained from patients with active AS and healthy controls. NET formation and neutrophil/NET‐associated proteins were studied using immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, qPCR, and ELISA. In vitro co‐culture systems of AS NET structures and MSCs isolated from controls were deployed to examine the role of NETs in the differentiation of MSCs toward osteogenic cells. Analysis was performed using specific staining and qPCR. Neutrophils from patients with AS were characterized by enhanced formation of NETs carrying bioactive IL‐17A and IL‐1β. IL‐17A‐enriched AS NETs mediated the differentiation of MSCs toward bone‐forming cells. The neutrophil expression of IL‐17A was positively regulated by IL‐1β. Blocking IL‐1β signaling on neutrophils with anakinra or dismantling NETs using DNase‐I disrupted osteogenesis driven by IL‐17A‐bearing NETs. These findings propose a novel role of neutrophils in AS‐related inflammation, linking IL‐17A‐decorated NETs with the differentiation of MSCs toward bone‐forming cells. Moreover, IL‐1β triggers the expression of IL‐17A on NETs offering an additional therapeutic target in AS.