bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homeobox family Hoxc localization during murine palate formation
Authors: Hirata Azumi , Katayama Kentaro , Tsuji Takehito , Imura Hideto , Natsume Nagato , Sugahara Toshio , Kunieda Tetsuo , Nakamura Hiroaki , Otsuki Yoshinori
Published: December 2015

Homeobox genes play important roles in craniofacial morphogenesis. However, the characteristics of the transcription factor Hoxc during palate formation remain unclear. We examined the immunolocalization patterns of Hoxc5, Hoxc4, and Hoxc6 in palatogenesis of cleft palate (Eh/Eh) mice. On the other hand, mutations in the FGF/FGFR pathway are exclusively associated with syndromic forms of cleft palate. We also examined the immunolocalization of Fgfr1 and Erk1/2 to clarify their relationships with Hoxc in palatogenesis. Some palatal epithelial cells showed Hoxc5 labeling, while almost no labeling of mesenchymal cells was observed in +/+ mice. As palate formation progressed in +/+ mice, Hoxc5, Hoxc4, and Hoxc6 were observed in medial epithelial seam cells. Hoxc5 and Hoxc6 were detected in the oral epithelium. The palatal mesenchyme also showed intense staining for Fgfr1 and Erk1/2 with progression of palate formation. In contrast, the palatal shelves of Eh/Eh mice exhibited impaired horizontal growth and failed to fuse, resulting in a cleft. Hoxc5 was observed in a few epithelial cells and diffusely in the mesenchyme of Eh/Eh palatal shelves. No or little labeling of Fgfr1 and Erk1/2 was detected in the cleft palate of Eh/Eh mice. These findings suggest that Hoxc genes are involved in palatogenesis. Furthermore, there may be the differences in the localization pattern between Hoxc5, Hoxc4, and Hoxc6. Additionally, Hoxc distribution in palatal cells during palate development may be correlated with FGF signaling. (228/250 words) © 2016 Japanese Teratology Society
Do patient characteristics influence efficacy and renal outcomes in liver transplant patients receiving everolimus?
Authors: De Simone Paolo , Saliba Faouzi , Dong Gaohong , Escrig Cesar , Fischer Lutz
Published: December 2015

Data from the 24‐month randomized, multicenter, open‐label H2304 study in 719 de novo liver transplant recipients were analyzed to evaluate the influence of variables potentially affecting immunological or renal response: recipient age, gender, end‐stage disease, hepatitis C virus (HCV) status, and Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at randomization (day 30). Treated BPAR was similar between everolimus with reduced tacrolimus (EVR + Reduced TAC) vs. conventional tacrolimus‐based therapy (TAC Control) in all subpopulations, with a trend to lower risk under everolimus with reduced tacrolimus (EVR + Reduced TAC) in patients <60 yrs and HCV‐negative recipients. Risk of graft loss or death was similar in both treatment groups for all subpopulations. The change in eGFR to month 24 showed a benefit for EVR + Reduced TAC vs. TAC Control in all subpopulations other than those with the lowest baseline eGFR (30 to <55 mL/min/1.73m2), with a significant difference in favor of EVR + Reduced TAC for younger recipients (<60 yr), female patients, HCV‐negative patients and those with baseline eGFR of 55 to <70 mL/min/1.73 m2. Everolimus with reduced tacrolimus maintains efficacy to at least two yr after liver transplantation even in patients with risk factors for rejection, with particular renal benefits in specific patient subpopulations.
High educational attainment moderates the association between dental health‐care supply and utilization in Europe
Authors: Schulz Maike , Kunst Anton E. , Brockmann Hilke
Published: December 2015

In line with the theory of supplier‐induced demand, an increased physician density often goes along with a higher utilization of medical services, including dental services. This study aimed to assess whether dentist density and self‐employment are related to dental care use, and whether these relationships are moderated by patients' educational attainment. We used data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) from over 20,000 respondents, 50 + yr of age, in 13 countries. We conducted multilevel logistic regressions with probability and type of dental treatment on individual education, country‐specific dentist density, and dentist remuneration, and their cross‐level interaction. Patients with a high educational level were more likely to report a dentist visit (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.912–2.305) and to receive preventive care (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.697–2.043) than those with a low educational level (reference category). Cross‐level interaction effects indicated that high dentist density decreases dental care utilization differences between patients with high (OR = 0.996, 95% CI: 0.993–0.999), medium (OR = 0.995, 95% CI: 0.991–0.999), and low education levels. This was also true for prevention use (OR = 0.996, 95% CI: 0.992–0.999 for patients with a high education level, and OR = 0.996, 95% CI: 0.993–1.000 for patients with a medium education level). The findings suggest that although dentist density is positively associated with dental care utilization, patients have differing susceptibilities to dental care supply.
Impacts of parasites on marine survival of Atlantic salmon: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Vollset Knut Wiik , Krontveit Randi Ingebjørg , Jansen Peder A , Finstad Bengt , Barlaup Bjørn Torgeir , Skilbrei Ove Tommy , Krkošek Martin , Romunstad Pål , Aunsmo Arnfinn , Jensen Arne J , Dohoo Ian
Published: December 2015

Parasites can, in theory, have large impacts on the survival of fish populations. One method to evaluate such impacts on anadromous species is to apply manipulative field experiments in which parallel groups of antiparasitically treated and non‐treated fish are simultaneously released and then subsequently recaptured as returning adults. A systematic review and meta‐analysis on all such Norwegian studies on Salmo salar provided a data set for the time period 1996 to 2011 on 118 release groups comprising 657 624 fish released and 3989 recaptured. The overall risk ratio (RR) was estimated to be 1.18 (95% CI: 1.07–1.30). The effect varied strongly between groups, (Higgins I2 = 40.1%). Over 70% of this heterogeneity could be explained by the release location, time period and baseline survival. The most important predictor variable was baseline survival. In groups with low recapture in the control group (low baseline survival), the effect of treatment was high (RR = 1.7), while in groups with high recapture in the control group (high baseline survival), there was no effect of treatment (RR ~ 1.00). The most prevalent parasite in the region affected by the drugs administered was Lepeophtheirus salmonis. Hence, the meta‐analysis supports the hypothesis that L. salmonis contributes to the mortality of S. salar during outward migration. However, the effect of treatment was not consistent, but was evidently strongly modulated by other risk factors. The results suggest that the population‐level effects of parasites cannot be estimated independently of other factors affecting the marine survival of S. salar.
The impact of endodontic access on the biaxial flexure strength of dentine‐bonded crown substrates – an in vitro study
Authors: Kelly R. D. , Palin W. M. , Tomson P. L. , Addison O.
Published: December 2015

Aim

To investigate how preparation of a simulated access cavity into ceramic materials suitable for the manufacture of dentine‐bonded crowns (DBCs) impacted on biaxial flexural strength (BFS) determined as a monolithic structure and in a more clinically representative resin‐cemented form.

Methodology

One hundred and twenty feldspathic and 120 leucite‐reinforced ceramic disc‐shaped specimens were divided into eight groups (n = 30). All groups received ‘fit’ surface treatments representative of pre‐cementation modifications and of cementation prior to preparation of a representative endodontic access cavity through the sample. BFS was determined for both ‘intact’ and the ‘annular’ disc‐shaped specimens which had received simulated endodontic access. Newly reported analytical solutions were used to calculate BFS of the ‘annular’ specimens. Statistical analysis included two‐way anovas (α = 0.05) and Weibull analysis. Fractographic examination provided insight into the fracture mechanisms.

Results

A two‐way anova identified a significant impact of material (P < 0.01) and of resin coating (P < 0.01) on the mean BFS of intact specimens. For the annular ceramic specimens, the substrate material significantly impacted on mean BFS (P < 0.01), but the effect of resin coating was dependent on the substrate type (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Endodontic access cavity preparation modified the critical defect population of the all‐ceramic restorative materials investigated. The strength of a predominantly glassy ceramic following endodontic access can be maintained if adhesive cementation was used; however, the beneficial effects of adhesive cementation on ceramic reinforcement were lost on leucite‐reinforced ceramics following access cavity preparation. Replacement restoration for these materials would be recommended clinically following endodontic access as opposed to repair of the access cavity using a direct restorative material.
Illuminating vitamin D effects on B cells – the multiple sclerosis perspective
Authors: Rolf Linda , Muris Anne‐Hilde , Hupperts Raymond , Damoiseaux Jan
Published: December 2015

Vitamin D is associated with many immune‐mediated disorders. In multiple sclerosis (MS) a poor vitamin D status is a major environmental factor associated with disease incidence and severity. The inflammation in MS is primarily T‐cell‐mediated, but increasing evidence points to an important role for B cells. This has paved the way for investigating vitamin D effects on B cells. In this review we elaborate on vitamin D interactions with antibody production, T‐cell‐stimulating capacity and regulatory B cells. Although in vitro plasma cell generation and expression of co‐stimulatory molecules are inhibited and the function of regulatory B cells is promoted, this is not supported by in vivo data. We speculate that differences might be explained by the B‐cell–Epstein–Barr virus interaction in MS, the exquisite role of germinal centres in B‐cell biology, and/or in vivo interactions with other hormones and vitamins that interfere with the vitamin D pathways. Further research is warranted to illuminate this tube‐versus‐body paradox.
Sublingual administration of atropine eyedrops in children with excessive drooling – a pilot study
Authors: Norderyd Johanna , Graf Jonas , Marcusson Agneta , Nilsson Karolina , Sjöstrand Eva , Steinwall Gunilla , Ärleskog Elinor , Bågesund Mats
Published: December 2015

Background

Drooling can be a severe disability and have high impact on daily life. Reversible treatment is preferable.

Aim

To analyse whether sublingual administration of atropine eyedrops is a useful reversible treatment option for severe drooling in children with disabilities.

Design

The study had a prospective, single‐system research design. The participants served as their own controls. The study period was 3 weeks without treatment, 4 weeks with atropine eyedrop solution 10 mg/mL one drop a day followed by 4 weeks of one drop twice a day. Parents’ rating of their child's drooling was assessed on a 100‐mm VAS, and unstimulated salivary secretion rate measurement was performed together with notations about side effects and practicality.

Results

Parents’ VAS assessment of drooling decreased from a median (range) of 74 (40–98) at baseline to 48 (18–88) (P = 0.05) and 32 (12–85) (P = 0.004) after 4 weeks of atropine once a day and another 4 weeks of atropine twice a day, respectively (n = 11). Unstimulated salivary secretion rates decreased from baseline to end of study (P = 0.032). Several parents complained about difficult administration. No irreversible side effects were noted.

Conclusions

Sublingual atropine eyedrops may be an alternative for treatment of severe drooling in children with disabilities.
The accumulation of reproductive isolation in early stages of divergence supports a role for sexual selection
Authors: Martin M. D. , Mendelson T. C.
Published: December 2015

Models of speciation by sexual selection propose that male–female coevolution leads to the rapid evolution of behavioural reproductive isolation. Here, we compare the strength of behavioural isolation to ecological isolation, gametic incompatibility and hybrid inviability in a group of dichromatic stream fishes. In addition, we examine whether any of these individual barriers, or a combined measure of total isolation, is predicted by body shape differences, male colour differences, environmental differences or genetic distance. Behavioural isolation reaches the highest values of any barrier and is significantly greater than ecological isolation. No individual reproductive barrier is associated with any of the predictor variables. However, marginally significant relationships between male colour and body shape differences with ecological and behavioural isolation are discussed. Differences in male colour and body shape predict total reproductive isolation between species; hierarchical partitioning of these two variables' effects suggests a stronger role for male colour differences. Together, these results suggest an important role for divergent sexual selection in darter speciation but raise new questions about the mechanisms of sexual selection at play and the role of male nuptial ornaments.
Spectral electroencephalogram in liver cirrhosis with minimal hepatic encephalopathy before and after lactulose therapy
Authors: Singh Jatinderpal , Sharma Barjesh Chander , Maharshi Sudhir , Puri Vinod , Srivastava Siddharth
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim:

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) represents the mildest form of hepatic encephalopathy. Spectral electroencephalogram (sEEG) analysis improves the recognition of MHE by decreasing inter‐operator variability and providing quantitative parameters of brain dysfunction. We compared sEEG in patients with cirrhosis with and without MHE and the effects of lactulose on sEEG in patients with MHE.

Methods:

One hundred patients with cirrhosis (50 with and 50 without MHE) were enrolled. Diagnosis of MHE was based on psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) of ≤ −5. Critical flicker frequency, model of end‐stage liver disease score, and sEEG were performed at baseline in all patients. The spectral variables considered were the mean dominant frequency (MDF) and relative power in beta, alpha, theta, and delta bands. Patients with MHE were given 3 months of lactulose, and all parameters were repeated.

Results:

Spectral electroencephalogram analysis showed lower MDF (7.8 ± 1.7 vs 8.7 ± 1.3 Hz, P < 0.05) and higher theta relative power (34.29 ± 4.8 vs 24 ± 6.7%, P = 001) while lower alpha relative power (28.6 ± 4.0 vs 33.5 ± 5.3%, P = .001) in patients with MHE than in patients without MHE. With theta relative power, sensitivity 96%, specificity 84%, and accuracy of 90% were obtained for diagnosis of MHE. After lactulose treatment, MHE improved in 21 patients, and significant changes were seen in MDF (7.8 ± 0.5 vs 8.5 ± 0.6), theta (34.2 ± 4.8 vs 23.3 ± 4.1%), alpha (28.6 ± 4.0 vs 35.5 ± 4.5%), and delta relative power (13.7 ± 3.5 vs 17.0 ± 3.3%) after treatment (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions:

Spectral EEG is a useful objective and quantitative tool for diagnosis and to assess the response to treatment in patients with cirrhosis with MHE.
Do International Roaming Alliances Harm Consumers?
Authors: Buehler Benno
Published: December 2015

This paper develops a model of international roaming in which mobile network operators (MNO's) compete both on the wholesale market to sell roaming services to foreign operators and on the retail market for subscribers. To allow their subscribers to place or receive calls abroad, they have to buy roaming services provided by foreign MNO's. In the absence of international alliances, competition between foreign operators would drive wholesale unit prices down to marginal costs. However, international alliances are endogenously formed since they serve as a commitment device to soften competition on the retail market, leading to excessively high roaming per‐call prices.
Great Expectations? Working‐ and Middle‐Class Cohabitors' Expected and Actual Divisions of Housework
Authors: Miller Amanda J. , Carlson Daniel L.
Published: December 2015

Young adults often express preferences for egalitarianism but often find themselves in conventional household arrangements. Using interview data from 122 working‐class and middle‐class cohabitors, the authors applied Komter's (1989) concepts of manifest, latent, and hidden power to examine the ways that contemporary young adults reinforce and modify gender norms surrounding the division of housework. Cohabiting women more often expect equal housework arrangements than men, regardless of class, yet middle‐class women achieve equal divisions more often because they are better able to exercise manifest power than their working‐class counterparts and because middle‐class men appear more willing to cede to their partners' demands. In contrast, working‐class women's desires to achieve equality are frequently rebuffed as they face greater resistance or defer to their partners' competing wishes. Although the exercise of manifest power is central to arranging housework, the hidden power of gender conventions pervades across class, leading many couples toward traditional arrangements.
Marital Monogamy as Ideal and Practice: The Detraditionalization Thesis in Contemporary Marriages
Authors: Green Adam Isaiah , Valleriani Jenna , Adam Barry
Published: December 2015

Within the sociological literature on intimate life, a detraditionalization thesis outlines a marked shift in the construction of marriage in post‐World War II Western societies, suggesting a growing focus on emotional and sexual satisfaction within the marital dyad (Cherlin, 2004; Giddens, 1992). In this article the authors investigated one aspect of marital relations in light of the detraditionalization thesis: marital monogamy. Drawing from 90 in‐depth interviews with both heterosexual and same‐sex married participants in Canada, they found that the detraditionalization thesis appears to capture best the extension of multicultural norms to abstract ideals about marital monogamy, rather than an actual shift in marital sexual practices, particularly among heterosexual respondents. These data call out for greater attention to both the social mediation of Giddens's detraditionalization thesis and a more nuanced concept of marital fidelity than a simple binary axis of “monogamous/nonmonogamous” permits.
Small vertical changes in jaw relation affect motor unit recruitment in the masseter
Authors: Terebesi S. , Giannakopoulos N. N. , Brüstle F. , Hellmann D. , Türp J. C. , Schindler H. J.
Published: December 2015

Strategies for recruitment of masseter muscle motor units (MUs), provoked by constant bite force, for different vertical jaw relations have not previously been investigated. The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of small changes in vertical jaw relation on MU recruitment behaviour in different regions of the masseter during feedback‐controlled submaximum biting tasks. Twenty healthy subjects (mean age: 24·6 ± 2·4 years) were involved in the investigation. Intra‐muscular electromyographic (EMG) activity of the right masseter was recorded in different regions of the muscle. MUs were identified by the use of decomposition software, and root‐mean‐square (RMS) values were calculated for each experimental condition. Six hundred and eleven decomposed MUs with significantly (P < 0·001) different jaw relation‐specific recruitment behaviour were organised into localised MU task groups. MUs with different task specificity in seven examined tasks were observed. The RMS EMG values obtained from the different recording sites were also significantly (P < 0·01) different between tasks. Overall MU recruitment was significantly (P < 0·05) greater in the deep masseter than in the superficial muscle. The number of recruited MUs and the RMS EMG values decreased significantly (P < 0·01) with increasing jaw separation. This investigation revealed differential MU recruitment behaviour in discrete subvolumes of the masseter in response to small changes in vertical jaw relations. These fine‐motor skills might be responsible for its excellent functional adaptability and might also explain the successful management of temporomandibular disorder patients by somatic intervention, in particular by the use of oral splints.
Oral appliance treatment in moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnoea patients non‐adherent to CPAP
Authors: Gjerde K. , Lehmann S. , Berge M. E. , Johansson A.‐K. , Johansson A.
Published: December 2015

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of individually adjusted custom‐made mandibular advancement device/oral appliance (OA) in treatment of patients with moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), who were non‐adherent to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. During 2007‐2013, 116 patients with moderate (n = 82) and severe (n = 34) OSA non‐adherent to CPAP treatment were referred for dental management with an individually adjusted OA at a specialist sleep clinic. Ten of the participants (8·6%) were lost to follow‐up, leaving the data set to consist of 106 patients (71 men/35 women, mean age 57 year, range 28‐90). Nocturnal respiratory polygraphic recordings were performed at baseline and follow‐up. Average time between baseline polygraphy and follow‐up was 12 months. A successful OA treatment outcome was based on polygraphy at the follow‐up and divided into three groups: 1 = AHI <5; 2 = 5 ≤ AHI <10 and >50% reduction in baseline AHI; and 3. >50% reduction in baseline AHI. If there was a ≤ 50% reduction in baseline AHI at the follow‐up, the treatment was considered as a failure. The overall treatment success rate was 75%. There was no significant difference in success rates between patients in the moderate and severe categories (69% and 77%, respectively). Low oxygen saturation (SpO2 nadir) had a high predictive value for OA treatment failure. OA treatment of patients non‐adherent to CPAP is efficient and especially promising for the severe OSA group who are at greatest risks for developing serious comorbidities, if left untreated.
Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics of the Electroencephalogram in Normal Horses during Administration of Inhaled Anesthesia
Authors: Williams D.C. , Brosnan R.J. , Fletcher D.J. , Aleman M. , Holliday T.A. , Tharp B. , Kass P.H. , LeCouteur R.A. , Steffey E.P.
Published: December 2015

Background

The effects of anesthesia on the equine electroencephalogram (EEG) after administration of various drugs for sedation, induction, and maintenance are known, but not that the effect of inhaled anesthetics alone forEEGrecording.

Objective

To determine the effects of isoflurane and halothane, administered as single agents at multiple levels, on theEEGand quantitativeEEG(qEEG) of normal horses.

Animals

Six healthy horses.

Methods

Prospective study. DigitalEEGwith video and quantitativeEEG(qEEG) were recorded after the administration of one of the 2 anesthetics, isoflurane or halothane, at 3 alveolar doses (1.2, 1.4 and 1.6MAC). Segments ofEEGduring controlled ventilation (CV), spontaneous ventilation (SV), and with peroneal nerve stimulation (ST) at eachMACmultiple for each anesthetic were selected, analyzed, and compared. Multiple non‐EEGmeasurements were also recorded.

Results

Specific rawEEGfindings were indicative of changes in the depth of anesthesia. However, there was considerable variability inEEGbetween horses at identicalMACmultiples/conditions and within individual horses over segments of a given epoch. Statistical significance forqEEGvariables differed between anesthetics with bispectral index (BIS)CV MACand 95% spectral edge frequency (SEF95)SV MACdifferences in isoflurane only and median frequency (MED) differences inSV MACwith halothane only.

Conclusions and Clinical importance

UnprocessedEEGfeatures (background and transients) appear to be beneficial for monitoring the depth of a particular anesthetic, but offer little advantage over the use of changes in mean arterial pressure for this purpose.
Behavior and activity budgets of wild breeding polar bears (Ursus maritimus)
Authors: Stirling Ian , Spencer Cheryl , Andriashek Dennis
Published: December 2015

We quantify the first complete description of breeding behavior and activity budgets of an undisturbed pair of adult polar bears, observed 24 h/d for 13 d from 2 to 15 May 1997, at Radstock Bay, Devon Island, Nunavut, Canada. The male herded the female to an area of 1–2 km2, where we observed them throughout the observation period. All behaviors were documented from when the adult female and her 2.5‐yr‐old cub were first observed being followed by an adult male, through separation of the cub from its mother, a week of intense interactions preceding several days with copulation, after which they parted. They mated for 51, 86, 66, and 150 min on 9–10, 12, 13, and 14 May, respectively, and parted on 14–15 May. The male deterred three challengers. The peak breeding season for polar bears runs from early April through mid‐May, although additional mating behavior has been documented in June. Timing of mating and duration of copulations in the wild were similar to reports from zoos. Induced ovulation, male intrasexual competition, female fitness, the mating system, and potential consequences of climate warming are discussed with insights made possible by documentation of the reproductive behavior of wild polar bears.
The wheat calcium‐dependent protein kinase TaCPK7‐D positively regulates host resistance to sharp eyespot disease
Authors: Wei Xuening , Shen Fangdi , Hong Yantao , Rong Wei , Du Lipu , Liu Xin , Xu Huijun , Ma Lingjian , Zhang Zengyan
Published: December 2015

Sharp eyespot, caused mainly by the necrotrophic fungus Rhizoctonia cerealis, limits wheat production worldwide. Here, TaCPK7‐D, encoding a subgroup III member of the calcium‐dependent protein kinase (CPK) family, was identified from the sharp eyespot‐resistant wheat line CI12633 through comparative transcriptomic analysis. Subsequently, the defence role of TaCPK7‐D against R. cerealis infection was studied by the generation and characterization of TaCPK7‐D‐silenced and TaCPK7‐D‐overexpressing wheat plants. Rhizoctonia cerealis inoculation induced a higher transcriptional level of TaCPK7‐D in the resistant wheat line CI12633 than in the susceptible cultivar Wenmai 6. The expression of TaCPK7‐D was significantly induced after exogenous application of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (an ethylene biosynthesis precursor). The green fluorescent protein signal distribution assays indicated that TaCPK7‐D localizes to the plasma membrane in both onion epidermal cells and wheat protoplasts. Following R. cerealis inoculation, TaCPK7‐D‐silenced wheat CI12633 plants displayed more severe sharp eyespot symptoms than control CI12633 plants. Four defence‐associated genes (β‐1,3‐glucanase, chitinase 1, defensin and TaPIE1) and an ethylene biosynthesis key gene, ACO2, were significantly suppressed in the TaCPK7‐D‐silenced wheat plants compared with control plants. Conversely, TaCPK7‐D‐overexpressing wheat lines showed increased resistance to sharp eyespot compared with untransformed recipient wheat Yangmai 16. Furthermore, the transcriptional levels of these four defence‐related genes and ACO2 gene were significantly elevated in TaCPK7‐D‐overexpressing plants compared with untransformed recipient wheat plants. These results suggest that TaCPK7‐D positively regulates the wheat resistance response to R. cerealis infection through the modulation of the expression of these defence‐associated genes, and that TaCPK7‐D is a candidate to improve sharp eyespot resistance in wheat.
How adaptable is the hydraulic system of European beech in the face of climate change‐related precipitation reduction?
Authors: Schuldt Bernhard , Knutzen Florian , Delzon Sylvain , Jansen Steven , Müller‐Haubold Hilmar , Burlett Régis , Clough Yann , Leuschner Christoph
Published: December 2015

Climate warming will increase the drought exposure of many forests world‐wide. It is not well understood how trees adapt their hydraulic architecture to a long‐term decrease in water availability.

We examined 23 traits characterizing the hydraulic architecture and growth rate of branches and the dependent foliage of mature European beech (Fagus sylvatica) trees along a precipitation gradient (855–594 mm yr−1) on uniform soil. A main goal was to identify traits that are associated with xylem efficiency, safety and growth.

Our data demonstrate for the first time a linear increase in embolism resistance with climatic aridity (by 10%) across populations within a species. Simultaneously, vessel diameter declined by 7% and pit membrane thickness (Tm) increased by 15%. Although specific conductivity did not change, leaf‐specific conductivity declined by 40% with decreasing precipitation. Of eight plant traits commonly associated with embolism resistance, only vessel density in combination with pathway redundancy and Tm were related.

We did not confirm the widely assumed trade‐off between xylem safety and efficiency but obtained evidence in support of a positive relationship between hydraulic efficiency and growth. We conclude that the branch hydraulic system of beech has a distinct adaptive potential to respond to a precipitation reduction as a result of the environmental control of embolism resistance.
Fat, sugar and water intakes among families from the IDEFICS intervention and control groups: first observations from I.Family
Authors: Arvidsson L. , Bogl L.‐H. , Eiben G. , Hebestreit A. , Nagy P. , Tornaritis M. , Moreno L. A. , Siani A. , Veidebaum T. , De Henauw S. , Lissner L. ,   on behalf of the IDEFICS and I.Family consortia
Published: December 2015

Background

The objective of this paper is to investigate differences in diets of families in intervention versus control communities 5 years after the Identification and Prevention of Dietary‐ and Lifestyle‐Induced Health Effects in Children and Infants intervention ended.

Methods

Altogether, 4,691 families from the I.Family study with at least one participating parent and one child are included in this analysis. Diet quality indicators, defined as propensities to consume fat, sugar, water and fruit and vegetables, are calculated from a 59‐item food frequency questionnaire. Multilevel linear models with random intercepts for study centre are used to determine whether mean diet indicators, calculated at the family level, differed as a function of previous exposure to the intervention.

Results

Families in the intervention communities reported a significantly lower sugar propensity (19.8% vs. 20.7% of total food items, p < 0.01) and a higher water propensity (47.3% vs. 46.0% of total beverages, p < 0.05) compared with families in the control communities, while fat and fruit and vegetables propensities were similar. No significant diet differences between intervention and control children were present at the Identification and Prevention of Dietary‐ and Lifestyle‐Induced Health Effects in Children and Infants baseline.

Discussion

This result indicates better diet quality in intervention families, which was not present in children when their diets were assessed before the intervention, and gives some cause for optimism regarding the sustainability of some aspects of the diet intervention.
Differential outcome of the IDEFICS intervention in overweight versus non‐overweight children: did we achieve ‘primary’ or ‘secondary’ prevention?
Authors: Lissner L. , De Bourdeaudhuij I. , Konstabel K. , Mårild S. , Mehlig K. , Molnár D. , Moreno L. A. , Pigeot I. , Siani A. , Tornaritis M. , Williams G. ,   on behalf of the IDEFICS consortium
Published: December 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to explore whether the IDEFICS intervention had a differential effect on 11,041 children's weight trajectories depending on their baseline body mass index status.

Methods

Two subgroups of children are considered in the present analysis: those who were overweight or obese prior to the intervention and those who were neither overweight nor obese.

Results

Among children in all eight countries who did not have prevalent overweight or obesity (OWOB) at baseline, 2 years later, there was no significant difference between intervention and control groups in risk of having developed OWOB. However, we observed a strong regional heterogeneity, which could be attributed to the presence of one distinctly outlying country, Belgium, where the intervention group had increased risk for becoming overweight. In contrast, among the sample of children with prevalent OWOB at baseline, we observed a significantly greater probability of normalized weight status after 2 years. In other words, a protective effect against persistent OWOB was observed in children in intervention regions compared with controls, which corresponded to an adjusted odds ratio of 0.76 (95% confidence interval: 0.58, 0.98).

Discussion

This analysis thus provided evidence of a differential effect of the IDEFICS intervention, in which children with overweight may have benefited without having been specifically targeted. However, no overall primary preventive effect could be observed in children without initial overweight or obesity.
Effect of the IDEFICS multilevel obesity prevention on children's sleep duration
Authors: Michels N. , De Henauw S. , Eiben G. , Hadjigeorgiou C. , Hense S. , Hunsberger M. , Konstabel K. , Molnár D. , Moreno L. A. , Siani A. , De Bourdeaudhuij I. , Pigeot I. ,   on behalf of the IDEFICS consortium
Published: December 2015

Background

According to recent findings, short sleep duration is associated with overweight in children. However, primary prevention efforts aimed at achieving adequate sleep among children are scarce. Therefore, the ‘Identification and prevention of Dietary‐induced and lifestyle‐induced health EFfects In Children and infantS’ (IDEFICS) study implemented a multilevel intervention that included sleep duration as a key behavioural target. The aim of this study is to evaluate sleep duration among children participating in the IDEFICS study.

Methods

The IDEFICS nocturnal sleep intervention was included as part of stress reduction educational messages aimed at parents and children. Sleep was assessed by a parental 24‐h recall (only weekdays; n = 8,543) and by a diary (weekdays and weekends separately; n = 4,150). Mixed linear models tested the intervention effect on sleep duration change between baseline when children were 2–9.9 years of age (2007/2008) and follow‐up (2009/2010). Logistic mix models were used to study the intervention effect on the presence of TV in the children's bedroom (one of the intervention messages; n = 8,668). Additionally, parents provided qualitative data regarding exposure to the intervention.

Results

About 51.1% of the parents in the intervention regions reported awareness of the sleep intervention. A small intervention effect was seen on weeknight sleep duration in that the decrease in sleep duration over 2 years was smaller in the intervention (15 min) as compared with control regions (19 min) (p = 0.044). There was no overall intervention effect on weekend sleep duration or on the presence of a TV in the bedroom. A small significant time effect between baseline and follow‐up was found on bedroom TV presence depending on self‐reported intervention exposure (3% increase in TV presence in exposed versus 6.6% increase in non‐exposed). Children without a TV in the bedroom had longer nocturnal sleep duration.

Discussion

The sleep component of the intervention did not lead to clinically relevant changes in sleep duration. Future interventions aimed at young children's sleep duration could benefit from more specific and intense messaging than that found in the IDEFICS intervention. Future research should use objective measures of sleep duration as well as intermediate outcomes (sleep knowledge, sleep environment and sleep practices).
Implementation of the IDEFICS intervention across European countries: perceptions of parents and relationship with BMI
Authors: De Bourdeaudhuij I. , Verbestel V. , De Henauw S. , Maes L. , Mårild S. , Moreno L. A. , Barba G. , Siani A. , Kovács E. , Konstabel K. , Tornaritis M. , Pigeot I. , Ahrens W.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

The primary aim of the present study was to obtain insight into parents' perception of the IDEFICS intervention at the school or preschool/kindergarten and community levels and whether they received specific materials related to the intervention. The secondary aim was to analyse whether parents who reported higher levels of exposure to the IDEFICS intervention had children with more favourable changes in body mass index (BMI) z‐scores between baseline and after 2 years of intervention.

Methods

Process evaluation of the IDEFICS intervention investigated the implementation of the 2‐year intervention in the intervention communities. Intervention group parents (n = 4,180) in seven countries (Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden) answered questions about their exposure to the IDEFICS study. To analyse the relationship between exposure and BMI z‐score, a composite score was calculated for exposure at the setting and at the community levels.

Results

The frequency of parental exposure to the IDEFICS messages not only through the community but also through the (pre)school/kindergarten was lower than what was intended and planned. The dose received by the parents was considerably higher through the (pre)school/kindergarten settings than that through the community in all countries. Efforts by the settings or communities related to fruit and vegetable consumption (range 69% to 97%), physical activity promotion (range 67% to 91%) and drinking water (range 49% to 93%) were more visible and also realized more parental involvement than those related to TV viewing, sleep duration and spending time with the family (below 50%). Results showed no relation of parental exposure at the setting or the community level on more favourable changes in children's BMI z‐scores for the total sample. Country‐specific analyses for parental exposure at the setting level showed an expected positive effect in German girls and an unexpected negative effect in Italian boys.

Conclusion

Parental exposure and involvement in the IDEFICS intervention in all countries was much less than aimed for, which might be due to the diverse focus (six key messages) and high intensity and duration of the intervention. It may also be that the human resources invested in the implementation and maintenance of intervention activities by the study centres, the caretakers and the community stakeholders were not sufficient. Higher levels of parental exposure were not related to more favourable changes in BMI z‐scores. © 2015 World Obesity
Parents' evaluation of the IDEFICS intervention: an analysis focussing on socio‐economic factors, child's weight status and intervention exposure
Authors: Nicholls S. G. , Pohlabeln H. , De Bourdeaudhuij I. , Chadjigeorgiou C. , Gwozdz W. , Hebestreit A. , Lauria F. , Lissner L. , Molnár D. , Santaliestra‐Pasías A. M. , Veidebaum T. , Williams G.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

From April 2008 to August 2010 the Identification and prevention of Dietary‐ and lifestyle‐induced health EFfects In Children and infantS (IDEFICS) intervention aimed to encourage healthier diets, higher physical activity levels and lower stress levels among European children and their families. While the intervention was intended to improve children's health, we also wished to assess whether there were unwelcome aspects or negative side‐effects. Therefore all parents of children who participated in the IDEFICS intervention were asked for their views on different aspects of the intervention.

Methods

A total of 10,016 parents of children who participated in the IDEFICS survey and who were involved in the intervention were invited to complete a questionnaire on positive and negative impacts of the intervention. Responses to each of the statements were coded on a four point Likert‐type scale. Demographic data were collected as part of the baseline (T0) and first follow‐up (T1) surveys; intervention exposure data was also collected in the T1 follow‐up survey. Anthropometric data was collected in the same surveys, and child's weight status was assessed according to Cole and Lobstein. After initial review of the univariate statistics multilevel logistic regression was conducted to analyse the influence of socio‐economic factors, child's weight status and intervention exposure on parental responses.

Results

In total 4,997 responses were received. Approval rates were high, and few parents reported negative effects. Parents who reported higher levels of exposure to the intervention were more likely to approve of it and were also no more likely to notice negative aspects. Less‐educated and lower income parents were more likely to report that the intervention would make a lasting positive difference, but also more likely to report that the intervention had had negative effects. Parents of overweight and obese children were more likely to report negative effects – above all, that ‘the intervention had made their child feel as if he/she was “fat” or “overweight.”’

Conclusion

While the results represent a broad endorsement of the IDEFICS intervention, they also suggest the importance of vigilance concerning the psychological effects of obesity interventions on overweight and obese children.
The IDEFICS intervention trial to prevent childhood obesity: design and study methods
Authors: Pigeot I. , Baranowski T. , De Henauw S. ,   and the IDEFICS Intervention Study Group,   on behalf of the IDEFICS consortium
Published: December 2015

Introduction

One of the major research dimensions of the Identification and prevention of Dietary‐ and lifestyle‐induced health EFfects In Children and infantS (IDEFICS) study involved the development, implementation and evaluation of a setting‐based community‐oriented intervention programme for primary prevention of childhood obesity. In this supplement of Obesity Reviews, a compilation of key results of the IDEFICS intervention is packaged in a series of complementary papers.

Objective

This paper describes the overall design and methods of the IDEFICS intervention in order to facilitate a comprehensive reading of the supplement. In addition, some ‘best practice’ examples are described.

Results

The IDEFICS intervention trial was conducted to assess whether the IDEFICS intervention prevented obesity in young children aged 2 to 9.9 years. The study was a non‐randomized, quasi‐experimental trial with one intervention matched to one control region in each of eight participating countries. The intervention was designed following the intervention mapping framework, using a socio‐ecological theoretical approach. The intervention was designed to address several key obesity‐related behaviours in children, parents, schools and community actors; the primary outcome was the prevalence of overweight/obesity according to the IOTF criteria based on body mass index. The aim was to achieve a reduction of overweight/obesity prevalence in the intervention regions. The intervention was delivered in school and community settings over a 2‐year period. Data were collected in the intervention and control cohort regions at baseline and 2 years later.

Conclusion

This paper offers an introductory framework for a comprehensive reading of this supplement on IDEFICS intervention key results.
Effects of a community‐oriented obesity prevention programme on indicators of body fatness in preschool and primary school children. Main results from the IDEFICS study
Authors: De Henauw S. , Huybrechts I. , De Bourdeaudhuij I. , Bammann K. , Barba G. , Lissner L. , Mårild S. , Molnár D. , Moreno L. A. , Pigeot I. , Tornaritis M. , Veidebaum T. , Verbestel V. , Ahrens W. ,   IDEFICS consortium
Published: December 2015

Background/Objectives

Childhood obesity is a major public health concern but evidence‐based approaches to tackle this epidemic sustainably are still lacking. The Identification and prevention of Dietary‐ and lifestyle‐induced health EFfects In Children and infantS (IDEFICS) study investigated the aetiology of childhood obesity and developed a primary prevention programme. Here, we report on the effects of the IDEFICS intervention on indicators of body fatness.

Subjects/Methods

The intervention modules addressed the community, school and parental level, focusing on diet, physical activity and stress‐related lifestyle factors. A cohort of 16,228 children aged 2–9.9 years – about 2000 per country – was equally divided over intervention and control regions. (Participating countries were Sweden, Germany, Estonia, Hungary, Cyprus, Italy, Spain and Belgium.) We compared the prevalence of overweight/obesity and mean values of body mass index z‐score, per cent body fat and waist‐to‐height ratio over 2 years of follow‐up. Mixed models adjusting for age and socioeconomic status of the parents and with an additional random effect for country accounted for the clustered study design.

Results

The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased in both the intervention and control group from 18.0% at baseline to 22.9% at follow‐up in the control group and from 19.0% to 23.6% in the intervention group. The difference in changes between control and intervention was not statistically significant.

For the cohort as a whole, the changes in indicators of body fatness did not show any clinically relevant differences between the intervention and control groups. Changes in favour of intervention treatment in some indicators were counterbalanced by changes in favour of the control group in some other indicators.

Conclusions

Over the 2‐year‐observation period, the IDEFICS primary prevention programme for childhood obesity has not been successful in reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity nor in improving indicators of body fatness in the target population as a whole.