bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic ignorance and global governance: an ecumenical approach to epistemologies of global power
Authors: Mallard Grégoire , McGoey Linsey
Published: October 2018

How can we account for the role of ignorance and knowledge in global governance? It is a contention of earlier scholarship in international relations and political sociology that knowledge production is tightly coupled with rational action – regardless of whether knowledge widely influences different stakeholders or not. This scholarship equally tends to assume an ignorance‐knowledge binary relationship that associates ignorance with powerlessness and knowledge with power. This is a view we dispute. Calling for a new approach to the study of ignorance and knowledge in international politics, our article builds on research from ignorance studies, science and technology studies and critical race theory to derive a novel typology of epistemologies of power in which truth and ignorance are defined and combined in a plurality of ways. Approaching differing epistemologies of power in the transnational realm in a general or ‘ecumenical’ manner, we identify weaknesses in earlier approaches to the study of knowledge production in global affairs, and present four new concepts: ‘factual determinism’, ‘cynical realism’, ‘unseeing proceduralism’ and ‘hopeful constructivism’. Through this framework, our article calls for greater recognition of the constitutive role that ignorance plays in operations of power on a global scale.
Climate Change, Crop Selection and Agricultural Revenue in Ghana: A Structural Ricardian Analysis
Authors: Etwire Prince M. , Fielding David , Kahui Viktoria
Published: October 2018

We apply a Structural Ricardian Model (SRM) to farm‐level data from Ghana for seven principal food crops in order to model the factors which influence farmers' decisions about which food crops to grow and the revenue conditional on these choices. Our application of the SRM incorporates a flexible functional form to allow for the possibility that the effects of temperature and rainfall may not be linearly separable. We use this model as a basis for simulations of the effects of climate change. These simulations suggest that extreme climate change will lead to a significant reduction in the average net revenue per hectare from maize, which accounts for over half of current food production. Across a range of climate change scenarios, there is also substantial substitution of maize for heat‐tolerant millet, and a reduction in the cultivation of other crops. Under most of the climate change scenarios that we consider, these results imply a substantial reduction in the aggregate value of agricultural production, since millet is the lowest‐value crop.
In‐vitro analysis of a novel ‘add‐on’ silicone cuff to improve sealing properties of tracheal tubes
Authors: Li Bassi G. , Chiurazzi C. , Aguilera E. , Travierso C. , Battaglini D. , Yang M. , Motos A. , Yang H. , Meli A. , Marti D. , Ranzani O. T. , Blasi F. , Pelosi P. , Chiumello D. , Torres A.
Published: October 2018

Leakage of colonised oropharyngeal secretions across the tracheal tube cuff may cause iatrogenic pulmonary infection. We studied a novel ‘add‐on’ cuff, which can be inserted over an existing tracheal tube and advanced into the subglottic region. The physical properties of the novel silicone cuff (BronchoGuard, Ciel Medical, USA) were evaluated in comparison with the Hi‐Lo® tracheal tube. In a bench study, we identified saline inflation volumes required to transmit pressures between 15 and 30 cmH2O against artificial tracheas of 18, 20 and 22 mm internal diameter. We computed cuff compliance, and minimal inflation volume to achieve air sealing during mechanical ventilation. Finally, we compared the leakage flow rate of artificial saliva across the novel cuff. On average, the mean (SD) inflation volumes necessary to transmit tracheal pressures of 15, 20, 25 and 30 cmH2O were 4.1 (2.2), 4.4 (2.3), 4.6 (2.4) and 4.8 (2.4) ml for the novel cuff and 7.7 (2.5), 8.0 (2.6), 8.4 (2.6) and 8.7 (2.7) ml for the Hi‐Lo tube, respectively (p < 0.001). The minimal inflation volumes to achieve air sealing were 3.8 (0.9) and 10.5 (2.1) ml (p < 0.001), which resulted in transmitted tracheal pressures of 8.3 (9.8) and 27.6 (34.8) cmH2O (p < 0.001). Compliance was 0.026 (0.004) and 0.616 (0.324) ml.cmH20−1, respectively (p < 0.001). Although massive leak was found when the novel cuff transmitted pressures ≤ 20 cmH2O against the trachea, leakage was avoided with pressures ≥ 25 cmH2O, owing to optimal contact between the cuff and the tracheal wall. In contrast, the standard cuff consistently leaked irrespective of the pressure. We conclude that the novel cuff has advantageous properties that warrant clinical corroboration.
Numerical Approach to Study the Behavior of an Artificial Ventricle: Fluid–Structure Interaction Followed By Fluid Dynamics With Moving Boundaries
Authors: Luraghi Giulia , Wu Wei , De Castilla Hector , Rodriguez Matas José Félix , Dubini Gabriele , Dubuis Pascal , Grimmé Marc , Migliavacca Francesco
Published: October 2018

Heart failure is a progressive and often fatal pathology among the main causes of death in the world. An implantable total artificial heart (TAH) is an alternative to heart transplantation. Blood damage quantification is imperative to assess the behavior of an artificial ventricle and is strictly related to the hemodynamics, which can be investigated through numerical simulations. The aim of this study is to develop a computational model that can accurately reproduce the hemodynamics inside the left pumping chamber of an existing TAH (Carmat‐TAH) together with the displacement of the leaflets of the biological aortic and mitral valves and the displacement of the pericardium‐made membrane. The proposed modeling workflow combines fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations based on a fixed grid method with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In particular, the kinematics of the valves is accounted for by means of a dynamic mesh technique in the CFD. The comparison between FSI‐ and CFD‐calculated velocity fields confirmed that the presence of the valves in the CFD model is essential for realistically mimicking blood dynamics, with a percentage difference of 2% during systole phase and 13% during the diastole. The percentage of blood volume in the CFD simulation with a shear stress above the threshold of 50 Pa is less than 0.001%. In conclusion, the application of this workflow to the Carmat‐TAH provided consistent results with previous clinical studies demonstrating its utility in calculating local hemodynamic quantities in the presence of complex moving boundaries.
Intraocular cytokine profile and autoimmune reactions in retinitis pigmentosa, age‐related macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract
Authors: ten Berge Josianne C. , Fazil Zainab , van den Born L. Ingeborgh , Wolfs Roger C. W. , Schreurs Marco W. J. , Dik Wim A. , Rothova Aniki
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To analyse intraocular cytokine levels and prevalence of intraocular antiretinal antibodies (ARAs) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and cataract, and correlate the results to clinical manifestations.

Methods

We collected intraocular fluid samples from patients with RP (n = 25), AMD (n = 12), glaucoma (n = 28) and cataract (n = 22), and serum samples paired with the intraocular fluids from patients with RP (N = 7) and cataract (n = 10). Interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐1ra, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐6rα, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐17A, IL‐23, thymus‐ and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), placental growth factor (PlGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured using a multiplex assay. Antiretinal antibodies (ARA) detection was performed by indirect immunofluorescence.

Results

Increasing age was associated with increasing levels of IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α and VEGF. All patient groups exhibited distinct profiles of intraocular cytokines. Intraocular levels of IL‐8 were highest in patients with AMD and glaucoma. Cataract patients exhibited high intraocular levels of IL‐23. Intraocular levels of IL‐2, IL‐6, MCP‐1 and PlGF in RP patients exceeded the levels of serum, indicating intraocular production. Intraocular ARAs were found in only one patient with AMD.

Conclusion

Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in intraocular fluid of patients with originally noninflammatory ocular diseases show that intraocular inflammation is involved in their pathogenesis of these entities. Moreover, we show that increasing age is associated with increasing levels of intraocular cytokines and conclude that future studies on intraocular mediators should be corrected for age of patients.
Inequalities in dental caries in children within the UK: Have there been changes over time?
Authors: Masood Mohd , Mnatzaganian George , Baker Sarah R.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To examine any change over time in the association between deprivation and caries experience between 2003 and 2013 in a nationally representative sample of UK children.

Methods

Data from UK Children's Dental Health Surveys, 2003 and 2013, were used. The target population was 5‐, 8‐, 12‐ and 15‐year‐olds. A total of 9604 children in 2003 and 9866 in 2013 were included in the surveys. Outcome variables were any active caries, caries experience and total number of carious teeth. Family socio‐economic position (SEP) or deprivation level was measured at school level using eligibility for free school meals (FSM) to identify children from low‐income families. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) and pooled standardized incidence rates ratios were calculated to measure dichotomous outcome variables by year, age group and status of deprivation. The study continuous outcome was modelled using a zero‐inflated Poisson regression while the dichotomous outcomes were modelled using logistic regressions. The multivariable analyses were run by age groups accounting for year, sex and deprivation status.

Results

The percentage of those identified as deprived was significantly higher in 2013 (35.8% in 2013 vs 26.0% in 2003, P < 0.001). Among both deprived and non‐deprived children, the prevalence of any active caries significantly dropped over the years, observed in all age groups. Comparing 2013 with 2003 and accounting for sex, deprivation level, “any active caries,” “any caries experience” and “total number of carious teeth” significantly dropped were observed in all age groups. Comparing the years, the association of deprivation with caries outcomes mostly remained the same or decreased. This decrease was predominantly seen in “any caries experience.” Only among the 5‐year‐olds, did the association between deprivation and total number of carious teeth over the years significantly increase. For all age groups, the likelihood of “any active caries” and “total number of carious teeth” by deprivation remained the same comparing the two points in time: 2003 and 2013. However, irrespective of year, deprivation was significantly associated with caries observed in all age groups.

Conclusion

In the UK, the prevalence of active dental caries and caries experience has decreased in the period between 2003 and 2013. Similarly, the likelihood of having dental caries by deprivation in 2013 was predominantly lower than that observed in 2003.
Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens: eine Fallserie mit 66 Patienten und ein Vorschlag zur Klassifikation
Authors: Lee Chaw‐Ning , Chen WenChieh , Hsu Chao‐Kai , Weng Tzu‐Teng , Lee Julia Yu‐Yun , Yang Chao‐Chun
Published: October 2018

Hintergrund und Ziele

Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens (PCAS; im englischen Sprachraum meist als „dissecting folliculitis“ oder „dissecting cellulitis“ bezeichnet) ist eine seltene Krankheit, die mit entstellender vernarbender Alopezie einhergeht. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Merkmale der PCAS zu untersuchen und eine Klassifikation zur Angabe ihres Schweregrades vorzuschlagen.

Patienten und Methodik

Es wurde eine klinikbasierte retrospektive Studie durchgeführt. Patienten, die entweder aufgrund ihres histopathologischen Befundes oder der klinischen Symptomatik als PCAS‐Patienten identifiziert wurden, wurden in die Studie eingeschlossen und der Schweregrad ihrer Erkrankungen wurde in eine von drei Stadien eingeteilt.

Ergebnisse

Bei den 66 rekrutierten Patienten (63 Männer/3 Frauen, mittleres Alter 24,9 Jahre) waren mehrere miteinander verbundene haarlose Knoten im Vertexbereich der Kopfhaut das Hauptmerkmal. Histopathologisch zeigte sich ein ausgedehnter entzündeter Granulationsabszess, der im akuten Stadium eine Dissektionsfläche in der unteren Dermis beziehungsweise Subkutis bildete. Bei sieben von 21 histologischen Proben herrschte eine lymphozytäre Infiltration vor. Neunundzwanzig der 45 Patienten waren übergewichtig oder adipös. Eine Assoziation mit Rauchen wurde nicht beobachtet. Bei 15 der 66 Patienten bestand Komorbidität mit Acne conglobata, zwei davon litten darüber hinaus auch an Acne inversa. Eine längere Krankheitsdauer und eine höhere Anzahl von Knoten waren mit einem höheren Schweregrad der PCAS assoziiert (p < 0,05). Fasst man die unterschiedlichen Therapieformen zusammen, kam es in 25 % der Fälle zu einer vollständigen Remission. Betrachtet man ausschließlich die Behandlung mit oralem Isotretinoin, betrug die Rate an vollständigen Remissionen 37,5 %.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens ist in Taiwan nicht selten. Ein möglicher Zusammenhang mit der Adipositas bedarf weiteren Abklärung.
Wirksamkeit einer ablationsbasierten Kombinationstherapie bei Vitiligo: Eine systematische Übersichtsarbeit und Metaanalyse
Authors: King Yih‐An , Tsai Tsung‐Yu , Tsai Hsiou‐Hsin , Huang Yu‐Chen
Published: October 2018

Hintergrund und Ziele

Ziel dieser Studie war ein Vergleich der Wirksamkeit von Vitiligotherapien mit und ohne Ablationverfahren.

Patienten und Verfahren

Systematische Übersichtsarbeit und Metaanalyse der vor dem 15. September 2017 publizierten Literatur. Eingeschlossen wurden Vergleichsstudien mit Vitiligopatienten, die mit und ohne Ablationsverfahren behandelt wurden. Primärer Endpunkt der Studie war die Repigmentierung ≥ 50 %. Sekundäre Endpunkte waren eine Repigmentierung ≥ 75 % und Patienten‐Scores auf einer subjektiven visuellen Analogskala.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden fünfzehn Studien mit insgesamt 401 Teilnehmern eingeschlossen. Die Gruppe mit ablationsbasierter Kombinationstherapie wies gegenüber der Kontrollgruppe signifikant bessere Ergebnisse auf (Odds Ratio [OR] bei ≥ 50 % Repigmentierung: 10,490, 95 %‐Konfidenzintervall [KI]: 4,632–23,757; OR bei ≥ 75 % Repigmentierung: 5,812, 95 %‐KI: 2,194–15,393. Patienten, die eine ablationsbasierte Kombinationstherapie erhielten, waren signifikant zufriedener mit der Wirksamkeit als die Kontrollgruppe (standardisierte mittlere Differenz: 1,073, 95 % KI: 0,528–1,619). Eine Subgruppenanalyse zeigte, dass die Erbium‐ und die CO2‐Laser‐Gruppe sowie die Gruppe mit fraktioniertem CO2‐Laser eine signifikant bessere Repigmentierung als die Kontrollgruppen erreichten.

Schlussfolgerungen

Sowohl nach objektiven als auch nach subjektiven Kriterien sind Vitiligotherapien in Kombination mit einer Ablationstherapie wirksamer als bei alleiniger Verwendung.
Honeybee and wasp venom allergy: Sensitization and immunotherapy
Authors: Adib‐Tezer Hanan , Bayerl Christiane
Published: October 2018

Hymenoptera venom allergy is the most common cause of anaphylactic reactions in adults. In children, it is the second most common cause after food‐related anaphylaxis. Such reactions are primarily due to stings by honeybees (Apis) and certain social wasps (Vespula vulgaris and Vespula germanica in particular). Especially in adults, stings are frequently associated with severe anaphylaxis. Established diagnostic methods including molecular tests allow for greater success rates in terms of determining the insect actually responsible for triggering the anaphylactic reaction. Sensitization to both venoms, or a history of systemic sting reaction without any evidence of sensitization, complicate the decision regarding treatment. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is a safe and effective causal treatment.
Arab Spring Era: Winds of Change in the Direction of Gender Equality for Tunisian Women
Authors: Hitman Gadi
Published: October 2018

This study asks a simple question: Has there been any upgrading in the status of women in Tunisia in the years following the Jasmine Revolution of December 2010? Based upon a comparative analysis of the Tunisian constitutions of 1959 and 2014, this paper argues that Tunisian women have, in fact, experienced a real change in their status within Tunisian society. Through a combination of their strong collective identity and a self‐initiated process of political opportunity, the popular protest in Tunisia led to legislative changes which were supported by the long history of women’s presence in the Tunisian social‐public sphere, together with helpful secular‐oriented political forces. The new constitution of 2014 took steps to attain real gender equality in Tunisia; several Tunisian laws have been changed in favor of women since 2014 as well. The implementation of gender equality has, however, still been too slow and faces obstacles, mainly from Islamist groups — including Salafis who have been exerting pressure to impose a religious character on Tunisian society based upon the Shari‘a.
Anti‐inflammatory disease‐modifying treatment and disability progression in primary progressive multiple sclerosis: a cohort study
Authors: Lorscheider J. , Kuhle J. , Izquierdo G. , Lugaresi A. , Havrdova E. , Horakova D. , Hupperts R. , Duquette P. , Girard M. , Prat A. , Grand'Maison F. , Grammond P. , Sola P. , Ferraro D. , Trojano M. , Ramo‐Tello C. , Lechner‐Scott J. , Pucci E. , Solaro C. , Slee M. , Van Pesch V. , Sanchez Menoyo J. L. , van der Walt A. , Butzkueven H. , Kappos L. , Kalincik T. ,   the MSBase Study Group
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

Treatment options in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) are scarce and, with the exception of ocrelizumab, anti‐inflammatory agents have failed to show efficacy in ameliorating disability progression. The aim of this study was to investigate a potential effect of anti‐inflammatory disease‐modifying treatment on disability outcomes in PPMS.

Methods

Using MSBase, a large, international, observational database, we identified patients with PPMS who were either never treated or treated with a disease‐modifying agent. Propensity score matching was used to select subpopulations with similar baseline characteristics. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) outcomes were compared with an intention‐to‐treat and an as‐treated approach in paired, pairwise‐censored analyses.

Results

Of the 1284 included patients, 533 were matched (treated, n = 195; untreated n = 338). Median on‐study pairwise‐censored follow‐up was 3.4 years (quartiles 1.2–5.5). No difference in the hazard of experiencing 3‐month confirmed EDSS progression events was observed between the groups [hazard ratio (HR), 1.0; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.6–1.7, P = 0.87]. We did not find significant differences in the hazards of confirmed EDSS improvement (HR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.6–1.6, P = 0.91) or reaching a confirmed EDSS step ≥7 (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.7–1.6, P = 0.69).

Conclusion

Our pooled analysis of disease‐modifying agents suggests that these therapies have no substantial effect on short‐ to medium‐term disability outcomes in PPMS.
Impact of the systematic use of the Gugging Swallowing Screen in patients with acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Lopes M. , Freitas E. , Oliveira M. , Dantas E. , Azevedo N. , Rodrigues P. , Pinho J. , Ferreira C.
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

Post‐stroke dysphagia occurs in up to three quarters of patients with acute stroke and is associated with a higher risk of respiratory infections and poor outcome. Systematic screening of dysphagia in the acute stroke unit is essential to identify patients at risk of aspiration and to provide dietary recommendations. Our study aimed to assess the impact of the systematic application of the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients with acute ischaemic stroke admitted to an acute stroke unit in two time periods: pre‐GUSS (February 2014–July 2015), when the 10‐mL water‐swallowing test was systematically administered, and GUSS (August 2015–October 2016), when the GUSS test was systematically administered. Groups were compared with regard to baseline and stroke characteristics, and the occurrence of stroke‐associated pneumonia (SAP), in‐hospital death and 3‐month outcome.

Results

Of the 344 patients who were included in the study (median age 71 years), 51.7% were male with a median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 11. A total of 204 patients were included during the pre‐GUSS period and 140 during the GUSS period. Patients in the GUSS period more frequently had diabetes and partial anterior circulation syndromes, and were more frequently treated with thrombectomy. There was no difference in the occurrence of SAP between the two groups (pre‐GUSS, 12.5%; GUSS, 15.1%; P = 0.490) and no differences were found concerning in‐hospital mortality (P = 0.996), 3‐month functional independence (P = 0.647) or 3‐month mortality (P = 0.598).

Conclusions

The systematic administration of GUSS in a population of patients with acute ischaemic stroke did not reduce the occurrence of SAP, mortality or 3‐month functional dependence when compared with the systematic administration of the 10‐mL water‐swallowing test.
Sustainability assessment in the presence of undesirable factors over time: A case on gas companies
Authors: Amirteimoori Hamzeh , Amirteimoori Alireza , Amirteimoori Arash
Published: October 2018

Sustainability is an essential ingredient for long‐term success of firms, and its assessment has a significant impact on decision making and sustainability management. In the current paper, a data envelopment analysis‐based approach is proposed to assess the sustainability of systems over several periods when undesirable outputs are present in the process. Indeed, sustainability is assessed in each period and, as a whole, simultaneously. Furthermore, social, economic, and environmental efficiency scores of multiperiod systems are evaluated in each period. The weak disposability assumption is used to handle undesirable outputs. Also, the current study concerns socio‐economic, socioenvironmental, and eco‐environmental factors in addition to economic, social, and environmental aspects. A real‐world application on Iranian gas companies is used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach.
Fractured Families, Connected Community: Emotional Engagement in a Transnational Social Network
Authors: Silver Alexis M. , Edelblute Heather , Mouw Ted , Chávez Sergio
Published: October 2018

Family separation due to international migration is an emotional hardship endured by millions in both origin and destination countries. In spite of substantial barriers impeding reunification, families often continue to centre their lives emotionally around their loved ones. Yet they also rely on proximate and cross‐border network ties for support. Social networks impact the ways in which families experience separation, but studies about transnational families have been slow to incorporate social network data. We address this gap by examining family separation within the context of a binational social network. Our findings suggest that both local and transnational social networks affect the experience of family separation for individuals in the countries of origin and destination. Moreover, our findings demonstrate the complexities associated with return migration, as this movement often initiates a new familial separation.
Playdates: A Win‐Win‐Win Strategy for Recruitment of Infant Participants
Authors: Brand Rebecca J. , Gans Rachel T. H. , Himes Megan M. , Libster Natalie R.
Published: October 2018

High‐quality developmental science requires a reliable and representative stream of participants, yet recruiting infants at a satisfactory rate can be challenging. We recently developed a new recruitment technique: we invite parents to sign up for no‐strings‐attached playdates in our laboratory, where we provide toys, free coffee, and students to help entertain the children. We have consistently hosted 2–3 new parents per week via playdates. Approximately 88% of attending parents agreed to be contacted later about research, and 81% of those contacted returned for research appointments. This method has doubled the number of participants we run per week, improved our rapport with the local community, and provided an enhanced educational opportunity for students in our laboratory. We hope others find it similarly transformative.
Assessment of oral health status of children with epilepsy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Morgan Heba Imam , Abou El Fadl Reham Khaled , Kabil Noha Samir , Elagouza Iman
Published: October 2018

Background

Epileptic children are liable to experience oral health problems either due to the disease itself or medications administered to control the condition.

Aim

We aimed to investigate caries experience, gingival health and oro‐facial traumatic injuries in a sample of epileptic Egyptian children.

Design

A retrospective cohort study was conducted from September 2016 to April 2017 using data from medical records in Children Hospital at Ain Shams University. Dental examination was performed for 100 epileptic children and 80 healthy subjects who matched in age, gender, and socio‐economic status. Caries experience was measured using the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT or dmft) index and gingival index (GI) of Loe and Sillness was used to determine gingival health status. Oro‐facial injuries were assessed using the WHO classification of trauma. Quantitative data were presented as mean, SD, and 95% CI values. Qualitative data were presented as frequencies and percentages and the significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results

The mean ± SD GI for epileptic children was significantly higher (1.16 ± 0.42) than that of healthy children. (1.01 ± 0.11) Healthy subjects had significantly lower mean dmf index scores 2.2 ± 2.6 compared to epileptic subjects where mean dmf scores were 4.1 ± 2.1. No significant difference, however, was detected between the two groups regarding caries experience in permanent dentition or incidence of oro‐facial injuries.

Conclusions

Epileptic children are highly burdened with gingival problems and liable to develop dental caries especially in primary dentition. Oral traumatic injuries, however, are not common complications if seizure attacks are well controlled.
Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 channel (TRPV3) aggravated pathological cardiac hypertrophy via calcineurin/NFATc3 pathway in rats
Authors: Zhang Qianhui , Qi Hanping , Cao Yonggang , Shi Pilong , Song Chao , Ba Lina , Chen Yunping , Gao Jingquan , Li Shuzhi , Li Baiyan , Sun Hongli
Published: October 2018

Cardiac hypertrophy is a compensatory response to mechanical stimuli and neurohormonal factors, ultimately progresses to heart failure. The proteins of some transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, Ca2+‐permeable nonselective cation channel, are highly expressed in cardiomyocytes, and associated with the occurrence of cardiac hypertrophy. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) is a member of TRP, however, the functional role of TRPV3 in cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. TRPV3 was elevated in pathological cardiac hypertrophy, but not in swimming exercise‐induced physiological cardiac hypertrophy in rats. TRPV3 expression was also increased in Ang II–induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro, which was remarkably increased by carvacrol (a nonselective TRPV channel agonist), and reduced by ruthenium red (a nonselective TRPV channel antagonist). Interestingly, we found that activated TRPV3 in Ang II–induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was accompanied with increasing intracellular calcium concentration, promoting calcineurin, and phosphorylated CaMKII protein expression, and enhancing NFATc3 nuclear translocation. However, blocking or knockdown of TRPV3 could inhibit the expressions of calcineurin, phosphorylated CaMKII and NFATc3 protein by Western blot. In conclusion, the activation of TRPV3 aggravated pathological cardiac hypertrophy through calcineurin/NFATc3 signalling pathway and correlated with the protein expression levels of calcineurin, phosphorylated CaMKII and NFATc3, revealing that TRPV3 might be a potential therapeutic target for cardiac hypertrophy.
Dietary material properties shape cranial suture morphology in the mouse calvarium
Authors: Byron Craig , Segreti Meghan , Hawkinson Katelyn , Herman Katelyn , Patel Shivam
Published: October 2018

Cranial sutures are fibrous connective tissue articulations found between intramembranous bones of the vertebrate cranium. Growth and remodeling of these tissues is partially regulated by biomechanical loading patterns that include stresses related to chewing. Advances in oral processing structure and function of the cranium that enabled mammalian‐style chewing is commonly tied to the origins and evolution of this group. To what degree masticatory overuse or underuse shapes the complexity and ossification around these articulations can be predicted based on prior experimental and comparative work. Here, we report on a mouse model system that has been used to experimentally manipulate dietary material properties in order to investigate cranial suture morphology. Experimental groups were fed diets of contrasting material properties. A masticatory overuse group was fed pelleted rodent chow, nuts with shells, and given access to cotton bedding squares. An underuse group was deprived of cotton bedding as well as diverse textured food, and instead received gelatinized food continuously. Animals were raised from weaning to adulthood on these diets, and sagittal, coronal and lambdoid suture morphology was compared between groups. Predicted intergroup variation was observed in mandibular corpus size and calvarial suture morphology, suggesting that masticatory overuse is associated with jaw and suture growth. The anterior region of the sagittal suture where it intersects with the coronal suture (bregma) showed no effect from the experiment. The posterior sagittal suture where it intersects with the lambdoid sutures (lambda) was more complex in the overuse group. In other words, the posterior calvarium was responsive to dietary material property demands while the anterior calvarium was not. This probably resulted from the different strain magnitudes and/or strain frequencies that occurred during overuse diets with diverse material properties as compared with underuse diets deprived of such enrichment. This work highlights the contrasting pattern of the sutural response to loading differences within the calvarium as a result of diet.
Association between self‐reported bruxism and anger and frustration
Authors: Gouw Simone , de Wijer Anton , Bronkhorst Ewald M. , Kalaykova Stanimira I. , Creugers Nico H. J.
Published: October 2018

Background

Even though bruxism has been shown to be associated with several psychological factors, few studies have been performed on its relationships with anger and frustration.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the association between self‐reported awake and sleep bruxism and anger and frustration.

Methods

In this longitudinal observational study, 55 healthy adult participants with “possible” bruxism reported their experienced level of bruxism and several psychosocial factors and lifestyle factors for 28 consecutive days using a personal logbook. The logbook consisted of a daily diary and a weekly questionnaire composed of Dutch versions of validated questionnaires. The primary outcome data were analysed using multiple regression models.

Results

An increase in SB of 1 unit (on a scale ranging from 1 to 10) was associated with an increase in the anger‐scale of 0.03 units, and the frustration‐scale of 0.04 units. However, the random intercepts were 0.22 for anger and 0.19 for frustration, meaning that there were major differences between individuals. For awake bruxism (AB), the effects were an increase of 0.04 for anger with a random intercept of 0.21 and an increase of 0.03 for frustration with a random intercept of 0.06. The effects of anger and frustration on both SB and AB were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The association between anger and frustration and self‐reported bruxism is small on group level. In individual cases, anger and frustration and self‐reported bruxism may be co‐existent.
Effects of dietary supplemental methionine source and betaine replacement on the growth performance and activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes in normal and heat‐stressed broiler chickens
Authors: Sahebi Ala Fatemeh , Hassanabadi Ahmad , Golian Abolghasem
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplemental methionine (Met) source and betaine (Bet) replacement for Met on performance and activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes (MRCEs) in normal and heat‐stressed broiler chickens. Total of 1,200‐day‐old Ross 308 chicks were allocated to two houses, each consisted of 12 treatments, five replicates of 10 birds each with 2 × 2×3 × 2 (temperature × Met source × Met level × Bet, respectively) split‐plot factorial arrangement. Met level in the basal diets was 70% requirements (Req) that was increased to the requirement or 130% by supplemental dl‐ or l‐Met. Bet was or was not substituted at the rate of 30% supplemental dl‐ or l‐Met. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) in chicks fed 70% l‐Met was lower than those fed 70% dl‐Met diet during 1–10 days (p = 0.04). Broilers fed diets containing requirement or 130% Met, regardless of its source, showed higher weight gain (WG) than those received 70% Met diet during 11–42 days (p < 0.001). Feed intake (FI) of broilers fed 130% Met diet was decreased compared to other two groups during 11–42 days (p < 0.05). One hundred thirty percent Met requirement diet resulted in lower FCR comparing to other two groups during 11–42 days (p < 0.001). Heat‐stressed birds grew less than those under normal condition (p < 0.05). Broilers fed Req Met diet under normal temperature exhibited higher activities of complexes (Cox) I and III (p < 0.05). Cox I activity in heat‐stressed birds fed Bet + diet was similar to those fed Bet‐diet under normal temperature (p = 0.046). It is concluded that performance and the activities of Cox I and III were increased as the level of Met increased. Bet replacement for 30% supplemental Met resulted in similar consequences comparing to non‐Bet replacement diets on performance, but increased the activity of Cox III. l‐Met was effective than dl‐Met at the cellular level. High ambient temperature depressed performance and MRCE activity.
Label‐free quantitative proteomic analysis of human periodontal ligament stem cells by high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Han Na‐Young , Hong Ji‐Youn , Park Jong‐Moon , Shin Changsik , Lee Saya , Lee Hookeun , Yun Jeong‐Ho
Published: October 2018

Background and Objectives

Proteome analysis of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) could be used to study the function of PDL tissue. We used a label‐free quantitative proteomic technique to investigate differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in human PDLSCs (hPDLSCs) compared to human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and identify proteins specific to hPDLSCs.

Material and Methods

hPDLSCs (n = 3) and hBMSCs (n = 3) were cultured and harvested for protein extraction and trypsin digestion. The proteomes of both cell types were analyzed by nano‐liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. DEPs in hPDLSCs compared to hBMSCs were detected by label‐free quantification and evaluated through signal transduction pathway and gene ontology (GO) analysis.

Results

In total, 690 and 771 proteins were identified from hPDLSCs and hBMSCs, of which 561 proteins were in common and 124 DEPs were found between hPDLSCs and hBMSCs. Fifty‐eight proteins were expressed at significantly higher levels in hPDLSCs, whereas 66 proteins were expressed at lower levels compared to hBMSCs. The more highly expressed proteins were associated with translation and initiating protein synthesis, and lower expressed proteins were related to cell aging and metabolic processes. Proteins unique to hPDLSCs and hBMSCs were associated with translation and metabolic processes, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate evidence of distinct differences in protein expression between hPDLSCs and hBMSCs by using label‐free quantitative proteomic analysis which was the first attempt in this field. DEPs included previously reported hPDLSC marker proteins and novel marker candidates, such as microtubule‐associated protein, CTP synthase 1 and stathmin, which could be the markers for developing periodontal disease diagnostics and therapies.
Periodontal ligament‐associated protein‐1 gets involved in experimental periodontitis
Authors: Yu Xijiao , Liu Hongmei , Liu Shuang , Chen Xue , Zhao Xinyu , Du Yi , Li Shu
Published: October 2018

Background and Objective

Periodontal ligament‐associated protein‐1 (PLAP‐1) is an important regulator of osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament cells and plays important role in the homeostasis of periodontal tissues. But the role of PLAP‐1 in periodontitis is poorly understood. Expressions of PLAP‐1 in experimental periodontitis are observed to elucidate whether PLAP‐1 gets involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Material and Methods

Wistar rats were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 6/group): Ligation group and Control group. PLAP‐1 expression in experimental periodontitis was assessed by immunohistochemistry and collagen fibers in periodontal ligament were observed using picrosirius red staining. Expressions of PLAP‐1 and CD68 in periodontitis were colocalized by double‐labelled immunofluorescence. To further examine the relationship between PLAP‐1 and osteoclastogenesis in experimental periodontitis, acute periodontal inflammatory infiltration and alveolar bone destruction were induced by administering ligated rats with 10 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α; ligation + TNF‐α group, n = 6). Alveolar bone loss was observed by micro‐computed tomography (Micro‐CT), and osteoclasts were identified by tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining (TRAP). Expressions of PLAP‐1 in TNF‐α stimulated human periodontal ligament cells were also detected at 24 and 48 hours by western blotting.

Results

PLAP‐1 expression levels in periodontal ligament cells and collagen fibers were lower in the ligation group,compared with the control group. Similarly, TNF‐α decreased PLAP‐1 expression in human periodontal ligament cells in vitro. Degradation or destruction of collagen fibers accompanied the reduced PLAP‐1 expression in the periodontal ligament in the ligation group. Colocalization of PLAP‐1 and CD68 revealed the positive relationship between PLAP‐1 and CD68+ infiltrating cells in periodontitis. More PLAP‐1‐positive inflammatory cells were found in the ligation + TNF‐α group, compared with the ligation + saline group.

Conclusion

PLAP‐1‐positive inflammatory cells are involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. An increase in PLAP‐1‐positive inflammatory cell number contributes periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone loss.
Is dietary melatonin supplementation a viable adjunctive therapy for chronic periodontitis?—A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: El‐Sharkawy Hesham , Elmeadawy Samah , Elshinnawi Una , Anees Mohamed
Published: October 2018

Background and Objective

Melatonin is synthesized naturally by pineal gland and responsible for regulation of sleep/waking cycle. It showed appreciated anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) was to assess the additive effect of melatonin supplementation in insomniac individuals with generalized chronic periodontitis (gCP) after scaling and root planing (SRP).

Material and Methods

Seventy‐four gCP patients with primary insomnia participated in this 6‐month RCT and randomized into two groups. Melatonin group included 38 patients who were subjected to SRP with a 2‐month regimen of 10 mg oral melatonin capsule once daily before bedtime. In the control group, SRP was performed for 36 participants provided with matching placebo capsules. The primary treatment outcome was the measurement of clinical attachment level gain (CAL gain) after 3 and 6 months of therapy, whereas the measurements of pocket depth reduction (PD reduction), bleeding on probing (BOP %), and the changes in salivary TNF‐α levels and Athens insomnia scale (AIS) scores represented the secondary endpoints.

Results

Melatonin group showed significantly greater CAL gain and PD reduction measurements compared to the control group at 3 and 6 months of therapy, P < 0.01. Likewise, salivary TNF‐α levels and AIS scores were significantly lower in the melatonin group compared to placebo group. BOP% improved significantly in both groups without any difference. However, salivary TNF‐α levels exhibited no correlation with other clinical variables in both melatonin and placebo groups.

Conclusion

Daily dietary 10 mg of melatonin supplementation might serve as a viable adjunct to SRP that yielded significantly greater CAL gain and PD reduction and lower salivary TNF‐α levels and AIS scores in gCP patients with primary insomnia.
Verse in English from Spenser to Swift
Authors: Carpenter Andrew
Published: October 2018

Ireland was in turmoil for much of the 17th century as, slowly and painfully, English language and culture gained supremacy over the language and culture of the native Irish. The verse and poetry we have in English from this period was the work of planters, administrators and the Old English, and, on occasions, of Irish speakers seeking to influence the rulers of the country. During recent years, much exciting new work has been undertaken on the verse of the period as research on manuscripts and early printed books has led to a substantial increase in the canon. We now know of over 100 poets active in Ireland between the time of Edmund Spenser and that of Jonathan Swift. In addition, scholars have begun exploring the links between the culture of 17th‐century Ireland and that of Scotland, Wales, and England. This article surveys the work that has been accomplished on the verse and poetry of the period and indicates several areas where further research is needed.
Predictors of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and significant fibrosis in non‐obese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kim Donghee , Kim Won , Joo Sae Kyung , Kim Jung Ho , Harrison Stephen A. , Younossi Zobair M. , Ahmed Aijaz
Published: October 2018

Aims

We compared (a) demographic and clinical characteristics and (b) determinants of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and significant fibrosis in non‐obese and obese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 664 Asian subjects (mean age 53.1 years; men 50.3%) with biopsy‐proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and controls was conducted. Subjects were divided by their body mass index into obese (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) and non‐obese (body mass index <25 kg/m2).

Results

Observations in subjects with non‐obese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease were in between non‐obese controls and subjects with obese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease for body mass index, sagittal abdominal diameter, aminotransferase levels, insulin resistance and abdominal visceral adipose tissue area. There was no significant difference in histology between non‐obese and obese subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease except for lower grade of hepatic steatosis in nonobese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and higher severity of hepatic fibrosis in nonobese nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Predictors of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in nonobese subjects included females (odds ratio 2.49), higher alanine aminotransferase (odds ratio 1.03), lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (odds ratio 0.96), higher prevalence of diabetes (odds ratio 3.65) and higher visceral adipose tissue area (odds ratio 1.63 per standard deviation increase of visceral adipose tissue area) while age (odds ratio 1.04), higher aspartate aminotransferase (odds ratio 1.02), diabetes (odds ratio 2.76) and higher visceral adipose tissue area (odds ratio 1.57 per standard deviation increase) were associated with significant fibrosis in the non‐obese. Sagittal abdominal diameter was independently associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or significant fibrosis among subjects with non‐obese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Conclusion

While there were a few phenotypic differences from obese subjects, non‐obese subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease displayed a similar severity of histological liver damage. Potential factor(s) beyond obesity may play a role as non‐obese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease advances to more severe disease.
Parallel evolution of gene classes, but not genes: Evidence from Hawai'ian honeycreeper populations exposed to avian malaria
Authors: Cassin‐Sackett Loren , Callicrate Taylor E. , Fleischer Robert C.
Published: October 2018

Adaptation in nature is ubiquitous, yet characterizing its genomic basis is difficult because population demographics cause correlations with nonadaptive loci. Introduction events provide opportunities to observe adaptation over known spatial and temporal scales, facilitating the identification of genes involved in adaptation. The pathogen causing avian malaria, Plasmodium relictum, was introduced to Hawai'i in the 1930s and elicited extinctions and precipitous population declines in native honeycreepers. After a sharp initial population decline, the Hawai'i ‘amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens) has evolved tolerance to the parasite at low elevations where P. relictum exists, and can sustain infection without major fitness consequences. High‐elevation, unexposed populations of ‘amakihi display little to no tolerance. To explore the genomic basis of adaptation to P. relictum in low‐elevation ‘amakihi, we genotyped 125 ‘amakihi from the island of Hawai'i via hybridization capture to 40,000 oligonucleotide baits containing SNPs and used the reference ‘amakihi genome to identify genes potentially under selection from malaria. We tested for outlier loci between low‐ and high‐elevation population pairs and identified loci with signatures of selection within low‐elevation populations. In some cases, genes commonly involved in the immune response (e.g., major histocompatibility complex) were associated with malaria presence in the population. We also detected several novel candidate loci that may be implicated in surviving malaria infection (e.g., beta‐defensin, glycoproteins and interleukin‐related genes). Our results suggest that rapid adaptation to pathogens may occur through changes in different immune genes, but in the same classes of genes, across populations.