bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nicorandil Inhibits Inflammasome Activation and Toll‐Like Receptor‐4 Signal Transduction to Protect against Oxygen–Glucose Deprivation‐Induced Inflammation in BV‐2 Cells
Authors: Zhao An‐Peng , Dong Yin‐Feng , Liu Wei , Gu Jun , Sun Xiu‐Lan
Published: November 2013

Background and purpose

Our previous studies have demonstrated adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel) openers could protect against inflammatory response in brain disease, but little is known about the mechanisms involved in KATP channel openers inhibiting neuroinflammation.

Methods and results

In the present study, we found that oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) resulted in BV‐2 cells activation, significantly increased tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) levels, accompanied by downregulating Kir6.1 subunit. Pretreatment with nicorandil, a KATP channel opener, could attenuate OGD‐induced BV‐2 cells activation and inhibit pro‐inflammatory factors release. Further study demonstrated that OGD activated Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4) signaling pathway and NOD‐like receptor pyrin domain containing three inflammasome, thereby increased IL‐1β production. Pretreatment with nicorandil could reverse the two pathways involved in IL‐1β production.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that KATP channel openers could protect against OGD‐induced neuroinflammation via inhibiting inflammasome activation and TLR4 signal transduction.
Smokeless tobacco consumption in the South Asian population of Sydney, Australia: prevalence, correlates and availability
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Shakhawat , Kypri Kypros , Rahman Bayzidur , Milton Abul Hasnat
Published: November 2013

Aim.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify correlates of smokeless tobacco consumption among the South Asian residents of Sydney, Australia.

Methods.

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted using a pretested, self‐administered mailed questionnaire among members of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi community associations in Sydney.

Results.

Of 1600 individuals invited to participate, 419 responded (26%). Prevalence rates of ever consumption, more than 100 times consumption and current consumption were 72.1%, 65.9% and 17.1%, respectively. Men (74.3%) were more likely to ever consume than women (67.6%). Over 96% of consumers reported buying smokeless tobacco products from ethnic shops in Sydney. Current consumption of smokeless tobacco products was associated with country of birth: Indians (odds ratio 5.7, 95% confidence interval 2.3–14.5) and Pakistanis (odds ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.5–6.5) were more likely to be current consumers than Bangladeshis after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. For ever consumption, there was a positive association with age (P for trend = 0.013) and male gender (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.5–3.1).

Conclusions.

Given the availability of smokeless tobacco and the high prevalence and potential adverse health consequences of consumption, smokeless tobacco consumption may produce a considerable burden of non‐communicable disease in Australia. Effective control measures are needed, in particular enforcement of existing laws prohibiting the sale of these products. [Hossain MS, Kypri K, Rahman B, Milton AH. Smokeless tobacco consumption in the South Asian population of Sydney, Australia: prevalence, correlates and availability. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:86–92]
Regaining control: The patient experience of supervised compared with unsupervised consumption in opiate substitution treatment
Authors: Notley Caitlin , Holland Richard , Maskrey Vivienne , Nagar Jessica , Kouimtsidis Christos
Published: November 2013

Introduction and Aims

Supervised consumption of opiate substitution treatment is standard practice in the UK yet little is known about the patient experience of this treatment modality. This study aimed to assess the patient experience of receiving supervised compared with unsupervised consumption of methadone or buprenorphine.

Design and Methods

A qualitative study utilising a grounded theory approach to analysis. Participants (29) were theoretically sampled from 293 opioid‐dependent patients entering a randomised controlled trial of opiate substitution treatment across four urban and community drug treatment services in England. Multidisciplinary staff were recruited for interviews and focus groups (55).

Results

Supervised consumption was accepted by patients, despite causing practical limitations and raising issues of privacy and stigma. Patients recognised that establishing a daily routine away from illicit drugs was useful early in treatment. However, having flexibility to move away from supervision was important. Unsupervised patients reported that they ultimately preferred this treatment approach and appreciated the trust and sense of reward that unsupervised treatment bought. Clinicians expressed confidence in supervised prescribing and reduced risk for their patients, but also concern that a minority of individuals may remain inappropriately supervised for lengthy time periods.

Discussion and Conclusions

This study provides an important patient perspective and is the first in‐depth qualitative investigation directly comparing supervision with unsupervised treatment to consider both patient and professional perspectives. Overall, our qualitative findings suggest that flexibly timed discontinuation of supervision may have positive benefits. [Notley C, Holland R, Maskrey V, Nagar J, Kouimtsidis C. Regaining control: The patient experience of supervised compared with unsupervised consumption in opiate substitution treatment. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:64–70]
Using literary texts to reveal problematic rules of usage
Authors: Frantzen Diana
Published: November 2013

This article identifies problematic rules of usage for aspect (preterite/imperfect) in Spanish that are commonly taught in textbooks, citing as evidence examples from Spanish literature. The rules under scrutiny are: (1) the imperfect is used to express emotions in the past, (2) the imperfect is used for descriptions in the past, (3) the preterite and imperfect are associated with certain expressions, and (4) certain verbs “change meaning” in the preterite. Literary works not only provide an authoritative voice to expose these misleading rules but also furnish rich contexts within which to better understand aspect in general.
A Mandarin/English two‐way immersion program: Language proficiency and academic achievement
Authors: Padilla Amado M. , Fan Lorraine , Xu Xiaoqiu , Silva Duarte
Published: November 2013

A Mandarin/English two‐way immersion elementary program is described from its inception and implementation through the fifth grade, the culminating year of the program. All students in all grades were assessed on their oral/listening, reading, and writing performance in Mandarin using program‐created assessment measures. Fifth‐grade students also took the Mandarin STAMP 4Se test online to assess their oral and literacy performance. In addition, all second‐ through fifth‐grade students participated in the mandated California Standards Tests for English language arts, writing (fourth grade), math, and science (fifth grade). Results showed that across grades, Mandarin immersion students acquired high‐level performance in oral/listening, reading, and writing in Mandarin. A comparison of Mandarin heritage students with non‐heritage students in the immersion program initially favored heritage students in the acquisition of Mandarin; however, this advantage was not statistically significant in the later grades. On the mandated California standardized tests, the non‐immersion students from the same school in the second and third grades had higher scores on the English language arts and math test, but in the upper grades, Mandarin immersion students scored higher than their non‐immersion peers in these two subject areas.
Melatonin Responsive Hemicrania Continua in Which Indomethacin Was Associated With Contralateral Headache
Authors: Hollingworth Milo , Young Tim M.
Published: November 2013

Headache is a well‐documented side effect of indomethacin in the older medical literature; however, it has rarely been commented on in indomethacin‐responsive hemicrania continua. We describe the case of a 60‐year‐old woman with left‐sided hemicrania continua whose indomethacin treatment was associated with a continuous right‐sided migraine. Her indomethacin therapy was discontinued heralding a return of her left‐sided hemicrania continua and a resolution of her right‐sided migraine. Her hemicrania continua then responded well to melatonin, with recurrence on stopping and improvement on restarting. This is the most detailed description of headache as a side effect of indomethacin in a headache patient we are aware of, and one of only a few reported cases of melatonin‐responsive hemicrania continua. We review the evidence of headache as a side effect of indomethacin in order to highlight its importance in the treatment of headache disorders. We emphasize that indomethacin headache response may be more than simply a beneficial or neutral one and might be relevant to some cases of apparently indomethacin‐resistant hemicrania continua. We hope this case may encourage clinicians to inquire about headache as a potential side effect of indomethacin.
Interleukin 28B polymorphism predicts interferon plus ribavirin treatment outcome in patients with hepatitis C virus‐related liver cirrhosis: A multicenter retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Shakado Satoshi , Sakisaka Shotaro , Okanoue Takeshi , Chayama Kazuaki , Izumi Namiki , Toyoda Joji , Tanaka Eiji , Ido Akio , Takehara Tetsuo , Yoshioka Kentaro , Hiasa Yoichi , Nomura Hideyuki , Seike Masataka , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: November 2013

Aim

This study evaluated the efficacy of interferon plus ribavirin and examined whether interleukin 28B (IL28B) polymorphism influenced treatment outcome in Japanese patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related liver cirrhosis (LC).

Methods

Fourteen collaborating centers provided details of 261 patients with HCV‐related LC undergoing treatment with interferon plus ribavirin. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to establish which factors predicted treatment outcome.

Results

Eighty‐four patients (32.2%) achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). SVR rates were 21.6% (41/190) in patients with HCV genotype 1 with high viral load (G1H) and 60.6% (43/71) in patients with non‐G1H. In patients with non‐G1H, treatment outcome was effective irrespective of IL28B polymorphism. In those with G1H, SVR was achieved in 27.1% of patients with the IL28B rs8099917 TT allele compared with 8.8% of those with the TG/GG alleles (P = 0.004). In patients with G1H having TT allele, treatments longer than 48 weeks achieved significantly higher SVR rates than treatments less than 48 weeks (34.6% vs 16.4%, P = 0.042). In patients with G1H having TG/GG alleles, treatments longer than 72 weeks achieved significantly higher SVR rates than treatments less than 72 weeks (37.5% vs 4.1%, P = 0.010).

Conclusion

Interferon plus ribavirin treatment in Japanese patients with non‐G1H HCV‐related LC was more effective than those with G1H and not influenced by IL28B polymorphism. In those with G1H, IL28B polymorphism may predict SVR and guide treatment duration: SVR rates were higher in those with the TT allele treated for more than 48 weeks and those with the TG/GG alleles treated for more than 72 weeks.
Periodontal status in the Down's syndrome subjects living in central‐eastern Italy: the effects of place of living
Authors: Zizzi A , Piemontese M , Gesuita R , Nori A , Berlin RS , Rocchetti R , Carle F , Rubini C , Aspriello SD
Published: November 2013

Aim

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the place of living on periodontal status of 62 Down's syndrome (DS) subjects resident at home (DSH) or in specialized institutes (DSI) in central‐eastern Italy.

Methods

The demographic characteristics of the subjects and the periodontal variables were evaluated according to their living conditions. Descriptive analyses were conducted by stratifying subjects into three age groups (0–13; 14–22; >23 years), using medians and 25th–75th percentiles to summarized data. Comparisons between DSH and DSI subjects were performed using Wilcoxon rank sum test. The effect of demographic and clinical variables on periodontal status was evaluated by means of quantile regression analysis.

Results

No significant differences resulted between DSH and DSI patients, when compared for gender, age and mental retardation. No significant differences were found in the periodontal variables for the subjects with 0–13 years, while DSI subjects between 14 and 22 years of age presented higher levels of plaque index, probing depth, clinical attachment loss and a lower number of surviving teeth compared to DSH subjects. When DSI and DSH groups ≥23 years of age were compared, no differences were observed in the periodontal conditions except for PI and the number of surviving teeth. Age, body mass index and severe mental retardation were found to be significant predictors of periodontal conditions.

Conclusions

Institutionalization has a negative effect on surviving teeth number of Down's syndrome subjects. Furthermore, the home care seems to produce benefits on the periodontal conditions of DSH 14–22 years of age.
Breast‐feeding and human immunodeficiency virus infection: Assessment of knowledge among clinicians in Kenya
Authors: Murila Florence , Obimbo Moses M , Musoke Rachel , Tsikhutsu Isaac , Migiro Santau , Ogeng'o Julius
Published: November 2013

In Kenya, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence ranks among the highest in the world. Approximately 60 000 infections yearly are attributed to vertical transmission including the process of labour and breast‐feeding. The vast of the population affected is in the developing world. Clinical officers and nurses play an important role in provision of primary health care to antenatal and postnatal mothers. There are a few studies that have explored the clinicians’ knowledge on breast‐feeding in the face of HIV and in relation to vertical transmission this being a vital component in prevention of maternal‐to‐child transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinicians’ knowledge on HIV in relation to breast‐feeding in Kenya. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted to assess knowledge of 161 clinical officers and nurses serving in the maternity and children’ wards in various hospitals in Kenya. The participants were derived from all district and provincial referral facilities in Kenya. A preformatted questionnaire containing a series of questions on HIV and breast‐feeding was administered to clinicians who were then scored and analyzed. All the 161 participants responded. Majority of clinicians (92%) were knowledgeable regarding prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission. Regarding HIV and breast‐feeding, 49.7% thought expressed breast milk from HIV‐positive mothers should be heated before being given. Majority (78.3%) thought breast milk should be given regardless of availability of alternatives. According to 74.5% of the participants, exclusive breast‐feeding increased chances of HIV transmission. Two‐thirds (66.5%) would recommend breast‐feeding for mothers who do not know their HIV status (66.5%). This study observes that a majority of the clinicians have inadequate knowledge on breast‐feeding in the face of HIV. There is need to promote training programmes on breast‐feeding and transmission of HIV from mother to child. This can be done as in‐service training, continuous medical education and as part of the formal training within medical institutions.
Detecting medication errors: Analysis based on a hospital's incident reports
Authors: Härkänen Marja , Turunen Hannele , Saano Susanna , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to analyse how medication incidents are detected in different phases of the medication process. The study design is a retrospective register study. The material was collected from one university hospital's web‐based incident reporting database in Finland. In 2010, 1617 incident reports were made, 671 of those were medication incidents and analysed in this study. Statistical methods were used to analyse the material. Results were reported using frequencies and percentages. Twenty‐one percent of all medication incidents were detected during documenting or reading the documents. One‐sixth of medication incidents were detected during medicating the patients, and approximately one‐tenth were detected during verifying of the medicines. It is important to learn how to break the chain of medication errors as early as possible. Findings showed that for nurses, the ability to concentrate on documenting and medicating the patient is essential.
Distinct cytokines balance the development of regulatory T cells and interleukin‐10‐producing regulatory B cells
Authors: Holan Vladimir , Zajicova Alena , Javorkova Eliska , Trosan Peter , Chudickova Milada , Pavlikova Michaela , Krulova Magdalena
Published: November 2013

Regulatory T cells have been well described and the factors regulating their development and function have been identified. Recently, a growing body of evidence has documented the existence of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) ‐producing B cells, which are called regulatory B10 cells. These cells attenuate autoimmune, inflammatory and transplantation reactions, and the main mechanism of their inhibitory action is the production of IL‐10. We show that the production of IL‐10 by lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated B cells is significantly enhanced by IL‐12 and interferon‐γ and negatively regulated by IL‐21 and transforming growth factor‐β. In addition, exogenous IL‐10 also inhibits B‐cell proliferation and the expression of the IL‐10 gene in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated B cells. The negative autoregulation of IL‐10 production is supported by the observation that the inclusion of anti‐IL‐10 receptor monoclonal antibody enhances IL‐10 production and the proliferation of activated B cells. The effects of cytokines on IL‐10 production by B10 cells did not correlate with their effects on B‐cell proliferation or on IL‐10 production by T cells or macrophages. The cytokine‐induced changes in IL‐10 production occurred on the level of IL‐10 gene expression, as confirmed by increased or decreased IL‐10 mRNA expression in the presence of a particular cytokine. The regulatory cytokines modulate the number of IL‐10‐producing cells rather than augmenting or decreasing the secretion of IL‐10 on a single‐cell level. Altogether these data show that the production of IL‐10 by B cells is under the strict regulatory control of cytokines and that individual cytokines differentially regulate the development and activity of regulatory T cells and IL‐10‐producing regulatory B cells.
Learning to be funny in Spanish during study abroad: L2 humor development
Authors: Shively Rachel L.
Published: November 2013

The present study examines an area of SLA that has to date received little attention: the development of L2 humor. Both creation and comprehension of humor in an L2 can be challenging for learners, even those with advanced proficiency (e.g., Bell, 2005; Shardakova, 2010). At the same time, learners at all proficiency levels have been shown to use L2 humor and research suggests that with increased proficiency and exposure to the language, learners can develop their L2 humor abilities (Bell, 2005; Davies, 2003, 2005; Shardakova, 2010). Previous research, however, has not examined the processes by which L2 learners develop their humor skills. Using a language socialization framework, the present article analyzes a case study of one study abroad student who developed his ability to be funny in Spanish conversations with age peers during one semester in Spain. Factors that may have been associated with a reduction in failed humor over time included developing friendships, eliminating deadpan humor, and revoicing the words, expressions, and ways of speaking in the L2 to which the learner was exposed during study abroad.
Guild‐specific shifts in visitation rates of frugivores with habitat loss and plant invasion
Authors: Grass Ingo , Berens Dana G. , Farwig Nina
Published: November 2013

Habitat loss and plant invasions are two major drivers of global change in subtropical and tropical ecosystems. Both lead to a loss of biodiversity and alter species interactions, which may imperil vital ecosystem processes such as seed dispersal by frugivores. Reponses of frugivores to disturbance are often linked to their specialization on certain habitats or resources. Yet, it is poorly understood how habitat loss and plant invasion structure interactions between plants and different habitat or feeding guilds. Here we investigated whether visitation rates of frugivores change guild‐specifically with increasing habitat loss and invasion level in a heterogeneous subtropical landscape. In 756 h of observations, we recorded 1446 plant–frugivore interactions among 18 plant species and 42 avian frugivore species. Visitation rates of forest specialists decreased with increasing habitat loss, but not with changes in invasion level. In contrast forest generalists and forest visitors were unaffected by either driver. Similarly, obligate frugivores that overall showed a generalized fruit choice were unaffected by habitat loss and changes in invasion level. Contrary, visitation rates of specialized partial and opportunistic frugivores decreased with higher invasion level. Importantly, the negative effect of plant invasion on partial frugivores was more pronounced as habitat loss in the same study site increased, indicating a synergistic effect of the two drivers. The implications of our study are twofold: first, frugivores respond guild‐specifically to habitat loss and plant invasion. Thereby forest dependency is mainly related to habitat loss, and degree of frugivory mainly related to plant invasion. Forest generalists and obligate frugivores in turn may play a key‐role for forest regeneration in disturbed forest landscapes. Second, particularly frugivores with a specialized fruit choice may be threatened by synergistic effects between habitat loss and plant invasion.
A randomized controlled trial for the use of Thymus Honey in decreasing Salivary Gland Damage following Radioiodine Therapy for Thyroid cancer: research protocol
Authors: Charalambous Andreas , Frangos Savvas , Talias Michalis
Published: November 2013

Aim

To test the effectiveness of thymus honey as a complementary intervention for decreasing the salivary gland damage due to Radioiodine (131I) therapy.

Background

Radioiodine is the treatment of choice in people diagnosed with thyroid cancer following total thyroidectomy. Although its value has been acknowledged in eradicating remnant thyroid tissue and treating residual disease in patients with visible, inoperable, iodine‐avid metastases, it has been associated with various salivary gland side effects.

Design

This is a randomized controlled trial with a 2×3 mixed between–within subjects design.

Methods

In total, 120 participants of postsurgical differentiated thyroid cancer, who will be referred to this centre for 131I therapy to ablate the remnant thyroid tissue or to treat metastatic tumour, will be prospectively studied under varying regimens of lemon candy (standard treatment) and thymus honey mouthwashes (experimental intervention). Patients will be randomized in four equally numbered groups based on the assumptions and hypothesis of the study. The recruiting process will be informed by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Mixed statistical modelling will be adopted taking into consideration between and within subjects' effects and repeated measures.

Discussion

The recommended intervention protocol is expected to improve the comprehensive management of salivary gland‐related side effects induced by the radioiodine treatment in people diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Through the methodological approach chosen, the ideal intervention protocol in terms of the time to initiate the intervention and the frequency of the intervention to acquire optimal results in minimizing salivary glands damage will be tested.
Upstream Sediment‐Control Dams: Five Decades of Experience in the Rapidly Eroding Dahan River Basin, Taiwan
Authors: Wang Hsiao‐Wen , Kondolf G. Mathias
Published: November 2013

Sedimentation is emerging as a key issue in sustainable reservoir management. One approach to controlling reservoir sedimentation is to trap sediment in hydraulic structures upstream of the reservoir. In the 1,163‐km2 catchment of the Dahan River (Taiwan) over 120 “sabo” dams were built to reduce sediment yield to Shihmen Reservoir. Built in 1963 for water supply, Shihmen has lost over 40% of its 290‐Mm3 storage capacity to sedimentation. Most of these upstream structures were small, but three had capacities >9 Mm3. Field measurements and historical data from the Water Resources Agency show most smaller dams had filled with sediment by 1976. The three largest were full or nearly so by 2007, when one (Barlin Dam) failed, releasing a pulse of 7.5 Mm3, most of its 10.4 Mm3 stored sediment downstream. The Central Range of Taiwan is rapidly eroding (denudation rates 3‐6 mm/yr), so geologically high loads make sediment problems manifest sooner. Even in other environments, however, eventually small dams built upstream of large reservoirs are likely to fill themselves, creating multiple small sediment‐filled reservoirs, some located in sites inaccessible to mechanical removal. Our analysis suggests sabo dams do not offer a long‐term basis for controlling reservoir sedimentation in such a high‐sediment yield environment. Sustainable solutions must somehow pass sediment downstream, as would be accomplished by a sediment bypass around Shihmen Reservoir, as now being studied.
Oral hygiene reinforcement in the simplified periodontal treatment of 1 hour
Authors: Apatzidou Danae A. , Zygogianni Penelope , Sakellari Dimitra , Konstantinidis Antonis
Published: November 2013

Aim

To compare the clinical and microbiological outcome of the 1‐h ultrasonic debridement of chronic periodontitis patients (CPP) with and without frequent sessions of oral hygiene reinforcement.

Methods

Clinical measurements and subgingival plaque were collected from 44 CPP at baseline, 3‐ and 6‐months. The control group received a single session of 1‐h full‐mouth ultrasonic debridement, while oral hygiene instructions (OHI) were reiterated over four visits. In the test group, OHI were limited in the 1‐h treatment session. At 3‐months, both groups received additional debridement and OHI. The “Checkerboard” DNA‐DNA hybridization technique quantified Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola in plaque.

Results

At three months, smaller reductions in plaque and bleeding indices, and in P. gingivalis numbers were noted in the test group, while these differences disappeared at six months. After the 3‐month re‐treatment visit, the test group presented with a greater probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction. Plaque negatively affected PPD in a similar manner after both treatment approaches.

Conclusions

Lack of oral hygiene reinforcement in the 1‐h full‐mouth debridement resulted in higher plaque and bleeding scores and numbers of P. gingivalis at three months; professional removal of dental biofilm every three months is beneficial in subjects with compromised plaque control.
Evaluation of the effect of non‐surgical periodontal treatment on oral health‐related quality of life: estimation of minimal important differences 1 year after treatment
Authors: Jönsson Birgitta , Öhrn Kerstin
Published: November 2013

Aim

To evaluate an individually tailored oral health educational programme on patient‐reported outcome compared with a standard oral health educational programme, assess change over time and determine minimal important differences (MID) in change scores for two different oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) instrument after non‐surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT).

Materials and Methods

In a randomized controlled trial evaluating two educational programmes, patients (n = 87) with chronic periodontitis completed a questionnaire at baseline and after 12 months. OHRQoL was assessed with the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and the UK oral health‐related quality‐of‐life measure (OHQoL‐UK). In addition, patients' global rating of oral health and socio‐demographic variables were recorded. The MID was estimated with anchor‐based and distributions‐based methods.

Results

There were no differences between the two educational groups. The OHRQoL was significantly improved after treatment. The MID was approximately five for OHQoL‐UK with a moderate ES, and three for GOHAI with a Small ES, and 46–50% of the patients showed improvements beyond the MID.

Conclusion

Both oral health educational groups reported higher scores in OHRQoL after NSPT resulting in more positive well‐being (OHQoL‐UK) and less frequent oral problems (GOHAI). OHQoL‐UK gave a greater effect size and mean change scores but both instruments were associated with the participants' self‐rated change in oral health. The changes were meaningful for the patients supported by the estimated MID.
Practitioner Review: Dysphoria and its regulation in child and adolescent depression
Authors: Kovacs Maria , Yaroslavsky Ilya
Published: November 2013

Background

By emphasizing the importance of emotions, the ‘affect revolution’ in how human behavior is conceptualized has inspired a new generation of studies on dysphoric experience and its regulation in clinical depression, and novel efforts to characterize the precursors of affective disorders in juveniles at familial risk for depression.

Method

We review clinical, behavioral, and functional neuroimaging studies of dysphoric experience and its regulation in depressed children and adolescents, and in juvenile offspring of parents with histories of clinical depression. We discuss the implication of the literature in the context of maternal depression.

Results

Findings confirm the high rate of clinically significant dysphoria in depressed children and adolescents and reveal notable affective lability in daily life as a function of context and activity. Findings also show that depressed youngsters have problems in attenuating dysphoria. Similarly, never‐depressed offspring at familial risk for depression display problems in mood repair and impaired mood repair mechanisms. Brain neuroimaging findings indicate that, overall, depressed, and high‐risk youngsters differ from never depressed controls in neural functioning (activation, connectivity) both at rest and in response to emotion triggers.

Conclusion

The evaluation of depressed youngsters should include questions about reactivity of dysphoric mood to the changing contexts of daily life and about how they manage (respond to) their own sadness and distress. The resultant information may help the clinician to restructure a young patient's day for the better and identify helpful mood repair responses. Evidence of impaired mood repair mechanisms in youngsters at high‐risk for depression suggests the need for early intervention. But interventions must consider that many depressed and high‐risk children have depressed mothers, who may be constrained in their ability to help offspring's emotion regulation efforts. To optimize treatment response of offspring, mothers of depressed children should therefore be routinely screened for depression and treated, as warranted.
Is Easy Read information really easier to read?
Authors: Hurtado B. , Jones L. , Burniston F.
Published: November 2013

Background

Producing accessible information regarding health issues is very important in order to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities (ID) have equal access to services and can make informed decisions about their treatment.

Method

This study examined whether an Easy Read leaflet improved service users’ comprehension and compared the efficacy of two different modalities of presenting information: ‘text and pictures’ or ‘pictures only’. Participants’ knowledge was assessed at baseline and immediately after the leaflet.

Results

Our findings indicate that the use of the leaflet improved knowledge but neither modality of presenting information was significantly more effective at making the document easier to understand. Contrary to expectation, people with milder ID may find pictures more effective in the absence of text.

Conclusions

Although pictures were not found to be detrimental, our results do not favour the use of pictures as well as text when giving information, particularly to people with milder disabilities. The generalised use of text and picture formats for all people with ID in spite of the scant evidence supporting its effectiveness is concerning.
Vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in injured nerves underlies peripheral sensitization in neuropathic pain
Authors: Kiguchi Norikazu , Kobayashi Yuka , Kadowaki Yui , Fukazawa Yohji , Saika Fumihiro , Kishioka Shiroh
Published: November 2013

Chronic neuroinflammation may be a critical component of intractable inflammatory diseases, including neuropathic pain. Because angiogenesis as a result of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling plays a pivotal role in inflammation, we focused on the mechanisms of VEGF‐regulated neuropathic pain in mice. The mRNA and protein expression of VEGFA were up‐regulated in the injured sciatic nerve after partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL). VEGFA was localized to accumulated macrophages and neutrophils derived from bone marrow. Up‐regulation of VEGFA was mediated by histone H3 acetylation and trimethylation in its promoter region. VEGF receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) were localized to vascular endothelial cells or macrophages. By ex vivo fluorescence imaging and immunohistochemistry using DiI fluorescence, progression of angiogenesis was observed in the injured sciatic nerve after PSL. Perineural administration of pharmacological inhibitors of VEGFA and VEGFR tyrosine kinases prevented tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia caused by PSL. Moreover, we determined the contribution of VEGF‐ and CXC‐chemokine receptor 4‐expressing angiogenic macrophages to neuropathic pain. Taken together, VEGFA is up‐regulated in injured peripheral nerves and participates in angiogenesis and prolonged pain behaviors through its receptors. We propose that VEGFA‐related components may underlie peripheral sensitization leading to neuropathic pain.

image

Angiogenesis due to VEGF signaling is a key component of chronic inflammation. VEGFA up‐regulation and pathological angiogenesis were observed in the injured nerves in mice. Pharmacological inhibition of VEGF signaling suppressed neuropathic pain behaviors. Therefore, VEGFA‐related components may underlie peripheral neuroinflammation leading to neuropathic pain.
Digital Peer Interactions Affect Risk Taking in Young Adults
Authors: MacLean R. Ross , Geier Charles F. , Henry Shannon L. , Wilson Stephen J.
Published: November 2013

Digital interactions are an increasingly common communication method among young adults, but little is known about whether such remote exchanges influence riskiness. The current study examined whether observing and interacting with, versus simply observing, a digital peer affect risk taking in young adults aged 18–25. Participants who remotely viewed risky behavior by a peer or computer increased risk taking; however, compared to a control condition, only exposure to risk‐encouraging messages from a digital peer resulted in sustained risk‐taking behavior. These findings suggest that short text‐based messages from a risk‐encouraging digital peer can influence risk‐taking behavior in young adults. Given the rapid proliferation of digital communication among this age group, these results highlight a potentially important source of peer influence on risky behavior.
The Relation Between Peer Victimization and Adolescents' Well‐Being: The Moderating Role of Ethnicity Within Context
Authors: Mehari Krista R. , Farrell Albert D.
Published: November 2013

This study examined the moderating effects of individual ethnicity and school ethnic composition on the relation between peer victimization and adolescents' well‐being. Participants were 4,593 sixth grade students attending 36 schools categorized as ethnically diverse or predominantly African American, European American, or Latino American. Multilevel models revealed relations between participants' ethnicity and their reported frequency of overt but not relational victimization. Findings did not support the hypothesis that adolescents in the minority group in their school would be more frequently victimized than adolescents in the majority group. Furthermore, contrary to hypothesis, the relation between the reported frequency of victimization and well‐being did not vary as a function of the interaction between adolescents' ethnicity and their schools' ethnic composition.
Effect of early childhood protein‐energy malnutrition on permanent dentition dental caries
Authors: Reyes‐Perez Elisandra , Borrell Luisa N. , Katz Ralph V. , Gebrian Bette J. , Prophete Samuel , Psoter Walter J.
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of early childhood protein‐energy malnutrition (ECPEM) on decayed, missing, filled tooth (DMFT) scores in the permanent dentition of rural Haitian adolescents aged 11‐19 years (n = 1,006).

Methods

We used data from a retrospective cohort that was developed from the Haitian Health Foundation database and merged records on weight‐for‐age covering the birth through 5‐year‐old period for all enrolled participants. Dental examinations and interviewer‐administered structured questionnaires on demographic and socioeconomic status, and relative sugar consumption were completed in 1,058 participants aged 11‐19 years. The ECPEM was defined based on weight‐for‐age of the subjects during their first 5 years of life that were converted to Z‐scores based on the National Center for Health Statistics referent database. Descriptive statistics were calculated. DMFT was regressed on ECPEM adjusting for age, sex, current body mass index Z‐score, socioeconomic status, relative sugar consumption, and number of permanent teeth present assuming a Poisson distribution.

Results

Questionable malnutrition [rate ratio (RR) = 0.72; 95 percent confidence interval (CI), 0.61‐0.86] and malnutrition (RR = 0.58; 95 percent CI, 0.49‐0.69) were associated with a statistically significant lower DMFT in Haitian adolescents.

Conclusions

ECPEM status is inversely associated with DMFT in Haitian participants. Further follow‐up of these same participants will be recommended to evaluate the potential caries catch‐up effect.
Speech Variation, Utility, and Game Theory
Authors: Dror Moshe , Granot Daniel , Yaeger‐Dror Malcah
Published: November 2013

We review a new perspective for analyzing linguistic variation, diffusion, and change, by introducing into this ‘arena’ the economists' perception of strategic individual interactions. We invoke basic game theory principles to explain linguistic outcomes of individual speech production in a variety of interactional social settings. We present real‐life examples that illustrate our game perspective regarding linguistic interactions and present a number of mappings into well‐known game constructs such as the Prisoners' Dilemma, iterated dominance, and extensive form games. Our purpose is to suggest a game theory ‘prism’ as a plausible methodology for analysis of individual interactional linguistic situations.
Constraints on Vesta's elemental composition: Fast neutron measurements by Dawn's gamma ray and neutron detector
Authors: Lawrence David J. , Peplowski Patrick N. , Prettyman Thomas H. , Feldman William C. , Bazell David , Mittlefehldt David W. , Reedy Robert C. , Yamashita Naoyuki
Published: November 2013

Surface composition information from Vesta is reported using fast neutron data collected by the gamma ray and neutron detector on the Dawn spacecraft. After correcting for variations due to hydrogen, fast neutrons show a compositional dynamic range and spatial variability that is consistent with variations in average atomic mass from howardite, eucrite, and diogenite (HED) meteorites. These data provide additional compositional evidence that Vesta is the parent body to HED meteorites. A subset of fast neutron data having lower statistical precision show spatial variations that are consistent with a 400 ppm variability in hydrogen concentrations across Vesta and supports the idea that Vesta's hydrogen is due to long‐term delivery of carbonaceous chondrite material.
Inference of chromosomal inversion dynamics fromPool‐Seq data in natural and laboratory populations ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kapun Martin , van Schalkwyk Hester , McAllister Bryant , Flatt Thomas , Schlötterer Christian
Published: November 2013

Sequencing of pools of individuals (Pool‐Seq) represents a reliable and cost‐effective approach for estimating genome‐wideSNPand transposable element insertion frequencies. However,Pool‐Seq does not provide direct information on haplotypes so that, for example, obtaining inversion frequencies has not been possible until now. Here, we have developed a new set of diagnostic markerSNPs for seven cosmopolitan inversions inDrosophila melanogasterthat can be used to infer inversion frequencies fromPool‐Seq data. We applied our novel marker set toPool‐Seq data from an experimental evolution study and fromNorthAmerican andAustralian latitudinal clines. In the experimental evolution data, we find evidence that positive selection has driven the frequencies ofIn(3R)CandIn(3R)Moto increase over time. In the clinal data, we confirm the existence of frequency clines forIn(2L)t,In(3L)PandIn(3R)Paynein bothNorthAmerica andAustralia and detect a previously unknown latitudinal cline forIn(3R)MoinNorthAmerica. The inversion markers developed here provide a versatile and robust tool for characterizing inversion frequencies and their dynamics inPool‐Seq data from diverseD. melanogasterpopulations.
Two‐Week Test–Retest Stability of the Cold Pressor Task Procedure at two different Temperatures as a Measure of Pain Threshold and Tolerance
Authors: Koenig Julian , Jarczok Marc N. , Ellis Robert J , Bach Claudia , Thayer Julian F. , Hillecke Thomas K.
Published: November 2013

Background

The cold pressor task (CPT) was originally developed as a clinically indicative cardiovascular test, and quantifies vascular response and pulse excitability when a subject's hand is immersed into ice water. Since the test procedure results in a gradually increasing cold pain, the CPT has been widely used as a nociceptive stimulus in experimental studies on adults and children.

Aim

To evaluate the test‐retest stability of response patterns using the CPT as a measure of pain threshold and pain tolerance.

Materials and Methods

In the present study, sixty‐one undergraduate students received painful stimulation using the CPT either at 4°C or 6°C. Measurements of pain threshold, pain tolerance and pain intensity ratings using the short form of the McGill pain questionnaire (SF‐MPQ), were derived. The assessment was repeated twice over an interval of 2 weeks. Test‐Retest stability was assessed within a three‐layered approach, using ANOVAs, interclass correlation coefficients and standard error of the mean. A Bland‐Altman analysis was also performed. Possible predictors of pain threshold and pain tolerance were assessed using random effect panel regression models.

Results

No significant differences emerged as a function of temperature (4°C or 6°C) on pain threshold, pain tolerance, and pain ratings. Environmental variables (room temperature and humidity) show no impact on measures of pain threshold and pain tolerance.

Conclusion

Consistent with previous findings, regression analysis reveals that age is significantly associated with pain tolerance. The CPT procedure shows excellent 2 week test‐retest stability to assess pain threshold and pain tolerance within a student population.
Characterization of VRC01, a potent and broadly neutralizing anti‐HIV mAb, produced in transiently and stably transformed tobacco
Authors: Teh Audrey Y‐H. , Maresch Daniel , Klein Katja , Ma Julian K‐C.
Published: November 2013

The proposed clinical trial in Africa of VRC01, a potent broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) capable of neutralizing 91% of known HIV‐1 isolates, raises concerns about testing a treatment which will be too expensive to be accessible by the most important target population, the poor in under‐developed regions such as sub‐Saharan Africa. Here, we report the expression of VRC01 in plants as an economic alternative to conventional mammalian‐cell‐based production platforms. The heavy and light chain genes of VRC01 were cloned onto a single vector, pTRAk.2, which was transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana or Nicotiana tabacum using transient and stable expression production systems respectively. VRC01 has been successfully expressed transiently in plants with expression level of approximately 80 mg antibody/kg; stable transgenic lines expressing up to 100 mg antibody/kg were also obtained. Plant‐produced VRC01 from both systems showed a largely homogeneous N‐glycosylation profile with a single dominant glycoform. The binding kinetics to gp120 IIIB (approximately 1 nm), neutralization of HIV‐1 BaL or a panel of 10 VRC01‐sensitive HIV‐1 Env pseudoviruses of VRC01 produced in transient and stable plants were also consistent with VRC01 from HEK cells.
“Date nights” take two: The maintenance function of shared relationship activities
Authors: GIRME YUTHIKA U. , OVERALL NICKOLA C. , FAINGATAA SIVAILELE
Published: November 2013

One‐hundred and ninety‐six individuals (Study 1) and 83 couples (Study 2) reported on their shared relationship activities—activities that individuals engage in with their partner to facilitate closeness in their romantic relationships. Couples also reported on the quality of their shared activities and relationships 3 months later (Study 2). Results indicated that shared activities help to sustain relationships, and do so beyond threat‐based maintenance strategies (i.e., accommodation). Activities that were satisfying, stress‐free, and increased closeness predicted greater relationship quality concurrently and longitudinally. However, positive activity and relationship outcomes depended on the degree to which partners were dedicated to the activity, indicating that shared activities sustain relationship quality only when partners are responsive and want to share relationship activities.