bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Most preschool children hospitalised for acute rhinosinusitis had orbital complications, more common in the youngest and among boys
Authors: Schollin Ask L , Hultman Dennison S , Stjärne P , Granath A , Srivastava S , Eriksson M , Lindstrand A , Ryd Rinder M
Published: November 2016

Aim

This study established the incidence of acute rhinosinusitis and related orbital complications in tertiary care in Stockholm County and surveyed the clinical outcomes.

Methods

This was a population‐based, retrospective, observational study, from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2007, of the hospital admissions records of 213 children up to five years old, with a diagnosis of sinusitis and related complications.

Results

Preseptal cellulitis was present in 171 of the 213 admissions, which equated to an incidence of orbital complications due to acute rhinosinusitis of 36 per 100 000 people per year (95% confidence interval 26–49). Postseptal complications occurred in seven cases. The incidence rate ratio for hospitalisation of children less than two years old with rhinosinusitis compared with children aged 2–5 years was 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.8–4.4). The incidence among boys was 53 per 100 000 people per year and 36 per 100 000 people per year for girls, and the incidence rate ratio was 1.5 (95% confidence interval 1.0–2.3). The most common bacterial finding was Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Conclusion

Most children hospitalised for acute rhinosinusitis had an orbital complication, and this was more common in children under the age of two years and boys. Severe postseptal complications were rare.
Gene therapy with mesenchymal stem cells expressing IFN‐ß ameliorates neuroinflammation in experimental models of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Marin‐Bañasco C , Benabdellah K , Melero‐Jerez C , Oliver B , Pinto‐Medel M J , Hurtado‐Guerrero I , de Castro F , Clemente D , Fernández O , Martin F , Leyva L , Suardíaz M
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose

Recombinant IFN‐ß is one of the first‐line treatments in multiple sclerosis (MS), despite its lack of efficacy in some patients. In this context, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising therapeutic alternative due to their immunomodulatory properties and multipotency. Moreover, by taking advantage of their pathotropism, these cells can be genetically modified to be used as carriers for delivering or secreting therapeutic drugs into injured tissues. Here, we report the therapeutic effect of systemic delivery of adipose‐derived MSCs (AdMSCs), transduced with the IFN‐β gene, into mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Experimental Approach

Relapsing–remitting and chronic progressive EAE were induced in mice. Cells were injected i.v. Disease severity, inflammation and tissue damage were assessed clinically, by flow cytometry of spleens and histopathological evaluation of the CNS respectively.

Key Results

Genetic engineering did not modify the biological characteristics of these AdMSCs (morphology, growth rate, immunophenotype and multipotency). Furthermore, the transduction of IFN‐ß to AdMSCs maintained and, in some cases, enhanced the functional properties of AdMSCs by ameliorating the symptoms of MS in EAE models and by decreasing indications of peripheral and central neuro‐inflammation.

Conclusion and Implications

Gene therapy was found to be more effective than cell therapy in ameliorating several clinical parameters in both EAE models, presumably due to the continuous expression of IFN‐β. Furthermore, it has significant advantages over AdMSC therapy, and also over systemic IFN‐ß treatment, by providing long‐term expression of the cytokine at therapeutic concentrations and reducing the frequency of injections, while minimizing dose‐limiting side effects.
Investigating interactions between epicardial adipose tissue and cardiac myocytes: what can we learn from different approaches?
Authors: Rietdorf Katja , MacQueen Hilary
Published: November 2016

Heart disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Some cardiovascular conditions can be modulated by lifestyle factors such as increased exercise or a healthier diet, but many require surgical or pharmacological interventions for their management. More targeted and less invasive therapies would be beneficial. Recently, it has become apparent that epicardial adipose tissue plays an important role in normal and pathological cardiac function, and it is now the focus of considerable research. Epicardial adipose tissue can be studied by imaging of various kinds, and these approaches have yielded much useful information. However, at a molecular level, it is more difficult to study as it is relatively scarce in animal models and, for practical and ethical reasons, not always available in sufficient quantities from patients. What is needed is a robust model system in which the interactions between epicardial adipocytes and cardiac myocytes can be studied, and physiologically relevant manipulations performed. There are drawbacks to conventional culture methods, not least the difficulty of culturing both cardiac myocytes and adipocytes, each of which has special requirements. We discuss the benefits of a three‐dimensional co‐culture model in which in vivo interactions can be replicated.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Perivascular Adipose Tissue – Potential Pharmacological Targets? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.20/issuetoc
Ectomycorrhizal fungi are shared between seedlings and adults in a monodominant Gilbertiodendron dewevrei rain forest in Cameroon
Authors: Michaëlla Ebenye Helvyne C. , Taudière Adrien , Niang Nogaye , Ndiaye Cheikh , Sauve Mathieu , Awana Nérée Onguene , Verbeken Mieke , De Kesel André , Séne Seynabou , Diédhiou Abdala G. , Sarda Violette , Sadio Omar , Cissoko Maïmouna , Ndoye Ibrahima , Selosse Marc‐André , Bâ Amadou M.
Published: November 2016

Ectomycorrhizal networks may facilitate the establishment and survival of seedlings regenerating under the canopies of tropical forests and are often invoked as a potential contributor to monodominance. We identified ectomycorrhizal fungi in a monodominant Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (Fabaceae) rain forest in Cameroon, using sporocarps and ectomycorrhizae of three age categories (seedlings, intermediate trees, and large trees) and tentatively revealed nutrient transfer through ectomycorrhizal networks by measuring spontaneous isotopic (13C and 15N) abundances in seedlings. Sporocarp surveys revealed fewer ectomycorrhizal fungal taxa (59 species from 1030 sporocarps) than molecular barcoding of ectomycorrhizal roots (75 operational taxonomic units from 828 ectomycorrhizae). Our observations suggest that ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity is similar to that in other mixed tropical forests and provide the first report of the Tuber‐Helvella lineage in a tropical forest. Despite some differences, all age categories of G. dewevrei had overlapping ectomycorrhizal fungal communities, with families belonging to Thelephoraceae, Russulaceae, Sebacinaceae, Boletaceae, and Clavulinaceae. Of the 49 operational taxonomic units shared by the three age categories (65.3% of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community), 19 were the most abundant on root tips of all categories (38.7% of the shared taxa), supporting the likelihood of ectomycorrhizal networks. However, we obtained no evidence for nutrient transfer from trees to seedlings. We discuss the composition of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community among the G. dewevrei age categories and the possible role of common ectomycorrhizal networks in this rain forest.
Family Correlates of False Belief Understanding in Early Childhood: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Devine Rory T. , Hughes Claire
Published: November 2016

This meta‐analysis seeks to integrate findings from 25 years of research on family correlates of young children's false belief understanding (FBU). Using data from 93 studies of 3‐ to 7‐year‐old children, we examined the correlations between FBU and four of the most widely studied family factors: parental socioeconomic status, number of siblings, parental mental‐state talk, and mind‐mindedness. FBU exhibited modest associations with each family variable and these associations held even when individual differences in verbal ability were taken into account. Moderator analyses revealed key child‐related factors (e.g., age, gender) as well as methodological factors that amplified or attenuated the relations between FBU and each family variable. Crucially, available longitudinal data highlight the importance of family factors in the development of FBU.
Diagnosing occupational asthma
Authors: Vandenplas O. , Suojalehto H. , Cullinan P.
Published: November 2016

Making an accurate diagnosis of occupational asthma (OA) is, generally, important. The condition has not only significant health consequences for affected workers, but also substantial socio‐economic impacts for workers, their employers and wider society. Missing a diagnosis of OA may lead to continued exposure to a causative agent and progressive worsening of disease; conversely, diagnosing OA when it is not present may lead to inappropriate removal from exposure and unnecessary financial and social consequences. While the most accurate investigation is specific inhalation challenge in an experienced centre, this is a scarce resource, and in many cases, reliance is on other tests. This review provides a technical dossier of the diagnostic value of the available methods which include an appropriate clinical history, the use of specific immunology and measurement of inflammatory markers, and various methods of relating functional changes in airway calibre to periods at work. It is recommended that these approaches are used iteratively and in judicious combination, in cognizance of the individual patient's circumstances and requirements. Based on available evidence, a working diagnostic algorithm is proposed that can be adapted to the suspected agent, purpose of diagnosis and available resources. For better or worse, many of the techniques – and their interpretation – are available only in specialized centres and where there is room for doubt, referral to such a centre is probably wise. Accordingly, the implementation or development of such specialized centres with appropriate equipment and expertise should greatly improve the diagnostic evaluation of work‐related asthma.
Neutrophil autophagy and extracellular DNA traps contribute to airway inflammation in severe asthma
Authors: Pham D. L. , Ban G.‐Y. , Kim S.‐H. , Shin Y. S. , Ye Y.‐M. , Chwae Y.‐J. , Park H.‐S.
Published: November 2016

Background

Autophagy and neutrophil extracellular DNA traps (NETs) are implicated in asthma; however, their roles in asthma pathogenesis have not been elucidated.

Objectives

We compared autophagy and NET production levels from peripheral blood neutrophils (PBNs) of patients with severe asthma (SA) and non‐severe asthma (NSA). Additionally, we investigated the inflammatory effects of NETs on human airway epithelial cells (AECs) and peripheral blood eosinophils (PBEs).

Methods

Peripheral blood neutrophils from patients with SA (n = 30) and NSA (n = 38) were treated with interleukin (IL)‐8 (100 ng/mL). Autophagy (light chain 3‐II expression) and NET production levels were evaluated by Western blot, immunofluorescence microscopy, and PicoGreen assay. The effects of NETs on AECs were assessed by investigating cell death, cell detachment, expression of occludin and claudin‐1, and IL‐8 production; the effects of NETs on PBEs were examined by investigating the activation and release of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN).

Results

Untreated and IL‐8‐treated PBNs from the SA group produced higher autophagy and NET levels compared with those from the NSA group (P < 0.01). IL‐8 increased autophagy and NET levels in PBNs from the SA group, but not from the NSA group. NET levels were correlated with autophagy levels in PBNs (P < 0.001). IL‐8‐induced NET production levels negatively were correlated with FEV1/FVC (r = −0.700, P = 0.016). NETs induced cell death, detachment, degradation of occludin and claudin‐1, and IL‐8 production from AECs. Higher levels of NET‐induced ECP and EDN were released from PBEs in SA compared with NSA groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Neutrophil autophagy and NETs could enhance asthma severity by damaging airway epithelium and triggering inflammatory responses of AECs and PBEs. Modulating neutrophil autophagy and NET production may be a new target therapy for SA.
Long‐term reduction in food allergy susceptibility in mice by combining breastfeeding‐induced tolerance and TGF‐β‐enriched formula after weaning
Authors: Rekima A. , Macchiaverni P. , Turfkruyer M. , Holvoet S. , Dupuis L. , Baiz N. , Annesi‐Maesano I. , Mercenier A. , Nutten S. , Verhasselt V.
Published: November 2016

Background

Oral tolerance induction in early life is a promising approach for food allergy prevention. Its success requires the identification of factors necessary for its persistence.

Objectives

We aimed to assess in mice duration of allergy prevention by breastfeeding‐induced oral tolerance and whether oral TGF‐β supplementation after weaning would prolong it.

Methods

We quantified ovalbumin (OVA) and OVA‐specific immunoglobulin levels by ELISA in milk from the EDEN birth cohort. As OVA‐specific Ig was found in all samples, we assessed whether OVA‐immunized mice exposed to OVA during lactation could prevent allergic diarrhoea in their 6‐ and 13‐week‐old progeny. In some experiments, a TGF‐β‐enriched formula was given after weaning.

Results

At 6 weeks, only 13% and 34% of mice breastfed by OVA‐exposed mothers exhibited diarrhoea after six and seven OVA challenges vs. 44% and 72% in mice breastfed by naïve mothers (P = 0.02 and 0.01). Protection was associated with decreased levels of MMCP1 and OVA‐specific IgE (P < 0.0001). At 13 weeks, although OVA‐specific IgE remained low (P = 0.001), diarrhoea occurrence increased to 32% and 46% after six and seven OVA challenges in mice breastfed by OVA‐exposed mothers. MMCP1 levels were not significantly inhibited. Supplementation with TGF‐β after weaning induced a strong protection in 13‐week‐old mice breastfed by OVA‐exposed mothers compared with mice breastfed by naive mothers (0%, 13% and 32% of diarrhoea at the fifth, sixth and seventh challenges vs. 17, 42 and 78%; P = 0.05, 0.0043 and 0.0017). MMCP1 levels decreased by half compared with control mice (P = 0.02). Prolonged protection was only observed in mice rendered tolerant by breastfeeding and was associated with an improved gut barrier.

Conclusions

In mice, prevention of food allergy by breastfeeding‐induced tolerance is of limited duration. Nutritional intervention by TGF‐β supplementation after weaning could prolong beneficial effects of breast milk on food allergy prevention.
Emerging roles of RAC1 in treating lung cancer patients
Authors: Zou T. , Mao X. , Yin J. , Li X. , Chen J. , Zhu T. , Li Q. , Zhou H. , Liu Z.
Published: November 2016

The Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1), a member of the Rho family of small guanosine triphosphatases, is critical for many cellular activities, such as phagocytosis, adhesion, migration, motility, cell proliferation, and axonal growth. In addition, RAC1 plays an important role in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and migration, and it has been reported to be related to most cancers, such as breast cancer, gastric cancer, testicular germ cell cancer, and lung cancer. Recently, the therapeutic target of RAC1 in cancer has been investigated. In addition, some investigations have shown that inhibition of RAC1 can reverse drug‐resistance in non‐small cell lung cancer. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in understanding the role of RAC1 in lung cancer and the underlying mechanisms and discuss its value in clinical therapy.
The colostomy impact score: development and validation of a patient reported outcome measure for rectal cancer patients with a permanent colostomy. A population‐based study
Authors: Thyø A. , Emmertsen K. J. , Pinkney T. D. , Christensen P. , Laurberg S.
Published: November 2016

Aim

The aim was to develop and validate a simple scoring system evaluating the impact of colostomy dysfunction on quality of life (QOL) in patients with a permanent stoma after rectal cancer treatment.

Method

In this population‐based study, 610 patients with a permanent colostomy after previous rectal cancer treatment during the period 2001–2007 completed two questionnaires: (i) the basic stoma questionnaire consisting of 22 items about stoma function with one anchor question addressing the overall stoma impact on QOL and (ii) the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ) C30. Answers from half of the cohort were used to develop the score and subsequently validated on the remaining half. Logistic regression analyses identified and selected items for the score and multivariate analysis established the score value allocated to each item.

Results

The colostomy impact score includes seven items with a total range from 0 to 38 points. A score of ≥ 10 indicates major colostomy impact (Major CI). The score has a sensitivity of 85.7% for detecting patients with significant stoma impact on QOL. Using the EORTC QLQ scales, patients with Major CI experienced significant impairment in their QOL compared to the Minor CI group.

Conclusion

This new scoring system appears valid for the assessment of the impact on QOL from having a permanent colostomy in a Danish rectal cancer population. It requires validation in non‐Danish populations prior to its acceptance as a valuable patient‐reported outcome measure for patients internationally.
The association between intensified medical treatment, time to surgery and ileocolic specimen length in Crohn's disease
Authors: de Groof E. J. , Gardenbroek T. J. , Buskens C. J. , Tanis P. J. , Ponsioen C. Y. , D'Haens G. R. A. M. , Bemelman W. A.
Published: November 2016

Aim

During the last decade, treatment protocols have changed for patients with ileocolic Crohn's disease. Anti‐tumour necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) has become part of standard medical treatment, usually in a step‐up approach. The aim was to analyse if improved medical treatment has resulted in more limited ileocolic resections and a longer interval between diagnosis and surgery.

Method

Patients undergoing ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease were included (1999–2014). Patient characteristics were compared to the results of a population‐based study (between 2004 and 2010) previously performed in the catchment area of the present tertiary referral centre. Time trends were analysed using the Cochrane–Armitage trend, Spearman's correlation coefficient and linear regression.

Results

In total, 195 patients undergoing ileocolic resection were included. Patient characteristics were not significantly different from the background cohort, confirming a representative study group. Sixty‐three patients were men (32.3%, median age at surgery 30.0 years, interquartile range 23.0–40.0). Anti‐TNF and immunomodulator use prior to surgery increased significantly during the study period (χ2 = 49.1, P < 0.001). Over the years, a significant increase in time from diagnosis to operation was found (median 39.0 months, interquartile range 12.0–86.0, rho 0.175, P = 0.014). The length of the resected ileum did not change significantly (median 20.0 cm, interquartile range 12.0–30.0, rho −0.107, P = 0.143). The number of fistulas or postoperative complications that needed re‐intervention was not significantly different between the groups with or without anti‐TNF.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that over time patients with ileocolic Crohn's disease who eventually underwent ileocolic resection have been treated more intensively medically; however, this did not result in reduced specimen size.
Core Intuitions About Persons Coexist and Interfere With Acquired Christian Beliefs About God
Authors: Barlev Michael , Mermelstein Spencer , German Tamsin C.
Published: November 2016

This study tested the hypothesis that in the minds of adult religious adherents, acquired beliefs about the extraordinary characteristics of God coexist with, rather than replace, an initial representation of God formed by co‐option of the evolved person concept. In three experiments, Christian religious adherents were asked to evaluate a series of statements for which core intuitions about persons and acquired Christian beliefs about God were consistent (i.e., true according to both [e.g., “God has beliefs that are true”] or false according to both [e.g., “All beliefs God has are false”]) or inconsistent (i.e., true on intuition but false theologically [e.g., “God has beliefs that are false”] or false on intuition but true theologically [e.g., “All beliefs God has are true”]). Participants were less accurate and slower to respond to inconsistent versus consistent statements, suggesting that the core intuitions both coexisted alongside and interfered with the acquired beliefs (Experiments 1 and 2). In Experiment 2 when responding under time pressure participants were disproportionately more likely to make errors on inconsistent versus consistent statements than when responding with no time pressure, suggesting that the resolution of interference requires cognitive resources the functioning of which decreases under cognitive load. In Experiment 3 a plausible alternative interpretation of these findings was ruled out by demonstrating that the response accuracy and time differences on consistent versus inconsistent statements occur for God—a supernatural religious entity—but not for a natural religious entity (a priest).
Children's Representation and Imitation of Events: How Goal Organization Influences 3‐Year‐Old Children's Memory for Action Sequences
Authors: Loucks Jeff , Mutschler Christina , Meltzoff Andrew N.
Published: November 2016

Children's imitation of adults plays a prominent role in human cognitive development. However, few studies have investigated how children represent the complex structure of observed actions which underlies their imitation. We integrate theories of action segmentation, memory, and imitation to investigate whether children's event representation is organized according to veridical serial order or a higher level goal structure. Children were randomly assigned to learn novel event sequences either through interactive hands‐on experience (Study 1) or via storybook (Study 2). Results demonstrate that children's representation of observed actions is organized according to higher level goals, even at the cost of representing the veridical temporal ordering of the sequence. We argue that prioritizing goal structure enhances event memory, and that this mental organization is a key mechanism of social‐cognitive development in real‐world, dynamic environments. It supports cultural learning and imitation in ecologically valid settings when social agents are multitasking and not demonstrating one isolated goal at a time.
More than marine: revealing the critical importance of mangrove ecosystems for terrestrial vertebrates
Authors: Rog Stefanie M. , Clarke Rohan H. , Cook Carly N.
Published: November 2016

Aim

Despite mangrove forests spanning marine, freshwater and terrestrial realms, their function as terrestrial ecosystems has been largely ignored. In the light of the rapid global decline of mangroves, it is critical to build a more holistic understanding to plan for effective management of the whole ecosystem. This study examines the importance of mangrove forests for terrestrial vertebrates.

Location

Global mangrove forests.

Methods

An extensive review of records of the use of global mangrove forests by the most poorly studied terrestrial vertebrate groups: mammals, reptiles and amphibians. We explored the species richness and distribution of these groups, along with their ecological characteristics. We also explored the relationship between animal and plant species richness across the distribution of mangrove forests.

Results

Mangroves are used by a remarkable number of terrestrial mammal, reptile and amphibian species (n = 464); five times more than previously reported. The diversity of species uncovered by this study, almost half of which are of conservation concern, underscores the value of mangroves as terrestrial ecosystems. Most species were facultative users of mangroves; however, there are critical knowledge gaps in how these species interact with these ecosystems. We found a positive global correlation between animal and mangrove plant richness.

Main conclusions

This study highlights that mangrove forests are considerably more important for terrestrial animals than generally acknowledged. We present the most comprehensive review of the importance of mangrove forests for terrestrial vertebrates, but also reveal significant knowledge gaps in the ecology of these ecosystems. Our study uncovers evidence that these habitats may be increasingly important as refuges for species from anthropocentric disturbance. Our findings emphasize the importance of moving beyond viewing mangroves as marine ecosystems, towards recognizing their cross‐realm importance. Without such a shift, there will be significant limitations in our ability to manage and conserve these ecosystems.
Adolescents’ inhibitory control: keep it cool or lose control
Authors: Aïte Ania , Cassotti Mathieu , Linzarini Adriano , Osmont Anaïs , Houdé Olivier , Borst Grégoire
Published: November 2016

Inhibitory control (i.e., the ability to resist automatisms, temptations, distractions, or interference and to adapt to conflicting situations) is a determinant of cognitive and socio‐emotional development. In light of the discrepancies of previous findings on the development of inhibitory control in affectively charged contexts, two important issues need to be addressed. We need to determine (a) whether cool inhibitory control (in affectively neutral contexts) and hot inhibitory control (in affectively charged contexts) follow the same developmental pattern and (b) the degree of specificity of these two types of inhibitory control at different ages. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the developmental patterns of cool and hot inhibitory control and the degree of specificity of these abilities in children, adolescents and adults. Typically developing children, adolescents, and adults performed two Stroop‐like tasks: an affectively neutral one (Cool Stroop task) and an affectively charged one (Hot Stroop task). In the Cool Stroop task, the participants were asked to identify the ink color of the words independent of color that the words named; in the Hot Stroop task, the participants were asked to identify the emotional expression of a face independent of the emotion named by a simultaneously displayed written word. We found that cool inhibitory control abilities develop linearly with age, whereas hot inhibitory control abilities follow a quadratic developmental pattern, with adolescents displaying worse hot inhibitory control abilities than children and adults. In addition, cool and hot inhibitory control abilities were correlated in children but not in adolescents and adults. The present study suggests (a) that cool and hot inhibitory control abilities develop differently from childhood to adulthood – i.e., that cool inhibition follows a linear developmental pattern and hot inhibition follows an adolescent‐specific pattern – and (b) that they become progressively more domain‐specific with age.
Human gingival fibroblasts induced and differentiated into vascular endothelial‐like cells
Authors: Liu Xuqian , Wang Jie , Dong Fusheng , Li Hexiang , Hou Yali
Published: November 2016

A novel method for repair of vascular disease, mechanical damage, and tissue rebuilding is urgently required. Vascular endothelial cells (VECs) play an essential role in vascular rebuilding and vasotransplantation. In the present study, human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were cultured and induced into endothelial‐like cells in vitro in order to confirm that HGFs with stem cell properties possessed the potential for differentiation into endothelial‐like cells. The epithelium was extracted from normal human gingiva consisting of epithelium and connective tissue, which was isolated from patients. The identification of HGFs and induced endothelial‐like cells were confirmed by flow cytometry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), immunocytochemical stain (ICS), and immunofluorescence stain (ISA). The morphology of human gingival fibroblasts with 8 ng/mL VEGF165 induced for different periods of days were observed by inverted microscope. Before induction, flow cytometry analysis showed that HGFs were positive for vimentin, but negative for CD31. RT–PCR, ICS, and ISA showed vimentin, S100A4, α‐SMA, collagen III, and S100A4 were specifically expressed in these fibroblast cells. After induction, ICS showed induced vascular endothelial‐like cells were positive for CD34 and CD31; ISA showed cells induced were positive for vWF and E‐cadherin; RT–PCR results demonstrated that tie2 was specifically expressed in the cells induced. Flow cytometry analysis of the transformation efficiency from HGFs to endothelial‐like cells. In conclusion, we found that HGFs possessed capacity for being induced and differentiated into vessel endothelial‐like cells with typical and specific morphological, ultrastructural, and immunological characters of endothelial‐like cells by induction with VEGF.
Prospective evaluation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3rd Edition in very‐low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Agarwal Pratibha K , Shi Luming , Daniel Lourdes M , Yang Phey Hong , Khoo Poh Choo , Quek Bin Huey , Zheng Qishi , Rajadurai Victor S
Published: November 2016

Aim

To evaluate the predictive and concurrent diagnostic agreement of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3rd Edition (ASQ‐3) with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd Edition (Bayley‐III) in infants born preterm and very‐low‐birthweight (PT/VLBW; ≤1250g).

Method

We evaluated 141 PT/VLBW infants (68 males, 73 females) born at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital between January 2010 and December 2011, to determine predictive and concurrent diagnostic agreement between the ASQ‐3 at 9, 12, 18, and 24 months corrected age and Bayley‐III at 24 months. Cut‐offs on the ASQ‐3 at 24 months were estimated by receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Sixty (43%) and 25 (18%) failed in any domain of the ASQ‐3 and Bayley‐III (<70) respectively. A negative predictive value (NPV) >98% was achieved for the motor domain from 9 months, and >90% for the communication domain and the overall results at 24 months. Optimal referral ASQ‐3 score at 24 months to achieve 100% NPV was 243.

Interpretation

In PT/VLBW infants, ASQ‐3 screening at 24 months can reduce the need for costly psychometric assessments in children with normal results. Clinicians can be assured of normal motor development at 9 months using the ASQ‐3, but should continue to screen children on other domains.
Embryonic developmental process governing the conspicuousness of body stripes and blue tail coloration in the lizard Plestiodon latiscutatus
Authors: Kuriyama Takeo , Hasegawa Masami
Published: November 2016

The combination of body stripes and vivid blue tail color has independently evolved in different lizard families. To understand how and when lizards developed this coloration, we microscopically compared the embryonic development of pigment cells in two island populations of Plestiodon latiscutatus that exhibit either striped and blue tailed or inconspicuously striped and blue tailed juveniles, based on the newly determined 12 normal developmental stages of embryos from shortly after egg laying to just before hatching. We focus on the role of the melanophores in the body stripe and the role of iridophore morphotypes in the extent of blue tail coloration. The melanophore density in the black background region was higher in lizards with vivid stripes than in lizards with drab stripes. Iridophores started to fill the dermal space that was not yet occupied by melanophores, which resulted in a higher iridophore density in stripes than in the inter‐stripe regions. We also discovered that iridophores with thin platelets reflecting blue structural coloration appeared at a specific region in the tail at stage 11. The position of the tail where iridophores emerged coincided with the boundary area separating anterior brown and green colored tail from posterior blue colored tail after hatching.
Culture and its influences on dental education
Authors: Chuenjitwongsa S. , Bullock A. , Oliver R. G.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Culture is an important factor influencing how students develop learning and how educators provide support to students. The aim of this paper is to explore a concept of national European cultures, and relationships between culture and educational practice with the intention of helping the dental profession gain a better understanding of effective teaching and learning in dentistry.

Content

Culture represents the collective behaviours, values and beliefs of people in a society. How people react to education is partly explained by culture. Students utilise different culturally based strategies to develop learning. We apply Hofstede's model to explore European cultures and implications for dental education and educational practice. Most Western students possess assimilating learning styles enabling them to learn effectively in student‐centred contexts while most Eastern students have accommodating learning styles and are more familiar with teacher‐centred learning. Eastern students may need to adapt their approach to learning to better benefit from student‐centred learning.

Conclusion

Culture influences students’ learning and educational practice. Dental educators should be aware of such influences and provide support that acknowledges students’ different cultural backgrounds. Cultural competence is fundamental for effective teaching and learning in dentistry.
Basic Self‐Awareness
Authors: Billon Alexandre
Published: November 2016

Basic self‐awareness is the kind of self‐awareness reflected in our standard use of the first‐person. Patients suffering from severe forms of depersonalization often feel reluctant to use the first‐person and can even, in delusional cases, avoid it altogether, systematically referring to themselves in the third‐person. Even though it has been neglected since then, depersonalization has been extensively studied, more than a century ago, and used as probe for understanding the nature and the causal mechanisms of basic self‐awareness. In this paper, I argue that depersonalized patients indeed have an impaired basic self‐awareness, and that their study allows us both to favor one specific theory of basic self‐awareness and to understand what is wrong with its rivals. According to the favored theory, which I call Cartesian, we are basically self‐aware in virtue of being acquainted with ourselves through introspection.
In Defense of Trait‐Based Love
Authors: López Roger G.
Published: November 2016

It is widely believed that a person's traits can function as reasons for loving her. (Many a metropolitan rag, for instance, carries lonely hearts ads that attest to this belief with their laundry lists of coveted characteristics.) Notable contemporary work in the philosophy of love has taken the rejection of this premise as its point of departure. As far as I can tell, none of that work has engaged with a careful philosophical exposition of the view under discussion. In the following pages, I will defend the idea of trait‐based love against three of its critics and one of its advocates. I will discuss work on this topic by Harry Frankfurt, Niko Kolodny and David Velleman, arguing that their criticisms fail and that the alternatives they offer to trait‐based love create more difficulties than they solve. What these authors have in common is a deflationary approach to love that reduces it to a beneficent disposition, a valuing relationship and a visceral form of moral regard, respectively. I will compare these to the multiplex, nuanced depiction of trait‐based love in Plato's Symposium. While it is plausible that love can motivate a beneficent disposition, develop in relationships and entails moral regard, I will argue that the attempt to reduce it to any of the foregoing fails. Frankfurt, Kolodny and Velleman reject trait‐based love in part because they think it would differ in unacceptable ways from the love most of us practice. Plato advocates the cultivation of a love that in some respects resembles the picture of trait‐based love the contemporary authors balk at. However, unlike those critics, he appreciates that trait‐based love need not resemble the ideal he proposes. His richer view of love accounts for elements such as need and feeling that the contemporary thinkers are driven to implausibly bracket as distractions. As I will try to show, the most compelling criticisms of Platonic love do not tell against its responsiveness to the loved one's traits. I will argue that trait‐based love is consistent with an intuitive picture of love and that this commonsense approach is more defensible than competing views in these texts. These authors' disagreements about what can count as reasons for love are bound up with the differences in what each takes love to be. Thus, in the course of arguing for trait‐based love, I will critically assess their various proposals as to the nature of love.
Species pools, community completeness and invasion: disentangling diversity effects on the establishment of native and alien species
Authors: Bennett Jonathan A. , Riibak Kersti , Kook Ene , Reier Ülle , Tamme Riin , Guillermo Bueno C. , Pärtel Meelis
Published: November 2016

Invasion should decline with species richness, yet the relationship is inconsistent. Species richness, however, is a product of species pool size and biotic filtering. Invasion may increase with richness if large species pools represent weaker environmental filters. Measuring species pool size and the proportion realised locally (completeness) may clarify diversity‐invasion relationships by separating environmental and biotic effects, especially if species’ life‐history stage and origin are accounted for. To test these relationships, we added seeds and transplants of 15 native and alien species into 29 grasslands. Species pool size and completeness explained more variation in invasion than richness alone. Although results varied between native and alien species, seed establishment and biotic resistance to transplants increased with species pool size, whereas transplant growth and biotic resistance to seeds increased with completeness. Consequently, species pools and completeness represent multiple independent processes affecting invasion; accounting for these processes improves our understanding of invasion.
CEO Age, Risk Incentives, and Hedging Strategy
Authors: Croci Ettore , del Giudice Alfonso , Jankensgård Håkan
Published: November 2016

We test whether managerial preferences explain how firms hedge, using hand‐collected data on derivative portfolios in the oil and gas industry. How firms hedge involves choosing between linear contracts and put options, and deciding whether to finance these hedging positions with cash on hand or by selling call options. The likelihood of being a hedger increases with chief executive officer (CEO) age, and near‐retirement CEOs prefer linear hedging instruments. The predictions of the managerial risk incentives theory of hedging strategy, according to which managers with convex compensation schemes avoid hedging strategies that cap upside potential, find no support in the data.
Effects of nitrogen fertilization and cutting intensity on the agronomic performance of warm‐season grasses
Authors: Pontes L. da S. , Baldissera T. C. , Giostri A. F. , Stafin G. , dos Santos B. R. C. , Carvalho P. C. de F.
Published: November 2016

Responses of grasses to N fertilization are affected by cutting intensity although little is known regarding the interactions of these factors in warm‐season grasses. Pre‐cutting canopy height, herbage accumulation and changes in the nutritive value of warm‐season grasses in response to four different management strategies were assessed from October 2011 to September 2014. Treatments included two cutting intensities (70 vs. 50% depletion of canopy height set by 95% light interception), two N fertilization levels (zero vs. 300 kg N ha−1 year−1) and six perennial C4 grass species (Axonopus catharinensis; Cynodon spp. hybrid Tifton 85; Hemarthria altissima cv. Flórida; Megathyrsus maximus cv. Aruana; Paspalum notatum cv. Pensacola; and Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) grown in monoculture in a factorial experimental design. Canopy height varied among grass species, cutting intensity and N treatments, mainly among seasons, indicating that more than one management target (i.e. canopy height) existed throughout the plant growth cycle for each species. The largest herbage accumulation occurred in the N fertilization treatments for most species, regardless of cutting intensity. Nitrogen fertilization and 50% depletion of canopy height increased the leaf proportion and decreased the neutral detergent fibre content. Overall, N fertilization had a stronger positive impact than cutting intensity on the acid detergent fibre content, dry‐matter digestibility and crude protein content, but the magnitudes of the responses were species‐specific.
Clinicopathological significance of a solid component in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Ohashi Ryuji , Kawahara Kiyoko , Namimatsu Shigeki , Igarashi Takehito , Sakatani Takashi , Sugitani Iwao , Naito Zenya
Published: November 2016

Aims

Solid variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (SVPTC) is characterized by a solid component (SC) involving more than 50% of the tumour with the preservation of the classical cytological features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the clinical significance of SC in PTC has been rarely examined. Herein, we investigated retrospectively the clinicopathological features of PTC with various degrees (10–85%) of SC (PTCSC).

Methods and results

Patients with PTCSC (n = 27) were stratified into SC‐major (SC > 50% of the tumour) and SC‐minor (SC < 49%) groups. The clinicopathological parameters were compared to the well‐differentiated PTC (WPTC) group (n = 47). Both SC‐minor (n = 18) and SC‐major (n = 9) groups had increased incidence of a large‐sized tumour, extracapsular extension and a high recurrence rate, compared to WPTC. Disease‐free survival (DFS) of both SC‐minor and SC‐major was shorter than that of WPTC (P = 0.035 and P = 0.016, respectively). Overall survival was similar among all the groups. Univariate analysis revealed that SC was associated significantly with a recurrence rate (P = 0.018). Using multivariate analysis, SC appeared to be associated with a recurrence rate with borderline significance (P = 0.055).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the presence of SC in PTC, regardless of the proportion, is associated with adverse clinical parameters and a shorter DFS.
High frequency of potential interactions between direct‐acting antivirals and concomitant therapy in HIV/hepatitis C virus‐coinfected patients in clinical practice
Authors: Macías J , Monge P , Mancebo M , Merchante N , Neukam K , Real LM , Pineda JA
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The aim of the study was to analyse the frequency and degree of potential drug−drug interactions (DDIs) between direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) and concomitant medication used by HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐coinfected patients, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other drugs.

Methods

All patients with HIV infection and viraemic HCV genotype 1, 3 or 4 coinfection attending a tertiary care centre in Spain (November 2014 to November 2015) were included in the study. DDIs were classified as major, i.e. drugs should not be co‐administered, or minor, i.e. close monitoring, dosage alteration or change in timing may be required if drugs are co‐administered, following the http://www.hep-druginteractions.org database recommendations.

Results

A total of 244 patients were included in the study, of whom 224 (92%) were previous injecting drug users. Major DDIs were found for: paritaprevir‐r/ombitasvir plus dasabuvir (3D), in 60 (44%) of 138 individuals with genotype 1; paritaprevir‐r/ombitasvir (2D), in 22 (37%) of 60 individuals with genotype 4; sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV), in four (2%) of 198 patients with genotype 1 or 4; simeprevir (SMV) plus SOF, in 160 (81%) of 198 patients with genotype 1 or 4; daclatasvir (DCV) plus SOF, in seven (3%) of 244 patients with genotype 1, 3 or 4 (P < 0.001). Minor DDIs were found for: 3D, in 123 (89%) individuals with genotype 1; 2D, in 52 (87%) individuals with genotype 4; SOF/LDV, in 154 (78%) patients with genotype 1 or 4; SMV plus SOF, in 129 (65%) patients with genotype 1 or 4; DCV plus SOF, in 149 (61%) patients with genotype 1, 3 or 4 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Drug−drug interactions between DAAs and ART or other commonly prescribed medications are frequently found among HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients. Potential major and minor DDIs are more frequent with 3D, 2D and SMV plus SOF regimens.
Grifolin derivatives from Albatrellus ovinus as TRPV1 receptor blockers for cosmetic applications
Authors: Hettwer S. , Bänziger S. , Suter B. , Obermayer B.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Blocking the TRPV1 receptor is an interesting approach for the treatment of sensitive skin. Here we investigated the potential of grifolin derivatives from Albatrellus ovinus to act as TRPV1 receptor blockers and their potential to serve as cosmetic active ingredients.

Methods

Binding characteristics of grifolin derivatives from Albatrellus ovinus were determined in competitive and functional in vitro assays to achieve IC50 values. The TRPV1 receptor was activated in vivo with capsaicin and noxious heat to investigate skin reddening, microcirculation, skin sensations and heat pain thresholds.

Results

Grifolin derivatives extracted from Albatrellus ovinus proved to inhibit the TRPV1 receptor in vitro and in vivo. Besides suppression of the TRPV1 receptor activity upon chemical stimulation with capsaicin, thermal activation was shown to be inhibited as well by application of cosmetic formulations containing 3% Albatrellus ovinus extract. The reduction of stinging and burning sensations as well as reduction of reddening and microcirculation upon irritation with capsaicin or thermal stress proved efficacy in vivo.

Conclusion

Grifolin derivatives from Albatrellus ovinus are able to serve as fungal‐derived TRPV1 receptor blockers with capability to serve as a cosmetic active ingredient on sensitive skin.
Characterisation of volatile compounds of farmed soft‐shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) by solid‐phase microextraction and the influence of matrix pH on the release of volatiles
Authors: Xu Yanqun , Limwachiranon Jarukitt , Li Li , Ru Qiaomei , Luo Zisheng
Published: November 2016

Although farming and consuming of soft‐shelled turtle has been practised for centuries, the aroma‐impact compounds in the meat have not been determined. Furthermore, matrix pH, usually changing during processing and storage stage, was rarely investigated for the influence on volatile profiles. To these aims, soft‐shelled turtle meat was subjected to different pH conditions and the potential volatile compounds were analysed under different extraction conditions by headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME). A total of forty‐three volatiles were identified; in which, nonanal, (E, E)‐2, 4‐heptadienal, octanal, decanal, hexanal, (E)‐2‐nonenal, heptanal, 1‐octen‐3‐ol and o‐xylene were assigned as aroma‐impact compounds by high relative odour activity value (ROAV). Overly basic or acidic pH significantly (P < 0.05) facilitated the release of volatiles under moderate extraction conditions. The total volatilisation increased by 30.1% to 298% in pH‐shifted samples, while the highest one was found in pH 2 or pH 11. However, the results of principal components analysis (PCA) demonstrated that increased extraction time or temperature hindered the pH enhancement.