bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atrial Fibrillation: Possible Influences of Rate and Rhythm Control Strategy on Cognitive Performance
Authors: Damanti Sarah , Pasina Luca , Cortesi Laura , Rossi Paolo D. , Cesari Matteo 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo determine whether rate or rhythm control strategy may affect cognition in older adults with atrial fibrillation (AF).DesignRetrospective analysis of the REgistro POliterapie SIMI database.SettingItalian internal medicine and geriatric wards.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older (N=1,082, mean age 80.6 ± 7; 50% male) with AF before hospital admission (for any cause).MeasurementsEvaluation of cognitive performance using the Short Blessed Test (SBT) according to rhythm and rate control strategy, anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, age, education, and comorbidities.ResultsTwo hundred seventy‐two participants (25%) received rhythm control therapy, 331 (30.6%) rate control therapy, and 479 (44.3%) no therapy of interest. Four hundred thirty‐six (40.3%) in the total sample and in the different rhythm and rate control strategy groups were treated with an oral anticoagulant. Cognitive performance (mean SBT score) was found to be higher in the rhythm control group (7.5 ± 6.6) than in the no therapy (9.9 ± 7.9) and rate control (10.6 ± 8.3) (p<.001) groups. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, and comorbidities found that the rhythm control strategy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.40–0.79, p=.001) and education (aOR 0.50, 95% CI=0.35–0.62; p<.001) were associated with less likelihood of cognitive impairmentConclusionIn the absence of anticoagulation, rhythm control of AF may protect against cognitive decline. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2178–2182, 2018.
Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase is required for brain mitochondrial redox balance under hampered energy substrate metabolism and high‐fat diet
Authors: Francisco Annelise , Ronchi Juliana A. , Navarro Claudia D. C. , Figueira Tiago R. , Castilho Roger F. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAmong mitochondrial NADP‐reducing enzymes, nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) establishes an elevated matrix NADPH/NADP+ by catalyzing the reduction of NADP+ at the expense of NADH oxidation coupled to inward proton translocation across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Here, we characterize NNT activity and mitochondrial redox balance in the brain using a congenic mouse model carrying the mutated Nnt gene from the C57BL/6J strain. The absence of NNT activity resulted in lower total NADPH sources activity in the brain mitochondria of young mice, an effect that was partially compensated in aged mice. Nonsynaptic mitochondria showed higher NNT activity than synaptic mitochondria. In the absence of NNT, an increased release of H2O2 from mitochondria was observed when the metabolism of respiratory substrates occurred with restricted flux through relevant mitochondrial NADPH sources or when respiratory complex I was inhibited. In accordance, mitochondria from Nnt‐/‐ brains were unable to sustain NADP in its reduced state when energized in the absence of carbon substrates, an effect aggravated after H2O2 bolus metabolism. These data indicate that the lack of NNT in brain mitochondria impairs peroxide detoxification, but peroxide detoxification can be partially counterbalanced by concurrent NADPH sources depending on substrate availability. Notably, only brain mitochondria from Nnt−/− mice chronically fed a high‐fat diet exhibited lower activity of the redox‐sensitive aconitase, suggesting that brain mitochondrial redox balance requires NNT under the metabolic stress of a high‐fat diet. Overall, the role of NNT in the brain mitochondria redox balance especially comes into play under mitochondrial respiratory defects or high‐fat diet.
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FINANCIAL FRAUD: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Reurink Arjan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper describes the empirical universe of financial fraud as it has been documented in the academic literature. Specifically, it describes the different forms of fraudulent behaviour in the context of financial market activities, the prevalence and consequences of such behaviour as identified by previous research, and the economic and market structures that scholars believe facilitate it. To structure the discussion, a conceptual distinction is made between three types of financial fraud: false financial disclosures, financial scams, and financial mis‐selling. The findings of the literature review highlight a number of recent developments that scholars think have facilitated the occurrence of financial fraud, including (1) the development of new fundamental conflicts of interest and perverse incentive structures in the financial industry; (2) an influx of unsophisticated, gullible participants in the financial marketplace; (3) the increasing complexity involved in financial market transactions as a result of rapid technological, legal, and financial innovation and an ever‐widening menu of financial products; (4) an increase in the use of justified secrecy in the form of a mystification of trading models adopted by fund managers.
Caregiving and Union Instability in Middle and Later Life
Authors: Penning Margaret J. , Wu Zheng 
Published: October 2018

Objective:This study addressed the implications of informal caregiving for subsequent union instability in middle and later life, focusing on associations between gender and union type (marital, cohabiting) and the risk of separation or divorce within heterosexual unions.Background:Although caregiving is widely reported to be stressful and to have negative implications for the health and well‐being of individual caregivers, its implications for union stability are less clear. This is particularly evident with regard to middle‐aged and older adults in both marital and cohabiting unions. Yet caregiving may increase separation or divorce risk by operating as a stressor on the marital or union relationship, leading to lower union quality and subsequent dissolution.Method:Using retrospective data on union histories for a national population‐based cohort of married or cohabiting Canadian men and women aged 45 years and older (N= 17,194), Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the main and interactive effects of caregiving history, union type, and gender on union dissolution from age 45 to the time of the survey.Results:Caregiving was more destabilizing when it involved cohabiting rather than marital unions and female rather than male caregivers.Conclusion:These findings suggest that caregiving is associated with union dissolution but that the type of union and gender need to be considered.
Orofacial pain and its potential oral causes in older people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia
Authors: Delwel Suzanne , Scherder Erik J. A. , de Baat Cees , Binnekade Tarik T. , van der Wouden Johannes C. , Hertogh Cees M. P. M. , Maier Andrea B. , Perez Roberto S. G. M. , Lobbezoo Frank 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe number of people with dementia and natural dentition is growing. As dementia progresses, the degree of self‐care decreases and the risk of oral health problems and orofacial pain increases.ObjectivesTo examine and compare the presence of orofacial pain and its potential causes in older people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional observational study, the presence of orofacial pain and its potential causes was studied in 348 participants with MCI or dementia with all levels of cognitive impairment in two outpatient memory clinics and ten nursing homes.ResultsOrofacial pain was reported by 25.7% of the 179 participants who were considered to present a reliable pain self‐report (Mini‐Mental State Examination score ≥14 points), while it could not be determined in people with more severe cognitive impairment. The oral health examination of the 348 participants indicated that potential painful conditions, such as coronal caries, root caries, tooth root remnants or ulcers were present in 50.3%. There was a significant correlation between the level of cognitive impairment and the number of teeth, r = 0.185, P = 0.003, teeth with coronal caries, r = −0.238, P < 0.001, and the number of tooth root remnants, r = −0.229, P = 0.004, after adjusting for age.ConclusionsThis study indicated that orofacial pain and its potential causes were frequently present in participants with MCI or dementia. Therefore, a regular oral examination by (oral) healthcare providers in people with MCI or dementia remains imperative, even if no pain is reported.
Clinical Comparative Evaluation of Nd:YAG Laser and a New Varnish Containing Casein Phosphopeptides‐Amorphous Calcium Phosphate for the Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Prospective Study
Authors: Bou Chebel Fady , Zogheib Carina Mehanna , Baba Nadim Z. , Corbani Karim A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the effect of Nd:YAG laser to that of a new varnish: MI Varnish with RECALDENT (GC), for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, with a follow‐up of 6 months. Dentinal hypersensitivity was evaluated using a new thermal test never before used on dental tissue.Materials and MethodsA split‐mouth design was used where teeth on one side received the same type of treatment. Twelve patients suffering from dentin hypersensitivity were chosen. Fifty‐four teeth were divided into 27 pairs. Twenty‐seven teeth received the Nd:YAG laser treatment, and the 27 contralateral teeth received MI Varnish application. Five parameters were measured, and the measurements were taken before treatment at baseline (T0), after 1 week (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T4) of the application. Air stimulation to obtain the Schiff air score, the score of discomfort according to the visual analog scale (VAS), the tactile score, and the thermal test that determines the minimum cold‐stimulating temperature and the maximum heat‐stimulating temperature were all used to assess sensitivity. Statistical analyses of the data were performed, and the significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Exact Fisher tests and Chi‐Square tests were conducted to compare percentages.ResultsThere was a clear decrease in dentin hypersensitivity for both treatments (Nd:YAG laser and MI Varnish) especially between baseline and 1 week, with maintenance of this state through the 6‐month follow‐up period. The difference between the two treatments was not significant, comparing, over time, the Schiff air score, the thermal test, and the VAS; however, the tactile score was significantly improved 6 months after the application of MI Varnish compared to the laser (p = 0.05).ConclusionThere was no significant difference between the two treatments, Nd:YAG laser and MI Varnish. Both treatments were effective and reduced dentin hypersensitivity immediately after treatment up to 6 months.
Income inequality, perceived competitiveness, and approach‐avoidance motivation
Authors: Sommet Nicolas , Elliot Andrew J. , Jamieson Jeremy P. , Butera Fabrizio 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveScholars disagree on whether income inequality has incentive or disincentive effects. In the present research, we move beyond such debate and focus on the motivational processes that income inequality predicts. First, income inequality makes economic stratification salient; therefore, it should promote perceived competitiveness. Second, competitiveness can be appraised as both a challenge and a threat; therefore, it should promote both approach and avoidance motivation.MethodIn three studies (N = 2,543), U.S. residents from various ZIP codes reported the extent to which they perceived competitiveness in their town/city (Studies 1–3), as well as their economic achievement goals, achievement motives, and self‐regulatory foci (Studies 2–3).ResultsLevel of local income inequality was found to be a positive predictor—via increased perceived competitiveness—of other‐approach economic goals, need for achievement, and promotion focus, as well as other‐avoidance economic goals, fear of failure (specifically, the shame/embarrassment component), and prevention focus. Furthermore, actual and perceived income inequality were positively correlated.ConclusionsThe conceptual and empirical work herein is the first to show how the economic environment predicts individuals’ perceptions of competitiveness, influencing personal goals, motives, and orientations. It provides a more nuanced perspective on the implications of income inequality than perspectives currently available.
A genome‐wide association study identifies an association between variants in EFCAB4B gene and periodontal disease in an Italian isolated population
Authors: Bevilacqua Lorenzo , Navarra Chiara O. , Pirastu Nicola , Lenarda Roberto Di , Gasparini Paolo , Robino Antonietta 
Published: October 2018

Background and ObjectivePeriodontitis in one of the most prevalent dental diseases. Despite numerous studies have investigated its aetiopathogenetic factors, few works have focused on its genetic predisposition and most of them took into account only candidate genes. Therefore, we conducted a Genome Wide Association Study in an Italian isolated population aimed at uncovering genetic variants that predispose to this disorder.MethodsDiagnosis of chronic periodontitis was made following the criteria of the American Academy of Periodontology. Patients with chronic periodontitis were grouped into different categories: slight, severe, localized and generalized. A control group composed by people without signs of periodontitis or gingivitis was defined. DNA was genotyped using 370k Illumina chips. Linear mixed model regression was used to test the association between each single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (independent variable) and the periodontitis status (dependent variable), controlling for confounders sex, age and smoking. The genomic kinship matrix was also used as random effect.ResultsFour SNPs on the gene EFCAB4B resulted significantly associated to localized periodontitis (P < 5 × 10−8), with the best hit on the rs242016 SNP (P = 1.5 × 10−8).ConclusionWe have identified a novel significant association between the EFCAB4B gene and localized periodontitis. These results open a new perspective in the understanding of genetic factors contributing to this common disorder.
Association of LTA gene haploblock with periodontal disease in Italian adults
Authors: Zupin Luisa , Moura Rodrigues Ronald , Navarra Chiara Ottavia , Bevilacqua Lorenzo , Catamo Eulalia , Di Lenarda Roberto , Gasparini Paolo , Crovella Sergio , Robino Antonietta 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundPeriodontitis is a common oral disease caused by host inflammatory response towards bacteria biofilm. The chronic activation of immune response leads to destruction of teeth supporting tissue, bone loss and tooth detachment. Different factors could be involved in the development and severity of the disease; among them the host genetic background should be considered.ObjectivesIn our study, we analysed haploblocks in a genomic region within major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus aimed at disclosing a possible correlation with the risk of periodontal disease in 602 adult subjects from North‐East Italy.ResultsThe CTTAC haploblock (formed by LTA‐rs2857709, LTA‐rs2844484, LTA‐ rs2229094, LTA‐rs2229092 and LTA‐rs1041981 polymorphisms) correlated with protection towards periodontitis condition, after regression analysis including age and smoking status as covariates (P‐value = 0.015).ConclusionOur results suggest that a haplotype within LTA gene (encoding for lymphotoxin alpha) is involved in the susceptibility towards chronic periodontitis.
Using Single‐Case Research Designs to Examine the Effects of Interventions in Special Education
Authors: Maggin Daniel M. , Cook Bryan G. , Cook Lysandra 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSingle‐case research methods provide the basis for evaluating effective instructional approaches in special education. The purpose of this article is to provide special educators an overview of single‐case research methods, with an emphasis on how these designs are used to establish whether an instructional practice relates to improved learner outcomes. Specifically, we describe (1) core principles of single‐case design (SCD) research, (2) two frequently used SCDs—withdrawal and multiple‐baseline designs, (3) how visual analysis of graphed data is used to examine functional relations in SCDs, (4) limitations to the generalizability of findings from individual SCD studies, and (5) two studies in the special education literature that use SCDs. Our take‐home message is that SCDs can be used to determine whether an instructional intervention causes improved outcomes for students, but caution is warranted when generalizing results from individual SCD studies.
Primary feldspar in the Semarkona LL3.00 chondrite: Constraints on chondrule formation and secondary alteration
Authors: Lewis Jonathan A. , Jones Rhian H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFeldspar in ordinary chondrites (OCs) is often associated with thermal metamorphism, as a secondary mineral that forms from the crystallization of matrix and chondrule mesostasis. However, studies of feldspar in equilibrated OCs show that there is a range of plagioclase compositions within chondrules, some of which may be primary products of chondrule crystallization. It is important to recognize primary feldspar within chondrules because it can be used to help understand the secondary effects of thermal metamorphism and aqueous alteration. The presence of primary feldspar also provides important petrologic constraints on chondrule formation time scales. We undertook a careful study of Semarkona (LL3.00) and observed feldspar in 18% of chondrules. The feldspar is plagioclase covering a wide range of compositions (An2–An99) with little K‐feldspar component (<Or3). We show that plagioclase is a primary igneous phase, based on grain morphology and compositions consistent with growth from a melt having the bulk compositions of the host chondrules. Based on experimental studies, the presence of plagioclase suggests chondrules cooled slowly at temperatures close to the solidus. We also observed several secondary features consistent with the aqueous alteration. These features include zoning of Na and Ca in plagioclase, heterogeneity in plagioclase compositions in altered chondrules, development of porosity from the dissolution of chondrule glass, and alteration of glass to phyllosilicates. Alteration of major Al‐bearing phases, like plagioclase and glass, has important implications for interpretations of ages derived from Al‐Mg dating of chondrules, if they have been affected by secondary processes.
Independent homoploid hybrid speciation events in the Macaronesian endemic genusArgyranthemum
Authors: White Oliver W. , Reyes‐Betancort Alfredo , Chapman Mark A. , Carine Mark A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWell‐characterized examples of homoploid hybrid speciation (HHS) are rare in nature, yet they offer the potential to study a number of evolutionary processes. In this study, we investigate putative homoploid hybrid species in the genusArgyranthemum(Asteraceae), a group of plants endemic to the Macaronesian archipelagos of the North Atlantic Ocean. We specifically address a number of knowledge gaps surrounding the origin(s) ofA. sundingiiandA. lemsii, which are thought to be derived from the same parental cross. Comparisons of leaf morphology suggest thatA. sundingiiandA. lemsiiare distinct from their parental progenitors and distinguishable from each other based on leaf area. Ecological niche modelling (ENM) demonstrated that the homoploid hybrid species occupy novel habitats that are intermediate relative to the parental species. Nuclear simple sequence repeat markers (SSRs) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data indicate that the homoploid hybrid species are distinct from the parental taxa, while population‐level sampling of chloroplastSSRs and approximate Bayesian computation show thatA. sundingiiandA. lemsiiare independently derived from the same parental cross. As such,Argyranthemumrepresents an example of independent homoploid hybrid speciation events with evidence of divergence in leaf morphology and adaptation to novel intermediate habitats. On oceanic islands, which are often typified by steep ecological gradients and inhabited by recently derived species with weak reproductive barriers, multipleHHSevents from the same parental cross are not only possible but also likely to have played a more important role in oceanic island radiations than we currently think.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate protects against brain microvascular endothelial junctional protein disorganization and barrier dysfunction caused by alcohol
Authors: Alves Natascha G. , Yuan Sarah Y. , Breslin Jerome W. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveS1P has known endothelial barrier‐protective properties, but whether this extends to the BBB is unclear. We hypothesized that alcohol‐induced disruption of brain microvascular endothelial barrier function and junctional protein organization can be ameliorated by S1P treatment.MethodsCultured primary HBMEC monolayers were used to characterize endothelial‐specific mechanisms of BBB regulation. TER and apparent permeability coefficients for albumin, dextran‐4 kDa, and sodium fluorescein were used as indices of barrier function. Junctional localization of Claudin‐5, VE‐cadherin, and β‐catenin was determined by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. S1P was applied following treatment with alcohol.ResultsAlcohol significantly impaired HBMEC TER. Application of S1P after alcohol treatment resulted in a hastened recovery to the baseline HBMEC TER. Alcohol‐treated HBMEC had a significantly higher mean permeability than control that was reversed by S1P. Alcohol caused the formation of gaps between cells. Treatment with S1P (after alcohol) increased junctional localization of VE‐Cadherin, Claudin‐5, and β‐catenin.ConclusionsAlcohol impairs the barrier function and junctional organization of HBMEC monolayers. S1P enhanced barrier function and restored junctions in the presence of alcohol, and thus may be useful for restoring BBB function during alcohol intoxication.
Cryptic protein interactions regulate DNA replication initiation
Authors: Matthews Lindsay A. , Simmons Lyle A. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryDNA replication is a fundamental biological process that is tightly regulated in all cells. In bacteria, DnaA controls when and where replication begins by building a step‐wise complex that loads the replicative helicase onto chromosomal DNA. In many low‐GC Gram‐positive species, DnaA recruits the DnaD and DnaB proteins to function as adaptors to assist in helicase loading. How DnaA, its adaptors and the helicase form a complex at the origin is unclear. We addressed this question using the bacterial two‐hybrid assay to determine how the initiation proteins from Bacillus subtilis interact with each other. We show that cryptic interaction sites play a key role in this process and we map these regions for the entire pathway. In addition, we found that the SirA regulator that blocks initiation in sporulating cells binds to a surface on DnaA that overlaps with DnaD. The interaction between DnaA and DnaD was also mapped to the same DnaA surface in the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating the broad conservation of this surface. Therefore, our study has unveiled key protein interactions essential for initiation and our approach is widely applicable for mapping interactions in other signaling pathways that are governed by cryptic binding surfaces.