bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐10 gene polymorphisms and chronic periodontitis susceptibility: Evidence based on 33 studies
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Zheng Youli , Li Xinyue 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe purpose of the meta‐analysis was to investigate the potential association of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) polymorphisms with susceptibility to chronic periodontitis (CP). A total of 33 studies involving 3487 cases and 4356 controls were identified through a search of multiple electronic databases (last search was updated on 19 July 2018). Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were included in the meta‐analysis: ‐1082A>G(rs1800896), ‐819C>T(rs1800871), and ‐592C>A(rs1800872). Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using allele, dominant, and recessive genetic models were computed to assess the strength of the association. The ‐1082A>G(rs1800896) polymorphism was found to be associated with decreased CP risk in both Caucasians and Latinos under the dominant model. The ‐819C>T(rs1800871) and ‐592C>A(rs1800872) polymorphisms were both associated with increased CP risk in Latinos under the allele and dominant models. In Asians, no associations were observed for any of the polymorphisms under all comparison models. The present meta‐analysis suggests that the ‐1082A>G(rs1800896) polymorphism might be a protective factor for CP in both Caucasians and Latinos, but the ‐819C>T(rs1800871) and ‐592C>A(rs1800872) polymorphisms might contribute to CP pathogenesis in Latinos.
A novel IkB kinase inhibitor attenuates ligature‐induced periodontal disease in mice
Authors: Kure Keitetsu , Sato Hiroki , Suzuki Jun‐ichi , Itai Akiko , Aoyama Norio , Izumi Yuichi 
Published: October 2018

Backgrounds and ObjectivesIMD‐0354 is a novel I kappa‐B kinase (IKK) inhibitor, which regulates inflammation. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the reagent on bone loss for ligature‐induced periodontitis.Material and MethodsWe ligated around the upper right second molars of 8‐week‐old C57BL/6J mice in the split‐mouth model. The test mice were injected intraperitoneally with IMD‐0354 before the placement of the ligature. The control mice were injected intraperitoneally with 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as vehicle before the placement of the ligature. To determine the optimum concentration of the reagent on ligature‐induced periodontitis in the mice, we examined the effect of three types of concentration, which were 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg of IMD‐0354, as a preliminary experiment. After we determined 10 mg/kg as the optimum concentration for the IMD group by micro‐CT analysis, both the IMD and CMC groups (n = 15 each in total, including all the analyses) were subdivided into two small groups, respectively, for further analyses: I group (unligated side of IMD group), IL group (ligated side of IMD group), C group (unligated side of CMC group) and CL group (ligated side of CMC group). The mice in the IMD and CMC groups were treated with each reagent daily and sacrificed 8 days after the ligation. For assessment of bone resorption, we performed micro‐CT and histological analyses. We also carried out real‐time PCR to investigate proinflammatory and bone metabolic markers.ResultsThere were significant differences for linear bone loss and volumetric parameter in the test (IMD) group compared to the control (CMC) group 8 days after ligation. In terms of the mRNA expression level of gingival tissue, the level of RANKL was significantly suppressed in the IMD group compared to the CMC group. IMD‐0354 also tended to suppress the levels of interleukin‐1 beta, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and osteoprotegerin. For histological analysis, the relative numbers of TRAP‐positive multinucleated cells decreased significantly in the IMD group compared to the CMC group.ConclusionIMD‐0354 regulated bone resorption by ligature‐induced periodontitis, and it is suggested that the inhibition of IKK via down‐regulation of NF kappa‐B may provide periodontal patients with an effective approach to prevent or suppress the disease.
Spontaneous primary hypothyroidism in 7 adult cats
Authors: Peterson Mark E. , Carothers Marcia A. , Gamble David A. , Rishniw Mark 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundNaturally occurring hypothyroidism in adult cats is rare, with only 4 cases reported.ObjectivesTo describe the historical, clinical, laboratory, and scintigraphic features of adult cats with spontaneous hypothyroidism.AnimalsSeven adult cats referred for suspected hypothyroidism.MethodsProspective case series. We collected data on cats’ signalment, clinical signs, results of physical examination, routine laboratory and thyroid hormone testing, and thyroid imaging (thyroid scintigraphy or ultrasound). We subsequently treated cats with levothyroxine and evaluated their response to treatment.ResultsCats ranged from 3.5 to 11 years, with no apparent breed predilection; 6/7 cats were male. Only 2/7 cats were initially tested because of signs of hypothyroidism (hair‐coat changes, lethargy, obesity); others were tested for routine thyroid monitoring or palpable thyroid nodules. Four were azotemic (serum creatinine, 2.2‐3.4 mg/dL). Six of the cats had low serum thyroxine (T4) and free T4(fT4) concentrations, whereas all 7 cats had high thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. In 6/7 cats, thyroid scintigraphy revealed bilateral goiter with intense radionuclide uptake; imaging showed no visible thyroid tissue in the other. After levothyroxine treatment, serum concentrations of T4and fT4increased and TSH fell; high serum creatinine normalized in azotemic cats; and repeat imaging showed reduction in goiter size.Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePrimary hypothyroidism develops in adult cats, with a higher prevalence than previously thought. Most cats appear to develop a goitrous form of hypothyroidism associated with thyroid hyperplasia, whereas thyroid atrophy appears to be less common. With levothyroxine replacement, clinical and laboratory abnormalities improve or resolve.
Modeling and Kinematic Path Selection of Retractable Kirigami Roof Structures
Authors: Cai Jianguo , Zhang Qian , Feng Jian , Xu Yixiang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article proposes a numerical method for the kinematic path modeling of retractable roof structures based on the concept of kirigami. The kinematics of origami structures have been studied by many researchers. However, the singular point in the kinematic path which will crucially affect the overall performance of the structure has not been investigated. In this article, the method to detect the singular point in the kinematic path is first introduced. Then, a prediction‐correction algorithm is developed to simulate the motion along a uniquely determined path. A second‐order program is used to select kinematic paths deviating from a singular point. After that, the proposed method is applied in the kinematic modeling of a kirigami structure to show its accuracy.
Taiwan renal care system: A learning health‐care system
Authors: Wu Mei‐Yi , Wu Mai‐Szu 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTTaiwan renal care system is an evolving learning health‐care system. There are four facets of this system. From the early history of dialysis and Taiwan Renal Registry Data System, it facilitates the generation of data to knowledge. National multidisciplinary pre‐end‐stage renal disease care project and outcome enhances knowledge to practice. Early chronic kidney disease (CKD) programs and 2015 Taiwan CKD clinical guidelines implicate the practice to customer, and then explore the causes of CKD help to resume customer to data. A learning health‐care system allows better and safer care at lower cost, enhancement of public health and patient empowerment. The successful development of a learning health‐care system was to collect, accumulate and analyze data, interpret results, deliver tailored message and take action to change practice. Through the established database and data analysis, an integrated care system would be able to improve clinical outcomes and achieve the most cost‐effectiveness care. Acute kidney injury, CKD with unknown origin, palliative care and kidney transplant are our new focuses to struggle.
Towards take‐all control: a C‐21β oxidase required for acylation of triterpene defence compounds in oat
Authors: Leveau Aymeric , Reed James , Qiao Xue , Stephenson Michael J. , Mugford Sam T. , Melton Rachel E. , Rant Jenni C. , Vickerstaff Robert , Langdon Tim , Osbourn Anne 
Published: October 2018

Summary

Oats produce avenacins, antifungal triterpenes that are synthesized in the roots and provide protection against take‐all and other soilborne diseases. Avenacins are acylated at the carbon‐21 position of the triterpene scaffold, a modification critical for antifungal activity. We have previously characterized several steps in the avenacin pathway, including those required for acylation. However, transfer of the acyl group to the scaffold requires the C‐21β position to be oxidized first, by an as yet uncharacterized enzyme.

We mined oat transcriptome data to identify candidate cytochrome P450 enzymes that may catalyse C‐21β oxidation. Candidates were screened for activity by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana.

We identified a cytochrome P450 enzyme AsCYP72A475 as a triterpene C‐21β hydroxylase, and showed that expression of this enzyme together with early pathway steps yields C‐21β oxidized avenacin intermediates. We further demonstrate that AsCYP72A475 is synonymous with Sad6, a previously uncharacterized locus required for avenacin biosynthesis. sad6 mutants are compromised in avenacin acylation and have enhanced disease susceptibility.

The discovery of AsCYP72A475 represents an important advance in the understanding of triterpene biosynthesis and paves the way for engineering the avenacin pathway into wheat and other cereals for control of take‐all and other diseases.
Terrestrial LiDAR: a three‐dimensional revolution in how we look at trees
Authors: Disney Mathias 
Published: October 2018

SummaryTerrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is providing new, very detailed three‐dimensional (3D) measurements of forest canopy structure. The information that TLS measurements can provide in describing detailed, accurate 3D canopy architecture offers fascinating new insights into the variety of tree form, environmental drivers and constraints, and the relationship between form and function, particularly for tall, hard‐to‐measure trees. TLS measurements are helping to test fundamental ecological theories and enabling new and better exploitation of other measurements and models that depend on 3D structural information. This Tansley insight introduces the background and capabilities of TLS in forest ecology, discusses some of the barriers to progress, and identifies some of the directions for new work.
Detection of MAPK/ERK pathway proteins and KRAS mutations in adenomatoid odontogenic tumors
Authors: Bologna‐Molina Ronell , Ogawa Ikuko , Mosqueda‐Taylor Adalberto , Takata Takashi , Sánchez‐Romero Celeste , Villarroel‐Dorrego Mariana , Takeda Yasunori , Mikami Toshinari 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the frequency of KRAS mutation and its association with the presence of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway proteins in adenomatoid odontogenic tumors.Study DesignParaffin‐embedded tissue samples from nine cases of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor were used.Genomic DNA was extracted from each sample; in one case, genetic mutations in 50 cancer‐associated genes were examined by next‐generation sequencing. Hotspot mutations in the RAS family were analyzed by Luminex assay using the remaining eight cases. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry for KRAS, CRAF, BRAF, EGFR, ERK, MEK, and BRAFV600E was performed.ResultsA KRAS G12D missense mutation was detected in the DNA sequence of the tumor cells, but it was not detected in the stromal tissue. KRAS G12V and KRAS G12R mutations were detected in two and four cases, respectively. For immunohistochemistry, all the cases were EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, CRAF positive, one case was ERK negative,and one case was MEK and ERK negative, all the other remaining cases were MEK and ERK positive.ConclusionKRAS mutation at codon 12 and the presence of MAPK/ERK pathway proteins were detected suggesting their association with tumorigenesis of adenomatoid odontogenic tumors.
Dilutional coagulopathy in pediatric scoliosis surgery: A single center report
Authors: Baker Courtney E. , Marvi Tanya , Austin Thomas M. , Payne Shelby , Mignemi Megan E. , Gailani David , Wheeler Allison P. , Nguyen Thanh T. , Lovejoy Steven A. , Martus Jeffrey E. , Mencio Gregory A. , Schoenecker Jonathan G. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundChildren undergoing posterior spinal fusion experience high blood loss often necessitating transfusion. An appropriately activated coagulation system provides hemostasis during surgery, but pathologic dysregulation can cause progressive bleeding and increased transfusions. Despite receiving antifibrinolytics for clot stabilization, many patients still require transfusions.AimsWe sought to examine the association of dilutional coagulopathy with blood loss and blood transfusion in posterior spinal fusion for pediatric scoliosis patients.MethodsA retrospective, single institution study of children undergoing posterior spinal fusion >6 levels with a standardized, prospective anesthetic protocol utilizing antifibrinolytics. Blood loss was evaluated using a hematocrit‐based calculation. To evaluate transfusions, a normalized Blood Product Transfusion calculation was developed. Factors associated with blood loss and blood transfusions were determined by univariate analysis and multivariate regression modeling with multicollinearity and mediation analysis.ResultsPatients received 73.7 mL/kg (standard deviation ±30.8) of fluid poor in coagulation factors. Estimated blood loss was 42.6 mL/kg (standard deviation ±18.0). There was a significant association between estimated blood loss and total fluids delivered (Spearman's rho = 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.33‐0.65, P < 0.001). Factors significantly associated with normalized Blood Product Transfusion in this cohort included age, weight, scoliosis type, levels fused, total osteotomies, pelvic fixation, total fluid, maximum prothrombin time, and minimum fibrinogen. Regression modeling showed the best combination of variables for modeling normalized Blood Product Transfusion included patient weight, number of levels fused, total fluid administered, and maximum prothrombin time.ConclusionBlood product transfusion remains a frustrating problem in pediatric scoliosis. Identifying and controlling dilutional coagulopathy in these patients may reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusion.
Ascariasis as a model to study the helminth/allergy relationships
Authors: Caraballo Luis , Acevedo Nathalie , Zakzuk Josefina 
Published: October 2018

SummaryAscariasis is the most frequent soil transmitted helminthiasis and, as well as other helminth infections, is expected to influence the clinical presentation of allergic diseases such as asthma. Indeed, several clinical and experimental works have shown an important impact either increasing or suppressing symptoms, and the same effects have been detected on the underlying immune responses. In this review we analyze the work on this field performed in Colombia, a Latin American tropical country, including aspects such as the molecular genetics of the IgE response to Ascaris; the allergenic activity of Ascaris IgE‐binding molecular components and the immunological and clinical influences of ascariasis on asthma. The analysis allows us to conclude that the impact of ascariasis on the inception and evolution of allergic diseases such as asthma deserves more investigation, but advances have been made during the last years. The concurrent parasite‐induced immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects during this helminthiasis do modify the natural history of asthma and some aspects of the practice of allergology in the tropics. Theoretically it can also influence the epidemiological trends of allergic diseases either by its absence or presence in different regions and countries.
Obesity and loneliness. Findings from a longitudinal population‐based study in the second half of life in Germany
Authors: Hajek André , König Hans‐Helmut 
Published: October 2018

AimLittle is known about whether changes to obesity are associated with changes in loneliness scores. Therefore, using a longitudinal approach, we aimed to determine whether the onset of obesity (explanatory variable) is associated with changes in loneliness (outcome measure) among older adults.MethodsFor the present study, data from wave 2 (2002) to wave 5 (2014) of the German Ageing Survey were analyzed. This is a representative sample of community‐dwelling individuals in Germany (≥40 years). A validated six‐item scale by Gierveld and van Tilburg was used to quantify loneliness. Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2. Fixed effects regressions were used.ResultsFixed effects regressions showed that loneliness increased with the onset of obesity among men but not among women. The sex × obesity interaction term was significant (P = 0.02).ConclusionsFindings stress the importance of the onset of obesity for loneliness among older men. Weight management strategies might also be a promising strategy to reduce loneliness scores.
Mapping Socioeconomic Exposure for Flood Risk Assessment in Italy
Authors: Amadio Mattia , Mysiak Jaroslav , Marzi Sepehr 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDetailed spatial representation of socioeconomic exposure and the related vulnerability to natural hazards has the potential to improve the quality and reliability of risk assessment outputs. We apply a spatially weighted dasymetric approach based on multiple ancillary data to downscale important socioeconomic variables and produce a grid data set for Italy that contains multilayered information about physical exposure, population, gross domestic product, and social vulnerability. We test the performances of our dasymetric approach compared to other spatial interpolation methods. Next, we combine the grid data set with flood hazard estimates to exemplify an application for the purpose of risk assessment.
Non-parametric Predictive Inference for the Validation of Credit Rating Systems
Authors: Coolen-Maturi T. , Coolen F. P. A. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryCredit rating or credit scoring systems are important tools for estimating the obligor’s creditworthiness and for providing an indication of the obligor’s future status. The discriminatory power of a credit rating or credit scoring system refers to its ex ante ability to distinguish between two or more classes of borrowers. One of the most popular tools for the validation of the power of credit rating or credit scoring models to distinguish between two (or more) classes of borrowers is the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (hypersurface) and its widely used overall summary, the area (hypervolume) under the curve (hypersurface). As the end goal of building such models is to predict and quantify uncertainty about future loans, prediction methods are especially valuable in this context. For this, non-parametric predictive inference is a promising candidate for such inference as it is a frequentist statistical method that is explicitly aimed at using few modelling assumptions, enabled through the use of lower and upper probabilities to quantify uncertainty. The aim of the paper is to introduce non-parametric predictive inference for ROC analysis within a banking context, for which novel results on ROC hypersurfaces for more than three groups are presented. Examples are provided to illustrate the method.
Optimal Design of Experiments for Non-Linear Response Surface Models
Authors: Huang Yuanzhi , Gilmour Steven G. , Mylona Kalliopi , Goos Peter 
Published: October 2018

SummaryMany chemical and biological experiments involve multiple treatment factors and often it is convenient to fit a non-linear model in these factors. This non-linear model can be mechanistic, empirical or a hybrid of the two. Motivated by experiments in chemical engineering, we focus on D-optimal designs for multifactor non-linear response surfaces in general. To find and study optimal designs, we first implement conventional point and co-ordinate exchange algorithms. Next, we develop a novel multiphase optimization method to construct D-optimal designs with improved properties. The benefits of this method are demonstrated by application to two experiments involving non-linear regression models. The designs obtained are shown to be considerably more informative than designs obtained by using traditional design optimality algorithms.
CCR2 upregulated on peripheral T cells in osteoarthritis but not in bone marrow
Authors: Arkestål Kurt , Mints Michael , Enocson Anders , Linton Ludvig , Marits Per , Glise Hans , Andersson John , Winqvist Ola 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a condition affecting millions of patients around the world, causing pain and disability and often resulting in joint replacement surgery. The aetiology of OA has long been attributed to mechanical wear mainly due to the increased prevalence of OA in load bearing joints among older patients. However, recent studies reveal a complex molecular disease causality in which inflammation, nutritional deficit and angiogenesis lead to the destruction of the joint structure. The aim of this study was to examine chemokine receptor expression in peripheral blood and bone marrow in OA patients. We devised a protocol for extracting healthy bone marrow from patients undergoing hip arthroplasty due to coxarthrosis. Flow cytometry was used to determine the expression of 18 chemokine receptors on CD4 and CD8 T cells from bone marrow and blood from 7 osteoarthritis patients and peripheral blood from 9 healthy controls. We found a significantly increased fraction of CCR2 expressing CD4 and CD8 T cell in peripheral blood compared to healthy controls. Also, there was a significant decrease in CXCR3 (Th1) (P < 0.01) expressing T cells in peripheral blood from OA patients. Finally, multivariate analysis was used to separate T cell profiles from healthy controls and OA patients and demonstrate that the divergence of chemokine receptor expression occurs in the mature T cell subsets. In conclusion, we find increased CCR2 expression in peripheral blood from OA patients that possibly may be targeted in future clinical studies.
Cell‐ and tissue‐specific epigenetic changes associated with chronic inflammation in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Naidoo Velosha , Naidoo Merusha , Ghai Meenu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia, which can cause micro‐ and macrovascular complications. Chronic inflammation may be the cause and result of T2DM, and its related complications as an imbalance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines can affect immune functions. Apart from genetic changes occurring within the body resulting in inflammation in T2DM, epigenetic modifications can modify gene expression in response to environmental cues such as an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and obesity. The most widely studied epigenetic modification, DNA methylation (DNAm), regulates gene expression and may manipulate inflammatory genes to increase or decrease inflammation associated with T2DM. This review explores the studies related to epigenetic changes, more specifically DNAm, associated with chronic inflammation in T2DM, at both the cell and tissue levels. Studying epigenetic alterations during inflammatory response, as a result of genetic and environmental signals, creates opportunities for the development of “early detection/relative risk” tests to aid in prevention of T2DM. Understanding inflammation in T2DM at the gene level in inflammation‐associated cells and tissues may provide further insight for the development of specific therapeutic targets for the disorder.