bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are school and home environmental characteristics associated with oral health‐related quality of life in Brazilian adolescents and young adults?
Authors: Alwadi Maram Ali M. , Vettore Mario Vianna 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to test the association of contextual school and home environmental characteristics and individual factors with oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a representative sample of Brazilian adolescents and young adults.MethodsIndividual‐level data from 3854 fifteen‐ to nineteen‐year‐olds who participated in the Brazilian Oral Health Survey were pooled with contextual city‐level data. The dependent variable was the frequency of impacts of oral disorders on daily performances (OIDP extent), as a measure of OHRQoL. Contextual school and home environmental characteristics were categorized into three equal groups according to tertiles of the contextual variable's scores (low, moderate and high). Individual demographic, socioeconomic and oral clinical measures were the covariates. The association between contextual and individual characteristics and OIDP extent was estimated using multilevel Poisson regression models.ResultsThe mean of OIDP extent was 0.9 (standard error 0.1). Adolescents and young adults living in the cities with high levels of lack of security at school (RR 1.33; 95% CI=1.02‐1.74), moderate levels of bullying at school (RR 1.56; 95% CI=1.20‐2.03) and moderate levels of low maternal schooling (RR 1.43; 95% CI=1.06‐1.92) had a higher mean OIDP extent. Male sex, higher age, skin colour, poor individual socioeconomic status and worse oral clinical measures were also associated with higher mean of OIDP extent.ConclusionsPoor school and home environmental characteristics were independently associated with poor OHRQoL in individuals aged between 15 and 19 years. Our findings suggest the place where they study and the maternal level of education are meaningful aspects for their oral health.
The association of subjective orthodontic treatment need with oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: Kragt Lea , Jaddoe Vincent , Wolvius Eppo , Ongkosuwito Edwin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe existing body of evidence reports an inconsistent association between subjective and objective orthodontic treatment need. The concept of oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) might help to explain the differences in subjective and objective orthodontic treatment need. Our aim was to investigate the association of subjective orthodontic treatment with OHRQoL in children.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a population‐based prospective cohort study. OHRQoL and subjective orthodontic treatment need were assessed by parental questionnaires. Questionnaire items were individually compared among children with no, borderline and definite subjective orthodontic need. The association between subjective orthodontic treatment need and OHRQoL was investigated in multivariate regression analysis with weighted least squares. Differences by sex and levels of objective orthodontic treatment need were evaluated.ResultsIn total, 3774 children were included in the analysis. Children with borderline subjective orthodontic treatment need and those with definite subjective orthodontic treatment need had significantly poorer OHRQoL based on the fully adjusted model (adjusted regression coefficient (aβ)=−0.49, 95% CI: −0.75, −0.30; (aβ)=−1.58, 95% CI: −1.81, −1.58, respectively). The association between subjective orthodontic treatment need and OHRQoL was stronger in girls than in boys and stronger in children with objective orthodontic treatment need than in those with none.ConclusionsOral health‐related quality of life is poorer in children with subjective orthodontic treatment need. This has not been investigated before in such a large‐population‐based study and clearly offers an explanation for the lack of concurrence between objective and subjective orthodontic treatment need.
Adjuvant psychological therapy in long‐term endocrine conditions
Authors: Daniels J. , Turner‐Cobb J. M. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryConsideration of psychological distress in long‐term endocrine conditions is of vital importance given the prevalence of anxiety and depression in such disorders. Poor mental health can lead to compromised self‐care, higher utilization of health services, lower rates of adherence, reduced quality of life and ultimately poorer outcomes. Adjuvant psychological therapy offers an effective resource to reduce distress in endocrine conditions. While the vast majority of work in this area has focused on psychological screening and intervention in diabetes, identification and recognition of psychological distress are equally important in other endocrinological conditions, with supportive evidence in polycystic ovary syndrome and Addison's disease. Referral pathways and recommendations set out by UK guidelines and the Department of Health mandate requires greater attention across a wider range of long‐term endocrine conditions to facilitate improved quality of life and health outcome.
Dose‐response effects of sex hormone concentrations on body composition and adipokines in medically castrated healthy men administered graded doses of testosterone gel
Authors: Thirumalai Arthi , Rubinow Katya B. , Cooper Lori A. , Amory John K. , Marck Brett T. , Matsumoto Alvin M. , Page Stephanie T. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryObjectiveSerum sex steroid concentrations may alter body composition and glucose homoeostasis in men in a dose‐response manner. We evaluated these end‐points in healthy men rendered medically castrate through use of a gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone antagonist (acyline) with incremental doses of exogenous testosterone (T) gel.DesignSubjects (n=6‐9 per group) were randomly assigned to injections of acyline every 2 weeks plus transdermal T gel (1.25 g, 2.5 g, 5.0 g, 10 g or 15 g) daily or double placebo (injections and gel) for 12 weeks.PatientsHealthy men, ages 25‐55 years, with normal serum total T concentrations.MeasurementsSerum T, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and oestradiol (E2) were measured at baseline and every 2 weeks. Body composition was analysed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry at baseline and week 12. Fasting serum adiponectin, leptin, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline and week 10.ResultsForty‐eight men completed the study. A significant treatment effect was observed for change in lean mass (ANOVAP=.01) but not fat mass (P=.14). Lean mass increased in the 15 g T group relative to all lower dose groups, except the 10 g T group. When all subjects were analysed together, changes in lean mass correlated directly and changes in fat mass correlated inversely with serum T, E2 and DHT. No changes were noted in serum glucose, insulin or adipokine levels.ConclusionsIn healthy men, higher serum concentrations of T, DHT and E2 were associated with greater increases in lean mass and decreases in fat mass but not with changes in serum glucose, insulin or adipokines.
Effect of dental pulp stem cells in MPTP‐induced old‐aged mice model
Authors: Gnanasegaran Nareshwaran , Govindasamy Vijayendran , Simon Christopher , Gan Quan Fu , Vincent‐Chong Vui King , Mani Vasudevan , Krishnan Selvarajan Kesavanarayanan , Subramaniam Vellayan , Musa Sabri , Abu Kasim Noor Hayaty 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the loss of dopaminergic (DA‐ergic) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and represented as a huge threat to the geriatric population. Cell replacement therapies (CRTs) have been proposed as a promising strategy to slow down or replace neuronal loss. Among the widely available cell sources, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) portray as an attractive source primarily due to their neural crest origin, ease of tissue procurement and less ethical hurdles.Materials and methodsWe first demonstrated the in vitro differentiation ability of DPSCs towards DA‐ergic‐like cells before evaluating their neuro‐protection/neuro‐restoration capacities in MPTP‐induced mice. Transplantation via intrathecal was performed with behavioural assessments being evaluated every fortnight. Subsequent analysis investigating their immuno‐modulatory behaviour was conducted using neuronal and microglial cell lines.ResultsIt was apparent that the behavioural parameters began to improve corresponding to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT) and dopamine decarboxylase (AADC) immunostaining in SN and striatum as early as 8‐week post‐transplantation (P < 0·05). About 60% restoration of DA‐ergic neurons was observed at SN in MPTP‐treated mice after 12‐week post‐transplantation. Similarly, their ability to reduce toxic effects of MPTP (DNA damages, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide release) and regulate cytokine levels was distinctly noted (P < 0·05) upon exposure in in vitro model.ConclusionsOur results suggest that DPSCs may provide a therapeutic benefit in the old‐aged PD mice model and may be explored in stem cell‐based CRTs especially in geriatric population as an attempt towards ‘personalized medicine’.
Development and optimisation of a sex pheromone lure for monitoring populations of saddle gall midge, Haplodiplosis marginata
Authors: Rowley Charlotte , Pope Tom W. , Cherrill Andrew , Leather Simon R. , Fernández‐Grandon G. Mandela , Hall David R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSaddle gall midge, Haplodiplosis marginata (von Roser) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a sporadic pest of cereals in Northern and Central Europe and is of increasing importance in the UK. Recently, the major component of the sex pheromone produced by adult female H. marginata was reported to be 2‐nonyl butyrate. The importance of absolute configuration on attractiveness, the effects on trap catches of the addition of minor pheromone components, dispenser type, and pheromone loading are described in the development of an optimised pheromone lure with which to trap H. marginata males. In analyses of volatiles collected from virgin female H. marginata by gas chromatography (GC) coupled with electroantennographic recording (EAG) from the antenna of a male H. marginata, two EAG responses were observed. Analyses by coupled GC‐mass spectrometry (MS) indicated these were due to 2‐nonyl butyrate and a trace amount (1%) of 2‐heptyl butyrate. A similar trace amount of 2‐nonanol was detected in GC‐MS analyses but this compound did not elicit an EAG response when the synthetic compound was tested, whereas the other two compounds did. These three compounds were not observed in collections of volatiles made from male H. marginata. The 2‐nonyl butyrate was shown to be the (R)‐enantiomer. In field trapping tests (R)‐2‐nonyl butyrate was at least 10× more attractive to male H. marginata than the racemic compound, and the (S)‐enantiomer was unattractive. Addition of the potential minor components individually or together at the naturally occurring ratios did not increase or reduce the attractiveness of the lure. Polyethylene vials and rubber septa were equally effective as pheromone dispensers, lasting for at least 5 weeks in the field in the UK, although laboratory tests indicated release from the former was more uniform and more likely to last longer in the field. Increasing loading of pheromone in the dispenser increased attractiveness. Traps baited with polyethylene vials containing 0.5 mg of (R)‐2‐nonyl butyrate are recommended for monitoring H. marginata and these are far more sensitive than water or sticky traps currently used for monitoring this pest.
There is no functional small‐fibre neuropathy in prurigo nodularis despite neuroanatomical alterations
Authors: Pereira Manuel P. , Pogatzki‐Zahn Esther , Snels Chantal , Vu Thai‐Ha , Üçeyler Nurcan , Loser Karin , Sommer Claudia , Evers Andrea Walburga Maria , van Laarhoven Antoinette I. M. , Agelopoulos Konstantin , Ständer Sonja 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPrurigo nodularis (PN) is a pruritic condition with altered epidermal neuroanatomy as demonstrated previously. Here we elucidated neuroimmunological mechanisms by combining functional, morphological and gene expression experiments in twelve subjects with PN and eight healthy controls. Subjects with PN showed a reduced intra‐epidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) in lesional skin. Quantitative sensory testing indicated maintenance of somatosensory function compared to controls. None of the tested molecular markers including the neuron‐distracting SEMA3A and neuron‐attracting NGF were altered in lesional vs non‐lesional skin in PN subjects. Accordingly, we speculate that scratching may contribute to reduced IENFD rather than an authentic endogenous neuropathy.
RARα/RXR synergism potentiates retinoid responsiveness in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma cell lines
Authors: Wang Lei , DeMarco Sebastian S. , Peaks Mary Stuart , Maiorana‐Boutilier Abigail L. , Chen JianMing , Crouch Miranda J. , Shewchuk Brian M. , Shaikh Saame Raza , Phillips Charles M. , Bridges Lance C. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRetinoids, natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, induce cellular changes by activating nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RAR) and retinoid X receptors (RXR). Although the ability of retinoids to govern gene expression is exploited clinically for cancer therapeutics, the full benefit of retinoid‐based strategies is unrealized due to detrimental side effects. Delineating the receptors that prompt cellular outcomes is critical to advancing retinoid‐based approaches. Here, we identify the receptors that evoke multiple responses in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL). The data demonstrate that RARα drives integrin β7‐dependent adhesion and CCR9‐mediated chemotaxis in CTCL cells. Of note, concomitant activation of RARα and RXR nuclear receptors yielded synergistic increases in adhesion and migration at concentrations where single agents were ineffective. As the established paradigm of retinoid action in CTCL is apoptosis and growth arrest, the role of RARα/RXR in these events was studied. As with adhesion and migration, RARα/RXR synergism prompted apoptosis and dampened CTCL cell proliferation. Strikingly, RARα/RXR synergism induced responses from CTCL cell lines previously reported to be unresponsive to retinoids. These data provide a novel framework that may further refine a proven CTCL therapy.
A global meta‐analysis of exotic versus native leaf decay in stream ecosystems
Authors: Kennedy Kimberly T. M. , El‐Sabaawi Rana W. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Streams are reliant on streamside plants for allochthonous inputs that form the base of the stream food web. The impact of exotic leaves on stream ecosystems has been investigated regionally, but not assessed globally. In this study, we conducted a global meta‐analysis contrasting native and exotic aquatic litter decay.

We used a linear mixed effects model to identify how the site‐specific factors and experimental treatments of latitude, temperature, pH, conductivity and the exclusion of invertebrates (via mesh size) cause relative differences in exotic and native decay rates. Subsequently, we assessed whether differences in native and exotic litter decay rates were driven by the intrinsic factors of leaf litter quality.

We found that overall leaf litter decay rates were similar for native and exotic leaves on a global scale. However, we also found that exotic leaves decayed faster than native leaves at higher stream temperatures and in larger mesh sizes (allowing macroinvertebrate access); yet, those differences disappeared at lower temperatures and in finer mesh sizes which excluded macroinvertebrates.

Post hoc analysis of leaf quality suggested that differences between higher native and lower exotic leaf C:N ratios might explain differences in decomposition rates observed at high temperature, and differences between lower native and higher exotic leaf C:P ratios associated with differences in decomposition rates observed at coarse mesh sizes.

Our study suggests that exotic leaf litter is likely to have the most impact in high‐temperature stream ecosystems and that the nature of the impact is potentially related to the C:N ratio differences between native and exotic leaves. This might indicate that higher temperature stream ecosystems are more vulnerable to changes in litter decay rates due to invasion by exotic plant species than lower temperature stream ecosystems, and should be monitored accordingly. We recommend that future leaf litter decay studies include stream discharge measurements and leaf litter quality information so that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that impact litter decay can be fully accounted for when assessing the factors that drive differences in leaf litter decay rates.
The role of functional uniqueness and spatial aggregation in explaining rarity in trees
Authors: Umaña María Natalia , Mi Xiangcheng , Cao Min , Enquist Brian J. , Hao Zhanqing , Howe Robert , Iida Yoshiko , Johnson Daniel , Lin Luxiang , Liu Xiaojuan , Ma Keping , Sun I‐Fang , Thompson Jill , Uriarte Maria , Wang Xugao , Wolf Amy , Yang Jie , Zimmerman Jess K. , Swenson Nathan G. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimDetermining the drivers of species rarity is fundamental for understanding and conserving biodiversity. Rarity of a given species within its community may arise due to exclusion by other ecologically similar species. Conversely, rare species may occupy habitats that are rare in the landscape or they may be ill‐suited to all available habitats. The first mechanism would lead to common and rare species occupying similar ecological space defined by functional traits. The second mechanism would result in common and rare species occupying dissimilar ecological space and spatial aggregation of rare species, either because they are specialists in rare habitats or because rare species tend to be dispersal limited. Here, we quantified the contribution of locally rare species to community functional richness and the spatial aggregation of species across tree communities world‐wide to address these hypotheses.LocationAsia and the Americas.Time period2002 to 2012 (period that considers the censuses for the plots used).Major taxa studiedAngiosperm and Gymnosperm trees.MethodsWe compiled a dataset of functional traits from all the species present in eight tree plots around the world to evaluate the contribution of locally rare species to tree community functional richness using multi‐ and univariate approaches. We also quantified the spatial aggregation of individuals within species at several spatial scales as it relates to abundance.ResultsLocally rare tree species in temperate and tropical forests tended to be functionally unique and are consistently spatially clustered. Furthermore, there is no evidence that this pattern is driven by pioneer species being locally rare.Main conclusionsThis evidence shows that locally rare tree species disproportionately contribute to community functional richness, and we can therefore reject the hypothesis that locally rare species are suppressed by ecologically similar, but numerically dominant, species. Rather, locally rare species are likely to be specialists on spatially rare habitats or they may be ill‐suited to the locally available environments.
Repeat prescribing of medications: A system‐centred risk management model for primary care organisations
Authors: Price Julie , Man Shu Ling , Bartlett Stephen , Taylor Kate , Dinwoodie Mark , Bowie Paul 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesReducing preventable harm from repeat medication prescriptions is a patient safety priority worldwide. In the United Kingdom, repeat prescriptions items issued has doubled in the last 20 years from 5.8 to 13.3 items per patient per annum. This has significant resource implications and consequences for avoidable patient harms. Consequently, we aimed to test a risk management model to identify, measure, and reduce repeat prescribing system risks in primary care.MethodsAll 48 general medical practices in National Health Service (NHS) Lambeth Clinical Commissioning Group (an inner city area of south London in England) were recruited. Multiple interventions were implemented, including educational workshops, a web‐based risk monitoring system, and external reviews of repeat prescribing system risks by clinicians. Data were collected via documentation reviews and interviews and subject to basic thematic and descriptive statistical analyses.ResultsAcross the 48 participating general practices, 62 unique repeat prescribing risks were identified on 505 occasions (eg, practices frequently experiencing difficulty interpreting medication changes on hospital discharge summaries), equating to a mean of 8.1 risks per practice (range: 1‐33; SD = 7.13). Seven hundred sixty‐seven system improvement actions were recommended across 96 categories (eg, alerting hospitals to illegible writing and delays with discharge summaries) with a mean of 15.6 actions per practice (range: 0‐34; SD = 8.0).ConclusionsThe risk management model tested uncovered important safety concerns and facilitated the development and communication of related improvement recommendations. System‐wide information on hazardous repeat prescribing and how this could be mitigated is very limited. The approach reported may have potential to close this gap and improve the reliability of general practice systems and patient safety, which should be of high interest to primary care organisations internationally.
The struggle of translating science into action: Foundational concepts of implementation science
Authors: Rapport Frances , Clay‐Williams Robyn , Churruca Kate , Shih Patti , Hogden Anne , Braithwaite Jeffrey 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectives“Implementation science,” the scientific study of methods translating research findings into practical, useful outcomes, is contested and complex, with unpredictable use of results from routine clinical practice and different levels of continuing assessment of implementable interventions. The authors aim to reveal how implementation science is presented and understood in health services research contexts and clarify the foundational concepts: diffusion, dissemination, implementation, adoption, and sustainability, to progress knowledge in the field.MethodImplementation science models, theories, and frameworks are critiqued, and their value for laying the groundwork from which to implement a study's findings is emphasised. The paper highlights the challenges of turning research findings into practical outcomes that can be successfully implemented and the need for support from change agents, to ensure improvements to health care provision, health systems, and policy. The paper examines how researchers create implementation plans and what needs to be considered for study outputs to lead to sustainable interventions. This aspect needs clear planning, underpinned by appropriate theoretical paradigms that rigorously respond to a study's aims and objectives.ConclusionResearchers might benefit from a return to first principles in implementation science, whereby applications that result from research endeavours are both effective and readily disseminated and where interventions can be supported by appropriate health care personnel. These should be people specifically identified to promote change in service organisation, delivery, and policy that can be systematically evaluated over time, to ensure high‐quality, long‐term improvements to patients' health.