bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypothalamic POMC expression is required for peripheral insulin action on hepatic gluconeogenesis through regulating STAT3 in sepsis rats
Authors: Feng Bin , Zhang Nannan , Duan Kaipeng , Shi Bimin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLiver injury and dysregulated glucose homoeostasis are common manifestations during sepsis. Although plenty of studies reported insulin could protect against multiple organ injuries caused by critical infections among patients, little was known about the precise mechanism. We investigated whether liver inflammatory pathway and central neuropeptides were involved in the process. In sepsis rats, hepatic IKK/NF‐κB pathway and STAT3 were strongly activated, along with reduced body weight, blood glucose and suppressed hepatic gluconeogenesis (GNG). Peripheral insulin administration efficiently attenuated liver dysfunction and glucose metabolic disorders by suppressing hypothalamic anorexigenic neuropeptide proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression, hepatic NF‐κB pathway and STAT3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, knockdown of hypothalamic POMC significantly diminished protective effect of insulin on hepatic GNG and insulin‐induced STAT3 inactivation, but not inflammation or IKK/NF‐κB pathway. These results suggest that hepatic IKK/NF‐κB pathway mediates the anti‐inflammatory effect of insulin in septic rats, and peripheral insulin treatment may improve hepatic GNG by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation dependent on hypothalamic POMC expression.
Fixed-effect variance and the estimation of repeatabilities and heritabilities: issues and solutions
Authors: de Villemereuil P. , Morrissey M. B. , Nakagawa S. , Schielzeth H. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Linear mixed-effects models are frequently used for estimating quantitative genetic parameters, including the heritability, as well as the repeatability, of traits. Heritability acts as a filter that determines how efficiently phenotypic selection translates into evolutionary change, whereas repeatability informs us about the individual consistency of phenotypic traits. As quantities of biological interest, it is important that the denominator, the phenotypic variance in both cases, reflects the amount of phenotypic variance in the relevant ecological setting. The current practice of quantifying heritabilities and repeatabilities from mixed-effects models frequently deprives their denominator of variance explained by fixed effects (often leading to upward bias of heritabilities and repeatabilities), and it has been suggested to omit fixed effects when estimating heritabilities in particular. We advocate an alternative option of fitting models incorporating all relevant effects, while including the variance explained by fixed effects into the estimation of the phenotypic variance. The approach is easily implemented and allows optimizing the estimation of phenotypic variance, for example by the exclusion of variance arising from experimental design effects while still including all biologically relevant sources of variation. We address the estimation and interpretation of heritabilities in situations in which potential covariates are themselves heritable traits of the organism. Furthermore, we discuss complications that arise in generalized and nonlinear mixed models with fixed effects. In these cases, the variance parameters on the data scale depend on the location of the intercept and hence on the scaling of the fixed effects. Integration over the biologically relevant range of fixed effects offers a preferred solution in those situations.
Esthetics and smile‐related characteristics assessed by laypersons
Authors: Wang Cui , Hu Wen‐jie , Liang Ling‐zhi , Zhang Yan‐ling , Chung Kwok‐Hung 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to identify the characteristics of full‐smile images assessed by laypersons using visual analog scale measurement.Materials and MethodsA total of 176 young Chinese subjects (88 males and 88 females; 20‐35 years of age) with healthy dentogingival tissue were recruited to have their dynamic smiles captured using digital technology. A full‐smile frame image of each subject was selected and evaluated by 22 laypersons (11 males and 11 females; 20‐35 years of age) using visual analog scale measurement. Unattractive and attractive groups were designated according to the 25th percentile and 75th percentile of average visual analog scale score for the subjects, respectively. Eight smile variables were used to measure the characteristics of the full‐smile images. Pearson's Chi‐square test and unpaired t tests were used to analyze the data with significance level α = 0.05.ResultsThe visual analog scale measurement scores of unattractive and attractive subgroups, respectively, were 37.89 ± 2.12 and 50.67 ± 2.75 (male subjects), and 37.14 ± 2.80 and 51.92 ± 1.99 (female subjects). VAS scores were significantly different between subgroups for both male and female subjects (P < .001). No significant differences were observed between male and female subjects (P > .05).ConclusionsAttractive full‐smiles in young Chinese subjects demonstrated higher frequencies of average or low anterior smile line, average or low posterior smile line, upward upper lip curvature, and “broad and short” smile with high smile index.Clinical SignificanceThe smile variables of anterior smile line, posterior smile line, upper lip curvature, and smile index are predominant factors of smile attractiveness, which should be given priority to consider and manage in the anterior esthetic treatment plan.
Development and validation of a new condition‐specific instrument for evaluation of smile esthetics‐related quality of life
Authors: Saltovic Ema , Lajnert Vlatka , Saltovic Sabina , Kovacevic Pavicic Daniela , Pavlic Andrej , Spalj Stjepan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveOrofacial esthetics raises psychosocial issues. The purpose was to create and validate new short instrument for psychosocial impacts of altered smile esthetics.Materials and MethodsA team of an orthodontist, two prosthodontists, psychologist, and a dental student generated items that could draw up specific hypothetical psychosocial dimensions (69 items initially, 39 in final analysis). The sample consisted of 261 Caucasian subjects attending local high schools and university (26% male) aged 14 to 28 years that have self‐administrated the designed questionnaire. Factorial analysis, Cronbach's alpha, Pearson correlation, paired samples t‐test and analysis of variance were used for analyses of internal consistency, construct validity, responsiveness, and test–retest.ResultsThree dimensions of psychosocial impacts of altered smile esthetics were identified: dental self‐consciousness, dental self‐confidence and social contacts that can be best fitted by 12 items, 4 items in each dimension. Internal consistency was good (α in range 0.85–0.89). Good stability in test–retest was confirmed. In responsiveness testing, tooth whitening induced increase in dental self‐confidence (P = 0.002), but no significant changes in other dimensions.ConclusionThe new instrument, Smile Esthetics‐Related Quality of Life (SERQoL), is short and has proven to be a good indicator of psychosocial dimensions related to perception of smile esthetics.Clinical significanceSmile Esthetics‐Related Quality of Life questionnaire might have practical validity when applied in esthetic dental clinical procedures.
Evaluation of topical liposome incorporated clove oil in the treatment of idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis: Single‐blinded placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Ibrahim Ibrahim M , Abdel Kareem Ibrahim M , Alghobashy Mohammed A 
Published: December 2017

SummaryIntroductionPalmar hyperhidrosis is of great concern to patients because of its physical, occupational, and psychological impact on quality of life. Topical clove oil has been used in many conditions due to its major component Eugenol thatexerts blockingeffect on nerve transmission.Aim of the workTo assess the efficacy of topical liposome incorporated clove oil in decreasing the rate of sweating among patients with idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis.Patients and methodForty patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were treated with clove oil 45% in liposome and another twenty patients were treated as a control group with 0.9% saline solution and evaluation was carried out before and after treatment through gravimetry testing and hyperhidrosis disease severity scale (HDSS).ResultThe gravimetry testing among clove oil‐treated group showed that the mean sweating rate before treatment was 80.5 ± 41.85 (SD) mg/min which decreased significantly after treatment to 52.98 ± 37.94(SD) mg/min (Pvalue < .001). On the other hand, the placebo‐treated group,(control) the mean sweating rate before treatment was 77.40 ± 29.29(SD) which did not show significant improvement after placebo application 77.35 ± 28.29(SD;Pvalue = .957).ConclusionThe topical application of 45% clove oil in liposome twice daily for 2 weeks showing promising result evidenced by declining in the rate of palmar sweating among patients with idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis.
Tattoos: Evaluation of knowledge about health complications and their prevention among students of Tricity universities
Authors: Rogowska Patrycja , Szczerkowska‐Dobosz Aneta , Kaczorowska Róża , Słomka Justyna , Nowicki Roman 
Published: December 2017

SummaryIntroductionTattooing is a very popular form of body modification among young people. However, this kind of procedure entails the risk of various health complications. The objective of the study was to evaluate the students’ knowledge about contraindications, complications, and health risks that skin tattooing may cause. Additionally, the purpose of the study was to assess how the profile of education (medical vs nonmedical) impacts on the knowledge of the respondents.MethodsWe surveyed a group of 1199 people, of which 326 (27%) had tattoos. The base of the study is an anonymously filled, author's online survey consisting of 25 questions.ResultsEighty six percent of the students from the Medical University of Gdańsk indicated the risk of HCV virus infection during tattooing, while only 34% of students from other Tricity universities were aware of this danger. Sixty seven percent of people with tattoos felt that having them does not affect any diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Most of respondents mentioned the tattoo artist (79%) and the Internet (73%) as a source of information before having a tattoo, while only 5% and 8% respondents asked a doctor or read medical literature about it. Fourty nine percent of respondents reported that before the procedure, tattooist failed to ask them about their health condition and medications.ConclusionsKnowledge of students about safety, contraindications, and complications associated with the performance of tattooing is insufficient. As a result, a need for a better education on the topic for both people who are getting tattoos and tattooists appears evident.
Relevance of Tongue Force on Mandibular Denture Stabilization during Mastication
Authors: Żmudzki Jarosław , Chladek Grzegorz , Krawczyk Cezary 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeTongue activity, involving stereognosis of denture position, food bolus distribution, and direct denture pressing, can affect the stability of removable mandibular dentures. Knowledge of details of tongue activity in patients with removable dentures could contribute to the development of training methods to improve bilateral mastication. The hypothesis of this study was that tongue force improves mandibular complete denture stabilization on the atrophied foundation during mastication load transfer with a typical balanced occlusion.Materials and MethodsFinite element analysis was used to assess the effect of tongue activity on denture stability, which was evaluated with objective biomechanical criteria. Denture movement (displacement), sliding distance on the mucosal surface, and pressure on the foundation during occlusal load transfer were considered with and without additional tongue forces.ResultsTongue force in the canine zone of the balancing flange contributed to a slight reduction in the sliding distance. An adverse effect of tongue force on the working side and in the posterior zone of the balancing side was found.ConclusionsDespite the lack of substantial improvement in stability with the addition of tongue forces, tongue action that contributes to a slight reduction in sliding may help reduce common frictional trauma resulting from cyclic movement during chewing. The beneficial impact of tongue force shown in earlier work under conditions of complete adherence of dentures to the foundation indicates a benefit of using adhesives.
Accuracy of Different Implant Impression Techniques: Evaluation of New Tray Design Concept
Authors: Liu David Yu , Cader Fathima Nashmie , Abduo Jaafar , Palamara Joseph 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate implant impression accuracy with a new tray design concept in comparison to nonsplinted and splinted impression techniques for a 2‐implant situation.Materials and MethodsA reference bar titanium framework was fabricated to fit on 2 parallel implants. The framework was used to generate a resin master model with 2 implants that fit precisely against the framework. Three impression techniques were evaluated: (1) nonsplinted, (2) splinted, and (3) nonsplinted with modified tray impressions. All the trays were fabricated from light‐cured acrylic resin material with openings that corresponded to the implant impression copings. Ten impressions were taken for each technique using poly(vinyl siloxane) impression material. The impressions were poured with type IV dental stone to generate the test casts. A rosette strain gauge was bonded to the middle of the framework. As the framework retaining screws were tightened on each test cast, the developed strains were recorded until the completion of the tightening to 35 Ncm. The generated strains of the rosette strain gauge were used to calculate the maximum principal strain.ResultsA statistically significant difference was observed among the different impression techniques. The modified tray design impression technique was associated with the least framework strains, which indicates greater accuracy compared with the other techniques. There was no significant difference between the splinted and the nonsplinted impression techniques.ConclusionsThe new tray design concept appeared to produce more accurate implant impressions than the other techniques. Despite the statistical difference among the impression techniques, the clinical significance of this difference is yet to be determined.
High resolution vs conventional esophageal manometry in the assessment of esophageal motor disorders in patients with non‐cardiac chest pain
Authors: Akinsiku O. , Yamasaki T. , Brunner S. , Ganocy S. , Fass R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) has become a leading tool in the assessment of esophageal motor disorders, replacing conventional manometry. However, there is limited data about the contribution of HREM as compared with conventional manometry to the assessment of esophageal motor disorders in patients with non‐cardiac chest pain (NCCP). The aim of the study was to compare the distribution of esophageal motor disorders in patients with NCCP using HREM as compared with conventional manometry and to determine if HREM improved diagnosis of these disorders.MethodsIn this study, we included 300 consecutive patients with NCCP who underwent either HREM or conventional manometry over a period of 10 years. A total of 150 patients had conventional manometry and the other 150 patients HREM. The Chicago 3.0 classification and the Castell and Spechler classification were used to determine the esophageal motor disorder of NCCP patients undergoing HREM and conventional manometry, respectively.Key ResultsIn both HREM and the conventional manometry groups, normal esophageal motility was the most frequent finding (47% and 36%; respectively, P = .054). Hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter was the most common motility disorder identified by conventional manometry (27.3%), while ineffective esophageal motility was the most common esophageal motor disorder identified by HREM (25.3%).Conclusions & InferencesThere is a discrepancy in the type of esophageal motor disorders identified by HREM as compared with conventional manometry in NCCP patients. Hypotensive motility disorders are the most commonly diagnosed by both manometric techniques.
Analysing the ocular biometry of new‐born infants
Authors: Rozema Jos J. , Herscovici Zvi , Snir Moshe , Axer‐Siegel Ruth 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeTo model and analyse the ocular biometry of new‐born infants.MethodsThis work is based on previously published data of a cohort of 66 new‐born infants aged 0–3 days. After exclusion of seven myopic subjects, the available retinoscopy, keratometry and ultrasound biometry data were analysed, along with calculated parameters such as lens power and whole eye power.ResultsMale infants have significantly flatter corneas that female infants (Mann‐Whitney U test, p < 0.001), which was associated with a difference in gestational age between genders (multiple linear regression; p = 0.043). No other gender‐based differences were seen. Corneal curvature (Pearson, r = 0.575; p < 0.001), lens power (r = −0.681; p < 0.001), and anterior chamber depth (r = 0.654; p < 0.001) were all correlated to axial length, but not refraction (r = −0.114; p = 0.42). Most ocular parameters were associated with gestational age (linear regression analysis; p < 0.05), rather than birth length, birth weight, fertilization method or parental myopia (all p > 0.05), suggesting scaled eye growth during the last weeks before birth. Multivariate Gaussian analysis demonstrated that a statistical eye model can be defined that generates synthetic data that is significantly equal to the original data (non‐parametric Mann‐Whitney test for equality; all p < 0.05), with similar variability (non‐parametric Levene test; all p > 0.05).ConclusionThe eye undergoes a scaled growth until birth, at which time male and female infants have similar values. The models presented may serve as an early biometry reference.
Modeling consensus emergence in groups using longitudinal multilevel methods
Authors: Lang Jonas W. B. , Bliese Paul D. , de Voogt Alex 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOrganizational researchers have long been interested in studying bottom‐up multilevel processes where lower level units (e.g., employees) in organizations interact to jointly create characteristics of higher level units (e.g., work groups). This article contributes to the literature on bottom‐up processes by detailing a statistical approach—the consensus emergence model (CEM)—that allows researchers to study emergence of shared perceptions and feelings or climates in groups over time. The described methodological approach extends standard multilevel methodology by examining residual variances within a growth model to account for dynamic change in group consensus. The CEM provides a formal test for consensus emergence. The approach also allows researchers to test explanatory models of consensus emergence by including person‐level, group‐level, and observation‐level predictors. We illustrate the CEM by applying the method to data from two longitudinal studies of work units. The first study investigated job satisfaction in military companies. Our second study examined professional archeologists working in groups on a field excavation mission and focused on fatigue at the end of the work day. Our analyses demonstrate the CEM's ability to detect and study emergence, and suggest that the CEM may be a valuable tool to help extend the study of emergence in organizational research.
Growth, intergenerational welfare, and environmental policies in an overlapping generations economy
Authors: Chu Hsun , Cheng Chu‐chuan , Lai Ching‐chong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper examines the effects of the environmental tax on long‐run growth and intergenerational welfare in a discrete‐time overlapping generations (OLG) model. We highlight that the role regarding how the environmental tax revenues are distributed between the young or old generations has important implications for the growth and welfare effects. Our results indicate that raising the environmental tax can exert different effects on the environmental utility of the existing young and old generations, implying an intergenerational welfare conflict of the environmental policy. However, if tax revenues are distributed appropriately, our numerical simulation shows that it is possible for a higher environmental tax to improve the welfare of all generations.
Overlapping free trade agreements and international trade: A network approach
Authors: Sopranzetti Silvia 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn our work, we have analysed the effect of the hub‐and‐spoke nature of free trade agreements (FTAs) on trade. Contrary to previous analyses, we have considered the effects of the country's position in the FTA network on the bilateral trade of the hub country. We have conducted an in‐depth analysis of the global network of FTAs, focusing particularly on its evolution in the last 15 years. We have utilised a panel data set covering the period 1960–2010 to investigate the effects of the hub‐and‐spoke on trade. Our results show that the countries that are more connected to FTAs export more than those that are less involved, although not all the partner countries you can connect with are the same. An increase in the number of spokes that have no link between them has, on average, a negative effect on the trade of the hub, which indicates that signing FTAs with every country is not the optimal strategy for increasing trade. However, if we consider the way new FTAs change the relative position of a country, we can see that if new FTAs make the country more central or less constrained in the network, these new agreements have a strongly positive and significant pro‐trade effect.