bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statins in nonsurgical and surgical periodontal therapy. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of preclinical in vivo trials
Authors: Bertl K. , Steiner I. , Pandis N. , Buhlin K. , Klinge B. , Stavropoulos A. 
Published: December 2017

The cholesterol‐lowering drugs, statins, possess anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial and pro‐osteogenic properties, and thus have been tested as an adjunct to periodontal treatment. The present systematic review aimed to answer the following focused research question: What is the effect of local and/or systemic statin use on periodontal tissues in preclinical in vivo studies of experimentally induced periodontitis (EIP) and/or acute/chronified periodontal defect (ACP) models? A literature search (of Medline/PubMed, Embase/Ovid, CENTRAL/Ovid) using the following main eligibility criteria was performed: (i) English or German language; (ii) controlled preclinical in vivo trials; (iii) local and/or systemic statin use in EIP and/or ACP models; and (iv) quantitative evaluation of periodontal tissues (i.e., alveolar bone level/amount, attachment level, cementum formation, periodontal ligament formation). Sixteen studies in EIP models and 7 studies in ACP models evaluated simvastatin, atorvastatin or rosuvastatin. Thirteen of the EIP (81%) and 2 of the ACP (29%) studies presented significantly better results in terms of alveolar bone level/amount in favor of statins. Meta‐analysis based on 14 EIP trials confirmed a significant benefit of local and systemic statin use (P < .001) in terms of alveolar bone level/amount; meta‐regression revealed that statin type exhibited a significant effect (P = .014) in favor of atorvastatin. Three studies reported a significantly higher periodontal attachment level in favor of statin use (P < .001). Complete periodontal regeneration was never observed; furthermore, statins did not exert any apparent effect on cementum formation. Neither local nor systemic use of statins resulted in severe adverse effects. Statin use in periodontal indications has a positive effect on periodontal tissue parameters, supporting the positive results already observed in clinical trials. Nevertheless, not all statins available have been tested so far, and further research is needed to identify the maximum effective concentration/dose and optimal carrier.
Does thalidomide prolong survival in dogs with splenic haemangiosarcoma?
Authors: Bray J. P. , Orbell G. , Cave N. , Munday J. S. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate thalidomide as an adjuvant treatment for canine haemangiosarcoma.Materials and MethodsFifteen dogs with splenic haemangiosarcoma, initially treated by splenectomy, were included. Following recovery from surgery, all dogs received thalidomide continuously until their death. Tumour stage was established using CT scans of the chest and abdomen immediately before starting thalidomide treatment and again three months later. Cause of death was confirmed by post mortem examination.ResultsThe median survival time of dogs receiving thalidomide was 172 days (95% confidence interval: 93 to 250 days). Five dogs (33% of the population receiving thalidomide) survived more than 1 year (range 458 to 660 days) after surgery. Dogs with stage 2 disease that received thalidomide also had a longer survival time than dogs with stage 3 disease (median survival time 303 versus 40 days). Of 15 dogs, 13 died from metastatic haemangiosarcoma.Clinical SignificanceTreatment using thalidomide may improve survival of dogs with splenic haemangiosarcoma and should be considered a possible adjuvant therapy.
Learning Words and Definitions in Two Languages: What Promotes Cross‐Language Transfer?
Authors: Pham Giang , Donovan Danaee , Dam Quynh , Contant Amy 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study used a brief vocabulary training paradigm to examine two factors for cross‐language transfer: how similar the first language (L1) is to the second language (L2) and L1‐L2 proficiency levels. Fifty‐four sequential bilingual children (aged 6–8) with similar L2 English proficiency levels were assigned to three equal groups: a Vietnamese‐English group with low L1 proficiency, a Spanish‐English group with low L1 proficiency, and a Spanish‐English group with high L1 proficiency. Individual training consisted of two mediated learning experiences conducted in the L1 targeting eight vocabulary items using narrative‐based activities. Four of eight target words were cognates between Spanish and English. Pre‐ and posttesting measured definition quality in the L1 and L2. All groups showed improvement in the L1 following training, but only the Spanish‐English group with high L1 proficiency improved in L2 English, revealing a degree of spontaneous cross‐language transfer among children with high L1‐L2 proficiency.Open PracticesThis article has been awarded an Open Materials badge. Study materials are publicly accessible in the IRIS digital repository at http://www.iris-database.org. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Perivascular adipose tissue and the dynamic regulation of Kv7 and Kir channels: Implications for resistant hypertension
Authors: Gollasch Maik , Welsh Donald G. , Schubert Rudolf 
Published: December 2017

AbstractResistant hypertension is defined as high blood pressure that remains uncontrolled despite treatment with at least three antihypertensive drugs at adequate doses. Resistant hypertension is an increasingly common clinical problem in older age, obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea, and chronic kidney disease. Although the direct vasodilator minoxidil was introduced in the early 1970s, only recently has this drug been shown to be particularly effective in a subgroup of patients with treatment‐resistant or uncontrolled hypertension. This pharmacological approach is interesting from a mechanistic perspective as minoxidil is the only clinically used K+ channel opener today, which targets a subclass of K+ channels, namely KATP channels in VSMCs. Beside KATP channels, two other classes of VSMC K+ channels could represent novel effective targets for treatment of resistant hypertension, namely Kv7 (KCNQ) and inward rectifier potassium (Kir2.1) channels. Interestingly, these channels are unique among VSMC potassium channels. First, both have been implicated in the control of microvascular tone by perivascular adipose tissue. Second, they exhibit biophysical properties strongly controlled and regulated by membrane voltage, but not intracellular calcium. This review focuses on Kv7 (Kv7.1‐5) and Kir (Kir2.1) channels in VSMCs as potential novel drug targets for treatment of resistant hypertension, particularly in comorbid conditions such as obesity and metabolic syndrome.
The potential beginning of a postwhaling recovery in New Zealand humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Authors: Gibbs Nadine J. , Dunlop Rebecca A. , Gibbs E. John , Heberley Joseph A. , Olavarría Carlos 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBetween the 1940s and 1970s Southern Hemisphere populations of humpback whales (including eastern Australia and Oceania populations) were hunted to near extinction by extensive commercial whaling activities in Antarctica, with fewer whales taken in shore whaling operations in New Zealand, Australia (including Norfolk Island) and Tonga. Variable rates of recovery of these populations have been documented, ranging from recovery to prewhaling numbers in eastern Australian humpbacks to very little sign of recovery in many Oceania populations. Here we analyze recent sighting data collected over 12 yr, from annual surveys in Cook Strait, New Zealand. The data show an increase in sightings, at an estimated rate of 13% (95% CI of 4.9% and 21.7%) in 2015, of humpback whales migrating through Cook Strait. The wide confidence intervals preclude substantive conclusions about the rate of increase but suggest humpback whales are returning to this region in increasing numbers, indicating an influx of immigrants from neighboring areas, namely eastern Australia.
Sudden death in paediatrics as a traumatic experience for critical care nurses
Authors: Lima Lígia , Gonçalves Sandra , Pinto Cândida 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundResearch shows that nurses working in critical care units and in particular, paediatric units, are at risk of developing symptoms of secondary traumatic stress (STS). However, little attention has been given to this phenomenon when associated with situations of sudden death in paediatrics.AimThis study aimed to examine the impact of sudden death in paediatrics on nurses working in paediatrics critical care units and to explore nurses' experiences of this event.MethodsThis study used a mixed‐methods design. The Impact of Event Scale – Revised was used for investigating the presence of STS symptoms. In addition, an interview was conducted with six nurses.ResultsFifty‐seven percent of nurses responded to the surveys and six nurses were interviewed. The results showed that the sudden death of children and adolescents is an event that elicits symptoms of STS in nurses. The quantitative assessment, revealed that 19·4% presented total scores indicating high impact. The participants interviewed described experiences of subjective distress, such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance and hyperarousal. Other factors were also reported as influencing the experience of the sudden death of a child/adolescent, namely, the child's age, the cause of death and the family's reaction to the loss. According to the participants, the emotional impact was also determined by parenthood, previous training and professional experience.ConclusionsSudden death in paediatric critical care units is one of the most difficult situations in nursing practice and elicits STS symptoms, which may severely impact the physical and psychological health of nurses and ultimately affect the quality of the provided care.Relevance for clinical practiceThis study emphasizes the need for promoting better conditions for professional practice, namely, with regard to emotional support, as well as training programmes for skills development in the area of management of traumatic situations and of communication with clients.
Caterpillars induce jasmonates in flowers and alter plant responses to a second attacker
Authors: Chrétien Lucille T. S. , David Anja , Daikou Eirini , Boland Wilhelm , Gershenzon Jonathan , Giron David , Dicke Marcel , Lucas‐Barbosa Dani 
Published: December 2017

Summary

In nature, herbivorous insects and plant pathogens are generally abundant when plants are flowering. Thus, plants face a diversity of attackers during their reproductive phase. Plant responses to one attacker can interfere with responses to a second attacker, and phytohormones that orchestrate plant reproduction are also involved in resistance to insect and pathogen attack. We quantified phytohormonal responses of flowering plants exposed to single or dual attack and studied resistance mechanisms of plants in the flowering stage.

Flowering Brassica nigra were exposed to either a chewing caterpillar, a phloem‐feeding aphid or a bacterial pathogen, and plant hormonal responses were compared with dual attack situations. We quantified phytohormones in inflorescences and leaves, and determined the consequences of hormonal changes for components of direct and indirect plant resistance.

Caterpillars were the main inducers of jasmonates in inflorescences, and the phytohormonal profile of leaves was not affected by either insect or pathogen attack. Dual attack increased plant resistance to caterpillars, but compromised resistance to aphids. Parasitoid performance was negatively correlated with the performance of their hosts.

We conclude that plants prioritize resistance of reproductive tissues over vegetative tissues, and that a chewing herbivore species is the main driver of responses in flowering B. nigra.
Exodermis and endodermis are the sites of xanthone biosynthesis in Hypericum perforatum roots
Authors: Tocci Noemi , Gaid Mariam , Kaftan Filip , Belkheir Asma K. , Belhadj Ines , Liu Benye , Svatoš Aleš , Hänsch Robert , Pasqua Gabriella , Beerhues Ludger 
Published: December 2017

Summary

Xanthones are specialized metabolites with antimicrobial properties, which accumulate in roots of Hypericum perforatum. This medicinal plant provides widely taken remedies for depressive episodes and skin disorders. Owing to the array of pharmacological activities, xanthone derivatives attract attention for drug design. Little is known about the sites of biosynthesis and accumulation of xanthones in roots.

Xanthone biosynthesis is localized at the transcript, protein, and product levels using in situ mRNA hybridization, indirect immunofluorescence detection, and high lateral and mass resolution mass spectrometry imaging (AP‐SMALDI‐FT‐Orbitrap MSI), respectively.

The carbon skeleton of xanthones is formed by benzophenone synthase (BPS), for which a cDNA was cloned from root cultures of H. perforatum var. angustifolium. Both the BPS protein and the BPS transcripts are localized to the exodermis and the endodermis of roots. The xanthone compounds as the BPS products are detected in the same tissues.

The exodermis and the endodermis, which are the outermost and innermost cell layers of the root cortex, respectively, are not only highly specialized barriers for controlling the passage of water and solutes but also preformed lines of defence against soilborne pathogens and predators.
Testing an app for reporting health concerns—Experiences from older people and home care nurses
Authors: Göransson Carina , Eriksson Irene , Ziegert Kristina , Wengström Yvonne , Langius‐Eklöf Ann , Brovall Maria , Kihlgren Annica , Blomberg Karin 
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore the experiences of using an app among older people with home‐based health care and their nurses.BackgroundFew information and communication technology innovations have been developed and tested for older people with chronic conditions living at home with home‐based health care support. Innovative ways to support older people's health and self‐care are needed.DesignExplorative qualitative design.MethodsFor 3 months to report health concerns, older people receiving home‐based health care used an interactive app, which included direct access to self‐care advice, graphs and a risk assessment model that sends alerts to nurses for rapid management. Interviews with older people (n = 17) and focus group discussions with home care nurses (n = 12) were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe findings reveal that a process occurs. Using the app, the older people participated in their care, and the app enabled learning and a new way of communication. The interaction gave a sense of security and increased self‐confidence among older people. The home care nurses viewed the alerts as appropriate for the management of health concerns. However, all participants experienced challenges in using new technology and had suggestions for improvement.ConclusionsThe use of an app appears to increase the older people's participation in their health care and offers them an opportunity to be an active partner in their care. The app as a new way to interact with home care nurses increased the feeling of security. The older people were motivated to learn to use the app and described potential use for it in the future.Implications for practiceThe use of an app should be considered as a useful information and communication technology innovation that can improve communication and accessibility for older people with home‐based health care.
Xylem hydraulic safety and construction costs determine tropical tree growth
Authors: B. Eller Cleiton , de V. Barros Fernanda , R.L. Bittencourt Paulo , Rowland Lucy , Mencuccini Maurizio , S. Oliveira Rafael 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFaster growth in tropical trees is usually associated with higher mortality rates, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship are poorly understood. In this study, we investigate how tree growth patterns are linked with environmental conditions and hydraulic traits, by monitoring the cambial growth of 9 tropical cloud forest tree species coupled with numerical simulations using an optimization model. We find that fast‐growing trees have lower xylem safety margins than slow‐growing trees and this pattern is not necessarily linked to differences in stomatal behaviour or environmental conditions when growth occurs. Instead, fast‐growing trees have xylem vessels that are more vulnerable to cavitation and lower density wood. We propose the growth ‐ xylem vulnerability trade‐off represents a wood hydraulic economics spectrum similar to the classic leaf economic spectrum, and show through numerical simulations that this trade‐off can emerge from the coordination between growth rates, wood density, and xylem vulnerability to cavitation. Our results suggest that vulnerability to hydraulic failure might be related with the growth‐mortality trade‐off in tropical trees, determining important life history differences. These findings are important in furthering our understanding of xylem hydraulic functioning and its implications on plant carbon economy.
Dynamic interplay between photodamage and photoprotection in photosystem II
Authors: Townsend Alexandra J. , Ware Maxwell A. , Ruban Alexander V. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPhotoinhibition is the light‐induced reduction in photosynthetic efficiency and is usually associated with damage to the D1 photosystem II (PSII) reaction centre protein. This damage must either be repaired, through the PSII repair cycle, or prevented in the first place by nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ). Both NPQ and D1 repair contribute to light tolerance because they ensure the long‐term maintenance of the highest quantum yield of PSII. However, the relative contribution of each of these processes is yet to be elucidated. The application of a pulse amplitude modulation fluorescence methodology, called protective NPQ, enabled us to evaluate of the protective effectiveness of the processes. Within this study, the contribution of NPQ and D1 repair to the photoprotective capacity of Arabidopsis thaliana was elucidated by using inhibitors and mutants known to affect each process. We conclude that NPQ contributes a greater amount to the maintenance of a high PSII yield than D1 repair under short periods of illumination. This research further supports the role of protective components of NPQ during light fluctuations and the value of protective NPQ and qPd as unambiguous fluorescence parameters, as opposed to qI and Fv/Fm, for quantifying photoinactivation of reaction centre II and light tolerance of photosynthetic organisms.
MdATG18a overexpression improves tolerance to nitrogen deficiency and regulates anthocyanin accumulation through increased autophagy in transgenic apple
Authors: Sun Xun , Jia Xin , Huo Liuqing , Che Runmin , Gong Xiaoqing , Wang Ping , Ma Fengwang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNitrogen (N) availability is an essential factor for plant growth. Recycling and remobilization of N have strong impacts on crop yield and quality under N deficiency. Autophagy is a critical nutrient‐recycling process that facilitates remobilization under starvation. We previously showed that an important AuTophaGy (ATG) protein from apple, MdATG18a, has a positive role in drought tolerance. In this study, we explored its biological role in response to low‐N. Overexpression of MdATG18a in both Arabidopsis and apple improved tolerance to N‐depletion and caused a greater accumulation of anthocyanin. The increased anthocyanin concentration in transgenic apple was possibly due to up‐regulating flavonoid biosynthetic and regulatory genes (MdCHI, MdCHS, MdANS, MdPAL, MdUFGT, and MdMYB1) and higher soluble sugars concentration. MdATG18a overexpression enhanced starch degradation with up‐regulating amylase gene (MdAM1) and up‐regulated sugar metabolism related genes (MdSS1, MdHXKs, MdFK1, and MdNINVs). Furthermore, MdATG18a functioned in nitrate uptake and assimilation by up‐regulating nitrate reductase MdNIA2 and 3 high‐affinity nitrate transporters MdNRT2.1/2.4/2.5. MdATG18a overexpression also elevated other important MdATG genes expression and autophagosomes formation under N‐depletion, which play key contributions to above changes. Together, these results demonstrate that overexpression of MdATG18a enhances tolerance to N‐deficiencies and plays positive roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis through greater autophagic activity.
Safety of mTOR inhibitor continuation in pediatric heart transplant recipients undergoing surgical procedures
Authors: Heble Ann , Everitt Melanie D. , Gralla Jane , Miyamoto Shelley D. , Lahart Michael , Eshelman Jennifer 
Published: December 2017

AbstractmTOR inhibitors have been associated with SWC when used in the perioperative period. Limited literature is available to guide providers in managing chronic mTOR inhibitor use in the perioperative period, especially in the pediatric setting. The primary aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of SWC with mTOR inhibitor continuation during the perioperative period for major surgeries. Heart transplant recipients ≤25 years old at the time of primary heart transplant receiving sirolimus maintenance therapy during a surgical procedure and within the study period were included. Surgeries identified within the study period included otolaryngology procedures (46.2%), such as tonsillectomies with or without adenoidectomies, cardiac surgeries (30.8%) including a sternal revision, pulmonary vein repair, and pacemaker placement in two patients, orthopedic surgeries (15.4%) including a posterior spinal fusion and an Achilles tendon lengthening with ankle and subtalar joint release, and a neurosurgery (7.7%), which was a ventriculoperitoneal shunt revision. Thirteen surgical encounters were examined. One SWC was observed, an infected pacemaker requiring systemic antibiotics and removal of the device. The results of this study suggest that sirolimus may be continued in the perioperative period based on the low rate of SWC observed.