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Summary: Sleep problems are common in neurological conditions for which ketogenic dietary therapies (KDTs) are recognised as an effective intervention (drug‐resistant epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and migraine). Given the composite framework of action of ketogenic dietary therapies, the prevalence of sleep disturbance, and the importance of sleep regulation, the present scoping review aimed at identifying and mapping available evidence of the effects of ketogenic dietary therapies on sleep. A comprehensive web‐based literature search was performed retrieving publications published to June 2023 using PubMed and Scopus, yielding to 277 records. Twenty papers were finally selected and included in the review. Data were abstracted by independent coders. High variability was identified in study design and sleep outcome evaluation among the selected studies. Several changes in sleep quality and sleep structure under ketogenic dietary therapies were found, namely an improvement of overall sleep quality, improvement in the difficulty falling asleep and nighttime awakenings, improvement in daytime sleepiness and an increase of REM sleep. The relevance and possible physiological explanations of these changes, clinical recommendations, and future directions in the field are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), like other solid organ transplant recipients display a suboptimal response to mRNA vaccines, with only about half achieving seroconversion after two doses. However, the effectiveness of a booster dose, particularly in generating neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), remains poorly understood, as most studies have mainly focused on non‐neutralizing antibodies. Here, we have longitudinally assessed the humoral response to the SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine in 40 KTRs over a year, examining changes in both anti‐spike IgG and NAbs following a booster dose administered about 5 months post‐second dose. We found a significant humoral response increase 5 months post‐booster, a stark contrast to the attenuated response observed after the second dose. Of note, nearly a quarter of participants did not achieve protective plasma levels even after the booster dose. We also found that the higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) correlated with a more robust humoral response postvaccination. Altogether, these findings underscore the effectiveness of the booster dose in enhancing durable humoral immunity in KTRs, as evidenced by the protective level of NAbs found in 65% of the patients 5 months post‐ booster, especially those with higher eGFR rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Declining number of applicants and high attrition of residents are a dire reality. Surgeons in training are confronted to various stressors which interfere with their performance and may promote burnout. This study measures stress levels of Swiss surgical residents. Methods: Swiss surgery residents taking the Surgical Basic Exam from 2016 to 2020 completed the Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS). The PSS measures how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded the respondents evaluate their work life. Scores up to 13 are normal, and scores around 20 are highly pathologic. High subscores of helplessness (PH) and lower subscores of self-efficacy (PSE) indicate distress. Results: A total of 1694 questionnaires were evaluated (return rate 95.7%). Resident median (m) age was 29 years, 43.5% were female, and 72.7% of the residents were in their first 2 years of training. Residents reported a high PSS (m = 15), a high PH (m = 9), and an ordinary PSE (m = 5). Females reported worse PSS (p < 0.001), PH (p < 0.001), and PSE (p = 0.036). In multivariable analysis, male sex (p < 0.001), aiming at orthopedic (p = 0.017) or visceral surgery (p = 0.004), and French as mother tongue (p = 0.037) predicted lower stress levels, while graduating from a country not adjacent to Switzerland led to higher stress (p = 0.047). Conclusion: Perceived stress levels are high in this prospective and representative cohort study of Swiss surgical residents. Females endured significantly worse stress and helplessness levels than males. These figures are worrisome as they may directly contribute to the declining attractivity of surgical residencies. Detailed sex-specific analysis and correction of stressors are urgently needed to improve residency programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anteromedial region of the knee is little explored in the literature and may play an important role in anteromedial rotatory instability. The purpose of this study is to describe a ligamentous structure in the anteromedial region of the knee identified in a series of anatomical dissections of cadaveric specimens. Twenty‐one cadaveric knees were dissected to study the medial compartment. Exclusion criteria were signs of trauma, previous surgery, signs of osteoarthritis, and poor preservation state. The main structures of this region were identified during medial dissection. After releasing the superficial medial collateral ligament of the tibia, the anterior oblique ligament (AOL) was isolated. The morphology of the structure and its relationship with known anatomical parameters were determined. For the statistical analysis, the means and standard deviations were calculated for continuous variables. A 95% confidence interval was defined as significant. Student's t‐tests were used for continuous variables. After dissection, a distinct ligamentous structure (AOL) was found in the medial region of the knee. This structure was found in 100% of the cases, was located extracapsularly and originated in the anterior aspect of the medial epicondyle, running obliquely toward the tibia. When crossing the joint, the ligament presented a fan‐shaped opening, exhibiting a larger area at the tibial insertion. The AOL had a mean thickness of 6.83 ± 1.51 mm at its femoral origin and 13.39 ± 2.64 at its tibial insertion. It had a significantly (p = 0.0001) longer mean length with the knee at 90° of flexion (35.27 ± 6.59 mm) than with the knee in total extension (27.89 ± 5.46 mm), indicating that the ligament is tensioned in flexion. A new structure was identified in the anteromedial compartment of the knee with a ligamentous appearance. Further studies are necessary to identify its importance on knee stability. This study demonstrates the anatomy of a new medial structure of the knee. As a result, there will be a better understanding of the stability of the knee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing ethical concern in modern society about animals' quality of life. We hypothesize that zoo visitors' perception of zoo animal welfare, particularly in the case of lesser anteaters, changes positively after listening to scientific information. Visitors observing active lesser anteaters in their enclosures at Córdoba Zoo (Argentina) were asked to respond to a questionnaire about animal welfare. The treatment group (T) answered the questionnaire after listening to a brief informative talk based on local scientific studies on lesser anteaters. The control group (C) answered the questionnaire without hearing the informative talk. Visitors (87.2%) considered biological, sanitary, and sociocultural aspects to be necessary conditions for optimum wild zoo‐housed animal welfare. The majority of visitors considered that natural surroundings provide the highest level of welfare for wild animals. Visitors in the T group ranked the zoo as providing a higher level of animal welfare than those in group C. In reference to management measurements, the T group agreed on the positive effect of the application of environmental enrichment (Likert Medians: C = 4 and T = 5; p =.0443). On the basis of their perception, most visitors in both groups stated that the lesser anteaters at Córdoba Zoo appeared to be in a good state of welfare. We interpret this as meaning that, what these Córdoba zoo visitors personally perceived while observing the lesser anteaters carried greater weight than what they learned from the informative talk, though the talk did slightly affect their opinion. Research Highlights: A scientific talk on the monitoring of lesser anteaters did not affect visitors' opinions about the welfare of these animals at Córdoba Zoo.Zoo visitors assessed lesser anteaters' welfare based on their perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the design, acquisition and processing of vertical seismic profiling data collected in 2016 at the directional Thônex‐01 geothermal well, drilled in 1993 in the Geneva Canton (Switzerland). The aim of the study was to obtain additional information from existing‐abandoned well for downhole geophysical characterization of potential geothermal reservoirs in the Geneva area. The main results obtained by this study allowed an improved subsurface image by multi‐offset acquisitions near and around the deviated well. Specifically we were able to (1) improve the velocity model of the Geneva Basin, which, at present, is only constrained by one unique deep exploration well, located at the south‐west of the basin, far away from the study area; (2) image the transition between the Tertiary Molasse siliciclastic sediments and the Mesozoic carbonates; (3) define an acquisition strategy for future vertical seismic profiling surveys in support of the geothermal exploration campaigns in the area. This study has demonstrated the value of vertical seismic profiling method for the refinement of the subsurface geology at local scale, and its usefulness to assist the planning of second well associated with geothermal doublets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study is to compare the risk of revision of single-bundle hamstring anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction between the anteromedial, transtibial and outside-in techniques. Methods: This cohort study was based on data from a single surgeon's registry. Patients who underwent primary single-bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon using the anteromedial portal, transtibial and outside-in technique, operated between 1 November 2003 to 31 December 2016, were eligible for inclusion. A minimum follow-up of 2 years was used, and the end-point of the study was revision surgery. Results: The total number of registered surgeries identified was 665; 109 were excluded, and 556 was the final sample. The overall revision rate was 8.7%. The transtibial technique presented 14/154 [9.9%] of revisions, the transportal 11/96 [11.4%] and the outside-in 22/306 [7.2%]. Separating the outside-in group into central outside-in and anteromedial (AM) outside-in, 18/219 [8.2%] was found for the central outside-in and 4/87 [4.5%] for the AM outside-in technique. Statistical evaluation of the first comparison (transtibial vs. transportal vs. outside-in) obtained p = (n.s.) The second comparison (transtibial vs. central transportal vs. central outside-in vs. AM outside-in, p = (n.s). Placement was also evaluated: high anteromedial placement (transtibial) vs. central (transportal and central outside-in technique) vs. AM placement (AM outside-in). The high AM placement presented 14/154 [9.9%] of revision, the central placement 29/315 [9.2%] and the AM placement 4/87 [4.5%], p = (n.s.) The AM placement was also compared with the other placements (high and central AM), p = (n.s.) Conclusion: Based on the registry of a single surgeon during 14 years of ACL reconstruction, the placement of the femoral tunnel in the high anteromedial region was associated with a rupture rate of 9.9%, central placement with 9.2% and anteromedial placement with 4.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Silverskin is a by‐product obtained from coffee roasting. It is characterized by a high content of dietary fibre, phenolic compounds and caffeine. The aim of this study was to assess the silverskin obtained from two species of Coffea (Arabica and Robusta) at three percentages (2%, 4%, or 6%) into cow whole‐milk yogurt to raise the nutraceutical value of the products and to verify the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds during the shelf‐life of 3 weeks. RESULTS: The amount and origin of silverskin significantly influenced all the physicochemical parameters. Concerning the bioactive compounds, the highest levels were observed in yogurt supplemented with 6% of silverskin. Between the coffee species, Arabica yielded the highest 5‐caffeoylquinic acid content and the strongest antioxidant activity, whereas Robusta gave the highest caffeine content. The digestion increased antioxidant activity in the yogurt, possibly because of greater accessibility of compounds. CONCLUSION: The results obtained highlighted that silverskin can be used in yogurt production to increase the nutraceutical value of the products and that the bioactive compounds are bioaccessible during the digestion process. The characteristics and bioaccessibility of the resulting yogurt were strongly correlated with the coffee species and with the percentage added. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LINKED CONTENT: This article is linked to Quigley et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17310 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17354 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several treatments have been described for cutaneous loxoscelism (CL), but the quality of available evidence is insufficient for the elaboration of a therapeutic consensus. Dapsone has shown beneficial effects on stopping the inflammatory phenomenon and accelerating the recovery. It is recommended to start dapsone once the visceral involvement is ruled out if glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase levels are normal. Autologous fibroblast (AF) therapy is a novel therapy that has been successfully used in bioengineering as skin substitutes for surgical wounds and burns, diabetic and pressure ulcers, and other aesthetic purposes. Interestingly, there are no reports of AFs in CL. We present a case of CL in which the necrotic process was stabilised with dapsone, but the healing of the ulcer was not achieved. Three weekly applications of AFs 100 000/cm2 were performed on a biocompatible polymer matrix, with optimal response within 2 months. This represents the first report of AFs in CL, setting the stage for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp MRI) of the prostate and transrectal ultrasonography guided biopsy ( TRUS-Bx) with visual estimation in early risk stratification of patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance ( AS). Patients and Methods Patients with low-risk, low-grade, localised prostate cancer were prospectively enrolled and submitted to a 3-T 16-channel cardiac surface coil mp MRI of the prostate and confirmatory biopsy ( CBx), which included a standard biopsy ( SBx) and visual estimation-guided TRUS-Bx. Cancer-suspicious regions were defined using Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System ( PI- RADS) scores. Reclassification occurred if CBx confirmed the presence of a Gleason score ≥7, greater than three positive fragments, or ≥50% involvement of any core. The performance of mp MRI for the prediction of CBx results was assessed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to study relationships between age, prostate-specific antigen ( PSA) level, PSA density ( PSAD), number of positive cores in the initial biopsy, and mp MRI grade on CBx reclassification. Our report is consistent with the Standards of Reporting for MRI-targeted Biopsy Studies ( START) guidelines. Results In all, 105 patients were available for analysis in the study. From this cohort, 42 (40%) had PI- RADS 1, 2, or 3 lesions and 63 (60%) had only grade 4 or 5 lesions. Overall, 87 patients underwent visual estimation TRUS-Bx. Reclassification among patients with PI- RADS 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 was 0%, 23.1%, 9.1%, 74.5%, and 100%, respectively. Overall, mp MRI sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for disease reclassification were 92.5%, 76%, 81%, and 90.5%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, only PSAD and mp MRI remained significant for reclassification ( P < 0.05). In the cross-tabulation, SBx would have missed 15 significant cases detected by targeted biopsy, but SBx did detect five cases of significant cancer not detected by targeted biopsy alone. Conclusion Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging is a significant tool for predicting cancer severity reclassification on CBx among AS candidates. The reclassification rate on CBx is particularly high in the group of patients who have PI- RADS grades 4 or 5 lesions. Despite the usefulness of visual-guided biopsy, it still remains highly recommended to retrieve standard fragments during CBx in order to avoid missing significant tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential influence of insects' feeding behaviour on their associated bacterial communities is currently a matter of debate. Using the major pest of commodities, Plodia interpunctella, as a model and adopting a culture-independent approach, the impact of different diets on the host-associated microbiota was evaluated. An analysis of similarity showed differences among the microbiotas of moths fed with five substrates and provided evidence that diet represents the only tested factor that explains this dissimilarity. Bacteria shared between food and insects provide evidence for a limited conveyance to the host of the bacteria derived from the diet; more likely, the content of carbohydrates and proteins in the diets promotes changes in the insect's microbiota. Moth microbiotas were characterized by two robust entomotypes, respectively, associated with a carbohydrate-rich diet and a protein-rich diet. These results were also confirmed by the predicted metagenome functional potential. A core microbiota, composed of six taxa, was shared between eggs and adults, regardless of the origin of the population. Finally, the identification of possible human and animal pathogens on chili and associated with the moths that feed on it highlights the possibility that these bacteria may be conveyed by moth frass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employability perceptions have been suggested to protect well-being in times of job insecurity. Perceived employability ( PE) refers to an individual's perception of his/her possibilities of obtaining employment. Some scholars showed that PE is also associated with the length of unemployment. However, it is not clear how employability perceptions can facilitate the reemployment process. Our research aim was to investigate the relationships among PE, job search strategies, psychological distress ( PD), and reemployment. The two-wave study (a questionnaire administered during the initial contact with employment agencies and objective data on reemployment after 12 months) involved 136 unemployed people. Results of the structural equation model analysis (partial least-squares path analysis [ SEM- PLS]) showed that PE led to focused job search strategy ( FJSS) and the focused strategy increased the likelihood of reemployment. The hypothesized negative correlation between PE and PD was not confirmed. Higher levels of distress attributed to job loss were positively associated with a haphazard job search strategy and negatively with a FJSS. The study makes an original contribution to both the research and the practice, highlighting the role of PE as a protective resource for the unemployed. Practitioner points Perceived employability (PE) can be considered as a personal protective resource during unemployment because can spur the unemployed to adopt a focused job search strategy (FJSS), even if it cannot reduce the job-loss triggered psychological distress (PD)., Evidence that a FJSS facilitates reemployment suggests that behavioural training programmes need to be extended beyond the confines of job search intensity., Both PE and PD should be considered to understand how unemployed individuals choose job search strategies., Labour policies should support reemployment programmes that help the unemployed reframe their employability beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify factors associated with survival after palliative urinary diversion ( UD) for patients with malignant ureteric obstruction ( MUO) and create a risk-stratification model for treatment decisions. Patients and Methods We prospectively collected clinical and laboratory data for patients who underwent palliative UD by ureteric stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy ( PCN) between 1 January 2009 and 1 November 2011 in two tertiary care university hospitals, with a minimum 6-month follow-up. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years and MUO confirmed by computed tomography, ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging. Factors related to poor prognosis were identified by Cox univariable and multivariable regression analyses, and a risk stratification model was created by Kaplan- Meier survival estimates at 1, 6 and 12 months, and log-rank tests. Results The median (range) survival was 144 (0-1084) days for the 208 patients included after UD (58 ureteric stenting, 150 PCN); 164 patients died, 44 (21.2%) during hospitalisation. Overall survival did not differ by UD type ( P = 0.216). The number of events related to malignancy (≥4) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group ( ECOG) index (≥2) were associated with short survival on multivariable analysis. These two risk factors were used to divide patients into three groups by survival type: favourable (no factors), intermediate (one factor) and unfavourable (two factors). The median survival at 1, 6, and 12 months was 94.4%, 57.3% and 44.9% in the favourable group; 78.0%, 36.3%, and 15.5% in the intermediate group; and 46.4%, 14.3%, and 7.1% in the unfavourable group ( P < 0.001). Conclusions Our stratification model may be useful to determine whether UD is indicated for patients with MUO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a an 82-year-old woman with Crohn's disease. Topics discussed include results of medical tests such as patchy involvement, transmural inflammation, and granulomas; usage of proctocolectomy with colostomy, immunosuppressors, doses of oral metronidazole, methotrexate, azathioprine, ciclosporine, and tacrolimus in the treatment; information on history of painful lesions on her groin, genital region, and gluteal cleft, with exacerbations and partial remissions.

Withdrawal: C Varesio et al., Parenteral Nutrition in a GLUT1DS Patient Following Classic Ketogenic Diet: Ideal versus Real‐World Management in an Acute Surgical Setting, Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 2022 (https://doi.org/10.1002/jpen.2361). The above article, published online on March 1st, 2022 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been withdrawn by agreement between the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, Kelly A. Tappenden, PhD, RD, FASPEN, and Wiley Periodicals LLC. The article was published as the result of an administrative error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional MRI is frequently used during the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis but provides only little additional pathological information. Proton MRS (1H-MRS), however, provides biochemical information on the lesion pathology by visualization of a spectrum of metabolites. In this study we aimed to better understand the changes in metabolite concentrations following demyelination of the white matter. Therefore, we used the cuprizone model, a well-established mouse model to mimic type III human multiple sclerosis demyelinating lesions. First, we identified CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling as a major regulator of microglial activity in the cuprizone mouse model. Compared with control groups (heterozygous CX3CR1+/− C57BL/6 mice and wild type CX3CR1+/+ C57BL/6 mice), microgliosis, astrogliosis, oligodendrocyte cell death and demyelination were shown to be highly reduced or absent in CX3CR1−/− C57BL/6 mice. Second, we show that 1H-MRS metabolite spectra are different when comparing cuprizone-treated CX3CR1−/− mice showing mild demyelination with cuprizone-treated CX3CR1+/+ mice showing severe demyelination and demyelination-associated inflammation. Following cuprizone treatment, CX3CR1+/+ mice show a decrease in the Glu, tCho and tNAA concentrations as well as an increased Tau concentration. In contrast, following cuprizone treatment CX3CR1−/− mice only showed a decrease in tCho and tNAA concentrations. Therefore, 1H-MRS might possibly allow us to discriminate demyelination from demyelination-associated inflammation via changes in Tau and Glu concentration. In addition, the observed decrease in tCho concentration in cuprizone-induced demyelinating lesions should be further explored as a possible diagnostic tool for the early identification of human MS type III lesions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this 24-month prospective study was to assess the effect of smoking cessation on non-surgical periodontal therapy ( NSPT) in adult subjects with chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods Relative to a previous 12-month follow-up study, recruitment and follow-up period were extended, resulting in 116 eligible among the 286 screened subjects. They received NSPT and concurrent smoking cessation interventions. Periodontal maintenance was performed every 3 months. A calibrated examiner, blinded to smoking status, performed full-mouth periodontal examination in six sites per tooth at baseline, 3, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. Expired air carbon monoxide concentration measurements and interviews were performed to gather demographic and behavioural information. Results From the 116 enrolled subjects, 61 remained up to 24 months of follow-up. Of these, 18 quit smoking (Q), 32 continued smoking ( NQ) and 11 oscillated (O) at 24 months of follow-up. Thereby, Q showed significantly higher mean CAL gain in diseased sites and higher reduction in the proportion of sites with CAL ≥ 3 mm, when compared to NQ. In addition, Q presented significantly higher mean probing depth reduction relative to NQ( p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion Smoking cessation promoted additional benefits on NSPT in chronic periodontitis subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of the present investigation is to compare the presence and number of periodontal pathogens in the subgingival microbiota of smokers versus never-smokers with chronic periodontitis and matched probing depths (PDs) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Methods: Forty current smokers and 40 never-smokers, matched for age, sex, and mean PD of sampling site, were included in this investigation. A full-mouth periodontal examination was performed, and a pooled subgingival plaque sample was collected from the deepest site in each quadrant of each participant. To confirm smoking status, expired carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations were measured with a CO monitor. The presence and quantification of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola were determined using RT-PCR. Results: Smokers had greater overall mean PD (P = 0.001) and attachment loss (P = 0.006) and fewer bleeding on probing sites (P = 0.001). An association was observed between smoking status and the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans (P<0.001). The counts of A. actinomycetemcomitans (P<0.001), P. gingivalis (P= 0.042), and T. forsythia (P<0.001) were significantly higher in smokers. Conclusions: Smokers showed significantly greater amounts of P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and T. forsythia than never-smokers. There was a significant association between smoking and the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The use of resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) in preclinical research is expanding progressively, with the majority of resting-state imaging performed in anesthetized animals. Since anesthesia may change the physiology and, in particular, the neuronal activity of an animal considerably, it may also affect rsfMRI findings. Therefore, this study compared rsfMRI data from awake mice with rsfMRI results obtained from mice anesthetized with α-chloralose (120 mg/kg), urethane (2.5 g/kg), or isoflurane (1%). Methods Functional connectivity (FC) was estimated using both independent component analysis (40 components) and ROI-based analysis to zoom in on the effect of different anesthetics on inter-hemispheric FC. Results The data revealed an important diminishment of cortical interhemispheric FC in both the α-chloralose and urethane groups in comparison with the isoflurane and awake groups. Conclusion When performing FC analysis in anesthetized mice, the impact of anesthetics must be taken into account. The required doses for stable anesthesia during MRI significantly decrease interhemispheric FC. Magn Reson Med 72:1103-1112, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The abrupt loss of ovarian hormones before menopause, induced by oophorectomy, has been associated with accelerated aging, multimorbidity, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated the impact of prolonged loss of ovarian hormones on AD progression in a transgenic mouse model of amyloid pathology using in vivo diffusion tensor MRI, resting‐state functional MRI (rsfMRI) and spectroscopy (MRS). Method: Female 3.5‐month‐old TG2576 (TG) (N=27) and wild‐type (WT) (N=27) mice were ovariectomized (TGOVX) or sham‐operated (TGSHAM). When they became 18‐month‐old, 1‐H MRS (ROIs: hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex), DTI and rsfMRI was performed. ROI based analysis was performed on rsfMRI and DTI (Fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AxD), mean diffusivity, and radial diffusivity). The brain samples were then evaluated by histology and ELISA to assess Aβ load and activated glial cells. The loss of ovarian hormones via OVX was validated with elevated plasma luteinizing hormone level: OVX>SHAM (p<0.05). Two‐way ANOVA and post‐hoc (Student's‐t) tests were used for statistical analysis. P values were adjusted for multiple comparisons (FDR‐p). Result: The multimodel imaging data showed that there was a significant increase in taurine and total creatine (markers for inflammation and energy metabolism) in the hypothalamus, decrease in FA and AxD (markers for white matter integrity) in the white matter regions, and decrease in the functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus and dorsal and ventral hippocampus regions (a neural marker of network activity and integrity) (FDR‐p <0.05 (Figure 1)) in TGOVX mice compared to TGSHAM mice (post‐hoc t‐test). rsFMRI showed a significant increase in rsfMRI connectivity in WTOVX mice compared to WTSHAM mice. Complementary histological (and ELISA) analysis revealed no differences in Aβ load (plaque and soluble) and activated glial cells between the TG groups. Conclusion: The MRI results suggest that inflammatory response was elevated, energy metabolism was disrupted and white matter and network integrity decreased after prolonged ovarian hormone loss. These MRI results support other data from human and animal studies suggesting that abrupt hormonal changes associated with premenopausal removal of ovaries may increase the risk factors of AD, and accelerate the disease progression by causing abnormalities in brain structure, function and metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to evaluate the association between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the effect of periodontal treatment (PT) on the estimated glomerular filtration rate ( eGFR). Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched up to and including September 30, 2012 to observational (S1) and interventional (S2) studies on the association of periodontitis with CKD. Studies were considered eligible for inclusion if they reported the eGFR. Search was conducted by two independent reviewers. The methodological quality of the observational studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) adapted for this review, and the Cochrane's Collaboration risk of bias assessment tool. A random-effects odds-ratio meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the degree of association between periodontitis and CKD. Results Search strategy identified 2456 potentially eligible articles, of which four cross-sectional, one retrospective, and three interventional studies were included. Four S1, 80.0% reported some degree of association between periodontitis and CKD. Similarly, such an outcome was supported by pooled estimates ( OR: 1.65, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.35, 2.01, p < 0.00001, χ2 = 1.70, I2 = 0%). All interventional studies found positive outcomes related to treatment. Conclusion There is quite consistent evidence to support the positive association between periodontitis and CKD, as well as the positive effect of PT on eGFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chambrone L, Pannuti CM, Guglielmetti MR, Chambrone LA. Evidence grade associating periodontitis with preterm birth and/or low birth weight. II. A systematic review of randomized trials evaluating the effects of periodontal treatment. J Clin Periodontol 2011; 38: 902-914. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2011.01761.x. Abstract Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate whether maternal periodontal disease treatment (MPDT) can reduce the incidence of preterm birth (PB) and/or low birth weight (LBW). Methods: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for entries up to October 2010 without restrictions regarding the language of publication. Only randomized-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of MPDT on birth term and birth weight were included. The search was conducted by two independent reviewers and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted methodically. Results: Thirteen RCTs provided data, but only five trials were considered to be at a low risk of bias. The results of eight studies (61.5%) showed that MPDT may reduce the incidence of PB and/or LBW. However, the results of all meta-analyses showed contrasting results for PB [RR: 0.88 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.09)], LBW [RR: 0.78 (95% CI: 0.53, 1.17)] and PB/LBW [RR: 0.52 (95% CI: 0.08, 3.31)]. Conclusion: The results of this review show that MPDT did not decrease the risk of PB and/or LBW; however, the influence of specific aspects that were not investigated (disease diagnosis, extension and severity and the success of MPDT) should be evaluated by future RCTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chambrone L, Guglielmetti MR, Pannuti CM, Chambrone LA. Evidence grade associating periodontitis to preterm birth and/or low birth weight: I. A systematic review of prospective cohort studies. J Clin Periodontol 2011; 38: 795-808. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2011.01755.x. Abstract Aim: The aims of this systematic review (SR) were to evaluate the association between maternal periodontitis and preterm birth (PB) and/or low birth weight (LBW), and the methodological quality of prospective cohort studies conducted for such a purpose. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched up to and including October 2010 to identify prospective studies on the association of periodontitis with PB and/or LBW. Search was conducted by two independent reviewers. The methodological quality of the observational studies was assessed using a specially designed methodological tool. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted thoroughly. Results: Search strategy identified 1680 potentially eligible articles, of which 12 prospective studies were included. One cohort study had their data reported in two articles. Of the 11 studies, 10 showed a high methodological quality and one a medium methodological quality. Nine studies (81.8%) found an association between periodontitis and PB and/or LBW. Meta-analysis showed a significant risk of preterm delivery for pregnant women with periodontitis [risk ratio (RR): 1.70 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 2.81)] and a significant risk for LBW [RR: 2.11 (95% CI: 1.05, 4.23)] or PB/LBW [RR: 3.57 (95% CI: 1.87, 6.84)], as well as a high and unexplained degree of heterogeneity between studies. Conclusion: Although this SR found a consistent association between periodontitis and PB and/or LBW, this finding should be treated with great caution until the sources of heterogeneity can be explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized that gait capacities would be more stressed in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) when walking along curved than straight trajectories, owing to the complex adaptations required for this walking task. Twenty on-phase patients with PD and 20 healthy subjects walked eyes-open along straight and curved trajectories for 1 minute at self-paced cadence and velocity. Step frequency along straight and curved trajectories was computed from video-recordings of the lower limbs. Step frequency was not affected by trajectory shape in either patients with PD or healthy subjects. Distances run by the patients were shorter than normal under both conditions. However, in PD, distances were relatively shorter during curved than straight walking; therefore, decreased distances in PD were connected with decreased mean step length (as the ratio between distance and step number). No correlation was found between the above mentioned variables and the severity or duration of the disease or the frequency of falls. Walking along curved trajectories can highlight impaired gait control in on-phase patients with PD, and can be suitable for the routine evaluation of possible walking disorders when straight walking is not significantly affected. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To prospectively assess the clinical outcome of a series of papillary renal cell carcinomas (PRCCs) to identify possible prognostic clinical variables and tumour markers, as previous retrospective series of PRCC do not provide unanimous results on the prognostic utility of clinicopathological variables. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-six patients with PRCC (median follow-up 40 months) diagnosed in one institution from 1989 to 2002 were prospectively followed until May 2006. The pathology was reviewed, the PRCC subtyped (type 1 and 2) and immunohistochemistry assessed for MIB-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD31 and c-met oncogenic protein, by a referee pathologist. Prognostic values were estimated by fitting a Cox model. RESULTS The 5-year survival rate was 49.5%; type 2 histology was predominant and was almost significant in the univariate analysis. Stage and MIB-1 were significant prognostic factors only in the univariate model, while the Cox model identified only the Fuhrman grade as an independent predictor of survival (hazard ratio 3.054; P = 0.007). MET expression, CD31 and VEGF had no prognostic utility. CONCLUSION These patients with PRCC followed prospectively fared worse than in previously reported series. The Fuhrman grade was the sole independent predictor of survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent dye tracers are used to show concentration maps of tracer fronts, plumes and pathways on soil profiles and in monolith cross sections. The physical process of fluorescence from the exposed soil surfaces must be understood in order to retrieve accurately the concentration of such compounds. We found in a laboratory experiment that the fluorescence of quartz sand stained with Acid Yellow depends both on the tracer concentration and the soil water content. In this study, we investigate the dependence of fluorescence on the water content by using a radiative transfer model. The hypothesis of our modelling approach is that fluorescence depends on water content (1) because of the adsorption properties of the tracer and (2) because the microscopic distribution of the water phase changes the positioning and emission of the excited fluorescence molecules in the sample. Our model results show that both factors influence fluorescence to a similar extent, as observed in the Acid Yellow experiment. Because these results explain only part of the overall variation in the experiment, further factors, in addition to the postulated causes, have to be considered for determining concentration maps of fluorescent tracers from real soil profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies suggest that extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) may be beneficial in patients with steroid-refractory chronic graft- versus-host disease (cGvHD). However, it is not yet clear whether certain conditions, such as age, mode of onset of cGvHD etc., influence clinical response and whether certain affected organs are more sensitive to ECP than others. We analysed the main clinical and laboratory parameters related to evolution of the disease in 32 steroid-refractory cGvHD patients, to identify any useful response predictors to ECP. ECP affected the course of the disease positively in 78% (25/32) of our cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geological and archaeological signatures at the site of Kupona na Dari on the Willaumez Peninsula, West New Britain provide important new data about human colonisation of the Bismarck Archipelago. Analyses of the stratigraphy and weathering of paleosols and manuports, when combined with fission track, radiocarbon, and luminescence dating, indicate that the site was first occupied at about 35-45,000 years ago. During the whole period of occupation, people were exposed to a series of volcanic events which varied in terms of their potential impacts on the local environment. A PIXE-PIGME characterisation study of the obsidian artefacts at the site demonstrates that from the earliest period stone resources were acquired from outcrops located across a relatively large region. When compared with Early-Middle Holocene assemblages from nearby localities, the Pleistocene stone tool technology differs in only a few minor respects. From this analysis we infer that groups were mobile in both periods, but slightly different strategies for the procurement and maintenance of the stone tools were required for the more extensive ranges exploited during the Pleistocene. The interdisciplinary study of Kupona na Dari concludes that colonisation comprised a long term process of settling into this volcanically active environment. Due to variability in the environments that people encountered, the pattern of colonisation may not have been similar across the entire Bismarck Archipelago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of thyroid failure on haemostasis is controversial, both hypocoagulable and hypercoagulable states have been reported. Since both subclinical and overt hypothyroidism have been associated with atherosclerosis, a hypercoagulable state in addition might represent a risk factor for thromboembolic disease. We investigated various haemostatic variables in 42 women with subclinical hypothyroidism and compared them to 66 euthyroid controls. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, factor VII activity (FVII:C), factor VII antigen (FVII:Ag), factor VIII activity, von Willebrand factor (vWF), antithrombin III, heparin cofactor II, protein C, protein S, plasminogen, antiplasmin, plasminogen activator inhibitor and tissue plasminogen activator, as well as common lipid variables, were measured. Factor VII:C (P < 0·02) and the ratio FVII:C/FVII:Ag (P < 0·01) were significantly increased in subclinical hypothyroid patients compared to the control group. Both parameters remained higher in hypothyroid patients after exclusion of 18 women on oestrogen replacement therapy. No differences were found between the groups with respect to vWF or the other haemostatic and lipid variables tested. Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism had significantly higher levels of FVII:C. The greater increase in FVII:C compared to that of FVII:Ag, as shown by the increase in their ratio, might reflect the presence of activated FVIIa. This might mean a hypercoagulable state, which could contribute to the increased prevalence of coronary heart disease reported in such patients. A hypercoagulable state might be another argument in favour of thyroxine replacement treatment in subclinical hypothyroidism, especially in patients with additional risk factors for vascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A serosurvey for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted on sheep, goat and dog serum samples collected in Cordillera Province, Bolivia, in 1992. Sera from 98 sheep, 218 goats and 43 dogs were tested. The observed seroprevalence in sheep and dogs was 0.0%, whereas the seropositivity rate for goat serum samples was 5.0%. Upon analysing 10 positive sera by Western immunoblotting, five reacted against the specific protein antigens and all of them met the criteria for positivity on the basis of immunoglobulin G (IgG) bands, indicating that goats in Cordillera Province were exposed to B. burgdoferi. These findings, which are further proof of the existence of B. burgdorferi infection in Bolivia, indicate the serologic analysis of goats as a suitable tool for Lyme borreliosis surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]