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Impacted mandibular canines often result in a variety of clinical dilemmas. Orthodontic disimpaction of severely displaced mandibular canines may be extremely challenging and associated with significant patient discomfort and a high risk of iatrogenic damage. This case report demonstrates the interdisciplinary management of a horizontally impacted permanent mandibular canine, utilising a combination of three‐dimensional radiology, biomodel fabrication and subsequent endodontic treatment. © 2024 Australian Dental Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Literature on eating disorder (ED) symptoms of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) group is extremely scarce. This study aimed to understand the mechanisms underlying the associations between insecure attachment and ED symptoms and examine whether these mechanisms differed between White and BIPOC groups. Method: The study investigated direct and indirect relationship between attachment anxiety/avoidance and ED symptoms via intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and emotion regulation strategies of suppression and reappraisal. Further, we examined whether the proposed mechanisms equally represented White versus BIPOC using Multigroup Structural Equation Model (MG‐SEM). A total of 1227 college students (48.50% BIPOC and 51.50% White) completed research questionnaires. Results: Results showed that IU and suppression mediated the relations between insecure attachment and ED symptoms for both White and BIPOC groups. Uniquely, reappraisal mediated the relations between insecure attachment and ED symptoms for the White group, but not for the BIPOC group. Discussion: The implications of the findings for culturally informed practice are discussed, including targeting increasing tolerability of uncertainties and improving emotion regulation to mitigate ED symptoms for those with insecure attachment. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study suggests that intolerance of uncertainty and suppression underlie associations between insecure attachment and eating disorder (ED) symptoms for both White and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals. Uniquely, reappraisal also plays a critical role in the association between insecure attachment and ED symptoms for White group, but not for BIPOC group. The research highlights culturally informative treatment for ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the role of cognitive flexibility and collective coping in the relationship between adult attachment and life satisfaction while comparing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC; n = 187) and White (n = 135) groups. Result showed that the relationship between attachment anxiety and life satisfaction was mediated via cognitive flexibility and collective coping only in the BIPOC group. This study informs culturally responsive attachment‐based counseling and advances literature from a decolonial perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tooth autotransplantation is the technique of transplanting embedded, impacted or erupted teeth from one site into another in the same individual. It is relatively common for the anterior segment of the mouth to be affected by traumatic tooth injuries, impacted and/or congenitally missing permanent teeth. Autotransplantation of teeth into the anterior dental arch can provide unrivalled biological solutions when such issues arise in this critical aesthetic zone, particularly for adolescent patients. The combination of meticulous pre‐surgical assessment, synergistic interdisciplinary collaboration and carefully performed anterior tooth autotransplantation has been demonstrated to achieve impressive outcomes, with respect to both transplant survival and clinical success. © 2023 Australian Dental Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection directly influences adult hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function and differentiation, but the fetal hematopoietic response to infection during pregnancy is not well‐studied. Here, we investigated the fetal hematopoietic response to maternal infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), an intracellular parasite that elicits Type II IFNγ‐mediated maternal immunity. While it is known that maternal infection without direct pathogen transmission can affect fetal immune development, the effects of maternal IFNγ on developing HSCs and the signals that mediate these interactions have not been investigated. Our investigation reveals that the fetal HSCs respond to T. gondii infection with virulence‐dependent changes in proliferation, self‐renewal potential, and lineage output. Furthermore, maternal IFNγ crosses the fetal–maternal interface, where it is perceived by fetal HSCs. By comparing the effects of maternal IFNγ injection with maternal T. gondii infection, we reveal that the effects of IFNγ treatment mimic some aspects of the fetal HSC response to infection. Moreover, our findings illuminate that the fetal HSC response to prenatal infection is distinct from the adult HSC response to IFNγ‐induced inflammation. Altogether, our data disentangle the role of infection‐induced inflammatory cytokines in driving the expansion of downstream hematopoietic progenitors. Synopsis: Infection has been shown to instruct adult hematopoiesis, but the effects on the fetal hematopoietic response have not been investigated. This study demonstrates that a congenital infection or single cytokine injection impacts fetal hematopoietic stem cell self‐renewal and differentiation. Prenatal infection with T. gondii directly affects fetal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) function in a virulence‐dependent manner.Prenatal infection invokes a cytokine response across the maternal–fetal barrier that is distinct from the adult response.Maternal IFNγ exposure alone affects fetal HSPC function.The response of fetal HSCs and multipotent progenitors is differently regulated by the IFNγ receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrodontia is a relatively uncommon dental anomaly and has often been reported to occur in association with other dental anomalies. Significant orthodontic and restorative challenges may arise in the management of patients with macrodont teeth. This case report demonstrates the opportune and carefully considered management of a patient presenting with both a macrodont and a supernumerary incisor tooth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-surgical camouflage orthodontic treatment can be effective for the management of carefully selected patients with mild to moderate Class III malocclusion. This case report demonstrates how a synergistic combination of camouflage orthodontic treatment and appropriate adjunctive restorative procedures can provide a pleasing treatment outcome for a patient with a significant skeletal Class III malocclusion and diminutive maxillary lateral incisors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tooth autotransplantation is the technique of transplanting embedded, impacted or erupted teeth from one site into another in the same individual. Autotransplantation can provide a long-term, cost-effective and biological solution for adolescent patients with congenitally missing teeth or significantly compromised teeth when a suitable donor tooth is available. Successful autotransplantation of immature teeth can offer many advantages for a growing patient, including a normally functioning periodontium, proprioception and preservation of alveolar bone volume. Even in the event that an autotransplanted tooth does eventually fail, the bone and soft tissue conditions are likely to be conducive for subsequent implant treatment. Despite the significant physiological and cost-benefit advantages, tooth autotransplantation remains relatively underutilized, as the procedure is considered to be technique-sensitive. Although carefully considered individual case selection and surgical skill are the critical determinants for success, advances in three-dimensional computed tomography and rapid prototyping have the potential to simultaneously reduce the technique sensitivity and increase the predictability of the autotransplantation procedure. It is hoped that this case series will provide greater awareness and an appreciation of the tremendous value of autotransplantation for the management of patients with congenitally missing or significantly compromised posterior teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Astaxanthin (ASTA) is a kind of food‐derived active ingredient (FDAI) with antioxidant and antidiabetic functions. It is nontoxic but its poor solubility and low bioavailability hinder its application in the food industry. In this study, a novel carrier, polyethylene glycol‐grafted chitosan (PEG‐g‐CS) was applied to enhance the bioavailability of astaxanthin. It encapsulated astaxanthin completely by solvent evaporation to manufacture astaxanthin using poly (ethylene glycol)‐graft‐chitosan nanoparticles (ASTA‐PEG‐g‐CS) nanoparticles to improve absorption. RESULTS: The ASTA‐PEG‐g‐CS nanoparticles were spherical, with a particle size below 200 nm and a ζ potential of about −26 mV. Polyethylene glycol‐grafted chitosan can encapsulate astaxanthin well, and the encapsulated astaxanthin was released rapidly – in 15 min in an in vitro release study. In a rat single‐pass intestinal perfusion study, a low concentration of ASTA‐PEG‐g‐CS nanoparticle (0.2 μg mL−1) was better absorbed in the intestine. In particular, the jejunum could absorb most astaxanthin without a change in the concentration. An in vivo release study also demonstrated that ASTA‐PEG‐g‐CS nanoparticles enhanced oral bioavailability significantly. CONCLUSION: This novel carrier, PEG‐g‐CS, provided a simple way to encapsulate food, which improved the bioavailability of hydrophobic ingredients. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the long‐term outcomes of our management protocol for Saethre–Chotzen syndrome, which includes one‐stage fronto‐orbital advancement. Method: All patients born with Saethre–Chotzen syndrome between January 1992 and March 2017 were included. Evaluated parameters included occipital frontal head circumference (OFC), fundoscopy, neuroimaging (ventricular size, tonsillar position, and the presence of collaterals/an abnormal transverse sinus), polysomnography, and ophthalmological outcomes. The relationship between papilledema and its associated risk factors was evaluated with Fisher's exact test. Results: Thirty‐two patients (21 females, 11 males) were included. Median (SD) age at first surgery was 9.6 months (3.1mo) for patients who were primarily referred to our center (range: 3.6–13.0mo), the median (SD) age at last follow‐up was 13 years (5y 7mo; range: 3–25y). Seven patients had papilledema preoperatively, which recurred in two. Two patients had papilledema solely after first surgery. Second cranial vault expansion was indicated in 20%. Thirteen patients had an OFC deflection, indicating restricted skull growth, one patient had ventriculomegaly, and none developed hydrocephalus. Eleven patients had emissary veins, while the transverse sinus was aberrant unilaterally in 13 (hypoplastic n=10 and absent n=3). Four patients had mild tonsillar descent, one of which was a Chiari type I malformation. Four patients had obstructive sleep apnoea (two mild, one moderate, and one severe). An aberrant transverse sinus was associated with papilledema (p=0.01). Interpretation: Single one‐stage fronto‐orbital advancement was sufficient to prevent intracranial hypertension for 80% of our patients with Saethre–Chotzen syndrome. Follow‐up should focus on OFC deflection and venous anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to present the clinical characteristics of and viral suppression in the national antiretroviral therapy (ART) cohort in China. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted among the participants enrolled in China's National Free Antiretroviral Therapy Programme (NFATP) who were on ART at the end of 2019. The data used were from China's NFATP information system. The primary outcome was viral load (VL) suppression. Full virological suppression and low‐level viraemia (LLV) were defined as VL < 50 copies/mL and between 51 and 999 copies/mL, respectively. Results: At the end of 2019, 853 429 people living with HIV (PLWH) were on ART. The median age was 44 years [interquartile range (IQR): 33–54]. The majority of PLWH were 25–44 years old (47.2%) and male (73.5%) and reported HIV infection via heterosexual contact (64.5%). The median (IQR) baseline CD4 count was 257 (140–376) cells/μL. Among the 704 375 PLWH who were on ART for at least 12 months, 82.9% had full virological suppression, 6.5% had VL between 50 and 1000 copies/mL (LLV) and 4.3% had VL > 1000 copies/mL. Optimal full virological suppression occurred in participants who acquired HIV through homosexual contact (88.4%). Conclusions: Although China can be credited for substantial progress in scaling up ART and viral suppression, challenges remain in some key populations, such as injecting drug users, participants with a history of treatment failure and hepatitis C virus co‐infected people. To improve the programme output, additional monitoring and intervention for LLV are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the intrauterine fetal growth pattern and fetoplacental circulation in pregnancies following bariatric surgery.Design: Prospective study.Setting: Maternity Unit, UK.Population: One hundred and sixty-two pregnant women; 54 with previous bariatric surgery and 108 with no surgery but similar booking body mass index.Methods: Participants were seen at 11-14, 20-24, 30-33 and 35-37 weeks of gestation and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at 27-30 weeks. Fetal head and abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), estimated fetal weight (EFW) and fetoplacental Dopplers were measured at three time-points in pregnancy. Birthweight (BW) was recorded. Variables were modelled after adjustment for maternal/pregnancy characteristics. Model estimates are reported as posterior means and quantile-based 90% credible intervals (CrI).Main Outcome Measures: Fetal biometry, fetoplacental Doppler, BW.Results: Compared with the no surgery group, the post-bariatric surgery group had lower EFW during gestation (up to -120 g; [-189 g, -51 g] lighter) at 35-37 weeks, with smaller AC and FL. Similarly, infants of mothers with previous bariatric surgery had lower average BW [-202 g [-330 g, -72 g] lighter). Overall, there was no difference in the fetoplacental Doppler indices between groups but maternal glucose levels at OGTT were positively correlated with third-trimester EFW and BW.Conclusions: Fetuses of women with previous bariatric surgery are smaller during pregnancy and at birth, compared with those of women without such surgery, and this may be related to the lower maternal glucose levels seen in the former population. The fetoplacental circulation appears not to be altered by maternal weight loss surgery.Tweetable Abstract: Offspring of post-bariatric women are smaller during pregnancy and at birth but this is not due to placental insufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and has been classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Several studies have demonstrated that the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is also a potential route. As the pandemic is continuously evolving, and more data are made available, this article highlights the best evidence and practices regarding the effects of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus relevant to GI practice. Published clinical studies have supported that SARS‐CoV‐2 affects the GI tract and the liver. The largest published dataset comprised of 4243 patients and showed a pooled prevalence of GI symptoms at 17.6%. GI symptoms varied and usually preceded pulmonary symptoms by 1–2 days. These include anorexia (26.8%), nausea and vomiting (10.2%), diarrhea (12.5%), and abdominal pain (9.2%). Incidence of liver injury ranges from 15 to 53%. Evidence shows that the severity of COVID‐19 infection is compounded by its effects on nutrition, most especially for the critically ill. As such, nutrition societies have recommended optimization of oral diets and oral nutritional supplements followed by early enteral nutrition if nutritional targets are not met, and parenteral nutrition in the distal end of the spectrum. In addition to possible fecal–oral transmission, GI endoscopy procedures, which are considered to be aerosol‐generating procedures, contribute to increased risk to GI health‐care professionals. Infection prevention measures and guidelines are essential in protecting both patients and personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In his blunt and engaging manner, visionary entrepreneur Dwight Carlson has insightful and provocative things to say about leadership, communication and team development, and motivation. We argue that Carlson is an 'entrepreneurial leader' who has learned how to create an environment that fosters innovation, hard work, a sense of fun, and 'team spirit' and which results in highly motivated and productive staff. At the same time, we recognize that not all entrepreneurs necessarily share Carlson's 'bravado.' Nevertheless, his example as founder and CEO of several high-tech start-up companies sheds light on the unique contours of entrepreneurial human resource leadership. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the utilization, underutilization, and misutilization of expatriate skills in overseas assignments. Using quantitative data from 268 expatriates from six Fortune 500 multinational corporations, the research first examines expatriates' utilization of eight distinct skills and how patterns of skill utilization influence important job attitudes. Then, using qualitative data from the expatriates, the research examines the subsidiary-level, corporate-level, and country-level factors which facilitate (or inhibit) skill utilization. The study highlights the idea that effective skill utilization depends not only on the selection and training of expatriates themselves, but also upon the level of skill and teamwork among host country nationals and the quality of support provided by the MNC as a whole. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The technological advances in agriculture, driven by the increased demand for food attributed to population growth, have led to the search for technologies that allow greater control over the variables that interfere in crop yield. Several techniques stand out for optimizing yield capacity, including cultivation in a protected environment, mulching and low tunneling. To expand the use of these techniques, synthetic petroleum‐based polymers are employed due to their low cost, easy processing, and lightness. However, they take a long time to degrade, and, since they are discarded at the end of each cycle of cultivation, end up accumulating in the environment causing irreversible damage. RESULTS: The use of biodegradable films, made of starch and/or a protein source such as gelatin, has been studied as a promising alternative. Both stand out because of their film‐forming ability, and because they come from abundant sources and are biodegradable. CONCLUSION: This study aimed to review the current findings on starch and gelatin films that can be used as alternatives to conventional plastics in agricultural crops. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Salar de Uyuni (SdU) is the largest hypersaline salt flat and the highest lithium reservoir on Earth. In addition to extreme temperatures and high UV irradiance, SdU has high concentrations of chaotropic salts which can be important factors in controlling microbial diversity. Here, for the first time we characterize the viral diversity of this hypersaline environment during the two seasons, as well as the physicochemical characteristics and the prokaryotic communities of the analysed samples. Most of the selected samples showed a peculiar physicochemical composition and prokaryotic diversity, mostly different from each other even for samples from locations in close proximity or the same season. In contrast to most hypersaline systems Bacteria frequently outnumbered Archaea. Furthermore, an outstanding percentage of members of Salinibacter sp., likely a species different from the cosmopolitan Salinibacter ruber, was obtained in most of the samples. Viral communities displayed the morphologies normally found in hypersaline environments. Two seasonal samples were chosen for a detailed metagenomic analysis of the viral assemblage. Both viral communities shared common sequences but were dominated by sample‐specific viruses, mirroring the differences also observed in physicochemical and prokaryotic community composition. These metaviromes were distinct from those detected in other hypersaline systems analysed to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors examine the nature, extent, and consequences of psychological contract violations which occur in restructuring firms. Managers in restructuring firms were significantly more likely to perceive psychological contract violations in the areas of job security, input into decision making, opportunities for advancement, and amount of responsibility. Managers in restructuring firms were also significantly more likely to be looking for new jobs and were significantly less likely to be loyal to their employers. Several situational factors mitigated against managers' strong negative reactions to psychological contract violations: procedural justice in how layoffs are handled, low likelihood of future violations, and positive working relationships with colleagues. (c) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on managing careers has traditionally been based on the twin assumptions of organizational growth and increased opportunities for individual advancement. Large-scale layoffs in the 1980s and continued downsizing in the 1990s, however, have left organizations questioning how to develop the careers of their employees under conditions of diminished resources and have left employees wondering how to manage their own careers under conditions of diminished opportunities. This article examines the issues involved in managing careers in downsizing firms from both the organization's and the individual's perspective. In addition, it explores not only short-term tactics for handling career disruptions which occur at the time of downsizing but also longer-term strategies for managing careers during times of little or no organizational growth. (c) 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Several single‐tablet regimens (STRs) are now available and are recommended for first‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART); however, STR use for youth with HIV (YHIV) has not been systematically studied. We examined the characteristics associated with initiation of STRs versus multi‐tablet regimens (MTRs) and the virological outcomes for youth with nonperinatally acquired HIV (nPHIV). Methods: A retrospective cohort study of nPHIV youth aged 13–24 years initiating ART between 2006 and 2014 at 18 US HIV clinical sites in the HIV Research Network was performed. The outcomes measured were initiation of STRs versus MTRs, virological suppression (VS) at 12 months, and time to VS. Demographic and clinical factors associated with initiation of STR versus MTR ART and VS (< 400 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL) at 12 months after initiation were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess VS within the first year. Results: Of 987 youth, 67% initiated STRs. Of the 589 who had viral load data at 1 year, 84% of those on STRs versus 67% of those on MTRs achieved VS (P < 0.01). VS was associated with STR use [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.61; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–2.58], white (AOR 2.41; 95% CI 1.13–5.13) or Hispanic (AOR 2.38; 95% CI 1.32–4.27) race/ethnicity, and baseline CD4 count 351–500 cells/μL (AOR 1.94; 95% CI 1.18–3.19) and > 500 cells/μL (AOR 1.76; 95% CI 1.0–3.10). STR use was not associated with a shorter time to VS compared with MTR use [hazard ratio (HR) 1.07; 95% CI 0.90–1.28]. Conclusions: Use of STR was associated with a greater likelihood of sustained VS 12 months after ART initiation in YHIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Surveillance for biosecurity hazards is being conducted by the New Zealand Competent Authority, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to support New Zealand's biosecurity system. Surveillance evaluation should be an integral part of the surveillance life cycle, as it provides a means to identify and correct problems and to sustain and enhance the existing strengths of a surveillance system. The surveillance evaluation Framework (SurF) presented here was developed to provide a generic framework within which the MPI biosecurity surveillance portfolio, and all of its components, can be consistently assessed. SurF is an innovative, cross‐sectoral effort that aims to provide a common umbrella for surveillance evaluation in the animal, plant, environment and aquatic sectors. It supports the conduct of the following four distinct components of an evaluation project: (i) motivation for the evaluation, (ii) scope of the evaluation, (iii) evaluation design and implementation and (iv) reporting and communication of evaluation outputs. Case studies, prepared by MPI subject matter experts, are included in the framework to guide users in their assessment. Three case studies were used in the development of SurF in order to assure practical utility and to confirm usability of SurF across all included sectors. It is anticipated that the structured approach and information provided by SurF will not only be of benefit to MPI but also to other New Zealand stakeholders. Although SurF was developed for internal use by MPI, it could be applied to any surveillance system in New Zealand or elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents This study aimed to evaluate the effect of five salt solutions in the maintenance of morphological features of cortical alveolus, hydration and fertilization capacity of Prochilodus lineatus oocytes. For this purpose, five saline solutions were tested: Ringer's solution, Ringer's lactate solution, Hank's balanced salt solution ( HBSS), Hank's balanced salt solution without calcium ( HBSS without calcium) and solution for salmonid eggs. Oocytes were maintained for 2 hr in saline solution with controlled temperature subsequently evaluated for hydration, cortical activation and fertilization ability. In the evaluation of the fertilization ability, two controls were used: C1-fertilized oocytes after extrusion-and C2-oocytes kept in ovarian fluid and fertilized after 2 hr. There was a significant reduction in the viability of oocytes C2 (28.8% ± 12.9%) compared to C1 (65.3% ± 26.7%), and no significant differences were found between treatments HBSS and HBSS without calcium and C2. Only HBSS and HBSS without calcium maintained the non-activated state of the gametes, with a fertilization rate of 16.4% ± 6.7% and 5.6% ± 2.3%, respectively; however, they did not extend the viability of oocytes, such that they continued to undergo degradation during the storage period, similar to oocytes retained only in ovarian fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Evidence of increased apoptosis is observed in periodontitis and may be associated with destruction of the periodontal tissue caused by the increased cell death, with the release of danger signals and subsequent stimulation of the proinflammatory processes. However, the exact mechanisms associated with these processes remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the presence of the periodontal pathogen Treponema denticola, apoptosis, high mobility group box 1 as a damage-associated molecular pattern, and several inflammatory markers in periodontitis and gingivitis subjects. Materials and methods Soft tissue specimens from gingival tissues of periodontitis and gingivitis patients were used for immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining of T. denticola chymotrypsin-like proteinase ( CTLP), apoptosis markers, high mobility group box 1, Toll-like receptor 4, inflammatory cell markers, and proinflammatory cytokines. Results Treponema denticola was detected in all periodontitis-affected tissues. This was associated with a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells, including macrophages, alterations in the expression of high mobility group box 1 and its receptor, and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines compared with gingivitis. Conclusions In summary, the presence of T. denticola (especially its CTLP), apoptosis, high mobility group box 1, and inflammatory markers suggests their potential involvement in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salar de Uyuni (SdU), with a geological history that reflects 50 000 years of climate change, is the largest hypersaline salt flat on Earth and is estimated to be the biggest lithium reservoir in the world. Its salinity reaches saturation levels for NaCl, a kosmotropic salt, and high concentrations of MgCL2 and LiCl, both salts considered important chaotrophic stressors. In addition, extreme temperatures, anoxic conditions, high UV irradiance, high albedo and extremely low concentrations of phosphorous, make SdU a unique natural extreme environment in which to contrast hypotheses about limiting factors of life diversification. Geophysical studies of brines from different sampling stations show that water activity is rather constant along SdU. Geochemical measurements show significant differences in magnesium concentration, ranging from 0.2 to 2M. This work analyses the prokaryotic diversity and community structure at four SdU sampling stations, selected according to their location and ionic composition. Prokaryotic communities were composed of both Archaea (with members of the classes Halobacteria, Thermoplasmata and Nanohaloarchaea, from the Euryarchaeota and Nanohaloarcheota phyla respectively) and Bacteria (mainly belonging to Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria phyla). The important differences in composition of microbial communities inversely correlate with Mg2+ concentration, suggesting that prokaryotic diversity at SdU is chaotropic dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have investigated the effect of bleaching on dental tissues. The evaluation of the effect of home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide is important for assessing alterations in enamel microhardness that may affect dental health in terms of resistance to masticatory forces. This meta-analysis was performed in order to determine scientific evidence regarding the effects of home vital bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide gel on the microhardness of human dental enamel. A systematic electronic literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Web of Science databases using search terms. Two independent researchers evaluated the information and methodological quality of the studies. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established for article selection; further, only studies published in English were selected. Thirteen studies that met all of the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected and underwent statistical analysis. The results of this meta-analysis showed no significant changes in enamel microhardness when using the 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel over periods of 7, 14 and 21 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of oral supplementation with selenium (Se) upon ram sperm parameters. Thirty rams managed in stall under intensive system were used and divided into five groups (six animals per group) as follows: control group (G1) mineral mixture supplementation without Se, group 2 (G2) mineral mixture supplemented with 5 mg/kg Se, group 3 (G3) supplemented with 10 mg/kg Se, group 4 (G4) supplemented with 15 mg/kg Se and group 5 (G5) supplemented with 20 mg/kg Se. For each group, there was an adjustment period of 14 days. The experimental period was 350 days. Every 56 days, the animals were weighed and semen samples were collected by electroejaculation. Semen analysis included volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration and morphology. For plasmatic and acrosomal membrane integrity evaluation and mitochondrial membrane potential were used a combination of fluorescent probes. Differences between means values obtained by analysis of variance were verified by Tukey test with 5% probability. There was no statistical difference between treatment groups in relation to volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration, plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity ( p > .05). Sperm morphology was different between treatment groups, the G1 (0 mg of selenium) had the highest percentage of major defects (11.11 ± 1.11a; p < .05). It was concluded that selenium decrease the percentage of sperm defects and did not directly influence on ram sperm volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration and membrane integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transverse maxillary deficiency may be associated with dental crowding, compromised aesthetics and impaired function. Non-surgical correction of maxillary transverse deficiency through rapid maxillary expansion is routinely performed for young patients; however, surgical intervention is generally required for adults. An interdisciplinary treatment approach is necessary to achieve the desired treatment objectives for challenging cases. This case report demonstrates a pleasing treatment outcome for a patient with a severe maxillary transverse deficiency, significant crowding and extensive active caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world's 1.89 billion children (age 0-14) too frequently receive treatments that have not been validated through clinical pharmacology research, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Initial findings from an international asset map of professionals and clinician scientists available to address the needs for education, research, and treatment support suggest a critical shortage of clinical pharmacologists, clinical pharmacists, and other professionals with advanced training in the evaluation of therapies for childhood conditions and illnesses. A total of 497 individuals responded to a survey conducted between May 2015 and February 2016. An alarming signal is apparent showing that, while the overall resource pool is unquestionably limited, 87% of relevant qualified personnel are located in high-income countries. The data suggest an urgent need for targeted training in pediatric clinical pharmacology, with particular focus on the needs in Africa, Latin America, and most of Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin C on growth and quality of semen from Oreochromis niloticus breeders. One hundred and sixty males were fed with different levels of vitamin C (0, 261, 599 and 942 mg/kg diet). The higher weight values were recorded for 599 (166 g) and 942 (175 g) mg of vitamin C/kg diet. Sperm motility, vigour and concentration were higher with 599 and 942 mg of vitamin C/kg diet. The semen volume, gonadosomatic index and plasma protein data from the last week showed a direct relationship with increasing levels of vitamin C. No changes were observed in the hepatosomatic index and blood glucose. The haematocrit and erythrocyte showed higher values estimated by equations derived at 850 and 638 mg vitamin C/kg diet, respectively. The leucocytes were inversely proportional to the increasing levels of vitamin C. After 100 days of feeding, animals fed the diet containing 942 mg vitamin C/kg diet had higher sperm motility, linearity, curvilinear velocity, straight line velocity and average path velocity ( p < .05). Higher values of beat cross-frequency were observed in broodfish fed diets containing 942 and 599 mg vitamin C/kg. The different vitamin C levels did not cause differences in straightness, lateral head displacement and sperm morphology. For Nile tilapia males on intensive rearing and handling conditions, vitamin C levels between 599 and 942 mg/kg may be used for a better performance and quality of semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localised provoked vulvodynia (LPV) is a common, chronic, and disabling condition: patients experience profound pain and a diminished quality of life. The aetiologic origins of vulvodynia are poorly understood, yet recent evidence suggests a link to site-specific inflammatory responses. Fibroblasts isolated from the vestibule of LPV patients are sensitive to proinflammatory stimuli and copiously produce pain-associated proinflammatory mediators (IL-6 and PGE2 ). Although LPV is a multifactorial disorder, understanding vulvar inflammation and targeting the inflammatory response should lead to treatment advances, especially for patients exhibiting signs of inflammation. NFκB (already targeted clinically) or other inflammatory components may be suitable therapeutic targets.Tweetable Abstract: Vulvodynia is a poorly understood, prevalent, and serious women's health issue requiring better understanding to improve therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pembrolizumab is a potent immune-modulating antibody active in advanced melanoma, as demonstrated in the KEYNOTE-001, -002, and -006 studies. Longitudinal tumor size modeling was pursued to quantify exposure-response relationships for efficacy. A mixture model was first developed based on an initial dataset from KEYNOTE-001 to describe four patterns of tumor growth and shrinkage. For subsequent analyses, tumor size measurements were adequately described by a single consolidated model structure that captured continuous tumor size with a combination of growth and regression terms, as well as a fraction of tumor responsive to therapy. This revised model structure provided a framework to efficiently evaluate the impact of covariates and pembrolizumab exposure. Both models indicated that exposure to the drug was not a significant predictor of tumor size response, demonstrating that the dose range evaluated (2 and 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks) is likely near or at the plateau of maximal response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major challenge in developing anticancer therapies is determining the efficacies of drugs and their combinations in physiologically relevant microenvironments. We describe here our application of 'constrained fuzzy logic' (CFL) ensemble modeling of the intracellular signaling network for predicting inhibitor treatments that reduce the phospho-levels of key transcription factors downstream of growth factors and inflammatory cytokines representative of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microenvironments. We observed that the CFL models successfully predicted the effects of several kinase inhibitor combinations. Furthermore, the ensemble predictions revealed ambiguous predictions that could be traced to a specific structural feature of these models, which we resolved with dedicated experiments, finding that IL-1α activates downstream signals through TAK1 and not MEKK1 in HepG2 cells. We conclude that CFL-Q2LM (Querying Quantitative Logic Models) is a promising approach for predicting effective anticancer drug combinations in cancer-relevant microenvironments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Chronic hepatitis C virus ( HCV) and HIV viral infections are characterized by systemic inflammation. Yet the relative levels, drivers and correlates of inflammation in these settings are not well defined. Methods Seventy-nine HIV-infected patients who had been receiving antiretroviral therapy ( ART) for more than 2 years and who had suppressed plasma HIV levels (< 50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL) were included in the study. Two patient groups, HCV-positive/ HIV-positive and HCV-negative/ HIV-positive, and a control group comprised of healthy volunteers ( n = 20) were examined. Markers of systemic inflammation [interleukin ( IL)-6, interferon gamma-induced protein ( IP)-10, soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor-I ( sTNF- RI) and sTNF- RII], monocyte/macrophage activation [soluble CD163 ( sCD163), soluble CD14 and neopterin], intestinal epithelial barrier loss [intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I- FABP) and lipopolysaccharide ( LPS)] and coagulation ( d-dimers) were analysed. CD4 naïve T cells and CD4 recent thymic emigrants ( RTEs) were enumerated. Results Plasma levels of IP-10, neopterin and sCD163 were higher in HCV/ HIV coinfection than in HIV monoinfection and were positively correlated with indices of hepatic damage [aspartate aminotransferase ( AST), alanine aminotransferase ( ALT) and the AST to platelet ratio index ( APRI)]. Levels of I- FABP were comparably increased in HIV monoinfection and HIV/ HCV coinfection but LPS concentrations were highest in HCV/ HIV coinfection, suggesting impaired hepatic clearance of LPS. Plasma HCV levels were not related to any inflammatory indices except sCD163. In coinfected subjects, a previously recognized relationship of CD4 naïve T-cell and RTE counts to hepatocellular injury was defined more mechanistically by an inverse relationship to sCD163. Conclusions Hepatocellular injury in HCV/ HIV coinfection is linked to elevated levels of certain inflammatory cytokines and an apparent failure to clear systemically translocated microbial products. A related decrease in CD4 naïve T cells and RTEs also merits further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physician responses to genomic information are vital to the success of precision medicine initiatives. We prospectively studied a pharmacogenomics implementation program for the propensity of clinicians to select antiplatelet therapy based on CYP2C19 loss-of-function variants in stented patients. Among 2,676 patients, 514 (19.2%) were found to have a CYP2C19 variant affecting clopidogrel metabolism. For the majority (93.6%) of the cohort, cardiologists received active and direct notification of CYP2C19 status. Over 12 months, 57.6% of poor metabolizers and 33.2% of intermediate metabolizers received alternatives to clopidogrel. CYP2C19 variant status was the most influential factor impacting the prescribing decision (hazard ratio [HR] in poor metabolizers 8.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] [5.4, 12.2] and HR 5.0, 95% CI [4.0, 6.3] in intermediate metabolizers), followed by patient age and type of stent implanted. We conclude that cardiologists tailored antiplatelet therapy for a minority of patients with a CYP2C19 variant and considered both genomic and nongenomic risks in their clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative and systems pharmacology (QSP) is increasingly being applied in pharmaceutical research and development. One factor critical to the ultimate success of QSP is the establishment of commonly accepted language, technical criteria, and workflows. We propose an integrated workflow that bridges conceptual objectives with underlying technical detail to support the execution, communication, and evaluation of QSP projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to control growth is essential for fundamental studies of bacterial physiology and biotechnological applications. We have engineered an Escherichia coli strain in which the transcription of a key component of the gene expression machinery, RNA polymerase, is under the control of an inducible promoter. By changing the inducer concentration in the medium, we can adjust the RNA polymerase concentration and thereby switch bacterial growth between zero and the maximal growth rate supported by the medium. We show that our synthetic growth switch functions in a medium-independent and reversible way, and we provide evidence that the switching phenotype arises from the ultrasensitive response of the growth rate to the concentration of RNA polymerase. We present an application of the growth switch in which both the wild-type E. coli strain and our modified strain are endowed with the capacity to produce glycerol when growing on glucose. Cells in which growth has been switched off continue to be metabolically active and harness the energy gain to produce glycerol at a twofold higher yield than in cells with natural control of RNA polymerase expression. Remarkably, without any further optimization, the improved yield is close to the theoretical maximum computed from a flux balance model of E. coli metabolism. The proposed synthetic growth switch is a promising tool for gaining a better understanding of bacterial physiology and for applications in synthetic biology and biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study evaluated the microbiological effects of full-mouth ( FM) and partial-mouth ( PM) scaling and root planing ( SRP) in type 2 diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis (ChP), up to 12 months. Methods Thirty-four type 2 diabetic subjects with ChP received either FMSRP (n = 17), in two sessions within two consecutive days, or PMSRP (n = 17) in four sessions within 21 days. Six subgingival biofilm samples per subject were analysed by checkerboard DNA- DNA hybridization for 40 bacterial species at baseline, 3 and 12 months. Results Both therapies significantly reduced the levels of the red complex species up to 12 months (p < 0.05). The levels of three putative pathogens from the orange complex were significantly reduced in the FMSRP group, whereas a single orange complex species was significantly decreased in the PMSRP group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the proportions of the host-compatible Actinomyces species were significantly increased in both groups at 3 and 12 months. No significant differences were observed between groups for the counts and proportions of the individual species and the proportions of microbial complexes at any time point (p > 0.05). Conclusions There were no differences in the bacterial species evaluated after FMSRP and PMSRP in the treatment of type 2 diabetic subjects with ChP, up to 12 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Document the clinical features, short- and long-term outcomes and prognostic factors in New World camelids with acquired urethral obstruction. Design Retrospective case study. Methods Case data from medical records of 34 New World camelids presenting with acquired urethral obstruction were collected and follow-up information on discharged patients was obtained. Associations with short- and long-term survival were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, exact-logistic regressions and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results Of the 34 New World camelids 23 were intact males and 11 were castrated; 4 animals were euthanased upon presentation, 7 were treated medically and 23 surgically, including urethrotomy, bladder marsupialisation, tube cystostomy alone or combined with urethrotomy, urethrostomy or penile reefing. Necrosis of the distal penis was found in 4 animals and all were short-term non-survivors. Short-term survival for surgical cases was 65%, and 57% for medical cases. Incomplete urethral obstruction at admission and surgical treatment were associated with increased odds of short-term survival. Of 14 records available for long-term follow-up, 6 animals were alive and 8 were dead (median follow-up 4.5 years, median survival time 2.5 years). Recurrence of urethral obstruction was associated with long-term non-survival. Conclusions Surgically treated New World camelids with incomplete urethral obstruction have the best odds of short-term survival and those with recurrence of urethral obstruction have a poor prognosis for long-term survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are involved in several reproductive events like oocyte-spermatozoa interaction and semen liquefaction. In order to study their role in the llama oviductal reproductive process, MMP activity in oviductal fluid (OF) was assayed. Considering that llama genome sequences are partially known, a strategy to procure cDNA sequences of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was designed. Afterwards, their expression patterns in the different llama oviductal segments were assayed. Gelatine zymograms detected 62 and 94 kDa protease activities that matched MMP-2 and pro-MMP-9, respectively. Expression pattern analysis showed that MMP and TIMP mRNAs were present in ampulla, isthmus, utero-tubal junction (UTJ) and papilla. Altogether, these findings support the argument that MMPs/TIMPs are produced in the oviduct and secreted into the oviductal lumen. Our results encourage further studies to elucidate the role of these proteins in reproductive oviductal events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]