bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing achievement of the target goals for glycemic, blood pressure and lipid control for adults with diagnosed diabetes in Korea
Authors: Yu Sung Hoon , Kang Jun Goo , Hwang Yoo‐Cheol , Ahn Kyu Jeung , Yoo Hyung Joon , Ahn Hong Yup , Park Sung Woo , Park Cheol‐Young
Published: April 2013

Aims/Introduction

We investigated the prevalence, treatment and control of diagnosed diabetes in Korean adults from 1998 to 2010.

Materials and Methods

The Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare carried out the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) in the years 1998 (I), 2001 (II), 2005 (III), 2007–2009 (IV) and 2010 (V). We estimated the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in Korean adults and the proportions of well‐controlled diabetes, as defined by having glycosylated hemoglobin <7.0%, blood pressure <130/80 mmHg and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol <100 mg/dL according to the American Diabetes Association.

Results

The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes increased significantly from 3.2% in 1998 to 6.4% in 2010 (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of adults with diagnosed diabetes achieving blood pressure and LDL cholesterol target levels increased from 23.8% to 54.2% (P < 0.0001), and 25.7% to 47.7% (P<0.0001), respectively. However, the percentage of patients achieving glycemic goals did not increase significantly from 42.5% to 49.1% (P = 0.3034). Furthermore, there were significant increases in the proportions of individuals achieving all three target levels, from 2.7% in 2005 to 8.7% in 2010 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in Korea increased significantly from 1998 to 2010. The percentages of those achieving all recommendations of the American Diabetes Association have increased, but are still not satisfactory.
Transparent cap‐assisted endoscopic management of foreign bodies in the upper esophagus: A randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Shenghong , Wang Jinhui , Wang Jinping , Zhong Bihui , Chen Minhu , Cui Yi
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Ingestion of foreign bodies (FBs) in the upper esophagus is common in South China. It is difficult to manage because of limited working space and inadequate visual field in this area. This randomized, controlled study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a transparent cap in the endoscopic management of FBs in the upper esophagus.

Methods

Adult patients suspected of FBs in the upper esophagus based on the history of FBs ingestion, symptoms, and barium contrast examination were screened for the study between March 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. Seventy patients with endoscopic‐confirmed FBs in the upper esophagus were recruited and were randomly assigned to two groups: transparent cap‐assisted esophagogastroduodenoscopy group (n = 35) or conventional esophagogastroduodenoscopy group (n = 35). The type, size, and location of FBs, the operation time for removing the FBs, and the clearness of visual field were compared between these two groups.

Results

The type, size, and location of FBs were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). The average operation time for removing the FBs was significantly shorter in the transparent cap‐assisted group than in the conventional group (2.6 min vs 4.1 min, P = 0.008). Visual field was rated as “clear” in more cases in the transparent cap‐assisted group than in the conventional group (97.1% vs 25.7%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Transparent cap‐assisted endoscopy was a safe and effective method in the management of FBs in the upper esophagus, with a shorter operation time and clearer visual field.
Cyclin E facilitates dysplastic hepatocytes to bypass G1/S checkpoint in hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Pok Sharon , Wen Victoria , Shackel Nicholas , Alsop Amber , Pyakurel Pawan , Fahrer Aude , Farrell Geoffrey C , Teoh Narci C
Published: April 2013

Background and Aim

By array‐comparative genomic hybridization, we demonstrated cyclin E as one of seven genes associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in Ku70 DNA repair‐deficient mice. We therefore explored the hypothesis that during hepatocarcinogenesis, cyclin E kinase can overcome the inhibitory effects of p53 and establish whether abnormal miRNA(mi‐R)‐34, a co‐regulator of cyclin E and p53, can account for their interactions as “drivers” of HCC.

Methods

Dysplastic hepatocytes (DNs) and HCCs were generated from diethylnitrosamine (DEN)‐injected C57BL/6 male mice at 3–12 months.

Results

Cyclin E/cdk2 was barely expressed in normal liver, but was readily detected in dysplastic hepatocytes, localizing to glutathione‐S transferase pi‐form positive cells dissected by laser‐dissection. Cyclin E kinase activity preceded cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in DNs and HCCs despite maximal p53 and p21 expression. We confirmed that cyclin E, rather than cyclin D1, is the proliferative driver in hepatocarcinogenesis by immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrating preferential binding of p21 to cyclin D1, allowing cyclin E‐mediated “escape” from G1/S checkpoint. We then showed cyclin E was responsible for regulating wild‐type p53 by knockdown experiments in primary HCC cells; cyclin E‐knockdown increased p53 and p21, diminished anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐XL and reduced cell viability. Conversely, blocking p53 augmented cyclin E, Bcl‐XL expression and increased proliferation. Physiological interactions between cyclin E/p53/p21 were confirmed in primary hepatocytes. miR‐34a,c were upregulated in dysplastic murine, human liver and HCCs compared with normal liver, and appeared to be linked to cyclin E/p53.

Conclusion

Upregulation of functionally active cyclin E via miR34 with loss of p53 function is associated with cell‐cycle checkpoint failure increasing proliferative drive that favors hepatocarcinogenesis.
Protecting Minority Homeowners: Race, Foreclosure Counseling and Mortgage Modifications
Authors: COLLINS J. MICHAEL , SCHMEISER MAXIMILIAN D. , URBAN CARLY
Published: April 2013

Millions of minority homeowners are at risk of losing their homes as a result of the housing crisis due to mortgage foreclosure and home repossession. One consumer‐oriented policy response to this crisis is mortgage default counseling for borrowers. This study examines the rate at which minority borrowers seek default counseling and the resulting correlation between counseling and the probability that a borrower obtains a modification of his/her original mortgage contract terms. The results suggest that African Americans are more likely to be counseled, relative to Whites. However, Latinos or other non‐White groups are no more or less likely to be counseled. The probability of loan modifications among counseled African Americans is also higher than other counseled borrowers. These results suggest that counseling policies and the public subsidy of default counseling may be one approach for promoting consumer financial well‐being of these households, but also suggest counseling efforts might be better designed for other minority groups. These results also have implications for the application of counseling to other mortgage decisions, such as refinance.
Gravitation Toward Prior Performance in Mutual Fund Advertisings: Do Consumer Investors' Processing Abilities Account for Biased Information Processing?
Authors: HÜSSER ANDREAS , WIRTH WERNER
Published: April 2013

This study examines the cognitive processes involved in consumer investors' information processing of mutual fund characteristics. We tested whether consumer investors' limited processing abilities account for biased return perceptions, as reported in the literature. Consumer investors' processing abilities were manipulated by varying the duration of information exposure time to a mutual fund advertisement. Experimental results suggest that a longer time spent by consumer investors learning about mutual fund characteristics resulted in reduced reliance on prior fund performance as a heuristic cue, which in turn resulted in an unbiased processing of mutual fund characteristics. In contrast, when consumer investors spent less time learning about mutual fund characteristics, prior fund performance significantly affected subsequent return expectations and argument persuasiveness of the mutual fund advertisement. These findings suggest that disclaimers warning that past performance does not guarantee future results are ineffective when consumer investors have limited attention and lower processing abilities.
A SURVEY OF THE ECONOMICS OF PATENT SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES
Authors: Eckert Andrew , Langinier Corinne
Published: April 2013

The last several decades have seen increases in patenting activity worldwide, as well as growing issues related to patent quality. In response to these quality issues a recent patent literature has emerged, that investigates the behavior and incentives of patent examiners, applicants, and third parties. In this paper, we provide an overview of patent procedures, patent systems and a survey of the new economic literature on patent systems. Both theoretical and empirical papers are considered. Policy implications coming from this literature are presented.
Probiotic effects in allergic disease
Authors: Ismail Intan H , Licciardi Paul V , Tang Mimi LK
Published: April 2013

The increasing prevalence of allergic disease has been linked to reduced microbial exposure in early life. Probiotics have recently been advocated for the prevention and treatment of allergic disease. This article summarises recent publications on probiotics in allergic disease, focusing on clinical studies of prevention or treatment of allergic disease. Studies employing the combined administration of pre‐natal and post‐natal probiotics suggest a role for certain probiotics (alone or with prebiotics) in the prevention of eczema in early childhood, with the pre‐natal component of treatment appearing to be important for beneficial effects. On the other hand, current data are insufficient to support the use of probiotics for the treatment of established allergic disease, although recent studies have highlighted new hope in this area. Probiotic bacteria continue to represent the most promising intervention for primary prevention of allergic disease, and well‐designed definitive intervention studies should now be a research priority.
Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia: Hacettepe experıence
Authors: Çelik H Tolga , Günbey Ceren , Ünal Şule , Gümrük Fatma , Yurdakök Murat
Published: April 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of glucose‐6‐phospate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in newborn infants with neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and to compare the clinical features of G6PD‐deficient and G6PD‐normal newborn infants.

Methods

A total of 4906 term and preterm neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinaemia were retrospectively evaluated according to demographic, neonatal features, bilirubin levels, erythrocyte G6PD levels, other risk factors and treatments.

Results

Among 4906 newborn infants with indirect hyperbilirubinaemia, 55 (1.12%) neonates were G6PD‐deficient. In our study, no statistically significant difference was detected between G6PD‐deficient and G6PD‐normal infants in relation to the time of onset of jaundice, bilirubin levels and duration of phototherapy. However, the incidence of exchange transfusion in G6PD‐deficient infants was 16.4% while it was only 3.3% in G6PD normal infants (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Testing for G6PD must be ordered to all newborns who are receiving phototherapy and especially to those who are coming from the high incident geographical regions and less responsive to phototherapy.
Geographic Disparities in Patient Travel for Dialysis in the United States
Authors: Stephens J. Mark , Brotherton Samuel , Dunning Stephan C. , Emerson Larry C. , Gilbertson David T. , Harrison David J. , Kochevar John J. , McClellan Ann C. , McClellan William M. , Wan Shaowei , Gitlin Matthew
Published: April 2013

Purpose

To estimate travel distance and time for US hemodialysis patients and to compare travel of rural versus urban patients.

Methods

Dialysis patient residences were estimated from ZIP code‐level patient counts as of February 2011 allocated within the ZIP code proportional to census tract‐level population, obtained from the 2010 US Census. Dialysis facility addresses were obtained from Medicare public‐use files. Patients were assigned to an “original” and “replacement” facility, assuming patients used the facility closest to home and would select the next closest facility as a replacement, if a replacement facility was required. Driving distances and times were calculated between patient residences and facility locations using GIS software.

Findings

The mean one‐way driving distance to the original facility was 7.9 miles; for rural patients average distances were 2.5 times farther than for urban patients (15.9 vs 6.2 miles). Mean driving distance to a replacement facility was 10.6 miles, with rural patients traveling on average 4 times farther than urban patients to a replacement facility (28.8 vs 6.8 miles).

Conclusion

Rural patients travel much longer distances for dialysis than urban patients. Accessing alternative facilities, if required, would greatly increase rural patient travel, while having little impact on urban patients. Increased travel could have clinical implications as longer travel is associated with increased mortality and decreased quality of life.
Floral ontogeny ofPedicularis(Orobanchaceae), with an emphasis on the corolla upper lip
Authors: Yu Wen‐Bin , Cai Jie , Li De‐Zhu , Mill Robert R. , Wang Hong
Published: April 2013

Pedicularisshows high diversity in its corolla form, however, its floral ontogeny has been rarely investigated. In particular, the development of the highly variable upper lip (galea), three broad morphological types of which (beakless and toothless, beakless and toothed, beaked) can be discriminated, remains unknown. We used scanning electron microscopy to investigate the early stages of floral ontogeny in two beaked species,Pedicularis gruinaandP. siphonantha. To compare the developmental processes of the three galea types, three species for each type were investigated. Initiations of floral organs inPedicularisare consistent. Sepal initiations are successive from the lateral‐adaxial primordia, followed by the lateral‐abaxial ones (these sometimes missing), then the mid‐adaxial one (again sometimes missing). The stamens are initiated prior to the petals, or development of petal primordia may be retarded at the early stages in comparison with that of stamen primordia. Four stamen primordia are initiated simultaneously. The five petal primordia are initiated almost simultaneously. Development processes of the upper lip among the three galea types differ in the expansion rates and directions of the cells of the two lobes and these differences govern whether or not a beak and/or teeth are formed on the upper lip. The floral ontogeny ofPedicularisis close to that ofAgalinis, which supports the molecular assignment. Floral monosymmetry ofPedicularisis established at the beginning of sepal initiation and is maintained until flowering. The development of the upper lip provides some clues to the evolution of beaked and/or toothed galeas inPedicularis.
Expression of the Apelin–APJ Pathway and Effects on Erectile Function in a Mouse Model of Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Kwon Mi-Hye , Tuvshintur Buyankhuu , Kim Woo Jean , Jin Hai-Rong , Yin Guo Nan , Song Kang-Moon , Choi Min Ji , Kwon Ki-Dong , Batbold Dulguun , Ryu Ji-Kan , Suh Jun-Kyu
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Much attention has recently been focused on therapeutic angiogenesis as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). The apelin and apelin receptor (APJ) system is known to cause endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and to be involved in angiogenesis.

Aim

To examine the differential expression of apelin and APJ in animal models of vasculogenic ED and to determine whether and how enhancement of apelin–APJ signaling restores erectile function in hypercholesterolemic mice.

Methods

Acute cavernous ischemia was induced in C57BL/6J mice by bilateral occlusion of internal iliac arteries, and chronic vasculogenic ED was induced by feeding a high-cholesterol diet or by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.

Main Outcome Measures

Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of apelin and APJ were determined in cavernous tissue of each vasculogenic ED model by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We evaluated erectile function by electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve in hypercholesterolemic mice 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after a single intracavernous injection of apelin protein (5 μg/20 μL). The penis was harvested for histologic examinations and Western blot analysis.

Results

The cavernous mRNA expression of apelin and APJ was up-regulated in acute ischemia model and down-regulated in chronic vasculogenic ED models. A significant restoration of erectile function was noted 1 day after injection of apelin protein into the penis of hypercholesterolemic mice; however, erectile function returned to baseline values thereafter. The beneficial effects of apelin on erectile function resulted mainly from an activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and increase in nitric oxide bioavailability through reduction in reactive oxygen species-mediated endothelial apoptosis rather than through direct endothelial cell proliferation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that apelin–APJ signaling is a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of vasculogenic ED. Further studies are needed to develop a potent agonist for APJ and to determine the role of repeated dosing of apelin on long-term recovery of erectile function.
The Global Online Sexuality Survey: Public Perception of Female Genital Cutting among Internet Users in the Middle East
Authors: Shaeer Osama , Shaeer Eman
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Female genital cutting (FGC) is a ritual involving cutting part or all of the female external genitalia, performed primarily in Africa. Understanding the motivation behind FGC whether religious or otherwise is important for formulating the anti-FGC messages in prevention and awareness campaigns.

Aim

The study aims to provide an investigation of opinion over FGC, the root motive/s behind it, in addition to the current prevalence of FGC among Internet users in the Middle East.

Methods

The Global Online Sexuality Survey was undertaken in the Middle East via paid advertising on Facebook®, comprising 146 questions.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcomes are the prevalence of and public opinion on FGC among Internet users.

Results

31.6% of 992 participants experienced FGC at an average age of 9.6 ± 3.5 years, mostly in Egypt (50.2%). FGC was performed among both Muslims (36.9%) and Christians (18.8%), more in rural areas (78.7%) than urban (47.4%), and was performed primarily by doctors (54.7%) and nurses (9.5%). Whether or not it is necessary for female chastity, FGC was reported as highly necessary (22.5%), and necessary (21.6%). This was more among males, particularly among those with rural origin, with no difference as per educational level. This is in contrast to only 3.7% regarding FGC as a mandate of Islam. Religious opinion among Muslims was: 55.4% anti-FGC and 44.6% pro-FGC.

Conclusion

An important motivation driving FGC seems to be males seeking female chastity rather than religion, especially with FGC not being an Islamic mandate, not to undermine the importance of religion among other motives. School and university education were void of an effective anti-FGC message, which should be addressed. There is a shift toward doctors and nurses for performing FGC, which is both a threat and an opportunity. We propose that the primary message against FGC should be delivered by medical and paramedical personnel who can deliver a balanced and confidential message.
Vertical distribution patterns of macrofauna in a subtropical near‐shore coastal area affected by urban sewage
Authors: Muniz Pablo , Pires‐Vanin Ana M. S. , Venturini Natalia
Published: April 2013

The vertical distribution of macrobenthic fauna, heavy metals, and other physico‐chemical and biological characteristics of the sediments were studied in three sediment layers (0–7, 8–14, 15–21 cm) at seven stations in the Ubatuba region, north coast of São Paulo State, Brazil at several temporal and spatial scales. Six stations were located in the inner bay near the riverine run‐off, and one was outside the bay, distant from the riverine influence. The samples were collected four times in 1 year, on a seasonal basis. Sediments were basis comprised predominantly of very fine sand and the vertical distribution of grain size was uniform to a depth of 21 cm in all stations. Higher values of total organic matter, organic carbon, sulphur, heavy metals and phaeopigments were recorded at the inner Ubatuba Bay stations, probably due to the riverine influence. C/N ratios indicated a mixed origin of organic matter with a major contribution of terrestrial material in the inner stations. The vertical distribution of heavy metals showed a slight decline with sediment depth in the inner stations, indicating the present contribution. Most of the macrofauna was found at the surface sediment layer. Biological data showed that in the inner stations of Ubatuba Bay, which are under the influence of urban sewage and are moderately polluted, the fauna was distributed more superficially within the substrate than in St. 7, which is located in the external portion of the bay distant from sewage inputs. The environmental quality of the sites studied varied little throughout the year, at least in relation to the variables considered here. Temporal variation in the vertical distribution of benthic fauna was not evident in the four sampling surveys analysed. Only minor changes in the vertical distribution of the total fauna were detected in the seasonal scale, with the organisms located less deep within the sediment column in summer, indicating some influence of the tourism impact and/or rainy season.
Infaunal macrobenthos of the oxygen minimum zone on the Indian western continental shelf
Authors: Joydas Thadickal V. , Damodaran Rayaroth
Published: April 2013

The Arabian Sea is characterized by a mid‐depth layer of reduced dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration or oxygen minimum zone (OMZ ‐DO concentration <0.5 ml·l−1) at ~150–1000 m depth. This OMZ results from the flux of labile organic matter coupled with limited intermediate depth water ventilation. Generally, benthic animals in the OMZ have morphological and physiological adaptations that maximize oxygen uptake in the limited oxygen availability. Characteristics of OMZ benthos have been described from only a few localities in the Arabian Sea. We measured the bottom water DO and studied the characteristics of infaunal macrobenthos of the Indian western continental shelf by collecting samples at 50, 100 and 200 m in depth from 7° to 22° N. The DO values observed at 200 m (0.0005–0.24 ml·l−1) indicated that this area is lying within an OMZ. Five major taxa, namely Platyhelminthes, Sipunculoidea, Echiuroidea, Echinodermata and Cephalochordata were absent from the samples collected from this OMZ. In general, declines in total macrobenthic density and biomass and polychaete species richness and diversity were observed in this OMZ compared with the shallower depths above it. Community analyses of polychaetes revealed the dominance of species belonging to families Spionidae, Cirratulidae and Paraonidae in this OMZ. Low oxygen condition was more pronounced in the northern continental shelf edge (≤0.03 ml·l−1), where the majority of spionids including Prionospio pinnata and cirratulids were absent; whereas amphipod, isopod and bivalve communities were not impacted.
Multilocus estimation of divergence times and ancestral effective population sizes of Oryza species and implications for the rapid diversification of the genus
Authors: Zou Xin‐Hui , Yang Ziheng , Doyle Jeff J. , Ge Song
Published: April 2013

Despite substantial investigations into Oryza phylogeny and evolution, reliable estimates of the divergence times and ancestral effective population sizes of major lineages in Oryza are challenging.

We sampled sequences of 106 single‐copy nuclear genes from all six diploid genomes of Oryza to investigate the divergence times through extensive relaxed molecular clock analyses and estimated the ancestral effective population sizes using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods.

We estimated that Oryza originated in the middle Miocene (c. 13–15 million years ago; Ma) and obtained an explicit time frame for two rapid diversifications in this genus. The first diversification involving the extant F‐/G‐genomes and possibly the extinct H‐/J‐/K‐genomes occurred in the middle Miocene immediately after (within < 1 Myr) the origin of Oryza. The second giving rise to the A‐/B‐/C‐genomes happened c. 5–6 Ma. We found that ancestral effective population sizes were much larger than those of extant species in Oryza.

We suggest that the climate fluctuations during the period from the middle Miocene to Pliocene may have contributed to the two rapid diversifications of Oryza species. Such information helps better understand the evolutionary history of Oryza and provides further insights into the pattern and mechanism of diversification in plants in general.
Putin's Strategy on the Trans‐Korean Gas Pipeline: In the Context of Pragmatic Realism
Authors: Sung Dong‐Ki
Published: April 2013

This study is to analyze why Russia continuously tries to construct the trans‐Korean gas pipeline, despite the possibility of the “North Korean risk” and the limited economic benefit it offers compared to China's pipeline. As the world's number‐one gas producer, Russia exports gas abroad through gas pipelines. As a result, Russia holds a wealth of expertise and experience related to gas pipelines. In particular, the crucial cases of gas pipeline disputes related to Russia since the collapse of the former Soviet Union mainly occurred during the Putin regime; the current President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, is trying to complete the trans‐Korean gas pipeline. The content of the study is based on the above common ground. First, as Russia exports gas to various states through the gas pipelines, a great influence from its foreign policy standpoint is inevitable. Thus, this study will explore Putin's foreign policy of pragmatic realism. Second, the cause and effect of gas pipeline disputes concerning Russia during Putin's presidential term will be scrutinized with focus on Putin's pragmatic realism. Third, this paper will review the correlation between the results of cases of the gas pipeline dispute in relation to Russia and the gas market expansion in Russia's Northeast Asia. Lastly, this study will conceptualize the reasons for why Russia wishes to complete the trans‐Korean gas pipeline based on these analyses.
Inflammatory response and IgE sensitization at early age
Authors: Mustonen Kirsi , Orivuori Laura , Keski‐Nisula Leea , Hyvärinen Anne , Pfefferle Petra Ina , Riedler Josef , Dalphin Jean‐Charles , Genuneit Jon , Lauener Roger , Roduit Caroline , Braun‐Fahrländer Charlotte , Weber Juliane , Schaub Bianca , von Mutius Erika , Pekkanen Juha , Vaarala Outi ,   and the PASTURE Study Group
Published: April 2013

Background

Microbial exposure may induce low‐grade inflammation at an early age and decrease the risk of allergic diseases, as suggested by the hygiene hypothesis. We examined the associations between low‐grade inflammation and the development of allergic sensitization, atopic dermatitis (AD), and asthma at the age of 4.5 yr.

Methods

We studied 636 children participating in the PASTURE study in Finland, Germany, Austria, France, and Switzerland. Data of environmental factors, doctor‐diagnosed AD, and asthma were collected by questionnaire. The serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (CRP) values were measured at the age of 1 yr, and serum‐specific IgE concentrations (sIgE) at the age of one and 4.5 yr. Analyses were made by logistic regression analysis.

Results

The risk of allergic sensitization at the age of 4.5 yr was decreased in children who had increased CRP levels at the age of 1 yr (level in the highest vs. lowest quartile: aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24–0.95; p = 0.014). The risk of AD and asthma was not significantly related to CRP.

Conclusion

The findings confirm that elevated levels of CRP at early age showed association with decreased allergic sensitization later in life. Our results suggest that poor inflammatory response could predispose for IgE sensitization.
Learned and unlearned concepts in periodontal diagnostics: a 50‐year perspective
Authors: Armitage Gary C.
Published: April 2013

In the past 50 years, conceptual changes in the field of periodontal diagnostics have paralleled those associated with a better scientific understanding of the full spectrum of processes that affect periodontal health and disease. Fifty years ago, concepts regarding the diagnosis of periodontal diseases followed the classical pathology paradigm. It was believed that the two basic forms of destructive periodontal disease were chronic inflammatory periodontitis and ‘periodontosis’– a degenerative condition. In the subsequent 25 years it was shown that periodontosis was an infection. By 1987, major new concepts regarding the diagnosis and pathogenesis of periodontitis included: (i) all cases of untreated gingivitis do not inevitably progress to periodontitis; (ii) progression of untreated periodontitis is often episodic; (iii) some sites with untreated periodontitis do not progress; (iv) a rather small population of specific bacteria (‘periodontal pathogens’) appear to be the main etiologic agents of chronic inflammatory periodontitis; and (v) tissue damage in periodontitis is primarily caused by inflammatory and immunologic host responses to infecting agents. The concepts that were in place by 1987 are still largely intact in 2012. However, in the decades to come, it is likely that new information on the human microbiome will change our current concepts concerning the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases.
Economics of periodontal care: market trends, competitive forces and incentives
Authors: Flemmig Thomas F. , Beikler Thomas
Published: April 2013

The adoption of new technologies for the treatment of periodontitis and the replacement of teeth has changed the delivery of periodontal care. The objective of this review was to conduct an economic analysis of a mature periodontal service market with a well‐developed workforce, including general dentists, dental hygienists and periodontists. Publicly available information about the delivery of periodontal care in the USA was used. A strong trend toward increased utilization of nonsurgical therapy and decreased utilization of surgical periodontal therapy was observed. Although periodontal surgery remained the domain of periodontists, general dentists had taken over most of the nonsurgical periodontal care. The decline in surgical periodontal therapy was associated with an increased utilization of implant‐supported prosthesis. Approximately equal numbers of implants were surgically placed by periodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and general dentists. Porter’s framework of the forces driving industry competition was used to analyze the role of patients, dental insurances, general dentists, competitors, entrants, substitutes and suppliers in the periodontal service market. Estimates of out‐of‐pocket payments of self‐pay and insured patients, reimbursement by dental insurances and providers’ earnings for various periodontal procedures and alternative treatments were calculated. Economic incentives for providers may explain some of the observed shifts in the periodontal service market. Given the inherent uncertainty about treatment outcomes in dentistry, which makes clinical judgment critical, providers may yield to economic incentives without jeopardizing their ethical standards and professional norms. Although the economic analysis pertains to the USA, some considerations may also apply to other periodontal service markets.
Lessons learned and unlearned in periodontal microbiology
Authors: Teles Ricardo , Teles Flavia , Frias‐Lopez Jorge , Paster Bruce , Haffajee Anne
Published: April 2013

Periodontal diseases are initiated by bacterial species living in polymicrobial biofilms at or below the gingival margin and progress largely as a result of the inflammation elicited by specific subgingival species. In the past few decades, efforts to understand the periodontal microbiota have led to an exponential increase in information about biofilms associated with periodontal health and disease. In fact, the oral microbiota is one of the best‐characterized microbiomes that colonize the human body. Despite this increased knowledge, one has to ask if our fundamental concepts of the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases have really changed. In this article we will review how our comprehension of the structure and function of the subgingival microbiota has evolved over the years in search of lessons learned and unlearned in periodontal microbiology. More specifically, this review focuses on: (i) how the data obtained through molecular techniques have impacted our knowledge of the etiology of periodontal infections; (ii) the potential role of viruses in the etiopathogenesis of periodontal diseases; (iii) how concepts of microbial ecology have expanded our understanding of host–microbe interactions that might lead to periodontal diseases; (iv) the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases; and (v) the impact of these evolving concepts on therapeutic and preventive strategies to periodontal infections. We will conclude by reviewing how novel systems‐biology approaches promise to unravel new details of the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and hopefully lead to a better understanding of their mechanisms.
Periodontology: past, present, perspectives
Authors: Slots Jørgen
Published: April 2013

Periodontitis is an infectious disease that affects the tooth‐supporting tissues and exhibits a wide range of clinical, microbiological and immunological manifestations. The disease is associated with and is probably caused by a multifaceted dynamic interaction of specific infectious agents, host immune responses, harmful environmental exposure and genetic susceptibility factors. This volume of Periodontology 2000 covers key subdisciplines of periodontology, ranging from etiopathogeny to therapy, with emphasis on diagnosis, classification, epidemiology, risk factors, microbiology, immunology, systemic complications, anti‐infective therapy, reparative treatment, self‐care and affordability issues. Learned and unlearned concepts of periodontitis over the past 50 years have shaped our current understanding of the etiology of the disease and of clinical practice.
Periodontal self‐care: evidence‐based support
Authors: Drisko Connie L.
Published: April 2013

The focus of this review on periodontal self‐care will be based primarily on the results of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses. Based on the evidence gleaned from systematic reviews, it is notable that most authors of these reviews commented on the relatively small number of trials that could pass the quality‐assessment inclusion in the systematic review. Interproximal devices, namely interproximal brushes, are more effective for reducing interproximal plaque and gingivitis than are flossing or brushing alone. Some added benefit may be attributed to the use of rotational oscillation powered toothbrushes over manual toothbrushes. Recommendations by the dentist and dental hygienist to add one or more chemotherapeutic agents to the typical oral hygiene regimen has been shown, in systematic reviews and meta‐analyses, to reduce the level of plaque and gingival inflammation in patients. Oral irrigation does not seem to reduce visible plaque but does tend to reduce inflammation, determined by the presence of bleeding on probing, the gingival index score and probing depth measurements. To date, high‐quality evidence is either lacking or weak in some areas regarding the efficacy of self‐care and periodontal disease. Low educational attainment, smoking and socio‐economic status are related to adverse periodontal health outcomes. Variation in self‐esteem, self‐confidence and perfectionism are associated with oral health status and oral health behaviors. Better understanding of the psychological factors associated with oral hygiene would be of benefit in further developing strategies to help patients improve their oral hygiene in addition to helping professionals design better programs on prevention and education.
Transcription Profile of Candidate Genes for the Acquisition of Competence During Oocyte Growth in Cattle
Authors: Bessa IR , Nishimura RC , Franco MM , Dode MAN
Published: April 2013

Contents

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression profile of candidate genes involved in competence during oocyte growth. The candidate genes (BMP15, OOSP1, H1FOO, H2A, H3A, H4, SLBP, DNMT1, DNMT3B, HAT1, HDAC2 and SUV39H1) were selected because of their possible involvement in determining oocyte developmental competence. Pre‐antral and antral follicles were isolated from the ovaries of Zebu (Bos indicus) cows, measured and classified into the following categories according to their diameter: (i) oocytes from primordial follicles: diameter <20 μm, (ii) oocytes from primary follicles: 25–35 μm, (iii) oocytes from small secondary follicles: 40–60 μm, (iv) oocytes from large secondary follicles: 65–85 μm, (v) oocytes from small antral follicles: 100–120 μm, and (vi) oocytes from large antral follicles: >128 μm. Total RNA was extracted from four pools of 25 oocytes for each category of follicles, and the genes were quantified by qPCR. Target gene expression was normalized using the gene PPIA. The results suggest that stocks of the studied transcript genes accumulate before the final phase of folliculogenesis. The HDAC2 gene was the only gene in which a differential expression was observed at stage associated with competence acquisition.
Effects of Light, Flooding, and Weeding on Experimental Restoration of an Endangered Hawaiian Fern
Authors: Chau Marian M. , Reyes Whitney R.
Published: April 2013

Conservation of rare plants can be accomplished by the restoration practice of reintroduction, but subsequent management is often required. In species with narrow habitat requirements, it is especially difficult to predict which management methods will be successful at new locations. Marsilea villosa is an endangered endemic Hawaiian fern with only seven remaining populations in ephemerally flooding drylands. Among its uncommon traits are long‐lived sporocarps, a requirement of flood and drought to complete its sexual life cycle, and the potential for extensive vegetative growth. An experiment was performed to determine which restoration techniques might best facilitate growth of outplanted M. villosa. The following effects were tested in a split‐plot factorial design: flooding (once/none), light (50% shade/full sun), weeding (bi‐monthly/none), and all interactions. We hypothesized that flooding would have the largest single‐factor effect and that there would be interactions among treatments. As hypothesized, flooding had the greatest positive effect on percent cover and sporocarp production. However, shade also increased cover over full sun when the plants began to experience drought. There was an interaction of light × flooding because M. villosa grew best in flooded, shaded plots. Weeding had no significant effect except in combination with flooding. Beyond protected status, current management of M. villosa only includes weed management at some populations. This study shows that if reintroducing new populations, the need for labor‐intensive weed management might be reduced if M. villosa is planted under conditions of flooding and moderate shade.
The Chilean Espinal: Restoration for a Sustainable Silvopastoral System
Authors: Root‐Bernstein Meredith , Jaksic Fabián
Published: April 2013

The mediterranean habitats of central Chile are rich in endemic species, but threatened by land‐use changes. In this context, we suggest that restoration of the traditional espinal silvopastoral system could improve its sustainability and conservation value. Past research on the espinal embraced negative stereotypes of peasants, the tree Acacia caven, and the semiarid landscape to recommend abandoning the silvopastoral system. We think that recommendation is premature and ignores the value of the espinal as a classical Chilean cultural landscape. Drawing on lessons from silvopastoral systems in Latin America and the Mediterranean, here we suggest several management interventions and incentives that could be developed to restore the espinal. Particular challenges in espinal include low biomass production due to the semiarid climate and the lack of a traditional sustainable timber or non‐timber product of A. caven. Our recommendations include sustainable production and use of biochar and bark extracts from A. caven to improve espinal soils, the promotion of shrubs and the use of small mammal disturbances, and their artificial analogs to improve A. caven reproduction, and rotational livestock herding to form mosaic landscapes. These techniques could lead to higher forage biomass and increased livestock weights. Incentive structures to implement these management activities could include tax benefits for private protected area (IUCN category VI) creation, REDD+ and PES programs, along with promotion of the cultural value of the espinal. Further research is urgently called for on ecosystem services, ecological baselines, biochar, and other management and incentive structures that could be applied in the espinal.
Establishment and Management of Native Functional Groups in Restoration
Authors: Kimball Sarah , Lulow Megan E. , Mooney Kailen A. , Sorenson Quinn M.
Published: April 2013

The limiting similarity hypothesis predicts that communities should be more resistant to invasion by non‐natives when they include natives with a diversity of traits from more than one functional group. In restoration, planting natives with a diversity of traits may result in competition between natives of different functional groups and may influence the efficacy of different seeding and maintenance methods, potentially impacting native establishment. We compare initial establishment and first‐year performance of natives and the effectiveness of maintenance techniques in uniform versus mixed functional group plantings. We seeded ruderal herbaceous natives, longer‐lived shrubby natives, or a mixture of the two functional groups using drill‐ and hand‐seeding methods. Non‐natives were left undisturbed, removed by hand‐weeding and mowing, or treated with herbicide to test maintenance methods in a factorial design. Native functional groups had highest establishment, growth, and reproduction when planted alone, and hand‐seeding resulted in more natives as well as more of the most common invasive, Brassica nigra. Wick herbicide removed more non‐natives and resulted in greater reproduction of natives, while hand‐weeding and mowing increased native density. Our results point to the importance of considering competition among native functional groups as well as between natives and invasives in restoration. Interactions among functional groups, seeding methods, and maintenance techniques indicate restoration will be easier to implement when natives with different traits are planted separately.
Three‐dimensional gravity‐current flow within a subaqueous bend: Spatial evolution and force balance variations
Authors: Wei Taoyuan , Peakall Jeff , Parsons Daniel R. , Chen Zhongyuan , Zhao Baocheng , Best Jim
Published: April 2013

The nature of three‐dimensional flow in submarine channel bends is poorly understood, largely due to the absence of detailed data from natural channels. Herein, data from density‐driven flows in a large reservoir on the Huanghe (Yellow) River are presented showing the spatio‐temporal variation of flow around a subaqueous bend. The data demonstrate for the first time that reversed helical flow, relative to that found in river channel bends, can occur from the centrifugal forcing of flow, even when the Coriolis force acts in the opposite direction. The data also suggest that reversed helical flow fields in submarine channels may be more frequent than currently estimated, notably for bends where Coriolis and centrifugal forces combine in the same direction. In addition, this study provides the first field evidence suggesting that sinuous submarine channels can exhibit an asymmetry in helical flow orientation between left and right‐turning bends, which will have major implications for the morphodynamics of submarine channels, their resultant patterns of sedimentation and, ultimately, the distribution of depositional units across submarine fan systems.
Confessional Identity as National Boundary in National Historical Narratives: Ireland and Germany Compared
Authors: Nagle Shane
Published: April 2013

This article explores the question of ‘boundary‐formation’ by examining the significance of historical narratives for defining the nation. Specifically, it compares the historical construction of religious or confessional identity as national boundary in the cases of Ireland and Germany in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The article examines the importance of this historically constructed national identity for rendering continuity to the nation's history and delineating the national ‘Other’, thereby establishing national particularity. The historical ‘joining’ of ‘Irishness’ to Catholic identity and ‘Germanness’ to Protestant identity, as well as providing cultural ‘cement’ for the nation, also had exclusionary implications.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B allele, B*07:162, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Chen P.‐L. , Lai S.‐K. , Yang W.‐S. , Chang T.‐C. , Chu C.‐C.
Published: April 2013

The new allele, HLA‐B*07:162, is identical to HLA‐B*07:12 in exon 2 but has a non‐synonymous substitution at position 419 (A to C) in exon 3.
Preferential expression of cancer/testis genes in cancer stem‐like cells: proposal of a novel sub‐category, cancer/testis/stem gene
Authors: Yamada R. , Takahashi A. , Torigoe T. , Morita R. , Tamura Y. , Tsukahara T. , Kanaseki T. , Kubo T. , Watarai K. , Kondo T. , Hirohashi Y. , Sato N.
Published: April 2013

Cancer/testis (CT) antigens encoded by CT genes are immunogenic antigens, and the expression of CT gene is strictly restricted to only the testis among mature organs. Therefore, CT antigens are promising candidates for cancer immunotherapy. In a previous study, we identified a novel CT antigen, DNAJB8. DNAJB8 was found to be preferentially expressed in cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs)/cancer‐initiating cells (CICs), and it is thus a novel CSC antigen. In this study, we hypothesized that CT genes are preferentially expressed in CSCs/CICs rather than in non‐CSCs/‐CICs and we examined the expression of CT genes in CSCs/CICs. The expression of 74 CT genes was evaluated in side population (SP) cells (=CSC) and main population (MP) cells (=non‐CSC) derived from LHK2 lung adenocarcinoma cells, SW480 colon adenocarcinoma cells and MCF7 breast adenocarcinoma cells by RT‐PCR and real‐time PCR. Eighteen genes (MAGEA2, MAGEA3, MAGEA4, MAGEA6, MAGEA12, MAGEB2, GAGE1, GAGE8, SPANXA1, SPANXB1, SPANXC, XAGE2, SPA17, BORIS, PLU‐1, SGY‐1, TEX15 and CT45A1) showed higher expression levels in SP cells than in MP cells, whereas 10 genes (BAGE1, BAGE2, BAGE4, BAGE5, XAGE1, LIP1, D40, HCA661, TDRD1 and TPTE) showed similar expression levels in SP cells and MP cells. Thus, considerable numbers of CT genes showed preferential expression in CSCs/CICs. We therefore propose a novel sub‐category of CT genes in this report: cancer/testis/stem (CTS) genes.