bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Periodontitis links to exacerbation of myocardial dysfunction in subjects with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhen Zhe , Liu Hin Nam , Lai Ian , Pelekos George , Tse Hung‐fat , Yiu Kai‐hang , Jin Lijian 
Published: January 2019

Background and ObjectiveSubjects with diabetes and periodontitis are at high risk of cardiovascular events, while the subclinical alterations of cardiac function in this cohort remain unclear. This cross‐sectional study investigated the association of periodontitis with left ventricle (LV) structural and functional abnormalities in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Material and MethodsA total of 115 subjects with T2DM were divided into Control group (n = 32) with no or mild periodontitis, and the rest with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis (CP) were further categorized into CP‐1 (n = 41) and CP‐2 (n = 42) based on disease severity. Echocardiography was performed to precisely assess (a) LV hypertrophy by LV mass index (LVMi); (b) LV diastolic function by tissue Doppler imaging index E/e’ ratio; and (c) LV systolic function by speckle tracking derived global longitudinal strain (GLS).ResultsOverall, a linear trend in LVMi, E/e’, and GLS existed among the Control, CP‐1, and CP‐2 groups, respectively (P < 0.05). After adjustments of multiple confounders, CP‐2 subjects showed significantly higher E/e’ (log scale, 2.22 ± 0.05 vs 2.07 ± 0.06, P < 0.01) and GLS (−17.42 ± 0.46% vs −18.95 ± 0.54%, P < 0.05) than the Controls. Multivariate analysis revealed that sites% with probing depth ≥4 mm and sites% with clinical attachment loss ≥5 mm were independent indicators for E/e’ (β = 0.005 and β = 0.002, P < 0.01) and GLS (β = 0.03 and β = 0.02, P < 0.05) , respectively. Moreover, the number of missing teeth was significantly associated with LVMi (β = 0.01, P < 0.01).ConclusionThis study provides the first evidence that severe periodontitis is significantly associated with the exacerbation of LV diastolic and systolic dysfunction in subjects with T2DM.
Effects of evening exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by 3G mobile phones on health and night sleep EEG architecture
Authors: Lowden Arne , Nagai Roberta , Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Hansson Mild Kjell , Hillert Lena 
Published: January 2019

AbstractStudies on sleep after exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields have shown mixed results. We investigated the effects of double‐blind radiofrequency exposure to 1,930–1,990 MHz, UMTS 3G signalling standard, time‐averaged 10 g specific absorption rate of 1.6 W kg−1 on self‐evaluated sleepiness and objective electroencephalogram architecture during sleep. Eighteen subjects aged 18–19 years underwent 3.0 hr of controlled exposure on two consecutive days 19:45–23:00 hours (including 15‐min break); active or sham prior to sleep, followed by full‐night 7.5 hr polysomnographic recordings in a sleep laboratory. In a cross‐over design, the procedure was repeated a week later with the second condition. The results for sleep electroencephalogram architecture showed no change after radiofrequency exposure in sleep stages compared with sham, but power spectrum analyses showed a reduction of activity within the slow spindle range (11.0–12.75 Hz). No differences were found for self‐evaluated health symptoms, performance on the Stroop colour word test during exposure or for sleep quality. These results confirm previous findings that radiofrequency post‐exposure in the evening has very little influence on electroencephalogram architecture but possible on spindle range activity.
PTPRD: neurobiology, genetics, and initial pharmacology of a pleiotropic contributor to brain phenotypes
Authors: Uhl George R. , Martinez Maria J. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractReceptor‐type protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type D (PTPRD) has likely roles as a neuronal cell adhesion molecule and synaptic specifier. Interest in its neurobiology and genomics has been stimulated by results from human genetics and mouse models for phenotypes related to addiction, restless leg syndrome, neurofibrillary pathology in Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment/intellectual disability, mood lability, and obsessive‐compulsive disorder. We review PTPRD's discovery, gene family, candidate homomeric and heteromeric binding partners, phosphatase activities, brain distribution, human genetic associations with nervous system phenotypes, and mouse model data relevant to these phenotypes. We discuss the recently reported discovery of the first small molecule inhibitor of PTPRD phosphatase, the identification of its addiction‐related effects, and the implications of these findings for the PTPRD‐associated brain phenotypes. In assembling PTPRD neurobiology, human genetics, and mouse genetic and pharmacological datasets, we provide a compelling picture of the roles played by PTPRD, its variation, and its potential as a target for novel therapeutics.
Dental inclination with self‐ligating and conventional fixed appliances, with and without rapid maxillary expansion
Authors: Rengifo Ricardo Martin , Peña‐Reyes Danelin , de Freitas Marcos R. , de Freitas Karina Maria Salvatore , Aliaga‐Del Castillo Aron , Janson Guilherme 
Published: January 2019

Structured AbstractObjectiveTo compare the labio‐ and buccolingual inclination of the anterior and posterior teeth in subjects treated with self‐ligating and conventional fixed appliances with and without rapid maxillary expansion.MethodsSeventy‐one subjects with Class I malocclusion were divided into three groups. Group 1 comprised 24 subjects (17 female; seven male, with a mean age of 13.94 ± 2.87 years), treated with Roth's pre‐adjusted fixed appliances. Group 2 comprised 24 subjects (14 female; 10 male, with a mean age of 13.85 ± 1.83 years) treated with Rapid Maxillary Expansion followed by Roth's pre‐adjusted fixed appliances. Group 3 comprised 23 patients (12 female; 11 male, with a mean age of 14.75 ± 1.34 years) treated with Damon self‐ligating bracket system. Buccolingual inclination was measured on digital dental models using a 3D software. Intergroup changes comparison was performed with one‐way ANOVA, followed by Tukey tests.ResultsThe left maxillary lateral incisor showed labial inclination in the conventional and RME groups, and palatal inclination in the Damon group. The Damon group showed greater buccal inclination in most posterior mandibular teeth during treatment than the conventional and RME groups. The right mandibular canine and lateral incisor showed greater labial inclination in the Damon group than in the RME group.ConclusionsThere was greater buccal inclination of the posterior mandibular teeth and labial inclination of the right mandibular canine and lateral incisor in the Damon group.
Productivity spillovers through backward linkages: The role of the origin of investors and absorptive capacity of domestic firms
Authors: Njikam Ousmanou , Leudjou Roland Rostant Njiteu 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe argue that multinationals from different home countries have different technologies and input sourcing behavior. These differences impinge on potential productivity spillovers through backward linkages of multinationals and such effects also differ across host local firms depending on their absorptive capacity. Using a panel of Cameroonian manufacturing firms over the period 1993 to 2005, we find supportive evidence of these arguments. There is a negative relationship between the presence of American and European affiliates in downstream sectors and the productivity of Cameroonian firms in the supplying industries and a positive correlation in the case of Asian affiliates. The absorptive capacity of Cameroonian firms mainly explains these divergent results.
Assessment of Oral Health Educational Program on oral health status of visually impaired children in New Delhi
Authors: Aggarwal Tanvi , Goswami Mridula , Dhillon Jatinder Kaur 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimThe present study was conducted with the aim to assess the effectiveness of Oral Health Education programme on Oral Health Status of visually impaired children in New Delhi. A specially designed oral health educational programme consisting of audio aid, Braille booklet and individualized training was implemented to educate and motivate visually impaired children for maintaining their oral health.Methods and resultsA total sample size of 120 children in the age group of 5–15 years was selected and questionnaire based on WHO criteria 2013 was administrated. In oral examination caries status using DMFT/S and dmft/s and oral hygiene status using plaque index given by Sillness and Loe was evaluated at the baseline and re‐evaluated after nine months. Oral Health Educational Programme was implemented and reinforced every month for nine months. Results showed that at the end of nine months 55.04% children started brushing twice daily as compared to 30% children at baseline. There was a statiscally significant decrease (0.1887±0.332) in plaque index scores at the end of nine months.ConclusionIt was concluded that Oral Health Educational Programme was effective in improving the oral hygiene status among visually impaired children.
Digital mapping of coastal boulders – high‐resolution data acquisition to infer past and recent transport dynamics
Authors: Boesl Fabian , Engel Max , Eco Rodrigo C. , Galang JaN B. , Gonzalo Lia A. , Llanes Francesca , Quix Eva , Brückner Helmut 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCoastal boulder fields provide clues to long‐term frequency‐magnitude patterns of coastal flooding events and have the potential to play an important role in coastal hazard assessment. Mapping boulders in the field is time and labour‐intensive, and work on intertidal reef platforms, as in the present study, is physically challenging. By addressing coastal scientists who are not specialists in remote sensing, this contribution reports on the possibilities and limitations of digital applications in boulder mapping in Eastern Samar, Philippines, where recent supertyphoons Haiyan and Hagupit induced high waves, coastal flooding and boulder transport. It is demonstrated how satellite imagery of sub‐metre resolution (from Pléiades and WorldView‐3 imagery) enables efficient analysis of transport vectors and distances of larger boulders, reflecting variation in latitudes of both typhoon tracks and approaching angles of typhoon‐generated waves. During the investigated events, boulders with a‐axes of up to 8 m were clearly identified to have been shifted for up to 32 m, mostly along the seaward margin of the boulder field. It is, however, hard to keep track of smaller boulders, and the length of a‐axes and b‐axes including their orientation is often impossible to map with sufficient accuracy. Orthophotographs and digital surface models created through the application of an unmanned aerial vehicle and the ‘Structure from Motion’ technique provide ultra‐high‐resolution data, and have the potential to not only improve the results of satellite image analysis, but also those from field mapping and may significantly reduce overall time in the field. Orthophotographs permit unequivocal mapping of a‐axes and b‐axes including their orientation, while precise values for c‐axes can be derived from the respective digital surface models. Volume of boulders is best inferred from boulder‐specific Structure from Motion‐based three‐dimensional models. Battery power, flight speed and altitude determine the limits of the area covered, while patches shielded by the boulders are difficult to resolve. For some tasks, field mapping remains mandatory and cannot be replaced by currently available remote sensing tools: for example, sampling for rock type, density and age dating, recording of lithological separation of boulders from the underlying geological unit and of geomorphic features on a millimetre to decimetre‐scale, or documentation of fine‐grained sediment transport in between the boulders in supratidal settings. In terms of future events, the digital products presented here will provide a valuable reference to track boulder transport on a centimetre to decimetre‐scale and to better understand the hydrodynamics of extreme‐wave events on a fringing reef coastline.
Growing Cities in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Land Competing Interests in Peri‐Urban Areas and Organised Violence
Authors: Balestri Sara 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCompeting interests over land are sharply rising worldwide; they are pushed by several factors, including peri‐urban dynamics and growing commercialisation of land. Through a quasi‐experimental design based on spatially disaggregated data, the analysis explores the effect of peri‐urbanisation processes and large‐scale land acquisitions on the risk of organised violence. The results, confirmed throughout several model specifications and robustness checks, provide evidence that peri‐urbanisation processes are strongly associated with a higher risk of experiencing events of organised violence. The likelihood of being the arena of such events is even higher when large acquisitions are concluded within peri‐urban areas. Urbanisation processes and large land acquisitions should therefore be framed within a comprehensive strategy grounded on inclusive urban planning and land access safeguards, in order to minimise the risk that land access insecurity may be translated into violence.
Subspecies description rates are higher in morphologically complex land snails
Authors: Páll‐Gergely Barna , Asami Takahiro , Sólymos Péter 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSubspecies richness (average number of subspecies per species = SSP/SP) has traditionally been explained by niche breadth, characteristics of the preferred habitat (“habitat hypothesis”), dispersal ability, range size (“range size hypothesis”), etc. However, in several invertebrate groups, there are striking differences between SSP/SP across families, which cannot be explained using classic arguments, and we might assume some hidden factor in the background. For example, some families of terrestrial molluscs, that possess conspicuously more subspecies than others, have higher degree of morphological complexity (shell size, number of diagnosable shell characters), for which we propose the “artefact hypothesis.” According to this, morphological complexity plays an important role in taxonomists' subspecies recognition. We used shell size, number of characters mentioned in species descriptions and area extent in six European land snail families, and habitat characteristics (rock‐dwelling vs. non‐rock‐dwelling) in one largest European snail families (Clausiliidae) to test our hypothesis. We found that all three factors (range size, morphological complexity and habitat type) correlated positively with the SSP/SP ratio. Although the generality of our findings has to be tested in other invertebrate phyla, we provide examples of striking differences between SSP/SP ratios in butterflies (Lepidoptera) and beetles (Coleoptera) as well. Our findings imply that researchers (a) should use the number of SSP more carefully in comprehensive studies, and (b) should maintain and use the rank subspecies in order to provide a stronger status for the species rank, and avoid taxonomic inflation. Furthermore, the subspecies rank might be more useful for “cryptic species” (clades that are indistinguishable morphologically) than species.
Beneficial Impact of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Program on Circulating Number and Functional Capacity of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Children: The Crucial Role of Nitric Oxide and VEGF-A
Authors: Souza Livia Victorino , De Meneck Franciele , Oliveira Vanessa , Higa Elisa Mieko , Akamine Eliana Hiromi , Franco Maria do Carmo 
Published: January 2019

Purpose: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) appear to interact with physical training. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the relationship of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with both angiogenic factors and EPC function in healthy children. Methods: Forty children (22 boys and 18 girls) aged 7 to 11 years participated in a 10-week MVPA program (duration: 45 min; intensity: 75%–85% of heart rate reserve; frequency: 4 sessions/wk). The anthropometric data, biochemical profile, EPCs number, EPCs colony-forming units, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and nitric oxide (NO) plasma levels were evaluated before and after the MVPA program. Results: After a 10-week MVPA program, a significant increase was detected in circulating/functional capacity of EPCs, NO, and VEGF-A levels, associated with improvement of waist circumference and estimated maximum rate of oxygen consumption (VO2max). A strong positive correlation was found between delta of EPCs number and variation of both NO level (r = .677, P < .001) and VEGF-A level (r = .588, P < .001). Furthermore, a significant correlation between NO level variation and delta of VEGF-A level was observed (r = .708, P < .001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that lifestyle intervention implemented by MVPA program can contribute meaningfully to improve circulating/functional capacity of EPCs in healthy children, possibly due to the increase of plasma NO and VEGF-A levels.
Diagnostic accuracy of the T-MACS decision aid with a contemporary point-of-care troponin assay
Authors: Body Richard , Almashali Malak , Morris Niall , Moss Phil , Jarman Heather , Appelboam Andrew , Parris Richard , Chan Louisa , Walker Alison , Harrison Mark , Wootten Andrea , McDowell Garry 
Published: January 2019

ObjectivesThe rapid turnaround time of point-of-care (POC) cardiac troponin (cTn) assays is highly attractive for crowded emergency departments (EDs). We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the Troponin-only Manchester Acute Coronary Syndromes (T-MACS) decision aid with a POC cTn assay.MethodsIn a prospective diagnostic accuracy study at eight EDs, we included patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Blood drawn on arrival and 3 hours later was analysed for POC cTnI (i-Stat, Abbott Point of Care). The primary outcome was a diagnosis of ACS, which included both an adjudicated diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) based on serial laboratory cTn testing and major adverse cardiac events (death, AMI or coronary revascularisation) within 30 days.ResultsOf 716 patients included, 105 (14.7%) had ACS. Using serial POC cTnI concentrations over 3 hours could have ‘ruled out’ ACS in 198 (31.2%) patients with a sensitivity of 99.0% (95% CI 94.4% to 100.0%) and negative predictive value 99.5% (95% CI 96.5% to 99.9%). No AMIs were missed. T-MACS ‘ruled in’ ACS for 65 (10.4%) patients with a positive predictive value of 91.2% (95% CI 82.1% to 95.9%) and specificity 98.9% (97.6% to 99.6%).ConclusionWith a POC cTnI assay, T-MACS could ‘rule out’ ACS for approximately one-third of patients within 3 hours while ‘ruling in’ ACS for another 10%. The rapid turnaround time and portability of the POC assay make this an attractive pathway for use in crowded EDs or urgent care centres. Future work should also evaluate use in the prehospital environment.
Optimal management of acute severe ulcerative colitis
Authors: Jain Saransh , Ahuja Vineet , Limdi Jimmy K 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAcute severe ulcerative colitis is a life-threatening medical emergency, which can be associated with significant morbidity and is preventable through prompt and effective management. Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of initial therapy, although a third of patients will not respond. Further management hinges on timely decisions with use of rescue therapy with ciclosporin or infliximab, without compromising the health or safety of the patient, or timely surgery. Although such patients need specialist care, it is imperative that emergency care physicians are aware of the important principles of management of this condition to achieve successful outcomes. Risk stratification and the use of predictive models using clinical parameters have reduced the morbidity associated with this condition.We discuss current evidence and present a clinical approach to clinicians involved in the emergency care of patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis in this review.
Can an inflammatory reaction in the meninges, caused by spinal puncture through tattooed skin, evolve into adhesive arachnoiditis? An experimental model in rabbits
Authors: da Silva Ronaldo Antonio , Ferraz Isabela Leite , Zuza Ricardo Santos , Camara Camila , Marques Mariângela Alencar , Machado Vânia Maria de Vasconcelos , Navarro Laís Helena Camacho , de Barros Guilherme Antônio Moreira , Ganem Eliana Marisa 
Published: January 2019

Background and objectivesAs the number of people with tattoos has been increasing, anesthesiologists are more and more faced with the decision to perform a neuraxial blockage through tattooed skin. In this study, we evaluated the possibility of puncture through tattooed skin determines acute inflammatory changes in the meninges and spinal cord and later evolve into adhesive arachnoiditis.MethodForty-two male rabbits were randomized into 3 groups of 14: G1, spinal puncture through non-tattooed skin and saline solution injection; G2, spinal puncture through tattooed skin and saline solution injection, captive for 30 days; G3, spinal puncture through tattooed skin and saline solution injection, captive for 360 days. The animals were anesthetized and ultrasound-guided spinal puncture was performed in the intervertebral spaces between S1 – S2. During the period of captivity, the animals were clinically assessed for sensitivity and motor function. After that, they were sacrificed and the lumbosacral portion of the spinal cord was excised for histological analysis.ResultsNo histological changes were found on group 1. Eleven animals from group two presented with foci of perivascular lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate in the pia mater and/or arachnoid. In Group 3, eight rabbits presented with inflammatory changes in the meninges, which were associated with thickening and/or adhesion of the pia mater and arachnoid in some cases and five rabbits presented only thickening of pia-mater.ConclusionsSpinal puncture through tattooed skin of rabbits can trigger acute inflammatory changes in the meninges and after a prolonged period of observation evolve into adhesive arachnoiditis.