bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcome of non‐surgical root canal treatment related to periodontitis and chronic disease medication among adults in age group of 60 years or more
Authors: Jahreis Martin , Soliman Sebastian , Schubert Alexander , Connert Thomas , Schlagenhauf Ullrich , Krastl Gabriel , Krug Ralf 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of non‐endodontic factors like periodontitis and chronic disease medication (CDM) mostly affecting elderly people's health on the outcome of non‐surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT).BackgroundAn increasing number of elderly people with high prevalence of marginal periodontitis and CDM benefit from adequate endodontic therapy, if irreversible pulpitis or apical periodontitis occurs. Only few data exist about the relevance of those non‐endodontic factors on healing of endodontic lesions in a population 60 years or more.Material and methodsOf 177 patients aged 60 years or more with 212 NSRCTs performed between the year of 2010 and 2013, complete documentation was available for 112 teeth in 93 participants. Mean time between baseline and last follow‐up was 38.93 months. The primary endodontic factors studied were the periapical index (PAI) of periapical health, quality of the root canal filling and of coronal restoration, periodontal probing depth (PPD, mm) and tooth mobility (TM, 0‐3). Secondary non‐endodontic factors included the presence of marginal periodontitis and CDM, in particular antidiabetics, antihypertensives and anticoagulants. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi‐square test statistics and logistic regression analysis.ResultsPeriodontitis and CDM had no effect on endodontic outcome. Chronic intake of anticoagulants showed a significant association with endodontic outcome. Root‐filled teeth with preoperative periapical lesions had a significantly higher rate of endodontic failure than those without preoperative lesion. The overall success rate of NSRCT was 87.1% with 81 healed teeth.ConclusionPeriodontitis and CDM have no impact on the endodontic outcome of NSRCT in a population 60 years or more.
Examining the association between vestibular function and lower extremity circumference in an aged population
Authors: Wu Chen‐Jung , Kao Tung‐Wei , Chen Yuan‐Yuei , Peng Tao‐Chun , Wang Chung‐Ching , Zhou Yi‐Chao , Yang Hui‐Fang , Chen Wei‐Liang 
Published: April 2019

AimTo explore the association between vestibular dysfunction and specific anthropometric parameters.MethodsThe results from 2420 participants of the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included for the evaluation of vestibular dysfunction using the Romberg test of standing balance and anthropometric measurements, including waist circumference, thigh circumference, calf circumference (CC), waist‐to‐thigh ratio (WTR) and waist‐to‐calf ratio (WCR). Passing the balance test was defined as participants keeping their balance for 30 s while in the standing position with their eyes closed. Multivariable logistic regression models were the main statistical tools in the present study.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was approximately 65 years, and half of the study participants were men. The full adjusted odds ratio of vestibular dysfunction for the CC, thigh circumference, WCR and WTR was 0.941 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.894–0.992), 0.948 (95% CI 0.912–0.986), 1.856 (95% CI 1.087–3.170) and 2.516 (95% CI 1.235–5.126), respectively. Higher waist circumference along with lower thigh circumference and CC were observed in the participants in the higher WTR and WCR quartiles. Furthermore, a dose–response relationship between vestibular dysfunction and anthropometric ratios was detected.DiscussionThe present study showed that individuals with lower CC and thigh circumference or higher WCR and WTR exhibited higher odds of having vestibular dysfunction. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 622–627.
Temperature‐dependent electrical transport behavior and structural evolution in hollandite‐type titanium‐based oxide
Authors: Feng Tao , Li Liping , Lv Zhe , Li Baoyun , Zhang Yuelan , Li Guangshe 
Published: April 2019

AbstractElectrical transport behavior and structural characteristics directly determine the use of functional ceramic materials in electronic information storage, catalytic conversion, and energy field applications. However, these properties are poorly understood because most of the relevant experiments were performed in a rather narrow temperature range. Herein, we used hollandite‐type KxTi8O16 as an example to systematically study the temperature‐dependent structure and electrical transport properties in a wide temperature range from 25 to 900°C. The electrical transport involves both potassium ionic conduction and electronic conduction. With increasing temperature, the ionic conductivity increases below 800°C and decreases above 800°C. The electronic conductivity displays two maxima at 0.15 S/cm at 400°C and 5.2 × 10−4 S/cm at 800°C. These interesting variations in the conductivities are related to the presence of Ti3+ and the structural transformation from hollandite to a mixture of rutile and jeppeite. The findings reported herein support the potential application of titanium‐based hollandites and provide an understanding of the electrical transport properties of functional ceramic materials.
Can Euroscepticism Contribute to a European Public Sphere? The Europeanization of Media Discourses on Euroscepticism across Six Countries
Authors: Dutceac Segesten Anamaria , Bossetta Michael 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study compares the media discourses on euroscepticism in 2014 in six countries (the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Sweden and Denmark). We assessed the extent to which the mass media's reporting of euroscepticism indicates the Europeanization of public spheres. Using a mixed‐methods approach combining latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modelling and qualitative coding, we find that approximately 70 per cent of print articles mentioning ‘euroscepticism’ or ‘eurosceptic’ are framed in a non‐domestic (i.e., European) context. In five of the six cases studied, articles exhibiting a European context are strikingly similar in content, with the British case as the exception. However, coverage of British euroscepticism drives Europeanization in other member states. Bivariate logistic regressions further reveal three macro‐level structural variables that significantly correlate with a Europeanized media discourse: the newspaper type (tabloid or broadsheet), the presence of a strong domestic eurosceptical party and relationship to the EU budget (net contributor or receiver of EU funds).
Peri‐implant marginal bone loss reduction with platform‐switching components: 5‐Year post‐loading results of an equivalence randomized clinical trial
Authors: Messias Ana , Rocha Salomão , Wagner Wilfried , Wiltfang Jörg , Moergel Maximilian , Behrens Eleonore , Nicolau Pedro , Guerra Fernando 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimTo compare the clinical performance and marginal bone levels of implants restored with platform‐switching (PS) or platform‐matching (PM) abutments.Materials and MethodsAdult patients missing two or more adjacent teeth in the posterior mandible received 2–4 CAMLOG SCREW‐LINE implants and were randomly allocated to the PM or PS group, receiving the corresponding prosthetic components from surgery onwards. Implants were conventionally loaded with single cemented crowns. Patients were followed annually for 5 years. Outcome measures were marginal bone level changes, implant survival, performance of the prosthetic components and clinical parameters plaque index, sulcus bleeding index and pocket probing depth.ResultsThirty‐three patients received 72 implants in the PM group, and thirty‐five patients received 74 implants in the PS group. Sixty patients attended the final appointment, 31 had received PS components and 29 had received PM components with 65 and 63 implants, respectively. Global survival rate was 96.6% with no differences between groups (p = 0.647). After 5 years of functional loading, PS restored implants presented 0.23mm (95% CI: [0.03, 0.43], p = 0.025) lower marginal bone level changes. The two groups were declared non‐equivalent.ConclusionPatients requiring implant supported restorations in healed bounded or free end edentulous gaps of the mandible benefit from the use of PS components in terms of peri‐implant marginal bone level maintenance, though it may not be clinically noticeable.
Immunological effects and potential mechanisms of action of autologous serum therapy in chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Yu L. , Buttgereit T. , Stahl Skov P. , Schmetzer O. , Scheffel J. , Kocatürk E. , Zawar V. , Magerl M. , Maurer M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune processes are considered to play a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Very recently, interleukin 24 (IL‐24) has been identified as an immunoglobulin E (IgE) autoantigen in CSU. Some studies revealed that notably autologous serum skin test (ASST)‐positive CSU patients may benefit from autohemotherapy; however, the mechanisms of action remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the immunological effects of autologous serum injections in ASST‐positive CSU patients.MethodsSixty‐six ASST‐positive CSU patients were treated with weekly intramuscular autologous serum injections for 8 weeks and followed up for 12 weeks. Urticaria activity score (UAS7) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were assessed. The ASST was done at baseline, week 9 and week 21. Serum samples (baseline, weeks 9, 13 and/or 21) were analysed for the levels of IgE‐anti‐IL‐24 and immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐anti‐IL‐24 via ELISA and their ability to release histamine in basophils [basophil histamine release assay (BHRA)].ResultsAutologous serum therapy resulted in a substantial improvement in disease activity and quality of life after 8 and 20 weeks. Twenty‐eight percent and 34% of patients turned ASST‐negative in weeks 9 and 21, respectively, but there was no link between their response to treatment and changes of ASST results. Also, no significant or relevant changes in BHRA were observed. In contrast, autologous serum therapy significantly decreased IgE‐anti‐IL‐24 serum levels, but not IgG‐anti‐IL‐24 serum levels, in responders but not in non‐responders.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the immunological effects of autologous serum therapy include a reduction in IgE‐anti‐IL24 autoantibodies, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of CSU.
Prevalence of parasites in working pig‐tailed Macaques (Macaca nemestrina) in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Choong Siew Shean , Mimi Armiladiana Mohamad , Ruhil Hayati Hamdan , Peng Tan Li 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundCoconut is an important commodity in Kelantan, and pig‐tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) have been traditionally used for coconut‐plucking for over a century. Most of these animals were sourced from the wild population, and the parasitic status of these macaques is unknown, plus the impacts caused by these parasites are usually underestimated by the owners.MethodsA total of 30 macaques were sampled for blood, faeces and hair plucks to detect parasite.ResultsOut of 21 faecal samples examined, 11 (52%) were determined positive for one or more gastrointestinal parasites, namely Trichostrongylus spp., Strongyloides spp., Anatrichosoma spp., Capillaria spp., Trichuris spp. and Paramphisotomum spp. Filaria was detected in one (3%) of the blood samples. For ectoparasites, only lice, Pedicinus sp., were found in 9 (30%) macaques.ConclusionsIt is imperative that the parasitic status of these animals be determined so that necessary actions and preventive measures can be implemented to prevent zoonotic transmissions.
To Be Both (and More): Immigration and Identity Multiplicity
Authors: Verkuyten Maykel , Wiley Shaun , Deaux Kay , Fleischmann Fenella 
Published: April 2019

AbstractImmigrants and their descendants make up a growing share of the population in countries across Europe, North America, and Oceania. This large‐scale immigration challenges once relatively stable notions of ethnic, national (or regional), and religious identities. Immigrants and their children confront the task of defining themselves in a new and unfamiliar context. Questions regarding immigrants’ identifications with their ethnic and national groups—but also with local, religious, and supranational groups—have animated national policy debates. This special issue brings together research on migrants’ sense of a “being both,” and the research and policy implications of this particular form of multiple identification. This introductory article discusses the conceptualisation of multiple identification, the importance of group dynamics for the adoption of dual identities, as well as the implications of identification with multiple social groups for immigrants and their receiving societies.
Assessment of magnesium intake according to requirement in dairy cows
Authors: Martens Holger , Stumpff Friederike 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTo date, no specific hormonal regulation system has been identified for homoeostatic control of the essential mineral Mg. In cattle, the maintenance of physiological plasma Mg concentration depends on gastrointestinal absorption, primarily from the rumen, which serves as a pool for covering the requirement. Whereas a possible surplus (absorption greater than requirement) is rapidly excreted by the kidneys, a shortage (absorption lower than requirement) cannot be compensated for by mobilization from the large Mg pool in bones or soft tissue, so that the maintenance of the necessary physiological Mg concentration in plasma relies on continuous and sufficient absorption. Our knowledge concerning the site and mechanisms of Mg absorption has improved during the last few decades, and meta‐analyses of the absorption of Mg in dairy cows have shown that the K content has a pronounced negative effect on Mg digestibility. The current recommendations of Mg intake propose a constant percentage of Mg and emphasize the depressive effect of high potassium (K) intake on Mg absorption. The current knowledge about the antagonism between K intake and Mg absorption allows a more flexible solution which includes the K content of the diet. An assessment of Mg intake is proposed that incorporates the improved knowledge of Mg absorption, metabolism and requirement. Within this framework, an equation is derived that allows a prediction of the amount of Mg required to compensate for dietary K content, the goal being to avoid both possible undernutrition or an unnecessary surplus of dietary Mg.
Rapid in‐house method of CSF analysis utilising sedimentation direct from the spinal needle
Authors: Hare C. , Sanchini L. , Worrall C. , Van Poucke S. , Alves L. , Restif O. , Freeman P. 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesTo establish the utility of a novel in‐house method of CSF analysis using sedimentation cytology direct from the spinal needle for the detection of laboratory‐defined pleocytosis.Materials and MethodsIn dogs and cats undergoing routine CSF analysis for investigation of neurological signs, an additional preparation was made at the patient's side by inverting the spinal needle on a slide and sedimenting for at least 1 hour. Nucleated cellularity and differential counts were assessed and compared with “gold‐standard” analysis. Variability of cell counts between observers and within slides using the new method was evaluated to optimise the procedure.ResultsUsing a ×50 objective, at least 10 fields and an average of more than five cellsperfield were considered appropriate guidelines to achieve correct classification of samples (normal or pleocytosis). The new method had high sensitivity (89%) and specificity (100%) for the detection of laboratory‐defined pleocytosis. Agreement on the type of pleocytosis was good.Clinical SignificanceClinically useful information can be obtained from CSF samples in a patient‐side setting without additional equipment. This technique may be of benefit if little fluid is available or if logistical constraints limit the availability of rapid specialist results.
Performance of 1,3‐beta‐D‐glucan in the diagnosis and monitoring of invasive fusariosis
Authors: Nucci Marcio , Barreiros Gloria , Reis Henrique , Paixão Marilene , Akiti Tiyomi , Nouér Simone A. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryInvasive fusariosis (IF) usually presents with high fungal burden at diagnosis, and this may contribute to its high mortality rate. The use 1,3‐beta‐D‐glucan (BDG) may help to establish the diagnosis at an earlier disease stage and to monitor treatment. To evaluate the performance of BDG in the diagnosis of IF and its kinetics in relation to the outcome, we retrospectively tested serum samples of 13 cases of IF, analysed the temporal relationship between the first positive BDG test and the date of the diagnosis of IF, and the kinetics of BDG in relation to patients’ outcome. We selected 13 controls with similar underlying diseases as cases, at least two serum samples stored, and no invasive fungal disease. Twelve patients with IF had at least one positive BDG (median 4, range 1‐16). The test was positive before the diagnosis of IF in 11 of the 12 patients (91.6%), at a median of 10 days (range 1‐32). The median BDG value increased (from 109 to 316 pg/mL, P = 0.04) in patients who died by day 30, and did not change significantly (99‐101 pg/mL, P = 0.60) in survivors. Using two consecutive BDG tests, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 85%, 69%, 7% and 99%, respectively. BDG is positive in the majority of patients with IF, usually before the diagnosis, but the low positive predictive value limits its use to diagnose IF earlier. Once therapy is started, decreasing BDG values suggests treatment response.
Why is development of new treatments necessary for myasthenia gravis? Recent advances in clinical trials
Authors: Imai Tomihiro 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDespite the availability of an increasing variety of disease‐modifying therapies, the proportion of patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) who achieved the practical treatment goal remained low at approximately 50%‐60% in our latest survey. Therefore, there is a need for further development of new treatment options based on novel mechanisms of action for MG treatment. Eculizumab and ravulizumab are monoclonal antibodies used to prevent complement‐mediated damage at the endplate of neuromuscular junction in MG with acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody. Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antibodies including efgartigimod and rozanolixizumab are currently in different stages of clinical trial. The FcRn antibodies would be rational therapeutic agents for decreasing the levels of pathogenic autoantibodies with IgG isotypes, resulting in reduction in muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK) antibody as well as AChR antibody. Rituximab, a CD20+ B‐cell depleting monoclonal antibody, also results in a significant decrease in autoantibody titers in serum. Several studies indicate that rituximab may have the potential to treat MuSK‐MG. Monarsen, an antisense oligonucleotide, may reduce the production of acetylcholinesterase. A phase 2 study showed improvement in quantitative MG scores while on the drug. Several case reports showed the efficacy of autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with severe MG refractory to conventional therapies. This article introduces the new drugs and their latest development and discusses the evidence for thymectomy in relation to the Japanese clinical guidelines for MG.
Rapid improvement in brain and swallowing behavior induced by cerebellar repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in poststroke dysphagia: A single patient case‐controlled study
Authors: Vasant Dipesh H. , Sasegbon Ayodele , Michou Emilia , Smith Craig , Hamdy Shaheen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe cerebellum has been showed by numerous studies to be active during the process of swallowing. Cortically targeted repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a technique which has been shown to result in beneficial electrophysiological and behavioral changes in healthy participants and patients with post stroke dysphagia. Cerebellar rTMS is a relatively unstudied area of this emerging field. Here we apply cerebellar targeted rTMS to a patient with post stroke dysphagia in an attempt to improve their swallowing.MethodsA 67‐year‐old woman with post stroke dysphagia was recruited to undergo a crossover active rTMS vs sham rTMS study. Outcome measures were pharyngeal motor evoked potential (PMEP) amplitude and cumulative penetration‐aspiration score (cPAS). The patient attended the laboratory on two occasions. During each attendance, baseline PMEP and cPAS measurements were acquired followed by either active or sham rTMS. Following this, PMEP and cPAS measurements were repeated at 30 minutes.ResultsActive cerebellar rTMS was able to increase both PMEP amplitude (55% over baseline) and improve swallowing safety (17% below baseline). Sham rTMS did not result in any beneficial PMEP or cPAS changes.ConclusionOur results suggest that cerebellar rTMS has plausible therapeutic potential for post stroke dysphagia.
Effects of climate change on alpine plants and their pollinators
Authors: Inouye David W. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAlpine environments are among the habitats most strongly affected by climate change, and consequently their unique plants and pollinators are faced with the challenge of adapting or going extinct. Changes in temperature and precipitation affect snowpack and snowmelt, resulting in changes in the growing season in this environment where plant growth and pollinator activity are constrained to the snow‐free season, which can vary significantly across the landscape if there is significant topographic complexity. As in other ecosystems, the resulting changes in phenology are not uniform among species, creating the potential for altered and new interspecific interactions. New plant and animal species are arriving as lower altitude species move up with warming temperatures, introducing new competitors and generating changes in plant–pollinator interactions. Repeating historical surveys, taking advantage of museum collections, and using new technology will facilitate our understanding of how plants and pollinators are responding to the changing alpine environment.