bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apixaban decreases brain thrombin activity in a male mouse model of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Bushi Doron , Chapman Joab , Wohl Anton , Stein Efrat Shavit , Feingold Ekaterina , Tanne David 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFactor Xa (FXa) plays a critical role in the coagulation cascade by generation of thrombin. During focal ischemia thrombin levels increase in the brain tissue and cause neural damage. This study examined the hypothesis that administration of the FXa inhibitor, apixaban, following focal ischemic stroke may have therapeutic potential by decreasing brain thrombin activity and infarct volume. Male mice were divided into a treated groups that received different doses of apixaban (2, 20, 100 mg/kg administered I.P.) or saline (controls) immediately after blocking the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Thrombin activity was measured by a fluorescence assay on fresh coronal slices taken from the mice brains 24 hr following the MCA occlusion. Infarct volume was assessed using triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. A high dose of apixaban (100 mg/kg) significantly decreased thrombin activity levels in the ipsilateral hemisphere compared to the control group (Slice#5, p = .016; Slice#6, p = .016; Slice#7, p = .016; Slice#8, p = .036; by the nonparametric Mann–Whitney test). In addition, treatment with apixaban doses of both 100 mg/kg (32 ± 8% vs. 76 ± 7% in the treatment vs. control groups respectively; p = .005 by the nonparametric Mann–Whitney test) and 20 mg/kg (43 ± 7% vs. 76 ± 7% in the treatment vs. control groups respectively; p = .019 by the nonparametric Mann–Whitney test) decreased infarct volumes in areas surrounding the ischemic core (Slices #3 and #8). No brain hemorrhages were observed either in the treated or control groups. In summary, I.P. administration of high dose of apixaban immediately after MCA occlusion decreases brain thrombin activity and reduces infarct size.
Fluctuations of the EEG‐fMRI correlation reflect intrinsic strength of functional connectivity in default mode network
Authors: Keinänen Tuija , Rytky Seppo , Korhonen Vesa , Huotari Niko , Nikkinen Juha , Tervonen Osmo , Palva J. Matias , Kiviniemi Vesa 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBoth functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electrophysiological recordings have revealed that resting‐state functional connectivity is temporally variable in human brain. Combined full‐band electroencephalography‐fMRI (fbEEG‐fMRI) studies have shown that infraslow (<.1 Hz) fluctuations in EEG scalp potential are correlated with the blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) fMRI signals and that also this correlation appears variable over time. Here, we used simultaneous fbEEG‐fMRI to test the hypothesis that correlation dynamics between BOLD and fbEEG signals could be explained by fluctuations in the activation properties of resting‐state networks (RSNs) such as the extent or strength of their activation. We used ultrafast magnetic resonance encephalography (MREG) fMRI to enable temporally accurate and statistically robust short‐time‐window comparisons of infra‐slow fbEEG and BOLD signals. We found that the temporal fluctuations in the fbEEG‐BOLD correlation were dependent on RSN connectivity strength, but not on the mean signal level or magnitude of RSN activation or motion during scanning. Moreover, the EEG‐fMRI correlations were strongest when the intrinsic RSN connectivity was strong and close to the pial surface. Conversely, weak fbEEG‐BOLD correlations were attributable to periods of less coherent or spatially more scattered intrinsic RSN connectivity, or RSN activation in deeper cerebral structures. The results thus show that the on‐average low correlations between infra‐slow EEG and BOLD signals are, in fact, governed by the momentary coherence and depth of the underlying RSN activation, and may reach systematically high values with appropriate source activities. These findings further consolidate the notion of slow scalp potentials being directly coupled to hemodynamic fluctuations.
Calf Circumference: A Marker of Muscle Mass as a Predictor of Hospital Readmission
Authors: Real Gustavo Gonzales , Frühauf Inara Regina , Sedrez José Henrique Koth , Dall'Aqua Eduarda Jaine Fachinello , Gonzalez Maria Cristina 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHospital readmissions (HRs) are common, potentially preventable, and a marker of poor quality in health services. This study aimed to identify risk factors for HR in clinical patients, with an emphasis on nutrition aspects, especially calf circumference (CC), as a marker of muscle mass. A prospective cohort study of patients admitted to the internal medicine ward was conducted. The short form of the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment was performed in the first 24 hours of hospitalization. In addition, single‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to estimate the phase angle, CC as a surrogate of muscle mass, and handgrip strength as a marker of strength. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to assess the severity of the comorbidities. Reassessments were performed every 7 days during hospitalization. HR was evaluated 30 days after discharge by phone contact. A sample of 161 patients was assessed; 54.6% were male, with a mean age of 59.2 ± 17.8 years. The median CCI was 2.76 (interquartile range: 1–4), and nutrition risk and low CC were present in 77.6% and 46% of the patients, respectively. The readmission rate was 16.8% after 30 days. After controlling for sex and age, a CCI > 2 (odds ratio [OR]: 3.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–8.97), the presence of cancer (OR: 4.52; 95% CI: 1.11–18.42), nutrition risk (OR: 9.53; 95% CI: 1.16–77.9), and a low CC (OR: 3.89; 95% CI: 1.34–11.31) were significantly associated with 30 day HR.In conclusion, muscle mass loss, identified by CC, can be a good predictor of 30‐day HR, even after controlling for other well‐known risk factors.
Occurrence of peri‐implant diseases and risk indicators at the patient and implant levels: A multilevel cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pimentel Suzana P. , Shiota Roberto , Cirano Fabiano R. , Casarin Renato C.V. , Pecorari Vanessa G.A. , Casati Marcio Z. , Haas Alex N. , Ribeiro Fernanda V. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground: High prevalence rates of peri‐implant diseases have been reported; however, the lack of standardization of definition criteria has lead to variations in the observed estimates. In addition, scarce data are available concerning patient and implant related factors associated to peri‐implantitis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of peri‐implant diseases and their risk indicators at the patient and implant levels.Methods: One hundred forty‐seven patients with 490 dental implants were included. Dental implants were clinically and radiographically evaluated to determine their peri‐implant conditions. Patient‐related conditions and implant and prosthetic‐related factors were recorded. Multivariable Poisson regression was fitted and prevalence ratios (PR) were reported.Results: 85.3% of implants (95%CI 80.2 to 90.4) had mucositis and 9.2% (95%CI 4.7 to 13.7) had peri‐implantitis. 80.9% (95%CI 73.8 to 86.8), and 19.1% (95%CI 12.6 to 25.5) of patients had mucositis and peri‐implantitis. At the patient level, it was observed an increased probability of peri‐implantitis in individuals with pocket depths ≥6 mm (PR = 2.47) and with ≥4 implants (PR = 1.96). Smoking increased the probability of peri‐implantitis by three times (PR = 3.49). The final multilevel Poisson regression model at the implant level indicated that platform switching reduced the probability of peri‐implantitis (PR = 0.18) and implants in function for ≥5 years increased this probability (PR = 2.11). The final model including patient and implant level indicators demonstrated that higher time of function (PR = 2.76) and smoking (PR = 6.59) were associated with peri‐implantitis.Conclusion: Peri‐implant diseases are highly prevalent in the studied sample, and factors associated with the occurrence of peri‐implantitis were presence of pockets ≥6 mm, smoking, time of function, and type of platform.
Vibration enhances PGE2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 expression in compressed hPDL cells via cyclooxygenase pathway
Authors: Phusuntornsakul Pussadee , Jitpukdeebodintra Suwanna , Pavasant Prasit , Leethanakul Chidchanok 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundAlthough vibration combined with orthodontic force may accelerate orthodontic tooth movement, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate the associated cellular responses. The goal of this study was to investigate whether mechanical vibration combined with compressive force regulates cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression in human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells via the COX pathway.MethodsThe primary cultured hPDL cells were exposed to mechanical vibration, compressive force or a combination of both mechanical vibration and compressive force at 24, 48, and 72 hours. The COX‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐Β ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegrin (OPG) mRNA expressions were determined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The PGE2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 protein expressions were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To demonstrate whether the expression of PGE2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 was in the COX‐dependent pathway, the hPDL cells were treated with indomethacin. To determine whether PGE2 stimulated the hPDL cells to express IL‐6 and IL‐8, exogenous PGE2 was added to the culture media.ResultsThe combination of mechanical vibration and compressive force synergistically upregulated RANKL/OPG, COX‐2/PGE2, IL‐6 and IL‐8 mRNA, and protein expression. The indomethacin significantly attenuated the increases of PGE2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 expression in cells stimulated with compressive force or mechanical vibration combined with compressive force. In addition, exogenous PGE2 increased IL‐6 and IL‐8 mRNA and protein expressions in hPDL cells.ConclusionMechanical vibration may enhance alveolar bone resorption at the compression side during orthodontic tooth movement via a mechanism involving the cyclooxygenase pathway.
Clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness of computer‐guided versus conventional implant‐retained hybrid prostheses: A long‐term retrospective analysis of treatment protocols
Authors: Ravidà Andrea , Barootchi Shayan , Tattan Mustafa , Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Gargallo‐Albiol Jordi , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundComputer‐guided systems were developed to facilitate implant placement at optimal positions in relation to the future prosthesis. However, the time, cost and, technique sensitivity involved with computer‐guided surgery impedes its routine practice. The aim of this study is to evaluate survival rates and complications associated with computer‐guided versus conventional implant placement in implant‐retained hybrid prostheses. Furthermore, long‐term economic efficiency of this approach was assessed.MethodsPatients were stratified according to implant placement protocol into a test group, using computer‐guided placement, and a control group, using traditional placement. Calibrated radiographs were used to measure bone loss around implants. Furthermore, the costs of the initial treatment and prosthetic complications, if any, were standardized and analyzed.ResultsForty‐five patients (149 implants in the test group and 111 implants in the control group) with a minimum follow‐up of 5 years, and a mean follow‐up of 9.6 years, were included in the study. While no significant difference was found between both groups in terms of biologic and technical complications, lower incidence of implant loss was observed in the test group (P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference in favor of the non‐guided implant placement group was found for the initial cost (P < 0.05) but not for the prosthetic complications and total cost (P > 0.05).ConclusionsComputer‐guided implant placement for an implant‐supported hybrid prosthesis is a valid, reliable alternative to the traditional approach for implant placement and immediate loading. Computer‐guided implant placement showed higher implant survival rates and comparable long‐term cost to non‐guided implant placement.
Efficacy of tunnel technique in the treatment of localized and multiple gingival recessions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tavelli Lorenzo , Barootchi Shayan , Nguyen Trang V.N. , Tattan Mustafa , Ravidà Andrea , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundTunnel technique (TUN) has recently gained popularity among clinicians for its promising clinical and esthetic results in treating gingival recession (GR) defects. However, evidence regarding the efficacy of the TUN is not yet conclusive. Therefore, the aim of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis was to investigate the predictability of TUN and its comparison to the coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedure.MethodsA literature search on PubMed, Cochrane libraries, EMBASE, and hand‐searched journals through November 2017 was conducted to identify clinical studies investigating TUN for root coverage procedures. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered for the meta‐analysis comparing TUN to CAF.ResultsA total of 20 articles were included in the systematic review and six in the meta‐analysis. The overall calculated mean root coverage (mRC) of TUN for localized and multiple GR defects was 82.75 ± 19.7% and 87.87 ± 16.45%, respectively. Superior results were found in maxillary and in Miller Class I and II GR defects. TUN outcomes may have been enhanced by split‐thickness flap preparation and microsurgical approach. TUN and CAF had comparable mRC, complete root coverage (CRC), keratinized tissue gain, and root coverage esthetic score when varying combinations of graft material were evaluated. However, CAF demonstrated superior outcomes to TUN when the same graft (connective tissue or acellular dermal matrix) was used in both techniques.ConclusionsTUN is an effective procedure in treating localized and multiple GR defects. Limited evidence is available comparing TUN to CAF; however, CAF seemed to be associated with higher percentage of CRC than was TUN when the same grafts (connective tissue or acellular dermal matrix) were used in both techniques.
Mandibular reconstruction in elderly patients
Authors: Miyamoto Shimpei , Higashino Takuya , Sakuraba Minoru 
Published: May 2018

Background and ObjectivesThe choice of reconstructive technique for a segmental mandibular defect in elderly patients is controversial. The aim of this study was to establish an algorithm for selecting a method of mandibular reconstruction in elderly patients.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 121 patients aged ≥65 years who underwent immediate microvascular mandibular reconstruction after oncologic resection. Patients were divided into three groups based on method of reconstruction: vascularized bone graft (n = 49), mandibular reconstruction plate and soft tissue flap (n = 22), and soft‐tissue flap (n = 50). We compared perioperative outcomes among groups and investigated factors affecting the choice of reconstructive technique.ResultsRates of postoperative complications did not differ significantly among groups. Mandibular reconstruction plate was indicated only for anterior mandibular defects. Soft‐tissue flap was indicated for posterior mandibular defects in patients aged ≥75 years or with a poor postoperative Eichner index.ConclusionsMandibular reconstruction plate and soft‐tissue flap can be good alternatives to vascularized bone graft in the elderly. Our algorithm uses defect type, patient age, and postoperative Eichner index to determine reconstructive technique.
Variation of Carotid Intima Media Thickness With Body Mass Index in Healthy Adults of Black African Descent
Authors: Asaleye Adesola Abiodun , Braimoh Kolawole Thomas , Oyinloye Olalekan Ibukun , Asaleye Christianah Mopelola , Omisore Adeleye Dorcas 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesStudies have shown that common carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) measured by B‐mode sonography increases with body mass index (BMI) among subjects with cardiovascular diseases in different populations. However, association of body fat and subclinical atherosclerosis in the absence of these cardiovascular diseases is understudied. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between BMI and CIMT in a healthy adult population of black African ancestry.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional prospective study in 300 consecutive apparently healthy subjects aged 18 to 70 years without history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and renal disease. Subjects' common carotid artery intima media thickness was measured with a 7.5‐MHz linear ultrasound transducer at a point 10 mm proximal to the carotid bulb. All subjects' biodata, medical history, anthropometric (weight and height from which BMI was calculated), laboratory (fasting lipid profile and blood glucose), and CIMT values were recorded on a pro forma. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21, and significant P was set at less than .05.ResultsThe right, left, and average CIMT of both sides in our study subjects are 0.52 ± 0.11 mm, 0.51 ± 0.11 mm and 0.52 ± 0.11 mm respectively, with no significant difference between the right and left sides (P > .05). The right, left, and average CIMT increased with increasing age and BMI category (all P < .01) but were not significantly different between men and women (all P > .05). Age (r = .824, .825, and .827; P < .01) and BMI (r = .503, .504, .507; P < .01) had strong positive correlations with right, left, and average CIMT.ConclusionsIncreasing age and BMI category, but not sex, significantly influenced CIMT values in our apparently healthy black African population.
Scapular Upward Rotator Morphologic Characteristics in Individuals With and Without Forward Head Posture: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Khosravi Fariba , Peolsson Anneli , Karimi Noureddin , Rahnama Leila 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesThere are several reports suggesting that forward head posture contributes to alterations in scapular kinematics and muscle activity, leading to the development of shoulder problems. Currently, it is unknown whether forward head posture alters the thickness of the scapular muscles. The aim of this study was to compare the thickness of the serratus anterior and upper and lower trapezius muscles at rest and during loaded isometric contractions in individuals with and without forward head posture.MethodsTwenty individuals with forward head posture and 20 individuals with normal head posture participated in this case‐control study. Three separate ultrasound images of the serratus anterior and upper and lower trapezius muscles were captured under 2 randomized conditions: at rest and during a loaded isometric contraction.ResultsThe thickness of each muscle significantly increased from rest to the loaded isometric contraction (P < .001). The only difference between the groups was that the thickness of the serratus anterior muscle at rest in the normal‐posture group was larger than that in the forward‐posture group (P = .01).ConclusionsForward head posture appears to be related to atrophy of the serratus anterior muscle, which may contribute to the development of shoulder problems. Further research is required to identify more about the association of forward head posture with the imbalance of shoulder girdle muscles and the impact of head posture on upper quadrant pain.
Unitary couplings, scattering suboperators and regular factorizations of bounded operator‐valued functions III
Authors: Boiko S. S. , Dubovoy V. K. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe present part of the paper develops a geometrical approach to the study of factorizations of contractive operator functions in the class . The proposed approach is based on the methods of the theory of unitary couplings elaborated in the previous sections of this article. This technique is related, first of all, to the concepts of a factorizing channel of a coupling and the factorization of the scattering suboperator of this coupling that it generates.
Parallel Replica Dynamics of Bead‐Spring Elastomers at Low Strain Rates
Authors: Subramanian Gopinath 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA new application of the recently developed superbasin‐parallel replica (ParRep) method is presented. As a demonstration of this new application, mechanical properties of elastomeric networks of Lennard‐Jones polymer chains are calculated. In this application, superbasin boundaries are placed at locations in phase space corresponding to chain breakage. It is shown that placing superbasin boundaries at this natural location satisfies the prerequisites for using superbasin‐ParRep, and for the simulations conducted, leads to a near‐ideal scaling of wall clock time with the number of replicas, thereby demonstrating the potential for a drastic extension of simulation timescales for this class of systems.
Technical Note: Experimental verification of magnetic field‐induced beam deflection and Bragg peak displacement for MR‐integrated proton therapy
Authors: Schellhammer Sonja M. , Gantz Sebastian , Lühr Armin , Oborn Bradley M. , Bussmann Michael , Hoffmann Aswin L. 
Published: May 2018

PurposeGiven its sensitivity to anatomical variations, proton therapy is expected to benefit greatly from integration with magnetic resonance imaging for online anatomy monitoring during irradiation. Such an integration raises several challenges, as both systems mutually interact. The proton beam will experience quasi‐continuous energy loss and energy‐dependent electromagnetic deflection at the same time, giving rise to a deflected beam trajectory and an altered dose distribution with a displaced Bragg peak. So far, these effects have only been predicted using Monte Carlo and analytical models, but no clear consensus has been reached and experimental benchmark data are lacking. We measured proton beam trajectories and Bragg peak displacement in a homogeneous phantom placed inside a magnetic field and compared them to simulations.MethodsPlanar dose distributions of proton pencil beams (80–180 MeV) traversing the field of a 0.95 T NdFeB permanent magnet while depositing energy in a PMMA slab phantom were measured using EBT3 radiochromic films and simulated using the Geant4 toolkit. Deflected beam trajectories and the Bragg peak displacement were extracted from the measured planar dose distributions and compared against the simulations.ResultsThe lateral beam deflection was clearly visible on the EBT3 films and ranged from 1 to 10 mm for 80 to 180 MeV, respectively. Simulated and measured beam trajectories and Bragg peak displacement agreed within 0.8 mm for all studied proton energies.ConclusionsThese results prove that the magnetic field‐induced Bragg peak displacement is both measurable and accurately predictable in a homogeneous phantom at 0.95 T, and allows Monte Carlo simulations to be used as gold standard for proton beam trajectory prediction in similar frameworks for MR‐integrated proton therapy.