bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trajectory of social inequalities in the treatment of dental caries among preschool children in Japan
Authors: Aida Jun , Matsuyama Yusuke , Tabuchi Takahiro , Komazaki Yuko , Tsuboya Toru , Kato Tsuguhiko , Osaka Ken , Fujiwara Takeo 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe longitudinal trend of dental health inequalities among preschool children has not been described. In this study, we aimed to measure the trajectory of both relative and absolute inequalities in caries treatment among preschool children in Japan.MethodsWe used data from the Longitudinal Survey of Babies in the 21st Century (LSB21), which is an ongoing national representative longitudinal study. The target population was families residing in Japan with newborn baby/babies born between 10 January and 17 January or 10 July and 17 July 2001. Data regarding caries treatment history and socioeconomic status (SES) were collected using a self‐reported questionnaire. SES was assessed on the basis of the parents’ educational attainment. In total, 35 260 children were followed from 2.5 to 5.5 years through annual surveys. To evaluate absolute and relative inequalities, we calculated the slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII), respectively.ResultsThe rate of caries treatment at the age of 2.5 years was <10% for all SES groups; this increased to more than 30% at 5.5 years of age. Children with lower SES received more frequent caries treatment, and both absolute and relative social inequalities were statistically significant. SII showed a significant increase throughout the follow‐up period, with values of 4.13% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.16; 5.09) and 15.50% (95% CI, 13.68; 17.32) at 2.5 and 5.5 years of age, respectively. In contrast, RII decreased with an increase in the treatment rate for all groups, with values of 1.83 (95% CI, 1.59; 2.11) and 1.53 (95% CI, 1.46; 1.61) at 2.5 and 5.5 years of age, respectively.ConclusionOur results suggest that the rate of caries treatment is higher for preschool children with lower SES in Japan, with significant widening of absolute inequalities along with the growth of the children.
Carcinoembryonic antigen directed PET−CECT scanning for postoperative surveillance of colorectal cancer
Authors: Vallam K. C. , Guruchannabasavaiah B. , Agrawal A. , Rangarajan V. , Ostwal V. , Engineer R. , Saklani A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimDuring the follow‐up of surgically resected colorectal cancer (CRC), positron emission tomography–contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (PET–CECT) is indicated for asymptomatic elevation of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) > 5 ng/ml and no obvious site of recurrence on clinical examination and basic imaging. As an institutional policy, a PET–CECT scan was performed at our institute whenever (1) CEA levels rose above 5 ng/ml and (2) CEA values were doubled (even if the CEA level was < 5 ng/ml). Our aim was to correlate the range of CEA elevation with recurrence rates and to evaluate the diagnostic utility of PET–CECT scanning in this setting.MethodWe retrospectively analysed all cases where a PET–CECT scan was performed for elevated CEA levels during surveillance visits after complete resection of the primary tumour followed by adjuvant therapy. This study was conducted from 1 January 2013 to 31 July 2015.ResultsIn all, 104 patients underwent a PET–CECT scan for rising CEA values, and 62 patients (59.6%) were found to have recurrent disease. At CEA levels < 5, 5.1–10, 10.1–15, 15.1–50 and > 50 ng/ml, disease recurred in 10%, 45%, 70%, 94% and 100% patients, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the PET–CECT scan were 92.7%, 95.2%, 96.2% and 90.9%, respectively. Elevation of CEA levels during follow‐up was indicative of recurrence in 68% of the secretors and 45% of the non‐secretors (based on baseline CEA status).ConclusionIn the setting of rising CEA levels during follow‐up of patients with CRC, a PET–CECT scan is a valuable tool to detect recurrence, irrespective of the baseline CEA secretor status. The likelihood of recurrence of disease was directly proportional to the value of the raised CEA level.
Automated ultrasound edge‐tracking software comparable to established semi‐automated reference software for carotid intima‐media thickness analysis
Authors: Shenouda Ninette , Proudfoot Nicole A. , Currie Katharine D. , Timmons Brian W. , MacDonald Maureen J. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryMany commercial ultrasound systems are now including automated analysis packages for the determination of carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT); however, details regarding their algorithms and methodology are not published. Few studies have compared their accuracy and reliability with previously established automated software, and those that have were in asymptomatic adults. Therefore, this study compared cIMT measures from a fully automated ultrasound edge‐tracking software (EchoPAC PC, Version 110.0.2; GE Medical Systems, Horten, Norway) to an established semi‐automated reference software (Artery Measurement System (AMS) II, Version 1.141; Gothenburg, Sweden) in 30 healthy preschool children (ages 3–5 years) and 27 adults with coronary artery disease (CAD; ages 48–81 years). For both groups, Bland–Altman plots revealed good agreement with a negligible mean cIMT difference of −0·03 mm. Software differences were statistically, but not clinically, significant for preschool images (P = 0·001) and were not significant for CAD images (P = 0·09). Intra‐ and interoperator repeatability was high and comparable between software for preschool images (ICC, 0·90–0·96; CV, 1·3–2·5%), but slightly higher with the automated ultrasound than the semi‐automated reference software for CAD images (ICC, 0·98–0·99; CV, 1·4–2·0% versus ICC, 0·84–0·89; CV, 5·6–6·8%). These findings suggest that the automated ultrasound software produces valid cIMT values in healthy preschool children and adults with CAD. Automated ultrasound software may be useful for ensuring consistency among multisite research initiatives or large cohort studies involving repeated cIMT measures, particularly in adults with documented CAD.
Predictors of outcome among patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplantation
Authors: Banga Amit , Batchelor Elizabeth , Mohanka Manish , Bollineni Srinivas , Kaza Vaidehi , Mullins Jessica , Tran Melissa , Bajona Pietro , Peltz Matthias , Wait Michael , Torres Fernando 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere is a lack of data regarding clinical variables associated with successful bridge to lung transplantation (LT) using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.MethodsWe reviewed the institutional database for patients supported with veno‐venous (VV) or veno‐arterial ECMO as a bridge to LT (n=25; mean age: 50.6±14.2 years). We recorded clinical and laboratory variables, findings on echocardiogram and development of organ dysfunction along with hospital and one‐year survival. Variables were compared between patients successfully bridged to LT versus those who were not.ResultsThe most common diagnostic group was interstitial lung disease (18/25, 72%). VV‐ECMO was used in the majority (84%). Fifteen patients (60%) were successfully bridged to LT, and the majority were alive at 1 year (14/15, 93.3%). The presence of right ventricular systolic dysfunction on pre‐ECMO echocardiogram was associated with increased risk of unsuccessful bridging (OR, 95% CI: 2.67, 1.01‐6.99, P=.041). While on ECMO, trough albumin levels <2.5 gm%, peak blood urea nitrogen levels >35 mg/dL and positive fluid balance were also associated with failure to bridge to LT.ConclusionsAmong patients awaiting LT, the presence of RV systolic dysfunction before ECMO initiation along with worsening renal functions, low albumin levels, and volume overload is associated with poor outcomes.
Real‐time activation of central cholinergic circuits during recognition memory
Authors: Bonnì Sonia , Ponzo Viviana , Di Lorenzo Francesco , Caltagirone Carlo , Koch Giacomo 
Published: April 2017

AbstractShort latency afferent inhibition (SAI) is a paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol that consists in the inhibition of the motor evoked potentials (MEPs) by afferent sensory impulses. SAI is thought to be mediated by cholinergic projections over M1 and can be considered a putative marker of central cholinergic activity. It is known that memory processes are regulated by acetylcholine. Nonetheless, the influence of memory tasks on SAI has not been investigated. Here we tested changes in SAI circuits in healthy subjects performing a computerized non‐verbal recognition memory task (RMT) requiring to recognize previously encoded faces. SAI protocol was recorded during five phases of the RMT: baseline, encoding, consolidation, retrieval, and post‐task. In the control task, subjects were asked to judge a visual feature of not previously presented faces. SAI protocol was applied over the same conditions as in the RMT. We found that SAI remarkably increases during the retrieval phase of the RMT as compared to baseline. On the other hand no change was observed during the control task. These findings show that SAI can be modulated by ongoing memory processes and support the hypothesis that SAI can be considered as a neurophysiological marker of central cholinergic activity.
Direct and indirect effects of attention and visual function on gait impairment in Parkinson's disease: influence of task and turning
Authors: Stuart Samuel , Galna Brook , Delicato Louise S. , Lord Sue , Rochester Lynn 
Published: April 2017

AbstractGait impairment is a core feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) which has been linked to cognitive and visual deficits, but interactions between these features are poorly understood. Monitoring saccades allows investigation of real‐time cognitive and visual processes and their impact on gait when walking. This study explored: (i) saccade frequency when walking under different attentional manipulations of turning and dual‐task; and (ii) direct and indirect relationships between saccades, gait impairment, vision and attention. Saccade frequency (number of fast eye movements per‐second) was measured during gait in 60 PD and 40 age‐matched control participants using a mobile eye‐tracker. Saccade frequency was significantly reduced in PD compared to controls during all conditions. However, saccade frequency increased with a turn and decreased under dual‐task for both groups. Poorer attention directly related to saccade frequency, visual function and gait impairment in PD, but not controls. Saccade frequency did not directly relate to gait in PD, but did in controls. Instead, saccade frequency and visual function deficit indirectly impacted gait impairment in PD, which was underpinned by their relationship with attention. In conclusion, our results suggest a vital role for attention with direct and indirect influences on gait impairment in PD. Attention directly impacted saccade frequency, visual function and gait impairment in PD, with connotations for falls. It also underpinned indirect impact of visual and saccadic impairment on gait. Attention therefore represents a key therapeutic target that should be considered in future research.
Optimal ownership structure in private equity
Authors: Liu Bo , Liu Yang , Yang Jinqiang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe develop a tractable model to analyse the valuation of a general partner (GP) and the ownership allocation in a private equity (PE) fund. Our results indicate that holding ownership will increase GP's value. We further explore the influential factors that affect GP's optimal ownership decision. Our model predicts that GP's managerial skill has positive effects on GP's shareholding choice. Factors such as leverage, unspanned risks, GP's compensation have negative impacts on GP ownership decision. The fund's maturity has a non‐monotonic and concave influence. Moreover, the widely used performance measures implied by our model are consistent with empirical findings.
Integration PCK: Modeling the Knowledge(s) Underlying a World Language Teacher's Implementation of CBI
Authors: Troyan Francis J. , Cammarata Laurent , Martel Jason 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis case study enabled researchers to understand the knowledge embedded in a world language teacher's enactment of content‐based instruction (CBI) through the lens of a theoretical model inspired by Shulman's (1987) construct of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The model, called integration pedagogical content knowledge (I–PCK), represents an adaptation of PCK that explicitly addresses the expanded set of content knowledge that is necessary for teachers to effectively implement CBI. Through descriptions of the participant's knowledge and experiences, the case study documents the I–PCK model in action, highlighting her strengths when integrating both academic content and world language learning and allowing specific areas that were in need of further development to be pinpointed. Findings suggest that the model can inform the work of language teacher education and professional development focused on CBI.
Disparities in HIV‐1 transmitted drug resistance detected by ultradeep sequencing between men who have sex with men and heterosexual populations
Authors: Todesco E , Charpentier C , Bertine M , Wirden M , Storto A , Desire N , Grude M , Nguyen T , Sayon S , Yazdanpanah Y , Katlama C , Descamps D , Calvez V , Marcelin AG 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesTransmitted drug resistance (TDR) can impair the response to first‐line antiretroviral therapy. In treatment‐naïve patients chronically infected with HIV type 1 (HIV‐1), it was previously shown through Sanger sequencing that TDR was more common in men who have sex with men (MSM) than in other transmission risk groups. We aimed to compare two HIV‐1 transmission groups in terms of the presence of TDR mutations.MethodsWe investigated, through Sanger sequencing and ultradeep sequencing (UDS), the presence of resistance mutations, both in majority (> 20%) and in minority (1−20%) proportions, in 70 treatment‐naïve MSM and 70 treatment‐naïve heterosexual patients who recently screened positive for HIV‐1.ResultsThe global prevalence of TDR was not significantly different between the two groups, either by Sanger or by UDS. Nevertheless, a higher frequency of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor TDR was observed among heterosexual patients (P = 0.04). There was also a trend for a higher frequency of TDR among MSM infected with HIV‐1 subtype B compared with MSM infected with HIV‐1 non‐B subtypes (P = 0.06).ConclusionsUltradeep sequencing UDS allowed sensitive monitoring of TDR, and highlighted some disparities between transmission groups.
Response of confection sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grown in a semi‐arid environment to planting date and early termination of irrigation
Authors: Joshi V. R. , Heitholt J. J. , Garcia y Garcia A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAdjustments on planting date and on the time to terminate irrigation may reduce agricultural water use. However, such management practices in regions with extreme weather conditions have the potential to negatively affect yield. A 3‐year (2012–2014) study was conducted on a clay‐loam soil in a cool, semi‐arid environment to (i) determine the response of confection sunflower to planting date and irrigation termination timing and (ii) identify the relative importance of yield components in irrigated confection sunflower across planting dates. Early May planting had considerable negative effects on all studied variables, except on the percentage of large seeds. The highest yield of total and large seeds was obtained from the late May plantings, averaging 3,777 and 3,379 kg/ha, respectively. None of the irrigation strategies affected the measured variables. However, the interaction between planting date and termination of irrigation significantly affected the 1,000‐seed weight. Our study revealed the last week of May as suitable planting period for confection sunflower in the semi‐arid north‐western region of Wyoming, USA, and that irrigation on heavy soils may be terminated as early as at R5.5 stage without a significant yield reduction. The path‐coefficient analysis indicated head diameter and the number of seeds per head as important traits that significantly influence the yield of confection sunflower across planting dates.
Endoscopic meatus scoring scale versus sniff test to predict insertability before transnasal endoscopy: A prospective, randomized study
Authors: Hu Chi‐Tan , Lei Wei‐Yi , Lin Jen‐Shung , Hung Jui‐Sheng 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackground and AimSniff test is a common method before unsedated transnasal esophago‐gastro‐duodenoscopy (UT‐EGD) to select a nostril insertion site. Yet there is no objective method to select a more specific meatus insertion tract for anesthesia and insertion. We devised an endoscopic meatus scoring scale by anterior meatuscopy to select the most optimal meatus insertion tract. We hypothesized that meatuscopy instead of sniff test might improve tolerance and reduce adverse events during nasal anesthesia and UT‐EGD.MethodsA prospective randomized controlled trial to compare patient tolerance and adverse events.ResultsA total of 359 patients were assessed and finally 310 patients were analyzed. There were no statistical differences in patient characteristics and insertion failure rates. Pain scores during nasal anesthesia, nasal insertion/exsertion, UT‐EGD, and overall tolerance were significantly lower in the meatuscopy group than sniff test group. Compared with the sniff tested patients, the meatuscopied patients had significantly lower epistaxis rates during insertion/exsertion, better visual capacity after decongestive anesthesia, and shorter total procedure time. A significantly higher proportion of the meatuscopied than sniff tested patients would like to receive the same procedure next time. Nasal discharge, nasal pain, epistaxis, and blowing out blood clots occurred significantly less frequent in the meatuscopy group than sniff test group. More sniff tested than meatuscopied patients had headache, delayed epistaxis, and sinusitis although they were not statistically significant.ConclusionSelection of an optimal meatus insertion tract by an anterior meatuscopy causes lesser nasal pain, epistaxis, and post‐procedural side effects in nasal anesthesia and UT‐EGD than the conventional sniff test.
Oestrone-targeted liposomes for mitoxantrone delivery via oestrogen receptor – synthesis, physicochemical characterization and in-vitro evaluation
Authors: Hao Qiang , Xu Guoxing , Yang Yue , Sun Yuxin , Cong Dengli , Li Hongrui , Liu Xin , Wang Zeng , Zhang Zheng , Chen Jinglin , Li Yao , Luan Xue , Wang Lin , Tian Lin , Liu Kun , Li Yan , Jiao Qianru , Pei Jin 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Objectives
Targeted delivery of mitoxantrone (MTO, an anthraquinone drug with high antitumour effect) may be achieved using a novel nanoparticulate delivery system via binding the oestrogen receptor (ER, highly expressed in a variety of human tumours).

Methods
A novel liposomal nanoparticle (NP) was developed using a conjugate derived from 1, 2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino (polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG2000-NH2) and oestrone (ES, is known to bind the ER) to produce an ES-targeted PEGylated liposome (ES-SSL). The resulting targeted NP was loaded with MTO to produce a targeted liposome-MTO formulation (ES-SSL-MTO).

Key findings
The targeted formulation (~140 nm, 1.5 mV) achieved over 95% drug encapsulation efficiency and a favourable stability at 4, 25 and 37 °C up to 48 h. The flow cytometric data indicated that cellular uptake of ES-SSL into human leukaemia HL-60 cells was mediated via binding the oestrogen receptor. In addition, the ES-SSL-MTO significantly reduced the growth of HL-60 cells.

Conclusions
Our results provide a proof of principle that ES-modified PEGylated liposomes can target the ER, thereby potentially improving the therapeutic benefits in ER-overexpressed tumours.
Trialling nutrient recommendations for slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) based on wild feeding ecology
Authors: Cabana F. , Dierenfeld E. , Wirdateti W. , Donati G. , Nekaris K. A. I. 
Published: April 2017

SummarySlow loris (Nycticebus spp.) captive diets have been based on routine and anecdotes rather than scientific fact. The growing body of evidence contradicts the high fruit diet supported by such anecdotes. Non‐human primate nutrient requirements are grouped into new (based on the common marmoset Callithrix jacchus) or old world (based on rhesus macaques Macaca mulatta) primates. Slow lorises are known to suffer from many health ailments in captivity such as dental disease, obesity, wasting and kidney issues all of which have been linked to diet. This study aimed to estimate nutrient intake from free‐ranging slow lorises and to determine whether this intake can be used as nutrient recommendations. We collected data of nutrient intake, food passage rate and digestibility of captive slow lorises on three diet treatments 1: current captive type diet which is mostly fruits, 2: wild‐type diet made only of food items from their natural diet, 3: new diet made to reflect wild slow loris nutrient intake. In order to validate our nutrient recommendations, diets 2 and 3 would have to be significantly different to Diet 1 in terms of nutrients, but not different from each other. Captive diets were significantly higher in soluble carbohydrates and lower in minerals and fibre fractions than both diets 2 and 3. Diets 2 and 3 led to a significantly increased food passage time and to more effective fibre and calcium digestion compared to Diet 1. We also observed obese individuals lost weight and underweight individuals gained weight. Our nutrient recommendations have been validated by our trials, and new or old world monkey nutrient recommendations are not consistent with our results. Diets should be high in protein and fibre and low in soluble carbohydrates and fats.
Dissociation between the neural correlates of conscious face perception and visual attention
Authors: Navajas Joaquin , Nitka Aleksander W. , Quian Quiroga Rodrigo 
Published: April 2017

AbstractGiven the higher chance to recognize attended compared to unattended stimuli, the specific neural correlates of these two processes, attention and awareness, tend to be intermingled in experimental designs. In this study, we dissociated the neural correlates of conscious face perception from the effects of visual attention. To do this, we presented faces at the threshold of awareness and manipulated attention through the use of exogenous prestimulus cues. We show that the N170 component, a scalp EEG marker of face perception, was modulated independently by attention and by awareness. An earlier P1 component was not modulated by either of the two effects and a later P3 component was indicative of awareness but not of attention. These claims are supported by converging evidence from (a) modulations observed in the average evoked potentials, (b) correlations between neural and behavioral data at the single‐subject level, and (c) single‐trial analyses. Overall, our results show a clear dissociation between the neural substrates of attention and awareness. Based on these results, we argue that conscious face perception is triggered by a boost in face‐selective cortical ensembles that can be modulated by, but are still independent from, visual attention.