bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations among tooth loss, systemic inflammation and antibody titers to periodontal pathogens in Japanese patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Aoyama N. , Suzuki J.‐I. , Kobayashi N. , Hanatani T. , Ashigaki N. , Yoshida A. , Shiheido Y. , Sato H. , Minabe M. , Izumi Y. , Isobe M. 
Published: November 2017

Background and ObjectiveIt is well known that there is a strong relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Tooth loss reflects an end‐stage condition of oral diseases, such as periodontitis. Infection with specific periodontal pathogens is known as a possible factor that influences development of CVD. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the number of residual teeth and systemic inflammatory conditions in patients with CVD.Material and MethodsWe divided 364 patients with CVD into four groups, according to the number of residual teeth: (i) ≥20 teeth; (ii) 10‐19 teeth; (iii) 1‐9 teeth; and (iv) edentulous. We recorded medical history, blood data and periodontal conditions. Serum samples were obtained and their IgG titers against three major periodontal pathogens were measured.ResultsSmoking rate and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus were higher in edentulous patients and in subjects with a few teeth compared with patients with many teeth. The levels of C‐reactive protein were higher in patients with 1‐9 teeth than in those with 10‐19 teeth and with ≥20 teeth. The level of Porphyromonas gingivalis IgG in the group with 10‐19 teeth was statistically higher than that in the group with ≥20 teeth. The level of P. gingivalis IgG in the edentulous group tended to be lower than that in the other groups.ConclusionThe patients with 1‐9 teeth had the highest level of C‐reactive protein among the four groups, and the patients with 10‐19 teeth had the highest level of IgG to periodontal bacteria. We conclude that the number of remaining teeth may be used to estimate the severity of systemic inflammation in patients with CVD.
The effect of ice crystals formations on the flesh quality of frozen horse mackerel (Trachurus japonicus)
Authors: Wang Yao , Miyazaki Riho , Saitou Shinobu , Hirasaka Katsuya , Takeshita Satoshi , Tachibana Katsuyasu , Taniyama Shigeto 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIt is known that the formation of ice crystals has a negative impact on the flesh quality of frozen meat. This study focuses on how the formation of ice crystals in the dorsal ordinary muscle affects the flesh quality of frozen horse mackerel (Trachurus japonicus). Freeze‐thawed muscle specimens (F‐TMS) of horse mackerel were first stored at −24C and then thawed. The K‐value, expressible water, breaking strength of unfrozen muscle specimens (UMS) and F‐TMS, and histological structure (light microscope [LM], scanning electron microscope [SEM] of UMS, frozen muscle specimens [FMS], and F‐TMS) were investigated. K‐values were higher in the F‐TMS than in the UMS, and the increasing rate of K‐value in F‐TMS was approximately 1.4‐fold higher than UMS. Similarly, the percentage of expressible water was higher in the F‐TMS than in the UMS. The breaking strength of the UMS decreased with storage period, but it remained at a higher level than that of F‐TMS. Numerous ice crystal formations in muscle cells of FMS and small interstices between cells of F‐TMS were observed under LM. Moreover, we observed a relatively collapsed honeycomb structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) under SEM, and found that collagen fibril networks of endomysiums became looser after thawing. Therefore, ice crystals contribute to vulnerabilities in the ECM. These results suggest that a decrease of freshness and the degradation of physical properties caused by ECM destruction may be due to the formation of ice crystals in muscle structures during freezing, leading to the deterioration of flesh quality during storage.Practical applicationsThe flesh quality deteriorated after thawing on the basis of degradation of physical properties. Moreover, it could be presumed that the K‐value increase was exacerbated by ice crystals, and the decreasing speed of chemical freshness was sped up accompanied by ice storage after thawing. Thus, the formation of ice crystals, which destroyed the muscle cells and structures, may be one of the dominant factors causing the deterioration in the flesh quality.
Safety of orally administered,USP‐compliant levothyroxine sodium tablets in dogs
Authors: Hare J. E. , Morrow C. M. K. , Caldwell J. , Lloyd W. E. 
Published: November 2017

The safety of synthetic levothyroxine sodium tablets (Thyro‐Tabs® Canine;LLOYD, Inc.) in dogs was evaluated in a randomized, sham‐dose controlled, parallel‐group study. Young, healthy, euthyroid Beagle dogs were randomized into four groups (four females and four males per group) and received single daily doses of 0×, 2× (0.044 mg/kg), 6× (0.132 mg/kg), or 10× (0.22 mg/kg) the labeled starting dose of 0.022 mg kg−1 day−1for 182 days. Every 2 weeks, physical examinations, electrocardiology examinations, and sample collections for thyroid panel, hematology, serum biochemistry, coagulation panel, and urinalysis were performed. At the end of the study, the dogs were euthanized and full necropsies performed. The most overt finding was the expected dose‐dependent increase in serum concentrations of total and free thyroxine with dose‐dependent suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis as evidenced by decreased serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone concentrations, decreased thyroid+parathyroid/body weight ratios, and a trend for decreased pituitary weight/brain weight ratios. Clinical signs of thyrotoxicosis (excitation, tachypnea, tachycardia) in the treated dogs were sporadic with no dose–response relationship. Other findings statistically associated with levothyroxine treatment were generally mild and not clinically important. In summary, doses of levothyroxine sodium up to 10× the labeled starting dose were well tolerated in healthy dogs.
Follow‐up of sustained virological responders with hepatitis C and advanced liver disease after interferon/ribavirin‐free treatment
Authors: Kozbial Karin , Moser Stephan , Al‐Zoairy Ramona , Schwarzer Remy , Datz Christian , Stauber Rudolf , Laferl Hermann , Strasser Michael , Beinhardt Sandra , Stättermayer Albert F. , Gschwantler Michael , Zoller Heinz , Maieron Andreas , Graziadei Ivo , Trauner Michael , Steindl‐Munda Petra , Hofer Harald , Ferenci Peter 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe introduction of direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) has increased sustained virological response (SVR) rates in patients with advanced liver disease and chronic hepatitis C(CHC)infection. At present, data on clinical outcome and long‐term durability of viral eradication after successful DAA therapy are scarce.AimTo evaluate the long‐term success of viral eradication in patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis treated with DAAs.MethodsFive hundred and fifty‐one patients with advanced fibrosis (n = 158) or cirrhosis (CPS‐A:317,CPS‐B/C:76) and SVR after interferon and ribavirin‐free DAA therapy treated between October 2013 and April 2016 were studied with a median follow‐up of 65.6 (13.0‐155.3) weeks. Only patients without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at baseline and without liver transplantation were included.ResultsTwelve patients (2.2%) died during follow‐up: the mortality rate was 0.6% in F3, 2.2% in CPS‐A and 5.3% in CPS‐B/C patients (P = .08). During follow‐up 36 patients with cirrhosis (9.1%) developed a liver related event, including 16 with de‐novo HCC (4.1%). Seven patients were transplanted at a median of 9.7 (range 3.8‐21.7) months after EOT. History of decompensation was significantly associated with liver related events during follow‐up (HR 7.9; 95% CI 2.7‐22.6; P < .001), and with mortality (HR 5.5; 95% CI 1.5‐20.2, P = .01).ConclusionsEradication of HCV by DAA therapy was durable irrespective of the DAA combination used. Most of the cured patients had an excellent long‐term clinical prognosis. Nevertheless, the risk of new occurrence of HCC remains worrisome and thus regular surveillance is obligatory even after clinical stabilization and improvement of the patient.
ArcR modulates biofilm formation in the dental plaque colonizer Streptococcus gordonii
Authors: Robinson J.C. , Rostami N. , Casement J. , Vollmer W. , Rickard A.H. , Jakubovics N.S. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBiofilm formation and cell‐cell sensing by the pioneer dental plaque colonizer Streptococcus gordonii are dependent upon arginine. This study aimed to identify genetic factors linking arginine‐dependent responses and biofilm formation in S. gordonii. Isogenic mutants disrupted in genes required for the biosynthesis or catabolism of arginine, or for arginine‐dependent gene regulation, were screened for their ability to form biofilms in a static culture model. Biofilm formation by a knockout mutant of arcR, encoding an arginine‐dependent regulator of transcription, was reduced to < 50% that of the wild‐type whereas other strains were unaffected. Complementation of S. gordonii ∆arcR with a plasmid‐borne copy of arcR restored the ability to develop biofilms. By DNA microarray analysis, 25 genes were differentially regulated in S. gordonii ∆arcR compared with wild‐type under arginine‐replete conditions including eight genes encoding components of phosphotransferase systems for sugar uptake. By contrast, disruption of argR or ahrC genes, which encode paralogous arginine‐dependent regulators, each resulted in significant changes in the expression of more than 100 genes. Disruption of a gene encoding a putative extracellular protein that was strongly regulated in S. gordonii ∆arcR had a minor impact on biofilm formation. We hypothesize that genes regulated by ArcR form a critical pathway linking arginine sensing to biofilm formation in S. gordonii. Further elucidation of this pathway may provide new targets for the control of dental plaque formation by inhibiting biofilm formation by a key pioneer colonizer of tooth surfaces.
World's smallest combined en bloc liver‐pancreas transplantation
Authors: Elsabbagh Ahmed M. , Hawksworth Jason , Khan Khalid M. , Yazigi Nada , Matsumoto Cal S. , Fishbein Thomas M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe present a case of a 2‐year‐old child who underwent a combined en bloc liver and pancreas transplant following complications of WRS. WRS is characterized clinically through infantile insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, neutropenia, recurrent infections, propensity for liver failure following viral infections, bone dysplasia, and developmental delay. Usually, death occurs from fulminant liver and concomitant kidney failure. Few cases with WRS are reported in the literature, mostly from consanguineous parents. To the best of our knowledge, combined en bloc liver and pancreas transplant has not been performed in small children.
Using somatosensory mismatch responses as a window into somatotopic processing of tactile stimulation
Authors: Shen Guannan , Smyk Nathan J. , Meltzoff Andrew N. , Marshall Peter J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBrain responses to tactile stimulation have often been studied through the examination of ERPs elicited to touch on the body surface. Here, we examined two factors potentially modulating the amplitude of the somatosensory mismatch negativity (sMMN) and P300 responses elicited by touch to pairs of body parts: (a) the distance between the representation of these body parts in somatosensory cortex, and (b) the physical distances between the stimulated points on the body surface. The sMMN and the P300 response were elicited by tactile stimulation in two oddball protocols. One protocol leveraged a discontinuity in cortical somatotopic organization, and involved stimulation of either the neck or the hand in relation to stimulation of the lip. The other protocol involved stimulation to the third or fifth finger in relation to the second finger. The neck‐lip pairing resulted in significantly larger sMMN responses (with shorter latencies) than the hand‐lip pairing, whereas the reverse was true for the amplitude of the P300. Mean sMMN amplitude and latency did not differ between finger pairings. However, larger P300 responses were elicited to stimulation of the fifth finger than the third finger. These results suggest that, for certain combinations of body parts, early automatic somatosensory mismatch responses may be influenced by distance between the cortical representations of these body parts, whereas the later P300 response may be more influenced by the distance between stimulated body parts on the body surface. Future investigations can shed more light on this novel suggestion.
Experiences of HIV-infected adults and healthcare providers with healthcare delivery practices influencing engagement in primary healthcare settings: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Norberg Andrea , Nelson John , Holly Cheryl , Jewell Sarah T. , Salmond Susan 
Published: November 2017

Review question/objective:
The objective of this qualitative systematic review is to examine the experience and impact of health care delivery on health care engagement for adults infected with the human immunodeficiency virus receiving primary care. This review will identify and synthesize the best available evidence on health care structures, processes and practices that promote patient engagement in primary health care.
The review question to be addressed is: What are the experiences of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) and their health care providers with health care delivery processes and practices that impact engagement in primary health care settings (clinics, physician offices, and other community-based health care settings)? Specifically this review will compile evidence to illuminate health care system structures, provider practices, care delivery and programmatic processes that impact engagement in primary health care, as perceived by PLWH and their providers.
A Model Reference Adaptive Control Framework for Uncertain Dynamical Systems With High-Order Actuator Dynamics and Unknown Actuator Outputs
Authors: Gruenwald Benjamin C. , Dogan K. Merve , Yucelen Tansel , Muse Jonathan A. 
Published: November 2017

As it is well-known, the stability properties of model reference adaptive controllers can be seriously affected by the presence of actuator dynamics. To this end, the authors recently proposed linear matrix inequalities-based hedging approaches to compute the stability limits of model reference adaptive controllers in the presence of a) scalar actuator dynamics with known outputs, b) scalar actuator dynamics with unknown outputs, and c) high-order (linear time-invariant) actuator dynamics with known outputs. The common denominator of these approaches is that they have the capability to rigorously characterize the fundamental stability interplay between the system uncertainties and the necessary bandwidth of the actuator dynamics.
Building on these results, the purpose of this paper is to extend the recent work by the authors to the general case, where there exist high-order actuator dynamics with unknown outputs in the closed-loop model reference adaptive control systems. For this purpose, we propose an observer architecture to estimate the unknown output of the actuator dynamics and use the estimated actuator output to design the linear matrix inequalities-based hedging framework. Remarkably, with the proposed observer, the sufficient stability condition in this case of unknown actuator outputs is identical to the case with known actuator outputs that was established in the prior work by the authors. Therefore, a control designer can utilize the proposed framework for practical applications when the output of the actuator dynamics is not measurable, and hence, unknown (e.g., in hypersonic vehicle applications). An illustrative numerical example complements the proposed theoretical contribution.
Salt + Glycerol-Induced Hyperhydration Enhances Fluid Retention More Than Salt- or Glycerol-Induced Hyperhydration
Authors: Goulet Eric D.B. , De La Flore Adrien , Savoie Félix A. , Gosselin Jonathan 
Published: November 2017

Hyperhydration has been demonstrated to improve work capacity and cardiovascular and thermoregulatory functions, enhance orthostatic tolerance, slow or neutralize bone demineralization, and decrease postdive bubble formation. Adding sodium or glycerol to a hyperhydration solution optimizes fluid retention. Sodium and glycerol produce their effect through different physiological mechanisms. If combined into a hyperhydration solution, their impact on fluid retention could potentially be greater than their singular effect. We compared the effect of salt-induced hyperhydration (SIH), glycerol-induced hyperhydration (GIH), and salt + glycerol-induced hyperhydration (SGIH) on fluid balance responses during a 3-hr passive experiment. Using a randomized, crossover, and counterbalanced experiment, 15 young men (22 ± 4 years) underwent three, 3-hr hyperhydration experiments during which they ingested 30 ml/kg fat-free mass (FFM) of water with an artificial sweetener plus either (a) 7.5 g of table salt/L (SIH), (b) 1.4 g glycerol/kg FFM (GIH), or (c) 7.5 g of table salt/L + 1.4 g glycerol/kg FFM (SGIH). After 3 hr, there were no significant differences in plasma volume changes among experiments (SIH: 11.3% ± 9.9%; GIH: 7.6% ± 12.7%; SGIH: 11.3% ± 13.7%). Total urine production was significantly lower (SIH: 775 ± 329 ml; GIH: 1,248 ± 270 ml; SGIH: 551 ± 208 ml) and fluid retention higher (SIH: 1,127 ± 212 ml; GIH: 729 ± 115 ml; SGIH: 1,435 ± 140 ml) with SGIH than either GIH or SIH. Abdominal discomfort was low and not significantly different among experiments. In conclusion, results show that SGIH reduces urine production and provides more fluid retention than either SIH or GIH.
Monitoring Rugby Players for Fitness and Fatigue: What Do Coaches Want?
Authors: Starling Lindsay T. , Lambert Michael I. 
Published: November 2017

Purpose: The advantages of monitoring players in a team are well documented. However, barriers associated with lack of resources and time prevent teams from implementing systematic monitoring programs. This study aimed to identify (1) the methods rugby teams use to monitor the training load and associated response to the training load and (2) prerequisites of a monitoring protocol that are scientifically suitable and practically applicable for monitoring fitness and fatigue of rugby players. Methods: Coaches and support staff working with varying levels of rugby union were invited to complete an online questionnaire. Results: Of the 55 respondents, 96% indicated that although they regarded monitoring the training load and training-load response as important, there is no monitoring protocol that is cost-effective, time efficient, and nonaversive to the players. Respondents measured several variables when monitoring and incorporated more subjective than objective measures. Respondents (41%) indicated that they would like a protocol that is time efficient (5–10 min) and provides immediate feedback on players who identify as fatigued (50%). For coaches to have confidence in the information provided by the protocol, it needs to meet basic clinimetric principles of reliability and validity. The technical and biological error in the measurement needs to be known so that meaningful changes in fatigue and fitness can be distinguished from natural variations in the measurements. Conclusions: Prerequisites of an ideal monitoring protocol for rugby players were identified. It follows that a monitoring protocol that fulfills these prerequisites should satisfy both scientific principles and the coach’s demands.
Relationship Between 2 Standardized Tackling Proficiency Tests and Rugby League Match-Play Tackle Performance
Authors: Speranza Michael J.A. , Gabbett Tim J. , Greene David A. , Johnston Rich D. , Townshend Andrew D. 
Published: November 2017

This study investigated the relationship between 2 different assessments of tackling ability, physical qualities, and match-play performance in semiprofessional rugby league players. A total of 18 semiprofessional rugby league players (mean [SD]: age = 23.1 [2.0] y and body mass = 98.8 [11.8] kg) underwent tests of upper- and lower-body strength and power. Tackling ability was assessed using video analysis of under- and over-the-ball tackle drills. A total of 2360 tackles were analyzed from match play. Over-the-ball tackle ability was positively related to the proportion of dominant tackles (Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients [rs] = .52; 95% confidence interval [CI] .07–.79, P = .03) and average play-the-ball speeds (rs = .50; 95% CI .04–.78, P = .03) and negatively related to tackles that conceded offloads (rs = −.55; 95% CI −.78 to .04, P = .04). Under-the-ball tackle ability was significantly related to the proportion of dominant tackles (rs = .57; 95% CI .14–.82, P = .01) and missed tackles (rs = −.48; 95% CI −.77 to .02, P = .05). Good over-the-ball tacklers performed proportionally more dominant tackles, allowed significantly fewer offloads, and had longer average play-the-ball speeds. Good under-the-ball tacklers missed proportionately fewer tackles. This study suggests that both the under-the-ball and over-the-ball standardized tackle assessments are associated with varying indicators of match-play tackle performance and justifies the practical utility of these tests to assess and develop both types of tackles.
Athletes Rated as Poor Single-Leg Squat Performers Display Measurable Differences in Single-Leg Squat Biomechanics Compared With Good Performers
Authors: Garrick Lachlan E. , Alexander Bryce C. , Schache Anthony G. , Pandy Marcus G. , Crossley Kay M. , Collins Natalie J. 
Published: November 2017

Context: It is important to validate single-leg squat visual rating criteria used in clinical practice and research. Foot orthoses may improve single-leg squat performance in those who demonstrate biomechanics associated with increased risk of lower limb injury. Objective: Validate visual rating criteria proposed by Crossley et al, by determining whether athletes rated as poor single-leg squat performers display different single-leg squat biomechanics than good performers; and evaluate immediate effects of foot orthoses on single-leg squat biomechanics in poor performers. Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: 79 asymptomatic athletes underwent video classification of single-leg squat performance based on established visual rating criteria (overall impression, trunk posture, pelvis “in space,” hip movement, and knee movement), and were rated as good (n = 23), fair (n = 41), or poor (n = 15) performers. Intervention: A subset of good (n = 16) and poor (n = 12) performers underwent biomechanical assessment, completing 5 continuous single-leg squats on their dominant limb while 3-dimensional motion analysis and ground reaction force data were recorded. Poor performers repeated the task standing on prefabricated foot orthoses. Main Outcome Measures: Peak external knee adduction moment (KAM) and peak angles for the trunk, hip, knee, and ankle. Results: Compared with good performers, poor performers had a significantly lower peak KAM (mean difference = 0.11 Nm/kg, 95% confidence interval = 0.02 to 0.2 Nm/kg), higher peak hip adduction angle (−4.3°, −7.6° to −0.9°), and higher peak trunk axial rotation toward their stance limb (3.8°, 0.4° to 7.2°). Foot orthoses significantly increased the peak KAM in poor performers (−0.06 Nm/kg, −0.1 to −0.01 Nm/kg), with values approximating those observed in good performers. Conclusions: Findings validate Crossley et al’s visual rating criteria for single-leg squat performance in asymptomatic athletes, and suggest that “off-the-shelf” foot orthoses may be a simple intervention for poor performers to normalize the magnitude of the external KAM during single-leg squat.