bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systemic inflammatory impact of periodontitis on acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Widén Cecilia , Holmer Helene , Coleman Michael , Tudor Marian , Ohlsson Ola , Sättlin Susanna , Renvert Stefan , Persson Goesta Rutger 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimA causative relationship between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and periodontitis has yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to assess differences in levels of serum cytokines between individuals with or without ACS or periodontal comorbidity.Material and MethodsIn a case–control study, individuals with ACS (78 individuals, 10.3% females) and matching healthy controls (78 individuals, 28.2% females) were included. Medical and dental examinations were performed to diagnose ACS and periodontitis. Serum levels of cytokines were assessed, using Luminex technology.ResultsA diagnosis of periodontitis in the ACS and control group was diagnosed in 52.6% and 12.8% of the individuals, respectively. The unadjusted odds‐ratio that individuals with ACS also had periodontitis was 7.5 (95% CI: 3.4, 16.8, p < 0.001). Independent of periodontal conditions, individuals with ACS had significantly higher serum levels of IL8 (mean: 44.3 and 40.0 pg/ml) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (mean: 82.3 and 55.3 pg/ml) than control individuals. A diagnosis of periodontitis made no difference in serum cytokine expressions.ConclusionElevated serum levels of VEGF were associated with ACS. Serum cytokine expression in individuals with ACS is unrelated to periodontal conditions.
Hybrid Computerized Adaptive Testing: From Group Sequential Design to Fully Sequential Design
Authors: Wang Shiyu , Lin Haiyan , Chang Hua‐Hua , Douglas Jeff 
Published: March 2016

Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) and multistage testing (MST) have become two of the most popular modes in large‐scale computer‐based sequential testing. Though most designs of CAT and MST exhibit strength and weakness in recent large‐scale implementations, there is no simple answer to the question of which design is better because different modes may fit different practical situations. This article proposes a hybrid adaptive framework to combine both CAT and MST, inspired by an analysis of the history of CAT and MST. The proposed procedure is a design which transitions from a group sequential design to a fully sequential design. This allows for the robustness of MST in early stages, but also shares the advantages of CAT in later stages with fine tuning of the ability estimator once its neighborhood has been identified. Simulation results showed that hybrid designs following our proposed principles provided comparable or even better estimation accuracy and efficiency than standard CAT and MST designs, especially for examinees at the two ends of the ability range.
Assessment of Person Fit Using Resampling‐Based Approaches
Authors: Sinharay Sandip 
Published: March 2016

De la Torre and Deng suggested a resampling‐based approach for person‐fit assessment (PFA). The approach involves the use of the statistic, a corrected expected a posteriori estimate of the examinee ability, and the Monte Carlo (MC) resampling method. The Type I error rate of the approach was closer to the nominal level than that of the traditional approach of using along with the assumption of a standard normal null distribution. This article suggests a generalized resampling‐based approach for PFA that allows one to employ or another person‐fit statistic (PFS) based on item response theory, the corrected expected a posteriori estimate or another ability estimate, and the MC method or another resampling method. The suggested approach includes the approach of de la Torre and Deng as a special case. Several approaches belonging to the generalized approach perform very similarly to the approach of de la Torre and Deng's in two simulation studies and in applications to three real data sets, irrespective of the PFS used. The generalized approach promises to be useful to those interested in resampling‐based PFA.
Diabetic biomarkers and the risk of proximal or distal gastric cancer
Authors: Kim Tae Jun , Lee Hyuk , Min Yang Won , Min Byung‐Hoon , Lee Jun Haeng , Son Hee Jung , Rhee Poong‐Lyul , Baek Sun‐Young , Jung Sin‐Ho , Kim Jae J 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground and AimThe role of diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for gastric cancer has been controversial. We studied the association between diabetic biomarkers and the risk of gastric cancer and whether these associations depend on cancer location.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study with subjects with negative initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy findings (n = 23 218) during a routine health checkup, we measured fasting glucose and insulin levels, calculated the homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) values, and analyzed the risk of gastric cancer in relation to diabetic biomarker tertiles and the presence of diabetes mellitus.ResultsThe incidence rate of gastric cancer was 9.7 per 10 000 person‐years during the mean 6.8‐year follow up. Patients with diabetes, higher fasting glucose levels, or higher HOMA‐IR levels were older; men, current smokers, and heavy alcohol consumers represented larger proportions of these groups. They also had high body mass index and hemoglobin A1c more often. In the multivariate‐adjusted Cox regression analyses, the incidence of gastric cancer was not significantly associated with diabetes mellitus or higher diabetic biomarker levels. Compared with normal glucose levels, lower glucose levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of distal gastric cancer. The hazard ratio for fasting glucose level tertile 1 was 2.39 (95% confidence interval, 1.48–3.85) (reference, tertile 2). Lower glucose levels were not associated with a risk of proximal gastric cancer, compared with a normal glucose level.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that fasting glucose levels have a different effect on distal and proximal gastric cancers.
Understanding the causes of obesity in children with trisomy 21: hyperphagia vs physical inactivity
Authors: Foerste T. , Sabin M. , Reid S. , Reddihough D. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of becoming overweight or obese. This is particularly evident in people with trisomy 21 and Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Although metabolic factors are known to contribute to obesity in trisomy 21 and hyperphagia plays a primary role in PWS, hyperphagia has not yet been investigated as a possible contributing factor to obesity in trisomy 21.MethodsParticipants comprised three diagnostic groups: trisomy 21 (T21 group), PWS (PWS group) and lifestyle‐related obesity (LRO group). They were required to be aged 6–18 years and have a body mass index over the 85th percentile for age and gender. A parent of each participant completed the Hyperphagia Questionnaire and the Children's Leisure Activity Study Survey. Mean scores for each domain and across all domains of the Hyperphagia Questionnaire and the Children's Leisure Activity Study Survey were compared between diagnostic groups using linear regression analysis.ResultsThe study group consisted of 52 young people (23 men and 29 women) aged 6–18 years (mean 12.5 years; T21 group n = 17, PWS group n = 16 and LRO group n = 19). As hypothesised, the PWS group had the highest mean scores across all domains of the Hyperphagia Questionnaire, and the LRO group had the lowest. Food‐seeking behaviour was more pronounced in the PWS group than the T21 group (mean score 13.2 vs. 8.6, p = 0.008). The LRO group spent more hours per week engaged in physical activity (14.7) in comparison with the other groups (9.6 and 9.7), whereas between the groups, differences in time spent in sedentary activities were less pronounced.ConclusionsPreoccupation with food and low levels of physical activity may contribute to the development of overweight and obesity in some individuals with trisomy 21. These factors warrant consideration in the clinical context.
Prion protein in exosomes: partnering Aβ peptides and driving fibrilization
Authors: Martins Vilma R. , Prado Marco A. M. 
Published: March 2016

image
This Editorial highlights a study by Falker and coworkers in which the authors expanded the notion of how prion protein (PrPC) can be involved with the neurotoxicity promoted by Aβ oligomers, the most toxic component in Alzheimer's Disease. While confirming that PrPC is secreted from cells in exosomes, they showed that at the surface of these vesicles PrPC is capable of binding to dimeric up to pentameric, oligomeric Aβ42, and Aβ42 fibrils. In addition, by binding to diverse oligomeric Aβ42 components, exosomal PrPC accelerated Aβ42 fibrilization leading to decrease in the neurotoxicity mediated by Aβ42 as well as Aβ42 internalization. These data suggest an opportunity to design new therapeutic compounds for Alzheimer's disease.Read the highlighted article ‘Exosomal cellular prion protein drives fibrillization of amyloid beta and counteracts amyloid beta‐mediated neurotoxicity’ on page 88.
WHICH PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE HAVE THE GREATEST SYMPTOM BURDEN? A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ADVANCED CKD STAGE AND DIALYSIS MODALITY
Authors: Almutary Hayfa , Bonner Ann , Douglas Clint 
Published: March 2016

SUMMARYBackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to a range of symptoms, which are often under‐recognised and little is known about the multidimensional symptom experience in advanced CKD.ObjectivesTo examine (1) symptom burden at CKD stages 4 and 5, and dialysis modalities, and (2) demographic and renal history correlates of symptom burden.MethodsUsing a cross‐sectional design, a convenience sample of 436 people with CKD was recruited from three hospitals. The CKD Symptom Burden Index (CKD‐SBI) was used to measure the prevalence, severity, distress and frequency of 32 symptoms. Demographic and renal history data were also collected.ResultsOf the sample, 75.5 % were receiving dialysis (haemodialysis, n = 287; peritoneal dialysis, n = 42) and 24.5 % were not undergoing dialysis (stage 4, n = 69; stage 5, n = 38). Participants reported an average of 13.01 ± 7.67 symptoms. Fatigue and pain were common and burdensome across all symptom dimensions. While approximately one‐third experienced sexual symptoms, when reported these symptoms were frequent, severe and distressing. Haemodialysis, older age and being female were independently associated with greater symptom burden.ConclusionsIn CKD, symptom burden is better understood when capturing the multidimensional aspects of a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Fatigue, pain and sexual dysfunction are key contributors to symptom burden, and these symptoms are often under‐recognised and warrant routine assessment. The CKD‐SBI offers a valuable tool for renal clinicians to assess symptom burden, leading to the commencement of timely and appropriate interventions.
Prosodic Boundary Strengthening in the Phonetics–Prosody Interface
Authors: Cho Taehong 
Published: March 2016

AbstractProsodic structure has been assumed to serve as a frame for articulation, so that phonetic shaping of abstract phonological representations is fine‐tuned as a function of the prosodic system of the language. The intricate relationship between phonetics and prosodic structure has been explored in the literature under the rubric of the phonetics–prosody interface. This paper reviews various aspects of the phonetics–prosody interface and discusses how prosodic structure modulates phonetic realization within and across languages. A particular attention is paid to boundary‐related prosodic strengthening (i.e., spatial and/or temporal expansion of articulation that arises in the vicinity of prosodic junctures), especially in association with domain‐initial positions (also known as domain‐initial strengthening, DIS, effects). Prosodic boundary strengthening is further discussed in terms of how it is language‐specifically fine‐tuned, how it is understood in dynamical terms, and how it relates to linguistic functions (as syntagmatic vs. paradigmatic contrast enhancement) that are all further conditioned by other factors of the linguistic sound system of individual languages such as the prominence system and the phonetic feature system.
Amphibian‐killing chytrid in Brazil comprises both locally endemic and globally expanding populations
Authors: Jenkinson T. S. , Betancourt Román C. M. , Lambertini C. , Valencia‐Aguilar A. , Rodriguez D. , Nunes‐de‐Almeida C. H. L. , Ruggeri J. , Belasen A. M. , da Silva Leite D. , Zamudio K. R. , Longcore J. E. , Toledo L. F. , James T. Y. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractChytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is the emerging infectious disease implicated in recent population declines and extinctions of amphibian species worldwide. Bd strains from regions of disease‐associated amphibian decline to date have all belonged to a single, hypervirulent clonal genotype (Bd‐GPL). However, earlier studies in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil detected a novel, putatively enzootic lineage (Bd‐Brazil), and indicated hybridization between Bd‐GPL and Bd‐Brazil. Here, we characterize the spatial distribution and population history of these sympatric lineages in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. To investigate the genetic structure of Bd in this region, we collected and genotyped Bd strains along a 2400‐km transect of the Atlantic Forest. Bd‐Brazil genotypes were restricted to a narrow geographic range in the southern Atlantic Forest, while Bd‐GPL strains were widespread and largely geographically unstructured. Bd population genetics in this region support the hypothesis that the recently discovered Brazilian lineage is enzootic in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and that Bd‐GPL is a more recently expanded invasive. We collected additional hybrid isolates that demonstrate the recurrence of hybridization between panzootic and enzootic lineages, thereby confirming the existence of a hybrid zone in the Serra da Graciosa mountain range of Paraná State. Our field observations suggest that Bd‐GPL may be more infective towards native Brazilian amphibians, and potentially more effective at dispersing across a fragmented landscape. We also provide further evidence of pathogen translocations mediated by the Brazilian ranaculture industry with implications for regulations and policies on global amphibian trade.
Space Perception, Visual Dissonance and the Fate of Standard Representationalism
Authors: Masrour Farid 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper argues that a common form of representationalism has trouble accommodating empirical findings about visual space perception. Vision science tells us that the visual system systematically gives rise to different experiences of the same spatial property. This, combined with a naturalistic account of content, suggests that the same spatial property can have different veridical looks. I use this to argue that a common form of representationalism about spatial experience must be rejected. I conclude by considering alternatives to this view.
Nitrogen remobilization and conservation, and underlying senescence‐associated gene expression in the perennial switchgrass Panicum virgatum
Authors: Yang Jiading , Worley Eric , Ma Qin , Li Jun , Torres‐Jerez Ivone , Li Gaoyang , Zhao Patrick X. , Xu Ying , Tang Yuhong , Udvardi Michael 
Published: March 2016

Summary

Improving nitrogen (N) remobilization from aboveground to underground organs during yearly shoot senescence is an important goal for sustainable production of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) as a biofuel crop. Little is known about the genetic control of senescence and N use efficiency in perennial grasses such as switchgrass, which limits our ability to improve the process.

Switchgrass aboveground organs (leaves, stems and inflorescences) and underground organs (crowns and roots) were harvested every month over a 3‐yr period. Transcriptome analysis was performed to identify genes differentially expressed in various organs during development.

Total N content in aboveground organs increased from spring until the end of summer, then decreased concomitant with senescence, while N content in underground organs exhibited an increase roughly matching the decrease in shoot N during fall. Hundreds of senescence‐associated genes were identified in leaves and stems. Functional grouping indicated that regulation of transcription and protein degradation play important roles in shoot senescence. Coexpression networks predict important roles for five switchgrass NAC (NAM, ATAF1,2, CUC2) transcription factors (TFs) and other TF family members in orchestrating metabolism of carbohydrates, N and lipids, protein modification/degradation, and transport processes during senescence.

This study establishes a molecular basis for understanding and enhancing N remobilization and conservation in switchgrass.
A Comparison of the Sensitivity of Brush Allodynia and Semmes–Weinstein Monofilament Testing in the Detection of Allodynia Within Regions of Secondary Hyperalgesia in Humans
Authors: Maracle Emmalee C. , Hung Laurie Y. , Fell Sabrina I. , Osmond Michael R. , Brown Stephen H. M. , Srbely John Z. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundTwo of the most common Quantitative Sensory Techniques (QST) employed to detect allodynia include mechanical brush allodynia and Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments. However, their relative sensitivity at detecting allodynia is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity of brush allodynia against Semmes–Weinstein monofilament technique for detecting allodynia within regions of secondary hyperalgesia in humans.MethodsTwenty subjects (10 males, 10 females; 21.1 ± 0.9 years) were recruited and randomly allocated to allodynia or monofilament groups. Topical capsaicin (Zostrix 0.075%) was applied to a target region defined by C4–C7 dermatomes. Allodynia testing was performed at 0‐ (baseline) and 10 minutes postcapsaicin. The Semmes–Weinstein group assessed changes in skin sensitivity 8 cm inferior to target region and 2 cm lateral to the spinous process, while brush allodynia was employed to detect the point inferior to the target region where subjects reported changes in skin sensitivity. The distance (cm) from this point to the inferior border of the target region was termed the Allodynia Score.ResultsStatistically significant increases in the Allodynia Score were observed at 10 minutes postcapsaicin compared to baseline (P < 0.001). No differences in monofilament scores were observed between 10 minutes postcapsaicin and baseline (P = 0.125). Brush allodynia also demonstrated superior sensitivity, detecting allodynia in 100% of cases compared to 60% in the Semmes–Weinstein group.ConclusionBrush allodynia is more sensitive than Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments for detecting mechanical allodynia in regions of secondary hyperalgesia. Brush allodynia may be preferred over Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments for clinical applications requiring reliable detection of allodynia.
Pigment Loss in Patients with Large Congenital Melanocytic Nevi: Various Clinical Presentations Documented in a Large Series
Authors: Polat Ekinci Algün , Kiliç Sila , Baykal Can 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesThe association between vitiligo and congenital melanocytic nevi remains incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of depigmentation, including vitiligo, in patients with a large congenital melanocytic nevus (LCMN), which is a rare melanocytic tumor variant.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the files of 92 patients with an LCMN, including photographic documentation regarding the presence of pigment loss on the nevus mass, around the nevus, around the satellites, and elsewhere on the body.ResultsDepigmentation was observed in 8 (8.7%) of 92 patients with an LCMN. Depigmented areas within the main nevus mass were observed in six patients, and adjacent or remote vitiligo was observed in four patients. One patient also demonstrated halo depigmentation around some satellite nevi.ConclusionThe coexistence of an LCMN with vitiligo does not appear to be rare and may occur with a spectrum of clinical presentations.
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Type I Interferon Signature in Lichen Striatus
Authors: Badr Dana , Abadi Rami , Kurban Mazen , Abbas Ossama 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesIn addition to several infectious and neoplastic cutaneous entities, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple cutaneous inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including those characterized histologically by an “interface dermatitis” pattern such as lupus or lichen planus (LP), but their role in lichen striatus (LS), which is also known to have this histologic inflammatory pattern, has never been studied. The objective of the study was to investigate the role of pDCs in LS.MethodsFifteen LS patients were found in our database and were immunohistochemically tested for pDC occurrence and activity using anti‐blood‐derived dendritic cell antigen‐2 and anti‐myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) antibodies, respectively. These individuals were also compared with 15 individuals with LP.ResultspDCs were present in all individuals with LS and LP, but they were less abundant in those with LS, although MxA (surrogate marker of local type I interferon production and thus an indirect assessment of pDC activity) was similarly intense and diffuse in all individuals with LS and LP. In addition to being part of the upper dermal inflammatory bandlike infiltrate as in LP, LS cases, unlike LP, also showed perieccrine pDCs.ConclusionspDCs constitute a central component of the inflammatory infiltrate in LS, suggesting a significant role in its pathogenesis. pDC distribution (perieccrine distribution) could also help in microscopically differentiating LS from LP.
An Average Error‐Ellipsoid Model for Evaluating TLS Point‐Cloud Accuracy
Authors: Chen Xijiang , Zhang Guang , Hua Xianghong , Xuan Wei 
Published: March 2016

AbstractEstimation of the accuracy of terrestrial laser scanning has become a topical research issue. Point‐cloud accuracy should be clearly differentiated from the accuracy of individual points, as it is influenced by positional errors and adjacent error spaces. Furthermore, it cannot be determined by the sum of positional errors. In this paper it is proposed that the average error‐ellipsoid model is favourable for evaluating the accuracy of point clouds. Central to this model is the computation of the overlap between adjacent error ellipsoids and the determination of a functional relationship between the average volume of error ellipsoids and the point‐cloud accuracy. This paper outlines the key advantages of the proposed evaluation model, such as the capability of providing an estimate of local point‐cloud accuracy. The effectiveness of the model is discussed using a validation experiment.