bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of initial caries lesions on quality of life in preschool children: a 2‐year cohort study
Authors: Guedes Renata S. , Ardenghi Thiago M. , Piovesan Chaiana , Emmanuelli Bruno , Mendes Fausto M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to assess the impact of the presence of initial and other stages of dental caries on the impairment of oral health‐related quality of life in preschool children (COHRQoL) through a cohort study.MethodsDuring an epidemiological survey, 478 children (12–59 months old) were examined for dental caries using the International Caries and Detection Assessment System (ICDAS), and their parents answered the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Children were categorized based on the presence of dental caries as follows: children with no caries lesions, children with only initial lesions (ICDAS scores 1 and 2), children with at least one moderate lesion (ICDAS scores 3 and 4) and children with extensive lesions (ICDAS scores 5 and 6). After 2 years, 352 children were re‐examined for the presence of dentine cavitations, and their parents completed a new ECOHIS questionnaire. Multilevel Poisson regression analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of the presence of different stages of caries lesions at the baseline on COHRQoL impairment at the follow‐up, considering two outcome variables: worsening and severe worsening of COHRQoL. Relative risk values (RR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated.ResultsWorsening or severe worsening of the COHRQoL at the follow‐up were observed only in children with moderate lesions (RR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.30–3.08 and RR = 2.38; 95% CI = 1.31–4.34, respectively) or children with extensive lesions (RR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.10–2.30 for worsening and RR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.13–3.12 for severe worsening). On the other hand, the presence of only initial caries lesions was not a significant predictor of COHRQoL impairment.ConclusionsThe presence of only initial caries lesions does not impair COHRQoL of preschool children; however, moderate and extensive lesions are risk factors for worsening of the COHRQoL.
Does providing written dietary advice improve the ingestion of non‐allergic nuts in children with existing nut allergies? – A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Norman M. , South C. , Quinn P. , Chan D. , Palmer S. , Netting M. , Gold M. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundAllergy to one or more nuts is common in children and often complete nut avoidance is advised. More recently, introduction of non‐allergic nuts into the diet is advised by some allergists.ObjectiveThis study aims to determine whether the provision of additional written dietary advice increases the ingestion of non‐allergic nuts by children with nut allergy. Secondary aims include determining which factors facilitate or prevent successful inclusion of non‐allergic nuts in the diet, and how inclusion influences quality of life, sensitization and the rate of nut reactions.MethodsThis is a randomized, double‐blinded, controlled trial of children with nut allergy who were asked to ingest one or more non‐allergic nuts. Participants were 75 children aged 2–16 years (Intervention=36, Control=39), recruited in Adelaide, Australia. Randomized participants were supplied with the intervention (recipe booklet and monthly reminder text messages) or provided standard verbal dietary advice. After 6 months participants were assessed by a blinded investigator with regard to nut ingestion, quality of life, sensitization and nut reactions.ResultsThe intervention did not increase the ingestion of non‐allergic nuts. A negative hospital challenge was a predictor of successful introduction. Parental report of child concern about a reaction was the greatest barrier. Ingestion of non‐allergic nuts did not improve quality of life or change nut sensitization. Few nut reactions occurred during the study.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceIngestion of non‐allergic nuts by children with nut allergy was not improved by additional dietary intervention. Selective introduction of non‐allergic nuts is difficult to achieve when the child is anxious about introduction and challenges cannot be done in a medically supervised setting.Capsule SummaryThis dietary intervention did not improve non‐allergic nut ingestion by nut allergic children. Hospital challenge increased introduction rates, whilst parentally reported child concern about a reaction reduced success. Non‐allergic nut ingestion did not change quality of life or sensitization.
Molecular cloning of plane pollen allergen Pla a 3 and its utility as diagnostic marker for peach associated plane pollen allergy
Authors: Wangorsch A. , Larsson H. , Messmer M. , García‐Moral A. , Lauer I. , Wolfheimer S. , Schülke S. , Bartra J. , Vieths S. , Lidholm J. , Scheurer S. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundNon‐specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTP) are considered to provoke allergic symptoms to plane tree pollen, which are frequently associated with peach allergy.ObjectiveThe objective was to clone the cDNA of plane pollen nsLTP Pla a 3, to characterize IgE‐binding and allergenic potency of recombinant Pla a 3 in comparison to its natural counterpart and peach nsLTP Pru p 3.MethodsNatural Pla a 3 was purified from plane pollen and analysed by mass spectrometry (MS). Recombinant Pla a 3 was characterized by SDS‐PAGE and CD spectroscopy. Specific IgE to extract, components of plane pollen and Pru p 3 was measured by ImmunoCAP in sera of patients allergic to either plane pollen (n = 10), peach (n = 15) or both (n = 15). Biological potency of the proteins was investigated by in vitro mediator release assays and IgE cross‐reactivity by competitive ELISA.ResultsTwo Pla a 3 isoforms were identified. Recombinant Pla a 3 showed high purity, structural integrity, IgE‐binding capacity comparable to nPla a 3 and biological potency. Sensitization to plane pollen extract was confirmed in 24/25 plane pollen allergics. The frequency of sensitization to Pla a 3 was 53% among patients allergic to both plane pollen and peach and 10% among plane pollen allergics tolerating peach where most patients were sensitized to Pla a 1. Pla a 3 and Pru p 3 showed strong bi‐directional IgE cross‐reactivity in patients allergic to peach and plane pollen, but not in peach allergics tolerating plane pollen. Levels of IgE‐binding were generally higher to Pru p 3 than to Pla a 3.ConclusionSensitization to Pla a 3 is relevant in a subgroup of plane pollen allergics with concomitant peach allergy. IgE testing with Pla a 3 may serve as a marker to identify plane pollen allergic patients at risk of LTP‐mediated food reactions and thereby improve in vitro diagnostic procedures.
High‐dose cutaneous exposure to mite allergen induces IgG‐mediated protection against anaphylaxis
Authors: Hirai T. , Yoshioka Y. , Takahashi H. , Handa T. , Izumi N. , Mori T. , Uemura E. , Nishijima N. , Sagami K. , Yamaguchi M. , Eto S. , Nagano K. , Kamada H. , Tsunoda S. , Ishii K. J. , Higashisaka K. , Tsutsumi Y. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe relationship among natural allergen exposure, induction of blocking antibody and the occurrence of atopic allergy—particularly in the presence of IgE production—is debatable.ObjectiveTo clarify the relationship between the dose of cutaneous exposure to dust mite allergen and susceptibility to the IgE‐mediated allergic response in relation to IgG production.MethodsNC/Nga mice were epicutaneously exposed to various doses of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen to induce atopic dermatitis–like skin lesions. We then evaluated the skin lesions, induction of mite‐specific immune responses, and susceptibility to anaphylaxis.ResultsDose‐dependent exacerbation of atopic dermatitis–like skin lesions and increases in mite‐specific IgG and IgE production were observed. However, mice exposed to relatively low doses of mite allergen showed hypersusceptibility to mite allergen–specific anaphylaxis. We also showed that adoptive transfer of total IgG from Dp‐sensitized mice rescued mice from the hypersusceptibility seen in those exposed to low doses of mite allergen.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceHigh‐dose cutaneous exposure to dust mites induced effective blocking IgG production, even if accompanied by IgE production. Our data might support the concept that an increase in IgG titre, not a decrease in IgE titre, is a marker of clinical improvement in allergen‐specific immunotherapy.
Lung–gut cross‐talk: evidence, mechanisms and implications for the mucosal inflammatory diseases
Authors: Tulic M. K. , Piche T. , Verhasselt V. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe mucosal immune system (including airway, intestinal, oral and cervical epithelium) is an integrated network of tissues, cells and effector molecules that protect the host from environmental insults and infections at mucous membrane surfaces. Dysregulation of immunity at mucosal surfaces is thought to be responsible for the alarming global increase in mucosal inflammatory diseases such as those affecting the gastrointestinal (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome) and respiratory (asthma, allergy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) system. Although immune regulation has been well‐studied in isolated mucosal sites, the extent of the immune interaction between anatomically distant mucosal sites has been mostly circumstantial and the focus of much debate. With novel technology and more precise tools to examine histological and functional changes in tissues, today there is increased appreciation of the ‘common mucosal immunological system’ originally proposed by Bienenstock nearly 40 years ago. Evidence is amounting which shows that stimulation of one mucosal compartment can directly and significantly impact distant mucosal site, however the mechanisms are unknown. Today, we are only beginning to understand the complexity of relationships and communications that exist between different mucosal compartments. A holistic approach to studying the mucosal immune system as an integrated global organ is imperative for future advances in understanding mucosal immunology and for future treatment of chronic diseases. In this review, we particularly focus on the latest evidence and the mechanisms operational in driving the lung–gut cross‐talk.
Liver fat in adults with GH deficiency: comparison to matched controls and the effect of GH replacement
Authors: Meienberg Fabian , Yee Michael , Johnston Desmond , Cox Jeremy , Robinson Stephen , Bell Jimmy D. , Thomas E. Louise , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D. , Godsland Ian 
Published: February 2016

SummaryContextExisting data regarding the association between growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and liver fat content are conflicting.ObjectiveWe aimed (i) to assess intrahepatocellular lipid (IHCL) content in hypopituitary adults with GHD compared to matched controls and (ii) to evaluate the effect of growth hormone (GH) replacement on IHCL content.DesignCross‐sectional comparison and controlled intervention study.Patients, ParticipantsCross‐sectional comparison: Twenty‐two hypopituitary adults with GHD and 44 healthy controls matched for age, BMI, gender and ethnicity. Intervention study: nine GHD patients starting GH replacement (GH Rx group) and nine GHD patients not starting replacement therapy (non‐GH Rx group).InterventionIntervention study: GH replacement for 6 months in the GH Rx group, dosage was titrated to achieve normal IGF‐1 levels.Main Outcome MeasuresHCL content determined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS).ResultsCross‐sectional Comparison: There was no difference in IHCL content between GHD patients and healthy controls (1·89% (0·30, 4·03) vs 1·14% (0·22, 2·32); P = 0·2), and the prevalence of patients with hepatic steatosis (IHCL of ≥ 5·56%) was similar in the two groups (22·7% vs 15·9%; chi‐square probability = 0·4). Intervention study: The change in IHCL content over 6 months did not differ between the GH Rx group and the non‐GH Rx group (−0·63 ± 4·53% vs + 0·11 ± 1·46%; P = 0·6).ConclusionsIn our study, liver fat content and the prevalence of hepatic steatosis did not differ between hypopituitary adults with GHD and matched controls. In GHD patients, GH replacement had no effect on liver fat content.
Constructive Visual Analytics for Text Similarity Detection
Authors: Abdul‐Rahman A. , Roe G. , Olsen M. , Gladstone C. , Whaling R. , Cronk N. , Morrissey R. , Chen M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDetecting similarity between texts is a frequently encountered text mining task. Because the measurement of similarity is typically composed of a number of metrics, and some measures are sensitive to subjective interpretation, a generic detector obtained using machine learning often has difficulties balancing the roles of different metrics according to the semantic context exhibited in a specific collection of texts. In order to facilitate human interaction in a visual analytics process for text similarity detection, we first map the problem of pairwise sequence comparison to that of image processing, allowing patterns of similarity to be visualized as a 2D pixelmap. We then devise a visual interface to enable users to construct and experiment with different detectors using primitive metrics, in a way similar to constructing an image processing pipeline. We deployed this new approach for the identification of commonplaces in 18th‐century literary and print culture. Domain experts were then able to make use of the prototype system to derive new scholarly discoveries and generate new hypotheses.
A novel holistic framework for genetic‐based captive‐breeding and reintroduction programs
Authors: Attard C.R.M. , Möller L.M. , Sasaki M. , Hammer M.P. , Bice C.M. , Brauer C.J. , Carvalho D.C. , Harris J.O. , Beheregaray L.B. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractResearch in reintroduction biology has provided a greater understanding of the often limited success of species reintroductions and highlighted the need for scientifically rigorous approaches in reintroduction programs. We examined the recent genetic‐based captive‐breeding and reintroduction literature to showcase the underuse of the genetic data gathered. We devised a framework that takes full advantage of the genetic data through assessment of the genetic makeup of populations before (past component of the framework), during (present component), and after (future component) captive‐breeding and reintroduction events to understand their conservation potential and maximize their success. We empirically applied our framework to two small fishes: Yarra pygmy perch (Nannoperca obscura) and southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis). Each of these species has a locally adapted and geographically isolated lineage that is endemic to the highly threatened lower Murray–Darling Basin in Australia. These two populations were rescued during Australia's recent decade‐long Millennium Drought, when their persistence became entirely dependent on captive‐breeding and subsequent reintroduction efforts. Using historical demographic analyses, we found differences and similarities between the species in the genetic impacts of past natural and anthropogenic events that occurred in situ, such as European settlement (past component). Subsequently, successful maintenance of genetic diversity in captivity—despite skewed brooder contribution to offspring—was achieved through carefully managed genetic‐based breeding (present component). Finally, genetic monitoring revealed the survival and recruitment of released captive‐bred offspring in the wild (future component). Our holistic framework often requires no additional data collection to that typically gathered in genetic‐based breeding programs, is applicable to a wide range of species, advances the genetic considerations of reintroduction programs, and is expected to improve with the use of next‐generation sequencing technology.
No benefit of extended mesenteric resection with central vascular ligation in right‐sided colon cancer
Authors: Olofsson F. , Buchwald P. , Elmståhl S. , Syk I. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimThe optimal extent of mesenteric resection in colon cancer surgery is not known. We have previously shown an increased mortality associated with wider mesenteric resection in right hemicolectomy. This study compares the short‐ and long‐term outcome in three variations of right hemicolectomy based on the position of the vascular ligature in the mesentery.MethodIn all, 2084 cases of cancer in the caecum or ascending colon were identified in the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and categorized according to the position of the vascular ligature: central ligation of ileocolic vessels (ICVs) ± right colic vessels (n = 390), central ligation of ICVs + right branch of middle colic vessels (MCVs) (n = 1360) and central ligation of ICVs + central ligation of MCVs (n = 334).ResultsNeither 3‐year overall survival, 3‐year disease‐free survival nor local recurrence rate differed between the groups (P = 0.604; P = 0.247; P = 0.237). There was still no difference after multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, TNM stage and adjuvant therapy. An increased peri‐operative mortality, however, was observed in extended mesenteric resections, increasing from 0.8% in non‐extended to 3.6% in more extended resection, P = 0.025.ConclusionThe study showed no survival benefit by more extended mesenteric resection, indicating that there is no need to extend the mesenteric resection to involve the MCVs in cancer of the caecum or ascending colon. On the contrary, increased peri‐operative mortality by more extensive mesenteric resection was noted suggesting that a more conservative approach may be favourable.
Quantitative CT indexes are significantly associated with exercise oxygen desaturation in interstitial lung disease related to systemic sclerosis
Authors: Ariani Alarico , Aiello Marina , Silva Mario , Alfieri Veronica , Bonati Elisa , Lumetti Federica , Delsante Giovanni , Sverzellati Nicola , Chetta Alfredo 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIntroductionInterstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is the first cause of death related to Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The ILD severity can be assessed with clinical, functional and radiological outcome. Nevertheless none of them is completely validated in clinical practice. Recently a new radiological evaluation based on Quantitative Computed Tomography Indexes (QCTI) was proposed on the basis of voxel‐wise quantitative analysis of chest CT.ObjectivesThe main aim of this study is to verify if QCTI can identify SSc patients with significant oxygen desaturation during the 6 min walking test. The discrimination performance of QCTI and the other clinical, functional and radiological outcomes was also investigated.MethodsSixty three SSc patients were enrolled and underwent clinical, functional and radiological assessment. Inspiratory chest CT of each patient was evaluated with both a visual score and a dedicated software for segmentation of the lung in order to obtained QCTI.ResultsPatients with or without severe oxygen desaturation showed different QCTI, CT visual score and functional outcomes (P < 0.05). In particular, QCTI and functional outcomes showed almost the same discriminating ability.ConclusionQCTI detect SSc patients with a severe oxygen desaturation after exercise as well as functional and other radiological outcomes. It is remarkable that QCTI are the only outcome without intra‐ or inter‐reader variability because they are obtained with an algorithm. These findings bring out the QCTI as a concrete tool in SSc‐ILD assessment.
Novel seasonal land cover associations for eastern North American forest birds identified through dynamic species distribution modelling
Authors: Zuckerberg Benjamin , Fink Daniel , La Sorte Frank A. , Hochachka Wesley M. , Kelling Steve 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimPlasticity in migratory and foraging behaviour allows species to exploit dynamic and novel habitats. This is especially important during seasonal transitions as species track shifting environmental resources and potentially associate with a diversity of habitats. Although land cover associations are thought to vary across seasons for many species, the prevalence of these dynamic relationships across species’ distributions are unknown. Our goal was to quantify the extent to which flexibility in seasonal land cover associations exists among forest breeding birds with differing migratory and foraging strategies.LocationEastern United States.MethodsWe used data on bird occurrence from eBird in conjunction with dynamic species distribution modelling to quantify seasonal plasticity in species land cover associations for 43 forest breeding bird species. We employed a multi‐scaled approach relying on adaptive regression models to quantify spatiotemporally varying associations between species’ occurrences and land cover diversity and composition. We estimated how these associations varied from spring to autumn and across multiple regions.ResultsSpecies demonstrated seasonal shifts in land cover associations and, despite being forest dependent species, were more likely to occur in human‐modified landscapes during seasonal transitions. From spring to autumn, Neotropical migrants were more likely to occur in landscapes of lower land cover diversity, but showed the highest seasonal plasticity in land cover associations. Residents and temperate migrants occurred in landscapes with a higher diversity of land cover, but were less variable in their seasonal land cover associations. Following summer, migratory and insectivorous birds took advantage of a wider array of land cover ranging from open to developed landscapes.Main conclusionsSpecies move across landscapes in a seasonally dynamic fashion, and yet concepts of the ecological niche and species–environmental relationships are often considered static. Dynamic species distribution modelling can uncover seasonally complex species–environment relationships, and identify novel aspects of habitat associations critical for supporting full life cycle research and conservation efforts.
Monolingual and bilingual children's social preferences for monolingual and bilingual speakers
Authors: Byers‐Heinlein Krista , Behrend Douglas A. , Said Lyakout Mohamed , Girgis Helana , Poulin‐Dubois Diane 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPast research has shown that young monolingual children exhibit language‐based social biases: they prefer native language to foreign language speakers. The current research investigated how children's language preferences are influenced by their own bilingualism and by a speaker's bilingualism. Monolingual and bilingual 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds heard pairs of adults (a monolingual and a bilingual, or two monolinguals) and chose the person with whom they wanted to be friends. Whether they were from a largely monolingual or a largely bilingual community, monolingual children preferred monolingual to bilingual speakers, and native language to foreign language speakers. In contrast, bilingual children showed similar affiliation with monolingual and bilingual speakers, as well as for monolingual speakers using their dominant versus non‐dominant language. Exploratory analyses showed that individual bilinguals displayed idiosyncratic patterns of preference. These results reveal that language‐based preferences emerge from a complex interaction of factors, including preference for in‐group members, avoidance of out‐group members, and characteristics of the child as they relate to the status of the languages within the community. Moreover, these results have implications for bilingual children's social acceptance by their peers.