bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dentists' restorative decision‐making and implications for an ‘amalgamless’ profession. Part 5: knowledge factors
Authors: Alexander G , Hopcraft MS , Tyas MJ , Wong RHK 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundA phase‐down of amalgam in Australia is possible given the Australian Government intends to ratify the Minamata Convention. There is little research as to the influence of a dentist's knowledge on decision‐making, which may be of use when determining the impact of any change.MethodsAn online survey relating to aspects of and attitudes to use of direct restorative materials was distributed to all dentists who were members of the Australian Dental Association or Members or Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.ResultsThere were 408 respondents. Fifty‐eight per cent agreed that there was consistency in undergraduate teaching. Fifty‐two per cent stated that there was a difference between undergraduate teaching and the ‘real world’. Postgraduate education was ranked the most important influence on decision‐making. Ninety‐six per cent stated that knowledge of the evidence base is important and 89% believed that they practised evidence‐based dentistry.ConclusionsDental schools need to maintain teachers' and students' understanding of the evolving technology of direct restorative materials. There is a perceived disconnect between undergraduate teaching and the ‘real’ world. The evidence base is viewed as confusing, contradictory and not readily understandable. The creation of clinical guidelines would be useful.
The expression pattern of Bcl11a, Mdm2 and Pten genes in B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Xu Ling , Wu Hong , Wu Xiuli , Li Yangqiu , He Dongmei 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimBcl11a is closely associated with B‐cell lymphoma and B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, little is known about the expression character of Bcl11a gene in B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL). In previous study, our results showed there was a clear dysregulation in the global gene expression of the Bcl11a‐suppressed B lymphoma cells. The aim of the study is to further evaluate the role of Bcl11a and the expression level of its related genes Mdm2, Pten in B‐ALL patients.MethodsThe relative mRNA expression levels of Bcl11a and Mdm2, Pten in blood mononuclear cells of B‐ALL patients were determined by real‐time quantitative reverse transcript‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) with SYBR Green Dye. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers served as control. Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh) was used as reference.ResultsThere was higher Bcl11a mRNA expression in initial diagnosed B‐ALL than the healthy control, but there is no statistical significance (P > 0.05). The expression level of Bcl11a and Mdm2 in initial diagnosed B‐ALL patients was statistically higher compared to those with complete remission (CR; P < 0.05). The expression levels of Bcl11a and Mdm2, Pten in B‐ALL patients with CR were decreased significantly when compared with the healthy control (P < 0.05). The correlation analyses revealed that the Bcl11a expression level was positively correlated with the Mdm2 and Pten relative expression level in B‐ALL patients. There is also positive correlation between Mdm2 and Pten expression.ConclusionsBcl11a transcript levels were significantly downregulated in B‐ALL patients with CR. The decreased expression characteristics of Bcl11a and Mdm2, Pten might imply the CR of B‐ALL patients.
Liposomes or traditional adjuvants: induction of bactericidal activity by the macrophage infectivity potentiator protein (Mip) of Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Costoya Liliana , Marzoa Juan , Ferreirós Carlos , Criado Maria Teresa 
Published: May 2017

Currently, one of the main approaches to achieve a vaccine for serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis is based on outer membrane proteins with low antigenic variability among strains. Since these proteins tend to be minor components of the outer membrane, recombinant production is required to obtain them in sufficient amounts for evaluation and development of vaccines. In this study, we analysed the ability of recombinant macrophage infectivity potentiator (rMip) protein to induce protective bactericidal activity in mice. The rMip protein was cloned from N. meningitidis strain H44/76 and was used to immunise mice, and the sera obtained were tested against the homologous and several heterologous N. meningitidis strains. The sera were obtained using the rMip alone, with adjuvant Al(OH)3, or after inclusion into liposomes. Bactericidal activity was variable depending on the strain, although high titres were seen against strains H44/76 and NmP27. Liposomes enhanced fourfold the reactivity against the homologous strain. The results presented suggest that the rMip protein should be considered a promising candidate for the improvement of future protein‐based vaccines.
Effect of a single intravenous zoledronic acid administration on biomarkers of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with osteoporosis: a pilot study
Authors: Cipriani Cristiana , Pepe Jessica , Clementelli Carolina , Manai Rizieri , Colangelo Luciano , Fassino Valeria , Nieddu Luciano , Minisola Salvatore 
Published: May 2017

AimsThe pilot study was designed to evaluate the early effect of intravenous (i.v.) zoledronic acid (ZA) on renal function.MethodsFive mg i.v. ZA was administered to 23 patients with osteoporosis (17 women and 6 men, mean age 73 ± 7 SD years). Urinary NGAL, KIM‐1, and MCP‐1, plasma (p) MCP‐1 and serum (s) IL‐18, serum calcium (sCa), Creatinine clearance (CrCl), parathyroid hormone (PTH), plasma C‐terminal FGF23 (pFGF23), serum (s) Klotho, calcium excretion (CaEx) and renal threshold phosphate concentration/GFR (TmPO4/GFR) were assessed at baseline, 24 h and Day 30 after administration.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in sCa and CaEx at 24 h (−4.1 ± 2.8%, P < 0.01 and −28 ± 59%, P < 0.05, respectively) and Day 30 (−3.9 ± 4%, P < 0.001 and −26 ± 43%, P < 0.01) and a significant increase in PTH (79.8 ± 95.8%) at Day 30 (P < 0.001) compared to baseline. TmPO4/GFR decreased significantly at 24 h and Day 30 (−8.6 ± 15.9%, P < 0.05 and −11.3 ± 13.5%, P < 0.001) compared to baseline. We observed no difference in the concentration of pFGF23, sKlotho and urinary AKI biomarkers at any time points. Mean levels of sIL‐18 and pMCP‐1 increased significantly at 24 h (44 ± 88%; P < 0.01 and 198 ± 237%; P < 0.001) and returned to baseline at Day 30.ConclusionsOur pilot study suggests that there is no direct acute effect of ZA on kidney function. The increase in plasma MCP‐1 and serum IL‐18 concentration could be associated with the stimulation of immunity mechanisms occurring soon after the administration of the drug. Secondary hyperparathyroidism develops shortly after the infusion of ZA and is maintained even after 1 month.
Characterisation of cellular adhesion reinforcement by multiple bond force spectroscopy in alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc‐Minh , Angely Christelle , Andre Dias Sofia , Planus Emmanuelle , Filoche Marcel , Pelle Gabriel , Louis Bruno , Isabey Daniel 
Published: May 2017

Background InformationIntegrin‐mediated adhesion is a key process by which cells physically connect with their environment, and express sensitivity and adaptation through mechanotransduction. A critical step of cell adhesion is the formation of the first bonds which individually generate weak contacts (∼tens pN) but can sustain thousand times higher forces (∼tens nN) when associated.ResultsWe propose an experimental validation by multiple bond force spectroscopy (MFS) of a stochastic model predicting adhesion reinforcement permitted by non‐cooperative, multiple bonds on which force is homogeneously distributed (called parallel bond configuration). To do so, spherical probes (diameter: 6.6 μm), specifically coated by RGD‐peptide to bind integrins, are used to statically indent and homogenously stretch the multiple bonds created for short contact times (2 s) between the bead and the surface of epithelial cells (A549). Using different separation speeds (v = 2, 5, 10 μm/s) and measuring cellular Young's modulus as well as the local stiffness preceding local rupture events, we obtain cell‐by‐cell the effective loading rates both at the global cell level and at the local level of individual constitutive bonds. Local rupture forces are in the range: , whereas global rupture (detachment) forces reach . Global and local rupture forces both exhibit linear dependencies with the effective loading rate, the slopes of these two linear relationships providing an estimate of the number of independent integrin bonds constituting the tested multiple bond structure (∼12).ConclusionsThe MFS method enables to validate the reinforcement of integrin‐mediated adhesion induced by the multiple bond configuration in which force is homogeneously distributed amongst parallel bonds. Local rupture events observed in the course of a spectroscopy manoeuver (MFS) lead to rupture force values considered in the literature as single‐integrin bonds.SignificanceAdhesion reinforcement permitted by the parallel multiple bond association is particularly challenging to verify for two reasons: first, it is difficult to control precisely the direction of forces experimentally, and second, because both global and local bond rupture forces depend on the effective loading rate applied to the bond. Here, we propose an integrin‐specific MFS method capable of detecting bond number and characterising bond configuration and its impact on adhesion strength.
Design and synthesis of some acridine‐piperazine hybrids for the improvement of cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Sharma Anuradha , Piplani Poonam 
Published: May 2017

A novel series of hybrid molecules (5a–5m) was designed, synthesized and evaluated as multifunctional cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors against cognitive dysfunction. Heterocyclic moieties acridine and piperazine were conjugated with suitable linkers in a single scaffold, and the structures of the target compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and LC‐MS analysis. The pharmacological activity of synthesized compounds was evaluated using behavioral models of amnesia viz. step‐down passive avoidance and elevated plus maze at a dose 0.5 mg/kg as compared to standard rivastigmine. In vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition studies using brain homogenate of mice as the enzyme source revealed that most of the compounds exhibited a significant ability to inhibit the enzyme cholinesterase with compound 5c being the most potent (IC50 0.33 μm). Biochemical estimation of oxidative stress markers viz. plasma nitrite, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione has been carried out using the respective assays to see the effect of the synthesized compounds on the scopolamine‐induced oxidative damage. The molecular docking studies indicated the binding mode of the compounds to the catalytic site, peripheral site, and mid‐gorge of AChE simultaneously. The calculated absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion properties ensured the drug‐likeness of the target compounds. The synthesized compounds were found to be potential cognitive enhancers, which were able to interfere with the scopolamine‐induced oxidative stress also.
“American = English Speaker” Before “American = White”: The Development of Children's Reasoning About Nationality
Authors: DeJesus Jasmine M. , Hwang Hyesung G. , Dautel Jocelyn B. , Kinzler Katherine D. 
Published: May 2017

Adults implicitly judge people from certain social backgrounds as more “American” than others. This study tests the development of children's reasoning about nationality and social categories. Children across cultures (White and Korean American children in the United States, Korean children in South Korea) judged the nationality of individuals varying in race and language. Across cultures, 5‐ to 6‐year‐old children (N = 100) categorized English speakers as “American” and Korean speakers as “Korean” regardless of race, suggesting that young children prioritize language over race when thinking about nationality. Nine‐ and 10‐year‐olds (N = 181) attended to language and race and their nationality judgments varied across cultures. These results suggest that associations between nationality and social category membership emerge early in life and are shaped by cultural context.
Subclinical hypothyroidism and risk of cerebral small vessel disease: A hospital‐based observational study
Authors: Zhang Xiaohao , Xie Yi , Ding Caixia , Xiao Jing , Tang Yinyan , Jiang Xuemei , Shan Hua , Lin Yuankai , Zhu Yujia , Li Chuanyou , Hu Dan , Ling Zhixiang , Xu Gelin , Sheng Lei 
Published: May 2017

SummaryObjectiveSubclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been associated with atherosclerosis and increased risk of ischaemic stroke. However, whether SCH is associated with cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SCH and total cSVD burden, a composite measurement detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in patients with minor ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).DesignThis was a prospective observational cohort study conducted in a tertiary referral hospital.MethodsSubclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) was defined as with mildly or moderately increased thyroid‐stimulating hormone levels (TSH, 4.5‐10.0 mIU/L), but with normal free thyroxine levels. Brain MRI presence of silent lacunar infarcts (LIs), white matter lesions (WMLs), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVs) were summed to a validated scales ranging from 0 to 4 to represent the load of cSVD. The associations between SCH and cSVD were analysed by logistic regression analyses.ResultsSubclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) was identified in 43 of 229 (18.8%) patients with minor stroke or TIA. Compared with patients without SCH, those with SCH had higher risks of WMLs, CMBs and total cSVD burden. Adjustment of potential confounders did not change these associations.ConclusionsThese findings showed that SCH might be associated with the presence of WMLs, CMBs, as well as cSVD burden in patients with minor stroke or TIA.
Rewilding: A Call for Boosting Ecological Complexity in Conservation
Authors: Fernández Néstor , Navarro Laetitia M. , Pereira Henrique M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRewilding has emerged as an audacious conservation approach aiming at restoring wild species interactions and their regulation of ecosystem processes by focusing on the key role of species that have been extensively extirpated by humans. Rewilding has gained increasing attention from scientists, conservationists and the mass‐media. Yet, it has raised highly divergent perspectives as to which ecological processes and species assemblages should be restored. Here we argue that a pragmatic and immediate approach to rewilding unequivocally focused on preserving and restoring the structural and functional complexity of ecosystems must become a primary component of biodiversity conservation. We propose a process‐oriented formulation of the rewilding hypothesis as a general guide to assess the conservation benefits of reverting defaunation. Finally, we identify the need for a framework where the benefits, risks, and costs of rewilding can be evaluated in relation to restoration baselines and the intensity of interventions required to achieve conservation goals.
Investigation of bronchiectasis in severe uncontrolled asthma
Authors: Dimakou Katerina , Gousiou Anna , Toumbis Michail , Kaponi Maria , Chrysikos Serafeim , Thanos Loukas , Triantafillidou Christina 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe presence of bronchiectasis in patients with asthma varies in different reports, while a clear aetiological relation has not been precisely established.ObjectivesTo investigate the presence of bronchiectasis in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma and examine whether they contribute to the severity of asthma.MethodsPatients with severe asthma were prospectively recruited. HRCT of the chest was performed to identify and grade bronchiectasis using the ‘Smith’ radiology scale. Investigation of the underlying cause was carried out for patients with bronchiectasis in order to exclude aetiologies other than asthma. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21, was used.ResultsForty patients were studied, 28 women, mean age (±SD) 57.9 years (±12.4). Mean ACT score was 14.2(±4.9). Main symptoms were: wheezing (95%), cough (92%), dysponea (92%) and sputum production (72%). Mean duration of asthma was 16.5(±11.5) years, exacerbations: 4.4(±2.7)/year. In 27 patients (67.5%) bronchiectasis was diagnosed. In nine patients (22.5%) pathogens were cultured in sputum (mainly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae). Patients with sputum production and pathogens in sputum cultures had a higher Smith score compared to those without expectoration and without pathogens, respectively (P = .005, P < .0001). No correlation was found between the extent of bronchiectasis and lung function. The radiological severity of bronchiectasis was correlated with the antibiotic courses/year (P = .002).ConclusionBronchiectasis is common in patients with severe asthma. Sputum production and pathogen isolation in sputum may indicate the presence of bronchiectasis which seems to contribute to the severity of asthma.
The effect of helium–oxygen‐assisted mechanical ventilation on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation: A systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Xu , Shao Chuan , Zhang Liang , Tu Jinjing , Xu Hui , Lin Zhihui , Xu Shuguang , Yu Biyun , Tang Yaodong , Li Shanqun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often accompanied by acute exacerbations. Patients of COPD exacerbation suffering from respiratory failure often need the support of mechanical ventilation. Helium–oxygen can be used to reduce airway resistance during mechanical ventilation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of helium–oxygen‐assisted mechanical ventilation on COPD exacerbation through a meta‐analysis.MethodsA comprehensive literature search through databases of Pub Med (1966∼2016), Ovid MEDLINE (1965∼2016), Cochrane EBM (1991∼2016), EMBASE (1974∼2016) and Ovid MEDLINE was performed to identify associated studies. Randomized clinical trials met our inclusion criteria that focus on helium–oxygen‐assisted mechanical ventilation on COPD exacerbation were included. The quality of the papers was evaluated after inclusion and information was extracted for meta‐analysis.ResultsSix articles and 392 patients were included in total. Meta‐analysis revealed that helium–oxygen‐assisted mechanical ventilation reduced Borg dyspnea scale and increased arterial PH compared with air–oxygen. No statistically significant difference was observed between helium–oxygen and air–oxygen as regards to WOB, PaCO2, OI, tracheal intubation rates and mortality within hospital.ConclusionsOur study suggests helium–oxygen‐assisted mechanical ventilation can help to reduce Borg dyspnea scale. In terms of the tiny change of PH, its clinical benefit is negligible. There is no conclusive evidence indicating the beneficial effect of helium–oxygen‐assisted mechanical ventilation on clinical outcomes or prognosis of COPD exacerbation.
Income inequality and traumatic dental injuries in 12‐year‐old children: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Vettore Mario Vianna , Efhima Salma , Machuca Carolina , Lamarca Gabriela de Almeida 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackground/AimContextual socio‐economic factors have been associated with traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). However, evidence concerning the role of income inequality on TDIs in children is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between contextual income inequality over a 10‐year period and TDIs in Brazilian children.Subjects and MethodsThe study population comprised a representative sample of 5027 children aged 12 years who participated in the Brazilian oral health survey in 2010. City‐level Gini Index was used to measure contextual income inequality in the years 2000 and 2010, as well as the variation in income inequality between 2000 and 2010. Covariates were gender, ethnicity, family income, number of people per room and incisal overjet. Clinical examinations were used to assess TDIs. Multivariable multilevel ordered multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate cumulative Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals between income inequality and TDIs.ResultsThe prevalence of children who had one tooth with TDI and two or more teeth with TDIs was 15.2% and 6.4%, respectively. The maxillary central and left lateral incisors were the teeth most affected by TDIs. Gini coefficient reduction between the years 2000 and 2010 decreased the odds of TDIs even after adjustment for demographic and socio‐economic characteristics, and incisal overjet. The likelihood of more TDIs decreased 21% for each 0.05 unit decrease in the Gini coefficient between the years 2000 and 2010. Boys, brown skin colour, overcrowding and incisal overjet greater than 5 mm remained statistically associated with TDIs in the final model.ConclusionsThe decrease in income inequality over a 10‐year period was inversely associated with TDIs among Brazilian children aged 12 years.
Carbamazepine‐ and oxcarbazepine‐induced hyponatremia in people with epilepsy
Authors: Berghuis Bianca , van der Palen Job , de Haan Gerrit‐Jan , Lindhout Dick , Koeleman Bobby P. C. , Sander Josemir W. ,   The EpiPGX Consortium
Published: May 2017

SummaryObjectiveTo ascertain possible determinants of carbamazepine (CBZ)– and oxcarbazepine (OXC)–induced hyponatremia in a large cohort of people with epilepsy.MethodsWe collected data on serum sodium levels in people with epilepsy who were attending a tertiary epilepsy center while on treatment with CBZ or OXC. We defined hyponatremia as Na+ ≤134 mEq/L and severe hyponatremia as Na+ ≤128 mEq/L.ResultsWe identified 1,782 people who had used CBZ (n = 1,424) or OXC (n = 358), of whom 50 were treated with both drugs. Data on sodium level measurements were available in 1,132 on CBZ and in 289 on OXC. Hyponatremia occurred in 26% of those taking CBZ and 46% of those taking OXC. This was severe in 7% in the CBZ group and 22% in the OXC group. Hyponatremia was symptomatic in 48% and led to admissions in 3%. Age over 40 years, high serum levels of CBZ and OXC, and concomitant use of other antiepileptic drugs were the main risk factors for hyponatremia in both treatment groups. Female patients on OXC were at a higher risk than male patients of hyponatremia. The risk of hyponatremia on CBZ was significantly associated with the risk of hyponatremia on OXC within a subgroup that used both drugs consecutively.SignificanceHyponatremia is a common problem in people taking CBZ or OXC. Regular ascertainment of sodium levels in those taking either drug is recommended and results should be acted on.