bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical procedures for revitalization: current knowledge and considerations
Authors: Galler K. M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractRevitalization or regenerative treatment approaches in teeth with incomplete root formation and pulp necrosis have become part of the therapeutic endodontic spectrum and should be considered as an alternative to conventional apexification. Ideally, regenerative endodontic procedures allow not only for a resolution of pain, inflammation and periapical lesions, but also for the formation of an immunocompetent tissue inside the root canal which can reconstitute the original biological structure and function of dental pulp and thus lead to an increase in root length, and thickness and strength of previously thin, fracture‐prone dentine walls. Common features of regenerative procedures performed in immature teeth with pulp necrosis include (i) minimal or no instrumentation of the dentinal walls, (ii) disinfection with irrigants, (iii) application of an intracanal medicament, (iv) provocation of bleeding into the canal and creation of a blood clot, (v) capping with calcium silicate, and (vi) coronal seal. Although case reports and case series provide promising results, the protocol for regenerative endodontic treatment is not fully established; questions remain regarding the terminology, patient selection and informed consent as well as procedural details, especially on the choice of irrigants, intracanal medicaments and materials for cavity sealing. Animal studies document repair rather than regeneration, which opens the discussion on prognosis and outcome, especially the biological versus the patient‐based outcome. This review will provide an overview of the current state of regenerative endodontic therapies, discuss open questions and provide recommendations based on the recent literature.
The manufacturing–services dynamic in economic development
Authors: KUCERA David , RONCOLATO Leanne 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis article addresses the debate on services‐led growth in which services are variously portrayed as a substitute for or as a leading or lagging complement to manufacturing. Following a survey of related empirical studies, it applies growth decomposition methods to data for 18 countries in Asia and Latin America for 1980–2005, focusing on manufacturing and services that make intensive use of information and communication technology. By grouping the countries into four categories according to aggregate labour productivity and employment growth, the authors seek to identify common structural characteristics of better and worse performing countries. They also consider the viability of the services‐led growth path in India in particular.
Social security and firm performance: The case of Vietnamese SMEs
Authors: LEE Sangheon , TORM Nina 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis article investigates how social security provision – a key determinant of formality – impacts on small and medium‐sized firm performance in Viet Nam. Based on enterprise census data covering all registered firms from 2006 to 2011, the authors find that firms which increase their social security coverage by 10 per cent experience a revenue gain of 1.4–2.0 per cent per worker and a profit gain of up to 1.8 per cent, depending on the survival time of the firm. However, given the time lag between “investment” (in social security contributions) and returns (enhanced firm performance), specific policy measures such as initial social insurance subsidies for small firms could increase participation in mandatory schemes.
Nicastrin is required for amyloid precursor protein (APP) but not Notch processing, while anterior pharynx‐defective 1 is dispensable for processing of both APP and Notch
Authors: Hu Chen , Zeng Linlin , Li Ting , Meyer Michael A. , Cui Mei‐Zhen , Xu Xuemin 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe γ‐secretase complex is composed of at least four components: presenilin 1 or presenilin‐2, nicastrin (NCT), anterior pharynx‐defective 1 (Aph‐1), and presenilin enhancer 2. In this study, using knockout cell lines, our data demonstrated that knockout of NCT, as well as knockout of presenilin enhancer 2, completely blocked γ‐secretase‐catalyzed processing of C‐terminal fragment (CTF)α and CTFβ, the C‐terminal fragments of β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP) produced by α‐secretase and β‐secretase cleavages, respectively. Interestingly, in Aph‐1‐knockout cells, CTFα and CTFβ were still processed by γ‐secretase, indicating Aph‐1 is dispensable for APP processing. Furthermore, our results indicate that Aph‐1 as well as NCT is not absolutely required for Notch processing, suggesting that NCT is differentially required for APP and Notch processing. In addition, our data revealed that components of the γ‐secretase complex are also important for proteasome‐ and lysosome‐dependent degradation of APP and that endogenous APP is mostly degraded by lysosome while exogenous APP is mainly degraded by proteasome.
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There are unanswered questions regarding the roles of each component of the γ‐secretase complex in amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Notch processing. The most relevant, novel finding of this study is that nicastrin (NCT) is required for APP but not Notch processing, while Aph‐1 is not essential for processing of both APP and Notch, suggesting NCT as a therapeutic target to restrict Aβ formation without impairing Notch signaling.
Efficacy of fermented green tea on peripheral skin temperature: a randomized and placebo‐controlled clinical study
Authors: Lee Eunyoung , Lee Bum‐jin , Ha Jaehyoun , Shin Hyun‐jung , Chung Jin‐oh 
Published: December 2015

SummaryBackgroundThis study was aimed at assessing the therapeutic efficacy of green tea on peripheral skin for cold hypersensitive subjects, who had the feeling of cold hands and feet at cold temperatures, one of the most common complaints in Asian women.MethodsThis randomized and placebo‐controlled clinical study included 60 female Korean subjects who had the feeling of cold hands and feet at cold temperatures. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups to receive fermented green tea or a placebo (hot water).ResultsThe skin temperature of the hands and feet was measured using digital infrared thermography at the baseline and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after the oral administration of the tea or placebo. The skin temperature of the hands and feet of the fermented green tea‐administered group was significantly higher than that of the placebo‐administered group. The temperature difference between the finger and the dorsum of the hand was significantly lower in the fermented green tea‐administered group than that in the placebo group.ConclusionsFermented green tea is helpful for cold hypersensitivity. This is the first clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of fermented green tea on peripheral skin in subjects having the feeling of cold hands and feet at cold temperatures by infrared thermography. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the long‐term effects of the fermented green tea for cold hypersensitivity and to elucidate the underlying physiological mechanism.
Interpreting the effects of landscape connectivity on community diversity
Authors: Brudvig Lars A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractLandscape connectivity is considered a key factor regulating species diversity of natural and managed landscapes, yet the influence of connectivity relative to other factors remains poorly resolved. In this issue of Journal of Vegetation Science, Jakobsson and colleagues illustrate how grassland plant species richness is more strongly affected by the age and management of grassland patches than by connectivity.
The plant GABA signaling downregulates horizontal transfer of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens virulence plasmid
Authors: Lang Julien , Gonzalez‐Mula Almudena , Taconnat Ludivine , Clement Gilles , Faure Denis 
Published: December 2015

Summary

In the tumor‐inducing (Ti) Agrobacterium tumefaciens, quorum sensing activates the horizontal transfer of the virulent Ti plasmid. In pure culture, this process can be impaired by the A. tumefaciens BlcC lactonase, whose expression is induced by gamma‐aminobutyrate (GABA). It was therefore hypothesized that host GABA content might modulate quorum sensing and virulence gene dissemination during A. tumefaciens infection.

We examined GABA metabolism and transport in Arabidopsis thaliana tumors combining transcriptomic, metabolomic and histological approaches. In addition, using genetically modified plants and bacteria, we evaluated the impact of plant host GABA content on Ti plasmid dissemination.

The results showed that GABA and free proline, which acts as an antagonist of GABA uptake in A. tumefaciens, accumulated in wild‐type tumors relative to uninfected plant tissues. Moreover, comparisons of tumors induced on Col‐0 and her1 plants showed that the increase in the plant GABA : proline ratio was associated with both the upregulated expression of the blcC gene and the decreased dissemination of Ti plasmid in tumor‐colonizing A. tumefaciens populations.

This work demonstrates experimentally that the variation in the GABA content in plant tumors can interfere with the dissemination of A. tumefaciens Ti plasmids, and therefore highlights plant GABA content as an important trait in the struggle against pathogenic bacteria.
Genome‐wide dissection of the maize ear genetic architecture using multiple populations
Authors: Xiao Yingjie , Tong Hao , Yang Xiaohong , Xu Shizhong , Pan Qingchun , Qiao Feng , Raihan Mohammad Sharif , Luo Yun , Liu Haijun , Zhang Xuehai , Yang Ning , Wang Xiaqing , Deng Min , Jin Minliang , Zhao Lijun , Luo Xin , Zhou Yang , Li Xiang , Liu Jie , Zhan Wei , Liu Nannan , Wang Hong , Chen Gengshen , Cai Ye , Xu Gen , Wang Weidong , Zheng Debo , Yan Jianbing 
Published: December 2015

Summary

Improvement of grain yield is an essential long‐term goal of maize (Zea mays) breeding to meet continual and increasing food demands worldwide, but the genetic basis remains unclear.

We used 10 different recombination inbred line (RIL) populations genotyped with high‐density markers and phenotyped in multiple environments to dissect the genetic architecture of maize ear traits.

Three methods were used to map the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting ear traits. We found 17–34 minor‐ or moderate‐effect loci that influence ear traits, with little epistasis and environmental interactions, totally accounting for 55.4–82% of the phenotypic variation. Four novel QTLs were validated and fine mapped using candidate gene association analysis, expression QTL analysis and heterogeneous inbred family validation.

The combination of multiple different populations is a flexible and manageable way to collaboratively integrate widely available genetic resources, thereby boosting the statistical power of QTL discovery for important traits in agricultural crops, ultimately facilitating breeding programs.
Validity of sidestream endtidal carbon dioxide measurement in critically ill, mechanically ventilated children
Authors: van der Heijden Hylke H. A. C. M. , Truin Gerben J. , Verhaeg Joyce , van der Pol Peggy , Lemson Joris 
Published: December 2015

SummaryIntroductionCapnography is used to monitor the endtidal carbon dioxide tension (EtCO2) in exhaled gas. Sidestream capnography has great potential to monitor mechanically ventilated pediatric patients, given the continuous sampling from the endotracheal tube into a gas sensor. However, hemodynamic and respiratory impairments may reduce reliability and validity of sidestream capnography to monitor arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) in critically ill, mechanically ventilated children.MethodsIn 47 mechanically ventilated pediatric patients (aged 0–14 years, median age 17.2 months), a total of 341 consecutive measurements of PaCO2, EtCO2, respiratory and hemodynamic parameters were performed, and capnogram shape was determined. Validity was assessed with the Bland–Altman limit of agreement (loa), mixed models were used to adjust for variation between patients, and potential confounders were considered with multivariable analyses.ResultsEtCO2 (mean 4.50 ± 0.96 kPa) underestimated PaCO2 (mean 5.37 ± 0.87) considerably, resulting in a loa of 0.87 kPa [95% confidence interval (95% CI) −1.03;2.77] and 42.2% percentage error. The association improved significantly b = 0.54 [95 %CI = 0.45;0.64, P < 0.001] when corrected for individual differences. The association between EtCO2 and PaCO2 was not influenced by any of the potential confounders.ConclusionsSidestream capnography in mechanically ventilated infants and children seems moderately reliable and valid when corrected for individual differences. Therefore, it could only be used with caution for trend estimation in the individual patient.
Tracheal extubation in children with difficult airways: a descriptive cohort analysis
Authors: Jagannathan Narasimhan , Shivazad Armin , Kolan Michael 
Published: December 2015

SummaryBackgroundTracheal extubation in children with difficult airways may be associated with an increased risk of perioperative adverse events.AimsThe aim of this study was to describe the exubation techniques used/ success rates/ adverse events related to tracheal extubation practices in children with difficult airways.MethodsA retrospective analysis of tracheal extubation practices in the difficult airway population over a 78‐month period was performed. Difficult airway was defined as a Cormack and Lehane Grade 3 view or greater, and/or tracheal intubation requiring ≥3 attempts, and/or the need for an alternate device to direct laryngoscopy for successful tracheal intubation, and/or difficult mask ventilation. Reasons for difficult airway, demographic/surgical data, technique(s) for tracheal extubation, success/failure of tracheal extubation, and adverse events were recorded. A failed tracheal extubation was defined as any adverse event related to the airway occurring within 6 h of extubation requiring reintubation.ResultsA total of 519 patients were reported to have a difficult airway during this study period in a tertiary care pediatric center. Of these, 137 patients (26%) met inclusion criteria. Tracheal extubation was successfully performed in 130 patients (95%). The majority of tracheal exubations were performed without the use of additional airway adjuncts straight onto anesthesia face mask (121/137; 88%). Extubation failure occurred in seven cases (5%). Among the failed extubations, 6/7 children (85%) had evidence of severe upper airway obstruction and were <10 kg in weight. Of these children, one child required emergency tracheostomy, and two children (one with tracheal stenosis and other with spinal muscular atrophy) suffered from hypoxemic cardiac arrest and anoxic brain damage, respectively, and eventually died.ConclusionsIn the studied population of children with difficult airways handled in a tertiary center environment, the majority of tracheal extubations could be performed without the use of airway adjuncts. In a minority of patients, tracheal extubation was associated with severe adverse outcomes.
A Randomized, Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Pregabalin for Postherpetic Neuralgia in a Population of Chinese Patients
Authors: Liu Quanzhong , Chen Haibo , Xi Liyan , Hong Zhen , He Li , Fu Yi , Fang Hong , Shang Ningxiu , Yan Ping , Fan Dongsheng 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and purposeCurrently, there are limited options for treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) patients in China. While pregabalin is an effective treatment option for PHN in several countries, there is limited information on its efficacy in Chinese patients.MethodsThis was an 8‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in Chinese patients with PHN randomized (1:1) to pregabalin 300 mg/day or placebo. Primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in mean pain score (Daily Pain Rating Scale; 0 = ‘no pain’ to 10 = ‘worst possible pain’). Secondary efficacy endpoints included change from baseline in overall pain intensity score, by visual analog scale (VAS; 0 = ‘no pain’ to 100 = ‘worst possible pain’) and daily sleep interference score (0 = ‘pain does not interfere with sleep’ to 10 = ‘completely interferes’).ResultsA total of 220 patients were randomized and received treatment (111 pregabalin and 109 placebo). Improvement in mean pain score with pregabalin was significantly greater than placebo, least squares mean difference (95% CI), −0.71 (−1.08, −0.34); P = 0.0002. Improvements in VAS and sleep interference score at endpoint were significantly greater with pregabalin than placebo, least squares mean difference (95% CI), −8.18 (−11.99, −4.37); P < 0.0001, and −0.54 (−0.93, −0.14); P = 0.0079, respectively. Adverse events were consistent with current product labeling, with dizziness the most commonly reported adverse event (24.3% of pregabalin‐treated patients).ConclusionPregabalin improved measures of pain and sleep, and is well tolerated in Chinese patients with PHN. These results may inform physicians treating patients with PHN in China.
Photosynthetic responses to chilling in a chilling‐tolerant and chilling‐sensitive Miscanthus hybrid
Authors: Friesen P. C. , Sage R. F. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMiscanthus is a C4 perennial grass being developed for bioenergy production in temperate regions where chilling events are common. To evaluate chilling effects on Miscanthus, we assessed the processes controlling net CO2 assimilation rate (A) in Miscanthus x giganteus (M161) and a chilling‐sensitive Miscanthus hybrid (M115) before and after a chilling treatment of 12/5 °C. The temperature response of A and maximum Rubisco activity in vitro were identical below 20 °C in chilled and unchilled M161, demonstrating Rubisco capacity limits or co‐limits A at cooler temperatures. By contrast, A in M115 decreased at all measurement temperatures after growth at 12/5 °C. Rubisco activity in vitro declined in proportion to the reduction in A in chilled M115 plants, indicating Rubisco capacity is responsible in part for the decline in A. Pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase activities were also reduced by the chilling treatment when assayed at 28 °C, indicating this enzyme may also contribute to the reduction in A in M115. The maximum extractable activities of PEPCase and NADP‐ME remained largely unchanged after chilling. The carboxylation efficiency of the C4 cycle was depressed in both genotypes to a similar extent after chilling. ΦP:ΦCO2 remained unchanged in both genotypes indicating the C3 and C4 cycles decline equivalently upon chilling.
Wind increases leaf water use efficiency
Authors: Schymanski Stanislaus J. , Or Dani 
Published: December 2015

AbstractA widespread perception is that, with increasing wind speed, transpiration from plant leaves increases. However, evidence suggests that increasing wind speed enhances carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake while reducing transpiration because of more efficient convective cooling (under high solar radiation loads). We provide theoretical and experimental evidence that leaf water use efficiency (WUE, carbon uptake per water transpired) commonly increases with increasing wind speed, thus improving plants' ability to conserve water during photosynthesis. Our leaf‐scale analysis suggests that the observed global decrease in near‐surface wind speeds could have reduced WUE at a magnitude similar to the increase in WUE attributed to global rise in atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, there is indication that the effect of long‐term trends in wind speed on leaf gas exchange may be compensated for by the concurrent reduction in mean leaf sizes. These unintuitive feedbacks between wind, leaf size and water use efficiency call for re‐evaluation of the role of wind in plant water relations and potential re‐interpretation of temporal and geographic trends in leaf sizes.
Low bone mineral density in achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia
Authors: Matsushita Masaki , Kitoh Hiroshi , Mishima Kenichi , Kadono Izumi , Sugiura Hiroshi , Hasegawa Sachi , Nishida Yoshihiro , Ishiguro Naoki 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundAchondroplasia (ACH) and hypochondroplasia (HCH) are the most common form of short‐limb skeletal dysplasias caused by activated fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) signaling. Although decreased bone mass was reported in gain‐of‐function mutation in Fgfr3 mice, both disorders have never been described as osteoporotic. In the present study, we evaluated bone mineral density (BMD) in ACH and HCH patients.MethodsWe measured spinal BMD (L1–L4) in 18 ACH and four HCH patients with an average age of 19.8 ± 7.5 years (range, 10–33 years). BMD Z‐score in each individual was calculated for normalizing age and gender. Correlation between body mass index (BMI) and BMD was analyzed. Moreover, BMD and Z‐score were compared between ACH patients and HCH patients.ResultsThe average BMD of ACH/HCH patients was 0.805 ± 0.141 g/cm2 (range, 0.554–1.056 g/cm2), resulting in an average Z‐score of −1.1 ± 0.8 (range, −2.4 to 0.6) of the standard value. A slightly positive correlation was observed between BMI and BMD (r = 0.45; P = 0.13). There was no significant difference in BMD and Z‐score between ACH and HCH patients.ConclusionSpinal BMD was reduced in ACH/HCH patients, and was mildly correlated with individual BMI. We should carefully monitor BMD and examine osteoporosis‐related symptoms in adolescent and adult ACH/HCH patients. © 2016 Japan Pediatric Society.
Physical activity participation by adults with cystic fibrosis: An observational study
Authors: Cox Narelle S. , Alison Jennifer A. , Button Brenda M. , Wilson John W. , Morton Judith M. , Holland Anne E. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveStudies in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) suggest greater physical activity (PA) is associated with a slower rate of decline in respiratory function. In adults with CF, objectively measured PA time and its relationship to long‐term clinical outcomes of respiratory function and need for hospitalization are unknown.MethodsPA measured objectively (SenseWear armband), pulmonary function, exercise capacity (Modified Shuttle Test‐25) and CF‐related quality of life (CFQ‐R) were assessed in 65 adults (34 male; mean age 28 years) with CF during a stable phase. A sub‐group of these participants undertook additional measurement of PA at hospital discharge for a respiratory exacerbation.ResultsMedian daily habitual moderate‐vigorous PA (MVPA) time was 31‐min (IQR:15–53). Participants who accumulated ≥30‐min MPVA daily experienced fewer hospital days (P = 0.04), better exercise capacity and higher FEV1 at 12 months (P ≤ 0.001). Daily, fewer females than males accrued ≥30‐min MVPA (P = 0.02). Compared with those who did not, participants who accumulated 30‐min MVPA in bouts ≥10‐min (n = 21) recorded better FEV1 (P = 0.02) and exercise capacity (P = 0.006), and reduced hospital admissions (P = 0.04) and hospital days (P = 0.04) at 12 months. MVPA participation declined significantly 1 month post‐hospital discharge (median 12 min (4–34); P = 0.04).ConclusionAdults with CF are able to achieve recommended MVPA targets of 30mins/day; however, a significant gender difference in activity time is apparent. Greater time in MVPA is related to more positive clinical outcomes over 12 months. Whether increasing PA levels can improve clinical outcomes in adults with CF warrants further investigation.See Editorial, page 404