bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of apical periodontitis in root filled teeth: findings from a nationwide survey in Finland
Authors: Huumonen S. , Suominen A. L. , Vehkalahti M. M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimTo assess the prevalence of apical periodontitis in the Finnish population aged 30 years and older and relate it to the technical quality of root filling by the type of tooth.MethodologyAs part of the Finnish nationwide Health 2000 study, panoramic radiographs were used of the dentate subjects (n = 5335) aged 30–95 years (mean 50.2 years) to assess the apical and endodontic status of their teeth (n = 120635). Apical periodontitis (AP) was recorded when the periodontal ligament space was more than double in width, or loss of lamina dura or a periapical radiolucent lesion was seen. Technically, adequate root fillings had a gap of 0–3 mm from the apex; all others were defined as inadequate. Statistical methods included chi‐square tests and anova. Risk of AP was estimated as cross‐product odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval.ResultsTeeth with AP occurred in 27% of the dentate subjects being more prevalent in subjects with root filled teeth than in those without (39% vs. 9%; P < 0.001; OR = 6.3; 95% CI 5.3, 7.4). AP was more prevalent in men than in women (31% vs. 23%). At a tooth level, AP was most frequent in mandibular molars with inadequate root fillings. For all root filled teeth, an inadequate root filling doubled the risk of AP for both women (OR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.7, 2.4) and men (OR = 2.5; 95% CI 2.1, 2.9).ConclusionsAP occurred principally in subjects and teeth with root fillings. Inadequate root fillings doubled the risk of AP. An improvement in the technical quality of root canal treatment is essential.
Use of 308 nm excimer laser for the treatment of chronic hand and foot eczema
Authors: Shroff Anjali , Malajian Dana , Czarnowicki Tali , Rose Sharon , Bernstein Daniel M. , Singer Giselle K. , Lebwohl Mark G. , Hadi Suhail , Guttman‐Yassky Emma 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundChronic hand and foot eczema (CHFE), a prevalent debilitating disorder affecting approximately 15% of the population, presents a socioeconomic and psychosocial burden for patients and often follows a chronic course, refractory to conventional therapies. Thus, a large need exists for more effective therapeutics; the excimer laser (308 nm) is effective for some inflammatory skin diseases, but its efficacy has not been evaluated for CHFE.MethodsThe study is a retrospective chart review conducted on 30 patients with recalcitrant CHFE (19 with hand involvement, four with foot involvement, and seven with both) treated twice weekly with excimer laser (308 nm) single wavelength ultraviolet (UV)B radiation between January 2013 and December 2014.ResultsImprovements in clinical scores included a 69% reduction in average physician's global assessment (PGA) scores (from 2.77 at baseline to 0.87 after treatment, P < 0.0001) with a parallel reduction in average modified total lesion/symptom scores of 70% (from 10.2 to 3.1, P < 0.0001). Only mild sunburn‐like reactions were observed.ConclusionThis report evaluates excimer laser for patients with refractory CHFE and shows excellent and sustained efficacy for this treatment. Compared to other UV therapies, excimer laser offers lower cumulative doses of UV radiation by targeting specific areas. This effective treatment should be considered alone or in combination with other established or newer therapies.
A randomized controlled trial of dance exergaming for exercise training in overweight and obese adolescent girls
Authors: Staiano A. E. , Marker A. M. , Beyl R. A. , Hsia D. S. , Katzmarzyk P. T. , Newton R. L. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundStructured exergaming with prescribed moderate intensity physical activity has reduced adiposity among adolescents. The extent to which adolescents reduce adiposity when allowed to self‐select intensity level is not known.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to examine the influence of exergaming on adolescent girls' body composition and cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial assigned 41 overweight and obese girls aged 14 to 18 years to group‐based dance exergaming (36 h over 3 months) or to a self‐directed care control condition. Body size and composition were measured by anthropometry, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry [%fat and bone mineral density {BMD}] and magnetic resonance imaging. Cardiovascular risk factors included blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin.ResultsAttrition was 5%. Using analysis of covariance controlling for baseline value, age and race, there were no significant condition differences. Per protocol (attended >75%), the intervention group significantly decreased abdominal subcutaneous adiposity and increased trunk and spine BMD (ps < 0.05). Per protocol (>2600 steps/session), the intervention group significantly decreased leg %fat and decreased abdominal subcutaneous and total adiposity (ps < 0.05).ConclusionExergaming reduced body fat and increased BMD among those adolescent girls who adhered. Further research is required before exergaming is recommended in clinical settings.
Vasculogenic mimicry plays an important role in adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Faming , Lin Hao , Cao Kaiyuan , Wang Hua , Pan Jincheng , Zhuang Jintao , Chen Xu , Huang Bin , Wang Daohu , Qiu Shaopeng 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesTo determine the prognostic role of vasculogenic mimicry in adrenocortical carcinoma, and to explore its relationship with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expression.MethodsA total of 46 samples of adrenocortical carcinoma were collected and reviewed. Vasculogenic mimicry and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 were detected by immunohistochemistry and double staining. Survival analysis was carried out to access pronostic significance. Three‐dimensional culture method was applied to test the ability of vasculogenic mimicry formation by adrenocortical carcinoma cell lines SW‐13 and H295R. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to monitor the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in SW‐13 and H295R. After being treated with specific inhibitor or small interfering ribonucleic acid to downregulate expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, vasculogenic mimicry formation and cell prolifration of SW‐13 cells were evaluated by 3‐D culture and Cell Counting Kit‐8 methods.ResultsVasculogenic mimicry was observed in 19 of the 46 (41.30%) adrenocortical carcinoma samples. Both vasculogenic mimicry and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expressions showed a positive association with Weiss score and TNM stage, whereas vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 was also associated with tumor size (all P < 0.05). Vasculogenic mimicry was closely correlated with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expressions (r = 0.470, P < 0.01). The median overall survival of patients with vasculogenicmimicry‐positive or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2‐positive was shorter than that of patients with vasculogenic mimicry‐negative or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2‐negative (P = 0.001 and 0.028, respectively). The vasculogenic mimicry‐forming SW‐13 cells expressed higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 than that of H295R, which was unable to form vasculogenic mimicry on Matrigel. However, downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 only decreased cell proliferation, but not vasculogenic mimicry formation by SW‐13 cells.ConclusionsVasculogenic mimicry and overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 seem to correlate with poor prognostic outcomes in adrenocortical carcinoma. Anti‐angiogenesis treatments targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 should be combined with therapies targeting vasculogenic mimicry in adrenocortical carcinoma.
Methods for Scalar‐on‐Function Regression
Authors: Reiss Philip T. , Goldsmith Jeff , Shang Han Lin , Ogden R. Todd 
Published: February 2016

SummaryRecent years have seen an explosion of activity in the field of functional data analysis (FDA), in which curves, spectra, images and so on are considered as basic functional data units. A central problem in FDA is how to fit regression models with scalar responses and functional data points as predictors. We review some of the main approaches to this problem, categorising the basic model types as linear, non‐linear and non‐parametric. We discuss publicly available software packages and illustrate some of the procedures by application to a functional magnetic resonance imaging data set.
The potential risks and impact of the start of the 2015–2016 influenza season in the WHO European Region: a rapid risk assessment
Authors: Tjon‐Kon‐Fat Raïssa , Meerhoff Tamara , Nikisins Sergejs , Pires João , Pereyaslov Dmitriy , Gross Diane , Brown Caroline ,   WHO European Region Influenza Network
Published: February 2016

BackgroundCountries in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region are reporting more severe influenza activity in the 2015–2016 season compared to previous seasons.ObjectivesTo conduct a rapid risk assessment to provide interim information on the severity of the current influenza season.MethodsUsing the WHO manual for rapid risk assessment of acute public health events and surveillance data available from Flu News Europe, an assessment of the current influenza season from 28 September 2015 (week 40/2015) up to 31 January 2016 (week 04/2016) was made compared with the four previous seasons.ResultsThe current influenza season started around week 51/2015 with higher influenza activity reported in Eastern Europe compared to Western Europe. There is a strong predominance of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 compared to previous seasons, but the virus is antigenically similar to the strain included in the seasonal influenza vaccine. Compared to the 2014/2015 season, there was a rapid increase in the number of severe cases in Eastern European countries with the majority of such cases occurring among adults aged <65 years.ConclusionsThe current influenza season is characterized by an early start in Eastern European countries, with indications of a more severe season. Currently circulating influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses are antigenically similar to those included in the seasonal influenza vaccine, and the vaccine is expected to be effective. Authorities should provide information to the public and health providers about the current influenza season, recommendations for the treatment of severe disease and effective public health measures to prevent influenza transmission.
Inventory control model for a supply chain system with multiple types of items and minimum order size requirements
Authors: Park Jun Hyeong , Kim Jong Soo , Shin Ki Young 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis paper considers a replenishment problem for a single buyer who orders multiple types of items from two or more heterogeneous suppliers in order to sell to end customers. The buyer periodically orders each type of item from the suppliers according to a select inventory control policy. Processing the order, each supplier enforces the policy that an order from the buyer must meet a predetermined minimum order quantity (MOQ). Therefore, the buyer must decide how much to order from each supplier considering the current inventory level, demand forecast, and MOQ requirement. The buyer's problem is formulated as an integer programming model and an efficient implementation strategy is suggested to apply the model to real problems. Numerical experiments are performed to test the validity of the proposed model as well as the efficiency of the implementation strategy. The experimental results show that this model combined with the implementation method yields a considerable cost reduction compared to the most efficient policy currently available.
A metaheuristic for security budget allocation in utility networks
Authors: Janssens Jochen , Talarico Luca , Sörensen Kenneth 
Published: February 2016

AbstractReal‐life utility networks such as smart grids, pipelines, and water networks can be exposed to safety‐ and security‐related risk. To mitigate the risks that might result in service interruptions for the users of these networks, countermeasures can be applied. In this paper, a decision model is proposed that assumes that all edges (e.g., pipes, cables) and nodes (e.g., switching or connection stations, substations in an electricity network) have a certain probability of failing, which can be reduced by applying appropriate security strategies. An optimization model is developed that determines the optimal security strategy to be applied to each node and each arc so as to minimize the probability for disconnected node pairs to arise in the network, subject to a budget constraint. A metaheuristic approach to solve this problem has been proposed. The metaheuristic is calibrated in a statistical experiment and detailed experiments on realistic instances confirm that it performs well.
Nurses' perceptions and experiences of work role transitions: a mixed methods systematic review of the literature
Authors: Arrowsmith Victoria , Lau‐Walker Margaret , Norman Ian , Maben Jill 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimTo understand nurses' perceptions and experiences of work role transitions.BackgroundGlobally an uncertain healthcare landscape exists and when changing work roles nurses experience periods of transition when they may not cope well. A greater understanding of work role transitions may help facilitate workforce retention and successful careers.DesignMixed methods systematic review.Data sourcesSix data bases were searched for peer reviewed primary empirical research, published in English language between January 1990 and December 2014, supplemented by hand and citation searching.Review methodsEvidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co‐ordinating Centre methods for systematic reviews principles were followed. Analysis and synthesis of the qualitative and quantitative papers was conducted separately using thematic analysis. A third synthesis combined the narrative findings and a narrative synthesis of results is presented.ResultsTwenty‐six papers were included. Across nurses' work role transitions two pathways were found: Novice and Experienced. ‘Novice’ comprises pre‐registration and newly qualified nurses. ‘Experienced’ comprises, Enrolled/Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse, experienced to specialist nurse and clinical role changes. Each pathway results in different emphasizes of two themes; ‘Striving for a new professional self’ includes emotional upheaval and identity while ‘Know how’ includes competence and boundaries. Novice nurses are more susceptible to the extremes of emotional upheaval while experienced nurses' competence eases aspects of transitions while boundary issues pervade.ConclusionInformed work and educational environments are required for all groups of nurses. Using existing models of transition can facilitate successful individual transitions and develop the workplace.
Left Atrial Appendage Closure Guided by 3D Printed Cardiac Reconstruction: Emerging Directions and Future Trends
Authors: PELLEGRINO PIER LUIGI , FASSINI GAETANO , DI BIASE MATTEO , TONDO CLAUDIO 
Published: February 2016

Emerging Directions and Future TrendsIntroductionPercutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion has emerged as an alternative therapeutic approach to medical therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. 3D printing is a novel technology able to create a patient specific model of any given anatomical portion of the heart.ResultsHerein we report the first 2 cases of LAA occlusion procedure with 2 different systems, the Wave Crest device (Coherex Medical, Inc., USA) and the Amplatzer Amulet device (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA), in which a 3D printed LAA model (Care Tronik, Prato, Italy) was used in a rehearse phase. Both patients had history of paroxysmal AF and previous transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurred during oral anticoagulation with correct INR. In the first patient the occlusive device was positioned within the LAA after a rehearse occlusion using the 3D printed LAA plus a 27 mm Coherex Wavecrest device, demonstrating a good compression and sealing, particularly considering a proximal lobe of the appendage. In the second patient an attempt with the 27 mm Amulet device delivered within the 3D printed LAA, based on angiography and transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE), revealed insufficient covering of the proximal part of LAA vestibule; the device was released only after a second test with the 31 mm Amulet demonstrating a good sealing.ConclusionThese 2 cases demonstrated that 3D model could help in finding the correct position within LAA, sizing the device and guiding the choice of the closure device despite the measurements provided by angiography and TEE.
Burning the Gap: Electrical and Anatomical Basis of the Incremental Pacing Maneuver for Cavotricuspid Isthmus Block Assessment
Authors: VALLÈS ERMENGOL , CABRERA SANDRA , BENITO BEGOÑA , ALCALDE OSCAR , JIMÉNEZ JESÚS , MARTÍ‐ALMOR JULIO 
Published: February 2016

Use of Microelectrodes During Incremental PacingIntroductionThe incremental pacing (IP) maneuver is a highly specific technique that improves the ability to confirm complete CTI conduction block during typical atrial flutter (AFL) ablation, and reduces long‐term AFL recurrences. The purpose of this study is to assess the performance of new catheters equipped with additional high precision bipoles (AHPB) to allow the visualization of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) conduction gap and to compare them with the IP maneuver.Methods and ResultsTwenty consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation of the CTI for AFL were included. The IP maneuver confirmed functional versus complete CTI block. Local electrogram analysis using AHPB was then used to assess the presence or absence of gaps across the CTI line. Mean age was 67 years and 80% were male. At the end of the procedure CTI block was achieved in all patients. A transient stage of functional CTI block was observed in 40%. In all cases a continuous fragmented electrogram was present between the double potentials in the CTI in the AHPB channels. In contrast, no electrogram was observed between the CTI double potentials in any of the 20 patients once complete block was confirmed by the IP maneuver. When both techniques were compared a significant association and correlation were observed (chi‐square <0.01, Spearman's rho = 1, P < 0.01).ConclusionCatheters equipped with AHPB can aid in the assessment of complete CTI block during AFL ablation procedures by detecting conduction gaps that correlate with incomplete functional block diagnosed by the IP maneuver.
Role of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) in pericyte‐mediated vascular inflammation
Authors: Navarro Rocío , Delgado‐Wicke Pablo , Nuñez‐Prado Natalia , Compte Marta , Blanco‐Toribio Ana , Nuñez Gabriel , Álvarez‐Vallina Luis , Sanz Laura 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe have recently described the response of human brain pericytes to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) through toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, Gram‐negative pathogen‐associated molecular patterns include not only LPS but also peptidoglycan (PGN). Given that the presence of co‐purified PGN in the LPS preparation previously used could not be ruled out, we decided to analyse the expression of the intracellular PGN receptors NOD1 and NOD2 in HBP and compare the responses to their cognate agonists and ultrapure LPS.Our findings show for the first time that NOD1 is expressed in pericytes, whereas NOD2 expression is barely detectable. The NOD1 agonist C12‐iE‐DAP induced IL6 and IL8 gene expression by pericytes as well as release of cytokines into culture supernatant. Moreover, we demonstrated the synergistic effects of NOD1 and TLR4 agonists on the induction of IL8. Using NOD1 silencing in HBP, we showed a requirement for C12‐iE‐DAP‐dependent signalling. Finally, we could discriminate NOD1 and TLR4 pathways in pericytes by pharmacological targeting of RIPK2, a kinase involved in NOD1 but not in TLR4 signalling cascade. p38 MAPK and NF‐κB appear to be downstream mediators in the NOD1 pathway.In summary, these results indicate that pericytes can sense Gram‐negative bacterial products by both NOD1 and TLR4 receptors, acting through distinct pathways. This provides new insight about how brain pericytes participate in the inflammatory response and may have implications for disease management.
The mechanisms and significance of up‐regulation of RhoB expression by hypoxia and glucocorticoid in rat lung and A549 cells
Authors: Huang Gao‐Xiang , Pan Xiao‐Yu , Jin Yi‐Duo , Wang Yan , Song Xiao‐Lian , Wang Chang‐Hui , Li Yi‐Dong , Lu Jian 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSmall guanosine triphosphate (GTP)‐binding protein RhoB is an important stress sensor and contributes to the regulation of cytoskeletal organization, cell proliferation and survival. However, whether RhoB is involved in the hypoxic response and action of glucocorticoid (GC) is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of hypoxia or/and GC on the expression and activition of RhoB in the lung of rats and human A549 lung carcinoma cells, and further studied its mechanism and significance. We found that hypoxia and dexamethasone (Dex), a synethic GC, not only significantly increased the expression and activation of RhoB independently but also coregulated the expresion of RhoB in vitro and in vivo. Up‐regulation of RhoB by hypoxia was in part through stabilizing the RhoB mRNA and protein. Inhibiting hypoxia‐activated hypoxia‐inducible transcription factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) or extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) with their specific inhibitors significantly decreased hypoxia‐induced RhoB expression, indicating that HIF‐1α, JNK and ERK are involved in the up‐regulation of RhoB in hypoxia. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of RhoB expression by RhoB siRNA not only significantly reduced hypoxia‐enhanced cell migration and cell survival in hypoxia but also increased the sensitivity of cell to paclitaxel (PTX), a chemotherapeutic agent, and reduced Dex‐enhanced resistance to PTX‐chemotherapy in A549 cells. Taken together, the novel data revealed that hypoxia and Dex increased the expression and activation of RhoB, which is important for hypoxic adaptation and hypoxia‐accelerated progression of lung cancer cells. RhoB also enhanced the resistance of cell to PTX‐chemotherapy and mediated the pro‐survival effect of Dex.