bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New competencies for the 21st century dental public health specialist
Authors: Altman Donald , Mascarenhas Ana Karina 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe American Board of Dental Public Health (ABDPH) currently recognizes 10 core competencies, which identify the skills, knowledge and understanding expected of all dental public health specialists. The last update to the competencies was 1998. The American Board of Dental Public Health, along with the American Association of Public Health Dentistry and its many partners, initiated a process to revise the competencies. This report presents the process and the new competencies for the dental public health specialist of the 21st century. Each of the developed competencies is supported by a “statement of intent”. These competencies take effect immediately. The new competencies will be used in testing candidates for specialty status beginning with the 2018 ABDPH examination.
Hepatitis B virus core‐related antigen as a surrogate marker for covalently closed circular DNA
Authors: Wong Danny Ka‐Ho , Seto Wai‐Kay , Cheung Ka‐Shing , Chong Chun‐Kong , Huang Fung‐Yu , Fung James , Lai Ching‐Lung , Yuen Man‐Fung 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is a key to viral persistence in chronic hepatitis B infection. Serum hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) is a novel marker for HBV disease. We aimed to determine whether HBcrAg could be a surrogate marker for intrahepatic cccDNA.MethodsThree hundred and five liver biopsies and the corresponding sera collected from 138 nucleos(t)ide analogues‐treated patients were analysed. 124 patients had paired liver biopsies at baseline and 1‐year post‐treatment, and 43 patients had a third biopsy after 6‐12 years of treatment. Serum HBcrAg, HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and intrahepatic HBV DNA and cccDNA were measured.ResultsHBcrAg strongly correlated with cccDNA (r=.70), intrahepatic total HBV DNA (r=.67) and serum HBV DNA (r=.69; all P<.0001). In the 130 samples with undetectable serum HBV DNA, HBcrAg was detectable in 101 (78%) samples, and HBcrAg levels still correlated positively with cccDNA (r=.42, P<.0001). At ≥6 years of therapy, the median logarithmic reduction in HBcrAg was 2.7 log kU/mL, which was comparable to the magnitude of reduction in cccDNA. Twenty‐one patients had undetectable cccDNA after ≥6 years of treatment, in whom 15 (71%) had detectable HBcrAg (range: 1.2‐537 kU/mL).ConclusionsSerum HBcrAg is a reliable surrogate marker for intrahepatic cccDNA. HBcrAg could be a very sensitive marker to reflect the cccDNA content and persistence of disease even with the cccDNA levels below the detection limit of assays.
Novel monitoring of hepatitis B reactivation based on ultra‐high sensitive hepatitis B surface antigen assay
Authors: Shinkai Noboru , Kusumoto Shigeru , Murakami Shuko , Ogawa Shintaro , Ri Masaki , Matsui Tekeshi , Tamori Akihiro , Toyoda Hidenori , Ishida Takashi , Iida Shinsuke , Tanaka Yasuhito 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsOccult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection should be evaluated before systemic chemotherapy to prevent HBV reactivation‐related hepatitis. We investigated HBV reactivation using high sensitivity HB surface antigen (HBsAg) chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (HBsAg‐HQ) and ultra‐high sensitive HBsAg assay employing a semi‐automated immune complex transfer chemiluminescence enzyme technique (ICT‐CLEIA).MethodsOf 120 HBV‐resolved patients with haematological malignancy receiving systemic chemotherapy from 2012 to 2015 in our hospital, 13 patients had HBV DNA reactivation (in 12/13 patients HBV DNA became quantifiable) according to HBV DNA monitoring. These patients were applied for Architect HBsAg‐QT (detection limit:50 mIU/mL), HBsAg‐HQ (5 mIU/mL) and ICT‐CLEIA (0.5 mIU/mL) using stored samples.ResultsWhen HBV DNA was firstly quantifiable by regular HBV DNA monitoring, HBsAg‐QT was detected in 1/12 patients (8%), HBsAg‐HQ was detected in 4/12 patients (33%) and ICT‐CLEIA was detected in all 12 patients (100%), suggesting that the sensitivity of ICT‐CLEIA was comparable to that of HBV DNA quantification. Interestingly, two patients were HBsAg positive by ICT‐CLEIA before HBV DNA became detectable. Median difference of detectable point between HBV DNA and ICT‐CLEIA was zero (range from −28 to 56 days), while median delay by HBsAg‐QT or HBsAg‐HQ was 52.5 days after HBV DNA became detectable. Although anti‐HBs titres were high (131.9 mIU, 80.4 mIU) in two patients with escape mutations (Saa126V, Saa145R), HBsAg by ICT‐CLEIA and HBV DNA were detectable concurrently.ConclusionsICT‐CLEIA is a novel assay for HBV monitoring to prevent hepatitis caused by HBV reactivation.
Persistent alternate abundance states in the coral reef sea urchin Diadema savignyi: evidence of alternate attractors
Authors: Han Xueying 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAlternate attractors have been shown to exist in a variety of terrestrial and aquatic systems, e.g. temperate forests, savannas, shallow lakes, wetlands, coral reefs, kelp forests. The shift from one attractor to another, also referred to as a regime shift, is thought to occur when a system passes some critical threshold such that the trajectory of the system changes direction. Alternate attractors in population dynamics can also exist, leading to alternate stable states in the population abundance of a species. This study explored alternate attractors in the population dynamics of the Indo‐Pacific sea urchin Diadema savignyi and the potential underlying mechanisms that promote its bi‐stability. In Moorea, French Polynesia, the local abundance of D. savignyi, a functionally important herbivore in lagoon habitats, occurs in two states: (i) solitary individuals that occupy crevices in low densities and (ii) aggregations of tens to hundreds of individuals. These different states are temporally stable and are not explained by spatial differences in recruitment rates of juveniles. A field experiment revealed that the per capita mortality rate of adult D. savignyi was substantially lower at sites where urchins occurred in aggregations compared with sites at which they were solitary individuals. An additional experiment showed that per capita mortality decreased with increasing aggregation size. Individuals in high‐density aggregations, however, had significantly smaller test diameters than solitary individuals, indicating that individuals in aggregations may be food limited. Collectively, the evidence suggests that the two different local abundance states of D. savignyi result from negative feedback loops where high local density can be maintained by aggregative behavior that greatly reduces per capita risk of predation when the local number of adult sea urchins is sufficiently large; sites with few sea urchins remain at low density because individuals are more susceptible to predation when crevices are occupied but there are not enough individuals to form large aggregations. Thus, there may be alternate attractors in the population dynamics of D. savignyi that can produce either persistently low or high local population densities.
Large‐scale connectivity of Grapsus grapsus (Decapoda) in the Southwestern Atlantic oceanic islands: integrating genetic and morphometric data
Authors: Teschima Mariana M. , Strӧher Patrícia R. , Firkowski Carina R. , Pie Marcio R. , Freire Andrea S. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe degree of connectivity among island populations can influence their demography and affect their level of genetic differentiation. In this study we investigated genetic and morphometric differences among four populations of Grapsus grapsus (Linnaeus 1758), in Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago (0°55′ N, 29°20′ W), Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (3°50′ S, 32°24′ W), Rocas Atoll (3°50′ S, 33°49′ W) and Trindade Island (20°30′ S, 29°20′ W) from 2003 to 2011. Morphometric results indicated the existence of two distinct groups based on the morphology of their chelae (Trindade Island/Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago versus Fernando de Noronha/Rocas Atoll). In addition, genetic variation in a fragment of the mitochondrial control region revealed substantial differentiation between Trindade and the other islands, with Trindade Island showing only exclusive haplotypes. The congruence of the genetic and morphologic analyses suggests the occurrence of a divergent population in Trindade Island as well as high connectivity among the three remaining equatorial islands. This is the first study to assess the level of morphologic differentiation and genetic connectivity of a species among all four Southwestern Atlantic oceanic islands. Our results provide valuable insight into understanding connectivity through surface ocean currents and suggest that the unstable current system of this area could be responsible for different dispersal patterns. We also suggest that the design of Brazilian marine protected areas should be adjusted to provide stronger protection for Trindade Island as it harbors unique genetic and morphologic variation in G. grapsus.
Extensively hydrolyzed casein formula alone or with L. rhamnosus GG reduces β‐lactoglobulin sensitization in mice
Authors: Aitoro Rosita , Simeoli Raffaele , Amoroso Antonio , Paparo Lorella , Nocerino Rita , Pirozzi Claudio , di Costanzo Margherita , Meli Rosaria , De Caro Carmen , Picariello Gianluca , Mamone Gianfranco , Calignano Antonio , Nagler Cathryn R. , Berni Canani Roberto 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundExtensively hydrolyzed casein formula (EHCF) has been proposed for the prevention and is commonly used for the treatment of cow's milk allergy (CMA). The addition of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) to EHCF may induce faster acquisition of tolerance to cow's milk. The mechanisms underlying this effect are largely unexplored. We investigated the effects of EHCF alone or in combination with LGG on β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) sensitization in mice.MethodsThree‐week‐old C3H/HeOuJ mice were sensitized by oral administration of BLG using cholera toxin as adjuvant at weekly intervals for 5 weeks (sensitization period). Two experimental phases were conducted: (i) EHCF or EHCF+LGG given daily, starting 2 weeks before the sensitization period and then given daily for 5 weeks and (ii) EHCF or EHCF+LGG given daily for 4 weeks, starting 1 week after the sensitization period. Diet free of cow's milk protein was used as control. Acute allergic skin response, anaphylactic symptom score, body temperature, intestinal permeability, anti‐BLG serum IgE, and interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐13, IFN‐γ mRNA expression were analyzed. Peptide fractions of EHCF were characterized by reversed‐phase (RP)‐HPLC, MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, and nano‐HPLC/ESI‐MS/MS.ResultsExtensively hydrolyzed casein formula administration before or after BLG‐induced sensitization significantly reduced acute allergic skin reaction, anaphylactic symptom score, body temperature decrease, intestinal permeability increase, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and anti‐BLG IgE production. EHCF increased expression of IFN‐γ and IL‐10. Many of these effects were significantly enhanced by LGG supplementation. The peptide panels were similar between the two study formulas and contained sequences that could have immunoregulatory activities.ConclusionsThe data support dietary intervention with EHCF for CMA prevention and treatment through a favorable immunomodulatory action. The observed effects are significantly enhanced by LGG supplementation.
Nationwide Survey of Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in Children in the United States
Authors: Okubo Yusuke , Nochioka Kotaro , Testa Marcia A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAlthough Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are serious, life‐threatening reactions to drug therapies, no efforts have been made to investigate the comprehensive change in epidemiology with respect to age, sex, and race and ethnicity in children. The risk of death was 0.3% to 1.5%, and the highest hospitalization rates were in children 15 to 19 years of age, boys, and black children. The highest proportions of hospitalizations were children with very low household income, those with private insurance, and those treated at large urban teaching hospitals in the West. A significant winter–autumn predominance was observed.
Kinetic Isotope Effects and Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Reveal Large Conformational Changes During the Catalysis of the Clostridium acetobutylicum Spore Photoproduct Lyase
Authors: Yang Linlin , Adhikari Jagat , Gross Michael L. , Li Lei 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSpore photoproduct lyase (SPL) catalyzes the direct reversal of a thymine dimer 5‐thyminyl‐5,6‐dihydrothymine (i.e. the spore photoproduct (SP)) to two thymine residues in germinating endospores. Previous studies suggest that SPL from the bacterium Bacillus subtilis (Bs) harbors an unprecedented radical‐transfer pathway starting with cysteine 141 proceeding through tyrosine 99. However, in SPL from the bacterium Clostridium acetobutylicum (Ca), the cysteine (at position 74) and the tyrosine are located on the opposite sides of a substrate‐binding pocket that has to collapse to bring the two residues into proximity, enabling the C→Y radical passage as implied in SPL(Bs). To test this hypothesis, we adopted hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX‐MS) to show that C74(Ca) is located at a highly flexible region. The repair of dinucleotide SP TpT by SPL(Ca) is eight‐fold to 10‐fold slower than that by SPL(Bs); the process also generates a large portion of the aborted product TpTSO2−. SPL(Ca) exhibits apparent (DV) kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) of ~6 and abnormally large competitive (DV/K) KIEs (~20), both of which are much larger than the KIEs observed for SPL(Bs). All these observations indicate that SPL(Ca) possesses a flexible active site and readily undergoes conformational changes during catalysis.
On the benefits of living in clumps: a case study on Polytrichastrum formosum
Authors: Zajączkowska U. , Grabowska K. , Kokot G. , Kruk M. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

The study concerns the mechanics and water relationships of clumps of a species of endohydric moss, Polytrichastrum formosum.

Anatomical and morphological studies were done using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Experiments on waterdrop capture and their distribution to adjacent shoots within a moss clump were performed with the experimental set‐up for the droplet collision phenomena and ultra‐high speed camera. The mechanical strength of the moss clump was tested on an electromechanical testing machine.

During the process of moss clump wetting, the falling water drops were captured by the apical stem part or leaves, then flowed down while adhering to the gametophore and never lost their surface continuity. In places of contact with another leaf, the water drop stops there and joins the leaves, enabling their hydration. Mathematical analysis of anatomical images showed that moss stems have different zones with varying cell lumen and cell wall/cell radius ratios, suggesting the occurrence of a periodic component structure. Our study provides evidence that the reaction of mosses to mechanical forces depends on the size of the clump, and that small groups are clearly stronger than larger groups.

The clump structure of mosses acts as a net for falling rain droplets. Clumps of Polytrichastrum having overlapping leaves, at the time of loading formed a structure similar to a lattice. The observed reaction of mosses to mechanical forces indicates that this phenomenon appears to be analogous to the ‘size effect on structural strength’ that is of great importance for various fields of engineering.
Beyond counting stillbirths to understanding their determinants in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic assessment of stillbirth data availability in household surveys
Authors: Christou Aliki , Dibley Michael J. , Raynes‐Greenow Camille 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically map data availability for stillbirths from all countries with Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) surveys to outline the limitations and challenges with using the data for understanding the determinants and causes of stillbirths, and for cross‐country comparisons.MethodsWe assessed data sources from the DHS programme website, including published DHS reports and their associated questionnaires for surveys completed between 2005 and 2015.ResultsBetween 2005 and 2015, the DHS programme completed 114 surveys across 70 low‐ and middle‐income countries. Ninety‐eight (86.0%) surveys from 66 countries collected stillbirth data adequately to calculate a stillbirth rate, while 16 surveys from 12 countries did not. The method used to count stillbirths varied; 96 (84.2%) surveys used a live birth history with a reproductive calendar, while 16 (14.0%) surveys from 12 countries did a full pregnancy history. Based on assessment of questionnaires, antenatal and delivery care information for stillbirths was only available in 15 surveys (13.2%) from 12 countries (17.1%). Data on maternal conditions/complications were captured in 17 surveys (16.0%), but only in six could these be linked to stillbirths. Data on other recognised risk factors were scarce, varying considerably across surveys. Upon further examination of data sets from surveys with maternity care data on non‐live births, we found incomplete capture of these data; only two surveys had adequately and completely collected these for stillbirths.ConclusionSubstantial variation exists in DHS surveys in the measurement of stillbirths, with limited scope to examine risk factors or causes. Without immediate improvements, our understanding of country‐specific trends and determinants for stillbirths will remain hampered, limiting the development and prioritisation of programmatic interventions to prevent these deaths.
Paediatric HUS Cases Related to the Consumption of Raw Milk Sold by Vending Machines in Italy: Quantitative Risk Assessment Based on Escherichia coli O157 Official Controls over 7 years
Authors: Giacometti F. , Bonilauri P. , Piva S. , Scavia G. , Amatiste S. , Bianchi D. M. , Losio M. N. , Bilei S. , Cascone G. , Comin D. , Daminelli P. , Decastelli L. , Merialdi G. , Mioni R. , Peli A. , Petruzzelli A. , Tonucci F. , Liuzzo G. , Serraino A. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryA quantitative risk assessment (RA) was developed to estimate haemolytic‐uremic syndrome (HUS) cases in paediatric population associated with the consumption of raw milk sold in vending machines in Italy. The historical national evolution of raw milk consumption phenomenon since 2008, when consumer interest started to grow, and after 7 years of marketing adjustment, is outlined. Exposure assessment was based on the official Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC) microbiological records of raw milk samples from vending machines monitored by the regional Veterinary Authorities from 2008 to 2014, microbial growth during storage, consumption frequency of raw milk, serving size, consumption preference and age of consumers. The differential risk considered milk handled under regulation conditions (4°C throughout all phases) and the worst time–temperature field handling conditions detected. In case of boiling milk before consumption, we assumed that the risk of HUS is fixed at zero. The model estimates clearly show that the public health significance of HUS cases due to raw milk STEC contamination depends on the current variability surrounding the risk profile of the food and the consumer behaviour has more impact than milk storage scenario. The estimated HUS cases predicted by our model are roughly in line with the effective STEC O157‐associated HUS cases notified in Italy only when the proportion of consumers not boiling milk before consumption is assumed to be 1%. Raw milk consumption remains a source of E. coli O157:H7 for humans, but its overall relevance is likely to have subsided and significant caution should be exerted for temporal, geographical and consumers behaviour analysis. Health education programmes and regulatory actions are required to educate people, primarily children, on other STEC sources.
Color Doppler ultrasound characteristics after subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy
Authors: Akand Murat , Koplay Mustafa , Islamoglu Necat , Altintas Emre , Kilic Ozcan , Gul Murat , Kulaksizoglu Haluk , Sivri Mesut , Goktas Serdar 
Published: December 2016

Aim: The present study evaluated the effect of differences in the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and resistive index (RI) in the testicular artery (TA), capsular artery (CA), and intratesticular artery (ITA) after microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy (MSV) on postoperative pain and semen parameters. Patients and Methods: Scrotal color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) measurements were made in 33 patients (age 18-31 years) prior to MSV and 3 and 6 months after MSV. Pain was recorded using a visual analog scale and sperm concentration was determined to analyze the predictive value of the CDUS parameters regarding surgical outcome. Results: A significant decrease in pain scores was observed in most patients at both follow-ups. The first postoperative CDUS revealed a significant increase in the TA-PSV (p<0.001) and a decrease in the TA-RI (p=0.002) and CARI (p=0.006). The second postoperative CDUS also revealed a significant increase in the TA-PSV and a decrease in the TA-RI, and the PSV in the ITA and CA and RI in the ITA and CA were significantly different from the values obtained pre-operatively and at the first follow-up. A negative correlation was found between the pain level and TA-PSV (r=-0.433, p=0.012), whereas sperm concentration positively correlated with both the TA-PSV and CA-PSV (r=0.534, p=0.001 and r=0.455, p=0.008, respectively).Conclusions: The PSV and RI are useful parameters for detecting changes in testicular microhemodynamics after MSV. In addition, the TA-PSV and CA-PSV can be used to predict improvements in pain and sperm concentration.
Acoustic radiation force impulse elastosonography of placenta in maternal red blood cell alloimmunization: a preliminary and descriptive study
Authors: Cetin Orkun , Karaman Erbil , Arslan Harun , Akbudak Ibrahim , Yıldızhan Recep , Kolusarı Ali 
Published: December 2016

Aims: Maternal red blood cell alloimmunization is an important cause of fetal morbidity and mortality in the perinatal period, despite well-organized prophylaxis programs. The objective of the study was to evaluate placental elasticity by using Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) in Rhesus (Rh) alloimmunized pregnant women with hydropic and nonhydropic fetuses and to compare those with healthy pregnant women. Material and methods: This case-control and descriptive study comprised twenty-eight healthy pregnant women, 14 Rh alloimmunized pregnant women with nonhydropic fetuses, and 16 Rh alloimmunized pregnant women with hydropic fetuses in the third trimester of pregnancy. Placental elasticity measurements were performed by ARFI elastosonography at the day of delivery. The maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes of the patients were also noted. Results: The highest mean placental ARFI scores were observed in Rh alloimmunized pregnant women with hydropic fetuses (1.13 m/s) (p=0.001). Healthy controls and Rh alloimmunized pregnant women with nonhydropic fetuses had similar mean placenta ARFI scores (0.84 m/s, 0.88 m/s, respectively) (p<0.05). Conclusions: Based on the present findings, the placenta becomes stiffer in Rh alloimmunized pregnancies complicated with hydrops fetalis. The increased placental ARFI scores may be a supplemental marker for adverse pregnancy outcomes, additional to Doppler evaluation of middle cerebral artery. This data should be confirmed with a large sample size and prospective studies by using serial measurements of ARFI elastosonography in maternal red blood cell alloimmunization.