bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost‐effectiveness of implant‐supported mandibular removable partial dentures
Authors: Jensen Charlotte , Ross Jamila , Feenstra Talitha L. , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Speksnijder Caroline , Meijer Henny J.A. , Cune Marco S. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to conduct a cost‐effectiveness analysis comparing conventional removable partial dentures (RPDs) and implant‐supported RPDs (ISRPDs) treatment in patients with an edentulous maxilla and a bilateral free‐ending situation in the mandible.Material and methodsThirty subjects were included. A new RPD was made and implant support was provided 3 months later. Treatment costs (opportunity costs and costs based on tariffs) were calculated. Treatment effect was expressed by means of the Dutch Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP‐NL49), a chewing ability test (Mixing Ability Index, MAI) and a short‐form health survey measuring perceived general health (SF‐36), which was subsequently converted into quality‐adjusted‐life‐years (QALYs). The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was the primary outcome measure of cost‐effectiveness, comparing both treatment strategies.ResultsThe mean total opportunity costs were €981 (95% CI €971–€991) for the RPD treatment and €2.480 (95% CI €2.461–€2.500) for the ISRPD treatment. The total costs derived from the national tariff structure were €850 for the RPD treatment and €2.610 for the ISRPD treatment. The ICER for OHIP‐NL49 and MAI using the opportunity costs was €80 and €786, respectively. When using the tariff structure, corresponding ICERs were €94 and €921. The effect of supporting an RPD with implants when expressed in QALYs was negligible; hence an ICER was not determined.ConclusionsIt is concluded that depending on the choice of outcome measure and monetary threshold, supporting an RPD with implants is cost‐effective when payers are willing to pay more than €80 per OHIP point gained. Per MAI point gained, an additional €786 has to be invested.
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential‐dependent Endoplasmic Reticulum Fragmentation is an Important Step in Neuritic Degeneration
Authors: Bao Fei‐Xiang , Shi Hong‐Yan , Long Qi , Yang Liang , Wu Yi , Ying Zhong‐Fu , Qin Da‐Jiang , Zhang Jian , Guo Yi‐Ping , Li Hong‐Mei , Liu Xing‐Guo 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundNeuritic degeneration is an important early pathological step in neurodegeneration.AimThe purpose of this study was to explore the mechanisms connecting neuritic degeneration to the functional and morphological remodeling of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria.MethodsHere, we set up neuritic degeneration models by neurite cutting‐induced neural degeneration in human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived neurons.ResultsWe found that neuritic ER becomes fragmented and forms complexes with mitochondria, which induces IP3R‐dependent mitochondrial Ca2+ elevation and dysfunction during neuritic degeneration. Furthermore, mitochondrial membrane potential is required for ER fragmentation and mitochondrial Ca2+ elevation during neuritic degeneration. Mechanically, tightening of the ER–mitochondria associations by expression of a short “synthetic linker” and ER Ca2+ releasing together could promote mitochondrial Ca2+ elevation, dysfunction, and reactive oxygen species generation.ConclusionOur study reveals a dynamic remodeling of the ER–mitochondria interface underlying neuritic degeneration.
Baseline Differences in Minor Lymphocyte Subpopulations may Predict Response to Fingolimod in Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Teniente‐Serra Aina , Hervás José Vicente , Quirant‐Sánchez Bibiana , Mansilla María José , Grau‐López Laia , Ramo‐Tello Cristina , Martínez‐Cáceres Eva María 
Published: April 2016

SummaryAimsFingolimod, oral treatment for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), is an agonist of sphingosine and its metabolite S1P that binds their receptors, blocking the egress of lymphocytes from lymph nodes. The aim of this study was immunomonitoring of minor peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations in RRMS patients under treatment with fingolimod and correlation with treatment response.MethodsProspective study. T‐ and B‐cell subpopulations were analyzed using multiparametric flow cytometry in peripheral blood from 14 RRMS patients under treatment with fingolimod at baseline, +1, +3, +6, +9, and +12 months of follow‐up. Response to therapy was assessed at month +12.ResultsMost changes in minor lymphocyte subpopulations occurred in the first month of treatment and were maintained until the end of follow‐up. The basal percentages of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) and transitional B cells were lower in responder patients than in nonresponders. After 1 month of follow‐up, the percentages of late effector memory CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood were higher in responder patients.ConclusionIf confirmed in a bigger cohort of patients, analysis of percentages of minor lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood of patients with RRMS prior and after +1 month of treatment might predict clinical response to fingolimod.
Central IGF‐I Receptors in the Brain are Instrumental to Neuroprotection by Systemically Injected IGF‐I in a Rat Model for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: De Geyter Deborah , De Smedt Ann , Stoop Wendy , De Keyser Jacques , Kooijman Ron 
Published: April 2016

SummaryAimInsulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) is a neuroprotective agent in animal models of ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine whether systemically injected IGF‐I exerts its neuroprotective action by binding to IGF‐I receptors in the brain after crossing the blood–brain barrier, or via peripheral effects.MethodsTo differentiate the central effects of IGF‐I from systemic effects, ischemic stroke was induced in conscious male Wistar Kyoto rats by the injection of endothelin‐1 adjacent to the middle cerebral artery in the right hemisphere, while either the IGF‐I receptor antagonist JB‐1 or vehicle was introduced into the right lateral ventricle.ResultsIntravenous injection of recombinant human (rh)IGF‐I resulted in 50% reduction in infarct size, which was counteracted by the central administration of JB‐1. Furthermore, rhIGF‐I was detected in both the ischemic and nonischemic hemisphere.ConclusionsSystemically injected rhIGF‐I passes the blood–brain barrier and protects neurons via IGF‐I receptors in the brain in rats with an ischemic stroke.
Face and emotion expression processing and the serotonin transporter polymorphism 5‐HTTLPR/rs22531
Authors: Hildebrandt A. , Kiy A. , Reuter M. , Sommer W. , Wilhelm O. 
Published: April 2016

Face cognition, including face identity and facial expression processing, is a crucial component of socio‐emotional abilities, characterizing humans as highest developed social beings. However, for these trait domains molecular genetic studies investigating gene–behavior associations based on well‐founded phenotype definitions are still rare. We examined the relationship between 5‐HTTLPR/rs25531 polymorphisms – related to serotonin‐reuptake – and the ability to perceive and recognize faces and emotional expressions in human faces. For this aim we conducted structural equation modeling on data from 230 young adults, obtained by using a comprehensive, multivariate task battery with maximal effort tasks. By additionally modeling fluid intelligence and immediate and delayed memory factors, we aimed to address the discriminant relationships of the 5‐HTTLPR/rs25531 polymorphisms with socio‐emotional abilities. We found a robust association between the 5‐HTTLPR/rs25531 polymorphism and facial emotion perception. Carriers of two long (L) alleles outperformed carriers of one or two S alleles. Weaker associations were present for face identity perception and memory for emotional facial expressions. There was no association between the 5‐HTTLPR/rs25531 polymorphism and non‐social abilities, demonstrating discriminant validity of the relationships. We discuss the implications and possible neural mechanisms underlying these novel findings.
Salivary duct carcinoma with rhabdoid features: a salivary counterpart of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Kusafuka Kimihide , Kawasaki Takuya , Maeda Matsuyoshi , Yamanegi Koji , Baba Satoshi , Ito Yohei , Inagaki Hiroshi , Nakajima Takashi 
Published: April 2016

AimTo analyse the clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical characteristics of nine cases of salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) with rhabdoid features (SDCRF), representing a new, extremely rare type of salivary gland malignancy.Methods and resultsWe analysed 2511 cases of salivary gland tumour, clinicopathologically and immunohistochemically. The incidence of SDCRF was 0.4%. Eight patients were male. The age of patients ranged from 36 years to 85 years (mean, 61 years). SDC arose from the parotid glands and submandibular gland in six and three cases, respectively. Seven cases appeared as a carcinoma component of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma cases. Six patients died of disease. Histologically, diffuse proliferations of non‐coherent large ovoid or polygonal carcinoma cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and eccentric nuclei were observed in all cases; such cytological characteristics were defined as ‘rhabdoid features’. Immunohistochemically, all cases were positive for cytokeratin, gross cystic disease fluid protein‐15, androgen receptor, and SMARCB1, seven cases were positive for HER2, and two cases were positive for epidermal growth factor receptor. However, all cases were negative for vimentin and myoepithelial markers. Eight cases showed no or aberrant expression of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin. The results suggest that SDCRF is an extremely rare subtype of SDC, and not a sarcomatoid variant of SDC. SDCRF is histologically unique, and is positive for SDC markers but negative for vimentin, unlike rhabdoid‐type carcinomas arising from other organs.ConclusionsThe morphogenesis of SDCRF is related to no or aberrant expression of cell–cell adhesion molecules. Therefore, SDCRF could be a salivary counterpart to pleomorphic lobular breast carcinoma.
Sunscreen sun protection factor claim based on in vivo interlaboratory variability
Authors: Miksa S. , Lutz D. , Guy C. , Delamour E. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe SPF (sun protection factor) is the best known reference in the world for expressing UVB protection. The SPF is used for labelling purposes for consumer guidance. The determination of the SPF is often accomplished using an in vivo method that has been standardized. Only one in vivo SPF value from one laboratory is required for claiming an SPF value. The aim of this study was to determine the relevance of the in vivo SPF value in terms of interlaboratory variability for claiming purposes and to determine whether some minimum number of different in vivo SPF values from different laboratories would improve the reliability of the final SPF claimed.MethodsA large population of 44 different commercially available sunscreen formulations from the European market has been investigated, covering various product types. The majority of the SPF values claimed ranged from 15 to 50+. For each product, at least three different in vivo SPF values tested in different laboratories have been gathered, and a variety of statistical analyses have been performed.ResultsFor each SPF category from the average of all samples, the minimum and maximum in vivo‐measured SPF values from the different laboratories would lead to labels claiming different levels of SPF for the same product. Indeed, with coefficients of variation for in vivo SPF determinations that exceed 50% in some cases, as an example, the same product could in reality be claimed to be SPF 30, SPF 50 or SPF 50+.ConclusionIn this study, the authors demonstrated that using only one in vivo SPF value from one laboratory may actually challenge the reliability of the final SPF claim significantly. To reduce the consumer health risk by ensuring the reliability of the SPF claim, an average from at least 3 (ideally 4) different in vivo SPF values should be compulsory.
A fundamental investigation into aspects of the physiology and biochemistry of the stratum corneum in subjects with sensitive skin
Authors: Raj N. , Voegeli R. , Rawlings A. V. , Doppler S. , Imfeld D. , Munday M. R. , Lane M. E. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundSensitive skin is a poorly understood skin condition. Defects in stratum corneum (SC) barrier function and/or extrasensory neuronal networks in the epidermis are believed to be involved in the problem.ObjectivesThis study aimed to unravel the relationships between bleomycin hydrolase (BH) and calpain‐1 (C‐1), pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) levels, corneocyte maturation, transglutaminase (TG) and plasmin activities on the cheeks of subjects with sensitive skin.MethodsForty‐eight female Caucasian subjects, Fitzpatrick skin phototypes II–III, with self‐perceived sensitive facial skin, were assessed and underwent a capsaicin reactivity test. Expert grading of skin condition was conducted as well as the measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin capacitance, SC cohesion and SC integrity. BH, C‐1 and plasmin activities were measured as well as PCA levels, plasmin and TG activity. Differential Nile red and involucrin immunostaining was performed to assess corneocyte maturation and size.ResultsAbout 52% of the subjects reacted to capsaicin. There were no significant differences between the capsaicin‐sensitive and non‐capsaicin‐sensitive subjects with reference to skin grading, TEWL, skin capacitance and SC cohesion. PCA levels and BH activity were lowest in the capsaicin‐sensitive panel (P < 0.05) and were correlated in non‐capsaicin‐sensitive subjects (r = 0.72). The activity of TG was significantly lower (48%) in the capsaicin‐sensitive subjects (P < 0.001) and their corneocytes were less mature and smaller (P ≤ 0.05). SC was estimated to be thinner (6.87 ± 0.28 vs. 8.68 ± 0.26 μm; P = 0.001) in the capsaicin‐sensitive subjects with a corresponding shorter SC path length (83.2 ± 4.4 μm and 113.1 ± 4.5 μm; P = 0.001).ConclusionsDespite the physiological similarities between the two groups of sensitive skin subjects, differences in their biochemistry were clearly evident. Lower levels of PCA, BH and TG activities together with a greater number of smaller and immature corneocytes indicate inferior SC maturation in the capsaicin‐sensitive subjects. The reduced maturation of corneocytes and thinner SC likely contributes to a greater penetration of capsaicin and the associated increased skin sensitivity.
Effects of UV‐C irradiation on the physiological and antioxidant responses of button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) during storage
Authors: Lu Yuanyuan , Zhang Jie , Wang Xiaotuo , Lin Qiong , Liu Wei , Xie Xinfang , Wang Zhidong , Guan Wenqiang 
Published: April 2016

SummaryNovel postharvest technology not only preserves the freshness of fruits and vegetables, but also triggers the biosynthesis of antioxidant compounds as a secondary response. This study examined the browning and antioxidant properties of button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) treated with UV‐C irradiation in combination with cold storage. Three sample preparation methods for antioxidant activity analysis, simulative gastrointestinal digestion (GAR), direct evaluation (QUENCHER) and traditional solvent extraction (TSE), were used to evaluate the samples, and followed analysing by both FRAP and ABTS assays. Broadly, the results indicated that, following an initial increase, UV‐C irradiation suppressed browning during a cold storage period of 18 days. And the total phenolic content of the treated mushrooms were higher than that of the control, while the ascorbic acid content decreased sharply during storage, and UV‐C treatment had negative effects on ascorbic acid content. Results from the QUENCHER and GAR methods showed that UV‐C treatment significantly increases the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of mushrooms throughout the entire storage period, and have a larger magnitude than that of TSE method. In conclusion, the combination of UV‐C irradiation and cold storage showed great potential for improving mushroom quality as a new postharvest technology.
HLA‐G 14‐bp polymorphism affects the age of onset in Type I Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gerasimou P. , Skordis N. , Picolos M. , Spyridonidis A. , Costeas P. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryType I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an organ‐specific autoimmune disorder affecting the insulin‐producing pancreatic cells. T1DM genetic association studies have so far revealed the involvement of more than 40 loci, with particularly strong associations for the human leucocyte antigens (HLA). Further to the well‐established HLA class II associations, the immunomodulatory elements in the telomeric major histocompatibility complex locus, specifically nonclassical HLA class I, were also associated with T1DM, either in conferring susceptibility or by contributing to the overall pathogenesis. This study investigates the involvement of a 14‐bp deletion polymorphism (rs371194629) at the 3′ untranslated region of HLA‐G in the context of T1DM and age of onset. The frequency of the polymorphism was determined in unrelated T1DM Cypriot patients and findings that emerge from this study show a strong association between the HLA‐G 14‐bp polymorphism and T1DM with respect to the age of onset. Specifically, the deletion/deletion (DEL/DEL) genotype was found to be associated with an early age of onset (P = 0.001), while the presence of the insertion allele (INS) was associated to a later age of onset (P = 0.0001), portraying a possible dominant effect over the deletion allele, a role in delaying disease onset and an overall involvement of HLA‐G in the pathogenesis of type I diabetes mellitus.
Could a mobile‐assisted learning system support flipped classrooms for classical Chinese learning?
Authors: Wang Y.‐H. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn this study, the researcher aimed to develop a mobile‐assisted learning system and to investigate whether it could promote teenage learners' classical Chinese learning through the flipped classroom approach. The researcher first proposed the structure of the Cross‐device Mobile‐Assisted Classical Chinese (CMACC) system according to the pilot survey and reviewed literature, and then adopted a quasi‐experimental design to understand whether the developed system could promote and support flipped classroom learning for classical Chinese. A total of 56 eleventh graders from two classes participated in the experiment. The learners in the experimental group learned classical Chinese with the flipped classroom learning strategy with the assistance of the CMACC system, while the control group adopted the flipped classroom learning strategy without using the CMACC system. The results reveal that all of the students improved their Chinese performance, but it was noticeable that the learners who used the CMACC system showed better motivation in terms of self‐directed preview learning, while those who only learned with the traditional textbooks tended to be more passive. In sum, the mobile‐assisted learning system added value in providing learners with opportunities to achieve anytime and anywhere flipped classroom learning. The integration of ubiquitous mobile learning technology and the flipped classroom strategy can be viewed as a critical factor leading to students achieving self‐regulated learning. It is also suggested that instructors should carefully take the targeted learners' cultural background and the availability of supporting learning devices into consideration so as to prevent the flipped classroom from exacerbating the digital divide. Other suggestions for educators and instructional designers are also proposed.
Effective pain management as part of palliative care for persons living with HIV/AIDS in a developing country: a qualitative study
Authors: Mojapelo Tshepiso Daisy , Usher Kim , Mills Jane 
Published: April 2016

Aim and objectivesThe aim of this research was to explore and understand nurses’ experiences of managing pain for persons living with human immune virus/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome receiving palliative care at home in Botswana.BackgroundCommunity palliative and hospice care in Africa and Botswana were developed for persons with end‐stage acquired immune deficiency syndrome and other terminal illnesses being cared for at home. As antiretro viral therapies extend the lives of persons living with human immune virus/acquired immune deficiency syndromes, there is an increase in the chronic conditions associated with human immune virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Despite a strong demand for care of persons living with human immune virus/acquired immune deficiency syndromes and other chronic illnesses, little is known about Botswanan community nurses’ capacity to manage community‐based end‐of‐life care for persons living with human immune virus/acquired immune deficiency syndromes.DesignA qualitative study approach guided by van Manen's interpretive analysis was undertaken.MethodsData were collected using semi‐structured interviews that were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using qualitative interpretive analysis. Thirteen nurses from 12 health districts in Botswana were recruited to the study using purposeful sampling.ResultsParticipants identified that pain management was a significant issue. A lack of nurses’ ability to advocate effectively for patients because of a lack of relevant skills and knowledge and poor availability of appropriate analgesics was a limiting factor along with doctors’ reluctance to prescribe opioids to effectively manage pain.ConclusionLack of resources coupled with lack of training for nurses has a negative impact on palliative care and the delivery of care services to persons living with human immune virus/acquired immune deficiency syndromes in Botswana.Relevance to clinical practiceBeing attentive and listening to the nurses’ voices in the provision of palliative care at home is an essential element in identifying the challenges they encounter. Lack of adequate palliative care training and a chronic shortage of resources have serious implications for the delivery of home‐based palliative care in Botswana.
The Optimal Size of Hedge Funds: Conflict between Investors and Fund Managers
Authors: YIN CHENGDONG 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTThis study examines whether the standard compensation contract in the hedge fund industry aligns managers’ incentives with investors’ interests. I show empirically that managers’ compensation increases when fund assets grow, even when diseconomies of scale in fund performance exist. Thus, managers’ compensation is maximized at a much larger fund size than is optimal for fund performance. However, to avoid capital outflows, managers are also motivated to restrict fund growth to maintain style‐average performance. Similarly, fund management firms have incentives to collect more capital for all funds under management, including their flagship funds, even at the expense of fund performance.