bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenic conversion of forkhead box protein 3‐positive T cells into T helper 17 cells: Is this also the case for multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Saito Mineki 
Published: June 2014

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord. T helper 17 (Th17) cells have emerged as a key player in the pathogenesis of MS and other autoimmune disorders previously attributed to Th1 cells. New research published in Nature Medicine has shown that CD25lowFoxP3+CD4+ T cells can differentiate into Th17 cells in vivo, and that these cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis. Considering the role of autoreactive T cells particularly Th17 cells in MS, such exFoxP3 Th17 cells derived from FoxP3+ T cells might also be able to control the initiation and progression of MS.
Role of antiproliferative gene Tob1 in the immune system
Authors: Baranzini Sergio E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractTob1 (transducer of ERBB2‐1, TOB1 is human) is a member of the antiproliferative (APRO) family of proteins that controls cell cycle progression in several cell types. In addition, Tob1 has been implicated in diverse cellular mechanisms, such as embryonic dorsal development and T helper 17 (Th17) cell function. More recently, evidence linking Tob1 function to experimental and human immune‐related disorders has mounted, thus underscoring the potential of this molecule as a biomarker and as a therapeutic target. The present article reviews these functions with an emphasis on their implications for human autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
Predicting the Spatial Distribution of a Seabird Community to Identify Priority Conservation Areas in the Timor Sea
Authors: LAVERS JENNIFER L. , MILLER MARK G. R. , CARTER MICHAEL J. , SWANN GEORGE , CLARKE ROHAN H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractUnderstanding spatial and temporal variability in the distribution of species is fundamental to the conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. To support strategic decision making aimed at sustainable management of the oceans, such as the establishment of protected areas for marine wildlife, we identified areas predicted to support multispecies seabird aggregations in the Timor Sea. We developed species distribution models for 21 seabird species based on at‐sea survey observations from 2000–2013 and oceanographic variables (e.g., bathymetry). We applied 4 statistical modeling techniques and combined the results into an ensemble model with robust performance. The ensemble model predicted the probability of seabird occurrence in areas where few or no surveys had been conducted and demonstrated 3 areas of high seabird richness that varied little between seasons. These were located within 150 km of Adele Island, Ashmore Reef, and the Lacepede Islands, 3 of the largest aggregations of breeding seabirds in Australia. Although these breeding islands were foci for high species richness, model performance was greatest for 3 nonbreeding migratory species that would have been overlooked had regional monitoring been restricted to islands. Our results indicate many seabird hotspots in the Timor Sea occur outside existing reserves (e.g., Ashmore Reef Marine Reserve), where shipping, fisheries, and offshore development likely pose a threat to resident and migratory populations. Our results highlight the need to expand marine spatial planning efforts to ensure biodiversity assets are appropriately represented in marine reserves. Correspondingly, our results support the designation of at least 4 new important bird areas, for example, surrounding Adele Island and Ashmore Reef.Pronostico de la Distribución Espacial de una Comunidad de Aves Marinas para Identificar Áreas Prioritarias de Conservación en el Mar de Timor
Debating Ethics in HIV Research: Gaps between Policy and Practice in Nigeria
Authors: Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Peterson Kristin , Haire Bridget , Brown Brandon , Audu Kadiri , Makanjuola Olumide , Pelemo Babatunde , Marsh Vicki 
Published: June 2014

AbstractHIV prevention is a critical health issue in Nigeria; a country that has one of the worst HIV epidemic profiles in the world. With 270,000 new infections in 2012, Nigeria is a prime site for HIV prevention research. One effect of the HIV epidemic has been to revolutionalise ethical norms for the conduct of research: it is now considered unethical to design and implement HIV related studies without community engagement. Unfortunately, there is very little commensurate effort in building the capacity of local persons to engage actively with researchers, and there is no existing platform to facilitate dialogue between researchers and communities engaged in research in Nigeria. In an effort to address this gap, we undertook a series of three community dialogues (Phase One) and two community‐researcher interface meetings (Phase Two) in Nigeria. This paper aims to give an empirical account of the dialogue from these community engagement processes and provide a resulting critique of the implementation of research ethics practices in Nigeria. It is anticipated that the outputs will: (i) support researchers in designing community‐based research protocols; (ii) inform ethics committees of key considerations during research protocol reviews from a community perspective; and (iii) inform policy makers and research sponsors about issues of primary concern to communities with respect to HIV research.
Total pelvic floor reconstruction during non‐nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Impact on early recovery of urinary continence
Authors: Hoshi Akio , Nitta Masahiro , Shimizu Yuuki , Higure Taro , Kawakami Masayoshi , Nakajima Nobuyuki , Hanai Kazuya , Nomoto Takeshi , Usui Yukio , Terachi Toshiro 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo develop a modified technique of “total pelvic floor reconstruction” during non‐nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and to determine its effect on postoperative urinary outcomes.MethodsA total of 128 patients who underwent non‐nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were evaluated, including 81 with total pelvic floor reconstruction and 47 with non‐total pelvic floor reconstruction. Nerve‐sparing cases were excluded. Urinary outcomes were assessed with self‐administrated questionnaires (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite) at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The total pelvic floor reconstruction technique included two concepts involving posterior and anterior reconstructions. In posterior reconstruction, Denonvilliers' fascia was approximated to the bladder neck and the median dorsal raphe by slipknot. The anterior surface of the bladder‐neck was approximated to the anterior detrusor apron and the puboprostatic ligament collar for anterior reconstruction.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups in the patients' characteristics, and in perioperative and oncological outcomes. In the total pelvic floor reconstruction group, the continence rates at 3, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were 45.7%, 71.4%, and 84.6%, respectively. In the non‐total pelvic floor reconstruction group, the continence rates were 26.1%, 46.8% and 60.9%, respectively. The total pelvic floor reconstruction technique resulted in significantly higher continence rates at 3, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, respectively (all P < 0.05). The mean interval to achieve continence was significantly shorter in the total pelvic floor reconstruction group (mean 7.7 months) than in the non‐total pelvic floor reconstruction group (mean 9.8 months; P = 0.0003).ConclusionThe total pelvic floor reconstruction technique allows preservation of the blood supply to the urethra and physical reinforcement of the pelvic floor. Therefore, this technique is likely to improve urinary continence outcomes after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
Combination of lidocaine suppository and periprostatic nerve block during transrectal prostate biopsy: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Lunacek Andreas , Mrstik Christof , Simon Josef , Frauscher Ferdinand , Schwentner Christian , Radmayr Christian , Horninger Wolfgang , Plas Eugen 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveTo assess the most effective local analgesia during transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy.MethodsA total of 123 consecutive patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy for elevated prostate‐specific antigen levels and/or a suspicious digital rectal examination were randomized to three groups. Patients received a 60‐mg lidocaine suppository (group 1, n = 41), a periprostatic nerve block (10‐mL injection of lidocaine hydrochloride; group 2, n = 41) or a combination of both (group 3, n = 41) before a 10‐core transrectal ultrasound‐guided biopsy. A total of 80.5% (n = 99) of the patients underwent their first biopsy, 27.1% (n = 22) their second and 2.4% (n = 2) the third. Pain was evaluated on a 10‐point visual analog scale for each step of the procedure.ResultsProstate‐specific antigen values ranged from 0.39 to 90.1 (mean [SD] 8.76 ng/mL [11.08 ng/mL]). Comparison of the median visual analog scale scores between groups 1 and 2 showed a significant difference (P = 0.004). The differences in the outcomes between groups 1 and 3 (P = 0.001), and groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.001) were also significant. Patients of group 3 had the best output corresponding to the pain sensations and therefore the lowest visual analog scale scores.ConclusionThe combination of lidocaine suppository and periprostatic lidocaine infiltration is more effective for pain control than either lidocaine suppository or periprostatic lidocaine infiltration alone in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy.
Estimates of mortality attributable to influenza and RSV in the United States during 1997–2009 by influenza type or subtype, age, cause of death, and risk status
Authors: Matias Gonçalo , Taylor Robert , Haguinet François , Schuck‐Paim Cynthia , Lustig Roger , Shinde Vivek 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundInfluenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cause substantial mortality from respiratory and other causes in the USA, especially among people aged 65 and older.ObjectivesWe estimated the influenza‐attributable mortality and RSV‐attributable mortality in the USA, stratified by age and risk status, using outcome definitions with different sensitivity and specificity.MethodsInfluenza‐ and RSV‐associated mortality was assessed from October 1997–March 2009 using multiple linear regression modeling on data obtained from designated government repositories.ResultsThe main outcomes and measures included mortality outcome definitions—pneumonia and influenza, respiratory broad, and cardiorespiratory disease. A seasonal average of 10 682 (2287–16 363), 19 100 (4862–29 245), and 28 169 (6797–42 316) deaths was attributed to influenza for pneumonia and influenza, respiratory broad, and cardiorespiratory outcome definitions, respectively. Corresponding values for RSV were 6211 (4584–8169), 11 300 (8546–14 244), and 17 199 (13 384–21 891), respectively. A/H3N2 accounted for seasonal average of 71% influenza‐attributable deaths; influenza B accounted for most (51–95%) deaths during four seasons. Approximately 70% influenza‐attributable deaths occurred in individuals ≥75 years, with increasing mortality for influenza A/H3N2 and B, but not A/H1N1. In children aged 0–4 years, an average of 97 deaths was attributed to influenza (A/H3N2 = 49, B = 33, A/H1N1 = 15) and 165 to respiratory broad outcome definition (RSV). Influenza‐attributable mortality was 2·94‐fold higher in high‐risk individuals.ConclusionsInfluenza‐attributable mortality was highest in older and high‐risk individuals and mortality in children was higher than reported in passive Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance. Influenza B‐attributable mortality was higher than A in four of 12 seasons. Our estimates represent an updated assessment of influenza‐attributable mortality in the USA.
Death from 1918 pandemic influenza during the First World War: a perspective from personal and anecdotal evidence
Authors: Wever Peter C. , van Bergen Leo 
Published: June 2014

The Meuse‐Argonne offensive, a decisive battle during the First World War, is the largest frontline commitment in American military history involving 1·2 million U.S. troops. With over 26 000 deaths among American soldiers, the offensive is considered “America's deadliest battle”. The Meuse‐Argonne offensive coincided with the highly fatal second wave of the influenza pandemic in 1918. In Europe and in U.S. Army training camps, 1918 pandemic influenza killed around 45 000 American soldiers making it questionable which battle should be regarded “America's deadliest”. The origin of the influenza pandemic has been inextricably linked with the men who occupied the military camps and trenches during the First World War. The disease had a profound impact, both for the military apparatus and for the individual soldier. It struck all the armies and might have claimed toward 100 000 fatalities among soldiers overall during the conflict while rendering millions ineffective. Yet, it remains unclear whether 1918 pandemic influenza had an impact on the course of the First World War. Still, even until this day, virological and bacteriological analysis of preserved archived remains of soldiers that succumbed to 1918 pandemic influenza has important implications for preparedness for future pandemics. These aspects are reviewed here in a context of citations, images, and documents illustrating the tragic events of 1918.
Evaluation of vacuum‐assisted closure in patients with wound complications following tumour surgery
Authors: Mermerkaya Ugur , Bekmez Senol , Alkan Erkan , Ayvaz Mehmet , Tokgozoglu Mazhar 
Published: June 2014

AbstractCovering the reconstructed area with a healthy soft‐tissue envelope is a major challenge after limb‐sparing surgery in patients with malignant bone and soft‐tissue tumours. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) of open wounds hastens healing and minimises the requirement for complex reconstructive soft‐tissue surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of NPWT in bone and soft‐tissue malignant tumour patients with postoperative wound complications. Between January 2006 and November 2009, at a single institution, 13 patients with malignant bone and soft‐tissue tumours who had undergone wide resection were retrospectively analysed. NPWT was performed in all patients to temporarily close the soft‐tissue defects. After obtaining the culture negativity and normal infection markers, definitive soft‐tissue reconstruction was performed to close the wound with primary suturisation in two patients, split thickness grafts in four patients, full thickness grafts in two patients, rotational flaps in three patients and free flaps in two patients. Mean duration of hospitalisation was 20 (range 8–48) days and mean follow‐up period was 57·3 (range 50–74) months. There was no tumour recurrence or skip metastasis in the follow‐up period. In addition, there was no periprosthetic infection or complication associated with NPWT. In conclusion, NPWT therapy seems to be a safe and effective option in the management of local wound problems and secondary surgical site infections after musculoskeletal tumour surgery.
Causation in evidence‐based medicine: in reply to Strand and Parkkinen
Authors: Kerry Roger , Eriksen Thor E. , Noer Lie Svein A. , Mumford Stephen , Anjum Rani L. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractStrand and Parkkinen criticize our dispositional account of causation in evidence‐based medicine for failing to provide a proper epistemology of causal knowledge. In particular, they claim that we do not explain how causal inferences should be drawn. In response, we point out that dispositionalism does indeed have an account of the epistemology of causation, including counterfactual dependence, intervention, prediction and clinical decision. Furthermore, we argue that this is an epistemology that fits better with the known fallibility of even our best‐informed predictions. Predictions are made on the basis that causes dispose or tend towards their effects, rather than guarantee them. The ontology of causation remains a valuable study for, among other reasons, it tells us that powers do not always combine additively. This counts against the monocausality that is tested by randomized controlled trials.
Multi‐day recurrences of intimate partner violence and alcohol intake across dynamic patterns of violence
Authors: Katerndahl David , Burge Sandra , Ferrer Robert , Becho Johanna , Wood Robert 
Published: June 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesConsistent links exist between male alcohol intake and male‐perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV) as well as female alcohol intake and female‐perpetrated IPV. However, the nature of the relationship remains unclear. This study attempted to identify unique alcohol–violence patterns within three different types of relationship dynamics to better understand the alcohol–violence relationship and its role in violence dynamics.MethodTwo hundred women in abusive relationships were recruited from six primary care clinics. Subjects completed daily assessments of their relationship using interactive verbal response via telephone for 12 weeks. Dynamic patterns (periodic, chaotic, random) were determined by positive versus negative Lyapunov exponents and measures of correlation dimension saturation. To identify recurrent day‐to‐day activities, we used orbital decomposition (based on symbolic dynamics).ResultsPeriodic dynamics included daily reports with mutual abuse and alcohol intake while random dynamics included a variety of patterns, especially those involving unequal mutual abuse. Unique strings for each dynamic pattern were examined. Periodic dynamics involved heavy alcohol intake by the husband or mutual moderate‐severe violence. Random dynamics uniquely involved mutual verbal abuse with husband's alcohol intake on same or different days as well as husband‐perpetrated moderate‐severe violence with or without husband‐perpetrated minor violence. Chaotic dynamics uniquely involved combinations from wife‐perpetrated minor violence alone to combinations of husband's heavy alcohol intake (with or without husband‐perpetrated minor violence), mutual verbal abuse, and husband‐perpetrated verbal abuse (with or without husband's heavy alcohol intake).ConclusionRecurrent 4‐day patterns were observed. Each dynamic pattern was characterized by recurrent strings unique to that pattern.
Evaluation of Experimental Coating to Improve the Zirconia‐Veneering Ceramic Bond Strength
Authors: Matani Jay D. , Kheur Mohit , Jambhekar Shantanu Subhashchandra , Bhargava Parag , Londhe Aditya 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) between zirconia and veneering ceramic following different surface treatments of zirconia. The efficacy of an experimental zirconia coating to improve the bond strength was also evaluated.Materials and MethodsZirconia strips were fabricated and were divided into four groups as per their surface treatment: polished (control), airborne‐particle abrasion, laser irradiation, and application of the experimental coating. The surface roughness and the residual monoclinic content were evaluated before and after the respective surface treatments. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of the experimental surfaces was performed. All specimens were subjected to shear force in a universal testing machine. The SBS values were analyzed with one‐way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc for groupwise comparisons. The fractured specimens were examined to observe the failure mode.ResultsThe SBS (29.17 MPa) and roughness values (0.80) of the experimental coating group were the highest among the groups. The residual monoclinic content was minimal (0.32) when compared to the remaining test groups. SEM analysis revealed a homogenous surface well adhered to an undamaged zirconia base. The other test groups showed destruction of the zirconia surface. The analysis of failure following bond strength testing showed entirely cohesive failures in the veneering ceramic in all study groups.ConclusionThe experimental zirconia surface coating is a simple technique to increase the microroughness of the zirconia surface, and thereby improve the SBS to the veneering ceramic. It results in the least monoclinic content and produces no structural damage to the zirconia substructure.
Influence of Matrix Attachment Installation Load on Movement and Resultant Forces in Implant Overdentures
Authors: Goto Takaharu , Nagao Kan , Ishida Yuichi , Tomotake Yoritoki , Ichikawa Tetsuo 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPurposeThis in vitro study investigated the effect of attachment installation conditions on the load transfer and denture movements of implant overdentures, and aims to clarify the differences among the three types of attachments, namely ball, Locator, and magnet attachments.Materials and MethodsThree types of attachments, namely ball, Locator, and magnetic attachments were used. An acrylic resin mandibular edentulous model with two implants placed in the bilateral canine regions and removable overdenture were prepared. The two implants and bilateral molar ridges were connected to three‐axis load‐cell transducers, and a universal testing machine was used to apply a 50 N vertical force to each site of the occlusal table in the first molar region. The denture movement was measured using a G2 motion sensor. Three installation conditions, namely, the application of 0, 50, and 100 N loads were used to install each attachment on the denture base. The load transfer and denture movement were then evaluated.ResultsThe resultant force decreased with increasing installation load for all attachments. In particular, the resultant force on implants on the loading side of the Locator attachment significantly decreased when the installation load was increased from 0 to 50 N, and that for magnetic attachment significantly decreased when the installation load was increased from 50 to 100 N. For the residual ridges on the loading side, the direction of the forces for all attachments changed to downward with increasing installation load. Furthermore, the yaw Euler angle increased with increasing installation load for the magnetic attachment.ConclusionsSubject to the limitations of this study, the use of any installation load greater than 0 N is recommended for the installation of ball and Locator attachments on a denture base. Regarding magnetic attachments, our results also recommend installation on a denture base using any installation load greater than 0 N, and suggest that the resultant force acting on the implant can be decreased by increasing the installation load; however, a large installation load of 100 N should be avoided when installing the attachment on the denture base to avoid increasing the denture movement.