bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of maternal subtotal nephrectomy on the development of the fetal kidney: A morphometric study
Authors: Kondo Tomohiro , Kitano‐Amahori Yoko , Nagai Hiroaki , Mino Masaki , Takeshita Ai , Kusakabe Ken Takeshi , Okada Toshiya 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe present study was designed to explore if maternal subtotal (5/6) nephrectomy affects the development of fetal rat kidneys using morphometric methods and examining whether there are any apoptotic changes in the fetal kidney. To generate 5/6 nephrectomized model rats, animals underwent 2/3 left nephrectomy on gestation day (GD) 5 and total right nephrectomy on GD 12. The fetal kidneys were examined on GDs 16 and 22. A significant decrease in fetal body weight resulting from maternal 5/6 nephrectomy was observed on GD 16, and a significant decrease in fetal renal weight and fetal body weight caused by maternal nephrectomy was observed on GD 22. Maternal 5/6 nephrectomy induced a significant increase in glomerular number, proximal tubular length, and total proximal tubular volume of fetuses on GD 22. Maternal 5/6 nephrectomy resulted in an increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the metanephric mesenchyme of the kidney on GD 16, and in the collecting tubules on GD 22. These findings suggest that maternal 5/6 nephrectomy stimulates the development of the fetal kidney while suppressing fetal growth.
Bone formation in mono cortical mandibular critical size defects after augmentation with two synthetic nanostructured and one xenogenous hydroxyapatite bone substitute – in vivo animal study
Authors: Dau Michael , Kämmerer Peer W. , Henkel Kai‐Olaf , Gerber Thomas , Frerich Bernhard , Gundlach Karsten K. H. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectivesHealing characteristics as well as level of tissue integration and degradation of two different nanostructured hydroxyapatite bone substitute materials (BSM) in comparison with a deproteinized hydroxyapatite bovine BSM were evaluated in an in vivo animal experiment.Material and methodsIn the posterior mandible of 18 minipigs, bilateral mono cortical critical size bone defects were created. Randomized augmentation procedures with NanoBone® (NHA1), Ostim® (NHA2) or Bio‐Oss® (DBBM) were conducted (each material n = 12). Samples were analyzed after five (each material n = 6) and 8 months (each material n = 6). Defect healing, formation of soft tissue and bone as well as the amount of remaining respective BSM were quantified both macro‐ and microscopically.ResultsFor NHA2, the residual bone defect after 5 weeks was significantly less compared to NHA1 or DBBM. There was no difference in residual BSM between NHA1 and DBBM, but the amount in NHA2 was significantly lower. NHA2 also showed the least amount of soft tissue and the highest amount of new bone after 5 weeks. Eight months after implantation, no significant differences in the amount of residual bone defects, in soft tissue or in bone formation were detected between the groups. Again, NHA2 showed significant less residual material than NHA1 and DBBM.DiscussionWe observed non‐significant differences in the biological hard tissue response of NHA1 and DBBM. The water‐soluble NHA2 initially induced an increased amount of new bone but was highly compressed which may have a negative effect in less stable augmentations of the jaw.
A prospective study evaluating cochlear implant management skills: development and validation of the Cochlear Implant Management Skills survey
Authors: Bennett R.J. , Jayakody D.M.P. , Eikelboom R.H. , Taljaard D.S. , Atlas M.D. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate the ability of cochlear implant (CI) recipients to physically handle and care for their hearing implant device(s) and to identify factors that may influence skills. To assess device management skills, a clinical survey was developed and validated on a clinical cohort of CI recipients.DesignSurvey development and validation. A prospective convenience cohort design study.SettingSpecialist hearing implant clinic.ParticipantsForty‐nine post‐lingually deafened, adult CI recipients, at least 12 months postoperative.Main outcome measuresSurvey test–retest reliability, interobserver reliability and responsiveness. Correlations between management skills and participant demographic, audiometric, clinical outcomes and device factors.ResultsThe Cochlear Implant Management Skills survey was developed, demonstrating high test–retest reliability (0.878), interobserver reliability (0.972) and responsiveness to intervention (skills training) [t(20) = −3.913, P = 0.001]. Cochlear Implant Management Skills survey scores range from 54.69% to 100% (mean: 83.45%, sd: 12.47). No associations were found between handling skills and participant factors.ConclusionsThis is the first study to demonstrate a range in cochlear implant device handling skills in CI recipients and offers clinicians and researchers a tool to systematically and objectively identify shortcomings in CI recipients' device handling skills.
Proper muscle layer damage affects ulcer healing after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Horikawa Yohei , Mimori Nobuya , Mizutamari Hiroya , Kato Yuhei , Shimazu Kazuhiro , Sawaguchi Masayuki , Tawaraya Shin , Igarashi Kimihiro , Okubo Syunji 
Published: June 2015

Background and AimEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the established therapy for superficial gastrointestinal neoplasms. However, management of the artificial ulcers associated with ESD has become important and the relationship between ulcer healing factors and treatment is still unclear. We aimed to evaluate ESD‐related artificial ulcer reduction ratio at 4 weeks to assess factors associating with ulcer healing after ESD that may lead to optimal treatment.MethodsBetween January 2009 and December 2013, a total of 375 lesions fulfilled the expanded criteria for ESD. We defined ulcer reduction rate <90% as (A) poor‐healing group; and rate ≥90% as (B) well‐healing group. After exclusion, 328 lesions were divided into two groups and analyzed. These two groups were compared based on clinicopathological/endoscopic features, concomitant drugs, and treatment.ResultsUlcer reduction rate was significantly correlated with factors related to the ESD procedure (i.e. procedure time, submucosal fibrosis, and injury of the proper muscle layer, in univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that submucosal fibrosis (F2) (P = 0.03; OR, 16.46; 95% CI, 1.31–206.73) and injury of the proper muscle layer (P = 0.01; OR, 4.27; 95% CI, 2.04–8.92) were statistically significant predictors of delayed healing.ConclusionThis single‐center retrospective study indicated that ESD‐induced artificial ulcer healing was affected by submucosal fibrosis and injury of the proper muscle layer, which induced damage to the muscle layer. Therefore, the preferable pharmacotherapy can be determined on completion of the ESD procedure.
C‐Reactive protein and insulin growth factor 1 serum levels during the menstrual cycle in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Codner E. , Merino P. M. , Martínez D. , Lopez P. , Godoy C. , Iñiguez G. , Cassorla F. , Perez‐Bravo F. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimsTo evaluate C–reactive protein, insulin growth factor 1 and lipid levels during the follicular and luteal phases in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.MethodsAdolescents with Type 1 diabetes (N = 40) and healthy controls (C; N = 43) were studied during the follicular and luteal phases of their menstrual cycles. C–Reactive protein, insulin growth factor 1 and lipid levels were measured.ResultsAdolescents with Type 1 diabetes exhibited higher C–reactive protein levels than the C group during the follicular (P < 0.0001) and luteal phases (P < 0.01). The elevation of C–reactive protein levels was more pronounced in overweight adolescents with Type 1 diabetes than in adolescents in the C group. More adolescents with Type 1 diabetes were classified as having an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (C–reactive protein > 3 mg/l) in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase (37.5% and 17.5%, respectively); half of the overweight adolescents with Type 1 diabetes in the luteal phase reached this level. BMI was the only significant factor affecting follicular and luteal phase C–reactive protein levels in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. Lower insulin growth factor 1 levels were observed during both phases of the menstrual cycle in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes compared with controls. An elevation in insulin growth factor 1 levels in the luteal phase relative to the follicular phase was observed in controls, but not in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. Luteal insulin growth factor 1 and C–reactive protein exhibited an inverse correlation (r = –0.4, P = 0.01).ConclusionsAdolescents with Type 1 diabetes have higher C–reactive protein levels and lower insulin growth factor 1 levels relative to controls, especially during the luteal phase. Type 1 diabetes diminishes the natural elevation in insulin growth factor 1 levels observed during the luteal phase in controls. Excess weight exacerbates the subclinical inflammatory state observed during both phases of the menstrual cycle in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.
Properties and bioavailability of particulate and mineral‐associated organic matter in Arctic permafrost soils, Lower Kolyma Region, Russia
Authors: Gentsch N. , Mikutta R. , Shibistova O. , Wild B. , Schnecker J. , Richter A. , Urich T. , Gittel A. , Šantrůčková H. , Bárta J. , Lashchinskiy N. , Mueller C. W. , Fuß R. , Guggenberger G. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryPermafrost degradation may cause strong feedbacks of arctic ecosystems to global warming, but this will depend on if, and to what extent, organic matter (OM) is protected against biodegradation by mechanisms other than freezing and anoxia. Here, we report on the amount, chemical composition and bioavailability of particulate (POM) and mineral‐associated OM (MOM) in permafrost soils of the East Siberian Arctic. The average total organic carbon (OC) stock across all soils was 24.0 ± 6.7 kg m−2 within 100 cm soil depth. Density fractionation (density cut‐off 1.6 g cm−3) revealed that 54 ± 16% of the total soil OC and 64 ± 18% of OC in subsoil horizons was bound to minerals. As well as sorption of OM to clay‐sized minerals (R2 = 0.80; P < 0.01), co‐precipitation of OM with hydrolyzable metals may also transfer carbon into the mineral‐bound fraction. Carbon:nitrogen ratios, stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes, 13C‐NMR and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that OM is transformed in permafrost soils, which is a prerequisite for the formation of mineral‐organic associations. Mineral‐associated OM in deeper soil was enriched in 13C and 15N, and had narrow C:N and large alkyl C:(O‐/N‐alkyl C) ratios, indicating an advanced stage of decomposition. Despite being up to several thousands of years old, when incubated under favourable conditions (60% water‐holding capacity, 15°C, adequate nutrients, 90 days), only 1.5–5% of the mineral‐associated OC was released as CO2. In the topsoils, POM had the largest mineralization but was even less bioavailable than the MOM in subsoil horizons. Our results suggest that the formation of mineral‐organic associations acts as an important additional factor in the stabilization of OM in permafrost soils. Although the majority of MOM was not prone to decomposition under favourable conditions, mineral‐organic associations host a readily accessible carbon fraction, which may actively participate in ecosystem carbon exchange.
A prospective study of direct medical costs in a large cohort of consecutively enrolled patients with refractory epilepsy in Italy
Authors: Luoni Chiara , Canevini Maria Paola , Capovilla Giuseppe , De Sarro Giovambattista , Galimberti Carlo Andrea , Gatti Giuliana , Guerrini Renzo , La Neve Angela , Mazzucchelli Iolanda , Rosati Eleonora , Specchio Luigi Maria , Striano Salvatore , Tinuper Paolo , Perucca Emilio ,   Study of Outcome of PHarmacoresistance In Epilepsy (SOPHIE) collaborators
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate direct medical costs and their predictors in patients with refractory epilepsy enrolled into the SOPHIE study (Study of Outcomes of PHarmacoresistance In Epilepsy) in Italy.MethodsAdults and children with refractory epilepsy were enrolled consecutively at 11 tertiary referral centers and followed for 18 months. At entry, all subjects underwent a structured interview and a medical examination, and were asked to keep records of diagnostic examinations, laboratory tests, specialist consultations, treatments, hospital admissions, and day‐hospital days during follow‐up. Study visits included assessments every 6 months of seizure frequency, health‐related quality of life (Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory 31), medication‐related adverse events (Adverse Event Profile) and mood state (Beck Depression Inventory‐II). Cost items were priced by applying Italian tariffs. Cost estimates were adjusted to 2013 values.ResultsOf 1,124 enrolled individuals, 1,040 completed follow‐up. Average annual cost per patient was € 4,677. The highest cost was for antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment (50%), followed by hospital admissions (29% of overall costs). AED polytherapy, seizure frequency during follow‐up, grade III pharmacoresistance, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and occurrence of status epilepticus during follow‐up were identified as significant predictors of higher costs. Age between 6 and 11 years, and genetic (idiopathic) generalized epilepsies were associated with the lowest costs. Costs showed prominent variation across centers, largely due to differences in the clinical characteristics of cohorts enrolled at each center and the prescribing of second‐generation AEDs. Individual outliers associated with high costs related to hospital admissions had a major influence on costs in many centers.SignificanceRefractory epilepsy is associated with high costs that affect individuals and society. Costs differ across centers in relation to the characteristics of patients and the extent of use of more expensive, second‐generation AEDs. Epilepsy‐specific costs cannot be easily differentiated from costs related to comorbidities.
Building sustainable cities: tools for developing new building practices?
Authors: GEORG SUSSE 
Published: June 2015

AbstractUrban professionals have a widespread interest in sustainable cities and the use of assessment tools to monitor performance. Much of the research on such assessment tools focuses on gauging their differences and similarities. Scholars give insufficient attention to what the tools ‘do’ to those who use them and to how this affects building practices. Drawing on insights from actor‐network theory and an empirical study of two Danish urban development competitions in which design teams were required to use a sustainability assessment tool, the analysis shows how this artefact mediated interaction among different professionals and initiated iterative, dialogical processes that affected building practices. The analysis emphasizes a number of aspects that the construction and urban development literature often overlook: such tools can facilitate and mediate knowledge creation and flow, but the entanglement of relationships, the assemblages, in which the designers are situated conditions the outcome.
Increased CD1D polymorphism: identification of two novel alleles, CD1D*03 and *04, in individuals from Morocco
Authors: Aureli A. , Oumhani K. , Del Beato T. , Di Rocco M. , Tessitore A. , El Aouad R. , Piancatelli D. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryTwo novel CD1D alleles were identified in unrelated individuals from Morocco. They differ each from the common CD1D*01 allele by one nucleotide substitution in exon 2 resulting in one amino acid change in the G‐ALPHA1‐LIKE domain. According to the IMGT unique numbering for G domain, CD1D*03 has one nucleotide transition c136 > t in codon 46, with an arginine‐to‐cysteine amino acid change (R46 > C) in the D‐STRAND, whereas CD1D*04 has one transition c98 > t in codon 33, with a threonine‐to‐methionine amino acid change (T33 > M) in the C‐STRAND. This suggests that CD1D is more polymorphic than previously assumed.
Possible effect of lysophosphatidic acid on cell proliferation and involvement of lysophosphatidic acid and lysophosphatidic acid receptors in mechanical stretch‐induced mitogen‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Kawashima Yohei , Kushida Nobuhiro , Kokubun Shuko , Ogawa Soichiro , Shiomi Homare , Ishibashi Kei , Aikawa Ken , Ikegami Kentaro , Nomiya Masanori , Yamaguchi Osamu 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo determine whether lysophosphatidic acid activates the mitogen‐activated protein kinase and increases DNA synthesis in human bladder smooth muscle cells, and to examine the involvement of lysophosphatidic acid and lysophosphatidic acid receptor in mechanical stretch‐induced mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation in cultured human bladder smooth muscle cells.MethodsTaqMan reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the mRNA expression levels of six lysophosphatidic acid receptor subtypes. Mitogen‐activated protein kinase activity enhanced by either lysophosphatidic acid or mechanical stretch was measured by western blotting. The effect of lysophosphatidic acid on DNA synthesis was assessed by 5‐bromo‐2’‐deoxy‐uridine incorporation assay.ResultsLysophosphatidic acid 1 subtype mRNA was predominantly expressed (96%). Lysophosphatidic acid activated the mitogen‐activated protein kinase in a concentration‐dependent manner. C‐jun NH2‐terminal kinase showed the highest activity among the three subsets of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase family members (c‐jun NH2‐terminal kinase, extracellular signal‐regulated kinases, p38). Lysophosphatidic acid also increased incorporation of 5‐bromo‐2’‐deoxy‐uridine. These responses were suppressed by Ki16425 (lysophosphatidic acid receptor antagonist). Mechanical stretch mainly induced c‐jun NH2‐terminal kinase activation. This activation was partially inhibited by Ki16425.ConclusionsLysophosphatidic acid might activate the c‐jun NH2‐terminal kinase component of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase family and DNA synthesis through lysophosphatidic acid receptors (presumably, through lysophosphatidic acid 1) in human bladder smooth muscle cells. The present study also implicates the involvement of lysophosphatidic acid and lysophosphatidic acid receptors in mechanical stretch‐induced c‐jun NH2‐terminal kinase activation. Lysophosphatidic acid receptor can be partially activated by mechanical stretching through lysophosphatidic acid‐dependent or independent mechanism.
Linking zebra mussel growth and survival with two cellular stress indicators during chronic temperature stress
Authors: Jost Jennifer A. , Soltis Emily N. , Moyer Marshall R. , Keshwani Sarah S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSessile aquatic invertebrates are at great risk for temperature stress. Changes in ambient temperature affect metabolic demands, thus altering energy budgets, and often reducing performance or survival of these species. Zebra mussels are highly invasive, yet little is known about their physiology under biologically relevant conditions, especially with regard to cellular parameters. This study examined the effect of temperature on zebra mussel physiology and investigated whether the levels of two cellular markers,HSP70 andAMPKactivity, could serve as indicators of chronic thermal stress. Mussels were collected from a site in central Illinois, slowly acclimated to either 10, 20, or 30°C, and held at these temperatures for four weeks. Size, mortality, and the cellular markers were measured. Size and mortality data indicate heat stress at 30°C. Elevation inHSP70 levels confirmed this temperature elicits a stress response. Elevation inAMPKactivity was not detected at 30°C, most likely indicating this temperature is beyond the scope for this marker, and therefore at or near the lethal limit. These data suggest this zebra mussel population experiences reduced performance and potential mortality in the field during summer months. Interestingly, cold acclimation resulted in a temporary elevation inAMPKactivity, a result that has not been reported previously in ectotherms and is likely attributable to the metabolic demands of thermal acclimation.
Compaction and rotovation effects on soil pore characteristics of a loamy sand soil with contrasting organic matter content
Authors: Eden M. , Schjønning P. , Moldrup P. , De Jonge L. W. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe high input of mechanical energy in common agricultural practice can negatively affect soil structure. The impact of compaction (P) and rotovation (R) on soil pore characteristics was compared with those in soil from untreated reference (U) plots of a loamy sand soil receiving for 14 yr, either only mineral fertilizer (MF) or, in addition, animal manure (OF). Undisturbed soil cores were taken from two separate fields in consecutive years at an identical stage in the crop rotation. We measured soil organic carbon (OC), soil microbial biomass carbon (BC), and hot‐water extractable carbon (Chot). Water retention, air permeability and gas diffusivity were determined at −100 hPa in both years and for a range of water potentials in one of the years. The continued addition of animal manure had increased OC, BC, and Chot compared with the soil receiving only mineral fertilizer. Soil under treatment OF had larger porosity than that from treatment MF. Treatment P eliminated this difference and significantly reduced the volume of macropores. This interaction between soil organic matter content and mechanical impact was also reflected in the gas diffusion data. Specific air permeability was mainly influenced by mechanical treatment. Modelling the diffusion data normalized to the inter‐aggregate pore space showed no significant treatment effects on pore‐connectivity, although there was a tendency of more water blockage in soil under treatment MF. More studies are needed to confirm this interpretation. Our studies indicate that organic manure increases soil porosity, but compaction reduces the related gas exchange effects to the level of compacted soils receiving mineral fertilizer.
Determination of Platinum‐Group Elements in Geological Samples by Isotope Dilution‐Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry Combined with Sulfide Fire Assay Preconcentration
Authors: Ren Minghao , Sun Yali , Wang Christina Yan , Sun Shengling 
Published: June 2015

A method was developed for the determination of platinum‐group elements (PGE) in geological samples by isotope dilution‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry combined with sulfide fire assay preconcentration. Samples were fused and PGE analytes were concentrated in sulfide buttons. The buttons were dissolved using HCl leaving PGE analytes in insoluble residues, which were digested in HNO3 and simultaneously processed for the distillation of Os. The remaining solutions were further prepared for the purification of Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Pt using a tandem assembly of cation and Ln resin columns. The eluents were directly analysed by membrane desolvation‐ICP‐MS. Ruthenium, Pd, Os, Ir and Pt were determined by isotope dilution, whereas Rh was determined by conventional reference material calibration combined with 193Ir as the internal standard element. The method was validated using a series of PGE reference materials, and the measurement data were consistent with the recommended and the literature values. The measurement precision was better than 10% RSD. The procedural blanks were 0.121 ng for Ru, 0.204 for Rh, 0.960 ng for Pd, 0.111 ng for Os, 0.045 ng for Ir and 0.661 ng for Pt, and the limits of detection (3s) were 0.011 ng g−1 for Ru, 0.008 ng g−1 for Rh, 0.045 ng g−1 for Pd, 0.009 ng g−1 for Os, 0.006 ng g−1 for Ir and 0.016 ng g−1 for Pt when a test portion mass of 10 g was used. This indicates that the proposed method can be used for the determination of trace amounts of PGE in geological samples.