bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrusion of Supraerupted Maxillary Molar Using a High Interim Restoration on the Defective Opposing Tooth: A Clinical Report
Authors: Tao Ye , Luo Xiao Ping , Bartlett David W. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWear, extraction, or fracture of all or part of a mandibular first molar can lead to the supraeruption of the opposing maxillary molar, resulting in occlusal interference and lack of restoration space. This report describes a method to gain sufficient vertical space for permanent restoration. A direct composite resin restoration was placed on the occlusal surface of a lower molar, intentionally making the interim restoration high and intruding the maxillary molar. After 6 weeks, the extruded tooth returned to the desired position, and functional occlusion was restored, enabling a ceramic restoration on the mandibular molar. No marked adverse sensory reaction was reported in this therapeutic process, and no deleterious signs were detected in the teeth, periodontium, or temporomandibular joints. The simple treatment type was effective, noninvasive, and time saving, while also preserving maximum tooth structures.
Clinical application of transient elastography in patients with chronic viral hepatitis receiving antiviral treatment
Authors: Kim Jun Hyung , Kim Mi Na , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Kim Seung Up 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAccurate evaluation of the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) is crucial, as liver fibrosis is important in determining the prognosis of liver diseases. Currently, liver biopsy (LB) is considered the gold standard for staging liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. However, utilization of LB in clinical practice is often limited because of its invasive nature, sampling error and interobserver variability. Recently, transient elastography (TE) was introduced as a noninvasive, highly reproducible technique for assessing the degree of liver fibrosis. After extensive studies, TE is now regarded as a reliable surrogate marker for grading the severity of liver fibrosis in patients with CLD. In the past few years, the role of TE in monitoring liver stiffness and determining prognosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) or chronic hepatitis C (CHC) who are undergoing antiviral treatment has been investigated. In patients with CHB, liver stiffness values decrease with antiviral treatment. TE can also be used to predict the incidence of liver‐related events during antiviral treatment. In patients with CHC, TE can be used to monitor potential regression of liver fibrosis after antiviral treatment and may predict the treatment outcome of CHC. In addition, TE is an adjunct tool for distinguishing inactive hepatitis B virus carriers from patients with chronic active hepatitis. This review article discusses the important findings from recent studies focusing on the clinical application of TE in patients with chronic viral hepatitis who are undergoing antiviral treatments.
Hepatitis E virus and fulminant hepatitis–a virus or host‐specific pathology?
Authors: Smith Donald B. , Simmonds Peter 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsFulminant hepatitis is a rare outcome of infection with hepatitis E virus. Several recent reports suggest that virus variation is an important determinant of disease progression. To critically examine the evidence that virus‐specific factors underlie the development of fulminant hepatitis following hepatitis E virus infection.MethodsPublished sequence information of hepatitis E virus isolates from patients with and without fulminant hepatitis was collected and analysed using statistical tests to identify associations between virus polymorphisms and disease outcome.ResultsFulminant hepatitis has been reported following infection with all four hepatitis E virus genotypes that infect humans comprising multiple phylogenetic lineages within genotypes 1, 3 and 4. Analysis of virus sequences from individuals infected by a common source did not detect any common substitutions associated with progression to fulminant hepatitis. Re‐analysis of previously reported associations between virus substitutions and fulminant hepatitis suggests that these were probably the result of sampling biases.ConclusionsHost‐specific factors rather than virus genotype, variants or specific substitutions appear to be responsible for the development of fulminant hepatitis.
Major Histocompatibility Complex class IIb polymorphism influences gut microbiota composition and diversity
Authors: Bolnick Daniel I. , Snowberg Lisa K. , Caporaso J. Gregory , Lauber Chris , Knight Rob , Stutz William E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAnimals harbour diverse communities of symbiotic bacteria, which differ dramatically among host individuals. This heterogeneity poses an immunological challenge: distinguishing between mutualistic and pathogenic members of diverse and host‐specific microbial communities. We propose that Major Histocompatibility class II (MHC) genotypes contribute to recognition and regulation of gut microbes, and thus, MHC polymorphism contributes to microbial variation among hosts. Here, we show that MHC IIb polymorphism is associated with among‐individual variation in gut microbiota within a single wild vertebrate population of a small fish, the threespine stickleback. We sampled stickleback from Cedar Lake, on Vancouver Island, and used next‐generation sequencing to genotype the sticklebacks’ gut microbiota (16S sequencing) and their MHC class IIb exon 2 sequences. The presence of certain MHC motifs was associated with altered relative abundance (increase or decrease) of some microbial Families. The effect sizes are modest and entail a minority of microbial taxa, but these results represent the first indication that MHC genotype may affect gut microbiota composition in natural populations (MHC‐microbe associations have also been found in a few studies of lab mice). Surprisingly, these MHC effects were frequently sex‐dependent. Finally, hosts with more diverse MHC motifs had less diverse gut microbiota. One implication is that MHC might influence the efficacy of therapeutic strategies to treat dysbiosis‐associated disease, including the outcome of microbial transplants between healthy and diseased patients. We also speculate that macroparasite‐driven selection on MHC has the potential to indirectly alter the host gut microbiota, and vice versa.
Effect of Resistance Training on Microvascular Density and eNOS Content in Skeletal Muscle of Sedentary Men
Authors: Cocks Matthew , Shaw Christopher S. , Shepherd Sam O. , Fisher James P. , Ranasinghe Aaron M. , Barker Thomas A. , Tipton Kevin D. , Wagenmakers Anton J. M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe effects of RT on muscle mass, strength, and insulin sensitivity are well established, but the underlying mechanisms are only partially understood. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether RT induces changes in endothelial enzymes of the muscle microvasculature, which would increase NO bioavailability and could contribute to improved insulin sensitivity.MethodsEight previously sedentary males (age 20 ± 0.4 years, BMI 24.5 ± 0.9 kg/m2) completed six weeks of RT 3x/week. Muscle biopsies were taken from the m. vastus lateralis and microvascular density; and endothelial‐specific eNOS content, eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation, and NOX2 content were assessed pre‐ and post‐RT using quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy. Whole‐body insulin sensitivity (measured as Matsuda Index), microvascular Kf (functional measure of the total available endothelial surface area), and arterial stiffness (AIx, central, and pPWV) were also measured.ResultsMeasures of microvascular density, microvascular Kf, microvascular eNOS content, basal eNOS phosphorylation, and endothelial NOX2 content did not change from pre‐RT to post‐RT. RT increased insulin sensitivity (p < 0.05) and reduced resting blood pressure and AIx (p < 0.05), but did not change central or pPWV.ConclusionsRT did not change any measure of muscle microvascular structure or function.
Substrate delivery by the AAA+ ClpX and ClpC1 unfoldases activates the mycobacterial ClpP1P2 peptidase
Authors: Schmitz Karl R. , Sauer Robert T. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryMycobacterial Clp‐family proteases function via collaboration of the heteromeric ClpP1P2 peptidase with a AAA+ partner, ClpX or ClpC1. These enzymes are essential for M. tuberculosis viability and are validated antibacterial drug targets, but the requirements for assembly and regulation of functional proteolytic complexes are poorly understood. Here, we report the reconstitution of protein degradation by mycobacterial Clp proteases in vitro and describe novel features of these enzymes that distinguish them from orthologues in other bacteria. Both ClpX and ClpC1 catalyse ATP‐dependent unfolding and degradation of native protein substrates in conjunction with ClpP1P2, but neither mediates protein degradation with just ClpP1 or ClpP2. ClpP1P2 alone has negligible peptidase activity, but is strongly stimulated by translocation of protein substrates into ClpP1P2 by either AAA+ partner. Interestingly, our results support a model in which both binding of a AAA+ partner and protein‐substrate delivery are required to stabilize active ClpP1P2. Our model has implications for therapeutically targeting ClpP1P2 in dormant M. tuberculosis, and our reconstituted systems should facilitate identification of novel Clp protease inhibitors and activators.
Field assessment of C‐POD performance in detecting echolocation click trains of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Roberts Bethany L. , Read Andrew J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe evaluated the performance of dolphin echolocation detectors (C‐PODs) in the New River, North Carolina, by ground‐truthing echolocation detections with digital acoustic recordings. We deployed C‐PODs at three sites for a total of 204 monitoring hours. We also performed detection range trials at two sites where water depths ranged from 1.0 to 4.5 m. We used Detection Positive Minutes (DPMs), minutes of C‐POD recordings that contained at least one echolocation click train, to indicate the presence of at least one dolphin. The C‐PODs performed well in detecting dolphin click trains, although all units performed conservatively by failing to detect some echolocation events and therefore underestimated the true occurrence of dolphins. C‐PODs reported only a small number of false detections, as indicated by low false positive rates ranging between 1% and 4% for individual units. Overall, C‐PODs performed with a high accuracy (72%–91%) and detected echolocation at a distance of at least 933 m. We conclude that C‐PODs hold considerable promise in future monitoring studies of this species, but recommend a careful study design especially in complex, coastal environments.
Suitability of carbon isotope discrimination, ash content and single mineral concentration for the selection of drought‐tolerant winter rye
Authors: Kottmann Lorenz , Schittenhelm Siegfried , Giesemann Anette 
Published: June 2014

AbstractCarbon isotope discrimination (∆) has been proposed as selection criterion for grain yield under dry conditions, and ash content (ma) and mineral concentration were suggested as surrogates for ∆. In this study, the relationship between grain yield, ∆, ma and mineral concentration (Si, Ca, K, Mg) was examined in 2011 and 2012 on 16 winter rye genotypes grown under severe drought, mild drought (2012 only) and well‐watered conditions. Analyses were performed on mature flag leaves and grains. Highly significant differences between water regimes occurred for all measured traits. ∆, ma and mineral concentrations were significantly correlated with grain yield under severe drought in 2011, but not in 2012 except for ∆ in flag leaf. ∆ was related to ma and mineral concentrations. Although the correlations were quite inconsistent, the results indicate that the measured traits can potentially be used as selection criterion for drought tolerance in rye. For a final statement about the suitability of these traits in rye breeding, the results should be secured with a larger and more diverse set of genotypes.
Efficiency Determinants and Capacity Issues in Angolan Insurance Companies
Authors: Barros Carlos Pestana , Dumbo Silvestre , Wanke Peter 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis paper describes a variety of approaches used to assess the efficiency of a sample of major insurance companies in Angola between 2003 and 2012. Starting out with the bootstrapping technique, several data envelopment analysis (DEA) estimates were generated, allowing the use of confidence intervals and bias correction in central estimates to test for significant differences in efficiency levels and input‐decreasing/output‐increasing potentials. Previous studies have focused on the measurement and explanation of the factors affecting the performance rather than the prediction. The use of neural networks combined with DEA results as part of an attempt to produce a model for insurance companies’ performance with effective predictive ability is investigated. The findings indicate that older insurance companies with Portuguese origin tend to be more efficient. Results also suggest that opportunities for accommodating future demand appear to be scarce.
Undergoing an immunization is effortlessly, manageable or difficult according to five‐year‐old children
Authors: Harder Maria , Christensson Kyllike , Söderbäck Maja 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundTo prevent diseases among children they regularly undergo immunizations. Previous research show different approaches available to facilitate immunization‐procedures for children to protect them from harm. To complement this research and provide care suited for children, research recognizing their perceptions of undergoing such a procedure is needed.AimThe aim of this study was to describe 5‐year‐old children's perceptions of undergoing an immunization.MethodA phenomenographic approach and analysis was used to describe the children's (n = 21) various perceptions. The data‐collection was accomplished directly after the immunization to grasp the children's immediate perceptions. Drawings and reflective talks were used as they are considered as suitable methods when involving young children in research. The right to conduct research with children was approved by the appropriate research ethics committee and also by each child and the parents.ResultsThe findings show that children's perceptions of an immunization‐procedure may vary from effortlessly, to manageable or difficult. Regardless of how the child perceive the immunization‐procedure each perception embrace the children's descriptions of actors and articles in the situation, their feelings in the situation and also their actions to deal with the immunization. Nevertheless, these descriptions vary according to how the children perceive the immunization as effortlessly, manageable or difficult.ConclusionChildren's and adults' perceptions of medical procedures may differ and children need guidance, time and space to deal with them. Recognizing children's perceptions of undergoing an immunization contributes to the promotion of their right to be involved in their own health care and towards the development of child‐centred care.
Increases in beta‐lipoproteins in hyperlipidemic and dyslipidemic dogs are associated with increased erythrocyte osmotic fragility
Authors: Behling‐Kelly Erica , Collins‐Cronkright Rebekah 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundThe capacity of RBCs to traverse endothelium and deliver oxygen to tissues is dependent on a mechanically stable yet flexible plasma membrane. The lipid composition of the RBC membrane is crucial in maintaining its structure and fluidity. Lacking a nucleus and having minimal synthetic capacity, RBCs are exquisitely sensitive to changes in plasma lipids.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of plasma lipids on RBC fragility in hyperlipidemic and dyslipidemic dogs.MethodsOsmotic fragility of RBCs, plasma lipoprotein fractions, and cholesterol and phospholipid content of RBC membranes were measured in hyperlipidemic, dyslipidemic, and healthy control dogs. Osmotic fragility of normal canine RBCs incubated in phosphate‐buffered saline and in both intact and lipid‐depleted plasma from diabetic dogs was also measured.ResultsRBCs from hyperlipidemic and dyslipidemic dogs with diabetes mellitus and dogs treated with glucocorticoids were significantly more fragile than RBCs from healthy control dogs. RBCs from hyperlipidemic dogs with cholestatic disease tended to be more stable relative to RBCs from controls. RBC osmotic fragility was positively correlated with beta‐lipoprotein levels, but was only weakly correlated with serum cholesterol concentration. Incubation in plasma from hyperlipidemic diabetic dogs rendered RBCs from healthy dogs osmotically fragile, whereas lipid‐depleted plasma from the same diabetic dogs had no effect.ConclusionsRBCs from hyperlipidemic and dyslipidemic dogs are osmotically fragile, and fragility is highly correlated with increases in beta‐lipoproteins. Future studies are planned to address the consequences of lipid‐induced fragility and subclinical hemolysis on endothelial cells, platelets, and coagulation.
Development and analytical validation of an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the measurement of feline tumor necrosis factor α in serum
Authors: Steiner Joerg M. , Xenoulis Panagiotis G. , Schwierk Viktoria M. , Suchodolski Jan S. 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundThe role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), a cytokine shown to play a crucial role in human Crohn's disease patients, has not been documented in cats with chronic enteropathies. Also, currently, no validated assay for measurement of TNF‐α in cats is available.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to develop and analytically validate an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantification of TNF‐α in serum from cats.MethodsA sandwich ELISA was developed and analytically validated by assessment of detection limit, linearity, accuracy, precision, and reproducibility. A control range for serum fTNF‐α concentration in healthy cats was established. In addition, serum concentrations of fTNF‐α in 39 cats with chronic enteropathies were compared with those in 20 healthy cats.ResultsThe detection limit of the assay was 38.4 ng/L. Observed‐to‐expected ratios for serial dilutions of 4 serum samples ranged from 75.1% to 111.9%. Observed‐to‐expected ratios for spiking recovery for 4 serum samples ranged from 91.3% to 129.7%. Coefficients of variation for intra‐ and inter‐assay variability ranged from 3.9% to 7.6% and from 7.8% to 12.5%, respectively. The control range of the assay was < 38.4–223.5 ng/L. Serum concentrations of feline TNF‐α were significantly higher in cats with chronic enteropathies and diarrhea than in cats with chronic enteropathies without diarrhea, or in healthy control cats.ConclusionsThe ELISA described here was suitable for the quantification of fTNF‐α in feline serum and should facilitate research into the importance of TNF‐α in cats with chronic enteropathies.
Serum autoantibody profiles of IgA, IgE and IgM in canine pemphigus foliaceus
Authors: Bizikova Petra , Olivry Thierry , Mamo Lisa B. , Dunston Stanley M. 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundPemphigus foliaceus (PF) is the most common IgG‐mediated autoimmune skin disease in dogs. Studies of human PF have revealed the presence of other antigen‐specific autoantibody isotypes, thereby uncovering new avenues of investigation of the disease pathomechanism.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aim was to obtain information about the autoantibody isotype response in canine PF.MethodsSera from 34 dogs with PF were tested for the presence of antikeratinocyte, anti‐desmocollin‐1 and anti‐desmoglein‐1 IgA, IgE and IgM using indirect immunofluorescence.ResultsUsing our indirect immunofluorescence technique, IgA, IgE and IgM autoreactivities were detected in six, one and zero of 34 sera from PF‐affected dogs, respectively. Two of the six IgA‐positive sera contained antikeratinocyte and anti‐desmocollin‐1 IgA, while the four remaining sera tested positive either for antikeratinocyte IgA (two of six) or for anti‐desmocollin‐1 IgA (two of six). A single serum contained anti‐desmocollin‐1 IgE. None of the six sera from healthy dogs contained detectable IgA, IgE or IgM autoantibodies.Conclusions and clinical importanceOur findings suggest that sera from dogs with PF rarely contain IgA or IgE autoantibodies at levels detectable by indirect immunofluorescence, while IgM autoreactivity appears not to be a feature of this disease. Considering these findings, it appears that canine PF is aetiologically and immunologically similar to that of the classic human PF, in which the IgG autoantibody response is also the predominant type.
Development of a mitochondrial DNA real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay for quality control of pathogen reduction with riboflavin and ultraviolet light
Authors: Bakkour S. , Chafets D. M. , Wen L. , van der Meer P. F. , Mundt J. M. , Marschner S. , Goodrich R. P. , Busch M. P. , Lee T.‐H. 
Published: June 2014

Background and ObjectivesTransfusion is associated with a risk of infection and alloimmunization. Pathogen reduction using riboflavin and UV light (Mirasol treatment) inactivates pathogens and leucocytes. With increasing adoption of the technology in clinical use, regulatory agencies have recommended the introduction of quality control measures to monitor pathogen reduction efficacy. We sought to develop a real‐time PCR‐based assay to document the impact of pathogen reduction on the mitochondrial genome in blood components.Materials and MethodsDNA was extracted from platelet and plasma components before and after treatment with riboflavin and UV light. Inhibition of PCR amplification of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in short‐ and long‐amplicon target regions, ranging from under 200 base pairs (bp) to over 1800 bp, was measured in treated relative to untreated components.ResultsPathogen reduction of platelets using riboflavin and UV light resulted in inhibition of PCR amplification of long‐amplicon mtDNA targets, demonstrating approximately 1 log reduction of amplification relative to untreated products. Amplification of short‐amplicon mtDNA targets was not affected by treatment. Evaluation of 110 blinded platelet samples from the PREPAReS clinical trial resulted in prediction of treatment status with 100% accuracy. Pathogen reduction of plasma components resulted in similar levels of PCR inhibition, while testing of 30 blinded plasma samples resulted in prediction of treatment status with 93% accuracy.ConclusionA differential sized amplicon real‐time PCR assay of mitochondrial DNA effectively documents nucleic acid damage induced by Mirasol treatment of platelets. The use of the assay for plasma product pathogen reduction requires further investigation.