bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with prolonged non-nutritive sucking habits in two cohorts of Brazilian children
Authors: Maia-Nader Marcela , Silva de Araujo Figueiredo Camilla , Pinheiro de Figueiredo Felipe , Moura da Silva Antônio Augusto , Thomaz Erika Bárbara Abreu Fonseca , Saraiva Maria Conceição Pereira , Barbieri Marco Antonio , Bettiol Heloisa 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
Non-nutritive sucking habits (NNSH) are very common during childhood. However, if these habits were maintained for 36 months of age or more, they are considered to be prolonged (PNNSH) and can cause occlusal, physiological and esthetic changes. There is controversy about their prevalence and whether perinatal, social, demographic and health characteristics influence their onset and duration. So, the objectives of this study are to estimate the prevalence of PNNSH and to evaluate perinatal, early life and school age factors associated with their occurrence in children.

Methods
A sample of 1,463 children aged 7–11 years born in Ribeirão Preto (RP-1994) and São Luís (SL-1997/98), Brazil, was reevaluated at school age in 2004/05. Birth weight, gestational age and perinatal variables were obtained at birth. Type of feeding, occurrence and duration of finger and pacifier sucking were recorded retrospectively at school age. PNNSH were defined when persisted for 36 months of age or more. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated by Poisson regression (alpha = 5%).

Results
Prevalence of PNNSH was higher in RP (47.6%) than in SL (20.2%) – (p < 0.001). Perinatal variables were not associated to PNNSH, whilst female sex (PR = 1.27 in RP; PR = 1.47 in SL) and bottle feeding for 24 months or more (PR = 2.24 in RP; PR = 2.49 in SL) were risk factors in both locations. Breast feeding for 12 months or more (PR = 0.53 in RP; PR = 0.31 in SL) was associated with lower prevalence of PNNSH in both places. In SL, children whose mothers lived in consensual union (PR = 1.62) and worked outside the home (PR = 1.51) showed higher prevalence of PNNSH compared to their counterparts.

Conclusions
Prevalence of PNNSH was high especially in RP and was not associated with perinatal variables. In both cities there was an association between female sex, shorter breast-feeding duration, longer bottle feeding duration and higher prevalence of PNNSH.
Fixed point of α-ψ-contractive type mappings in uniform spaces
Authors: Ali Muhammad Usman , Kamran Tayyab , Karapınar Erdal 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we shall investigate the existence and uniqueness of a fixed point ofα-ψ-contractive mappings in the context of uniform spaces. We shall also prove some common fixed point theorems by introducing the notion ofα-admissible pairs. We shall construct some examples to support our novel results.MSC:46T99, 47H10, 54H25.
Interval-valued functional integro-differential equations
Authors: Hoa Ngo Van , Phu Nguyen Dinh , Tung Tran Thanh , Quang Le Thanh 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
This paper is devoted to studying the local and global existence and uniqueness results for interval-valued functional integro-differential equations (IFIDEs). In the paper, for the local existence and uniqueness, the method of successive approximations is used and for the global existence and uniqueness, the contraction principle is a good tool in investigating. Some examples are given to illustrate the results.

MSC:34G20, 34A12, 34K30.
Whole-exome sequencing identifies a de novo TUBA1A mutation in a patient with sporadic malformations of cortical development: a case report
Authors: Shimojima Keiko , Narita Aya , Maegaki Yoshihiro , Saito Akira , Furukawa Toru , Yamamoto Toshiyuki 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
Owing to the number of genetic mutations that contribute to malformations of cortical development, identification of causative mutations in candidate genes is challenging. To overcome these challenges, we performed whole-exome sequencing in this study.

Case presentation
A Japanese patient presented with microcephaly and severe developmental delay. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed the presence of colpocephaly associated with lateral ventricle dilatation and the presence of a simplified gyral pattern. Hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and cerebellar vermis were also noted. Because Sanger sequencing is expensive, laborious, and time-consuming, whole-exome sequencing was performed and a de novo missense mutation in TUBA1A (E27Q) was identified.

Conclusion
The novel mutation identified in this study was located in the genetic region that encodes the N-terminal domain of TUBA1A, a region of TUBA1A with few reported mutations. Retrospective assessment of the clinical and radiological features of this patient―i.e., microcephaly, lissencephaly (pachygyria) with cerebellar hypoplasia, and corpus callosum hypoplasia―indicated that the TUBA1A mutation did not lead to any contradictions. Because rapid and comprehensive mutation analysis by whole-exome sequencing is time- and cost-effective, it might be useful for genetic counseling of patients with sporadic malformations of cortical development.
18 F-Fluoride positron emission tomography/computed tomography for noninvasive in vivo quantification of pathophysiological bone metabolism in experimental murine arthritis
Authors: Irmler Ingo M , Gebhardt Peter , Hoffmann Bianca , Opfermann Thomas , Figge Marc-Thilo , Saluz Hans P , Kamradt Thomas 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Evaluation of disease severity in experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis is inevitably associated with assessment of structural bone damage. A noninvasive imaging technology allowing objective quantification of pathophysiological alterations of bone structure in rodents could substantially extend the methods used to date in preclinical arthritis research for staging of autoimmune disease severity or efficacy of therapeutical intervention. Sodium 18 F-fluoride (18 F-NaF) is a bone-seeking tracer well-suited for molecular imaging. Therefore, we systematically examined the use of 18 F-NaF positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in mice with glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (G6PI)–induced arthritis for quantification of pathological bone metabolism.

Methods
F-fluoride was injected into mice before disease onset and at various time points of progressing experimental arthritis. Radioisotope accumulation in joints in the fore- and hindpaws was analyzed by PET measurements. For validation of bone metabolism quantified by 18 F-fluoride PET, bone surface parameters of high-resolution μCT measurements were used.

Results
Before clinical arthritis onset, no distinct accumulation of 18 F-fluoride was detectable in the fore- and hindlimbs of mice immunized with G6PI. In the course of experimental autoimmune disease, 18 F-fluoride bone uptake was increased at sites of enhanced bone metabolism caused by pathophysiological processes of autoimmune disease. Moreover, 18 F-fluoride signaling at different stages of G6PI-induced arthritis was significantly correlated with the degree of bone destruction. CT enabled identification of exact localization of 18 F-fluoride signaling in bone and soft tissue.

Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that small-animal PET/CT using 18 F-fluoride as a tracer is a feasible method for quantitative assessment of pathophysiological bone metabolism in experimental arthritis. Furthermore, the possibility to perform repeated noninvasive measurements in vivo allows longitudinal study of therapeutical intervention monitoring.
Modeling the economic impact of linezolid versus vancomycin in confirmed nosocomial pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Patel Dipen A , Shorr Andrew F , Chastre Jean , Niederman Michael , Simor Andrew , Stephens Jennifer M , Charbonneau Claudie , Gao Xin , Nathwani Dilip 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Introduction
We compared the economic impacts of linezolid and vancomycin for the treatment of hospitalized patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)–confirmed nosocomial pneumonia.

Methods
We used a 4-week decision tree model incorporating published data and expert opinion on clinical parameters, resource use and costs (in 2012 US dollars), such as efficacy, mortality, serious adverse events, treatment duration and length of hospital stay. The results presented are from a US payer perspective. The base case first-line treatment duration for patients with MRSA-confirmed nosocomial pneumonia was 10 days. Clinical treatment success (used for the cost-effectiveness ratio) and failure due to lack of efficacy, serious adverse events or mortality were possible clinical outcomes that could impact costs. Cost of treatment and incremental cost-effectiveness per successfully treated patient were calculated for linezolid versus vancomycin. Univariate (one-way) and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Results
The model allowed us to calculate the total base case inpatient costs as $46,168 (linezolid) and $46,992 (vancomycin). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio favored linezolid (versus vancomycin), with lower costs ($824 less) and greater efficacy (+2.7% absolute difference in the proportion of patients successfully treated for MRSA nosocomial pneumonia). Approximately 80% of the total treatment costs were attributed to hospital stay (primarily in the intensive care unit). The results of our probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that linezolid is the cost-effective alternative under varying willingness to pay thresholds.

Conclusion
These model results show that linezolid has a favorable incremental cost-effectiveness ratio compared to vancomycin for MRSA-confirmed nosocomial pneumonia, largely attributable to the higher clinical trial response rate of patients treated with linezolid. The higher drug acquisition cost of linezolid was offset by lower treatment failure–related costs and fewer days of hospitalization.
Advantages of gadolinium based ultrasmall nanoparticles vs molecular gadolinium chelates for radiotherapy guided by MRI for glioma treatment
Authors: Le Duc Géraldine , Roux Stéphane , Paruta-Tuarez Amandine , Dufort Sandrine , Brauer Elke , Marais Arthur , Truillet Charles , Sancey Lucie , Perriat Pascal , Lux François , Tillement Olivier 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
AGuIX nanoparticles are formed of a polysiloxane network surrounded by gadolinium chelates. They present several characteristics. They are easy to produce, they present very small hydrodynamic diameters (<5 nm) and they are biodegradable through hydrolysis of siloxane bonds. Such degradation was evaluated in diluted conditions at physiological pH by dynamic light scattering and relaxometry. AGuIX nanoparticles are also known as positive contrast agents and efficient radiosensitizers. The aim of this paper is to compare their efficiency for magnetic resonance imaging and radiosensitization to those of the commercial gadolinium based molecular agent: DOTAREM®. An experiment with healthy animals was conducted and the MRI pictures we obtained show a better contrast with the AguIX compared to the DOTAREM® for the same amount of injected gadolinium in the animal. The better contrast obtained after injection of Aguix than DOTAREM® is due to a higher longitudinal relaxivity and a residential time in the blood circulation that is two times higher. A fast and large increase in the contrast is also observed by MRI after an intravenous injection of the AGuIX in 9 L gliosarcoma bearing rats, and a plateau is reached seven minutes after the injection.
We established a radiotherapy protocol consisting of an irradiation by microbeam radiation therapy 20 minutes after the injection of a specific quantity of gadolinium. After microbeam radiation therapy, no notable difference in median survival time was observed in the presence or absence of gadolinium chelates (38 and 44 days respectively). In comparison, the median survival time is increased to 102.5 days with AGuIX particles showing their interest in this nanomedicine protocol. This remarkable radiosensitizing effect could be explained by the persistent tumor uptake of the particles, inducing a significant nanoscale dose deposition under irradiation.
Effects of salt stress on antioxidant defense system in the root of Kandelia candel
Authors: Wang He-ming , Xiao Xiao-rong , Yang Meng-ying , Gao Zhi-liang , Zang Jian , Fu Xiu-mei , Chen Yin-hua 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to explore the active oxygen scavenging mechanism of Kandelia candel, in order to provide a theoretical basis for further analysis on the physiological mechanism of salt tolerance in mangrove plants. Different concentrations of NaCl solution (0, 150, 300 and 450 mmol/L) were used for salt stress treatments on Kandelia candel, physiological indicators in the root of Kandelia candel were measured in different processing time.

Results
With the increase of salt concentrations and processing time, the contents of total proteins in the root of Kandelia candel were reduced; the CAT activity, SOD activity, ASA content and MDA content all had decreased with the increase of salt concentrations and shown a trend from ascent to descent with the increase of processing time, the peak of ASA and MDA contents were observed at 6 h, that of SOD activity was observed at 9 h and that of CAT activity was at 12 h; POD activity had shown an overall upward trend with the increase of salt concentrations and processing time, which reached the maximum at 24 h; the variations of these physiological indicators were more significant in high concentrations of NaCl solution (450 mmol/L).

Conclusions
A certain salt concentration (<300 mmol/L) was required for the growth of Kandelia candel seedlings. At the early stage of high-salt stress, Kandelia candel can rapidly activate antioxidant defense system to resist the salt induced oxidative stress, thus reducing the damages of oxidative stress to plasma membrane, which might be an effective means for Kandelia candel to resist high salt stress.
Miniaturized load sensor using quartz crystal resonator constructed through microfabrication and bonding
Authors: Murozaki Yuichi , Nogawa Kousuke , Arai Fumihito 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Highly sensitive, wide-measurement-range compact load sensors are desirable for various applications, including measurement of biosignals, manipulation and stiffness measurement of cells, and so on. Conventional load sensors are highly sensitive but have relatively small measurement ranges. A load sensor using an AT-cut quartz crystal resonator (QCR) has superior characteristics such as, high accuracy, improved strength under compressive stress, long-term stability, and compact size. However, a retention mechanism is required to firmly support the QCR because the QCR is easily broken by stretching and bending motions. Conventional machining processes are not suitable for further miniaturization of the sensor. Even if the retention mechanism were miniaturized, the assembly process is complicated.
In this paper, we propose a novel design and fabrication method for a load sensor using the QCR. Using microfabrication and bonding, the assembly process was simplified. We demonstrate the feasibility of a miniaturized QCR load sensor whose volume is 24.6 mm3 (width is 4 mm, height is 5.6 mm, depth is 1.1 mm). The experimental results showed that the nonlinearity and hysteresis were 0.94% F.S. and 1.68% F.S., respectively. Additionally, sensitivity of the sensor was 1458 Hz/N. We improved the sensitivity and stability of the sensor; the fluctuation was 0.04 mN over a period of 1 min. Moreover, the effects of the temperature change were evaluated. The temperature and the sensor output were linear within the range of 20°C–50°C.
Cell-Mass Structures Expressing the Aromatase Gene Cyp19a1 Lead to Ovarian Cavities in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Mawaribuchi Shuuji , Ikeda Nozomi , Fujitani Kazuko , Ito Yuzuru , Onuma Yasuko , Komiya Tohru , Takamatsu Nobuhiko , Ito Michihiko 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, has a ZZ/ZW-type sex-determination system. We previously reported that a W-linked gene, Dm-W, can determine development as a female. However, the mechanisms of early sex differentiation remain unclear. We used microarrays to screen for genes with sexually dimorphic expression in ZZ and ZW gonads during early sex differentiation in X laevis and found several steroidogenic genes. Importantly, the steroid 17α-hydroxylase gene Cyp17a1 and the aromatase gene Cyp19a1 were highly expressed in ZZ and ZW gonads, respectively, just after sex determination. At this stage, we found that Cyp17a1, Cyp19a1, or both were expressed in the ZZ and ZW gonads in a unique mass-in-line structure, in which several masses of cells, each surrounded by a basement membrane, were aligned along the anteroposterior axis. In fact, during sex differentiation, ovarian cavities formed inside each mass of Cyp17a1- and Cyp19a1-positive cells in the ZW gonads. However, the mass-in-line structure disappeared during testicular development in the ZZ testes. These results suggested that the mass-in-line structure found in both ZZ and ZW gonads just after sex determination might be formed in advance to produce ovarian cavities and then oocytes. Consequently, we propose a view that the default sex may be female in the morphological aspect of gonads in X laevis.
GLP-1 Analog Liraglutide Enhances Proinsulin Processing in Pancreatic β-Cells via a PKA-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Wang Liang , Liu Ye , Yang Jin , Zhao Hejun , Ke Jing , Tian Qing , Zhang Lin , Wen Jinhua , Wei Rui , Hong Tianpei 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Hyperproinsulinemia has gained increasing attention in the development of type 2 diabetes. Clinical studies have demonstrated that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based therapies significantly decrease plasma proinsulin/insulin ratio in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Prohormone convertase (PC)-1/3 and PC2 are primarily responsible for processing proinsulin to insulin in pancreatic β-cells. We have recently reported that Pax6 mutation down-regulated PC1/3 and PC2 expression, resulting in defective proinsulin processing in Pax6 heterozygous mutant (Pax6m/+) mice. In this study, we investigated whether and how liraglutide, a novel GLP-1 analog, modulated proinsulin processing. Our results showed that liraglutide significantly up-regulated PC1/3 expression and decreased the proinsulin to insulin ratio in both Pax6m/+ and db/db diabetic mice. In the cultured mouse pancreatic β-cell line, Min6, liraglutide stimulated PC1/3 and PC2 expression and lowered the proinsulin to insulin ratio in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, the beneficial effects of liraglutide on PC1/3 and PC2 expression and proinsulin processing were dependent on the GLP-1 receptor-mediated cAMP/protein kinase A signaling pathway. The same mechanism was recapitulated in isolated mouse islets. In conclusion, liraglutide enhanced PC1/3- and PC2-dependent proinsulin processing in pancreatic β-cells through the activation of the GLP-1 receptor/cAMP/protein kinase A signaling pathway. Our study provides a new mechanism for improvement of pancreatic β-cell function by the GLP-1-based therapy.
Overexpression of Corticotropin Releasing Factor in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala Advances Puberty and Disrupts Reproductive Cycles in Female Rats
Authors: Li X. F. , Hu M. H. , Li S. Y. , Geach C. , Hikima A. , Rose S. , Greenwood M. P. , Greenwood M. , Murphy D. , Poston L. , Lightman S. L. , O'Byrne K. T. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Prolonged exposure to environmental stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and generally disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Because CRF expression in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is a key modulator in adaptation to chronic stress, and central administration of CRF inhibits the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator, we tested the hypothesis that overexpression of CRF in the CeA of female rats alters anxiety behavior, dysregulates the HPA axis response to stress, changes pubertal timing, and disrupts reproduction. We used a lentiviral vector to increase CRF expression site specifically in the CeA of preweaning (postnatal day 12) female rats. Overexpression of CRF in the CeA increased anxiety-like behavior in peripubertal rats shown by a reduction in time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and a decrease in social interaction. Paradoxically, puberty onset was advanced but followed by irregular estrous cyclicity and an absence of spontaneous preovulatory LH surges associated with proestrous vaginal cytology in rats overexpressing CRF. Despite the absence of change in basal corticosterone secretion or induced by stress (lipopolysaccharide or restraint), overexpression of CRF in the CeA significantly decreased lipopolysaccharide, but not restraint, stress-induced suppression of pulsatile LH secretion in postpubertal ovariectomized rats, indicating a differential stress responsivity of the GnRH pulse generator to immunological stress and a potential adaptation of the HPA axis to chronic activation of amygdaloid CRF. These data suggest that the expression profile of this key limbic brain CRF system might contribute to the complex neural mechanisms underlying the increasing incidence of early onset of puberty on the one hand and infertility on the other attributed to chronic stress in modern human society.
Effect of anesthesia level on murine cardiac function
Authors: Picard Fabien , Depret Francois , Zanotti-Cavazzoni Sergio , Hollenberg Steven 
Published: July 2014

Background: Echocardiography allows for sensitive and non-invasive assessment of cardiac function in mice, but requires sedation and immobility, which influences cardiac performance. Minimizing the hemodynamic effects of anesthesia is extremely important for improving the applicability of animal models to the clinical setting. We sought to evaluate the effects of isoflurane dose on myocardial function in a murine model.Methods: Twelve healthy C57BL/6 mice were studied with three different isoflurane anesthesia regimens: deep anesthesia with an objective of heart rate (HR) between 350 and 400 beats per minute (bpm), light anesthesia with an objective of HR between 475 and 525 bpm and just before the mice woke up (>575 bpm). Using a high-resolution ultrasound system, stroke volume, cardiac output, left ventricle dimension and fractional shortening were recorded.Results: Fractional shortening was not statistically different in the awake group and the light anesthesia group (49±5% in awake mice vs. 48±5%; p=0.62), whereas it was different compared to the deep anesthesia group (31±5%, p<0.0001 compared to both groups). Similar results were found for stroke volume (41.4±5.8 ml vs. 41.6±6.9 ml; p=0.81 and 35±8.3 ml; p<0.05 compared to both groups). Cardiac output was slightly lower in the light anesthesia group compared to the awake group (21.9±3.6 ml/min vs. 25.6±3.3; p=0.02) due to HR significant difference (522±17 bpm vs. 608±23 bpm; p<0.0001).Conclusions: Doppler echocardiography can be performed under very light anesthesia using small doses of isoflurane without influencing cardiac inotropic function. This technique allows for accurate and reproducible assessment of cardiac function while minimizing hemodynamic perturbations.