bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of plaque accumulation on the osseointegration of titanium–zirconium alloy and titanium implants. A histological and immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Mihatovic Ilja , Golubovic Vladimir , Bradu Sebastian , Sager Martin , Becker Jürgen 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of plaque accumulation on osseointegration at surface enhanced modified hydrophilic titanium–zirconium (TiZr) alloy and titanium (Ti) implants.Materials and methodsTiZr and Ti implants with a sand‐blasted, acid etched, and chemically modified endosseous and a machined (M) transmucosal portion were bilaterally (i.e., one implant type on each side) inserted in the maxilla of six foxhounds. In a split‐mouth design, experimental mucositis was induced at one randomly assigned side (NPC), while the contralateral side received mechanical plaque removal three times per week (PC). After 16 weeks, tissue biopsies were processed for histological (primary outcome: bone‐to‐implant contact [BIC]) and immunohistochemical (CD68) analysis.ResultsMean BIC values varied between 81.96% (TiZrM) and 88.72% (TiM) in the NPC group, and between 87.88% (TiM) and 92.69% (TiZrM) in the PC group. Even though BIC values tended to be lower within the endosseous coronal compartment at NPC sites, within group (NPC vs. PC) comparisons failed to reach statistical significance at both types of implants. These non‐BIC areas were not associated with any CD68 positive cells.ConclusionsOsseointegration of both TiZrM and TiM implants was not influenced by plaque accumulation in this experimental model.
Lone Aortic Insufficiency and Conduction Disease: A Marker of Reactive Arthritis
Authors: Lader Joshua M. , Lam Geoffrey , Donnino Robert , Katz Edward S. , DeAnda Abe , Ettel Mark , Saric Muhamed 
Published: July 2014

A 48‐year‐old male with history of chronic arthritis and uveitis presented with 1 year of progressively reduced exercise capacity and nonexertional chest pain. Physical examination was consistent with severe aortic insufficiency. An electrocardiogram demonstrated sinus rhythm with first degree atrioventricular block. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated severe lone central aortic insufficiency of a trileaflet valve due to leaflet thickening, retraction of leaflet margins and mild aortic root dilation in the setting of left ventricular dilatation. In addition, computed tomographic angiography revealed a small focal aneurysm of the distal transverse arch. He was found to be positive for the immunogenetic marker HLA‐B27. The patient subsequently underwent uncomplicated mechanical aortic valve replacement. The diagnosis of HLA‐B27 associated cardiac disease should be entertained in any individual with lone aortic insufficiency, especially if accompanied by conduction disease.
Global Myocardial Contractile Reserve Assessed by High‐Dose Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography Predicts Response to the Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Murín Pavol , Mitro Peter , Valocik Gabriel , Spurný Peter 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundMyocardial contractile reserve (CR) is a strong prognostic factor in patients with heart failure. The presence of significant myocardial fibrosis can lead to a reduced response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We assumed that myocardial CR assessed by high‐dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) would predict response to CRT.MethodsFifty‐two consecutive symptomatic patients with heart failure (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class III), with depressed ejection fraction (EF) of the left ventricle (26.3 ± 6.9%) and dyssynchronous contractions (QRS duration 149.8 ± 23.8 msec) underwent DSE before CRT implantation. The difference in EF at rest and at peak (40 μg/kg per minute) DSE indicated global CR. Responders to CRT were defined by a decrease in left ventricular end‐systolic volume of ≥15% and/or an increase in EF of ≥5% after 6 months of CRT.ResultsDuring high‐dose dobutamine infusion, responders (28 patients, 54%) showed a greater increase in EF compared with nonresponders (Δ 11 ± 7% vs. Δ 2 ± 9%, P = 0.007). CR correlated moderately with an improvement in EF after 6 months of CRT (r = 0.50, P = 0.0009). Furthermore, responders showed significant improvement in clinical status, evaluated by a reduction in NYHA functional class (−0.8 ± 0.6 vs. 0.1 ± 0.4, P = 0.02), compared with nonresponders. A 7% exercise‐induced increase in EF yielded sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 87% in predicting the response to CRT after 6 months.ConclusionsMyocardial CR assessed by high‐dose DSE can play a potentially important role in identifying responders to CRT.
Feasibility of Perflutren Microsphere Contrast Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Visualization of Ventricular Endocardium during Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Validated Ovine Model
Authors: Platts David G. , Diab Sara , Dunster Kimble R. , Shekar Kiran , Burstow Darryl J. , Sim Beatrice , Tunbridge Matthew , McDonald Charles , Chemonges Saul , Chan Jonathan , Fraser John F. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundTransthoracic echocardiography (TTE) during extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is important but can be technically challenging. Contrast‐specific TTE can improve imaging in suboptimal studies. These contrast microspheres are hydrodynamically labile structures. This study assessed the feasibility of contrast echocardiography (CE) during venovenous (VV) ECMO in a validated ovine model.MethodTwenty‐four sheep were commenced on VV ECMO. Parasternal long‐axis (Plax) and short‐axis (Psax) views were obtained pre‐ and postcontrast while on VV ECMO. Endocardial definition scores (EDS) per segment were graded: 1 = good, 2 = suboptimal 3 = not seen. Endocardial border definition score index (EBDSI) was calculated for each view. Endocardial length (EL) in the Plax view for the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) was measured.ResultsSummation EDS data for the LV and RV for unenhanced TTE (UE) versus CE TTE imaging: EDS 1 = 289 versus 346, EDS 2 = 38 versus 10, EDS 3 = 33 versus 4, respectively. Wilcoxon matched‐pairs rank‐sign tests showed a significant ranking difference (improvement) pre‐ and postcontrast for the LV (P < 0.0001), RV (P < 0.0001) and combined ventricular data (P < 0.0001). EBDSI for CE TTE was significantly lower than UE TTE for the LV (1.05 ± 0.17 vs. 1.22 ± 0.38, P = 0.0004) and RV (1.06 ± 0.22 vs. 1.42 ± 0.47, P = 0.0.0006) respectively. Visualized EL was significantly longer in CE versus UE for both the LV (58.6 ± 11.0 mm vs. 47.4 ± 11.7 mm, P < 0.0001) and the RV (52.3 ± 8.6 mm vs. 36.0 ± 13.1 mm, P < 0.0001), respectively.ConclusionsDespite exposure to destructive hydrodynamic forces, CE is a feasible technique in an ovine ECMO model. CE results in significantly improved EDS and increased EL.
Linkage analysis and exome sequencing identify a novel mutation in KCTD7 in patients with progressive myoclonus epilepsy with ataxia
Authors: Farhan Sali M. K. , Murphy Lisa M. , Robinson John F. , Wang Jian , Siu Victoria M. , Rupar C. Anthony , Prasad Asuri N. ,   FORGE Canada Consortium, Hegele Robert A. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryEpilepsy affects approximately 1% of the world's population. Genetic factors and acquired etiologies, as well as a range of environmental triggers, together contribute to epileptogenesis. We have identified a family with three daughters affected with progressive myoclonus epilepsy with ataxia. Clinical details of the onset and progression of the neurologic presentation, epileptic seizures, and the natural history of progression over a 10‐year period are described. Using autozygosity genetic mapping, we identified a high likelihood homozygous region on chromosome 7p12.1‐7q11.22. We subsequently applied whole‐exome sequencing and employed a rare variant prioritization analysis within the homozygous region. We identified p.Tyr276Cys in the potassium channel tetramerization domain–containing seven gene, KCTD7, which is expressed predominantly in the brain. Mutations in this gene have been implicated previously in epileptic phenotypes due to disturbances in potassium channel conductance. Pathogenicity of the mutation was supported by bioinformatic predictive analyses and variant cosegregation within the family. Further biologic validation is necessary to fully characterize the pathogenic mechanisms that explain the phenotypic causes of epilepsy with ataxia in these patients.
Anxiety and locomotion in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS): Inclusion of Wistar rats as a second control
Authors: Marques‐Carneiro José Eduardo , Faure Jean‐Baptiste , Cosquer Brigitte , Koning Estelle , Ferrandon Arielle , de Vasconcelos Anne Pereira , Cassel Jean‐Christophe , Nehlig Astrid 
Published: July 2014

SummaryObjectiveThe Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) is a genetic model, derived from Wistar rats by selective breeding. In all previous studies, GAERS were compared to their paired selected strain not expressing spike‐and‐wave discharges (SWDs), namely nonepileptic controls (NECs). Because the occurrence/absence of SWDs is of polygenic origin, some other traits could have been selected along with occurrence/absence of SWDs. Therefore, we explored the importance of using a second control group consisting in Wistar rats, the strain of origin of GAERS, in addition to NECs, on locomotion and anxiety in GAERS.MethodsA test battery encompassing home‐cage, open‐field, beam‐walking and elevated plus‐maze evaluations was used. In addition, stereologic analyses were performed to assess the volume of thalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus. The occurrence/absence of SWDs was determined in all three strains by electroencephalography (EEG) recording.ResultsWhen compared to NECs and Wistars, GAERS displayed lower exploratory activity and fastened habituation to novelty. In the plus‐maze, scores of GAERS and Wistars were similar, but NECs appeared significantly less anxious (possibly in association with increased amygdala volume); evidence for weaker anxiety in NECs was also found in the open‐field evaluation. The volumetric study revealed increased thalamic volume in GAERS compared to both control groups. SWDs were present in all GAERS and in 80% of Wistars.SignificanceCompared to the original Wistar strain as an additional control group, the selective breeding that generated the GAERS has no incidence on anxiety‐related behavior, conversely to the selection of SWD suppression in NECs, in which anxiety is attenuated. These findings point to the importance of using a second control group composed of Wistar rats in studies characterizing the behavioral profile of GAERS. Thereby, possible confusions between occurrence/absence of SWDs and other features that come along with selection and/or differential brain development induced by the genetic mutations are reduced.
The prevalence of abnormal breathing patterns during exercise and associations with dynamic upper respiratory tract obstructions
Authors: Fitzharris L. E. , Franklin S. H. , Allen K. J. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyThere is very limited published information on the prevalence and significance of abnormal breathing patterns adopted during canter/gallop.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to report the prevalence of abnormal breathing patterns during canter/gallop and to investigate whether these may be associated with dynamic upper respiratory tract (URT) obstructions.Study designRetrospective analysis of clinical records.MethodsSimultaneous audio andURTvideoendoscopy recordings from 365 horses referred for treadmill evaluation were analysed.ResultsThirty percent of horses had an abnormal breathing pattern at canter or gallop, of which 23% had a 2:1 breathing pattern (i.e. one breath is taken over two strides). The prevalence of abnormal breathing patterns was higher at low canter speeds than during strenuous exercise. There was a significant association between breathing pattern during strenuous exercise and the presence of anURTobstruction.ConclusionsThis study suggests that abnormal breathing patterns during canter and gallop may be associated with dynamicURTobstructions; therefore, horses identified by owners or veterinary surgeons to have an abnormal breathing pattern during exercise, in particular a 2:1 breathing pattern, may warrant investigations for diagnosis of respiratory tract disease.
Descriptive analysis of longitudinal endoscopy for exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage inThoroughbred racehorses training and racing at theHongKongJockeyClub
Authors: Preston S. A. , Riggs C. M. , Singleton M. D. , Troedsson M. H. T. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyExercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is reported as a performance limiting condition in racehorses, yet few longitudinal studies characterisingEIPHhave been reported.ObjectivesTo characteriseEIPHduring training and racing in the absence of prophylactic medication with furosemide among horses imported toHongKong during 2007–2012.Study designRetrospective descriptive study of clinical endoscopy,EIPHstatus, and racing records.MethodsThoroughbred geldings (n = 822) imported fromNewZealand between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively assigned to 4 groups: diagnosed withEIPHvia endoscopy (EIPH+), graded using recognised criteria; observed with epistaxis (Epistaxis); free ofEIPHon endoscopy (EIPH‐); and those in which no endoscopy was performed.ResultsThe majority of horses (89%) were subjected to endoscopy once or more (median 15, interquartile range 3–18). Of those undergoing endoscopy, 55% of horses were diagnosedEIPH+ which varied in severity. Few (4%) experienced epistaxis.EIPH+ was diagnosed most frequently (63%) after racing. There was no significant difference in the proportion ofEIPH+ andEIPH‐ horses that raced. Racing career longevity was longest forEIPH+ horses. The number of starts in Hong Kong forEIPH+ horses was not significantly different toEIPH‐ horses.[Correction added on 9 January 2015, after first online publication: The term ‘lifetime starts’ has been changed to ‘starts in Hong Kong’ in the preceding sentence.]Days to retirement were longer forEIPH+ horses. Horses with mildEIPH+ (grade<3) were more likely to be retired for other causes whereas severe grades (≥3) were more likely to be retired forEIPH.ConclusionsExercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage is common and varies in severity between individuals and between episodes in the same individual. There is no difference in racing career longevity betweenEIPH+ andEIPH‐ horses trained and raced without furosemide.See also correspondences by PS Morley and KW Hinchcliff;AD Richards;andS. Preston and C. M. Riggs
Integration by communication: knowledge exchange in global outsourcing of product software development
Authors: Kristjánsson Baldur , Helms Remko , Brinkkemper Sjaak 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGlobal outsourcing is a growing trend among independent software vendors. In these projects like other distributed work, distances have negative effects on communication and coordination, directly impacting performance. We present a normative model designed to address this issue by improving communication and knowledge exchange. The model consists of six distinct practices and a tool blueprint, each coming with practical guidelines. It is based in part on two case studies of Dutch software vendors who have successfully outsourced part of their activities to an Eastern European outsourcing vendor, and validated by a panel of six experts from industry and the scientific community. It is concluded that knowledge exchange in global software outsourcing is a by‐product of efforts to enhance communication and coordination, rather than specific technical solutions. By committing to sharing knowledge, emphasizing transparency and integrating the outsourcing team into their organizations, customers from the product software business can realize the benefits of global outsourcing.
Winging it? Defence Procurement as Risk Management
Authors: Louth John , Boden Rebecca 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn this paper, war is characterised as a risk management strategy, with defence procurement as a risk mitigating activity. Risk management within the defence procurement context is explored by way of a detailed case study of a UK procurement team from within what was the Defence Logistics Organisation (a Tri‐Service/Civil Service central organisation) with the Royal Air Force as its customer. In this paper risk management is conceptualised theoretically as an aspect of governmentality. The analysis of the case study organisation demonstrates that it has become devoted to managing risk. The operation of governmental power within the organisation is analysed using Lukes' () three dimensions. The paper demonstrates that risk management operates as a hegemonic discursive rationality at a level where individuals become enfolded in these discourses, becoming economic citizens and workers rather than military personnel. This, it is concluded, has grave human consequences.
Kinetic mechanism of putrescine oxidase from Rhodococcus erythropolis
Authors: Kopacz Malgorzata M. , Heuts Dominic P. H. M. , Fraaije Marco W. 
Published: July 2014

Putrescine oxidase from Rhodococcus erythropolis (PuO) is a flavin‐containing amine oxidase from the monoamine oxidase family that performs oxidative deamination of aliphatic diamines. In this study we report pre‐steady‐state kinetic analyses of the enzyme with the use of single‐ and double‐mixing stopped‐flow spectroscopy and putrescine as a substrate. During the fast and irreversible reductive half‐reaction no radical intermediates were observed, suggesting a direct hydride transfer from the substrate to the FAD. The rate constant of flavin reoxidation depends on the ligand binding; when the imine product was bound to the enzyme the rate constant was higher than with free enzyme species. Similar results were obtained with product‐mimicking ligands and this indicates that a ternary complex is formed during catalysis. The obtained kinetic data were used together with steady‐state rate equations derived for ping‐pong, ordered sequential and bifurcated mechanisms to explore which mechanism is operative. The integrated analysis revealed that PuO employs a bifurcated mechanism due to comparable rate constants of product release from the reduced enzyme and reoxidation of the reduced enzyme–product complex.
Effects of oral moisturising gel containing egg yolk antibodies against Candida albicans in older people
Authors: Takeuchi Susumu , Motohashi Jun , Kimori Hisato , Nakagawa Yoichi , Tsurumoto Akihisa 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of oral moisturising gel containing egg yolk antibody against Candida albicans (anti‐CA IgY) in older people. Therefore, we measured the number of Candia CFU present on oral swabs at baseline and after using the gel.MethodsA randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted among volunteers living in a nursing home in Japan. The participants were divided into two groups. The group 1 participants received oral care using an experimental oral moisturising gel with anti‐CA IgY, and those in group 2 received oral care using a placebo oral moisturising gel without anti‐CA IgY. The oral care was performed by care workers three times a day for 4 weeks. The participants’ tongues were sampled using a swab method at baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks of using the oral gel, and the number of C. albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei colonies was counted.ResultsThe baseline oral condition of the participants in the two groups did not differ significantly. The experimental gel significantly reduced the number of C. albicans colonies from baseline to after 4 weeks of using the oral gel; however, no significant reductions were observed in the number of C. tropicalis or C. krusei colonies.ConclusionThe use of oral moisturising gel containing anti‐CA IgY for 1 month significantly reduces the number of C. albicans CFU present on swabs in older people.
Traditional culture, political ideologies, materialism and luxury consumption inChina
Authors: Sun Gong , D'Alessandro Steven , Johnson Lester 
Published: July 2014

AbstractChina is now the second largest luxury market in the world. This study examines the effect of traditionalChinese cultural values and support for political ideologies on materialism and interest in luxury products. Results showed that both traditionalChinese cultural values (face, harmony and guanxi) and political ideology (Maoism vs.Deng's theory) influenced materialistic aspirations and interest in luxury products. This suggests that researchers should also consider the influence of political ideology as much as they consider cultural values, as many developing societies are in transition.
Consumers’ preferences for eco‐friendly appliances in an emerging market context
Authors: Sonnenberg Nadine C. , Erasmus Alet C. , Schreuder Adré 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAt present, the South African (SA) energy supply per person surpasses that of several developing countries in the world notwithstanding the energy crisis in the country and the evidence that SA produces among the highest greenhouse gas emissions per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) in the world. The problem is aggravated by an increased demand for major household appliances in recent years, contributing to an overextension of existing capacity and perpetual power failures. Increasing consumption patterns in the rapidly expanding economy of South Africa require intentional efforts to promote more sustainable product choices e.g. an understanding of the relevance of environmental attributes in consumers’ evaluation of product alternatives to ensure lasting environmental implications. Using Sawtooth conjoint software, trade‐off tasks were included in a cross‐sectional survey involving 648 households in Tshwane, South Africa to assess the relative importance of various environmental attributes in relation to other product features (e.g. brand and price) of washing machines. Aggregate results reveal that consumers across various age, income and educational levels prioritize brand and price, despite the long‐term financial and environmental repurcussions of product features that impact on the use of natural resources. Four consumer segments were identified through cluster analysis that differ in terms of preference structures, which offer valuable insight for the development of intervention strategies and marketing campaigns. The findings underline current literature, namely that ‘green’ product offerings must also perform competitively in terms of non‐environmental attributes. Future studies should focus on a broader scope of factors, including consumers’ knowledge and awareness of the environmental impact of their product choices, to better inform marketing campaigns and intervention initiatives.