bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical analysis of the individual variability of 1D protein profiles as a tool in ecology: an application to parasitoid venom
Authors: Mathé‐Hubert H. , Gatti J.‐L. , Colinet D. , Poirié M. , Malausa T. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the forces that shape eco‐evolutionary patterns often requires linking phenotypes to genotypes, allowing characterization of these patterns at the molecular level. DNA‐based markers are less informative in this aim compared to markers associated with gene expression and, more specifically, with protein quantities. The characterization of eco‐evolutionary patterns also usually requires the analysis of large sample sizes to accurately estimate interindividual variability. However, the methods used to characterize and compare protein samples are generally expensive and time‐consuming, which constrains the size of the produced data sets to few individuals. We present here a method that estimates the interindividual variability of protein quantities based on a global, semi‐automatic analysis of 1D electrophoretic profiles, opening the way to rapid analysis and comparison of hundreds of individuals. The main original features of the method are the in silico normalization of sample protein quantities using pictures of electrophoresis gels at different staining levels, as well as a new method of analysis of electrophoretic profiles based on a median profile. We demonstrate that this method can accurately discriminate between species and between geographically distant or close populations, based on interindividual variation in venom protein profiles from three endoparasitoid wasps of two different genera (Psyttalia concolor, Psyttalia lounsburyi and Leptopilina boulardi). Finally, we discuss the experimental designs that would benefit from the use of this method.
Thalamic Kv7 channels: pharmacological properties and activity control during noxious signal processing
Authors: Cerina Manuela , Szkudlarek Hanna J , Coulon Philippe , Meuth Patrick , Kanyshkova Tatyana , Nguyen Xuan Vinh , Göbel Kerstin , Seidenbecher Thomas , Meuth Sven G , Pape Hans‐Christian , Budde Thomas 
Published: February 2015

Background and PurposeThe existence of functional Kv7 channels in thalamocortical (TC) relay neurons and the effects of the K+‐current termed M‐current (IM) on thalamic signal processing have long been debated. Immunocytochemical evidence suggests their presence in this brain region. Therefore, we aimed to verify their existence, pharmacological properties and function in regulating activity in neurons of the ventrobasal thalamus (VB).Experimental ApproachCharacterization of Kv7 channels was performed by combining in vitro, in vivo and in silico techniques with a pharmacological approach. Retigabine (30 μM) and XE991 (20 μM), a specific Kv7 channel enhancer and blocker, respectively, were applied in acute brain slices during electrophysiological recordings. The effects of intrathalamic injection of retigabine (3 mM, 300 nL) and/or XE991 (2 mM, 300 nL) were investigated in freely moving animals during hot‐plate tests by recording behaviour and neuronal activity.Key ResultsKv7.2 and Kv7.3 subunits were found to be abundantly expressed in TC neurons of mouse VB. A slow K+‐current with properties of IM was activated by retigabine and inhibited by XE991. Kv7 channel activation evoked membrane hyperpolarization, a reduction in tonic action potential firing, and increased burst firing in vitro and in computational models. Single‐unit recordings and pharmacological intervention demonstrated a specific burst‐firing increase upon IM activation in vivo. A Kv7 channel‐mediated increase in pain threshold was associated with fewer VB units responding to noxious stimuli, and increased burst firing in responsive neurons.Conclusions and ImplicationsKv7 channel enhancement alters somatosensory activity and may reflect an anti‐nociceptive mechanism during acute pain processing.
The Stability of Invertebrate Communities in Bromeliad Phytotelmata in a Rain Forest Subject to Hurricanes
Authors: Richardson Michael J. , Richardson Barbara A. , Srivastava Diane S. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractCommunities of invertebrate animals in lower canopy and saxicolous tank bromeliads, originally studied in 1993–1997, were resampled along an elevational gradient in tabonuco, palo colorado, and dwarf or cloud forest in Puerto Rico in 2010. These Puerto Rican montane rain forests were impacted strongly by hurricanes in 1989 and 1998, so the surveys in the 1990s represented 4–8 yr of post‐hurricane recovery, whereas our recent survey represents 12 yr of post‐hurricane recovery. At most elevations, species diversity, both within individual bromeliads and at the forest scale, declined between the 1990s and 2010. This decline in diversity between decades is associated with reductions in bromeliad density as the canopy progressively closed during recovery from hurricane damage. The observed decline in alpha and gamma diversity appears to have involved the loss of rarer species, as might be expected from standard metapopulation theory. By contrast, the most common species were remarkably stable in abundance, composition, and frequency of occurrence over the two decades. In the lowermost tabonuco forest, two endemic bromeliad specialists, restricted to bromeliads for their entire life cycle, were not found on resampling. This study also demonstrates that, at least in Puerto Rico, sets of ten plants from each forest were sufficient to monitor bromeliad invertebrate populations and their diversity over time.
Endocrine care of transpeople part II. A review of cross‐sex hormonal treatments, outcomes and adverse effects in transwomen
Authors: Meriggiola Maria Cristina , Gava Giulia 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe treatment of transwomen relies on the combined administration of anti‐androgens or GnRH analogues to suppress androgen production and thereby reduce male phenotypic characteristics together with oestrogens to develop female characteristics. In transwomen, synthetic oestrogens such as ethinyl oestradiol, as well as conjugated equine oestrogens (CEE), should be avoided to minimize thromboembolic risks especially in older transwomen and in those with risk factors. Currently, available short‐ and long‐term safety studies suggest that cross‐sex hormonal therapy (CHT) can be considered safe in transwomen improving the well‐being and quality of life of these individuals. Long‐term monitoring should aim to decrease cardiovascular risks and should include prostate and breast cancer screenings.
Combined endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and phacoemulsification versus phacoemulsification alone in the treatment of mild to moderate glaucoma
Authors: Siegel Michael J , Boling Whitney S , Faridi Omar S , Gupta Chirag K , Kim Chaesik , Boling Richard C , Citron Matthew E , Siegel Marc J , Siegel Les I 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the long‐term effects of combined endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and phacoemulsification (phaco) versus phacoemulsification alone on intraocular pressure control and medication reliance in the treatment of mild to moderate glaucoma.DesignRetrospective chart review in private practice setting by glaucoma fellowship trained surgeons.ParticipantsA total of 261 eyes in the combined phaco‐endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation group with 52 eyes in the phaco‐alone group.MethodsComparison of phaco‐endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation with phaco alone over 36 months.Main Outcome MeasuresFull and qualified success cumulative survival, intraocular pressure and medication reliance 6–36 months compared with baseline. Full success was defined as minimum 20% intraocular pressure reduction with a decrease of at least one ocular hypertensive medication. Qualified success was defined as intraocular pressure no higher than baseline with a decrease of at least one ocular hypertensive medication.ResultsAt 36 months, mean intraocular pressure in the combined phaco‐endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation group was 14.6 mmHg, whereas the phaco‐alone group was 15.5 mmHg (P = 0.34). Mean medication reliance in the combined phaco‐endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation group was 0.2 medications, whereas the phaco‐alone group was 1.2 (P < 0.001). Full success in the phaco‐endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation group was 61.4%; the phaco‐alone group was 23.3% (P < 0.001). Qualified success survival was 72.6% in the phaco‐endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation group and 23.3% in the phaco‐alone group (P < 0.001).ConclusionsCombined phaco‐endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation effectively lowers or maintains intraocular pressure and results in ocular hypertensive medication reduction up to 36 months when compared with phaco alone. Therefore, phaco‐endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation may help to increase medication compliance and reduce glaucoma progression in mild to moderate glaucoma.
One‐year follow‐up of titanium/zirconium alloy X commercially pure titanium narrow‐diameter implants placed in the molar region of the mandible: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tolentino L. , Sukekava F. , Garcez‐Filho J. , Tormena M. , Lima L. A. , Araújo M. G. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze marginal bone loss (MBL) and clinical parameters around narrow‐diameter implants (NDIs – 3.3 mm) made of titanium/zirconium alloy (TiZr) in comparison with commercially pure titanium (cpTi) installed in the molar region of the mandible after 1 year in function.Materials and methodsTen patients participated in the study. A TiZr and a cpTi NDI were randomly installed in contralateral molar sites of the mandible of each patient in a split‐mouth design. Eight weeks after healing, all metal–ceramic single crowns were adapted to the implants and patients were enrolled in a plaque control program. MBL at the mesial and distal aspects of the implants were evaluated by comparing periapical radiographs taken immediately after prosthesis installation (T1) and 1 year after loading (T2). Clinical probing depth, bleeding on probing, suppuration, visible plaque and implant mobility were evaluated to determine implant success and survival rates.ResultsMean MBL at the interproximal aspects of TiZr implant sites was 0.32 ± 0.27 mm, while at cpTi implant sites mean MBL was 0.35 ± 0.24 mm (P = 0.60). Both TiZr and cpTi NDIs presented 100% implant survival and success rates, with no significant differences in the clinical parameters studied (P > 0.05).ConclusionTiZr and cpTi NDIs presented similar outcomes after 1 year in function in the molar region of the mandible. The results suggest that TiZr and cpTi NDIs may be equally used to support single crowns in the posterior area of the mouth. However, further studies with longer follow‐up periods are necessary to confirm these findings.
Digital versus conventional implant impressions for edentulous patients: accuracy outcomes
Authors: Papaspyridakos Panos , Gallucci German O. , Chen Chun‐Jung , Hanssen Stijn , Naert Ignace , Vandenberghe Bart 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposeTo compare the accuracy of digital and conventional impression techniques for completely edentulous patients and to determine the effect of different variables on the accuracy outcomes.Materials and methodsA stone cast of an edentulous mandible with five implants was fabricated to serve as master cast (control) for both implant‐ and abutment‐level impressions. Digital impressions (n = 10) were taken with an intraoral optical scanner (TRIOS, 3shape, Denmark) after connecting polymer scan bodies. For the conventional polyether impressions of the master cast, a splinted and a non‐splinted technique were used for implant‐level and abutment‐level impressions (4 cast groups, n = 10 each). Master casts and conventional impression casts were digitized with an extraoral high‐resolution scanner (IScan D103i, Imetric, Courgenay, Switzerland) to obtain digital volumes. Standard tessellation language (STL) datasets from the five groups of digital and conventional impressions were superimposed with the STL dataset from the master cast to assess the 3D (global) deviations. To compare the master cast with digital and conventional impressions at the implant level, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe's post hoc test was used, while Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test was used for testing the difference between abutment‐level conventional impressions.ResultsSignificant 3D deviations (P < 0.001) were found between Group II (non‐splinted, implant level) and control. No significant differences were found between Groups I (splinted, implant level), III (digital, implant level), IV (splinted, abutment level), and V (non‐splinted, abutment level) compared with the control. Implant angulation up to 15° did not affect the 3D accuracy of implant impressions (P > 0.001).ConclusionDigital implant impressions are as accurate as conventional implant impressions. The splinted, implant‐level impression technique is more accurate than the non‐splinted one for completely edentulous patients, whereas there was no difference in the accuracy at the abutment level. The implant angulation up to 15° did not affect the accuracy of implant impressions.
Bone regenerative efficacy of biphasic calcium phosphate collagen composite as a carrier of rhBMP‐2
Authors: Lee Eun‐Ung , Lim Hyun‐Chang , Hong Ji‐Youn , Lee Jung‐Seok , Jung Ui‐Won , Choi Seong‐Ho 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesThis study compared the bone regenerative effects of a recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP‐2)‐loaded collagen‐based biphasic calcium phosphate composite (BCPC) and rhBMP‐2‐loaded biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP).Material and methodsThe in vitro release profiles of rhBMP‐2‐loaded BCP and BCPC were measured. The animal surgery was performed on ten rabbits. Four 8‐mm‐diameter circular calvarial defects were made and filled with BCP, BCPC, rhBMP‐2‐loaded BCP (BMP + BCP) and rhBMP‐2‐loaded BCPC (BMP + BCPC). The animals were euthanized either 2 or 8 weeks after surgery.ResultsThe initial burst release of rhBMP‐2 was greater for BCP than for BCPC, and both presented a slow release pattern thereafter. In rabbit calvarial defects, the space maintaining capability and graft resorption of all experimental groups did not show statistical differences at 2 and 8 weeks. New bone formation in the rhBMP‐2‐loaded groups was greater than in the non‐loaded groups at both weeks, but the amount of new bone was comparable between both rhBMP‐2‐loaded groups at both weeks. There was a distinct histologic difference between the BMP + BCP and BMP + BCPC groups at 2 weeks; the new bone formation occurred more in the intergranular spaces and the BCP‐to‐bone contact was greater in the BMP + BCPC group, but these differences were no longer discernible at 8 weeks.ConclusionsBCP‐ and BCPC‐loaded rhBMP‐2 significantly improved bone regeneration and BCPC led to a dense network of new bone and bone particles during the early healing period. BCPC can therefore be considered as a promising candidate for carrying rhBMP‐2.
Clinical features and treatment outcomes of dental implant‐related paranasal sinusitis: A 2‐year prospective observational study
Authors: Kim So Jeong , Park Jee Soo , Kim Hee Tae , Lee Cha Hee , Park Yun Hwi , Bae Jung Ho 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesAs dental implant‐related paranasal sinusitis has different pathophysiology and clinical features from primarily rhinogenic paranasal sinusitis, the standard treatment protocol for dental implant‐related paranasal sinusitis has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment results of dental implant‐related paranasal sinusitis.Material and methodsWe conducted a prospective single‐center study of 19 patients who were treated for odontogenic sinusitis developing in relation to dental implant from September 2008 through May 2012. The age of the patients ranged from 33 to 78 years, with the mean age of 54.5 years. Foul odor and postnasal dripping were the two most common complaints. All patients underwent nasal endoscopic examination and paranasal sinus CT before treatment, and initial conservative treatment for 1 week. Patients unresponsive to medical treatment underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). All patients were classified into the conservative and surgical groups for analysis and followed up for 2 years after initial diagnosis.ResultsFour patients (21%) were successfully treated conservatively, while 15 patients (79%) underwent surgical treatment. One of these 15 patients required revision surgery. After 2 years, all patients were successfully treated, so there were no more clinical signs of recurrent sinusitis in any patients. The survival rate of implants was 100%. Compared to those of the conservative group, symptom duration, the Lund–MacKay CT score, status of the ostiomeatal unit (OMU), and the condition of the maxillary sinus floor were significantly more severe in the surgical group.ConclusionIn our study, the majority of patients who once developed paranasal sinusitis associated with dental implants required surgical treatment. Findings of paranasal sinus CT may be important in determining treatment option.
The accuracy of circulating microRNA‐21 in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu F. , Xu L. , Wang M. , An G. , Feng G. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimThe accuracy and clinical value of circulating microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) were assessed as a novel diagnostic biomarker of colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodMedline/PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library databases and grey literature (Google scholar; British Library) were searched up to 29 September 2014 for eligible studies of the association between blood‐based miR‐21 and a diagnosis of CRC. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) was employed to assess the quality of the included studies by two investigators. Stata12.0 and Meta‐DiSc1.4 software were applied to test the heterogeneity using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics and to perform the meta‐analysis.ResultsSeven studies with 676 CRC patients and 417 controls were included in the meta‐analysis. All were of high quality (QUADAS scores 12 or 13). For miR‐21, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio to predict CRC were 75% [95% confidence interval (CI) 63–83%], 84% (95% CI 79–87%), 4.61 (95% CI 3.38–6.29), 0.30 (95% CI 0.20–0.46) and 16.89 (95% CI 7.56–37.73) after using a random‐effects model analysis. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.86 (95% CI 0.83–0.89).ConclusionThe results suggest that circulating miR‐21 is a biomarker with moderate sensitivity and specificity for CRC.
Cytomorphology of neuroendocrine tumours of the gallbladder
Authors: Yadav R. , Jain D. , Mathur S. R. , Iyer V. K. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveGallbladder neuroendocrine tumours (GB‐NETs) are rare and account for 0.5% of all NETs. GB‐NETs have an aggressive behaviour, which depends on the tumour grade. The cytomorphological spectrum of these tumours has never been described in detail. The present study evaluates the cytological features of GB‐NETs and grades them according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Furthermore, the expression of thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) has not been investigated previously in GB‐NETs, although found in a subset of extrapulmonary NETs.MethodsTwenty cases of GB‐NET among 875 gallbladder carcinomas diagnosed by ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) over a period of nearly 4 years were studied. The following parameters were evaluated: architectural pattern, nuclear chromatin, nucleoli, mitoses, necrosis, moulding, apoptosis and smudge cells. Cases were categorized into well‐differentiated (grades 1 and 2), small cell carcinoma (SCC) (grade 3) and mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma. Nuclear positivity for TTF‐1 was considered as positive.ResultsMorphologically, tumour cells were mainly arranged in rosettes in the well‐differentiated category; sudden anisonucleosis and rare nuclear moulding with or without mitotic figures were other features. Eleven cases of SCC showed prominent nuclear moulding with frequent smudge cells, mitoses, apoptosis and necrosis. Three mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas showed papillary fragments and an acinar arrangement of tumour cells. Four of the nine SCCs in which TTF‐1 was evaluated on de‐stained smears showed nuclear positivity. Histopathology was available in two SCCs and showed morphology similar to FNAC.ConclusionCytology plays an important role in the diagnosis of GB‐NETs for appropriate subtype characterization, which is necessary for the prognostication of these tumours. TTF‐1 may not be used for the differentiation of gallbladder SCCs from pulmonary SCCs.
Visual–perceptual impairment in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Ego Anne , Lidzba Karen , Brovedani Paola , Belmonti Vittorio , Gonzalez‐Monge Sibylle , Boudia Baya , Ritz Annie , Cans Christine 
Published: February 2015

AimVisual perception is one of the cognitive functions often impaired in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of this systematic literature review was to assess the frequency of visual–perceptual impairment (VPI) and its relationship with patient characteristics.MethodEligible studies were relevant papers assessing visual perception with five common standardized assessment instruments in children with CP published from January 1990 to August 2011.ResultsOf the 84 studies selected, 15 were retained. In children with CP, the proportion of VPI ranged from 40% to 50% and the mean visual perception quotient from 70 to 90. None of the studies reported a significant influence of CP subtype, IQ level, side of motor impairment, neuro‐ophthalmological outcomes, or seizures. The severity of neuroradiological lesions seemed associated with VPI. The influence of prematurity was controversial, but a lower gestational age was more often associated with lower visual motor skills than with decreased visual–perceptual abilities.InterpretationThe impairment of visual perception in children with CP should be considered a core disorder within the CP syndrome. Further research, including a more systematic approach to neuropsychological testing, is needed to explore the specific impact of CP subgroups and of neuroradiological features on visual–perceptual development.
Brain representation of action observation in human infants
Authors: Burzi Valentina , Marchi Viviana , Boyd Roslyn N , Mazziotti Raffaele , Moscarelli Michele , Sgherri Giada , Tealdi Gessica , Cioni Giovanni , Guzzetta Andrea 
Published: February 2015

Imitative learning has long been established as extremely important for early development. However, neural mechanisms involved in early imitative behaviours are still areas of active research. Neurophysiological and brain‐imaging studies have been recently performed that provide initial evidence of brain activation associated with action observation in the first months of life. In this review we examine all studies exploring the effects of action observation on brain function assessed by means of non‐invasive brain‐mapping techniques. Seventeen papers were selected as a result of our literature search. The strongest evidence for a neural signature of action observation comes from studies exploring the desynchronization of the μ‐rhythm, which was reported for both occluded and visible goal‐directed grasp, and was correlated with the totality of the infant's own action experience. The effects of action observation were reported on event‐related potentials (ERPs) or near infrared spectroscopy. Taken together, these studies suggest that, in early infancy, a direct visual–motor matching process is already detectable as early as 6 months, suggesting a matching between action perception and execution already in infancy. If confirmed by future studies, these findings will shed light on the mechanisms of early motor development and imitation, and will be key to informing novel rehabilitation strategies in infants with congenital brain damage.