bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skin prick test reactivity to aeroallergens by filaggrin mutation status
Authors: Hougaard M.G. , Johansen J.D. , Linneberg A. , Bandier J. , Stender S. , Carlsen B.C. , Szecsi P.B. , Meldgaard M. , Menné T. , Thyssen J.P. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  Studies have shown that filaggrin gene (FLG) mutations are positively associated with sensitization to aero allergens. We hypothesized that FLG mutations would also have an effect on the mean size of positive skin prick test (SPT) reactions as well as the number of positive reactions.Objective  To investigate the effect of FLG mutations on the mean size and the number of positive SPT reactions, as well as the association with positive specific IgE.Methods  A random sample of 3335 adults from the general population in Denmark was genotyped for the R501X and 2282del4 mutations in the FLG. SPT and specific IgE measurements to common aeroallergens were also performed.Results  FLG mutations did not influence the mean size and number of positive SPT reactions. Also, no association was found between FLG mutations and specific IgE measurements.Conclusion  Our findings suggest that FLG mutations alone are insufficient to cause secondary sensitization to allergens. The positive association seen in patients must be explained by a combination of further barrier abnormality caused by dermatitis as well as increased allergen exposure.
Dynamic skin changes of acute radiation dermatitis revealed by in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Vano‐Galvan S. , Fernandez‐Lizarbe E. , Truchuelo M. , Diaz‐Ley B. , Grillo E. , Sanchez V. , Ríos‐Buceta L. , Paoli J. , Sancho S. , Montero A. , Hernanz R. , Ramos A. , Jaen P. , Gonzalez S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  A better knowledge of the dynamic biological changes that the skin undergoes in response to ionizing radiation is advisable to improve the management of radiation dermatitis, allowing selection of patients needing treatment or close monitoring.Objective  To describe the evolution of the skin in response to ionizing radiation through the reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features of acute radiation dermatitis.Methods  In this prospective descriptive study, six women (median age, 55 years; range, 45–80 years) diagnosed with breast cancer in stages IA‐IB undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy were included in the study through consecutive sampling. Clinical, dermoscopic and RCM evaluation of the skin were performed prior to treatment and on days 1, 15, 30 and 45 after radiotherapy.Results  While clinical features of radiation dermatitis emerged after 30 days on average, histopathological changes were detectable by RCM after a mean time of 15 days. The main RCM features included initial appearance of spongiosis, exocytosis and inflammatory cells followed by the presence of dendritic‐shaped cells, ‘streaming‐like figures’, ‘broken geographic papillae’, epidermal architectural disarray, effacement of rete ridges, melanophages and, finally, hyperpigmentation of the basal layer.Conclusions  RCM may safely detect the dynamic biological changes that the skin undergoes in response to ionizing radiation, even before than clinical onset of acute radiation dermatitis. Therefore, RCM may be useful to make an early and non‐invasive diagnosis of radiation dermatitis during radiotherapy, allowing an early selection of patients needing treatment or close monitoring and avoiding skin biopsies.
Brain tissue volumes in familial longevity: the Leiden Longevity Study
Authors: Altmann‐Schneider Irmhild , de Craen Anton J. M. , Slagboom Pieternella E. , Westendorp Rudi G. J. , van Buchem Mark A. , Maier Andrea B. , van der Grond Jeroen 
Published: August 2012

SummaryAtrophy is one of the major age‐related changes in the brain. The absence of brain atrophy in elderly individuals reflects deceleration in the process of biological aging. Moreover, results from human twin studies suggest a large genetic influence on the variance of human brain tissue volumes. To investigate the association of brain volumes with exceptional longevity, we tested whether middle‐aged to elderly offspring of nonagenarian siblings have larger brain volumes than their spouses using magnetic resonance imaging. No differences in whole brain, gray matter and white matter volume were found. These brain volumes were associated with chronological age in offspring and control subjects (all P < 0.001). Left amygdalar volume of the offspring was larger (P = 0.03) compared with control subjects [mean volume offspring (cm3) (95% confidence interval, CI) = 1.39 (1.36–1.42), mean volume control subjects (cm3) (95% CI) = 1.32 (1.29–1.35)]. Association of left amygdalar volume with familial longevity was particularly pronounced when offspring with the oldest long‐lived parent were compared with control subjects (P = 0.01). Amygdalar volumes were not associated with chronological age in both groups. Our findings suggest that the observed association of a larger left amygdalar volume with familial longevity is not caused by a relative preservation of the left amygdala during the course of aging but most likely a result of early development caused by a genetic familial trait.
Combined thermobarometry and geochronology of peraluminous metapelites from the Karakoram metamorphic complex, North Pakistan; New insight into the tectonothermal evolution of the Baltoro and Hunza Valley regions
Authors: PALIN R. M. , SEARLE M. P. , WATERS D. J. , HORSTWOOD M. S. A. , PARRISH R.R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPetrographic analysis of peraluminous metapelites from two separate regions of the Karakoram metamorphic complex, North Pakistan, has produced new insights into the P–T–t evolution of the deep crust along the south Asian margin before and after the India‐Asia collision. Average P–T estimates and pseudosection construction in the MnO–Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–Fe2O3 (MnNCKFMASHTO) system using THERMOCALC have provided prograde and peak metamorphic conditions and U–Pb geochronology of metamorphic monazite has provided age constraints. Two new events in the tectonothermal evolution of the Hunza Valley have been documented; an andalusite‐grade contact metamorphic event at 105.5 ± 0.8 Ma, at unknown P–T conditions, associated with the widespread subduction‐related granite magmatism before the India‐Asia collision, and a kyanite‐grade overprint of sillimanite‐grade rocks with peak P–T conditions of ∼7.8 kbar, 645 °C at 28.2 ± 0.8 Ma associated with the ongoing India‐Asia collision. A kyanite‐grade event observed in the Baltoro region with similar peak P–T conditions (∼7.4–8.0 kbar, ∼640–660 °C) is interpreted to have occurred sometime after 21.8 ± 0.6 Ma, however, previous studies have suggested that this event commenced in the Baltoro as early as c. 28 Ma. A calculated prograde P–T path for this kyanite‐grade event in the Baltoro indicates that garnet first nucleated on an initially high geothermal gradient (∼30 °C km−1) and grew during a significant increase in pressure of ∼2.6 kbar over a temperature increase of ∼100 °C. This event is thought to represent evidence for conductive heating of the middle crust during early stages of intrusion and lateral migration of the Baltoro batholith, with thermal conditions comparable with tectonic models of magmatic over‐accretion.
Mental health status in pregnancy among native and non‐native Swedish‐speaking women: a Bidens study
Authors: WANGEL ANNE‐MARIE , SCHEI BERIT , RYDING ELSA LENA , ÖSTMAN MARGARETA ,   THE BIDENS STUDY GROUP
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectives. To describe mental health status in native and non‐native Swedish‐speaking pregnant women and explore risk factors of depression and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. Design and setting. A cross‐sectional questionnaire study was conducted at midwife‐based antenatal clinics in Southern Sweden. Sample. A non‐selected group of women in mid‐pregnancy. Methods. Participants completed a questionnaire covering background characteristics, social support, life events, mental health variables and the short Edinburgh Depression Scale. Main outcome measures. Depressive symptoms during the past week and PTS symptoms during the past year. Results. Out of 1003 women, 21.4% reported another language than Swedish as their mother tongue and were defined as non‐native. These women were more likely to be younger, have fewer years of education, potential financial problems, and lack of social support. More non‐native speakers self‐reported depressive, PTS, anxiety and, psychosomatic symptoms, and fewer had had consultations with a psychiatrist or psychologist. Of all women, 13.8% had depressive symptoms defined by Edinburgh Depression Scale 7 or above. Non‐native status was associated with statistically increased risks of depressive symptoms and having ≥1 PTS symptom compared with native‐speaking women. Multivariate modeling including all selected factors resulted in adjusted odds ratios for depressive symptoms of 1.75 (95% confidence interval: 1.11–2.76) and of 1.56 (95% confidence interval: 1.10–2.34) for PTS symptoms in non‐native Swedish speakers. Conclusion. Non‐native Swedish‐speaking women had a more unfavorable mental health status than native speakers. In spite of this, non‐native speaking women had sought less mental health care.
Periodontal status and its correlation with haematological parameters in patients with leukaemia
Authors: Angst Patrícia Daniela Melchiors , Dutra Danilo Antonio Milbradt , Moreira Carlos Heitor Cunha , Kantorski Karla Zanini 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimThis cross‐sectional study evaluated periodontal status in patients with leukaemia and its correlation with haematological parameters.MethodsPatients with different types of leukaemia and minimum age of 14 years were eligible. Calibrated examiners assessed Seymour index (SI), plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) and performed an interview. Haematological parameters were obtained from haemogram performed on the same day of the periodontal examinations.ResultsSixty‐eight patients were evaluated, which corresponded to an 85% response rate. Periodontal parameters were in agreement with plaque accumulation (PlI 1.28 ± 0.5, GI 0.74 ± 0.4, PD 2.27 ± 0.6, BOP 33%, CAL 2.31 ± 1.6). PlI and CAL were statistically lower in acute leukaemia (1.13 ± 0.61 and 1.96 ± 1.7) in comparison with chronic leukaemia (1.46 ± 0.44 and 2.74 ± 1.4). Moreover, older age (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27–1.56), higher educational level (CI: −1.94 to −0.64) and smoker (CI: 0.39–1.96) were associated with CAL. Correlation between periodontal and haematological parameters was not observed. Correlations between GI x SI and PD x SI were statistically significant (rS = 0.390, p = 0.001; rS = 0.517, p = 0.000 respectively).ConclusionsPeriodontal parameters were consistent with plaque accumulation and did not correlate with haematological parameters irrespective of the leukaemia type.
Whole mouth antimicrobial effects after oral hygiene: comparison of three dentifrice formulations
Authors: Fine Daniel H. , Sreenivasan Prem K. , McKiernan Marie , Tischio‐Bereski Debra , Furgang David 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimsThis study compared the antimicrobial effects of three commercial dentifrice formulations: sodium fluoride/triclosan/copolymer (TCN/C), stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate/zinc lactate (SnF2/SHMP) and sodium fluoride (NaF).Materials and MethodsThirty‐five adults (15 men and 20 women; average age 33 years and pockets <5 mm) completed this double‐blind, triple‐crossover study. After washout, baseline samples from four sites, plaque, saliva, tongue and buccal mucosa, were collected and evaluated for six microbial types, anaerobes, Streptococci, Actinomyces, hydrogen‐sulphide (H2S)‐producing bacteria, Fusobacteria and Veillonella. A specific dentifrice was randomly assigned for twice‐daily use for 13 days. On day 14, 12 h after brushing, samples were collected for microbiological evaluations. Alternate dentifrices followed this identical protocol.ResultsFor all four oral sites and six organisms evaluated in each site, the TCN/C demonstrated significant reductions (49–83%) as compared with the other treatments (p < 0.01). The SnF2/SHMP group showed significant reductions of 14–43% for 14 of 24 outcomes as compared with the NaF group (p < 0.01), with no differences in 10 outcomes.ConclusionsThe TCN/C dentifrice formulation consistently demonstrated significant reductions for a range of microorganisms in diverse oral sites in comparison with the NaF, or the SnF2/SHMP dentifrice formulations as seen 12 h after brushing.
Non‐surgical periodontal therapy reduces coronary heart disease risk markers: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: H. Bokhari Syed A. , Khan Ayyaz A. , Butt Arshad K. , Azhar Mohammad , Hanif Mohammad , Izhar Mateen , Tatakis Dimitris N. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimPeriodontal disease elevates systemic inflammatory markers strongly associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of non‐surgical periodontal therapy on systemic C‐reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and white blood cells in CHD patients.Materials and MethodsAngiographically proven CHD patients with periodontitis (n = 317) were randomized to intervention (n = 212) or control group (n = 105). Primary outcome was reduction in serum CRP levels; secondary outcomes were reductions in fibrinogen and white blood cells. Periodontal treatment included scaling, root planing and oral hygiene instructions. Periodontal and systemic parameters were assessed at baseline and at 2‐month follow‐up. Intent‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis was performed.ResultsStudy was completed by 246 subjects (intervention group = 161; control group = 85). Significant improvements in periodontal and systemic parameters were observed in intervention group. The number of subjects with CRP > 3mg/L in intervention group decreased by 38% and in control group increased by 4%. ITT analysis gave a significant (χ2=4.381, p = 0.036) absolute risk reduction of 12.5%.ConclusionIn CHD patients with periodontitis, non‐surgical mechanical periodontal therapy significantly reduced systemic levels of C‐reactive protein, fibrinogen and white blood cells.
Secondhand cigarette smoke exposure causes upregulation of cerebrovascular 5‐HT1B receptors via the Raf/ERK/MAPK pathway in rats
Authors: Cao L. , Xu C. B. , Zhang Y. , Cao Y. X. , Edvinsson L. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimCigarette smoke exposure increases the risk of stroke. Upregulation of 5‐hydroxytryptamine 1B (5‐HT1B) receptors is associated with the pathogenesis of cerebral ischaemia. This study examined the hypothesis that the expression of 5‐HT1B receptors is altered in brain vessels after secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure.MethodsRats were exposed to SHS in vivo for 200 min daily for 8 weeks. The contractile responses of isolated cerebral arteries were studies by a sensitive myograph. The mRNA and protein expression for 5‐HT1B receptors were examined by real‐time PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence respectively. In addition, the phosphorylation of Raf/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway was evaluated.ResultsThe results showed that SHS exposure shifted the 5‐HT1B receptor‐mediated concentration–contraction curve towards the left with a markedly increased maximal contraction. Furthermore, there were significant elevations in mRNA level and protein expression of 5‐HT1B receptors in SHS‐exposed rats. Immunostaining revealed that the 5‐HT1B receptors were localized to the smooth muscle cells of cerebral arteries. SHS was also found to induce the phosphorylation of Raf‐1 and ERK1/2 proteins. The administration of a Raf‐1 inhibitor GW5074 attenuated the 5‐HT1B receptor upregulation.ConclusionSecondhand smoke exposure upregulates cerebrovascular 5‐HT1B receptors in rats. The receptor upregulation is associated with Raf/ERK/MAPK activation.
Miscanthus biomass productivity within US croplands and its potential impact on soil organic carbon
Authors: Mishra Umakant , Torn Margaret S. , Fingerman Kevin 
Published: August 2012

AbstractInterest in bioenergy crops is increasing due to their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. We combined process‐based and geospatial models to estimate the potential biomass productivity of miscanthus and its potential impact on soil carbon stocks in the croplands of the continental United States. The optimum (climatic potential) rainfed productivity for field‐dried miscanthus biomass ranged from 1 to 23 Mg biomass ha−1 yr−1, with a spatial average of 13 Mg ha−1 yr−1and a coefficient of variation of 30%. This variation resulted primarily from the spatial heterogeneity of effective rainfall, growing degree days, temperature, and solar radiation interception. Cultivating miscanthus would result in a soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration at the rate of 0.16–0.82 Mg C ha−1 yr−1across the croplands due to cessation of tillage and increased biomass carbon input into the soil system. We identified about 81 million ha of cropland, primarily in the eastern United States, that could sustain economically viable (>10 Mg ha−1 yr−1) production without supplemental irrigation, of which about 14 million ha would reach optimal miscanthus growth. To meet targets of the US Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 using miscanthus as feedstock, 19 million ha of cropland would be needed (spatial average 13 Mg ha−1 yr−1) or about 16% less than is currently dedicated to US corn‐based ethanol production.
Root coverage in molar teeth: a comparative controlled randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zucchelli Giovanni , Marzadori Matteo , Mele Monica , Stefanini Martina , Montebugnoli Lucio 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimTo compare the clinical outcomes of laterally moved, coronally advanced flap (LMCAF) versus Bilaminar technique (BT) in the treatment of single gingival recession on molar teeth.Material and MethodsFifty patients showing Miller I and II gingival recessions at first molar teeth were treated: 25 were randomly assigned to the BT group and 25 belonged to the LMCAF group. Patient's post‐operative morbidity was assessed 1 week after the surgery, while aesthetic evaluation and the clinical evaluation were made 1 year later.ResultsNo statistically significant difference was demonstrated in terms of recession and PPD reduction. Statistically greater probability of complete root coverage (CRC, Odds Ratio 22.1) and greater increase in gingival thickness were observed in the BT group. Greater increase in keratinized tissue was obtained in the LMCAF. Patient satisfaction with aesthetics was very high in both treatment groups. Better post‐operative course was observed in the LMCAF, while better post‐operative sensitivity and root coverage evaluation were demonstrated in patients treated with BT.ConclusionsGingival recession at first molar teeth can be successfully treated with LMCAF and BT. Better CRC was achieved with BT, while more comfortable post‐operative course was associated with the LMCAF.
Pyrosequencing-based analysis reveals a novel capsular gene cluster in a KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolate identified in Brazil
Authors: Ramos Pablo Ivan Pereira , Picão Renata Cristina , Vespero Eliana Carolina , Pelisson Marsileni , Zuleta Luiz Fernando Goda , Almeida Luiz Gonzaga P , Gerber Alexandra L , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza R , Gales Ana Cristina , Nicolás Marisa Fabiana 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundAn important virulence factor ofKlebsiella pneumoniaeis the production of capsular polysaccharide (CPS), a thick mucus layer that allows for evasion of the host's defense and creates a barrier against antibacterial peptides. CPS production is driven mostly by the expression of genes located in a locus calledcps, and the resulting structure is used to distinguish between different serotypes (K types). In this study, we report the unique genetic organization of thecpscluster fromK. pneumoniaeKp13, a clinical isolate recovered during a large outbreak of nosocomial infections that occurred in a Brazilian teaching hospital.ResultsA pyrosequencing-based approach showed that thecpsregion of Kp13 (cpsKp13) is 26.4 kbp in length and contains genes common, although not universal, to other strains, such as thermlBADC operon that codes for L-rhamnose synthesis.cpsKp13also presents some unique features, like the inversion of thewzygene and a unique repertoire of glycosyltransferases. In silico comparison ofcpsKp13RFLP pattern with 102 previously publishedcpsPCR-RFLP patterns showed thatcpsKp13is distinct from the C patterns of all other K serotypes. Furthermore, in vitro serotyping showed only a weak reaction with capsular types K9 and K34. We confirm that K9cpsshares common genes withcpsKp13such as thermlBADC operon, but lacks features likeugeand Kp13-specific glycosyltransferases, while K34 capsules contain three of the five sugars that potentially form the Kp13 CPS.ConclusionsWe report the first description of acpscluster from a Brazilian clinical isolate of a KPC-producingK. pneumoniae. The gathered data including K-serotyping support that Kp13’s K-antigen belongs to a novel capsular serotype. The CPS of Kp13 probably includes L-rhamnose and D-galacturonate in its structure, among other residues. Because genes involved in L-rhamnose biosynthesis are absent in humans, this pathway may represent potential targets for the development of antimicrobial agents. Studying the capsular serotypes of clinical isolates is of great importance for further development of vaccines and/or novel therapeutic agents. The distribution of K-types among multidrug-resistant isolates is unknown, but our findings may encourage scientists to perform K-antigen typing of KPC-producing strains worldwide.