bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphometric characteristics of cortical and trabecular bone in atrophic edentulous mandibles
Authors: Bertl Kristina , Subotic Miroslav , Heimel Patrick , Schwarze Uwe Y. , Tangl Stefan , Ulm Christian 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivesAdaptations of the alveolar ridge after tooth loss have been well described. However, studies on the morphometric characteristics of cortical bone are rare; hence, this study of human atrophic edentulous mandibles was undertaken.Material and methodsTotal cortical area, porosity, and thickness, and the percentage of cortical area in the complete mandibular area as well as in an area (height, 10 mm) starting at the most caudal point of the trabecular compartment and extending in the coronal direction were determined in 185 thin ground sections of edentulous mandibles (incisor region, 49; premolar region, 76; molar region, 60; 95 from females and 90 from males; mean age, 78.2 years, SD ±7.8 years; Caucasian donors; cause of death: cardiovascular disease). Further, mandibular height and width and degree of residual ridge resorption (RRR) were recorded.ResultsThe percentage of cortical area in the complete mandibular area increased with increasing RRR. Yet, evaluation of the 10‐mm caudal portion corresponding to the basal part of the mandibular body did not confirm these changes in cortical bone. Cortical porosity and thickness decreased from the mesial to the distal region. Cortical porosity was unaffected by RRR, while cortical thickness increased, mainly at lingual aspects.ConclusionsIn conclusion, cortical bone remained stable in different degrees of RRR except for some modulations in the lingual aspects. Changes in the relative composition between cortical and trabecular bone are due to loss of height and total area, mainly at expense of trabecular bone area, but not to adaptations of the cortical bone.
Long‐Range Movement of Humpback Whales and Their Overlap with Anthropogenic Activity in the South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: ROSENBAUM HOWARD C. , MAXWELL SARA M. , KERSHAW FRANCINE , MATE BRUCE 
Published: February 2014

AbstractHumpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are managed by the International Whaling Commission as 7 primary populations that breed in the tropics and migrate to 6 feeding areas around the Antarctic. There is little information on individual movements within breeding areas or migratory connections to feeding grounds. We sought to better understand humpback whale habitat use and movements at breeding areas off West Africa, and during the annual migration to Antarctic feeding areas. We also assessed potential overlap between whale habitat and anthropogenic activities. We used Argos satellite‐monitored radio tags to collect data on 13 animals off Gabon, a primary humpback whale breeding area. We quantified habitat use for 3 cohorts of whales and used a state‐space model to determine transitions in the movement behavior of individuals. We developed a spatial metric of overlap between whale habitat and models of cumulative human activities, including oil platforms, toxicants, and shipping. We detected strong heterogeneity in movement behavior over time that is consistent with previous genetic evidence of multiple populations in the region. Breeding areas for humpback whales in the eastern Atlantic were extensive and extended north of Gabon late in the breeding season. We also observed, for the first time, direct migration between West Africa and sub‐Antarctic feeding areas. Potential overlap of whale habitat with human activities was the highest in exclusive economic zones close to shore, particularly in areas used by both individual whales and the hydrocarbon industry. Whales potentially overlapped with different activities during each stage of their migration, which makes it difficult to implement mitigation measures over their entire range. Our results and existing population‐level data may inform delimitation of populations and actions to mitigate potential threats to whales as part of local, regional, and international management of highly migratory marine species.Cuantificación de los Movimientos de Gran Amplitud y el Traslape Potencial con Actividad Antropogénica y las Ballenas Jorobadas en el Océano Atlántico Sur
A randomised, controlled, crossover study to investigate the safety and response of 1R,2S‐methoxamine hydrochloride (NRL001) on anal function in healthy volunteers
Authors: Simpson J. A. D. , Bush D. , Gruss H. J. , Jacobs A. , Pediconi C. , Scholefield J. H. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to assess the dose and volume effects of suppository preparations and safety of NRL001 (one of four possible stereoisomers of methoxamine hydrochloride) on anal sphincter tone using rectal suppositories in healthy adult volunteers.MethodsThis was a Phase I, single‐centre, randomised, double‐blind, three‐way crossover study during which subjects received three single doses of 1 g rectal suppositories (containing 5 or 10 mg NRL001 or matching placebo) or 2 g rectal suppositories (containing 10 or 15 mg NRL001 or matching placebo) on three separate dosing days. The outcome measures were mean anal resting pressure (MARP) variables (monitored continuously for 20–30 min before and up to 6 h after dosing), pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety assessments.ResultsTwenty‐six subjects were dosed with study medication. Two subjects were withdrawn prematurely and were not included in the main analysis. There was a dose‐dependent increase in anal sphincter tone (MARP) when comparing the 5 and 10 mg doses of NRL001; however, the 15 mg dose did not have a significantly greater effect than the 10 mg dose. Suppository size (1 or 2 g) did not appear to have an effect on sphincter tone. There was no evidence against dose proportionality for the PK variables, but the mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) for the 1 g suppository group was higher than for the 2 g group. Twenty‐one adverse events were reported in 8 (30.8%) subjects. A dose dependent decrease in heart rate was noted; however, there were no adverse events reported that were related to this reduction in heart rate.ConclusionsThe increase in anal sphincter tone supports the potential therapeutic use of NRL001 in treating faecal incontinence, with further studies in patients required. NRL001 was well tolerated in single doses of up to 15 mg.
The upstream Variable Number Tandem Repeat polymorphism of the monoamine oxidase type A gene influences trigeminal pain‐related evoked responses
Authors: Di Lorenzo Cherubino , Daverio Andrea , Pasqualetti Patrizio , Coppola Gianluca , Giannoudas Ioannis , Barone Ylenia , Grieco Gaetano S. , Niolu Cinzia , Pascale Esterina , Santorelli Filippo M. , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Pierelli Francesco , Siracusano Alberto , Seri Stefano , Di Lorenzo Giorgio 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMonoamines have an important role in neural plasticity, a key factor in cortical pain processing that promotes changes in neuronal network connectivity. Monoamine oxidase type A (MAOA) is an enzyme that, due to its modulating role in monoaminergic activity, could play a role in cortical pain processing. The X‐linked MAOA gene is characterized by an allelic variant of length, the MAOA upstream Variable Number Tandem Repeat (MAOA‐uVNTR) region polymorphism. Two allelic variants of this gene are known, the high‐activity MAOA (HAM) and low‐activity MAOA (LAM). We investigated the role of MAOA‐uVNTR in cortical pain processing in a group of healthy individuals measured by the trigeminal electric pain‐related evoked potential (tPREP) elicited by repeated painful stimulation. A group of healthy volunteers was genotyped to detect MAOA‐uVNTR polymorphism. Electrical tPREPs were recorded by stimulating the right supraorbital nerve with a concentric electrode. The N2 and P2 component amplitude and latency as well as the N2–P2 inter‐peak amplitude were measured. The recording was divided into three blocks, each containing 10 consecutive stimuli and the N2–P2 amplitude was compared between blocks. Of the 67 volunteers, 37 were HAM and 30 were LAM. HAM subjects differed from LAM subjects in terms of amplitude of the grand‐averaged and first‐block N2–P2 responses (HAM>LAM). The N2–P2 amplitude decreased between the first and third block in HAM subjects but not LAM subjects. The MAOA‐uVNTR polymorphism seemed to influence the brain response in a repeated tPREP paradigm and suggested a role of the MAOA as a modulator of neural plasticity related to cortical pain processing.
Involvement of the endocannabinoid system in osteoarthritis pain
Authors: La Porta Carmen , Bura Simona A. , Negrete Roger , Maldonado Rafael 
Published: February 2014

AbstractOsteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease associated with articular cartilage degradation. The major clinical outcome of osteoarthritis is a complex pain state that includes both nociceptive and neuropathic mechanisms. Currently, the therapeutic approaches for osteoarthritis are limited as no drugs are available to control the disease progression and the analgesic treatment has restricted efficacy. Increasing evidence from preclinical studies supports the interest of the endocannabinoid system as an emerging therapeutic target for osteoarthritis pain. Indeed, pharmacological studies have shown the anti‐nociceptive effects of cannabinoids in different rodent models of osteoarthritis, and compelling evidence suggests an active participation of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of this disease. The ubiquitous distribution of cannabinoid receptors, together with the physiological role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of pain, inflammation and even joint function further support the therapeutic interest of cannabinoids for osteoarthritis. However, limited clinical evidence has been provided to support this therapeutic use of cannabinoids, despite the promising preclinical data. This review summarizes the promising results that have been recently obtained in support of the therapeutic value of cannabinoids for osteoarthritis management.
Do‐or‐die life cycles and diverse post‐infection resistance mechanisms limit the evolution of parasite host ranges
Authors: Sieber Michael , Gudelj Ivana 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn light of the dynamic nature of parasite host ranges and documented potential for rapid host shifts, the observed high host specificity of most parasites remains an ecological paradox. Different variants of host‐use trade‐offs have become a mainstay of theoretical explanations of the prevalence of host specialism, but empirical evidence for such trade‐offs is rare. We propose an alternative theory based on basic features of the parasite life cycle: host selection and subsequent intrahost replication. We introduce a new concept of effective burst size that accounts for the fact that successful host selection does not guarantee intrahost replication. Our theory makes a general prediction that a parasite will expand its host range if its effective burst size is positive. An in silico model of bacteria‐phage coevolution verifies our predictions and demonstrates that the tendency for relatively narrow host ranges in parasites can be explained even in the absence of trade‐offs.
Cortical thickness and hippocampal shape in pure vascular mild cognitive impairment and dementia of subcortical type
Authors: Kim H. J. , Ye B. S. , Yoon C. W. , Noh Y. , Kim G. H. , Cho H. , Jeon S. , Lee J. M. , Kim J.‐H. , Seong J.‐K. , Kim C.‐H. , Choe Y. S. , Lee K. H. , Kim S. T. , Kim J. S. , Park S. E. , Kim J.‐H. , Chin J. , Cho J. , Kim C. , Lee J. H. , Weiner M. W. , Na D. L. , Seo S. W. 
Published: February 2014

Background and purposeThe progression pattern of brain structural changes in patients with isolated cerebrovascular disease (CVD) remains unclear. To investigate the role of isolated CVD in cognitive impairment patients, patterns of cortical thinning and hippocampal atrophy in pure subcortical vascular mild cognitive impairment (svMCI) and pure subcortical vascular dementia (SVaD) patients were characterized.MethodsForty‐five patients with svMCI and 46 patients with SVaD who were negative on Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) positron emission tomography imaging and 75 individuals with normal cognition (NC) were recruited.ResultsCompared with NC, patients with PiB(−) svMCI exhibited frontal, language and retrieval type memory dysfunctions, which in patients with PiB(−) SVaD were further impaired and accompanied by visuospatial and recognition memory dysfunctions. Compared with NC, patients with PiB(−) svMCI exhibited cortical thinning in the frontal, perisylvian, basal temporal and posterior cingulate regions. This atrophy was more prominent and extended further toward the lateral parietal and medial temporal regions in patients with PiB(−) SVaD. Compared with NC subjects, patients with PiB(−) svMCI exhibited hippocampal shape deformities in the lateral body, whilst patients with PiB(−) SVaD exhibited additional deformities within the lateral head and inferior body.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that patients with CVD in the absence of Alzheimer's disease pathology can be demented, showing cognitive impairment in multiple domains, which is consistent with the topography of cortical thinning and hippocampal shape deformity.
Leptin controls hair follicle cycling
Authors: Watabe Reiko , Yamaguchi Takashi , Kabashima‐Kubo Rieko , Yoshioka Manabu , Nishio Daisuke , Nakamura Motonobu 
Published: February 2014

AbstractLeptin is a cytokine well known for its ability to control body weight and energy metabolism. Several lines of evidence have recently revealed that leptin also plays an important role in wound healing and immune modulation in skin. Sumikawa et al. Exp Dermatol 2014 evaluated the effect of leptin on hair follicle cycling using mutant and wild‐type mice. They report that leptin is produced in dermal papilla cells in hair follicles and that leptin receptor–deficient db/db mice show an abnormality in hair follicle cycling. Moreover, leptin injection induced the transition into the growth stage of the hair cycle (anagen). On this basis, it now deserves exploration whether leptin‐mediated signalling is a key stimulus for anagen induction and whether this may be targeted to manage human hair disorders with defect in the control of hair follicle cycling.
Increased frequencies of CD11b+CD33+CD14+HLA‐DRlow myeloid‐derived suppressor cells are an early event in melanoma patients
Authors: Rudolph Berenice M. , Loquai Carmen , Gerwe Alexander , Bacher Nicole , Steinbrink Kerstin , Grabbe Stephan , Tuettenberg Andrea 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMyeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogeneous cell population characterized by immunosuppressive activity. Elevated levels of MDSC in peripheral blood are found in inflammatory diseases as well as in malignant tumors where they are supposed to be major contributors to mechanisms of tumor‐associated tolerance. We investigated the frequency and function of MDSC in peripheral blood of melanoma patients and observed an accumulation of CD11b+CD33+CD14+HLA‐DRlow MDSC in all stages of disease (I–IV), including early stage I patients. Disease progression and enhanced tumor burden did not result in a further increase in frequencies or change in phenotype of MDSC. By investigation of specific MDSC‐associated cytokines in patients’ sera, we found an accumulation of IL‐8 in all stages of disease. T‐cell proliferation assays revealed that MDSC critically contribute to suppressed antigen‐specific T‐cell reactivity and thus might explain the frequently observed transient effects of immunotherapeutic strategies in melanoma patients.
Geomorphic legacy controls macrophyte distribution within and across disconnected floodplain lakes
Authors: Negishi Junjiro N. , Soga Masashi , Ishiyama Nobuo , Suzuki Noriyasu , Yuta Teruaki , Sueyoshi Masanao , Yamazaki Chitose , Koizumi Itsuro , Mizugaki Shigeru , Hayashida Kazufumi , Nunokawa Masanori , Yoshimura Nobuhiko 
Published: February 2014

Summary

Degradation of floodplains continues with an increasing number of floodplain lakes disconnected from the fluvial dynamics of rivers. Limited understanding is available as to how historical geomorphic formation processes (i.e. geomorphic legacy) determine contemporary ecosystem structure and function. We tested the hypothesis that geomorphic legacy mediates morphometry and results in heterogeneity of macrophyte distributions in disconnected floodplain lakes.

The distribution of macrophyte cover was examined in relation to environmental factors, including water nutrient level, morphometry of lakes and patch shelter level across and among three types of lakes along the Ishikari River, Japan. Artificial lakes (isolated by channelisation), natural oxbow lakes and marsh lakes have been disconnected for more than 40 years from natural flood pulses because of dyke construction.

The presence of macrophytes (in 5 × 5 m areas) was predicted well by a combination of local water depth and bed slope. Lake average depth, higher values indicating lakes that are more deeply incised with a steeper‐sloped littoral zone, had the strongest and most negative influence on total macrophyte cover across lakes. Cover was least in artificial lakes because of greater average depth.

Predicted area of macrophyte cover was significantly less than occupied by actual cover in artificial lakes compared with other lake types. Macrophyte cover in artificial lakes was particularly vulnerable to external factors such as waves and wind.

This study underscored the significance of geomorphic legacy in explaining a large proportion of heterogeneity of total macrophyte cover in the study lakes. Artificial lakes did not have the macrophyte habitat quality of natural lakes. When lake morphometry needs to be altered, local conditions as well as patch‐scale properties should be carefully examined in the light of the geomorphic legacy left by dynamic river–floodplain interactions.
Nonlinear response of stream ecosystem structure to low‐level phosphorus enrichment
Authors: Taylor Jason M. , King Ryan S. , Pease Allison A. , Winemiller Kirk O. 
Published: February 2014

Summary

Anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) create environmental conditions that alter biological organisation and ecosystem functioning in fresh waters. We studied 38 wadeable streams spanning a N and P gradient to contrast responses of algal and fish assemblages to nutrient enrichment.

Surface water total P (TP) and total N (TN) concentrations represented a wide range (TP: 7–2380 μg L−1; TN: 127–15 860 μg L−1) and were correlated across our study sites. Total P explained significantly more variance in periphyton carbon (C)‐to‐nutrient (C : P, C : N) and N : P ratios than TN. Abrupt, nonlinear declines in these ratios were observed between 20 and 50 μg L−1 TP and 500–1000 μg L−1 TN; beyond these values, ratios exhibited minimal additional decline.

Algae assemblage structure was strongly linked to surface water TP, TN and catchment‐scale nutrient sources (wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharges and % pasture cover). In particular, there were synchronous declines in frequency and cell densities of many alga species associated with TP concentrations >21 μg L−1 (90% CI of 18–48 μg L−1) as well as simultaneous increases in tolerant species associated with increasing enrichment.

Fish assemblage structure was most strongly associated with % pasture, WWTP discharges and fine sediment cover, yet also showed significant but weaker correlations with surface water and periphyton nutrient variables. However, two benthic fish species, Etheostoma spectabile and Campostoma anomalum, significantly declined with TP >28 μg L−1 (90% CI, 24–56 μg L−1) and 34 μg L−1 (90% CI, 21–56 μg L−1), respectively. Conversely, the tolerant minnow Cyprinella lutrensis and invasive carp Cyprinus carpio increased nonlinearly with increasing surface water TP.

Our results provide new insights into interpretation and analysis of assemblage‐level responses to nutrient enrichment. Our findings indicate that a numerical criterion for surface water TP of c. 20 μg L−1 would be needed to maintain natural algae assemblages and at least two specialist fishes within our study region. Proliferation of weedy alga species and increased abundance of invasive fishes are also likely when surface water concentrations exceed these thresholds. While many streams likely exceed these thresholds, managers should consider potential low‐level enrichment effects when developing criteria for ecosystems to protect existing nutrient‐limited streams.
The prognostic value of combined clinicopathological and biomarker modelling for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Pan Chin‐Chen , Yu Hui‐Jung , Chang Yen‐Hwa 
Published: February 2014

AimsTo construct a prognostic model, incorporating clinicopathological variables and biomarkers, to predict recurrence, progression and cancer‐specific mortality for patients who have undergone transurethral resection of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).Methods and resultsA total of 12 biomarkers were evaluated using immunohistochemical analysis of tissue arrays of 605 NMIBCs. Competing risk analyses were performed to derive prognostic indices and nomograms. In addition to the 2004 WHO histological grade and intravesical instillation status, five biomarkers (i.e. Ki‐67, p53, cyclin D1, cyclooxygenase‐2 and heat shock protein‐27) were selected on the grounds of independent statistical significance. Based on the prognostic model, four distinct risk groups were discerned. NMIBC patients with extensive lamina propria invasion (T1e) had the highest risk. Patients with non‐invasive and focal lamina propria‐invasive NMIBCs (Ta/T1f) with a high prognostic index showed a risk approaching or equivalent to that of patients with T1e tumours. Patients with Ta/T1f NMIBCs with low indices were mostly indolent, while those with intermediate indices had a risk in between that observed for T1e and Ta/T1f NMIBCs tumours.ConclusionsRobust risk tables and nomograms were created to predict an overall perspective of disease outcomes, which may aid in developing individualized follow‐up programmes.
Combining Statistical Evidence
Authors: Kulinskaya Elena , Morgenthaler Stephan , Staudte Robert G. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe combination of evidence from independent studies has a curious history. The origins reach back at least to the beginning of the 20th century. Since the mid‐1970s, meta‐analysis has become popular in several fields, among them medical statistics and the behavioural sciences. The most widely used procedures were perfected in early papers, and subsequently, a kind of groupthink has taken hold of meta‐analysis. This explains the need for a review in a statistics journal, destined for a statistical audience. Meta‐analysis is not a hot research topic among graduate students in statistics, and by writing this article, we hope to change this. We wish to point out the shortcomings of the mainstream view and exhibit some of the open problems that await the attention of statistical researchers.A host of competent reviews of meta‐analysis have been published, and several book‐length treatments are also available. We have listed many of these in the bibliography but cannot guarantee completeness.