bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computer‐based measurements of joint space analysis using metacarpal morphometry in hand radiograph for evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Snekhalatha U. , Anburajan M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAim and objectivesThe aim and objectives are as follows: (i) to perform an automated segmentation of the hand from radiographs using a dual tree complex wavelet‐based watershed algorithm; ii) to compare the measured statistical features of the joint space of the hand using gray level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) method with standard diagnostic parameters of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsFifty‐three patients withRAand 17 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were included in the study. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, health assessment questionnaire score (HAQ), disease activity score (DAS) and hand radiographs of all the subjects were obtained. Joint space width and cortical thickness were measured in metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) and metacarpal bone semi‐automatically usingMIMICSsoftware. Dual tree complex wavelet transform‐based watershed algorithm was applied for automated segmentation, and feature extraction was performed using theGLCMmethod in hand radiographs of the total population.ResultsIn theRAgroup (n = 53), the joint space width measured in theMCP1,MCP3,MCP5 of the hand were reduced significantly (P < 0.01) by 16.4%, 15.6%, and 17.5%, respectively compared to the normal group (n = 17). The measured combined cortical thickness at the second, third and fourth metacarpal bones of the hand were reduced significantly (P < 0.01) by 9.5%, 12% and 8%, respectively in theRAgroup compared to the normal group.ConclusionThe dual tree complex wavelet transform‐based watershed algorithm provided effective segmentation in the digitized hand radiographs. The standard diagnostic parameters forRAwere highly correlated with measured statistical features atMCP3 hand joint in the total population studied.
Oxalic acid: a signal molecule for fungus‐feeding bacteria of the genus Collimonas?
Authors: Rudnick M. B. , van Veen J. A. , de Boer W. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryMycophagous (=fungus feeding) soil bacteria of the genus Collimonas have been shown to colonize and grow on hyphae of different fungal hosts as the only source of energy and carbon. The ability to exploit fungal nutrient resources might require a strategy for collimonads to sense fungi in the soil matrix. Oxalic acid is ubiquitously secreted by soil fungi, serving different purposes. In this study, we investigated the possibility that collimonads might use oxalic acid secretion to localize a fungal host and move towards it. We first confirmed earlier indications that collimonads have a very limited ability to use oxalic acid as growth substrate. In a second step, with using different assays, we show that oxalic acid triggers bacterial movement in such a way that accumulation of cells can be expected at micro‐sites with high free oxalic acid concentrations.Based on these observations we propose that oxalic acid functions as a signal molecule to guide collimonads to hyphal tips, the mycelial zones that are most sensitive for mycophagous bacterial attack.
Comparative assessment of the sensitivity of oilseed rape and wheat to limited water supply
Authors: Hess Linde , Meir Patrick , Bingham Ian J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe drought‐sensitivity of oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus cv. SW Landmark) was investigated, using the more widely studied crop species wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Tybalt) as a benchmark. The water relations of OSR and wheat were compared in lysimeter and controlled environment experiments to test the hypothesis that the growth of OSR is restricted to a greater extent by soil drying than wheat and to determine whether the greater sensitivity results from differences in root or shoot traits. Plants were grown, with or without irrigation, in 1.2 m tall lysimeters packed with a sandy clay loam soil. The experiment was conducted in an open‐sided glasshouse to encourage air flow and to resemble a field environment as far as possible; plant population densities were equivalent to commercial crops. Irrigated OSR (evapo)transpired more water than wheat (498 vs. 355 mm), but had a comparable water use efficiency (WUE; 4.1 vs. 4.4 g DW mm−1 H2O). Oilseed rape showed a greater reduction in above‐ground growth (52% vs. 21%) and a smaller increase in WUE (27% vs. 45%) when water was withheld. Oilseed rape also responded to soil drying at a lower soil moisture deficit than wheat; transpiration rates fell below the potential of irrigated plants when plant available water remaining in the soil profile declined from 54 to 23% compared to 38 to 9% for wheat. The root hydraulic conductivity of young OSR plants, measured on root surface area basis, was about twice that of wheat, and was comparable on a root length basis. The results show that OSR was more sensitive to a restricted water supply than the benchmark species wheat and that the greater sensitivity resulted from differences in shoot, rather than root, characteristics. The root system of OSR was at least as efficient as wheat at extracting water from soil.
Determining Ethyl Glucuronide Cutoffs When Detecting Self‐Reported Alcohol Use in Addiction Treatment Patients
Authors: Lowe Jessica M. , McDonell Michael G. , Leickly Emily , Angelo Frank A. , Vilardaga Roger , McPherson Sterling , Srebnik Debra , Roll John , Ries Richard K. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundEthyl glucuronide (EtG) is an alcohol biomarker with potential utility as a clinical research and alcohol treatment outcome. Debate exists regarding the appropriate cutoff level for determining alcohol use, particularly with the EtG immunoassay. This study determined the EtG immunoassay cutoff levels that most closely correspond to self‐reported drinking in alcohol‐dependent outpatients.MethodsEighty adults with alcohol dependence and mental illness, taking part in an alcohol treatment study, provided urine samples 3 times per week for up to 16 weeks (1,589 samples). Self‐reported drinking during 120 hours prior to each sample collection was assessed. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to assess the ability of the EtG immunoassay to detect self‐reported alcohol use across 24‐ to 120‐hour time periods. Sensitivity and specificity of EtG immunoassay cutoff levels was compared in 100 ng/ml increments (100 to 500 ng/ml) across 24 to 120 hours.ResultsOver half (57%) of the 1,589 samples indicated recent alcohol consumption. The EtG immunoassay closely corresponded to self‐reported drinking from 24 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88, 0.92) to 120 hours (AUC = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.87, 0.90). When cutoff levels were compared across 24 to 120 hours, 100 ng/ml had the highest sensitivity (0.93 to 0.78) and lowest specificity (0.67 to 0.85). Relative to 100 ng/ml, the 200 ng/ml cutoff demonstrated a reduction in sensitivity (0.89 to 0.67), but improved specificity (0.78 to 0.94). The 300, 400, and 500 ng/ml cutoffs demonstrated the lowest sensitivity (0.86 to 0.33) and highest specificity (0.86 to 0.97) over 24 to 120 hours.ConclusionsFor detecting alcohol use for >24 hours, the 200 ng/ml cutoff level is recommended for use as a research and clinical outcome.
Enhanced Suppression of Fertility Can be Achieved by Priming with FSHR and Eppin and Further Boosting with Their B‐cell Epitope Peptides
Authors: Yan Ping , He Wei , Wu Yuzhang , Chen Zhengqiong , He Haiyang , Ni Bing , Zhang Ji , Yang Xia , Shen Zigang , Fu Xiaolan , Liang Zhiqing , Li Jintao 
Published: April 2015

ProblemIn our previous study on adult male mice, we had identified one immunodominant epitope in hEppin and three epitopes in hFSHR that caused fertility inhibition. But it only demonstrated a moderate inhibitory effect on fertility, and the antifertility effect was unsatisfactory.Method of studyBased on the protein prime–peptide boost inoculation modalities, we further investigated whether the antifertility capacity could be enhanced by a combined immunization with the two antigens.ResultsThe results displayed a enhanced suppressed fertility (F2EP2C 6.67%) in male mice similar to that seen after four separate administrations of the two proteins (F12E‐4 5%). The most likely mechanism by which this antifertility efficacy was achieved was probably through the production of antibodies that led not only to impairment of spermatogenesis but also to inhibition of sperm motility. Moreover, this treatment also induced high concentrations of neutralizing antibodies which were secreted into the lumen of the epididymis.ConclusionThus, a combination immunization with hFSHR and hEppin enhanced the contraceptive effects and may provide a better means of immunocontraception.
Bed sharing is more common in sudden infant death syndrome than in explained sudden unexpected deaths in infancy
Authors: Möllborg Per , Wennergren Göran , Almqvist Petra , Alm Bernt 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimDespite its declining incidence, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is still an important cause of death in infancy. This study investigated the environmental circumstances associated with SIDS, by analysing data from all sudden unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI) in Sweden from 2005 to 2011.MethodsAll Swedish infants forensically autopsied up to the age of 365 days from 2005 to 2011 were included. Medical records were obtained from the hospitals and supplementary data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register.ResultsOf the 261 infants, 136 were defined as SIDS and 125 as explained SUDI. The documentation in the medical records was poor when it came to issues such as bed sharing, sleep position, smoking, breastfeeding and pacifier use. The main findings were a significantly higher prevalence of bed sharing in SIDS than in explained deaths (odds ratio 7.77, 95% confidence interval 2.36–25.57) and that prone sleeping was still overrepresented. Bronchopneumonia, other infections and congenital anomalies were the most common causes of explained SUDI.ConclusionBed sharing and prone sleeping were more common in SIDS than in explained SUDI. Sparse data in medical records were a problem, and the authors are now working with the National Board of Health and Welfare on a project to establish new routines.
Interdependence of depressive symptoms, school involvement, and academic performance between adolescent friends: A dyadic analysis
Authors: Chow Chong Man , Tan Cin Cin , Buhrmester Duane 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundFriendships play an important role in the development of school involvement and academic performance during adolescence. This study examined the interdependence of depressive symptoms, school involvement, and academic performance between adolescent same‐sex friends.AimsUsing cross‐sectional data, we examined whether the link between depressive symptoms and academic performance would be mediated by school involvement at the intrapersonal (actor) and interpersonal (partner) levels.SampleData came from 155 pairs of same‐sex adolescent friends (80 boys; Mage = 16.17, SD = 0.44). The actor–partner interdependence model was used to examine the dyadic data and mediation hypotheses.ResultsMediated actor effects showed that adolescents who had more depressive symptoms reported lower academic performance, and such an association was mediated by their own and their friend's lower school involvement. Mediated partner effects showed that adolescents who had more depressive symptoms also had a friend with lower academic performance, and such an association was mediated by both individuals' lower school involvement.ConclusionsThis study provided evidence to support the broader interpersonal framework for understanding school involvement and academic performance. The current findings also have potential practical implications, especially for programmes targeted at addressing adolescents' school problems.
Plasma levels of glucagon‐like peptide 1 and markers of obesity among young and healthy adults
Authors: van der Stouwe Jan Gerrit , Aeschbacher Stefanie , Krisai Philipp , Schoen Tobias , Meyre Pascal , Todd John , Estis Joel , Risch Martin , Risch Lorenz , Conen David 
Published: April 2015

SummaryObjectiveGlucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1)‐related pathways may partially explain the strong relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes. We therefore aimed to evaluate the relationships between fasting GLP‐1 levels, body fat mass and other obesity markers in a large sample of young and healthy adults.Design and PatientsOur population‐based study included 2096 individuals aged 24–44. Exclusion criteria were prevalent cardiovascular disease, diabetes or a body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2. Body fat mass was obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Multivariable linear regression models were constructed to assess the relationships of GLP‐1 with various measures of body composition.ResultsMedian age of our population was 37 years, median BMI 24·1 kg/m2 and median body fat 25·1%. A strong positive correlation was observed in age‐adjusted models between GLP‐1 and fat mass in men (β (95% confidence interval) 1·38 (0·69; 2·07), P < 0·001) and women (1·27 (0·65; 1·89), P < 0·001) as well as fully adjusted models including BMI in men [0·87 (0·27; 1·46), P < 0·01] but not women [0·29 (−0·07; 0·64), P = 0·11]. The relationships of GLP‐1 with BMI for men and women [0·00 (−0·34; 0·34), P = 0·99] [−0·02 (−0·28; 0·25), P = 0·91] and waist circumference [0·43 (−0·45; 1·30), P = 0·34] [0·37 (−0·44; 1·18), P = 0·37], respectively, were not significant after multivariable adjustment including fat mass.ConclusionAmong young and healthy adults, GLP‐1 levels are strongly and independently related to body fat mass especially in men but not BMI or waist circumference. These results raise the hypothesis that GLP‐1 may be implicated in body fat mass regulation.
Marginal bone‐level alterations of loaded zirconia and titanium dental implants: an experimental study in the dog mandible
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Benic Goran I. , Muñoz Fernando , Kohal Ralf , Sanz Martin Ignacio , Cantalapiedra Antonio G. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe aim was to test whether or not the marginal bone‐level alterations of loaded zirconia implants are similar to the bone‐level alterations of a grade 4 titanium one‐piece dental implant.Materials and methodsIn six dogs, all premolars and the first molars were extracted in the mandible. Four months later, three zirconia implants (BPI, VC, ZD) and a control titanium one‐piece (STM) implant were randomly placed in each hemimandible and left for transmucosal healing (baseline). Six months later, CAD/CAM crowns were cemented. Sacrifice was scheduled at 6‐month postloading. Digital X‐rays were taken at implant placement, crowns insertion, and sacrifice. Marginal bone‐level alterations were calculated, and intra‐ and intergroup comparisons performed adjusted by confounding factors.ResultsImplants were successfully placed. Until crown insertion, two implants were fractured (one VC, one ZD). At sacrifice, 5 more implants were (partly) fractured (one BPI, four ZD), and one lost osseointegration (VC). No decementation of crowns occurred. All implant systems demonstrated a statistically significant (except VC) loss of marginal bone between baseline and crown insertion ranging from 0.29 mm (VC; P = 0.116) to 0.80 mm (ZD; P = 0.013). The estimated marginal bone loss between baseline and 6 months of loading ranged between 0.19 mm (BPI) and 1.11 mm (VC), being statistically significant for STM and VC only (P < 0.05). The changes in marginal bone levels were statistically significantly different between zirconia implants and control implants (STM vs. BPI P = 0.007; vs. VC P = 0.001; vs. ZD P = 0.011).ConclusionsZirconia implants were more prone to fracture prior to and after loading with implant‐supported crowns compared to titanium implants. Individual differences and variability in the extent of the bone‐level changes during the 12‐month study period were found between the different implant types and materials.
Changes in glucose metabolism in people with different glucose metabolism disorders at baseline: follow‐up results of a Finnish national diabetes prevention programme
Authors: Rautio N. , Jokelainen J. , Oksa H. , Saaristo T. , Peltonen M. , Puolijoki H. , Tuomilehto J. , Vanhala M. , Moilanen L. , Uusitupa M. , Keinänen‐Kiukaanniemi S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimTo examine changes in glucose metabolism (fasting and 2‐h glucose) during follow‐up in people with impaired fasting glucose in comparison with changes in people with isolated impaired glucose tolerance, people with impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance combined and people with screening‐detected Type 2 diabetes at baseline, among those who participated in a diabetes prevention programme conducted in Finland.MethodsA total of 10 149 people at high risk of Type 2 diabetes took part in baseline examination. Of 5351 individuals with follow‐up ≥ 9 months, 1727 had impaired glucose metabolism at baseline and completed at least one lifestyle intervention visit. Most of them (94.6%) were overweight/ obese.ResultsFasting glucose decreased during follow‐up among overweight/obese people in the combined impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance group (P = 0.044), as did 2‐h glucose in people in the isolated impaired glucose tolerance group (P = 0.0014) after adjustment for age, sex, medication and weight at baseline, follow‐up time and changes in weight, physical activity and diet. When comparing changes in glucose metabolism among people with different degrees of glucose metabolism impairment, fasting glucose concentration was found to have increased in those with isolated impaired glucose tolerance (0.12 mmol/l, 95% Cl 0.05 to 0.19) and it decreased to a greater extent in those with screening‐detected Type 2 diabetes (−0.54 mmol/l, 95% Cl −0.69 to −0.39) compared with those with impaired fasting glucose (−0.21 mmol/l, 95% Cl −0.27 to −0.15). Furthermore, 2‐h glucose concentration decreased in the isolated impaired glucose tolerance group (−0.82 mmol/l, 95% Cl −1.04 to −0.60), in the combined impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance group (−0.82 mmol/l, 95% Cl −1.07 to −0.58) and in the screening‐detected Type 2 diabetes group (−1.52, 95% Cl −1.96 to −1.08) compared with those in the impaired fasting glucose group (0.26 mmol/l, 95% Cl 0.10 to 0.43). Results were statistically significant even after adjustment for covariates (P < 0.001 in all models).ConclusionsChanges in glucose metabolism differ in people with impaired fasting glucose from those in people with isolated impaired glucose tolerance, people with impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance combined and people with screening‐detected Type 2 diabetes.
Oral implant placement and restoration by undergraduate students: clinical outcomes and student perceptions
Authors: Temmerman A. , Meeus M. , Dhondt R. , Wierinck E. , Teughels W. , Naert I. , Quirynen M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroductionUniversities are developing and implementing implant dentistry training to prepare dental professionals for the growing treatment needs. This study describes how implant dentistry is taught at the KU Leuven and focuses on implant‐related clinical outcomes. Perspectives of participating undergraduate students are analysed with a view to improve oral implant dentistry training.Materials and methodsImplant dentistry training at the KU Leuven consists of theoretical lectures, pre‐clinical hands‐on workshops and clinical (surgical/prosthetic) experience. Questionnaires were used to investigate the perceptions of students on the educational programme. Radiographs were taken at implant insertion, at healing abutment connection, at restoration/prosthesis insertion and after 1 and 2 years of functional loading. The marginal bone level was measured from the implant–abutment connection to the first visible bone‐to‐implant contact.ResultsOne hundred and twelve implants were placed by 56 undergraduate students (61.5% of the total students) in 56 patients. After a follow‐up time of 3 years, the cumulative implant survival rate, at implant level, was 97.1%. The mean marginal bone loss after 1 and 2 years in function was 0.35 mm and 0.39 mm, respectively. Eighty percentage of students were satisfied with the training, and they considered this sufficient preparation to perform implant placement under close supervision.ConclusionsThe clinical outcome of implant treatment performed by undergraduate students under close supervision is similar to that reported by experienced clinicians/research teams. Clinical, surgical as well as restorative experience in addition to theoretical and pre‐clinical training seems beneficial when implementing implant dentistry in the undergraduate programmes.
Pigment production and isotopic fractionations in continuous culture: okenone producing purple sulfur bacteria Part II
Authors: Smith D. A. , Steele A. , Fogel M. L. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractOkenone is a carotenoid pigment unique to certain members of Chromatiaceae, the dominant family of purple sulfur bacteria (PSB) found in euxinic photic zones. Diagenetic alteration of okenone produces okenane, the only recognized molecular fossil unique to PSB. The in vivo concentrations of okenone and bacteriochlorophyll a (Bchl a) on a per cell basis were monitored and quantified as a function of light intensity in continuous cultures of the purple sulfur bacterium Marichromatium purpuratum (Mpurp1591). We show that okenone‐producing PSB have constant bacteriochlorophyll to carotenoid ratios in light‐harvesting antenna complexes. The in vivo concentrations of Bchl a, 0.151 ± 0.012 fmol cell−1, and okenone, 0.103 ± 0.012 fmol cell−1, were not dependent on average light intensity (10–225 Lux) at both steady and non‐steady states. This observation revealed that in autotrophic continuous cultures of Mpurp1591, there was a constant ratio for okenone to Bchl a of 1:1.5. Okenone was therefore constitutively produced in planktonic cultures of PSB, regardless of light intensity. This confirms the legitimacy of okenone as a signature for autotrophic planktonic PSB and by extrapolation water column euxinia. We measured the δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S bulk biomass values from cells collected daily and determined the isotopic fractionations of Mpurp1591. There was no statistical relationship in the bulk isotope measurements or stable isotope fractionations to light intensity or cell density under steady and non‐steady‐state conditions. The carbon isotope fractionation between okenone and Bchl a with respect to overall bulk biomass (13εpigment – biomass) was 2.2 ± 0.4‰ and −4.1 ± 0.9‰, respectively. The carbon isotopic fractionation () for the production of pigments in PSB is more variable than previously thought with our reported values for okenone at −15.5 ± 1.2‰ and −21.8 ± 1.7‰ for Bchl a.