bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between developmental defects of enamel and early childhood caries: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Corrêa‐Faria Patrícia , Paixão‐Gonçalves Suzane , Paiva Saul Martins , Pordeus Isabela Almeida , Marques Leandro Silva , Ramos‐Jorge Maria Letícia 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe determination of risk factors for early childhood caries (ECC) is important to the implementation of preventive and restorative measures. However, few studies have addressed the association between ECC and developmental defects of enamel (DDE).AimsTo investigate the association between DDE and ECC, controlling for socioeconomic factors and the presence of dental plaque.DesignA cross‐sectional study was carried out with 387 children aged two to 5 years during the National Immunisation Day held in 2010 in Diamantina, Brazil. Data were collected through clinical examinations and interviews with parents/guardians addressing socioeconomic indicators. Statistical analysis involved the chi‐squared test and Poisson regression.ResultsThe prevalence of DDE and ECC was 33.9% and 43.3%, respectively. Children with DDE had a greater prevalence rate of ECC (PR: 1.325; 95% CI: 1.093–1.607). Early childhood caries was more prevalent among children with unsatisfactory oral hygiene (PR: 2.933; 95% CI: 2.22–3.86), those who resided in rural areas (PR: 1.267; 95% CI: 1.03–1.55) and those from families with a lower monthly household income (PR: 1.501; 95% CI: 1.06–2.12).ConclusionsThe presence of ECC was associated with the occurrence of DDE in the primary dentition. Place of residence and monthly household income (socioeconomic indicators) and oral hygiene (behavioural factor) exerted an influence on the occurrence of ECC.
Another Determinant of Household Leverage: Evidence from Japan's Mortgage Loan Data
Authors: Nagano Mamoru , Yeom Dong‐Ho 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe investigate determinants of household leverage in Japan, which did not experience the sharp rise in real estate prices and dramatic securitized mortgage market developments in the 2000s, and prove that these determinants are not universal. We employ household sample data collected during 2001–2010 by the Japan Housing Finance Agency and the Nikkei NEEDs Radar Financial Survey, totaling to 28,561 samples. We find that the degree of household interest rate risk preference, which proxies the household constitutional and behavioral factors including risk tolerance, positively relates to the household debt to income ratio. Further, as regards residential mortgage loans, these interest rate risk‐preferring households buy higher‐priced houses relative to their income, hold fewer financial assets, and tend to be headed by young males. We also find similarities between household mortgage debt determinants in Japan and the United States: the degree of regional bank market competition and the state of bank management soundness influence the aggressiveness of the residential mortgage loan business.
Long‐run Effects of Minimum Trading Unit Reductions on Stock Prices
Authors: Isaka Naoto 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe examine empirically the long‐run effects of reductions in minimum trading units (MTU) on stock prices in Japan from October 2001 to May 2008. When firms reduce their MTU, the number of individual shareholders tends to increase significantly for several years. We estimate buy‐and‐hold abnormal returns and find that positive stock returns are observed not only for the period between the announcement day and the actual date of MTU decreases, but also for a period of several years following MTU reductions. In addition, we measure stock price reactions to the release of public information before and after MTU reductions and find that stock prices react less to the release of positive information and more to the release of negative information after the MTU reductions. These findings, together with evidence of the change in the short and long positions of investors after the MTU reductions, indicate that individual investors face short‐sales constraints.
Is No News Good News?: The Streaming News Effect on Investor Behavior Surrounding Analyst Stock Revision Announcement
Authors: Azuma Takahiro , Okada Katsuhiko , Hamuro Yukinobu 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe investigate media influence on stock returns that are revised by sell‐side analysts. Our main findings are twofold. First, post‐announcement returns depend on whether the stock is covered by the media. Media‐covered stocks demonstrate weaker post‐announcement returns than their non‐media‐covered counterparts. Second, for media‐covered event samples, we create a sentiment proxy using a unique news word count method and investigate whether pre‐event sentiment affects post‐event returns. Our results indicate that pre‐event sentiment dictates short‐run investor behavior and affects the post‐announcement return in a significant manner.
Melatonin in testes of infertile men: evidence for anti‐proliferative and anti‐oxidant effects on local macrophage and mast cell populations
Authors: Rossi S. P. , Windschuettl S. , Matzkin M. E. , Terradas C. , Ponzio R. , Puigdomenech E. , Levalle O. , Calandra R. S. , Mayerhofer A. , Frungieri M. B. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryMelatonin acting through the hypothalamus and pituitary regulates testicular function. In addition, direct actions of melatonin at the testicular level have been recently suggested. We have described that melatonin inhibits androgen production in hamster Leydig cells via melatonin subtype 1a (mel1a) receptors and the local corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) system. The initial events of the melatonin/CRH signalling pathway have also been established. Melatonin and all components of the melatonergic/CRH system were also detected in Leydig cells of infertile men. This study attempted to search for additional targets of melatonin in the human testis, and to investigate the effects of melatonin on proliferation and the oxidative state in these novel target cells. To this aim, evaluation of human testicular biopsies of patients suffering from hypospermatogenesis or Sertoli cell only syndrome and cell culture studies were performed. Melatonergic receptors were found in macrophages (MACs) and mast cells (MCs) of the human testis. In biopsies of patients suffering idiopathic infertility, melatonin testicular concentrations were negatively correlated with MAC number per mm2 and TNFα, IL1β and COX2 expression, but positively correlated with the expression of the anti‐oxidant enzymes SOD1, peroxiredoxin 1 and catalase. Melatonin inhibited proliferation and the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) in both the human non‐testicular THP‐1 MAC cell line and primary cell cultures of hamster testicular MACs. In the human HMC‐1 MC line, melatonin increased the expression of anti‐oxidant enzymes and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The results reveal new testicular targets of melatonin and describe anti‐proliferative and anti‐inflammatory effects of this hormone on testicular MACs. Furthermore, melatonin might provide protective effects against oxidative stress in testicular MCs.
Risk of Atrial Fibrillation After Atrial Flutter Ablation: Impact of AF History, Gender, and Antiarrhythmic Drug Medication
Authors: BREMBILLA‐PERROT BÉATRICE , GIRERD NICOLAS , SELLAL JEAN MARC , OLIVIER ARNAUD , MANENTI VLADIMIR , VILLEMIN THIBAUT , BEURRIER DANIEL , DE CHILLOU CHRISTIAN , LOUIS PIERRE , SELTON OLIVIER , DE LA CHAISE ARNAUD TERRIER 
Published: March 2014

Antiarrhythmic Drug and Ablation of Atrial FlutterIntroductionAtrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter (AFL) are frequently associated. We assessed the frequency and identified the predictors of AF occurrence after AFL ablation.Methods and ResultsA total of 1,121 patients referred for AFL ablation were followed for a mean duration of 2.1 ± 2.7 years. Antiarrhythmic drugs were stopped after ablation in patients with no AF prior to ablation, or continued otherwise. A total of 356 patients (31.7%) had a history of AF prior to AFL ablation. Patients with AF prior to ablation were more likely to be females (OR = 1.35, CI = 1.00–1.83, P = 0.05). After ablation, 260 (23.2%) patients experienced AF. In the multivariable model, AF prior to ablation (OR = 1.90, CI = 1.42–2.54, P < 0.001) and female gender (OR = 1.77, CI = 1.29–2.42, P < 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of AF after ablation. In patients without prior AF, class I antiarrhythmics and amiodarone prior to AFL ablation were independently associated with higher risk of AF after ablation (OR = 2.11, CI = 1.15–3.88, P = 0.02 and OR = 1.60, CI = 1.08–2.36, P = 0.02, respectively). In patients who experienced AF after ablation, 201/260 (77.3%) had a CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥1. Two patients with AF prior to ablation had a stroke during the follow‐up whereas none of the patients without AF prior to ablation had a stroke.ConclusionsAF occurrence after AFL ablation is frequent (>20%), especially in patients with a history of AF, in female patients, and in patients treated with class I antiarrythmics/amiodarone prior to AFL. Since most patients who experience AF after AFL ablation have a CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥1, the decision to stop anticoagulants after ablation should be considered on an individual basis.
Feasibility of Implementation of a “Simplified, No‐X‐Ray, No‐Lead Apron, Two‐Catheter Approach” for Ablation of Supraventricular Arrhythmias in Children and Adults
Authors: STEC SEBASTIAN , ŚLEDŹ JANUSZ , MAZIJ MARIUSZ , RAŚ MAŁGORZATA , LUDWIK BARTOSZ , CHRABĄSZCZ MICHAŁ , ŚLEDŹ ARKADIUSZ , BANASIK MAŁGORZATA , BZYMEK MAGDALENA , MŁYNARCZYK KRZYSZTOF , DEUTSCH KAROL , LABUS MICHAŁ , ŚPIKOWSKI JERZY , SZYDŁOWSKI LESŁAW 
Published: March 2014

Simplified, No‐X‐Ray Catheter Ablation of SVTIntroductionAlthough the “near‐zero‐X‐Ray” or “No‐X‐Ray” catheter ablation (CA) approach has been reported for treatment of various arrhythmias, few prospective studies have strictly used “No‐X‐Ray,” simplified 2‐catheter approaches for CA in patients with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). We assessed the feasibility of a minimally invasive, nonfluoroscopic (MINI) CA approach in such patients.MethodsData were obtained from a prospective multicenter CA registry of patients with regular SVTs. After femoral access, 2 catheters were used to create simple, 3D electroanatomic maps and to perform electrophysiologic studies. Medical staff did not use lead aprons after the first 10 MINI CA cases.ResultsA total of 188 patients (age, 45 ± 21 years; 17% <19 years; 55% women) referred for the No‐X‐Ray approach were included. They were compared to 714 consecutive patients referred for a simplified approach using X‐rays (age, 52 ± 18 years; 7% <19 years; 55% women). There were 9 protocol exceptions that necessitated the use of X‐rays. Ultimately, 179/188 patients underwent the procedure without fluoroscopy, with an acute success rate of 98%. The procedure times (63 ± 26 vs. 63 ± 29 minutes, P > 0.05), major complications (0% vs. 0%, P > 0.05) and acute (98% vs. 98%, P > 0.05) and long‐term (93% vs. 94%, P > 0.05) success rates were similar in the “No‐X‐Ray” and control groups.ConclusionsImplementation of a strict “No‐X‐Ray, simplified 2‐catheter” CA approach is safe and effective in majority of the patients with SVT. This modified approach for SVTs should be prospectively validated in a multicenter study.
Keratinocyte growth factor‐2 intratracheal instillation significantly attenuates ventilator‐induced lung injury in rats
Authors: Bi Jing , Tong Lin , Zhu Xiaodan , Yang Dong , Bai Chunxue , Song Yuanlin , She Jun 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPreservation or restoration of normal alveolar epithelial barrier function is crucial for pulmonary oedema resolution. Keratinocyte growth factor‐2 (KGF‐2), a potent epithelial cell mitogen, may have a role in preventing ventilator‐induced lung injury (VILI), which occurs frequently in mechanically ventilated patients. The aim of the study was to test the role of KGF‐2 in VILI in rats. Forty healthy adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly allocated into four groups, where rats in Groups HVZP (high‐volume zero positive end‐expiratory pressure) and HVZP+KGF‐2 were given intratracheally equal PBS and 5 mg/kg KGF‐2 72 hrs before 4 hrs HVZP ventilation (20 ml/kg), respectively, while PBS and KGF‐2 were administered in the same manner in Groups Control and KGF‐2, which underwent tracheotomy only with spontaneous breathing. Inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor‐α, macrophage inflammatory protein 2), neutrophil and total protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and surfactant protein mRNA expression in lung tissue were detected; the number of alveolar type II cells, lung water content and lung morphology were also evaluated. The results indicate that pre‐treatment with KGF‐2 showed dramatic improvement in lung oedema and inflammation compared with HVZP alone, together with increased surfactant protein mRNA and alveolar type II cells. Our results suggest that KGF‐2 might be considered a promising prevention for human VILI or other acute lung injury diseases.
The influence of treatment on the development of leishmaniasis recidiva cutis: a 17‐year case–control study in Midwestern Brazil
Authors: Gomes C.M. , Cesetti M.V. , de Morais O.O. , Mendes M.S.T. , Roselino A.M. , Sampaio R.N.R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe recurrence of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in patients experiencing a long‐term cure is often called leishmaniasis recidiva cutis (LRC). LRC is considered an unusual form of ACL.ObjectiveThis study aims to estimate the incidence of LRC in ACL patients evaluated at a tertiary dermatologic centre in Midwestern Brazil. We also aim to evaluate the association between various treatment regimens and the development of LRC using multivariate analysis in a case–control study.MethodsWe performed a 17‐year epidemiological study using data from patients treated at our dermatologic centre from July 1994 to December 2011. A retrospective analysis was then performed to estimate risk and protective factors related to clinical presentation. We also assessed the influence of treatment regimens in the development of LRC.ResultsThe incidence of LRC among ACL patients was 1.34%. The analysis included 105 patients; 82 patients (78%) were in the control group, and 23 patients (22%) were in the LRC case group. The data analysis indicated that the standard treatment N‐methylglucamine antimoniate (N‐MA) reduced the development of LRC in bivariate (odds ratio (OR) = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.13–0.91) and multivariate analyses (OR = 0.16; 95% CI = 0.03–0.86; P = 0.03). However, no differences in LRC incidence were observed when the standard treatment N‐MA and alternative drugs, such as pentamidine and amphotericin B, were considered (OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.16–1.35)ConclusionWe conclude that the standard treatment N‐MA, as proposed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, is effective in the prevention of LRC. Although other drugs have shown promising results in LRC, more scientific evidence is needed to assess their efficacy compared with N‐MA.
Combined Effect of Xylanase, Ascorbic and Citric Acid in Regulating the Quality of Bread Made From Organically Grown Spelt Cultivars
Authors: Filipčev Bojana , Šimurina Olivera , Bodroža‐Solarov Marija 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe present study was aimed at improving bread‐making performance of two spelt cultivars from organic production differing in dough rheological properties. For this purpose, a small composite design was employed to study the combined effect of xylanase (XYL), ascorbic (ASC) and citric (CIT) acid on bread characteristics and, finally, to optimize their doses. In both cultivars, XYL exerted improving effects on specific volume and crumb firmness. In stronger spelt cultivar, there was a significant ASC/XYL synergistic effect on improving loaf volume and crumb properties. CIT showed crumb softening effect in both cultivars and increased crumb resilience (weaker spelt being more sensitive). Optimized formulation contained (in mg/kg): 50 ASC/90 CIT/60 XYL for stronger and 20 ASC/10 CIT/120 XYL for weaker spelt cultivar. The optimized formulations allowed substantial increases in specific volume (by 45%) and crumb resilience (30%) for stronger and crumb softening (36%) for weaker spelt cultivar.Practical ApplicationsSpelt wheat is an important cereal in organic cultivation and spelt products are highly demanded by health‐conscious customers. Most commonly, spelt is processed into flour and further into bread. Technologically, spelt is impaired in comparison to common bread wheat, although high diversity exists in bread‐making potential within cultivars. In practice, it is not rare that spelt bread‐making results in production of unappealing, small bread loaves with dense, crumbly structure. Considering the much higher price of spelt bread, low quality of loaves may diminish its valorization in spite of its unique nutritional and health properties. This work presents that by combining improvers based on enzyme (xylanase), ascorbic and citric acid, which are permitted in organic foods, it is possible to substantially improve spelt bread volume and crumb properties.
“Don't Get Weak in Your Compassion”: Bereaved Next of Kin's Suggestions for Improving End‐of‐Life Care in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers
Authors: Riggs Jennifer S. , Woodby Lesa L. , Burgio Kathryn L. , Amos Bailey F. , Williams Beverly R. 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo analyze bereaved next of kin's suggestions for improving end‐of‐life (EOL) care in Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers (VAMCs).DesignQualitative.SettingThis study was part of a larger study testing the effectiveness of a multimodal intervention strategy to improve processes of EOL care in six southeast U.S. VAMCs (Best Practices for End‐of‐Life Care for Our Nation's Veterans—BEACON Trial).ParticipantsBereaved next of kin (n = 78) of veterans who died between 2005 and 2010.MeasurementsData addressing praise, criticism, and recommendations for enhancing EOL care were abstracted from semistructured interviews of next of kin and aggregated into a code labeled “Suggestions.” Content analysis proceeded iteratively through data review, comparison, and negotiation of emergent themes and integration of all coauthors' insights and interpretations into the evolving interpretive scheme.ResultsNext of kin provided examples that resonated with their conceptions of quality EOL care. They also described distressing situations and perceptions of deficits in care. Major themes derived were compassionate care, good communication, support for family visits and privacy, and the need for death preparation and postdeath guidance. The fifth theme, unique to this study, was the salience of the relationship between the veterans and their families and the VA and the expectations this engendered in terms of dignity and honor.ConclusionInterventions that support staff's ability to convey compassion, communicate information to families and other staff, listen to patients and families, prepare families for the individual's death, and provide consistent, coordinated information regarding after‐death activities may optimize EOL hospital care for veterans.
Knowledge and Skill Retention of a Mobile Phone Data Collection Protocol in Rural Liberia
Authors: Munro Michelle L. , Lori Jody R. , Boyd Carol J. , Andreatta Pamela 
Published: March 2014

IntroductionWith a large number of births occurring outside the formal health system, it is difficult to determine the number of pregnant women in rural regions of Liberia. The exponential growth of mobile phone use in developing countries provides a potential avenue for data collection on maternal and child health in such rural, remote regions.MethodsA pre‐, post‐, and one‐year posttest design was used to collect data on knowledge and skill retention for 7 essential items required for mobile phone use among traditional birth attendants (TBAs) trained in a short message service (SMS) texting data collection protocol (N = 99) in rural Liberia.ResultsSixty‐three participants (63.6% retention) completed the one‐year posttest and displayed evidence of statistically significant knowledge and skill retention in 6 of the 7 tasks (P < .005), including the ability to: 1) turn on the phone, 2) use the mobile phone to make a call, 3) recognize that they have coverage, 4) recognize that the mobile phone is charged, 5) create a SMS text message without help, and 6) send a SMS text message without help. The TBAs continued to have difficulty with more complex tasks such as adding minutes to a phone.DiscussionThe mobile phone data‐collection protocol proved feasible with TBAs demonstrating knowledge retention in a one‐year posttest; however, clinical significance needs further investigation. The protocol increased communication and collaboration among TBAs, certified midwives, and clinic staff.
Changes in state policies related to oral health in the United States, 2002‐2009
Authors: Mandal Mahua , Edelstein Burton L. , Ma Sai , Minkovitz Cynthia S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivesExamining state policies in oral health, including changes over time, helps inform the degree to which states fulfill public health dentistry functions and deliver essential services. This study examines changes in state policies affecting oral health in the United States between 2002 and 2009.MethodsWe reviewed 43 oral health policies in three domains (public dental insurance; workforce capacity; and infrastructure, programs, and surveillance). Data sources included federal, state, and private foundation reports and databases. Fifteen of 43 policies had data available for both time points and were analyzed. We examined national and regional changes over time using McNemar's test and Wilcoxon matched pairs signed ranks test.ResultsBetween 2002 and 2009, the number of states offering Medicaid reimbursement to nondental professionals increased, more states had 12‐month continuous coverage in CHIP, income eligibility for children on Medicaid expanded, and the number of licensed dentists per 10,000 population per state increased. However, the percent of public and private state health expenditures going toward dental services declined. Though nationally no other state policies significantly changed, the proportion of population on public water system with fluoridated water increased in Western states, and administration of needs assessments or oral health surveys decreased in the Northeast.ConclusionEfforts are needed to systematically track the status of state policies to promote the public's oral health. Further research can determine if changes in state policies have led to improvements in the provision of oral health services and oral health status and reductions in disparities.