bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of proximal contact loss between implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses and adjacent teeth in relation to influential factors and effects. A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Byun Soo‐Jung , Heo Seok‐Mo , Ahn Seung‐Geun , Chang Moontaek 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe aim was to analyze influential factors and effects of proximal contact loss between implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses (FDP) and adjacent teeth.Material and methodsNinety‐four subjects treated with 135 FDPs supported by 188 implants were included. Degree of proximal contact tightness, food impaction, and periodontal/peri‐implant tissue conditions were assessed in 191 proximal embrasures between implant‐supported FDPs and adjacent teeth. Potential factors influencing proximal contact loss were estimated with the generalized estimation equation (GEE) procedure.ResultsThirty‐four percent of the proximal embrasures between implant‐supported FDPs and teeth lost a proximal contact. The proximal contact loss rate continuously increased over the follow‐up periods. A longer follow‐up period, splinted implants, and mesial aspect of proximal contact were significant factors influencing the proximal contact loss in the univariate GEE analysis, whereas a longer follow‐up period was the only significant factor in the multivariate GEE analysis. Food impaction was more frequently reported in the proximal contact loss group than the proximal contact group (odds ratio: 2.2). However, the proximal contact loss did not appear to affect the periodontal/peri‐implant tissue conditions.ConclusionsProximal contact loss between implant‐supported FDPs and teeth occurred frequently and increased continuously over the follow‐up period. The proximal contact loss significantly affected food impaction, but not the periodontal/peri‐implant tissue conditions. Proximal contact loss should be carefully monitored during follow‐up examinations in relation to food impaction.
Sequential healing of the elevated sinus floor after applying autologous bone grafting: an experimental study in minipigs
Authors: Scala Alessandro , Lang Niklaus P. , de Carvalho Cardoso Leandro , Pantani Fabio , Schweikert Michael , Botticelli Daniele 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimTo describe the sequential healing after elevation of the maxillary sinus mucosa applying the lateral access technique with the use of autogenous bone grafting without membrane to occlude the osteotomy access.Material and methodsImmediately after the elevation of the maxillary sinus Schneiderian membrane, applying the lateral access technique in 10 minipigs, autologous bone was harvested from the lateral aspect of the mandibular molar region and ground into particles with a bone mill. The space under the Schneiderian membrane was filled with this graft. No membranes were placed onto the access osteotomy. The healing was evaluated after 15, 30, 90 and 180 days. Paraffin sections were prepared and analyzed histologically.ResultsAfter 15 days of healing, the elevated area was mainly filled with provisional matrix, newly formed bone and some remnants of bone chips, and appeared reduced in volume compared with that at the time of surgery. After 30 days of healing, further shrinkage of the height of the elevated space was found, with similar percentages of the different tissue components. After 90 and 180 days, the area underneath the Schneiderian membrane appeared reduced in volume and condensed toward the base of the sinus. The bone tissues appeared to be more mature, both for the mineralized and the non‐mineralized portions, while connective tissue occupied 20% of the space, most likely related to the lack of the use of a membrane occluding the access at the time of surgery.ConclusionsSuboptimal healing outcomes with respect to augmentation of the space under the sinus floor membrane were documented when autologous bone chips were used as a filler and no membrane was applied to cover the access.
Casein kinase 2 phosphorylates GluA1 and regulates its surface expression
Authors: Lussier Marc P. , Gu Xinglong , Lu Wei , Roche Katherine W. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractControlling the density of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) at synapses is essential for regulating the strength of excitatory neurotransmission. In particular, the phosphorylation of AMPARs is important for defining both synaptic expression and intracellular routing of receptors. Phosphorylation is a post‐translational modification known to regulate many cellular events and the C‐termini of glutamate receptors are important targets. Recently, the first intracellular loop1 region of the GluA1 subunit of AMPARs was reported to regulate synaptic targeting through phosphorylation of S567 by Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). Intriguingly, the loop1 region of all four AMPAR subunits contains many putative phosphorylation sites (S/T/Y), leaving the possibility that other kinases may regulate AMPAR surface expression via phosphorylation of the loop regions. To explore this hypothesis, we used in vitro phosphorylation assays with a small panel of purified kinases and found that casein kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylates the GluA1 and GluA2 loop1 regions, but not GluA3 or GluA4. Interestingly, when we reduced the endogenous expression of CK2 using a specific short hairpin RNA against the regulatory subunit CK2β, we detected a reduction of GluA1 surface expression, whereas GluA2 was unchanged. Furthermore, we identified S579 of GluA1 as a substrate of CK2, and the expression of GluA1 phosphodeficient mutants in hippocampal neurons displayed reduced surface expression. Therefore, our study identifies CK2 as a regulator of GluA1 surface expression by phosphorylating the intracellular loop1 region.
Heterogeneity and convergence: the synaptic pathophysiology of autism
Authors: Baudouin Stéphane J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAutism is a developmental disorder characterised by a high heterogeneity of clinical diagnoses and genetic associations. This heterogeneity is a challenge for the identification of the pathophysiology of the disease and for the development of new therapeutic strategies. New conceptual approaches are being used to try to challenge this complexity and gene cluster analysis studies suggest that the pathophysiology of autism is associated with a dysregulation of specific cellular mechanisms. This review will present the experimental evidence for a convergence of synaptic pathophysiology between syndromic and non‐syndromic forms of autism, grouped under the generic term of autism spectrum disorders. In particular I will highlight the results from genetic mouse models identifying a convergence of dysregulation of the synaptic type I metabotropic glutamate receptor pathway in mouse models for autism spectrum disorders. These results help to build a new conceptual framework for the study of the synaptic phenotype of autism, which is important for the identification of new therapeutic strategies.
Synaptic basis of social dysfunction: a focus on postsynaptic proteins linking group‐I mGluRs with AMPARs and NMDARs
Authors: O'Connor Eoin C. , Bariselli Sebastiano , Bellone Camilla 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMost of us engage in social interactions on a daily basis and the repertoire of social behaviors we acquire during development and later in life are incredibly varied. However, in many neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), social behavior is severely compromised and indeed this represents a key diagnostic component for such conditions. From genetic association studies, it is increasingly apparent that genes identified as altered in individuals with ASDs often encode synaptic proteins. Moreover, these synaptic proteins typically serve to scaffold group‐I metabotropic glutamate receptors (group‐I mGluRs) and ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs; AMPARs and NMDARs), or to enable group‐I mGluR to iGluR crosstalk via protein synthesis. Here we aim to explore the possibility of a causal link between altered function of such synaptic proteins and impaired social behaviors that feature in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASDs. We review the known synaptic function and role in social behaviors of selected post‐synaptic structural proteins (Shank, SAPAP and neuroligin) and regulators of protein synthesis (TSC1/2, FMRP and PTEN). While manipulations of proteins involved in group‐I mGluR and iGluR scaffolding or crosstalk frequently lead to profound alterations in synaptic function and one or more components of social behavior, the neuronal circuits responsible for impairments in specific social behaviors are often poorly defined. We argue for an improved understanding of the neuronal circuits underlying specific social behaviors to aid the development of new ASD therapies.
Neurophysiological modification of CA1 pyramidal neurons in a transgenic mouse expressing a truncated form of disrupted‐in‐schizophrenia 1
Authors: Booth Clair A. , Brown Jonathan T. , Randall Andrew D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA t(1;11) balanced chromosomal translocation transects the Disc1 gene in a large Scottish family and produces genome‐wide linkage to schizophrenia and recurrent major depressive disorder. This study describes our in vitro investigations into neurophysiological function in hippocampal area CA1 of a transgenic mouse (DISC1tr) that expresses a truncated version of DISC1 designed to reproduce aspects of the genetic situation in the Scottish t(1;11) pedigree. We employed both patch‐clamp and extracellular recording methods in vitro to compare intrinsic properties and synaptic function and plasticity between DISC1tr animals and wild‐type littermates. Patch‐clamp analysis of CA1 pyramidal neurons (CA1‐PNs) revealed no genotype dependence in multiple subthreshold parameters, including resting potential, input resistance, hyperpolarization‐activated ‘sag’ and resonance properties. Suprathreshold stimuli revealed no alteration to action potential (AP) waveform, although the initial rate of AP production was higher in DISC1tr mice. No difference was observed in afterhyperpolarizing potentials following trains of 5–25 APs at 50 Hz. Patch‐clamp analysis of synaptic responses in the Schaffer collateral commissural (SC) pathway indicated no genotype‐dependence of paired pulse facilitation, excitatory postsynaptic potential summation or AMPA/NMDA ratio. Extracellular recordings also revealed an absence of changes to SC synaptic responses and indicated input–output and short‐term plasticity were also unaltered in the temporoammonic (TA) input. However, in DISC1tr mice theta burst‐induced long‐term potentiation was enhanced in the SC pathway but completely lost in the TA pathway. These data demonstrate that expressing a truncated form of DISC1 affects intrinsic properties of CA1‐PNs and produces pathway‐specific effects on long‐term synaptic plasticity.
Association of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis with severity of white matter hyperintensities
Authors: Park J.‐H. , Kwon H.‐M. , Lee J. , Kim D.‐S. , Ovbiagele B. 
Published: April 2014

Background and purposeWhite matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been linked to small‐vessel disease, but the precise pathogenesis underlying WMHs remains unclear. Studies about an association of WMHs with extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ECAS) showed conflicting results and the relationship of WMHs with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is uncertain.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of 679 consecutive Korean patients with acute ischaemic stroke (mean age 67.8 ± 12.6; 395 males) who underwent brain MRI/MR angiography was conducted. Severity of deep WMHs (d‐WMHs, n = 560) and periventricular WMHs (p‐WMHs, n = 590) was rated separately and compared across three groups: ICAS (n = 318), ECAS (n = 71) and no cerebral atherosclerotic stenosis (NCAS) (n = 290).ResultsThe ICAS group showed a higher d‐WMH/p‐WMH score (1.62 ± 0.85/1.65 ± 0.79) than both the ECAS (1.25 ± 0.87/1.23 ± 0.78) and NCAS (1.19 ± 0.92/1.24 ± 0.81) groups (P < 0.001 for all). Patients with a greater number of ICAS were more likely to have higher scores of d‐WMH/p‐WMH (P < 0.001 for all). Patients with higher scores of d‐WMH/p‐WMH had a higher incidence of ICAS (P < 0.001 for all), but not of ECAS or NCAS. In multivariable analysis, a dose−response relationship was observed between the extent of ICAS versus WMHs. Compared with one ICAS lesion, for d‐WMHs the odds ratio (OR) = 2.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95–7.20] for two ICAS lesions and OR = 3.37 (1.10–10.32) for ≥3 ICAS lesions; whilst for p‐WMHs (score ≥2) OR = 1.70 (95% CI 0.96–2.98) for two ICAS lesions and OR = 2.02 (1.15–3.55) for ≥3 ICAS lesions.ConclusionICAS is independently associated with progressively greater WMH burden. The association of ICAS with WMH severity appears to be stronger than that of ECAS/NCAS in the Korean (Asian) stroke population.
Total drug treatment and comorbidity in myasthenia gravis: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Andersen J. B. , Owe J. F. , Engeland A. , Gilhus N. E. 
Published: April 2014

Background and purposeComorbidity in myasthenia gravis (MG) is important for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Disease complexity was assessed by examining total drug treatment, immune therapy and comorbidity in a complete national MG cohort.MethodsAll recipients of the MG‐specific drug pyridostigmine 2004–2010 registered in the compulsory Norwegian Prescription Database who met the inclusion criteria were included. The pyridostigmine group was compared with the general Norwegian population.ResultsMyasthenia gravis patients received co‐medication more often than the controls for nearly all groups of medication, including insulins (95% confidence interval 2.0–3.7), thyroid therapy (1.7–2.5), antidepressants (1.3–1.7), anti‐infectives (1.2–1.4), lipid‐modifying agents (1.1–1.4) and immunomodulating agents (6.8–8.8).ConclusionsMyasthenia gravis patients are more often treated with non‐MG prescription drugs than controls, reflecting frequent co‐medication and comorbidity.
Morphometric growth relationships of the immature human mandible and tongue
Authors: Hutchinson Erin F. , Kieser Jules A. , Kramer Beverley 
Published: April 2014

The masticatory apparatus is a highly adaptive musculoskeletal complex comprising several relatively independent structural components, which assist in functions including feeding and breathing. We hypothesized that the tongue is elemental in the maintenance of normal ontogeny of the mandible and in its post‐natal growth and development, and tested this using a morphometric approach. We assessed tongue and mandibular measurements in 174 (97 male) human cadavers. Landmark lingual and mandibular data were gathered individuals aged between 20 gestational weeks and 3 yr postnatal. In this analysis, geometric morphometrics assisted in visualizing the morphometrical growth changes in the mandible and tongue. A linear correlation in conjunction with principal component analysis further visualized the growth relationship between these structures. We found that the growth of the tongue and mandible were intrinsically linked in size and shape between 20 gestational weeks and 24 months postnatal. However, the mandible continued to change in shape and size into the 3rd yr of life, whereas the tongue only increased in size over this same period of time. These findings provide valuable insights into the allometric growth relationship between these structures, potentially assisting the clinician in predicting the behaviour of these structures in the assessment of malocclusions.
Anticipating potential biodiversity conflicts for future biofuel crops in South Africa: incorporating spatial filters with species distribution models
Authors: Blanchard Ryan , O'Farrell Patrick J. , Richardson David M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLiquid biofuel production will likely have its greatest impact through the large‐scale changes in land use that will be required to meet the production of this energy source. In this study, we develop a framework which integrates species distribution models, land cover, land capability and various biodiversity conservation data to identify natural areas with (i) a potentially high risk of transformation for biofuel production and (ii) potential impact to biodiversity conservation areas. The framework was tested in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, a region which has been earmarked for the cultivation of biofuels. We expressly highlight the importance of biodiversity conservation data that enhance the protected area network to limit potential losses by comparing the overlap of areas likely to become cultivated with (i) protected areas; (ii) biodiversity hot spots not currently protected; and (iii) ‘ecological corridors’ (areas deemed important for the migration of species and linkages between important biodiversity areas). Results indicate that the introduction of spatial filters reduced available land from 54% to 45%. Including all biodiversity scenarios reduced available land to 15% of the Eastern Cape should avoiding conflict with biodiversity conservation areas be prioritized. The assumption that agriculturally marginal land offers a unique opportunity to be converted to biofuel crops does not consider the biodiversity value attached to these areas. We highlight that decisions relating to large‐scale transformation and changes in land cover need to take account of broader ecological processes. Determining the spatial extent of threats to biodiversity facilitates the analysis of spatial conflict. This article demonstrates a proactive approach for anticipating likely habitat transformation and provides an objective means of mitigating potential conflict with existing land use and biodiversity.
Short‐term harvesting of biomass from conservation grasslands maintains plant diversity
Authors: Jungers Jacob M. , Sheaffer Craig C. , Fargione Joseph , Lehman Clarence 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHigh yields are a priority in managing biomass for renewable energy, but the environmental impacts of various feedstocks and production systems should be equally considered. Mixed‐species, perennial grasslands enrolled in conservation programs are being considered as a source of biomass for renewable energy. Conservation grasslands are crucial in sustaining native biodiversity throughout the US Upper Midwest, and the effects of biomass harvest on biodiversity are largely unknown. We measured the effect of late‐season biomass harvest on plant community composition in conservation grasslands in three regions of Minnesota, USA from 2009 to 2012. Temporal trends in plant species composition within harvested grasslands were compared to unharvested grasslands using mixed effects models. A before‐after control‐impact approach using effect sizes was applied to focus on pre‐ and postharvest conditions. Production‐scale biomass harvest did not affect plant species richness, species or functional group diversity, nor change the relative abundance of the main plant functional groups. Differences in the relative abundances of plant functional groups were observed across locations; and at some locations, changed through time. The proportion of non‐native species remained constant, while the proportion of noxious weeds decreased through time in both harvested and unharvested grasslands at the central location. Ordination revealed patterns in species composition due to location, but not due to harvest treatment. Therefore, habitat and bioenergy characteristics related to grassland plant communities are not expected to change due to short‐term or intermittent late‐season biomass harvest.
The Neglected Climatic Hazards of the Caribbean: Overview and Prospects in a Warmer Climate
Authors: Gamble Douglas 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe Caribbean is a region that experiences a wide range of climatic hazards: tropical waves, tropical cyclones, frontal storms, convective thunderstorms, and meteorological drought. Despite the influence of all of these climatic hazards on the Caribbean region, one climatic hazard, tropical cyclones (including tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes), dominates the hazards research and literature with little attention given to the other climatic hazards (non‐tropical heavy rains, orographic precipitation, and meteorological drought). The purpose of this review article is to address such a bias in the literature by providing an overview of Caribbean climatic hazards not related to tropical cyclones (non‐tropical storms, orographic precipitation, and meteorological drought) and discuss the potential impact of climate change upon these hazards. Because the impact of a future warm climate is not limited to tropical cyclones alone, mitigation and adaption efforts should strive to address the entire spectrum of Caribbean climatic hazards.
From Petro‐States to ‘new realities’: Perspectives on the Geographies of oil
Authors: Kennedy Emilia 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRecent “oil shocks” in the form of not only price volatility, but also catastrophic oil spills, growing acceptance of climate change, and public contestations over oil wars and major projects, have multiplied in recent years – indications that the spaces and practices of energy intensive social formations are becoming increasingly politicized objects of concern. The paper summarizes the petro‐state thesis and reviews recent contributions on the geographies of oil. While the petro‐state is useful for conceptualizing some aspects of the political dynamics of oil, it fails to capture some of the dynamics of concern in four major areas of work on geographies of oil: petro‐capitalism and economies of oil violence, socially produced scarcity, petro‐state(s) and expanded oil polities, and the “new realities of oil,” such as price volatility, changes in size and location of demand and supply, and the energy dilemmas associated with energy security and climate change. The conclusion discusses recent work that ties the political geographies of oil to geographies everyday life, pointing to a research agenda for integrating the consideration hydrocarbons into wider geographical inquiries.