bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microchimerism in Behçet's disease
Authors: Alp Ruken , Guney Aysequl U. , Tursen Umit , Kaya Tamer , Tursen Belma , Erdal Mehmet E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundBehçet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic disorder of unknown etiology characterized by chronic relapsing oral aphthous lesions, genital ulcers, and uveitis. Immunological dysfunction is the most emphasized etiopathogenetic factor. Microchimerism is existence of an allogeneic DNA in a living creature. There are variable studies investigating the role of microchimerism on etiopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. To our knowledge, no report has investigated the relationship between microchimerism and BD. We aimed to investigate the possible role of microchimerism on BD as an autoimmune disorder.MethodsWe analyzed the SRY gene as an indicator of fetal microchimerism in our patient and healthy control groups. The patients were 105 women with BD over 18 years old who had applied to multidisciplinary Behçet's disease clinic at Mersin University between 2005 and 2011. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 consisted of 39 patients having a son, and group 2, 15 patients either nulliparous or having a daughter. Controls comprised two groups of women according to whether or not they had a son, i.e., group 3 (n = 51) and group 4 (n = 52), respectively. All patients with BD fulfilled International Study Group criteria for the diagnosis of BD.ResultsForty‐one of 54 (75.9%) patients and four of 103 (3.9%) controls showed presence of the SRY gene. The difference between the patient and control groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001).ConclusionAs a result of our study, microchimerism may be associated with the etiopathogenesis of BD. However, we think there is a need for a larger series of studies to support this hypothesis.
Intraday Liquidity and Central Bank Credit in Gross Payment Systems
Authors: Callado Muñoz Francisco J. , Utrero González Natalia 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to compare modern gross payment systems and emphasize their implications on the availability of intraday liquidity and credit from the central bank. We introduce the risk of default involved in extending intraday credit to determine the implications on consumer and bank behaviour. The results show that the non‐marketable collateral assets model, which provides greater flexibility to banks but does not completely eliminate credit risk, is superior to other models. To minimize the remaining credit risk, financial authorities should analyse the financial condition of banks, establish higher credit standards for collateral and specify particular criteria to accept non‐marketable assets. These actions will improve the performance of this model and reinforce the role of the financial authorities in providing intraday liquidity.
Timing and tempo of evolutionary diversification in a biodiversity hotspot: Primulaceae on Indian Ocean islands
Authors: Strijk Joeri S. , Bone Ruth E. , Thébaud Christophe , Buerki Sven , Fritsch Peter W. , Hodkinson Trevor R. , Strasberg Dominique 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimWe examined phylogenetic relationships and spatio‐temporal diversification in Indian Ocean Primulaceae, assessing correlations between speciation rates, geographical expansion and ecomorphological specialization.LocationMadagascar and Indian Ocean Islands.MethodsWe conducted phylogenetic analyses with plastid and nuclear DNA sequences of Primulaceae using maximum likelihood and Bayesian algorithms, and estimated divergence times using a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock. Temporal changes in diversification rate and possible correlations with the biogeographical history of the group were examined. We performed parametric ancestral area reconstruction incorporating a stratified palaeogeographical model that reflects changes in terrestrial configuration and the presence of phytogeographical connections through time in the western Indian Ocean Basin. Shifts in diversification rate were compared with ancestral area assignments and divergence age estimates.ResultsIndian Ocean Primulaceae were recovered as monophyletic with a sister relationship to Asian Ardisia. Oncostemum, a genus confined to Madagascar and the Comoros, was resolved as paraphyletic by the inclusion of a monophyletic Mascarene Badula group consisting of single‐island endemics. We found evidence for diversification bursts early in the history of Indian Ocean Primulaceae that correspond closely to the sequence of dispersal and the appearance of newly formed Mascarene Islands. Age estimates suggest a dispersal to Rodrigues that is older than the estimated geological age of the island.Main conclusionsResults suggest a Madagascan origin of Indian Ocean Primulaceae with subsequent dispersal to the Mascarenes in the middle to late Miocene, with initial establishment on either Mauritius or Rodrigues and subsequent stepping‐stone dispersal to the other two Mascarene islands within the last 2 Myr. Analyses suggest that diversification has slowed over time, with significant rate changes following dispersal to new geographical areas. Onset of diversification in species‐rich Oncostemum appears to have been recent, with major cladogenesis commencing in the early Pliocene.
The Age‐Related Hemodynamic Changes of Blood Pressure and Their Impact on the Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: New Evidence
Authors: Chrysant Steven G. , Chrysant George S. 
Published: December 2013

There is a linear change in blood pressure (BP) with the advancement of age from predominantly diastolic BP (DBP) in the young to predominantly systolic BP (SBP) in the old. This change is caused by the stiffening of the large arteries and the loss of elastic recoil as a result of replacement of the elastic fibers with collagen fibers. The result of this ageing process leads to an increase in pulse wave velocity and widening of pulse pressure. These hemodynamic changes are associated with an increased incidence in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and strokes. Recently, an inverse relationship with stroke risk was noted when the DBP was <71 mm Hg in persons older than 60 years. Accordingly, when treating SBP in the elderly, care should be taken not to lower the DBP below this level in order to minimize the risk for CVD and stoke.
Matrix metalloproteinases and myeloperoxidase in gingival crevicular fluid provide site‐specific diagnostic value for chronic periodontitis
Authors: Leppilahti Jussi M. , Hernández‐Ríos Patricia A. , Gamonal Jorge A. , Tervahartiala Taina , Brignardello‐Petersen Romina , Mantyla Paivi , Sorsa Timo , Hernández Marcela 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimTo identify the diagnostic accuracy of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) candidate biomarkers to discriminate periodontitis from the inflamed and healthy sites, and to compare the performance of two independent matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 immunoassays.Materials and MethodsCross sectional study. GCF (N = 58 sites) was collected from healthy, gingivitis and chronic periodontitis volunteers and analysed for levels of azurocidin, chemokine ligand 5, MPO, TIMP‐1 MMP‐13 and MMP‐14 by ELISA or activity assays. MMP‐8 was assayed by immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) and ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed‐effects models and Bayesian statistics in R and Stata V11.ResultsMMP‐8, MPO, azurocidin and total MMP‐13 and MMP‐14 were higher in periodontitis compared to gingivitis and healthy sites (p < 0.05). A very high correlation between MPO and MMP‐8 was evident in the periodontitis group (r = 0.95, p < 0.0001). MPO, azurocidin and total levels of MMP‐8, MMP‐13 and MMP‐14 showed high diagnostic accuracy (≥0.90), but only MMP‐8 and MPO were significantly higher in the periodontitis versus gingivitis sites. MMP‐8 determined by IFMA correlated more strongly with periodontal status and showed higher diagnostic accuracy than ELISA.ConclusionsMPO and collagenolytic MMPs are highly discriminatory biomarkers for site‐specific diagnosis of periodontitis. The comparison of two quantitative MMP‐8 methods demonstrated IFMA to be more accurate than ELISA.
Coronally advanced flap with and without connective tissue graft for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: a comparative short‐ and long‐term controlled randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zucchelli Giovanni , Mounssif Ilham , Mazzotti Claudio , Stefanini Martina , Marzadori Matteo , Petracci Elisabetta , Montebugnoli Lucio 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to compare short‐ and long‐term root coverage and aesthetic outcomes of the coronally advanced flap (CAF) alone or in combination with a connective tissue graft (CTG) for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions.MethodsFifty patients with multiple (≥2) adjacent gingival recessions (≥2 mm) in the upper jaw were enrolled. Twenty‐five patients were randomly assigned to the control group (CAF), and the other 25 patients to the test group (CAF + CTG). Clinical outcomes were evaluated at 6 months, 1 and 5 years. The aesthetic evaluations were made 1 and 5 years after the surgery.ResultsNo statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the two groups in terms of Rec Red and complete root coverage (CRC) at 6 months and 1 year. At 5 years, statistically greater recession reduction and probability of CRC, greater increase in buccal KTH and better contour evaluation made by an independent periodontist were observed in the CAF + CTG group. Better post‐operative course and better colour match were demonstrated in CAF‐treated patients both at 1 and 5 years.ConclusionsCAF + CTG provided better CRC at 5 years; keloid formation due to graft exposure was responsible for the worse colour match evaluation.
Variation in male effects on female fecundity in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Tennant H. M. , Sonser E. E. , Long T. A. F. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn many species, males have the capacity to directly influence (either positively or negatively) the fitness of their mates and offspring, not only via parental care contributions and/or precopulatory resource provisioning, but also via the post‐copulatory activity of those substances passed on to their mates in their ejaculates. Here, we examine how an individual male's identity may be related to phenotypic variation in short‐term female fecundity in the model species, Drosophila melanogaster. The effect of male identity on short‐term fecundity stimulation of females was repeatable across time and accounted for over a fifth of the total observed phenotypic variation in fecundity in two independent populations. The functional explanations for these results and the implications for our understanding of the factors that contribute to the adaptive significance of mating preferences and/or sexual conflict are discussed.
Self‐processing of ribozyme‐flanked RNAs into guide RNAs in vitro and in vivo for CRISPR‐mediated genome editing
Authors: Gao Yangbin , Zhao Yunde 
Published: December 2013

AbstractCRISPR/Cas9 uses a guide RNA (gRNA) molecule to execute sequence‐specific DNA cleavage and it has been widely used for genome editing in many organisms. Modifications at either end of the gRNAs often render Cas9/gRNA inactive. So far, production of gRNA in vivo has only been achieved by using the U6 and U3 snRNA promoters. However, the U6 and U3 promoters have major limitations such as a lack of cell specificity and unsuitability for in vitro transcription. Here, we present a versatile method for efficiently producing gRNAs both in vitro and in vivo. We design an artificial gene named RGR that, once transcribed, generates an RNA molecule with ribozyme sequences at both ends of the designed gRNA. We show that the primary transcripts of RGR undergo self‐catalyzed cleavage to generate the desired gRNA, which can efficiently guide sequence‐specific cleavage of DNA targets both in vitro and in yeast. RGR can be transcribed from any promoters and thus allows for cell‐ and tissue‐specific genome editing if appropriate promoters are chosen. Detecting mutations generated by CRISPR is often achieved by enzyme digestions, which are not very compatible with high‐throughput analysis. Our system allows for the use of universal primers to produce any gRNAs in vitro, which can then be used with Cas9 protein to detect mutations caused by the gRNAs/CRISPR. In conclusion, we provide a versatile method for generating targeted mutations in specific cells and tissues, and for efficiently detecting the mutations generated.
Prevalence of whiplash trauma in TMD patients: a systematic review
Authors: Häggman‐Henrikson B. , Rezvani M. , List T. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe purpose of this systematic review was to describe the prevalence of whiplash trauma in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and to describe clinical signs and symptoms in comorbid TMD/whiplash compared with TMD localised to the facial region. A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library and Bandolier databases was carried out for articles published from 1 January 1966 to 31 December 2012. The systematic search identified 129 articles. After the initial screening of abstracts, 32 articles were reviewed in full text applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Six studies on the prevalence of neck trauma in patients with TMD met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Two of the authors evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies. The reported prevalence of whiplash trauma ranged from 8·4% to 70% (median 35%) in TMD populations, compared with 1·7–13% in the non‐TMD control groups. Compared with patients with TMD localised to the facial region, TMD patients with a history of whiplash trauma reported more TMD symptoms, such as limited jaw opening and more TMD pain, and also more headaches and stress symptoms. In conclusion, the prevalence of whiplash trauma is higher in patients with TMD compared with non‐TMD controls. Furthermore, patients with comorbid TMD/whiplash present with more jaw pain and more severe jaw dysfunction compared with TMD patients without a history of head–neck trauma. These results suggest that whiplash trauma might be an initiating and/or aggravating factor as well as a comorbid condition for TMD.
Antiplatelet drugs reduce the immunoinflammatory response in a rat model of periodontal disease
Authors: Coimbra L. S. , Steffens J. P. , Muscará M. N. , Rossa C. , Spolidorio L. C. 
Published: December 2013

Background and ObjectiveAfter activation, platelets express mediators that modulate inflammation. We hypothesized that drug‐induced platelet inactivation may interfere in the inflammatory process in experimental periodontal disease by suppressing the release of biological mediators to the injury site.Material and MethodsTo evaluate the effects of antiplatelet drugs on experimental periodontal disease, 60 rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10) and ligatures were placed around lower first molars in three groups. The other three groups were not subjected to the induction of periodontal disease and were used as negative controls. During the experimental period, animals were given aspirin (30 mg/kg) or clopidogrel (75 mg/kg) intragastrically once daily for 3 d. On day 3, they were killed and gingival tissue were used to evaluate myeloperoxidase activity and the expression of the chemokine CXCL4. Hemi‐mandibles were used for microscopic evaluation.ResultsClopidogrel significantly reduced the inflammatory infiltrate and increased the amount of collagen fibers. Histometric analysis showed that clopidogrel impaired alveolar bone loss. Expression of CXCL4 was significantly increased (p < 0.001) in rats subjected to periodontal disease. Systemic administration of aspirin and clopidogrel induced a significant decrease ( p < 0.05) in the expression of CXCL4. Treatment with antiplatelet drugs resulted in a significant reduction of myeloperoxidase activity when compared to saline‐treated animals with periodontal disease.ConclusionClopidogrel but not aspirin showed the ability of preventing bone loss in experimental periodontitis.
The relationship between matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐3, ‐8, ‐9) in serum and peripheral lymphocytes (CD8+,CD56+) in Down syndrome children with gingivitis
Authors: Tsilingaridis G. , Yucel‐Lindberg T. , Concha Quezada H. , Modéer T. 
Published: December 2013

Background and ObjectiveAltered immune response may be a major contributor to periodontal disease in Down syndrome. This study investigated the relationship between peripheral lymphocytes and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in serum in Down syndrome children with gingivitis.Material and MethodsChildren with Down syndrome (n = 10) and healthy controls (n = 10) were clinically and radiographically examined during dental treatment under general anaesthesia. Peripheral blood and gingival crevicular fluid were collected from each subject and concentrations were determined: serumMMP‐2, ‐3, ‐8 and ‐9; serum tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) ‐1, ‐2 and ‐3; andgingival crevicular fluid. Leukocytes were isolated from peripheral blood and the relative amounts (%) of the various cell phenotypes were analysed using flow cytometry. In addition, peripheral blood cells were treated withPorphyromonas gingivalislipopolysaccharide and levels ofMMPs andTIMPs measured.ResultsConcentrations ofMMP‐3,MMP‐8 andTIMP‐1 in serum were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the Down syndrome group compared to the controls. When peripheral blood leukocytes were cultured in the presence or absence ofP. gingivalislipopolysaccharide,MMP‐8 levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the Down syndrome group compared to controls. Children with Down syndrome exhibited significant positive correlations betweenCD8+T cells andMMP‐8 (r = 0.630;p = 0.050), betweenCD8+T cells andMMP‐9 (r = 0.648;p = 0.043), and betweenCD56+NKcells andMMP‐3 (r = 0.828;p = 0.003) compared to controls.ConclusionsThe positive relationship of serumMMP‐3, ‐8 and ‐9 with immune cells in children with Down syndrome may facilitate migration ofCD8+T cells andCD56+NKcells into the periodontal tissue, which may contribute to the increased degradation of periodontal tissue in individuals with Down syndrome.
Iron status and C‐reactive protein in canine leishmaniasis
Authors: Silvestrini P. , Zoia A. , Planellas M. , Roura X. , Pastor J. , Cerón J. J. , Caldin M. 
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVETo investigate the iron status, its relationship with C‐reactive protein and the prognostic value of both in canine leishmaniasis.METHODEighty‐six dogs with leishmaniasis and two control groups (healthy dogs and dogs with diseases other than leishmaniasis) were selected. Iron status indicators and C‐reactive protein were compared between the three groups. Correlations between C‐reactive protein and iron, ferritin and total iron‐binding capacity were evaluated in dogs with leishmaniasis. Iron, total iron‐binding capacity and ferritin were compared between dogs stratified according to similar C‐reactive protein concentrations. The mortality rate at 30 days post‐diagnosis was compared between groups. Iron status indicators and C‐reactive protein were compared between survivors and non‐survivors.RESULTSDogs with leishmaniasis had lower iron and total iron‐binding capacity and higher ferritin and C‐reactive protein. There was a significant but low correlation of C‐reactive protein with iron, ferritin and total iron‐binding capacity. Dogs with leishmaniasis had decreased iron and total iron‐binding capacity and increased ferritin compared to other ill patients with similar C‐reactive protein concentrations. Mortality was not significantly different between groups but non‐survivor dogs with leishmaniasis had higher C‐reactive protein and lower total iron‐binding capacity.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEInflammation contributes to the iron status alterations found in canine leishmaniasis but other mechanisms are likely involved. Low total iron‐binding capacity and increased C‐reactive protein are risk factors for outcome in canine leishmaniasis.
Probiotic gut effect prevents the chronic psychological stress‐induced brain activity abnormality in mice
Authors: Ait‐Belgnaoui A. , Colom A. , Braniste V. , Ramalho L. , Marrot A. , Cartier C. , Houdeau E. , Theodorou V. , Tompkins T. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundA probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 combination, Probio'Stick®) displays anxiolytic‐like activity and reduces apoptosis in the lymbic system in animal models of depression. Based on the hypothesis that modulation of gut microbiota by this probiotic formulation has beneficial effects on brain activity in stress conditions, we report a set of probiotic‐evoked physiological, cellular, and molecular events in the brain of Probio'Stick® pretreated mice submitted to chronic psychological stress.MethodsWater avoidance stress (WAS) was applied or not (sham). Hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses to the chronic stress were assessed through plasma corticosterone and catecholamine measurements. Specific markers for neuronal activity, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity were used to assess brain activity. In addition, gut permeability and tight junction (TJ) proteins levels were also determinated.Key ResultsWe observed that a pretreatment with the probiotic formulation attenuated HPA axis and ANS activities in response to WAS, and reduced cFos expression in different brain areas but Lactobacillus salivarius (a negative control) treatment was ineffective on these parameters. Moreover, probiotic pretreatment prevented the WAS‐induced decrease hippocampal neurogenesis and expression changes in hypothalamic genes involved in synaptic plasticity. These central effects were associated with restoration of TJ barrier integrity in stressed mice.Conclusions & InferencesThese data suggest that chronic stress‐induced abnormal brain plasticity and reduction in neurogenesis can be prevented by a pretreatment with the Probio'Stick® formulation, suggesting that probiotics modulate neuroregulatory factors and various signaling pathways in the central nervous system involved in stress response.
End‐of‐Dose Pain in Chronic Pain: Does it Vary with the Use of Different Long‐Acting Opioids?
Authors: Zimmermann Michael , Richarz Ute 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA large percentage of patients with chronic pain on around‐the‐clock (ATC) opioids may experience increased pain occurring at the end of a scheduled dose, also known as end‐of‐dose pain. Despite the significant prevalence and impact of end‐of‐dose pain in patients using extended‐release (ER) opioids, there are no detailed analyses examining how the frequency of end‐of‐dose pain is linked to the formulations of long‐acting opioids. Consequently, we performed a systematic review to evaluate how many published studies on patients with chronic cancer or noncancer pain identified end‐of‐dose pain. As only a few studies mentioned end‐of‐dose pain explicitly, we used breakthrough pain (BTP) as a surrogate parameter. We determined if any opioid formulation had a greater association with the frequency of BTP, the use of rescue medication for BTP, and the frequency of end‐of‐dose pain. Of the 39 studies entered in the final analysis, 14 studies across different formulations showed that ER opioids were effective in the prevention of BTP. The opioids most frequently studied were hydromorphone (26%), followed by morphine (23%), and transdermal buprenorphine (23%). Only 5% of the studies used immediate‐release preparations. Overall, most studies showed that patients using ER preparations experienced fewer episodes of BTP compared with patients on placebo or an active comparator. This could reflect the favorable duration of action of these opioids compared with short‐acting formulations. Future studies should examine the incidence of end‐of‐dose pain and use of rescue medicine in a longitudinal manner in patients with chronic pain taking short‐ vs. long‐acting ATC opioids.