bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the endosymbiotic pea crabCalyptraeotheres garthion the metabolic rate and oxidative status of the slipper limpetCrepidula cachimilla
Authors: Ocampo Emiliano H. , Menone Mirta L. , Iturburu Fernando G. , Nuñez Jesús D. , Baeza J. Antonio 
Published: April 2014

AbstractParasites may induce metabolic changes and imbalances in the redox status of hosts. This study tested the effect of parasites on the O2consumption rate (O2‐CR) of hosts, and explored the link between O2‐CR and oxidative stress in parasitized hosts. We used the symbiotic pea crabCalyptraeotheres garthiand its slipper limpet hostCrepidula cachimillaas models. The O2‐CR of long‐term (3 months) infested limpets was 2.5 times greater than that of long‐term uninfested limpets. Also, the O2‐CR of limpets stripped of crabs 24 h before measurements was intermediate between that of long‐term infested and uninfested limpets. These results indicate a parasitic relationship betweenC. garthiandCr.cachimilla, and suggest that the effect of the parasite on the metabolic rate of limpets is reversible. Lastly, the activity of two antioxidant enzymes (CAT and GST) as well as lipid peroxidation did not vary between infested and uninfested limpets. Thus, increased O2‐CR is not necessarily coupled with oxidative stress in pea crab‐parasitized slipper limpets.
Vertical Osteoconductive Characteristics of Titanium Implants with Calcium‐Phosphate‐Coated Surfaces – A Pilot Study in Rabbits
Authors: Schiegnitz Eik , Palarie Victor , Nacu Viorel , Al‐Nawas Bilal , Kämmerer Peer Wolfgang 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Osteoconductive characteristics of different implant surface coatings are in the focus of current interest. The aim of the present study was to compare the vertical osteoconductivity at the implant shoulder of supracrestal inserted calcium‐phosphate coated implants (SLA‐CaP) with conventional sand‐blasted/acid‐etched (SLA) implants in a rabbit model.Materials and Methods: SLA‐CaP and SLA implants were inserted bilaterally in the mandible of four rabbits in a split‐mouth design. The implants were placed 2 mm supracrestal. After 3 weeks, at the left and right implant shoulder, the percentage of linear bone fill (PLF) as well as bone‐implant contact (BIC‐D) were determined.Results: After 3 weeks, newly formed woven bone could be found at the shoulder of the most of both surface‐treated implants (75%). PLF was significantly higher in SLA‐CaP implants (11.2% vs. 46.5%; n = 8, p = .008). BIC‐D was significantly increased in the SLA‐CaP implants (13.0% vs. 71.4%; n = 8, p < .001) as well.Conclusion: The results of this study show for the first time that calcium‐phosphate coated surfaces on supracrestal inserted implants have vertical osteoconductive characteristics and increase the bone‐implant contact at the implant shoulder significantly in a rabbit model. In clinical long‐term settings, these implants may contribute to a better vertical bone height.
Can Desalination and Clean Energy Combined Help to Alleviate Global Water Scarcity?
Authors: Sood Aditya , Smakhtin Vladimir 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe major present hindrance in using desalination to help alleviate global water scarcity is the cost of this technology, which, in turn is due to energy cost involved. This study examines historical trends in desalination and breaks up the cost of desalination into energy based and nonenergy based. It then develops the learning curves (relationship between cumulative production and market price) for desalination. Assuming that the photovoltaic (PV) technology will be the dominant form of energy used in the desalination process, the existing PV learning curve and desalination learning curve are combined to explore the viability of large‐scale adoption of desalination in the future. The world has been divided into seven regions and it is assumed that water demand from desalinated water will be met only within the 100‐km coastal belt. It is shown that, in most of the regions, other than sub‐Saharan Africa, Central America, and South Asia (where water tariffs are low), the desalination (without considering energy) becomes viable by 2040. For PV technology, less than 1 million MW per annum growth is required till 2050 to make it affordable. Globally, desalination with renewable energy can become a viable option to replace domestic and industrial water demand in the 100‐km coastal belt by 2050.
Estimating Sediment and Nutrient Loads in Four Western Lake Superior Streams
Authors: Ruzycki Elaine M. , Axler Richard P. , Host George E. , Henneck Jerald R. , Will Norman R. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTotal suspended solids (TSS) and total phosphorus (TP) have been shown to be strongly correlated with turbidity in watersheds. High‐frequency in situ turbidity can provide estimates of these potential pollutants over a wide range of hydrologic conditions. Concentrations and loads were estimated in four western Lake Superior trout streams from 2005 to 2010 using regression models relating continuous turbidity data to grab sample measures of TSS and TP during differing flow regimes. TSS loads estimated using the turbidity surrogate were compared with those made using FLUX software, a standard assessment technique based on discharge and grab sampling for TSS. More traditional rating curve methodology was not suitable because of the high variability in the particulates vs. discharge relationship. Stream‐specific turbidity and TSS data were strongly correlated (r2 = 0.5 to 0.8; p < 0.05) and less so for TP (r2 = 0.3 to 0.7; p < 0.05). Near‐continuous turbidity monitoring (every 15 min) provided a good method for estimating both TSS and TP concentration, providing information when manual sample collection was unlikely, and allowing for detailed analyses of short‐term responses of flashy Lake Superior tributaries to highly variable weather and hydrologic conditions while the FLUX model typically resulted in load estimates greater than those determined using the turbidity surrogate, with 17/23 stream years having greater FLUX estimates for TSS and 18/23 for TP.
Effects of Land Use and Climate Change on Stream Temperature II: Threshold Exceedance Duration Projections for Freshwater Mussels
Authors: Daraio Joseph A. , Bales Jerad D. , Pandolfo Tamara J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe developed a stochastic hourly stream temperature model (SHSTM) to estimate probability of exceeding given threshold temperature (T) for specified durations (24 and 96 h) to assess potential impacts on freshwater mussels in the upper Tar River, North Carolina. Simulated daily mean stream T from climate change (CC) and land‐use (LU) change simulations for 2021‐2030 and 2051‐2060 were used as input to the SHSTM. Stream T observations in 2010 revealed only two sites with T above 30°C for >24 h and Ts were never >31°C for more than 24 h at any site. The SHSTM suggests that the probability, P, that T will exceed 32°C for at least 96 h in a given year increased from P = 0, in the 20th Century, to P = 0.05 in 2021‐2030 and to P = 0.14 in 2051‐2060. The SHSTM indicated that CC had greater effects on P for 24 and 96 h durations than LU change. Increased P occurred primarily in higher order stream segments in the downstream reaches of the basin. The SHSTM indicated that hourly stream T responded to LU change on the daily scale and did not affect stream T for durations >24 h. The SHSTM indicated that known thermal thresholds for freshwater mussels could be exceeded within the next 50 years in many parts of the upper Tar River basin in North Carolina, which could have negative consequences on the recruitment of freshwater mussels.
Channel Roughness in North Carolina Mountain Streams
Authors: Zink Jason M. , Jennings Gregory D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractChannel roughness, often described by Manning's n, is used to represent the amount of resistance that flow encounters, and has direct implications on velocity and discharge. Ideally, n is calculated from a long‐term record of channel discharge and hydraulic geometry. In the absence of these data, a combination of photo references and a validated qualitative method is preferable to simply choosing n arbitrarily or from a table. The purpose of this study was to use United States Geological Survey (USGS) streamflow data to calculate roughness coefficients for streams in the mountains of North Carolina. Five USGS gage stations were selected for this study, representing drainage areas between 71.5 and 337 km2. Photo references of the study sites are presented. Measured discharges were combined with hydraulic geometry at a cross‐section to calculate roughness coefficients for flows of interest. At bankfull flow, n ranged between 0.039 and 0.064 for the five study sites. Roughness coefficients were not constant for all flows in a channel, and fluctuated over a large range. At all sites, roughness was highest during low‐flow conditions, then quickly decreased as flow increased, up to the bankfull elevation.
Is Mini‐Mental Score Examination Scoring a New Predictor of Uncontrolled Hypertension?
Authors: Sayed Khaled , Taha Tamer T.I. , Saad Mohamad , Mohsen Laila A. , Ibrahiem Mohamed A. , Fadeel Nashaat A.A. , Sotouhy Amr 
Published: April 2014

Essential hypertension is an important risk factor for target organ damage. The brain is among the target organs infrequently visited. The authors evaluated whether an abnormal Mini‐Mental Score Examination (MMSE) score predicts uncontrolled hypertension even if office blood pressure is normal. Seventy‐seven hypertensive patients were included. The cognitive function of each patient was assessed using MMSE and a customized brain magnetic resonance imaging study. Patients were classified into normal cognitive function group and mild, moderate, and severe cognitive impairment groups. A significance level of P=.05 was used. There was a higher percentage of uncontrolled BP in every cognitive impairment class. In patients older than 65 years, MMSE score had a sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 83%, respectively, in the prediction of uncontrolled hypertension. MMSE is a simple test to run in the clinic to predict whether patients have well‐controlled blood pressure.
Developmental association of prosocial behaviour with aggression, anxiety and depression from infancy to preadolescence
Authors: Nantel‐Vivier Amélie , Pihl Robert O. , Côté Sylvana , Tremblay Richard E. 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundResearch on associations between children's prosocial behaviour and mental health has provided mixed evidence. The present study sought to describe and predict the joint development of prosocial behaviour with externalizing and internalizing problems (physical aggression, anxiety and depression) from 2 to 11 years of age.MethodData were drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY). Biennial prosocial behaviour, physical aggression, anxiety and depression maternal ratings were sought for 10,700 children aged 0 to 9 years at the first assessment point.ResultsWhile a negative association was observed between prosociality and physical aggression, more complex associations emerged with internalizing problems. Being a boy decreased the likelihood of membership in the high prosocial trajectory. Maternal depression increased the likelihood of moderate aggression, but also of joint high prosociality/low aggression. Low family income predicted the joint development of high prosociality with high physical aggression and high depression.ConclusionsIndividual differences exist in the association of prosocial behaviour with mental health. While high prosociality tends to co‐occur with low levels of mental health problems, high prosociality and internalizing/externalizing problems can co‐occur in subgroups of children. Child, mother and family characteristics are predictive of individual differences in prosocial behaviour and mental health development. Mechanisms underlying these associations warrant future investigations.
Drug administration via enteral feeding tubes in residential care facilities for individuals with intellectual disability: an observational study
Authors: Joos E. , Mehuys E. , Van Bocxlaer J. , Remon J. P. , Van Winckel M. , Boussery K. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe administration of oral medication to patients with an enteral feeding tube (EFT) is challenging. Compliance to guidelines concerning medication administration via EFT has been investigated extensively in the hospital setting. However, studies in residential care facilities (RCFs) for individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are very limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to collect direct observational data on drug administration practices to residents with EFT in multiple RCFs.MethodThis cross‐sectional, observational study was conducted in six Belgian RCFs for individuals with ID. Observations of medication preparation and administration through EFT were carried out in two randomly selected units per participating RCF, on 2 days per unit during all daytime drug rounds, using a direct observation method. Afterwards, the recorded observations were compared with international guidelines on drug preparation and administration through EFT.ResultsIn total, 862 drug preparations and 268 administrations in 48 residents with EFT were witnessed. Mixing together multiple drugs, not diluting liquid formulations with at least an equal amount of water, not shaking suspensions/emulsions before use, and not selecting the most appropriate dosage form were the most common deviations from medication preparation guideline recommendations. For medication administration, not flushing the EFT with at least 15 mL water was the most common deviation. We also observed high variability in working methods regarding medication preparation and administration via EFT, even between staff members of the same unit.ConclusionThis study found that current guidelines concerning medication preparation and administration through EFT are often not followed in Belgian RCFs for individuals with ID. Further research aimed at understanding why current guidelines are not followed seems warranted.
Neuroactive steroid levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of male multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Caruso Donatella , Melis Marta , Fenu Giuseppe , Giatti Silvia , Romano Simone , Grimoldi Maria , Crippa Donatella , Marrosu Maria Giovanna , Cavaletti Guido , Melcangi Roberto Cosimo 
Published: April 2014

AbstractNeuroactive steroid family includes molecules synthesized in peripheral glands (i.e., hormonal steroids) and directly in the nervous system (i.e., neurosteroids) which are key regulators of the nervous function. As already reported in clinical and experimental studies, neurodegenerative diseases affect the levels of neuroactive steroids. However, a careful analysis comparing the levels of these molecules in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in plasma of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is still missing. To this aim, the levels of neuroactive steroids were evaluated by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry in CSF and plasma of male adults affected by Relapsing‐Remitting MS and compared with those collected in control patients. An increase in pregnenolone and isopregnanolone levels associated with a decrease in progesterone metabolites, dihydroprogesterone, and tetrahydroprogesterone was observed in CSF of MS patients. Moreover, an increase of 5α‐androstane‐3α,17β‐diol and of 17β‐estradiol levels associated with a decrease of dihydrotestosterone also occurred. In plasma, an increase in pregnenolone, progesterone, and dihydrotestosterone and a decrease in dihydroprogesterone and tetrahydroprogesterone levels were reported. This study shows for the first time that the levels of several neuroactive steroids, and particularly those of progesterone and testosterone metabolites, are deeply affected in CSF of relapsing‐remitting MS male patients.
imageWe here demonstrated that, the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma levels of several neuroactive steroids are modified in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis male patients. Interestingly, we reported for the first time that, the levels of progesterone and testosterone metabolites are deeply affected in cerebrospinal fluid. These findings may have an important relevance in therapeutic and/or diagnostic field of multiple sclerosis.
Assessing the effectiveness of 30% sodium chloride aqueous solution for the preservation of fixed anatomical specimens: a 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: de Oliveira Fabrício Singaretti 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAnatomical specimens used in human or veterinary anatomy laboratories are usually prepared with formaldehyde (a cancerous and teratogenic substance), glycerin (an expensive and viscous fluid), or ethanol (which is flammable). This research aimed to verify the viability of an aqueous 30% sodium chloride solution for preservation of anatomical specimens previously fixed with formaldehyde. Anatomical specimens of ruminant, carnivorous, equine, swine and birds were used. All were previously fixed with an aqueous 20% formaldehyde solution and held for 7 days in a 10% aqueous solution of the same active ingredient. During the first phase of the experiment, small specimens of animal tissue previously fixed in formaldehyde were distributed in vials with different concentrations of formaldehyde, with or without 30% sodium chloride solution, a group containing only 30% sodium chloride, and a control group containing only water. During this phase, no contamination was observed in any specimen containing 30% sodium chloride solution, whether alone or in combination with different concentrations of formaldehyde. In the second phase of the experiment, the 30% sodium chloride solution, found to be optimal in the first phase of the experiment, was tested for its long‐term preservation properties. For a period of 5 years, the preserved specimens were evaluated three times a week for visual contamination, odors, and changes in color and texture. There was no visual contamination or decay found in any specimen. Furthermore, no strange odors, or changes in color or softness were noted. The 30% sodium chloride solution was determined to be effective in the preservation of anatomic specimens previously fixed in formaldehyde.
Statin use reduces the risk of dementia in elderly patients: a nationwide data survey and propensity analysis
Authors: Wu C.‐K. , Yang Y.‐H. , Lin T.‐T. , Tsai C.‐T. , Hwang J.‐J. , Lin J.‐L. , Chen P.‐C. , Chiang F.‐T. , Lin L.‐Y. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to examine the association between the use of statins and the risk of newly diagnosed dementia in an elderly population.Design, setting and participantsRandom samples of 1000 000 individuals covered by the National Health Insurance in Taiwan were included in the analysis. All participants were 65 years or older without dementia and either did or did not start treatment with statins from 1 August 1997 to 31 December 2010. Patients with established dementia before the start of treatment were excluded. Baseline characteristics were matched (by propensity score) in those who did and did not receive statins.ResultsA total of 57 669 subjects were included in the analysis with approximately 12 years of follow‐up. Propensity score matching identified 2003 patients who received statins and another 2003 patients who did not with comparable baseline characteristics. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for dementia were significantly inversely associated with total or daily equivalent statin dosage (total accumulated dose: HRs 0.829, 0.720 and 0.385 from T1 to T3 vs. control, P < 0.001 for trend; mean daily dose: HRs 0.667, 0.798 and 0.503 from T1 to T3 vs. control, P < 0.001). The results remained robust after propensity adjustment.ConclusionIndependent of traditional risk factors, there was a decrease in newly diagnosed cases of dementia in elderly patients who had received a high total or daily dose of statins. The more potent statins (e.g. atorvastatin and rosuvastatin) seemed to be particularly effective in the prevention of dementia.
Prognostic value of vascular endothelial growth factors A and C in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yanase Mizuki , Kato Koroku , Yoshizawa Kunio , Noguchi Natsuyo , Kitahara Hiroko , Nakamura Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members play a major role in angiogenesis and vascularization. VEGF‐A promotes tumor angiogenesis by stimulating the growth of tumor vascular endothelial cells. In addition, VEGF‐C has been identified as a potent inducer of lymphangiogenesis in tumor and lymph node metastasis. Previous studies have investigated the association between clinicopathological factors and the expression of VEGF‐A and VEGF‐C in oral squamous cell carcinoma cancer (OSCC), but the results are contradictory. In this study, we investigated the relationship between VEGF‐A and VEGF‐C expression and OSCC clinicopathological factors and prognosis.MethodsExpression of VEGF‐A and VEGF‐C was evaluated in surgical specimens from 61 patients with OSCC and three human oral cancer cell lines (OSC‐19, OSC‐20 and HOC313) by immunohistochemical staining and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. We also determined the relationship between the 5‐year survival rate and clinicopathological factors, such as TNM classification (Union for International Cancer Control, UICC), lymph node metastasis, recurrence, histological differentiation, location, and mode of invasion.ResultsVEGF‐A expression correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis. VEGF‐C expression was associated with lymph node metastasis, recurrence, and a poorer 5‐year survival rate. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that VEGF‐C is an independent prognostic factor for patients with OSCC. VEGF‐C expression was significantly up‐regulated in HOC313 cells compared to OSC‐19 and OSC‐20 cells.ConclusionsThese results indicate that VEGF‐C may be a predictive factor for OSCC outcome, lymph node metastasis, and recurrence. Moreover, VEGF‐C may be an important factor in the development of new therapies for OSCC patients.
No evidence for Helicobacter pylori in oral lichen planus
Authors: Hulimavu Shwetha R. , Mohanty Leeky , V. Tondikulam Narayan , Shenoy Sadhana , Jamadar Saleha , Bhadranna Abhishek 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesOral lichen planus is a T‐cell‐mediated mucosal disease of unknown etiology. Numerous predisposing factors have been put forward in the etiology of this disease. This includes stress, drugs, genetic susceptibility, certain viruses, and bacterial infections. Recently, there have been studies published on possible role of Helicobacter pylori infection in pathogenesis of mucocutaneous diseases including oral lichen planus (OLP). The aim of this study was to detect immunohistochemically the presence of Helicobacter pylori in oral lichen planus.Materials and methodsParaffin‐embedded tissue blocks of 50 cases of OLP and 10 cases of normal buccal mucosal biopsies and 6 endoscopic biopsies of patients with peptic ulcer (control group) were sectioned and stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Serial sections of same were stained immunohistochemically using Anti‐Helicobacter pylori antibody and observed under microscope for presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori.ResultsExcept for the control group, none of the cases of OLP and normal buccal mucosal biopsies showed positivity for Helicobacter pylori.ConclusionAs we did not detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori in any of the OLP cases, we question the role of these organisms in the pathogenesis of OLP planus if any.