bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transnational dental care among Canadian immigrants
Authors: Calvasina Paola , Muntaner Carles , Quiñonez Carlos 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveThis study examines predictors of transnational dental care utilization, or the use of dental care across national borders, over a 4‐year period among immigrants to Canada.MethodsData from the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada (LSIC, 2001–2005) were used. Sampling and bootstrap weights were applied to make the data nationally representative. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were applied to identify factors associated with immigrants' transnational dental care utilization.ResultsApproximately 13% of immigrants received dental care outside Canada over a period of 4 years. Immigrants lacking dental insurance (OR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.55–2.70), those reporting dental problems (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.12–1.88), who were female (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.22–2.08), aged ≥ 50 years (OR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.45–3.64), and who were always unemployed (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.20–2.39) were more likely to report transnational dental care utilization. History of social assistance was inversely correlated with the use of dental services outside Canada (OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.30–0.83).ConclusionsIt is estimated that roughly 11 500 immigrants have used dental care outside Canada over a 4‐year period. Although transnational dental care utilization may serve as an individual solution for immigrants' initial barriers to accessing dental care, it demonstrates weaknesses to in‐country efforts at providing publicly funded dental care to socially marginalized groups. Policy reforms should be enacted to expand dental care coverage among adult immigrants.
State‐of‐the‐Art in GPU‐Based Large‐Scale Volume Visualization
Authors: Beyer Johanna , Hadwiger Markus , Pfister Hanspeter 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis survey gives an overview of the current state of the art in GPU techniques for interactive large‐scale volume visualization. Modern techniques in this field have brought about a sea change in how interactive visualization and analysis of giga‐, tera‐ and petabytes of volume data can be enabled on GPUs. In addition to combining the parallel processing power of GPUs with out‐of‐core methods and data streaming, a major enabler for interactivity is making both the computational and the visualization effort proportional to the amount and resolution of data that is actually visible on screen, i.e. ‘output‐sensitive’ algorithms and system designs. This leads to recent output‐sensitive approaches that are ‘ray‐guided’, ‘visualization‐driven’ or ‘display‐aware’. In this survey, we focus on these characteristics and propose a new categorization of GPU‐based large‐scale volume visualization techniques based on the notions of actual output‐resolution visibility and the current working set of volume bricks—the current subset of data that is minimally required to produce an output image of the desired display resolution. Furthermore, we discuss the differences and similarities of different rendering and data traversal strategies in volume rendering by putting them into a common context—the notion of address translation. For our purposes here, we view parallel (distributed) visualization using clusters as an orthogonal set of techniques that we do not discuss in detail but that can be used in conjunction with what we present in this survey.
A protocol for the delimitation of areas of endemism and the historical regionalization of the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest using harvestmen distribution data
Authors: DaSilva Marcio Bernardino , Pinto‐da‐Rocha Ricardo , DeSouza Adriano Medeiros 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe concept of areas of endemism (AoEs) has rarely been discussed in the literature, even though the use of methods to ascertain them has recently increased. We introduce a grid‐based protocol for delimiting AoEs using alternative criteria for the recognition of AoEs that are empirically tested with harvestmen species distributions in the Atlantic Rain Forest. Our data, comprising 778 records of 123 species, were analysed using parsimony analysis of endemicity and endemicity analysis on four different grids (two cell sizes and two cell placements). Additionally, we employed six qualitative combined criteria for the delimitation of AoEs and applied them to the results of the numerical analyses in a new protocol to objectively delimit AoEs. Twelve AoEs (the most detailed delimitation of the Atlantic Rain Forest so far) were delimited, partially corroborating the main divisions previously established in the literature. The results obtained with the grid‐based methods were contradictory and were plagued by artefacts, probably due to the existence of different endemism patterns in one cell or to a biogeographical barrier set obliquely to latitudinal and longitudinal axes, for example. Consequently, the congruence patterns found by them should not be considered alone; qualitative characteristics of species and clade distributions and abiotic factors should be evaluated together. Mountain slopes are the main regions of endemism, and large river valleys are the main divisions. Refuges, marine transgressions and tectonic activity seem to have played an important role in the evolution of the Atlantic Rain Forest.
Improved glucose control with reduced hypoglycaemic risk when linagliptin is added to basal insulin in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Inzucchi S. E. , Nauck M. A. , Hehnke U. , Woerle H.‐J. , von Eynatten M. , Henry R. R. 
Published: May 2015

AimTo assess the efficacy, hypoglycaemia risk and other safety markers of linagliptin as an additional therapy in older patients (aged ≥70 years) inadequately controlled with basal insulin.MethodsA prespecified safety analysis from the linagliptin trials programme was carried out to explore the hypoglycaemia risk when linagliptin was added to background basal insulin therapy in elderly patients (≥70 years). To do this, two eligible, randomized, placebo‐controlled, clinical trials (NCT00954447 and NCT01084005) of 24 and ≥52 weeks, respectively, were analysed.ResultsA total of 247 elderly individuals [mean ± standard deviation (s.d.) age 74 ± 4 years, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.2 ± 0.8%] on basal insulin (mean ± s.d. baseline dose 36 ± 25 IU/day) were identified. Alongside placebo‐adjusted change in HbA1c with linagliptin of −0.77% [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.95 to 0.59; p < 0.0001] after 24 weeks, the hazard ratios (HRs) of both overall and confirmed hypoglycaemia [blood glucose ≤3.9 mmol/l (70 mg/dl)], were significantly lower with linagliptin than with placebo: HR 0.61 (95% CI 0.39–0.97) versus 0.59 (95% CI 0.37–0.94), respectively (both p < 0.05). Moreover, significantly less confirmed hypoglycaemia was present in linagliptin‐treated patients with renal impairment [HR 0.45 (95% CI 0.27–0.76)], moderate hyperglycaemia [HbA1c 7.5 to <9.0%; HR 0.51 (95% CI 0.27–0.99)], lower fasting plasma glucose levels [<152 mg/dl; HR 0.49 (95% CI 0.28–0.86)] and those treated with higher insulin doses [insulin ≥35.6 IU/day; HR 0.46 (95% CI 0.23–0.91); p < 0.05 for all]. Severe hypoglycaemia was rare and the incidence was lower with linagliptin (0.8%) versus placebo (2.5%): HR 0.21 (95% CI 0.02–2.30).ConclusionsDespite improvements in hyperglycaemia and no relevant on‐trial insulin dose reductions, adding linagliptin to basal insulin appears to decrease hypoglycaemia risk. The biological basis of this phenomenon warrants further research but may involve counter‐regulatory effects of incretin hormones.
First report of Exobasidium gracile causing hypertrophied leaves of Camellia sasanqua in South Korea
Authors: Lee C. K. , Lee S. H. , Shin H. D. , Park J.‐H. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThis study presents the first report of Exobasidium gracile in South Korea. In 2012, a Camellia sasanqua tree with typical Exobasidium disease symptoms was observed for the first time in South Korea. The causal fungus was determined as E. gracile. The identification was based on host range, symptomatology, morphology and two‐gene sequence analyses.
A global viability assessment of the European eel
Authors: Bevacqua Daniele , Melià Paco , Gatto Marino , De Leo Giulio A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe global European eel (Anguilla anguilla) stock is critically endangered according to the IUCN, and the European Commission has urged the development of conservation plans aimed to ensure its viability. However, the complex life cycle of this panmictic species, which reproduces in the open ocean but spends most of its prereproductive life in continental waters (thus embracing a huge geographic range and a variety of habitat types), makes it difficult to assess the long‐term effectiveness of conservation measures. The interplay between local and global stressors raises intriguing cross‐scale conservation challenges that require a comprehensive modelling approach to be addressed. We developed a full life cycle model of the global European eel stock, encompassing both the oceanic and the continental phases of eel's life, and explicitly allowing for spatial heterogeneity in vital rates, availability of suitable habitat and settlement potential via a metapopulation approach. We calibrated the model against a long‐term time series of global European eel catches and used it to hindcast the dynamics of the stock in the past and project it over the 21st century under different management scenarios. Although our analysis relies on a number of inevitable simplifying assumptions and on data that may not embrace the whole range of variation in population dynamics at the small spatiotemporal scale, our hindcast is consistent with the general pattern of decline of the stock over recent decades. The results of our projections suggest that (i) habitat loss played a major role in the European eel decline; (ii) the viability of the global stock is at risk if appropriate protection measures are not implemented; (iii) the recovery of spawner escapement requires that fishing mortality is significantly reduced; and (iv) the recovery of recruitment might not be feasible if reproductive output is not enhanced.
Unexpected stimulation of soil methane uptake as emergent property of agricultural soils following bio‐based residue application
Authors: Ho Adrian , Reim Andreas , Kim Sang Yoon , Meima‐Franke Marion , Termorshuizen Aad , de Boer Wietse , van der Putten Wim H. , Bodelier Paul L. E. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIntensification of agriculture to meet the global food, feed, and bioenergy demand entail increasing re‐investment of carbon compounds (residues) into agro‐systems to prevent decline of soil quality and fertility. However, agricultural intensification decreases soil methane uptake, reducing, and even causing the loss of the methane sink function. In contrast to wetland agricultural soils (rice paddies), the methanotrophic potential in well‐aerated agricultural soils have received little attention, presumably due to the anticipated low or negligible methane uptake capacity in these soils. Consequently, a detailed study verifying or refuting this assumption is still lacking. Exemplifying a typical agricultural practice, we determined the impact of bio‐based residue application on soil methane flux, and determined the methanotrophic potential, including a qualitative (diagnostic microarray) and quantitative (group‐specific qPCR assays) analysis of the methanotrophic community after residue amendments over 2 months. Unexpectedly, after amendments with specific residues, we detected a significant transient stimulation of methane uptake confirmed by both the methane flux measurements and methane oxidation assay. This stimulation was apparently a result of induced cell‐specific activity, rather than growth of the methanotroph population. Although transient, the heightened methane uptake offsets up to 16% of total gaseous CO2 emitted during the incubation. The methanotrophic community, predominantly comprised of Methylosinus may facilitate methane oxidation in the agricultural soils. While agricultural soils are generally regarded as a net methane source or a relatively weak methane sink, our results show that methane oxidation rate can be stimulated, leading to higher soil methane uptake. Hence, even if agriculture exerts an adverse impact on soil methane uptake, implementing carefully designed management strategies (e.g. repeated application of specific residues) may compensate for the loss of the methane sink function following land‐use change.
Lipid‐based nutrient supplements do not affect efavirenz but lower plasma nevirapine concentrations in Ethiopian adult HIV patients
Authors: Abdissa A , Olsen MF , Yilma D , Tesfaye M , Girma T , Christiansen M , Hagen CM , Wiesner L , Castel S , Aseffa A , McIlleron H , Pedersen C , Friis H , Andersen AB 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesLipid‐based nutrient supplements (LNSs) are increasingly used in HIV programmes in resource‐limited settings. However, the possible effects of LNSs on the plasma concentrations of antiretroviral drugs have not been assessed. Here, we aimed to assess the effects of LNSs on plasma efavirenz and nevirapine trough concentrations in Ethiopian adult HIV‐infected patients.MethodsThe effects of LNSs were studied in adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a randomized trial. Patients with body mass index (BMI) > 17 kg/m2 (n = 282) received daily supplementation of an LNS containing whey (LNS/w), an LNS containing soy (LNS/s) or no LNS. Trough plasma concentrations of efavirenz and nevirapine were measured at 1 and 2 months. Genotyping for 516 G>T and 983 T>C polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 locus was performed. Multilevel linear mixed‐effects models were used to assess the associations between LNS and plasma efavirenz and nevirapine concentrations.ResultsIn patients with BMI > 17 kg/m2, nevirapine concentrations were lower in the LNS/w and LNS/s groups by a median of −2.3 μg/mL [interquartile range (IQR) −3.9; −0.9 μg/mL; P = 0.002] and −2.1 μg/mL (IQR −3.9; −0.9 μg/mL; P = 0.01), respectively, compared with the group not receiving supplements. There were no differences between groups with respect to efavirenz plasma concentrations. The CYP2B6 516 G>T polymorphism was associated with a 5 μg/mL higher plasma efavirenz concentration compared with the wild type (P < 0.0001), while it was not associated with plasma nevirapine concentrations.ConclusionsIntake of an LNS was associated with lower plasma nevirapine trough concentrations, indicating possible drug−LNS interactions. The clinical relevance of such reductions in nevirapine exposure is not clear. Plasma efavirenz concentration was not affected by the LNS.
Central neural activation following contact sensitivity peripheral immune challenge: evidence of brain–immune regulation through C fibres
Authors: Thinschmidt Jeffrey S. , King Michael A. , Korah Maria , Perez Pablo D. , Febo Marcelo , Miyan Jaleel , Grant Maria B. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThis study tested the hypothesis that peripheral immune challenges will produce predictable activation patterns in the rat brain consistent with sympathetic excitation. As part of examining this hypothesis, this study asked whether central activation is dependent on capsaicin‐sensitive C‐fibres. We induced skin contact sensitivity immune responses with 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), in the presence or absence of the acute C‐fibre toxin capsaicin (8‐methyl‐N‐vanillyl‐6‐nonenamide) to trigger immune responses with and without diminished activity of C‐fibres. Innovative blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging data revealed that the skin contact sensitivity immune responses induced with DNCB were associated with localized increases in brain neuronal activity in treated rats. This response was diminished by pre‐treatment with capsaicin 1 week before scans. In the same animals, we found expression of the immediate early gene c‐Fos in sub‐regions of the amygdala and hypothalamic sympathetic brain nuclei. Significant increases in c‐Fos expression were found in the supraoptic nucleus, central amygdala and medial habenula following immune challenges. Our results support the idea that selective brain regions, some of which are associated with sympathetic function, process or modulate immune function through pathways that are partially dependent on C‐fibres. Together with previous studies demonstrating the motor control pathways from brain to immune targets, these findings indicate a central neuroimmune system to monitor host status and coordinate appropriate host responses.
Implementation of a smoke‐free policy in an inpatient psychiatric facility: Patient‐reported adherence, support, and receipt of nicotine‐dependence treatment
Authors: Stockings Emily A. , Bowman Jenny A. , Bartlem Kate M. , McElwaine Kathleen M. , Baker Amanda L. , Terry Margarett , Clancy Richard , Knight Jenny , Wye Paula M. , Colyvas Kim , Wiggers John H. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe implementation of smoke‐free policies in inpatient psychiatric facilities, including patient adherence, mental health nursing staff support, and provision of nicotine‐dependence treatment to patients, has been reported to be poor. The extent to which the quality of smoke‐free policy implementation is associated with patient views of a policy is unknown. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 181 patients (53.6%, n = 97 smokers; and 46.4%, n = 84 non‐smokers) in an Australian inpatient psychiatric facility with a total smoke‐free policy. Smokers' adherence to the policy was poor (83.5% smoked). Only half (53.6%) perceived staff to be supportive of the policy. Most smokers used nicotine‐replacement therapy (75.3%); although few received optimal nicotine‐dependence treatment (19.6%). Overall, 45.9% of patients viewed the smoke‐free policy in the unit as positive (29.9% smokers; 64.3% non‐smokers). For smokers, adhering to the ban, perceiving staff to be supportive, and reporting that the nicotine‐replacement therapy reduced cravings to smoke were associated with a more positive view towards the smoke‐free policy. These findings support the importance of patient adherence, mental health nursing staff support, and adequate provision of nicotine‐dependence treatment in strengthening smoke‐free policy implementation in inpatient psychiatric settings.
Effect of sealing infected dentin with glass ionomer cement on the abundance and localization of MMP‐2, MMP‐8, and MMP‐9 in young permanent molars in vivo
Authors: Kuhn Eunice , Reis Alessandra , Campagnoli Eduardo Bauml , Chibinski Ana Cláudia Rodrigues , Carrilho Marcela Rocha de Oliveira , Wambier Denise Stadler 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundThe study of MMPs’ behavior in carious lesions contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in dentin reorganization after restoration.AimTo compare the abundance and localization of MMPs 2, 8, and 9 in infected dentin before and after restoration.DesignThe sample consisted of 23 young permanent molars with active deep carious lesions. Infected carious dentin samples were collected from the same tooth at baseline and 60 days after cavity lining with GIC and composite resin restoration and processed for immunohistochemistry assays. After digital images were obtained, two calibrated operators analyzed the samples according to the immunostaining intensity and the MMPs’ localization. Chi‐square test was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe intensity of immunostaining for MMP‐8 was reduced after 60 days (P = 0.02), and no difference was observed for MMP‐2 (P = 0.32) and MMP‐9 (P = 0.14). The MMPs’ distribution was generalized in the intertubular dentin and absent or located in the intratubular dentin, regardless of the period.ConclusionThe sealing of infected carious dentin in young permanent molars reduced the expression of MMP‐8, which is consistent with the initial remodeling process of the dentin matrix.
Contemporary genetic structure of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in a recently deglaciated landscape
Authors: Lewis Tania M. , Pyare Sanjay , Hundertmark Kris J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimWe examined contemporary genetic structure of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in a recently deglaciated landscape to identify the number and geographical range of populations, the level of admixture, landscape features that limit or promote genetic connectivity, and probable population sources of bears in Glacier Bay following the end of the Little Ice Age (LIA). We sought to determine whether brown bears exhibit genetic structure corresponding with landscape features and whether source populations of recent colonizers could be determined using nuclear genetic markers.LocationSoutheast Alaska is composed of many islands, fjords and ice‐covered lands with a complex history of changing glaciation and sea level throughout the Pleistocene and into the Holocene. Glacier Bay was again covered by ice during the LIA until c. 260 years ago when rapid retreat began exposing land for colonization.MethodsWe used DNA microsatellites to examine the genetic diversity of 105 brown bears. We identified the number of genetically distinct populations and the degree of admixture using Bayesian allele frequency assignment tests, determined colonizing population sources based on fixation and differentiation indices, and tested correlations between the genetic relatedness and a suite of landscape models.ResultsThe shoreline of Glacier Bay hosts brown bears from at least two distinct genetic populations which may represent contemporary colonizing sources. There is also indication of a third group specific to Glacier Bay that may represent a historical colonizing population. The three genetic populations overlap in northern Glacier Bay, with relatively low admixture between the populations, indicating current immigration.Main conclusionsGlacier Bay fjord inhibits dispersal and funnels recolonizing bears from east and west refugia in a northward direction. At the northern end of Glacier Bay these populations are currently coming into secondary contact after hundreds and possibly thousands of years of separation, creating a population‐level biological contact zone.
Metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients with varying degrees of glycemic control during Ramadan: An observational study
Authors: Siaw Melanie Y. L. , Chew Daniel E. K. , Toh Matthias P. H. S. , Seah Darren E. J. , Chua Ruimin , Tan Jielin , Lee Evonne Y. Q. , Chan Sui Yung , Lee Joyce Y. C. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe changes in metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients who fast during Ramadan have not been studied in Singapore. This study aimed to examine the trends of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides in diabetic patients with varying degrees of glycemic control and different types of therapeutic approaches during Ramadan.MethodsThe present retrospective study used a national electronic database to examine the metabolic parameter of Malay patients with type 2 diabetes. Eligible patients were stratified into three groups based on their mean HbA1c control before Ramadan: group 1 (HbA1c ≥10%), group 2 (HbA1c 7.1–9.9%) and group 3 (HbA1c ≤7%). Patients with a glomerular filtration rate <15 mL/min were excluded. The trends of metabolic parameters were traced before, during and after Ramadan.ResultsOf 13,565 patients examined, 5,172 patients (38.1%) were eligible for this study. Mean change of HbA1c varied from −1.4% to +0.2% during Ramadan, with the greatest reduction observed in group 1 (P < 0.001). A minimal systolic blood pressure reduction was observed in groups 2 and 3 (2 mmHg; P < 0.01). Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides changes were insignificant. A small, 0.1%, reduction in mean HbA1c was observed in patients taking oral antidiabetic agents during Ramadan (P < 0.001).ConclusionsBlood glucose was most affected during Ramadan, particularly in patients with mean baseline HbA1c ≥10%. The type of antidiabetic agent used did not seem to contribute to glycemic changes.