bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can exhaled nitric oxide be a surrogate marker of bronchial hyperresponsiveness to adenosine 5′‐monophosphate in steroid‐naive asthmatic children?
Authors: Arga M. , Bakirtas A. , Topal E. , Turktas I. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe interrelation between airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and atopy remains controversial.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to document whether exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) may be used as a surrogate marker that predicts BHR to adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP) in steroid‐naive school children with asthma.MethodsThis study was a retrospective analysis of steroid‐naive school age children with atopic and non‐atopic asthma. All patients whose eNO levels had been measured and who had been challenged with both methacholine (MCH) and AMP were included. Receiver operation characteristic analysis was performed, in both the atopic and the non‐atopic groups, to evaluate the ability of eNO to detect the BHR to AMP.ResultsOne hundred and sixteen patients, sixty‐nine (59.5%) of whom had been atopic, were included in the analysis. In the atopic group, eNO values were significantly higher in patients with BHR to AMP compared to those without BHR to AMP (51.9 ± 16.9 p.p.b. vs. 33.7 ± 16.4 p.p.b.; P < 0.001), whereas in the non‐atopic group, the differences were not statistically significant (29.7 ± 16.9 p.p.b. vs. 22.6 ± 8.1 p.p.b.; P = 0.152). In the atopic group, eNO levels (R2: 0.401; β: 0.092; 95% CI: 1.19–14.42; OR: 7.12; P = 0.008) were found to be the only independent factor for BHR to AMP, whereas none of the parameters predicted BHR to AMP in the non‐atopic group. The best cut‐off value of eNO that significantly predicts BHR to AMP was 33.3 p.p.b. in the atopic group (P < 0.001), whereas a significant cut‐off value for eNO that predicts BHR to AMP was not determined in the non‐atopic group (P = 0.142). An eNO ≤ 17.4 p.p.b. has 100% negative predictive values and 100% sensitivity and 60.47% PPV for prediction of BHR to AMP in the atopic group.ConclusionsExhaled NO may be used to predict BHR to AMP in atopic but not in non‐atopic steroid‐naïve asthmatic children.
Clinical evaluation of two dental implant macrostructures on peri‐implant bone loss: a comparative, retrospective study
Authors: Dagorne Cécile , Malet Jacques , Bizouard Geoffray , Mora Francis , Rangé Hélène , Bouchard Philippe 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the effect of two implant macrostructures on peri‐implant bone level.Material and methodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted in a private practice. Patients received test (Nobel Speedy Groovy implants) or control implants (Mk III implants) or both. Baseline and corresponding follow‐up radiographs, taken with a long‐cone technique, were analyzed to evaluate mean bone level changes around implants during a mean follow‐up of 69 ± 19 months. A chi‐squared test was performed to compare the bone level changes between the two types of implants. A multivariate analysis was used to explain the difference between the two groups.ResultsAfter controlling for inclusion and exclusion criteria, 144 dental implants corresponding to 68 implants in the test group and 76 implants in the control group were placed in 59 patients. Nine dental implants (6.25%) were lost during the observation period: five implants in the test group and four implants in the control group. Consequently, a total of 135 implants placed in 58 patients were available for analysis. Our study shows a significant difference of peri‐implant bone level overtime between the test and control groups (P < 0.01). At the end of the observation period, a bone growth was observed in the control group (0.02 ± 0.80 mm), whereas a bone loss was found in the test group (−0.43 ± 1.11 mm). The mean bone level at baseline and the type of periodontal therapy and the maintenance care program were involved in this difference (P < 0.001, P = 0.035, P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionOur study demonstrates a significant difference in peri‐implant bone level between test and control groups. The mean bone level at baseline, the type of periodontal therapy, and the maintenance program may explain peri‐implant bone level changes overtime.
The clinical features and histopathologic patterns of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides in a series of 38 cases
Authors: Demirkesen Cuyan , Esirgen Galip , Engin Burhan , Songur Abdullah , Oğuz Oya 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe recognition of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (FMF) may pose diagnostic challenges, owing to the variety of histopathological findings.ObjectiveIn this study, our aim is to describe the broad spectrum of the histopathological patterns in a total of 86 biopsies from 38 patients with FMF, together with the clinical features.ResultsThe most frequent histopathologic pattern was the folliculocentric/folliculotropic pattern, with or without follicular mucinosis. Keratin‐filled cysts and comedones were the second most common pattern in the biopsies. Other less common findings included widening of the hair follicle orifis with keratotic plugging, reminiscent of keratosis pilaris, granuloma formation, eosinophilic or suppurative folliculitis and basaloid folliculolymphoid hyperplasia. Coexisting syringotropism was present in some biopsies. The CD4 : CD8 ratio was at least 4 : 1 or more in most biopsies. Grouped follicular papules and patch/plaque lesions with follicular prominence were the most frequent clinical findings. Folliculocentric lesions such as milia, cysts and acneiform lesions, alopecia, loss of hair or eyebrows were also seen. In 6 out of 38 (15.8%) patients, transformation to large‐cell lymphoma was observed during the follow‐up.ConclusionThe awareness and the identification of the various histopathological presentations of FMF by pathologists, as well as by clinicians, are imperative to prevent diagnostic errors.
Differential regulation of AChR clustering in the polar and equatorial region of murine muscle spindles
Authors: Zhang Yina , Lin Shuo , Karakatsani Andromachi , Rüegg Markus A. , Kröger Stephan 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIntrafusal fibers of muscle spindles are innervated in the central region by afferent sensory axons and at both polar regions by efferent γ‐motoneurons. We previously demonstrated that both neuron–muscle contact sites contain cholinergic synapse‐like specialisation, including aggregates of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR). In this study we tested the hypothesis that agrin and its receptor complex (consisting of LRP4 and the tyrosine kinase MuSK) are involved in the aggregation of AChRs in muscle spindles, similar to their role at the neuromuscular junction. We show that agrin, MuSK and LRP4 are concentrated at the contact site between the intrafusal fibers and the sensory‐ and γ‐motoneuron, respectively, and that they are expressed in the cell bodies of proprioceptive neurons in dorsal root ganglia. Moreover, agrin and LRP4, but not MuSK, are expressed in γ‐motoneuron cell bodies in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. In agrin‐ and in MuSK‐deficient mice, AChR aggregates are absent from the polar regions. In contrast, the subcellular concentration of AChRs in the central region where the sensory neuron contacts the intrafusal muscle fiber is apparently unaffected. Skeletal muscle‐specific expression of miniagrin in agrin−/− mice in vivo is sufficient to restore the formation of γ‐motoneuron endplates. These results show that agrin and MuSK are major determinants during the formation of γ‐motoneuron endplates but appear dispensable for the aggregation of AChRs at the central region. Our results therefore suggest different molecular mechanisms for AChR clustering within two domains of intrafusal fibers.
Characterization of cerebral microbleeds in idiopathic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kim J.‐H. , Park J. , Kim Y.‐H. , Ma H.‐I. , Kim Y. J. 
Published: November 2014

Background and purposeCerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been extensively studied in healthy controls and patients with cerebrovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. Our aim was to characterize the clinical and radiological features of CMBs in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD).MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included consecutive parkinsonian patients who attended the authors' movement disorders clinic from March 2010 to February 2012 and underwent a standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol with gradient recalled echo taken with a 3 T MRI machine.ResultsAmongst parkinsonian disorders, CMBs were most common in vascular parkinsonism (VP) (56%) and least common in IPD (17.7%). In IPD, CMBs were significantly associated with white matter hyperintensities and concurrent lacunar infarctions. The presence of CMBs had no effect on various cognitive domains in IPD. IPD with CMBs was discriminated from VP by clinical and neuroimaging findings: frequencies of motor subtypes were similar between IPD with and without CMBs, whereas all VP patients were the postural‐instability gait difficulty type. In 90.9% of the IPD cases with CMBs, the numbers of CMBs were three or less, whereas the numbers of CMBs exceeded three in 50% of the cases of VP and exceeded 10 in 31.3% of the cases (P < 0.001). The topography of the CMBs in IPD was also different from that in VP (P < 0.01).ConclusionsCerebral microbleeds are not rare in IPD, and IPD with CMBs does not appear to be a form of VP. Further studies in larger populations are needed to elucidate the clinical implications of CMBs in terms of prognoses and cognitive changes in IPD.
Heterodynamic processes in Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera): a mini review
Authors: Suleman Nazia 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAmong ladybirds, diapause has evidently been most studied in Coccinella septempunctata L. adults. Coccinella septempunctata (C‐7), the seven spot, has attracted attention both in Europe and the USA for being heterogeneous as to the induction of diapause. A polyphenic character of diapause is a prominent feature in C. septempunctata and this phenomenon generally and often generates voltinism heterogeneity within populations. A greater part of the C‐7 population shows an obligatory univoltine cycle, whereas a smaller proportion is facultatively polyvoltine. Coccinella s. bruckii in Japan is bivoltine, in which the first generation of adults aestivate while the second generation hibernates. This paper reviews this heterodynamic cycle and its importance in the life history of C‐7, as reported from different regions of the world. Heterogeneous voltinism and diapause smooth the progress of a portion of C‐7 populations to take benefit of aphids well into late summer and autumn. Understanding such variation and plasticity in the life history of this species can help in organizing proper biological control attempts using it as a biocontrol agent.
The Kv1.1 null mouse, a model of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)
Authors: Moore Brian M. , Jerry Jou Chuanchau , Tatalovic Milos , Kaufman Elizabeth S. , Kline David D. , Kunze Diana L. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryObjectiveKv1.1 potassium channel null mouse (NULL) exhibits spontaneous seizure‐related bradycardia, dies following seizure, and has been proposed as a model for vagus‐mediated SUDEP. We characterized the cardiac events surrounding sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in NULL during terminal asystole for comparison to patients with epilepsy who exhibit bradycardia and terminal or nonterminal asystole during/following seizure and explored the contribution of vagal‐mediated bradycardia to SUDEP.MethodsElectrocardiography (ECG) studies of 27 freely moving telemetered NULL mice was evaluated surrounding seizure‐associated death. Chronic unilateral vagal section and, in a separate set of experiments, electrical stimulation of the cervical vagi in NULL and wild‐type (WT) littermates assessed the role of the vagus nerve in seizure‐related death. Seizure activity indicated by intense myogenic activity on the ECG recording correlated with visual and video recording.ResultsAll NULL died following seizures, which were preceded by normal rhythm. Bradycardia followed seizure and led to slow ventricular escape rhythm (70–150 bpm) and asystole. The sequence from seizure to asystole was complete within approximately 3 min and was similar to that reported in individuals exhibiting ictal and postictal bradycardia/asystole. To address the singular role of vagus nerves in seizure‐related asystole, cervical vagus nerves were stimulated in the absence of seizure. Heart rate was reduced 3 min to values similar to that following seizure but never produced asystole, suggesting activation of the vagi alone is insufficient for SUDEP. Nevertheless, unilateral chronic section of the vagus nerve increased survival time compared to nonsectioned NULL animals, supporting a role for the vagus nerve in seizure‐associated death.SignificanceThe Kv1.1 null mouse is a potential model for SUDEP in patients who experience ictal and postictal bradycardia. It offers the opportunity for evaluation of the combination of factors, in addition to vagal activation, necessary to produce a terminal asystole following seizure. It is notable that long‐term studies that evaluate electroencephalography (EEG) and cardiorespiratory events surrounding nonfatal seizures may provide indices predictive of terminal seizure.
Pyrogenic organic matter production from wildfires: a missing sink in the global carbon cycle
Authors: Santín Cristina , Doerr Stefan H. , Preston Caroline M. , González‐Rodríguez Gil 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWildfires release substantial quantities of carbon (C) into the atmosphere but they also convert part of the burnt biomass into pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM). This is richer in C and, overall, more resistant to environmental degradation than the original biomass, and, therefore, PyOM production is an efficient mechanism for C sequestration. The magnitude of this C sink, however, remains poorly quantified, and current production estimates, which suggest that ~1‐5% of the C affected by fire is converted to PyOM, are based on incomplete inventories. Here, we quantify, for the first time, the complete range of PyOM components found in‐situ immediately after a typical boreal forest fire. We utilized an experimental high‐intensity crown fire in a jack pine forest (Pinus banksiana) and carried out a detailed pre‐ and postfire inventory and quantification of all fuel components, and the PyOM (i.e., all visually charred, blackened materials) produced in each of them. Our results show that, overall, 27.6% of the C affected by fire was retained in PyOM (4.8 ± 0.8 t C ha−1), rather than emitted to the atmosphere (12.6 ± 4.5 t C ha−1). The conversion rates varied substantially between fuel components. For down wood and bark, over half of the C affected was converted to PyOM, whereas for forest floor it was only one quarter, and less than a tenth for needles. If the overall conversion rate found here were applicable to boreal wildfire in general, it would translate into a PyOM production of ~100 Tg C yr−1 by wildfire in the global boreal regions, more than five times the amount estimated previously. Our findings suggest that PyOM production from boreal wildfires, and potentially also from other fire‐prone ecosystems, may have been underestimated and that its quantitative importance as a C sink warrants its inclusion in the global C budget estimates.
The abundant centre syndrome and species distributions: insights from closely related species pairs in southernAfrica
Authors: Péron Guillaume , Altwegg Res 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimUnder the abundant centre syndrome, species progressively decline in abundance from the centre to the boundaries of their range, due to abiotic conditions, competition or interaction between the two, eventually leading to replacement by a functional equivalent. After a schematic overview of different scenarios of interactions between competitive and abiotic effects, we analysed spatial variation in abundance in four sets of closely related (sister) species with extensive range overlap.LocationSouthernAfrica.MethodsWe used occupancy models that separate species presence from species detection and account for sampling biases and uncertainties, applied to citizen science data from theSouthernAfrican Bird Atlas Project aggregated at the quarter‐degree resolution.ResultsThe abundant centre syndrome was present in all species, but its explanatory power was stronger in species with a concave, central range than in species with a convex, elongated and coastal range, and it could be locally undetectable. The decline in abundance towards the range boundary was partly or entirely mirrored by the variation in abundance of sister species. One species replaced another geographically without local decrease in abundances near the contact zone, and in two species pairs a dominant species negatively affected a subordinate species, which we interpret as evidence for interspecific competition shaping range limits.ConclusionWe introduce a typology of competitive interactions based on spatial correlations of species' abundances and on ancillary information such as phenology. This typology can facilitate general inference about the differences between fundamental and realized climatic niches, and associated predictions.
Alpha‐fetoprotein: A biomarker for the recruitment of progenitor cells in the liver in patients with acute liver injury or failure
Authors: Kakisaka Keisuke , Kataoka Kojiro , Onodera Mio , Suzuki Akiko , Endo Kei , Tatemichi Yoshinori , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Ishida Kazuyuki , Takikawa Yasuhiro 
Published: November 2014

AimThe optimal conditions for hepatocyte proliferation should be clarified in an attempt to improve the impaired liver regeneration observed in patients with acute liver failure (ALF). In order to evaluate the significance of the serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP). level and prothrombin time international normalized ratio (PT‐INR) as possible biomarkers of the proliferation of liver stem/progenitor cells (LPC) and mature hepatocytes (MH), respectively, we focused on donors of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and patients with acute liver injury (ALI), including ALF.MethodsSeventy‐three patients with ALI/ALF and 11 donors for LDLT were evaluated. LPC induction was histologically evaluated using cytokeratin (CK)‐7 staining in 45 ALI/ALF patients.ResultsThe AFP level was not apparently elevated during the observation period in any of the LDLT donors, whereas the serum AFP levels were substantially increased in the patients with ALI/ALF and significantly correlated with the number of CK‐7 positive LPC in the liver, except for very severe damaged liver. All patients exhibiting an early peak in the AFP level prior to PT‐INR elevation died.ConclusionThe serum AFP level may reflect the induction of LPC in ALI/ALF patients. The substantial and persistent induction of LPC until sufficient regeneration of MH may be needed for a recovery from ALF. We herein demonstrate that the serum AFP level may be a serum marker of LPC in patients with ALI/ALF. A comparison of the serial changes in the AFP levels and PT‐INR in our study patients showed impaired proliferation of LPC and delayed recovery of MH in the patients who died.
Efficacy of dental floss impregnated with chlorhexidine on reduction of supragingival biofilm: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Muniz FWMG , Sena KS , de Oliveira CC , Veríssimo DM , Carvalho RS , Martins RS 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe use of a toothbrush has a limited ability to control the dental biofilm in interproximal areas. Therefore, specialized devices, such as dental floss, may be useful for these specific areas.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the efficacy of dental floss impregnated with 5% chlorhexidine gluconate on the reduction of the supragingival biofilm.MethodsThis research was parallel, single‐blind, controlled and randomized, and contained a sample of thirty dental students from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing of the Federal University of Ceará, Brazil, who were divided equally into three groups. The negative control group (NC) did not utilize any kind of interproximal cleaning; the positive control group (PC) used waxed floss without impregnation twice a day; and the test group (T) used the same dental floss, which was impregnated with 5% chlorhexidine gluconate, twice a day. For all groups, this study lasted for 15 days. The presence of a biofilm was evaluated on four surfaces (mesiobuccal, distobuccal, mesiolingual and distolingual) by the Quigley–Hein Index, resulting in four scores for each tooth.ResultsGroup T had the lowest plaque scores, showing a significant difference compared to group NC (P < 0.001) and group PC (P < 0.001). Group PC also displayed a significant difference compared to NC (P < 0.001).ConclusionIt was concluded that the use of dental floss impregnated with 5% chlorhexidine gluconate resulted in additional reductions in the supragingival biofilm relative to the results achieved with conventional waxed floss on the anterior teeth of a well‐motivated and well‐instructed population.
Lateral caudal axial pattern flap in 13 dogs
Authors: Montinaro Vincenzo , Massari Federico , Vezzoni Luca , Liptak Julius M. , Straw Rod C. , Allen Larie , Cavanaugh Ryan P. , Berg John , Doyle Ronan S. , Buracco Paolo , Romanelli Giorgio 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveTo describe the frequency and extent of complications associated with lateral caudal axial pattern flaps used to cover large traumatic or excision skin defects on the dorsum, gluteal, and perineal region in 13 dogs.Study DesignCase series.AnimalsThirteen client‐owned dogs.MethodsMedical records from 8 institutions were reviewed for dogs treated with a lateral caudal axial pattern flap, including cases in which the procedure was combined with other reconstructive techniques. The flap length relative to the tail length, location of tail skin incision, size and cause of the defect, and short‐ and long‐term complications were recorded.ResultsThirteen dogs were included, 11 with tumors and 2 with traumatic skin loss. The mean estimated length of the flap relative to tail length was 51% (range 33–70%). Four dogs had wound complications. This included 2 dogs with minor postoperative wound complications (mild distal dehiscence) that did not require surgical revision and 2 dogs with major complications that required surgical revision. Two of these 4 dogs had distal flap necrosis, one was revised surgically and one was managed conservatively. In these 2 dogs, the flap length was estimated as 80% and 65% of the tail length, respectively. At 30 days, flaps in all dogs were completely healed. No long‐term complications were recorded in any dog. For some dogs, the reconstruction was not obvious, with only the change in hair direction and color noticeable.ConclusionLateral caudal axial pattern flap is a reconstructive option for gluteal, dorsal, and perineal skin defects in dogs. Distal flap necrosis and dehiscence due to wound infection occurred in 4 dogs that required additional wound care but not always surgical revision.
Relaxor Ferroelectric BaTiO3–Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 Ceramics for Energy Storage Application
Authors: Wang Tong , Jin Li , Li Chunchun , Hu Qingyuan , Wei Xiaoyong 
Published: November 2014

Perovskite solid solution ceramics of (1 − x)BaTiO3–xBi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 (BT–BMN) (x = 0.05–0.2) were synthesized by solid‐state reaction technique. The results show that the BMN addition could lower the sintering temperature of BT‐based ceramics. X‐ray diffraction results reveal a pure perovskite structure for all studied samples. Dielectric measurements exhibit a relaxor‐like characteristic for the BT–BMN ceramics, where broadened phase transition peaks change to a temperature‐stable permittivity plateau (from −50°C to 300°C) with increasing the BMN content (x = 0.2), and slim polarization–electric field hysteresis loops were observed in samples with x ≥ 0.1. The dielectric breakdown strength and electrical resistivity of BT–BMN ceramics show their maxima of 287.7 kV/cm and 1.53 × 1013 Ω cm at x = 0.15, and an energy density of about 1.13 J/cm3 is achieved in the sample of x = 0.1.