bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disturbance Level Determines the Regeneration of Commercial Tree Species in the Eastern Amazon
Authors: Schwartz Gustavo , Lopes José C. , Kanashiro Milton , Mohren Godefridus M. , Peña‐Claros Marielos 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe effects of reduced‐impact logging (RIL) on the regeneration of commercial tree species were investigated, as long‐term timber yields depend partly on the availability of seedlings in a managed forest. On four occasions during a 20‐month period in the Tapajós National Forest (Eastern Amazon, Brazil), seven commercial tree species were assessed as follows: the long‐lived pioneers Bagassa guianensis and Jacaranda copaia; the partially shade‐tolerant Hymenaea courbaril, Dipteryx odorata, and Carapa guianensis; and the totally shade‐tolerant Symphonia globulifera and Manilkara huberi. In 2439 10 × 10 m plots, all individuals < 20 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) were assessed over three intervals, before, during, and after the forest being logged. Before logging, the density of seedlings and saplings of the seven species did not change. Logged trees were spatially aggregated, with 9.2 percent of the plots being heavily impacted by logging. After logging, the recruitment rate increased more than the mortality rate, so that post‐harvesting densities of seedlings and saplings increased. The increase in density was concentrated in logged plots with more disturbances. It is concluded that post‐harvesting heterogeneity of micro‐environments created by RIL may be an important component to be taken into account for sustainable forest management and conservation of commercial species.
Mixed‐species Groups of Marmosets and Tamarins Across a Gradient of Agroforestry Intensification
Authors: Tisovec Karina C. , Cassano Camila R. , Boubli Jean P. , Pardini Renata 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPolyspecific associations are commonly observed in social animals, including primates, and have been interpreted as adaptations either to improve access to resources or to provide protection against predators. Mixed‐species associations between Wied's marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii) and golden‐headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) have been documented, and are unique among Atlantic forest primates. Both species are endemic to southern Bahia where part of the forest has been converted into cacao agroforests, which have been subjected to management intensification. Tree density and canopy connectivity decrease in more intensively managed agroforests, potentially increasing predation risk and the frequency of mixed‐species groups between these primates. Here, we test this hypothesis using a standardized, large spatial‐scale data set obtained from camera‐trapping in 30 sites across an agroforestry landscape mosaic. As expected, the frequency of mixed‐species groups increased in more intensively managed agroforests, but only relative to the total number of records of tamarins. Our results highlight that the benefits of mixed‐species groups can be asymmetrical among species and variable across the landscape. They corroborate that predation avoidance is an important advantage of mixed‐species groups in callitrichids, especially for conspicuous species living in smaller groups, such as the tamarin. Despite the importance of agroforests to conservation, our results indicate that management intensification can increase predation risk for species of conservation concern. To maintain the conservation value of agroforests, management practices should be planned to avoid any loss of canopy connectivity, taking into account the biodiversity vs. productivity trade‐off associated with shade management.
Immunocompatibility and Toxicity Studies of Poly‐L‐Lysine Nanocapsules in Sprague–Dawley Rats for Drug‐Delivery Applications
Authors: Ayyappan Janeesh Plakkal , Sami Haider , Rajalekshmi Dhanya Chandrasekharan , Sivakumar Sri , Abraham Annie 
Published: March 2014

Poly‐L‐Lysine (PLL) nanocapsules are the emerging drug‐delivery vehicle for the therapeutics of targeted diseases. The study was designed for the synthesis and characterization of PLL nanocapsules and to know its immunocompatibility and toxicity behavior for in vivo drug‐delivery applications. Alteration in hematologic parameters, immunomodulatory gene expression by RT‐PCR studies, toxicity markers status, immunoblotting of major inflammatory marker proteins, and histopathologic studies from major tissues of rat after intravenous administration of PLL nanocapsules after 30 days were assessed. In vivo toxicity markers activity, hematologic parameters alteration, and RT‐PCR analysis of important immunomodulatory genes such as monocyte chemotactic protein‐1(MCP 1), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) showed least changes when compared with control. The immunoblotting of major inflammatory markers such as cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), lipo‐oxygenase‐15 (LOX‐15), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) found have least expression showing the immunocompatibility of PLL nanocapsules. Histopathologic studies of important tissues showed almost normal architecture after treatment using different concentration of PLL nanocapsules after the experimental period. The results showed a promising outcome and further confirmed the immunocompatibility and non‐toxicity of PLL nanocapsules in vivo for drug‐delivery applications.
BSACI guideline for the diagnosis and management of cow's milk allergy
Authors: Luyt D. , Ball H. , Makwana N. , Green M. R. , Bravin K. , Nasser S. M. , Clark A. T. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThis guideline advises on the management of patients with cow's milk allergy. Cow's milk allergy presents in the first year of life with estimated population prevalence between 2% and 3%. The clinical manifestations of cow's milk allergy are very variable in type and severity making it the most difficult food allergy to diagnose. A careful age‐ and disease‐specific history with relevant allergy tests including detection of milk‐specific IgE (by skin prick test or serum assay), diagnostic elimination diet, and oral challenge will aid in diagnosis in most cases. Treatment is advice on cow's milk avoidance and suitable substitute milks. Cow's milk allergy often resolves. Reintroduction can be achieved by the graded exposure, either at home or supervised in hospital depending on severity, using a milk ladder. Where cow's milk allergy persists, novel treatment options may include oral tolerance induction, although most authors do not currently recommend it for routine clinical practice. Cow's milk allergy must be distinguished from primary lactose intolerance. This guideline was prepared by the Standards of Care Committee (SOCC) of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) and is intended for clinicians in secondary and tertiary care. The recommendations are evidence based, but where evidence is lacking the panel of experts in the committee reached consensus. Grades of recommendation are shown throughout. The document encompasses epidemiology, natural history, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and treatment.
Evaluation of adrenal function in critically ill children
Authors: Balbão Viviane M. P. , Costa Marcela M. A. , Castro Margaret , Carlotti Ana P. C. P. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryObjectiveThere is no consensus on adequate adrenal response to critical illness. We aimed to evaluate adrenal function in critically ill children and its association with clinical outcome. We hypothesized that salivary cortisol would be a more appropriate tool to evaluate adrenal function in critically ill children.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study. The concentrations of serum total and salivary cortisol were measured in 34 critically ill children before and after stimulation with 250 μg adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and values were compared to a control group of healthy children (n = 15). Association between outcome and adrenal insufficiency defined by an increment in serum cortisol ≤250 nm (9 μg/dl) post‐ACTH was assessed.ResultsSerum total and salivary cortisol concentrations pre‐ and post‐ACTH were significantly higher in patients, and they were correlated at baseline (r = 0·67; P < 0·0001) and after ACTH (r = 0·41; P = 0·02). The incidence of adrenal insufficiency was 32·3%. This group had higher Paediatric Risk of Mortality III score (P = 0·04) but Paediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction and vasoactive inotropic scores, duration of mechanical ventilation and length of paediatric intensive care unit and hospital stay were not significantly different compared with those with an increment >250 nm (9 μg/dl) post‐ACTH. An inverse correlation between salivary cortisol post‐ACTH and vasoactive inotropic score (r = −0·56; P = 0·0008) was observed. A salivary cortisol concentration post‐ACTH of ≤226 nm (8·2 μg/dl) had a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 62% to discriminate need for vasoactive or inotropic support (area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve 0·74).ConclusionAdrenal insufficiency defined by the ‘delta criterion’ was not associated with outcome. A post‐ACTH salivary cortisol of ≤226 nm (8·2 μg/dl) may be suggestive of an insufficient adrenal response to critical illness.
Continuous Self‐Collision Detection for Deformable Surfaces Interacting with Solid Models
Authors: Wong Sai‐Keung , Cheng Yu‐Chun 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a new continuous self‐collision detection (CSCD) method for a deformable surface that interacts with a simple solid model. The method is developed based on the radial‐view‐based culling method. Our method is suitable for the deformable surface that has large contact region with the solid model. The deformable surface may consist of small round‐shaped holes. At the pre‐processing stage, the holes of the deformable surface are filled with ghost triangles so as to make the mesh of the deformable surface watertight. An observer primitive (i.e. a point or a line segment) is computed so that it lies inside the solid model. At the runtime stage, the orientations of triangles with respect to the observer primitive are evaluated. The collision status of the deformable surface is then determined. We evaluated our method for several animations including virtual garments. Experimental results show that our method improves the process of CSCD.
On the relationship between gingival biotypes and gingival thickness in young Caucasians
Authors: Fischer Kai R. , Richter Timo , Kebschull Moritz , Petersen Nicole , Fickl Stefan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate a possible relationship between gingival biotypes and gingival thickness, papilla height and gingival width.Material and methodsThirty‐six adult subjects were stratified by their gingival biotype (GB), as defined by transparency of a periodontal probe through the buccal gingival margin, into “thin” (18 subjects) and “thick” (18 subjects) GB. Out of these, extreme cases (6 “very thin”, 6 “very thick”) were identified. Four different parameters were assessed: gingival thickness (GT), papilla height (PH), probing depth (PD) and gingival width (GW).ResultsWhen comparing “thin” and “thick” GB, midfacial GT (0.40 ± 0.07 vs. 0.72 ± 0.11 mm; P < 0.0001), PH (3.76 ± 0.50 vs. 3.95 ± 0.41 mm, P = 0.02) and GW (3.01 ± 1.26 vs. 4.63 ± 0.86 mm, P = 0.04) were lower in the “thin” GB group. Further stratification into moderately and extremely “thin”/“thick” GB eliminated the differences between the moderate groups.ConclusionOur data support the traditional hypothesis that two different gingival biotypes with concomitant properties distinguishable by gingival transparency exist. In addition, we provide evidence that an alternative classification into “very thick”, “moderate” and “very thin” biotypes might be advantageous, because the unique properties were seemingly primarily driven by subjects with extreme values.
Flap versus flapless procedure for ridge preservation in alveolar extraction sockets: a histological evaluation in a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Barone Antonio , Borgia Valentina , Covani Ugo , Ricci Massimiliano , Piattelli Adriano , Iezzi Giovanna 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the histological and histomorphometric features of two different procedures carried out in extraction socket grafting; namely, the flapped and flapless technique.Materials and methodsPatients considered eligible for the study were randomized to receive tooth extraction and ridge preservation with the porcine bone and collagen membrane, with a full thickness mucoperiosteal flap and primary soft tissue closure (control group), or, with a flapless procedure and a secondary soft tissue closure (test group). After 3 months of healing, the surgical re‐entry procedure was performed and implants were inserted in the test as well as in the control sites. Bone core samples were harvested from both groups and processed to be observed under light microscopy. Outcome variables were percentages of newly formed bone, residual graft particles and marrow spaces.ResultsThirty‐four patients were enrolled in the study. All of the scheduled implants were placed. Histological and histomorphometrical analyses did not report significant differences between the two groups (with P‐values ranging from 0.690 to 0.917). The mean percentages of newly formed bone, soft tissues and residual grafted particles were 22.5 and 22.5%, 59.3 and 59.4%, and 18.6 and 18.2% respectively for flap and flapless approach.ConclusionNo histological and histomorphometrical differences were observed when comparing the flap and the flapless technique for tooth extraction and socket grafting procedures.
Tenting effect of the elevated sinus membrane over an implant with adjunctive use of a hydroxyapatite‐powdered collagen membrane in rabbits
Authors: Jung Ui‐Won , Unursaikhan Otgonbayar , Park Jin‐Young , Lee Jung‐Seok , Otgonbold Jamiyandorj , Choi Seong‐Ho 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the de novo bone formation beneath the Schneiderian membrane supported by an implant and with the adjunctive use of a hydroxyapatite‐powdered collagen (HAC) membrane without bone grafting in rabbit sinuses.Material and methodsAfter sinus‐floor elevation procedure, an experimentally devised mini‐implant (4 mm in length and 3 mm in diameter) was placed in eight rabbits. For the experimental group, an HAC membrane was placed onto the elevated sinus mucosa prior to implant placement. The animals were allowed a healing period of either 4 or 8 weeks. Microcomputed tomography and histologic analyses were performed.ResultsAll implants placed at the thin lateral bony wall were histologically osseointegrated. The topography of the newly formed bone appeared to slope gently from the medial side down to the lateral side. The volume of new bone was significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group at 4 weeks (P < 0.05), but not at 8 weeks. However, none of the samples in the two groups was entirely covered to the apex by bone tissue.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that using the HAC membrane in combination with placement of an implant resulted in substantial bone formation around the implant, which might have been influenced by the proximity of the axial bony wall.
Long‐Acting Versus Standard Non‐Ergot Dopamine Agonists in Parkinson's Disease: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhou Chang‐Qing , Lou Jing‐He , Zhang Yu‐Ping , Zhong Ling , Chen Ya‐Lan , Lu Feng‐Jiao , Peng Guo‐Guang 
Published: March 2014

SummaryAimsTo evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of long‐acting versus standard non‐ergot dopamine agonists (NEDAs) in Parkinson's disease (PD), we performed a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Materials and methodsThe PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases, and Web of Knowledge were searched up to November 20th 2013. The pooled weighted mean differences (WMDs) and relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.ResultsEight large‐scale RCTs, involving 2402 patients, were included in this meta‐analysis. Compared with the standard NEDAs, long‐acting NEDAs exhibited similar improvements in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale activities of daily living (ADL) score (WMD 0.09, 95% CI −0.33 to 0.50), motor score (WMD −0.35, 95% CI –1.60 to 0.90), and “off” time (WMD 0.18, 95% CI −0.14 to 0.50). No differences were found in overall withdrawals (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.32), withdrawals due to adverse events (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.56), or the ten commonly reported adverse events between the two formulations.ConclusionsOur meta‐analysis showed long‐acting NEDAs were noninferior to standard NEDAs in efficacy, tolerability, and safety in the treatment of PD.
Shuttle walking test in obese women: test‐retest reliability and concurrent validity with peak oxygen uptake
Authors: Jürgensen Soraia P. , Trimer Renata , Dourado Victor Z. , Di Thommazo‐Luporini Luciana , Bonjorno‐Junior José C. , Oliveira Cláudio R. , Arena Ross , Mendes Renata G. , Borghi‐Silva Audrey 
Published: March 2014

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the test–retest reliability, concurrent validity and agreement with peak oxygen uptake (VO2) obtained during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) on a treadmill for the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) in obese women.MethodsProspective study with a convenient sample of 46 community‐dwelling obese women (BMI > 30 kg m−2). The main outcome measures were walking distance on theISWTand peakVO2.ResultsTest–retest reliability was good to excellent for the exercise tests (ISWTdistanceICC: 0·90; andCPXpeakVO2ICC: 0·90). PeakVO2obtained duringCPXcorrelated significantly withISWTdistance (r = 0·54,P<0·05) and peakVO2obtained during theISWT(r = 0·64,P<0·05). Bland and Altman plots demonstrated a high degree of repeatability.ConclusionTheISWThad excellent reliability as well as good concurrent validity and agreement. TheISWTmay be a potential tool for monitoring clinical status and intervention efficacy (e.g. programmes for weight loss and rehabilitative strategies) in this population.
Macrophages – sensors and effectors coordinating skin damage and repair
Authors: Willenborg Sebastian , Eming Sabine A. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryRestoration of skin integrity and homeostasis following injury is a vital process. Wound healing disorders, including chronic skin ulcers and pathological scarring, are of major clinical impact. The current therapeutic approaches are often not sufficient. The development of novel efficient therapies requires a thorough understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. A cardinal feature of non‐healing skin ulcers and excessive scarring is a prolonged inflammatory response at the wound site, which aborts the healing response. Modulation of the local immune response may be an effective therapeutic strategy to correct impaired healing conditions. Yet, the specific mechanisms of inflammation, particularly the role of the diverse leukocyte lineages attracted to the site of tissue damage, have not been resolved. Recent findings in diverse experimental model systems and clinical studies have refined the understanding of monocyte/macrophage biology and the role of cells of the monocytic lineage in tissue regeneration. Thus, monocytes/macrophages are emerging as novel and interesting therapeutic targets to interfere in wound healing pathologies. In this article we will review the role of monocytes/macrophages in skin repair in the light of the recent literature and findings from our own group. This article will provide a rationale for monocyte/macrophage‐based therapies to facilitate the healing response.
Numerical predictors of arithmetic success in grades 1–6
Authors: Lyons Ian M. , Price Gavin R. , Vaessen Anniek , Blomert Leo , Ansari Daniel 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMath relies on mastery and integration of a wide range of simpler numerical processes and concepts. Recent work has identified several numerical competencies that predict variation in math ability. We examined the unique relations between eight basic numerical skills and early arithmetic ability in a large sample (N = 1391) of children across grades 1–6. In grades 1–2, children's ability to judge the relative magnitude of numerical symbols was most predictive of early arithmetic skills. The unique contribution of children's ability to assess ordinality in numerical symbols steadily increased across grades, overtaking all other predictors by grade 6. We found no evidence that children's ability to judge the relative magnitude of approximate, nonsymbolic numbers was uniquely predictive of arithmetic ability at any grade. Overall, symbolic number processing was more predictive of arithmetic ability than nonsymbolic number processing, though the relative importance of symbolic number ability appears to shift from cardinal to ordinal processing.
The roles of family history of dyslexia, language, speech production and phonological processing in predicting literacy progress
Authors: Carroll Julia M. , Mundy Ian R. , Cunningham Anna J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIt is well established that speech, language and phonological skills are closely associated with literacy, and that children with a family risk of dyslexia (FRD) tend to show deficits in each of these areas in the preschool years. This paper examines what the relationships are between FRD and these skills, and whether deficits in speech, language and phonological processing fully account for the increased risk of dyslexia in children with FRD. One hundred and fifty‐three 4–6‐year‐old children, 44 of whom had FRD, completed a battery of speech, language, phonology and literacy tasks. Word reading and spelling were retested 6 months later, and text reading accuracy and reading comprehension were tested 3 years later. The children with FRD were at increased risk of developing difficulties in reading accuracy, but not reading comprehension. Four groups were compared: good and poor readers with and without FRD. In most cases good readers outperformed poor readers regardless of family history, but there was an effect of family history on naming and nonword repetition regardless of literacy outcome, suggesting a role for speech production skills as an endophenotype of dyslexia. Phonological processing predicted spelling, while language predicted text reading accuracy and comprehension. FRD was a significant additional predictor of reading and spelling after controlling for speech production, language and phonological processing, suggesting that children with FRD show additional difficulties in literacy that cannot be fully explained in terms of their language and phonological skills.