bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oropharyngeal dysphagia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis alters quality of life
Authors: Paris G. , Martinaud O. , Petit A. , Cuvelier A. , Hannequin D. , Roppeneck P. , Verin E. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryDysphagia is one of the most important complications encountered in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our aim was to determine whether oropharyngeal dysphagia impacted the quality of life (QoL) of patients with ALS. Thirty consecutive patients were recruited (31–82 years, 18 men). Swallowing function was evaluated using a standardised videofluoroscopic barium swallow. All the patients completed a specific questionnaire on quality of life in dysphagia (SWAL‐QoL) immediately after the videofluoroscopy. The results of dysphagia outcome severity scale separated 14 patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia and 16 with normal swallowing function. There was no difference in the average age, weight and body mass index of the two groups (dysphagic patients: 68 ± 11 kg versus non‐dysphagic patients: 69 ± 14 kg). Most of the dysphagic patients had a bulbar affection based on their Norris scores which determine the importance of cranial nerves illness (20 ± 8), significantly lower than those of the non‐dysphagic patients (35 ± 5) (P < 0·0001). There was no difference in the neurological peripheral symptoms evaluated by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale scores (dysphagic patients: 26 ± 7 versus non‐dysphagic patients: 27 ± 8) (ns). The swallowing quality of life questionnaire revealed that the dysphagic patients had significant burden (P < 0·001). They were affected by the necessity to applied a food selection (P < 0·01), by the increase in eating duration (P < 0·05) and described a decrease in eating desire (P < 0·05). They complained of fear regarding the risk of dysphagia (P < 0·05). They also described difficulties with oral communication (P < 0·001). All of those complained about dysphagia which impacted directly mental health (P < 0·05) and social life (P < 0·05). In conclusion, oropharyngeal dysphagia is a common symptom accompanying ALS, which alters the patient's QoL, especially social health.
The relationship between resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and lateral displacement of dental implants: an in vitro study
Authors: Pagliani L. , Sennerby L. , Petersson A. , Verrocchi D. , Volpe S. , Andersson P. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThis in vitro investigation was conducted to study the relationship between resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and lateral displacement measurements of dental implants. A total of 30 implant sites were prepared in nine fresh bovine bone specimens. The bone density around each preparation was determined by using cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) and imaging software. Dental implants were then inserted during continuous registration of insertion torque. RFA measurements were performed in perpendicular and parallel to the long axis of the specimens. The bone blocks were embedded in plaster and fixated in a specially designed rig for displacement measurements. A lateral force of 25 N was applied via an abutment perpendicular and parallel to each implant and the displacement measured in μm. In addition, a flex constant (μm N−1) was calculated for each measurement. There was a significant inverse correlation between RFA and lateral implant displacement (μm) measurements and between RFA measurements and the flex constant in both perpendicular and parallel directions in bone (P ≤ 0·001). Moreover, both RFA and displacement measurements correlated with bone density (P ≤ 0·001). It is concluded that RFA measurements reflect the micromobility of dental implants, which in turn is determined by the bone density at the implant site.
Transcriptome Analysis of a Progeny of Somatic Hybrids of Cultivated Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Wild Rice (Oryza meyeriana L.) With High Resistance to Bacterial Blight
Authors: Wang Xu‐Ming , Zhou Jie , Yang Yong , Yu Fei‐Bo , Chen Juan , Yu Chu‐Lang , Wang Fang , Cheng Ye , Yan Cheng‐Qi , Chen Jian‐Ping 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPreviously, we successfully introduced the bacterial blight (BB) resistance trait from Oryza meyeriana into Oryza sativa using asymmetric somatic hybridization with O. meyeriana as the donor species. After years of breeding, a near‐isogenic line named Y73 was generated with recurrent parent O. sativa L. ssp. japonica cv. Dalixiang, and it shows high resistance to a broad‐spectrum BB pathogens Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. To provide insights into the high‐resistance phenotype of these plants, we examined the transcriptome response in leaves of Y73 to BB infection 24 h postinoculation using Affymetrix Rice GeneChip microarrays. Microarray analysis revealed that there was little impact on the transcriptome of inoculated leaves compared with controls, with only 0.22% of genes that were differentially regulated. However, several interesting genes, including a NAC domain–containing protein, an elicitor‐responsive protein, involved in ubiquitination, and a glycosyl transferase gene, two transcription factors (TFs) and two unknown genes were up‐regulated more than five‐fold. Genes for metabolic and cellular components, TFs and defence signalling, such as the mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade, were also significantly induced after Xoo infection. This study provides a genome‐wide view of the initial reaction of rice (Y73) to Xoo infection and elucidates some of the genes that may play an important role in disease resistance.
Pharmacists' earnings determinants: differences by ethnic group
Authors: Carvajal Manuel J , Armayor Graciela M , Deziel Lisa 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this paper was to explore the behaviour of wage-and-salary earnings of non-Hispanic white, black and Hispanic pharmacists.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the responses to a survey questionnaire. The survey was administered to licensed pharmacists in South Florida between September 2006 and March 2007. The main outcome measures of the study were the response of pharmacists' wage-and-salary earnings to the number of hours worked, human-capital stock and job-related preferences.

Key findings
The earnings responses of non-Hispanic white and Hispanic pharmacists largely conformed to patterns reported in the literature, but the earnings of black pharmacists did not. Significant ethnic differences in the effect of the explanatory variables were detected.

Conclusions
The earnings-determination model developed here was suitable for non-Hispanic white and Hispanic pharmacists, but not for black pharmacists. Pharmacists' earnings-determination processes must address ethnicity-related issues.
Effects of replacing dietary starch with neutral detergent–soluble fibre on ruminal fermentation, microbial synthesis and populations of ruminal cellulolytic bacteria using the rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC)
Authors: Zhao X. H. , Liu C. J. , Liu Y. , Li C. Y. , Yao J. H. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryA rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) apparatus with eight 800 ml fermenters was used to investigate the effects of replacing dietary starch with neutral detergent–soluble fibre (NDSF) by inclusion of sugar beet pulp in diets on ruminal fermentation, microbial synthesis and populations of ruminal cellulolytic bacteria. Experimental diets contained 12.7, 16.4, 20.1 or 23.8% NDSF substituted for starch on a dry matter basis. The experiment was conducted over two independent 15‐day incubation periods with the last 8 days used for data collection. There was a tendency that 16.4% NDSF in the diet increased the apparent disappearance of organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Increasing dietary NDSF level increased carboxymethylcellulase and xylanase activity in the solid fraction and apparent disappearance of acid detergent fibre (ADF) but reduced the 16S rDNA copy numbers of Ruminococcus albus in both liquid and solid fractions and R. flavefaciens in the solid fraction. The apparent disappearance of dietary nitrogen (N) was reduced by 29.6% with increased dietary NDSF. Substituting NDSF for starch appeared to increase the ratios of acetate/propionate and methane/volatile fatty acids (VFA) (mol/mol). Replacing dietary starch with NDSF reduced the daily production of ammonia‐N and increased the growth of the solid‐associated microbial pellets (SAM). Total microbial N flow and efficiency of microbial synthesis (EMS), expressed as g microbial N/kg OM fermented, tended to increase with increased dietary NDSF, but the numerical increase did not continue as dietary NDSF exceeded 20.1% of diet DM. Results suggested that substituting NDSF for starch up to 16.4% of diet DM increased digestion of nutrients (except for N) and microbial synthesis, and further increases (from 16.4% to 23.8%) in dietary NDSF did not repress microbial synthesis but did significantly reduce digestion of dietary N.
Using the Thoughts on Teen Parenting Survey to determine the impact of Wise Guys
Authors: Herrman Judith W. , Moore Christopher C. , Sims Regina 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPurpose.The purpose of this project was to determine if the Wise Guys program influences young men's perceptions of the impact a teen birth would have on their lives in the areas of relationships, vocation, and personal life.Design and Methods.The Wise Guys program was implemented with 70 adolescent males. The Thoughts on Teen Parenting Survey was used to determine participants' perceptions of the costs and rewards associated with teen parenting.Results.Data, analyzed using paired t‐tests, demonstrated that Wise Guys was effective in reinforcing less positive perceptions of teen parenting.Practice Implications.Wise Guys offers an important strategy to impact young men's perceptions about the teen parenting experience and provides one means to promote responsible sexual behavior in teen men.
Identification of HEV in symptom‐free migrants and environmental samples in Italy
Authors: Idolo A. , Serio F. , Lugoli F. , Grassi T. , Bagordo F. , Guido M. , Privitera G. , Lobreglio G. , De Donno A. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryHepatitis E virus (HEV) is considered an emerging pathogen in industrialized countries. The occurrence of HEV genotypes in samples of faeces from asymptomatic migrants arriving on the coasts of South Italy and environmental samples was investigated. Analyses of sequences were used to compare human and environmental genotypes. A total of 40 stool specimens, 12 samples of untreated urban sewage, 12 samples of treated urban sewage and 12 samples of surface water were analysed. Viruses were concentrated from water samples by the tangential flow ultrafiltration technique. The presence of HEV RNA was detected by nested RT‐PCR. Viral isolates were sequenced and phylogenetically characterized. Two (5%) of the 40 faecal samples tested were found to be positive for HEV RNA (G1 and G3 genotypes). The virus was detected in 25% (3/12) of the untreated sewage samples and 25% (3/12) of the surface water samples: all isolates belonged to G3 genotype. None of the treated sewage samples were found to be HEV RNA positive. The virus was detected in the faeces of two asymptomatic subjects, suggesting a potential role for symptom‐free HEV carriers as a human reservoir. G3 HEV strains were detected in the untreated sewage, as observed in similar studies conducted in other European countries but differing from another study conducted in Italy recently. Moreover, our results show the first case of HEV isolated from fresh surface waters.
Suspected Limbic Encephalitis and Seizure in Cats Associated with Voltage‐Gated Potassium Channel (VGKC) Complex Antibody
Authors: Pakozdy A. , Halasz P. , Klang A. , Bauer J. , Leschnik M. , Tichy A. , Thalhammer J.G. , Lang B. , Vincent A. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundTreatment‐resistant complex partial seizures (CPS) with orofacial involvement recently were reported in cats in association with hippocampal pathology. The features had some similarity to those described in humans with limbic encephalitis and voltage‐gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex antibody.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate cats with CPS and orofacial involvement for the presence of VGKC‐complex antibody.AnimalsClient‐owned cats with acute orofacial CPS and control cats were investigated.MethodsProspective study. Serum was collected from 14 cats in the acute stage of the disease and compared with 19 controls. VGKC‐complex antibodies were determined by routine immunoprecipitation and by binding to leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) and contactin‐associated protein‐like 2 (CASPR2), the 2 main targets of VGKC‐complex antibodies in humans.ResultsFive of the 14 affected cats, but none of the 19 controls, had VGKC‐complex antibody concentrations above the cut‐off concentration (>100 pmol/L) based on control samples and similar to those found in humans. Antibodies in 4 cats were directed against LGI1, and none were directed against CASPR2. Follow‐up sera were available for 5 cats in remission and all antibody concentrations were within the reference range.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceOur study suggests that an autoimmune limbic encephalitis exists in cats and that VGKC‐complex/LGI1 antibodies may play a role in this disorder, as they are thought to in humans.
Efficacy of Mass Antimicrobial Treatment of Foals with Subclinical Pulmonary Abscesses Associated with Rhodococcus equi
Authors: Venner M. , Astheimer K. , Lämmer M. , Giguère S. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundMass antimicrobial treatment of foals with small subclinical ultrasonographic pulmonary lesions is empirical practice on many farms with endemic disease caused by Rhodococcus equi.HypothesisMass antimicrobial treatment of foals with subclinical ultrasonographic pulmonary lesions is unnecessary.AnimalsOne hundred and eight foals on a farm endemic for infections caused by R. equi.MethodsControlled, randomized, and double‐blinded prospective study. Foals with ultrasonographic evidence of pulmonary abscesses 5.0–10 cm in diameter (n = 108) were randomly allocated in 5 treatment groups: (1) tulathromycin IM; (2) doxycycline monotherapy PO; (3) doxycycline with rifampin PO; (4) azithromycin with rifampin PO, and (5) saline IM as a placebo. Physical examination and thoracic ultrasonography were performed by individuals unaware of treatment group assignment. Foals with evidence of disease progression were removed from the study and treated with azithromycin‐rifampin.ResultsOverall, 22/25 (88%) foals in the placebo group recovered without the need for treatment. The proportion of foals that had evidence of disease progression did not differ significantly between the treatment groups (P > .05). Although the median duration of treatment was significantly (P < .05) shorter in foals treated with azithromycin‐rifampin (46 days) compared with foals treated with the placebo (73 days), the time frame of ultrasonographic lesion resolution did not differ significantly between the treatment groups.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe majority of foals with subclinical pulmonary abscesses <10 cm in diameter recover without antimicrobial treatment and treatment of affected foals does not provide a clear benefit over administration of a placebo.
Medicago truncatula DNF2 is a PI‐PLC‐XD‐containing protein required for bacteroid persistence and prevention of nodule early senescence and defense‐like reactions
Authors: Bourcy Marie , Brocard Lysiane , Pislariu Catalina I. , Cosson Viviane , Mergaert Peter , Tadege Millon , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Udvardi Michael K. , Gourion Benjamin , Ratet Pascal 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Medicago truncatula and Sinorhizobium meliloti form a symbiotic association resulting in the formation of nitrogen‐fixing nodules. Nodule cells contain large numbers of bacteroids which are differentiated, nitrogen‐fixing forms of the symbiotic bacteria. In the nodules, symbiotic plant cells home and maintain hundreds of viable bacteria. In order to better understand the molecular mechanism sustaining the phenomenon, we searched for new plant genes required for effective symbiosis.

We used a combination of forward and reverse genetics approaches to identify a gene required for nitrogen fixation, and we used cell and molecular biology to characterize the mutant phenotype and to gain an insight into gene function.

The symbiotic gene DNF2 encodes a putative phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C‐like protein. Nodules formed by the mutant contain a zone of infected cells reduced to a few cell layers. In this zone, bacteria do not differentiate properly into bacteroids. Furthermore, mutant nodules senesce rapidly and exhibit defense‐like reactions.

This atypical phenotype amongst Fix− mutants unravels dnf2 as a new actor of bacteroid persistence inside symbiotic plant cells.
Apoptotic effect of dibenzylideneacetone on oral cancer cells via modulation of specificity protein 1 and Bax
Authors: Yu H‐J , Shin J‐A , Nam J‐S , Kang B S , Cho S‐D 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveDibenzylideneacetone (DBA), an analogue of curcumin, has been shown to have potential anticancer effects against several cancers. However, the molecular mechanism underlying anticancer activity of DBA has not been well established yet. In this study, we investigated the function and molecular mechanism of DBA in human oral cancer cells.Materials and MethodsThe growth‐inhibitory and apoptotic effects and related signaling pathways of DBA were evaluated using trypan blue exclusion assay, 4′‐6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining, Western blot analysis, siRNA, and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.ResultsDBA inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by PARP cleavage, activation of caspase‐3, and nuclear condensation. DBA also decreased specificity protein 1 (Sp1) expression through facilitating protein degradation. In addition, DBA enhanced the induction of pro‐apoptotic protein Bax, resulting in their conformational change, translocation into mitochondrial outer membrane, and its oligomerization. The down‐regulation of Sp1 by siRNA targeting Sp1 and mithramycin A increasingly activated Bax to trigger apoptosis. Moreover, DBA‐induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in various human oral cancer cell lines were associated with Sp1 down‐regulation and induction of Bax.ConclusionThese findings suggest that DBA may be a potential anticancer drug candidate to induce apoptosis through down‐regulation of Sp1 in human oral cancer.
ZFN‐mediated gene targeting of the Arabidopsis protoporphyrinogen oxidase gene through Agrobacterium‐mediated floral dip transformation
Authors: de Pater Sylvia , Pinas Johan E. , Hooykaas Paul J. J. , van der Zaal Bert J. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryPreviously, we showed that ZFN‐mediated induction of double‐strand breaks (DSBs) at the intended recombination site enhanced the frequency of gene targeting (GT) at an artificial target locus using Agrobacterium‐mediated floral dip transformation. Here, we designed zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) for induction of DSBs in the natural protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) gene, which can be conveniently utilized for GT experiments. Wild‐type Arabidopsis plants and plants expressing the ZFNs were transformed via floral dip transformation with a repair T‐DNA with an incomplete PPO gene, missing the 5′ coding region but containing two mutations rendering the enzyme insensitive to the herbicide butafenacil as well as an extra KpnI site for molecular analysis of GT events. Selection on butafenacil yielded 2 GT events for the wild type with a frequency of 0.8 × 10−3 per transformation event and 8 GT events for the ZFNs expressing plant line with a frequency of 3.1 × 10−3 per transformation event. Molecular analysis using PCR and Southern blot analysis showed that 9 of the GT events were so‐called true GT events, repaired via homologous recombination (HR) at the 5′ and the 3′ end of the gene. One plant line contained a PPO gene repaired only at the 5′ end via HR. Most plant lines contained extra randomly integrated T‐DNA copies. Two plant lines did not contain extra T‐DNAs, and the repaired PPO genes in these lines were transmitted to the next generation in a Mendelian fashion.
Phylloid Hypermelanosis: A Cutaneous Marker of Several Different Disorders?
Authors: Happle Rudolf , Franco‐Guío Mario F. , Santacoloma‐Osorio Germán 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPhylloid hypermelanosis is a less clearly defined pigmentary disturbance than its hypopigmented counterpart, phylloid hypomelanosis. We report the case of a 32‐month‐old boy who had multiple melanotic macules arranged in a typical phylloid pattern since birth. He also had an abnormal facial appearance, with macrocephaly, frontal bossing, hypertelorism, internal strabismus, and auricular deformities. Psychomotor delay, multiple cystic brain lesions, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss were also found. A review of associated anomalies as described in this and five previously reported patients with phylloid hypermelanosis shows some vague and inconsistent similarities, such as unusual facial appearance, malformed ears, hearing loss, and mental deficiency, but it is likely that phylloid hypermelanosis represents a class of heterogeneous phenotypes. Future clinical and genetic research may show how many distinct entities can be placed in this group of disorders.
A Review of Next‐Generation Genetic Testing for the Dermatologist
Authors: Kwon Eun‐Kyung M. , Basel Donald , Siegel Dawn , Martin Kari L. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractDermatologists have been placed in a prime position to make new genetic discoveries. Tissue is easily obtained from the skin or mucosa for the study of germline and somatic mosaic disorders. This, along with the recent development of next‐generation sequencing, makes dermatology an exciting field with essentially endless possibilities for discovering genes responsible for disease, better understanding complex molecular pathways, and eventually developing targeted therapies. To take advantage of this great opportunity, a basic understanding of the advances in genetic testing is vital. Herein we give an overview of next‐generation sequencing, including some of the applications it may be used for. We also review various study designs for genetic discovery, each of their benefits and downfalls, and how they may be applied to the study of dermatologic disease.
Onychomycosis Does Not Always Require Systemic Treatment for Cure: A Trial Using Topical Therapy
Authors: Friedlander Shiela Fallon , Chan Yuin C. , Chan Yiong H. , Eichenfield Lawrence F. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractStandard teaching dictates that systemic therapy is required for treatment of onychomycosis. It is unknown whether topical antifungal therapy is effective for pediatric nail infections. This prospective, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled study was conducted in the Pediatric Dermatology Research Unit at Rady Children's Hospital to determine whether topical antifungal therapy is efficacious for pediatric onychomycosis. Forty patients ages 2 to 16 years with nonmatrix onychomycosis were randomized 1:3 to ciclopirox lacquer or vehicle lacquer. Ciclopirox lacquer or vehicle was applied daily for 32 weeks, with weekly removal of the lacquer and mechanical trimming. Those with poor response were crossed over to active drug at week 12. Thirty‐seven patients completed the 32‐week study, and follow‐up data were collected 1 year after completion of the study from 24 patients. Mycologic cure, effective treatment, and complete cure were assessed, as well as adverse events and effect on quality of life. Mycologic cure was 70% in the treated group and 20% in the vehicle arm (p = 0.03) at week 12. At end of the study (week 32), 77% of treated patients achieved mycologic cure and 71% effective treatment, compared with 22% of the control group. Ninety‐two percent of those who were cured and followed for 1 year remained clear. Topical antifungal lacquer (ciclopirox) can be an effective option for children with nonmatrix onychomycosis. Pediatric onychomycosis does not always require systemic therapy and responds better to topical therapy than does adult disease.