bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
External validation of the Briganti nomogram to estimate the probability of specimen‐confined disease in patients with high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Roumiguié Mathieu , Beauval Jean‐Baptiste , Filleron Thomas , Benoit Thibaut , Rischmann Pascal , de la Taille Alexandre , Salomon Laurent , Soulié Michel , Malavaud Bernard , Ploussard Guillaume 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo establish an external validation of the updated nomogram from Briganti et al., which provides estimates of the probability of specimen‐confined disease using the variables age, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), clinical stage and biopsy Gleason score in preoperatively defined high‐risk prostate cancer (PCa).Patients and MethodsThe study included 523 patients with high‐risk PCa, as defined by d'Amico classification, undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) and bilateral lymph node dissection in one of two academic centres between 1990 and 2013. Specimen‐confined disease was defined as pT2–pT3a node‐negative PCa with negative surgical margins. The receiver–operator characteristic (ROC) curve was obtained to quantify the overall accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]) of the model in predicting specimen‐confined disease. A calibration curve was then constructed to illustrate the relationship between the risk estimates obtained by the model (x‐axis) and the observed proportion of specimen‐confined disease (y‐axis). The Kaplan–Meier method was used to assess biochemical recurrence (BCR)‐free survival.ResultsPatients' median age and PSA level were 64 years and 21 ng/mL, respectively. The definition of high‐risk PCa was based on PSA level only in 38.3%, a biopsy Gleason score >7 in 34.5%, a clinical stage >T2b in 6.9%, or a combination of these two or three factors in 20.3% of patients. Positive surgical margins were observed in 43.6%, with a rate of 14.8% in pT2 cancers and lymph node metastasis in 12.1% of patients. pT stage was pT0 in 0.9%, pT2 in 28.9%, pT3a in 37.5% and pT3b–4 in 32.7% of patients. Overall, 44.4% of patients (N = 232) had specimen‐confined disease. PSA and cT stage were independently predictive of specimen‐confined disease. The median (range) 2‐, 5‐, and 8‐year BCR‐free survival rates were significantly higher in specimen‐confined disease as compared with non‐specimen‐confined disease: 80.87 (73.67–86.29) vs 37.55 (30.64–44.44)%, 63.53 (52.37–72.74) vs 26.93 (19.97–34.36)% and 55.08 (41.49–66.74) vs 19.52 (12.50–27.70)%, respectively (P < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis showed relevant accuracy of the model (AUC 0.6470, 95% CI 0.60–0.69) although the calibration plot suggested that, for risks ranging from 0.3 to 0.5, the odds of extracapsular extension were underestimated.ConclusionsThis external validation of the Briganti nomogram shows relevant accuracy, although the relative imprecision for intermediate risk may limit its clinical relevance. Our follow‐up findings confirm the large proportion of specimen‐confined PCa with good oncological outcomes in this heterogeneous subgroup of patients with high‐risk PCa.
Impact of mood disorders on oral health‐care utilization among middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Mago Anjali , Thyvalikakath Thankam P. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundGood oral health improves quality of life and is an integral part of active aging. Similar to some other systemic diseases, mood disorders are more prevalent in middle to older ages and have an associated risk of developing poor oral health. Consequently, people with mood disorders need to have regular dental care. There is scarce evidence in Canada linking mood disorders to the use of professional oral care services. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between mood disorders and utilization of oral health‐care services in a population‐based sample of middle aged and older adults in Canada.MethodsData were extracted from Canadian Community Health Survey – Healthy Aging, 2008. Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate the association between mood disorders and oral care utilization, adjusted for the confounders.ResultsAmong 30 354 respondents included in our sample, 2162 (6.9%) reported having mood disorders. After adjusting for age, sex, education, marital status, and dental insurance status, the respondents who had mood disorders had a significant increased odds of not visiting a dental professional in the past year (OR:1.21, 95% CI: 1.08–1.35). The association of never visiting a dental professional and mood disorders was even stronger (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.91–2.46).ConclusionMood disorders were found to have a strong association with underutilization of oral care services among aging adults of Canada. Given the associated poor oral health risks for elderly with mood disorders, oral health planners should strengthen the implementation of surveillance programs directed toward better oral health for this disadvantaged subpopulation.
Matching children and substitute homes: some theoretical and empirical notions
Authors: Pösö Tarja , Laakso Riitta 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMatching describes the process of selecting the substitute home for a child who needs to be placed away from the care of his/her birth parents. However, very little theorizing is done about matching and there is also a lack of systematic investigation into models of practice currently in use. Most importantly, very little is known about front‐line matching practices in different socio‐historical child welfare contexts. This paper aims to explore the concept of matching by addressing it theoretically and empirically as a decision‐making practice in social work. Based on the analysis of phone interviews (49) and focus group interviews (five groups with 18 child welfare practitioners) in Finland, we claim that matching includes a high degree of navigation: decision‐making balances between professional discretion, legal norms and principles, subjective views of the children and their parents as well as the economic and bureaucratic conditions of the service provision administration in the municipality. Navigation is shadowed by uncertainty and compromises. The analysis suggests that the notion of matching needs further analysis as it plays an important role in child welfare decision‐making. The interplay between front‐line practice and the socio‐historical context needs to be further addressed.
Buccal bone deficiency in fresh extraction sockets: a prospective single cohort study
Authors: Barone Antonio , Ricci Massimiliano , Romanos Georgios E. , Tonelli Paolo , Alfonsi Fortunato , Covani Ugo 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this prospective single cohort study was to evaluate the use of xenograft and collagen membranes in treating full or partial buccal bone defects of fresh extraction sockets in the esthetic zone.Materials and methodsThirty‐three patients requiring tooth extraction in the anterior maxillary area and showing a complete or partial buccal bone plate deficiency (more than 2 mm) were consecutively enrolled and treated. Corticocancellous porcine bone and platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) with a collagen membrane were used to graft the extraction sockets, and the membranes were left exposed to the oral cavity with a secondary soft tissue healing. The outcome variables were as follows: width of keratinized mucosa, facial soft tissue levels, clinical bone changes (measured with a clinical splint), implant and prosthesis failures, and peri‐implant marginal bone changes.ResultsAll treated sites allowed the placement of implants; the width of keratinized mucosa at the mid‐facial aspect showed an increase of 2.3 mm 5 months after the grafting procedure, and its value was 3.2 ± 0.6 mm at 1‐year follow‐up. The mean values of the facial soft tissue level indicated an increase over time. The bone level showed an improvement of 0.8 ± 0.1 mm and 0.7 ± 0.1 mm at mesial and distal sites, respectively, when compared to the baseline measurements. Finally, in the palatal area, no bone changes were observed. No implant failed during the entire observation period.ConclusionsFindings from this study showed that xenograft and PRF, used for ridge preservation of the extraction sockets with buccal bone plate dehiscence in the esthetic zone, can be considered effective in repairing bone defects before implant placement. The secondary soft tissue healing over the grafted sockets did not compromise bone formation; moreover, the soft tissue level and the width of keratinized gingiva showed a significant improvement over time.
Immediate loading of implants installed in a healed alveolar bony ridge or immediately after tooth extraction: an experimental study in dogs
Authors: Mainetti Tomaso , Lang Niklaus P. , Bengazi Franco , Sbricoli Luca , Soto Cantero Luis , Botticelli Daniele 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the sequential healing at immediately loaded implants installed in a healed alveolar bony ridge or immediately after tooth extraction.Material and methodsIn the mandible of 12 dogs, the second premolars were extracted. After 3 months, the mesial roots of the third premolars were endodontically treated and the distal roots extracted. Implants were placed immediately into the extraction sockets (test) and in the second premolar region (control). Crowns were applied at the second and third maxillary premolars, and healing abutments of appropriate length were applied at both implants placed in the mandible and adapted to allow occlusal contacts with the crowns in the maxilla. The time of surgery and time of sacrifices were planned in such a way to obtain biopsies representing the healing after 1 and 2 weeks and 1 and 3 months. Ground sections were prepared for histological analyses.ResultsAt the control sites, a resorption of the buccal bone of 1 mm was found after 1 week and remained stable thereafter. At the test sites, the resorption was 0.4 mm at 1‐week period and further loss was observed after 1 month. The height of the peri‐implant soft tissue was 3.8 mm both at test and control sites. Higher values of mineralized bone‐to‐implant contact and bone density were seen at the controls compared with the test sites. The differences, however, were not statistically significant.ConclusionsDifferent patterns of sequential early healing were found at implants installed in healed alveolar bone or in alveolar sockets immediately after tooth extractions. However, three months after implant installation, no statistically significant differences were found for the hard‐ and soft‐tissue dimensions.
Healing of implants installed in over‐ or under‐prepared sites – An experimental study in dogs
Authors: Rea Massimiliano , Lang Niklaus P. , Ricci Sara , Mintrone Francesco , González González Gladys , Botticelli Daniele 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo study bone healing at implants installed with different insertion torques.Material and methodsIn six Labrador dogs, all mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted. After 4 months of healing, flaps were elevated, and two implant sites were prepared at each side of the mandible. In the right side of the mandible, the distal sites were prepared conventionally, while the mesial sites were over‐prepared by 0.2 mm. As a consequence, a final insertion torque of ~30 Ncm at the distal and a minimal insertion torque close to 0 Ncm at the mesial sites were obtained. In the left sides of the mandible, however, the recipient sites were underprepared by 0.3 mm resulting in an insertion torque of ≥70 Ncm at both implants. Cover screws were applied, and flaps sutured to fully submerge the experimental sites. After 4 months, the animals were sacrificed and ground sections obtained for histological evaluation.ResultsThe mineralized bone‐to‐implant contact was in the range of 55.2–62.1%, displaying the highest value at implants with ~30 Ncm insertion torque and the lowest value at the implant sites with close to 0 Ncm insertion torque. No statistically significant differences were revealed. Bone density was in the range of 43.4–54.9%, yielding the highest value at implants with ≥70 Ncm insertion torque and the lowest at the implant sites with close to 0 Ncm insertion torque. The difference between the sites of ~30 Ncm and the corresponding ≥70 Ncm insertion torque reached statistical significance.ConclusionsSimilar amounts of osseointegration were obtained irrespective of the insertion torque applied. Moreover, implants installed in sites with close to 0 Ncm insertion torque may properly osseointegrate as well.
Fingolimod Therapy in Early Multiple Sclerosis: An Efficacy Analysis of the TRANSFORMS and FREEDOMS Studies by Time Since First Symptom
Authors: Agius Mark , Meng Xiangyi , Chin Peter , Grinspan Augusto , Hashmonay Ronny 
Published: March 2014

SummaryAimsThe phase 3 TRANSFORMS and FREEDOMS studies established the efficacy of fingolimod in reducing multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses and magnetic resonance imaging lesions compared with intramuscular (IM) interferon (IFN) β‐1a and placebo over 12 and 24 months, respectively.MethodsTo investigate the efficacy of fingolimod at the approved 0.5 mg dose in patients early in the MS disease course, post hoc subgroup analyses of TRANSFORMS (n = 272) and FREEDOMS (n = 217) data were conducted in patients who experienced their first MS symptom <3 years before randomization.ResultsFingolimod 0.5 mg reduced annualized relapse rate by 73.4% (P = 0.0002) versus IFNβ‐1a IM and by 67.4% (P < 0.0001) versus placebo in patients with <3 years since first symptom; respective reductions were 45.4% and 51.4% in subgroups of patients with ≥3 years since first symptom. For patients with <3 years since their first symptom, significantly fewer new/newly enlarged T2 lesions were observed with fingolimod versus IFNβ‐1a IM (mean number, 1.94 vs. 2.95; P = 0.036) or placebo (4.1 vs. 10.7; P < 0.001); the mean number of gadolinium‐enhancing T1 lesions was significantly reduced versus placebo (0.3 vs. 1.1; P < 0.001).ConclusionFingolimod 0.5 mg is highly effective in reducing relapses and MRI activity in patients early in the MS disease course.
Molecular Hydrogen Suppresses Reactive Astrogliosis Related to Oxidative Injury during Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Liu Fang‐Ting , Xu Sheng‐Ming , Xiang Zheng‐Hua , Li Xiang‐Nan , Li Jian , Yuan Hong‐Bin , Sun Xue‐Jun 
Published: March 2014

SummaryAimsSpinal cord injury (SCI) can induce excessive astrocyte activation. Hydrogen has been deemed as a novel antioxidant. We investigated whether molecular hydrogen could act as an antiastrogliosis agent during SCI and oxidative injury in experimental rats and cultured astrocytes.MethodsHydrogen‐rich saline (HS, 8 mL/kg, i.p.) was injected every 12 h after SCI in rats. The expression of STAT3, p‐STAT3, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP); the release of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α; and astrogliosis, along with the BBB score, were evaluated. Culturing astrocytes with hydrogen‐rich medium, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), astrogliosis, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines were assessed after H2O2‐induced injury.ResultsIn the HS group, the expression of STAT3, p‐STAT3, and GFAP and the proinflammatory cytokines were decreased in local spinal cord on postoperation day (POD) 3; on PODs 7 and 14, reactive astrogliosis was suppressed, and the locomotor function was also improved. Furthermore, hydrogen‐rich medium attenuated the intracellular production of ROS (especially HO•), astrogliosis, and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in astrocytes 12 h after H2O2‐induced injury.ConclusionsMolecular hydrogen could suppress reactive astrogliosis after contusive SCI and reduce the release of proinflammatory cytokines produced by active astrocytes related to oxidative injury. Thus, molecular hydrogen is potential to be a neuroprotective agent.
Cortistatin‐14 Mediates its Anticonvulsant Effects Via sst2 and sst3 but Not Ghrelin Receptors
Authors: Aourz Najat , Portelli Jeanelle , Coppens Jessica , De Bundel Dimitri , Di Giovanni Giuseppe , Van Eeckhaut Ann , Michotte Yvette , Smolders Ilse 
Published: March 2014

SummaryCortistatin (CST)‐14, a neuropeptide that is structurally and functionally related to somatostatin‐14 (SRIF) binds all five somatostatin receptor subtypes (sst1–sst5). Using in vivo microdialysis and telemetry‐based electroencephalographic recordings, we provide the first experimental evidence for anticonvulsive effects of CST‐14 in a pilocarpine‐induced seizure model in rats and mice and for the involvement of sst2 and sst3 receptors in these anticonvulsant actions of CST‐14. Both receptor subtypes are required for the anticonvulsant effects of CST‐14 given that co‐perfusion of a selective sst2 antagonist (cyanamid15486) or a selective sst3 antagonist (SST3‐ODN‐8) reversed anticonvulsant effect of CST‐14, and this, independently of each other. Next, as the ghrelin receptor has been proposed as a target for the biological effects of CST‐14, we used ghrelin receptor knockout mice and their wild type littermates to study the involvement of this receptor in the anticonvulsive actions of CST‐14. Our results show a significant decrease in seizure duration in both genotypes when CST‐14 treated mice were compared with corresponding control animals receiving only pilocarpine. In addition, this CST‐14‐induced decrease was comparable in both genotypes. We here thus provide the first evidence that ghrelin receptors are not involved in mediating anticonvulsant actions of CST‐14 in vivo.
Barriers and enablers to the provision of alcohol treatment among Aboriginal Australians: A thematic review of five research projects
Authors: Gray Dennis , Wilson Mandy , Allsop Steve , Saggers Sherry , Wilkes Edward , Ober Coralie 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsTo review the results of five research projects commissioned to enhance alcohol treatment among Aboriginal Australians, and to highlight arising from them.Design and MethodsDrafts of the papers were workshopped by project representatives, final papers reviewed and results summarised. Lessons arising were identified and described.ResultsWhile the impact of the projects varied, they highlight the feasibility of adapting mainstream interventions in Aboriginal Australian contexts. Outcomes include greater potential to: screen for those at risk; increase community awareness; build capacity and partnerships between organisations; and co‐ordinate comprehensive referral networks and service provision.DiscussionResults show a small investment can produce sustainable change and positive outcomes. However, to optimise and maintain investment, cultural difference needs to be recognised in both planning and delivery of alcohol interventions; resources and funding must be responsive to and realistic about the capacities of organisations; partnerships need to be formed voluntarily based on respect, equality and trust; and practices and procedures within organisations need to be formalised.ConclusionsThere is no simple way to reduce alcohol‐related harm in Aboriginal communities. However, the papers reviewed show that with Aboriginal control, modest investment and respectful collaboration, service enhancements and improved outcomes can be achieved. Mainstream interventions need to be adapted to Aboriginal settings, not simply transferred. The lessons outlined provide important reflections for future research. [Gray D, Wilson M, Allsop S, Saggers S, Wilkes E, Ober C. Barriers and enablers to the provision of alcohol treatment among Aboriginal Australians: A thematic review of five research projects. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:482‐490]
Hepatic steatosis and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease are not associated with decline in renal function in people with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jenks S. J. , Conway B. R. , Hor T. J. , Williamson R. M. , McLachlan S. , Robertson C. , Morling J. R. , Strachan M. W. J. , Price J. F. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimsWe aimed to determine whether the presence of hepatic steatosis and/or non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was associated with decline in renal function or onset of microalbuminuria in a cohort of people with Type 2 diabetes, including those managed in both primary and secondary care.MethodsNine hundred and thirty‐three patients from the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study, a cohort of Scottish men and women aged 60–74 years with Type 2 diabetes, underwent assessment for hepatic steatosis by liver ultrasonography 1 year after recruitment. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was defined as the presence of steatosis following exclusion of secondary causes of liver disease. Patients were followed for 4 years and decline in renal function was assessed by the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate over time.ResultsOf the 933 subjects, 530 had hepatic steatosis and, of those with hepatic steatosis, 388 had non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Neither hepatic steatosis nor non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease were significantly associated with rate of decline in renal function, with the mean rate of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate being –1.55 ml min−1 1.73 m−2 per year for participants with hepatic steatosis compared with –1.84 ml min−1 1.73 m−2 for those without steatosis (P = 0.19). Similar results were obtained when the analysis was restricted to participants with and without non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (–1.44 vs. –1.64 ml min−1 1.73 m−2 per year, respectively; P = 0.44). Additionally, neither hepatic steatosis nor non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease were associated with the onset or regression of albuminuria during follow‐up (all P ≥ 0.05).ConclusionsThe presence of hepatic steatosis/non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was not associated with decline in renal function during a 4‐year follow‐up in our cohort of older people with Type 2 diabetes.
Diplodia sapinea: the main fungal species involved in the colonization of pine shoots in Italy
Authors: Luchi N. , Oliveira Longa C. M. , Danti R. , Capretti P. , Maresi G. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryDamage to various forest tree species caused by Diplodia sapinea has been reported in Italy since the early 20th century. However, until recently, systematic characterization of this microorganism, based on DNA sequence data, has been limited with only a general description of the fungus in the majority of the reports. To address this and provide a more accurate identification of Diplodia species associated on pine in Italy, we examined a total of 88 Botryosphaeriaceae isolates obtained from symptomatic and asymptomatic material from different hosts located in different geographical regions of Italy. Using molecular analysis, we were able to identify 67 isolates of D. sapinea and eight isolates of D. seriata. Diplodia sapinea was dominant on P. nigra shoots and was also detected on P. halepensis, P. pinea, P. pinaster, P. radiata and P. sylvestris, while D. seriata and other Botryosphaeriaceae appeared to be only occasionally present on shoots. The remaining 13 isolates represented nine different Botryosphaeriaceae species, occurring at low levels. Analysis of molecular variance (amova) based on DAMD‐PCR profiles detected low significant differences among D. sapinea isolates from the different sampling areas throughout Italy.