bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental bacteria and childhood asthma
Authors: Ege M. J. , Mayer M. , Schwaiger K. , Mattes J. , Pershagen G. , van Hage M. , Scheynius A. , Bauer J. , von Mutius E. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundWe have previously found an inverse association of bacterial diversity with childhood asthma. It remains unclear whether certain bacteria account for the protective effect.MethodsThe high variability of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene allows assessing diversity and specificity of bacterial communities by single‐strand configuration polymorphism (SSCP). DNA was extracted from mattress dust samples of 489 school‐age children from rural and suburban regions in Germany. A fragment of the bacteria‐specific 16S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR, digested to single‐strand DNA, and subjected to electrophoresis. The resulting band patterns reflect the underlying DNA sequences. The individual bands were tested for associations with asthma, hay fever, and atopy in quantitative and qualitative multivariable analyses. Significantly associated bands were isolated and sequenced. The sequences were compared to a database, and distinct bacteria were identified.ResultsSeven of 76 independent bands were found to be inversely associated with asthma, atopic sensitization, and hay fever with odds ratios ranging from 0.17 to 0.73. The bands contained the sequences of Acinetobacter sp., Lactobacillus spp., Neisseria spp., Staphylococcus sciuri, Jeotgalicoccus sp., Corynebacterium spp., and others.ConclusionsIn a diverse microbial environment, certain bacteria may account for the protective effect on the development of asthma and atopy.
Mechanisms of tolerance induction in allergic disease: integrating current and emerging concepts
Authors: Wisniewski J. , Agrawal R. , Woodfolk J. A. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe prevalence of atopy and allergic disease continues to escalate worldwide. Defining immune mechanisms that suppress the underlying Th2‐driven inflammatory process is critical for the rational design of new treatments to prevent or attenuate disease. Allergen immunotherapy has provided a useful framework for evaluating changes in the immune response that occur during the development of tolerance. Despite this, elucidating the phenotypic and functional properties of regulatory cells, has proven challenging in humans with allergic disease. This article provides an overview of our current understanding of the immune pathways that orchestrate allergen tolerance, with an emphasis on emerging concepts related to human disease. A variety of regulatory cell types, including IL‐10‐secreting T and B cells, play a pivotal role in suppressing allergic responses to inhaled, ingested and injected allergens. These cells may inhibit Th2 effectors directly, or else indirectly, through other cell types and mediators. Protective antibodies, including IgG4, Fc sialylated IgG, and IgA, have the capacity to modulate the response by preventing allergen binding to surface‐bound IgE, or inhibiting dendritic cell maturation. Immune cell plasticity may augment suppression of Th2 cells by T regulatory cells, through mechanisms that involve T cell conversion, or else unconventional roles of classical effector cells. These actions depend upon external cues provided by the in vivo milieu. As such, specific anatomical sites may preferentially favour tolerance induction. Recent scientific advances now allow a global analysis of immune parameters that capture novel markers of tolerance induction in allergic patients. Such markers could provide new molecular targets for assessing tolerance, and for designing treatments that confer long‐lasting protection in a safe and efficacious fashion.
Implant‐Supporting Telescopic Maxillary Prostheses and Immediate Loading
Authors: Romanos Georgios E. , May Stephan , May Dittmar 
Published: September 2012

AbstractImmediate loading (IL) in the maxilla is a successful concept when implants are splinted together using a fixed restoration. This concept is associated with high number of implants or difficulties in the plaque control underneath the restoration, which may reduce the patient comfort and satisfaction and compromise the implant prognosis.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term clinical outcome of implants placed in the maxilla using telescopic‐retained removable prostheses under immediate functional loading protocol.Material and MethodsThe present retrospective study included 117 implants with a progressive thread design placed in 26 patients (age 57.04 ± 8.87 years old) with clinical and radiographic evaluation for a period of at least 2 years. A total of 29 implants (24.79%) were placed in fresh extraction sockets. All implants were placed 1–3 mm subcrestally from the mid‐facial crest of bone level. The implants were connected immediately after placement with conical prefabricated abutments (4‐ to 6‐degree angle) using a final torque of 15 Ncm immediately after surgery. Secondary prefabricated copings with precise fit for the abutments were placed and the partial dentures were relined chair‐side. The restorations were palate‐free and were to remain in place without removal for 10 days to splint the implants together.ResultsAfter a loading period of 54.42 ± 15.68 months (min. 26 months/max. 87 months), the study showed 7 failures (5.98% failure rate), and 10 implants presented a crestal bone loss of more than 2 mm (8.55%). This represented a cumulative survival rate of 94.02% and a success rate for the evaluated implants of 85.47%. All patients were satisfied with the stability of their prostheses and no complications were reported.ConclusionsTelescopic implant‐supported maxillary prostheses in conjunction with IL present an alternative prosthetic solution for the edentulous maxilla, providing long‐term predictability and improving the patient comfort and clinical outcome.
High Volume Local Anesthesia as a Postoperative Factor of Pain and Swelling in Dental Implants
Authors: Sánchez‐Siles Mariano , Torres‐Diez Luis Carlos , Camacho‐Alonso Fabio , Salazar‐Sánchez Noemi , Ballester Ferrandis Jose Francisco 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether the administration of high‐volume local anesthesia can influence postoperative pain and swelling, and the degree of patient satisfaction, following dental implant placement.Material and MethodsOne hundred patients (45 women and 55 men) between 19 and 80 years old were divided into two groups: group A (n = 50, with placement of an implant using an atraumatic approach in each patient, with sub‐periosteal injection of a volume of Ultracain® ≤0.9 mL [half a carpule]) and group B (n = 50, involving the same surgical procedure but infiltrating a local anesthetic volume of ≥7.2 mL [four carpules]). Visual analog scales were used in all patients to rate intraoperative pain and postoperative pain and swelling. After the first week, the patients completed a questionnaire evaluating satisfaction with treatment.ResultsThe intraoperative pain scores were similar in both groups (p = 0.363), while the postoperative pain and swelling scores were significantly lower in group A at all time points. Patient rated satisfaction with the surgical treatment was higher in group A.ConclusionsExcess injected volume of local anesthetic in dental implant surgery has a negative impact upon both postoperative pain and swelling, and on patient rated satisfaction.
The burden of diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose in an urban population of Sri Lanka
Authors: Pinidiyapathirage M. J. , Kasturiratne A. , Ranawaka U. K. , Gunasekara D. , Wijekoon N. , Medagoda K. , Perera S. , Takeuchi F. , Kato N. , Warnakulasuriya T. , Wickremasinghe A. R. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsTo describe the burden of diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose in middle‐aged residents (35–64 years) in an urban area of Sri Lanka.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted in the Ragama Medical Officer of Health area, from which 2986 participants (1349 men and 1637 women) were randomly selected from the electoral registry between January and December 2007. The participants underwent a physical examination and had their height, weight, waist and hip circumferences and blood pressure measured by trained personnel. Fasting blood samples were taken for measurement of glucose, HbA1c and lipids. The prevalence of diabetes (fasting plasma glucose > 7 mmol/l) and impaired fasting glycaemia (fasting plasma glucose 5.6–6.9 mmol/l) and major predictors of diabetes in Sri Lanka were estimated from the population‐based data.ResultsAge‐adjusted prevalence of diabetes mellitus in this urban population was 20.3% in men and 19.8% in women. Through the present screening, 263 patients with diabetes and 1262 with impaired fasting glucose levels were identified. The prevalence of newly detected diabetes was 35.7% of all patients with diabetes. Among patients with diabetes, only 23.8% were optimally controlled. In the regression models, high BMI, high waist circumference, high blood pressure and hypercholesterolaemia increased the fasting plasma glucose concentration, independent of age, sex and a family history of diabetes.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate the heavy burden of diabetes in this urban population. Short‐ and long‐term control strategies are required, not only for optimal therapy among those affected, but also for nationwide primary prevention of diabetes.
Deprivation and ethnicity impact on diabetes control and use of treatment regimen
Authors: Thompson R. J. , Agostini K. , Potts L. , Luscombe J. , Christie D. , Viner R. , White B. , Hindmarsh P. C. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsDeprivation and/or ethnicity impact on care delivery. We have assessed how these factors influence diabetes care in a paediatric clinic.MethodsWe related access to care [type of insulin treatment regimen—twice daily, multiple daily injections and insulin pump therapy (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion)], measures of care process (HbA1c) and an approximate measure of satisfaction with the service (clinic attendance rate) in 325 (170 male) children and young people with Type 1 diabetes (mean age 10.6 years, mean duration of diabetes of 4.5 years), with indices of deprivation and ethnicity.ResultsOf the 325 children and young people, 2.7% received twice‐daily insulin, 48.4% multiple daily injections and 48.9% continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Median clinic HbA1c was 62 mmol/mol (7.8%) and those receiving the insulin pump therapy had the lowest HbA1c. Four ethnic groups were represented; White British 81.6%, Asian non‐Indian 6.5%, African 8.1% and Asian Indian 3.8%. Mean deprivation score was 21.06. White British and Asian Indian groups were more likely to receive insulin pump therapy (χ2 = 50.3; P < 0.001). Attendance rates were 94.1% and did not differ across ethnic groups. Deprivation was related to ethnicity and HbA1c (R2 = 0.02; P = 0.02). There was no relationship between clinic attendance and deprivation. Insulin regimen and ethnicity were associated with HbA1c (R2 = 0.096; P < 0.001). Similar findings were obtained when analysis was confined to the White British population.ConclusionsThese data suggest that deprivation and ethnicity influence diabetes control and how intensive insulin therapy is utilized. A better consideration of the needs of different ethnic groups is required to ensure equitable care delivery in paediatric diabetes.
Vibration thresholds are increased at low frequencies in the sole of the foot in diabetes—a novel multi‐frequency approach
Authors: Nelander J. , Speidel T. , Björkman A. , Dahlin L. B. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsTo evaluate multi‐frequency tactilometry as a method to measure vibrotactile sense in the sole of the foot in subjects with diabetes.MethodsVibration thresholds were investigated at five frequencies (8, 16, 32, 64 and 125 Hz) at three sites (first and fifth metatarsal heads and heel) in the sole of the foot in subjects with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes (n = 37). Thresholds were compared with healthy, age‐ and gender‐matched subjects (n = 37) and related to glycaemic levels, subjective estimation of sensation in the feet and to perception of touch.ResultsVibration thresholds were significantly higher in subjects with diabetes compared with healthy subjects at low frequencies (8, 16 and 32 Hz) at all measured sites, and also at 64 Hz for the metatarsal heads. Perception of touch and subjective estimation of sensation were significantly impaired in subjects with diabetes. Glycaemic levels, which were higher in subjects with diabetes, did not correlate with vibration thresholds at 32 Hz (most sensitive to Meissner′s corpuscles) or with touch thresholds in subjects with diabetes. Vibration thresholds at 32 Hz correlated significantly with perception of touch (rho = 0.45–0.65; P < 0.01) and with subjective sensation (rho = −0.38 to −0.52; P < 0.001) in subjects with diabetes. Perception of touch and subjective estimation of sensation did also correlate (rho = −0.51 to −0.80; P < 0.002).ConclusionsTactilometry is effective in detecting neuropathy in the sole of the foot at low frequencies of mainly 8–32 Hz, indicating that at least Meissner's corpuscles, or their related large nerve fibres, are affected by diabetes.
Levels of domestication in fish: implications for the sustainable future of aquaculture
Authors: Teletchea Fabrice , Fontaine Pascal 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe agricultural world today is dominated by a few domesticated mammal species, that is, animals modified from their wild ancestors through selective breeding in captivity for traits beneficial to human usages. As a result, a clear dichotomy exists between wild (from hunting) and domesticated mammals (produced in farms) used for human consumption. Similar to agriculture, aquaculture is often viewed as the only solution that can provide more fish products given that harvesting wild stocks have reached an upper limit. Aquaculture is considerably younger than agriculture relying on natural sources to farm numerous species. To better describe the diverse strategies for fish production, we propose a new classification comprising five levels of ‘domestication’ with 1 being the least to 5 being the most domesticated. Our classification places 70% of the 250 farmed finfish species recorded in the 2009 FAO database into levels 1, 2 and 3 representing a transitory form of fish production dependent on the availability of the wild resource. In contrast, only a few species, or more accurately populations, can be considered truly domesticated, similar to cattle or sheep. Based on this classification, two scenarios for the future of aquaculture are discussed: either the industry focuses on few truly domesticated species, similar to the path taken by agriculture, but avoiding its negative impacts or aquaculture proceeds with inter‐specific diversification by focusing primarily on the domestication of native species.
Geochemistry and origin of natural gases dissolved in brines from gas fields in southwest Japan
Authors: SAKATA S. , MAEKAWA T. , IGARI S. , SANO Y. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPrevious geochemical studies indicated that most natural gases dissolved in brines in Japan are of microbial origin, consisting of methane produced via carbonate reduction. However, some of those from gas fields in southwest Japan contain methane relatively enriched in 13C, whose origin remains to be clarified. To address this issue, chemical and isotopic analyses were performed on natural gases and brines from the gas fields in Miyazaki and Shizuoka prefectures, southwest Japan. Methane isotopic signatures (δ13C ≈ −68‰ to −34‰ VPDB; δ2H ≈ −183‰ to −149‰ VSMOW) suggest that these gases are of microbial (formed via carbonate reduction) or of mixed microbial and thermogenic origin. The relatively high δ2H‐CH4 values and their relationship with the δ2H‐H2O values argue against the possibility of their formation via acetate fermentation. The δ13C‐CO2 values (≈−5‰), together with the slope of the correlation between δ2H‐CH4 and δ13C‐CH4 (Δδ2H‐CH4/Δδ13C‐CH4 ≈ 1), contradict the possibility of their formation via carbonate reduction followed by partial oxidation by methanotrophs. The 3He/4He ratios of the gases from Miyazaki (≈0.11–1.3 Ra) and their low correlation with δ13C‐CH4 values do not support an abiogenic origin. It is inferred therefore that the high δ13C‐CH4 values of natural gases dissolved in brines from gas fields in southwest Japan are indications of the contribution of thermogenic hydrocarbons, although whether abiogenic hydrocarbons contribute significantly to the gases from Shizuoka requires further investigation. This study has clarified that, for the future exploration of natural gases in southwest Japan, we should adopt the strategies for conventional thermogenic gas accumulations, such as checking the content, type and maturity of organic matter in the underlying sedimentary rocks.
Bleeding disorders, menorrhagia and iron deficiency: impacts on health‐related quality of life
Authors: Rae C. , Furlong W. , Horsman J. , Pullenayegum E. , Demers C. , St‐Louis J. , Lillicrap D. , Barr R. 
Published: September 2012

Summaryvon Willebrand disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder that occurs in up to 1% of the general population. The great majority of females with VWD experience menorrhagia. The morbidity burden in females with VWD may relate to iron deficiency resulting from menorrhagia. To explore relationships between bleeding disorders, menorrhagia, iron deficiency and the outcomes of health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and educational attainment. All subjects with VWD, and females with other bleeding disorders, in the Canadian national registry who were more than 12 years of age were eligible for survey. Survey measures included the HEALTH UTILITIES INDEX®; abridged Clinical History Assessment Tool; socio‐demographic questions and serum ferritin. Statistical analyses included testing differences among groups of means using analysis of variance and of proportions using chi‐squared test. Significant size differences in mean HRQL scores were detected between VWD females and both females with other bleeding disorders [diff = (−0.08); P = 0.017] and VWD males [diff = (−0.07); P = 0.039]. Mean HRQL scores differed between females with and without menorrhagia (P < 0.001). Mean HRQL scores were not significantly different between females with and without iron deficiency. Educational attainment was not associated with disease group, menorrhagia status or iron status. Females with VWD have a greater morbidity burden than females in the general population, females with other bleeding disorders and males with VWD. Menorrhagia is associated with low HRQL scores in females with bleeding disorders, including VWD. Further investigation should assess how menorrhagia impacts HRQL in females with bleeding disorders.
Acute diesel exhaust particle exposure increases viral titre and inflammation associated with existing influenza infection, but does not exacerbate deficits in lung function
Authors: Larcombe Alexander N. , Foong Rachel E. , Boylen Catherine E. , Zosky Graeme R. 
Published: September 2012

Please cite this paper as: Larcombe et al. (2012) Acute diesel exhaust particle exposure increases viral titre and inflammation associated with existing influenza infection, but does not exacerbate deficits in lung function. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI:10.1111/irv.12012.Background  Exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) is thought to exacerbate many pre‐existing respiratory diseases, including asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, however, there is a paucity of data on whether DEP exacerbates illness due to respiratory viral infection.Objectives  To assess the physiological consequences of an acute DEP exposure during the peak of influenza‐induced illness.Methods  We exposed adult female BALB/c mice to 100 μg DEP (or control) 3·75 days after infection with 104·5 plaque forming units of influenza A/Mem71 (or control). Six hours, 24 hours and 7 days after DEP exposure we measured thoracic gas volume and lung function at functional residual capacity. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was taken for analyses of cellular inflammation and cytokines, and whole lungs were taken for measurement of viral titre.Results  Influenza infection resulted in significantly increased inflammation, cytokine influx and impairment to lung function. DEP exposure alone resulted in less inflammation and cytokine influx, and no impairment to lung function. Mice infected with influenza and exposed to DEP had higher viral titres and neutrophilia compared with infected mice, yet they did not have more impaired lung mechanics than mice infected with influenza alone.Conclusions  A single dose of DEP is not sufficient to physiologically exacerbate pre‐existing respiratory disease caused by influenza infection in mice.
Population‐level effects of automated smoking cessation help programs: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Borland Ron , Balmford James , Benda Peter 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsTo test the population impact of offering automated smoking cessation interventions via the internet and/or by mobile phone.DesignPragmatic randomized controlled trial with five conditions: offer of (i) minimal intervention control; (ii) QuitCoach personalized tailored internet‐delivered advice program; (iii) onQ, an interactive automated text‐messaging program; (iv) an integration of both QuitCoach and onQ; and (v) a choice of either alone or the combined program.SettingAustralia, via a mix of internet and telephone contacts.ParticipantsA total of 3530 smokers or recent quitters recruited from those interested in quitting, and seeking self‐help resources (n = 1335) or cold‐contacted from internet panels (n = 2195).MeasurementsThe primary outcome was self‐report of 6 months sustained abstinence at 7 months post‐recruitment.FindingsOnly 42.5% of those offered one of the interventions took it up to a minimal level. The intervention groups combined had a non‐significantly higher 6‐month sustained abstinence rate than the control [odds ratio (OR) = 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98–2.24] (missing cases treated as smokers), with no differences between the interventions. Among those who used an intervention, there was a significant overall increase in abstinence (OR = 1.95; CI: 1.04–3.67), but not clearly so when analysing only cases with reported outcomes. Success rates were greater among those recruited after seeking information compared to those cold‐contacted.ConclusionsSmokers interested in quitting who were assigned randomly to an offer of either the QuitCoach internet‐based support program and/or the interactive automated text‐messaging program had non‐significantly greater odds of quitting for at least 6 months than those randomized to an offer of a simple information website.