bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved human gingival fibroblast response to titanium implants coated with ultraviolet‐irradiated vitamin D precursor and vitamin E
Authors: Satué M. , Gómez‐Florit M. , Monjo M. , Ramis J. M. 
Published: August 2015

Background and ObjectiveUltraviolet (UV)‐irradiated 7‐dehydrocholesterol (7‐DHC) and vitamin E (VitE)‐coated titanium (Ti) implants have a beneficial effect on bone cells. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) are the most abundant cells in periodontal tissues and are involved in the wound healing and repair. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of HGFs to Ti implants coated with UV‐irradiated 7‐DHC and VitE, for improved soft‐tissue integration of dental implants.Material and MethodsTi surfaces were coated with 7‐DHC and VitE, irradiated with UV light and incubated for 48 h at 23°C to allow cholecalciferol (D3) synthesis from 7‐DHC onto the Ti surface. HGFs were cultured on the modified surfaces and the influence of the coating on these cells was evaluated through the analysis of: (i) biocompatibility; (ii) the mRNA levels of genes involved in the composition and turnover of the extracellular matrix, the inflammatory response, periodontal bone resorption and wound healing; and (iii) the levels of MMP‐1 and TIMP‐1 proteins.ResultsWe found a beneficial effect of UV‐irradiated 7‐DHC:VitE‐coated Ti implants on HGFs. Besides being biocompatible with HGFs, the UV‐irradiated 7‐DHC and VitE coating increased the levels of collagen III α1 and fibronectin mRNAs. and decreased the level of interleukin‐8 mRNA. TIMP‐1 was increased at both mRNA and protein levels in HGFs cultured on UV‐irradiated 7‐DHC:VitE‐coated Ti implants. Finally, the UV‐irradiated 7‐DHC and VitE coating decreased the level of RANKL mRNA in HGFs.ConclusionUV‐irradiated 7‐DHC:VitE‐coated Ti implants have a positive effect on HGFs in vitro by reducing the inflammatory response and extracellular matrix breakdown.
The diagnostic method has a strong influence on classification of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Escourrou Pierre , Grote Ludger , Penzel Thomas , Mcnicholas Walter T. , Verbraecken Johan , Tkacova Rosa , Riha Renata L. , Hedner Jan ,   the ESADA Study Group
Published: August 2015

SummaryPolygraphy (PG) and polysomnography (PSG) are used in clinical settings in Europe for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but their equivalence in unselected clinical cohorts is unknown. We hypothesized that the method would affect both diagnostic outcomes and disease severity stratification. Data from 11 049 patients in the multi‐centre European Sleep Apnea Cohort (ESADA) with suspected OSA (male and female, aged 18–80 years) were used in two groups of patients to compare PG (n = 5745) and PSG (n = 5304). Respiratory events were scored using the 2007 American Association of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria. In subjects who underwent PSG, mean apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) using sleep time (AHIPSG 31.0 ± 26.1 h−1) and total analysed time (TAT) (AHITAT 24.7 ± 22.0 h−1) were higher than in subjects who underwent PG (AHIPG 22.0 ± 23.5 h−1) (P < 0.0001). The oxygen desaturation index (ODI) was lower in subjects investigated with PG (ODIPG 18.4 ± 21.7 h−1) compared to subjects investigated with PSG (ODIPSG 23.0 ± 25.3 h−1) but not different when the PSG was indexed by TAT (ODITAT 18.6 ± 21.4 h−1, P < 0.65). The proportion of patients with an AHI ≥ 15 was 64% in the subjects who underwent PSG and 47% in the subjects who underwent PG (P < 0.001). Overall, patients investigated using PG are likely to have a 30% lower AHI on average, compared to patients investigated by PSG. This study suggests that PG interpreted using standard guidelines results in underdiagnosis and misclassification of OSA. We advocate the development of PG‐specific guidelines for the management of OSA patients.
Oral Processing of Mixtures of Food Particles
Authors: Kim Esther H.‐J. , Jakobsen Vibe B. , Wilson Arran J. , Waters Ian R. , Motoi Lidia , Hedderley Duncan I. , Morgenstern Marco P. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe investigated the chewing behavior and fragment size outcome in oral processing of mixtures of food particles. Experiments were conducted with colored gel particles to distinguish particles before and after chewing. Twelve subjects were asked to chew different sized gel particles and expectorate the bolus just before swallowing to measure their fragment size distributions. Chin movement was video‐recorded to measure chewing time and frequency. The results showed that the fragment size of ready‐to‐swallow bolus was affected by the food particle size and the presence of other particles of different sizes. When subjects chewed single‐sized gel particles, smaller particles were chewed less – with the result that they were swallowed more intact. In a mixture of two sizes, larger particles were preferentially selected for chewing so that the smaller particles were chewed significantly less than when chewed on their own, allowing them to be swallowed even more intact.Practical ApplicationsThere is a growing interest from food manufacturers in understanding the oral processes during eating and to apply this to new product development. Although the limits of food particle size and size combination effects still need to be tested within a variety of food products, there may be potential to use these chewing behaviors to influence the fragment size of a swallowed bolus for controlled digestion rate or to minimize adverse sensory effects of healthy food products (e.g., low‐fat, low‐sugar, low‐salt, with added health‐promoting functional ingredients). For instance, it may be possible to minimize the unpleasant taste/odor of phytonutrients by incorporating them into smaller particles in the mix so that they can be swallowed with minimal chewing. On the other hand, it may be possible to maximize sweet/salty tastes by adding sugar/salt to large particles that are more actively chewed. Further studies are necessary to test the feasibility of this concept.
Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir treatment of hepatitis C virus is associated with reduction in serum apolipoprotein levels
Authors: Younossi Z.M. , Elsheikh E. , Stepanova M. , Gerber L. , Nader F. , Stamm L.M. , Brainard D.M. , McHutchinson J.G. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe interaction of lipoproteins with hepatitis C virus (HCV) has pathogenic and therapeutic implications. Our aim was to evaluate changes in the apolipoprotein profile of patients with chronic hepatitis C during and after successful cure with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) with and without ribavirin (RBV). One hundred HCV genotype 1 patients who had achieved SVR‐12 after treatment with 12 weeks of LDV/SOF ± RBV were selected from the ION‐1 clinical trial. Frozen serum samples from baseline, end of treatment and week 4 of follow‐up were used to assay apolipoproteins (apoAI, apoAII, apoB, apoCII, apoCIII, apoE) using the Multiplex platform to assess for changes in the apolipoprotein levels. At the end of treatment compared to baseline, a significant reduction in apoAII levels (−14.97 ± 63.44 μg/mL, P = 0.0067) and apoE levels (−4.38 ± 12.19 μg/mL, P < 0.001) was noted. These declines from baseline in apoAII (−16.59 ±66.15 μg/mL, P = 0.0075) and apoE (−2.66 ± 12.64 μg/mL, P = 0.015) persisted at 4 weeks of post‐treatment follow‐up. In multivariate analysis, treatment with LDV/SOF + RBV was independently associated with reduction in apoE (beta = 5.31 μg/mL, P = 0.002) (compared to RBV‐free LDV/SOF) (P < 0.05). In contrast, apoCII levels overall increased from baseline to end of treatment (+2.74 ±11.76 μg/mL, P = 0.03) and persisted at 4 weeks of follow‐up (+4.46 ± 12.81 μg/mL from baseline, P = 0.0005). Subgroup analysis revealed an increase in apoCII during treatment only in patients receiving LDV/SOF without RBV (+5.52 ± 11.92 μg/mL, P = 0.0007) but not in patients receiving LDV/SOF + RBV (P = 0.638). Treatment with LDV/SOF ± RBV is associated with a persistent reduction in the apolipoprotein AII and E after achieving cure. These data suggest that treatment with LDV/SOF ± RBV may be associated with alterations in serum apolipoproteins which could potentially impact viral eradication.
Development and psychometric testing of a semantic differential scale of sexual attitude for the older person
Authors: Park Hyojung , Shin Sunhwa 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to develop and test a semantic differential scale of sexual attitudes for older people in Korea. The scale was based on items derived from a literature review and focus group interviews. A methodological study was used to test the reliability and validity of the instrument. A total of 368 older men and women were recruited to complete the semantic differential scale. Fifteen pairs of adjective ratings were extracted through factor analysis. Total variance explained was 63.40%. To test for construct validity, group comparisons were implemented. The total score of sexual attitudes showed significant differences depending on gender and availability of sexual activity. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for internal consistency was 0.96. The findings of this study demonstrate that the semantic differential scale of sexual attitude is a reliable and valid instrument.
Truthier Than Thou: Truth, Supertruth and Probability of Truth
Authors: Smith Nicholas J.J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractDifferent formal tools are useful for different purposes. For example, when it comes to modelling degrees of belief, probability theory is a better tool than classical logic; when it comes to modelling the truth of mathematical claims, classical logic is a better tool than probability theory. In this paper I focus on a widely used formal tool and argue that it does not provide a good model of a phenomenon of which many think it does provide a good model: I shall argue that while supervaluationism may provide a model of probability of truth, or of assertability, it cannot provide a good model of truth—supertruth cannot be truth. The core of the argument is that an adequate model of truth must render certain connectives truth‐functional (at least in certain circumstances)—and supervaluationism does not do so (in those circumstances).
Both the central and peripheral retina contribute to myopia development in chicks
Authors: Wang Jian Chao , Chun Rachel K. M. , Zhou Yun Y. , Zuo Bing , Li King Kit , Liu Quan , To Chi Ho 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeThis study examined the contribution of the central and peripheral retina to the development of form deprivation myopia in chicks.MethodsChicks were treated for 7 days either with centrally form‐deprived (CFD) lenses of 2/4/6/8 mm diameter central diffuse zone, or a full size diffuser lens on their right eyes. The left eyes wore a full field plano lens. Axial dimensions and refractions were measured before and after 4 and 7 days of lens wear.ResultsAll eyes that had worn CFD lenses of 2/4/6/8 mm had significant changes in refractive errors (from −2.69 ± 0.40 D to −6.13 ± 0.76 D, p < 0.05), vitreous chamber depth (from 0.19 ± 0.04 mm to 0.56 ± 0.04 mm, p < 0.05) and axial length (from 0.42 ± 0.03 mm to 0.96 ± 0.04 mm, p < 0.05) during the experiment, except for the changes in refractive error (−2.81 ± 0.33 D, p = 0.053) and axial length (0.77 ± 0.04 mm, p = 0.050) in the 2 mm lens group after 7 days of lens wear. The myopic shift in the CFD lens wearing eyes was due primarily to an increase in vitreous chamber depth. Linear regression analysis showed that the changes of refractive error, vitreous chamber depth and axial length were positively correlated with the size of central form‐deprived retina. Form depriving the central retina produced axial myopia even in the presence of clear peripheral vision.ConclusionsThe current study showed that both the central and peripheral retina contributes to myopia development in chicks. The amount of myopia induced increased linearly with the area of retina being form‐deprived. It suggests that in terms of decoding optical input for growth, the area of retina being exposed to optical signals may be critical in determining eye growth.
Prediction of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone concentrations in Fusarium graminearum inoculated backcross populations of maize by symptom rating and near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Miedaner Thomas , Han Sen , Kessel Bettina , Ouzunova Milena , Schrag Tobias , Utz Friedrich H. , Melchinger Albrecht E. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractGibberella ear rot (GER) caused by Fusarium graminearum is a destructive disease in maize of temperate regions resulting in yield reduction and contamination by the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON). We wanted to analyse whether prediction of DON and ZON concentrations is feasible either by GER severity ratings or by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). We analysed 80 and 102 lines developed by backcrossing doubled‐haploid lines from segregating populations to the resistant and susceptible parent, respectively, by artificial infection at three locations in Germany and France. Both backcross (BC) populations differed substantially in their means for all traits with significant (P < 0.01) genotypic variances. DON and ZON concentrations measured by immunotests were significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with each other and with GER severity within each BC population (0.6 ≤ r ≤ 0.9, P < 0.01). DON concentration measured by immunotest and NIRS significantly correlated (r ≈ 0.9, P < 0.01). In conclusion, DON and ZON concentrations could be reliably predicted by GER severity. Additional NIRS analysis of DON concentration might be useful for the positively selected fraction.
A SNP genetic linkage map based on the ‘Hamilton’ by ‘Spencer’ recombinant inbred line population identified QTL for seed isoflavone contents in soybean
Authors: Akond Masum , Liu Shiming , Kantartzi Stella K. , Meksem Khalid , Bellaloui Nacer , Lightfoot David A. , Yuan Jiazheng , Wang Dechun , Anderson James , Kassem My Abdelmajid 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSoybean is one of the most important crops worldwide for its protein and oil as well as the health beneficial phytoestrogens or isoflavone. This study reports a relatively dense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based genetic map based on ‘Hamilton’ by ‘Spencer’ recombinant inbred line population and quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seed isoflavone contents. The genetic map is composed of 1502 SNP markers and covers about 1423.72 cM of the soybean genome. Two QTL for seed isoflavone contents have been identified in this population. One major QTL that controlled both daidzein (qDZ1) and total isoflavone contents (qTI1) was found on LG C2 (Chr 6). And a second QTL for glycitein content (qGT1) was identified on the LG G (Chr 18). These two QTL in addition to others identified in soybean could be used in soybean breeding to optimize isoflavone content. This newly assembled soybean linkage map is a useful tool to identify and map QTL for important agronomic traits and enhance the identification of the genes involved in these traits.
Renal ultrasound and DMSA screening for high‐grade vesicoureteral reflux
Authors: Wongbencharat Kunruedi , Tongpenyai Yothi , Na‐rungsri Kunyalak 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundSelection of the appropriate radiologic investigation in a child after first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) remains a contentious issue. This report investigated the effectiveness of renal bladder ultrasound (RBUS) and late 6 month dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan in the detection of high‐grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) after first febrile UTI in infants aged <1 year.MethodsA total of 387 infants aged <1 year with first febrile UTI who completed diagnostic follow up consisting of RBUS, voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and late 6 month DMSA scan were enrolled in the study. The effectiveness of RBUS and DMSA scan in the detection of high‐grade VUR, including cost and benefit were assessed.ResultsAbnormal RBUS was identified in 95 infants (24.5%). VUR was identified on VCUG in 79 (20.4%), of whom eight (2.1%) had high‐grade VUR (grade IV–V). Abnormal renal parenchyma was identified on late 6 month DMSA scan in 22 infants (5.7%). The sensitivity of abnormal RBUS and of late 6 month DMSA scan in the prediction of high‐grade VUR was 50% and 87.5%, and the proportion of infants who avoided unnecessary VCUG was 75.5% and 94.3%, respectively.ConclusionsFifty percent of high‐grade VUR was not identified on RBUS screening after first febrile UTI. Although late 6 month DMSA scan had higher sensitivity in the detection of high‐grade VUR, with the added benefit of detection of renal scars, the practical application of this method was limited due to its high cost, radiation exposure and the associated delay in decision making.
Rituximab and low‐dose cyclosporine combination therapy for steroid‐resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Suyama Kazuhide , Kawasaki Yukihiko , Miyazaki Kyohei , Kanno Syuto , Ono Atsushi , Suzuki Yuichi , Ohara Shinichiro , Hosoya Mitsuaki 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated the efficacy of rituximab and low‐dose cyclosporine combination therapy for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in children with steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS).MethodsFive FSGS children with SRNS were treated twice with rituximab and low‐dose cyclosporine (CyA) combination therapy (RTX‐CyAT). The clinical features and laboratory data were investigated before and after RTX‐CyAT, and the outcomes were assessed.ResultsPrednisolone (PSL) was discontinued 3 months after RTX‐CyAT in all patients. The number of CD19‐positive cells decreased to <1% of all white blood cells in all patients at 1 month after RTX‐CyAT, and was maintained at this level for 259.6 ± 68.2 days. All patients remained in remission for the duration of the decrease in CD19‐positive cells to <1%. Two patients also remained in remission throughout the observation period, with three patients having a single relapse at 333 ± 89 days (range, 231–376 days) after RTX‐CyAT. In all patients, the mean steroid and CyA doses after RTX‐CyAT were lower than those before RTX‐CyAT.ConclusionsRTX‐CyAT is effective in FSGS patients with SRNS and may ameliorate the side‐effects of PSL and immunosuppressive drugs.
Diagnostic value of red blood cell distribution width in pediatric acute appendicitis
Authors: Bozlu Gulcin , Taskinlar Hakan , Unal Selma , Alakaya Mehmet , Nayci Ali , Kuyucu Necdet 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in children with acute appendicitis.MethodsIn this retrospective study, a total of 344 children aged ≤18 years with clinically suspected acute appendicitis who underwent appendectomy between January 2007 and January 2014 were reviewed, and 200 healthy controls of the same age group were included. Based on histopathology, the patients were classified as having normal appendix, simple or perforated appendicitis, and preoperative white blood cell count (WBC), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and RDW were compared.ResultsCompared with the controls, mean WBC, CRP and RDW were significantly higher in the appendectomy group (P <0.001). The children with simple or perforated appendicitis had significantly higher WBC, CRP and RDW than did those with normal appendix (P <0.001). Mean WBC and CRP were significantly higher in the children with perforated appendicitis (P <0.001), but no statistically significant difference was found in RDW between the simple and perforated appendicitis groups (P = 0.081).ConclusionsChildren with histologically proven acute appendicitis have higher RDW than children without appendicitis, but the diagnostic value of RDW was not superior to WBC or CRP in children with acute appendicitis. Although higher RDW may be valuable for aiding the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children, it is not a useful marker for predicting perforated appendicitis.
Gap prepulse inhibition of the auditory late response in healthy subjects
Authors: Ku Yunseo , Ahn Joong Woo , Kwon Chiheon , Suh Myung‐Whan , Lee Jun Ho , Oh Seung Ha , Kim Hee Chan 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe gap‐startle paradigm has been used as a behavioral method for tinnitus screening in animal studies. This study aimed to investigate gap prepulse inhibition (GPI) of the auditory late response (ALR) as the objective response of the gap‐intense sound paradigm in humans. ALRs were recorded in response to gap‐intense and no‐gap‐intense sound stimuli in 27 healthy subjects. The amplitudes of the baseline‐to‐peak (N1, P2, and N2) and the peak‐to‐peak (N1P2 and P2N2) were compared between two averaged ALRs. The variations in the inhibition ratios of N1P2 and P2N2 during the experiment were analyzed by increasing stimuli repetitions. The effect of stimulus parameter adjustments on GPI ratios was evaluated. No‐gap‐intense sound stimuli elicited greater peak amplitudes than gap‐intense sound stimuli, and significant differences were found across all peaks. The overall mean inhibition ratios were significantly lower than 1.0, where the value 1.0 indicates that there were no differences between gap‐intense and no‐gap‐intense sound responses. The initial decline in GPI ratios was shown in N1P2 and P2N2 complexes, and this reduction was nearly complete after 100 stimulus repetitions. Significant effects of gap length and interstimulus interval on GPI ratios were observed. We found significant inhibition of ALR peak amplitudes in performing the gap‐intense sound paradigm in healthy subjects. The N1P2 complex represented GPI well in terms of suppression degree and test‐retest reliability. Our findings offer practical information for the comparative study of healthy subjects and tinnitus patients using the gap‐intense sound paradigm with the ALR.
Pregnancy Rates to Fixed Embryo Transfer of Vitrified IVP Bos indicus, Bos taurus or Bos indicus × Bos taurus Embryos
Authors: Marinho LSR , Sanches BV , Rosa CO , Tannura JH , Rigo AG , Basso AC , Pontes JHF , Seneda MM 
Published: August 2015

ContentsThe pregnancy rates obtained after the transfer of cryopreserved in vitro‐produced (IVP) embryos are usually low and/or inconsistent. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pregnancy rates of Holstein, Gyr and Holstein × Gyr cattle after the transfer of vitrified IVP embryos produced with X‐sorted sperm. Seventy‐two Gyr and 703 Holstein females were subjected to ovum pickup (OPU) sessions, followed by in vitro embryo production using semen from sires of the same breeds. Embryos (1636 Holstein, 241 Gyr and 1515 Holstein × Gyr) were exposed to forskolin for 48 h prior to vitrification. The pregnancy rate achieved with Gyr dam and sire was 46.1%, which was similar (p = 0.11) to that of Holstein dam and Gyr sire (40.3%). Crossing Gyr dams with Holstein sires resulted in a pregnancy rate of 38.9% and did not differ (p = 0.58) from the pregnancy rate obtained with the cross between Holstein dams and Gyr sires. The rate obtained with Holstein dam and sire was 32.5%. The average pregnancy rate was 36.6%, and no difference was found in the proportion of female foetuses (88.8%, in average) among breeds (p > 0.05). In conclusion, transfer of cryopreserved X‐sorted embryos represents an interesting choice for dairy cattle. Despite the small differences between pregnancy rates, we highlight the efficiency of this strategy for all of the racial groups studied.