bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prenatal diagnosis and clinicopathologic examination of a case with diastematomyelia
Authors: Turgal Mert , Ozyuncu Ozgur , Talim Beril , Yazicioglu Aslihan , Onderoglu Lutfu 
Published: December 2012

AbstractDiastematomyelia is a rare form of spinal dysraphism. Here the spinal cord was split into two with a bony or cartilaginous spur, resulting in formation of two hemicords. The prenatal diagnosis of diastematomyelia is possible with ultrasonography. The unique finding is the appearance of echogenic focus within the spinal canal. This condition may not have any clinical sign during prenatal and early years of life but as the child grows, serious neurologic manifestations may occur, commonly termed the “tethered cord syndrome”. Here, we report a case of diastematomyelia in which a careful antenatal imaging was performed and postnatal pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis.
Osseointegration of implants with dendrimers surface characteristics installed conventionally or with Piezosurgery®. A comparative study in the dog
Authors: Bengazi Franco , Lang Niklaus P. , Canciani Elena , Viganò Paolo , Velez Joaquin Urbizo , Botticelli Daniele 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimThe first aim of the present experiment was to compare bone healing at implants installed in recipient sites prepared with conventional drills or a piezoelectric device. The second aim was to compare implant osseointegration onto surfaces with and without dendrimers coatings.Material and MethodsSix Beagles dogs were used in this study. Five implants with two different surfaces, three with a ZirTi® surface (zirconia sand blasted, acid etched), and two with a ZirTi®‐modified surface with dendrimers of phosphoserine and polylysine were installed in the right side of the mandible. In the most anterior region (P2, P3), two recipient sites were prepared with drills, and one implant ZirTi® surface and one coated with dendrimers implants were installed at random. In the posterior region (P4 and M1), three recipient sites were randomly prepared: two sites with a Piezosurgery® instrument and one site with drill and two ZirTi® surface and one coated with dendrimers implants installed. Three months after the surgery, the animals were sacrificed for histological analysis.ResultsNo complications occurred during the healing period. Three implants were found not integrated and were excluded from analysis. However, n = 6 was obtained. The distance IS‐B at the buccal aspect was 2.2 ± 0.8 and 1.8 ± 0.5 mm, while IS‐C was 1.5 ± 0.9 and 1.4 ± 0.6 mm at the Piezosurgery® and drill groups, respectively. Similar values were obtained between the dendrimers‐coated and ZirTi® surface implants. The BIC% values were higher at the drill (72%) compared to the Piezosurgery® (67%) sites. The BIC% were also found to be higher at the ZirTi® (74%) compared to the dendrimers‐coated (65%) implants, the difference being statistically significant.ConclusionThis study has revealed that oral implants may osseointegrate equally well irrespective of whether their bed was prepared utilizing conventional drills with abundant cooling or Piezosurgery®. Moreover, the surface coating of implants with dendrimers phosphoserine and polylysine did not improve osseointegration.
Prevalence, patterns and predictors of alcohol consumption in a mountainous district of Bhutan
Authors: Subady Bhim N. , Assanangkornchai Sawitri , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIntroduction and Aims.South Asian countries, with their diverse cultures, have varying prevalences of alcohol consumption. Little is known about Bhutan, a Himalayan country. The objectives of this study are to estimate the prevalence of alcohol consumption among the residents of a rural community in Bhutan and determine their patterns of and factors associated with drinking.Design and Methods.A cross‐sectional household survey using a multistage systematic sampling technique was conducted in eight sub‐districts of Tashiyangtse. A total of 442 subjects of 270 households were surveyed in 17 villages using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), with the tri‐level method and face‐to‐face interviews.Results.The drinking prevalence (at least one standard drink in the past year) was 38.5% (52% in men and 30% in women). The prevalence of low‐, moderate‐ and high‐risk drinking based on the AUDIT was 22.4%, 13.6% and 2.5%, respectively. Annual per capita alcohol consumption was 5442 and 2566 g in men and women, respectively, while the corresponding values of home‐made alcohol consumption were 3768 and 2127 g, respectively. Among drinkers, 30.3% of men and 25.9% of women reported encountering financial consequences. The home was almost the exclusive drinking venue (92.4%). Belief in the medicinal use of alcohol was 34.8% in men and 58% in women as the reason to start drinking. This belief was a strong independent predictor for current drinking after adjustment for age and sex.Discussion and Conclusions.Home‐made alcohol and home drinking with a belief of medicinal effects were the major cause of drinking and its consequences in the study area. [Subady BN, Assanangkornchai S, Chongsuvivatwong V. Prevalence, patterns and predictors of alcohol consumption in a mountainous district of Bhutan. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:435–442]
Primary and secondary prevention of Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Skyler J. S. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractSince type 1 diabetes is an immunologically mediated disease, immune intervention should alter the natural history of the disease. This article reviews prevention studies undertaken either prior to any evidence of autoimmunity (primary prevention) or after the development of islet autoantibodies (secondary prevention). Most immune intervention studies have been conducted in recent‐onset type 1 diabetes (tertiary prevention), and these are not reviewed herein. The goal of primary and secondary intervention is to arrest the immune process and thus prevent or delay clinical disease. Primary prevention studies have been conducted in infants with high genetic risk. Interventions tested include several dietary manipulations, including infant formulas free of either cow's milk or of bovine insulin, infant formula supplemented with the omega‐3‐fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, delayed introduction of gluten‐containing foods, and vitamin D supplementation. Secondary prevention studies have been conducted in both children and adults with diabetes autoantibodies. Interventions tested include nicotinamide, insulin injections, oral insulin, nasal insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and cyclosporine. Underway are secondary prevention studies with teplizumab and with abatacept.
DPP4‐inhibitor improves neuronal insulin receptor function, brain mitochondrial function and cognitive function in rats with insulin resistance induced by high‐fat diet consumption
Authors: Pipatpiboon Noppamas , Pintana Hiranya , Pratchayasakul Wasana , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractHigh‐fat diet (HFD) consumption has been demonstrated to cause peripheral and neuronal insulin resistance, and brain mitochondrial dysfunction in rats. Although the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, vildagliptin, is known to improve peripheral insulin sensitivity, its effects on neuronal insulin resistance and brain mitochondrial dysfunction caused by a HFD are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that vildagliptin prevents neuronal insulin resistance, brain mitochondrial dysfunction, learning and memory deficit caused by HFD. Male rats were divided into two groups to receive either a HFD or normal diet (ND) for 12 weeks, after which rats in each group were fed with either vildagliptin (3 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 21 days. The cognitive function was tested by the Morris Water Maze prior to brain removal for studying neuronal insulin receptor (IR) and brain mitochondrial function. In HFD rats, neuronal insulin resistance and brain mitochondrial dysfunction were demonstrated, with impaired learning and memory. Vildagliptin prevented neuronal insulin resistance by restoring insulin‐induced long‐term depression and neuronal IR phosphorylation, IRS‐1 phosphorylation and Akt/PKB‐ser phosphorylation. It also improved brain mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive function. Vildagliptin effectively restored neuronal IR function, increased glucagon‐like‐peptide 1 levels and prevented brain mitochondrial dysfunction, thus attenuating the impaired cognitive function caused by HFD.
Pistia stratiotes L. and Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms.: emerging invasive alien hydrophytes in Campania and Sardinia (Italy)
Authors: Brundu G. , Stinca A. , Angius L. , Bonanomi G. , Celesti‐Grapow L. , D'Auria G. , Griffo R. , Migliozzi A. , Motti R. , Spigno P. 
Published: December 2012

This article provides general information on the distribution and presence of invasive macrophytes in Italy and describes and discusses two hydrophyte invasion case studies: Eichhornia crassipes in Sardinia and Pistia stratiotes in Campania. The two invasions took place in the same period, but mechanical removal intervention started only in Sardinia, even if costly and unsuccessful in the long term. Two main pathways are responsible for the presence of these two species in Italy, i.e. introduction as ornamentals and investigation and use for phytoremediation. The drafting of a national strategy on biological invasions is a priority for Italy and several specific action plans for species and habitats, as in the case of inland waters, are required. Furthermore, there is the need for regulations in the trade sector of invasive plant species and to evaluate the possibilities for biological control for established aquatic alien invaders.
Temperature can interact with landscape factors to affect songbird productivity
Authors: Cox W. Andrew , Thompson Frank R. , Reidy Jennifer L. , Faaborg John 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIncreased temperatures and more extreme weather patterns associated with global climate change can interact with other factors that regulate animal populations, but many climate change studies do not incorporate other threats to wildlife in their analyses. We used 20 years of nest‐monitoring data from study sites across a gradient of habitat fragmentation in Missouri,USA, to investigate the relative influence of weather variables (temperature and precipitation) and landscape factors (forest cover and edge density) on the number of young produced per nest attempt (i.e., productivity) for three species of songbirds. We detected a strong forest cover × temperature interaction for theAcadianFlycatcher (Empidonax virescens) on productivity. Greater forest cover resulted in greater productivity because of reduced brood parasitism and increased nest survival, whereas greater temperatures reduced productivity in highly forested landscapes because of increased nest predation but had no effect in less forested landscapes. The Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) exhibited a similar pattern, albeit with a marginal forest cover × temperature interaction. By contrast, productivity of theNorthernCardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) was not influenced by landscape effects or temperature. Our results highlight a potential difficulty of managing wildlife in response to global change such as habitat fragmentation and climate warming, as the habitat associated with the greatest productivity for flycatchers was also that most negatively influenced by high temperatures. The influence of high temperatures on nest predation (and therefore, nest predators) underscores the need to acknowledge the potential complexity of species' responses to climate change by incorporating a more thorough consideration of community ecology in the development of models of climate impacts on wildlife.
Evaluation of multidimensional neurocognitive function using a tablet personal computer: Test–retest reliability and validity in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Makizako Hyuma , Shimada Hiroyuki , Park Hyuntae , Doi Takehiko , Yoshida Daisuke , Uemura Kazuki , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Suzuki Takao 
Published: December 2012

AimThis study sought to confirm the test–retest reliability and validity of the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology functional assessment tool (NCGG‐FAT), a newly developed assessment of multidimensional neurocognitive function using a tablet personal computer (PC).MethodsThis study included 20 community‐dwelling older adults (9 females, aged 65–81 years). Participants were administered the NCGG‐FAT twice, separated by approximately 30 days to determine test–retest reliability. To test the validity of the measure, participants underwent established neurocognitive measurements, including memory, attention, executive function, processing speed and visuospatial function within a week from the first administration of the NCGG‐FAT.ResultsTest–retest reliability was in an acceptable range for each component of the NCGG‐FAT, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.764 to 0.942. Each task in the NCGG‐FAT showed a moderate to high correlation with scores on widely‐used conventional neurocognitive tests (r = 0.496 to 0.842).ConclusionWe found that the NCGG‐FAT using a tablet PC was reliable in a sample of community‐dwelling older adults. The NCGG‐FAT might be useful for cognitive screening in population‐based samples and outcomes, enabling assessment of the effects of intervention on multidimensional cognitive function among older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 860–866.
High deductible health plans: does cost sharing stimulate increased consumer sophistication?
Authors: Gupta Neal , Polsky Daniel 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether increased cost sharing in health insurance plans induces higher levels of consumer sophistication in a non‐elderly population.Study designThis analysis is based on the collection of survey and demographic data collected from enrollees in the RAND health insurance experiment (HIE). During the RAND HIE, enrollees were randomly assigned to different levels of cost sharing (0, 25, 50 and 95%).MethodsThe study population compromises about 2000 people enrolled in the RAND HIE, between the years 1974 and 1982. Effects on health‐care decision making were measured using the results of a standardized questionnaire, administered at the beginning and end of the experiment. Points of enquiry included whether or not enrollees' (i) recognized the need for second opinions (ii) questioned the effectiveness of certain therapies and (iii) researched the background/skill of their medical providers. Consumer sophistication was also measured for regular health‐care consumers, as indicated by the presence of a chronic disease.Principal findingsWe found no statically significant changes (P < 0.05) in the health‐care decision‐making strategies between individuals randomized to high cost sharing plans and low cost sharing plans. Furthermore, we did not find a stronger effect for patients with a chronic disease.ConclusionsThe evidence from the RAND HIE does not support the hypothesis that a higher level of cost sharing incentivizes the development of consumer sophistication. As a result, cost sharing alone will not promote individuals to become more selective in their health‐care decision‐making.
Determining where physical therapists get information to support clinical practice decisions
Authors: Fell Dennis W. , Burnham Judy F. , Dockery Jon M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the information sources utilised by physical therapists (PTs) to support clinical decisions.MethodsPhysical therapists in the United States were invited via professional listservs and electronic newsletters to participate in an online survey.ResultsJournal articles were the most frequently utilised source of information, followed by databases (PubMed was most frequent). The frequency of utilising evidence‐based resources was not significantly affected by the number of years of experience as a physical therapist (PT), working in a state that allows direct access to PT services or doctoral vs masters/bachelors degree.ConclusionsCompared with a previous study (1994), there has been a transition in physical therapy information seeking, with greater reliance on evidence‐based information.
Further evidence that E‐cadherin is not a tumour suppressor gene in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Rakha Emad A , Teoh Tsu K , Lee Andrew H S , Nolan Chris C , Ellis Ian O , Green Andrew R 
Published: December 2012

AimsE‐cadherin is a cell adhesion molecule expressed in normal breast tissue; it is used generally as a phenotypical marker in breast cancer, with the absence of its expression observed frequently in lobular tumours. We have reported E‐cadherin expression previously in 1516 ductal breast carcinoma using tissue microarray (TMA), where 7% of cases showed a complete absence of membrane staining. In this study, we investigated further the existence of E‐cadherin‐negative ductal carcinoma and evaluated the status of the E‐cadherin–catenin complex in this subgroup.Material and methodsFull‐face sections from excision specimens of 72 ductal breast carcinomas reported previously as E‐cadherin‐negative were assessed morphologically using haematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemically using two E‐cadherin antibodies (HECD‐1 and CDH1/4A2C7) and antibodies recognizing β‐catenin and p120 proteins. Only membrane expression was considered.ResultsForty‐seven ductal carcinomas were assessed after the exclusion of inappropriate cases; 34 of these showed positive E‐cadherin (HECD‐1) membrane expression which was focal and weak and seen mainly in invasion fronts. Ten cases showed E‐cadherin (4A2C7) staining. Staining for p120 and β‐catenin showed membrane staining in all cases for both antibodies, which was variable in both intensity and the proportion of positive cells.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that E‐cadherin‐negative ductal carcinoma is rare, and in these cases p120 and β‐catenin maintained their membranous localization, suggesting a functional E‐cadherin–membrane complex.
Commonly used UV filter toxicity on biological functions: review of last decade studies
Authors: Gilbert E. , Pirot F. , Bertholle V. , Roussel L. , Falson F. , Padois K. 
Published: December 2012

SynopsisSunscreens provide broad‐spectrum UV skin protection and contain more often UV filter combinations. Their efficacy reducing skin photo carcinogenesis and photo ageing is widely documented. However, there are many concerns about UV filter safety. Organic UV filters were the first targeted by scientist concerns, as they were showed to trigger skin allergic reactions. Inorganic UV filters were then at the heart of scientist debate especially because of their nanometric size. Over the last years, many studies have been published tending to highlight that organic as well as inorganic UV filters could lead to variable side effects after sunscreen application. However, these studies are still very controversial due to different experimental conditions and models. This review reveals that complementary studies using standardized methods are mandatory before ascertaining that UV filters threaten human health.
SNX3 recruits to phagosomes and negatively regulates phagocytosis in dendritic cells
Authors: Chua Rong Yuan Ray , Wong Siew Heng 
Published: December 2012

SummaryPhagocytes such as dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages employ phagocytosis to take up pathogenic bacteria into phagosomes, digest the bacteria and present the bacteria‐derived peptide antigens to the adaptive immunity. Hence, efficient antigen presentation depends greatly on a well‐regulated phagocytosis process. Lipids, particularly phosphoinositides, are critical components of the phagosomes. Phosphatidylinositol‐3,4,5‐triphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3] is formed at the phagocytic cup, and as the phagosome seals off from the plasma membrane, rapid disappearance of PI(3,4,5)P3 is accompanied by high levels of phosphatidylinositol‐3‐phosphate (PI3P) formation. The sorting nexin (SNX) family consists of a diverse group of Phox‐homology (PX) domain‐containing cytoplasmic and membrane‐associated proteins that are potential effectors of phosphoinositides. We hypothesized that SNX3, a small sorting nexin that contains a single PI3P lipid‐binding PX domain as its only protein domain, localizes to phagosomes and regulates phagocytosis in DC. Our results show that SNX3 recruits to nascent phagosomes and silencing of SNX3 enhances phagocytic uptake of bacteria by DC. Furthermore, SNX3 competes with PI3P lipid‐binding protein, early endosome antigen‐1 (EEA1) recruiting to membranes. Our results indicate that SNX3 negatively regulates phagocytosis in DC possibly by modulating recruitment of essential PI3P lipid‐binding proteins of the phagocytic pathways, such as EEA1, to phagosomal membranes.
Influence of a velocity model and source frequency on microseismic waveforms: some implications for microseismic locations
Authors: Usher P.J. , Angus D.A. , Verdon J.P. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we examine the influence of a velocity model and microseismic source frequency on microseismic waveforms and event locations. Finite‐difference waveform synthetics are generated based on the Cotton Valley hydraulic fracture experiment, where we vary the vertical heterogeneity of the velocity models as well as the microseismic source frequencies. We find that differences between plausible velocity models lead to changes in arrival times of approximately 0.0035 seconds for P‐waves and 0.0085 seconds for S‐waves. Based on the average P‐ and S‐wave velocities, the difference in the P‐ and S‐wave traveltimes is equivalent to approximately 20 m in location difference. Significant increases in the waveform coda develop with increasing model heterogeneity and increasing source frequency. The presence of signal noise as well as other sources of error (e.g., uncertainty in geophone location) will likely lead to further increase in uncertainty in location error estimates. Thus we note that location error due to incorrect velocity models cannot be ignored.
Intestinal colonization resistance
Authors: Lawley Trevor D. , Walker Alan W. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryDense, complex microbial communities, collectively termed the microbiota, occupy a diverse array of niches along the length of the mammalian intestinal tract. During health and in the absence of antibiotic exposure the microbiota can effectively inhibit colonization and overgrowth by invading microbes such as pathogens. This phenomenon is called ‘colonization resistance’ and is associated with a stable and diverse microbiota in tandem with a controlled lack of inflammation, and involves specific interactions between the mucosal immune system and the microbiota. Here we overview the microbial ecology of the healthy mammalian intestinal tract and highlight the microbe–microbe and microbe–host interactions that promote colonization resistance. Emerging themes highlight immunological (T helper type 17/regulatory T‐cell balance), microbiota (diverse and abundant) and metabolic (short‐chain fatty acid) signatures of intestinal health and colonization resistance. Intestinal pathogens use specific virulence factors or exploit antibiotic use to subvert colonization resistance for their own benefit by triggering inflammation to disrupt the harmony of the intestinal ecosystem. A holistic view that incorporates immunological and microbiological facets of the intestinal ecosystem should facilitate the development of immunomodulatory and microbe‐modulatory therapies that promote intestinal homeostasis and colonization resistance.