bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of standard (SLA) and modified sandblasted and acid‐etched (SLActive) dental implants in promoting immediate and/or early occlusal loading protocols: a systematic review of prospective studies
Authors: Chambrone Leandro , Shibli Jamil Awad , Mercúrio Carlos Eduardo , Cardoso Bruna , Preshaw Philip M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the survival percentage, clinical and radiographic outcomes of sandblasted and acid‐etched (SLA) dental implants and its modified surface (SLActive) in protocols involving immediate and early occlusal loading.MethodsMEDLINE,EMBASEand the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials RegisterCENTRALwere searched in duplicate up to, and including, June 2013 to include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational studies of at least 6‐month duration published in all languages. Studies limited to patients treated withSLAand/orSLActive implants involving a treatment protocol describing immediate and early loading of these implants were eligible for inclusion. Data on clinical and/or radiographic outcomes following implant placement were considered for inclusion.ResultsOf the 447 potentially eligible publications identified by the search strategy, sevenRCTs comprising a total of 853 implants (8% titanium plasma‐sprayed, 41.5%SLAand 50.5%SLActive) and 12 prospective observational studies including 1394SLAand 145SLActive implants were included in this review. According to the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias, one of the studies was considered to be at a low risk of bias, whereas the remaining studies were considered to be at an unclear risk. Regarding the observational studies, all of them presented a medium methodological quality based on the ModifiedNewcastle–Ottawa scale. There were no significant differences reported in the studies in relation to implant loss or clinical parameters between the immediate/early loading and delayed loading protocols. Overall, 95% ofSLAand 97% ofSLActive implants still survive at the end of follow‐up.ConclusionsDespite of the positive findings achieved by the included studies, fewRCTs were available for analysis forSLActive implants. Study heterogeneity, scarcity of data and the lack of pooled estimates represent a limitation between studies' comparisons and should be considered when interpreting the present findings.
Unravelling the multifaceted roles of Atg proteins to improve cancer therapy
Authors: Chen Y. , Liu X.‐R. , Yin Y.‐Q. , Lee C.‐J. , Wang F.‐T. , Liu H.‐Q. , Wu X.‐T. , Liu J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAutophagy follows a lysosomal degradation pathway in which a cell digests its own components. It is highly regulated by a limited number of autophagy‐related genes (Atg) and the proteins they encode, that are crucial for cells to undergo the process via modulating autophagsome formation. Recently, accumulating evidence has revealed the core molecular machinery of autophagy; however, intricate relationships between autophagy and cancer remain an enigma. Several studies have shown that Atgs can play an important role in carcinogenesis, by which Atgs may modulate a series of oncogenic and tumour suppressive pathways, implicating microRNA (miRNA) involvement. In this review, we will present the key role of Atgs in deciding the fate of cancer cells, discuss some representative Atgs and their proteins such as ULK, Beclin‐1, and Atg8/LC3‐Atg4, which can also be regulated by miRNAs. Thus, Atgs can be considered to be targets for cancer treatment, which may illuminate the future of cancer therapy.
Richard Rorty's Conception of Philosophy of Education Revisited
Authors: Noaparast Khosrow Bagheri 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn this essay Khosrow Bagheri Noaparast argues that, by focusing on acculturation and edification, Richard Rorty has provided a promising view for education because without acculturation, education turns into a destructive endeavor, and without edification, education risks the danger of being repetitive and reproductive. However, Rorty's view is problematic in terms of the characteristics he holds for acculturation and edification, as well as the incommensurable relation he maintains exists between the two. Noaparast asserts that there are three unnecessary dichotomies in Rorty's educational view: sentiment versus argument, solidarity versus objectivity, and acculturation versus edification. In the case of the first dichotomy, Noaparast contends, one should combine sentiment and argument or else embrace arbitrariness in dealing with different frames of reference. As for the second dichotomy, since solidarity is vital in providing us with scientific consensus, it cannot be the alternative to objectivity. Finally, the third dichotomy would make the very idea of edification impossible to realize unless there can be a relation between the two phases of education. Noaparast concludes that Rorty's view on education holds great promise if we can find a way around these dichotomies.
Ceratocystis smalleyi colonization of bitternut hickory and host responses in the xylem
Authors: Park J.‐H. , Juzwik J. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryColonization of Carya cordiformis sapwood by Ceratocystis smalleyi and subsequent host defence responses following artificial inoculation were investigated using anatomical and histological techniques. Hyphae of C. smalleyi were observed in all sapwood xylem features confirming the ability of the pathogen to invade and colonize the xylem tissues of the host species. The fungus was isolated from within and at the margins of discoloured sapwood areas at 2 and 12 months after inoculation. General host defence responses that included vessel occlusion with gels or tyloses, lipid accumulation, and production of phenolic compounds were observed in xylem tissues of inoculated C. cordiformis stems. Pectic substances, lipids, and to a rare extent, phenolic compounds were detected in vascular gels. The lipid‐rich barriers observed likely prevent lateral expansion of the fungus in the sapwood. Furthermore, lack of fungus sporulation within vessels may restrict axial spread of the fungus. C. smalleyi appears to be a limited vascular wilt pathogen of bitternut hickory based on these observations and previously reported sap flow reduction correlated with multiple infections in artificially inoculated trees.
Relationship of low vitamin D status with positive, negative and cognitive symptom domains in people with first‐episode schizophrenia
Authors: Graham K.A. , Keefe R.S. , Lieberman J.A. , Calikoglu A.S. , Lansing K.M. , Perkins D.O. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimDeficient vitamin D levels are very common among Americans of all ages and ethnicities, but little is known about its prevalence or associated problems among those with schizophrenia.MethodsStored plasma from 20 recent onset schizophrenia subjects and 20 matched healthy comparison subjects were analysed for 25 OH vitamin D, and related to measures of symptom severity and neurocognition.ResultsThere was no significant difference in mean 25 OH vitamin D between the schizophrenia and the healthy comparison subjects (28.2 standard deviation (SD) 12.6 ng mL−1 vs. 29.9 SD 14.3 ng mL−1), and about half the subjects in each group had insufficient levels (<30 ng mL−1). Among psychosis subjects, greater severity of negative symptoms was correlated with lower vitamin D status (r = −0.55, P = 0.012); the correlations of overall symptom severity and positive symptom severity with 25 OH vitamin D levels approached significance (r = −0.42, P = 0.07 and r = −0.36, P = 0.12, respectively). There was no relationship of vitamin D with depressive symptoms. Among the schizophrenia subjects, lower 25 OH vitamin D levels were associated with more severe overall cognitive deficits (r = 0.56, P = 0.019).ConclusionThis study found that lower vitamin D levels in schizophrenia subjects were associated with more severe negative symptoms and overall cognitive deficits. However, the cross‐sectional design precludes any conclusions about whether low vitamin D status in fact causes more severe negative symptoms and cognitive impairments. No relationship was found between lower vitamin D levels and depressive symptoms.
Students' perception of peer‐assessment in the context of a treatment planning course
Authors: Teich S. T. , Demko C. A. , Lang L. A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivePeer assessment is grounded in philosophies of active learning, and it would seem that this tool is a viable method for critical thinking development. The purpose of this article was to present how junior students at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine (CWRU) perceive the value of a peer‐assessment activity in the context of a treatment planning course.MethodologyAs a part of the final exam for the junior year Treatment Planning course, students were requested to evaluate a de‐identified assignment submitted by one of their peers. Following the exam, a survey was sent to the students to determine how they perceived the peer‐assessment activity and how this relates to other learning experiences in the course.ResultsOur results show that students' perception of the benefit of peer grading was not associated with any individual peer‐assignment characteristics, or course characteristics. Similar results were obtained regarding the perceived benefit of identifying evidence. Moderate correlations were observed between peer evaluation characteristics.ConclusionsIt was concluded that: (i) junior dental students are not homogenous in their opinions regarding the value of an activity related to evaluation of a peer's assignment and (ii) student's perceptions regarding the peer‐grading component of peer assessment were not correlated with perceptions related to other learning processes in the treatment planning course.
Evolutionary responses to global change: lessons from invasive species
Authors: Moran Emily V. , Alexander Jake M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBiologists have recently devoted increasing attention to the role of rapid evolution in species' responses to environmental change. However, it is still unclear what evolutionary responses should be expected, at what rates, and whether evolution will save populations at risk of extinction. The potential of biological invasions to provide useful insights has barely been realised, despite the close analogies to species responding to global change, particularly climate change; in both cases, populations encounter novel climatic and biotic selection pressures, with expected evolutionary responses occurring over similar timescales. However, the analogy is not perfect, and invasive species are perhaps best used as an upper bound on expected change. In this article, we review what invasive species can and cannot teach us about likely evolutionary responses to global change and the constraints on those responses. We also discuss the limitations of invasive species as a model and outline directions for future research.
Prodromal features for Parkinson's disease – baseline data from the TREND study
Authors: Gaenslen A. , Wurster I. , Brockmann K. , Huber H. , Godau J. , Faust B. , Lerche S. , Eschweiler G. W. , Maetzler W. , Berg D. 
Published: February 2014

Background and purposeA number of non‐motor features are known to precede motor manifestations of Parkinson's disease (PD). They are supposed to already represent the prodromal neurodegenerative state in those who later develop PD and are thus called prodromal markers. In this study, three prodromal markers, depression, rapid eye movement behaviour disorder (RBD) and hyposmia, were selected and were related to other prodromal features in elderly individuals without PD.MethodsFrom the Tübinger Evaluation of Risk Factors for Early Detection of Neurodegeneration (TREND) study, 698 healthy individuals aged 50–80 years reporting one or more of the selected prodromal markers (SPMs), but without neurodegenerative disorders, were evaluated and classified according to the status of prodromal markers. Other prodromal PD‐related features were assessed with a 23‐item questionnaire and compared between participants with and without the three SPMs.ResultsIndividuals with the SPMs for PD endorsed more of the additional possible prodromal features of PD than those without; of 23 possible prodromal features, the median number identified amongst participants with no SPMs was two, compared with four with one marker, five with two and seven with three (P < 0.001). Regarding individual SPMs, participants with depression and RBD endorsed five of 23 markers, compared with three for those with hyposmia (P = 0.001). There was no significant increase in the number of prodromal features amongst those with two SPMs compared with those with only one marker.ConclusionsIndividuals with the SPMs for PD report a higher prevalence of other prodromal PD symptoms. This may indicate that these markers can identify individuals at risk for PD.
Pittsburgh compound B retention and progression of cognitive status – a meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen X. , Li M. , Wang S. , Zhu H. , Xiong Y. , Liu X. 
Published: February 2014

Our aim was to conduct a meta‐analysis of longitudinal studies assessing the association between Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) retention and the progression of cognitive status in healthy elderly, in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library up to April 2013 were searched for studies reporting PiB retention at baseline and conversion of clinical status at follow‐up, with manual searches of bibliographies of key retrieved articles and relevant reviews. Two independent reviewers extracted data on individual numbers with PiB positive or negative status at baseline and corresponding numbers of patients with cognitive decline at follow‐up (conversion from healthy elderly to MCI or AD, or from MCI to AD, or a Mini‐Mental State Examination decline >3 for AD patients). Relative risks were pooled using fixed‐effects or random‐effects models as appropriate. Associations were tested in subgroups representing three different phases of AD. Publication bias was evaluated with funnel plots. Twelve cohort studies including 1275 participants were included with a follow‐up period ranging from 1 to 3.8 years. The pooled adjusted relative risks were 3.75 (95% confidence interval 2.76–5.09; P for heterogeneity 0.16; fixed‐effects model) for disease progression, 1.73 (0.63–4.75; P for heterogeneity 0.27; fixed‐effects model) for AD patients (four studies), 4.03 (2.68–6.07; P for heterogeneity 0.49; fixed‐effects model) for MCI patients (eight studies) and 3.67 (2.25–5.99; P for heterogeneity 0.26; fixed‐effects model) for disease progression in healthy elderly (six studies). Baseline PiB positive status is associated with a significantly increased risk of cognitive progression in healthy elderly and MCI patients.
Two‐year seizure reduction in adults with medically intractable partial onset epilepsy treated with responsive neurostimulation: Final results of the RNS System Pivotal trial
Authors: Heck Christianne N. , King‐Stephens David , Massey Andrew D. , Nair Dileep R. , Jobst Barbara C. , Barkley Gregory L. , Salanova Vicenta , Cole Andrew J. , Smith Michael C. , Gwinn Ryder P. , Skidmore Christopher , Van Ness Paul C. , Bergey Gregory K. , Park Yong D. , Miller Ian , Geller Eric , Rutecki Paul A. , Zimmerman Richard , Spencer David C. , Goldman Alica , Edwards Jonathan C. , Leiphart James W. , Wharen Robert E. , Fessler James , Fountain Nathan B. , Worrell Gregory A. , Gross Robert E. , Eisenschenk Stephan , Duckrow Robert B. , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Bazil Carl , O'Donovan Cormac A. , Sun Felice T. , Courtney Tracy A. , Seale Cairn G. , Morrell Martha J. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of responsive stimulation at the seizure focus as an adjunctive therapy to reduce the frequency of seizures in adults with medically intractable partial onset seizures arising from one or two seizure foci.MethodsRandomized multicenter double‐blinded controlled trial of responsive focal cortical stimulation (RNS System). Subjects with medically intractable partial onset seizures from one or two foci were implanted, and 1 month postimplant were randomized 1:1 to active or sham stimulation. After the fifth postimplant month, all subjects received responsive stimulation in an open label period (OLP) to complete 2 years of postimplant follow‐up.ResultsAll 191 subjects were randomized. The percent change in seizures at the end of the blinded period was −37.9% in the active and −17.3% in the sham stimulation group (p = 0.012, Generalized Estimating Equations). The median percent reduction in seizures in the OLP was 44% at 1 year and 53% at 2 years, which represents a progressive and significant improvement with time (p < 0.0001). The serious adverse event rate was not different between subjects receiving active and sham stimulation. Adverse events were consistent with the known risks of an implanted medical device, seizures, and of other epilepsy treatments. There were no adverse effects on neuropsychological function or mood.SignificanceResponsive stimulation to the seizure focus reduced the frequency of partial‐onset seizures acutely, showed improving seizure reduction over time, was well tolerated, and was acceptably safe. The RNS System provides an additional treatment option for patients with medically intractable partial‐onset seizures.
Posterior quadrant disconnection surgery for Sturge‐Weber syndrome
Authors: Sugano Hidenori , Nakanishi Hajime , Nakajima Madoka , Higo Takuma , Iimura Yasushi , Tanaka Kyoko , Hosozawa Mariko , Niijima Shinichi , Arai Hajime 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveSome patients with Sturge‐Weber syndrome (SWS) need epilepsy surgery for adequate seizure control and prevention of psychomotor deterioration. The majority of patients with SWS have leptomeningeal angioma located over the temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes. We applied posterior quadrant disconnection surgery for this type of SWS with intractable seizure. We evaluated the efficacy of this procedure in seizure control and psychomotor development.MethodsTen patients who were surgically treated using the posterior quadrantectomy (PQT) were enrolled in this study. Surgical outcome was analyzed as seizure‐free or not at 2 years after surgery. Psychomotor development was evaluated by the scores of mental developmental index (MDI) and psychomotor developmental index (PDI) in the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II preoperatively, and at 6 and 12 months after the PQT.ResultsEight of 10 patients were seizure‐free. Patients without complete elimination of the angiomatous areas had residual seizures. Average MDI and PDI scores before the surgery were 64.8 and 71.6, respectively. Scores of MDI at 6 and 12 months after the PQT in seizure‐free patients were 80.5 and 84.5, respectively (p < 0.01). PDI scores at these postoperative intervals were 87.3 and 86.4, respectively (p < 0.05). Patients with residual seizures did not improve in either MDI or PDI.SignificanceThe PQT achieved good seizure control and improved psychomotor development in patients with SWS. The complete deafferentation of angiomatous areas is required for seizure‐free results and psychomotor developmental improvement.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Attempts to induce nocardioform placentitis (Crossiela equi) experimentally in mares
Authors: Canisso I. F. , Ball B. A. , Erol E. , Claes A. , Scoggin K. E. , McDowell K. J. , Williams N. M. , Dorton A. R. , Wolfsdorf K. E. , Squires E. L. , Troedsson M. H. T. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyNocardioform placentitis in horses is poorly understood, and the development of an experimental model would be of help in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease.ObjectivesTo investigate whether (1) intrauterine inoculation ofCrossiela equiduring the periovulatory period or (2) i.v., oral or intranasopharyngeal inoculation ofC. equiduring midgestation would result in nocardioform placentitis, and (3) before and after mating endometrial swabs present evidence of nocardioform placentitis‐associated organisms (C. equiorAmycolatopsisspp.).MethodsInStudyI, mares (n = 20) received an intrauterine inoculation ofC. equi24 h after artificial insemination. Endometrial swabs were obtained 24 h post inoculation forPCRanalysis. InStudyII, pregnant mares (at 180–240 days of gestation) were inoculated withC. equiby intranasopharyngeal (n = 5), oral (n = 4) or i.v. (n = 4) routes. Sixty contemporaneous pregnant mares maintained on the same farm served as control animals. InStudyIII, privately owned Thoroughbred mares (n = 200) had endometrial swabs collected before and within 24–48 h after mating for detection of nocardioform microorganisms.ResultsInStudyI,C.equiwas identified byPCRin 3 of 20 mares following intrauterine inoculation. Pregnancy was established in 19 of 20 treated mares. There were 2 embryonic losses and one abortion at 177 days of gestation (undetermined cause). Sixteen mares delivered a normal foal and placenta. InStudyII, one mare (oral inoculation) aborted at 200 days of gestation (unidentified cause). The remaining mares delivered a normal foal and placenta. InStudyIII, none of the mares yielded positive endometrialPCRfor nocardioform microorganisms.ConclusionsWe were unable to induce nocardioform placentitis, and there was no evidence of nocardioform microorganisms in endometrial swabs of broodmares before or after mating. These findings suggest that nocardioform placentitis is not induced simply via the presence of nocardiform actinomycetes and that route, insufficient duration of exposure and dose may play a role in the development of disease. Additional predispositions may also be involved in the development of nocardioform placentitis.
Do tetracyclines and erythromycin exert anti‐acne effects by inhibition of P450‐mediated degradation of retinoic acid?
Authors: Hellmann‐Regen Julian , Herzog Irmelin , Fischer Norina , Heuser Isabella , Regen Francesca 
Published: February 2014

AbstractFor decades, retinoic acid (RA) is known as the most potent therapeutic option in the therapy of acne and altered homeostasis of endogenous retinoids has been discussed in the context of acne pathogenesis. Besides retinoids, antibiotics such as tetracyclines or erythromycin are well established in acne pharmacotherapy. Accumulating evidence points towards common molecular pathways being targeted by both RA and anti‐acne antibiotics; however, a precise ‘common denominator’ connecting these chemically diverse anti‐acne agents has not yet been identified. Interestingly, tetracyclines are associated with the occurrence of pseudotumor cerebri, a rare neurological side effect otherwise associated with retinoid intoxication or RA exposure. This association at the clinical level suggests an interaction between tetracyclines and endogenous RA signalling. As erythromycin does not cross the blood brain barrier, CNS side effects are not to be expected, yet not precluding a possible local interaction of erythromycin with endogenous RA metabolism in the skin. We hypothesize tetracyclines and erythromycin to locally inhibit endogenous RA metabolism in the skin and thus mimic therapeutic action of RA. This readily testable hypothesis suggests inhibition of endogenous RA metabolism and amplification of endogenous RA signalling as a mechanism underlying the biochemical actions of antibiotics in acne therapy. Elucidation of such interactions may ultimately enhance our understanding of acne therapy and pathogenesis and may yield a sound, scientific basis for hypothesis‐driven development of novel therapeutic compounds.