bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voice problems due to virilization in adult women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21‐hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Nygren Ulrika , Nyström Helena Filipsson , Falhammar Henrik , Hagenfeldt Kerstin , Nordenskjöld Agneta , Södersten Maria 
Published: April 2013

SummaryObjectiveCongenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder in which the lack of 21‐hydroxylase results in cortisol and aldosterone insufficiency and an overproduction of adrenal androgens. High levels of androgens in women may cause virilization of the larynx and a masculine voice. The purpose of the present study was to investigate subjective voice problems due to virilization in women with CAH.Design/PatientsParticipants were 42 women with CAH between 25 and 71 years of age, and 43 age‐matched female healthy control subjects. All patients, but two, were in good disease control.MeasurementsA validated Swedish version of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and questions related to voice virilization were used. Endocrine data were obtained from medical files.ResultsPatients scored significantly higher on VHI when the results were divided into no/mild, moderate and severe voice handicap as compared with the control subjects. They rated significantly higher for ‘dark voice’ and for ‘being perceived as a man on the phone’ compared with controls. Seven per cent of the women with CAH had voice problems clearly related to voice virilization. High ratings of dark voice were significantly associated with long periods of under‐treatment with glucocorticoids and higher bone mineral density but not with severity of mutation.ConclusionSubjective voice problems due to voice virilization may occur in women with CAH. This further emphasizes the importance of avoiding long periods of increased androgen levels to prevent irreversible voice changes. For these patients, we recommend referral to voice assessment and treatment.
A randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of the sandwich bone augmentation technique in increasing buccal bone thickness during implant placement surgery
Authors: Fu Jia‐Hui , Oh Tae‐Ju , Benavides Erika , Rudek Ivan , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesSandwich bone augmentation (SBA) has been proposed to augment the width of edentulous ridges for implant placement. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a membrane on SBA for the regeneration of buccal implant dehiscence defects.Material and methodsTwenty‐six healthy patients, each with a single defect, were randomly assigned into two groups. Both groups received an inner and outer layer of mineralized human cancellous and cortical particulate allograft. In the test group, a bovine pericardium membrane covered the bone grafts, while no membrane was placed in the control group. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken before and immediately after implant placement and at 6 months post‐surgery.ResultsAll implants placed were successfully osseointegrated at 6 months. Clinical re‐entry measurements showed significant buccal bone gain in the test group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The test group had 1.12, 2.21 and 2.44 mm more buccal bone thickness at 2, 4 and 6 mm below the bone crest. There were no significant differences in the mid‐buccal vertical bone height, defect height and width reductions and bone fill between the two groups (P > 0.05). Cone beam computed tomography analysis demonstrated significant buccal bone gain of 1.22 mm in the test group. Radiographic vertical bone loss at 1‐year post‐surgery showed no significant differences between the groups.ConclusionSandwich bone augmentation is a predictable technique for regenerating buccal bone on implant dehiscence defects. Addition of a barrier membrane prevented significant horizontal buccal bone resorption as space was maintained more effectively when compared with sites treated without a membrane.
Statistical Evaluation of the Use of Concurrent Controls in Treatment Screening Studies
Authors: Carter Rickey E. , Shi Qian 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA well‐designed pilot study can advance science by providing essential preliminary data to support or motivate further research, refine study logistics, and demonstrate proof of concept. Often, the outcomes of such studies can be quantified by a success/failure dichotomy. For example, a novel compound may show activation of a neural pathway, or it may not. When an intervention's efficacy is quantified using a dichotomous outcome, probability mass functions can be enumerated to determine the probability that the observed result from a pilot study supports further evaluation of the intervention since there is only a finite, and often small, number of sample configurations possible. The purpose of this research was to determine the probability of an “efficacy signal” for pilot studies using one‐ and two‐sample pilot study designs. Efficacy signal was defined as the probability of observing a more favorable response proportion relative to a historical control (one‐sample setting) or to a concurrent control (two‐sample setting). An enumeration study (exact simulation) was conducted to calculate the efficacy signal probability. One‐sample study designs yielded higher probability of determining an efficacy signal than the two‐sample setting; however, sampling variation must be accounted for. A 68% score confidence interval is recommended for this purpose.
Clinical Significance of Vimentin Expression and Her‐2 Status in Patients with Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Wenwen , Yue Lu , Zhou Fang , Xu Congcong , Liang Wanhua , Sui Aihua , Ding Aiping , Qiu Wensheng 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo determine whether vimentin could be used as a marker of gastric carcinomas with more aggressive behavior. To detect the extent of Her‐2 status in gastric carcinoma and explore the correlation between vimentin expression and Her‐2 status.MethodsVimentin expression was detected in surgically resected gastric carcinoma tissue specimens from 143 patients by immunohistochemistry. The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) status was evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Correlations between vimentin expression, Her‐2 status and clinicopathological factors were evaluated using Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox multivariate survival models.ResultsVimentin expression was significantly correlated with age, advanced stage, poorly differentiated type, venous invasion, hepatic metastasis, and recurrence (p < 0.05). Her‐2 gene was amplified in 16 (11.2%) out of the 143 gastric carcinoma tissue specimens. Her‐2 status was correlated with advanced cancer, poor differentiation, venous invasion, hepatic metastasis, and recurrence (p < 0.05). The result of multivariate analysis showed that vimentin expression and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors.ConclusionsVimentin expression in epithelial cells of the surgically resected gastric adenocarcinoma tissue is an independent predictor of short survival, and Her‐2 status shows a valuable correlation with clinical parameters.
Real‐Time RT‐PCR Ct Values for Blood GAPDH Correlate with Measures of Vascular Endothelial Function in Humans
Authors: Khan Faisel , Choong Wen Ling , Du Qingyou , Jovanovi'c Aleksandar 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPurposeTo date, there is a wide range of methods in use to assess endothelial function, each with its own advantages and limitations. Here, we tested hypothesis that real‐time RT‐PCR threshold value (Ct), which is reflective of mRNA level, for Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) from whole blood is indicative of endothelial function in humans.Materials and MethodsTo assess vascular function, we measured baseline skin perfusion, postocclusion reactive hyperemia (PORH), and brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) and tested for a possible correlation between vascular responses and blood GAPDH real‐time RT‐PCR Ct value in 75 healthy volunteers.ResultsTests known to measure, at least in part, endothelial function such as baseline skin perfusion, the 2‐minute recovery PORH, and FMD exhibited significant positive correlations with blood GAPDH Ct values. In contrast, there was no significant correlation between Ct values for blood GAPDH and peak PORH, an endothelium‐independent parameter.ConclusionsBased on these findings, we report that GAPDH mRNA level in the blood correlates with vascular function in healthy subjects. This suggests that GAPDH mRNA level could be a potential biomarker of vascular endothelial function.
Left Atrial Longitudinal Strain Parameters Predict Postoperative Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Following Mitral Valve Surgery: A Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Study
Authors: Candan Ozkan , Ozdemir Nihal , Aung Soe Moe , Dogan Cem , Karabay Can Yucel , Gecmen Cetin , Omaygenç Onur , Güler Ahmet 
Published: April 2013

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is common after cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stay. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has been applied recently for evaluation of LA function. The purpose of this study was to examine whether left atrial longitudinal strain measured by STE is a predictor for the development of POAF following mitral valve surgery for severe mitral regurgitation. We studied 53 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery in sinus rhythm at the time of surgery. Echocardiography with evaluation of LA strain by STE was performed. Detection of POAF was based on documentation of AF episodes by continuous telemetry throughout hospitalization. Patients who did not develop POAF were taken as group 1 and those who had POAF constituted group 2. The echocardiographic and clinical predictors of POAF were investigated. POAF occurred in 28.3% of subjects. Mean age, LAVi and BNP were found higher in group 2 while peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) (13.9 ± 3.8% vs. 24.8 ± 7.3%; P < 0.001), peak atrial contraction strain (PACS) (7.6 ± 1.95% vs. 11.3 ± 3.5%; P < 0.001) were significantly lower. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, PALS and LAVi were independent predictor of POAF development. LA longitudinal strain was found to predict POAF in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. It could be used to better identify patients at greater risk of developing POAF, and thus to guide in risk stratification and to take appropriate intensive prophylactic therapy.
A comparison of two forms of teaching instruction: video vs. live lecture for education in clinical periodontology
Authors: Ramlogan S. , Raman V. , Sweet J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionThis crossover controlled study aimed to compare the knowledge and skill attained by third‐year dental students in three clinical exercises in the discipline of periodontology through video and live lecture instruction.MethodsStudents (n = 35) segregated into two group either viewed a video or attended a live lecture repeated over three clinical teaching sessions. Pre‐test and post‐test written assessments were completed and comparisons between video and live lecture done (analysis of variance, P < 0.05). Students were assessed on clinic by a simple checklist. A questionnaire was administered after all three sessions to determine preferences and opinions on video and live lecture.ResultsFor the combined three sessions, both video (n = 48) and live lecture (n = 47) groups attained similar mean pre‐test scores. The mean post‐test score was statistically significantly greater (P = 0.049) for the live lecture (74.9%, SD 14.9) compared to the video group (68.6%, SD 16.3). All students attained clinical proficiency via the simple checklist. In adding to their clinical skill, more students favoured video (97%) vs. live lecture (78.8%). Most students (97%) favoured a future combination of video and lecture.DiscussionWhile students were deemed clinically competent via a simple checklist, the live lecture group performed better than the video group via the in‐depth post‐test assessment. Students had a preference for video and would like it integrated in the lecture rather than act as a substitute for the lecture.ConclusionThe use of video alone in clinical periodontology training may have limitations unless supplemented by appropriate learning activities.
BOLD human responses to chromatic spatial features
Authors: Castaldi E. , Frijia F. , Montanaro D. , Tosetti M. , Morrone M. C. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAnimal physiological and human psychophysical studies suggest that an early step in visual processing involves the detection and identification of features such as lines and edges, by neural mechanisms with even‐ and odd‐symmetric receptive fields. Functional imaging studies also demonstrate mechanisms with even‐ and odd‐receptive fields in early visual areas, in response to luminance‐modulated stimuli. In this study we measured fMRI BOLD responses to 2‐D stimuli composed of only even or only odd symmetric features, and to an amplitude‐matched random noise control, modulated in red–green equiluminant colour contrast. All these stimuli had identical power but different phase spectra, either highly congruent (even or odd symmetry stimuli) or random (noise). At equiluminance, V1 BOLD activity showed no preference between congruent‐ and random‐phase stimuli, as well as no preference between even and odd symmetric stimuli. Areas higher in the visual hierarchy, both along the dorsal pathway (caudal part of the intraparietal sulcus, dorsal LO and V3A) and the ventral pathway (V4), responded preferentially to odd symmetry over even symmetry stimuli, and to congruent over random phase stimuli. Interestingly, V1 showed an equal increase in BOLD activity at each alternation between stimuli of different symmetry, suggesting the existence of specialised mechanisms for the detection of edges and lines such as even‐ and odd‐chromatic receptive fields. Overall the results indicate a high selectivity of colour‐selective neurons to spatial phase along both the dorsal and the ventral pathways in humans.
Visualisation and characterisation of oestrogen receptor α‐positive neurons expressing green fluorescent protein under the control of the oestrogen receptor α promoter
Authors: Matsuda Ken Ichi , Yanagisawa Miho , Sano Kazuhiro , Ochiai Ikuo , Musatov Sergei , Okoshi Kota , Tsukahara Shinji , Ogawa Sonoko , Kawata Mitsuhiro 
Published: April 2013

AbstractOestrogen receptor (ER)α plays important roles in the development and function of various neuronal systems through activation by its ligands, oestrogens. To visualise ERα‐positive neurons, we generated transgenic (tg) mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the ERα promoter. In three independent tg lines, GFP‐positive neurons were observed in areas previously reported to express ERα mRNA, including the lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial preoptic nucleus (MPO), hypothalamus, and amygdala. In these areas, GFP signals mostly overlapped with ERα immunoreactivity. GFP fluorescence was seen in neurites and cell bodies of neurons. In addition, the network and detailed structure of neurites were visible in dissociated and slice cultures of hypothalamic neurons. We examined the effect of oestrogen deprivation by ovariectomy on the structure of the GFP‐positive neurons. The area of ERα‐positive cell bodies in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and MPO was measured by capturing the GFP signal and was found to be significantly smaller in ovariectomy mice than in control mice. When neurons in the MPO were infected with an adeno‐associated virus that expressed small hairpin RNA targeting the ERα gene, an apparent induction of GFP was observed in this area, suggesting a negative feedback mechanism in which ERα controls expression of the ERα gene itself. Thus, the ERα promoter–GFP tg mice will be useful to analyse the development and plastic changes of the structure of ERα‐expressing neurons and oestrogen and its receptor‐mediated neuronal responses.
Art and the ‘Morality System’: The Case of Don Giovanni
Authors: Schönbaumsfeld Genia 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMozart's great opera, Don Giovanni, poses a number of significant philosophical and aesthetic challenges, and yet it remains, for the most part, little discussed by contemporary philosophers. A notable exception to this is Bernard Williams's important paper, ‘Don Juan as an Idea’, which contains an illuminating discussion of Kierkegaard's ground‐breaking interpretation of the opera, ‘The Immediate Erotic Stages or the Musical‐Erotic’, in Either/Or. Kierkegaard's pseudonymous author's (A) approach here is, in some respects, reminiscent of a currently rather fashionable narrative‐inspired moral philosophy, of which Williams himself is perhaps the most impressive recent exponent. In the light of this apparent methodological confluence, Williams's disagreement with A about the meaning of Don Giovanni's final two scenes seems particularly significant. By offering an interpretation of Don Giovanni that both retains A's fundamental ideas and manages to get round the problems in Williams's account, I will show that the greatness of Mozart's opera is largely a function of the challenge it presents to the ‘morality system’.
Inequalities in the use of dental services among adults in inner South East London
Authors: Al‐Haboubi Mustafa , Klass Charlotte , Jones Kate , Bernabé Eduardo , Gallagher Jennifer E. 
Published: April 2013

Improving access to National Health Service (NHS) dentistry is a public health issue that has been a focus for successive governments and policy makers in the UK. To inform this process, commissioners of services need to understand trends in service use and demands of the local population. This study explored inequalities in dental services use among adults in a socially deprived, ethnically diverse metropolitan area of London; satisfaction with services; and public views for improvement of services. Data from 695 adults were analysed for this study (56% of the eligible sample). Inequalities in dental services use and satisfaction with care according to sociodemographic factors were assessed in unadjusted and fully adjusted models. The proportion of participants who reported attending the dentist in the last 24 months was 69%, with inequalities according to social grade, ethnicity, sex and age but not according to borough of residence. The most common areas identified by respondents for service improvement were availability of dentists, affordability of care, and accommodation of services. Among those who visited the dentist in the last 24 months, 90% were satisfied with the quality of care provided. However, there were inequalities in satisfaction with care according to borough and reason for the last dental visit.
Circulating CLA+ T lymphocytes as peripheral cell biomarkers in T‐cell‐mediated skin diseases
Authors: Ferran Marta , Romeu Ester R. , Rincón Catalina , Sagristà Marc , Giménez Arnau Ana M. , Celada Antonio , Pujol Ramon M. , Holló Péter , Jókai Hajnalka , Santamaria‐BabÍ Luis F. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractT lymphocytes expressing the CLA antigen constitute a subset of effector memory lymphocytes that are functionally involved in T‐cell‐mediated cutaneous diseases. Skin‐seeking lymphocytes recirculate between inflamed skin and blood during cutaneous inflammation. Many studies in different T‐cell‐mediated inflammatory cutaneous diseases have clearly related their pathologic mechanisms to CLA+ T cells. Based on common features of these cells in different cutaneous disorders mediated by T cells, we propose that circulating CLA+T cells could constitute very useful peripheral cellular biomarkers for T‐cell‐mediated skin diseases.
In vitro reconstitution of complexes between pro‐matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and the proteoglycans serglycin and versican
Authors: Malla Nabin , Berg Eli , Theocharis Achilleas D. , Svineng Gunbjørg , Uhlin‐Hansen Lars , Winberg Jan‐Olof 
Published: April 2013

Previously, we have shown that a proportion of the matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) synthesized by the macrophage cell line THP‐1 binds to a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) core protein to form a reduction‐sensitive heteromer. It was also shown that the hemopexin‐like (PEX) domain and the fibronectin‐like (FnII) module in the enzyme are involved in heteromer formation. In this paper, we show that reduction‐sensitive and SDS‐stable heteromers may be reconstituted in vitro by mixing proMMP‐9 with either serglycin, versican or CSPGs isolated from various monocytic cell lines. In addition, a strong but SDS‐soluble proMMP‐9·CSPG heteromer was formed. The two macromolecules in the SDS‐stable reduction‐sensitive heteromers were not linked together by disulfide bonds. As for the heteromer isolated from THP‐1 cells, in vitro reconstituted SDS‐stable and SDS‐soluble heteromers showed weaker binding to gelatin than the proMMP‐9 monomer. Furthermore, gelatin inhibited in vitro reconstitution of the heteromers, showing that the FnII module is involved in the complex formation. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 was not be detected in the proMMP‐9·CSPG complexes. However, the presence of TIMP‐1 inhibited formation of the SDS‐soluble heteromer, but not the SDS‐stable reduction‐sensitive heteromer. This indicates that different regions in the PEX domain are involved formation of these heteromers.Structured digital abstract

proMMP-9 and proMMP-9 bind by comigration in gel electrophoresis (View interaction)

proMMP-9 and proMMP-9 bind by zymography (View interaction)
The monomeric state of the proton‐coupled folate transporter represents the functional unit in the plasma membrane
Authors: Duddempudi Phaneendra K. , Nakashe Prachi , Blanton Michael P. , Jansen Michaela 
Published: April 2013

Folic acid is an essential vitamin required for de novo biosynthesis of nucleotides and amino acids. The proton‐coupled folate transporter (PCFT; SLC46A1) has been identified as the major contributor for intestinal folate uptake. It is also involved in folate transport across the blood–brain barrier and into solid tumors. PCFT belongs to the major facilitator superfamily. Major facilitator superfamily members can exist in either monomeric or homo‐oligomeric form. Here, we utilized blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN/PAGE) and crosslinking with bi‐functional chemicals to investigate the quaternary structure of human PCFT after heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes and CHO cells. PCFT was expressed in the plasma membrane in both expression systems. The functionality of the utilized PCFT construct was confirmed in oocytes by folic acid induced currents at acidic pH. For both the oocyte and CHO expression system [3H]folic acid uptake studies indicated that PCFT was functional. To analyze the oligomeric state of PCFT in the plasma membrane, plasma membranes were isolated by polymerization with colloidal silica and polyacrylic acid and subsequent centrifugation. The digitonin‐solubilized non‐denatured PCFT migrated during BN/PAGE as a monomer, as judged by comparison with a membrane protein (5‐HT3A receptor) of known pentameric assembly that was used to create a molecular sizing ladder. The chemical crosslinkers glutaraldehyde and dimethyl adipimidate were not able to covalently link potential higher order PCFT structures to form oligomers that were stable following SDS treatment. Together, our results demonstrate that plasma‐membrane PCFT functions as a monomeric protein.