bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma levels of mannan-binding lectin (MBL)-associated serine proteases (MASPs) and MBL-associated protein in cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases
Authors: Frauenknecht V , Thiel S , Storm L , Meier N , Arnold M , Schmid J-P , Saner H , Schroeder V 
Published: February 2013

Summary
Growing evidence suggests a prominent role of the complement system in the pathogenesis of cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). Mannan-binding lectin-associated serine proteases (MASPs) MASP-1 and MASP-2 of the complement lectin pathway contribute to clot formation and may represent an important link between inflammation and thrombosis. MBL-associated protein MAp44 has shown cardioprotective effects in murine models. However, MAp44 has never been measured in patients with CVD and data on MASP levels in CVD are scarce. Our aim was to investigate for the first time plasma levels of MAp44 and MASP-1, -2, -3 concomitantly in patients with CVD. We performed a pilot study in 50 healthy volunteers, in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with one-vessel (n = 51) or three-vessel disease (n = 53) and age-matched controls with normal coronary arteries (n = 53), 49 patients after myocardial infarction (MI) and 66 patients with acute ischaemic stroke. We measured MAp44 and MASP-1 levels by in-house time-resolved immunofluorometric assays. MASP-2 and MASP-3 levels were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. MASP-1 levels were highest in subacute MI patients and lowest in acute stroke patients. MASP-2 levels were lower in MI and stroke patients compared with controls and CAD patients. MASP-3 and MAp44 levels did not differ between groups. MASP or MAp44 levels were not associated with severity of disease. MASP and MAp44 levels were associated with cardiovascular risk factors including dyslipidaemia, obesity and hypertension. Our results suggest that MASP levels may be altered in vascular diseases. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
A randomized controlled clinical multicenter trial comparing the clinical and histological performance of a new, modified polylactide‐co‐glycolide acid membrane to an expanded polytetrafluorethylene membrane in guided bone regeneration procedures
Authors: Schneider David , Weber Franz E. , Grunder Ueli , Andreoni Claude , Burkhardt Rino , Jung Ronald E. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the clinical and histological outcomes of a resorbable modified polylactide/polyglycolide acid (PLGA) test membrane and a titanium‐reinforced expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE) control membrane used for guided bone regeneration (GBR) around dental implants.Materials and methodsA total of 40 patients with peri‐implant dehiscence‐type defects were randomly allocated to a GBR procedure using either a modified PLGA test or an ePTFE control membrane. Soft tissue condition, implant integration, adverse events and quality of life were recorded during the 6‐month healing period. At re‐entry peri‐implant bone defect dimensions were measured and compared with values recorded at implant/GBR surgery. A biopsy was retrieved for qualitative and quantitative histological analyses. A comparison between the groups was conducted using non‐parametric statistical tests.ResultsSoft tissue complications were observed in five test patients and two control patients. Except for soft tissue complications and incomplete regeneration, no procedure‐ or device‐related adverse events were observed. The vertical bone defect component was, in mean, reduced by−5.1 mm (95% CI −6.8, −3.3) in the test group and −6.9 mm (95% CI −8.2, −5.5 mm) in the control group. The mean residual vertical defect height measured 1.2 ± 2.4 mm in the test group and 0.3 ± 1.1 mm in the control group meaning a mean defect resolution of 81% in the test group and 96% in the control group (P = 0.161). The horizontal bone thickness at implant shoulder level decreased from a mean of 3.2 mm to 1.4 mm (−56%, mean −1.7 mm, 95% CI −2.3, −1.1) in the test group and from 3.3 mm to 2.5 mm (−24%, mean −0.8 mm, 95% CI −1.3, −0.3) in the control group (P = 0.022). Qualitative and quantitative histological analyses did not show significant differences in the tissue composition between groups.ConclusionPeri‐implant GBR was successfully performed using either of the membranes. The control membrane was able to better maintain the horizontal thickness of regenerated bone and revealed less soft tissue complications. No statistically valid evidence about the superiority of one membrane was found in any other parameters. Soft tissue dehiscences occur with both types of membranes and can impair the amount of regenerated bone.
Reosseointegration of mechanically disintegrated implants in dogs: mechanical and histometric analyses
Authors: Kim Sungtae , Lee Jung‐Seok , Hwang Ji‐Wan , Kim Min‐Soo , Choi Seong‐Ho , Jung Ui‐Won 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesThis study evaluated the reosseointegration of implants that had been reinserted following the mechanical disintegration of immature osseointegration in dogs.Materials and methodsRotationally mobile implants were installed into an oversized drill space in five canine mandibles. After a healing period of 4 weeks, the immature osseointegration of the implant was intentionally disintegrated by the application of a mechanical countertorque and then reinserted at the same site (experimental group); in the control group, the mobile implant remained submerged without any surgical intervention. The animals were euthanized 4 weeks after the disruption of osseointegration. Changes in the implant stability quotient (ISQ) and Periotest value (PTV) were analyzed, and the bone‐implant contact (%) was measured histometrically.ResultsAll experimental and control sites showed successful mechanical stability at 8‐week healing period. The mean ISQ was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group at 8 weeks (P < 0.01). In histology, immature woven‐bone that bridged between the parent bone and the pre‐existing residual bone on implant surface could be observed in experimental sites. The mean bone‐implant contact was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionWithin the limitation of the small sample used in this study, it is concluded that following the mechanical disruption of osseointegration, an implant can be successfully reosseointegrated with unloaded and submerged healing for a certain period.
Temporal mood changes associated with different levels of adolescent drinking: Using mobile phones and experience sampling methods to explore motivations for adolescent alcohol use
Authors: Crooke Alexander H. D. , Reid Sophie C. , Kauer Sylvia D. , McKenzie Dean P. , Hearps Stephen J. C. , Khor Angela S. , Forbes Andrew B. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIntroduction and AimsAlcohol use during adolescence is associated with the onset of alcohol use disorders, mental health disorders, substance abuse as well as socially and physically damaging behaviours, the effects of which last well into adulthood. Nevertheless, alcohol use remains prevalent in this population. Understanding motivations behind adolescent alcohol consumption may help in developing more appropriate and effective interventions. This study aims to increase this understanding by exploring the temporal relationship between mood and different levels of alcohol intake in a sample of young people.Design and MethodsForty‐one secondary school students used a purpose‐designed mobile phone application to monitor their daily mood and alcohol use for 20 random days within a 31 day period. Generalised estimating equations were used to examine the relationship between differing levels of alcohol consumption (light, intermediate and heavy) and positive and negative mood three days before and after drinking episodes.ResultsWhile there was no relationship between light and heavy drinking and positive mood, there was an increase in positive mood before and after the drinking event for those that drank intermediate amounts. No statistically significant relationships were found between negative mood and any of the three drinking categories.Discussion and ConclusionAdolescents who drank in intermediate amounts on a single drinking occasion experienced an increase in positive mood over the three days leading up to and three days following a drinking event. These findings contribute to an understanding of the motivations that underpin adolescent alcohol use, which may help inform future interventions.
Behavioural recovery on simple and complex tasks by means of cell replacement therapy in unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned mice
Authors: Heuer Andreas , Vinh Ngoc‐Nga , Dunnett Stephen B. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBefore cell replacement therapies can enter the clinic, it is imperative to test the therapeutic benefits in well‐described animal models. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of 6‐hydroxydopamine lesions to the medial forebrain bundle and subsequent grafting of embryonic day (E)12.5 ventral mesencephalon into the denervated striatum in C57/Bl6 mice on a battery of simple motor tests (drug‐induced rotation, rotarod, and corridor) and the lateralised choice reaction time task conducted in the mouse nine‐hole box. Histological analysis confirmed effective lesions and good graft survival. The lesion induced marked deficits in the choice reaction time task, the rotarod test, and corridor test, and these deficits were partially but significantly alleviated in the grafted mice. Although the lesions induced significant rotation following injections of amphetamine and apomorphine, respectively, the grafts did not, suprisingly, alleviate the rotation deficit. This study shows the ability of ventral mesencephalic tissue to ameliorate some of the lesion‐induced deficits, and the power of operant testing in detecting small but significant improvements. The behavioural tests presented are useful drug‐free approaches for evaluating cell‐based therapies.
Genetic and life‐history changes associated with fisheries‐induced population collapse
Authors: Pukk Lilian , Kuparinen Anna , Järv Leili , Gross Riho , Vasemägi Anti 
Published: February 2013

AbstractOver the recent years, growing number of studies suggests that intensive size‐selective fishing can cause evolutionary changes in life‐history traits in the harvested population, which can have drastic negative effects on populations, ecosystems and fisheries. However, most studies to date have overlooked the potential role of immigration of fish with different phenotypes as an alternative plausible mechanism behind observed phenotypic trends. Here, we investigated the evolutionary consequences of intensive fishing simultaneously at phenotypic and molecular level in Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) population in the Baltic Sea over a 24‐year period. We detected marked changes in size‐ and age‐distributions and increase in juvenile growth rate. We also observed reduction of age at sexual maturity in males that has frequently been considered to support the hypothesis of fisheries‐induced evolution. However, combined individual‐based life‐history and genetic analyses indicated increased immigration of foreign individuals with different life‐history patterns as an alternative mechanism behind the observed phenotypic change. This study demonstrates the value of combining genetic and phenotypic analyses and suggests that replacement or breakdown of locally adapted gene complexes may play important role in impeding the recovery of fish populations.
Factors affecting live foal rates ofThoroughbred mares that undergo manual twin elimination
Authors: Schnobrich M. R. , Riddle W. T. , Stromberg A. J. , LeBlanc M. M. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyMares diagnosed with twin vesicles at 13–17 days after ovulation commonly have one of 2 vesicles manually reduced. It is not known whether vesicle location (adjacent vs. nonadjacent), mare age, mare reproductive status, parity, month of breeding or mare plasma progesterone concentration affects live foal rates.ObjectivesTo determine factors associated with a positive outcome (live foal) in mares undergoing manual twin reduction between 13 and 17 days post ovulation when performed by a single operator.Study designRetrospective case–control study.MethodsBreeding records and theJockeyClub records of registeredThoroughbreds were used to evaluate factors affecting the outcome of pregnancies in mares undergoing twin elimination and mares with singleton pregnancies.Thoroughbred mares with twin pregnancies (n = 129) were matched by age, parity, farm location and month bred with mares diagnosed with a singleton pregnancy (n = 127). The effects of location of embryonic vesicles, mare age, reproductive status, parity, month of breeding, vesicle size and plasma progesterone concentration at pregnancy diagnosis on live foal rate were examined.ResultsPosition of embryonic vesicles at time of manual elimination, parity and month bred had no effect on live foal rate. Live foal rates in mares >9 years of age were lower (71.8%) than in all mares ≤9 years (87.1%; P<0.05). Mares >9 years of age that had a twin reduced lost more pregnancies (34.8%) than age‐matched control mares (20.0%; P<0.005). Mean plasma progesterone concentration of twin‐reduced mares was greater than in control mares when compared on the same day post ovulation. Plasma progesterone concentrations did not differ between mares that lost their pregnancy and those that delivered a live foal.ConclusionsMare age of >9 years is associated with decreased pregnancy rate after twin reduction.Potential relevanceFurthering the understanding of factors that affect live foal outcome following manual twin elimination in mares.TheSummary is available inChinese – seeSupporting information.
Fish gut content analysis: robust measures of diet composition
Authors: Baker Ronald , Buckland Amanda , Sheaves Marcus 
Published: February 2013

AbstractTrophic studies are fundamental components of our understanding of biology and ecology, from observing individual organisms to modelling ecosystem function. When measuring fish gut contents, we rely on collecting samples that represent snapshots in time. Many limitations in extrapolating from these snapshots are well understood. However, there seems to be a widespread belief that when quantifying the composition of gut contents, more detail always provides more information. We highlight some fundamental problems with the apparently more quantitative approaches (i.e. ‘bulk’ methods measuring biomass or volume of each prey type) and suggest that frequency of occurrence (%F) provides the most robust and interpretable measure of diet composition. The additional information provided by bulk methods contains unquantifiable and potentially significant error from a variety of sources. In our experience, the contents of most guts cannot be unambiguously separated into prey categories for quantification because of the presence of unidentifiable and inseparable partially digested material. Even where separation is possible, the composition of a gut at one point in time is affected by many unquantifiable factors unrelated to the actual composition of the diet. Consequently, bulk methods provide ambiguous interpretations from superficially quantitative models. Where research questions require more detail, these problems mean there is little alternative to time‐consuming approaches like prey reconstruction. However, for the descriptions of dietary composition presented in many studies, %F provides robust data that overcome many of the limitations of the more detailed approaches and provides considerable logistical and economic benefits.
Pharmacokinetics of two common antiretroviral regimens in older HIV‐infected patients: a pilot study
Authors: Dumond JB , Adams JL , Prince HMA , Kendrick RL , Wang R , Jennings SH , Malone S , White N , Sykes C , Corbett AH , Patterson KB , Forrest A , Kashuba ADM 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesThe pharmacokinetics (PK) of antiretrovirals (ARVs) in older HIV‐infected patients are poorly described. Here, the steady‐state PK of two common ARV regimens [tenofovir (TFV)/emtricitabine (FTC)/efavirenz (EFV) and TFV/FTC/atazanavir (ATV)/ritonavir (RTV)] in older nonfrail HIV‐infected patients are presented.MethodsHIV‐infected subjects ≥55 years old not demonstrating the frailty phenotype were enrolled in an unblinded, intensive‐sampling PK study. Blood plasma (for TFV, FTC, EFV, ATV and RTV concentrations) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs; for tenofovir diphosphate (TFV‐DP) and emtricitabine triphosphate (FTC‐TP) concentrations] were collected at 11 time‐points over a 24‐hour dosing interval. Drug concentrations were analysed using validated liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection (LC‐UV) or liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) methods. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was used to estimate PK parameters [area under the concentration–time curve over 24 h (AUC0‐24h) and maximal concentration (Cmax)]. These parameters were compared with historical values from the general HIV‐infected population.ResultsSix subjects on each regimen completed the study. Compared with the general population, these elderly subjects had 8–13% decreased TFV AUC0‐24h and Cmax, and 19–78% increased FTC and RTV AUC0‐24h and Cmax. Decreased ATV AUC0‐24h (12%) and increased Cmax (9%) were noted, while EFV exposure was unchanged (5%) with a 16% decrease in Cmax. Intracellular nucleoside/tide metabolite concentrations and AUC are also reported for these subjects.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that the PK of these ARVs are altered by 5–78% in an older HIV‐infected population. Implications of PK differences for clinical outcomes, particularly with the active nucleoside metabolites, remain to be explored. This study forms the basis for further study of ARV PK, efficacy, and toxicity in older HIV‐infected patients.
Oral care perspectives of professionals in nursing homes for the elderly
Authors: Lindqvist L , Seleskog B , Wårdh I , von Bültzingslöwen I 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesGood oral health is an important aspect of quality of life. However, a number of studies have shown that oral care for the dependent elderly is unsatisfactory. The aim was to explore in nursing homes for the elderly what professionals with different responsibilities may consider as being important aspects of well‐functioning daily oral care.MethodsA total of 23 informants from three municipalities in the region of Värmland, Sweden, were interviewed. An interview guide was used, containing some demographic and open‐ended questions about individual perceptions of issues according to the study aim. The interviews were tape‐recorded and transcribed verbatim.ResultsIn the manifest and latent analyses, six categories and three themes emerged. The categories were Key Processes, Communication, Priorities, Competence, Good Oral Health and Autonomy. The themes were Organization, Staff Approach and Staff's Views on Residents' Needs. An overall picture emerged that oral care, rather than occupying an integral position, played a peripheral role in nursing care.ConclusionsTo improve oral care, there are opportunities to work with existing structures and clarify responsibilities and key processes. Oral care should be included in nursing work as a more highly prioritized task, and nurses' knowledge needs to be enhanced. A network of activities at all levels is needed to implement oral care in nursing care.
Structure and Microwave Dielectric Characteristics of Solid Solutions in SrNdAlO4‐Sr2TiO4 System
Authors: Zhang Chao , Yi Lei , Li Lei , Chen Xiang Ming 
Published: February 2013

Dense ceramics in SrNdAlO4‐Sr2TiO4 system were synthesized by a solid‐state reaction method, and their microstructures and microwave dielectric characteristics were investigated. The K2NiF4‐type solid solutions with general formula Sr1+xNd1‐xAl1‐xTixO4 were obtained in the entire composition range (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.9). With increasing x, the dielectric constant εr increased from 19.2 to 25, and the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τf was adjusted from −16.7 to 24.6 ppm/°C. The significantly improved Qf value was achieved in the present ceramics with increasing x, and it reached a maximum at x = 0.6. The best combination of microwave dielectric characteristics was achieved at x = 0.6 (εr = 23.6, Qf = 86,300 GHz, τf = 10.9 ppm/oC). The reduced interlayer polarization with Sr/Ti cosubstitution in SrNdAlO4 contributed to the improved Qf, while the decreased tolerance factor and increased inner stress brought the negative effects.
Synthesis of Ultrafine Hafnium Diboride Powders Using Solution‐Based Processing and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Wang Hailong , Lee Sea‐Hoon , Kim Hai‐Doo , Oh Hyeon‐Cheol 
Published: February 2013

Ultrafine hafnium diboride (HfB2) powders were synthesized by the boro/carborthermal reduction process. Fine‐scale mixing of the reactants was achieved by solution‐based processing using hafnium oxychloride (HfOCl2·8H2O) and phenolic resin as the precursor of HfO2 and carbon respectively. The heat treatment was completed at a temperature range 1300–1500°C for 1h using spark plasma sintering (SPS) apparatus. The crystallite sizes of the synthesized powders were small (<500 nm) and the oxygen content was low (0.85 wt%). The grain growth of HfB2 could be effectively suppressed using SPS due to the fast heating rate. The effects of temperature and holding time on the synthesis of ultrafine HfB2 powders were discussed.
Industrial clarification of anthocyanin‐rich grape pomace extracts by crossflow membrane filtration
Authors: Prodanov Marin , Vacas Visitación , Sánchez Ana M. , Alonso Gonzalo L. , Elorza Ángeles , Lucendo César , Hernández Teresa , Estrella Isabel 
Published: February 2013

SummaryA comparative study on the clarification of anthocyanin‐rich grape pomace extracts was carried out by tubular, hollow fibre and spiral wound industrial crossflow membrane units. Three polysulfone membranes were tested: a 500‐kDa molecular mass cut‐off (MMCO), and a 0.2‐ and 0.6‐μm pore size cut‐offs (PSCO). The 500‐ kDa MMCO and the 0.2‐μm PSCO membranes produced particle‐free extracts, while the 0.6‐μm membrane showed deficient clarification. The 500‐kDa MMCO membrane produced up to 3.7% loss of most of the individual anthocyanins, while the 0.6‐ and 0.2‐μm PSCO membranes produced up to 2% only of some of the anthocyanins with higher molecular masses. Permeate steady fluxes of up to 53 L h−1 m−2 were obtained. Particles with sizes of 0.5–1.5 μm and the macromolecular anthocyanin–tannin complexes had a major impact on membrane performance. The obtained results are scalable to industrial installations.
Outsider Board Activity, Ownership Structure and Firm Value: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Min Byung‐Seong , Verhoeven Peter 
Published: February 2013

AbstractUsing a sample of publicly listed firm in Korea from 2002 to 2006, this article examines the impact of board monitoring on firm value and productivity. We use outsider's attendance of board meetings as a proxy for board monitoring. Consistent with the commitment hypothesis, we find that outsider's attendance rate increases firm value, suggesting that attending board meeting itself is a strong signal that reflects outsider's intention to monitor insiders. While ownership of controlling shareholders negatively affects firm value, this relationship is not moderated by increased monitoring by outsiders. Our findings provide further evidence that the outside director system is less effective in chaebol‐affiliated firms. Results also indicate that the effect of outsider's board monitoring activity on investor's valuation of the firm is greater than on productivity improvement of the firm. Our conclusions are robust for possible endogeneity in the relationship between firm value and board attendance by outside directors.