bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influences of Water and Sediment Quality and Hydrologic Processes on Mussels in the Clinch River
Authors: Johnson Gregory C. , Krstolic Jennifer L. , Ostby Brett J.K. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSegments of the Clinch River in Virginia have experienced declining freshwater mussel populations during the past 40 years, while other segments of the river continue to support some of the richest mussel communities in the country. The close proximity of these contrasting reaches provides a study area where differences in climate, hydrology, and historic mussel distribution are minimal. The USGS conducted a study between 2009 and 2011 to evaluate possible causes of the mussel declines. Evaluation of mussel habitat showed no differences in physical habitat quality, leaving water and sediment quality as possible causes for declines. Three years of continuous water‐quality data showed higher turbidity and specific conductance in the reaches with low‐quality mussel assemblages compared to reaches with high‐quality mussel assemblages. Discrete water‐quality samples showed higher major ions and metals concentrations in the low‐quality reach. Base‐flow samples contained high major ion and metal concentrations coincident to low‐quality mussel populations. These results support a conceptual model of dilution and augmentation where increased concentrations of major ions and other dissolved constituents from mined tributaries result in reaches with declining mussel populations. Tributaries from unmined basins provide water with low concentrations of dissolved constituents, diluting reaches of the Clinch River where high‐quality mussel populations occur.
Bedded Sediment Conditions and Macroinvertebrate Responses in New Mexico Streams: A First Step in Establishing Sediment Criteria
Authors: Jessup Benjamin K. , Kaufmann Philip R. , John Forrest , Guevara Lynette S. , Joseph Seva 
Published: July 2014

AbstractExcess fine sediments in streambeds are among the most pervasive causes of degradation in streams of the United States. Simple criteria for acceptable streambed fines are elusive because streambed fines and biotic tolerances vary widely in the absence of human disturbances. In response to the need for sediment benchmarks that are protective of minimum aquatic life uses under the Clean Water Act, we undertook a case study using surveys of sediment, physical habitat, and macroinvertebrates from New Mexico streams. Our approach uses weight of evidence to develop suggested benchmarks for protective levels of surficial bedded sediments <0.06 mm (silt and finer) and <2.0 mm (sand and finer). We grouped streams into three ecoregions that were expected to produce similar naturally occurring streambed textures and patterns of response to human disturbances. Within ecoregions, we employed stressor response models to estimate fine sediment percentages and bed stability that are tolerated by resident macroinvertebrates. We then compared individual stream sediment data with distributions among least‐disturbed reference sites to determine deviation from natural conditions, accounting for natural variability across ecoregion, gradient, and drainage area. This approach for developing benchmark values could be applied more widely to provide a solid basis for developing bedded sediment criteria and other protective management strategies in other regions.
Twenty Years of Acanthamoeba Diagnostics in Austria
Authors: Walochnik Julia , Scheikl Ute , Haller‐Schober Eva‐Maria 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAcanthamoebae are the causative agents of an often seriously progressing keratitis (AK) occurring predominantly in contact lens wearers and can cause several disseminating infections potentially resulting in granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) in the immunocompromised host. Our institution is the Austrian reference laboratory for Acanthamoeba diagnostics and the aim of this study was to give an overview of proven cases of Acanthamoeba infections in Austria during the past 20 yr. All samples of patients with suspected AK or GAE were screened for Acanthamoeba spp. by culture and/or PCR and the detected amoebae were genotyped. Altogether, 154 cases of AK and three cases of GAE were diagnosed. Age of the AK patients ranged from 8 to 82 yr (mean 37.8) and 58% of the patients were female. Approximately 89% of the AK patients were contact lens wearers, almost all cases were unilateral and 19% of the patients required a keratoplasty. Age of the GAE patients ranged from 2 to 25 yr (mean 14.7), all were HIV‐negative, but two were severely immunosuppressed at the time of diagnosis. The predominant genotype in the AK cases was T4, other genotypes found were T3, T5, T6, T10 and T11. The three GAE cases involved genotypes T2, T4 and T5.
Ultrastructure and Molecular Phylogeny of Mesodinium coatsi sp. nov., a Benthic Marine Ciliate
Authors: Nam Seung Won , Shin Woongghi , Kang Misun , Yih Wonho , Park Myung Gil 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMesodinium is a globally distributed ciliate genus forming frequent and recurrent blooms in diverse marine habitats. Here, we describe a new marine species, Mesodinium coatsi n. sp., originally isolated from interstitial water of surface sand samples collected at Mohang Beach, Korea. The species was maintained under a mixotrophic growth condition for longer than 1 yr by providing a cryptomonad, Chroomonas sp., as the sole prey. Cell morphology and subcellular structure were examined by light microscopy, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy, and molecular phylogeny was inferred from nuclear‐encoded 18S rDNA sequence data. Like other Mesodinium species, M. coatsi consisted of two hemispheres separated by two types of kinetids, and had tentacles located at the oral end of the cell. Several food vacuoles were observed in the cytoplasm, and partially digested prey cells sometimes existed in food vacuoles. Kinetids and the associated accessory structures were quite similar to those previously reported, but M. coatsi was differentiated from other marine Mesodinium species by ultrastructural characters of the dikinetids, polykinetids, and tentacles. We also provided a detailed illustration of infraciliature. Molecular phylogeny revealed that M. coatsi and Mesodinium chamaeleon were closely related to each other.
Effect of root canal dimensions, injection rate, and needle design on the apical extrusion of an irrigant: an in vitro study
Authors: Chang Jeffrey W. W. , Cheung Amelia W. T. , Cheung Gary S. P. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of root canal dimensions, type of needle, and injection rate on the apical extrusion of an irrigant in a simulated root canal.MethodsTen students used two types of 28‐gauge needles, to deliver 3 mL irrigant solution into artificial canals prepared in acrylic blocks to a standard size of ISO 25, 30, or 40 (0.06 taper; n = 10). Each block was preweighed to the nearest microgram before and after irrigation once the canal was dried with paper points. This was repeated with a syringe pump at a flow rate of 50, 100, 200 or 300 μL/s with the needle inserted to a standard depth.ResultsSignificant differences were observed between the side‐vented and notched‐end needles when the rate of irrigation was higher than 100 μL/s, and when the apical size was below ISO 40 (P < 0.001). The amount of extrusion was more variable and significantly higher when irrigation was performed manually, compared with the syringe pump groups.ConclusionsInjection rates above 100 μL/s increased the risk of extrusion, whereas increasing the apical canal size to ISO 40 reduced the amount of extrusion in all groups. The use of a side‐vented needle negates the injection‐rate effects.
Estimation of vascular endothelial growth factor gene −460 C/T polymorphism as a biomarker in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients from the Indian subcontinent
Authors: Borase Archana P. , Ganvir Sindhu M. , Hazarey Vinay K. , Gosavi Suchitra R. , Mohatta Anand A. , Singh Jasmine 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies in India. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major mediator of angiogenesis, is known to play a key role in the pathophysiology of tumorigenesis. Polymorphisms of the VEGF gene have been shown to influence the risk of OSCC, but it remains to be elucidated in the Indian population. Thus, the present study was designed to detect the VEGF gene −460 C/T polymorphism in OSCC patients from the Indian population, which is genetically distinct from previously‐studied populations.MethodsPeripheral blood samples of 80 OSCC patients and 80 healthy individuals were collected for a case‐control study design. The VEGF gene −460 C/T polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction‐based restriction analysis.ResultsThe analysis revealed significant differences between normal individuals and patients with OSCC (P < 0.05). The distribution of the TT homozygote and the T allele in the patient group was significantly greater than in the control group.ConclusionThe present study provides novel evidence of the role of the VEGF gene −460 C/T polymorphism as a suitable genetic marker of OSCC in the Indian population.
Reliability and validity of five radiographic dental‐age estimation methods in a population of Malaysian children
Authors: Kumaresan Ramesh , Cugati Navaneetha , Chandrasekaran Balamanikandasrinivasan , Karthikeyan Priyadarshini 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the reliability and validity of Demirjian's, Willems, Nolla's, Haavikko's, and Cameriere's radiographic methods of dental‐age estimation in a population of Malaysian children.MethodsA total of 426 dental panoramic radiographs of 5–15‐year‐old Malaysian children were included in the study. The mean age error and absolute age error for all the methods were calculated and their usability analyzed.ResultsThe Nolla, Willems. and Demirjian methods overestimated the dental age with a mean of 0.97, 0.54, and 0.54 years, respectively, while the Cameriere and Haavikko methods underestimated by 0.41 and 1.31 years, respectively. The Cameriere method was highly precise and accurate in the population of Malaysian children, whereas the Haavikko and Demirjian methods were the least precise and accurate.ConclusionsThe Cameriere method of dental‐age estimation is highly valid and reliable for Malaysian population, followed by the Willems and Nolla methods.
Effects of transgenic soybean on growth and phosphorus acquisition in mixed culture system
Authors: Xie Jianna , Zhou Jia , Wang Xiurong , Liao Hong 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTransgenic soybean plants overexpressing the Arabidopsis purple acid phosphatase gene AtPAP15 (OXp) or the soybean expansin gene GmEXPB2 (OXe) can improve phosphorous (P) efficiency in pure culture by increasing Apase secretion or changing root morphology. In this study, soybean‐soybean mixed cultures were employed to illuminate P acquisition among plants in mixed stands of transgenic and wild‐type soybean. Our results showed that transgenic soybean plants were much more competitive, and had greater growth and P uptake than wild‐type soybean in mixed culture in both low P calcareous and acid soils. Furthermore, OXe plants had an advantage in calcareous soils when mixed with OXp, whereas the latter performed much better in acid soils. In soybean‐maize mixed culture, transgenic soybean had no impact on maize growth compared to controls in both acid and calcareous soils with different P conditions. As for soybean in mixed culture, OXp plants had no significant advantages regardless of P availability or soil type, while P efficiency improved in OXe in calcareous soils compared to controls. These results imply that physiological traits could be easily affected by the mixed maize. Transgenic soybean plants with enhanced root traits had more competitive advantages than those with improved root physiology in mixed culture.
Epididymal‐testicular fusion anomalies in cryptorchidism are associated with proximal location of the undescended testis and with a widely patent processus vaginalis
Authors: Caterino Salvatore , Lorenzon Laura , Cavallini Marco , Cavaniglia Daniele , Ferro Fabio 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPast studies documented the presence of epididymal/testicular fusion anomalies and persistence of a patent processus vaginalis in a small case‐series of cryptorchid and/or hydrocele patients. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the epididymal/testicular anomalies in a series of more than 1000 cryptorchid patients compared with controls. Secondary aims were: (i) to investigate the association between the cryptorchidism and the patency of p. vaginalis; and (ii) to correlate the epididymal/testicular fusion anomalies with the position of the testis and with the patency of the p. vaginalis. The clinical and surgical data of 1002 cryptorchid patients and 230 controls were retrospectively retrieved and analysed. Epididymal/testicular fusion anomalies were classified as: (i) normal anatomy; (ii) minor anomalies; and (iii) major anomalies. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t‐test and Chi‐square tests. The prevalence of the epididymal/testicular fusion anomalies was higher in the cryptorchid group compared with that of the control group (minor and major anomalies in cryptorchids vs. controls, respectively: 42.2 vs. 5.6% and 9.3 vs. 1.6%, P < 0.0001). Moreover, we documented a correlation of these anomalies with a more proximal localization of the testis (minor and major anomalies in proximal vs. distal location of the testis, respectively: 62.5 vs. 34.8% and 19.1 vs. 6.3%, P < 0.0001) and with the persistence of a widely patent p. vaginalis (minor and major anomalies in widely patent p. vaginalis vs. narrow duct, respectively: 51.7 vs. 42.2 and 11.9% vs. 7.8%, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the epididymal/testicular fusion anomalies were strongly associated with cryptorchidism and the persistence of a widely patent peritoneal vaginal duct. Although it remains unclear whether these anomalies cause non‐descent of the testis or, conversely, result from the cryptorchidism or from the persistence of a widely patent duct, our data re‐enforce this association.
Understanding and achieving person‐centred care: the nurse perspective
Authors: Ross Helen , Tod Angela Mary , Clarke Amanda 
Published: July 2014

Aims and objectivesTo present findings from the first stage of an exploratory study investigating nurses' understanding and facilitation of person‐centred care within an acute medical ward.BackgroundThe term ‘person‐centred care’ is used frequently in healthcare policy and practice. However, the ways in which the concept is translated into everyday nursing care continue to present a challenge. Person‐centred care has been explored extensively within the care of older people, people with dementia and people with a learning disability. Little empirical research has been conducted in acute ward settings. This study starts to address that gap.DesignThe study used an action research approach.MethodsIndividual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 14 nurses. Framework analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsNurses had a clear understanding of person‐centred care in the context of their work. They acknowledged the importance of relationships, personal qualities of staff and respecting the principles of person‐centred care as they strived to provide safe, high‐quality person‐centred care.ConclusionThe examples of care given by the nurses in this study resonate with the ‘six Cs’ emphasised by the Chief Nursing Officer for England in 2012, acknowledge the motivation of nurses to provide person‐centred care and will contribute to the ongoing debate about nursing practice.Relevance to clinical practiceIn the light of recent criticisms of nursing and the implied erosion of public confidence in the provision of high‐quality health care, it is important to recognise good practice and use the findings as a foundation for further and sustained development in providing person‐centred care.
An application of Mobley's intermediate linkages turnover model to a full‐time employee group typology
Authors: Wittmer Jenell L. S. , Shepard Agnieszka , Martin James E. 
Published: July 2014

Recent research has supported the heterogeneity of full‐time employees based upon demographics and outside of work roles. These factors are also related to many employee and organizational outcomes, specifically the constructs found within Mobley's intermediate linkages model of turnover. The current study hypothesizes and tests, using structural equation modelling, differences between full‐time groups in the relationships within Mobley's model. The results generally support Mobley's model, as well as differences in the strength of the relationships for different full‐time groups.Practitioner points

This study offers an example of how all full‐time workers are not alike in their attitudes and behaviours and what impacts turnover.

Knowing what impacts the turnover of the different groups of full‐time workers may also allow practitioners to design targeted retention strategies.
Estimation of copper in saliva and areca nut products and its correlation with histological grades of oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: Mohammed Faraz , Manohar Vidya , Jose Maji , Fairozekhan Thapasum Arishiya , Mohamed Shamaz , Halima Shamaz Bibi , D'Souza Neevan 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to estimate the copper levels in saliva of patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and different areca nut products and its correlation with different histological grades of OSF.MethodsThe study comprised 60 individuals, 30 OSF patients and 30 non‐OSF individuals. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected, and copper analysis was performed using colorimetric method. The commercial areca nut products used by the patients were acquired and subjected to copper analysis through the atomic absorption spectrophotometer method. Oral biopsies were performed for OSF patients for histopathological correlation.ResultsThe mean salivary copper level was 27.023 μg/dl in OSF patients when compared with 8.393 μg/dl in non‐OSF individuals (P < 0.005). The mean copper content in different areca nut products was 13.313 ppm (P < 0.005). Comparison of copper content in different areca nut products with salivary copper levels of OSF patients showed negative correlation (P < 0.853). Comparison of salivary copper levels between different histological grades of OSF yielded a statistically significant association between grades I and III (P < 0.005) and grades II and III OSF (P < 0.019). Comparison of copper content in areca nut products and different histological grades of OSF yielded weak negative statistical correlation (r = −0.116).ConclusionDespite high copper content in areca nut products, the observations yielded a negative correlation with different histological grades of OSF. This further raises a doubt about the copper content in areca nut as an etiological factor for this crippling disease.
Ellagic acid modulates the expression of oral innate immune mediators: potential role in mucosal protection
Authors: Promsong Aornrutai , Chung Whasun Oh , Satthakarn Surada , Nittayananta Wipawee 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundEllagic acid (EA) found in various fruits such as pomegranates, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and walnuts has different pharmacological functions including antioxidant, antitumor, antiallergic, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. It is not known, however, if EA could enhance mucosal innate immunity. Our goal was to determine the effects of EA on the expression of innate immune mediators produced by oral epithelial cells.MethodsCulture of primary human gingival epithelial cells (HGEs) was performed in duplicate, and after the primary HGEs had been treated with EA at a concentration ranging from 12.5 to 100 μM for 18 h the cells and supernatants were harvested. The expression of innate immune mediators including human β‐defensin 2 (hBD2), secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), and various cytokines and chemokines was measured at both transcriptional and translational levels by using quantitative real‐time PCR, ELISA, and Luminex assay.ResultsIn the presence of EA, the expression of hBD2‐and SLPI mRNA was 3.7‐folds and 2.6‐folds greater than untreated controls, respectively, and consistent with their secreted protein levels. For cytokines and chemokines, increased expression of RANTES, IL‐2, and IL‐1β was found in response to EA. In contrast, EA decreased the expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that oral innate immunity is affected by EA found in fruits. Thus, it may play some roles in mucosal innate immunity. The potential of EA for modulating the innate immune mediators may lead to developing a new topical agent to treat and/or prevent immune‐mediated oral diseases.
Ghost cells in pilomatrixoma, craniopharyngioma, and calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor: histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study
Authors: Rumayor Alicia , Carlos Román , Molina Kirsch Hernán , de Andrade Bruno A. Benevenuto , Romañach Mario J. , de Almeida Oslei Paes 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundPilomatrixoma, craniopharyngioma, and calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor are the main entities presenting ghost cells as an important histological feature, in spite their quite different clinical presentation; it seems that they share a common pathway in the formation of these cells. The aim of this study is to examine and compare the characteristics of ghost and other cells that form these lesions.MethodsForty‐three cases including 21 pilomatrixomas, 14 craniopharyngiomas, and eight calcifying cystic odontogenic tumors were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for cytokeratins, CD138, β‐catenin, D2‐40, Glut‐1, FAS, CD10 and also by scanning electron microscopy.ResultsThe CKs, CD138, β‐catenin, Glut‐1, FAS, and CD10 were more often expressed by transitional cells of craniopharyngioma and calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor, compared with pilomatrixoma. Basaloid cells of pilomatrixoma showed strong positivity for CD138 and CD10. Differences on expression pattern were identified in transitional and basal cells, as ghost cells were negative for most antibodies used, except by low expression for cytokeratins. By scanning electron microscopy, the morphology of ghost cells were similar in their fibrillar cytoplasm, but their pattern varied from sheets in pilomatrixoma to small clusters in craniopharyngioma and calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor.ConclusionsMechanisms involved in formation of ghost cells are unknown, but probably they follow different pathways as protein expression in the basal/transitional cells was not uniform in the three tumors studied.
Immunohistochemical profile of oral mucosal and head and neck cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Alaeddini Mojgan , Etemad‐Moghadam Shahroo 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundIn addition to ultraviolet radiation exposure, various molecular markers may differ between oral mucosal and cutaneous head and neck melanomas and lead to variations in their biologic behavior and prognosis. The aim of this study was to compare four such markers, namely microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF), P75, P53, and Ki‐67 in malignant melanomas originating from the oral cavity and head and neck skin.MethodsA total of 19 oral mucosal and 23 head and neck cutaneous melanomas were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies against MITF, P75, P53, and Ki‐67. Statistical comparison of data was performed by t‐test and chi‐square analysis (P < 0.05).ResultsSignificant differences in MITF (P = 0.016) and Ki‐67 (P = 0.002) were observed between oral mucosal and cutaneous melanomas. P75 (P = 0.80) and P53 (P = 0.76) did not differ significantly, between these locations.ConclusionsAccording to the results obtained in this study, the biological properties of cutaneous and mucosal melanoma differ, especially regarding MITF and Ki‐67.