bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Focal congenital hyperinsulinism managed by medical treatment: a diagnostic algorithm based on molecular genetic screening
Authors: Maiorana Arianna , Barbetti Fabrizio , Boiani Arianna , Rufini Vittoria , Pizzoferro Milena , Francalanci Paola , Faletra Flavio , Nichols Colin G. , Grimaldi Chiara , de Ville de Goyet Jean , Rahier Jacques , Henquin Jean‐Claude , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo 
Published: January 2014

SummaryObjectiveCongenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) requires rapid diagnosis and treatment to avoid irreversible neurological sequelae due to hypoglycaemia. Aetiological diagnosis is instrumental in directing the appropriate therapy. Current diagnostic algorithms provide a complete set of diagnostic tools including (i) biochemical assays, (ii) genetic facility and (iii) state‐of‐the‐art imaging. They consider the response to a therapeutic diazoxide trial an early, crucial step before proceeding (or not) to specific genetic testing and eventually imaging, aimed at distinguishing diffuse vs focal CHI. However, interpretation of the diazoxide test is not trivial and can vary between research groups, which may lead to inappropriate decisions. Objective of this report is proposing a new algorithm in which early genetic screening, rather than diazoxide trial, dictates subsequent clinical decisions.Patients, Methods and ResultsTwo CHI patients weaned from parenteral glucose infusion and glucagon after starting diazoxide. No hypoglycaemia was registered during a 72‐h continuous glucose monitoring (CGMS), or hypoglycaemic episodes were present for no longer than 3% of 72‐h. Normoglycaemia was obtained by low–medium dose diazoxide combined with frequent carbohydrate feeds for several years. We identified monoallelic, paternally inherited mutations in KATP channel genes, and 18F‐DOPA PET‐CT revealed a focal lesion that was surgically resected, resulting in complete remission of hypoglycaemia.ConclusionsAlthough rare, some patients with focal lesions may be responsive to diazoxide. As a consequence, we propose an algorithm that is not based on a ‘formal’ diazoxide response but on genetic testing, in which patients carrying paternally inherited ABCC8 or KCNJ11 mutations should always be subjected to 18F‐DOPA PET‐CT.
Dental implants are a viable alternative for compensating oligodontia in adolescents
Authors: Heuberer Simone , Dvorak Gabriella , Mayer Christine , Watzek Georg , Zechner Werner 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo clinically and radiographically evaluate dental implant treatment in adolescents with extensive oligodontia.MethodsPatients with more than nine permanent teeth congenitally missing and implant treatment before the age of 16 years were included. Clinical follow‐ups involved bleeding on probing, plaque index and peri‐implant probing value. The peri‐implant bone level was analysed on panoramic radiographs at time of implant treatment and at follow‐up. Characteristics of the dental implants and patients were retrieved.ResultsThis study involved 18 patients (nine males, nine females) having 71 dental implants. The lower left premolar was predominantly missing. The mean age at the time of dental implant treatment was 12.5 (±2.6) years. The bleeding on probing value was determined negative on 44%. The mean pocket depth was 3.6 (±1.1) mm. The peri‐implant bone level correlated significantly negative with the age at time of implant placement (r = −0.346, P = 0.004). The region of implant habits had no influence on peri‐implant bone level. Dental implant treatment in adolescents resulted in a survival rate of 89% (63/71) and a mean loading time of 11.0 (±4.1) years. The implant crowns to be renewed resulted in 54% (9 of 18 patients, 38 of 71 crowns) after a period of 7.8 ± 4.5 years.ConclusionDental implant treatment in maturing adolescents with extensive oligodontia before is supported by the data of the present study. Providing that other treatment options are considered, the areas of skeletal growth are respected and the patients are well informed. To enhance quality of life of growing children with oligodontia clinicians are asked to evaluate their long‐term outcome on dental implant treatment in adolescents.
Complexity versus certainty in understanding species' declines
Authors: Sundstrom Shana M. , Allen Craig R. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimOur understanding of and ability to predict species declines is limited, despite decades of study. We sought to expand our understanding of species declines within a regional landscape by testing models using both traditional hypotheses and those derived from a complex adaptive systems approach.LocationOur study area was the dry mixed grassland of south‐eastern Alberta, Canada, one of the largest remnants of native grassland in North America, and the adjacent grassland in Saskatchewan.MethodsWe used the breeding birds of the grassland to test the relationship between species declines and a suite of traits associated with decline (such as size, specialization and rarity, as well as distance to edge of a discontinuity, and edge of geographic range) in a stepwise regression with AICc values and bootstrapping via model averaging, followed by a refit procedure to obtain model‐averaged parameter estimates. We used both provincial government and Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) classifications of decline. We also modelled degree of decline in the Alberta and Saskatchewan grasslands, which differ in amount of habitat remaining, to test whether severity of decline was explained by the same traits as species decline/not‐ decline.ResultsWe found that the model for government‐defined decline fulfilled government expectations that species' extinction risk is a function of being large, specialized, rare and carnivorous, whereas the model for BBS‐defined decline suggested that the biological reality of decline is more complex, requiring the need to explicitly model scale‐specific patterns. Furthermore, species decline/not‐ decline was explained by different traits than those that fit degree of decline, though complex systems‐ derived traits featured in both sets of models.Main conclusionsTraditional approaches to predict species declines (e.g. government processes or IUCN Red Lists), may be too simplistic and may therefore misguide management and conservation. Using complex systems approaches that account for scale‐specific patterns and processes have the potential to overcome these limitations.
Hypothermia Protects Human Neurons
Authors: Antonic Ana , Dottori Mirella , Leung Jessie , Sidon Kate , Batchelor Peter E. , Wilson William , Macleod Malcolm R. , Howells David W. 
Published: January 2014

Background and Aims Hypothermia provides neuroprotection after cardiac arrest, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and in animal models of ischemic stroke. However, as drug development for stroke has been beset by translational failure, we sought additional evidence that hypothermia protects human neurons against ischemic injury. Methods Human embryonic stem cells were cultured and differentiated to provide a source of neurons expressing β III tubulin, microtubule-associated protein 2, and the Neuronal Nuclei antigen. Oxygen deprivation, oxygen-glucose deprivation, and H2O2-induced oxidative stress were used to induce relevant injury. Results Hypothermia to 33°C protected these human neurons against H2O2-induced oxidative stress reducing lactate dehydrogenase release and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-staining by 53% ( P ≤ 0·0001; 95% confidence interval 34·8–71·04) and 42% ( P ≤ 0·0001; 95% confidence interval 27·5–56·6), respectively, after 24 h in culture. Hypothermia provided similar protection against oxygen-glucose deprivation (42%, P ≤ 0·001, 95% confidence interval 18·3–71·3 and 26%, P ≤ 0·001; 95% confidence interval 12·4–52·2, respectively) but provided no protection against oxygen deprivation alone. Protection (21%) persisted against H2O2-induced oxidative stress even when hypothermia was initiated six-hours after onset of injury ( P ≤ 0·05; 95% confidence interval 0·57–43·1). Conclusion We conclude that hypothermia protects stem cell-derived human neurons against insults relevant to stroke over a clinically relevant time frame. Protection against H2O2-induced injury and combined oxygen and glucose deprivation but not against oxygen deprivation alone suggests an interaction in which protection benefits from reduction in available glucose under some but not all circumstances.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Ferroelectric Mixed Potassium Niobate–Lead Titanate Nanoparticles
Authors: Delahaye Thierry , Al‐Zein Ali , Berger Marie‐Hélène , Bril Xavier , Hochepied Jean‐François 
Published: January 2014

Potassium niobate–lead titanate solid‐solution nanoparticles have been synthesized using a new hydrothermal method. The key step is an in situ acid–base exothermic reaction with a large excess of KOH, generating an amorphous precipitated gel. This gel, when crystallized in an autoclave for 2 h at 190°C, produces a mixed perovskite solid solution with [KNbO3]0.8–[PbTiO3]0.2 (KNPT) composition, and parallelepiped particles rang in size from a few tens to a few hundreds of nanometer in length. This study proves that the pure perovskite phase can be obtained in spite of the different solubilities of the reactive cations in an ethanol–water solution. Dielectric measurements show that KNPT ceramic with a grain size of 50 nm is ferroelectric at room temperature. In addition, ceramics sintered at 950°C have an average grain size of 500 nm, and exhibit a maximum permittivity of 2100 at 1 kHz near TC = 510 K and a remanent polarization Pr = 12 μC/cm2
Feeling safe during an inpatient hospitalization: a concept analysis
Authors: Mollon Deene 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimThis paper aims to explore the critical attributes of the concept feeling safe.BackgroundThe safe delivery of care is a high priority; however; it is not really known what it means to the patient to ‘feel safe’ during an inpatient hospitalization. This analysis explores the topic of safety from the patient's perspective.DesignConcept analysis.Data sourcesThe data bases of CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo and Google Scholar for the years 1995–2012 were searched using the terms safe and feeling safe.MethodsThe eight‐step concept analysis method of Walker and Avant was used to analyse the concept of feeling safe. Uses and defining attributes, as well as identified antecedents, consequences and empirical referents, are presented. Case examples are provided to assist in the understanding of defining attributes.ResultsFeeling safe is defined as an emotional state where perceptions of care contribute to a sense of security and freedom from harm. Four attributes were identified: trust, cared for, presence and knowledge. Relationship, environment and suffering are the antecedents of feeling safe, while control, hope and relaxed or calm are the consequences. Empirical referents and early development of a theory of feeling safe are explored.ConclusionThis analysis begins the work of synthesizing qualitative research already completed around the concept of feeling safe by defining the key attributes of the concept. Support for the importance of developing patient‐centred models of care and creating positive environments where patients receive high‐quality care and feel safe is provided.
Synergistic Effect of Propolis and Heat Treatment Leading to Increased Injury to Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Ground Pork
Authors: Kim Youn‐Ha , Kim Sang‐A , Chung Hyun‐Jung 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis study was conducted to determine the thermal inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the presence of propolis in culture and in ground pork. Overnight cultures (∼106 cfu/mL) or inoculated ground pork (1.0 g, ∼106 cfu/g) were heat treated at 57, 60 and 63 ± 0.1C for predetermined times. The surviving cell populations were enumerated on appropriate media, from which D and z values were determined. The D values for E. coli O157:H7 in broth were 7.33 ± 1.33, 1.34 ± 0.29 and 0.85 ± 0.04 min, respectively (z = 6.4C), whereas in the presence of propolis (8.98 mg/mL), the D values were 0.53 ± 0.02, 0.25 ± 0.00 and 0.17 ± 0.00 min (z = 10.3C). For ground pork, the D values of E. coli O157:H7 were 4.88 ± 0.23, 0.77 ± 0.00 and 0.37 ± 0.00 min, respectively (z = 5.4C), whereas the D values in the presence of propolis (35.92 mg/g) were 2.98 ± 0.02, 0.46 ± 0.03 and 0.26 ± 0.02 min (z = 5.5C). Thermal injury was more pronounced in the presence of propolis at all temperatures. These data suggest that propolis and heat treatment may have a synergistic effect that could have potential applications in the case of meat products.Practical ApplicationsThe addition of propolis to Escherichia coli in broth and meat rendered the pathogen more sensitive to the lethal effects of heat at all temperatures, resulting in smaller D values than those obtained with E. coli heat treated alone in both culture and meat samples. These data suggest that propolis and heat treatment may have a synergistic effect that could have potential applications for meat products.
Bioluminescence microscopy using a short focal‐length imaging lens
Authors: OGOH K. , AKIYOSHI R. , MAY‐MAW‐THET  , SUGIYAMA T. , DOSAKA S. , HATTA‐OHASHI Y. , SUZUKI H. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryBioluminescence from cells is so dim that bioluminescence microscopy is performed using an ultra low‐light imaging camera. Although the image sensor of such cameras has been greatly improved over time, such improvements have not been made commercially available for microscopes until now. Here, we customized the optical system of a microscope for bioluminescence imaging. As a result, bioluminescence images of cells could be captured with a conventional objective lens and colour imaging camera. As bioluminescence microscopy requires no excitation light, it lacks the photo‐toxicity associated with fluorescence imaging and permits the long‐term, nonlethal observation of living cells. Thus, bioluminescence microscopy would be a powerful tool in cellular biology that complements fluorescence microscopy.
Phase behaviour and separation kinetics of polymer blends
Authors: DAS N.C. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe liquid–liquid phase separation kinetics and phase behaviour of hydrogenated polyethylene and deuterated polypropylene blends have been systematically studied by optical microscope. Phase diagram was constructed from the phase transition temperature. The hydrogenated polyethylene/deuterated polypropylene blend exhibits upper critical solution temperature in the melt. The time evolution of the characteristics morphology for liquid–liquid phase separation is determined for the hydrogenated polyethylene/deuterated polypropylene blend at various compositions and following a quench from initial homogenous melts at higher temperature to various lower temperatures. Liquid–liquid phase separation kinetics follows nucleation and growth mechanism. The experimental results from optical microscope measurement at various conditions are all consistent with the nucleation and growth mechanism.
Drug‐Eluting Stents May Not Reduce Target Lesion Revascularization in Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy
Authors: PARK KI E. , HUO TIANYAO , MULLER KEITH E. , ARANDA JUAN M. , HILL JAMES A. , ANDERSON R. DAVID 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveAlthough drug‐eluting stent (DES) compared with bare metal stent (BMS) use reduces in‐stent restenosis (ISR) in traditional coronary artery disease, its efficacy in cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) has not been clearly established.BackgroundCAV is a leading cause of mortality after the first year following cardiac transplantation. CAV treatment options are limited, and DES use has increased significantly in this population.MethodsIn a retrospective study of heart transplant patients at our institution who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with a BMS or DES for CAV, we compared baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, ISR, and target lesion revascularization (TLR). The primary end‐point was angiographic ISR assessed by quantitative coronary angiography analyzed as both a binary (≤50% vs. >50%) and continuous variable (follow‐up minimal luminal area [MLA]/baseline MLA). Secondary outcomes included TLR and a composite of death, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and retransplantation.ResultsIn 45 patients with DES, BMS, or both, ISR assessed as a continuous variable was statistically different between the 2 stent groups (follow‐up MLA/baseline MLA = 0.796 DES vs. 0.481 BMS; P = 0.0037). There was also a significant difference in ISR (10.8% for DES versus 30.7% for BMS) when assessed as a binary variable. There was no statistically significant difference in TLR or composite cardiovascular outcomes between groups when adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.ConclusionsISR assessed as a continuous variable was significantly different between stent groups. However, this did not lead to a difference in TLR or cardiovascular outcomes. This hypothesis‐generating finding suggests that patients with CAV may not necessarily need treatment with DES, which can be more costly and carries more potential risk than BMS. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:80–85)
The Influence of Rehabilitation Characteristics in the Incidence of Peri‐Implant Pathology: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: de Araújo Nobre Miguel Alexandre , Maló Paulo 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the influence of rehabilitation characteristics in the incidence of peri‐implant pathology (P‐iP).Materials and MethodsA total of 1350 patients (270 with P‐iP matched for age, gender, and time of follow‐up with 1080 controls without P‐iP) rehabilitated with dental implants were included. The effect of the independent variables [Implant length in millimeters (IL); implant diameter in millimeters; implant surface (IS); presence of cantilevers; implant:crown ratio (ICR), type of abutment (TA); abutment height; fracture of prosthetic components (FPCs); type of prosthetic reconstruction (TPR); type of material used in the prosthesis (TMUP); loosening of prosthetic components (LPCs); and passive misfit (PM) diagnosed within the previous year] was evaluated through bivariate analysis (chi‐square), with level of significance of 5%. Crude odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals and the attributable fraction (AF) were calculated for the independent variables individually identified as factors associated with the incidence of peri‐implant pathology.ResultsThe following variables were identified as risk factors: machined IS (p = 0.015; OR = 1.46), 17° TA (p = 0.000; OR = 3.06), completely edentulous TPR (p = 0.000; OR = 2.49), TMUP (p = 0.000; metal‐acrylic OR = 2.29; acrylic OR = 4.90; metal‐ceramic OR = 8.43), 1:1 ICR (p = 0.002; OR = 1.54), FPC (p = 0.000; OR = 3.01), LPC (p = 0.000; OR = 4.15), and PM (p = 0.002; OR = 20.36). The attributable fraction rendered the following theoretical potential reductions in the cases if the exposure to the variables was removed: IS (31.5%), TA (67.3%), TMUP (5.4% to 73.3%), ICR (35%), FPC (66.8%), LPC (73.8%), and PM (95.1%).ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, machined implant surfaces, 17° abutments, completely edentulous reconstructions, the type of metal used in the prosthesis, 1:1 implant:crown ratio, fracture of prosthetic components, loosening of prosthetic components, and passive misfit emerged as risk factors for the incidence of P‐iP. Eliminating the exposure to these variables would, in theory, result in a significant reduction in the incidence of P‐iP.
Conjugative transfer frequencies of mef(A)-containing Tn1207.3 to macrolide-susceptible Streptococcus pyogenes belonging to different emm types
Authors: Hadjirin N.F. , Harrison E.M. , Holmes M.A. , Paterson G.K. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the gene transfer potential of mef(A)-containing Tn120.3 to macrolide-susceptible Streptococcus pyogenes belonging to different emm types. Using the filter mating technique, Tn1207.3 was transferred by conjugation to 23 macrolide-susceptible recipients representing 11 emm types. PCR analysis confirmed the presence of the mef(A) gene and the comEC junction regions of the Tn1207.3 insertion in resultant transconjugants. Significant variation was found in the transfer frequency of Tn1207.3 to different Strep. pyogenes strains, and this phenomenon may contribute to the differences in mef(A) frequency observed among clinical isolates.

Significance and Impact of the Study
The spread of antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic bacteria is an important problem, but the mechanisms of horizontal transfer between strains and species are often poorly understood. For instance, little is known on how macrolide resistance spreads between strains of the human pathogen Strep. pyogenes and why certain strains more commonly display resistance than others. Here, we show that Strep. pyogenes strains vary greatly in their ability to acquire a transposon encoding macrolide resistance by horizontal gene transfer in vitro. These data provide a novel insight into the transfer of antibiotic resistance between bacterial strains and offer an explanation for the differences in the frequency of resistance determinates and resistance seen among clinical isolates.
Landscape effects on gene flow for a climate‐sensitive montane species, theAmerican pika
Authors: Castillo Jessica A. , Epps Clinton W. , Davis Anne R. , Cushman Samuel A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractClimate change is arguably the greatest challenge to conservation of our time. Most vulnerability assessments rely on past and current species distributions to predict future persistence but ignore species' abilities to disperse through landscapes, which may be particularly important in fragmented habitats and crucial for long‐term persistence in changing environments. Landscape genetic approaches explore the interactions between landscape features and gene flow and can clarify how organisms move among suitable habitats, but have suffered from methodological uncertainties. We used a landscape genetic approach to determine how landscape and climate‐related features influence gene flow forAmerican pikas (Ochotona princeps) inCrater Lake National Park. Pikas are heat intolerant and restricted to cool microclimates; thus, range contractions have been predicted as climate changes. We evaluated the correlation between landscape variables and genetic distance using partial Mantel tests in a causal modelling framework, and used spatially explicit simulations to evaluate methods of model optimization including a novel approach based on relative support and reciprocal causal modelling. We found that gene flow was primarily restricted by topographic relief, water and west‐facing aspects, suggesting that physical restrictions related to small body size and mode of locomotion, as well as exposure to relatively high temperatures, limit pika dispersal in this alpine habitat. Our model optimization successfully identified landscape features influencing resistance in the simulated data for this landscape, but underestimated the magnitude of resistance. This is the first landscape genetic study to address the fundamental question of what limits dispersal and gene flow in theAmerican pika.