bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Value of ultrasonography for diagnosis of synovitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Xiao Hua , Liu Minghui , Tan Lihua , Liao Xiangping , Li Yajun , Gao Jiesheng , Li Fen , Xie Xi , Peng Qinghai , Mao Ni , Tian Jing , Du Jinfeng , Chen Jinwei 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the value of ultrasonography (US) for diagnosing synovitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodBilateral metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) II–V and wrist joints of 46 RA patients and 35 healthy controls were evaluated by quantitative and semiquantitative US. Wrists on more severely affected sides of 20 of the 46 patients also underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI and US results were compared. The US cutoff to distinguish pathology was calculated. The two US methods were compared and the correlation between quantitative methods and clinical serologic markers was analyzed.ResultsThe imaging techniques (US and MRI) for detecting synovitis produced consistent results (γ = 0.70–0.77, P < 0.001). When the cutoffs for the MCP and PIP joints were 2.5 and 2.6 mm, respectively; the sensitivities/specificities were 82.8%/85.8% and 98.2%/84.8%, respectively. When the cutoff for the wrist was 5.2 mm, the sensitivity/specificity was 93.4%/93.4%. The average synovial membrane thickness was positively related to biochemical markers erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein, anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, and Disease Activity Index of 28 joints (γ = 0.307–0.614; P = 0.020, 0.038, 0.01, < 0.001, respectively) but was poorly related to rheumatoid factor immunoglobulin A (RF‐IgA), RF‐IgM, and RF‐IgG (γ = 0.06–0.115; P = 0.45, 0.45, 0.62, respectively).ConclusionsUS is a valid method for diagnosing early‐stage synovitis, with high‐accuracy cutoffs for MCP, PIP and wrist joints set at 2.5, 2.6 and 5.2 mm. The mean synovial thicknesses of the bilateral wrist, MCP II–IV and PIP II–IV joints can be used to assess disease activity.
Linguistic Anthropology in 2013: Super‐New‐Big
Authors: Reyes Angela 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIn this essay, I discuss how linguistic anthropological scholarship in 2013 has been increasingly confronted by the concepts of “superdiversity,” “new media,” and “big data.” As the “super‐new‐big” purports to identify a contemporary moment in which we are witnessing unprecedented change, I interrogate the degree to which these concepts rely on assumptions about “reality” as natural state versus ideological production. I consider how the super‐new‐big invites us to scrutinize various reconceptualizations of diversity (is it super?), media (is it new?), and data (is it big?), leaving us to inevitably contemplate each concept's implicitly invoked opposite: “regular diversity,” “old media,” and “small data.” In the section on “diversity,” I explore linguistic anthropological scholarship that examines how notions of difference continue to be entangled in projects of the nation‐state, the market economy, and social inequality. In the sections on “media” and “data,” I consider how questions about what constitutes linguistic anthropological data and methodology are being raised and addressed by research that analyzes new and old technologies, ethnographic material, semiotic forms, scale, and ontology. I conclude by questioning the extent to which it is the super‐new‐big itself or the contemplation about the super‐new‐big that produces perceived change in the world.
Survey on the occurrence of milk fever in dairy cows and the current preventive strategies adopted by farmers in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Bhanugopan MS , Lievaart J 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate general and specific strategies adopted by New South Wales (NSW) farmers to prevent milk fever (MF) and its occurrence at calving within their dairy herds.Design and methodsOf 300 dairy farmers in NSW randomly chosen and sent questionnaires, descriptive analysis of the returned data was performed for 102 questionnaires. To identify the various strategies used to prevent MF and its incidence, farms were classified as having a low (<3%) or high (>3%) incidence of MF. The data were analysed using a multivariable logistic regression model and backwards stepwise elimination to identify significant preventive strategies adopted by farmers having a low or high incidence of MF.ResultsBased on the 102 responses, the median incidence of MF in the NSW dairy region was 3% (range 0–30%). The farms with low MF incidence practised specific MF control strategies, such as feeding dry cows separately, grain supplementation and feeding a low‐potassium ration before calving and using a commercial ration mix immediately after calving. The time to first milking post‐calving was on average 13.6 h on the low‐incidence farms compared with 21.1 h on the high‐incidence farms.ConclusionsThe low median incidence of MF (3%) in NSW was probably related in part to awareness of the importance of feeding a low‐potassium, high‐grain diet before calving. However, the incidence of MF was high on the farms not practising specific MF preventive methods.
Antimetastatic Effects of Licochalcone B on Human Bladder Carcinoma T24 by Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinases‐9 and NF‐кB Activity
Authors: Zhao Hong , Yuan Xuan , Jiang Jiangtao , Wang Penglong , Sun Xiling , Wang Dong , Zheng Qiusheng 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis study investigated the mechanisms by which licochalcone B (LCB) inhibits the adhesion,invasion and metastasis of human malignant bladder cancer T24 cells. Cell viability was evaluated using a sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Cell migration and invasion ability were conducted using wound‐healing assay and matrigel transwell invasion assay. The activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9 were measured by gelatin zymography protease assays. The expression in protein level of NF‐κBP65 and AP‐1 was determined using the ELISA method; the protein levels of MMP‐9, NF‐κBP65, IκBα and P‐IκBα were detected by Western blot. The expression in mRNA level of MMP‐9 was assessed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription PCR. The results indicated that LCB attenuated T24 cell migration, adhesion and invasion in a concentration‐dependent manner. LCB treatment down‐regulated the mRNA expression, protein expression and activity of MMP‐9 but had no effect on MMP‐2. In addition, LCB treatment decreased the protein level of NF‐кBP65 and nuclear translocation of NF‐кB. These findings suggested that LCB attenuated migration of bladder cancer T24 cells and adhesion and invasion accompanied with down‐regulated protein expression of MMP‐9 and the nuclear translocation of NF‐кB. Our results provide support that LCB may be a potent adjuvant therapeutic agent in the prevention and therapy of bladder cancer.
Adaptive Surface Visualization of Vessels with Animated Blood Flow
Authors: Lawonn Kai , Gasteiger Rocco , Preim Bernhard 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe investigation of hemodynamic information for the assessment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) gained importance in recent years. Improved flow measuring modalities and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations yield in reliable blood flow information. For a visual exploration of the flow information, domain experts are used to investigate the flow information combined with its enclosed vessel anatomy. Since the flow is spatially embedded in the surrounding vessel surface, occlusion problems have to be resolved. A visual reduction of the vessel surface that still provides important anatomical features is required. We accomplish this by applying an adaptive surface visualization inspired by the suggestive contour measure. Furthermore, an illustration is employed to highlight the animated pathlines and to emphasize nearby surface regions. Our approach combines several visualization techniques to improve the perception of surface shape and depth. Thereby, we ensure appropriate visibility of the embedded flow information, which can be depicted with established or advanced flow visualization techniques. We apply our approach to cerebral aneurysms and aortas with simulated and measured blood flow. An informal user feedback with nine domain experts, we confirm the advantages of our approach compared with existing methods, e.g. semi‐transparent surface rendering. Additionally, we assessed the applicability and usefulness of the pathline animation with highlighting nearby surface regions.
RETRACTED: Biphasic β‐TCP mixed with silicon increases bone formation in critical site defects in rabbit calvaria
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado José Luis , Garces Miguel , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael Arcesio , Ramirez Fernandez Maria P. , Ferres‐Amat Eduard , Romanos Georgios E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the bone regeneration of critical size defects in rabbit calvarias filled with β‐TCP doped with silicon.Materials and methodsTwenty‐one New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. Two critical size defects were created in the parietal bones. Three experimental groups were evaluated: Test A (HA/β‐TCP granules alone), Test B (HA/β‐TCP granules plus 3% silicon), Control (empty defect). The animals were sacrificed at 8 and 12 weeks. Evaluation was performed by μCT analysis and histomorphometry.ResultsμCT evaluation showed higher volume reduction in Test A group compared with Test B (P < 0.05). The Test B group showed the highest values for cortical closure and bone formation around the particles, followed by Test A and controls (P < 0.05).ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this animal study, it can be concluded that HA/β‐TCP plus 3% silicon increases bone formation in critical size defects in rabbit calvarias, and the incorporation of 3% silicon reduces the resorption rate of the HA/β‐TCP granules.
Implants failures related to endodontic treatment. An observational retrospective study
Authors: López‐Martínez Fanny , Gómez Moreno Gerardo , Olivares‐Ponce Patricia , Eduardo Jaramillo David , Eduardo Maté Sánchez de Val José , Calvo‐Guirado José Luis 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to analyze potential etiological risk factors that constitute a complex problem in the clinical management of peri‐implantitis.Materials and methodsAn observational retrospective study was conducted to describe the possible effect of lesions of origin pulpar and/or periapical success or failure of the implant. The sample consisted of review of 800 implants, of which 500 were conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry of the UANL and 300 private clinics of Maxillofacial surgeons experienced in the placement of those who reside in Monterrey, Mexico. Five hundred and eighty cases correspond to female patients while that 220 patients of the male gender. The age of patients at the time of placing the implant ranged from 28 to 81 years.ResultsOf 800 study subjects who underwent dental implant treatments, 200 cases (25%) were detected which presented endodontic failure prior and/or adjacent to the placement of the implant. The 50.41% had peri‐implantitis, recording 62 cases in the Faculty and 18 cases (23.38%) in private clinics, finding that there was a statistically significant difference between the presence and absence of peri‐implantitis in terms of failed endodontic prior and/or adjacent to the placement of the implant.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this observational retrospective study, it could be concluded that the development of inflammatory changes mediated by the presence of remnant bacteria surrounding hard tissues adjacent to implants might induce late failures of implants, and potentially trigger pathological features of apical peri‐implantitis.
Maintenance therapy in patients following the surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis: a 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Serino Giovanni , Turri Alberto , Lang Niklaus P. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the outcomes of conventional periodontal maintenance therapy on patients surgically treated for peri‐implantitis.Material and methods27 patients with 149 dental implants were monitored during 5 years every 6 months. At each recall visit, the prostheses were removed to have proper access for implant examination and supra‐ and sub‐gingival instrumentation. Sub‐gingival instrumentation was performed using an ultrasonic instrument with under 0.12% chlorhexidine irrigation.ResultsAt baseline (6 months following peri‐implant surgery), 149 implants (78 not treated and 71 treated) were available for analysis. Of the 71 treated implants, 43 presented healthy peri‐implant condition, while 28 had residual peri‐implant pockets either of 4–5 mm or ≥6 mm associated with bleeding on probing/suppuration. The longitudinal evaluation revealed that the plaque and the bleeding index scores were low during the entire follow‐up period, and healthy peri‐implant conditions were maintained for both the 78 non‐treated and the 43 treated “healthy” implants. Of the 28 implants with residual pockets, nine showed clinical attachment loss during the 5‐year follow‐up. Thus, of 71 treated implants, probing attachment loss occurred in only in 9 (13%) of the implants in four patients during the 5‐year period. The presence of residual pockets at three or four sites of the implants (circumferential type of pockets) was frequently associated with increased probing pocket depth (PPD) and attachment loss, while this was not the case for implants with the presence of pockets at one or two sites only (site specific).ConclusionIn patients with a high standard of oral hygiene and enrolled in a recall system every 6 months, the peri‐implant conditions obtained following peri‐implant surgery were maintained stable for the majority of subjects and implants during a 5‐year period. Presence of residual pockets around the circumference of the implants seemed to be a high predictor for disease progression.
Bone neo‐formation and mineral degradation of 4Bone.® Part I: material characterization and SEM study in critical size defects in rabbits
Authors: Maté Sánchez de Val José E. , Calvo Guirado José Luis , Delgado Ruiz Rafael A. , Gómez Moreno Gerardo , Ramírez Fernández Maria P. , Romanos Georgios E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveThis study reports the characterization process and in vivo application of a new high‐porosity biphasic calcium phosphate (4Bone® – HA 60%/β‐TCP 40%) inserted into the critical size defect of a rabbit tibiae.Material and methodsTwo critical size defects of 6 mm diameter were created in each tibia of 15 New Zealand rabbits, and a total of 60 defects were divided into a test group filled with 4Bone® (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The material and the implants were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) fitted with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX).ResultsThe biomaterial's grain size decreased progressively with the graft integration process over the 60‐day study period. Element analysis revealed increased percentages of Ca/P (2.86 ± 0.32 vs. 1.97 ± 0.59) in new bone and at the interface (P < 0.05). Element mapping showed that Ca and P were concentrated in the medullary and cortical zones in the test group but were concentrated only in cortical zones in the control group.ConclusionsCritical size defects in a rabbit tibia model can be sealed using this highly porous biphasic calcium phosphate; it supports new bone formation, creates a bridge between defect borders, and facilitates bone in growth
Bone formation in sinus augmentation procedures using autologous bone, porcine bone, and a 50 : 50 mixture: a human clinical and histological evaluation at 2 months
Authors: Cassetta Michele , Perrotti Vittoria , Calasso Sabrina , Piattelli Adriano , Sinjari Bruna , Iezzi Giovanna 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to perform a 2 months clinical and histological comparison of autologous bone, porcine bone, and a 50 : 50 mixture in maxillary sinus augmentation procedures.Materials and methodsA total of 10 consecutive patients, undergoing two‐stage sinus augmentation procedures using 100% autologous bone (Group A), 100% porcine bone (Group B), and a 50 : 50 mixture of autologous and porcine bone (Group C) were included in this study. After a 2‐month healing period, at the time of implant insertion, clinical evaluation was performed and bone core biopsies were harvested and processed for histological analysis.ResultsThe postoperative healing was uneventful regardless of the materials used for the sinus augmentation procedures. The histomorphometrical analysis revealed comparable percentages of newly formed bone, marrow spaces, and residual grafted material in the three groups.ConclusionThe clinical and histological results of this study indicated that porcine bone alone or in combination with autologous bone are biocompatible and osteoconductive materials and can be successfully used in sinus augmentation procedures.
Digital Games and Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Sandbrook Chris , Adams William M. , Monteferri Bruno 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDigital games play an important role in the lives of millions of people worldwide. The games industry is expanding rapidly, and games are developing in sophistication and complexity. Games (and gaming approaches to other activities) are increasingly being used for serious or social purposes in a wide range of fields, including biodiversity conservation. This paper evaluates the potential of “conservation games” (digital games that promote conservation). It explores ways in which conservation might make use of digital games in the areas of (1) education and behavior change, (2) fundraising, and (3) research, monitoring, and planning. It discusses the risk that games may distract gamers from the real world and its problems or provide misleadingly simple narratives about conservation issues. We conclude that there is great potential for conservation to take more advantage of digital games, provided that conservation games are developed in collaboration with game design specialists, have specific rather than general aims, target a specific and conservation‐relevant audience, and (above all) are fun to play.
Participatory Conservation of Coastal Habitats: The Importance of Understanding Homeowner Decision Making to Mitigate Cascading Shoreline Degradation
Authors: Scyphers Steven B. , Picou J. Steven , Powers Sean P. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAlong densely populated coasts, the armoring of shorelines is a prevalent cause of natural habitat loss and degradation. This article explores the values and decision making of waterfront homeowners and identifies two interlinked and potentially reversible drivers of coastal degradation. We discovered that: (1) misperceptions regarding the environmental impacts and cost‐effectiveness of different shoreline conditions was common and may promote armoring; and (2) many homeowners reported only altering their shorelines in response to damage caused by armoring on neighboring properties. Collectively, these findings suggest that a single homeowner's decision may trigger cascading degradation along a shoreline, which highlights the necessity of protecting existing large stretches of natural shoreline. However, our study also found that most homeowners were concerned with environmental impacts and preferred the aesthetics of natural landscapes, both of which could indicate nascent support and pathways for conservation initiatives along residential shorelines.
Acute application of antioxidants protects against hyperoxia‐induced reduction of plasma nitrite concentration
Authors: Vucinovic Zoran , Duplancic Darko , Seselja‐Perisin Ana , Kukoc‐Modun Lea , Gunjaca Grgo , Radman Maja , Vukovic Jonatan , Tsikas Dimitrios , Poljak Kolja , Modun Darko 
Published: May 2014

SummaryWe investigated the effects of acute intake of antioxidants on hyperoxia‐induced oxidative stress, reduction of plasma nitrite and change in arterial stiffness. Twelve healthy males randomly consumed either placebo or an oral antioxidant cocktail (vitamin C, 1000 mg; vitamin E, 600 IU; alpha‐lipoic acid, 600 mg). Every therapy was consumed once, a week apart, in a cross‐over design, 30 min before the experiment. The volunteers breathed 100% normobaric oxygen between 30th and 60th min of 1‐h study protocol. Plasma levels of nitrite, lipid peroxides (LOOH) and vitamin C, arterial stiffness (indicated by augmentation index, AIx) and arterial oxygen (PtcO2) pressure were measured before and after hyperoxia. Exposure to oxygen caused a similar increase of PtcO2 in both placebo and antioxidants groups, confirming comparable exposure to hyperoxia (438 ± 100 versus 455 ± 83 mm Hg). Vitamin C was increased in the antioxidants group confirming successful application of antioxidants (69 ± 14 versus 57 ± 15 μm). Hyperoxia resulted in increased AIx and LOOH and decreased nitrite in placebo (−32 ± 11 versus −47 ± 13%, 72 ± 7 versus 62 ± 6 μm H2O2 and 758 ± 184 versus 920 ± 191 nm, respectively), but not in the antioxidants group (−42 ± 13 versus −50 ± 13%, 64 ± 9 versus 61 ± 8 μm H2O2 and 847 ± 156 versus 936 ± 201 nm, respectively). The acute intake of selected antioxidants was effective in preserving bioavailabity of ˙NO and vascular function, against hyperoxia‐induced oxidative stress.
Differential effects of age on large artery stiffness and minimal vascular resistance in normotensive and mildly hypertensive individuals
Authors: Svendsen Morten B. , Khatir Dinah S. , Peters Christian D. , Christensen Kent L. , Buus Niels H. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryLarge artery stiffness and small artery structural changes are both cardiovascular risk factors. Arterial stiffness increases with age and blood pressure (BP), but it is unclear in which way large artery pulse wave velocity (PWV) and peripheral vascular resistance are related and whether age has any influence. In a cross‐sectional study, PWV and forearm minimum vascular resistance (Rmin) was compared with emphasis on the impact of age. Normotensive (n = 53) and untreated hypertensive (n = 23) subjects were included based on 24‐h BP measurements. Age ranged from 21 to 79 years with an even distribution from each age decade. PWV was assessed using tonometry. Forearm Rmin was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography at maximal vasodilatation induced by 10 min of ischaemia in combination with skin heating and hand grip exercise. In both normotensive and hypertensive subjects, PWV correlated significantly with age and BP. Based on median age, both groups were assigned into two equally large subgroups. Normotensive older (66 ± 7 years) and younger (35 ± 10 years) persons had different carotid‐femoral PWV (7·9 ± 1·8 versus 5·7 ± 0·9 m/s, P<0·01), but similar Rmin values (3·7 ± 0·9 versus 3·6 ± 1·2 mmHg/ml/min/100 ml). Hypertensive older (63 ± 6 years) and younger (40 ± 10 years) also had different PWV (8·0 ± 1·5 versus 6·7 ± 1·1 m/s, P<0·05), but the older had lower Rmin (3·1 ± 0·8 versus 4·7 ± 2·2 mmHg/ml/min/100 ml, P<0·05). In a regression analysis adjusting for age, BP, gender and heart rate, no correlation was seen between PWV and Rmin. The data suggest that age differentially affects PWV and Rmin and that BP can increase in older persons without affecting Rmin.