bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pendrin and NIS antibodies are absent in healthy individuals and are rare in autoimmune thyroid disease: evidence from a Danish twin study
Authors: Brix Thomas H. , Hegedüs Laszlo , Weetman Anthony P. , Kemp Helen E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveAntibodies against thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase and the TSH receptor are accepted as pathophysiological and diagnostic biomarkers in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). In contrast, the prevalence, aetiology and clinical relevance of autoantibodies against the human sodium‐iodine symporter (NISAb) and pendrin (PenAb) remain unclear. The objectives of the study were to investigate the presence of NISAb and PenAb in Danish twins, with and without AITD, to study whether the published variations in NISAb and PenAb frequencies were related to differences in methodology or study populations, and to evaluate whether the presence of NISAb or PenAb most likely results from genetic or nongenetic factors.MethodsSera from 93 patients with AITD and 230 healthy controls were evaluated for NISAb and PenAb using radioligand binding assays (RBA).ResultsPatients with AITD had a higher prevalence than the controls: NISAb: 17% vs 0% (P < 0·001) and PenAb: 11% vs 0% (P < 0·001). Subdividing according to cause of AITD yielded similar results: 20% (11/56) of patients with Graves' disease (GD) and 14% (5/37) of patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) had NISAb, (P < 0·05, vs control population). Seven of 56 (13%) patients with GD and three of 37 (8%) patients with HT had PenAb (P < 0·05 vs control population). No twin pairs were concordant for NISAb or PenAb, not even among twin pairs concordant for AITD.ConclusionsIn accord with studies using the same RBAs, the frequency of NISAb and PenAb was low in Danish patients with AITD and absent in healthy individuals, suggesting that differences between studies rely on assay differences. The skewed distribution of NISAb and PenAb within AITD concordant twin pairs suggests that NISAb and PenAb are likely attributable to the effects of environmental factors acting in genetic susceptible individuals.
Circulatory changes of the novel adipokine adipolin/CTRP12 in response to metformin treatment and an oral glucose challenge in humans
Authors: Tan Bee K. , Chen Jing , Hu Jiamiao , Amar Omar , Mattu Harman S. , Ramanjaneya Manjunath , Patel Vanlata , Lehnert Hendrik , Randeva Harpal S. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveAdipolin/CTRP12 is a novel adipokine with anti‐inflammatory and glucose‐lowering properties in rodents. We sought to investigate the effects of metformin treatment (850 mg twice daily for 6 months) and a 2 h 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on serum adipolin concentrations in humans.DesignCross‐sectional study [PCOS (n = 83) and control (n = 39) subjects]. Serum adipolin was measured by ELISA. Metformin treatment (850 mg twice daily for 6 months) was offered to all women with PCOS, 34 women participated but 21 women completed 6 months of metformin therapy. Reasons for subjects not completing the study were nausea and gastrointestinal side effects (n = 4), pregnancies (n = 5), noncompliance (n = 2) and loss of contact (n = 2).ResultsMetformin treatment (850 mg twice daily for 6 months) substantially increased serum adipolin concentrations (P < 0·05) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a pro‐inflammatory state associated with obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, changes in waist‐hip ratio, glucose, triglycerides, CRP and carotid intima media thickness showed significant negative associations with changes in adipolin levels (P < 0·05, P < 0·01); in multiple regression analyses, only changes in glucose were predictive of changes in adipolin levels (β = −0·570, P = 0·009). Serum adipolin decreased significantly in response to the OGTT in PCOS and control subjects at 90 min (P < 0·05) and 120 min (P < 0·01).ConclusionsAdipolin and/or novel pharmacologic agents that increase adipolin's circulating concentrations might constitute a novel approach in the treatment of insulin resistant states.
Does Timing of Implant Placement Affect Implant Therapy Outcome in the Aesthetic Zone? A Clinical, Radiological, Aesthetic, and Patient‐Based Evaluation
Authors: Hof Markus , Pommer Bernhard , Ambros Harald , Jesch Philip , Vogl Susanne , Zechner Werner 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPurposeTo compare five different implant treatment protocols in the anterior maxilla, including immediate, early, and delayed implant placement, as well as implant placement in conjunction with simultaneous guided bone regeneration and implant placement 3 months following horizontal autologous bone block grafting.Material and MethodsAesthetic indices used included the Pink Esthetic Score (PES), Papilla Index (PI), Subjective Esthetic Score (SES), and White Esthetic Score (WES). Subjective evaluation of implant aesthetics was performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The VAS consisted of a 10 cm–long line representing the degree of discontent (0%) or satisfaction (100%).ResultsA total of 153 implants in 153 patients (80 women, 73 men) were evaluated after a mean follow‐up of 4.5 ± 2.9 years. Mean peri‐implant bone loss was 1.6 ± 0.9 mm and not affected by treatment protocol, time after implant placement, or crown length. Papilla presence, by contrast, differed significantly between the protocols: Papilla formation was more pronounced following delayed and immediate implant placement. No statistical significance was found among treatment modalities with regard to PES, SES, or WES. Longer crowns were associated with lower PES and PI ratings and correlated with greater midfacial recession. SES was also influenced by time after implant placement and keratinized mucosa. Patient satisfaction differed significantly among treatment protocols, favoring immediate implant placement. Agreement between objective and subjective aesthetic ratings was low.ConclusionThe present study suggests that comparable clinical, radiological, and aesthetic results can be achieved with all treatment protocols. Gingival recession, however, seems to occur in the long term irrespective of the technique used.
Proximal contact loss between implant‐supported prostheses and adjacent natural teeth: a retrospective study
Authors: Wong Anita T. Y. , Wat Peter Y. P. , Pow Edmond H. N. , Leung Katherine C. M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of proximal contact loss between posterior implant‐supported prostheses and the adjacent anterior natural tooth and to identify potential contributing factors.Materials and methodsForty‐five consecutive patients, who had received either implant‐supported fixed partial denture (FPD) or implant‐supported single crown (SC) in the posterior region and were under regular review, were recruited. Interproximal space was assessed by the number of matrix bands that could be placed, and tooth mobility was assessed by Periotest®. A self‐reported questionnaire was administered. Effects of various patient and prosthesis parameters on interproximal space were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis test or Mann–Whitney U test. Correlations were tested by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Differences were considered significant if P < 0.05.ResultsForty‐three of 66 (65%) prostheses showed proximal contact loss. Frequent food packing was reported in 40% of the prostheses. The mean interproximal space was 167 (SD = 125) μm, and it was positively correlated with patients' age (P = 0.031) and time since prostheses delivery (P = 0.002). The interproximal space in the FPD group was significantly larger than the SC group (P = 0.008).ConclusionProximal contact loss is not uncommon in posterior implant‐supported prostheses. In this study, age of the patient, prosthesis type and time since delivery of prosthesis were found to be contributing factors.
Risk Assessment of Deep‐Vein Thrombosis After Acute Stroke: a Prospective Study Using Clinical Factors
Authors: Liu Li‐Ping , Zheng Hua‐Guang , Wang David. Z. , Wang Yi‐Long , Hussain Mohammed , Sun Hai‐Xin , Wang An‐Xin , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Dong Ke‐Hui , Wang Chun‐Xue , He Wen , Ning Bin , Wang Yong‐Jun 
Published: February 2014

SummaryAimsDeep‐vein thrombosis (DVT) represents a serious complication in acute stroke patients with pulmonary embolus (PE) as a potential outcome. Prediction of DVT may help with formulating a proper prevention strategy. To assess of the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in acute stroke patients, we developed and validated a clinical score in a cohort study.MethodsIncidence of Deep Venous Thrombosis after Acute Stroke in China (INVENT‐China) is a multicenter prospective cohort study. The potential predictive variables for DVT at baseline were collected, and the presence of DVT was evaluated using ultrasonography on the 14 ± 3 days. Data were randomly assigned to either a training data set or a test data set. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to develop risk scores to predict DVT in the training data set and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to validate the score in the test data set.ResultsFrom 2006–2007, 862 hospital‐based acute stroke patients were enrolled in China. The overall incidence of DVT after acute stroke within two weeks was 12.4% (95%CI 10.3–14.7%). A seven‐point score derived in the training data set (age [≥65 years = 1], sex [female gender = 1]), obesity [BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 = 1], active cancer [yes = 2], stroke subtype [cerebral hemorraghe = 1], muscle weakness [≥2 on Lower limb NIHSS score = 1] was highly predictive of 14‐day risk of DVT(c statistic = 0.70, 95% CI, 0.64–0.76, P < 0.001), in the overall study population(c statistic = 0.65, 95% CI 0.59–0.70, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThis clinical score may help identify acute stroke patients with high risk of DVT. In addition, it also serves as a platform to develop further models of DVT prediction in stroke patients based on clinical factors.
Lift weights to fight overweight
Authors: Paoli Antonio , Moro Tatiana , Bianco Antonino 
Published: February 2014

SummaryAlthough resistance training (RT) has long been accepted as a means for developing and maintaining muscular strength, endurance, power and muscle mass, its beneficial relationship with health factors and chronic disease has only recently been recognized in the scientific literature. Prior to 1990, resistance training was not a part of the recommended guidelines for exercise training and rehabilitation for either the American Heart Association or the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). In 1990, the ACSM recognized resistance training as a significant component of a comprehensive fitness programme for healthy adults of all ages, a position subsequently confirmed few years after. At present, even though interest in clinical applications of RT is increasing, there are still some concerns, among physicians, about the use of this exercise methodology in weight control programmes. This review aims to explore the metabolic effects of RT and its efficacy and feasibility in overweight subjects.
Developmental dissociation in the neural responses to simple multiplication and subtraction problems
Authors: Prado Jérôme , Mutreja Rachna , Booth James R. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMastering single‐digit arithmetic during school years is commonly thought to depend upon an increasing reliance on verbally memorized facts. An alternative model, however, posits that fluency in single‐digit arithmetic might also be achieved via the increasing use of efficient calculation procedures. To test between these hypotheses, we used a cross‐sectional design to measure the neural activity associated with single‐digit subtraction and multiplication in 34 children from 2nd to 7th grade. The neural correlates of language and numerical processing were also identified in each child via localizer scans. Although multiplication and subtraction were undistinguishable in terms of behavior, we found a striking developmental dissociation in their neural correlates. First, we observed grade‐related increases of activity for multiplication, but not for subtraction, in a language‐related region of the left temporal cortex. Second, we found grade‐related increases of activity for subtraction, but not for multiplication, in a region of the right parietal cortex involved in the procedural manipulation of numerical quantities. The present results suggest that fluency in simple arithmetic in children may be achieved by both increasing reliance on verbal retrieval and by greater use of efficient quantity‐based procedures, depending on the operation.
Cognitive components of a mathematical processing network in 9‐year‐old children
Authors: Szűcs Dénes , Devine Amy , Soltesz Fruzsina , Nobes Alison , Gabriel Florence 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe determined how various cognitive abilities, including several measures of a proposed domain‐specific number sense, relate to mathematical competence in nearly 100 9‐year‐old children with normal reading skill. Results are consistent with an extended number processing network and suggest that important processing nodes of this network are phonological processing, verbal knowledge, visuo‐spatial short‐term and working memory, spatial ability and general executive functioning. The model was highly specific to predicting arithmetic performance. There were no strong relations between mathematical achievement and verbal short‐term and working memory, sustained attention, response inhibition, finger knowledge and symbolic number comparison performance. Non‐verbal intelligence measures were also non‐significant predictors when added to our model. Number sense variables were non‐significant predictors in the model and they were also non‐significant predictors when entered into regression analysis with only a single visuo‐spatial WM measure. Number sense variables were predicted by sustained attention. Results support a network theory of mathematical competence in primary school children and falsify the importance of a proposed modular ‘number sense’. We suggest an ‘executive memory function centric’ model of mathematical processing. Mapping a complex processing network requires that studies consider the complex predictor space of mathematics rather than just focusing on a single or a few explanatory factors.
Metapopulation dynamics of a beetle species confined to burned forest sites in a managed forest region
Authors: Ranius Thomas , Bohman Petter , Hedgren Olof , Wikars Lars‐Ove , Caruso Alexandro 
Published: February 2014

Despite increasing awareness of the theoretical importance of habitat dynamics on metapopulations, only a few empirical studies have been conducted. We aimed to increase our understanding of how patch size, dynamics and connectivity affect colonization–extinction dynamics and the occurrence patterns of a beetle (Stephanopachys linearis), which breeds only in burned trees, existing as dynamic habitat patches that have become rare in managed forest landscapes. We assessed species’ presence/absence twice in all known habitat patches (i.e. > 1 ha sites where forest fires had occurred during the previous 2–15 yr) in a 200 × 150 km region of central Sweden, dominated by managed boreal forest.Evaluated over six years, the colonization rate was 47% and the local extinction risk was 65%. Probability of colonization increased with patch size (number of suitable trees in a site) and connectivity to occupied patches within 30 km, and decreased with increasing time since fire. Local extinction risk decreased with habitat patch size but increased, unexpectedly, with connectivity. Occurrence increased with patch size and decreased with increasing time since fire. At a regional scale, S. linearis tracks the fire dynamics by colonising sites with burned trees and by becoming extinct at rates which make the species rare at sites where burnt trees are more than eight years old. In managed boreal forest landscapes, a large proportion of sites may be created by prescribed burning (in our study area: 82%), and consequently human decisions strongly affect the future amount of habitat for fire‐dependent species and its spatial distribution. Stephanopachys linearis uses burned sites more often if more trees are retained and, to some extent, if sites are concentrated in those parts of a region that already support high population densities of the species.
Genetic evolution of equine influenza strains isolated in France from 2005 to 2010
Authors: Legrand L. J. , Pitel P.‐H. Y. , Cullinane A. A. , Fortier G. D. , Pronost S. L. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryReason for performing this studyEquine influenza virus (EIV) is considered the most economically important equine respiratory pathogen worldwide. The H3N8 subtype, responsible for all outbreaks of equine influenza globally, evolves perpetually. Mutations in the genome of these viruses have the potential to modify their antigenic properties and recognition by pre‐existing antibodies.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the genetic evolution of EIV strains in France and to compare it with the evolution of strains isolated globally. Analysis of the sequence data was performed to investigate any possible links between the outbreaks.Study designRetrospective genetic analysis study of archived material.MethodsAnalyses were performed on the HA1 domain of haemagglutinin H3 of EIV isolated in a previous study carried out from November 2005 to October 2010. The nucleic acid sequence of 41 strains was analysed and translated. The French viruses were compared with 59 Clade 1 strains and 83 Clade 2 strains. Strains were aligned chronologically and on the basis of their geographical origin.ResultsThe 16 Clade 1 strains are all derived from the outbreak that started in the Grosbois training yard in 2009. The virus genome appears to have been stable during the outbreak. The 25 Clade 2 strains were isolated over the 5‐year period during which several mutations had emerged. Some strains incorporate a sporadic mutation, and others a mutation that may occur several times but does not persist. However, all strains are gradually moving towards definitive mutations.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that EIVs have evolved in France during this period in a similar manner to EIVs globally. The data lend support to the current World Animal Health Organisation recommendation that the vaccines contain a representative of both Clade 1 and Clade 2 of the Florida sublineage.The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
Cathepsin S, a new pruritus biomarker in clinical dandruff/seborrhoeic dermatitis evaluation
Authors: Viodé Cécile , Lejeune Ophélie , Turlier Virginie , Rouquier Amandine , Casas Christiane , Mengeaud Valérie , Redoulès Daniel , Schmitt Anne‐Marie 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDandruff/seborrhoeic dermatitis (D/SD) is characterized by Malassezia colonization, impaired barrier function with subsequent inflammation, resulting in dandruff and itching. Histamine is one of the biomarkers of pruritus now widely used in treatment efficacy trials. The exact mechanism leading to histamine release and pruritus is not yet clear. However, it could involve cathepsin S, an activator of proteinase‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of cathepsin S, PAR2 and histamine in patients with D/SD compared with healthy subjects through non‐invasive sampling of the scalp and to correlate those markers with D/SD clinical parameters. A significant increase in the three biological markers was observed in the D/SD group versus healthy subjects, and those markers were correlated with clinical parameters. In conclusion, cathepsin S could be a potential marker of pruritus in D/SD and could help assessing the effect of treatments.
BifunctionalADP‐dependent phosphofructokinase/glucokinase activity in the orderMethanococcales– biochemical characterization of the mesophilic enzyme fromMethanococcus maripaludis
Authors: Castro‐Fernandez Victor , Bravo‐Moraga Felipe , Herrera‐Morande Alejandra , Guixe Victoria 
Published: February 2014

In some archaea, the phosphorylation of glucose and fructose 6‐phosphate (fructose 6P) is carried out by enzymes that are specific for either substrate and that useADPas phosphoryl donor. In the hyperthermophilic archaeonMethanocaldococcus jannaschii, a bifunctional enzyme able to phosphorylate glucose and fructose 6Phas been described. To determine whether the ability to phosphorylate both glucose and fructose 6Pis a common feature for all enzymes of the orderMethanococcales, we expressed, purified and characterized the unique homologous protein of the mesophilic archaeaMethanococcus maripaludis. Assay of the enzyme activity with different sugars, metals and nucleotides allows us to conclude that the enzyme is able to phosphorylate both fructose 6Pand glucose in the presence ofADPand a divalent metal cation. Kinetic characterization of the enzyme revealed complex regulation by the free Mg2+concentration andAMP, with the latter appearing to be a key metabolite. To determine whether this enzyme could have a role in gluconeogenesis, we evaluated the reversibility of both reactions and found that glucokinase activity is reversible, whereas phosphofructokinase activity is not. To determine the important residues for glucose and fructose 6Pbinding, we modeled the bifunctional phosphofructokinase/glucokinase enzyme fromM. maripaludisand its interactions with both sugar substrates using protein–ligand docking. Comparison of the active site of the phosphofructokinase/glucokinase enzyme fromM. maripaludiswith the structural models constructed for all the homology sequences present in the orderMethanococcalesshows that all of theADP‐dependent kinases from this order would be able to phosphorylate glucose and fructose 6P, which rules out the current annotation of these enzymes as specific phosphofructokinases.DatabaseModel data are available in the Protein Model Data Base under accession numbersPM0079106,PM0079107,PM0079108,PM0079109,PM0079110,PM0079111,PM0079112,PM0079113,PM0079114,PM0079115andPM0079116
Sterol binding by methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and nystatin – comparative analysis of biochemical and physiological consequences for plants
Authors: Valitova Julia , Sulkarnayeva Albina , Kotlova Ekaterina , Ponomareva Anastasia , Mukhitova Fakhima K. , Murtazina Lyaisan , Ryzhkina Irina , Beckett Richard , Minibayeva Farida 
Published: February 2014

The dependence of membrane function on its sterol component has been intensively studied with model lipids and isolated animal membranes, but to a much lesser extent with plant membranes. Depleting membrane sterols could be predicted to have a strong effect on membrane activity and have harmful physiological consequences. In this study, we characterized membrane lipid composition, membrane permeability for ions, some physiological parameters, such as H2O2 accumulation, formation of autophagosomal vacuoles, and expression of peroxidase and autophagic genes, and cell viability in the roots of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings in the presence of two agents that specifically bind to endogenous sterols. The polyene antibiotic nystatin binds to endogenous sterols, forming so‐called ‘nystatin pores’ or ‘channels’ in the membrane, and methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin has the capacity to sequester sterols in its hydrophobic core. Unexpectedly, although application of both methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and nystatin reduced the sterol content, their effects on membrane permeability, oxidative status and autophagosome formation in roots differed dramatically. For comparison, we also tested the effects of the antibiotic gramicidin S, which does not bind to sterols but forms nonspecific channels in the membrane. Gramicidin S considerably increased membrane permeability, caused oxidative stress, and reduced cell viability. Our results suggest that a decrease in the sterol content is, in itself, not sufficient to have deleterious effects on a cell. The disturbance of membrane integrity, rather than the decrease in the sterol content, is responsible for the toxicity of sterol‐binding compounds.