bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing tree belt productivity through capture of short‐slope runoff water
Authors: Bennett Richard G. , Mendham Daniel , Ogden Gary , Bartle John 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA selection of multi‐stemmed, drought‐tolerant mallee eucalypts, planted in belt form and integrated with crops in dryland agricultural areas of Australia, may be able to produce biomass as a commercially attractive feedstock for biofuel production. This study aimed to determine if small (40–50 cm high) bunds along mallee belts could trap otherwise underutilized surface water runoff within paddocks, thereby increasing water available to the mallee trees and their growth rates. An experiment was established in 5 year‐old Eucalyptus polybractea (RT Baker) mallee belts near the town of Narrogin in the central wheatbelt area of Western Australia. Bunds led to significant (12%) increases in biomass accumulation after about 2 years and 35% increases at around 3 years. Bunds also led to significant increases in predawn leaf water potential and significant decreases in soil water deficit within 12 months, which persisted for the remainder of the 39 month trial. We suggest that the increase in biomass accumulation was largely due to increased water availability, but that increased nutrient supply from run‐on and trapping of organic residues may have also had some effect on bunded plots, despite our attempts to mitigate this effect by experimentally adding nutrients to all treatments. Results show that installing bunds along mallee belts would be a cost‐effective investment at sites where within‐paddock runoff is likely (i.e. gently sloping and with a loamy sand or heavier soil texture). Installation costs should be offset by improved biomass production within a few years and ongoing improvements in growth over the long term.
Barriers, biases, and beliefs about arteriovenous fistula placement in children: A survey of the International Pediatric Fistula First Initiative (IPFFI) within the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium (MWPNC)
Authors: Chand Deepa H. , Geary Denis , Patel Hiren , Greenbaum Larry A. , Nailescu Corina , Brier Michael E. , Valentini Rudolph P. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThere has been recent emphasis on increased arteriovenous fistula (AVF) use and decreased central venous catheter use in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The International Pediatric Fistula First Initiative was founded via collaborative effort with the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium to alert nephrologists, surgeons, and dialysis staff to consider fistulae as the best access in pediatric HD patients. A multidisciplinary educational DVD outlining expectations and strategies to increase AVF placement and usage in children was created. Participants were administered a survey previewing and postviewing to identify barriers to placement and usage of AVF in children. A total of 52 surveys were subdivided as either “dialysis staff” or “proceduralist” at five centers. Thirty‐three percent of respondents were unaware if their practice was following published guidelines. Sixty‐five percent of respondents stated they referred to a dedicated vascular access surgeon at their respective institutions. Methods used to monitor AVF function included physical exam, venous pressure monitoring, and ultrasound dilution. Vascular access was placed within 3 months in only 35% of patients. Interdisciplinary communication problems between surgeons, interventional radiologists, and nephrologists were identified as a major barrier. Lack of AVF usage was often due to maturation failure. Routine access rounds did not occur in any centers. Regarding monitoring, 74% of the respondents use physical exam, 26% use venous pressure monitoring, and 9% use ultrasound dilution. Ninety‐three percent of dialysis staff stated they would change practice patterns following the intervention; however, 12% of surgeons stated they would alter practice patterns. To our knowledge, this is the first report to identify barriers to placement of AVF in children from the perspectives of multidisciplinary team members including pediatric nephrologists, surgeons, interventional radiologists, and multidisciplinary dialysis staff.
Effects of root surface debridement using Er:YAG Laser versus ultrasonic scaling – a SEM study
Authors: Miremadi SR , Cosyn J , Schaubroeck D , Lang NP , De Moor RJG , De Bruyn H 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveDespite promising results of Er:YAG laser in periodontal debridement, to date there is no consensus about the ideal settings for clinical use. This experimental clinical trial aimed to determine the effects of debridement using Er:YAG laser and to compare with ultrasonic treatment.Materials and methodsSixty‐four teeth were divided into two in vivo and in vitro subgroups. Each tooth received ultrasonic treatment on one side and Er:YAG laser debridement at either 60, 100, 160 or 250 mJ pulse−1 and at 10 Hz on the other side on a random basis. All samples were morphologically analyzed afterwards under scanning electron microscope for surface changes and dentinal tubules exposure. Treatment duration (d) was also recorded.ResultsLaser debridement produced an irregular, rough and flaky surface free of carbonization or meltdown while ultrasound produced a relatively smoother surface. The number of exposed dentinal tubules (n) followed an energy‐dependent trend. The number of exposed tubules among the in vivo laser groups was n 60 mJ = n 100 mJ < n 160 mJ < n 250 mJ (P < 0.001). Also 160 and 250 mJ lasers led to significantly more dentinal exposure than ultrasound under in vivo condition. Within the in vitro laser groups, dentinal tubules exposure was n 60 mJ < n 100 mJ < n 160 mJ < n 250 mJ (P ≤ 0.0015). Furthermore, in vitro laser treatments at 100, 160 and 250 mJ led to significantly more dentinal denudation than ultrasound. Treatment duration (d) for the in vivo groups was d 60 mJ > d 100 mJ > d Ultrasound = d 160 mJ > d 250 mJ (P ≤ 0.046), while for the in vitro groups it was d 60 mJ > d 100 mJ = d Ultrasound = d 160 mJ >d 250 mJ (P ≤ 0.046).ConclusionsDue to excessive treatment duration and surface damage, Er:YAG laser debridement at 60 and 250 mJ pulse−1, respectively, is not appropriate for clinical use. Although laser debridement at 100 and 160 mJ pulse−1 seems more suitable for clinical application, compared to ultrasound the former is more time‐consuming and the latter is more aggressive. Using a feedback device or lower pulse energies are recommended when using laser in closed field.
Gingival abrasion and recession in manual and oscillating–rotating power brush users
Authors: Rosema NAM , Adam R , Grender JM , Van der Sluijs E , Supranoto SC , Van der Weijden GA 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess gingival recession (GR) in manual and power toothbrush users and evaluate the relationship between GR and gingival abrasion scores (GA).MethodsThis was an observational (cross‐sectional), single‐centre, examiner‐blind study involving a single‐brushing exercise, with 181 young adult participants: 90 manual brush users and 91 oscillating–rotating power brush users. Participants were assessed for GR and GA as primary response variables. Secondary response variables were the level of gingival inflammation, plaque score reduction and brushing duration. Pearson correlation was used to describe the relationship between number of recession sites and number of abrasions. Prebrushing (baseline) and post‐brushing GA and plaque scores were assessed and differences analysed using paired tests. Two‐sample t‐test was used to analyse group differences; ancova was used for analyses of post‐brushing changes with baseline as covariate.ResultsOverall, 97.8% of the study population had at least one site of ≥1 mm of gingival recession. For the manual group, this percentage was 98.9%, and for the power group, this percentage was 96.7% (P = 0.621). Post‐brushing, the power group showed a significantly smaller GA increase than the manual group (P = 0.004); however, there was no significant correlation between number of recession sites and number of abrasions for either group (P ≥ 0.327).ConclusionsLittle gingival recession was observed in either toothbrush user group; the observed GR levels were comparable. Lower post‐brushing gingival abrasion levels were seen in the power group. There was no correlation between gingival abrasion as a result of brushing and the observed gingival recession following use of either toothbrush.
Electrochemical‐induced dissolution of nickel–titanium endodontic instruments with different designs
Authors: Ormiga F. , Aboud L. R. L. , Gomes J. A. C. P. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo compare the active dissolution process of K3, ProTaper and Mtwo NiTi endodontic rotary instruments in chloride and fluoride containing solutions.MethodsAnodic polarization of K3 size 20, 0.06 taper, ProTaper size F1 and MTwo size 20, 0.06 taper instruments was performed, and anova (P < 0.05) was used to compare the weight loss, the time of dissolution and the electrical charge generated by the groups of instruments. Fragments of the instruments were polarized in simulated root canals to evaluate the dissolution process. After the tests, a size 10 K‐file was used to verify whether the fragment could be bypassed. Radiographic analysis of the simulated canals was used before and after the tests to verify fragment dissolution.ResultsA progressive consumption of the instruments was observed. K3 and ProTaper instruments had significantly greater weight loss than Mtwo instruments after 30 min of polarization. K3 instruments had the highest values of total electrical charge, and MTwo instruments the lowest (P < 0.05). After 60 min, the anodic polarization of instrument fragments in simulated root canals resulted in their partial dissolution.ConclusionThe anodic polarization of K3, ProTaper and MTwo instruments resulted in their progressive consumption with increasing polarization time. Sixty minutes anodic polarization of the various NiTi instrument fragments in simulated root canals resulted in their partial dissolution.
Assessment of dentinal tubule invasion capacity of Enterococcus faecalis under stress conditions ex vivo
Authors: Ran S. , Wang J. , Jiang W. , Zhu C. , Liang J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the dentinal tubule invasion capacity of Enterococcus faecalis under alkaline and energy starvation stress conditions.MethodologyThe root canals from human single‐rooted teeth (n = 40) were infected with E. faecalis under alkaline (pH 9, 10, 11 and 12) and energy starvation (no glucose, 0.05% glucose and 0.15% glucose) stress conditions. The root canals were prepared in a standard manner and treated to remove the smear layer before incubation. After 4 weeks of cultivation, the roots were split vertically into two halves: one half was processed for biofilm formation analysis using a scanning electron microscope; the other half was stained with fluorescent DNA‐binding reagents, washed thoroughly and sectioned (100 μm thick), and the depth of tubule invasion by the microorganism was examined by confocal laser‐scanning microscopy. The extent of dentine tubule invasion was analysed statistically.ResultsThe E. faecalis strain resulted in biofilm formation and dentine tubules invasion under all of the stress conditions, except for pH 11 and 12 conditions. However, the tubule penetration distance was markedly reduced in these stress conditions (P < 0.01) compared with in tryptic soy broth (TSB) or pH 7 medium. The invasion depth in the middle root dentine was significantly higher than in the apical sections in TSB and energy starvation medium (P < 0.01).ConclusionsEx vivo E. faecalis formed biofilms and colonized dentine under alkaline and glucose starvation stress conditions, but its ability to invade dentine tubules was significantly decreased.
Corpulence is the crucial factor: Association of testosterone and/or obesity with prostate cancer stage
Authors: Jentzmik Florian , Schnoeller Thomas J , Cronauer Marcus V , Steinestel Julie , Steffens Sandra , Zengerling Friedemann , Al Ghazal Andreas , Schrader Mark G , Steinestel Konrad , Schrader Andres J 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether low testosterone levels or obesity, or both, are directly associated with tumor stage/grade in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.MethodsPreoperative androgen serum levels (total and free testosterone), sex hormone‐binding globulin, body mass index and waist circumference were assessed in 510 consecutive European Caucasian men treated with radical prostatectomy. Hormone levels and body mass index/waist circumference were correlated with patient‐ and tumor‐specific characteristics using multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsEven though we confirmed an inverse correlation between bodyweight and testosterone levels, only overweight – but not low testosterone – was associated with advanced disease and poor differentiation of prostate cancer. Using multivariate analyses, both body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 and waist circumference >110 cm were associated with high‐grade disease (Gleason score ≥8). A waist circumference >110 cm also correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis.ConclusionsThis is the first study showing that obesity, but not low serum testosterone levels, is significantly associated with high grade and metastatic disease in men diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer. The present findings suggest that low androgen levels at diagnosis, which used to be held responsible for the development of aggressive prostate cancer, is only an epiphenomenon of obesity rather than the cause of prostate cancer development and/or progression.
Patient perception of wound photography
Authors: Wang Sheila C , Anderson John AE , Jones Duncan VB , Evans Robyn 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to provide an assessment of photographic documentation of the wound from the patients' perspective and to evaluate whether this could improve patients' understanding of and involvement in their wound care. Our results revealed that most patients visiting the wound care clinic have difficult‐to‐see wounds (86%). Only 20% of patients monitor their wounds and instead rely on clinic or nurse visits to track the healing progress. There was a significant association between patients' ability to see their wound and their subsequent memory of the wound's appearance. This was especially true for patients who had recently begun visiting the wound care clinic. This relationship was not present in patients who had visited the clinic for 3  or more years. Patients reported that the inability to see their wounds resulted in feeling a loss of autonomy. The majority of patients reported that photographing their wounds would help them to track the wound progress (81%) and would afford them more involvement in their own care (58%). This study provides a current representation of wound photography from the patients' perspective and reveals that it can motivate patients to become more involved in the management of their wounds – particularly for patients with difficult‐to‐see wounds.
VAC therapy to promote wound healing after surgical revascularisation for critical lower limb ischaemia
Authors: De Caridi Giovanni , Massara Mafalda , Greco Michele , Pipitò Narayana , Spinelli Francesco , Grande Raffaele , Butrico Lucia , de Franciscis Stefano , Serra Raffaele 
Published: May 2014

AbstractVacuum‐assisted closure (VAC) therapy is a new emerging non‐invasive system in wound care, which speeds up wound healing by causing vacuum, improving tissue perfusion and suctioning the exudates, and facilitating the removal of bacteria from the wound. The application of sub‐atmospheric pressure on the lesions seems to alter the cytoskeleton of the cells on the wound bed, triggering a cascade of intracellular signals that increase the rate of cell division and subsequent formation of granulation tissue. The aim of this study is to analyse the results of VAC therapy used as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of foot wounds in patients affected by critical limb ischaemia (CLI) (Rutherford 6 class) after distal surgical revascularisation, to promote and accelerate the healing of ulcers. Twenty‐nine patients (20 males, 9 females; mean age 68·4) affected by CLI of Rutherford 6 class, after surgical revascularisation of the lower limb, underwent VAC therapy in order to speed up wound healing. Complete wound healing was achieved in 19 patients (65·51%), in an average period of 45·4 ± 25·6 days. VAC therapy is a valid aid, after surgical revascularisation, to achieve rapid healing of foot lesions in patients with CLI.
Neuropsychology and brain morphology in Klinefelter syndrome – the impact of genetics
Authors: Skakkebæk A. , Bojesen A. , Kristensen M. K. , Cohen A. , Hougaard D. M. , Hertz J. M. , Fedder J. , Laurberg P. , Wallentin M. , Østergaard J. R. , Pedersen A. D. , Gravholt C. H. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryKlinefelter syndrome (KS, 47,XXY) is associated with increased psychiatric morbidity and cognitive disabilities, although the neuropsychological phenotype shows great variability. Androgen receptor polymorphism (CAG repeat length), skewed X‐chromosome inactivation and parent‐of‐origin of the extra X‐chromosome have been suggested to influence cognitive function and psychological traits. These issues have not been clarified for KS patients. We studied X‐chromosome inactivation pattern, CAG repeat length and parent‐of‐origin in relation to educational and cohabitation status, personality and autism traits, psychological distress, cognitive function and brain volumes in 73 KS patients and 73 controls. Grey matter (GM) volume of left insula was significantly decreased in KS patients with skewed X‐inactivation (z = 5.78) and we observed a borderline significant difference in global brain matter volume where KS patients with skewed X‐chromosome inactivation tended to have smaller brains. Skewed X‐inactivation, CAG repeat length and parent‐of‐origin were not correlated with educational and marital status, personality traits, autism traits, and psychological distress, prevalence of depression and anxiety or cognitive function. Interestingly our results regarding brain volumes indicate that X‐inactivation has an influence on GM volume in left insula and might also be related to global GM volume, indicating a possible effect of X‐linked genes on the development of GM volume in KS patient. Skewed X‐inactivation, CAG repeat length and parent‐of‐origin have no impact on the neuropsychological phenotype in KS (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (Clinical trial NCT00999310)).
BRDT gene sequence in human testicular pathologies and the implication of its single nucleotide polymorphism (rs3088232) on fertility
Authors: Barda S. , Yogev L. , Paz G. , Yavetz H. , Lehavi O. , Hauser R. , Doniger T. , Breitbart H. , Kleiman S. E. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBromodomain testis‐specific (BRDT) protein is essential for the normal process of spermatogenesis. Mutant mice that expressed truncated BRDT had impaired testicular histology with severely reduced sperm concentration and abnormal sperm morphology, while a model of knockout Brdt mice with no BRDT protein had complete meiotic arrest. A BRDT single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs3088232) was reported as being associated with infertility in men. We assessed testicular specimens of 276 azoospermic men who underwent testicular sperm extraction to search for specimens that showed spermatogenic impairments similar to those of mutant BRDT mice. Ten similar specimens were selected for BRDT gene sequencing and they revealed three NCBI‐reported SNPs (rs10783071, rs3088232 and rs10747493) variously distributed among them. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that they would not affect protein activity. Further assessment of rs3088232 frequency in a large group of non‐obstructive azoospermia men and fertile controls demonstrated no significant difference between them (27.2 and 21.7% respectively; p = 0.122, Fisher's exact test). We conclude that the testicular impairments observed in the 10 specimens were not a consequence of BRDT gene mutation. The association between BRDT rs3088232 and infertility that had been reported in other studies was not supported.
Conceptualizations of dignity at the end of life: exploring theoretical and cultural congruence with dignity therapy
Authors: Li Hui‐Ching , Richardson Alison , Speck Peter , Armes Jo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo explore the conceptualization of patients' dignity in the context of end‐of‐life care in Taiwan.BackgroundDignity therapy – a novel nurse‐delivered psychotherapeutic intervention – has been demonstrated to have potential to alleviate terminal patients' psycho‐existential distress in western countries. In Taiwan, over half of end‐of‐life patients experience psychological‐spiritual suffering and dignity therapy might be helpful in improving this situation. Hence, a preliminary study to clarify Taiwanese conceptualizations of ‘dignity’ was conducted prior to planning a feasibility study to gauge the potential cultural fit of an intervention of this type.DesignQualitative exploration.MethodsNine people with terminal cancer and ten health professionals were recruited from palliative care services in 2008. In‐depth interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. A hermeneutic approach was employed to analyse and interpret data.FindingsBeing a valuable person is the core meaning of patients' dignity and this comprised intrinsic characteristics and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic characteristics of dignity encompassed living a moral life, having peace of mind and a sense of existence involving the perception of resignation to God's will. Extrinsic factors that influenced patients' dignity included illness‐related distress, care delivery and the perception of being loved. A dynamic relationship between these elements determined the state of patients' dignity.ConclusionThe concept of dignity is culturally bound and understood differently in the Chinese and Western context; such differences should be considered when planning and delivering care. Modifications should be made to dignity therapy to ensure it is culturally congruent with Taiwanese patients' beliefs.