bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combination Lower Lip Prosthesis Retained by an Intraoral Component
Authors: Zeno Helios A. , Sternberger Sidney S. , Tuminelli Frank J. , Billotte Michael , Kurtz Kenneth S. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPatients who have had a partial or full surgical resection of the maxillary or mandibular lip experience difficulties with articulation of speech, swallowing, and salivary control. This is further complicated by significant alterations in facial esthetics and lowered self‐esteem. This clinical treatment will describe the fabrication of a two‐piece tooth‐retained maxillofacial prosthesis. An intraoral retentive portion and an extraoral section restoring lip anatomy were attached by retentive elements. This prosthesis restored the patient's esthetics, oral function, and self‐esteem.
A Simplified Palatal Lift Prosthesis for Neurogenic Velopharyngeal Incompetence
Authors: Rilo Benito , Fernández‐Formoso Noelia , da Silva Luis , Pinho Joâo Carlos 
Published: February 2013

AbstractVelopharyngeal incompetence is a contributing factor to speech disorders and implies the presence of hypernasality, inappropriate nasal escape, and decreased air pressure during speech. One prosthetic treatment is a rehabilitative procedure employing a palatal lift prosthesis (PLP), which reduces hypernasality by approximating the incompetent soft palate to the posterior pharyngeal wall and consists of two parts, the anterior denture base and the palatal lifting plate, which are connected with steel wires; however, it seems difficult to reproduce the mobility of the soft palate in speaking, and it is therefore likely that the palatal lifting plate stimulates or oppresses the tissue of the soft palate and hinders rather than assists articulatory function. To avoid these disturbances we devised an adjustable PLP with a flexible conjunction between the denture base and the palatal lifting plate to obtain the optimal vertical lifting angle. The palatal plate was adapted to conform in a passive manner to the soft palate with light‐cured resin. The designed PLP simplified the procedure and reduced the number of adjustments and visits.
Color Variation Between Matched and Fabricated Shades of Different Ceramics
Authors: Ghulman Motaz Ahmed , Awad Mohamed Abdelmageed 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the total color difference (ΔE) between natural teeth and fabricated crowns from three ceramic systems with different thicknesses.Materials and MethodsThe color of ninety maxillary central incisors was measured from the middle third of the labial surface with a Vita Easyshade spectrophotometer. All‐ceramic crown preparations with different thicknesses (0.8, 1.2, 1.5 mm) were done on selected teeth (n = 30). Prepared teeth were randomly divided into three equal groups to fabricate ceramic crowns from three ceramic systems, Duceram LFC (DLFC), In‐Ceram SPINELL (ICS), and IPS Empress (IPSE). Colors of cemented crowns were measured and compared with their corresponding measurements before preparations. Data were statistically analyzed using two‐way ANOVA at 5% significance level.ResultsA significant difference of ΔE was detected between natural teeth and different thicknesses of crowns constructed from the all‐ceramic materials investigated. Comparing the three materials at 0.8 mm thickness revealed that the lowest ΔE was recorded for DLFC, which was significantly different from the other ceramic systems while IPSE showed the highest ΔE. At higher thicknesses there was no difference between natural tooth shade and crowns constructed from different ceramic materials.ConclusionsReinforcement of ceramics by alumina for In‐Ceram and leucite for Empress decreases color production. Level of acceptance between the different ceramic materials and thicknesses varied. DLFC showed the highest color matching at all thicknesses followed by ICS and IPSE in descending order. In general, increasing the thickness of fabricated crowns enhances color match.
Sexual Health Issues in Women with Cancer
Authors: Krychman Michael , Millheiser Leah S. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual health issues for women who have cancer are an important and under-diagnosed and under-treated survivorship issue. Survivorship begins at the time a cancer is detected and addresses health-care issues beyond diagnosis and acute treatment. This includes improving access to care and quality-of-life considerations, as well as dealing with the late effects of treatment. Difficulties with sexual function are one of the more common late effects in women.

Aim
This article attempted to characterize the etiology, prevalence, and treatment for sexual health concerns for women with gynecological cancer.

Methods
A systematic survey of currently available relevant literature published in English was conducted.

Results
The issue of sexual health for women with cancer is a prevalent medical concern that is rarely addressed in clinical practice. The development of sexual morbidity in the female cancer survivor is a multifactorial problem incorporating psychological, physiologic, and sociological elements. Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and hormonal manipulation appear to have the greatest influence on the development of sexual consequences. Sexual complaints include but are not limited to changes in sexual desire, arousal, and orgasmic intensity and latency. Many women suffer from debilitating vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.

Conclusions
Many of the sexual health issues experienced by cancer survivors can be addressed in clinical practice. A multimodal treatment paradigm is necessary to effectively treat these sexual complaints in this special patient population.
Clinical Interviewing Techniques and Sexuality Questionnaires for Male and Female Cancer Patients
Authors: Althof Stanley E. , Parish Sharon J. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexuality is an important aspect of quality of life; however, cancer and its treatments may impact the sexual function of men and women. Both cancer survivors and healthcare providers have barriers to addressing sexual problems in the clinical encounter.

Aim
To summarize the key points from the two authors’ oral presentations at the Cancer Survivorship and Sexual Health Symposium, International Society for Sexual Medicine-Sexual Medicine Society of North America (ISSM-SMSNA) Joint Meeting, Washington, DC, June 2011.

Methods
To describe patient-centered communication skills that can improve communication without excessively increasing the length of the visit. To review the validated sexuality measures that can assist clinicians in gathering sexual health information and assessing the response to therapeutic interventions for sexual problems.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual health interviewing skills including screening, assessment, open-ended questions, empathic delineation, and counseling are discussed. Key sexuality scales including the rationale for their use, psychometric properties, and patient-reported outcomes are summarized.

Results
Optimal approaches to the spectrum of communication challenges in the male and female sexual health encounter are exemplified. Advantages and limitations of the array of measures, including structured interviews, self-administered questionnaires, daily diaries, and event logs, are explained.

Conclusions
Practitioners can improve their detection and management of sexual concerns in cancer survivors by employing efficient patient-centered communication skills in conjunction with validated sexuality scales.
A time sequence analysis of the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors, vascular diseases and restless legs syndrome in the general population
Authors: Szentkirályi András , Völzke Henry , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Happe Svenja , Berger Klaus 
Published: February 2013

SummaryPrevious cross‐sectional studies regarding the association of restless legs syndrome (RLS) with cardiovascular morbidity are controversial. Our aim was to evaluate prospectively the relationship of cardiovascular risk factors and vascular diseases with incident RLS in the general population. The results are from two prospective population‐based cohort studies: the Dortmund Health Study (n = 1312, median follow‐up of 2.1 years) and the Study of Health in Pomerania (n = 4308, median follow‐up of 5.0 years). RLS status was assessed twice according to the minimal criteria. Diabetes, hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke, as well as currently taken medications, were assessed as self‐reports. Body mass index and serum total cholesterol were also measured. The independent risks associated with each outcome were estimated by multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for comorbidities and behavioural factors. Obesity was an independent risk factor of incident RLS in the Dortmund Health Study, and higher body mass index was an independent risk factor in both studies. Diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia were independent predictors of incident RLS in the Study of Health in Pomerania. The vascular comorbidity index, defined by the number of concurrent cardiovascular risk factors and vascular diseases, showed a positive association with incident RLS in both studies. RLS at baseline was not a significant predictor of any subsequent cardiovascular risk factors and/or vascular diseases in any of the studies. Cardiovascular risk factors and diseases predict the subsequent development of RLS in the general population. The presence of RLS is not a significant risk factor of cardiovascular morbidity.
Borrelia host adaptation Regulator (BadR) regulates rpoS to modulate host adaptation and virulence factors in Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Miller Christine L. , Karna S. L. Rajasekhar , Seshu J. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe RpoS transcription factor of Borrelia burgdorferi is a ‘gatekeeper’ because it activates genes required for spirochaetes to transition from tick to vertebrate hosts. However, it remains unknown how RpoS becomes repressed to allow the spirochaetes to transition back from the vertebrate host to the tick vector. Here we show that a putative carbohydrate‐responsive regulatory protein, designated BadR (Borrelia host adaptation Regulator), is a transcriptional repressor of rpoS. BadR levels are elevated in B. burgdorferi cultures grown under in vitro conditions mimicking unfed‐ticks and badR‐deficient strains are defective for growth under these same conditions. Microarray and immunoblot analyses of badR‐deficient strains showed upregulation of rpoS and other factors important for virulence in vertebrate hosts, as well as downregulation of putative tick‐specific determinants (e.g. linear plasmid 28‐4 genes). DNA‐binding assays revealed BadR binds to upstream regions of rpoS. Site‐directed mutations in BadR and the presence of phosphorylated sugars affected BadR's binding to the rpoS promoters. badR‐deficient B. burgdorferi were unable to colonize mice. Several putative tick‐specific targets have been identified. Our study identified a novel regulator, BadR, and provides a link between nutritional environmental cues utilized by spirochaetes to adaptation to disparate conditions found in the tick and vertebrate hosts.
Proxy Agency in Collective Action
Authors: Ludwig Kirk 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis paper gives an account of proxy agency in the context of collective action. It takes the case of a group announcing something by way of a spokesperson as an illustration. In proxy agency, it seems that one person or subgroup's doing something counts as orconstitutes or is recognized as (tantamount to) another person or group's doing something. Proxy agency is pervasive in institutional action. It has been taken to be a straightforward counterexample to an appealing deflationary view of collective action as a matter of all members of a group making a contribution to bringing about some event. I show that this is a mistake. I give a deflationary account of constitutive rules in terms of essentially collective action types. I then give an account of one form of constitutive agency in terms of constitutive rules. I next give an account of status functions—of which being a spokesperson is one—that also draws on the concept of a constitutive rule. I then show how these materials help us to see how proxy agency is an expression of the agency of all members of the group credited with doing something when the proxy acts.
Short‐chain chitin oligomers from arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi trigger nuclear Ca2+ spiking in Medicago truncatula roots and their production is enhanced by strigolactone
Authors: Genre Andrea , Chabaud Mireille , Balzergue Coline , Puech‐Pagès Virginie , Novero Mara , Rey Thomas , Fournier Joëlle , Rochange Soizic , Bécard Guillaume , Bonfante Paola , Barker David G. 
Published: February 2013

Summary

The primary objective of this study was to identify the molecular signals present in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) germinated spore exudates (GSEs) responsible for activating nuclear Ca2+ spiking in the Medicago truncatula root epidermis.

Medicago truncatula root organ cultures (ROCs) expressing a nuclear‐localized cameleon reporter were used as a bioassay to detect AM‐associated Ca2+ spiking responses and LC‐MS to characterize targeted molecules in GSEs.

This approach has revealed that short‐chain chitin oligomers (COs) can mimic AM GSE‐elicited Ca2+ spiking, with maximum activity observed for CO4 and CO5. This spiking response is dependent on genes of the common SYM signalling pathway (DMI1/DMI2) but not on NFP, the putative Sinorhizobium meliloti Nod factor receptor. A major increase in the CO4/5 concentration in fungal exudates is observed when Rhizophagus irregularis spores are germinated in the presence of the synthetic strigolactone analogue GR24. By comparison with COs, both sulphated and nonsulphated Myc lipochito‐oligosaccharides (LCOs) are less efficient elicitors of Ca2+ spiking in M. truncatula ROCs.

We propose that short‐chain COs secreted by AM fungi are part of a molecular exchange with the host plant and that their perception in the epidermis leads to the activation of a SYM‐dependent signalling pathway involved in the initial stages of fungal root colonization.
Experiences, understandings and support needs of family carers of older patients with delirium: a descriptive mixed methods study in a hospital delirium unit
Authors: Toye Christine , Matthews Anne , Hill Andrew , Maher Sean 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundDelirium is common in older patients. Little is known of support needs of families of older hospital patients with delirium.Aims and objectivesTo inform nursing practice, we sought to describe families' experiences, understanding of delirium and delirium care, and support needs.DesignDescriptive mixed methods.MethodsReview of questionnaire items used with families of people with terminal delirium informed development of a new questionnaire to evaluate the support needs in our study population. In a tertiary hospital delirium unit, we recruited 17 family carers of older patients with (non‐terminal) delirium to respond to this questionnaire. Twelve participants (11 female) also took part in interviews addressing the study's aims. Descriptive statistics were calculated and thematic analysis was undertaken.ResultsFrom the survey, key family issues included distress about the patient's condition, worries about future care, and a need for more information about how the patient might feel and how families could support the patient. Themes from interviews included The admission experience, Worries and concerns, Feeling supported, and The discharge experience. Limited understanding of delirium underpinned all themes. Families experienced shock and sadness at the change in the patient; they were reassured by the specialist care but needed more information about delirium, its effects and outcomes, and how they could help with care. Meeting long‐term postdischarge needs was a key concern.ConclusionsIn this study, families with a hospitalised older relative who had delirium described a distressing experience and needs for informational support. Further research is needed outside of delirium‐specific units and in samples including a greater proportion of male relatives.Implications for practiceNurses should work within the interdisciplinary team to ensure a planned, sensitive and timely approach to informing the patient's family about delirium and its implications for their relative, recognising the family carer's role and likely distress.
Bottled memories: On how alcohol affects eyewitness recall
Authors: Hagsand Angelica , Hjelmsäter Emma Roos Af , Granhag Pär Anders , Fahlke Claudia , Söderpalm‐Gordh Anna 
Published: February 2013

This study investigated how different doses of alcohol affected eyewitness recall. Participants (N = 126) were randomly assigned to three groups with different blood alcohol concentration (BAC), either a control group (mean BAC 0.00%, N = 42), a lower alcohol dose group (mean BAC 0.04%, N = 40), or a higher alcohol dose group (mean BAC 0.06%, N = 44). After consumption, participants witnessed a movie of a mock crime and were interviewed one week later. The main results showed that witnesses with the higher intoxication level recalled fewer details compared to witnesses with the lower intoxication level. The amount of alcohol consumed did not have an impact on the accuracy rate. No sex differences were found. The results are discussed in the light of past research. We conclude that more studies are needed before recommendations can be made to an applied setting.
Long term cryopreservation in 5% DMSO maintains unchanged CD34+ cells viability and allows satisfactory hematological engraftment after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Abbruzzese L. , Agostini F. , Durante C. , Toffola R. T. , Rupolo M. , Rossi F. M. , Lleshi A. , Zanolin S. , Michieli M. , Mazzucato M. 
Published: February 2013

Peripheral blood stem cell cryopreservation is associated with cell damage and decreased viability. We evaluated the impact of up to 10 years of cryopreservation (5% DMSO) on viability of CD34+ cells utilizing graft samples of consecutive patients (2002–2012) with different malignancies who underwent stem cell collection and transplantation. Viability of CD34+ cells from oncohaematological patients measured after 5 weeks (97·2 ± 0·6%) or after 9–10 years of cryopreservation (95·9 ± 0·5%) was unaffected. Haemoglobin, granulocyte and platelet recovery after transplantation of long‐term cryopreserved grafts occurred within 8–13 days. CD34+ stem cells can be safely stored up to 9–10 years, without affecting cell viability and clinical effectiveness.
Standardization of CD62P measurement: results of an international comparative study
Authors: Levin E. , Serrano K. , Devine D. V. ,   for the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative
Published: February 2013

Background and ObjectivesDespite long being a mainstay in describing platelet activation via degranulation, interlaboratory variation remains an issue in measurement of membrane CD62P by flow cytometry. Our objective was to identify actions that may minimize this variation.Materials and MethodsSixteen laboratories participated in an international comparative study. Two sets of platelet samples were prepared in one laboratory. Set 1 was stained and fixed; set 2 was fixed and required staining at participating laboratories. A single‐staining method was used, and platelet populations were selected based on forward scatter/side scatter characteristics. Calibration beads were used to standardize measurement across different instruments.ResultsThere was a large discrepancy in reported CD62P values among study sites [interlaboratory coefficient of variance (CV): 36–78%]. When electronic data were re‐analysed by a single analyst using a consistent gating strategy and a stable reference point, variation decreased markedly (CV < 12%), indicating a problem with isotype control samples, possibly related to sample fixation or shipment.ConclusionConsensus regarding gating strategies and use of a reliable reference point would greatly improve agreement in interlaboratory CD62P measurement.
Multi‐transgenic pigs for xenoislet transplantation
Authors: Ayares David , Phelps Carol , Vaught Todd , Ball Suyapa , Monahan Jeff , Walters Anneke , Giraldo Angelica , Bertera Suzanne , van der Windt Dirk , Wijkstrom Martin , Cooper David K. C. , Bottino Rita , Trucco Massimo 
Published: February 2013

Background:  Islets obtained from genetically‐engineered (GE) pigs with Gal‐knockout (GTKO) and high expression of hCD46 have shown long‐term function and successful correction of insulin independence in nonhuman primates (NHP). Two anti‐coagulant genes (hTFPI and hCD39), and an immunosuppressive gene (pCTLA4Ig) have been added to the GTKO/hCD46 background, using an islet‐specific expression system, for inhibition of thrombosis, inflammation, early islet loss, and rejection. Transplant outcomes are being tested in a diabetic monkey model using adult islets from these multi‐transgenic pigs.Methods:  Three individual vectors (CD39ins, TFPIins and CTLA4Igins), each under control of the rat insulin II promoter and mouse PDX‐1 enhancer, were transfected alone or in combination into GTKO/hCD46 pig fibroblast cells. GTKO/hCD46/CD39ins, GTKO/hCD46/TFPIins/CTLA4Igins, and GTKO/hCD46/CD39ins/TFPIins/CTLA4Igins cell lines were used for nuclear transfer (NT) to produce pregnancies. Cloned pigs were analyzed for transgene expression in pancreas, heart, and liver by IHC, Western, and real‐time PCR. Glucose metabolism in the various GE pigs was determined by measurement of blood glucose, c‐peptide, and via intravenous glucose tolerance tests (ivGTT) or arginine stimulation test. GE islets from adult pigs were transplanted intraportally into STZ‐diabetic monkeys using an ATG/MMF/anti‐CD154 immunosuppression regimen.Results:  Viable multi‐transgenic pigs with three, four, or five different genetic modifications were produced. Three different pig lines were established: (i) GTKO/hCD46/CD39ins, (ii) GTKO/hCD46/TFPIins/CTLA4Igins, and (iii) GTKO/hCD46/CD39ins/TFPIins/CTLA4Igins. IHC revealed robust islet‐specific expression of CD39, TFPI and CTLA4Ig in pancreas, with only background expression in heart and liver. Western analysis showed strong pCTLA4Ig expression only in the pancreas. Blood glucose metabolism was normal in all GE pigs tested. Islets from GE pigs containing the TFPI transgene, when mixed with human blood, showed prolonged clotting times. Early islet loss (IBMIR) was reduced 5–7 fold in NHP transplants using islets from 4‐GE and 5‐GE pigs vs. 2‐GE pig islets.Conclusions:  (i) Healthy multi‐transgenic pigs with islet‐specific expression of hCD39, hTFPI, and pCTLA4Ig were produced. (ii) Glucose metabolism was normal in these GE pigs. (iii) GE islets showed anti‐coagulation activity in vitro, and protection from IBMIR in vivo in NHP transplants. (iv) GE islets transplanted into diabetic monkeys demonstrated prolonged survival, function, and complete normalization of blood glucose levels for up to 1 year.