bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of implant‐supported prosthesis on the bite force and masticatory efficiency in subjects with shortened dental arches
Authors: Meena A. , Jain V. , Singh N. , Arora N. , Jha R. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe aim of the study was to assess changes in bite force and masticatory efficiency in shortened dental arch (SDA) subjects rehabilitated with implant‐supported restoration for 1st molar. Ten SDA subjects with bilaterally missing mandibular molars (experimental group) were recruited. In each subject, one tapered threaded implant was placed bilaterally in 1st mandibular molar region and restored. Masticatory efficiency was evaluated objectively by measuring the released dye from chewed raw carrots, with a ‘spectrophotometer’ at 530 nm preoperatively and at 3 months after restoration. Bite force was evaluated using ‘bite force measuring appliance’ preoperatively, at 6 weeks and at 3 months after restoration. Ten completely dentate‐matched subjects (in terms of age, sex, height and weight) acted as control. The results revealed that as compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significantly less (P < 0·05) mean maximum bite force at pre‐restoration and at 6 weeks after restoration. Although at 3 months the mean maximum bite force value was less than the control group but the mean difference was statistically insignificant. The mean difference of masticatory efficiency between control and experimental group was statistically significant (P < 0·05) before restoration, but was statistically insignificant at 3 months after restoration. Thus it was concluded that after the restoration of mandibular arch with implant‐supported prosthesis, both bite force and masticatory efficiency of all SDA subjects increased and were comparable to that of matched completely dentate subjects after 3 months.
Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus in Soybean from Argentina
Authors: Campos Ramón E. , Bejerman Nicolás , Nome Claudia , Laguna Irma G. , Rodríguez Pardina Patricia 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAn association of Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV), (genus Potyvirus), with yellow mosaic leaf symptoms on soybean in Argentina was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, a result confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction using a degenerate primer targeting the C‐terminal region of BYMV′s NIb. The sequence analysis showed that the isolate had 80.6–91.6% identities with other BYMV isolates from different strain groups, indicating that it is a strain of BYMV.
NON‐STATIONARITY AND QUASI‐MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD ESTIMATION ON A DOUBLE AUTOREGRESSIVE MODEL
Authors: Chen Min , Li Dong , Ling Shiqing 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article first studies the non‐stationarity of the first‐order double AR model, which is defined by the random recurrence equation , where γ0 > 0, α0 ≥ 0, and {ηt}is a sequence of i.i.d. symmetric random variables. It is shown that the double AR(1) model is explosive under the condition . Based on this, it is shown that the quasi‐maximum likelihood estimator of (φ0,α0) is consistent and asymptotically normal so that the unit root problem does not exist in the double AR(1) model. Simulation studies are carried out to assess the performance of the quasi‐maximum likelihood estimator in finite samples.
Bacterial taxa–area and distance–decay relationships in marine environments
Authors: Zinger L. , Boetius A. , Ramette A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe taxa–area relationship (TAR) and the distance–decay relationship (DDR) both describe spatial turnover of taxa and are central patterns of biodiversity. Here, we compared TAR and DDR of bacterial communities across different marine realms and ecosystems at the global scale. To obtain reliable global estimates for both relationships, we quantified the poorly assessed effects of sequencing depth, rare taxa removal and number of sampling sites. Slope coefficients of bacterial TARs were within the range of those of plants and animals, whereas slope coefficients of bacterial DDR were much lower. Slope coefficients were mostly affected by removing rare taxa and by the number of sampling sites considered in the calculations. TAR and DDR slope coefficients were overestimated at sequencing depth <4000 sequences per sample. Noticeably, bacterial TAR and DDR patterns did not correlate with each other both within and across ecosystem types, suggesting that (i) TAR cannot be directly derived from DDR and (ii) TAR and DDR may be influenced by different ecological factors. Nevertheless, we found marine bacterial TAR and DDR to be steeper in ecosystems associated with high environmental heterogeneity or spatial isolation, namely marine sediments and coastal environments compared with pelagic ecosystems. Hence, our study provides information on macroecological patterns of marine bacteria, as well as methodological and conceptual insights, at a time when biodiversity surveys increasingly make use of high‐throughput sequencing technologies.
Adenosine Mapping for Adenosine‐Dependent Accessory Pathway Ablation
Authors: LAPAGE MARTIN J. , WALSH MICHAEL J. , REED JOHN H. , SAUL J. PHILIP 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundThis study describes the use of adenosine during ablation procedures to allow conduction through adenosine‐dependent accessory pathways (APs), which are inactive at the time of the procedure. The technique allows for successful mapping and ablation of these pathways.MethodsRetrospective review of all patients undergoing AP ablation from 1998 to 2008 to identify patients with absent or intermittent AP conduction during electrophysiology study. Adenosine boluses were used to activate the AP for the purpose of mapping in each case.ResultsAdenosine mapping was utilized in seven patients. One patient had a concealed AP at baseline and six patients had manifest preexcitation at baseline but lost AP conduction during the case. Alternative methods of enhancing AP conduction were attempted in five patients, but failed. Acute ablation results included: four patients with complete elimination of AP conduction, two patients with AP conduction only with adenosine, and one patient with return of baseline preexcitation. Patients with residual antegrade conduction had right superior (anterior) septal APs considered too close to the atrioventricular conduction system for safe ablation. At median follow‐up of 2 years, all three patients with residual AP conduction had recurrence of supraventricular tachycardia; the remainder remained free of preexcitation and SVT.ConclusionAdenosine mapping is a useful technique for facilitating AP ablation when pathway conduction is absent or inconsistent, and may enhance conduction in mechanically inhibited or previously ablated APs. Recurrence of AP conduction only during adenosine administration is predictive of late recurrence.
Can Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Improve Cognitive Function? A Systematic Review
Authors: PROIETTI RICCARDO , MANZONI GIAN MAURO , CRAVELLO LUCA , CASTELNUOVO GIANLUCA , BERNIER MARTIN LOUIS , ESSEBAG VIDAL 
Published: December 2013

IntroductionCognitive impairment (CI) comprises a measurable deficit of different cognitive domains (memory, attention, problem solving, and motor speed), and has a high prevalence among congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. Only a few pilot studies have investigated the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on cognitive performance. The purpose of this systematic review is to outline and evaluate results of published studies that assess the impact of CRT on neuropsychological function in CHF.MethodsElectronic databases were searched for articles containing the following terms: CRT, cognition, cognitive, and neurocognitive. A data extraction was performed according to our objective from each study. Effect sizes were computed using Hedges’ g. The within‐group formula was used for cohort studies with a pre‐post design, while the between‐group formula was used for studies that compared independent groups. Multiple outcomes were combined in domain‐specific synthetic scores as well as in a global score for each study, and a fixed‐effect model was used to estimate the summary effects.ResultsOnly three studies met criteria for inclusion in the analysis. The results of these studies were discordant and methodological limitations were identified. The meta‐analysis of cognitive outcomes showed a nonsignificant overall effect (Hedges’ g = 0.131, 95% confidence interval: −0.16 to 0.422), while the summary effects on executive functioning and attention reached statistical significance (Hedges’ g = 0.374, 95% confidence interval: 0.085–0.662 and Hedges’ g = 0.343, 95% confidence interval: 0.051–0.635, respectively).ConclusionCI and related negative consequences have been largely documented in patients with heart failure but very few studies have assessed the plausible benefits of CRT on patients’ cognitive function. Despite the statistical significance of the domain‐specific pooled effects, their validity and clinical relevance is lacking due to methodological limitations.
Autonomic Neural Remodeling of the Pulmonary Vein‐Left Atrium Junction in a Prolonged Right Atrial Pacing Canine Model
Authors: ZHENG SHAOHUA , ZHANG YUJIAO , WANG ZHONGSU , LI ZHIYUAN , HOU XUJUAN , DUAN WENCHANG , HOU YINGLONG 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundNo evidence has been presented to show whether autonomic neural remodeling occurs in pulmonary vein‐left atrium (PV‐LA) junction and what an important role it may play in AF. This study aims to find out these issues in a prolonged rapid atrial pacing canine model.MethodsTwelve healthy mongrel dogs were randomly divided into two groups, six in each: the paced group underwent rapid right atrial pacing at 400 beats per minute for 4 weeks, and the control group was not paced. The effective refractory period (ERP) of left superior pulmonary vein‐left atrium (LSPV‐LA) junction in all animals was determined immediately after 4 weeks. Tissues were removed from 1 cm around all PV‐LA junctions. Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting were performed to examine the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT).ResultsCompared with the control group, ERP of LSPV‐LA junction of the paced group was significantly shortened ([83.33 ± 16.33] ms vs [111.67 ± 20.41] ms, P < 0.05). Spontaneous atrial fibrillation developed in two animals in the paced group, but in none of the control group. Immunohistochemistry showed that the average density and heterogeneity of both TH‐ and ChAT‐positive nerves at LSPV‐LA junction in the paced group were significantly higher compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Western blotting showed that the expression of TH and ChAT at four PV‐LA junctions in the paced group also increased markedly compared with the control group (P < 0.01).ConclusionAutonomic neural remodeling did exist in PV‐LA junction after prolonged atrial pacing, which may contribute to the initiation of atrial fibrillation and be significant in its treatment by radiofrequency catheter ablation.
Soil microbial diversity and activity in a Mediterranean olive orchard using sustainable agricultural practices
Authors: Sofo A. , Ciarfaglia A. , Scopa A. , Camele I. , Curci M. , Crecchio C. , Xiloyannis C. , Palese A. M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSustainable soil management of orchards can have positive effects on both soils and crop yields due to increases in microbial biomass, activity and complexity. The aim of this study was to investigate medium‐term effects (12 yr) of two different management practices termed ‘sustainable’ (ST) and ‘conventional’ (CT) on soil microbial composition and metabolic diversity of a rainfed mature olive orchard in Southern Italy. ST included no‐till, self‐seeding weeds (mainly graminaceous and leguminosae), and mulch derived from olive tree prunings, whilst CT was managed by frequent tillage and included severe pruning with residues removed from the orchard. Microbial analyses were carried out by culture‐dependent methods (microbial cultures and Biolog®). Molecular methods were used to confirm the identification by light microscopy of the isolates of fungi and Streptomyces. Significantly more culturable fungi and bacteria were found in ST than in CT. The number of fungal groups in ST was also significantly greater than in CT. Overall and substrate‐specific Biolog® metabolic diversity indices of microbial communities and soil enzyme activities were greater in ST. The results demonstrate that soil micro‐organisms respond positively to sustainable orchard management characterized by periodic applications of locally derived organic matter. This study confirms the need to encourage farmers with orchards in the Mediterranean basin to practise soil management based on organic matter inputs associated with zero tillage to improve soil functionality.
Fear of the perpetrator: a major reason why sexual assault victims delayed presenting at hospital
Authors: Adefolalu Adegoke O. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the reasons for presentation of sexual assault more than 72 h after the incidents at Newcastle Hospital, South Africa.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 534 medical records of victims seen between 2005 and 2009 at the hospital's sexual assault service centre.ResultsOverall, 219 (41%) of the victims presented at the hospital more than 72 h after the alleged sexual assault, mainly for fear of the perpetrator (37.4%). Females constituted 87%, and rape with vaginal penetration was the most common form of sexual assault reported (74%). Tests of significance showed a positive association between fear of the perpetrator and delayed presentation at hospital. Age under 9 years and being scared of what relatives would say about alleged sexual assault were also associated with delayed presentation.ConclusionsAttention needs to be focused on educating society on the importance of reporting sexual assault incidents promptly in order for victims to benefit from appropriate medical treatment.
Seasonal and gestation stage associated differences in aflatoxin exposure in pregnant Gambian women
Authors: Castelino Jovita M. , Dominguez‐Salas Paula , Routledge Michael N. , Prentice Andrew M. , Moore Sophie E. , Hennig Branwen J. , Wild Christopher P. , Gong Yun Yun 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectiveAflatoxin is known to cross the placental barrier and exposures in utero could influence genomic programming, foetal growth and development, resulting in long‐term health effects. We aimed to determine aflatoxin exposure in Gambian women at two stages of pregnancy and during the rainy and dry seasons.MethodsWe examined aflatoxin exposure in pregnant Gambian women at early (<16 weeks) and later (16 weeks onward) stages of pregnancy and at different times of the year, during the rainy (June to October 2009) or dry (November to May 2010) season, using aflatoxin–albumin adducts (AF‐alb).ResultsMean AF‐alb was higher during the dry season than in the rainy season, in both early and later pregnancy although the difference was strongest in later pregnancy. There was a modest increase in AF‐alb in later than early pregnancy (geometric mean 41.8 vs. 34.5 pg/mg, P < 0.05), but this was restricted to the dry season when exposures were generally higher.ConclusionsThe study confirmed that Gambian pregnant women were exposed to aflatoxin throughout the pregnancy, with higher levels in the dry season. There was some evidence in the dry season that women in later pregnancy had higher AF‐alb levels than those in earlier pregnancy. Further research on the effects of exposure to this potent mutagen and carcinogen throughout pregnancy, including the epigenetic modification of foetal gene expression and impact on pre‐ and post‐natal growth and development, are merited.
The rhythms of life: what your body clock means to you!
Authors: Foster Russell G. , Kreitzman Leon 
Published: December 2013

New Findings
What is the topic of this review?
24 h rhythms have been observed in plants, animals and humans since ancient times, but until recently little was known about how these rhythms are generated or regulated, and what happens to our health when these rhythms are disrupted.
What advances does it highlight?
24 h rhythms arise from the molecular interaction of key “clock genes”. This molecular clockwork is in turn adjusted to the external world by recently discovered photoreceptors within the eye. This new insight about our biology is having a major impact on both the understanding and treatment of multiple diseases, including mental illness.
Until we turned our nights into days and began to travel in aircraft across multiple time zones, we were largely unaware that we possess a ‘day within’ driven by an internal body clock. Yet the striking impairment of our abilities in the early hours of the morning soon reminds us that we are slaves to our biology. Our ability to perform mathematical calculations or other intellectual tasks between 04.00 and 06.00 h is worse than if we had consumed several shots of whisky and would be classified as legally drunk. Biological clocks drive or alter our sleep patterns, alertness, mood, physical strength, blood pressure and every other aspect of our physiology and behaviour. Our emerging understanding of how these 24 h rhythms are generated and regulated is not only one of the great success stories of modern biology, but is also informing many areas of human health. Sleep and circadian rhythm disruption (SCRD) is a feature shared by some of the most challenging diseases of our time, including neuropsychiatric illness and serious disorders of the eye. Sleep and circadian rhythm disruption is also commonly seen across many sectors of society, from teenagers to shift workers. We also now appreciate that SCRD is far more than feeling sleepy at an inappropriate time. It promotes multiple illnesses ranging across abnormal metabolism, heart disease, reduced immunity, increased stress and abnormal cognition and mood states. This short review considers how 24 h rhythms are generated and regulated, the consequences of working against our body clock and the emerging relationship between SCRD and mental illness.
Assessment of dynamic cerebral autoregulation and cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity in ageing by measurements of cerebral blood flow and cortical oxygenation
Authors: Oudegeest‐Sander Madelijn H. , van Beek Arenda H. E. A. , Abbink Karin , Olde Rikkert Marcel G. M. , Hopman Maria T. E. , Claassen Jurgen A. H. R. 
Published: December 2013

New Findings
What is the central question in this study?
It is unknown to what extent increasing age influences the dynamic adaptations of cerebral blood flow velocity and cortical oxygenation in response to changes in blood pressure (cerebral autoregulation) and to changes in carbon dioxide (cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity).
What is the main finding and its importance?
We have shown that ageing up to 86 years is associated with an overall preservation of dynamic cerebral autoregulation and cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity, leading to a sufficiency of cerebral cortical oxygenation during daily life activities, despite the decrease in absolute cerebral blood flow velocity and increase in cerebrovascular resistance with advancing age.
With ageing, cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) decreases; however, to what extent dynamic cerebral autoregulation and cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity are influenced by ageing is unknown. The aim was to examine the dynamic responses of CBFV and cortical oxygenation to changes in blood pressure (BP) and arterial CO2 across different ages. Fifty‐eight participants in three age groups were included, as follows: young (n = 20, 24 ± 2 years old), elderly (n = 20, 66 ± 1 years old), and older elderly (n = 18, 78 ± 3 years old). The CBFV was measured using transcranial Doppler ultrasound, simultaneously with oxyhaemoglobin (O2Hb) using near‐infrared spectroscopy and beat‐to‐beat BP measurements using Finapres. Postural manoeuvres were performed to induce haemodynamic fluctuations. Cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity was tested with hyperventilation and CO2 inhalation. With age, CBFV decreased (young 59 ± 12 cm s−1, elderly 48 ± 7 cm s−1 and older elderly 42 ± 9 cm s−1, P < 0.05) and cerebrovascular resistance increased (1.46 ± 0.58, 1.81 ± 0.36 and 1.98 ± 0.52 mmHg cm−1 s−1, respectively, P < 0.05). Normalized gain (autoregulatory damping) increased with age for BP–CBFV (0.88 ± 0.18, 1.31 ± 0.30 and 1.06 ± 0.34, respectively, P < 0.05) and CBFV–O2Hb (0.10 ± 0.09, 0.12 ± 0.04 and 0.17 ± 0.08, respectively, P < 0.05) during the repeated sit–stand manoeuvre at 0.05 Hz. Even though the absolute changes in CBFV and cerebrovascular resistance index during the cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity were higher in the young group, the percentage changes in CBFV, cerebrovascular resistance index and O2Hb were similar in all age groups. In conclusion, there was no decline in dynamic cerebral autoregulation and cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity with increasing age up to 86 years. Despite the decrease in cerebral blood flow velocity and increase in cerebrovascular resistance with advancing age, CBFV and cortical oxygenation were not compromised in these elderly humans during manoeuvres that mimic daily life activities.
Phox2b‐expressing retrotrapezoid neurons and the integration of central and peripheral chemosensory control of breathing in conscious rats
Authors: Takakura Ana C. , Barna Bárbara F. , Cruz Josiane C. , Colombari Eduardo , Moreira Thiago S. 
Published: December 2013

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
This study was designed to investigate whether the Phox2b‐expressing neurons in the retrotrapezoid nucleus are important to breathing and chemoreflexes in conscious rats.
What is the main finding and its importance?
The high rate of destruction of a defined cell population (Phox2b+TH−) of the retrotrapezoid nucleus by the toxin suggests that the specialized connectivity of retrotrapezoid nucleus neurons, their glutamatergic nature and their relatively high sensitivity to CO2 are determinant factors in explaining their large contribution to the central and peripheral chemoreflexes.
Chemoreception is the classic mechanism by which the brain regulates breathing in response to changes in tissue CO2/H+. A brainstem region called the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) contains a population of Phox2b‐expressing glutamatergic neurons that appear to function as important chemoreceptors. In the present study, we ask whether the destruction of a type of pH‐sensitive interneuron that expresses the transcription factor Phox2b and is non‐catecholaminergic (Phox2b+TH−) could affect breathing in conscious adult rats. The injection of substance P (1 nmol in a volume of 50 nl) into the RTN increased respiratory frequency, tidal volume, minute ventilation and mean arterial pressure. Bilateral injections of the toxin substance P conjugated with saporin (SSP–SAP) into the RTN destroyed Phox2b+TH− neurons but spared facial motoneurons, catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons and the ventral respiratory column caudal to the facial motor nucleus. Bilateral inhibition of RTN neurons with SSP–SAP (0.6 ng in 30 nl) reduced resting ventilation and the increase in ventilation produced by hypercapnia (7% CO2) in conscious rats with or without peripheral chemoreceptors. In anaesthetized rats with bilateral lesions of around 90% of the Phox2b+TH− neurons, acute activation of the Bötzinger complex, the pre‐Bötzinger complex or the rostral ventral respiratory group with NMDA (5 pmol in 50 nl) elicited normal cardiorespiratory output. In conclusion, the destruction of the Phox2b+TH− neurons is a plausible cause of the respiratory deficits observed after injection of SSP–SAP into the RTN. Our results also suggest that RTN neurons activate facilitatory mechanisms important to the control of breathing in resting or hypercapnic conditions in conscious adult rats.