bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myxobacterial community is a predominant and highly diverse bacterial group in soil niches
Authors: Zhou Xiu‐wen , Li Shu‐guang , Li Wei , Jiang De‐ming , Han Kui , Wu Zhi‐hong , Li Yue‐zhong 
Published: October 2013

SummaryAlthough many molecular ecological surveys have been conducted, there is little concerning the details of specific bacterial groups, resulting in an incomplete understanding of the microorganismal composition and community structures in the environment. Myxobacteria are micropredators that are metabolically active in the soil microbial food web and have typically been considered minority components of soil bacterial communities. In this study, we surveyed the percentage of myxobacteria in a single soil sample via pyrosequencing on combined universal libraries of the V3‐V4 and V6‐V8 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Surprisingly, myxobacteria accounted for 4.10% of the bacterial community and 7.5% of the total operational taxonomic units at the 3% similarity level in the soil, containing almost all of the cultivated myxobacterial families or genera. To testify the appearance of myxobacteria in soil niches, we retrieved myxobacteria‐related 16S rRNA gene sequences of 103 high‐throughput sequencing data sets obtained from public databases. The results indicated that myxobacteria‐related sequences were among the predominant groups in these data sets accounting for 0.4–4.5% of bacterial communities. The abundance of myxobacterial communities were correlated with site temperature, carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio and pH values. Based on these results, we discussed the survival strategies of myxobacterial community in soil.
Stem cells, tissue engineering and periodontal regeneration
Authors: Han J , Menicanin D , Gronthos S , Bartold PM 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe aim of this review is to discuss the clinical utility of stem cells in periodontal regeneration by reviewing relevant literature that assesses the periodontal‐regenerative potential of stem cells. We consider and describe the main stem cell populations that have been utilized with regard to periodontal regeneration, including bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells and the main dental‐derived mesenchymal stem cell populations: periodontal ligament stem cells, dental pulp stem cells, stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, stem cells from apical papilla and dental follicle precursor cells. Research into the use of stem cells for tissue regeneration has the potential to significantly influence periodontal treatment strategies in the future.
Extensive changes in innate immune gene expression in obese Göttingen minipigs do not lead to changes in concentrations of circulating cytokines and acute phase proteins
Authors: Rødgaard T. , Skovgaard K. , Moesgaard S. G. , Cirera S. , Christoffersen B. Ø. , Heegaard P. M. H. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe usefulness of Göttingen minipigs as models for obesity and obesity‐related pathologies is well established. The low‐grade inflammation associated with obesity involves a range of innate immune factors; however, to our knowledge, the impact of obesity on innate immune factor expression has not been studied in Göttingen minipigs. Therefore, we studied the expression of innate immune genes in liver and adipose tissues as well as serum concentrations of cytokines and acute phase proteins in obese vs. lean Göttingen minipigs. In the liver, of 35 investigated genes, the expression of nine was significantly different in obese pigs (three up‐regulated, six down‐regulated). Of 33 genes in adipose tissues, obesity was associated with changed expression of 12 genes in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (three up‐regulated), 11 in the abdominal retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RPAT) (seven of these up‐regulated) and eight in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) from the neck (five of which were up‐regulated). Obesity‐associated expression changes were observed for three genes in all adipose tissues, namely chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 3‐like 1 (up‐regulated), CD200 molecule (down‐regulated) and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (up‐regulated) with interleukin 1 receptor antagonist being the most highly regulated gene in both VAT and RPAT. Looking at patterns of expression across the three types of adipose tissues, obesity was associated with an increased number of acute phase proteins differentially expressed between adipose tissues and a decreased tissue‐specific expression of cytokines and chemokines. In contrast to obese humans, no changes in serum concentrations of haptoglobin, C‐reactive protein, serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin 6 were found in obese Göttingen minipigs.
Inhibition of IgE binding to cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants enhances diagnostic selectivity
Authors: Holzweber F. , Svehla E. , Fellner W. , Dalik T. , Stubler S. , Hemmer W. , Altmann F. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundAllergy diagnosis by determination of allergen‐specific IgE is complicated by clinically irrelevant IgE, of which the most prominent example is IgE against cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) that occur on allergens from plants and insects. Therefore, CCDs cause numerous false‐positive results. Inhibition of CCDs has been proposed as a remedy, but has not yet found its way into the routine diagnostic laboratory. We sought to provide a simple and affordable procedure to overcome the CCD problem.MethodsSerum samples from allergic patients were analysed for allergen‐specific IgEs by different commercial tests (from Mediwiss, Phadia and Siemens) with and without a semisynthetic CCD blocker with minimized potential for nonspecific interactions that was prepared from purified bromelain glycopeptides and human serum albumin.ResultsTwenty two per cent of about 6000 serum samples reacted with CCD reporter proteins. The incidence of anti‐CCD IgE reached 35% in the teenage group. In patients with anti‐CCD IgE, application of the CCD blocker led to a clear reduction in read‐out values, often below the threshold level. A much better correlation between laboratory results and anamnesis and skin tests was achieved in many cases. The CCD blocker did not affect test results where CCDs were not involved.ConclusionEliminating the effect of IgEs directed against CCDs by inhibition leads to a significant reduction in false‐positive in vitro test results without lowering sensitivity towards relevant sensitizations. Application of the CCD blocker may be worthwhile wherever natural allergen extracts or components are used.
Role of ADAMTS13 in the management of thrombotic microangiopathies including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
Authors: Shah Neil , Rutherford Cynthia , Matevosyan Karen , Shen Yu‐Min , Sarode Ravi 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe clinical presentation of thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP) and other thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) can often be similar. The role of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) in diagnosing TTP is accepted by most researchers but continues to be debated in a few studies. We report the experience of our single‐centre academic institution, where ADAMTS13 is used to diagnose TTP and guide plasma exchange (PLEX). Patients presenting to our institution with thrombotic microangiopathy (60 patients) between January 2006 and December 2012 were divided into two groups based on ADAMTS13 activity and clinical history. Patients with ADAMTS13 activity <10% were included in the TTP (n = 30) cohort while patients with activity >11% were classified as ‘other microangiopathies’ (TMA, n = 30). PLEX was only initiated in patients with a high likelihood of TTP and discontinued when the baseline ADAMTS13 activity was >11%. Patients with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency (TTP group) showed significant presenting differences: lower platelet counts, less renal dysfunction, higher presence of neurological abnormalities, and greater haemolysis markers as compared to non‐deficient patients (TMA group). Most importantly, patients without severe ADAMTS13 deficiency were safely managed without increased mortality despite receiving no PLEX or discontinuing PLEX after a short course (upon availability of ADAMTS13 results). In conclusion, ADAMTS13 can be used to diagnose TTP and guide appropriate PLEX therapy.
The role of commitment strength in enhancing safe water consumption: Mediation analysis of a cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Inauen Jennifer , Tobias Robert , Mosler Hans‐Joachim 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to investigate the importance of commitment strength in the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and to test whether behaviour change techniques (BCTs) aimed at increasing commitment strength indeed promote switching to arsenic‐safe wells by changing commitment strength.DesignA cluster‐randomized controlled trial with four arms was conducted to compare an information‐only intervention to information plus one, two, or three commitment‐enhancing BCTs.MethodsRandomly selected households (N = 340) of Monoharganj, Bangladesh, in seven geographically separate areas, whose members were drinking arsenic‐contaminated water at baseline and had access to arsenic‐safe wells, participated in this trial. The areas were randomly allocated to the four intervention arms. Water consumption behaviour, variables of the TPB, commitment strength, and socio‐demographic characteristics were assessed at baseline and at 3‐month follow‐up by structured face‐to‐face interviews. Mediation analysis was used to investigate the mechanisms of behaviour change.ResultsChanges in commitment strength significantly increased the explanatory power of the TPB to predict well‐switching. Commitment‐enhancing BCTs – public self‐commitment, implementation intentions, and reminders – increased the behaviour change effects of information by up to 50%. Mediation analyses confirmed that the BCTs indeed increased well‐switching by increasing commitment strength. Unexpectedly, however, mediation via changes in behavioural intentions was the strongest mechanism of the intervention effects.ConclusionsCommitment is an important construct to consider in water‐ and health‐related behaviour change and may be for other health behaviours as well. BCTs that alter behavioural intentions and commitment strength proved highly effective at enhancing the behaviour change effects of information alone.
Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? Millions of people drink contaminated water even if they have access to safe water alternatives and despite increased awareness of the consequences to health. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and commitment strength are predictive of safe water consumption. The potentially commitment‐enhancing behaviour change techniques (BCTs) – reminders, implementation intentions, and public self‐commitment – can promote health behaviours, including safe water consumption.

What does this study add?

Changes in commitment strength significantly added to the prediction of switching to arsenic‐safe wells by the TPB.

Information‐plus‐BCTs aimed at increasing commitment strength led to >50% more well‐switching than information alone.

Behaviour change effects of the BCTs were mediated by changes in commitment strength and behavioural intentions.
KV7 channels are involved in hypoxia‐induced vasodilatation of porcine coronary arteries
Authors: Hedegaard E R , Nielsen B D , Kun A , Hughes A D , Krøigaard C , Mogensen S , Matchkov V V , Fröbert O , Simonsen U 
Published: October 2013

Background and PurposeHypoxia causes vasodilatation of coronary arteries, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We hypothesized that hypoxia reduces intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by opening of K channels and release of H2S.Experimental ApproachPorcine coronary arteries without endothelium were mounted for measurement of isometric tension and [Ca2+]i, and the expression of voltage‐gated K channels KV7 channels (encoded by KCNQ genes) and large‐conductance calcium‐activated K channels (KCa1.1) was examined. Voltage clamp assessed the role of KV7 channels in hypoxia.Key ResultsGradual reduction of oxygen concentration from 95 to 1% dilated the precontracted coronary arteries and this was associated with reduced [Ca2+]i in PGF2α (10 μM)‐contracted arteries whereas no fall in [Ca2+]i was observed in 30 mM K‐contracted arteries. Blockers of ATP‐sensitive voltage‐gated potassium channels and KCa1.1 inhibited hypoxia‐induced dilatation in PGF2α‐contracted arteries; this inhibition was more marked in the presence of the Kv7 channel blockers, XE991 and linopirdine, while a KV7.1 blocker, failed to change hypoxic vasodilatation. XE991 also inhibited H2S‐ and adenosine‐induced vasodilatation. PCR revealed the expression of KV7.1, KV7.4, KV7.5 and KCa1.1 channels, and KCa1.1, KV7.4 and KV7.5 were also identified by immunoblotting. Voltage clamp studies showed the XE991‐sensitive current was more marked in hypoxic conditions.ConclusionThe KV7.4 and KV7.5 channels, which we identified in the coronary arteries, appear to have a major role in hypoxia‐induced vasodilatation. The voltage clamp results further support the involvement of KV7 channels in this vasodilatation. Activation of these KV7 channels may be induced by H2S and adenosine.
The Topical Administration of Bisphosphonates in Implant Surgery: A Randomized Split‐Mouth Prospective Study with a Follow‐Up Up to 5 Years
Authors: Zuffetti Francesco , Testori Tiziano , Capelli Matteo , Rossi Maria Cristina , Del Fabbro Massimo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of the topical administration of bisphosphonates in implant therapy.Materials and MethodsThirty‐nine consecutive patients were selected for a split‐mouth study. Inclusion criteria were: presence of a bilateral or total edentulism, ability to tolerate conventional implant procedures, older than 18 years. Ten patients were smokers. Ten patients were fully edentulous in both maxilla and mandible, 12 patients had fully edentulous maxilla or mandible, and 17 were bilaterally partially edentulous (9 in the mandible and 8 in the maxilla). A one‐stage procedure was adopted in all cases. The prosthetic phase started 10 weeks after implant insertion. Each patient received implants on the control side and the test side, with insertion performed in the conventional way on the control side; on the test side, a 3% clodronate solution mixed with a surfactant (Tween‐20) at a 1:3 ratio was topically administered both at the implant surface and at the implant site.ResultsOne hundred fifty‐five implants were inserted. The test and control groups included 75 and 80 implants, respectively. The implant insertion torque was no less than 30 Ncm. A total of 7 implants failed in the control group (6 before loading and one after 12 months of loading). No failure occurred on the test side. By the 5‐year follow‐up, no further implant failure had been recorded. Overall, implant survival rates at 5 years for the test and control groups were, respectively, 100% and 91.3%, the difference being significant (p < .01). Mean marginal bone loss was 0.85 ± 0.71 mm in the test group and 1.12 ± 0.85 mm in the control group after 1 year of loading and stable thereafter. The difference was not significant.ConclusionsThe topical administration of bisphosphonates may positively affect implant survival in the preloading and postloading phases in partially and fully edentulous patients. However, a larger study population is needed to verify these promising clinical results.
The Role of Chlorhexidine on Endotoxin Penetration to the Implant‐Abutment Interface (IAI)
Authors: Koutouzis Theofilos , Gadalla Hana , Kettler Zachary , Elbarasi Amelsaad , Nonhoff Jörg 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study is to assess the risk of endotoxin penetration to the implant‐abutment interface (IAI) of implants with Morse‐taper connection and the effect of chlorhexidine in the prevention of such penetration.Materials and MethodsThirty implants with Morse‐taper connection were divided into three groups (n = 10/group) based on type of inoculation of the internal aspect of the implant. Implants in Group 1 were inoculated with 1 μl Escherichia coli for 24 hours; supernatant was removed and 0.5 μl of sterile saline was added. Implants in Group 2 were inoculated with 1 μl E. coli for 24 hours; supernatant was removed and 0.5 μl 0.2% chlorhexidine solution was added. Implants in Group 3 were inoculated with 0.5 μl of sterile saline and served as controls. Following inoculation procedures, implants were connected to standard abutments, immersed in sterile culture media, and loaded with 200,000 cycles of 160 N in a wear simulator. Samples were collected from the supernatant solution of each implant for endotoxin identification at the beginning of the loading cycle (T0) and following 9 hours (T9), 18 hours (T18), 27 hours (T27), 36 hours (T36), 45 hours (T45), and 54 hours (T54).ResultsFor Group 1 and Group 2, there were statistically significant differences between the endotoxin concentration at T0 and the endotoxin concentration at the subsequent sampling points (p < .05 Kruskal–Wallis with Bonferoni corrections for intragroup comparisons). There were no statistically significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 at all sampling points.ConclusionsThis study indicates that bacterial endotoxin can penetrate the IAI of implants with Morse‐taper connection, and 0.2% chlorhexidine solution had no significant effect on that penetration.
Chediak–Higashi syndrome: description of two novel homozygous missense mutations causing divergent clinical phenotype
Authors: Sánchez‐Guiu Isabel , Antón Ana I. , García‐Barberá Nuria , Navarro‐Fernández José , Martínez Constantino , Fuster Jose L. , Couselo Jose M. , Ortuño Francisco J. , Vicente Vicente , Rivera Jose , Lozano Maria L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractChediak–Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease resulting from mutations in the LYST/CHS1 gene, which encodes for a 429 kDa protein, CHS1/LYST, that regulates vesicle trafficking and determines the size of lysosomes and other organelles. To date, 60 different mutations have been characterized, and a reasonably straightforward phenotype–genotype correlation has been suggested. We describe two patients on opposite ends of the CHS clinical spectrum with novel missense mutations. We characterized these patients in terms of their mutations, protein localization and expression, mRNA stability, and electrostatic potential. Patient 1 is the first report of a severe early‐onset CHS with a homozygous missense mutation (c.11362 G>A, p.G3725R) in the LYST/CHS1 gene. This molecular change results in a reduction at the CHS1 protein level, not due to an mRNA effect, but maybe a consequence of both, a change in the structure of the protein and most likely attributable to the remarkable serious perturbation in the electrostatic potential. Patient 2, who exhibited the adolescence form of the disease, was found to be homozygous for a novel missense mutation c.961 T>C, p.C258R, which seemed to have minor effect on the structure of the CHS1/LYST protein. Reexamining accepted premises of missense mutant alleles being reported among patients with clinically mild forms of the disorder should be carried out, and attempts to link genotype and clinical phenotype require identifying the actual molecular effect of the mutation. Early and accurate diagnosis of the severity of the disease is extremely important to early differentiate patients who would benefit from premature enrollment into a transplantation protocol.
Influence of biochar incorporation on TDR‐based soil water content measurements
Authors: Kameyama K. , Miyamoto T. , Shiono T. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe incorporation of biochar (BC) into agricultural soil changes the soil's physical properties, which leads to changes in the soil's hydraulic properties, such as water retention and permeability, and alters the soil moisture environment in agricultural fields. To elucidate the effects of the incorporation of BC on the soil moisture environment, measurements of the soil water in biochar‐amended agricultural fields are needed. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is a widely used and established technique for the continuous measurement of the soil water content (SWC) in agricultural fields. However, TDR measurements are affected by the conductivity of soils. Biochar formed at higher pyrolysis temperatures is known to be very conductive. Therefore, we investigated the influence of the incorporation of BC on TDR‐based SWC measurements. We examined calcaric dark red soil and the BC produced by pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse at 400, 600 and 800°C. The apparent relative permittivity (εa) of the BC (800°C)‐amended soil was greater than that of the non‐amended soil at a given water content, whereas the εa values of the soils amended with the BC (400°C) and BC (600°C) were the same as that of the non‐amended soil at a given water content. We concluded that when a calibration curve obtained from a non‐amended soil is used, TDR‐based measurements tend to over‐estimate the SWC containing the BC formed at higher pyrolysis temperatures because of conductive and dielectric losses. Therefore, the use of the real component () of the soil's complex relative permittivity instead of εa is effective when making TDR‐based water content measurements of soils that contain BC formed at higher pyrolysis temperatures.
Effect of porosity of goethite on the sorption of six heavy metal ions
Authors: Brümmer G. W. , Barrow N. J. , Fischer L. 
Published: October 2013

SummarySeven different samples of goethite with differing crystallinity were prepared and the rate of reaction of six metal ions was measured for up to 4 weeks. The ions used were: Cu2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Mn2+, Ni2+ and Cr3+. For Cu, decreasing goethite crystallinity, and therefore increasing porosity, increased the rate of reaction. In contrast, for Pb there was no effect. Hydrothermal treatment, which was used to induce ‘healing’ in one of the goethites, did not prevent the continuing reaction. It decreased the rate of reaction for Cu, Mn and Cd, but had no effect on Ni and Cr. This suggests that the main route for Ni and Cr is not via pores, but by lattice diffusion. The presence of silicate in the goethite decreased the reaction of Mn and Cd. We suggest that silicate decreased the spaces between goethite domains and that these spaces are the pathways largely used by these two ions. These observations show that metallic cations differ amongst themselves, and differ from anions such as phosphate, in the pathways they follow when they penetrate materials such as goethite subsequent to an initial adsorption reaction.
Minimum requirements for the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A staged approach
Authors: LaFrance W. Curt , Baker Gus A. , Duncan Rod , Goldstein Laura H. , Reuber Markus 
Published: October 2013

SummaryAn international consensus group of clinician‐researchers in epilepsy, neurology, neuropsychology, and neuropsychiatry collaborated with the aim of developing clear guidance on standards for the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Because the gold standard of video electroencephalography (vEEG) is not available worldwide, or for every patient, the group delineated a staged approach to PNES diagnosis. Using a consensus review of the literature, this group evaluated key diagnostic approaches. These included: history, EEG, ambulatory EEG, vEEG/monitoring, neurophysiologic, neurohumoral, neuroimaging, neuropsychological testing, hypnosis, and conversation analysis. Levels of diagnostic certainty were developed including possible, probable, clinically established, and documented diagnosis, based on the availability of history, witnessed event, and investigations, including vEEG. The aim and hope of this report is to provide greater clarity about the process and certainty of the diagnosis of PNES, with the intent to improve the care for people with epilepsy and nonepileptic seizures.