bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge of paediatricians regarding child oral health
Authors: BALABAN RAQUEL , AGUIAR CARLOS MENEZES , Da SILVA ARAÚJO ANA CLÁUDIA , DIAS FILHO EDMIR BARROS RIBEIRO 
Published: November 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 286–291Background.  In dentistry, clinical practice is directed towards attitudes that promote oral health and the paediatricians occupy a privileged position in this process.Aim.  To assess the knowledge and attitudes of paediatricians in relation to the oral health of their patients.Design.  A cross‐sectional study was carried out at the Institute of Integrative Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira, Recife, Brazil. A total of 182 paediatricians participated by filling out a questionnaire.Results.  A total of 63.9% believed the first visit to the dentist should occur before the child completes 1 year of life. Moreover, 67.8% considered their knowledge on oral health to be insufficient. Approximately 78% of the paediatricians diagnosed caries through an analysis of cavities. Only 29.9% always recommended fluoride dentifrice. The term ‘fluorosis’ was unknown by 48.3% of the respondents. Concerning pacifiers, 32.6% did not allow it and 66.9% did not either recommend it or restrict it. A total of 83.4% classified the oral health content in their medical education as either nonexistent or deficient; this figure remained high (72.4%) in relation to residency.Conclusions.  It is important to develop oral health information programmes to paediatricians. Information on oral health should be included in medical curricula and residency.
Stigma experiences in bipolar patients: the impact upon functioning
Authors: THOMÉ E. S. , DARGÉL A. A. , MIGLIAVACCA F. M. , POTTER W. A. , JAPPUR D. M. C. , KAPCZINSKI F. , CERESÉR K. M. 
Published: November 2011

Accessible summary
The study aims to investigate the impact of self‐rated stigma and functioning in patients with bipolar disorder in South Brazil.
This is a cross‐sectional study. Sixty participants with BD were recruited from the outpatient Bipolar Disorder Program of the University Hospital at the Federal University, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
This is a cross‐sectional study. Sixty participants with BD were recruited from the outpatient Bipolar Disorder Program of the University Hospital at the Federal University, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
The study demonstrated a correlation between stigma and poor functioning in bipolar disorder.
AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of self‐rated stigma and functioning in patients with bipolar disorder in South Brazil. This is a cross‐sectional study. Sixty participants with bipolar disorder were recruited from an outpatient Bipolar Disorder Program. Experiences with and impact of perceived stigma were evaluated using the Inventory of Stigmatizing Experiences. Functional impairment was assessed with the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST). Higher scores of self‐perceived stigma were correlated with higher FAST scores, indicating more disability. After linear correlation analysis, current depressive symptoms, age at onset of treatment, age at diagnosis and functioning were correlated with self‐perceived stigma. The study demonstrated a correlation between stigma and poor functioning in bipolar disorder. Perceived stigma is really important to individuals with bipolar disorder, both to how they experience their illness and to its results on functioning. Potential consequences of such results for mental health care professionals are discussed. Differential clinical features, sociocultural factors and the sample size limit the generalization of the present findings.
A simple method to estimate radial velocity variations due to stellar activity using photometry
Authors: Aigrain S. , Pont F. , Zucker S. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT
We present a new, simple method to predict activity-induced radial velocity (RV) variations using high-precision time series photometry. It is based on insights from a simple spot model, has only two free parameters (one of which can be estimated from the light curve) and does not require knowledge of the stellar rotation period. We test the method on simulated data and illustrate its performance by applying it to MOST/SOPHIE observations of the planet host star HD 189733, where it gives almost identical results to much more sophisticated but highly degenerate models, and synthetic data for the Sun, where we demonstrate that it can reproduce variations well below the m s−1 level. We also apply it to quarter 1 data for Kepler transit candidate host stars, where it can be used to estimate RV variations down to the 2–3 m s−1 level, and show that RV amplitudes above that level may be expected for approximately two-thirds of the candidates we examined.
Filarial and Wolbachia genomics
Authors: SCOTT A. L. , GHEDIN E. , NUTMAN T. B. , McREYNOLDS L. A. , POOLE C. B. , SLATKO B. E. , FOSTER J. M. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryFilarial nematode parasites, the causative agents for a spectrum of acute and chronic diseases including lymphatic filariasis and river blindness, threaten the well‐being and livelihood of hundreds of millions of people in the developing regions of the world. The 2007 publication on a draft assembly of the 95‐Mb genome of the human filarial parasite Brugia malayi– representing the first helminth parasite genome to be sequenced – has been followed in rapid succession by projects that have resulted in the genome sequencing of six additional filarial species, seven nonfilarial nematode parasites of animals and nearly 30 plant parasitic and free‐living species. Parallel to the genomic sequencing, transcriptomic and proteomic projects have facilitated genome annotation, expanded our understanding of stage‐associated gene expression and provided a first look at the role of epigenetic regulation of filarial genomes through microRNAs. The expansion in filarial genomics will also provide a significant enrichment in our knowledge of the diversity and variability in the genomes of the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia leading to a better understanding of the genetic principles that govern filarial–Wolbachia mutualism. The goal here is to provide an overview of the trends and advances in filarial and Wolbachia genomics.
Barley grains, deficient in cytosolic small subunit of ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase, reveal coordinate adjustment of C:N metabolism mediated by an overlapping metabolic‐hormonal control
Authors: Faix Benjamin , Radchuk Volodymyr , Nerlich Annika , Hümmer Christine , Radchuk Ruslana , Emery R.J. Neil , Keller Harald , Götz Klaus‐Peter , Weschke Winfriede , Geigenberger Peter , Weber Hans 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe barley Risø16 mutation leads to inactivation of cytosolic ADP‐Glc pyrophosphorylase, and results in decreased ADP‐Glc and endospermal starch levels. Here we show that this mutation is accompanied by a decrease in storage protein accumulation and seed size, which indicates that alteration of a single enzymatic step can change the network of storage metabolism as a whole. We used comprehensive transcript, metabolite and hormonal profiling to compare grain metabolism and development of Risø16 and wild‐type endosperm. Despite increased sugar availability in mutant endosperm, glycolytic intermediates downstream of hexose phosphates remained unchanged or decreased, while several glycolytic enzymes were downregulated at the transcriptional level. Metabolite and transcript profiling also indicated an inhibition of the tricarboxylic acid cycle at the level of mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)‐isocitrate dehydrogenase and an attendant decrease in alpha‐ketoglutarate and amino acids levels in Risø16, compared with wild type. Decreased levels of cytokinins in Risø16 endosperm suggested co‐regulation between starch synthesis, abscisic acid (ABA) deficiency and cytokinin biosynthesis. Comparative cis‐element analysis in promoters of jointly downregulated genes in Risø16 revealed an overlap between metabolic and hormonal regulation, which leds to a coordinated downregulation of endosperm‐specific and ABA‐inducible gene expression (storage proteins) together with repression by sugars (isocitrate dehydrogenase, amylases). Such co‐regulation ensured that decreased carbon fluxes into starch lead to a coordinated inhibition of glycolysis, amino acid and storage proteins biosynthesis, which is useful in the prevention of osmotic imbalances and oxidative stress due to increased accumulation of sugars.
Crystal structure of 6‐SST/6‐SFT from Pachysandra terminalis, a plant fructan biosynthesizing enzyme in complex with its acceptor substrate 6‐kestose
Authors: Lammens Willem , Le Roy Katrien , Yuan Shuguang , Vergauwen Rudy , Rabijns Anja , Van Laere André , Strelkov Sergei V. , Van den Ende Wim 
Published: November 2011

SummaryFructans play important roles as reserve carbohydrates and stress protectants in plants, and additionally serve as prebiotics with emerging antioxidant properties. Various fructan types are synthesized by an array of plant fructosyltransferases belonging to family 32 of the glycoside hydrolases (GH32), clustering together with GH68 in Clan‐J. Here, the 3D structure of a plant fructosyltransferase from a native source, the Pachysandra terminalis 6‐SST/6‐SFT (Pt6‐SST/6‐SFT), is reported. In addition to its 1‐SST (1‐kestose‐forming) and hydrolytic side activities, the enzyme uses sucrose to create graminan‐ and levan‐type fructans, which are probably associated with cold tolerance in this species. Furthermore, a Pt6‐SST/6‐SFT complex with 6‐kestose was generated, representing a genuine acceptor binding modus at the +1, +2 and +3 subsites in the active site. The enzyme shows a unique configuration in the vicinity of its active site, including a unique D/Q couple located at the +1 subsite that plays a dual role in donor and acceptor substrate binding. Furthermore, it shows a unique orientation of some hydrophobic residues, probably contributing to its specific functionality. A model is presented showing formation of a β(2–6) fructosyl linkage on 6‐kestose to create 6,6‐nystose, a mechanism that differs from the creation of a β(2–1) fructosyl linkage on sucrose to produce 1‐kestose. The structures shed light on the evolution of plant fructosyltransferases from their vacuolar invertase ancestors, and contribute to further understanding of the complex structure–function relationships within plant GH32 members.
Growth velocity during infancy and onset of asthma in school‐aged children
Authors: Flexeder C. , Thiering E. , Brüske I. , Koletzko S. , Bauer C.‐P. , Wichmann H.‐E. , Mansmann U. , von Berg A. , Berdel D. , Krämer U. , Schaaf B. , Lehmann I. , Herbarth O. , Heinrich J. ,   for the GINIplus and LISAplus Study Group
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Flexeder C, Thiering E, Brüske I, Koletzko S, Bauer C.‐P, Wichmann H.‐E, Mansmann U, von Berg A, Berdel D, Krämer U, Schaaf B, Lehmann I, Herbarth O, Heinrich J. Growth velocity during infancy and onset of asthma in school‐aged children. Allergy 2012; 67: 257–264.Abstract
Background:  Growth velocities during infancy might affect the risk of asthma in childhood. This study examines the association between peak height and weight velocities during the first 2 years of life and onset of asthma and wheeze up to 10 years of age.
Methods:  Data from 9086 children who participated in the GINIplus and LISAplus birth cohorts were analyzed. Information on asthma was requested annually from 1 to 10 years and information on wheeze at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 years. Peak height and weight velocities were calculated using height and weight measurements obtained between birth and 2 years of age. Cox proportional hazards models and generalized linear mixed models were calculated after adjustment for potential confounding factors including birth weight and body mass index at 10 years of age.
Results:  Per interquartile range increase in peak weight velocity (PWV), the risk of asthma increased significantly (adjHR: 1.22; CI: 1.02–1.47). The relationship between peak height velocity (PHV) and onset of asthma was nonsignificant (adjHR: 1.08; CI: 0.88–1.31). Wheeze was not significantly associated with PHV or with PWV (adjOR: 1.07; CI: 0.64–1.77 and adjOR: 1.11; CI: 0.68–1.79, respectively).
Conclusions:  Weight gain during infancy is positively associated with physician‐diagnosed asthma in school‐aged children.
“Normal” liver stiffness values differ between men and women: A prospective study for healthy living liver and kidney donors in a native Korean population
Authors: Kim Beom Kyung , Kim Seung Up , Choi Gi Hong , Han Woong Kyu , Park Mi Sung , Kim Eun Hye , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Choi Jin Sub , Yang Seung Choul , Choi Eun Hee , Song Kijun , Ahn Sang Hoon , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Chon Chae Yoon 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Liver stiffness (LS) measurement can distinguish individuals with potential liver disease (LD) from the general population. However, if LS is sex‐sensitive, prevalence of LD may be incorrectly estimated when the same reference LS value is applied irrespective of sex. Here, we evaluated whether normal ranges of LS differ between healthy men and women.Methods:  LS was measured in a cohort of healthy living liver and kidney donors, none of whom suffered from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hepatitis B or C virus infection, heart or liver dysfunction, or metabolic syndrome. Patients with abnormal laboratory findings related to potential LD (platelet count < 150 × 103/µL; aspartate aminotransferase > 40 IU/L; alanine aminotransferase [ALT] > 40 IU/L; albumin < 3.3 g/dL; total bilirubin > 1.2 mg/dL; gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase > 54 IU/L; alkaline phosphatase > 115 IU/L) were excluded.Results:  Among 242 patients analyzed, the mean age was 34.1 for men (n = 121) and 40.5 years for women (n = 121) (P < 0.001). Men had a higher mean LS value than women (5.2 ± 1.2 vs 4.8 ± 1.1 kPa/P < 0.001). Multivariate‐linear regression analysis identified sex as the only independent factor for LS values (β = 0.361/P = 0.021). Using the 5th–95th percentiles, we determined normal LS ranges of 3.7–7.0 kPa in men and 3.3–6.8 kPa in women. In subgroups with ALT < 30 IU/L (subgroup‐1, n = 216) and ALT < 20 IU/L (subgroup‐2, n = 163), men had significantly higher LS values than women (5.2 ± 1.3 vs 4.7 ± 1.1 kPa/P = 0.003 and 5.1 ± 1.2 vs 4.7 ± 1.1 kPa/P = 0.030, respectively), demonstrating an independent sex effect (β = 0.483/P = 0.003 and β = 0.389/P = 0.030, respectively).Conclusions:  An independent sex effect on LS values was confirmed. Thus, sex‐specific references should be used for effective screening based on LS measurements.
Severity and timing of progression predict refractoriness to transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Hwi Young , Park Joong‐Won , Joo Jungnam , Jung Se Jin , An Sangbu , Woo Sang Myung , Kim Hyun Beom , Koh Young Hwan , Lee Woo Jin , Kim Chang‐Min 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that is refractory to repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are considered for systemic therapy, but TACE refractoriness is not well defined. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of patients whose HCC is refractory to repetitive TACE.Methods:  We evaluated 264 patients with intermediate‐stage HCC who underwent TACE between January 2006 and September 2009. We designated the development of vascular invasion or extrahepatic spread during follow up as “stage progression” (SP), and hypothesized that SP might be the surrogate end‐point for TACE refractoriness.Results:  The median follow up was 18.2 months, and median number of TACE was 3.0 (range, 1–13). Median time‐to‐progression was 5.5 months (95% confidence interval, 4.8–6.2), and median overall survival was 25.3 months (95% confidence interval, 21.6–29.0). We classified the patients according to disease course as: no progressive disease (PD(−); n = 33); PD without SP (PD(+)SP(−); n = 113); PD followed by SP (PD→SP; n = 47); and simultaneous PD and SP (PD&SP; n = 64). PD(−) and PD(+)SP(−) groups showed no difference in overall survival, PD→SP group had worse overall survival than PD(−) and PD(+)SP(−) groups, and PD&SP group had the worst overall survival. The significant prognostic factors for SP‐free survival were development of PD and need for three sessions of TACE during the first 6 months.Conclusions:  SP‐free survival can be regarded as an end‐point for TACE refractoriness. Development of progression or need for three sessions of TACE within the first 6 months could be predictive of TACE refractoriness.
Preconditioning donor liver with Nodosin perfusion lessens rat ischemia reperfusion injury via heme oxygenase‐1 upregulation
Authors: Wang Chun‐Feng , Wang Zhen‐Yu , Tao Shao‐Fu , Ding Jing , Sun Li‐Juan , Li Ji‐Yu , Quan Zhi‐Wei 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a major cause of graft injury, dysfunction and even failure post‐transplantation. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) has been found to be an attractive target for anti‐inflammatory therapies and a potential candidate responsible for cell injury. The objective of this study was to investigate whether preconditioning the donor liver with Nodosin perfusion upregulates HO‐1 and then lessens IRI in rat models.Methods:  Wistar rats were divided into four groups: experimental group, control group, positive control group and negative control group in which the donor liver was preconditioned with Nodosin, lactated ringer's solution, cobalt protoporphyrin and zinc protoporphyrin perfusion, respectively. We measured HO‐1 expression and enzyme activity in rat livers of each group ex vivo at 0, 1 and 2 h after perfusion. At 1 h after perfusion, donor livers of Wistar rats were transplanted into Sprague–Dawley rats orthotopically. Serum transaminase levels, degree of cell apoptosis and Suzuki's score were used to assess ischemia/reperfusion injury in recipients at 24 h after transplantation.Results:  Ex vivo, donor liver preconditioning with Nodosin perfusion induced HO‐1 expression and enzyme activity significantly, compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In vivo, serum transaminase levels, cell apoptosis degree and Suzuki's score of representative recipients in the Nodosin group were lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Preconditioning with Nodosin perfusion induced HO‐1 protein mainly in Kupffer cells.Conclusions:  This study suggests that preconditioning with Nodosin perfusion provides a potential protective effect through inducing HO‐1 expression to attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury in liver transplantation.
Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in angiodysplasia: An interventional study with thalidomide
Authors: Tan Honghong , Chen Huimin , Xu Chunhong , Ge Zhizheng , Gao Yunjie , Fang Jingyuan , Liu Wenzhong , Xiao Shudong 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The pathogenesis of angiodysplasia is still not fully understood and effective therapy is not available. Thalidomide was reported to be effective in the treatment of angiodysplasia, but the mechanisms underlying its activity are, as yet, unknown. We aimed to investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in angiodysplasia tissues, and the role of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on VEGF expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Additionally, we aimed to study the role of thalidomide in these parameters.Methods:  Immunohistochemistry was performed to visualize VEGF in angiodysplasia lesions. HUVEC were incubated under hypoxic conditions or in the presence of bFGF. Effects of exposure to thalidomide were studied. Cell growth was assessed in methylthiazolyte‐trazolium assays. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and real‐time polymerase chain reaction were performed to assess the expression of VEGF at protein and mRNA levels. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of HIF‐1α under hypoxic conditions.Results:  VEGF was strongly expressed in 75% of patients with angiodysplasia lesions, as compared to expression in patients without angiodysplasia lesions. VEGF was also induced in HUVEC under hypoxic conditions (P < 0.05). bFGF was found to stimulate the proliferation of HUVEC and enhance the expression of VEGF. Thalidomide suppressed bFGF‐induced proliferation significantly and decreased VEGF expression, both at the protein and mRNA levels. Thalidomide also inhibited HIF‐1α in a dose‐dependent manner (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  VEGF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of angiodysplasia. Thalidomide can suppress VEGF, either induced by HIF‐1α or bFGF.
Effect of bed head elevation during sleep in symptomatic patients of nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux
Authors: Khan Bashir Ahmad , Sodhi Jaswinder Singh , Zargar Showkat Ali , Javid Gul , Yattoo Ghulam Nabi , Shah Altaf , Gulzar Ghulam Mohamad , Khan Mushtaq Ahmad 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Nocturnal gastro‐esophageal reflux causes heartburn and sleep disturbances impairing quality of life. Lifestyle modifications, like bed head elevation during sleep, are thought to alleviate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. We tested the hypothesis that bed head elevation might decrease recumbent acid exposure compared to sleeping in a flat bed.Methods:  Patients of symptomatic nocturnal reflux and documented recumbent (supine) reflux verified by esophageal pH test entered the trial. On day 1, baseline pH was measured while the patient slept on a flat bed. Then patients slept on a bed with the head end elevated by a 20‐cm block for the next 6 consecutive days from day 2 to day 7. The pH test was repeated on day 2 and day 7. Each patient acted as his own control.Results:  Twenty of 24 (83.3%) patients with mean age of 36 ± 5.5 years completed the trial. The mean (± SD) supine reflux time %, acid clearance time, number of refluxes 5 min longer and symptom score on day 1 and day 7 were 15.0 ± 8.4 and 13.7 ± 7.2; P = 0.001, 3.8 ± 2.0 and 3.0 ± 1.6; P = 0.001, 3.3 ± 2.2 and 1.0 ± 1.2; P = 0.001, and 2.3 ± 0.6 and 1.5 ± 0.6; P = 0.04, respectively. The sleep disturbances improved in 13 (65%) patients.Conclusions:  Bed head elevation reduced esophageal acid exposure and acid clearance time in nocturnal (supine) refluxers and led to some relief from heartburn and sleep disturbance.