bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of implant surface topography: a clinical study with a mean functional loading time of 85 months
Authors: Arnhart Christoph , Dvorak Gabriella , Trefil Caroline , Huber Christian , Watzek Georg , Zechner Werner 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveModerately rough, surfaced implants are widely used. Nevertheless data on long‐term soft and hard tissue parameters are still conflicting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate peri‐implant bone level and soft tissue integration of anodized vs. turned surfaced implants in the anterior mandible after a mean functional loading time of 85 months.MethodsOf 114 edentulous patients invited for follow‐up, 41,2% were available for recall. Forty‐seven patients with a mean age of 71 ± 9 years (14 men and 33 women) received 188 dental implants; All patients were edentulous and prosthetic rehabilitation was carried out by a bar‐retained overdenture. Radiographic peri‐implant bone level was assessed twice at baseline and recall. Clinical examination contained peri‐implant sounding (PPD, BoP) and indexing oral hygiene (mPI).ResultsFrom baseline up to 85 months two patients experienced implant loss (four implants), which corresponds to an overall‐survival rate of 97.9%. No significant differences were found between implant surfaces concerning the clinical parameters, such as plaque, calculus, bleeding on probing and pocket probing depth. The moderately rough surfaced implants showed significantly less decrease in peri‐implant bone level (1.53 ± 0.25 mm) than turned surfaced implants (2.42 ± 0.34 mm) (P = 0.036). The interaction between the position of the implant and surface topography (P = 0.037) as well as the site at the implant (P = 0.004) had a significant influence on bone level changes.ConclusionBoth surface topographies with bar‐supported overdentures have excellent long‐term clinical outcomes. Moreover, a moderately roughened, anodized surface has beneficial effects in the anterior lower jaw.
Allergic contact dermatitis induces upregulation of identical microRNAs in humans and mice
Authors: Vennegaard Marie T. , Bonefeld Charlotte M. , Hagedorn Peter H. , Bangsgaard Nannie , Løvendorf Marianne B. , Ødum Niels , Woetmann Anders , Geisler Carsten , Skov Lone 
Published: May 2012

Background. MicroRNAs are short, endogenous RNA molecules that can bind to parts of target mRNAs, thus inhibiting their translation and causing accelerated turnover or degradation of transcripts, thereby regulating gene expression. Several microRNAs have been found to be upregulated in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, indicating a role in inflammatory skin diseases. However, there have been no studies on the expression of microRNAs in allergic contact dermatitis.Objectives. To investigate expression of microRNAs in allergic contact dermatitis.Methods. Lesional and non‐lesional skin biopsies were collected from subjects with allergic responses to diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP). Additional samples for profiling were collected from an experimental mouse model by use of the strong allergen dinitrofluorobenzene. RNA was purified from all samples, and locked nucleic acid microarray analysis was performed, followed by validation with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results. In humans sensitized with DPCP, we found significant upregulation of miR‐21, miR‐142‐3p, miR‐142‐5p and miR‐223 in challenged skin. The same microRNAs were significantly upregulated in the skin of mice in a mouse model of contact allergy. The upregulation of microRNA was confirmed by quantitative PCR.Conclusion. These are the first results indicating that microRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of allergic contact dermatitis, and they show that mouse models are valuable tools for further study of the involvement of microRNAs in allergic contact dermatitis.
Meta‐analysis of ANPP and rain‐use efficiency confirms indicative value for degradation and supports non‐linear response along precipitation gradients in drylands
Authors: Ruppert Jan C. , Holm Alexander , Miehe Sabine , Muldavin Esteban , Snyman Hennie A. , Wesche Karsten , Linstädter Anja 
Published: May 2012

AbstractQuestionsIn drylands above‐ground net primary production (ANPP) and rain‐use efficiency (RUE) are common ecological indicators for assessing ecosystem state, including degradation and supply of key ecosystem services. However, both indicators have been criticized as ‘lumped’ parameters, since they aggregate complex information. Their value as ecological parameters in decision‐making and their use in ecological modelling therefore have been challenged and their explanatory power remains unclear. Furthermore, there is no consensus about the response of ANPP and RUE along precipitation gradients.MethodsTaking advantage of several long‐term studies in (semi‐)arid environments where ANPP and RUE were recorded, we compiled a data set of 923 yr. We used meta‐analysis to disentangle the effects of different ecological layers (climate, soil and land use) on ANPP and RUE. Linear piece‐wise quantile regression (LPQR) was used to analyse the response of maximum and median ANPP and RUE as functions of precipitation. We assumed that looking at maximum response (instead of ‘average’ response) stratified for land‐use intensity was an ecologically more plausible way to understand ANPP constrained by precipitation and land use.ResultsWe separated the impact of different environmental factors into distinct, quantitative effect sizes with the aid of meta‐analyses. ANPP was affected by recent and previous precipitation, land use, soil and biome. LPQR revealed that both parameters displayed several sequential linear intersects, which together formed a unimodal trend, peaking around precipitation of 200 mm yr−1. Unimodal response was more pronounced for maximum values (ANPPmax, RUEmax) than for median values. Peak ANPPmax and RUEmax, as well as post‐peak decline (>200 mm yr−1) were affected by land use: higher land‐use intensity decreased intercepts and increases post‐peak decline.ConclusionsOur results have important consequences for the use of RUE as an ecosystem indicator and a tool in ecosystem monitoring and decision‐making. Most importantly, grasslands, shrublands and savannas significantly differ in their primary production, with a biome‐specific importance of precipitation, land use and previous year's precipitation. We thus propose to establish biome‐specific reference values of maximum and average RUE. Our study also contributes to reconcile contradictory findings for ANPP and RUE response along precipitation gradients of varying length.
Assessing non‐parametric and area‐based methods for estimating regional species richness
Authors: Xu Han , Liu Shirong , Li Yide , Zang Runguo , He Fangliang 
Published: May 2012

AbstractQuestionsMany methods have been developed to estimate species richness but few are useful for estimating regional richness. We compared the performance of commonly used non‐parametric and area‐based estimators with a particular focus on testing a newly developed but little tested maximum entropy method (MaxEnt).LocationTropical forest of Jianfengling Reserve, Hainan Island, China.MethodsWe extrapolated species richness on 12 estimators up to a larger regional scale – the reserve (472 km2) – where 164 25 m × 25 m quadrats were distributed on a grid of 160 km2 within the tropical forest. We also analysed the effects of base (or ‘anchor‘) scale A0 on the species richness estimated (Sest) with MaxEnt.ResultsSix non‐parametric methods underestimated the species richness, while six area‐based methods overestimated the species richness. The accuracy of the MaxEnt estimate (Sest) was improved with the increase of base scale A0.ConclusionsOur findings suggest non‐parametric methods should not be used to estimate richness across heterogeneous landscapes but can be used in well‐defined sampling areas. Jack2 is the best of the six non‐parametric methods, while the logistic model and the MaxEnt method seem to be the best of the six area‐based methods. Improvements to the MaxEnt method are possible but that will require reformulation of the method by considering species–abundance distributions other than log‐series and more general spatial allocation rules.
Significant stabilization of ribonuclease A by additive effects
Authors: Arnold Ulrich , Schöpfel Michael 
Published: May 2012

Among the strategies that employ genetic engineering to stabilize proteins, the introduction of disulfide bonds has proven to be a very potential approach. As, however, the replacement of amino acid residues by cysteines and the subsequent formation of the covalent bond can result in a severe deformation of the parental protein structure, the stabilization effect is strongly context dependent. Alternatively, the introduction of charged amino acid residues at the surface, which may result in the formation of extra ionic interactions or hydrogen bonds, provide propitious means for protein stabilization. The generation of an extra disulfide bond between residues 4 and 118 in ribonuclease A had resulted in a stabilization by 6 °C or 7 kJ mol−1, which was mainly caused by a deceleration of the unfolding reaction [Pecher, P. & Arnold, U. (2009) Biophys Chem, 141, 21–28]. Here, Asp83 was replaced by Glu resulting in a comparable stabilization. Moreover, combination of both mutations led to an additive effect and the resulting ribonuclease A variant (Tm ∼ 76 °C, ΔG°∼ 53 kJ mol−1) is the most stable ribonuclease A variant described so far. The analysis of the crystal structure of A4C/D83E/V118C‐ribonuclease A reveals the formation of a salt bridge between the γ‐carboxyl group of Glu83 and the ε‐amino group of Lys104.DatabaseRibonuclease (EC3.1.27.5)Structured digital abstract
RNase A and RNase A bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)
Clinical Outcomes of a New Self-Help Booklet for Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Kempeneers Philippe , Andrianne Robert , Bauwens Sabrina , Georis Isabelle , Pairoux Jean-François , Blairy Sylvie 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Premature ejaculation (PE) is quite common. Although effective treatments do exist, only a few affected people consult a practitioner in order to overcome their problem. At the same time, studies have shown that reading didactical documents about their PE problem (bibliotherapy) can be useful to men.

Aim
The aim of this study was to improve the bibliotherapy approach using up-to-date knowledge and techniques. The expected benefits were the following: (i) an effective manual shorter than previous ones; (ii) easier to assimilate therapeutic principles; and (iii) a method thereby made accessible to a broad population most of whom usually do not consult for this type of sexual problem.

Method
A short bibliotherapy titled The Practical Guide of PE[in French] was tested among PE subjects who were diagnosed with PE according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, text revision criteria. Assessments were made at baseline (N = 421), at 4–8 months (N = 120), and at 10–14 months (N = 79) after they read The Practical Guide. A control group of 66 subjects was left on a waiting list and was assessed 2 months after baseline.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures are self-reported ejaculatory latency time, feeling of control upon ejaculation, sexual satisfaction, distress related to PE, anxiety experienced during sexual intercourse, and sexual cognitions (Sexual Irrationality Questionnaire).

Results
Significant improvements were found for all the self-reported parameters, both at 4–8 and at 10–14 months after the bibliotherapy. The improvements were associated with an adjustment of sexual cognitions. The response to treatment seemed better for those subjects with moderate PE. Although the severity criteria used in this study did not precisely meet the International Society for Sexual Medicine criteria for lifelong PE, they were likely related. The response did not seem to be affected by variables such as age, education, or personality.

Conclusion
Its cost/benefit ratio makes The Practical Guide a valuable therapeutic tool.
Genetic comparison of introduced and native populations of Miscanthus sinensis (Poaceae), a potential bioenergy crop
Authors: Quinn Lauren D. , Culley Theresa M. , Stewart J. Ryan 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMiscanthus sinensis Anderss. is a perennial grass being considered for bioenergy production in the United States (USA) and elsewhere. Because M. sinensis is already naturalized in the USA, it is important to examine its potential to spread with further introduction. Introduced populations may harbor substantial genetic diversity or enable genetic admixture, which may enhance adaptation to novel environments. Here we compare genetic diversity in introduced US populations with native Japanese populations to understand the potential for invasiveness through genetic means in M. sinensis. Using 11 microsatellite markers, we determined genetic variation and structure in populations within and across the introduced and native ranges. We also correlated genetic diversity with population size in each range. Genetic diversity was substantial and similar in all populations, with only allelic richness (A, Ap) significantly lower in the USA than in Japan. Japanese populations were slightly more differentiated (θ = 0.098) than those in the USA (θ = 0.078) although both exhibited significant genetic admixture and were composed of a number of different genetic groups (K = 3 or 7, depending on the STRUCTURE model). Genetic diversity (He) was positively correlated with population size, but only in the USA The lack of a genetic bottleneck and the consequent maintenance of genetic diversity and admixture in US populations suggest the potential for further spread of introduced populations, assuming such diversity is important for adaptation to novel environments. Potential invasiveness should be considered by breeders of new Miscanthus varieties for bioenergy and ornamental uses.
Oral health care provided by Greek dentists to persons with physical and/or intellectual impairment
Authors: Gizani Sotiria , Kandilorou Helen , Kavvadia Katerina , Tzoutzas John 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT  This study evaluated Greek dentists’ attitudes toward the provision of oral health care for persons with physical and intellectual impairment (PPII).A questionnaire was used to select information on dentists’ socioeconomic data, their office characteristics, oral health care they performed, and their views about oral healthcare delivery for PPII. The final sample consisted of 534 dentists. Descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used for the statistical analysis of the data.Most respondents were general practitioners (79.3%) providing oral health care to PPII, but 70% of the dentists had not been trained to treat them. In their opinion, oral health care for PPII demanded a lot of time and was hard to accomplish. Based on an evaluation of the results, this study suggests that continuing education and training of dentists to treat PPII are essential for this population in Greece.
Effects of SCN1A and GABA Receptor Genetic Polymorphisms on Carbamazepine Tolerability and Efficacy in Chinese Patients with Partial Seizures: 2‐Year Longitudinal Clinical Follow‐Up
Authors: Zhou Bo‐Ting , Zhou Qiu‐Hong , Yin Ji‐Ye , Li Guo‐Liang , Qu Jian , Xu Xiao‐Jing , Liu Ding , Zhou Hong‐Hao , Liu Zhao‐Qian 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARY Aims: To investigate the tolerability and efficacy of carbamazepine treatment in patients with partial‐onset seizures and the association with polymorphisms in the sodium channel α‐subunit type 1 (SCN1A), and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor genes among the Chinese Han population. Methods: 448 patients were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms selected of the SCN1A and GABA‐receptor genes. Monotherapy with carbamazepine (CBZ) was administered to the patients. The effectiveness of CBZ treatment was evaluated with regard to efficacy by the decrease in seizures and tolerability by retention rates. Results:SCN1A rs3812718 A/G with CBZ tolerability (P= 0.038) throughout 24 months of clinical follow‐up and the GABRA1 rs2290732 A/G were significantly associated with CBZ tolerability (P= 0.001). The maintenance dose and serum level of CBZ in AA genotype carriers of rs3812718 A/G were significantly higher than those of GG genotype carriers between 3 and 12 months of follow‐up. The proportion of AA genotype carriers of rs2298771 A/G with seizure free was significantly higher than that of AG+GG genotype carriers from 3 months to 15 months of follow‐up (P < 0.05). Conclusion: rs3812718 A/G and rs2290732 A/G polymorphisms affected the tolerability of CBZ. rs2298771 A/G was associated with efficacy of CBZ treatment.
Integration of dissolution into physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models III: PK-Sim®
Authors: Willmann Stefan , Thelen Kirstin , Lippert Jörg 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Objectives
In-silico methods are a cost-effective possibility to support decision making at different stages of the drug development process. Among the various computational methods available, physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling represents a well-established tool for mechanistically predicting the pharmacokinetics of drugs and drug candidates. PK-Sim, a component of the Computational Systems Biology Software Suite of Bayer Technology Services GmbH (Leverkusen, Germany) is a commercial PBPK software tool. It is based on a generic model structure for typical animal species from mice to monkey and humans, and allows simultaneous simulation of drug liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in one model. In this study PK-Sim has been used for the prediction of the in-vivo pharmacokinetics of drugs with a particular focus on the integration of dissolution properties and, due to its leading role in the drug development process, for the performance of different dosage forms administered via the oral route.

Methods
Three real life case studies have been presented to exemplify the benefits of using PBPK absorption modelling.

Key findings
In the first example, the in-vivo dissolution rate was directly predicted from the physical properties of different particle formulations using a mechanistic dissolution model of the Noyes–Whitney type. In the second case study, the PBPK tool was successfully used to predict the food effect in humans based on data obtained in Beagle dogs. In the third example, the utilization of the software for the support of the development of a combined immediate release–controlled release formulation has been described.

Conclusions
Future perspectives of the use of PBPK modelling have been discussed, with a special focus on the integration of in-vitro dissolution data into PBPK models for oral and non-oral administration of drugs.
A Human Papillomavirus (HPV)In VitroNeutralization Assay That Recapitulates theIn VitroProcess of Infection Provides a Sensitive Measure of HPV L2 Infection-Inhibiting Antibodies
Authors: Day Patricia M. , Pang Yuk-Ying S. , Kines Rhonda C. , Thompson Cynthia D. , Lowy Douglas R. , Schiller John T. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTPapillomavirus L2-based vaccines have generally induced low-level or undetectable neutralizing antibodies in standardin vitroassays yet typically protect well againstin vivoexperimental challenge in animal models. Herein we document that mice vaccinated with an L2 vaccine comprising a fusion protein of the L2 amino acids 11 to 88 of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16), HPV18, HPV1, HPV5, and HPV6 were uniformly protected from cervicovaginal challenge with HPV16 pseudovirus, but neutralizing antibodies against HPV16, -31, -33, -45, or -58 were rarely detected in their sera using a standardin vitroneutralization assay. To address this discrepancy, we developed a neutralization assay based on anin vitroinfectivity mechanism that more closely mimics thein vivoinfectious process, specifically by spaciotemporally separating primary and secondary receptor engagement and correspondingly by altering the timing of exposure of the dominant L2 cross-neutralizing epitopes to the antibodies. With the new assay, titers in the 100 to 10,000 range were measured for most sera, whereas undetectable neutralizing activities were observed with the standard assay.In vitroneutralizing titers measured in the serum of mice after passive transfer of rabbit L2 immune serum correlated with protection from cervicovaginal challenge of the mice. This “L2-based”in vitroneutralization assay should prove useful in critically evaluating the immunogenicity of L2 vaccine candidates in preclinical studies and future clinical trials.
Fell Pony Syndrome: Characterization of Developmental Hematopoiesis Failure and Associated Gene Expression Profiles
Authors: Tallmadge Rebecca L. , Stokol Tracy , Gould-Earley Mary Jean , Earley Ed , Secor Erica J. , Matychak Mary Beth , Felippe M. Julia B. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTFell Pony syndrome (FPS) is a fatal immunodeficiency that occurs in foals of the Fell Pony breed. Affected foals present with severe anemia, B cell lymphopenia, and opportunistic infections. Our objective was to conduct a prospective study of potential FPS-affected Fell Pony foals to establish clinical, immunological, and molecular parameters at birth and in the first few weeks of life. Complete blood counts, peripheral blood lymphocyte phenotyping, and serum immunoglobulin concentrations were determined for 3 FPS-affected foals, 49 unaffected foals, and 6 adult horses. In addition, cytology of bone marrow aspirates was performed sequentially in a subset of foals. At birth, the FPS-affected foals were not noticeably ill and had hematocrit and circulating B cell counts comparable to those of unaffected foals; however, over 6 weeks, values for both parameters steadily declined. A bone marrow aspirate from a 3-week-old FPS-affected foal revealed erythroid hyperplasia and concurrent erythroid and myeloid dysplasia, which progressed to a severe erythroid hypoplasia at 5 weeks of life. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the paucity of B cells in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues. The mRNA expression of genes involved in B cell development, signaling, and maturation was investigated using qualitative and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Several genes, includingCREB1,EP300,MYB,PAX5, andSPI1/PU.1, were sequenced from FPS-affected and unaffected foals. Our study presents evidence of fetal erythrocyte and B cell hematopoiesis with rapid postnatal development of anemia and B lymphopenia in FPS-affected foals. The transition between fetal/neonatal and adult-like hematopoiesis may be an important aspect of the pathogenesis of FPS.