bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systemic sclerosis: an ultrasonographic study of skin and subcutaneous tissue in relation to clinical findings
Authors: Sedky Manal Mohamed , Fawzy Samar Mohamed , Baki Noha Abd El , Eishi Nermine Hamdi El , Bohy Abo El Magd Mohamed El 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundSkin thickening and tightness are characteristic manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the only major diagnostic criterion. The aim of this study is to compare the results of high frequency ultrasound of skin and subcutaneous tissue (SC) in SSc patients and healthy control subjects and also to correlate our patientsâ€™ US findings with the severity score and with different clinical parameters.MethodsSkin thickness and subcutaneous thickness were measured by high frequency (12‐5 MHz) ultrasound at five different anatomical sites in 40 patients with SSc and 40 healthy control subjects. Results were compared with modified Rodnan skin score (mRss), with the severity score and with different clinical parameters.ResultsPatients with SSc had thicker skin than control subjects. Ultrasound measurements correlated with the mRss as well as the severity score of the disease. The degree of skin thickening tended to diminish with longer disease duration. Also, SSc patients had thinner SC fat thickness than control subjects.ConclusionUltrasound technique is a reliable noninvasive tool that gives reproducible results for the evaluation of skin and SC tissue involvement in SSc patients, adding a separate dimension to the assessment of disease severity and may be used to identify different phases of skin involvement.
Influence of gravity on the skin thermal behavior: experimental study using dynamic infrared thermography
Authors: Ratovoson Domoina , Jourdan Franck , Huon Vincent 
Published: June 2012

Background/aimTo better understand the thermomechanical behavior of the skin and its direct environment, we present an experimental study using dynamic infrared thermography. This experimental study aims to highlight quantitatively some effects of blood flow on the heat diffusion.MethodsThe originality of this research was to change the blood flow by using effects of gravity and to quantify the temperature changes. The experimental step consists of putting a cylindrical steel bar cooled or warmed on the skin of a human forearm and to measure the change of the temperature using an infrared camera. Measures have been recorded for different positions of the forearm.Result and conclusionWe noted very clearly the influence of blood circulation in the veins on the diffusion of the temperature. The return to thermal balance is faster when the arm is in a horizontal position. Moreover, a comparative study of experimental cooling and warming showed a symmetrical thermal behavior for the skin under this type of thermal solicitations. This work provided to build a database that can be used for the validation of predictive thermal models of human skin.
The influence of malocclusion on the diagnostic value of the orthopantomogram in the maxillary labial segment
Authors: Hayes M. L. , Johal A. 
Published: June 2012

Hayes M. L., Johal A. The influence of malocclusion on the diagnostic value of the orthopantomogram in the maxillary labial segment  Orthod Craniofac Res 2012;15:169–177. © John Wiley & Sons A/SStructured AbstractObjective –  To investigate the effect of malocclusion and incisor inclination on the diagnostic value of the orthopantomogram in the maxillary labial segment.Setting –  The Department of Orthodontics at The Royal London Hospital.Material and Method –  A literature review identified seven key features of an ideal radiograph of the upper labial segment. This provided the ‘Gold Standard’. Four previously extracted maxillary incisors were set‐up with a complementary acrylic dentition in a dry human skull. The maxillary base was modified to facilitate the movement of the upper jaw to simulate a total of nine malocclusions, based on skeletal I, II with III patterns with varying upper incisor inclination. A lateral cephalogram was taken to quantify the upper incisor inclination. An orthopantomogram (OPG), upper standard occlusal (USO) and four long‐cone periapical radiographs (PA) were also taken. Each radiograph was scored against the Gold Standard. In addition, a clinical audit involving 100 new orthodontic patients was carried out to determine whether in vivo findings mirrored the in vitro results.Results –  The orthopantomogram provides low levels of diagnostic value in the maxillary incisor region. The diagnostic value for the skeletal I skull set‐up ranged from 57 per cent for the OPG, 71 per cent for the USO and 86 per cent for the PA view.Conclusion –  The orthopantomogram showed poor diagnostic value in relation to the upper incisor teeth. Long‐cone periapicals are recommended as the supplementary view of choice in the maxillary incisor region.
Spectrum of chronic lung disease in a population of newborns with extremely low gestational age
Authors: Hjalmarson O , Brynjarsson H , Nilsson S , Sandberg KL 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAims:  To determine how the ability to oxygenate the blood develops after birth in infants of extremely low gestational age (ELGANs) and to find risk factors for chronic lung disease.Method:  A prospective, population‐based, cohort study was undertaken in one tertiary‐care centre. The alveolar–arterial oxygen pressure difference (AaDO2) was monitored.Results:  Of 41 survivors, 21 had a period of normal lung function in the first week of life, after which oxygenation deteriorated. Low gestational age and low Apgar score at 5 min were found to be strong and independent predictors of AaDO2 in the first month of life. Mechanical ventilation did not appear as a risk factor. Lung function at 36 weeks of gestation and duration of oxygen treatment could be better predicted by the severity of lung disease in the first month than by gestational age at birth.Conclusions:  Difficulty in oxygenation was a general observation in ELGANs and not only a particular subset. Gestational age and Apgar score were independent predictors of the degree of difficulty over the first month of life. As oxygenation failure often developed after a few days, the process may be possible to treat or prevent once the pathogenesis is known.
Spatial predictions of land‐use transitions and associated threats to biodiversity: the case of forest regrowth in mountain grasslands
Authors: Pellissier Loïc , Anzini Maruska , Maiorano Luigi , Dubuis Anne , Pottier Julien , Vittoz Pascal , Guisan Antoine 
Published: June 2012

AbstractQuestionCan we predict where forest regrowth caused by abandonment of agricultural activities is likely to occur? Can we assess how it may conflict with grassland diversity hotspots?LocationWestern Swiss Alps (400–3210 m a.s.l.).MethodsWe used statistical models to predict the location of land abandonment by farmers that is followed by forest regrowth in semi‐natural grasslands of the Western Swiss Alps. Six modelling methods (GAM, GBM, GLM, RF, MDA, MARS) allowing binomial distribution were tested on two successive transitions occurring between three time periods. Models were calibrated using data on land‐use change occurring between 1979 and 1992 as response, and environmental, accessibility and socio‐economic variables as predictors, and these were validated for their capacity to predict the changes observed from 1992 to 2004. Projected probabilities of land‐use change from an ensemble forecast of the six models were combined with a model of plant species richness based on a field inventory, allowing identification of critical grassland areas for the preservation of biodiversity.ResultsModels calibrated over the first land‐use transition period predicted the second transition with reasonable accuracy. Forest regrowth occurs where cultivation costs are high and yield potential is low, i.e. on steeper slopes and at higher elevations. Overlaying species richness with land‐use change predictions, we identified priority areas for the management and conservation of biodiversity at intermediate elevations.ConclusionsCombining land‐use change and biodiversity projections, we propose applied management measures for targeted/identified locations to limit the loss of biodiversity that could otherwise occur through loss of open habitats. The same approach could be applied to other types of land‐use changes occurring in other ecosystems.
Rainfall Runoff Relationships for a Cloud Forest Watershed in Central America: Implications for Water Resource Engineering1
Authors: Caballero Luis A. , Rimmer Alon , Easton Zachary M. , Steenhuis Tammo S. 
Published: June 2012

Caballero, Luis A., Alon Rimmer, Zachary M. Easton, and Tammo S. Steenhuis, 2012. Rainfall Runoff Relationships for a Cloud Forest Watershed in Central America: Implications for Water Resource Engineering. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(5): 1022‐1031. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00668.xAbstract:  Understanding the basic relationships between rainfall and runoff is vital for effective management and utilization of scarce water resources. Especially, this is important in Central America with widespread potable water shortage during the dry months of the monsoon. Potential good water sources are cloud forests, but little information concerning its potential is available to water supply engineers. Our objective is to define rainfall‐runoff‐base flow relationships for a cloud forest catchment. Flumes were installed for measuring river flow in four subwatersheds in La Tigra National Park, Honduras. One of the four watersheds was a 636‐ha subwatershed (WS1) with 60% cloud forest coverage. Precipitation averaged 1,130 mm/yr over the entire basin. About half of the total rainfall became runoff for the cloud forest watershed whereas, for the adjacent undisturbed forested watershed, the total discharge was <20% of the amount of precipitation. Infiltration rates were generally greater than rainfall rates. Therefore, most rainfall infiltrated into the soil, especially in the upper, steep, and well‐drained portions of the watershed. Direct runoff was generated from saturated areas near the river and exposed bedrock. This research provides compelling evidence that base flow is the primary contributor to streamflow during both wet and dry seasons in cloud forest catchments. Protecting these flow processes over time is critical for the sustained provision of potable water.
Trust in Citizen Science Research: A Case Study of the Groundwater Education Through Water Evaluation & Testing Program1
Authors: Thornton Teresa , Leahy Jessica 
Published: June 2012

Thornton, Teresa and Jessica Leahy, 2012. Trust in Citizen Science Research: A Case Study of the Groundwater Education Through Water Evaluation & Testing Program.Journal of the American Water Resources Association(JAWRA) 48(5): 1032‐1040. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00670.xAbstract: Data collected by citizen scientists, including K‐12 students, have been validated by the scientific community through quality assurance/quality control tests and publication of results in peer‐reviewed journal articles. However, if citizen science data are to be used by local communities, research is needed to determine which factors contribute to local community member trust in citizen science data, and how to increase the benefits and use of citizen science programs. This article describes the Groundwater Education Through Water Evaluation & Testing (GET WET!) program that employs middle and high school students, state and local government employees, environmental nongovernmental organization leaders, business representatives, college faculty and students, and other volunteers as citizen scientists to create a database of groundwater quality for use as a baseline for local water resources management. Data were gathered through semi‐structured interviews pre‐ and post‐involvement from 40 participants in this citizen science program conducted in five states in the northeastern United States. Results indicate that factors of trust are largely based on interpersonal trust and familiarity. We conclude with recommendations and future research that may improve local community member willingness to trust citizen science data generated by students.
Association of chitotriosidase genotype with the development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Di Rosa Michelino , Mangano Katia , De Gregorio Corinne , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Malaguarnera Lucia 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Based on the role of chitotriosidase (CHIT‐1) in the evolution of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, we explored whether CHIT‐1 mutant allele plays a role in NAFLD progression.Methods:  We genotyped 200 patients with NAFLD (110 with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] and 90 with simple steatosis) and 100 control subjects. The χ2‐test was performed for a case–control study. Odds ratios (OR) were adjusted for age, sex and body mass index (BMI) by using multiple logistic regression analysis with genotypes (additive model), age, sex and BMI as the independent variables. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to test the independent effect of risk allele on clinical parameters while considering the effects of other variables (age, sex and BMI), which were assumed to be independent of the effect of the single nucleotide polymorphism.Results:  The risk allele frequency of CHIT‐1 wild type (Wt) was 0.71 in the control subjects, 0.77 in simple steatosis and 0.92 in patients with NASH. The OR (95% confidence interval) adjusted for age and BMI was 1.73. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the CHIT‐1 Wt was significantly associated with increases in ferritin levels (P = 0.014) and the fibrosis stage (P = 0.011) in the patients with NASH, even after adjustment for age, sex and BMI, corroborating that the presence of the CHIT‐1 Wt allele was an independent predictor of fibrotic NAFLD. In contrast, the steatosis grade was not associated with CHIT‐1 mutant allele.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that a functional polymorphism in the CHIT‐1 gene protects against NAFLD progression.
Sales Maximization or Profit Maximization? How State Shareholders Discipline their CEOs in China*
Authors: Opper Sonja , Wong Sonia , Yang Yong 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis study examines the determinants of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) turnover in Chinese state‐owned firms. Based on a sample of 1 555 turnover cases among listed firms in China during the period 1999–2003, we obtain three main results. First, CEO turnover is negatively related to the sales performance but not the profitability of the core business. Second, the negative relationship between CEO turnover and sales is stronger for firms with excessive employment and higher organizational slack. Third, there is a significant post‐turnover increase in sales but a decline in profitability of the core business. Overall, our evidence suggests that state shareholders put a greater emphasis on sales generation than on profitability when they monitor their CEOs.
Oral bioavailability of ketoprofen in suspension and solution formulations in rats: the influence of poloxamer 188
Authors: Fischer Sarah Maud , Parmentier Johannes , Buckley Stephen Timothy , Reimold Isolde , Brandl Martin , Fricker Gert 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of poloxamer 188 (P-188) on the bioavailability of the BCS class 2 drug ketoprofen in vivo.

Methods
Aqueous suspension and solution formulations of ketoprofen with and without P-188 were orally administered to fasted male Wistar rats. The intrinsic dissolution rate and solubility of ketoprofen in simulated intestinal fluid, in both the presence and absence of P-188, was measured.

Key findings
The AUC and Cmax were found to be significantly enhanced when ketoprofen was administered as suspension and P-188 was present in the formulation (Susp P-188) as compared to the surfactant-free formulation (∼4-fold higher AUC, 7-fold higher Cmax). While drug solubility appeared to be almost unaffected by P-188, a significantly faster dissolution was observed. In addition, the influence of P-188 on the drug absorption process was investigated by comparison of solution formulations with and without P-188.

Conclusions
The in-vivo performance of these solutions, a pure buffer solution and a P-188-containing buffer solution showed no significant difference, suggesting that the increase in bioavailability for Susp P-188 was primarily a consequence of the dissolution rate-enhancing effect.
Response of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus to the Novel Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor 4′-Ethynyl-2-Fluoro-2′-Deoxyadenosine
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Murphey-Corb Michael , Rajakumar Premeela , Michael Heather , Nyaundi Julia , Didier Peter J. , Reeve Aaron B. , Mitsuya Hiroaki , Sarafianos Stefan G. , Parniak Michael A. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are essential components in first-line therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, long-term treatment with existing NRTIs can be associated with significant toxic side effects and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. The identification of new NRTIs for the continued management of HIV-infected people therefore is paramount. In this report, we describe the response of a primary isolate of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) to 4′-ethynyl-2-fluoro-2′-deoxyadenosine (EFdA) both
in vitro
and
in vivo
. EFdA was 3 orders of magnitude better than tenofovir (TFV), zidovudine (AZT), and emtricitabine (FTC) in blocking replication of SIV in monkey peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
in vitro
, and in a preliminary study using two SIV-infected macaques with advanced AIDS, it was highly effective at treating SIV infection and AIDS symptoms
in vivo
. Both animals had 3- to 4-log decreases in plasma virus burden within 1 week of EFdA therapy (0.4 mg/kg of body weight, delivered subcutaneously twice a day) that eventually became undetectable. Clinical signs of disease (diarrhea, weight loss, and poor activity) also resolved within the first month of treatment. No detectable clinical or pathological signs of drug toxicity were observed within 6 months of continuous therapy. Virus suppression was sustained until drug treatment was discontinued, at which time virus levels rebounded. Although the rebound virus contained the M184V/I mutation in the viral reverse transcriptase, EFdA was fully effective in maintaining suppression of mutant virus throughout the drug treatment period. These results suggest that expanded studies with EFdA are warranted.
Dynamic Longitudinal Antibody Responses during Borrelia burgdorferi Infection and Antibiotic Treatment of Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Embers Monica E. , Hasenkampf Nicole R. , Jacobs Mary B. , Philipp Mario T. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTInfection withBorrelia burgdorferielicits robust yet disparate antibody responses in infected individuals. A longitudinal assessment of antibody responses to multiple diagnostic antigens following experimental infection and treatment has not previously been reported. Our goal was to identify a combination of antigens that could indicate infection at all phases of disease and response to antibiotic treatment. Because the rhesus macaque recapitulates the hallmark signs and disease course of human Lyme disease, we examined the specific antibody responses to multiple antigens ofB. burgdorferifollowing infection of macaques. Five macaques infected with strain B31 and 12 macaques infected with strain JD1 were included in the analysis. Approximately half of these animals were treated with antibiotics at 4 to 6 months postinoculation. Antibody responses to severalB. burgdorferirecombinant antigens, including OspC, DbpA, BBK32, OspA, and OppA-2, were measured at multiple points throughout infection. We have previously shown a decline in the response to the C6 peptide following antibiotic treatment. Responses to OspA and OspC, however, were variable over time among individuals, irrespective of antibiotic treatment. Not every individual responded to BBK32, but anti-DbpA IgG levels were uniformly high and remained elevated for all animals. All responded to OppA-2, with a decline posttreatment that was slow and incomplete. This is the first demonstration ofB. burgdorferiOppA-2 antigenicity in nonhuman primates. The combination of DbpA, OspC, OspA, and OppA-2 with the C6 diagnostic peptide has the potential to detect infection throughout all disease phases.
Beijing Sublineages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Differ in Pathogenicity in the Guinea Pig
Authors: Kato-Maeda Midori , Shanley Crystal A. , Ackart David , Jarlsberg Leah G. , Shang Shaobin , Obregon-Henao Andres , Harton Marisabel , Basaraba Randall J. , Henao-Tamayo Marcela , Barrozo Joyce C. , Rose Jordan , Kawamura L. Masae , Coscolla Mireia , Fofanov Viacheslav Y. , Koshinsky Heather , Gagneux Sebastien , Hopewell Philip C. , Ordway Diane J. , Orme Ian M. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThe Beijing family ofMycobacterium tuberculosisstrains is part of lineage 2 (also known as the East Asian lineage). In clinical studies, we have observed that isolates from the sublineage RD207 of lineage 2 were more readily transmitted among humans. To investigate the basis for this difference, we tested representative strains with the characteristic Beijing spoligotype from four of the five sublineages of lineage 2 in the guinea pig model and subjected these strains to comparative whole-genome sequencing. The results of these studies showed that all of the clinical strains were capable of growing and causing lung pathology in guinea pigs after low-dose aerosol exposure. Differences between the abilities of the four sublineages to grow in the lungs of these animals were not overt, but members of RD207 were significantly more pathogenic, resulting in severe lung damage. The RD207 strains also induced much higher levels of markers associated with regulatory T cells and showed a significant loss of activated T cells in the lungs over the course of the infections. Whole-genome sequencing of the strains revealed mutations specific for RD207 which may explain this difference. Based on these data, we hypothesize that the sublineages ofM. tuberculosisare associated with distinct pathological and clinical phenotypes and that these differences influence the transmissibility of particularM. tuberculosisstrains in human populations.
Evolution of Testing Algorithms at a University Hospital for Detection of Clostridium difficile Infections
Authors: Culbreath Karissa , Ager Edward , Nemeyer Ronald J. , Kerr Alan , Gilligan Peter H. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

We present the evolution of testing algorithms at our institution in which the C. Diff Quik Chek Complete immunochromatographic cartridge assay determines the presence of both glutamate dehydrogenase and
Clostridium difficile
toxins A and B as a primary screen for
C. difficile
infection and indeterminate results (glutamate dehydrogenase positive, toxin A and B negative) are confirmed by the GeneXpert
C. difficile
PCR assay. This two-step algorithm is a cost-effective method for highly sensitive detection of toxigenic
C. difficile
.
Performance of BinaxNOW for Diagnosis of Malaria in a U.S. Hospital
Authors: DiMaio Michael A. , Pereira Irma T. , George Tracy I. , Banaei Niaz 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

Microscopic diagnosis and species identification of
Plasmodium
in areas of nonendemicity provide a robust method for malaria diagnosis but are technically challenging. A prospective study was conducted to measure the performance of BinaxNOW compared to microscopy (the gold standard) in a U.S. teaching hospital. Overall, BinaxNOW was 84.2% sensitive and 99.8% specific. Excluding patients on antimalarial therapy, the sensitivity was 92.9%. Importantly, BinaxNOW initially misclassified a case of
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria as non-
falciparum
. These results support the judicious use of BinaxNOW in screening of individuals suspected of having malaria in areas of nonendemicity.